STAR HELD TO A DRAW

Southland Times, Issue 23794, 17 April 1939, Page 3

STAR HELD TO A DRAW

YOUNG MARIST TEAM , PLAYS WELL BACK DIVISION FULL OF PROMISE The Star-Marist game did not open well, but in the second half, played on No. 2 ground, there were many interesting exchanges in which the young Marist back division shaped promisingly and looked like winning. The game was more or less a duel between the heavy Star forwards and a fast set of Marist backs. Star secured the ball more often than Marist, but its backs did not play with combination and many chances to test Marist’s defence were foiled by indecision and faulty handling. In the second half Star gained the upper hand and led by 8 points to 3. Marist then rallied strongly and after drawing level made most of the play. M. P. Grace, for Marist, and L. M. Uttley, for Star, stood out for good play among the backs. The teams were:—

MARIST.—M. Ryan, A. H. Brown, R. Ferris, W. Moylan, V. Pasco, M. P. Grace, A. Shepherd; J. Mcßae, N. Baird, H. Grace, N. Ward, J. Newall, M. O’Callaghan, W. Mcßandle, D. O’Shea.

STAR.—N. Cockroft, J. D. S. Robertson, L. M. Uttley, D. Patterson, J. Black, A. Spence, F. Watson; A. Cuff, W. Sherriffs, A. Mainland, G. H. Graham, L. McColl, R. McKenzie, C. Skerrett, H. Bailey.

Play in the first quarter was of a ragged nature, neither team being able to develop any combination. With its heavier pack Star got most of the ball ; from scrums and line-outs and although the backs opened up the play at every possible opportunity their atI tempts at concerted work were not I good. The Marist backs with limited i opportunities shaped much better and 'looked more dangerous when in possession. P. Grace made two smart cuts through the defence, but was unsupported. After 20 minutes’ play the Star forwards were gaining a monopoly of ball from the scrums and the backs were given plenty of opportunities to get moving. A weakness between the Star half-back and centre, however, nullified many promising attempts. Uttley and Robertson were prominent in two or three promising runs. From a scrum at half-way Marist secured the ball and the backs went away in the best movement of the match so far. Ferris (centre) cut in brilliantly and raced into Star’s 25 before sending in-field a ragged pass to Grace, who was in support. The pass was cut off and a promising movement stopped. A minute later another promising back movement by Marist saw Ferris again cut through the defence. He hesitated and was brought down a few yards short of the goal-line. An excellent chance of scoring appeared t-> have been thrown away as Ferris had Brown unmarked in support. Marist had all the better of the following exchanges and twice within a minute threatened to score under Star’s goal posts. The ball was carried over the line and a scrum was ordered. A quick heel gave Marist possession and P. Grace an excellent opportunity to pot a goal. His kick, a “sitter” about ten yards in front, failed to rise and Star forced down. A minute later Pasco attempted to pot a goal for Marist, but failed. Star rallied and forwards and backs went away in a movement that carried into Marist’s 25. First Uttley and then Robertson made determined attempts to score, but their efforts were met with resolute tackling. The half ended with honours even, neither team scoring. Marist attacked strongly in the second half and after attempts by P. Grace and Pasco to score Ferris was rewarded with a try after a strong run. Baird failed to kick a goal. Marist 3; Star 0. Star forwards, led by Graham and McColl, made an onslaught on Marist’s line and one of the forwards appeared to score. The referee ruled a force-down. For the next five minutes Star made all the play and Sherriffs scored wide out. Patterson kicked a good goal. Star 5; Marist 3. Star increased its lead when Patterson kicked a penalty goal. Star 8; Marist 3.

Play was exciting in the last quarter, particularly when Marist regained the upper hand and threatened to score. Grace made several solo attempts to break through and ultimately cut the defence in two and grounded the ball at the posts. Baird converted. Star 8; Marist 8.

Marist finished strongly and Grace almost scored again. An interesting match en ’ed with the scores:Star 8 Marist 8 Mr J. Aitken was referee.