STAR OUTPLAYED BY MARIST

Southland Times, Issue 24112, 29 April 1940, Page 4

STAR OUTPLAYED BY MARIST

WINNERS PLAY WITH MUCH DASH GOOD COMBINATION BY BACKS Marist caused a surprise by outplaying Star almost from beginning to end and putting up the biggest score of the day—33 points. The winners scored nine tries, three of which were converted. Star’s points came from a penalty goal. Some of Marist s tries came from smart passing rushes by the backs who linked up well and showed that they will be a force of considerable strength during the season. G. Moir, the former Western District player, was the outstanding back in the game. His anticipation, handling and running were of a high standard. A. Shepherd, Marist half-back, proved himself a versatile player by taking up the second five-eighths position in the second half and playing a first-class game. He had a good understanding with x M. P. Grace and between them they worked some pretty movements. All of Marist’s pack, led by J. P. Newall, played well. MATTINGLY’S HOOKING Star showed up only in flashes and it was obvious as the game progressed that some of the forwards were not thoroughly fit. The presence of J. Mattingly, veteran rake, stopped the side from being overwhelmed. His hooking of the

ball in set scrums was a feature of the play. Individually B. McKenzie, I. Cockroft, J. Miles and J. Black played well. The teams were:—

STAR (navy and white). —M. Wilson; D. Patterson, J. Miles, R. Stewart; J. Black, I. Cockroft; F. Watson; T. Lohrie, J. Mattingly, Cushnie, A. Mainland, R. Smith, B. McKenzie, L. McColl and C. Skerret. MARIST (green and black). —M. Ryan; V. Pascoe, G. Moir, A. Brown; V. Wright, P. Grace; A. Shepherd; N. Baird, L. Connolly, G. Cameron, N. Ward, P. Connolly, N. O’Callaghan, J. Newall, D. O’Shea. J. Miles opened the scoring for Star with a penalty foal from 25 years out. Star 3, Marist 0. Star played with the wind, but it was the Marist backs which looked dangerous on attack. G. Moir, Marist centre, made two dashing run's up the middle of the field and with any support he must have gone close to paving the way for a try. The exchanges were fast. Both sets of backs threw the ball about freely and the tackling was good. After some dashing foot-work by the Marist forwards Star was pushed back to its line and a short passing rush by the backs ended in Moir scoring at the corner. Baird failed to kick a goal. Marist 3, Star 3. Marist kept on top in spite of the strong wind and Baird scored a solo try after a break from the scrum. He missed the kick at goal. Marist 6, Star 3. Grace made the opening for Marist’s third try. He flashed through an opening and sent on to Moir, who was collared a yard short of the posts. O’Shea was handy and scored under the posts. Baird kicked a goal. Marist 11, Star 3. A minute before half-time Shepherd got the ball inside Star’s 25 and raced over for a good try. Baird’s kick missed. The half-time scores were: Marist 14, Star 3. STAB OUTCLASSED Driving rain made conditions unpleasant in the second half. Marist quickly established an advantage and Star was held on the defensive for a long period. Marist was rewarded for its persistency when Baird scored after some loose play near the left corner. He missed with the kick. Marist 17, Star 3. Moir, who was playing dashing football, again made a break which threatened danger. He slipped on the greasy turf and lost the ball. The Marist forwards kept on top and Shepherd scored his second try. The kick failed. Marist 20, Star 3. Grace was the next to score. He touched down for a gift try after the Star full-back delayed his clearing kick. No goal was kicked. Marist 23, Star 3. A pretty piece of reverse passing between Shepherd and Grace brought Marist’s next try. Shepherd was the scorer and Baird kicked a goal. Marist 28, Star. 3. Marist increased its score to 33 right 0.1 time. Wright got the ball in a scramble on the line and scored and Baird kicked a goal. The scores were: Marist 33 Star 3 Mr R. Ferguson was the referee.