OLD BOYS STILL UNBEATEN

Southland Times, Issue 24758, 1 June 1942, Page 6

OLD BOYS STILL UNBEATEN

PIRATES MAKES GOOD SHOWING

The Old Boys-Invercargill team retained its unbeaten record by beating Pirates-Star at. Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon in the last game of the first round of the Fleming Cup Rugby competition. As in its game against Marist-Bluff the week before, Pirates put up a good showing, and if the forwards had got good support from the backs it is probable that Old Boys would have been beaten. The Pirates forwards had a big advantage over the Old Boys pack and dominated to a large extent possession in the scrums, rucks and line-outs. The failure of the Pirates backs to capitalize good opportunities cost the side probable points, however, and Old Boys, although fully extended, gained a decisive win. The game was fast and open and was followed by a fair-sized crowd of spectators. In both teams there were “reinforcements” of men on leave from camp. They included J. Hodge, H. J. Peddie, R. McEwan, A. McEwan and L. Rodgers (Pirates) and J. Cameron and J. McLean (Old Boys). Military Reserve fielded a reinforced team against Marist-Bluff and produced a showing much improved on recent games. The speed of the Marist backs was too much for the Reserve, but the Reserve forwards played well against a formidable pack. Playing conditions were fairly good. The ground was slightly greasy, but the weather was perfect. The results were: Old Boys-Invercar-gill 16, Pirates-Star 8; Marist-Bluff 32, Military Reserve 3. Following are the positions of the teams at the end of the first round:— Ch.

OLD BOYS v. PIRATES

Although Pirates had all the better of the first quarter it was Old Boys who opened the scoring. Walker got the ball smartly away from a scrum and Robertson beat three men and scored a good try at the posts. Weak tackling enabled Robertson to get clear and he had no difficulty in running away from the Pirates full-back. McLean converted. Old Boys 5, Pirates nil. The Pirates forwards were giving the backs plenty of ball from line-outs and scrums and the backs opened up the play, but there was little finish about their work and the rushes were easily stopped. Old Boys, on the other hand, with limited chances, always looked dangerous when in possession. Peddie retired injured, but returned to the field about 10 minutes later. Just on half-time Old Boys attacked and McLean quickly changed the direction of a passing rush and scored on the left flank. It was a case of sheer speed, plus initiative, bringing results. No goal was kicked. The half-time score was: Old Boys 8, Pirates nil. TRY TO PIRATES

Ten minutes after the start of the second half the Pirates forwards followed up a kick from a mark by Adam and took the ball over the line. Gillan, who could have forced down, tried to clear, but the ball went back into ingoal and Smeaton caught it and scored wide out. Campbell kicked a good goal. Old Boys 8, Pirates 5. Both sides threw the ball about freely. Two passing rushes by Old Boys broke down just when tries looked likely; then Pirates counter-attacked and a good chance went begging when one of the backs failed to gather in the ball. Old Boys forwards soon took play back to Pirates line and a smart passing rush caught the Pirates backs out of position and Blaikie scored at the left comer. The kick failed. Old Boys 11, Pirates 5. Within a few minutes Pirates was on the attack and Maslin just fell short of the line at the end of a rush. Pirates continued to get a plentiful supply of ball, and the backs had some excellent chances, but poor handling and some solid defence by Old Boys spoilt their chances. With five minutes left to play Old Boys was penalized and Hannah kicked a goal from in front of the posts. Old Boys 11, Pirates 8. Two minutes from time Old Boys put the issue beyond doubt when Redpath and Mason dribbled through in loose play and Mason scored an easy try. McLean converted and the game ended: Old Boys 16, Pirates 8. Mr J. Aitken was referee.

The teams were: — PIRATES.—R. Campbell; I. Maslin, J. Hodge, J. McKay; H. Peddie, J. Adam; J. Hannah; R. McEwan, D. Renshaw, A. McEwan; L. Rodgers, W. Wright, A. Smeaton, E. Patchett, A. Fisher. OLD BOYS.—H. Spriggs; L. Blaikie, J. McLean, Gillan; J. Robertson, J. Marr; S. Walker; M. Mclnerney, D. Sutton, Macan, K. Wilson, J. Green, J. P. Redpath, J. Kellas and J. Cameron. MARIST v. MHJTARY RESERVE In the first half tries were scored for Marist by F. Ward (2), Brown and Williams; Small converted three and kicked a penalty goal. The score was then Marist 21, Reserve 0. Ten minutes after play was restarted in the second half, Richardson kicked a penalty goal. Marist 21, Reserve 3. F. Ward scored his third try at the end of a smart passing rush. Small failed to kick a goal from in front of the posts. Marist 24, Reserve 3. Thomson (right winger) scored Marist’s next try behind the posts and Small failed to goal. Thomson again scored at the end of passing and Small converted. . , „ The final scores were: Marist-Bluff 32, Military Reserve 3. Mr G. Agnew was referee.

The teams were:— MARIST.—W. A. Small, Thomson, F. Ward, A. Brown; N. Forde, R. Williams; L. Dean; L. Connolly, J. Mcßae, J. Boyle, A. West, H. Raymond, N. Ward M. Cournane, C. Thomson. MILITARY RESERVE.—S. Richardson, Riley, Duncan, Mclntosh, Gibb, Muir, Johnston; Cheyne, Sherriff, Lyons, Edwards, Mannix, Oram, Ramsay, Lilley.

W. L. F. A. Pts Old Boys-Invercargill 4 - 87 30 8 Marist-Bluft 3 1 79 24 6 Army 2 2 79 45 4 Pirates-Star 1 3 42 73 2 '0 Military Reserve - 4 18 133