STRATFORD VICTORIOUS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 163, 22 June 1936, Page 2

STRATFORD VICTORIOUS

CLIFTON DEFEATED. Gruelling Forwards Win The Day. EVENLY-MATCHED TEAMS. Stratford defeated Clifton in the senior competition game at Victoria Park on Saturday by 8 points to 5. The game was expected to provide a sterling struggle, and the large crowd who faced the inclement weather were not disappointed. The attendance was easily the largest that has been seen at a football match in Stratford this year. With the' final result in the balance until the last minute, excitement was kept intense and there were few lulls in the barracking of either team's supporters. The sides were evenly matched, Stratford holding the advantage in the first spell, and Clifton after halftime. For not the first time this season it was Ross's capable boot that brought victory to the Stratford side. Each side secured one converted try, Stratford in the first spell and Clifton in the second; but Ross took advantage of a free kick awarded in the first quarter and added the three points which spelt the eventual victory. A. Collins, Clifton, had a similar opportunity not long afterwards, but made a very poor attempt. Unrelenting Forwards. An unrelenting forward encounter, in which a terrific pace was maintained, was the predominating feature of the play. Stratford's pack was slightly supeior, particularly in the first half, but any advantage they gained was neutralised by the splendid defensive work of Collins, Clifton full-back. After the intermission, when Stratford were playing into the wind, his kicking greatly asisted the determined Clifton forward attacks that kept a majority of play in the Stratford paddock and several times imminently menaced the Stratford goal-line. Hayman's Dashing Form. The heavy ground and greasy ball handicapped back play, but occasional spectacular work was provided by both sides. Hayman, Stratford second five-eighth, was in dashing form, and his determined running repeatedly found gaps in the Clifton defence. His speed in following-up, determined collaring, and anticipation in defence made him a constant thorn in the Clifton side. Bowler, the young Stratford winger, also gave a great display. He was instrumental in scoring Stratford's only try and drew Collins perfectly to let Hayman over. Although subjected to a gruelling test, his defensive work left little to be desired, Throughout he backed up anfl gave his full back every assistance! His handling of an exceptionally greasy ball was sound and his kicking- was coolly accurate and effective, evte when charging forwards left him little time in which to act. C. Sangster, behind the Stratford scrum, was greatly handicapped by the condition of the leather, and the fast-breaking of the Clifton siderow men. He got his backs away fairly frequently in the first spell, and once or twice attempted solo efforts. After half-time his forwards did little clean hooking, and defensive work was his principal function. His vis-a-vis, Brett, also stood up well to the adverse conditions, and although slower than the Stratford half, gave moderate service.

Clifton Backs. G. Sangster, first, and Potaka, second five-eighths, were the most effective of the Clifton backs. Sangster's tricky running and Potaka's skilful use of the short punt were highlights of the Clifton back-line work. It was Potaka's kick fnfield from the sideline which put the ball over the goalline for Longstaffe to touch down Clifton's tryClifton's three-quarter line, Wilson, Wetton and Martin, were fast, sound men, and at transferring the ball were superior to their Stratford opposites, who were inclined to lob their passes, frequently making it necessary for the man receiving to reach above his head. They never rose su-

• perior to the Stratford tackling, however, although they were several times I >, set going from close range. The teams were: Stratford P. Collins, Ross, Lehmann, Bowler, Hayman, Berg, C. J Sangster, Latham, Hinton, Ford, ' Young, L. Clarke, Garlick, ♦Butcher, R. Clarke. Clifton: A. Collins, Wilson, Wetton, Martin, Potaka, G. Sangster, Brett, Olsson, Armstrong, Fowler, Longstaff, Grenville, Major, Wells, Tate. ; Stratford Score First. Stratford opened against the wind. Hayman, receiving from Berg, ran through his man and got well upfield before he was lowered. He transferred to Lehmann, who was stopped immediately. After a short but willing forward exchange Stratford were awarded a free kick for obstruction. i Ross goaled neatly. Clifton 0 Stratford 3 After a trial of strength in midfield, Stratford forwards gradually predominated, although they were held at bay for a time by Collins, who executed a series of perfectly-judged line-kicks. Dribbling rushes headed by Hinton and Rae Clarke kept Clifton hard pressed defending their line until a free kick eased the position. Stratford were compelled to force when G. Sangster beat Berg and made a good i run to the Stratford twenty-five. From ; a melee in this Quarter Clifton heeled , the ball back and Sangster was again j away. He was well downed this time, i however, and the ball was kicked over the line. P. Collins forced down and the twenty-five kick brought Stratford back to half way. C. Sangster came round a scrum in midfield and intercepted the Clifton half-back's pass. He passed to Berg, who ran well and transferred to Hayman, who just failed to force his way through. Clifton forwards fought back to the Stratford twenty-five area. Stratford were penalised for a scrum infringement. Collins' attempt at goaling .was unsuccessful. Bowler, snapping up a faulty pass by the Clifton centre, Wetton, ran well down the line to draw Collins and in-pass to Hayman, who took the ball cleanly and went across easily for Ross to convert. I

Stratford 8 Clifton 0 Half-time was called with Stratford pressing hotly on the Clifton line. Clifton Attack. Clifton rushed to the attack on re- ' sumption. A collision between P. Collins and Bowler, both trying to take the same high kick, enabled the Clifton forwards to pin play inside the Stratford twenty-five area. Hard pressed by Clifton forwads, P. Collins dribbled the ball back over his own goal-line and into touch over the dead ball line. Clifton heeled the ball from the resultant five-yard scrum, but a passing movement was well smothered by the Stratford back-line. Clifton forwards continued to press, and after a period of hard rucking in scrums and line-outs Longstaff "went across as a culmination to a dribbling rush. He tried to get to the goalposts, however, and was prevented from touching down by P. Collins. A Clifton chain-passing movement looked dangerous, but Wilson was well

collared close to the line and Stratford fought hack to midfield. Stratford hacks showed up on attack for the first time in the spell when Hayman cut through and handed to Lehmann. The centre transferred to Ross, who with no room to move was well collared by Wilson. Clifton backs got away in midfield. Potaka ran round the outside of the wing-threequarter, Martin, to take a pass, and kicked infield over the Stratford line. In the race for the ball Longstaff got there first and touched down. Collins converted. Stratford 8 Clifton 5 Clifton fought desperately to overtake their opponents' lead. Grenville headed a forward rally which nearly, made the lino. Wilson ran well down the line, but Ross managed to hold one leg to bring him down. The last five minutes saw Stratford clear of trouble and pressing Clifton back on defence. Stratford 8 Clifton 5 Referee: Mr. L. McDermott.