STRATFORD DEFEATED

Stratford Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 172, 3 July 1936, Page 2

STRATFORD DEFEATED

Solid Forward Play By Inglewood.

CHANGES IN TEAM. Allowing for the fact that the sodden ground and high wind were suited to their type of play, Inglewood’s victory over Stratford on Saturday was nevertheless a highly creditable one. The game was predominantly a forward struggle but some of the credit for the victory' is due to the Inglewood backs, particularly the inside men.

Their defence in the first spell, when Stratford held the advantage of the wind, was magnificent. O’Byrne, who was shifted in from centre to second five-eighths, apparently for the express purpose of keeping Hayman, the most formidable of the Stratford backs, in check, was outstanding in this respect. Trigger, a first junior, playing at first five-eighths for Inglewood, added considerably to his reputation. He made little attempt to pick up the ball, but his dribbling through and fast following up often had the Stratford defence bustled. Rumball, the half-back, was also very solid on defence. He stood up to the fast breaking of the Stratford pack splendidly, and considering the condition of the leather, his handling was sound. In the Inglewood pack the Murphy hi others wore outstanding. They were in the thick of the tight, led rushes, and, in addition, were able several times to enter Into effective combination with the backs. In the second spell, the Inglewood pack, with the advantage of the wind, were definitely the better set of forwards. The Stratford men occasionally fought their way' close to the goal line but they were unable to break through the defence. Berg being unavailable, owing to an injury received in tho Clifton game, McGrath found a place as Stratford first five-eighths. He generally plays a good attacking game as an inside back, but on the day his passing was erratic. There were several occasions, particularly in the early stages of the match, when Hayman, if he had been properly fed. might have used his weight and speed to advantage.

With greater control over his passing, however, McGrath should be a strong contender for the permanent occupancy of this position. Continual changing about of the inside backs has been a source of v'eakness in the Stratford team this year. In no two consecutive matches has the same half-back, five-eighths combination been fielded.

The three-quarter line is now working satisfactorily'. Bowler, the youthful winger, shows promise of outstanding form and Ross, on the other wing, is an old and tried senior player. Shifting Hayman into second five-eighths and Lehmann to centre has had the effect of making the line immensely more penetrative. The only problem remaining to be solved is that of the first five-eighths, to link up with Sangster. There is no doubt that, if the team is to hold its place in the competition, to have one man permanently established in this position is essential.