BEST OF RUGBY JUNIORS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1930, Page 10

BEST OF RUGBY JUNIORS

MATERIAL FOR REPRESENTATIVES CENTRAL DIVISION TRIAL MATCH. The Possibles junior Rugby team was so superior to the Probables that it compiled 27 points to nil in the match yesterday at Victoria Park, Stratford. The match was organised to assist the selectors to choose a central division junior representative team to play the representatives of the Wednesday competition in the southern division, but the game was so one-sided that the Possibles shone throughout the game. They had a definite advantage in the rear division—'most of the Possible backs should go to make up the representative rearguard —but a stern battle was waged in the forwards. The teams played as published except that F. Collins was moved to full-back in the Probables to take Edwards’ place /and Steiner went in on the wing in Collins’ original position, Edwards not being present. In the Possibles G. Collins replaced Hart. From the start the Possibles initiated a sweeping forward movement led mainly by Butcher, Lehmann and Bilski which finished over the line. From the ensuing five yards scrum Johnson whipped the ball out to Watson, who beat Griffiths and scored. R. Cuff’s fine kick just failed. Midfield play was enlivened by a good run by Jones, a clever break through by R. Cuff and good play by Alger. At this stage the Possibles backs seemed far better than the Probables rearguard. “Jenner” Collins replaced C. Sangster in the Probables, Gangster being hurt. The Probables set up a rush that swept from one end to the line at the other, Blackmore covering more than half the distance in a solo run. A fruitless free kick, however, spoiled the opportunity of penetrating farther. The Possibles returned to the attack and Alger scored after Jones had made a fine opening from a passing movement. Still the Possibles kept up the pressure and within a minute W. Adlam shot over after picking up from an inspiring forward dribble. R. Cuff converted. The Possibles team was having it all its own way and almost no time later Watson scored again, though Alger at centre could just as easily have touched down. Halftime followed shortly afterwards with the scores 14 to nil in favour of Possibles.

On resuming Lawrence had replaced Faulkner as the Probables’ half, and W. Young replaced Goodwin. In the Possibles J. Pettigrew and R. Young were replaced by Koefoed and Corbett. Up and down ranged play, now the Possibles and now the Probables having temporary advantages. Undoubtedly the Possibles pack maintained a superiority in the loose, but there was little between the two lots of forwards in set scrums. The spell had progressed into the final stages before another score fell to the Possibles. W. Adlam scored from a forward scramble. R. Cuff converted. Despite strenuous efforts at defence the Probables team had to suffer another three points against it when Butcher came from the side of the scrum to receive a high pass from Cuff and race over to score. Just as time sounded R. Cuff scored and Jones com verted, leaving the final tally: Possibles 27, Probables 0. Mr. C. Pellowe refereed. AIEN WHO SEEM LIKELY. FORECAST OF The Possibles were by far the stronger fifteen, and naturally the men picked on that side showed up to greater advantage than those in the Probables. Alessrs J. Stevens, E. J. Kilsby and G. R. Harkness will not make public their decision for some time, but on the day’s play the following seem likely place-getters: — Full-back, S. Adlam (Midhirst); threequarters, R. Watson (Stratford), F. Al--ger (Stratford) and G. Cuff (Toko); five-eighths, E. Blackmore (Stratford), D. Jones (Celtic) ;c half, N. Johnson (Stratford); rover, W. Adlam (Midhirst) ; hookers, Al. Bilski (Celtic), D. Butcher (Stratford); lock, P. Anderson (Midhirst); side row, P. Mischewski (Midhirst), T. Wright (Tariki); back row, L. Lehmann (-Stratford), G. Goodwin (Tariki). R. Cuff (Toko) might be preferred to Blackmore as first five-eighth. He played a good sound game and should be valuable because of his accuracy in place kicks. W. Hills (Toko) is a, good front row man and may replace either Bilski or Butcher in the final team. The selectors will no doubt choose the. two who combine best to make a pair of hookers. GENERAL ITEMS. “Are there any questions ?” asked, the chairman, at the conclusion of Air. Wilkinson’s address at Eltham on Wednesday evening. A voice replied: “It "is too cold for questions,” and everyone laughed. Dealing with the wheat duties at Eltham on Wednesday evening, Air. C. A. Wilkinson, ALP., stated that when the Taranaki farmers’ party came back from the South Island last year they aid they were convinced that the wheat - grower was entitled to all he could get. “Well, all I can say is that they are. very- easily convinced,” said the speaker. HOCKEY MATCH AT WAITARA. VICTORY FOR ELTHAAI TEAAI. Eltham beat Waitara by two goals to one in a hockey match at Waitara yesterday. Irwin scored twice for Eltham and Grant registered Waitara’s score.