CLIFTON ROMPS HOME

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1930, Page 4

CLIFTON ROMPS HOME

BRIGHT PASSING MOVEMENTS. MATCH AGAIN STARTS I.ATE. A rearrangement of dhe Clifton team which defeated Celtic by 20 points to 5 at Waitara provided a small number of spectators with a type of football all too rarely seen. The match was strenuous enough, but was played with good will, and although superior hooking enabled Clifton to provide spectacular back movements for which Celtic was no match, play ranged up and down the field, with plenty of interest if, at times, little science. The lack of championship worries probably contributed to the zest of the game. Clifton had McDonald transferred from second five-eighth to wingforward, his place being taken by Watson, who was at the top of his form. Carey and Sutton were rarely selfish, and the remaining backs cut in, swerved and used their speed to good ad van : tage throughout. Celtic tried hard enough, but the backs were often left standing. Had the Clifton movements possessed more finish, however, the score must.have been larger. Clifton seemed to have the better pack, but occasionally relaxed - and allowed the eager Celtic forwards to take the upper hand. It was hard to make exceptions in the Clifton pack, but Beardmore and Johnson were ..outstanding for Celtic. Dodd' was the usual safe full-back for Celtic, and Young no less so for Clifton, although, he. had much less to do. Celtic arrived late, and the match, which commenced at 3.30, finished in semi-dark-ness.' "ri ‘ ■ ' ’ • :

The Clifton backs commenced early, Watson cutting in and handing the ball to Jonas, whose pass was intercepted. A penalty to Clifton in a good; position enabled McDonald to open Clifton’s account. Clifton penetrated with sharp thrusts by the backs which only determined tackling stopped. A breakaway

by Celtic’s forwards took the ball to Clifton’s line, and then play was at half-way for a time until Watson fielded a high punt and set off down-field past three or four men, finally putting in a short kick to the lino, His effort gained about 70 yards. Celtic secured from a line-out, but fumbling let Sutton through with Watson, who was recalled when almost over the line. The ball again went along the whole Clifton back line, the attempt failing when Cooney failed to gather a bad pass. Both Celtic and Clifton adopted open tactics, throwing the ball about with abandon. Celtic moved up-field, but Watson dodged back again with a dazzling run. Cooney and Jonas both cut in excellently, Seiwood being handy to take a pass and score in the corner. There was no conversion.

After dull play at the commencement of the second spell with Celtic in Clifton ground, Watson picked up from the loose and gave the ball to Jonas, .who created a good opening before sending Tate away at Clifton’s twenty-five line. Tate put his best into the effort, swerving in and out past several men and scoring a great try, which McDonald converted. McAsey retired with an injured arm, Clifton carrying on one short for some time until Fowler came on. Meanwhile, Sutton broke away from a melee and Seiwood’s backing-up rewarded him with another try. McDonald could goal, Celtic attacked and Beardmore, taking a mark near the goal, sent the bail just outside the post. Dodd also missed a moment later. Clifton reasserted itself, going back to Celtic’s quarter in a series of scrambles, from one of which Brown emerged’ and scored. Dodd fielded cleanly at full-back aiid ran down the field before Clifton noticed him. The Celtic pack took the opportunity and went over the line in a bunch, Kettlewell scoring. Dodd converted; A Clifton forward rush almost led to a try, and then Carey goaled from a mark. From then no one took the game really seriously and it ended in the cold semi-darkness with the scoresc — Clifton .••••' ■-'. I . . Celtic ... ■ ’’ ’ Mr.' K. Nhdder was the referee.