TAP O’NEIL SHIELD GAME

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1932, Page 3

TAP O’NEIL SHIELD GAME

STRATFORD DEFEAT INGLEWOOD.

: LOSERS’ BACKS OUTSHONE.

Stratford retained the Tap O’Neill Rugby Shield when on Saturday they defeated Inglewood at Inglewood by 14 points to 9. The game was fast and open, but the Stratford backs were too good for Inglewood, although the’ Inglewood pack had the* better of the day. Had the Inglewood backs handled better in the second half the score would undoubtedly have been different, as the forwards made good openings, of which the backs were unable to take advantage. Hunt and Collins, as full-backs, both played good games. Stratford opened their score early. After fumbling near the Inglewood line a forward picked up and fell over to score, but Collins was unable to convert. Inglewood forwards worked back without effect and Stratford opened out for all the backs to handle well, and from another scramble Stratford were again successful. From a good forward rush Inglewood were awarded a penalty and Hunt goaled from an easy position. Baxter, Devereux and Young were prominent among the Inglewood forwards. From a passing rush’ Stratford again scored for Collins to convert. A good run for Inglewood by Mcßoberts saw Inglewood pressing, and from a scramble a forward scored. Half-time came with the score 11—6 in Stratford's favour.

Inglewood had considerably the better of the second spell, keeping Stratford penned in their twenty-five for most of the time, but the backs were off colour and could not handle well. The Stratford defence was good. The Inglewood forwards made some great rushes and were successful in scoring from one, but the try was not converted. Stratford were not to be outdone, however, and from a fine back movement again found the Inglewood defence lacking. Inglewood were having the better of the game but could not get through, and the game ended with the score 14 to 9 in 'Straford’s favour. Mr. F. Julian refereed.

Next Saturday Inglewood and Stratford will again meet in a practice match.