SOUTHERN RUGBY TRIAL

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1934, Page 7

SOUTHERN RUGBY TRIAL

MATCH NOT UP TO STANDARD DISAPFoNTING form of backs. FORWARDS DOMINATE THE GAME. qOOD PACK COULD BE SELECTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Oamaru, Last Night. The South Island Rugby football trial game played at the showgrounds in ideal football weather before 3000 spectators resulted in a win for Probables by 23 points to nine. Play throughout was chiefly confined to the forwards, both packs being evenly matched in the early stages. ... In the first half Possibles led by six points to three, but in the second spell Probables dominated the play. The Probable forwards secured from the majority of the scrums and the backs, with better inside links, were far more dangerous than their opponents. The game generally was marred by the play of the five-eighths, who were not up to South Island standard. Two excellent threequarter lines were given few opportunities. In the Probables Metcalfe was the outstanding forward and was well supported by Andrews and Max. Hore and McNeight played a tireless game in the tight, Hore hooking successfully. In the Possibles Manchester was outstanding until his retirement with facial injuries. He was well supported by Berry. Neither half-back was impressive, Scandrett being slightly .-perior. Gaffaney played solidly and was much better as first five-eighths, Fong giving a poor display both on attack and defence. Mortlock linked U ' well in the Probables, Smith at centre impressing with sure handling and ability to run the wings into position. Hart and Holder were outstanding on the wings, playing first-class Rugby. Oliver and Mitchell were the pick of Possibles’ backs. The scorers for Probables were Andrews, Holder (2), King, Metcalfe and Martin. Martin kicked a penalty goal and Gaffaney converted one try. For .Possibles Oliver and Mitchell scored tries and Gilbert kicked a penalty goal. Play generally was not of the standard expected. The forwards showed plenty of promise and an excellent pack could be selected from those taking part. The apparent weakness in the game lay in the half-backs and five-eighths, while the full-backs did not appear up to Island representative standard. Mr. C. J. Mollison, Oamaru, was the referee. SOUTH ISLAND TEAM SELECTED. ANDREWS AMONG THE FORWARDS Dunedin, Last Night. The following players have been selected to represent the South Island in the inter-island Rugby match at Auckland on July 1:— Full-back: Gilbert (West Coast). Three-quarters: Hart (Canterbury), Smith (Otago), Holder (Buller). Five-eighths: Hazelhurst (Canterbury), Oliver (Canterbury). Half: Francis (Otago).

Forwards: Hore (Otago), Orman (Buller), Adkins (South Canterbury), Manchester (Canterbury), Max (Nelson), King (West Coast), Berry (Southland), Andrews (Canterbury). Emergencies: Backs, Mitchell (Southland), Mortlock (Canterbury); forwards, Best (Marlborough), Chapman (Otago).