HUIMAI’S VICTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20481, 28 July 1936, Page 8

HUIMAI’S VICTORY

THE PREMIERSHIP AT WAIMATE HIGH STANDARD IN THE FINAL MATCH In no uncertain manner Huimai laid claim to the Waimate Rugby SubUnion’s senior trophy on Saturday by defeating Old Boys to the tune of 14 points to nil. The game was played under atrocious conditions, but nevertheless produced a high standard of football, and the pace was on from the start, maintaining the interest of the spectators throughout. It was anticipated that the muddy condition of the ground would favour the agile Old Boys forwards and to a great extent nullify the efforts of the speedy Huimai backs. However, while the packs were fairly evenly matched, with a slight margin in favour of the Whites, the Huimai backs rose to the occasion and at times showed greater brilliance than they have hitherto displayed on dry grounds. • • • • R. Lundy was the best back on the field and played a game out of the box. He combined well with Cummings and his alert opportunism was responsible for numerous sudden changes from defence to attack, and was responsible for more than one Huimai score. His interception of a pass from Hansen when, with two others in support, the Old Boys’ player had the Huimai line at his mercy, was a particularly bright piece of work. A feature of the play was the team work of both sides. Some credit for the fine display of the backs must be given to the Huimai forwards, who packed down well in the scrums and

kept the game tight enough to give the backs room to work in. It is some time since packs have been willing to put their weight into the scrums and leave the shining to someone else. Saturday’s exhibition was a great improvement. * * * * P. Hansen and P. Columb were the spearhead of the Old Boys’ attack. They were always on the ball and headed many breakaway movements. A. Bartlett was the pick of the Huimai pack. • • * * Considering the conditions, both full-backs played excellent games and gained applause for good saves. J. Flynn, Huimai, is not used to the fullback position, having previously been a five-eighth before taking over from T. Heath. He has, however, the ideal temperament for a full-back, a safe pair of hands and a weU-judged kick. J. McKenzie, Old Boys, on his displays during the season, has established himself as the leading Waimate full-back, and his ability merits consideration for higher honours. • • • a Owing to the full programme of the Sub-Union, Saturday’s match was also taken to decide the Sadler Shield for competition between the senior champion team and the runner-up. The Sub-Union will next proceed with the knock-out competition. This competition should attract considerable interest, as Huimai have not established an unassailable superiority over the other teams.

DRAW FOR SATURDAY At a meeting of the Waimate Rugby Sub-Union last evening the following draw was made for Saturday: Seniors: Knock Out Competition First Round Southern v. Huimai, No. 2 ground, 3 p.m. Glenavy v. Old Boys, No. 1 ground, 3 p.m. Juniors: Southern v. Huimai, No. 3 ground, 1.30 p.m. Pirates: a bye.