Cambridge Reps. Defeat Matamata

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6074, 9 July 1947, Page 5

Cambridge Reps. Defeat Matamata

A LAST-MINUTE VICTORY THIRD. SUCCESSIVE WIN (By "Observer") The 5 —3 victory of the Cambridge senior representative team over Matamata marked its third victory in as many games this season. On this occasion' Cambridge was in arrears for practically the entire game, but a spectacular try by R. Arnold and a grand conversion by Fletcher four minutes before full time decided the issue.

Although the display of the Cambridge team was not all that could be desired, it would have been more unlucky in defeat than fortunate in victory. An obvious weakness was the repeated failure of the backs to find touch with their line-kicking.

Under the, circumstances the Cambridge forwards lasted the game surprisingly well. Both Watt and Brunskill repeatedly missed their objective in the first half, necesitating much needless exertion by the vanguard. Considering that the Cambridge pack appeared about half a stone heavier than the opposition, its failure to gain more than a minority of the ball was disconcerting. Cambridge was slightly in arrears in set scrums and overwhelmed in line-outs. The most redeeming feature of its play was its ability to last out a strenuous game and be playing its best football at the end. Individually, there were no sluggards, but collective, it could be moulded into a more compact and vigorous unit. Credit must go to A. Arnold, Drabble and Kidd for fast and effective following up. Ogilvy excelled on defence while Hogan and Fletcher proved a constant danger in the loose. Jessen marred an otherwise good display by a tendency to kick too hard

while Courtenay was a willing and honest worker. The leadership and experience of K. D. Arnold should prove valuable in subsequent games. Among the backs, Watt did not appear happy at full-back, although he saved well on occasions: Reeves played solidly in the first half, but did not inspire confidence in the second spell, showing a tendency to run back. On the other wing, R. Arnold, but for one blemish, made the most of limited opportunities. His try was a fine effort.

G. Bartlett, at centre three-; quarter was the team's best back. He showed pace on attack and his defence could not be faulted.

Brunskill, though not at his best, rendered useful service. W. Bartlett performed creditably in the face of fast breaking forwards. Miller, similarly handicapped, played a solid game behind the scrum. As a combination the Cambridge rearguard was shaded by its opponents. However, the inside backs showed ability to penetrate and should function with more cohesion in later games.

Cambridge's position at the head of the ladder is rather flattering as

the teams it has defeated occupy a lowly position. However, against this must be conceded the fact that its line has not been crossed to date this season. Cambridge will face its sternest test when it meets Morrinsville on July 26. In the intervening weeks hard training and thorough coaching may do much to eliminate weaknesses. Morrinsville's 10—0 defeat by Hamilton last Saturday marked the first occasion on which the team had been beaten since 1944. In the interval it had played 26 games, winning 25 and drawing one. *** • # Next. Saturday marks the occasion of the local senior championship final between Leamington and Hautapu. The teams have met twice to date this season and Leamington has won on each occasion, the scores being 16—13 and 13—10. Both teams will be at almost full strength and an exciting game should eventuate. A victory to Hautapu would necessitate a replay. * * * # Memorial Park was again the venue of a Waikato practice last Sunday. Candidates for the local junior representative team to play Putaruru next Saturday trained at Leamington. Next Sunday the senior representative team will assemble at Memorial Park for a practice and team talk.

The Cambridge junior representative team to play Putaruru on Saturday is as follows: J. Shaw, H. Vosper, I. Pean, E. Cubis; A. Hjorth, A. Sutherland; M. Paton; I. Fletcher, A. McGregor, S. Taylor, G. Walker, B. Reilly, M. Newlands, G. Jlunt, G. McCandlish. Reserves: Wright, McEwen, T. Bruce, R. Byrne, A. Gray, R. Bunyan. The bus will leave the t6wn hall at nOon. & Any juniors who want to play in a friendly game next Saturday are asked to get in touch with Mr B Ormsby,