NEWS AND VIEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19843, 18 May 1927, Page 5

NEWS AND VIEWS

ON THE BUGBY GROUND ROUND THE SENIOR GAMES Most of those a ho witnessed the game between Metropolitan County and Wanganui and Old Boys on Saturday concurred in the opinion that the victory for the latter team by 24 points to 3, was not altogether an accurateindication of the play. Indeed, there were times when County, by means of good forward play, had the blues in difficulties, but the speedy Old Boys’ backs generally managed to effect good saves.

The Old Boys Backs. Very few concerted movements were attempted by the Old Boys’ back division, and after the game had proceeded some time, their play resolved itself a good deal into individual efforts. From these efforts, however, most of the tries resulted, but combined play was rarely seen. Fillton Not Overworked. In the position of full-back for Old Boys, Fulton was not given a great deal to do. On several occasions he appeared to underestimate the undoubted strength of the County pack, but, despite this, he carried out his duties fairly ably. Consistent Blyth. 11. Blyth, at the base of the blue scrum, gave a good display, and sent the ball away smartly. Blyth has weight as well as ability, and can withstand the rushes of any forward division in Wanganui, in impressive fashion. Udy and Ball played well in the five-eighth line. The latter was especially prominent and scored two good tries, but more steadiness in his defence could be desired. Ball has sufficient weight for senior play, and, as a promoted junior, he appears to be a distinct success. Carlson’S Carelessness. Carl pn’s exhibition of the centrethrecquarter game was solid, but he was inclined to carelessness. His kicking boot had mixed fortunes. G. Broad, on the wing, scored a good

try with the assistance of his speed, and was useful in most phases of the game. Obvious Off-side Play. The play of the Old Boys ’ pack was ' marred by the obvious off-side tactics , adopted by several of the players. Re- 1 leree T. Hurley, however, proved equal to the occasion, and a little direct criticism of the offenders brought about the desired effect. Binley Impresses. Bin ley' was undoubtedly one of the best players on the field, and he was greatly responsible for the blues’ victory. His following-up was a lesson to other members of the side, and left a good impression on the public mind. Other members of the blue pack worked only moderately well, and in most departments they were held by the County players. Cox showed occasional glimpses of his former brilliancy.

With the County Backs. The County backs gave only a fair exhibition and only when their work is smartened up will they meet with the success of the forwards. Tackling is one of the chief departments requiring improvement. On Saturday, several of the Old Boys’ players continually made inroads into the colours’ back division, but it was only after the departure of J. Phillips from the County backs through an injury that the series of runaway tries for the blues commenced, “He Who Hesitates—” Hesitancy was also obvious amongst the County players. J. Phillips was most conspicuous for the red-and-white backs, and he put in some clever work. His absence from the field made a noticeable difference in the work of his team. W. ; Smith was prominent for County as wing-three-quarter, but ho showed over-eagerness. He scored County’s only try after a good effort. Promising Forwards. To single out the County forwards for particular mention would be difficult, for all played very consistently. Throughout the game the men from the country gave Old Boys a hard tussle and frequently produced sparkling rushes. Burnett was generally prominent, and was always on the bail. County’s consistency in the forwards is certainly to be commended. With the meeting on Saturday of those two old rivals, Kaierau and Pirates, one immediately associates the name of Thompson—a brilliant player, who, in a hard fought, evenly-contest-ed match brought victory to his side with two fine drop kicks sent up from well outside of the opposition’s twentyfive. Thompson, who plays at fullback, has potted goals in each of the three senior club matches in which he has played this season. He is certainly a dangerous player, but a full-back can become too keen on attack.

Backs Not Impressive. Kaierau’s three-quarter line, Carrel, Walls and Ihaia, was not impressive, and the same could be said for the fiveeighths, Titter and Simpson. Glengarry, at half, played soundly, and his tackling and kicking were fairly good. It would be hard to discriminate among the forwards, who were a fine solid pack, but Johnston, Lockett and Coulson may be specially mentioned. Weather Beats Pirates. Conditions on Saturday were against the Pirates team whose rearguard was handicapped by the greasy ball. On the other hand the Kaierau forwards were rather in their element. Waite, the Pirate full-back, acquitted himself well considering he had already played a junior match the same afternoon. Head and Williams in the three-quarter line showed up in attacking movements, Head’s kicking being again a feature of the match. Latest Recruit Starved.

Fitzgerald in the five-eighths line played a sound game and kicked with great judgment. However, he did not get many opportunities. Duncan at half was brilliant and was the best back on the ground. Ross, Wilson and Jackson were the best of the Pirate forwards.