RUGBY SERIES

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22354, 22 May 1944, Page 4

RUGBY SERIES

WIN FOR OLD BOY'S HOROTIU AND KIWIS SUCCEED Although Old Boys held a 22—6 margin o*cr Bombers when the final whistle blew in the principal game at Rugby Park on Saturday, its performance was not altogether convincing on account of numerous mistakes and infringements and a tendency by some of the backs toward individualism. Early in the game it was apparent that the Old Boys backs, when they did combine, were too fast and clever for the opposition. Although for a considerable period after the interval. Bombers camped in Old Boys* 25. a lack of finish prevented their capitalising on some promising movements. As there was a spare back but no substitute forward to take the field when F. Higginson retired with a leg injury early the Old Boys team was forced to field eight backs. Not only did this make the pack's task a heavier one but the presence of an extra back at times appeared somewhat of a hindrance. Although lie made no errors which nad serious consequences, Taylor at fullback appeared to be plaving too deep and several times was unable to get to the ball to take it on the full. Generally, however, his was an attractive exhibition. Street showed his usual pace and determination, and obtained three tries. Inside him. Eranton was very sound on defence and showed ability on attack, marred to some extent by an inclination to go too far. Catley Reappears Catley’s* reappearance as hooker attracted considerable interest and ne piayed his customary solid game. Another addition to the pack was Slow, who played for the ’lub as fullback and wing three-quarter before serving overseas. Clean dribbling was a feature of his game. Flyger and Johnson worked hard throughout. Bombers’ rearward as a whole was not impressive. There was a weakness at fullback and ainxig the n.sides hnrd.mg errors were evident The wings, McCormack and Brown, were dangerous in possession but their chances were limited. The team's strength lay in its forwards, whose work in the loose was impressive. The fast breaking of their side-row men resulted in the Old Roys half. Banks, receiving a torrid time. Wilson, the forward whose ambitious skirmishings in the loose made him a popular figure last year played well in his first game of the season. Carter and Bryant were solid toilers. Branton, Street i3>. Grocock and Gate scored tries for Old Boys, Slow converting two. For Bombers Brown and Wilson kicked penalty goals. The referee was Mr A A. Griffiths. Kiwis 15, Technical Old Boys 8 Right from the kick-ofF the Kiwis team was aggressive and was continually on the ball, bustling the opposition and throwing the ball about at every opportunity, gaining ground in short rushes. The first score was a try by Keats near the corner flag and Technical was almost continuously on the defensive. The Kiwis players were keener to force the issue, and although mistakes were made through over-eagerness, they quickly returned to the attack. Technical was not playing as a team, all attempts to open play being nullified by lack of support or the enterprise of Kiwis. After Raureti had put Technical in a likely position, Kiwis returned to the attack for Dick to score. Just before half-time Smith opened Technical’s scoring with a penalty goal. Later Keats added to Kiwis’ score with a penalty goal. The game became more even with both sets of forwards working hard. A mistake by Technical's full back let Dick cross for 'Kiwis. Then Codlin scored a niopy try. Goosman broke away to score for Technical. Chell converting. Thereafter, Kiwis held the advantage and the Technical team was very tired at the finish Mr J. Rendle was the referee. Horotiu 10. Railways 6 A 10—6 margin in Horotiu's favour was a fair indication of the run of the play in the game at Weka Street. Horotiu had much the better of the second half. The respective totals were made up of a try. a field-goal and a penalty goal, and of two unconverted tries. The referee was Mr D. S. B. Heather. The Army-Fighters game, which was to have been the chief attraction at Rugby Park, was not played through Army’s inability to field a team. Junior results were:—Technical Colts 23 Horotiu 0; Marist 11. Old Boys 9; Technical Old Boys 10, Technical School 8;

High School, a bye. Railway Defeat Matangi During the week-end at Weka Street Railway defeated Matangi by 14 points to 3 in a keenly-contested game in which O’Neill's brilliant, game at full-back for the winning team was a feature. Jn the curtain-raiser Railway B defeated an Air Training Corps team by 6 points to 3. FROM OTHER CENTRES Te Awamutu. —Juniors: Ohaupo 6, United 5; Firongia 8. Arohena 3. Cambridge. —Cambridge representatives 28. Waipa 6. Seniors: Karapiro 12. Tauwhare 3. Juniors: Hautapu 9. United Colts 3; Matangi 6. Roto-o-Rangi 3; High School 32, Tauwhare 0; United 26, Leamington 10. Morrinsville.—Marshall Cup final: Tahuna 9. Kcreone 6; Old Boys 11, Terriers H. Juniors: Terriers 8. Kcreone 0; Tahuna 11, United 0-