Rugby Football

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 19, 25 September 1942, Page 3

Rugby Football

JUNIORS VICTORIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP TO ARTILLERY Playing football of a standard in the shades of the masters, our Juniors won the laurels of victory in the Junior Championship last Saturday when they defeated the Taranaki side. Of individual brilliance there was plenty, but as the criterion of true team-work and unflagging energy the Junior team wins the highest of praise. The forwards punted unceasingly, “Seagull” Jarsen having a string on each of his men as a fine spoiling pack that gave the ' opposition little respite. The back line, hinged on team-captain Forbes, went well in defence and attack, the whole line being sound and taking advantage of every oportunity. McMillan, at centre, proved himself again, and although Well bottled up ' throughout, his try left the defence standing. Half-back Monteith and Mr. Hazeldean used every advantage, with , Cooney,, at second five-eighths penetrating - the Taranaki defence many times. The opposing back-line was always a . potential danger but their movements were spoiled with Jarsen and Forbes smothering their first-five. On the field the Taranaki pack appeared to be more weighty, however, with our forwards packing low and with weight when called for, they never had a chance. Lincoln was a tower of strength, Nicholas and Williamson being worthy off-siders. The player who earned the most praise of a praiseworthy team was fullback Pat Lindsay. His tackling could not be bettered even in first-class football, pulling down his man often right at the death-knock. Never bustled, Lindsay’s kicks were always safe and with ground gained. Excitement and enthusiasm among the barrackers was rampart, many high personages doing their proverbial “score,” more particularly one of the _ "Three* Smart Girls. , '- - Play- / willing from the outset with chances on both sides, Mr. Hazeldean being brought down short of the line and Jarsen leading his forwards to right under the posts. A driving run by Cooney gave the" ball to Mr. Hazeldean who chalked up Artillery’s first points by going over in the corner for an unconverted try. Lind-say earned praise for his fine , pick-ups and line-kicks, saving many desperate situations. Our forwards now began to bustle the opposing pack, throwing the leather among amongst themselves, Williamson ; cutting out his man and handing to Cooney who made our tally six points. The try was unconverted and amid prolonged barracking from the stand the whistle for the spell sounded with the score Artillery 6, Taranaki 0. Having had the advantage of a diaganonal wind in the first spell and turning round into the sun on the resumption of play, Artillery appeared to . find the going harder. However, the forwards continued their . fine work. McMillan was taped well, but his try ..to bring the score to 9—o never gave Taranaki a chance, his superior speed taking him right under the posts for Nicholas, despite his X.O.S. pants, to add the extra and make the final score Artillery 11, Taranaki 0. After the game it was found Monteith had damaged his hand, fortunately, only a bruised bone. All praise to trainer Capt. Mitchell, owing to whose interests we could field such a fine and fit team,, to the Captain, lan Forbes, and the team, which was as follows:Lindsay, Staples, McMillan, Mr. Hazeldean, Cooey, Forbes, Monteith, Pottinger, Burborough, Williamson, Larsen, Lincoln, Henry, Mr. Harvey and Nicholas. JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM My congratulations to the junior Rugby XV on winning the championship last Saturday. The final game against ' , Taranaki was a splendid effort and the best club game seen on the Sportsground this season. Although outweighed all round, beaten for the ball in most scrums and against a good line of fast backs, the game was won by fast following up, clean determined tackling and the fact that each time their opponents got the ball they also got-a gunner with it. That is the way to play, boys, and later it will be the way , to fight. The Regiment’s thanks are due to Capt. Mitchell for his able coaching and management of this team throughout the season. Well done, Gunners!