Rugby

On Our Job, Issue 16, 1 July 1945, Page 4

Rugby

QN Wednesday, May 30, we had our ■ first game. We played Fort Dorset at Seatoun, and it was a most enjoyable game, and the sportsman-like qualities of the members of the Fort left a very favourable impression on our boys. They knew it was our first game together, and allowed us to change players when we liked to give all our boys a run. The final score was 15 —8 in favour of the Dorset boys, and we were all impressed with the way our boys went for their first game. Don McLellan kicked a nice penalty from about 40 yards out, and Stewie Andersen scored a nice try which McLellan converted. We tried out about 22 players, and we have a lot of likely talent which can be moulded into shape. Among the players tried out were McNally, Wood, Andersen, McLellan, Edwards, Hawkey, Evans, Karsten, Mitchell, Desmond, Wilson, Mawson, Mclvor, Langley, Vin and Jim Maher, Olsen, Tester, Stewart and Elliott. Our old war horse, Les Elliott, was not keen on having a game this year and came out to see the game. Half way through the second spell Billy Mitchell had to retire owing to an injury, and before we actually knew what had happened, Les had borrowed Mitchell’s gear and was playing in the forwards. So you see we just can’t stay out. We were supposed to have played Dorset a fortnight later, but owing to excessive rain it was abandoned.

On Wednesday, June 27, we again played Fort Dorset and this time we are pleased to say had our first victory, beating them 6—5. Some of our players were on holiday and we fielded for our team McLellan, Elliott, Edwards, Grant, Andersen, Jamison, Hawkey, Kettle, Karsten, Langley, Russell, Maher, J. Roloff, Wilson and Evans. They gave a good account of themselves, and I am certain as the season goes on they will improve greatly. Our points were scored by Don McLellan, who kicked two penalties, one from well out. The players are all keen, so let’s hope we can again have a good team to journey to Auckland.