The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1908

Second XV Matches

Second XV Matches.

V. C. v Old Boys. Lost, 14—0. A fast open game in which we should have done better. Backs invariably went for a neck-hold, a most effective method when scientifically executed—they seemed slightly out of practice, out but persevered with grim intensity. Occasional mistakes could only be expected, likewise above result.

V. C. v Southern. Won, 8—0. Tries by A. E. Dobbie and Russell—one converted by Randrup with an an excellent kick. Forwards in great nick, backs improving but still loath to go below the belt.

V. C. v St. James. Lost, 6—3. Hard and exciting game, narrowly missed a win. Forwards again very fit, and backs got in some fine work, though good chances went begging. Boyce scored an excellent try—wind unkindly upset Randrup's kick.

V. C. v Athletic. Lost, 26—0. We have heard less of this game. Score 3—0 first spell. Rumours of absentees and injuries, and unsupported vapourings of a spectator about physical inability to move in second spell.

V. C. v Oriental. Lost, 5—19. Try by Anderson, converted by East. Not a brilliant game. Occasional flashes of fine play show that the material is there. Russell was excellent throughout, and was one of the very few who did not make some unpardonable blunder. Two men, whom we will call "Hatless Jim" and "Ginger," for purposes of disguise, got within striking distance pat on his shoulder as he passed. For the second score "Oriental ball" found the greens bunched on the line-out, and a long throw-in took the ball across to the wing, who raced over despite two more furious dashes at his neck. So it went on. The number of men who kicked off at odd tlmes recalled the happy days of childhood, when each one had to have his kick or he wouldn't play. Two of the free kicks were something out of the ordinary. One went backwards about twenty yards and found the line as neat as could be. The other was strategy pure and undefiled, and occurred near the line in the enemy's 25. All available men were stationed under the goal (with great ostentation to deceive the enemy).the ball was then dropped carefully over the line at right angles to their direction, where five or six Orientals touched down and spoilt developments.