N.Z.U. Team v Combined Services.

Won by N.Z.U. 12 - 11.

A fair game, not remarkable, but with a superabundance of energetic exhuberance. The Varsity forwards gave their backs a feast of the ball and we spectators, (there were at least seventeen of us), expected to see something from the fast Varsity players.- however Services stood right up on Varsity and Varsity were unable to counter those tactics.

Simpson (Otago), at half, was quick and sent out long swift passes. Stewart (Massey) at first, five, handled perfectly and was a very good link. Kimberly (Canterbury) at second five, had a difficult day. On no occasion did he have much room to move in and usually by the time he got the ball it was useless to hand it on to his centre. He therefore spent most of his time trying to break through. He was successful early on and a try resulted, but a resolute opponent kept him out for the rest of the day. Cartwright at centre, played as though he were on the wing. He kept on bul-locking and passed only as a last resought. The result was that the wings, Bowler and Greene, did not get much of the ball while the were moving at top - which was a pity as both of them are capable of really good football. Donnelly kicked well and again his positional play was excellent.

The Varsity forwards made most of the play, but as the back movements were breaking down, one would have liked to see them take the ball through more often instead of letting it back. The forwards too could have shown more dash in covering up the passing of the backs. There were some very good bouts of short passing among the forwards which might easily have resulted in trios. All in all, because of their failure to make the Services stand deeper the display of the Varsity players was below expectations.

S.C.Childs.