Weakened Varsity Team Thrashes Taita

The match against Taita did not rise to any great heights of football. Even so it cast into a shadow the game between the two teams, which have, over the last two series of games, played such "enterprising" football against Varsity.

After gaining a 15-8 lead in the first spell while playing into a strong south-westerly it appeared as though Varsity were heading for a high score. But during the second spell errors crept into their play, and kept the score within reasonable dimensions.

The diffidence they showed against Marist was replaced by supreme confidence. From the start they played as a team. And only during the second spell when too much individualism was shown by some of the backs was this unity lost.

The forwards worked as a pack. They serviced their backs with a plentiful supply of the ball from ruck, lineout and scrum. Then following up and general open play was in sharp contrast to the previous Saturday's game.

Clark on the side of the scrum grabbed any opportunities with both hands. His speed and handling were certainly up to representative standard. His only weakness seems to lie in his tackling.

Parker at half-back gave his best display this season. His service from the scrum was excellent. But the greatest improvement was noticed in his all round play. His solo run in the second half capped off a good day's football for him.

At first five-eighth L. Jarden played an enterprising game. His straight running would have delighted the heart of any purist.

With Fltzpatrick and R. Jarden on the sideline. Fitzgerald was burdened with greater responsibility. However it seemed to worry him very little. He is really in top form. His change of direction which resulted in a try late in the first spell was really astounding. The three conversions into the wind was the only place-kicking Athletic Park patrons saw all day.

Barfell and Page filled the gaps created by injuries competently. Barfell seems to have the makings of a class wing, three quarter Seeold's play was uneven. One gained the impression he was playing in an unaccustomed position.

Osborne at full-back had little to do. But when occasion demanded it he proved as sound as ever. His attempts to move up into the back-line, which today seems to be a necessary part of a full-back's repertoire, were not very successful.

The team this Saturday will be without six of its usual members. It is a tribute to the football that the team has been playing that six of so many of its number have gained representative honours.

—Sports Editor.