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Salient. The Newspaper of Victoria University College. Vol. 19, No. 5. May 5, 1955

Rugby Hopes

Rugby Hopes

With the Rugby season already under way, the time has come to review Victoria's prospects of annexing the Jubilee Cup. symbol of club supremacy, for the fourth year in succession. Their task will certainly be harder than in the last three years. This is mainly due to the overall increase in strength of the city's senior clubs. Varsity will have to get a lot more ball than in previous years if they arc to make a showing against teams which have really heavy packs and capable backs. This has been the team's major worry in past seasons, and could hinder their progress against the stronger clubs this year.

What of Petone?

These were the main points made by DrKen Uttley, coach of the Varsity team, in an interview with "Salient" after the Eastern Suburbs game recently. When asked for his opinion of the Petone side, favoured in the local press to win the competition. Dr. Uttley said, "An extraordinarily good side, with fast backs and big heavy forwards." Petone the side to beat? . . . "They will be one of the sides we will have to beat," Dr. Uttley replied.

"When the team first won the Cup in 1952, we were getting about thirty per cent of the ball from set play. This has sufficed over the last three years owing to excellence in other phases of play, but this year we are going to need a lot more to beat the other strong sides in the grade."

Other points made by Dr. Uttley were the loss of valuable players in McLean, Battell. Burden, Bremner, and Oliver; and the fact that, were there any injuries in the side the gaps would be filled by capable players.

However, tough though the going may be, the Varsity team will be well to the fore in the competition and this writer would not be in the least surprised if they carry off the Cup once more. With a strong nucleus of experienced veterans in the team and plenty of new material, the side should blend into a strong and proficient side.