Victoria Show More Determination and Purpose.

'Varsity defeated Miramar last Saturday by 14 points to A welcome change of form saw the Seniors play together as a team for the first time this season.

The forwards played with vigour and backed up well. Although the opposition was weak, it cannot detract from the good showing and the decided improvement which has been made. It was disappointing to notice the way the team eased up in the second half after they had established a commanding lead. This has always been a fault in 'Varsity teams, and has lost many matches.

The scorers for 'Varsity were O'Regan, Wild, Barker and McElwain. Tricklebank converted one score from the sideline.

Impressions of the Play.

The services of Rae were badly missed when he left the field at half-time. O'Regan went in to half and McElwain played on the wing. 'Varsity lost much of their certainty and purpose on attack.

The forwards in the first half played very well indeed. Eade played in the scrum more than usual. Lima looked the ball from the majority of scrums, and with the forwards packing better the half was better and more quickly served.

Comments on the Players.

Paul.—His general play was good, but he still shows a tendency to run one stride too far.

Tricklebank.—His handling was excellent and tackling good. He repeatedly failed to find the line, and this is the most important department of a full-back's play.

Wild maintained his good form. Overton combined with him but was inclined to stab-kick too much.

Barker.—His score was the result of a fine piece of dribbling. He spoilt his good work by mishandling at a critical stage, and at another by getting off-side.

McElwian.—It is unfortunate that he will not be playing very often from now. His speed has scored many a fine try for 'Varsity.

A spectator at this match was "Bobby" Martin-Smith, the N.Z.U. selector. His presence probably accounted for the greater determination shown. If Victoria keep playing as they did last Saturday, they cannot fail to secure a fair proportion of players for the trip to Japan. Players who must catch the selector's eye are Wild, Rae, Eade, Barker, Russell, and Lima. Another forward who may develop is Armour. For the first half of the season he failed to prove his place in the team. He has shown of late decided improvement and should at this stage be given careful individual coaching.