SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1937. Volume 8. Number 12.

Rugby

Rugby.

The 1st XV played Wellington on a heavy ground and went down by a big margin of points. At time the backs played Rome bright football, but for the most part it was a forward game.

As usual. 'Varsity went straight to the attack, but the game tightened up and for some time a dour forward struggle took place. Play was taken to 'Varsity territory and from a penalty for an infringement, Lang kicked a good foal for Wellington.

Wellington 3, 'Varsity 0.

The University forwards were going well now and forced Wellington down the field. If they could have combined with the backs a score must have resulted, but Dixon relieved the pressure. Harpur was well tackled by Lang after a good run. but a bright passing movement by Wellington took them to the 'Varsity line, where, from a scrum, Harvey went over for Wellington. Lang missed the kick.

Wellington 6. 'Varsity 0.

Wellington were not having everything their own way, and in the loose the 'Varsity forwards, in particular Eade, Burke and Russell, were making Wellington very un-comfortable. Larkin and Dea were bustled by the opposing five-eighths and Wild was cramped. Absurdly weak tackling by 'Varsity let Lang through to open up a movement from which Paterson scored in the corner. Lang's kick dropped short.

Wellington 9, 'Varsity 0.

Wellington nearly got through again, but Buddie, who was playing doggedly on defence, tackled his man well, and backed up by Betts, kept the Wellington invasion out. The 'Varsity forwards carried all before them down the field and Burke scored a good try. Larkin's kick missed.

Wellington 9, 'Varsity 3.

From loose play Edwards ran from half way to score, Buddie making a determined effort to catch him. Lang's kick missed.

Wellington 12. 'Varsity 3.

'Varsity then scored a well-earned try after a fine passing rush in which Eade, Buddie and Larkin figured, Larkin scoring and converting his own try.

Wellington 12, 'Varsity 8.

After half-time, the Wellington backs staged a pretty movement which took Edwards over in the corner, Lang's kick going astray.

Wellington 15, 'Varsity 8.

The 'Varsity forwards took play into the Wellington twenty-five where Buddie took a penalty kick and raised the flags.

Wellington 15. 'Varsity 11.

'Varsity looked like taking the lead when the forwards again broke through, but Russell, after some good work, dropped the ball when on the line. From then on 'Varsity cracked up. The backs did not tackle and Trapp, Paterson and Veitch ran through in turn. Paterson and Veitch both scored and Lang converted one try and kicked a penalty. Both Russell and Harpur retired at a late stage and were replaced by Parker and Kissell.

The final score was:

Wellington 28, 'Varsity 11.

Throughout the game the 'Varsity forwards played well. Meads and Blacker performing yeoman service in the tight, and Burke Eade and Russell shining in the loose. Buddie showed pluck and determination on all occasions but the rest of the backs let the opposition bustle them and run through them almost at will. If the backs could only have tackled in this match, the forwards would have won the game. The backs should get up after their man and put him on the ground, not wait to be drawn and then make feeble efforts at a high tackle. Nevertheless, the spirit seems to be in the team, and before long some one of the other teams is going to get a surprise. The 1st XV has demonstrated its ability to score a decent tally of points in each of its first division games so far, and if only the opposition can be held, a win is inevitable.