After its fine performance against Training College, the 2nd XV gave a disappointing display against Upper Hutt. This was redeemed to some extent last Saturday by a good win over Petone under atrocious ground conditions. With the completion of the first round the team has had eight wins, four losses and a draw—a record which might easily have been improved upon.

Against Upper Hutt, the team lacked the energy and initiative necessary to counteract the hard rucking and loose forward rushes of the opposing forwards who dominated the second half. It was otherwise against Petone. The forwards took charge of the game from the outset and worried the defence with well-controlled dribbling rushes. Gander was prominent but must curb his offside play which has meant many penalties to opposing teams. Taylor did much solid work and Bannister played his usual consistent game, backing up and tackling well. Two faults have been apparent among the forwards throughout the season. First is their inability to get round on the opposing half-back, and to protect their own half-back. Carey—the latter has received some severe buffeting in recent games which have tended to slow up his service. Second is the number of infringements given in dangerous positions—every week sees opposing teams gaining winning points from penalties.