Rugby

What promised in the first spell to be a fast and open game was turned into a battle in the mud by a downpour in the second spell, and Varsity were a little lucky to win against St. Patrick's College Old Boys when Tricklebank scored a magnificent try on the call of time.

Several rulings of the referee during the game were hard to follow but they effected both sides about equally. Nevertheless the repeated scrum penalties caused the game to become somewhat ragged.

Varsity's forwards appeared in a much better light than against Hutt and with Burke in good form the team played up well throughout. McNicol, Hansen, and Ray Shannon were again well in the limelight and Eade played a heady game in the loose. The rest of the pack battled gamely and the forward play in the second spell when both sides were fighting hard in the heavy rain was of a very rugged nature.

In the backs Rae played really well despite one or two mistakes and made several fine runs. At first five-eighths Parker was good, but he stood too deep for the conditions prevailing and his play was thus handicapped. Larkin was sound on defence and Tricklebank playing this time on the wing was good. Kissell played better than he has usually done this season, but was still a little uncertain. He fielded the ball brilliantly however on several occasions. Young was again somewhat "iffy" on defence and took risks on several occasions that were not warranted.

The game was a good spectacle and the closeness of the scores kept the interest up to the end. Despite the lack of brilliant inside backs. Varsity this season have put up a showing which should ensure their retention of Senior A status next season, and considering that this is the first season the Club has been in the first division for several years, their performance so far has been one of merit.

—J.A.C.