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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 5, No. 7. September 24, 1942

Football

page 4

Football

The Club finished its outside games with a special match against Air Force, winners of the Hardham Cup in the Senior Second Division, and came out victorious 17—16, after one of the best games of the year. The forwards were somewhat lethargic, but after Murphy, who played a great game, retired injured, the pack, led by MacLennan, played with much dash, and solid work by Skelley and Patrick in the backs, together with McKnight's great goal-kicking, turned the game our way. Richmond, replacing Swinburn at centre, was brilliant both on attack and defence, and the manner in which he outclassed the Air Force skipper and Wellington Rep., Clark, was a revelation after his somewhat inconsistent form throughout the year. Green, playing his last game for the Club in his proper position at full-back, gave a polished display. A very satisfactory finish to a most difficult season's sport.

Ruru Shield

With the College pack weakened by the absence of Murphy, Eade, Martin, McKay and Harris, and the presence of the Canterbury and N.Z.U. center, M. D. Fountain, as the keyman an already powerful back-line, Weir House had every reason for the [unclear: confidence] with which they took the field in the Ruru Shield game. Nor did they let their supporters down. The whole side played well as a team, and thoroughly deserved its win. Fountain, although obviously short of a gallop, was at times brilliant, and Swinburn and Mataira were also right on their Te Punga, gave a great display be, games. The Weir captain, Martin hind the scrum, and led his side shrewdly. In the forwards, Bennett played an outstanding game, his line out work being especially good.

The College side lacked the coordination of the House XV, but individually each man played well. Congratulations to Jim Caldwell, playing the unaccustomed role of rover, who was head and shoulders above every other forward on the ground. In the tight Grayburn used his weight all the time, and his locking was good. The diminutive Third Grade skipper, Igglesden, was undaunted by his lack of weight and played well; his hooking also was very good. Patrick and Skelley were handicapped by slow service from the scrums, but were always dangerous. At centre, Tossman showed great dash and determination, and his frequent duels with Fountain were one of the highlights of the game. He was by no means overshadowed by his more experienced opponent. Greig's prodigious boot meant much to his side, but his lack of match practice was obvious.

The game was a good one—hard and very fast, it once more provided a not unfitting tribute to that great Maori personality and Rugby footballer the late Jackie Ruru.