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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 15, No. 13. July 17, 1952

Rugby Round-Up — Murray Excels Against Oriental

page 4

Rugby Round-Up

Murray Excels Against Oriental

The game against Oriental provided little in the way of exhilarating rugby. This was mainly due to the fact that all the tenseness that made even a mediocre game thrilling was absent From the first whistle Varsity showed that although not up to full strength they were far superior in all phases of the play to their opponents.

The machine saw more of the ball than usual. McHallick in the scrums was hooking the ball with what amounted to at times monotonous regularity. Smith and Hutchinson ably supported by the real of the pack won the majority of the line-outs.

The all-round play of the forwards was in the main excellent. Again the moat notable feature of their play was their fast following up. The benefit accrued from this is incalcable. They are the first to the rucks and consequently usually regain possession. The bustling effect it has on their opponents la brought out by the numerous times they have cleared from their own twenty-five with loose rushes.

Carke and Murray gave the backs good support in the loose. Murray at first seemed a little unsure in his handling but this soon disappeared. His break in the second half when he came in between the centre and wing was a sound piece of Rugby. But this is not unusual for Murray.

His play this year has shown a marked Improvement. He in one of the few players who has not be diffident about going down on the ball to stop a forward rush. He also has afforded Osborne good support, not only in covering up but also by taking the ball in situations when being caught in possession in inevitable. Thin Having the fullback from a severe tackle or drubbing in a ruck is but one example of Murray's sound Rugby knowledge and also his all round sportsmanship.

The sight of Parker's name among the emergencies is indeed a disappointment to Athletic Park patrons. His play over the last three Saturdays has been the most consistent exhibition any half-back has given this season. It is unfortunate that such a fine half-back is in the same club as All Black Savage.

On Saturday we saw Savage back to the form he showed against Petone. His all round display was better than that given by Steele in his few appearance at the Park. His passes from the base of the scrum were the longest and best directed we have seen this season. The manner in which he blended his decisions to kick and serve his backs was an education to any budding half-back. The amount of ground Savage was gaining with his kicks to touch from the most awkward situations amazed the crowd.

L. Jarden gave a sound display at first-five. But he must not be enticed into attempting to run through imaginary gaps. His try was a good one. He moved through the opening with a ton of speed and this time showed a little more determination than usual to brush off some halfhearted tackles to score close to the posts.

Page at second also made a good break, resulting in Fitzgerald scoring. A little more determination on his part would have resulted in his scoring.

The consolation prize to Wellingtonians who did not see Fitzgerald's game against Canterbury was awarded to those who saw Saturday's curtain-raiser. His judgment, his handling and his kicking were all up to representative standard.

Another severe blow was dealt Varsity on Saturday with the injuring of Silcock. Up to his leaving the field in the second half Silcock had played one of his best games this season. His 60 yards start from Just outside his own twenty-five was one of the highlights of the game.

It is I think worthy of notice that Wellington's only representatives in the N.L. team came from Varsity. Jarden and Fitzpatrick have, proved themselves footballers of a high class.

To the Varsity senior team on Saturday their absence seemed only a spur to even greater efforts. The team spirit that has developed over the last two games is worthy of the highest commendation.

—Sports Ed.