Played at Wyeside, December 17th.
The ground was in fair condition, and although there was
some doubt about the match being played because of a thick
fog, it cleared up just in time. The School held a decided
advantage at first and, by the good dribbling of the forwards
and the accurate handling of the backs, were soon several
points ahead. The weight of the Old Boys now began to tell
and Pennington scored twice for them. The School, however,
went further ahead, Seeley and Brookes making a good run
which resulted in a score. The Old Boys now began to press
in real earnest and rapidly scored three tries which they failed
to convert. Towards the end the School rallied and the game
ended with them pressing the Old Boys hard.
Final Score, 13—19.
THE SCHOOL v. WEST MONMOUTH G.S.
Played at Wyeside, on February 21st.
The ground was in a very bad condition and the second
half degenerated into mere mudlarking. The School started
off well, but were kept out by determined tackling; it
was largely the inability of the School backs to run and pass,
instead of kicking, that stopped them scoring a number of
points. West Monmouth were the first 60 score from a penalty
kick against the School. However, the School attacked strongly
and some good passing between Brookes and Seeley resulted in
Brookes scoring a nice try which Seeley converted. The only
other score before half-time was a try which West Monmouth
got by a forward rush.
Half-time:—School, 5; West Monmouth, 6.
The second half was so wet and the ball so muddy that
accurate handling was impossible. Play was very even but the
School was outweighted in the tight scrums. West Monmouth
scored by means of their outside half, who broke away and
easily beat Searle by a good swerve; Gower converted. The
School now had a turn at attacking and Seely got over in the
corner but failed with the kick. Towards the end West
Monmouth again scored and Gower again converted.
Final: School, 8; West Monmouth, 16.