(_A Rugby Match reported after the style of the German General
Staff. The passages in brackets are the work of a neutral
correspondent._)
Our brave Tonburians kicked off against the wind and immediately assumed
a strong offensive along the whole line, forcing the enemy to evacuate
his positions. When we reached their Twenty-five it became clear, after
a furious struggle, that a decision was inevitably about to be postponed
on account of the unexpected strength of their defence. (One try to
Haileybridge which was converted.)
After some fierce scrummaging in mid-field, in which we had all the best
of it, it was found necessary, owing to strategic reasons, for our
forces to occupy entirely new positions some thirty yards nearer to our
own touchline. Thereafter there was nothing whatever to report. (Try to
Haileybridge.)
When the game was resumed it soon became evident that the situation was
developing according to our expectations. (A dropped goal to
Haileybridge.)
Fighting continued, but there was no new development to report. (Two
tries.)
At half-time the head-master heartily congratulated the Tonbury Fifteen
upon the magnificent victories they were gaining against superior
forces, and assured them that it would soon be over, and they would all
be back in time for tea. He then conferred their caps upon the whole
Fifteen and an extra tassel upon the Captain. It is understood that the
school-house will be decorated with bunting.
The second half was largely a repetition of the first. We continued to
keep up a powerful pressure all along the line, varied only by frequent
occupation of new strategic lines, occasional postponements of decision,
several stages of development according to anticipation, and some rapid
re-grouping of our forces. The whistle found us pressing heavily, just
outside the goal-line (the Tonbury one).
(Result: Haileybridge, 43 points; Tonbury, _nil._)
* * * * *
Illustration: THE JOY OF BILLETING IN A FRENCH CHATEAU.
_Time, 6 A.M._
_Brigade Major._ "I SAY, SIR, MAY I FINISH DRESSING IN HERE? THEY'RE
SHELLIN' THE NORTH BEDROOMS!"
* * * * *