OMM 1996 Problem 3

Prove that it is not possible to cover a $6\times 6$ square board with eighteen $2\times 1$ rectangles, in such a way that each of the lines going along the interior gridlines cuts at least one of the rectangles. Show also that it is possible to cover a $6\times 5$ rectangle with fifteen $2\times 1$ rectangles so that the above condition is fulfilled.