WELLINGTON SNATCHES WIN FROM AUCKLAND

Chronicle (Levin), 2 September 1946, Page 8

WELLINGTON SNATCHES WIN FROM AUCKLAND

WELLINGTON, Sept. I. Rising to great lieighls in the second spell, Wellington forwards snatched :. magnificent Kugby victory over Auck land in the last few minutes of thc game, by 15 points to 8, 011 Sutunluy after Auckland had established a leau of eight- points. It was not until wel into the second half that Wellington could open its account. Then came u converted try followed by two more tries witliin the last five minutes oi play. The match was played at Atlileti. 1'ark witli a crowd of '25,0(10. Then were fine eonditious but the ground lnu not wliolly dried out after the recent rain. It was easily one of the mosl thrilling matclies seen on tiie park this season. J _ ^ It was notable for the outstanding superiority of the Auckland backs a»u if it had not l)een for Wellington V almost two to one mujority in thc serums, Auckland 's fine attackiiif. backs must liave built up a good scorc in the first half and early in the sec ond spell, when they were most certain ly on top. Allen atid McK-ay were two of Auckland 's bcts backs. The latter's speed and brllliance made the visitors" rearguard v.ery str-oug in thrust especially out to Dunn. Towards the end of the opening spell he was injured and was replaced by Kingstone. Scot t;, fullback fot Auckland, was cool aii'd re-

iiable and proved ins excepfibnal.'faj;^ in wet weather in 'the ■Nort'h v'f South gante, which was a proper indication of his worth. Auckland looked the winners till well into the second half when Wellington forwards upset ualculations in an amaziug burst of sustained solid battling that wore Auckland down. The whole of the Wellington pack threw their weight in and, led by White, Elliotl, Benrd and Todd, opened the way for the backs. Beard was unlucky not to have found his way into the New Zealand side on his showing as in all branches of the game, notablv in the line-outs, he was winning the ball. Paewai, chosen after the match as emergencv back to represent New Zealand, was another who, on his perI'ormance, seemed itnpossible to pass over for the half-back position. Momo of his long passes aml quick, short kicks sharpened Wellington 's attack inimeasurably while he has lieen con.sisient throughout the season. Alorrison, Wickham and Beard scored for-VVVllinjjton, all thr.ee being converted bv Wislniowsky. For Auckland Duuu scored for Mcott to convert. Bog'gs scored Ihe other trv which was not converted.