ATHLETIC WIN RUGGED GAME WITH WANDERERS

Chronicle (Levin), 18 August 1947, Page 4

ATHLETIC WIN RUGGED GAME WITH WANDERERS

Rugged football was seen at the Levin Park Domain when Athletic seniors narrowly beat Wanderers by three points to nil. The deciding factor in the game was the passing rushes of the Athletic

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1 RUGBY FOOTBALL

(Cohtinued from Page 4) ba.chs, who penetrated deeply into itheir ppponenits' terrifcory whenever they got the ball. Combination between the forwards and backs WhS noticeable, and it was this which enabled Athletic to score the only try pf the game. The first half was very sluggish wjlth the forwards doing most of the work. It Was not until about minutes of play had gone fhat the pape livened up. Wanderers' fprwards and, backs co mbined well in an -attack which carried them ten yards inside the Athletic twenty-five. From a scrum the attacking fprwards broke through with the ball at their feet. Rucking hard on the Athletic goaliine the defenders were fortunate to force down. Play then moved to the half -way mark, wher.e rucking toojk place .again. Geoff. Sciascia got the ball from the s.crum and it went out along the Athletic backs to Galloway, who made a strong bid for the -line before beipg grassed. Another scrum took place and 4-thletic again received the ball, which went out to Hudson, who combined with Galloway in a fine passing rush. Wanderers' backs, however, intereepted the ball and Broughton made a powerful line kick just as the half-time whistle sounded with no scor.e. In the second spell the rearguards of both teams were given more of the ball, and it was from this stage of the game that it became exciting. Athletic were the first tg get on the move and, from a 'passing rush, Stevens took a spectacular pass from Galloway and • made a good run along th^ Line, but he was foreed to kick. Skilton took the ball and punreo. for the line, but it missed and De Castro, taking it, failed to pot a go.al. Athletic forwards renewed their attack, but the defence was too strong, with Broughton and Winiata playing well. Following up well, the Wanderers forwards broke through and carried the ball to the other end of the field. Athletic were so hard pressed that Geoff. Sciascia was foreed to carry the ball over the line. After 30 minutes of play Gordon Sciascia got the ball from the scrum and made a good solo run, but De Castro was on the scene and he collared his opponent. Froin the line out the ball was given to the Athletic backs, finally to Cameron, who made full use of his -speed, penetrating deep into the defending territory, passing out to Galloway, who narrowly missed with a pot at goal. From a penalty Seymour took the ball and inpassed to Winiata, who was brought down,. Rucking followed and Geoff. Sciascia, * getting the ball, set the Athletic backs going. Hudson, who made a brilliant solo run, passed to Cameron, who went over for a well beserved try. Galloway's kick failed. Athletic 3, Wanderers 0. Wanderers forwards make a do or die attack and were right on the Athletic goal-line when Galloway saved the situation with a good line kick. From the lineout a scrum eventuated, with neither side gaining the advantage. Mr. B. Boyd controlled the game.