WANDERERS WIN HARD GAME AGAINST ATHLETIC

Chronicle (Levin), 23 August 1948, Page 4

WANDERERS WIN HARD GAME AGAINST ATHLETIC

After having established a threepoint lead early n the first spell, Athietic were beaten by Wanderers by 8 points to 6 in a gruelling game piayed fast and hard with. both packs continually on the move. Both teams Wefe keen and enthusiastic, but Athietic tended to become etratic and their attacking movements lacked penetration. Athletic's backs, usually depfendable, went astray several times during the course of the g'ame, especially during the second half. ; The match began with .a snap and the- fast pace set by Athietic gave them the advantage during. the first fifteen minutes. For ' a time play remained in neutral terfitory, but an attack b'y Athietic set the Wanderers' back line on its heels and only an infringement prevented a scbfe. Wanderers, led by K. McCready, broke through and on the twenty-five wefe awarded a penalty. The kick failed and play was carried back by the Athietic counter attack to the Wanderers' line. From a fiveyard scrum, the half, T. Camefon, coliected the Smartly hooked ball and fed W. Galloway, who potted a field goal. Athietic. 3, Wanderers 0. Wanderers pushed Athietic back as the forwards went down the centre in a loose fush.- A scfummage on the llhe WlS set back five yards, but was phshed

□ver the line again. This occurredseverai times .tintll Athietic hobked ahd Camerori .sbnt the^ backs kway Ln a good passing rush. The Wanderers full-back, R. Skilton, managed to save'and from the linebiit play wertt back to the Athietic Line. L. Hakaraia attempted to fbllbw the example' set by Galloway and collect a field goal, but it . went astray and the game returned to half-way. Winiata gdthSred in the .ball shoftly after and }ypnt thfoiigh. .ih a gbod- - pndeaVour to pehetrate/ Scijaseia .tobk oter but lost possession after a good run. Play was carried to the lihe' and from a ruck S. .'Bartholomew scored. A. Stevenson added^ the. extras. .Wanderers 5, Athietic 3. There was no further score iri :the first half, >' • • "in fche second spell - Wanderers set thfe pac'e arid nlade fepeated attacks on th Athietic defence. In some Strorig ^peneti■atirig 'mbvemehts SciaScia, Winiata, StevenSon arid McCf eady Wbre ' prominerit. Well bri the way "for a runaway try e'afiy. ih the second half, L. Hakaraia broke through but was neatly tackled. ^ The bail rolied away and T, Cameron made a gbod kick to save his team from a nasty situation. A nice display bf passing was given when Hakaraia, Sciascia, Milfby and Stevensbfi rah neariy the. whoie length of the field. A penalty was awaraed and Stevenson coliected an easy shot. Wanflefers 8^ Athietic 3. Athletic's" try came shoftiy af terwards and f bf ■ this ^f ull credit must go to Geoff.- Sciascia, who made the bpening for Galloway -to go through. Ross Smith failed to convert. Waridefers " 8, Athietic 6. Mr. C. E. Wiseley was refefee.