Australia Ends Southland's Rugby Record

Chronicle (Levin), 19 September 1949, Page 7

Australia Ends Southland's Rugby Record

INVERCARGILL, Sdpr. iS. In brilliant sunshine before a crowd of about 13,000, the touring Australian Rugby team broke Southland 's 54-year-old record of suecess against Australian teams. The Australians won 15 to 10. The ground was hard and fast and suited the play of the visitors whose forwards showed up -in many brealcs. Southland forwards dominated the tight rucks. Austraiia scored five minutes from the start when Shehadie, broke through from a lineout in Southland territory with Windon in support. The former i took the pass to score and Cawsey convejted. Southland had a chance when Austraiia were penalised in a handy position but Millar's kick missed. Ten minutes later Southland evened the scores. McCaw broke througK from a lineout and Budd, Robinson and Crooks carried on dribbling, Budd scoring near the posts. Millar converted. Southland had a feast of the ball from the serums. A 50 yards run by Bennett with two men in support and only the fullback to beat, saw Bennett caught in possession and a try was thrown away. Southland went into the lead when Adam dummied his way over. Millar's kick sueceeded. The scores were evened two minutes later when Burke slipped around the side of the scrum on the 10-yard mark. He rau to the 25 and threw a long pass to Windon who scored. Cawsey converted. The half time scores were: Austraiia 10, Southland 10. The visitors attacked .'-early in the second half and scored after three minutes of play. Austraiia hooked the baitfrom a scrum near Southland's line and Garner, -coming in to the backline from the short side, took a pass from Emery and the -winger beat the defence in a brilliant diagonal run, to score between the posts. Southland had chances when Austraiia were penalised twice in quick succession. Millar's kicks failed. The heat of the sun and pace of the game began to affect the players and the standard, of play deteriorated. A good run by Garner nearly resulted in a try to Austraiia but Harper was on hand to save. The final scores were: Austraiia 15, Southland 10. Mr. P. Galloway (Dunedin) was the referee.