RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 283, 19 August 1918, Page 8

RUGBY

WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND

WIN FOR THE VISITORS

By Telejrapn.—Frees Association. Auckland, August 17. The Auckland-Wellington representative Kugby match was played at the Domain to-day in fine weather and in the presence of ten thousand people. Auckland kicked off with their backs to the snn. Following five minutes of even play, Wellington irero compelled to force. An infringement gave a free kick to Auckland, but the 6hot failed. Play was carried up to Auckland's twenty-five, where a series of scrums and .line-mils took place, and from a scrum on Hie lino a free kick was awarded to_ Wolliuston, Porter kicking a goal: Wellington, S; Auckland, 0. A movement from a line-out between Thomas and Gasparrish resulted in the latter getting over wax the corner. The kick failed: 'Wellington, 3; Auckland, 8. v;cre immediately compelled to forco twice in quick succession. Morris got the ball from the scrum inside half-way, and ran through, but was brought down near the posts. Two free kicks were atvarJjd .to Wellington. The first failed, but Porter put the second over: Wellington, 6; Auckland, 3. Wileon started u Lioveinent, put his men on side, and play went down the field. The Mil ajain came out to AVilson, who ran over at tli3 corner. M'Lean converted: Wellington, 6; Auckland, 8. From niidfield the Wellington backs started a brilliant rush, but a faulty pass iet Wilson in, and he earned play to Wellington's twenty-five. The AVellington backs soon after got in motion, and Scott scored, but the kick failed: Wellington, 9; Auckland. 8. Almost immediately the visitors carried play into Auckland's tPiritory, and Nichdlls running round the blind 6ide of the ecrum scored a tiy, which was not converted; Wellington, 12; Auckland, 8. This was the score at Ealf-tinie.

On resuming, play remained in li'idfield for some minutes, and Gasp.irrish dribbled the ball up the .field, finally gathering it up and scoring. The kick failed: Wellington, 12; Auckland, 11. Although a sharp shower fell at this stage, it did not interfere with (he play. Wellington were soon compelled io furce, and then they carried play to Auckland's twenty-five by a series of lino-kicks. In. this position they failed to fake advantage of two free kicks awarded them, and play went right down the field, where a free-kick was awarded to Auckland, M'Lean putting the ball over: AVollington, 12; Auckland, 14. Neither Mα could gain-further advantage until within ton minutes of time, when an irresistible rush by the Wellington forwards placed Auckland on the defensive in their own twenty-live. The. ball v/as handed out to Thomas, who scored rn unconverted try near the corner: 'Wellington, 15; Auckland, It. Bolh teams attacked with tho utmost vigour in the last few minutes, and close to the call of timo Porler added another try for Wellington, tho game ending. Wellington, IS; Auckland, 11.