RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 239, 3 July 1919, Page 6

RUGBY

WELLINGTON 8, TARANAKI 5. B7 Telezranii-—l're?!! Association... Hawera, My 5. Tim Wellington representatives defeated Taranaki to-day after a strenuous game by 8 points to 5. The weather was threatening at the start. Heavy, rain squalls in the second spell spoilt the Wellington passing, and robbed the match of considerable interest. Wellington won the toss and played with the wind. Taranaki kicked off, and Wellington immediately invaded their opponents' territory. Good passing 6a\v them attacking strongly,, Lynskey and Atkins repelling them by good kicking. Taranaki at-' tacked, but the good defence of Thomas and Corner relieved the position until the Taranaki forwards returned with a great dribbling. rulsh. Then from a scrum the ball went, out to Jackson, Thomas, Algar, the last-named player being well collared by Cameron. Short]' after Wellington rushed down again, nn& Malone'6 kick was spoilt and the for wards rushed to the line, where Jack eon snapped up and dashed across. Mali goaled. Wellington 5, Taranaki nil. A' ter the kick-out, Gibson, by a fine piec of play, took the ball .near the Wollinj ton line, but Wellington retaliated anc invaded the Taranaki territory. Malon failed to field the ball, which went out close to Taranaki's line. Following tin throw-in, there was passing between Til yard, Paton, and Thomas, and just ai the line, to Algar, who 6cored an e«cy try. The lack failed. Wellington S, Taranaki nil. From this on to halftime play went up and down the field. The opening of the second epell saw Taranaki forced as the result of a great forward loose rush. Taranaki retaliated and attacked strongly, all the forwards putting in good work, and keeping up the pressure. At length Fuller picked up from a loose rush and got across. The kick at goal was successful. Wellington 8, Taranaki 5. Spurred on by their success, Taranaki made prodigious efforts to score, and play was fast and keen. The wet ball and" heavy ground spoilt combined back play, but the Wellington backs wore handling the leather capitalI ly, and got on some nice passing rushes, I but they were resultless. There was j great excitement as play worked up and I down the field, both sides exerting every effort to win. Wellington narrowly escaped having their line crossed on several occasions, and part of the time were penned on the line. Towards the end they attacked strongly and almost scored another trv, the ball going out. When 'the whistle mew Wellington were leading with a margin of three points. Mr, .A. P. Neilson was referee.