SOUTHLAND'S SUCCESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20033, 4 September 1939, Page 11

SOUTHLAND'S SUCCESS

CANTERBURY UNLUCKY MARGIN OF TWO POINTS (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Southland beat Canterbury by 10 points to 8 in a representative Rugby match at Lancaster Park on Saturday afternoon. Canterbury was perhaps unlucky in that the team scored more tries than Southland. Canterbury crossed Southland’s line twice and was the first team this season to score a try against the Ranfurly Shield holders. Southland’s pack was held throughout by the Canterbury forwards, who showed great dash, and the southerners’ back line was bottled up by the consistent tackling of ’the Canterbury men. Close to the scrum, Southland’s backs were dangerous and Saxton and Grace were a constant menace to Canterbury. Early m the game Mahoney was away for Southland, but Roberts stopped him with a magnificent flying tackle. Southland’s first try came soon afterwards, however, when Saxton shot a long pass to Grace, who beat two defenders before passing to Mahoney, who scored. The scores were evened when Hunter snapped up a rolling ball and made a brilliant burst down the centre of the field, drew the Southland full-back and passed to Roberts for the winger to score.

Before long Grace potted a goai from 30 yards out. Then McAuliffe, from a scrum near the Southland line, dashed round the blind side and scored. Ballantyne converted, making the half-time score: Canterbury 8. Southland 7, Southland attacked strongly, and for a long time Canterbury was bottled up and had to defend strenuously. Canterbury was penalised and Wesney put over a good goal. First Canterbury and then Southland came within an ace of scoring, but the game ended with the score still Southland 10, Canterbury 8.