RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 28 November 1927, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WARATAHS DEFEAT WALES FURIOUSLY FAST GAME. WALES STANDS UP WELL. London, Nov. 27. The Waratahs’ thoroughness in their second international victory, in which they beat Wales by 18 to 8, left no room for doubt as to their success against Ireland. The game was furiously fought, fast and interesting throughout, but the Waratahs were definitely superior in back play, There was a remarkable improvement, due to Wallace playing left wing instead of Bowers, and King replacing Towers at centre. Weak handling, whereby they previously lost many points, was conspicuously absent. The forwards retained their fiery, hard-working brilliancy. It was notable, though, that Wales got an equal share of the ball from the serums. The visiting backs were sufficiently strong in defensive work to counter this. There were 35,000 spectators. The conditions were good. Play at the start was fast and exciting the ball swinging from end to end. A fine dash by Jack Ford ended in Wallace scoring a brilliant try and Lawton converting. Lewis then started a forward rush tor the home team, wherefrom Roberts scored an unconverted try. At half-time the scores were 5 to 3. The tourists dashingly opened the second half with a series of rapid movements, wherefrom Sheehan scored, Lawton adding the extra points. Uncertain handling, which was Wales’ worst fault, spoiled a great oppor tunity, Roy Jones dropping the ball after crossing the line. Sheehan, who was a guiding spirit, added two startling tries inside of two minutes. He cross-kicked to Eric Ford, who gathered at top speed, King taking a perfect inside transfer and scoring between the posts Lawton converted. Sheehan again kicked up field, Wallace, sprinting, got possession and scored in the corner. Lawton's kick hit the crossbar. Wales now had a full share of the ball and pressed hard, Lewis scoring and Reees converting just before the finish. The result was justified and accurately showed tile difference in the teams. Wales sadly missed the Cambridgeite, Rowe Harding, the tlireequarters lacking pace and comoination. The forwards held their <wn in the line-outs.—(A. and N.Z.) The Waratahs teams was:—Ross, E. Fori', Wallace, Sheehan, King, Lawton, Meagher, Woods, Blackwood, Judd, Finlay, Storey, Brackenridge,' J. Ford, A. Tancred.