FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4461, 5 June 1930, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE. jo £ 5 . w a « § “ g » “ j; E & j fl <-> Otaki (i (> I) (l -hi 22 12 Wnn-

RRITAIN DEFEATED. WELLINGTON'S YTOToRY. Over 30,000 people witnessed the British Rugby team suffer its first defeat on the tour at Wellington on Tuesday when Wellington won the game at Athletic Park by 12 points (a potted goal, a converted try and a penalty goal) to 8 points (a run verted try and u penally goal). Wellington won ihe toss and Aarvold kicked off for Britain. There was a thrill right from the start as Bassett fumbled (lie lirsi kie|< ainl was caught before be could recover. However, Britain’s forwards were quick in packing round and pushed their way clear. .McLean, Barry and Purler were prominent in a rush by the Wellington forwards that was not stopped until Britain’s twenty-five was reached. Aarvold made full use of an opening and was not pulled up until he was close to Wellington's line. Here Wellington was penalised hut Black missed Ihe kick at goal. When play resumed Spong made a splendid opening and Morley completed a fine piece of play by scoring well out. Prentice converted and eight minutes from the start the score was: Britain s—Wellingtons—Wellington I). Then there was a spell of fierce forward play on the visitor's line. The ball was twice given to (he Wellington rearguard but Iwe good openings were spoiled through overeagerness and play was taken to halfway. There was a period of hard, exciting play hv the forwards, ending in a penally to Britain. However, Spong did not find the line. Porter, who get the hall, quickly manoeuvred for position, look his lime and landed a splendid field goal amid with enthusiasm. Britain s—Wellington 4.

Spong sold the ‘‘dummy” to Nieholls, only to be brought down when .Johnston brought oil a flying- tackle. In a scrummage on the balf-wav line Ivor .Jones got offside, lleazlewood took a kick at goal from two yards outside half-way and succeeded with a wonderful kirk, putting the home side two points ahead, 7 —5. A vigorous attack by the British forwards was stopped by Nu-holls. With the ball at his toe, McLean got to Britain's twenty-live, where lie picked up and cross-kicked. Jessup secured and McPherson went over near the corner. It was a. splendid try, the result of a line piece of opportunism on Ihe part of McLean and Jessup. Tfeazlewood converted and Wellington was seven points ahead, the score being: Wellington 1.2 — : Britain 5. Britain attacked strongly, but the position was unchanged at halftime.

After llu> spell and following a scrum on Wellington's twenty-five, what seemed n certain score for Ihe visitors was missed when Aarvobl cnl in instead of passing, and was smothered by Heazlewood. A dangerous situation was cleared when Kilby pill in a quick kick I" touch. Bassett was responsible for Iwo line saves when first Porter and then .lolinsoii and N'icliolls broke through. The tackling on both sides was sure and determined. Prentice distinguished himself by drop-kick-ing to find touch in the corner, and in the ensuing scrummaging Wellington was penalised. Prentice took the kick and sent the ball accural civ over I lie. cross-bar. Wellington 12 —Britain 8. With 20 minutes In play and only four points difference Britain’s chances looked good, bn! the Wellington forwards came to light with a bustling attack in which McLean and Peck were prominent. I’lay swung up and down the. field. The game was still being played at the same rattling pace set from the kick-off, and excitement, grew intense as the Wellington men fully extended the British defence. As the final whistle went, there was no restraining the excited and enthusiastic spectators, who swarmed on the field and “chaired” the Wellington men off. Cheering for both the victors and defeated ended one.-of the most exciting games played on Athletic Park. The referee was Mr. W. B. Fuller, of Canterbury.

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