ATHLETIC DEFEAT SELWYN

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10615, 14 June 1920, Page 6

ATHLETIC DEFEAT SELWYN

A KEENLY CONTESTED GAME. Athletic met and defeated ■ Sclwyn by fourteen points to six at the Athletic Park. It was an ideal day for football, but unfortunate]v the ground was very heavy, and not favourable to a good exposition of tho code. Nevertheless, it was a decidedly interesting contest; one that at. times moved the spectators—there were about 6000 present—to great enthusiasm. Of the two teams, Selwyn appeared to be tho more popular, but undoubtedly this was due to the fact that it was putting up a sterling fight against a superior fifteen. This is characteristic of the greens. At one stage of the game on Saturday it really looked as though they were going to effecet a surprise. That was at the conclusion of the first spell, when the scores were, Selwyn 3. Athletic nil. But it was not to be. Shortly after the opening of the second half, Roberts evened with a beautiful goal from a penalty kick, and then a try was scored. The reverse moved Selwyn to greater efforts, with the result that Murphy again placed the sidea on level terms with a goal from nearly half-way. The enthusiasm of the onlookers was inbounded, and Murphy, always a popular figure, was widely cheered for his effort. However, Athletic was not to be denied, and the backs getting to work, in brilliant style, considering the conditions, quickly placed thfc issue beyond doubt with two tries, one of which was converted. CLOSELY CONTESTED SPELL.

Of the play in the first half little (an be said, because it was essentially a forward scramble. Players found it difficult o maintain a foothold on the greasy ground just as they did to accept passes. Selwyn attacked strongly from the’ kickoff. Burke, Smith, Shearer, and do Clifton leading rush after rush, but they could not get over. Teddy Roberts relieved with a timely kick to the line, and for a time the blues looked dangerous, but although the forwards hooked the ball out to the backs several promising movements were negatived by players being unable to hold the greasy ball. Flack secured the leather, and after racing up field for a distance he punted; and play was removed to the blues territory. The greens kept up a strong attack, and just on the call of time, Burke forced bis way over at the corner and scored first blood for his side. Murphy failed with the kick. Selwyn 3, Athletic nil. ATHLETIC’S NARROW WIN. From tho kick-off Athletic attacked, Wilson, Paton, and Ryan, leading a rush into the Selwyn twenty-five. Flaok lelievcd with a kick, but it was only momentary, for Thomas returned, and the greens were again placed on the defensive, Murphy, who was playing a great game, being called on to save repeatedly. At this stage. Athletic was awarded a free-kick, and Teddy Roberts did the needful; Athletic 3, Selwyn 3. Athletic continued to attack, and from a scramble near tho green’s line, Roberta secured the ball and passed to Adams, who scored. Roberts’s attempt to convert was a failure; Athletic 6, Selwyn 3.

Selwyn now took a turn on the offensive. the forwards, ably assisted by Flack, Webber, and Murpbv pinning the blues in* their own territory. In. a scrambling movement directly opposite the goal posts, an Athletic player infringed tho rules, and a free-kick was awarded to Selwyn. Murphy took it and placed tho sides even; Athletic 6, Selwyn 6.

The reverse spurred tho blues to greater keenness, with the result that they really outclassed Sclwyn for the rest of the game. The backs came to light with. a vengeance, and the spectators were treated to some pretty passing bouts between Roberts, Anton, Jackson, and Scott. From a mix-up in front of tho Selwyn posts, Roberts secured, and sent the ball to Anton, to McCabe, who got over. Roberts failed with tho kick. Athletic 9, Sclwyn 6. The blues continued to force matters, and on co, a gain Roberts broke away and raced to within twenty yards of the line, when ho transferred to McCabe, who was unlucky, being pushed out right at the corner. From tho throw-out, the Selwyn forwards managed to rush play down field, but Roberts initiated another movement, a passing bout between Anton, Jackson, and Scott ending in Adams scoring. Hugh converted; Athletic 14. Selwyn 6. The blues continued to attack, but without further score, until the call of time. ~ , Mr R.. T. Bailey was the referee.