WELLINGTON WINS BY 15 TO 8 IN WINTRY CONDITIONS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 13, 7 September 1931, Page 4

WELLINGTON WINS BY 15 TO 8 IN WINTRY CONDITIONS

VISITORS AHEAD AT HALF-TIME WELLINGTON, Saturday. For the Australian Rughy team's fifth engagement .and first match in the North Island, against Wellington, at Athletie Park, the conditions at the beginning could not have been better from. the playing point of view, There j was no bright sun to affect the play1 ers, and there was a complete absenee of wind. The ground was firm and dry, so that everythihg was in order for a bright and entertaining game, and in particular a better showing by the visitors than they were able to make in the matches. in the South Island. In the Wellington "pack Shearer replaced Barry, who was ill. On taking the field the teams were introduced to the Governor-General. There was an attendanee of about 17,000. In the first few minutes Ross had a chance of opening the Australian scoring with a penalty goal, bnt he was unsuecessful. The visitors early showed they were out to- open the game at every Opportnnity, even to the extent of talcing risks on defence, but much of their work was countered - by the Wellington forwards, once they: found their feet Fifteen minutes after the start Nicholls started a move in the Wellington twenty-five. Lilburne threw out a long lob pass to Ball, and when Ball was tackled Page was handy, and topped off the movement with a try. Nicholls missed. Wellington ...... 3 , Australia ...... ......0 One of the Wallaby backs, Palmer, retired injured, and was replaeed by Primrose, Some decision of the referee, Mr. Collins, did not meet with the crowd's approval. After 30 minutes' play a smart piece of work hy. Primrose led to Towers scoring under the posts. Ross converted. Australia ...... 5 Wellington - 3 At this stage a little light rain fell. From a scrum Mackay improved Wellington's position hy forcing his way over for a try. Nicholls missed with a difficult kiek. Wellington 6 Australia 5 A little later the Australians rounded off a.brilliant piece of play with'a dashing passing run, which ended in Judd scoring. 'Ross failed, and at half-time the score was Australia 8 Wellington 6 Driving sheets of rain and hail, which the Wallabies had to face, swept aeross the ground soon after the start of the second spell, and in no time made the ground greasy. Many spectators left their plaees on the terraces in an endeavour to find shelter in the grandstand. Early in the spell Wellington added another try. A silly drop-out, tried by Australia, with a view to catching Wellington napping, played right into Wellington's hands, Page tapped the ball towards Ball, who picked it up and scored. Nicholls missed. Wellington ...... 9 Australia ...... 8 The rain had now eased off. Wellington for some time kept up a persistent attack, but failed to break through. There was some solid work among the forwards, and after one rally the referee called the players together and apparently administered a warning. Wellington now seemed definitely to have the upper hand. Making f ull use of an opportunity which came his way, Ball kicked on, and won a race for the ball. Nicholls failed with a difficult kick. A heady kick-out towards the wing, in the last few minutes, saw Ball beat Hemingway again, for his third try. Nicholls was unable to convert, and the game ended shortly afterwards. Wellington 15 x Australia 8