RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 September 1938, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

RANFIIRLY SHIELD WELLINGTON’S CHALLENGE FAILS. SOUTHLAND SECURES 10—3 WIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, September 14. Southland’s Rugby representatives today successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield against Wellington. Southland won by 10 points to three, two unconverted tries and a field goal, to one unconverted try. The game was played in fine weather and before a crowd of 7,000. The ground was slippery and the players had difficulty in keeping a foothold. The conditions did not prevent the players from producing good football, however. On the contrary, they excelled themselves and the result was a bright game in which the magnificent (forward play of the Southland team rpore than offset the comparative absence of spectacular combined work by the backs. Wellington fielded a strong, well-balanced team. It put up a good showing, but was unable to finish off movements and score tries. Southland fully deserved victory as 'the forwards dominated play throughout. Wellington played well but was shaded in most departments. The visiting backs had plenty of chances but were unable to capitalise them.. Wellington scored within five minutes of the start when Purdue failed to hold the ball from a scrum. Eastwood kicked past Ballantyne and won the race for the ball. Pollock missed with the-kick. Southland’s first try was a brilliant piece of work. The ball went through the backs from the scrum on the Wellington twenty-five, and Sutherland went from second five-eighths round the outside to handle for the second time and score well out. Ballantyne missed with the kick. Grace dummied his way through for Southland’s' second try for a half-time lead of six to three. In the middle of the second half Grace received from the ruck and kicked a good field goal, making the final scores Southland 10, Wellington 3. 1 WIN FOR TARANAKI. DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY. FEILDING, September 14. Taranaki beat Manawatu by 9 points to 3 in a Rugby match at Johnston Park this afternoon. The weather was dull but fine, and the ground firm. The game lacked fire throughout and both sides gave disappointing displays. Taranaki seemed tired at the end of their southern tour, while the home team played ragged football. Too many in- | fringements marred the game. I

DRAB RUGBY WIN FOR AUCKLAND TOURISTS. WAIRARAPA BEATEN YESTERDAY. Sixty-one points were scored at Memorial Park yesterday afternoon when the touring Auckland Rugby team defeated Wairarapa 38-23. The high scoring was not flattering to either side, which from the point of view of ability were much on a par. Auckland won simply because they had sufficient speed and initiative to profit by the mistakes of their opponents. It was poor quality football, enlivened only occasionally by flashes of bright Play. s A high wind, approaching gale force at times, interfered considerably with play and also probably affected the display of the visitors somewhat. Wairarapa made full use of the wind in the first half with the result that the visitors were a tired team when they changed over. Wairarapa continued to apply the pressure and with twenty minutes to go it looked as if they might score their first win of the season. Over the final stages, however, they tailed off badl? r and Auckland came to light with a fine rally that carried them to a comfortable winning margin. In spite of the fact that they were outweighed, the Wairarapa forwards more than held their own in the tight and were definitely on top in the loose. Percy, who scored three tries and kicked a penalty goal, and Crawley compared more than favourably with anything the Auckland pack could sport.

The Auckland backs were a faster and cleverer chain than the homesters but in view of the plentiful supply of the ball they received, it was surprising that they did not score more tries. As it was, practically every try scored by the visiting backs was a “gift” one due to handling errors or poor positional play on the part of the Wairarapa backs. At first sight, the visitors' did not appear to be going flat out all the way but a closei- analysis of the run of play indicated that they were a stale team, which was badly bustled and forced into errors by the forceful tactics of the Wairarapa forwards. Wairarapa led 17-14 at the interval after holding a territorial advantage practically throughout the spell. Fortunes fluctuated in the second session but after Wairarapa had led 23-22 Auckland made a successful bid for supremacy. For Auckland Donaldson (2), Brown (2), Pearman, Martin, Brady, Drake, Flett and Lange scored tries, McLean converting one and Clarke three. Percy (3), F. Henson (2) and Brown scored for Wairarapa, while Percy kicked a penalty and O’Callaghan converted a try. Mr J. Blake was the referee.

The following is the Masterton 4th grade team to play Petone sth grade at Memorial Park on Saturday:-—Lee, McGrath, Griffin, Peers, Remine, Jones (2), Minifie, Pearson, Leigh, Dean, Oliver. Jones, Rerie, Thornton, Wickins, McHattie, Harrison, Tilyard.