WERE NOT IN THE HUNT

NZ Truth, Issue 1293, 18 September 1930, Page 14

WERE NOT IN THE HUNT

Strang's Men Could Not Hold Visitors From Major Union INNES SHOWS ANTICIPATION (From "N.Z. Truth's" Timaru Representative.) South Canterbury; Rugby Reps: went down to what was virtually a Canterbury B team to the tune of 25 points to 13 at Timaru, thus ending, a disappointing representative season.

IF Canterbury had fielded its best team (several of the leading players w-ere engaged m the Payne Trophy match at; Dunedin). "Truth" dreads to think what would have happened to the men from the southern end of the province. As it was the # visitors were superior m nearly every department and this; m spite of the fact that the rear division was disorganised when -Herb Lilburne, All Black five-eighths, received an injury which made it necessany for him to go to full-back, Roberts coming into centre. The first half, with Canterbury facing the disadvantages of an awkward sun, was fairly even, but m the second session the red-and-blacks fairly swept the South Canterbury men off their feet, registering 14 points as against 5. The South Canterbury forwards went fairly well m the loose, but played second fiddle to the visitors m the tight. With the Canterbury backs throwing the ball about m bright and breezy styie, trTe "neck" tacklers m the South Canterbury *back line were easy meat. In fact, weak tackling - on South Canterbury's part was perhaps the most disappointing feature of the game. The Canterbury forwards were really the deciding factor, being on top throughout. In set scrums, Hodgkinson was given the- ball with monotonous regularity, and he m turn kept the red-and-black rearguard well supplied. It was noticeable that the Canterbury ' forwards several times joined m with the backs m a passing movement. Great things have been heard of Rex King this season, but apparently he had an off day, or perhaps it was the fact that the referee watched him too closely that affected him. After Lilburne was injured, Innes was the star on the red-and-black line on attack. He was here, there

and everywhere, and was responsible for many fine openings.

He seemed to anticipate a "gap" and was through it m a flash. His linekicking was a feature also. Thompson and Brown are a pair of good wingers. Of the two Brown had the more to do, and did it well.

The South Canterbury forwards worked hard, but were beaten as a pack early m the proceedings.

- For several brief periods they gave a taste of their quality, but did not sustain their efforts. They were more successful m the line-outs, and m this department were equal to the visitors.

The home back division was only good m patches. Strang, perhaps, was the most effective with Lawson and Gaffaney next. Connolly was a better custodian than the Canterbury man, Roberts.