RUGBY LEAGUE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 194, 30 May 1938, Page 2

RUGBY LEAGUE.

ADDINGTON BEATS RAKAIA. CHRISTCHURCH, Afay 29. At Afonica Park yesterday, • approximately 2000 people watched the game between Addington and Rakaia. The weather was perfect and the ground in good order for a spectacular game, but solid tackling and sound defence were the order of the. day. Addington was not called on to defend as stoutly as its opponents, and this no doubt was responsible for the team the better. The tall Rakaia forward, Barnard, was the best on the ground. In the backs, Young was the ideal leader for the winners, while Geddes also showed up. For Rakaia, Horgan and J. O’Connor stood out, the former putting in some brilliant individual runs. In the first spell there was some willing play among the forwards and again at the opening of the second spell, but the referee issued a general warning and thereafter the game, though hard, was cleanly fought.

Addington kicked off, and the opening exchanges were even until Buchanan picked up in midfield and shot through, but his pass went astray, ftakaia was having slightly the better of the game. Addington was penalised and Horgan kicked a good goal. Addington looked dangerous when E. Bavbarel broke away, but Horgan sent play back with a well-judged kick. However, Addington kept pegging away in the Rakaia twenty-five, but the Rakaia defence held. Buchanan then relieved the country team with a good run, but no one went with him. Horgan thrilled the crowd with a fast run, being brought down within inches of the line. Horgan potted a neat goal soon after. The Addington forwards went right through and Briggs took a pass from E. Barbarel to go over. Young failed 'with the kick. At this stage Briggs went off injured, halftime came with the score: — Rakaia ••• ••• 4 Addington J Even play marked the opening of the second half, and if anything the game was becoming too willing. 5 oung then passed out and the ball went right across to R. Barbarel, who scored at the corner. Bonniface failed with the kick. The game was being played at a rattling pace and the tackling was solid. Addington was having slightly the hotter of the play territorially, but there was not much in it. Then from a scrum close in the ball went to E. Barbarel, who shot over at the corner. Bonniface missed with the kick. Soon after Geddes made a brilliant opening before sendiing on to R. Barbarel, who went over wide out. Bonniface again failed with the kick. Addington was attacking as the final whistle sounded with the score:— Addington ... ••• 12 Rakaia ... ... 4