RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24984, 19 September 1946, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHLAND' BEATS AUSTRALIANS MARGIN OF TWO POINTS IN FAST GAME (P.A.) INVERCARGILL, September 18. In a hard fought match to-day Southland defeated the touring Australian Rugby team by 8 points to 6. With the score 8 to 3 a few minutes before time, the Australians staged a thrilling finish, Mcßride scoring a try. Livermore missed with the kick, and failed to make the ■game a draw. ' - Southland had the advantage of the wind in the first half, but it was strong enough to affect kicking throughout the game. The attendance was estimated at 8000. Southland’s first try came 15 minutes after the kick-off. Mcßae hooked from a scrum near the Australian line, and Bennett scored for Webster to convert. Southland was penalised in front of the goal, But Livermore missed an easy kick. The next points came when Webster kicked a penalty goal. Two minutes before half-time the Australians got possession in a line-out. The ball was sent back to Burke, who scored a good try. Livermore failed to convert. The half-time score was: Southland 8, Australia 3.

The second half brought plenty of action as first one team and then the dther attacked. The pace was terrific, and some of the heavier Australians began to feel the strain. Throwing the ball about in fine style the Australian backs made all the play during the last 10 minutes of the game, and were rewarded by McBride’s try. The effort came too late, however, to save the game. Referee: Mr L. C. Bryant. REFEREEING OF FIRST TEST AUSTRALIANS SATISFIED (P.A.) INVERCARGILL, Sept. 18. A denial that the management and members of the Australian Rugby team were dissatisfied with the refereeing of Mr A. Fong in the test at Dunedin on Saturday was made by the manager of the team (Dr. W. H. Ward) to-day. “Neither I nor any member, of the team was dissatisfied,” said Dr. ward. “We wish to dissociate ourselves with a statement made by an Australian Correspondent with the team that ‘the Australians were dissatisfied with the refereeing of Arthur Fong, whose mistakes cost Australia points.’ ” ,

COUNCIL OF SPORT AFFILIATION

WELLINGTON UNION’S APPEAL DISMISSED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 18. The appeal council of the New Zealand Rugby Union has dismissed an appeal by the Wellington Rugby Union against the decision of the council of the New Zealand Union that the Wellington Union must discontinue its affiliation with the Council of Sport. MALVERN SUB-UNION Seven-a-side tournament, Glentunnel, September 21, commencing at 1 p.m. Advt.