WEST COAST BEATEN

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27435, 23 August 1954, Page 12

WEST COAST BEATEN

NELSON WINS SEDDON SHIELD (From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, August 22. For the first time since 1940 Nelson won the Sedddn Shield when yesterday it beat West Coast by 12 points to 6. The match was played in ideal conditions before a crowd of about 2500. Nelson fully • deserved its success in a rugged forward game. Nelson owed its success to the fire and determination of the forwards, who worked tirelessly and in perfect unison throughout the game. They outplayed West Coast in scrums, line-outs and rucks. West Coast had won the shield comfortably from Buller only a fortnight previously. Nelson’s backs appeared the more likely line than that of the West Coast. West Coast did not play up to its usual form. The forwards’ efforts in lineouts were negative, they seldom secured the ball from set scrums or rucks, and the backs failed to combine until- well in the second spell. Nelson, however, played real matchwinning football, and keeping the ball

reasonably tight over the final 15 minutes, gave West Coast little quarter. A bright feature of the game was the two outstanding exhibitions of full-back play by L Champion (Nelson) and K. Brown (West Coast). Both were at times sorely tested.

The Nelson half-back, S. Bryant, and the first five-eighths, N. Dayman, proved tricky and elusive early in the match, and they kept the West Coast backs and forwards on their toes. The Nelson captain, R. Garguilo, led his side in grand style, and was best supported in the forwards by T. Phillips, the hooker, and R. Curnow, who worked exceptionaUy well in lineout play. The Nelson wing three-quarters, C. Saxton and J. Robinson impressed. Both defended soundly, particularly Robinson. Nelson’s points came from tries by Robinson and T. Phillips,' and Champion kicked two penalty goals from 'easy positions.

A. Lindbom showed the most thrust of the West Coast backs. The half-back, A. Caldwell, had an off-day, although he made a good beginning. None of the West Coast forwards played up to their usual standard.- T. Bird. K. Foster, G. Nelson and R. Eastgate, were the best of the forwards.

For West Coast, F. Gugich scored a try and K. Brown kicked a penalty goal. The referee was Mr G. Northcote. of Motueka.