Wellington Beats Taranaki, 18-13, In Fast Game

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28371, 2 September 1957, Page 8

Wellington Beats Taranaki, 18-13, In Fast Game

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. September 1. Though beaten by 18 points to 13 by Wellington yesterday, Taranaki could make a mighty bid to lift the Ranfurly Shield if granted a match against Otago later this season. Their forwards encountered a much stronger Wellington pack than that which Otago mastered and put up a very spirited showing though conceding weight. In ideal conditions and on fast ground, scoring could have been higher but for the kicking on both sides not being up to the expected standard. Wellington scored five tries to two, but failed to convert any, and also kicked one penalty goal out of seven attempts* Both Taranaki tries were converted, but the usually reliable J. Bayly kicked only one out of four attempts at penalty goals. , Wellington scored within the first three minutes, and the crowd had visions of another runaway victory as against Southland.

The 'Score certainly could have been greater than 12-5 in Wellington’s favour at half-time (four unconverted tries to one converted try) but. for the poor kicking, but Taranaki quickly dispelled any thoughts of the game being a push-over. With the forwards playing the quick bustling game for which Taranaki is noted and J. F. McCullough and R H. Brown, despite Wellington’s great advantage in possession, occasionally making some dangerous breaks, it was always a force to be reckoned with.

Actuallv it was from quick bustling of Wellington backs while they were in' possession that Taranaki scored its second converted try to make the score 12-10. Wellington then gained their fifth try. but the kick missed, and the issue was still wide open at 15-10 and more so when Bayly kicked a penalty goal to make It 15-13.

Finally from a penalty about 38 yards out I. Mac Ewan, who has developed into quite a good kicker, though unlucky on the day, kicked a A? 81, an<l Wellington held off a spirited final bid by their opponents to leave the field victors 18-13.

Injuries Taranaki had injury misfortunes. One of the wingers, T. P. O’Sullivan, went off after 30 minutes, and the half, R. J. Urbahn, just before halftime. The first made little difference, as few Taranaki rushes reached the wings. The second had some advantages, as K. Briscoe, replacing the highly-competent Urbahn. had a very good day with quick rushes and high up-and-under kicks. The outstanding players included the Taranaki front row prop, J. R. Carroll, and a flanker, B. J. O’Neill, who were very fiery in. the loose, and P. Burke took the ball with the greatest ease from line-outs. The All Black, R. H. Brown, at second five-eighths, appeared to be nursing an injured leg, but had to be watched, and his marker, M. J. Palmer, gave him little scope. For Wellington, a newcomer to the pack, F. J. Thompson, covered the ground at great speed and also tackled in deadly fashion. The right wing and former All Black. D. D. Wilson, scored two tries to bring his taHy in five games to 10 tries. If an All Black team was picked now it would be difficult not to find a place for him. In the first spell W. S. Fleming, F. J. Thompson, D. D. Wilson, and J. K. Sage scored tries. For Taranaki T. P. O’Sullivan scored, Bayly converting. In the second spell Wilson scored a try and Mac Ewan kicked a penalty goal. For Taranaki E. J. Keith scored. Bayly converted and also kicked a penalty goal.