30-3 WIN FOR SOUTHLAND

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28929, 24 June 1959, Page 9

30-3 WIN FOR SOUTHLAND

N.Z. Universities Overwhelmed

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL. June 23. Southland overwhelmed New Zealand Universities at Rugby Park this afternoon. Three points'behind at halftime, Southland took complete charge in the second half and ran up 30 points while Universities failed to add to their score. Three or four of the Universities players were suffering from influenza, and during the game four changes were necessary because of injury. Southland scored seven tries. Three were converted by D. L. Ashby, and he also kicked a penalty goal. Southland completely reversed the form it showed against North Otago last Saturday. The rearranged scrum made all the difference. It gave a cleaner service from the smart hooking by R. O. Jackman, and the backs got away much quicker. That the backs appreciated this was apparent in the moves which gave the second half a sparkle too often missing from modern Rugby. They played the seven-back game almost to perfection, and Ashby’s timing in joining attacks showing the value of using the full complement of backs to outwit the defence. The Universities’ backs had no real counter. D. C. Leary, their full-back, not once left his position, though there were many times when he could have afforded to do so. Heavier Pack Subdued The Southland forwards deserve praise for the way they subdued a heavier pack after an even first half. None of the 7100 spectators who paid £BBO to see the game could have predicted such a change. Determined rucking, unlimited dash in the loose, and constant support of the backs marked their play, and they were going as strongly at the finish as at the start.

For enterprise, sure handling, and dash, Ashby shone. He had little to do on defence, and took advantage of this to help in the attacks which baffled Universities, Once J. Dawson settled down he was a first class half, joining much of the chain passing by doubling round and making the extra man. The Archer brothers were seen at their best. W. R. Archer helped many moves by fast passing, and W. J. Archer was formidable most times he had the ball. K. F. Laidlaw was again uncertain in his handling, but as the game progressed he improved. Outstanding Forwards

K. Fyall, J. Porteous, and A. J. Soper were outstanding in the Southland pack, which on the day measured up to the province’s best in recent years.

In the first half Universities contested the line-outs well, and M. L. Sims, D. E. Caughey, and J. B. S. Hutchinson caught the eye for good work. R. H. Graham was an expert flanker, and M. R. Dunne showed up until he was injured. The Universities backs fought a losing battle. The wings were starved, and H. C. Prain, at centre, was seldom of much service. N. J. Brown and W. A. Davies were harried too much by the Southland breakaways to make any openings. For Southland tries were scored by R. Todd (2), J. G. Allison, Ashby, Fyall, Soper, and E. z\. Gorton. Ashby converted three and kicked a penalty goal. Universities’ three points came from a penalty goal by E. S. Diack.