MANAWATU WINS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 14

MANAWATU WINS

17-14 Score At Dunedin (N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, September 17. The Manawatu Rugby touring team had one of its few wins on record in the South Island when it beat Otago, 17-14, at Dunedin, on Saturday on a greasy ground with rain falling for much of the match. The home side turned on its poorest exhibition of forward play in years. The Otago pack won the scrums and line-outs, but showed no drive and cohesion, and the home backs rarely moved into the attack with any speed.

The Manawatu forwards proved a lively set, particularly in the loose where G. J. Harris and R. O’Neill were fast to get to broken play and to ha crass Otago’s inside backs.

The Manawatu backs fea-l tuned in several attractive; movements with the outstanding player of the line, J. J.’ Nicholls, the best back on the ground, and M. H. Ball, The only Otago player to win praise was the full-back, W. A. Davies, who turned on a fine exhibition on de-1 fence and also scored 11 of his team’s points. That Manawatu was not a bigger winner was largely because of his efforts. For Manawatu tries were scored Uy O'Neill, W. M. Batchelor, and Nicholls. K. Smith converted one try and kicked a goal from a penalty and the full-back, K. A. Wing, drop-kicked a goal. Davies and K. Brebner scored tries for Otago, Davies converting his own try and kicking two penalty goals. Manawatu led 11-8 at half-time.