Clarke’s Boot Takes Sting Out Of Southland

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29931, 19 September 1962, Page 21

Clarke’s Boot Takes Sting Out Of Southland

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, September 18.

The touring Waikato Rugby team found little difficulty in beating Southland at Rugby Park today. Before 6640 spectators and in good playing conditions, the Northerners romped away to a 23-0 win. Except for the first quarter when Southland, playing with some vigour, held its own, the result was never in doubt.

The score at half-time was 6-0, made up of a penalty goal and a dropped goal by D. B. Clarke. In the second half E. F. Peacock (hooker), N. R. Blackbum (right wing) and F. O’Kane (flanker) scored tries, and Clarke kicked two more penalty goals and converted Peacock’s try. Southland was opposed by a better all-round side. The Waikato forwards gradually wore down a gallant Southland pack, which conceded weight and strength, and its backs outclassed the Southland division. The Southland backs helped to beat themselves by indecision, poor handling and a penchant for presenting a hard-won ball to the opposition. It was a big disappointment, coming so soon after the fine display given against the Australians. Changed the Trend

For the first 20 minutes Southland shared the territorial advantage, then came Clarke’s first goal, and the trend of play changed. The Northern forwards won the ball regularly and the backs showed up in their running and handling. On half-time Clarke took advantage of a smart pass back from a ruck by E. S. Pickering, and dropped a

beautiful goal from 47 yards out. In the second half, when the crowd was looking for Southland to take over, a spate of scoring in four or five minutes sealed the result. First Peacock emerged from a goal-front rush with a try, then Clarke added the conversion and scored two penalty goals within two minutes. For the remainder of the game the Northerners called the tune. The best try came when Blackburn ran away from the defence to score in the corner. O’Kane added the final points in the last seconds of play.