Weak Defence Was Mid’s Downfall

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30529, 26 August 1964, Page 19

Weak Defence Was Mid’s Downfall

A spirited forward display by Mid-Canterbury gave it an unexpected territorial advantage throughout yesterday’s match against XV ellington. Had it not been for defensive weaknesses m the backs, the home side might have added Wellington’s scalp to that of the Australian touring side.

Wellington had an extremely tough time of it and was a little fortunate to win by 25 points (five converted tries) to 19 (three tries, two conversions and two penalties). There was never any suggestion of the Wellington side, which included four recent All Blacks, gaining any measure of permanent control, and the result was in doubt until near the finish. The ground at the Ashburton Show Grounds was in fair condition, hard and dry. A crowd of some 2500 attended the match, the first that Wellington has ever played in the Ashburton county. Forwards Magnificent The Mid-Canterbury forwards rose to the occasion magnificently. They followed up hard, had the better of loose play, were superior in the line-outs, winning 34 to Wellington’s 22 with 29 indecisive, and were only bettered in set scrums. But even here, the margin was almosts negligible. Wellington won 20 scrums, including three tight heads, to MidCanterbury’s 15. It was only in the backs that Wellington had any great advantage. They showed much more pace, if little real purpose, and their defence was much safer. The MidCanterbury backs were very weak on defence and were also inclined to wander out of position. When in possession they appeared a much better unit.

Wellington.—M. Willlment; M P. Dennehy, I. N. Uttley, T. R. Heeps; J. R. Watt, B. J. Donovan; B. A. Coulter; G. Le R. Hermansson (captain); G. C. Williams, N. H. Farnan, R. Lendrum. R. T. de Cleene; T. J. Jefferies, C. Currie, J. M. Finn. Mid-Canterbury.—A. H. Smith; P. J. Sheate, D. J. Davison, B. V. Sampson; B. J. Hawkins, A. Farrell; B. J. Molloy; M. J. Hanham; T. P. Bird, R. G. Fraser (captain), L. S. Smith, A. F. Cornelius; P. F. Prendergast, N. A. Goodwin, K. G. Doig. Coulter received a bad cut over his left eye which needed three stitches in the second

spell and was replaced by N. R. Cowley. Williams went down in a hard tackle near the end of the game and was replaced by R. E. Meadows. Malley Fine Half-back

The man of the match for Mid-Canterbury was the energetic half-back, Molloy. He was in wonderful form in spite of a head bandage protecting a severe skin wound received against the Australians and on the day was far more effective than Coulter, who was MidCanterbury’s half-back in 1959 and 1960. His service was almost faultless and be was always right up with the play. Outside him, Farrell and Hawkins had a hard time trying to contain Donovan and Watt, often with little success, although Farrell brought Donovan down several times In beautiful low tackles, stifling promising moves. Farrell was Inclined to kick too much but it was not always without good purpose. Uttley found Davidson to be no great problem. He was quicker off the mark and showed a good eye for the gap, however small. However, Davidson was given little opportunity to move and often received the ball in a bad position. IS-year-eld Impressed Among the three-quarters It was the 18-year-old Mid-Canter-bury player, Sampson, who shone on the offensive. He scored a good try after outpacing Dennehy in a race for the ball and was very effective with his centre kicks. On defence he was not quite so good; a poor tackle costing at least one try.

Willlment was caught in possession a couple of times and Smith was occasionally found out of position but there was little between them. Smith kicked a magnificent 50-yard penalty at one stage but was not as consistent as his opposite number.

The Mid-Canterbury No. 8 Hanham, played as if inspired and

was one of the best forwards on the field. He was useful in the line-outs, chased the ball hard and backed up well. Hermansson, the Wellington captain and his opposite, was also effective but spoiled this by making threatening gestures on several occasions. The Scoring The first points went to MidCanterbury after three minutes. Sampson raced Dennehy for the ball after Willlment's clearing kick had been charged down and Smith converted. A passing movement which began in mid-field ended with Heeps crossing the line In the tenth minute to open Wellington’s account. Williment converted.

was one of the best forwards on the field. He was useful in the line-outs, chased the ball hard and backed up well. Hermans son, the Wellington captain and his opposite, was also effective but spoiled this by making threatening gestures on several occasions. The Scoring The first points went to Mid Canterbury after three minutes. Sampson raced Dennehy for the

After 22 minutes Molloy's clearing kick was charged down near the Mid-Canterbury line and Finn dived over in a tackle to put Wellington ahead. Williment converted. With 10 minutes to go in the first half. Dennehy bumped off Sampson's tackle and Uttley was able to race round behind the posts to score again. Williment converted. An enormous 50-yard penalty from the sideline by Smith narrowed the margin a few minutes later.

Just before half-time, Donovan went in under the posts after a blind side move, Willlment converting, and then Hanham pounced on the ball when it came loose over the Wellington line after a spirited rush by Doig. Smith converted and at half-time Wellington led 20-13. Ten minutes after the resumption Uttley scored his second try after Williment had gone into the back-line for the first and only time. Williment converted. Mid-Canterbury replied 10 minutes later when Prendegast scored in the corner after a good run by Molloy. Smith’s kick rebounded off the posts. The final points came after 25 minutes when Wellington was penalised for not releasing the ball and Smith kicked a good penalty goal. Referee: Mr C. J. Wilson.