S.I. youngsters win narrowly

Press, 22 September 1980, Page 17

S.I. youngsters win narrowly

PA Wellington Sustained North Island pressure in the last 20min failed to give it a win in the annual under-16 inter-island rugby match .at Athletic Park, Wellington, on Saturday.

The South defence held firm against a succession of 5m scrums to win, 12-9, after trailing 9-0, at halftime. North failed to take full ahvantage. of the strong northerly wind at its back in the first half and could score only one try after 13min, through the hooker, Tony Flay, after good work by the No. 8, Emos Koloto. South quickly levelled at

9-9, mainly through the efforts of the replacement fullback, Greg Newman, of Canterbury. After Bmin a penalty attempt by him hit the upright but bounced infield where the winger, Gary Hall, snapped it up to score. His conversion and two penlalties put South ahead, 12-9, after 17min. North threw everything at the South line in an effort to regain the lead but could not break through. For ■ South, Gary Hall scored a try and Newman kicked a conversion and two penalties. For North, a try by Tony Flay converted by Hugh Pirrit, who also kicked a penalty: