Wallabies salvage a draw

Press, 22 October 1984, Page 18

Wallabies salvage a draw

NZPA-Reuter Exeter The England flyhalf, Stuart Barnes, kicked four first-half penalties on Saturday to give South and Southwest England a 12-12 draw with the Australian rugby union tourists. Barnes, helped by a strong wind, gave his side a 12-0 halftime lead, but his opposite number Mike Lynagh replied with four

penalties to salvage a draw for the Wallabies in their second tour match.. Lynagh, who kicked 10 points against London Division in the opening tour match, missed two early penalty chances and although the Australian backs showed typical flair and invention, they were unable to breach the home side’s defence. South-west stormed into Australia’s territory in the eleventh minute and Barnes put his side ahead with a 40metre penalty. Barnes began making full

use of the stiff wind to drive Australia back with towering punts. He was off target with a drop goal attempt but in the twenty-first minute he doubled South-west’s lead with a 50-metre tyBarnes then kicked two further penalties to put South-west ahead 12-0 by the thirtieth minute. The South-west number eight, Bob Hesford, was narrowly denied a try when he surged for the line after a short penalty and at this stage the Australians were under intense pressure.

The Wallabies continued to have difficulties in the, second half but Lynagh helped them claw their way back into the match with two penalties in the first 20, minutes. ■*

Two more penalties in the space of four minutes tied the match at 12-12 and it was now Australia’s turn to attack.

Barnes, against the run of play, had a chance to snatch a win for South-west in e , injury time but his 30-metre kick crossed the face of the;" posts. ’?<