RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 11, 8 October 1917, Page 7

RUGBY

AUCKLAND 20—WELLINGTON 12

By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, October (i In the Rugby match Auckland v. Wellington, played here to-day, tho home team scored 20 points to Wellington's 12, thus winning the rubber. Thore was only a fair attendance. The ground was in excellent condition ana the weather was good, though a strong breeze increased in the second half, somewhat assisting Auckland. Wellington kicked off with the wind behiud them, and tho Auckland forwards attacked for a time, but the Wellington backs retaliated until tho local mom again gained ground and looked dangerous, a i'orco resulting. Auckland secured snd carried tho ball well towards tho goal, but the AVellington forwards relieved. After a spell of mid-field play Wellington broke away, but a. free kick to Auckland took the ball into touch ■within a few yards of the goal. From the throw-out the ball went from Boucher to Badeley. to Inglis, who scored. M'Lean converted with a splendid kick. Auckland, 5; Wellington, nil. The Wellington backs broke away, Thomas carrying the ball to tho goalline, where it was fumbled. Play in midfield was fclHowed by a free kick to Auckland, which resulted in. a force down. Wellington, carried the ball to their opponents' twenty-five, where Nicholle secured and scored. Coles's kick at goal fell short. Auckland, 5; Wellington, 3. Wellington continued to attack, and Porter secured the ball and carried it down-field, where A. Thomas obtained possession, and, passing several opponents, scored. Coles's kick went outside the post. Wellington, 6; Auckland, 5. A freo kick was awarded Wellington, and Coles goaled for Wellington. Wellington, 9; Auckland, 5. The visitors kept up the attack and carried, the ball down-field and crossed the lino, Bowers scoring. The try was not converted, and half-time sounded with tho tcore: Wellington, 12; Auckland, 5. • In the second half the early stages were in Auckland's favour, but the advantage reverted to the visitors, the ball crossing the line, but it was forced. Auckland got away, and through Evident missing the ball badly looked danerous, but were forced down. Badeley was injured and had to retire, Eobinson replacing him. A combined attack, headed by Wilson, resulted' in a freo kick for the home team, and M'Lean goaled. Wellington, 12; Auckland, 8. Play now became very fast, imd tho Auckland men were seen to advantage in a combined attack. Inglis secured, and with a brilliant run passed several opponents and scored. The try w;as not converted. Auckland, 11; Wellington, 12. Tho local forwards continued to ettack, M'Lean starting a good passing rush, which resulted in a force down. From a throw-out the Auckland _ backs initiated a good passing rush, which resulted in Hobinson crossing the line. The try was not converted. Aucklaad, 14; Wellington, 12. The local attack continued, and a passing rash by the visitors' forwards was intercepted by Grierson, who, with a good run, scored from half-way. The kick at goal failed. Auckland, 17; Wellington, 12. Play was again carried to tho Wellington quarter, and Robinson scored in a melee on the line.. During, tho melee Hislop (Wellington) was injured, and had to ietiro. Wellington were attacking at tho call of time, when the score stood:— Auckland 20 • Wellington 12

TRENTHAM DEFEATS FEATHEIISTON. Representative teams from Trentham and Featherston Camps played a match in Wellington on Saturday, tho result being a ivin for Trentham by 11 points to nil. There was a fair attondaneo looking oti at tho game, which would have Been on excellent one but for tho interference of a very 6trong wind. Tho game was chiefly a forward one, and tho Trentham forwards wero- quicker on the ball than their opponents. Tho latter, however, played well, and many times looked like securing points. In the first half M'Gregor scored after a good Tun, in which ho cleverly fooled tho Featherston full-back. The try was easily con. verted by Mndden. Later on deal scored, tho second try, which was not converted. Trontham's final try was gained in the second spell. A junior match was played by Wellington and Petono, and Wellington won by 31 points to nil. Had I'etono defeated Wellington the former team would have had to meet SelwjTi to decide the championship competition. As matters stand Selwyn holds the championship. '