ALL BLACK TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 210, 3 June 1935, Page 11

ALL BLACK TRIAL

Some Bright Play at Wanganui COMBINATION WINS Northern Team Outclassed By Southerners INTEREST IN INDIVIDUALS (By Telegraph—From “Astral.”) Wanganui, June 2. Some expectations were realised and not a few were blasted in the first North island group trial played at Wanganui yesterday, in the process of the search for twenty-nine players for the All Black team which is to tour Great Britain this year. Weather conditions were perfect though a little trying for visiting players. There was an entire absence of wind and Spriggens Park, though a fine all-weather ground, was inclined to be loose-surfaced and staying powers were severely tested. Like all trial games, chief interest centred round the individual form of the players. The match itself was quite bright and the success of the Welllngton-Wairarapa team over the combined districts representing Wanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu and Horowhenua by 27 points to 11 might easily have been increased, such was the playing contrast between the two teams. The Wellington combined team included ten Wellington and five Wairarapa players, and from the commencement the players acted as a unit with the backs showing good and often brilliant form. Wanganui combined fielded a strong forward pack which worked well together, but the make-up cf the rearguard did not lend itself to blending. Faster Forwards. The combined forwards from Wellington were not so heavy as the opposition, but they had more pace, while they had a slight margin of superiority in scrummaging through the cleaner booking of Ongley. In addition, the Wellington combined forwards rucked better and in this type of play secured a never-ending supply of the ball for Sadler. With excellent service from the base of the scrum and sure handling in the five-eighth line, the Wellington combined backs were able to give the opposition an object lesson, in passing, while N. Ball, the brilliant Pcneke winger, showed his very best All Black form. In addition to the New Zealand selectors, Messrs. E. McKenzie (chairman), A. A. Adams, V. R. Meredith and W. Pearson, there were also present a number of prominent Rugby personages, in-; eluding Messrs 8. S. Dean (chairman) and W. J. Wallace, F. T. Glasgow and A. McDonald’ of the. N.e.w Zealand Rugby Onion, and Mr, Ariki Takaraugl, one of the New Zealand Maori team selectors. , . The teams were ae follow. Wellington Combined (Wellington and Wairarapa): Hull, Ongley, Leahy; ry, Butler, Trass. Laing; Stevenson ; Sadler; Langdon, Devine; Ball, btringfellow, Wright; Hemi. . • Wanganui Combined (Waiiganui-Tara-naki-Mauawatu-Horowbenua): Fustier, Fowler, ■ JHeflry,; .. Steere, Clarke'; 7 Xferwood; Gudgeon; Brown, W. Campbell; Edwards', M, Campbell, Bradley ; Collins. The Wellington combined team played against the sun. Early after the kick-off, Sadler sent the Wellington backs away from the far side of the field, near halfway, the ball going oAt to Wright, on the wing, who cut. infield, but was brought down in sight of the line. Clarke and Steere broke away from the ruck for the Wanganui combined team, but the fullback, Hemi. saved with a good line kick. Shortly after Sadler sent Langdon and Ball away, the latter being well tackled by M. Campbell after passing the fullback. Wellington was awarded a penalty, but Hemi's kick went just outside the posts. The Wanganui combined team drew- first blood. M. Campbell making the opening in the Wellington twenty-five for Bradley to cross. Collins failed to goal. Sadler received the ball from a scrum in front of the stand and came around the blind side supported by Ball. Sadler wormed bis way past three men and transferred to Ball, who passed infield to Sadler, who returned to Ball. Ball was well tackled near the corner. Wanganui were penned up in their twenty-five, but Collins kicked down the line to the Wellington full-back, where Hemi gathered the ball and kicked a beautiful field goal. Ball's Fine Run. Sadler received the ball from a scrum ind passed on to Stevenson, who threw a long pass infield over the heads of several defenders to Ball. Ball made a fine run in which he slipped out of a tackle by Edwards and touched down in the corner with M. Campbell on top of him. Hemi converted. Wellington, 1); Wanganui, 3. When the second spell commenced, Wright, the right winger, changed positions with Ball, on the left wing. A few minutes after the kick-off Wanganui was awarded a free kick, but Collins failed to goal. A few minutes later Wright sent a pass infield to Stringfellow, who centrekicked to Trass, for the latter to score under the posts. Hemi converted. Bradley and Edwards both made a promising run down the farjine for Wanganui bined, but were halted on the line by Hemi and Stringfellow. Shortly afterward from a scrum inside the Wellington twentyfive Sadler sent his backs away, Stevenson joining la the movement a« an extra centre to ecore in a handy position. Hemi converted. Sadler sent his backs away again, Langdon. Devine, Stringfellow and Stevenson handling, the latter passing to Ball, who was brought down in the corner over the line. A five-yard scrum was ordered. During the progress of this movement Stringfellow was injured when he was tackled and had to leave the field. He was replaced by Tindill. Wanganui were awarded a free kick in a good position and Collins goaled with a niep kick. Sadler, Langdon and Devine combined in a movement which saw Devine score for Hemi to convert. In subsequent play Wellington were awarded a free kick in a difficult position and Hemi goaled with ease. M. Campbell and Edwards made a spirited move for Wanganui, but the former was brought down in sight of the line. A few minutes later Gudgeon sent the Wanganui backs away and in a splendid movement Campbell raced Hemi to the corner Collins converted a difficult goal, making the final score: Wellington, 27; Wanganui, 11. Mr. A. E. Stratt (Taranaki) was referee.