RUGBY GAMES. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. A WIN FOR THE NORTHERNERS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 62, 11 September 1911, Page 3

RUGBY GAMES. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. A WIN FOR THE NORTHERNERS.

tn what might b« described a* ideal cricketing weather, before a crowd of 8000, which included the vice-regal party, the Auckland Rugby representatives, j holders of the Ranfurly Shield, tiiumphed over Wellington on the Ath- j letic Park on Saturday by 16 points to 9. Only one alteration was made in tho local team, Dent replacing Moffitt, who is on the injured list. Auckland- were specially reinforced, for the occasion, by Sellars and Cunningham. It was not a particularly interesting game, the forwards having control practically all the time. Wellington commenced with great, dash, and within a mimtte Dent scored, after "Ranji" Wilson had made an opening from a line-oitfr. Heartened by this success the local Vanguard played all tfver the Auckland pack, and for half an hour easily dominated the play. The ball was secured in practically every scrum, but owing to the weakness of Mitchinson, who gave hig worst display to date, the rearguard failed to drive home the attack. Several promising rushes were spoiled through the Pcneke player declining hie pasees, and it was eventually left to Dent to score a second try. The Petohe forward headed a loose rush, which badly beat the Auckland full-back and scored. Shortly afterwards. Roberts! kicked a penalty goal, and the spell ended with the score 9 points in Wellington's favour. Auckland had given such a- mediocre display in tWs spell that victory for Wellington semed assured, but there was a. different tale to tell after the interval. With everything to gain and nothing to lose Auckland took every risk, and fortune favouring them t'he'v soon established a lead. Wellington attempted cafe tactics, and for a while held their own, although. Auckland were new getting the ball in the scrums. Several passing runsi were stopped by sure collaring and then OLeaay op-ened, Auckland's scoring account with a penalty goal. Immediately afterwards the Auckland forwards took advantage of one of Mitchinson's mistak-'s. And the ball Was kicked over the Wellington line. A race ensued antt Sellars scored between -the posts, injuring himself so badly in. falling that he had to retire. Maguire filled the vacancy. O Leary easily converted. With victory slippmg from them the Wellington forward? strove desperately, but they w*Te beifij: l«b down by the barK who wer* fumbling m an unaccountable manner. Through Eveti«on wandering f>om hi* place the ball was once more sent over Wellington s line, and Bruce, following fast, scored a simple try, which O'Leary improved on. Wellington collapsed after this and Auckland overran them. Loose forward rushes continually found weak spots m the Wellington rearguard and before long one of Evenson's kicks was charged, down and W. Oeddis scored at the corner. The resultant play was all in favour of Auckland, but iaiwT no fu^ her scoring. Auckland 16, Wellington 9. Mr. C. Atkinson was refer**.