PONEKE DEFEATS SELWYN

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 47, 25 August 1919, Page 4

PONEKE DEFEATS SELWYN

The Rugby Union'have made a -wise! step in playing a senior game at the' Athletic Park'on Saturdays as a curtainraiser to the late match, as was seen by, the large attendance at this match, which commenced early. The heavy, shower <if the morning had ftiade the grbund slippery, but, apart from.a tricky, wind blowing from the south, playing: conditions were good. Towards the beginning of the game the play was very; heavy, with consistent forward tactics, on cither side, but Poiieke, aided by ttic v.'iiul, m.niapiici !'ij kot!)i tlm ball down in fclolwyn's twenty-five, although,

they were pushed back at times by long kicks. The advantage thus gained was not used, and Poneke were always able to gain their lost ground. Poneke were scrumming well, getting the ball out repeatedly, but the back line found difficulties in their path which marred their efforts to get going. The Tilyanjg were playing neat football, and were very ably supported by Algar, who was brilliant. The centre of the field was for some time the .. scene of much scraggy play, neither team being able to break away, until'the Beds got the ball away from a scrum The leather, handled in a pretty manner, passed along the line till it was held by M'Arthur, who got over the line. Christopherson failed to convert, and the score favoured Poneke by 3to 0 This initial score seemed to give_ Poneke a better idea of their .capabilities, and shortly afterwards the same tactics were resorted to, and Algar grounded the ball neatly. The kick at goal again missed, and the score stood 6-0. The centre of the field again held the' play, but Selwyn were gradually forced down to their twenty-five and had to defend strongly to protect their line. Their tackling at this stage was noticeable, and their hard-earned reputation for effective defence was maintained. By a splendid effort Selwyn carried all before' them down field, and, owing to a breach of the rules by Poneke, were granted a free-kick on the twenty-five line. From this stage they made a hot attack on the Poneke line, but were unable to score, mainly owing to Poneke's excellent defence.

From the beginning of the second spell Poneke had the advantage, and kept the ball well down field, giving their opponents plenty of hard work to do. From a free-kick Christopherson placed the ball between the posts, making the score 9 —o in favour of Poneke. Strong attacks by Selwyn now gave them some advantage, and they held Poneke in their twenty-five territory. Marshall missed a' kick at goal given for a breach, but shortly after Twomey scored with a good kick, and made the score 9—3. More solid play An midfield followed, with Selwyn holding well. A free-kick by Twomey was fruitless, owing to the ball hitting the poet. The leather now travelled up and down the field, with. Poneke playing hard and missing several chances, the Selwyn tackling being too strong, even in extremely dangerous-looking places. Poneke managed to score again, and made the score 12-3, which was not altered at the call of time. Mr. P Paton was referee. f ■ ■ ■ .