FINE GAME AT NEWTOWN PARK

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 65, 15 September 1919, Page 4

FINE GAME AT NEWTOWN PARK

WELLINGTON AND CANTERBURY DRAW

! In the history of interprovincial footj ball there are few matches, if any., which ! have had such a remarkable result as > that played between the Wellington and j; Canterbury League representatives at f Newtown Park on Saturday, in the • presence of about 700 spectators. Al- | together, 46 points were scored, each team leaving the field with an even contribution. The game was interesting throughout, play, for the most part being fast, although in the first spell there were rather too many scrums. The final result—23 all—could not have been a, better indication of the even merits of the teams. Wellington set the ball in motion, and to a brief spell of play in their favour, the Red-and-Blacks replied with bright combined rushes, one in which Thackwell, Mitchell, Molloy, and Young paTti;- ■ cipated, resulting in the last-named drawing first blood by a good try. Mitchell converted from near the touch-line. Canterbury, 5; Wellington, nil. Further passing bouts by the Canterbury backs brought about a neat try. Fmlayson, taking a return from Wright, the visitor's full-back, madea fine run down- !

field, and, eluding the opposition, crossed' the line. Whitley added the extras. Canterbury, 5; Wellington, 5. Ensuing play found Wellington aggressive, but the defence was solid. Slight infringements and line kicking were responsible for numerous scrums, and on this account, play was mostly of a forward character Pollock was playing well behind the locals' scrum, and Morris was

! likewise at his best. A long kick by the latter.was chased by the Black forwards, and Dawe, outpacing the others in pursuit, scored. Whitley failed with all easy kick. Wellington, 8; Canterbury, 5. The local forwards continued to

press, and before long Childs and Dawe i were associated in a rush for the ball, which had been kicked towards CanterI bury's line. .As the leather passed over : the line, Dawe was about to fall onl it, when he was obstructed, and tbe referee | awarded'a try. Whitley goaled. Wellington, 13; Canterbury, 5. Esther than indulging ih combined efforts, the | Blacks continued to hold an advantage ; by kicking and following up, and on one occasion Whitley missed a certain try | by overrunning the ball. Another good I chance was lost by Dawe knocking-on. At length Mitchell set his backs in motion, and play was in Canterbury's favour A good "tackle'by Meares saved one advance, but in another attack following a scramble in Wellington's twenty-five, Thackwell made an opening for King, and the latter dived across.' Mitchell^ failed with the kick. Wellington, 13 ; Canterbury, 8. At this stage Zimmerman was compelled 'to retire-' owing to*an injury, and hV was replaced by Green^. Renewed efforts by the blacks troubled the visitors, and ended > in Canterbury being penalised, Morris placing a goal: Wellington, 15; Canterbury, §. The ' spell ended without further score. I

An interchange of kicks followed the resumption, after which Scott,and Dawe broke away, but a chance to score' was lost by off-side play. To this Canterbury replied vigorously, their backs combining well: In saving, Meares kicked across field, where Mollo,y had only to take the ball and rush over. This he did, and Mitchell goaled. Wellington 15, Canterbury 13. Another Red and Black advance was turned, and Morris indulged in a bright side-stepping exhibition. A little later Pollock gave Wellington a great opportunity, but the ball went into touch near the line. From the resultant scrum there followed a scramble, and Scott, picking up, sent the leather to Pfeffer, who scored. Whitley converted. I Wellington 20, Canterbury 13. Canterbury now made "strenuous-efforts to make up - the deficit. Wright marked from Meares's Kick, and Mitchell goaled nicely. Wellington 20, Canterbury 15. In turn each side attacked, play being fast and attractive. Eventually Whitley managed to break through 'the opposition, but Morris failed .with the kick j Wellington 23, Canterbury 15. Canterbury retaliated with more vigorous. work, fast play, in both forward and back divi- ■ sions, being the rule. Ths Canterbury backs, combining, well, became danger- | ons, and finally Mitchell obtained, a i?ood try, which ho converted. Wellington 23, Canterbury 20. - The visitors continued to press, and at one. stage, when Innlayson had taken the ball and looked like improving the Blacks' position, but was brought back owing to a mistake in a call for a mark, a scrum proved of benefit to the Red and Blacks. Their backs got away, and from a brief scramble near the line Mitchell dived over, equalising the scores. The kick failed. The-final stages were keenly■ contested and exciting," but neither. sid« could gain the winning points, the game ending in a draw : Wellington ...■ .„.. 23 Canterbury ,„ 23 Mr. A. House was the referee. '>