WAKATU v. WESLEY.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 101, 30 April 1923, Page 5

WAKATU v. WESLEY.

Wakatu, holders of the 1922 championship, and generally recognised as Wellington's premier team, went within an ace of being defeated at Karori Park on Saturday, by such a hitherto doubtful team as Wesley. The gamt was exceeedingly fast from the outset, and Wakatu's strong defensive combination was continually routed by' the individual, but nevertheless determined, efforts of the Wesley men, whose splendid condition stood by them throughout the gruelling struggle. Wells, for Wakatu, showed some of the good form which won for him a place in the South Island representative team, and D. Hood's play was of the class which has stamped him as a leading Wellington forward. The half-back line was good, and the players combined well with the forwards, but tho fuJi-bnoks were rather weak, »nd warned to aij« their ra»la<

stay, Sherwood. Lowory was rather new to the position of full-back, as he has hitherto always played with the forwards, but he worked hard, and was very reliable. The fact that the ground was damp, and thus slowed up the ball, and the asset of - good condition, gave ■ Wesley a much' better chance of victory, ai Wakatu, being a light and fast team, show to better advantage on a dry ground. Wesley were materially aided by Philpotts, who played his usual good game, and Sutherland, a newcomer in tho forwards, was also sound and steady. Burton was excellent at full-back, and put in some very hard and useful work. Goals for the winners were scored by Wells, Toward, and D. Hood, wMle Philpotts and Sutherland each notched a goal for Wesley. Mr. Hatch refsreed.