TARANAKI v. SOUTHLAND

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 28, 2 August 1923, Page 11

TARANAKI v. SOUTHLAND

YIOTToS^ItI* TEE

(BY mEqRAPH.-~PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

HAWERA. Ist August. About three thousand people watched the Rugby match, Taranaki v. Southland, played to-day in tine weather. The game was patchy, both sides showing flashes of good play, but frequently spoilt by mediocrity. • Taranaki, who kicked off, had the advantage of the breeze, and attacked for most of the. first spell, but the defence o\ the Southland-backs was good After a spell of eveh play, Taranaki took the bail into Southland territory, where from a scrum the ball reached Matene, who sent to Brown, to Hart, who scored Brown s kick failed. Southland retaliated wjth strong forward rushes; but were kept out, the apell ending: Taranaki 3, Southland 0.

Early in the second spell, Southland fad a chance, Bell cutting in and making an opening for Hazlett, who crossed laranaki's line, but was held up by Warns. The pressure continued until Brown relieved Taranaki with a good Kick. Play went to the Southland area where from a scrum Berg securod and sent to Brown, to Ennis, who scored laranaki s second try. It was not converted. Southland looked promising when Blick came through and passed to Agnew to Fraser, but the latter lost the ball. laranaki were still pinned down till Cameron relieved temporarily I Southland returned to the attack, good play by Shand and Agnew ending in the latter being pushed into touch-in-goal Success came later, Beil receiving in a handy position, and getting over. The try was not converted. Play continued patchy, the Southland pack having rather the better of matters, but failing to drive their attacks home. The Taranaki backs showed up at times, but the passing was weak and careless.

Richardson, Fraser. and Blick among the forwards, and Bell, Hazlett and Shaiid (backs) were prominent for Southland, while West, Cameron, Ennis, Hart Jirown, Johnson, and Kivell showed the best form for Taranaki. The Southland team were not at their best, owing to coWs, while some members were feeling the strain of the tour