AN EIGHT-POINTS WIN.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 127, 3 June 1929, Page 3

AN EIGHT-POINTS WIN.

Although Eastbourne have gained only one win, teams that have met the Bay players this season have found them capable cf providing a very keen contest. They did against Athletic on the Bastbourne ground. Eastbourne lost by 8 points, but Athletic had to fight hard all the way for their win. At the end of the first spell the teams were on level terms, 5 points all, but in the second half to Eastbourne's penalty goal, Athletic added 11 points—a converted try and two unconverted tries. The teams were:— Athletic—Heazlewood; E. Cookson, Pelham, Chetwin; Keenan, L. Cookson; Hartwell; Porter; Persson, Adam, Watson, West, Berry, Pope, Fraser. Eastbourne.—J. Mori; Ferguson. N. Foley, Dinnis; J. Dellabarca, L. Foley; Martin; Collins; Price, O'Connor, Culliniore, Eeed, Read, Morrow, Neal. Playing with the sun in their eyes, Athletic attacked from the kick off, Eastbourne having to force. Eastbourne then came down the field, and for an Athletic scrum infringement gained a penalty kick, but N. Foley, although he made a good attempt, failed with his shot at goal. The Athletic forwards showed up in a strong rush, which carried play to the Eastbourne line, and Mori had to force to save the situation. With the ball in play again, Eastbourne, in a fine loose drive, worried Athletic, and but for over-eagerness possibly would have scored. There followed the brightest incident in the game. From a scrum at half-way, the Athletic backs swung into action, but N. Foley brilliantly intercepted a pass and shot (or the line. He wag overhauled just short of the line, but there was good support from other members of the team, and finally Ferguson dashed over for a try under the posts. N. Foley converted and Eastbourne were 5 points up. The pace j was on, and Eastbourne were doing well.' i A smart attack by Athletic was followed by a free kick for them, but Heazlewood was unable to turn it to advantage. The Athletic backs then moved nicely, the ball travelling out to Chetwin, who, however, was pulled down before he could cross. Eastbourne were on the defensive. From some loose play Athletic scored, Berry going over for a try, which Heazlewood converted. To this Eastbourne replied with a solid attack, and twice in succession narrowly missed scoring. Taking the ball from a clearing kick by Heazlewood, Martin tried a "pot" from well out, but the ball just dropped under the posts. Before the end of the spell Athletic gained another penalty kick, but Heazlewood, although again making a good effort, failed to goal. Eastbourne had played a bustling game, and had effectively smothered many of Athletie's attacking movements, but territorially Athletic had had the better of the play. Play see-sawed at the beginning of the second spell, after which Athletic broke clear, and Porter paved the way for a try by Chetwin. Heazlewood converted with a great kick. Athletic 10, Eastbourne 5. There was an alteration in the composition of the Athletic backs Keenan had retired injured, and had been replaced by Bingham. Pelham had moved in to first | five-eighths alongside Bingham, - with L. Cooksou as the "centre." Play was keen and further efforts to score by Athletic were well countered. After Eastbourne had had a turn on attack, the Athletic backs, got possession and a bout of passing ended in L. Cookson scoring. Heazlewood missed the kick at goal. Athletic 13, Eastbourne 5. It was not long before another try was added. Porter opened up the play and sent the backs away, but their progress was checked. Some solid play followed near the Eastbourne line, and from this West fought his way over for a try. Thei-e was no conversion. In the last few minutes Eastbourne appeared to have tired, but they rallied and made a final effort. For off-side play just before the end' Athletic were penalised, and N. Foley landed a goal, making the final score Athletic 16, Eastbourne 8. Mr. G. Eathbone was the referee.