A NARROW VICTORY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 48, 25 August 1930, Page 14

A NARROW VICTORY

WELLINGTON BEAT AUCKLAND

In the long period of Rugby football Snatches between Auckland and Wellington, dating back to 1575, there lias been many a stirring contest, and that staged at Athletic. Park on Saturday afternoon was up with the best in the matter of keen combat. Both Auckland and Wellington had beaten the British team this season, and the meeting of the provincial sides was expected, to be one of the best, if not the best, provincial match of the year, as was the case in Auckland last season. The stage was well set, the weather being ideal, the ground in excellent «rd«r, and an attendance of about 20,000 people. For brilliant play the game waa not out of the ordinary, but ft was exceedingly strenuous, and with first one side and then the other taking the lead, with no end of incident m the many keen exchanges, the crowd -was not only kept intensely interested, but was also greatly excited. It was largely a case of Auckland's forwards against Wellington's backs. These, -were the main attacking forces, but there "was work in plenty for the other division on each side, and the manner fti which the Wellington forwards stuck i» their formidable task, and eventually won through was highly commendable. Auckland's backs were seen to better effect on defence; they evidently concentrated on stopping the opposing backs, rightly believing the Wellington rearguard to be a dangerous set o- attack. As a result 'the combined play of the backs did not figure as the principal feature of the match, but there -were occasions when rearguard action on both, sides added brightness to the game. One remarkable feature of the gam-e tras the ■ successful use'of the "dropfejek." This scoring medium has been adopted more freely of late, ana in Saturday's game three field goals wore registered, two for Wellington by Niehoils and one for Auckland by Weir. 'From start to finish the issue was in doubt, and in the concluding stages excitement was at its highest pitch as Wellington held fast to a one-point lead while Auckland mads strenuous final efforts to pull the game out of the fire. Wellington finished on as the better team, though at one stage Auckland were well placed with a 15-9 lead. Wellington won by 16 points (a converted try, two potted goals, and a penalty goal) to 13 points (three- tries, one of which was converted, and a potted goal). Most of the players on boih sides performed well. All the forwards had a hard part to play, and in the mam played it well. Wellington's hoo.cevs were put to a solid test against the Hadlcy-Palmer combination, and they did splendidly in giving tho backs plenty of ball. The best attacking back on the field was Page, playing Ms first game in Wellington as a Wellington representative. He made some brilliant runs, using his pate to such effect that he cut big holes in the Auckland defence, but rarely had any of his men right up with him. Cooke, too, was playing his first game for Wellington. PERSONNEL OF TEAMS. In both teams there was a good sprinkling of players who have represented New Zealand. Ten of the Aucklandevs, including every man in the pack; and six oi Wellington's representatives have played for Xew Zealand in Tests with oversews teams. 'l\ W. Lucas. L. Hook, M. Corner, 4 Finlayson,' W. Batty, h. Knight, A. KnWit, 'R. G. M'JVilliams, S. Hadley, and B. Palmer were the Auckland players who had represented the Dominion, and ;* E. Cooke, M. F. Nicholls, F. D. Ivilby, h G. Porter, J. D. Mackay, and H. J. M'Lean were the Wellingtons ns who had gained that distinction. R. Bush, Auckland's full-back, has represented the >ew Zealand Universities and W. Jones has appeared in Wellington previously as a Maori representative. L. K. Heazlewood, the Wellington full-back, has represented the North and South Islands, and played for New Zealand against the Maoris. JS. Ball has been on trial for New Zealand honours, and J. R.~ Page has represented the British Army and has been reserve tack for Scotland. E. Coulston and &. 'Jessup have been in trial games with a view to selecting New Zealand teams, and Pi E Diederich has represented the Uuivorsities. The teams therefore were well supplied in tho matter of talent, and were backed by considerable experience. X \V. Lucas captained Auckland and L. U. Porter was Wellington's leader. The teams were:— Auckland.-Kull back. R. Bush; threequartern. W. Jones, F. W. Lucas 1,. Hook; five-eiehths. A. Jamieson, R. Ifclam; haltback. :M. Corner; rover. F. Solomon; forwards, S. Hadley, B. Pa mcr. L. Knight, \ Knight, I\. «. M-Will.ains. A. 1-inlaj-ton. and W. Batty. Wellington .-Full-back L K. Heazlewood; three-quarters, N. Ball, A. h. Uokc, .). D. Mackay; five-eighths, J. K. Page, M F. Nicholls; half-back, T?. D. Kilby; wing forward, 0. G. Porter: forwards, E. Ooulston. E. Jessiip, H. F. M Lean A. C. M'Pherson, E. Barry, E. Reid, and K. Ji. Diederich. , (! L Weir who replaced Jamieson in the' second spell, is better known ■as a New Zealand cricket representative •Uter exchanging cheers on the held, the teams paraded before the ex-representa-tives in the stand and gave them three cheers, to which the guests oi the day made a hearty response. KEEN OPENING. ' There was early evidence of the battle being keen. Auckland, by wim.ing the •loss, had the advantage of a fair breeze and the sun at their backs. Their powerful forwards immediately set out to overcome the Wellington pack, and found tne task a difficult one. Keen titling m which the Wellington forwards hold their own. resulted in Wellington gaming possession of the ball, but speedy breaking away smothered the effort to serve the backs, and Solomon headed Auckland oil a strong loose rush. Codec's speed and <:leuii handling turned the attack, and Wellington's line of backs was next pveri a chance. Pagi: linked up well with Kilby, but the effort broke down at Nicholls. and Auckland quickly instituted another drive, in which L. Knight and Hadley were the principals. The oncoming ionvards were faced Ramely by lleuzlewood, and. a good save having been effoct«:d. Porter and Coulston led Wellington back to the right sido of half-way. It was then that the Auckland backs were given some chances, but each attempt at the open order m';) 3 ■ineffective. The forwards again took charge, and in some strenuous c iirountela" the play sec-sayed in mid-field. Kilby was always on the gui vivo and era long ho ■u-.'ts able to set the rearguard on attack. The passing was crisp, but the visitors jjad the local players well covered, a particularly keen eye being kept on Cooke, whose progress was checked as soon as ne v.7is given possession in a passing bout. Kilby's line-kicking was of advantage to Wellington, who, however, had to beat a hasty retreat when Hadley and L. Knight broke away. Knight finally kicked the ball too far. M'Thcrson and M'Lean were instrumental in taking play to near the Auckland twenty-five, where matters were again very brisk. There was inridpnt in plenty. and n real thrill came when Page, well served by Kilby, m.-idn a great dash on the-blind gfde. There was no mistake about this player having speed, and Auckland were ' fortunate in stopping him anrl smothering the efforts to gain possession of the ball when hr Hunt it infield on timling that th" iiiiij in support of him was blocked.

Wellington kept up in lively mood, only to find the opposing players hard down, on them in all attempts to break through. After Ball had boon grounded near the line there was a hut scramble for tin; j leather as it entered the goal area nndj Auckland succeeding in forcing. • j AUCKLAND'S FIRST SCORE. The position was reversed soon afterwards, Hook placing the visitors m good territory with a tine run. Heazlewqod cleared danger, though only temporarily. Auckland's backs endeavoured to press an attack home, and met with stout resistance. Corner, however, kept the Visitors well placed with a line kick j which was followed by another _stirrnu: struggle between the forwards, feolomon soon gained possession, and, finding a gap, he paved the way for a try by Palmer. This was the first successful result pi a series of vigorous advances by both sides, and it gave vise to much enthusiasm. Bush's attempt to convert was unsuccessful. Auckland ''' Wellington v This turn of events set Wellington on lively rearguard action, but when iNieholls failed to ttvasp the leather Auckland were through in a flash, only (o be held up by off-side play. There was a stoppage while Jamieson received attention from an ambulance man. On the resumption ot play Page figured in another of his speedy bursts, this time cutting a big hole in the defence. There was no one right up with him, but some of Wellington's men arrived in time to prevent Auckland making a clearance. "POT" BY NICHOLLS. A scramble ensued some little distance in front of Auckland's goal posts., aud in this Xicholls evidently scented the possibility of bringing off one ot his matchwinning kicks. He joined in, gamed possession, and let drive for four points. The ball sailed accurately, and the Nicbolls' "pot" made the crowd more excited than ever. This made the position Wellington f Auckland J Play had been in progress little more than a quarter of an hour, so that the game was young. The solid pace was renewed, and in the course of one Auckland advance Wellington were awarded another free kick. A subsequent kick by Auckland sent the ball to ''dead territory. M'Lean had been hurt, but was able to carry on. VISITORS REGAIN LEAD. Through Barry beating the '•drop-out" a scrum took place on Wellingtons twenty-five, and from this Auckland sained possession. The backs being smothered, the forwards applied pressure, and ere long Solomon was able .to whip the ball out to Hook on the blind sido. The winger ran through strongly and touched down in a position which enabled Corner to convert without difficulty. Auckland | Wellington * The visitors were now persistent with their attacks, in which there was plenty of sting, and Wellington had a hard task in stemming the onslaughts. The forwards were the chief danger, as the backs were not handling well and, in any case, were well marked. Wellington were awarded another penalty, which with saving efforts by Porter, Page, Kilby, and Heazlewood, kept Auckland just clear of the danger zone. In a serum near the Wellington twenty-five, however, a penalty kick was awarded the Northerners. Bush essayed a goal, but was unsuccessful. Kicks by Mackay, Page, and Coulston placed the home team well up, and the backs began to function again. With the opposing backs still standing up on them, Cooke employed the short kick. He followed up fast, but the ball bounced favourably for Bush, who found touch. Porter and his backs continued to throw the ball about, until Auckland's forwards broke away, the two Knights, lunlaysoii, and Solomon being conspicuous in a series of.advances. Heazlewood turned the tide on one occasion with a good rim to mid-field, and the Wellington inside backs also made good retaliation. Fast following up resulted in Lucas being caught in possession, but Solomon was on hand and cleared. The home team was now making the play, and fast, open work had Auckland m trouble. Porter aud Cooke were both stopped in the nick of time, and then .Dicdcrich made a bid to get across, the ball was sent over the line and Auckland forced. Another rally was made, and still the locals found it hard to reach the objective. Auckland were a solid force on defence as well, as on attack. Porter made another drive to. within a short distance of the line and then further pressure was applied until Auckland were given a penalty kick. PAGE BRILLIANT. The next incident of nofe was another brilliant dash by Page. He could not quite reach the line, and when Auckland knocked the ball back and forced down ,1 "drop out" was awarded. Page, was limping, though able to carry on. Another penalty kick helped Auckland to withstand "pressure which Wellington were now applying solidly. Just before half-, time Auckland engaged in v passing bout, which was started by Bush from a kick by Heazlcwood which did not find touen. Lucas, Jones, and others joined in. aim matters were looking none too well tor the local side when Hadley sent the ball on to Batty. The last-named knocked on ■ and from the s<-.r,,m Wellington gamed safety. A strenuous first spell cuded.— Auckland *? Wellington * SECOND SPELL. During the interval it was found that Jamieson was not fit to continue, and his place was taken by Weir. Soon after the .start of the spell, which, was even keener than . the first. Auckland were awarded a free-kick, and at the same tune it was seen that L. Knight was not well. The bi" forward quickly recovered, and was to'the fore with, the other visiting forwards in making early advances on Wellington's citadel. Wellington, however, were soon under way again as an i attacking force, anil a number of strong j movements carried play to near the Auckland line, where Jessup and M'Phersou were held up. Auckland averted trouble by forcing, but Cooke was instrumental in starting another attack, only to find oiioe more that the visiting backs were equal to good spoiling work. Junes was j hurt in stopping one rush, and Cornoimade some good clearances. In then j eagerness to keep the attack moving m such'a way as to find a »ip i" the defence, i Wellington threw the bull about in vim-! ous directions, but the passes were not, always crisp and well directed, aud Auckland" were able to cheek the invaders.; For a time the. Wellington ionvarcls also endeavoured to bottle their way through. The visitors eventually broke clear, and a period of keen play in neutral territory followed. EXCITING EPISODES. j When at length Page made a well-judged kick Cooke followed up fast, and was just unlucky in not being able to gather up the leather. Maokay, however, arrived on the scene, and, gaming possession he set off infield and successfully dod"cd his way through to near the posts, where he touched down. It was a surprise try and when Heazlewood converted it the crowd was wildly excited. Wellington , j> Auckland ° To this the visitors made reply with a great rush, started by A. Knight and Lucas. The ball was given a good airing, but the local players kept a good eye on Auckland's eager search for another try. Another surprise whs sprung when Wor fnnn well out in front oi the post? potled" ;i splendid soul. Auckland ■ 12 Wellington '■> Play was move exciting than ever, ami as it. proTsssrd the v.iitm-s clung tenaciously to* their trail. Wellington :i(.(V! tiers were turned, and when Auckland broke ih'ruuzli. Jfool; jroinc over near the pirets. there was a recall for a sctuin, not.

long after which Weir was unsuccessful with, another "pot." VISITORS GOING WELL. Auckland were now playing a more open game, and for a time were the main aggressors. The backs did not present so much danger as the forwards, who took a power of stopping. Wellington's defence held good, Porter, Cooke, and Kilby making some timely clearances. The visitors were by no means outplaying Wellington, who set out more determinedly than ever in efforts to regain the lead, i Page was now playing as'first five-eighth | and Nicholls second. There was no gelting through, and when Hoazlewood fumbled a kick upfield by Auckland the visitors presented further danger. Cooke saved a hot rush, and then Heazlewood stopped a further advance, but from a scrum near the lino Solomon forced his way over with a player clinging to him. Bush failed to convert. ! Auckland I."> ! I Wellington ... 'J ! This made Wellington's task even j harder. The local players had to go hard in order to win, and this they did. Down in Auckland's twenty-live there was a scrummage, and .when a player struck Porter Wellington was awarded it penalty kick. Heazlewood was successful with the kick. Auckland 15 Wellington 12 Keen and exciting play ensued, with Wellington playing their hardest. Auckland fought hard to keep the attackers off, and some of the encounters ■ were rather too spirited. After a fine kick by Cooke, Wellington inado further ground, and Porter then succeeded in forcing his way over the line. Evidently au opponent also had a hand on the ball, as a scrum was ordered. There was a hold-up through Haslam being hurt. NICHOLLS AGAIN. When the scrum went down Wellington's front-rankers, who were doing well, made sure of getting the ball, aud Kilby quickly shot it back to Nicholls, wh.i was ready for a "pot." For the third time in the game the drop-kick was successful, and it was a typical Nicholls effort, which greatly pleased Wellington's supporters. Wellington 1(} Auckland !■' It was now a case of Wellington holding tenaciously to a slender lead, and not only did, they do this, but they also showed up to better advantage on attack, especially as Auckland were still battling hard. The play was thrilling. Several attacks by Wellington were beaten off, and when Porter '•potted" unsuccessful}* Auckland forced. Wellington later also had to accept relief in a force-down. With three minutes to go there were hot exchanges, in which Wellington had the better of matters against, going close to scoring. The game, which had been exceedingly strenuous all the way, ended:— Wellington ™ Auckland 15 Mr. J. King, of T'arauaki, was the referee.