WELLINGTON WIN AGAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 142, 19 June 1933, Page 4

WELLINGTON WIN AGAIN

Giving' further evidence that they have at least gained something of the form expected of them, Wellington scored their third successive win by defeating Eastbourne at the Petone Oval by 11 points (three tries, one converted) to 6 (two penalty goals)/ Taking the field without; Page, their usual first five-eighth, who is expected to be in action again this week, Wellington were superior mainly in the forwards, the backs of neither team being able to do much owing to the unfavourable conditions. The Wellington forwards started somewhat sluggishly, but with McLean playing an inspiring game, they later became a formidable force for Eastbourne to cope with. Although they had to concede the honours to their opponents in the tight play, the Eastbourne forwards displayed plenty of dash in the open, but the opportunities • they were able to provide for the backs were not turned to the best account, largely because of the absence of Foley, their dashing ■■""•: threequarter. On the run of the play there was not'much between the two teams, but We-1 lingtoh had just sufficiently the better of matters to merit tlje five-point margin in their favour. A strong cross-wind caused play to be very largely confined _to one -side of the ground, and resulted in most of the movements being cramped, with the touch-line frequently used as an alternative to attempting passing rushes. There was little rain in the first spell, but in the second bitterly cold showers added to the difficulties of the players, and the discomfort oi the few spectators. The teams were:— Wellington: Cresswell; Ball. Diack, Pryde; Blyth, W. Smith; Kilby; Rathgen, Fell, McLean, Thornton. Howatson, Denton, Kingston, and K. S. Smith. Eastbourne: Beid; 'Walling, Fuller, Molesworth; Plank, Fleming; C'oman; J. Dellabarea, Clayton, Butterworth, Sleet, N. Dellabarca, Spence, Lamb, and Gibbons. About fifteen minutes after the start Fuller kicked a penalty goal from near the posts, and Wellington quickly replied, with a try by Rathgen following a .fine movement initiated by Kilby and.in which Rtyth, Smith, and Diiickalso participated. Wellington attacked soon.after the second< spell started. McLean crossed wide out, Diack kicking a great goal. Fuller then kicked a fine penalty goal, but a try by Diack put Wellington further ahead, and. they held their advantage to the end. Mr. G. B. Heley was the referee. . I