EASTBOURNE'S WIN

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 31, 6 August 1934, Page 4

EASTBOURNE'S WIN

"When it is said that Eastbourne defeated Petone by 17 points to 0 at the Petone Oval, and this statement ia supported by tho fact that the victory was well and truly deserved, little may be lett to the imagination aa to tho run of play. For such was tho case, and, moreover, it waa only the adverse conditions which deprived Eastbourne of an even- more convincing win. It was not until the second spell that tho victors really asserted their superiority, and this was evidenced in every department of the game. Up to that time there was little between the teams, and, although Eastbourne registered a score shortly before half-time sounded, Petone had been doing most of the attacking, and had held a territorial advantage The defence was sound though, and, consequently, Petone still had a clean slate on the resumption of play. From then onwards tho Eastbourne forwards practically took control of tho game, and they were ably 'supported by the bucks who, despite the igreagjj ball, handled and. cpniWiied ig gf

remarkably clever manner. On the few occasions when Petone were able to -take a hand in attack they were soon sent back by the Eastbqume full-back, who proved himself to bo: impregnable. Eastbourne were also very quick in making the most use of every jipening, and, as the conditions, were well suited to their fast forwards, who excelled in the loose, the result was that Petone were penned in their own twenty-five for the greater part of tha spell. The losers, however, gave a gamo exhibition, although they were outplayed and out-manoeuvred" in the latter stages.

The teams were:—Petouc: Pollock; Stirling, Peterson, McGurk; O'Halloran, Hudson; Coman; Bond, Suudgrcn, Sclwood, Abrim, Martin, Howe, Bcban, Carr. Eastbourne: Crisp; Fuller, Foley, Dingle; Plnuk, Fleming; Foley; Bedkobcr, Robinson, Gr.ifliths, X. Dellabarcn, Clayton, Collins, DawßCtt. J. Dellabarca.

Shortly after the commencement of play rain began to fall, and continued throughout the game.. Contrary to expectation*, however, the backs saw plenty of the ball and made few mistakes. Petone kept play in the Eastbourne quarter, and were winning the majority of the set scrums, although they did not show up so well in the loose. After a period of fairly even play Eastbourne set up a strong forward attack which terminated in J. Dellabarca opening the scoring accouut for Fuller to improve. There was no change in the position at half-time, .which was called with. Petone attacking.. Eastbourne made a wonderful recovery in the second spell, and a determined' forward rush, headed by N. Dellabarca, saw Fleming pick up to run over for a good try. Eastbourne kept up the pressure, and Plank "dummied" his way across. Fuller just missed with the kick, which was taken from a difficult angle. The Eastbourne forwards were now all over Petone, and Robinson was the next, to score. Although Petone tried gallantly to wipe off,some of. the deficit, and used every effort to keep the ball in the backs, it was all to'no avail, and shortly before the close of the game Fuller added to Eastbourne's total'by kicking a beautiful penalty from near the half-way mark. The game ended: Eastbourne 17, Petone 0. The referee was -Mr. A. Monc-e. j