NEARLY OVER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 30, 4 August 1939, Page 7

NEARLY OVER

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP,

TOMORROW'S EVENTS

Wellington's defeat by Athletic served to quicken interest in the Wellington senior first division Rugby championship, and where the leading team was on the point of establishing itself in an unassailable position it now faces tomorrow's engagement requiring a championship point to gain security. The leaders are set no light task in meeting Petone, whose form last Saturday was more convincing than in previous matches. A win for Petone would reduce Wellington's lead to one point, and this fact will serve to cause both teams to do their very best tomorrow at Athletic Park. Competition points are: Wellington 23, Petone 20, Athletic 20, Johnsonville 16, Marist Bros. 0.8. 16, Poneke 15.

The Wellington team tomorrow will be back to full strength, those players who have been out of the team of late through injuries being ready to resume, and the regular half will also be back in his place. With Thompson, Veitch, and Fulton as insides the Wellington backs should set up plenty of pace, and in carrying on the wings, Sherratt and Cockrane, will not be lacking. Petone, too, are back to normal strength, and with O'Halloran to support the expected good service from Lambburn there should be plenty of play for Pollock, Knowles, and company. Back and forward the teams should provide a great contest. . Athletic are still in the running and their match with Johnsonville should be a very stirring curtain-raiser to the Wellington-Petone encounter. In having all these teams on Athletic Park the Rugby Union is affording patrons the opportunity of enjoying one of the best football afternoons of the season.