AUSTRALIANS TOO FAST FOR SOUTH ISLAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 September 1949, Page 3

AUSTRALIANS TOO FAST FOR SOUTH ISLAND

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day (0.C.). —With a monopoly of the ball from the set scrums and with a ground to suit their open style of play, the Australian Rugby ■ League tourists had another easy win at Athletic Park, Christchurch, on Saturday, when they defeated South Island by 38 points to 8. Retaining possession with snappy passing, the Australians produced some brilliant movements, and although South Island defended well, the result was never in doubt. With a perfect understanding, Froome and O’Connell, the inside backs, were the pivot of the fast-moving Australian backline, and they varied the attack in bewildering style. Hawke and McCoy, further out, also cut holes in the defence at times, and when the ball reached McMahon’s wing, which it did frequently, the South Island was invariably in trouble. Forwards And Backs Combine The Australian forwards fed their backs admirably and also joined in passing rushes which the South Island found difficult to counter. Hansen and Mulligan showed up in the tight, while Cowie and Rayner were prominent in the loose. South Island saw little of the ball from the scrums, but even when it did get possession, its attack lacked the dash of the Australians. There, was a lack of pace in the backline and many of the backs attempted to do too much on their own and were caught in possession. .. Haig was the South Island’s best back and worked hard with limited opportunities. Callanan’s defence was sound, but he s found the pace of the Australians too much for him. McKenzie’s display on the wing was full of merit, and he took full advantage of the limited opportunities which came his way. Menzies did some good work in the five-eighths line. In the South Island pack no player worked harder than the second-row forwards, Mcßride and Blanchard, whose defence was invaluable. Newton was in the thick of things throughout, with Atkinson showing great dash in the loose.

The teams were: — Australia.—V. Bulgin, P. McMahon, J. Graves, N. Hawke, M. McCoy, W. O’Connell, K. Froome, L. Cowie, K. Hansen, R. Rayner, J. Holland, K. Schubert, N. Mulligan South Island—J. Soster, W. McKenzie, P. Callanan, K. Henry, L. Brown, G. Menzies, J. Haig, J. Newton R. Aynsley, P. Smith, L. Blanchard, C. Mcßride, A. Atkinson. Referee: Mr G. Syme. The Scoring Australia opened the scoring when Holland broke clear and passed to Cowie who sent McManon over to run between the posts. Froome goaled. Australia were winning all the scrums and scored again when Froome caught South Island out of position. He transferred to McCoy, who went over for an easy try. Froome goaled. After two brilliant reverse passing moves Muihpan shot over alongside the posts to add to Australia’s total. Froome goaled. South Island came back and Menzies shot through the defence and sent Cahanan over under the posts tor Soster to goal. Soster dropped McMahon with a great tackle at the end of another fine back movement. South Island were getting more of the ball at this stage and after Newton and McEride had combined to take the ball down field, McKenzie received and crashed over for a fine try in the corner. Haig just reached McMahon in time to stop a certain try. The half-time score was: Australia 15, South Island g ' South Island was first to attack after the interval, and scoring opportunities to both sides were stopped by solid tackles by Atkinson of Graves and Graves of McKenzie. Australia came with a brilliant break by Froome. He connected up with McCoy, who sent Cowie away for a 40 yards run and a try. Froome goaled. Hawke was the next to break through, and Cowie was again on hand to take his pass. As McKenzie reached him Cowie handed on to McMahon, who had a clear run in. Froome goaled. Haig retired at this stage, leaving South Island one short. Australia was now right on top and Cowie was again on the spot to receive from Froome for a try under the posts. Froome again goaled. Hawke was the next scorer, after receiving an infield pass from McMahon. Froome kicked his seventh goal. The last try went to Graves after a good break by Holland Graves’ kick went just outside the posts, the final score being Australia 38, Sduth Island 8. Third Grade Team

The following West Coast third grade representative team has been selected to play Canterbury at Greymouth on Saturday next:—R. Duggan, A. Campbell J Walker, A. Boote, R. Parmenter, J Hassan, M. McLaughlin, W. Kennedy, E Henderson. D. Wiley, J. O’Connell, J. McLaughlan, F. Kilkelly. Reserves: J. Barclay. G. Watson.