"POT” SECURES WIN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 121, 7 May 1934, Page 3

"POT” SECURES WIN

CELTIC BEAT HASTINGS A field goal kicked three minutes before the call of time, gave Celtic a surprise win over Hastings by 10 points to six at Nelson Park, Hastings. Tho game was full of thrills and produced some fine hard Rugby, both sets of forwards dominating the play in an exciting and fast match. Fast, loose forward rushes were prevalent in the opening stages, both Dyer and Joe King, the respective fullbacks each being called upon to get down in front ot determined packs to force. For beating the ball out of the scrum Celtic were penalised and from well outside the quarterway McNeil raised the flags with a really splendid goal.—Hastings 3, Celtic nil. With the wind in their favour Hastings held a slight advantage, though play was very even, the crowd getting very excited as the result of the brisk bustling tactics employed by both teams. Smartly reversing a hot sortie Hastings broke e'ear of the half-way where Simpson collected a cross-kick and gave a short punt for Nelson to follow-up and neatly pierce the defence. Le Quesne failed to convert. — Hastings 6, Celtic nil. Upon resumption Celtic immediately took up the offensive and carried play across the goal front. The forwards just failed to get over near the posts and Alvy Bennett was pushed into touch inches only from the corner flag. Within the next few minutes Hastings forced twice and it was not for some time that they regained neutral territory. Some neat passing by Wilson, Collett and Simpson placed Hastings on the attack and it was then Celtic's turn to do some forcing, the Hastings backs coming into prominence. The interval found Celtic out of danger and about, to assume the attack. Playing good hard Rugby Celtic secured the advantage alter the changeover and kept Hastings working hard on the defence. Tho Yellows had one brief respite when the forwards broke clear away to just fail on the touch down. Celtic came back to press hard and were penalised in front of the posts. Three points went astray a minute later when Celtic essayed a goal. Lo Qucsno gave tho crowd a thrill when ho broke away, the effort terminating in a five-yard scrum. In this Hastings were penalised and a second one against, them sent play back to neutral, territory again. .With, a good

run and a neat placement Tayjor put Celtic near the Corner flag. At this stage the wind had changed to the opposite direction and was again assisting Hastings, who were, nevertheless, finding the going hard. A penalty goal to Simon reduced the margin to Celtic 3, Hastings 6. Coming back agam the Celtic forwards attacked strongly. Following a delay at _ the quarterway they swept forward in an irresistable rush that ended in Cunningham scoring. Simon failed to improve.—Celtic 6, Hastings 6. With excitement running high Celtic returned to the fray. Strenuous play preceded Geddis landing a great field goal. This made Hastings go all out again, the backs coming into the picture once more, but without success the final count reading: Celtic 10 Hastings 6 Mr A. Kirkpatrick was referee.