RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1935, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

COAST-BULLER TEAM WIN.

WESTLAND PLAYERS DO WELL.

(Por Press Association, Copyright).

, NELSON, May 28. Thirty elect Rugby players of the Sedclon Shield districts, appeared before the four New Zealand selectors, Messrs V. R. Meredith, A. A. Adams, E. McKoneie and W. Pearson, at Trafalgar Park to-day in' an r All Black trial match. The Buller-West Coast reps, defeated Nclson-Marlborough-OSolden Bay rCps. by 18 points to 14. Each side scored four tries in an even

"a me. The teams wore:— N.-M.G;B.-Mot.—'Full-back: O’Sullivan (AI.); three-quarters, R. N. Busch (N.), R. Watson (.V.), J. MacDonald (Mfive-eighths, I). Lane (M.), 0. Lunn “Plot.); hall-back, L. McMahon (M.); forwards, D. Max, (N), F. N. McLean (X.), M. MacDonald M.), L. Max (X.), C. Lovell (M.), J. Best (M),, J. Dando (Mot.), A. Bowes (Mot). AA’est Coast-Buller: Full-back G. Gilbert (W.C.); three-quarters,. E. Holder (B.), P. Ahern (B.), Vf. Hill (B.)';.fiveeighths, J. AVest (AA T estland), J. Hooper (AA’.C.); half-back, AL Davidson (AA'estlandL: forwards, M. Uniacke (AA r . CL), G. Orman (B.), J. Buttress (B.), B. King (Westland) E Harding (B), AV.. McXeight i(A\ T .C.), 0. Robertson (B.) and AT. Scandrett (AV.C.). The referee was Air S. J., King, of

.'Wellington. Continuous rain "during the morning made conditions unfavourable. Nevertheless the handling was remarkably good, numerous movements among the backs proving spectacular. The Coast-Buller forwards were the more effective in the loose play, but the northerners gained the major possession, especially in the second half, from scrums and the rucks. Thus the northern backs were able to show them-* selves as a far better combination. All ol the tries for the winners resulted from more or less inrlivklual efforts, as against four concerted movements by the northern side.

An outstanding exposition of fullback play was given by G. Gilbert (W. C.)j whose tackling, handling and kicking were almost faultless throughout. Despite the conditions he kicked three good goals and saved his side many points by masterly defence.

M. Davidson, Coast’s half, was a tower of strength, both on attack and defence. His attractive game was topped off by a splendid solo try. Lane and Lurin (of tlie northerners) were the best of the five-eighths; the former, playing in tlv side position, making splendid openings. E. Holder (Buller) and Eusch (Nelson) were the best of the wingers. The former suffered by *a-lack' off'opportunities, but on .one occasion when there was a, sudden change in the direction of play, it gave him a chance, and ho showed a clean pair of' libels to his pursuers. • •' • Busch lived up to his reputation, invariably being dangerous, and providing some of the highlights of the game with determined running. Watson, the All vßfack. overshadowed Coast’s centre. He scored under the posts from a fine effort at the end of a back movement. All the forwards were of the rugged type. For Coast-Buller King was outstanding, the next best being Harding, Robertson and McNefght. For the northern beam, McLean performed with distinction. He was in front of practically every attack, and was ahyavs in support when others failed. D. Max and Lovell were the next prominent, forwards, while Dando proved the better rake, ..... For the Coast, tries were scored bv Hooper, Ahern, Davidson and West. Gilbert converting three. For. the northerners tries were scored by McDonald' (‘2l, Busch and AVatson, one being converted.

TEAMS FOR SATURDAY

Excelsior juniors v. School at 1.30 p.m.—Roberts, Covle, Bradley, Key, Fowler, McCarthy, Comerford, Johnson, Hanrahan, Dale, Lewis, Bruhn, Staines, Freitas, Spence and Chisolm.’ Any player unavailable please notify the captain, '

COAST TEAM EMERGENCIES

The emergencies for the West Coast team ff<i%inst Canterbury at 'G/Veyrnouth ; on Monday are as follow ■- hacks—Pfahlert Westland), Garth (G'reymonh); forwards- A. Scsndreft (Greymouth) and S. Diedriehs (Westland).