CENTRAL (6) V. MOUTERE (3).

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 126, 31 May 1920, Page 6

CENTRAL (6) V. MOUTERE (3).

The attendance at the Domain to witness this match was not as large as usual. The growing intensity of the winter season requires an attractive game to maintain public interest, and in this respect both teams failed. Central is a combinaton of changes, and each match finds new players wearing the white jersey. They took tho field two short, and it was not 'generally anticipated that they would be of sufficient strength to press their opponents for the greater part of the gams and emerge victorious by 6 points to 3. ..In the first spell they had the advantage of the sun and a freshening breeze, and their first score came as the result of a fine penalty goal by Day. Play had been in progress for some time before Moutere threatened any danger, and then Phillips had a very close shot at t goal from a free-kicic. Shortly afterwards R. O'Brian made a dash tor the line after a Moutere passing bout, and in the struggle which ensued the defenders were pena]liised Phillips failed with the kick at goal. Central gradually worked their way back to their opponents' territory, and this transfer was due mainly to r-he efforts of Day. Moutere were compelled to force down on several occasions, and Day had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a penalty awarded to ■Central.' Even though they attacked until the spell ended Central did not succeed in adding to thei?; score. Their play lacked connection; Day and Connolly were the only ..backs of any real service to the side, and Maher and Pinkham, and occasionally Gleeson, were responsible for the progress made by the forwards. Early in the secon-l half the Central pack set out on- an attacking movement to which no serious oppo- \ sition was offered. Mears -was prominent at one stage, and finally Malier scored. Day's kick at goal vas ineffective by a narrow margin. When play turned in favor of Moutere, Phillips and R. O'Brian attempted to open the score by kicks at goal from penalties or marks, but without success. Towards the end Moutere rushed through the Central backs and M. Neal scored a try. L. O'Brian made a good but unsuccessful kick at goal. There were no other fttieideriits of a noteworthy character. Mr M. J. O'Connor r'efereed.