RUGBY.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 181, 2 August 1920, Page 3

RUGBY.

TOWN v. COUNTRY.

LOCAL COMBINATION MUCP SUPERIOR.

Rugby football has entered very much into the life of the community lately, and street-comer interest as well as attendance at the various important fixtures is now up to prewar standards. The gathering at the Town v. Country match on the Domain on Saturday was an evidence of the influence which Rugby exercises in this district. The barriers were well lined with spectators, and a large number of motor-cars served as convenient vantage point, to many enthusiasts. The game had been arranged to give the selectors ot the representative team an opportunity of witnessing the pick of the senior players in action together and thus allowing them to compare notes as to the respective merits of different men. In past years the trial matches have ended tamely, but Saturday's fixture was a really live affair. It captured public interest to no mean extent, and the spectators were frequently moved to enthusiastic applause. It was as bright a game as has been seen this season, and the combination shown by the town backs was quite refreshing after the ordinary displays that we have become accustomed' to. When the teams were originally selected there was a solid measure of support of the prospects of the country team, aiid as several emergencies were ultimately pressed into service for the town combination the country following became greater. Town, however, were much superior to their opponents; their forwards more than held their own, and this advantage was supported by effective work by the backs. If the same standard of back play can be maintained in representative matches, particularly on. the Coast tour, the Marlborough team could do itself credit. The first spell had not been long in progress when town began to assert themselves. Connolly and Day indulged in a bright passing movement, which gave their side the advantage of position, and Country being penalised King opened the scoring account by placing a splendid goal against the wind. Town maintained the pressure and made several attempts to score. King just failed in another kick at goal from a penalty. Following this, Country moved into their opponents' 25, and R-. O'Brian had two unsuccessful attempts at goals from marks. Tlie latter kick was received by King:, who sent the ball down the field. Fast following up by the Town forwards prevented a return by the Country backs, and Pinkham made an opening which developed into a passing bout, in which Maitlaaid, Gleeson, Connolly, and King participated. The last-mentioned flung himself over the line and scored, but his kick at goal was unsuccessful.

Country showed up more prominently in the early part of the second spell. Phillips made a dash along the line, and from a line-out the Country forwards pressed into the scoring area, Gunn registering n, try. Fitzgerald failed to convert.—Town 6, Country 3. Town hooked the ball from a scrum following the kickout, and Dance, King, Day, and Connolly were prominent in an attractive passing rush, which was checked just before maturing. Fine line-kicking by L. O'Brian placed Country in a favorable position, and after McHale had broken through several of the opposing backs R. O'Brian just failed to equalise the scores through being forced into touch in goal. Country continued the attack. but Gleeson came through with a fast run and kicked, a force-down resulting. A revival of the Town attack soon bore fruit. King placed his backs in an advantageous position from a line-out and Gleeson scored, Day converting.— Town 11, Country 3. Town backs again handled the ball reliably and Gleeson scored his second try. Day's:kick at goal was unsuccessful. Another bout of passing among tho Town'backs yielded a further score, M. O'Brien touching down. The try was not converted, and the game ended: Town 17, Country 3.

Mr P. Hannan refereed