FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 4827, 23 August 1937, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SPRINGBOKS DEFEAT CANTERBURY. Christchurch, August 21. The Springboks outclassed Canterbury to-day, winning by 23 points to 8. The visitors played a brilliant attacking game which time and again overwhelmed the home side’s defence, backs, and forwards combining in one of the finest exhibitions of football seen in Canterbury for many years. Canterbury won the toss, but the sun was obscured by light clouds for a time and, as 'there was no wind to speak of, this proved no great advantage. Right from the first scrum the Springboks gave glimpses of firstclass Rugby when all the backs handled out to Lawton on the wing and he ran strongly to Canterbury’s twenty-five. There was excitement as Turner took a long shot from a penalty, but the ball was short and wide and Milliken found touch at the same spot where the kick was taken. Hooper, Pawsoii and Chinnery got some thrust into a movement which put Canterbury well on attack, but the forwards were unable to impart any drive to their work, and South Africa sent play back when the visitors’ backs sarted away in a fine fast rush. Splendid Canterbury tackling stopped them, but the movement was continued by the African forwards, whose work paved the way for the first try.

From a scrum all the inside Springbok backs handled. Babrow swerved through the defence and passed on to Hofmeyr, who handed to Lawton. The Springbok winger put on all speed to race round Nolan and score a fine try. Turner converted easily. That first try came after five minutes’ play, and it was not long before there was another addition to the score. Hooper was badly beaten for the ball in a Canterbury attack, and the South Africans broke through in an overwhelming rush, with Bastard leading the pack down to within 10 yards of the Canterbury line. From a serum Nel, Hams, Martin and Strachan all handled in brilliant combined work, which was stopped only by the most resolute tackling, but Whillans was penalised for obstruction in that movement, and Turner kicked a penalty goal from inside the twenty-five line. Canterbury’s play now improved, and there was a fair spell of even rucking. The home backs were tackling splendidly, but always getting well blacked themselves whenever an attack was attempted. Canterbury won three scrums, in succession, but that was the most notable scrummaging success for Canterbury during the whole game. One Canterbury attack saw Turner force, and for a while Canterbury really threatened the South African line. Whillans charged down a clearing kick near the side line and raced almost ’to scoring distance. 'When Canterbury were awarded a penalty for a serum infringement, McAuliffe tried a difficult shot, but the ball fell short. There was a terrific tussle in the tight when the Canterbury forwards charged down after a kick,-but,' with lightning swiftness, the South Africans swarmed down-field, and Nolan forced with Hofmeyr hanging on to him. McAuliffe 'then missed a better chance at scoring from a penalty, and shortly, after Lawton, Bastard and Martin led the Springboks clearly out of trouble. . Solid ' but un|xgif{iig rucking kept the crowd quiet for nearly a quarter of an hour until, almost on half-time, the Springboks again c-aught the Canterbury defence napping, and the backs scored with a. dashing piece of handling which led them through easily. Hofmeyr finished the movement when he passed smartly to Lawton after a clever run himself, ar.d watched the winger more or' less amble across. Turner’s kick from far out, missed, and the half-time score was: Smith Africa 11, Canterbury 0.

From the first attack in the second spell the Canterbury men lost dash and played sluggishly. Bastard, whose play was worth watching throughout the • game, assisted by van den Berg, started the next South African scoring movement from ' downfield and, backed by the rest of the pack, crashed through the Canterbury defence, Martin and Strachan ending the movement easily when Strachan Tar. right round the defence for a fine try. Turner converted. Soon after South Africa bustled the Canterbury defence. Pawson kicked instead of forcing and Harris, fielding the ball, steadied himself in open country and potted a fine goal. Canterbury’s first try was a reward for the home side’s best, attack. From a scrum almost on the line South Africa hooked cleanly but 'Whillans made an hei’oic dive through the ruck and on to the ball as it fell over the line near the posts. Nolan missed the kick.

In a few minutes South Africa was hammering at the home line again. The ball came out |rom a ruck to Lawton who dived past Eathome and over McAuliffe’s tackle to score a nice try far out. Turner missed the kick.

Canterbury increased their total by five when Chinnery, following up good work by the Canterbury forwards, scored in the corner after a short run. McAuliffe converted with a great kick. 'When the whistle blew South Africa was defending without being much troubled. The final score was: South Africa 23, Canterbury 8.