RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 211, 6 August 1945, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

REPRESENTATIVE DRAW. In a sparkling, evenly contested game at Carterton on Saturday, Manawatu and Wairarapa drew, 14—all. The ground was rather heavy, but there were many siai Itling passing movements, and a large c :o\vd was treated to a high-class exhibition. Manawatu had the better of the game territorially and had the ball been dry it, is more than probable that the- clever Manawatu back-lino would have proved to bo the deciding factor. The Wairarapa backs seldom got going. The forwards worn evenly matched, but the Manawatu flight bad the shade the better nf it. Manawatu led by 11 points to 3 at half-time. They were attacking strongly at the final whistle and just failed to secure a win. After two minutes' piny a scrum was formed and Edlin sent his backs away, Stewart making a nice opening for McCJougdn to score. Todd missed with the kick. The ball becamo difficult to handle. Wairarapa evened the score when Foster, the half-back, dived over. The kick missed. Todd led the visiting forwards badk and from a scramble Jacobsen scored, Todd converting wijli a good kick. Manawatu were definitely on top for the remainder of the spell and just before halftime Nicbolls scored.

Shortly after resuming the Wairarapa backs swuntf into action and Parker crossed for an excellent, try. Wairarapa kept, up the attack and Brice centred. Couch picked the ball up at full speed and scored under the posts. Brunton converted and the scores were even. Manawatu then Had a turn and from a scrum the bail went nut to McG'>uga.n, who 6corod. Soon afterwards Manawatu were penalised and Brunton kicked. a goal, making the score 14 all. Manawatu made slrenuous efforts to secure the lead and Mercer and then Edlin just failed to reach the line. The outstanding players for Manawatu were Edlin, McGougan and Todd. It was only deadly tackling that prevented Manawatu from winning.