SPONG AND CO. PILE UP 23 POINTS IN LAST 15 MINUTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7241, 12 June 1930, Page 7

SPONG AND CO. PILE UP 23 POINTS IN LAST 15 MINUTES

To Beat Coasters 34-11 JONES-DAVIES STKEAKS OVER THREE TIMES x l -/or Press Association. GREYMOUTH, Last Night.

An interesting and for tlio greater part an oven gamo between Britain and tho Coast-Bullcr combined team was witnessed on a damp field in fine weather by 5000 people. Tho visitors won by 3-1 to 11, compiling two-thirds of their points in tho final quarter, till when the scores were equal Tho locals played well up till then, their forwards being superior in the loose to tho Britishers, who, however, had most of the ball, their backs very frequently advancing in line which -was broken only by good tackling. The British pack’s objective was to give Spong the ball and ho piloted attacks wflick made full use of the opportunities only in the final stages as the movements previously broko down often through faulty handling by the outside men. ,

Tho visiting backs changed places several times, but tho tido was only definitely turned when Jones-Davies went up from full-back to wing and gained three tries iu quick succession when the local men were tiring. Tho homo backs • without getting many attacking chances essayed these only individually, failing mostly by lack of cohesion. . The visitors were plainly anxious when the scores -were eleven all well into tho second spell. Out of over a dozen penalty kicks the Coasters were allowed but three, one being goaled. The most creditable tries were probably the two which Morley gained by’ dashes in the first spell, while Wilkinson gained two later by keeping well up with tho backs, ho being the outstanding British forward. The teams were as telegrajjhcd except that Martyn replaced King for the locals. The wind blew across field. Combined kicking off the visitors made several passing runs, Novis being once grassed by Kong just in timo. Prentice missed with a penalty shot. The combinc-ds then penned tho Britishers whom a penalty relieved. Spong started tho backs in a pretty movement, Wilkinson also getting in line but losing possession. Graham, the local full back, later threw Novis out at the corner. Then tho Combined forwards led by McKnight, Freitas and Goodull outplayed tho opposition in tho tight and put them on the defensive, but from the liucout Spong passed to Murray who sent Morley away to dash over at tho corner.

A- dash by Jamieson took him near scoring, nobody backing up. Combined pressed and Jones-Davies’ kick hit an opponent near the line. Fong secured and sent McCabe away- to give McNeight a pass and be scored. Tho British backs immediately attacked from tho lincout, Merely with fine dash getting over to score in the corner. Other similar attacks saw Novis forced out and then Morley fumbled a pass. Even play ensued till half time when tho score was Britain ® Combined ° Not long after resuming Jones-Davies went to the wing, Poole who had been hurt going full back while Spong and Murray were scrum and fly halves respectively. The homesters opened the attack, Jamieson making a 60 yard run and nearly reaching the line. However a handy penalty saw Martyn equalise the scores with a goal. Combined • • • • Britain - • ®

Tho same player broke away soon after to Po'ole and the Britishers were penned right on the lino for some time with a scries of scrums, Davidson, the half back, very nearly getting over twice. A penalty relieved and tho British backs passed nicely till Knowles missed tho ball. A good centre by Poolo however saw Novis secure and pass to Wilkinson with the opposition out of place and ho scored easily, Parker converting. Britain .. - * Combined ® The visitors’ lead was short-lived as the homo forwards made a determined rush in which Goodall dribbled well, enabling McNeight to secure and notch his second try which Martyn converted. Combined .. ' Britain

Parker tried a penalty shot unsuccessfully from midfield. Graham came through wclL when tested and got in a useful kick, but soou aftci JoucsDavics came into tho picture, making a fine run to tho line where he was dispossessed of the ball. Hodgson tried a pot from far out and then Jones-Davics made another clash, Jamieson stopping him in a further attempt. However tho Welshman just got over, Parker failing to convert. Britain • • Combined H

Jamieson made a cross run gaining " but little and the British rush forced tho locals. Midfield play saw Martyn ! break away with only Poolo to pass but he kicked and a force resulted. The visitors now took the upper hand anu Joues-Davies once more streaked up the 1 side line, scoring under the posts, Parkcr converting. Britain 19 ; Combined * • • H It was all Britain from this out. Spong and Murray sent their backs * away repeatedly and soon Jones-DaVics ' and Wilkinson got through the opposition, the former passing to Wilkinson ; as they reached Graham and another try under the posts w&s obtained which ■ Parker converted. Britain 24 Combined .. H Immediately after the British backs who had now monopolised the ball swung play so.ik&l .the tired.itojufisisis

were caught out of position and JonesDavics dodged through the remainder to score, Parker converting. Britain 29 Combined H Spong next beat several min and when he reached Grahani Novis was there to receive a pass and score the final try, Parker aghin converting. Britain Combined Spong, Jonos-Daviis and Morley were tho pick of the British backs while Wilkinson, Prentice and O’Neill were the most noticeable forwards. Fong, Jamieson and Graham were the best local backs while McNeight, Freitas and Grugan were prominent forjEarchp ]

Pur duo and Batty combined, at the head of another forward rush that ended iu Batty scoring and the game ended with Possibles the victors by 17 points to 11.