Saturday’s Rugby

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 223, 20 September 1943, Page 6

Saturday’s Rugby

United proved themselves too good for Air Force (Levin) in a match played at the Palmerston North sportsground on Saturday afternoon, leading the field 17 points up. The half-time score was B—o iu United’s favour, but they increased the pressure in the second half, and as a result of solid combination in the back line, the final score read United 22, Air Force 5. In the curtain-raiser between Manawatu and Horowhenua primary representatives, Manawatu wore the victors, 3—o. 'Wellington and Manawatu Manawatu Army drew with a strong Wellington representative side at Wellington on Saturday, 9 all. Manawatu should have won, mistakes losing the game for them. The half-time score was 3 —o in favour of Wellington, but Manawatu staged a good recovery. The Wellington forwards were the heavier pack and were superior in the lineouts and scrums. The Manawatu pack was outstanding in loose forward rushes. Morton and Fitt at five-eighth, were very effective on attack, but the back line generally weak on defence. Bad handling gave Wellington two easy tries. Harding, Bills and Gibbs were the best of the forwards. Morton nearly gave Manawatu a win when, right on the bell, he was pulled down inches from the line under the posts. Dent, Wellington full back, played an outstanding game and was easily the best man on the field. ARMY BEAT AIR FORCE 16—9 (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Sept. 19. The Kugby season in Otago was rounded off on Saturday when a patriotic match was played at Carisbrook before over 6000 spectators, between a New Zealand Army team and a Royal Air Force side, the Army winning 16—9. AUCKLAND BEAT WELLINGTON 22—17 (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 19. The annual match between the Auckland and Wellington Kugby representatives played on Saturday was won by Auckland by 22 points to 17. On the general run of play, the home team deserved to succeed by a wider margin. It scored five tries, two of which were converted, and a penalty goal, to one converted try and four penalty goals.