Last-Minute Pot Reverses Result

Northern Advocate, 24 July 1939, Page 2

Last-Minute Pot Reverses Result

Western snatched a last-minute win after a fast open game and. provided they defeat Waipu, will annex the senior cup. Tho Western juniors have already won the junior competition and it appears as if 1939 is going to be a good year for the wearers of the old. red and black jerseys. A firm ground, two fast teams determined to throw the ball about and an excited crowd of Maori supporters were the ingredients for one of the fastest matches seen this season, and right up to the final whistle it was anybody's game. There was little to choose between the two packs, although Western won the majority of the scrums, but the Maoris were more effective in the loose and in the tight rucks. The backs were evenly matched — in fact Batley is well able to hold its own. with the speedy Western rear-

guard. On Saturday, however, the Maori rearguard was starved to some extent by Harold Edwards, first five-eighths, who neglected his outside men.

Sensational Start

B.atley scored in spectacular fashion a minute after the opening. A high punt downfield by Nathan hit the posts and, much to the surprise of the Western backs, who were ready to force down, rebounded into play. Edwards, coming up fast, gathered in and scored an easy try by the posts. Nathan converted and Batley led by five'—nil.

Ten minutes later Gurney started an 'orthodox passing movement among his backs, and ran outside Sterling to take the return pass and crash over at the corner. A few minutes later Russell worked the blind side beautifully and ran down the side-line for a pretty try. Half-time came with Western leading 6—5. In the second spell Hamlin got off side in front of the posts and Batley led B—G.

Batley retained the lead despite herculean efforts by the red and blacks until four minutes before the final whistle, when Sandberg dropped a snap goal, and put Western into the lead, making the final score; Western 10, Batley 8. Mr R. Julian refereed.