MURCHISON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 July 1926, Page 3

MURCHISON

REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY BULLEJR (44) v. MURCHISON (nil) VISITORS CORDIALLY ENTERTAINED The long-lookcd-for fool ball match. between the Buller representative team and Murchison Sub-Union combination eventuated on Saturday before a good attendance in fine weather. Buller forwards were much heavier than their opponents, and in tight play dominated proceedings. They pushed the opposing pack off the ball" in the scrums, giving their rearguard every opportunity to open up attack. The latter did not. combine too well in the opening session, but the defence of (lie Murchison hoys repeatedly nullified all efforts to score. Their tackling was deadly, with the result that Buller only crossed the lino once in this spell, Harris getting ovet at the corner, knocking the (lag down. Kearns, Buller full-back, also potted a beautiful goal, making the half-time score 7 to nil. For some time in the second spell Murchison showed hold defence, McNoight eventually registering a score, George Stuart converting. Buller 12; Murchison nil.

The weight and pace of the Buller pack told its tale on the local team, and the visiting hacks combined to better advantage, with the result that the score soon mounted up. Buller forwards joined the rearguard in sweeping rushes, while the Murchison backs’’ defence crumbled. Harris scored two more tries, O'Brien recording twice, Bert Stuart doing likewise. Davies and Cold well also added a, try each, Davies converting on four occasions, the final score being: Buller 44, Murchison nil. Mr Joe Baigenl controlled the game. For Buller Clark, Caldwell, McNeight and G. Stuart wore the outstanding forwards, Harris, Griffiths and Davies the best of the hacks. Kearns, custodian, gave a fine display. For Murchison Morris, Roberts, C. Watson were most conspicuous in the rearguard, while Hoslop, Austen, Wallace, Armstrong, and S. Borkin played a- sound vanguard game.

In the evening the Buller team were the guests of Murchison Union at a complimentary dinner at Ross’ Hotel, where a pleasant social evening was spent. Mr Spiers, president, occupied the chair and welcomed (lie visitors and congratulated them on the fine display. The game was a revelation and education to local players. Mr Craig, manager, Buller team, replying. thanked Murchison for the cordial welcome and hospitality extended. He also outlined what the parent Union was doing to foster the game among the Sub-Unions.

Toasts of respective Unions, teams, selector (Mr Hainsly), referee (Mr Baigent) were duly honoured. Speakers paid a tribute to the work of the selector, who, replying, said lie was out to get the best available material, irrespective of club or district representation. Later the team were the guests at tlie Murchison Football Club's dance, spending an enjovable time. The team left at 1 o’clock Sunday on their return to Westport, carrying away happy recollections of Murchison’s hospitality.