RUGBY FOOTBALL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 September 1934, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

NELSON’S GAME AGAINST CANTERBURY COMMENT ON PLAY OP TOURISTS IMPRESSIVE, DISPLAY UNTIL CLOSING STAGES Canterbury heavily defeated Nelson by 31 point's to 12 in a representative Rugby niatcli played at Lancaster Park on Saturday; but until Nelson was unfortunate enough to lose its two best backs through injury halfway through the match the game was far from being as one-sided as the final score indicates, and was fast and open. The loss was such a handicap that Canterbury simply ran away with the match in the concluding stages (states “The Press”). The day was ideal for Rugby. The turf was' in splendid order—close-clip-ped fast, and pleasantly green with the first growth of spring—with a cloudless sky and a slight breeze from the east, which had no material effect on the play. Approximately 7500 people, attended, which was an excellent attendance. considering the counter-attrac-tion provided by the trotting meeting at, New Brighton. Canterbury started with a great flurry. and from solid forward rucking the backs wore sent away, and a brilliant burst by Mortlock simply left the defence gasping, and allowed Hart to score unopposed under the goal posts. It. was a severe reverse for a young side coming so early in the game. Momentarily Nelson to be shaken by the speed of this first movement, and Canterbury profited by that lack of confidence in its opponents to maintain a fierce series of assaults led by backs and forwards in turn. Nelson was eight points down before it rallied ; but when it did Canterbury was forced to give ground, and was flustered into errors, its defence being nonplussed by speedy thrusts by the visiting rearguard. At half-time Canterbury led by two points only. Then Nelson lost its two best backs—S. Stewart and R. Watson, second five-eighths and centre-three-quar-ters respectively, left the field injured--and Canterbury ran away with the match. The Rugby throughout was bright and interesting, and credit must go to the Nelson side for its open type of play, which forced ihe pace throughout. Many of the Nelson fifteen are in their first year as representatives, and it v-as both a novelty and an ordeal for some of them -to appear on the ground of a major province before a large crowd. The team showed distinct promise of developing into a formidable combination after more experience. Individually, 100. the team includes some stars whose form is little removed from that of the Dominion’s top rank. TWO OUTSTANDING BACKS

The centre-three-quarters, Watson, gave one of the best exhibitions of play in that important position that has been seen on Lancaster Park this season. He was recognised as a first-class back when he played for Taranaki seve ral years ago, immediately after leaving New Plymouth Boys’ High School. Ho is not a veteran in years; but he has played in a great many interprovincial matches. On Saturday his work was clean-cut and very efficient. He made some neat openings down? both flanks, passing well, and giving his three-quar-ters plenty of room in-;which to move. His defence was solid, “and' his anticipation excellent. • On form he must be classed as among the four best centre-three-quarters in the South Island today. It was disappointing that C. J. Oliver, the Canterbury All Black, who is undoubtedly the best- centre in the South Island, was unable to lake the field, as the clash between ihe two would have been worth seeing. S. Stewart, the. second five-eighths, showed pace, ability to handle cleanly at top speed, a disconcerting swerve, and straight running/ which delighted the crowd. If an opening appeared he was certain to make use of it, and when he was carried from the field injured the life was taken from Nelson’s rearguard attack, ancl the solidity from its defence. Stewart was frequently left standing by Mortlock, Canterbury's second five-eighths, but as lie is young lie should develop into a class player with experience Of the other Nelson backs the pick were Kolua, at first five-eighths, and R. Boyce, who came on as emergency to lake Watson s place at centre. Kotua, a boy of 17 years, showed distinct promise, ‘lie linn lied very well, tackled soundly, and at times shot through openings to start dangerous attacking movements. He lacks speed over the first 10 yards. His development will be watched with interest. Boyce showed real pace, and defended gamely when Canterbury was calling the tune in the second hfilf. Busch and Hippolite dkl not impress on the wings. Busch made one or two fast dashes, but found Mann more than his match. Hippolite spent the afternoon marking Hart, which he did oft'*ii to the point of obstruction. In lhe circumstances lie was impotent as an attacking unit. In the Nelson forwards there were some really honest battlers, and the host were F. McLean, R. Scliwass, E. Thompson, and C. Drummond. It was interesting to note that T. Fleet, the Nelson hooker, beat Cottrell for the ball with amazing regularity in the first naif Ho faded out of the picture in the second half, however, when'Nelson s packing became less compact under pressure.

NELSON UNION

NO FIXTURES NEXT SATURDAY The weekly meeting of the Nelson. Rugby Union Management Committee was held in Cole's rooms last- evening., when there were present: Messrs- R- J. |£yre (President, in the chair), J. r• Rotter, R. Rrownlie (vice-presidents), H. McPherson (Rover). 1. Wyber (Referees), F. J. Cock (Treasurer), 11. Williams (Regimental), !!. Silcock (Schools). T Austin (Rival). R. 11. Mot liven (College). \V. Sliain (Nelson), I). Fowler (Waimea). W. Alexander (Old Roys), and I). I). Merritt (secretary). Tile West Coast Union wrote staling that Nelson s share ot the gate takings for the Coast-Nelson match was £25. The manager reported that Nelson's ishare of the Oainaru match was £25. It was decided to inform the Wanganui Union that N.elsen could arrange a game against its touring team on Monday, 17th September.

Advice was received that R. Watson had been selected for the New Zealand Maori team. The Union passed a resolution congratulating Whitson on his selection. As a great number of referees and players will be out of town on Saturday next, all fixtures will be cancelled. The Marlborough, West Coast and Duller Unions wrote expressing thanks for the hospitality extended to their primary schools representatives by the Union and by the citizens, and expressing appreciation of the manner in which the Nelson Union had conducted the tournament.