MERITORIOUS SUCCESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20355, 9 September 1929, Page 14

MERITORIOUS SUCCESS.

WAIRARAPA BEATS OTAGO.

GAME OPENS SENSATIONALLY.

TOURING PLAYERS' INJURIES.

[HY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] MASTKKTON, Saturday.

Wairarapa scored a meritorious and decisive win against the Otago touring team at Alastcrton to-day in ideal weather conditions, and 'before a largo attendance. Except in the opening stages of tho first spoil, Wairarapa dominated the play, especially in the second spell. The scoro at half-time was 16 points to 8, in Otago's favour, hut (ho gamo ended:—Wairarapa, 30; Otago, 39. Right from tho resumption of the second spell Wairarapa vigorously attacked, and had matters much its own way, notching 22 points against Otago's 3. Tho visitors were unfortunate in losing three men through injuries, Fookes, Webb and Bradanovich all meeting with mishaps, the last-named retiring just before time with a badly-broken collarbone.

The class of Rugby was well up to representative standard, play being mainly confined to tho backs in tho second spell, the forwards having more of tho ball in tho first spell. The visitors' backs were faster, but lacked tho dash necessary to penetrate tho sound defence. Wairarapa showed greatly improved form on its previous Saturday's performance against Southland. The forwards fed their backs at every opportunity, especially in the second spell.

The game opened sensationally, Otago being 10 points up in as many minutes. Sonnlag and Richardson both crossed from forward melees, Bradanovieh converting both with fine kicks. Wairarapa replied with strong rushes, which resulted in eight points being scored, Fuller kicking a penalty goal and Cooke scoring a sensational try, which Fuller converted. Cooko picked up in mid field and flashed clean through (ho visitors' defence to score in characteristic style between the posts. Soon afterwards Bradanovieh landed a splendid penalty goal from well out, and a minute later McClymont was responsible for a move resulting in Wilson scoring a nice try, which Bradanovieh failed to convert. IT; lf-timo came with the scores:— Otago, 16; Wairarapa, 8. In the second spell Wairarapa completely dominated the play, hemming Otago in its own territory, except for occasional sorties. Scores for Wairarapa wero a potted goal by Cooko and tries by Cundy, Cooke, Fuller and Harvey, Fuller converting three. For Otago Wilson scored an unconverted try.