VISITING RUGBY TEAM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20968, 3 September 1931, Page 12

VISITING RUGBY TEAM.

toSTRAHANS LOSE AGAIN

Combined west coast si de

„ PLAY IN RAIN AT NELSOM.

HOME FORWARDS TOO STRONG

TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.'] NELSON, Wednesday. . The Australian Rugby tetai was defeated again to-day when ifc met, a combined Nelson-West Coast-Buller-G( Iden Bay team, which won by 14 points to 5. Just before play started rain fell and became heavier up to half-time. This marie the ground slippery and created conditions wholly unsuited to the Australians" style of play. The Australians were always dangerous in loose, open play when they threw the greasy ball about with confidence. Tho honout ;i of the game were with the combined team's forwards, who played a tight, hard name yrith much more vigour than the tourists. Jndd, Bridle and Blair were the visiIprs' Ibest forwards, and Palmer gave a great display as five-eighths. Ross was frequently called to defend against the fast opposition forwards and, in spite of the state of the ball, gave a brilliant exhibition. The combined team scored only once In tha first spell. Play was taken to 'Austria's twenty-five where Alexroder tent the ball to Lamont, who transferred to Bnsch a few yards off the line. IVinler cut in past the fullback and capped ft snappy movement with a try. In lihe second half Holder scored from

ft- brilliant solo effort. A movement by

the visitors' backs broke down and Holder dashed over hall the length of the field ; |or a try in the corner. It was converted •with a great kick by Graham from the sideline. A .loose rush by the liome - forwajrds took the ball over half the length tjol tho ground and Grogan kicked over the line for McLean to score. Combined team, 11; Australia, 0. =: Toward the end the visiting forvrards ; seemed to retain their vigour and p!uyed ■ splendidly. A fast forward movement ended in Bridle scoring. Ross converted. IJust before time Australia was all out rto keep the combined team away from 'the line. A rebound from a kick j?ave McNeight a chance to score tie final try, ?and the game ended:—Combined, 14; 5. 'The visitors were penalised on a aum?ber of occasions for infringements ir the |serum. On a dry ground the Australians jiwould probably have reversed the i nsult of the game.