THRILLING RUGBY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 16

THRILLING RUGBY

KEEN CONTEST IN SYDNEY FOUR PLAYERS ORDERED OFF The Rugby Union premiership final of New South Wales between Drummoyne and. Northern Suburbs at the Sydney Cricket Ground recently was one of the most thrilling struggles seen in a club match for many years. A rugged game was expected. There were the necessary ingredients —two solid teams keyed up for an important fixture; a flint-like ground, and a strong wind to worry the players. Few, however, anticipated the match ttould become almost sensational.

Four players—two from each side—were ordered from the field by the referee, Mr. E. It. Mayne, in the second half. Northern Suburbs dramatically drew level with a penalty goal from near mid-, field in the very last minute of the ordinary period for play, and it was only during a further 20 minutes of vigorous play that Drummoyne definitely established a winning lead, and so won the right to play Manly in a grand final. For most of the game the forwards dominated the play. Two hard and sometimes ferocious packs excited the crowd by their exhibition of determination and endurance. It was a full-blooded struggle, tind it was not surprising that, with weather and ground conditions to discomfort the players, tempers became frayed. Men hurled themselves into tho rucks, and at times fists were flying.

Hemingway's equalising penalty goal came as a thrilling climax to a strenuous 80 minutes, for the full-time bell rang as the touch judges raised their flags. Hemingway experienced difficulty in making a suitable impression on tho hard ground to hold the ball. He had misSed with easier kicks; knowing that the match depended on this last kick he seemed to take particular care. Northern Suburbs supporters held their breath during those last-minute preparations and then howled in a delirium of joy as the ball from Hemingway's long, low kick just skimmed the bar.

Drummoyne early asserted superiority in the extra period, and Northern hopes were dashed. Limping players bore eloquent testimony to the strenuous nature of the play. Moore and Ilannam, of Northern Suburbs, had received attention "from the ambulance men, but hobbled back on to tho field. Cerutti, who led ihe fiery Drummoyne pack, developed a limp early in ihe play; but his aggressive ness was sustained to the finish. It was a match to be remembered.