WANGANUI'S WIN IN WELLINGTON.

NZ Truth, Issue 877, 16 September 1922, Page 7

WANGANUI'S WIN IN WELLINGTON.

A Last- Minute Victory, The Wellington' team atrainst Wa-j:g-anui save a repetition of previous perforrn*i"ccs— -loose,- ragged play, devoid of ;■ sparkle, find with ccnreely ' n piimprJo of _ the .bright features, of Rugby. "Wanganui's exhibition was little better for three-parts of the game, except that it contained some outstanding- incidents— determined advances against Wellington which fell .short of success through absence of finishiner touches. Thus, for most of the game the 4000 odd spectators were unable to raise any enthusiasm, but they, were assisted m bearing • their, burden by a touch of comedy given by the Wanganui full-back, as keen as mustard, but most peculiar. 'in his style of play. In the remaining part of the game there was a decided change, hot m the standard of play but m the speed-ing-up of the game by' the increased vigour of the visitors m their determination to wipe off a pretty substantial deficiency. The play was full of fife, and as Wellington's lead gradualy diminished and the visitors knpt banging away at the opposing defence the spectators had good reaso?i to become enthusiastic. When Wanganui were within a point of Wellington's total — the score was 15-14— excitement was keen. It remained so as the play continued itlively strain, waving backwards and forwards, more frequently towards Wellington's line. There remained .only a. minute for the final whistle '■and •■' Wanganui were • still behind, strenuously seeking an opening for the score that would give them victory. If ever a team deserved to win, Wanganui did, and just as the bell ', was -about to be rung old Mokeßellis 'did the ■trick, scoring a try which was converted and making the final soore

Wanganui 19, Wellington 15. Although there had been no great football the crowd left the ground well satisfied with their afternoon's spurt. Delves was the most conspicuous player on Wanganui's side, making numerous interceptions which led to dashes for the Wellington line. . The Collier brothers are a pair of serviceable wing three-quarters, but could do with a little more pace Baddeley did not show any signs of being the best half-back m New Zealand, as has been suggested from some quarters, and the two Maori nVeeighths, Peina and Kingi, were inclined to be over-anxious, though they were nippy. Moke Bell is, wearing the effects of a big season of fotball, was nor. the tiger that he was earlier m the season, and on occasions he assumed the role of opportunist, hanging back from the hard stuff. All the same he served his side well. Wanganui have a couple of good forwards m Ross and Lockett. For the Wellington team there was no player who stood out sufficiently well to deserve much praise.