THE FITTER TEAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27059, 19 April 1949, Page 9

THE FITTER TEAM

PIRATES BEAT WELLINGTON UNINSPIRING RUGBY MATCH Daily Times Special Service WELLINGTON, Apl. 18. Expected to provide sparkling Rugby, the match between the Wellington Club and Pirates at Athletic Park to-day was something of an anti-" climax. The backs, who on Saturday had exploited nearly every movement, yesterday packed up and gave a dull exhibition. There were, of course, moments of brilliance, but these were few and far between. The forwards, however, provided some grand rucking, with the fit Pirates pack excelling in this type of play. In fact, it was the all-round fitness of the Pirates team that was the main factor in their 19—6 win over the local team. Although Wellington won the majority of the line outs, mainly through the efforts of Crist, Lloyd, and Guild, and a fair share from the scrums, the backs displayed a lethargy that was surprising after their efforts on Saturday. The best of the Otago backs were Bell, at centre, who scored 10 points, Hanlin, Perriam and Skinner. Bell was particularly impressive by his speed, initiative and fine kicking. It would be unfair to discriminate among the forwards as all were right on the job. Munro and Dickson were a hard-working pair who stood out. The scores were:— Pirates: Bell, two tries, two conversions; Dickson, Hanlin, and Darracolt, tries.

Wellington: Robbie, a try; Kenny, a penalty goal.