FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 17289, 8 March 1913, Page 7

FOOTBALL

ENGLAND'S GREAT VICTORY. WAGES BEATEN IX THE MED. After IS roars of defeat in Wales, occasionally of a humiliating character, the English I'fifteen triumphed decisively on Saturday last (January IS*, and for (lie first lime at Cardiff, 100 (wrote "Ixion" in the London "Sportsman”). The score, was 12 points to nil. Success was all the more refreshing because it was unexpected. Cardiff Arms Park, the burying ground of many an English, Scottish, and Irish national side, was once more very much on tlie soft side. Before the match plenty of rain had fallen, and the conditions generally were considered to favour Wales, who are more accustomed to mud-larking than the great majority of tlie English fifteen. The Welsh forwards scrummaged earnestly, and the Welsh backs enjoyed a good share of the ball, which rapidly became slippery and greasy. But they were not quick, and they were not sure, except in their kicking, and they were worried by tlie quick breaking up and skirmishing of the English pack, in which Pillman was ever prominent.. Quite early on. too, it was seen that the Welsh forwards were no match for their opponents in tlie loose, and it was dribbling, rushing, and kicking on the day which proved tlie most effective forms of attack. Tlie second Half saw Wales well beaten. In less than five minutes Pillman organised another hurst which was checked with considerable difficulty inside the Welsh ”25.” From the scrum tiic bull slithered our., Davies collected, and threw a long pass, missing Boulton and Steinthal, which fell into (he hands of Coates. He promptly (landed off Plummer and rushed over a try. which Greenwood converted finely. Tlie whole movement, stunting from Piliman's dash, was admirably executed; it pleased the crowd immensely. Having obtained tlie lead the Englishmen played belter than ever. Wales made a few raids which were safely repelled. Their backs did not shine. Tlie centres made mistakes,, and the whole division met stronger and faster men. Above all. they dreaded the English foot rushes, replete as they were with verve and pace. The Englishmen adapted themselves belter to the conditions than tlie Welshmen. and their speed both in attack and defence was a decisive factor. .The Welsh forwards were nothing like so smart with liieir feet as llic English. Really tlie English pack was excellent liom first to last. The hacks, 100, more Ilian held their own. They were much better than the Welsh lot in defence, and when opportunity served they scored. Tlie Welsh centres wen- not a sirong pair, and in consequence the wings got few openings.