ANOTHER LOSS

Southland Times, Issue 23000, 21 September 1936, Page 8

ANOTHER LOSS

AUSTRALIA DEFEATED BY CANTERBURY

VISITORS FINISH WELL (United Press Association.) Christchurch, September 19. Canterbury has never been beaten by any international side at Lancaster Park since 1882, and this afternoon the Red and Blacks maintained that record by triumphing over Australia by the narrow margin of one point. The score was Canterbury 19, Australia 18. No more exciting match has been seen in the oval for many seasons. Canterbury led at half-time by 11 points to 3. Soon after the interval two more tries, one converted, made the scores 19—3 in Canterbury’s favour. The Australians then set out to make up the leeway, and both backs and forwards showed spectacular enterprise and speed. The visitors scored three more tries and Hayes, captain of the side, converted all three. Canterbury showed unexpectedly good form, rising again to the standard it reached when it played Auckland a month ago. The forwards rucked and lined out with vigour, and held the big Australian pack at nearly all stages of the game. The Canterbury backs ran straighter than their opponents, and this feature gave the Canterbury attacks more thrust. The Australians effort in the last 20 minutes was remarkable. The backs combined with greater certainty than they had shown earlier in the game. Bridle, a forward, playing centre three-quarter, missed many passes in the first half, but in the second was very sure and kept on feeding his fast wings, McLean and Kelaher, who frequently had the defenders anxious. The match was played in brilliant sunshine and the ground was in perfect order for fast Rugby. Australia played against the sun in the first half. Canterbury Scores.

The first score was a penalty kicked for Canterbury by McAuliffe, from an easy position. Canterbury 3, Australia nil. The second was the result of a loose forward rush. Scandrett made a good breakaway, and when tackled shot a good pass to Manchester, who scored near the posts. McAuliffe missed an easy shot. Canterbury 6, Australia nil. A few minutes later the Canterbury forwards hooked the ball from a scrum in Australia’s twenty-five. Five backs handled, and good straight running by Hooper and Pawson made Gillespie’s task easy. McAuliffe goaled with a good shot. Canterbury 11, Australia nil.

Australia attacked again and again and narrowly missed several tries. Hodgson eventually forced his way over at the corner, with three opponents clinging to him. Rankin’s shot missed. The score at half-time was: Canterbury 11, Australia 3. The next try was a fine solo effort by Rankin, who handed off three opponents and scored under the posts. McAuliffe goaled. Canterbury 16, Australia 3.

The Canterbury forwards played all over the Australians for a few minutes. Cooper scored a try a few yards from the posts. McAuliffe missed with tlie kick. Canterbury 19, Australia 3. Australia’s turn came now. Bridle made a brilliant run down the centre and shot an accurate pass to Kelaher, who scored. Canterbury 19, Australia 8.

From a scrum near the Canterbury line Gibson wriggled round out of the grasp of three of four opponents and scored. Canterbury 19, Australia 13. Last of all McLean kicked high, followed up, and scored a dazzling try. All three kicks were taken by Hayes, and all three registered goals. The final scores were:— Canterbury 19 Australia 18