CROWD PACKED LIKE SARDINES

Southland Times, Issue 23297, 6 September 1937, Page 8

CROWD PACKED LIKE SARDINES

EXPERIENCE WORTH WHILE '

CASUAL REMARKS (Special to The Times) CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. What a struggle! The “bankers” were packed like sardines in a tin. But all those who saw the game, or even flashes of it, will agree that it was worth while. While it was a physical strain for thousands to keep their feet on the bank, it was a mental rest for as many more to forget about guaranteed prices, sustenance payments, tunnel road schemes, and . war scares which have been the daily topics through the week. The last bars of the National Anthem were still being played and sung when the first shouts from the tremendous throng were heard enthusiastically cheering their fancied team. “Come on New Zealand!” was quickly followed by “Come on the Springboks” in an equally loud roar.

The Springboks’ backs were off this time. “These boys know how to pass,” was comment greeted with warm approval, but the commentators also had to agree that Phillips knew how to tackle. He brought Williams down in grand style. “They have got it at last,” yelled someone. Yes, but Trevathan kicked to Brand, who returned with a staggering kick right to the corner flag. TREVATHAN GOT IT When the New Zealand scrum was right under the posts, someone remarked, “Now, if Trevathan can only get the ball.” He got it all right—twice —and missed two pots at goal, the ball just going outside the upright each time.

The roar had hardly subsided when Phillips and Sullivan figured in a brilliant movement to score a try. The crowd went mad. They did everything but throw themselves in the air. “Let’s have a drink after that,” cried someone at the back who could not see any of the match. That did not matter. New Zealand had scored.

Early in the second half, when Turner scored after beating several men badly, someone said: “These New Zealanders were resting then.” He must have been beaten for an excuse as the game wore on. The score was 6-5 in favour of New Zealand. “Now we’ll see some fireworks,” was a remark which was not without its measure of hopeful anticipation.

There were fireworks, however, but not altogether in keeping with the wishes of the crowd. The Springboks, after being six points down, turned what looked like certain defeat at one stage into a splendid victory. They were enthusiastically cheered by the crowd, every one of whom was wondering whether they could devise some means of finding their way to Auckland for the third Test.

“What a great game it will be,” was the unanimous opinion of all who saw New Zealand’s Waterloo today.