FOOTBALL

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 41, 27 September 1928, Page 5

FOOTBALL

THE FINAL MATCH N, S. WALES BEATEN. MASTER,TON, Last, Night. Tho final match of the New South Wales tour, against Wairarapa, was played here to-day in driving and heavy ro'in showers which marred, play considerably. The home pack was better than the visitors, however, and won 17 to 1() - TIl « greasy ball and ground was against the style ol the New South Wales play, but had conditions been good a bright, open display would have resulted. The New South Wales movements were nippy, and it was only the treacherous conditions that prevented them developing upon spectacular line. GOAL ATTEMPTS FAIL. New South Wales kicked off and within a few minutes Gundy had two attempts to goal from free kicks, but failed. New South Wales rushed down the field, but Cooke saved the situation on both occasions. Jim Donald was playing a good game and ten minutes from the opening, from a scrum in New South Wales’ twenty-five, Wairarapa drew first blood, all the backs handling in a splendid passing movement which resulted in Jury going over in tiro oforner. Oundy added the major points with a magnificent kick. Five minutes after Yates intercepted a pass near the New South Wales twenty-five and went over in the comer. Oundy missed this time. Another chance came to Cundy a few minutes later when he sent the ball over from a free kick, making the score: Wairarapa 11, New South Wales 0 S Wairarapa still forced matters, but New South] Wales found relief in a good line kick, but soon after had to force. HARD RAIN.

Rain again set in hard at this stage and the game developed i|nto a strenuous forward scramble. The New South Wales pack sent the ball into the Wairarapa ter rite 17, and the Blue forwards rushed down to the line. Their passing broke down, but Louden secured and crossed. Croft converted with a difficult k.ck. For a New South Wales infringement Oundy goaled from a free kick ten yards inside the half-way. TIIO visiting backs then handled nicely, Towers, Ourge and White being engaged in a thrilling in-and-out passing run, but the Wairarapa vanguard stemmed the attack. Croft had a kick for an infringement, but missed. New South Wales made determined efforts to open up play, but the greasy ball was too tricky. ~ A promising Wairarapa attack failed at the critical moment by Cooke failing to take a pass. Half-time sounded with the score: Wairarapa New; South. Wales o SECOND SPEED. On resumption Lamb and Louden started off with a good run, but J ury and Cuucly retaliated. M. Parker replaced J. Donald at ibis stage. Cundy secured and cut in to thrill thq spectators with one of his typical runs. Stringfellow was grassed a foot from the line, but Jury followed up and scored. Oundy missed with tfie kick. Front a series of "W airarapa attacks Cooke kicked tb(S ball through and chased it, but missed by Indies as he went down to score..

The) Waratahs now rallied and took the ball into Wairarapa ground and Roach fo'nccd just as 'Wnito dived lor the bail. A kick by Cooke was charged down and Towers dashed over to score. Croft rose to the occasion and added the major points with) a magnificent kick. The Waratahs hold a prolonged advantage until Turker secured from ; - scrum and iod an attack. The hall was slippery as eels and the viniois kept it at their feet with some success. Each side made assaults, but the game ended without further score. Wairarapa IT* New South Wales W. Mr. O. E, Morgan, manager of the New South, Wales Rugby team, at the conclusion of the Wairarapa game, said he wished to thank the public of New Zealand and the Rugby Union officials for the wonderful reception accorded the team at all the centres. He wished especially to thank the Maoris for their cordial reception. The tour, he said, was far more successful tlian his team had! anticipated, and proved that Rugby was not dormant in Ms State.