CANTERBURY VICTORIOUS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 176, 31 August 1914, Page 9

CANTERBURY VICTORIOUS

NOTES ON THE GAME.

(Sun .Special.) WELLINGTON, August 29. The fact that the first spell was chiefly in favour of Canterbury was entirely due to a very strong wind which was blowing directly behind them. If the reds had taken advantage of all their opportunities, the breeze should have been worth ten points more to them. They certainly set out very well, but faded off badly towards the end of the spell. The first part of the game was almost entirely in favour of Canterbury. The forwards especially did very well. Wellington made several strong attacks, but good play on the part of Henry prevented them getting far past halfway. Twice Guthrie looked near scoring, and was brought down near the line. Canterbury 's first score came. from a very fine kick by Hasell from a difficult angle. The red was continued, and Wellington were all the time in difficalties. Suddenly the whole Canterbury team got away, every man working hard, and the ball was forced over the line. The red forwards raced hard to get it, and Maxwell reached it first. It was a fine try, but it would not have been registered had it not been for a bad bit of, bungling by the Wellington full-back, P. J. Eyan. Play had hardly been resumed before Wellington got up a hot attack, instituted by Evenson, and a very fine passing bout resulted, which ended in Faire scoring a beautiful try in the corner. Play was very exciting, and the ball raced quickly from one end of the field to the other. Canterbury were not taking enough advantage of the wind, and it seemed certain that if they did not make sufficient use of their opportunities they must lose. Then came one of the most wonderful pieces of play ever seen on the Athletic Park. From the throw-out in Wellington's twentyfive, the ball was sent right into the middle of the field. Evenson, dashing up from the wing, gathered the ball under his arm, and raced through the ranks of his opponents. He side-step-ped man after man, and when finally blocked by Henry, threw to Beard. The pass was a long one, but Beard gathered the ball in finely, and scored. At this point it seemed as if Canterbury would have to play more than well to win. All the chances were in their favour, but they did not seem to be able to take advantage of them. The reds, however, had a streak of luck, when the referee failed to notice that Maxwell was a long way off-side when he started a forward rush which took play on to the blacks' line. Henry was just attempting what looked like an easy chance of potting a goal when the whistle blew. Hasell attempted a place kick, but failed badly. When the whistle sounded, the scores were even (6 all), but Canterbury should have been many points ahead if they had played a better game. The wind died away a little in the second spell, although it was still living up to the reputation of Wellington. The Canterbury forwards worked very hard, but the wind interfered with the supporting kicks of their backs. Early in the spell the latter made several vital mistakes, which allowed Wellington to press some time on the red line. Of the Canterbury backs Boag was the most conspicuous in the next few minutes for excellent defensive work. He tackled well, and was very quick in getting to the spot every time. Wellington's next score was the result of a solid forward rush, which the reds only weakly defended, Eyan getting over with comparative ease. At this stage the whole Canterbury team appeared to tire, and showed a lack of dash, which was disappointing to their supporters. Even when the chance of the game came, two minutes after, McDonald, in a splendid rush, passed wildly to McLeod, and the ball went into touch. Through the Wellington backs bungling things, Macdonald had a second chance, but although he put in a line individual effort he discovered himself practically unsupported in the middle of the field. Canterbury did good work, however, in the scrums, getting .the ball on many useful occasions, but the backs failed to make the most of their opportunities. The play was dead until the last quarter of an hour, when came one of those surprises so characteristic of Eugby. Cumniings snatched up a pass, which Roberts (Wellington half-back) meant for Evenson, and raced down the field.

McDonald, who supported him, took the ball about half-way, and without opposition sprinted down the field and scored between the posts, giving the reds an easy five points. It was one of the prettiest pieces of play in the game, and McDonald received a great ovation for his magnificent run. After their showing in the first spell, Canterbury's win was most sensational, and the reds were accorded a fine reception by the sportsmanlike crowd. During the last few moments Wellington's tactics went '' all to pieces,'' and numerous attempts to kick goals from penalties were attempted when strong forward attacks, with a view to crossing the line, would have paid better. A good back rush by Canterbury took play to half-way, where the forces were engaged when the bell sounded.