NORTH’S RECORD SCORE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 14 June 1926, Page 9

NORTH’S RECORD SCORE.

SOUTH ISLAND ROUTED. NICPIOLLS’ DAY OUT. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, Juno 12. On© of the most remarkable matches in the long history' of Inter-Island contests was played to-day, when North defeated South by r 41 points to 9. Among the estimated number of 18,000 spectators who crammed the Athletic Park, were many who thought the South would win, while those favouring North’s chances conceded that it would be a close contest. Taking the players individually, there was not a great difference in ability, but North managed to combine and South did not. Add to this fact the remarkable performance of Mark Nicholls in kicking twenty points (four penalties and four conversions), and one has the essence of the game. FIRST SPELL. North kicked off with a fresh northerly behind them, and within five minutes Nicholls scored the first penalty, duo to a scrum infringement. The battle then began in earnest. North at first was beaten in the serum, but South’s inside backs, though playing valiantly, could make little headway' against Nicholls, Porter, and Thomas, whoso anticipation and speed enabled them to smother passing rushes. In the • loose scrummages North were slightly bettor, due to superior, ability of the forwards in passing the ball. Their rushes did not go far, as South’s tackling was grand, but whilo North had the ball South could not advance. There were few exciting incidents. It was mainly a stubborn tussling game in midfield, until South again were penalised almost in the same spot, and Nicholls goaled again. North 6, South 0. After the kick-off Oliver intercepted a slow pass and gave the ball to liis forwards, wlio crushed over in the corner, Mills (Southland) scoring. Stevenson’s kick fai'ed. North 6, South 3. The North backs and forwards, passing and dribbling, went up tho field, and close to the South goal another penalty gavo i them three points, per Nicholls. North 9, South 3. Shortly afterwards, from a scrum, Mill let Nicholls and Svenson away, Svenson swerving and flinging the ball to Porter, who scored. Niclio'ls kicked a magnificent goal from tho side-line. North 14, South 3. North were now flinging the ball about at every opportunity', but many passes went astray, and South’s tackling was splendid. Then from a loose, scrummago Nicholls let Blake and Svenson away', catching South out of position, I and Svenson scored for Nicholls to goal. North 19, South 3. The South hacks, combining well for once, were unlucky in failing to score. Dailey', Oliver, and Elvy handled, but FJvy', after crossing tlio goal-lino was pushed out of bounds. Just before half-time South were penalised, and Nicholls goaled again. North Tsland 22 South Island 3 "With the wind behind them, there seemed a chance of South making up their leeway, but the second spell saw the North backs combining better and their forwards establishing superiority in the scrum, and that settled tho issue. Immediately on resumption North won a scrum, and Cooke finished off a spectacular movement by' banding the ball to Lucas, who ran over easily. Nicholls missed th© uprights. North 25, South 3. After some indecisive play South made a sunrome effort to score. McGregor, Oliver, Alley, and another forward passed and ropassed, and , dribbled tlio ball, and Oliver dived across at tho corner. Groat applause greeted the try. North 25. South 6. McGregor cleverly intercepted a pass, and put South in an attacking position, but Malcolm's defensive kick was decisive. • Then Mi!' sent the ball out to B : akc, to Lucas, who was tackled, but in-passed to Cooke, wlio galloped over unopposed. Nicholls again missed. North 2S. ; South 6. Tho South forwards rotnlintj ed with a great rush, but missed seor- | ing. The ball was carried back to ; quarter-way. where North were ponal- ! iscd, and Kilby sent a long skimmer | over the bar. North 2S, South 9. | Following up this success, the South forwards pressed on to the North goal- - but after a thrilling battle North •gradually cleared. This was practical!.South’s last effort. The North backs swung into action time after time, and as Porter was always with them tho defence could not withstand the assault. From a scrum close to South’s j lino. Mid dived round. Ho was tackj led, but the ball rolled on, and Kivoll j dived on it. Nicholls goaled. North • 33', South 9. Individual clashes by ! South players, including Elvy. Stewart, ! Ward, and AHoy, relieved the luonoi tonv, but prcscntlv Porter sot bis I backs going, and Thomas finished the ! movement. North 3G, South 9. Tim ■ final stages of the game were notable ; for a brilliant opening made by | Nicholls. Before tho end Nicholls out- : witted the South players, and the ball ! was flung to Finlnyson. who walked | under the posts, and Nicholls goaled. i North Tsland 41 | South Island 9 I Although beaten bv such a. margin, | it cannot be said that any South palyers j played badly. Elvy, Oliver, and Mcj Gregor played magnificently individu- ! ally, and all the forwards grafted, : particularly' Alley. Stevenson at full- - back, was overwhelmed with work, : but played splendidly, but the Irvine land Lonmn and Mill-Nicliolls-Cooke combination would have beaten a I greater team than the South.

PAST RESULTS. Tho results of the matches between teams representing the North and South Islands are as follow: — Late Played at 1897—Wellington . Won by Scores . North 16-3 1902—Wellington . . South 20-14 1903 —Auckland . . South 12-5 1901—Dunedin . . . Drawn 3-3 1905 —Wellington . . North 26-0 1900 —Wellington . . North 9-5 1907—Christchurch . North 12-0 1903 —Wellington . . North 12-5 1909 —Wellington . . South 19-11 1910 —Christchurch . South 14-10 1911—Wellington . . North 19-9 1912 —Napier . . . . North 12-8 1913—Christchurch . South 25-0 1911 —Wo'lington . . South 8-0 1919 —Wellington . . North 28-11 1920 —Wellington . . North 12-3 1921 —Ch ristclui rch . North 28-13 1922 —Auckland . . South 9-8 1923 —Wellington . 192-1 —Wellington . . Drawn 6-6 . North 39-8 1925—Invercargill . North 16-5 1926 —Wellington . . North 41-9 Summary.—Matches p’aved 22. North 13 wins. South 7 wins. 2 games drawn. Points for: North 327, South 195.