COLLEGIATE TOURNEY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20504, 24 August 1936, Page 8

COLLEGIATE TOURNEY

WINS FOR WELLINGTON AND NNELSON By Telegraph Association NELSON, August 22. The first day’s play in the intercollegiate Rugby tournament resulted in Nelson defeating Christ’s College by 20 points to 3 and Wellington beating Wanganui Collegiate School by 9 points to 6. The games were played in showery weather on a waterlogged ground making spectacular open play out of the question. Nevertheless some effective back play was seen particularly by Wellington. The first game was between Nelson and Christ's College, the formers heavier and faster forwards winning the day for them. Outstanding among the Nelson forwards was Atkins, who scored three tries from smashing efforts which the defence could not deal with. It was early in the game that Nelson established a lead with two tries by Atkins after forward rushes which had the defence on the run. Kimberley, Watson and Byrne were frequently called on to go down to rushes. Christ’s College forwards, who were led by Thompson and Spiers, made a sally to Nelson’s 25 where smart play behind the scrum by Hansen saw Byrne dash in for a try at the corner. The half time score was Nelson 6, Christ’s College 3. The visitors attempted pass-

ing movements without success, whereas Nelson concentrated on playing to their forwards. The latter’s tactics proving better under the muddy conditions. In the second spell Nelson was definitely superior but Christ’s College fought it out solidly to the end. in spite of the mounting score. Walter kicked a penalty goal for the home team. Then Atkins added a try. Walter was rewarded with a try for following up. Just before time Maxwell scored from a cross kick and McLaren converted, making the final scores: Nelson 20, Christ’s College 3. After Wanganui had gained an early lead of six points, Wellington played splendidly in the mud to win by 9 points to 6. The Wellington forwards were much lighter than their opponents but were more mobile and were served by better inside backs, Bradley (half) and Thompson being outstanding, while Ongley (winger) figured in a number of determined attacks. Wanganui’s star players were Bertram (fullback) and Sherratt, who scored two great tries in the first 10 minutes after his forwards had disorganised WellingI ton’s defence. His second was from 40 I yards out. At that stage it looked as if Wanganui would prevail, but a splendid run by Thompson placed Wellington (n an attacking position for Alexander co kick a penalty goal. All the Wellington backs handled to Pocknall who cut a hole in the defence for a try, the [ half time score being 6 all. Welling- | ton held the upper hand in the second spell their backs giving a good display considering the conditions. Gandar backed up in a back movement to score the winning try. Wanganui were saved from trouble frequently by Bertram, who tackled and kicked superbly. Wanganui pressed hard twice near the end, but on the day Wellington wmild have been unlucky not to win. On Monday Wellington play Nelson in the final and Wanganui meet Christ’s College.