POOR TACKLING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20513, 3 September 1936, Page 10

POOR TACKLING

AUSTRALIANS SUFFER ANOTHER KESEKSE By Telegraph—Press Association MASTERTON, September 2. The Australian Rugby representatives suffered the third defeat of their tour at Carterton this afternoon when they were defeatd by 19 points to 13 by a combined Wairarapa-Bush fifteen. A crowd of about 3,000 watched a memorable game played at peak pace and packed with thrills and colourful incident. There was nothing but merit in the home side’s win and in the last 10 minutes there was only one team in the picture. Heavy rain fell in the forenoon and the sodden ground soon cut up badly in patches. Except, however, for occasional driving showers the weather held fine while the game was in progress. Hie visitors put on 10 points in the first 10 minutes and then,

after having every chance were well and truly beaten. The Australian backs had speed to burn and handled beautifully. When in possession they represented a potential danger from any part of the field and as an attacking combination were difficult to fault. Their defence, however, was a different story. Right through their tackling was very poor while, with the exception of Rankin, not one of the visitors showed the slightest inclination to go down on the ball. Their inability or disinclination to stem strong forward rushes cost the visitors dearly and revealed a bad angle to their style of play. In spite of the unfavourable conditions the Australians adhered to their policy of giving the ball an airing, and as a result provided the crowd with plenty of thrills. Relentless tackling by the home backs, however, was the rock on which many of the Australian attacks foundered. It was the exhibition of sterling forward play that made the game a memorable contest. So well did the Wairarapa forwards go that players could only be singled out for particularly outstanding work. The Australians packed a loose, unsatisfactory scrum. The Wairarapa backs played sound, resourceful games. The Play In the opening stages of the game the visitors made full use of their speedy backs although they found the activities of the virile Wairarapa forwards something of a handicap. Penalties for scrum infringements were frequent, and one of them paved the way for a strong Wairarapa attack. Peterson was held up inches from the line, but then Hodgson and Egan came away in a dangerous movement, which Devine stopped. The Australian backs swung into action. Rankin fended off Riddell and broke clear to give Dorr a clear run in between the posts. Rankin converted. Australia went into a 10-0

lead in the next few minutes when an indiscriminate kick by Lett was fielded by Kelaher. The winger slipped through the defence and was joined ny Hammon, White and Walden. The movement broke down on the goal line but Bridle was on hand to score. Rankin converted. A period of grand play ensued with the crowd on its feet in excitement. Then came the try of the day. The Australian backs were under way when Peterson raced infield and intercepted a loose pass. He slipped through a gap like an eel and set sail for the line 60 yards away. Three Australian backs set out after the Wairarapa speedster, but he left them ploughing through the mud and scored between the posts. Lang converted. The Wairarapa forwards were more than holding their own at this stage, and the visitors were hard pressed to keep them out. Near the interval Lang made up some of the deficit with a splendid penalty from 35 yards out. The spell ended: Australia 10 Wairarapa P The Australian backs were again prominent in the opening stages of the second spell, but much of their work was more spectacular than effective. Nevertheless it was great football and fortunes fluctuated in an exciting manner. After Wairarapa had successfully repulsed a strong Australian attack Howard broke clear and Harvey and Johnston carried on to the Australian line where Riddell worked his way across. Lang missed the kick at goal. The visitors then gave proof of their versatility. From a defensive position Rankin kicked through a gap and Egan followed up fast and carried on to win in the race for possession over the line. Rankin missed the kick. The Wairarapa forwards, well supported by their backs, were now playing the dominant part in the match. They surged all over the visitors whose defence held until Lett nipped round the side of the scrum to score a clever try. Lang converted. The Australians exploited every trick of the trade in the closing stages to make up the leeway, but Wairarapa, playing inspired football, was definitely on top. The speed of the Australian backs caused one or two anxious moments, but Wairarapa put the issue beyond doubt

near the call of time when Lett slipped through a hole in the Australian chain and handed to Comber, who went across for a good try. Lang missed the kick and the game ended: Wairarapa 19 Australia 13 Dr. Dickson of Christchurch, was referee.