TO-DAY'S MATCHES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9214, 18 April 1908, Page 5

TO-DAY'S MATCHES.

Albion. 19, Poneko 3. Albion met Pouelte (Wellington.) -at Lancaster I'ark, and although the visitors had a reputedly good team there was a, lack of organisation in it, which allowed Ti!!»iou } with better forwards, to register an easy win by nineteen poi3it3 (two goals trom tries and three trios) to throe (a try). Poneke kicked off, and showed some promise among the hacks, but Gray Weston and i Burns were very sound in defence. From a scrum in midiield Burns passed out to Weston, who made a good run down the line, where he lost the ball. Burns, however, picked it up and scored, Weston converting. Evenson, Towhill and Dwver«were notable in. defence or the Foneke line, but a pretty passing rush between Burns, Weston, Gray, Hardingham and Stevens gave Eathorn a try on the right wing, which was not converted, and from light play on the Poneke line Weston. also got over. A fine opening by Weston looked like a further score, but Tilyard saved with a timely kick. Shortly before halftime Gray temporarily retired, hurt, and in tlie interval Albion were forced twice. A spell of up-and-down play ended for a "while on the Ponek© line, and Stevens kicking across, the ball was handled by Burns, Gray and the remaining backs, Eathorn. again scoring. Poneke attacked more determinedly throughout the spell, hut from a line-out the Albion backs again got possession, and Weston passed to Hardingham, who scored. .The try was converted by Weston. Poneke scored close on time, after Paul had failed with «in easy penalty kick. Tilyard made 1 a dodgy run and passed "bo Paul, who gave Murray a cleian paes, Murray scoring on the line. Mr J. Peake was referee.