Fifty Years Ago Canterbury First Met Wellington Fifteen.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17862, 2 June 1926, Page 6

Fifty Years Ago Canterbury First Met Wellington Fifteen.

(Written for the “ Star.”) In connection with the representative match between Canterbury and Wellington to-morrow, it is interesting to note that it is just fifty years ago since the first game was played between the two provinces. It took place in Wellington, and was won by Canterbury by 19 points to 1. The Canterbury Rugby team of 1876 was the first from the province to go on tour. During the tour they played Auckland (lost 7 points to 3), Nelson (won 12 points to nil), and Wellington (won 19 points to 1). The players who made the tour were: J. Anderson, J. Barker, E. Chapman, E. Cotterill, C. H. Croxton, J. R. Evans, R. Hamilton, G. H. Lee, J. D. Millton, W. Millton. W. H. Moore, H. McCardell, L. M. Ollivier, F. Pilling, D. Potts, A. Potts, G. Potts, and W. Stringer. Anderson was captain.

The following team played against Wellington:—Anderson, J. Barker, F. Barker, Chapman, Cotterill, Evans, Lee. Millton (2), Moore, M Cardell, Ollivier, D. Potts, A. Potts and Stringer. The following account of the Wellington game appeared in the “Lyttelton Times’’: — “The match with Wellington was played to-day, resulting in favour of Canterbury by 19 to 1. The game was played at the Hutt, the ground in Wellington being too small and rough for good play. The change, however, was not for the better, the Hutt ground being both rough and narrow. During the two days the team waited in Wellington much was heard about the great size and strength of the Welling to ni an s and the ease with which they would defeat the Canterbury men. The result, however, showed that bulk was a poor exchange for activity and good play. The local men certainly presented a formidable appearance upon entering the ground, but a few minutes’ play showed that they were no match for the Canterbury team, and the extreme reluctance which some of their men displayed to enter the scrimmages and to play outside was a feature of the game. Godfrey Potts had strained some muscles in the Nelson match and was unable to play. Canterbury feared this loss would endanger their chance of victory, but the excellent play of his substitute Mr F. Barker almost made up for his absence. “The Canterbury men were placed in their usual positions, the Wellington team l>eing as follows:—Park (captain). Campbells (2), Lee, Thompson, Hillsden. Cowie. Bishop, James, Grace. Hickson, Pollen, Speed, Keith, Smith. \ “Anderson, having won the toss, took choice of goals and Park kicked off for Wellington. The ball was returned and a scrimmage ensued, and by a lucky kick from the Wellington quarter back half a point was scored to them. In this spell also by some good forward play they obtained another force down, but after this did

not score at all. The Canterbury forwards now p.aved together splendidly and force downs were scored rapidly, the beautiful way in which they played together making up for any deficiency of weight. In the second spell, although against the wind, the Canterbury men continually forced the Wellingtonians to touch the ball down. In the third spell Stringer obtained two marks in close proximity to the Wellington goal, but both tries were unsuccessful, 1 1 points only being scored. In this spell also J. Barker caught the ball directl)- in front of the Wellington goal but far back. The place kick was entrusted to Moore, who made a beautiful kick, the ball striking the goal post high above the rope but no goal was gained. In the last spell the Canterbury men played against the wind, but in spite of this kept the ball continually hovering round the Wellington goal. Two touch downs were obtained, but both tries were unsuccessful. The Wellington men now made desperate efforts to retrive their fortunes and had the ball down by the Canterbury goal for a short time, but it was quickly taken to the other end. Stringer made a good run and brought the bail right in front of the Wellington goal, where a scrimmage took place. Chapman made a clever catch close to the goal and tried to drop the ball over the bar, but missed by a very narrow squeak. Directly after this time was called, the game ending—Canterbury 19. Wellington 1. “For Canterbury every man played splendidly, not a single error being made by any one. The two Potts, Evans, F. Barker and Millton were always on the ball, and the backs and half-backs never failed to return the ball when it fell into their hands. For Wellington Park and James ran splendidly, and the two Campbells, Lee and Pollen played well. The Canterbury M. 11. R.’s were all present on the ground and manifested the greatest enthusiasm in the result of the game, cheering our men at every bit of good play.” J. P-