BRITISH TEAM PLAY WANGANUI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19075, 21 May 1930, Page 10

BRITISH TEAM PLAY WANGANUI.

Thousands See Opening Match Of Dominion Tour,

VISITORS FAVOURITES BEFORE GAME COMMENCES—GROUND ON SOFT SIDE.

(Special to the “ Star.’’) WANGANUI, May 21. IN VIEW OF THE RUGBY MATCH this afternoon, Great Britain v. Wanganui, scenes of great enthusiasm and excitement prevailed in the river city this morning. Not since the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York in March, 1927, has such a large crowd assembled here. From an early hour motor traffic began to pour in from all directions, and before 10 o’clock the business area was packed with pedestrians. Persons who had not visited Wanganui for years were here including many old timers and members of the team who played against the Englishmen in 1888 on St John’s Hill.

The Maoris in particular were largely represented, disporting the colours of the Wanganui Aeam. As far as business went, very fei” heads of firms or ern ployees could concentrate upon their customary duties, for their mind was elsewhere. . The same state of affairs prevailed ip. the Supreme Court, where his Honor, Mr Justice Reed, remarked that he had to correct a solicitor on two occasions for slips. His Honor intimated that he presumed that counsel was thinking of the match. Workmen in and around the city downed tools early, and skipped about with alacrity and kicked at an imaginary football as they scurried home to change and then make for the footba.l arena. , All the business premises were closed during the match. To accommodate all the outside cars with convenient parking areas was a big problem for the city inspectors, and an start grappled with the . big job m A thoroughly business-like manner. Framed with upwards of 15,000 spectators, many of them- on the grounds since the gates opened at eleven o clock, a wonderful tribute to the Rugby code, the arena at Cook’s Gardens, made an inspiring picture, with banks black with people tense and expectant. The big crowd clustered thickly on every vantage point in keen expecta tion of many thrills. The weather did not look too promis ing, but it -would have taken a very heavy rain indeed to damp the ardour of the large gathering. Though the tourists held a big advantage in the weight in the forwards, hopes were entertained that the local men would get a fair share of the ball, and that the game'would be fast and exciting. Naturally the British team were favourites. THE TEAMS. The teams were:— BRITAIN. Full-back—G. Bonner. Three-quarters—J. Morley, C. D. Aarvold, T. Knowles, A. Novis. Scrum half—W. H. Sobey. Stand-off half—H. M. Bowcott. Forwards—W. B. Welsh, G. R. Beamish, Ivor Jones, J. L. Farrell, B. K. Black, H. Rew, S. A. Martindale, D. A. Kendrew. WANGANUI. Full-back —Thompson. Three quarters Tilley, Ambrose, Prince. Five-eighths—M’Lennan, K. Gibbons. Half—Duncan. Wing-forward—Walden. Forwards—Leahy, G. Lockett, Oxley, Stewart, Heise, Lumsden, R. Lowry. Referee—Mr J. H. M’Kenzie. THE PLAY. (By Radio.) The ground was in perfect order, and the weather was fine. Wanganui had the wind against them in the first spell. Tilley’s kick-off found the side-line very close to the British line. Wanganui made a rush. Wanganui hooked the ball from a scrum and carried play to the twentyfive line. Britain were awarded a free-kick, and Black essayed to kick a goal from eight yards outside the half-way line, but, although the kick was a wonderfully good one, it failed. A pot shot at goal by Bonner brought play down close to the Wanganui line. Novis got the ball and was collared in possession. Ivor Jones got the ball and potted a fine goal. Britain 4, Wanganui 0. Tilley took a free kick for Wanganui, but Beamish returned the kick to Wanganui territory. Wanganui were penalised for lying on the ball, and Black attempted to kick a goal from half-way. The kick just went short. Britain’s Heavy Pack. From a line-out, Wanganui got away, but a forward pass stopped the effort. Britain had the heavier pack and were pushing the Wanganui side back in the scrums. Wanganui got a chance, and bad handling stopped the effort at the half-way line. Sobey got away, but dropped the ball. Play returned to mid-fieid, and Bonner found touch ten yards beyond the quarter line in Wanganui’s territory. Ivor Jones worked the dummy, and by clever and fast work got through. Jones also took the kick, sending the ball over the centre of the bar. Britain 9, Wanganui 0.

Britain were showing the local side points in line-kicking. A fine piece of passing by the British three-quarter line took play well into the Wanganui territory, but long kicking soon brought the game back to the British half. Once more Wanganui were put on the defensive. Britain were beating the local side on the lines-out, though. Wanganui were getting a fair share of the scrums. Tight Play. Britain got down to inside the Wanganui twenty-five. Play was tight and as everyone seemed to be on the ground at once, a scrum was ordered. Tilley got away and took the ball well past the half-way line, but lost possession, and Sobey brought play back to half-way. (Continued in Stop Press.) MANY FAMOUS PLAYERS WATCH WANGANUI GAME. (.Special to the “Star.”) WANGANUI, May 21. Many old Rugby men, with names famous in New Zealand’s football history, have arrived to see and compare Prentice’s team with those of Beddel-Sivright’s and A. P. Harding’s. Harding himself is here, full of anecdotes about the match 22 years ago, when on the same ground as that on which the match is to be played today, his team beat a strong Wanganui fifteen by 9 points to G. Billy Wallace, W. J. Stead and Jimmy Hunter, the famous trio of 1905, have arrived. With them are C. G. Porter, Mark Nicholls, S. K, Svenson and “Moke” Beilis. The New Zealand Management Committee will w r atch the match. So will Mr W. F. Hornig, manager of the 1928 All Blacks in South Africa. It is a big day for Wanganui. “Dorrie” Leslie, who trained many an All Black team, is here, and Andy Mercer, trainer of the 1928 team in South Africa, is looking after the Wanganui side.