Wellington Win By One Point.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19156, 23 August 1930, Page 10

Wellington Win By One Point.

EXCITING MATCH AGAINST AUCKLAND. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 23. For probably the first time this season it was possible to-day, on the occasion of the Auckland v. Wellington match, to go to Athletic Park without an overcoat and feel fairly comfortable. The ground was bathed in bright spring sunshine. It was a splendid afternoon and a big crowd of about 10,000 had expectations of a fast and stirring contest. Among those present were the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes), Sir Charles Statham, Lady Statham, and a number of Parliamentarians.

Auckland won the toss and played with the light breeze at their backs. Play opened briskly and Auckland were heading well when Heazlewood, full-back, cleared for Wellington. Subsequently Porter improved Wellington’s position. Then from a line-out at half-way, L. Knight dashed through, but kicked too hard, and Cooke forced. In the next few minutes, Wellington went close to scoring a couple of times, and Ball, on the wing, after some neat side-stepping, had hard luck in losing the ball on the Auckland line. The scene quickly changed, and following a line-out near the Wellington line, Palmer went through for a try. Bush failed to convert. Page, the Wellington first five-eighths, repeated an earlier effort with a brilliant cut through. He threw the ball back in front of the posts. Nicholls picked up, and, taking a snap shot, potted a fine goal It was as neat a piece of work as one could wish to see.

Nicholls was warmly applauded. Wellington 4, Auckland 3. Wellington, however, did not have the lead for long. Hook put Auckland ahead with a try under the posts. Corner converted, making the score after twenty play, Auckland 8, Wellington 4. .Mackay and Page in turn with good kicka to touch brought Wellington upfield and then the Wellington backs got on the move but the tactics employed by the Auckland rearguard—they were standing well up—did not allow them to go far. Cooke, a little later roused the Wellington supporters with a good run, but he found his way barred. The situation was just saved for Auckland by a timely force. Wellington kept up the pressure, giving Auckland a warm time. The home team had had most of the ball in the set scrums. Page broke through the Auckland defence, travelling at high speed. He was not well supported and Auckland forced just before the end of the spell. Half time score:— Auckland 8, Wellington 4. Second Spell. Jamieson did not reappear. after halftime. His place was filled by Weir. Working the blind side of the scrum, Kilby gained ground before sending on to M'Pherson. Cooke then came up, kicking through, but after a couple of Wellington forwards hacj handled, Auckland forced. Wellington were again lively, but failed to break through the Auckland defence. A dash and a kick through by the Auckland forwards had Wellington in difficulties, but Cooke ran up and saved well, kicking out at half-way. L. Knight and Batty made two forceful bids for the line in subsequent play. Each was held up, and play then went down field, where eventually Mackay snapped up and, with a cork-screw run which fooled the opposition, scored near the posts. Heazlewood converted. Wellington 9, Auckland 8. Immediately the ball was in play again the Auckland forwards, with Knight in the van, made a fine thrust to the Wellington twenty-five. Here there was some torrid work in front of the posts. The ball was thrown about freely, and then Weir potted a splendid goal. Auckland 12, Wellington 9. Twice in succession Wellington had close calls after this. The pace was a cracker. Auckland had opened up their play, and the backs were giving a taste of their ability. Final score:— WELLINGTON 16 AUCKLAND 15 N.S.W. TEAM TO PLAY AGAINST BRITAIN. (Special to the “Star.”) SYDNEY, August 12. At the council meeting of the New South Wales Rugby Union last night the selection committee announced the following team to meet the British team in the opening match of the tour, on August 23:

Full-back: A. W. Res a (Uni.), or Stewart (West). Three-quarters: Crossman (Rand.), Towers (Rand.), King (W.S.), Carlton (Rand.). Fiveeighth: Duncan (N.S.). Half-back: Malcolm (G.-B.). Forwards: Breckenridge (G.-B.), J. Ford (G.-B.), Palfreyman (Rand.), Storey (W.S.), Finlay (G. 8.), Cerutti G. 8.), Ferguson (G.-B.), Judd (St George). The selectors reserved the right to alter the team at any time. Physical fitness will be a big factor in the team, as replacements will not be allowed against the visitors. The team selected is strong. But there are several surprises. The selection of Duncan at fiveeighth is the biggest shock. A wonderful back, Duncan can fill any position in that division with credit. He will not let the State down, because he is steady, defends and handles well. But the five-eighth’s position calls for a specialist, especially ' when opposed to such players as the Britishers. Five Glebe-Balmain men have gained selection in the pack. This division is fast, weighty, and comprised of tried men.