BRIGHT RUGBY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 230, 28 September 1931, Page 7

BRIGHT RUGBY.

Spirited Play by Banks for Fow Shield. CHRISTCHURCH TEAM’S WIN. A game which was never slow, and in which there were occasional patches of brilliance, resulted when a team from the combined banks of Christchurch met and defeated a side from the Wellington banks in a Rugby game held at the Show Grounds this morning. During the first half the speed and cleverness of the Christchurch backs dominated the play. Four tries were scored, three of them from bright passing rushes, and three conversions gave the home side a lead of IS to nil at half-time. After the interval the visitors tightened up their tackling and their forwards put renewed vim into the game. Christchurch could not add to their score, and a converted try and a penalty goal to Wellington made the final 18 to 8. The forwards were evenly matched, but the Christchurch backs were definitely superior. Hall, the centre, was outstanding, and was directly responsible for two tries and took a hand in every movement. The wingers. Woodham and M’Kenzie, showed plenty of dash, and each scored a good try. Ollivier, the full-back, gave an exhibition of clean handling and good linefinding. Christchurch had three senior players, and the visitors had a sprinkling as well. The teams were:— Christchurch Ollivier, M’Kenzie, Hall, Woodham, Steele, Eade, Thurlow, Snodgrass, Boddington, Wade, Muir, Henderson, Bates, Fleming and Rumbold. Wellington—Bradford, M’Menamin, Turvey, Cameron, Griffiths, Jolly, Reynolds, Hargreaves, Gillespie, Richardson, Lamberg, Thompson, Collins, Read and Swan. The game involved the Fow Shield, a trophy presented for annual competition by Mr G. Fow, of the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch. Play was scrambling for a start, Thurlow at last securing and sending the Christchurch backs away, the rush finishing at the visitors’ twenty-five. Wellington worked back along the blind side, but could not press home a good position, Ollivier’s boot sending them back. Woodham was well taken by Bradford at the end of the next Christchurch rush, no score coming till Eade snapped up from a scramble and darted over for a try. Ollivier converted. Christchurch 5, Wellington nil. Wellington missed a chance when, after defence had been turned into attack by bustling and fast following up, a penalty kick at goal failed. Christchurch took advantage of the let-off, and swung back to the Wellington line, Eade, Steele, Hall, and Woodham handling in a fine rush which saw the winger thrown over the corner flag. He soon had his chance, however, and following up a high kick he secured and swerved infield to leave the opposition standing for an easy try. Ollivier converted. Christchurch 10, Wellington 0. A minute later Hall cut through in great style and gave Fleming a clear run in for another try, which was not converted. Hall was in fine form, and again cut through brilliantly, letting M’Kenzie over unopposed. Ollivier converted, and the spell ended with the score Christchurch 18, Wellington nil. Christchurch staged some more fine rushes in the second half, but the Wellington backs were tackling in better style. Half way through the spell play became willing, and a free kick was awarded Wellington for obstruction, Jolly goaling. Then shortly before time, Hargreaves picked up in a scramble near the Christchurch line and bullocked his way over the line. Jolly converted. The game ended: Christchurch 18, Wellington 8. Mr P. Kirby was referee.