N.Z. ’VARSITY TEAM.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18343, 1 June 1931, Page 8

N.Z. ’VARSITY TEAM.

DEFEAT THE NAVY.

22 POINTS TO NIL.

McKECHNIE HAS STRENUOUS TIME,

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright.

SYDNEY, May 31

The New Zealand University Rugby football team defeated the Navy yesterday by 22 points to nil- The winners scored six tries, of which two were converted. There was a disappointing attendance. The Navy team, which was playing its first game together, offered an unexpected and stubborn resistance by adopting defensive tactics. The Navy forwards, winning the majority of the scrums, gaining frequent possession in the line-outs, and scrumming and tackling well, held the opposing pack, but the 'backs lacked combination, and with the consequent bad handling were unable to take advantage of their opportunities. The teams w T ere as follows: New Zealand: Backs, Bush, Mackay, Ruru, Thomas, McKechnie, Ewart and Pryde; forwards, King, McCurdy, Hodge, Barker, Dixon, Peacock, Diederich and McVeagh. The Navy: Backs, Showers, Me-. Guire, Walsh, McKianon, Rigney, Parker and Jolly; forwards, McNicholl, Carr, Lewis, Fryer, Marks, Hatherall, Rankin, and Perry. New Zealand led at half time by 8 points to nil. The scorers were Mackay, Peacock, Ruru (2), King and Thomas. Bush converted only two and missed three penalty kicks. The outstanding players were Mackay, Ruru and McKechnie, among the backs, and Hodge, Peacock and Barker among the forwards. The Navy, realising McKechnie’s potentialities, paid him particular attention, but he survived the gruelling tackling. His resource was responsible for two most brilliant tries.