Country Triumphant

This year's Town-Country Rugby match produced more interest by the public and a better standard of play than in previous years, no doubt arising from the fact that this was virtually a representative game between Nelson and Bays. The Country side, showing greater mobility and more urgency in its play, won 22-16, with Bays' Trevor Morris, playing for most of the game at second five-eighths, scoring 13 of Country's points. But although the standard improved, there were still facets of the game which undoubtedly brought frowns to the foreheads of selectors Ron Horsley and Charlie Cowman. The tackling, especially by Town players, was deplorable, and the lack of finish in many back movements was very apparent. However, the selectors of a combined team this year have more material than they've ever had, and a well-balanced representative side should be the outcome.

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Nelson left wing S.McIntyre slips his opposite number in a good run.

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Country's J.Allan, at the back of the lineout, was a constant thorn in the side of the Town backs. Here, he drives for the Town first-five-eighths before Town half, H.Neale, can clear the ball.

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Blocking such as this gave Country half, P.Stevenson, a lot of protection.

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There was far too much of this sort of tackling.