Combined Side Twisted Lions' Tail

Despite losses to Southland, Otago and Wellington on three successive Saturdays, the British Isles team took the field at Trafalgar Park against the combined side of Nelson-Marlborough-Golden Bay-Motueka as firm favourites to win, and win handsomely. After all, hadn't the 1959 Lions thrashed the combined side 64-5? And look at Combined's other international record. And, we must admit, in the first two minutes, when' Hinshelwood scored a fine try, it appeared as if history was going to repeat itself. At this stage Combined were all fingers and thumbs and just too keyed up. Then Mike Delany landed the first of his three penalty goals and Combined settled down to play hard Rugby.

S. Wilson

A. Hinshelwood

C. McFadyean

M. Weston

D. Bebb

D. Watkins

A. Lewis

J. Telfer

N. Murphy

M. Campbell-Lamerton

W. Thomas

D. Grant

R. McLoughlin

F. Laidlaw

D. Powell

Much has been written, and much more has been said about this game, so we will not attempt to dissect it for our readers. Our feeling is that the Lions' deficiencies in lineout play, the backs' at times haphazard passing and the team's inability to function as a team, with particular emphasis on using the backs more often, allowed Combined to stay in the game right up to the last five minutes. As well, the Lions may not have overcome the psychological disadvantage under which they must have suffered, to find that Combined was no pushover. All praise to a magnificent effort, Combined. Outstanding players? Undoubtedly Mike Delany for a near-flawless exhibition. Also Derrol Bowater, the two Sutherland brothers (especially Alan) and Rob Wratt. The score? Lions 22, Combined 14, but a victorious defeat for Combined.

M. Delany

P. Clarke

T. Morris

R. Bowater

J. Chadwick

D. Bowater

P. Norton

A. Sutherland

R. Adams

R. Sutherland

R. Wratt

D. King

N. Fitzsimmons

P. Fry

J. Joseph

The team disembarks at Nelson airport

Officials leave the airport. From left, Messrs Maurie Ingpen (New Zealand Rugby Union liaison officer), Des O'Brien (Lions' manager), Roy Mace (vice-president N. Z. R. U. ), Lloyd Cederman (Nelson union liaison officer) and Don Merritt (Nelson union life member).

A practice at Waimea College where much attention was paid to all phases of forward play

Wild Pork For Dinner

Irishmen confer at Catholic Men 's Luncheon Club meeting: Messrs Noel and Peter McBride, Des O'Brien and union treasurer, Jack Moriarty.

Mr O'Brien raises a laugh from Father S. Stapleton, Maurie Ingpen and chairman Rod O'Connor at the luncheon "do"

This exclusive photo was taken in the heart of Golden Downs Forest shortly after Lions D. Williams, G. Prothero, D. Watkins and B. Price had been in at the kill of this young boar. The party, which included Ray Williams (in truck at left) and Jim Shaw (front right;, of the Forestry Department, went pig shooting in the forest. The boys didn't get a chance of a shot at the pig, but they saw Jim and his dogs in action and were suitably impressed.

And so to the game. A crowd of about 9000 watched the match in bright sunshine and we're sure there were very few who didn't enjoy the tremendous struggle. At half-time the Lions held a small 11-8 lead but shortly after, Combined drew level and then went into a 14-11 lead and held it until Bebb scored 15 minutes before time. A penalty by Wilson in the dying minutes put the issue beyond doubt.

The start of the Lions' first try. McFadyean breaks through and is about to send Hinshelwood away for a try (R. Bowater, Delany and Adams were unable to prevent him scoring).