Big-Time Rugby At Nelson

An All-Black-studded side led by Ken Gray got quite a drubbing from an invitation Xv captained by former All Black John Creighton, when the match, organised by the Nelson Rugby Club, was played at Trafalgar Park on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon. The lead see-sawed throughout the game, but Gray's side began to run out of steam towards the end and the free-running and backing-up of Creighton's players left their opposition hopelessly bemused. Creighton's team won by 44 pts to 23. But there was little in it except some very exciting moments for a disappointingly small crowd. Much of the main stand was empty (many baulked at paying £1 to look into the sun when they could sit in the sun, at their backs, for 10s). Possibly the ridiculous dispute involving the refere association, the union and the club over the appointment of All Black Ian Clarke as referee, may have had its effect on the crowd.

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The two teams line up before the game

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The big Blenheim No.8, Alan Sutherland, who enhanced his reputation with a splendid game, sizes Ken Gray up as he drives towards the line.

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Nev MacEwan, we strongly suspect, was given a nudge to the side as he jumped in this lineout.