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Wigan produced a fine performance to ensure they beat the
Australian tourists for the first time since 1911.
The opening twenty minutes set a good platform with them
"leading the Australians a merry dance". The opening score
came in the 7th Minute with good work from Ces Monutford
setting the initial platform. From a play the ball, Ernie
Ashcroft took on the blind side and after he had drawn in
Pat McMahon he slipped a pass to get Johnny Lawrenson for a
thirty yard race to the line. Lawrenson burned off Clive
Churchill for pace to make it 3-0.
Three minutes later the lead was doubled a fierce burst
from Mountford sent Gordon Ratcliffe away with Churchill
again being beaten for pace as Ratcliffe finished.
Conversion missed again so the lead was only 6-0.
Wigan then began to play champagne rugby but they were a
bit too giddy and the Australians got back into the game
after an error from Martin Ryan. Wally O'Connell sent
Johnny Graves one on one with Ryan and the Wigan full
back's tackle attempt proved poor, Graves finishing for
6-3.
Then on 27 minutes the tourists took the lead with Alf
Gibbs sent Kevin Schubert over and Graves converted for a
8-6 lead to Australia that was carried to half time.
It was a lead against the run of play though and Wigan
got back on top after the restart after Lawrenson drew in
both McMahon and Churchill to get Ernie Ashcorft over with
Ted Ward converting for 11-8.
Wigan piled on the pressure but it was only in the 59th
Minute that they added to the score. Swift passing got
Ratcliffe racing away for a score with Churchill again
beaten for pace. Ted Ward finally converted this time for a
16-8 Wigan lead.
Australia quickly hit back with a try from McMahon but
Wigan would see out a deserved 16-11 victory. |
