ST. JAMES 8 v. SOUTHERN 3.

NZ Truth, Issue 211, 10 July 1909, Page 3

ST. JAMES 8 v. SOUTHERN 3.

An excellent game resulted, m which the Southern team showed much improved form, evidently the result of a bit ,pf extra training. The first spell was very even, the Southern team endeavored to keep the game close, and St. James did their best to open it up. St. James' try m this spell was the result ol good work by Bruce. This player picked up the ball m mid-field and , made a short dash before passing it to

the backs. The ball then travelled to Uid wing three-quarter, who, when cornered, kicked in-field, and Bruce, taking the ball well, scored between the posts. In the second spell the Southern forwards played with great dash, and from a forward rush Richards scored. The Maroons still kept up the attack, and missed scoring on several occasions by the smallest margin. Towards the end of the game St. James got into Southern's twenty-five, and from a scrum about ten yards out, Teddy Roberts grabbed the ball and Avas over like a flash. It was a beautiful try. Thomas, at full, was not so good as usual, owing to the attention of Les Campbell, who generally managed to reach him as soon as the ball. The remainder of the St. James' backs played wll, Teddy Roberts being the best. St. James forwards played up well against the heavy Southern pack, but towards the end of the game their hard worki.began to tell on them. Bruce was the best of a good lot. Southern backs played a fair game, but were not so safe as the St. James' backs. Hunt was the best. To the Southern forwards belong the honors of the game, and they showed what they are capable of when m condition. Leahy played the best forward game on the ground. He worked hard m the tight work and loose, and was going at top from start to finish. Houlihan also played well. Les Campbell played a great" game at wing forward, and was responsible for a lot of spoiling work.