STATE SCHOOL RUGBY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10474, 13 August 1925, Page 5

STATE SCHOOL RUGBY

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. ASHBURTON v. S. CANTERBURY. LOCAL TEAM WINS SENIOR GAME The annual Rugby football and basketball matches between teams representing the Ashburton and South Canterbury primary schools are beint contested this afternoon at the Domain grounds, in the presence of a large number of spectators. In the Rugby games, the holding state of the ground militated against good combined play, which is characteristic off primary school football., nevertheless, the exhibitions were good ones, and showed evidence of careful coaching on the part of the masters. Two matches were played, one between teams whose players weiv under sst 71b, and a serior game d players under 7st 71b. The junior game was a draw,, points each. Play! was of an open and interesting nature. Ashburton obtained its three points from a scrum near the line. The half-back, Henderson, let the leather out to Shirlaw, who dived over on the blind side. A. Davies scored a try for South Canterbury. The visitors had the better of the forward struggle, but the Ashburton backs made up for this by their cleverness and speed, The Bryant brothers, at five-eighths, and the full-back, Betteridgo, were outstanding for Ashburton. Betteridge saved his side on many occasions. Mr W. J. Douglas was referee. The senior game provided a good exhibition of fast, open play, and the issue was in doubt till the finai whistle. Ashburton kicked off and took play to Timaru's line, where Bradford landed a penalty goal. A spell of even play ensued until from a passing rush Scrymegour scored an unconverted try. This reverse livened up Timaru and a forward rush took play to Ashburton's line, where from the ruck Ede scored. Morrison converted. Just before halftime Ashburton were awarded a penalty close.to the Timaru line, and Bradford had no difficulty in putting the ball over the bar.

From the commencement of the second spell Ashburton attacked and held Timaru in their own twenty-five for the greater portion of the spell. Timaru were past half way on only three occasions, and on one of these Wells scored an unconverted try. The Ashburton. backs were not handling too well, or the score would have been considerably augmented'. Just on time Bradford landed another penalty for Ashburton, the game thus ending Ashburton 12, Timaru 8. For the visitors Ede, Kay, Wells and Morrison were prominent, while Bradford, Alfrey, Ja'ry and Scrymegour played well for Ashburtoi.