HIGH SCHOOLS’ MATCH

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25270, 23 August 1947, Page 10

HIGH SCHOOLS’ MATCH

RUGBY FOOTBALL

CHRISTCHURCH AND OTAGO DRAW

TRY AND CONVERSION AT END OF GAME “ The Press Special Service DUNEDIN. August 22. An excellent combined effort, resulting in a converted try two minutes before the final whistle altered what appeared to be a certain victory for Otago Boys High School to a draw in the annual match with Christchurch Boys High School to-day. The Christchurch forwards, handling the ball like backs, swept down the field from their own half for J. Alderson to go over for a good try. Each team scored 13 points. The match was played at a fast pace from start to finish, and was typical of schoolboy football at its best. Both sets of backs threw the ball about, but loose rushes by the Otago forwards disorganised the opposition at times and seemed likely to turn the scales in favour of the home team. J. H. Mauger and G. Jones were always in the thick of things for Otago, and J. Alderson led the Christchurch pack in inspiring style. Of the backs, the Otago left-wing, D. R. Bramley was impressive, while A. Ashby, the half-back, J Robertson at centre, and C. Christie, the full-back, were always reliable The Christchurch first five-eighths, G. G. Kitchingham, played with great dash, but attempted too much on his own. The outstanding back was G. Ockenden, the •full-back, whose line-kicking and good handling frequently brought applause from the large crowd Otago led 6-5 at half-time. Kennedy scored a good try for Christchurch, which Alderson converted, and Keane and Bramley scored for the home team Otago went furthei ahead in the second half, when Robinson potted a neat goal. Hayward scored for Christchurch after a forward rush, but Robertson again increased Otago’s lead when he kicked a goal from a penalty. The final try was scored for Christchurch by Alderson, and Poo r t kicked a goal to bring the score equal right on, time.