FOOTBALL.
RUGBY. SENIOR GRADE. University v. Southern. The 3,000 spectators who were fortunate enough to witness the mighty struggle between these two teams on the Caledonian (bound on Saturday could not have wished for a faster, cleaner, and more interesting gam* <jf club football, which also ended BenaatkmaUy. The issue was in doubt almost to the call of time. ’Varsity, who were without the services of Millard and Dansev in their back division, had an uphill fight all through. They had the wind against them in the first spell—always a handicap—but they never lost heart, and five minutes to tune their game efforts were rewarded by their getting on terms with their doughty opponents, who were so nonplussed by the Blues’ late and determined run that they were unable to poll themselves together at a time when (hey wanted all their forces to stem tho ’Varsity’s vigorous attack, and another 5 points went to the students. It was a most sensational finish, and the crowd were delighted. Both teams opened up the game, and Southern deserve credit for keeping the play open at a time when they might have made it tight and spoilt ’Varsity’s spectacular finish. Taking the game all through, the Blues were tho more likely scoring side, but they missed opportunities, tho backs not playing so well together as in the opening match of the season. The Southern, after having the worst of the first thirty minutes’ play, set to work with a will, and for a while they romped over the Blues. Three tries were put on in quick succession. It is a noticeable fact that both teams did all their scoring in the last fifteen minutes of both spells. Tries for the Colon were scored by Irvine, Bozett (after Woredell had made the try), and Fullerton, Southern thus having 9 points to their credit at half-time. The real struggle came in the last quarter of on hour of the match, when ’Varsity suddenly came to Light with some brilliant flashes of back play, and their opponents never knew what they were going to do next. Theirs was a tremendous effort, and one that came as a complete set-back to Southern and their supporters. They could not realise it—it was all so sudden. The first thing that set the crowd thinking and talking was when Cockroft, ’Varsity’s wing three-quarter, potted a neat goaL Next the same player from a pass-out ran over and converted his own try. Only five minutes were left, and with the scores now even many were predicting a draw when the same Cockroft soared another try a minute to time, and a most, interesting game ended amidst a Beene of excitement with the scores University 12, Southern 9. Cockroft was the hero of the match. Ho scored all the points for ’Varsity, and was given an ovation at the finish. Cockroft comes from the Western district of Southland. He has weight and pace. Mr J. Duncan was referee. Alhambra v. Pirates. M'Kenzie signalised his return to the Alhambra team by playing a splendid forward game, and scoring all three tries for his aide. As Smith converted each ,of these, Alhambra’s tally was 15 points. Pirates scored once, and that was towards the end of the game, when M'Kellar and Denniston put in a neat bit of work from a throw-in from the line, M’Kellar scoring. This try was not converted, and the final result was a win for Alhambra by 15 points to 3. The most pleasing feature of the game was that neither side tried to “bottle it np.” Except when circumstances demanded it, the men made it their aim to keep the ball in play. The development of att&ck in the Pirates back division is progressing, and they indulged in passing bouts much more often than Alhambra. M’Donald, playing “centre” for Pirates, again showed himself a very strong runner, but the line was always just a shade too far for him to reach. In most of his attempts he was making openings on Ins own initiative, and cannot be blamed for starring his wings. White, at fiveedrhths, was also prominent in individual diohea. With more practice together, the Pirates backs should unify, and achieve better things. Among the forw.ords Denniston and A. Scott worked untiringly, the former with outstanding dash, and the latter with remarkable pertinacity combined with an apparent resolve to checkmat© Bennet. The last-named player was hardly at his best, and to that fact and the slowness of their scrum half must be escribed the comparative ineffectiveness of Alhambra’s back play in attack. Smith’s kicking, both “ drop ” and “ place,” was am _h superior to that of the average Rugby player, and helped his side greatly. Towards the end of the game he did work (at wing three-quarter) which tended to remove the idea that his kicking powers ore his only football asset. Besides M’Kenyie, E. Johnston was a good forward. His clever footwork practically earned the best try the winners scored. Mr MTaggart was referee. Tateri Rovers v. Union. The Mosgiel Ground was tho scene of action for the Taieri Rovers v. Union match on Saturday. The first spell proved to be a walk-over for Taieri. Assisted by a fairly strong wind, they kept the ball well in play, and attacked vigorously. The soore was 11 to nil before the whistle sounded. The points were secured as follows: —A try by Cuthill, try by Edminston (converted by Cuthill), try by Grant. For the last few minutes of the spell Union raided the Taieri line, and McLennan nearly scored after putting in a brilliant solo run. The second spell was for the most part uninteresting. Union were attacking for a considerable time, but they failed to penetrate the Taieri defence. It may be mentioned that Scott, the Taieri full-back, was absent, owing to injuries received last. Saturday. The final score was; Taieri Rovers 11, Union nil. Kaikorai v. Dunedin. At the Carisbrook No. 2 Ground Kaikorai succeeded in easily defeating Dunedin by 19 points to 6. In tho first spell Dunedin had the advantage of the wind, and scored 6 points (two penalty kicks by Fortune) to Kaikorai’s 3 points (a try by Reid). In the second spell Kaikorai added 16 points, obtained as follows:—A try by Woodrow, try by M’Hardie, try by Woodrow (converted by Hannah), try by Paterson (converted by A. M’Donald). The Kaikorai forwards played a fine game in the second spell, and to this may b© attributed Kaikorai’s win. Zingabi v. Port Chalmers. These teams played a hard game at Sawyers Bay Ground, which was in better condition, the grass having been cut. Players, however, still complain of the uneven nature of the surface. Zingari-Rich-mond showed more dash and combination than that displayed by Port, and secured a comfortable win by 8 points to nil. In the first spell Zingari kicked uphill. Piny was willing, but it was not very productive in the matter of scoring. Each team had chances, but failed to make complete use of them. Symonds was the first to cross Port’s line, and Bond converted. In the second spell Patterson scored a try from a pass initiated by Russell, and helped forward by Abbott. The try was not _ converted. There was no further soaring, and a keen game, controlled by Mr Hobson, ended: Zingari-Richmond 8, Port Chalmers 0. SECOND GRADE. Pirates 19, Union 3. Alhambra 0, Kaikorai 0. Southern A 11, Zingari 0. THIRD GRADE. Valley Alhambra 29, Kaikorai 0. Pirates 16, University 0. Union 32, Taieri Rovers 0. FOURTH GRADE. ■ In tie match Southern y. Union no referee had arrived at 2 p.m., and both te<ams left the ground. FIFTH GRADE. Kaikorai 6, Alhambra 5. SCHOOL MATCHES. Albany Street 27, Arthur Street 0.
AT OTHER CENTRES. —Christchurch.— Christchurch 14, Old Boys 6. Merivale 3, Sydenham 3. Linwood 5, Canterbury College 3. Albioa 31, Marist Brothers 0. —Wellington.Petone 3, Oriental 0. St. James 11, Poneke 0. Melrose 9, Old Boys 3. , Athletic 3, Southern 0. Wellington 3, Victoria College 3. —Auckland. — Ponsonby 9, City 0, University 14, Grafton 3. Marist Brothers 23, Newton 3. A PRESENTATION. Mr E. Williams, who for tho past two seasons has so ably filled the position of full-back for the Southern senior fifteen, has been transferred to Christchurch. On the eve of his departure his clubniates entained him at a farewell “ smoko,' and presented him with a sovereign case, suitably inscribed. The dub captain (Mr P. Sheehan), in making the presentation, re forred to the recipient’s many good qualities on and off the football field, and wished him every success in lus new sphere of usefulness. Mr Williams briefly responded. ____
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Bibliographic details
Evening Star, Issue 14572, 22 May 1911, Page 7
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1,444FOOTBALL. Evening Star, Issue 14572, 22 May 1911, Page 7
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