SATURDAY’S RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18022, 17 July 1922, Page 2

SATURDAY’S RUGBY

POSITION OF TEAMS

END OF FIRST ROUND.

PIRATES’ GREAT RECOVERY,

Tho first round of tho senior grade competition was really completed on Saturday. Four teams, however, have each another match to play to make up ten games for the round.’ Of the four “ the two University fifteens (A and B) are expected to meet next Wednesday, while the Allia-mbra-Duncdin game, which was declared 1 null and void, may be replayed later. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams:

PIRATES BEAT UNIVERSITY A,

A FAST GAME,

Over. 9,000 people again attended C-a-ris-brook on Saturday, when tho attraction was the much-tnlked-of match between Pirates and ’Varsitv A. It was a fast game, in which Pirates lasted it out to tho end. They were the stronger forward side, and had*the game won in the second spell. In the first half they led by 3 points, and in tho second spell each side put on o points, with tho Blacks attacking most of tho time. The ’Varsity backs gave a very ordinary display. Their passing was weak and there was ho combination about their play. The Pirates kept hustling them all the time. Although a fast and vigorous game, it was not what might bo termed a scientific disp’ay of Rugby. However, it was exciting and keenly contested, and tho spectators were kept interested to tho end. The Blues were without Fea, while the Blacks had Scott and Tyson away. Pirates won the toss, and ’Varsity faced the sun. From tho kick-off S. Smith opened up play, and tho Blacks were making the pace.* It promised to be a fast, open game. Townsend saved nicely. From a penalty Bell went very close to kicking a goal, the hall going just outside the post. The Blues now livened up, and were getting the ball. Stewart put in a strong dash down the line, and Townsend next rati through. The Pirates’ backs were tackling high, and for a time they were in trouble. Ward did not appreciate a rush, and Perry saved in the nick of time. Lusk got in a timely kick. Both sides were taking chances, there being very little concerted work in their play. Tho scrums were formed anyhow, and the ball never came out cleanly to the halves. The Blacks were forcing things, and Robinson was hauled down on the line. Perry relieved with a well-judged kick, and i&inclair drove the attack back to the twenty-five. The Blues’ backs were too much bunched to open up tho game. Pirates kept up the attack, but Sinclair always relieved. S. Smith made a nice opening, and kicked to Perry, who returned to the attack with a good kick inside the Pirates’ twenty-five. Harty next made a strong run, supported by Hart, who was nearly over. The play was still fast and open. Wilson got possession and, running down the centre, kicked to Sinclair, who just managed to find tiie twenty-five flag. Mathcson, getting tho ball from the scrum, tried to do too much on his own, and was tackled, ball and all. ITo was next collared on the line. Then from a freo kick near the lino 801 l kicked a fine goal. Pirates 3, University 0. Twenty minutes were left to half-time, with both teams'racing across the ground without making much headway. There was very little combination in their play. The Pirates forwards were having the best of tho exchanges, while the Blues’ backs were passing in a haphazard way. Bell slopped a strong rush, and then after some pretty passing started by Lusk from the ruck tho ’Varsity half passed to Townsend who transferred to Perry. This player ran straight and passed to Mackereth, who handed to Stewart, who, with the Pirates' backs practically cut off, ran over for a good try. Sinclair’s kick missed. University 3, Pirates 3. Gray next led a good forward rush while, Mackereth was picking up well from the loose, and playing one of his best games. The Blues’ backs were now throwing the ball about in good style, and Ward' made one of his characteristic dashes, Percy just missing an in-pass from him when near the line. Pirates were being sorely pressed. Their tackling was weak, und the backs were generally out of their place. A Pirates’ rush over was just saved by Sinclair after lie looked like missing the ball altogether. Matheson then punted across the field to Wise, who, after dropping the ball, got it again and passed to Wilson, who made a determined dash over. Bell’s luck missed. Pirates 6, University 3.

Tho Blues returned with more passing, and the game became exciting. Stewart was making some strong runs, but when tackled was recklessly throwing the ball away, allowing tho Blacks to dear. Hart got *in a clever piece of dribbling, being ably supported by Harty. A few minutes to time Ward went off. From a pass out on the blind Eobinson was all but over. The whistle then sounded.

When the game resumed Murray replaced Ward, who had injured his knee. -Murray played centre, and _ Mackereth went on tho wing. A cross-kick by Sinclair gave the Pirates backs an opening, which they failed to take advantage of. ’Varsity were throwing tho hall about, but their passing was erratic. They were also kicking into the hands of Bell, who was always safe at talcing and kicking. More passing saw Stewart throw the ball away when tackled without considering the best, thing to do. Murray missed a pass when in a good position, and then Mackereth made a- neat opening which was taken advantage of by Perry, who scored near the corner. Sinclair converted by a great kick. University 8, Pirates 6. Two minutes later from a line-out, followed by a forward rush, Joyce forced his way over. Bell converting. Pirates 11, University 8.

The game became very exciting and interesting, with Pirates playing with renewed vigor. They wore pressing hard, and the Blues had some lucky saves. The Pirates forwards continued to attack strongly. The Blues also failed to go for their man low, and Pirates looked like slipping them up any time. The Blues attack was spoilt by uncertain passing. The Pirates rush''a were too deadly for them. With fifteen minutes 4 go, they were playing as keenly as ew and leaving no openings. The Bines we kept liard on the defensive. Thoix passing always broke down. Thcy_ trusted a lot to luck, but with the opposition so strong it did not come off. Stewart once ran down the line, to be safely tackled by Bell. A mull by a ’Varsity bade saw the Pirates forwards nearly over. They kept up the pressure, and it was now all Blacks. Stewart got away and kicked down the field, but the support was lacking, and this was really the Blues last chance. Bell took a kick at goal from half-way, but the ball fell short. More passing by the Blues broke down at the critical moment. A hardly-contested game ended : Pirates 11 University A 8 Mr B. Watson was referee. KAIKOBAI v. ZING AIM. Kaikorai kicked oft' towards the gasworks, and after some even play Connolly sent the ball well into Kaikorai territory. Off-side by M’Ewan saved. Zingari kept forcing iho pace, and twice wore within an ace, of scoring. Woodrow and Williams got the Blues out of trouble, and offside by Cameron gave Grewes a shot, which went a bit wide. Keeping at it, the Kaikorai battled across the goal, and Williams passed out of the loose to Crossan, Who sent to Pool; the latter passed hack tq Xuughtujyha iinJ&dJkmuirh and.

scored. Crowes; converted! with a nice kick. Kaikorai 5-0. Within three minutes Zingari were knocking at tho door, and M’Naughton was conspicuous. In a crush Wills marked, and put tho ball safely over. Kaikorai 5-3. Zingari ! came on again, and Davidson almost scored from a throw in. Off-side by Kaikorai ] within kicking distance, and Spillano i piloted it over. Zingari 6-5. Kaikorai ■ forwards,, headed by Sonntag, were battling hard. A splendid dribbling rush ;by Knight ■ kept up the pressure. Spilj lane and Connolly were prominent in a | counter move, and a promising passing rush was spoiled by. a forward throw. Tho ' pace was fast, and play shot from end to end. Wills was just outpaced by Findlay, who forced. Sonntag was playing a fine game. At half-time Zingari led, 6-5. On resumption of play Kaikorai worked i the' ball up, and within five minutes a I free kick for off-side gave a chance, and ho kicked a fine goal. Kaikorai 8-6. Zingari next had their say. Wills cut off a pass, and Spillano gathering up, ran for the comer, and got over. Watson made a groat attempt to convert, and just missed-. Zingari 9-8. A few . minutes later an irresistible dribbling rush, in which Knight and Duncan shone, ended in Williams falling on the ball and scoring. Crewes missed. < Kaikorai i 11-9. A free kick to Zingari for off-side, ; and Watson just missed putting .it over Good play by Spillano, and Zingari were pressing .again. A desperate rally by tho Blues, and Patterson saved. M. Cameron broke through, and like scoring, but Kaikorai forced. A minute or two later, a wild scramble ensued) on Kaikorai’s line, and Zingari wore given a -free kick. Spillano put it over nicely, and again the Colors led, 12-11. Kaikorai, playing hard (too hard in one instance), tried to retrieve the position; but Sandy Patterson was there. A free kick against Wilis just before time caused anxiety, but !jt fell short. The whistle went, with the scores: Zingari ... 12 Kaikorai U Mr A. F/Ckhold was referee. • DUNEDIN v. UNIO»

These two clubs, the oldest in Dunedin, met at Tahuna, and after an indifferent game victory rested with Dunedin by 11 points to 6. Union kicked off, tho Blues returning the ball to Red territory, where play remained for the first fifteen minutes. Dunedin made the game open, and after seme neat passing O’Sulliv'an drew first blood for tho Blues. Collins converted. Ragged play ensued for some time, neither side handling the ball with any accuracy. A Union rush carried play to tho Blue twenty-five, where Walker secured a mark and kicked a goal. Dunedin 5, Union 3. Heartened by this success, the Reds attacked for a spell, but the Blue, backs got going again, and Kin" scored. Collins’s kick failed. Then Marks • cut off a pass and put in a splendid run, knocking on when a score seemed certain. Just before half-time Walsh (Union) kicked a foal from a penalty, and the spell ended: lunedin 8, Union 6.

On resuming, tho Blues attacked for a period, but the Refi,forwards cleared with a brisk rush. Marks was getting in some fine work for the Rods, both on defence and attack. The Blue forwards were playing below form, while the handling of tho ball by the backs left much to bo desired. The game lagged along in ragged stylo for some time. Dunedin failing to take advantage of many good opportunities. A nice piece of play by Reid, the Blue scrumhalf, resulted in that player scoring near tho posts. Scott’s kick failed. Dunedin continued to do most of the attacking, and Louis was nearly across. Just before time Brough and Hodge were prominent in good play for Union, taking play to Blue territory, but the Dunedin backs cleared. No further score resulted, and tho game ended:

Dunedin ... 11 Union ... 6 Mr Haub was referee. UNIVERSITY B v. SOUTHERN

’Varsity B defeated Southern at Tahuna by 11 points to 5 after a closelycontested "game, the deciding factors being the speed of 'Varsity backs and the fast following up by their forwards. The first spell was dull and with little variety, the play being mostly confined to the. forwards ; but in the second half it became more open, when ’Varsity backs throw the ball about more freely. In the early stages Southern backs lost many golden opportunities to score after their forwards had worked hard. Shortly before halftime Greville broke through the loose from halfway, and after a good run to near the line passed to Allan, who scored. Allan’s kick missed. ’Varsity 3-0. A sensational run by Porritt was seen early in the second spell, and he was within an ace of getting over. Southern’s forwards seemed to have tired, and the students were passing better. Aitken (five-eighth) made a nice opening, and gave to <p Gilberd, who scored. Allan's kick missed. Southern’s first and only try cam© when Harley (five-eighth.) dashed through the ruck following a line-out, and got over. Highley converted. Again Aitken made a clever opening, and the ball went from him to Ross, to Greville, and to Porritt, who ran round behind the posts. Greville converted. Twice again Porritt put in good runs, but on each occasion was well tackled by the Southern full-back (omcock). The match ended: University B Southern ... ... ° Mr G. M'Kenzio was referee. • ALHAMBRA v. TAIERI.

This match was played at Mosgicl on a very slippery ground, and fast play was impossible. Play throughout was very ragged, and tho Alhambra pack dominated the game. Taieri put up a stout defence, and finished tho last fifteen minutes without their full-back (Oliver), who retired with an injury to his head. Hally (five-eighth) was the outstanding man on the Taieri side, and got a neat score early in the game, Scott converting. Pollock and Smith scored for Alhambra. Final result: Alhambra 6 Taieri 5 Mr Himburg controlled the game. SECOND GRADE. Pirates A 14, Southern 3. Pirates B 8, ’Varsity 6. Taieri 11, Port 0. Alhambra 17, Ravcnsbournc 9. Zingari 6, Kaikorai 4. THIRD GRADE. Taieri 6, Alhambra 3. Zingari A 26, ’Varsity 3. Kaikorai 9, Southern 5. Port 8, Training College 0. FOURTH GRADE. Zingari A 9, Dunedin A 3. Union 5, Pirates B 3. Pirates A 3, Kaikorai A 3. Y.M.C.A. 0, Ravensbourne o.' Alhambra 9, Zingari B 3. Technical College 4, M’Olaahan 0. Green Island) 14, High School A 0. Kaikorai B 3, Dunedin B 0. R-avensbourno and, Y.M.C.A. drew; no SCOT®.

FIFTH GRADE. Zingari A 17, Southern 0. High School I) 6, Ravensbonrne 0. High School F 6, Kaikorai 6. High School E 9, Technical College 3. Zingari B 0, Alhambra B 0. Alhambra A 13, Green Island 3. Dunedin beat Y.M.C.A. by default. SCHOOLS’ RUGBY. Ravenshoumo 11, Mosgiel 3.

MAORI CHALLENGE SHIELD. A Marten message states that Rancitikei (holders of the Maori Challenge Shield) defeated) Wairoa (Taranaki) by 17 to 10.

AT OTHER CENTRES. Pirates defeated Invercargill (9-8) in one of tire f astest and most thrilling games for years. Invercargill attacked all the first spell but Pirates' defence was magnificent/ All the points were obtained in the Bccond spell. Pirates scored three unconverted tries, and Invercargill two tries, one of which was converted. There were 3,600 spectators. Brilliant back play was shown. —Invercargill correspondent. Wellington.— Poneko 19, Bcrhamporo 0; Petono 22, University 8; Oriental 9, Athletic U; Marist 18, Old. Boys 0; Selwyn Sj. Wellington .0.

Christchurch. —Marista 14, SydenhamLyttelton 0; Christchurch 14,' Old Boys 12; Lin wood 3> Morivale 0; University 20, Albion 3. ■ • ... Auckland. —College Rifles drew with Marists, 9 all; Ponsonby 6, Grammar 3.

THAMES DOWNS AUCKLAND

At Thames on Saturday Thames defeated Auckland by 14 points to 9.

LEAGUE. Christchurch. —Addington 17, Fcaeral 3; Sydenham 5, Woolston 0. Napier.—The League match between Hawke’s Bay and Wellington was won by the homo team by, 13 points to 5.

1 *4 o 1 s <u F i3 c o £ I?! S 5 o *5 dp E

Pirates 10 9 1 0 155 59,18 5f 16 University A 9 8 1 0 157 Zingari-Richmqnd 10 8 2 0 113 62 16 Kaikorni 10 7 3 0 136 77 14 Alhambra 9 5 4 0 108 48 10 University B 9 5 4 0 129 67 10 Dunedin 9 4 5 0 57 72 8 Southern ... ■ .• 10 4 6 0 67 94 8 Taieri Rovers 10 2 8 0 54 111 4 Port Chalmers .. 10 1 9 0 55 122 2 Union 10 0 10 0 41 287 0