SATURDAY’S RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18052, 21 August 1922, Page 3

SATURDAY’S RUGBY

OTAGO DEFEATS AUCKLAND. A DISAPPOINTING GAME. There was a record crowd of about 15,000 at Carisbrofek this afternoon, when Otago met Auckland., The weather conditions were ideal, and the spectators anxiously looked forward to a great game. It was open and fast enough in a way, but it never reached the standard of Rugby that was to be expected from two provinces with such a high reputation for their games in the past. In fact, it was a disappointing display all round, both back and forward. Auckland was the weaker side. Otago had numerous chances as they have had in pm-ious games, but there was always something lacking_ in their back play. The forwards certainly played well in the loose, but the scrum work by both teams was very poor. The Otago backs had Heir chances, but they wanted the necessary finish to force homo the attack. The Aucklanders all round flowed little combination, and it was more fry good luck than by good play that they kept Otago out in the second half, when the play went the way of the Blues for most of the time. Unfortunately most of the play in •this half hovered towards Owles, who did not have the pace or the inclination to force his way through. Had , the play gone to Stewart’s wing there would have been a different tale to tell. Otago deserved to win. They had the best of the play all round, but it was not a great performance on their part. They were not up against strong opposition. Half an hour had gone when Milno scored for Otago, Sinclair converting. This was the onlv score in the first half, which on the whole had been fairly evenly contested. The pace of the Otago hades generally had Auckland beaten. They were also up against a more aggressive forward side, the Blues’ pack getting away with some smart-, fast dribbling work. The visitors badly lacked combination. Eight minutes after the start of the second spell Auckland got a penalty, which reduced Otago’s lead to two points. Three minutes later -Sinclair kicked a penalty, and Otago led by 8 to 8. About twenty minutes to time Sinclair kicked another penalty. It went about 2ft inside the post, but it was not awarded. The writer was in a position to see it kicked, but for some reason it was not given. Towards the close of the game Tea made on opening which gave Otago a try, and this left the home team winners by 11 to 3. Sinclair played another very safe and sure game for Otago at full-back, being ably supported by Perry. Fea made a lot of play on his own. The forwards played a better game last Saturday. Duncan, Sonntag, Wilson. Knox, and Dickson were always prominent to-day. Muir, the Auckland full-back, was safe. Ifwerson was not- seen at his best. Nicholas played a dashing game at wingforward. Of the sixteen games played between the two provinces, Auckland has won six, Otago four, and six have been drawn. THE TEAiS. AUCKLAND (Blue and White). Full-back—J. H. Muir (13.6). Three-quarter backs—B. B. Thomas (10.9), K. Ifwerson (11.7), J. Hirst (11.8), Five-eighths—E. H. M'Manus (11.4), A. G. Grant (11.7). Half-back—L. Earle (10.6). Forwards —F. Arnold (11.7), A. -S. Bagnail (11.2), L. Gassy (13.4). J. Taylor (13.2), R. M‘Williams (14.1), K. Hclander (12.1), H. M‘Donald (12.7), J. Nicholas (15.6, wing forward). OTAGO (Blue). Full-back —R. G. B. Sinclair (12.2). Three-quarter-backs—E. B. Stewart (12.0), J. G. Macke re th (11.12), G. Owles (11.6. five-eighths—Dr A. E. Perry (11.4), W. R. Fea (captain, 11.0). Half-back—F. M'Naughton (10.3). Forwards —W. D. Duncan (13.0), A. Milne (14.6), C. Sonntag (13.10), W. Coombes (12.8),, W. Knox (13..7), D. M'Meeking (12.8), Dickson (13.0), J. Wilson (12.4). '■ THE PLAY. FIRST SPELL. Fea led his men on to the field promptly to time, Auckland following closely. “Hoop-rays” were exchanged, and the übiquitous photographer came into action. Nicholas kicked oS for Auckland towards the railway. The ball went out, and a scrum was taken at halfway. Toe Northerners secured the ball, but Mackcreth cut in, and kicked up the line. Fea, Perry, and Mackereth got going, but Stewart was collared before he got to it, and Eario cleared. Play was stopped for some little time at this stage, M‘Donald (Auckland forward being hurt. On resuming Nicholas came through, and Sinclair just missed taking the ball. Off-side by Auckland soved the situation. Another free kick, and M'Donald tok a fine mark. Back-and-forth kicks, and in trying to mark in a bunch M'Manus went down for a spell. A free kick to Otago for off-side (the third- within a few minutes) took play into Auckland’s twenty-five, where another free kick, this time to the visitors, saved. Dickson and Duncan shone in a forward rush, and Owles tackled Muir well. A free kick to Otago for an infringement on the line gave Sinclair a shot, which went a bit wide. Kicked off, and Auckland were awarded a free kick, which went well down the line into Otago territory. Mackereth bolted in the centre, and passed to Knox. The latter’s pass to Owles was not too good, and a chance was lost. Auckland cleared well, and Otago had an anxious time until Perry came to the rescue. Nicholas came again at the head of a Colors’attack, and, M'Naughton fumbling, Otago were again on the defeneive. Perry got them out of this, and also' a similar attack which was initiated by Muir. Some give-and-take play up the stand wing, M'Manus being prominent for the Colors and Owles for the Blues. There was a good- deal of scrambling, and Fea twice tned his short punt, but on each occasion an Auckland man was there to receive it. Then Perry broke _ through in great style, and passed to Wilson. Owles came into it, and it looked like a score; li®fc a knock-on spoiled the effort, Auckland getting it away from the resulting scrum. Some exciting play on the stand wing, all in favor of Otago, and in which Fea and Mackereth were prominent, gave Muir and Ifwerson all they could do to prevent a score. A bad miss by Fea helped them, however, and play returned to halfway. A dash by Fea, who passed to Stewart. The speedy wing set sail, and got through all but the full-back (Muir), who was equal to the task, and- Stewart wafl brought to earth. Otago were not to be denied, and Milne came through the loose with the ball at his toe. He temporarily lost it ; but the defending back slipped, and Milne was on it again, and scored well behind the lino. Sinclair converted with a good kick.

Otago 5 Auckland 0 Hirst was prominent in midfield play after the kick-off, but Wilson, Otago's wing-forward, more than made up for the advantage gained. The Blues were getting the ball away and having distinctly Hie better of the game. A flashing bit of play in which Duncan, Knox, and Wilson combined like a lot of backs, brought the fight, into a handy position for the Blues. Stewart got the ball, and was actually over the fine when he unaccountably lost the ball. Back to the centre, and Perry stopped further progress, M‘Manus talcing a nice mark from the kick. Otago still persisted, and it was rarely indeed that Auckland, despite fine play bv their forwards, got over the halfway. .’At length, however, Hirst made a break, and the Blues were busy,defending. Ifwerson got hold, but didn’t get 'far, being weli_ and truly pulled to earth. Knocka-on spoiled another Auckland attempt. Sinclair dipped, and Muir was ‘almost on him, but he recovered and got in a splendid kick, Mackercth let the down ijii .a counter-attack, and,

M'Naugton fumbling, the pressure was on Otago. M'Naughton made up for his blunder by coming through the scrum in great style. Perry’s knock-on brought the move to naught. M'Wiiliams led another forward rush, and it was only a lucky “speculator that cleared the line. This led to one of tho quick changes of venue that had characterised the play throughout, and gave Ifwerson a chance for a fine bit of play which relieved tho Colors. _ The Blues were not making use of their opportunities, and tho play generally was not of high quality. Half-time was called with the ball in Auckland territory, tho scores being : Otago 5 Auckland ® SECOND SPELL.

’ Otago faced tho sun in the opening of the second half, and, kicking off, secured the advantage in an interchange of kicks. A brisk forward movement by Auckland carried play back to tho halfway. Otago backs swung into action, and the ball went from a scrum through all hands to Owles, who came in towards tho centre. A knock-on, however, spoiled the effort. The game was delayed for a few minutes when Hirst was temporarily disabled. Another vigorous rush by Auckland forwards, who were showing up well in the loose, took play down the field. The Northerners were awarded a free kick through off-side play by Otago forwards, and Ifwerson kicked a good goal. Otago 5 Auckland 3 Otago backs again attempted some passing, and Stewart made a smart run up the lino after a movement initiated by Porry, but was well tackled by the Auckland full-back. From a free _ kick (awarded to Otago through Muir lying on tho ball) Sinclair added o more points to Otago’s score with a good kick. Otago 8 Auckland 3 Otago backs began to throw the ball about freely. M'Naughton, Fea, Perry, and Owles took part in a passing sortie, tho last-named making a good run, but being tackled by Thomas. The ball went out at the corner, and from the throw-in Otago backs gaain came into action, Stewart on this occasion going within inches of tho line. Auckland backs were tackling well at this stage, the full-back (Muir) being particularly safe. Otago were doing most of the attacking, and, as in tho first spell, were given many free kicks. Fea cleared tho ball from the feet of an Auckland forward rush headed by Hoalandor and M'William, and passed to Sinclair, who saved with a kick to about halfway. Good defence work by Auckland backs was keeping Otago out. Otago continued to make all the attack, and were nearly over four- or five times. Once a tricky run by Fea went within an ace of success. He handed to Owles, who lost the ball just at the corner. Right in front of the goal Otago were given a free kick through Earle picking the ball out of a scrum, but Sinclair missed. A breakaway by several Auckland forwards looked dangerous. Ifwerson, following up fast, caught Sinclair with the ball. Otago cleared in time, and M'Mceking headed a rush to the other end. The Auckland full-back, again made a splendid save. Sinclair made a good, but unsuccessful, attempt to 'goal a free kick. Fea, although not getting the best of passes from the scrum, was playing a sound game, and made many openings. Beating three or four opponents near the line, he was held up within an inch of success. Dickson, however, followed np the effort, and securing the ball dived over. Sinclair’s kick missed. Otago 11 Auckland 3 Thomas was injured, and was carried off the field, Somerville taking his place. Brisk attacks by the Auckland forwards kept Otago busily defending for a few minutes; but tho backs were equal to the occasion. M'Wiiliams broke away on his own, and beating many opponents _s-pt out a long pass to Hirst, the latter failing to take it. Otago retaliated with some more back passing, Stewart putting in a good' run to past the opposing twenty-five, where he was pushed out. Both -Otago hacks and forwards assumed the offensive, and were only prevented from scoring by the excellent defence of the Auckland backs. Repeated attacks by Otago backs in the last five minutes aroused the crowd to some excitement. Perry, Fea, and Mackereth handled tho ball in turn, and it went swiftly from one side to the other. Mackereth was unfortunate in not getting a try just before the final whistle, as he lost the ball when just over the line. Final score ; Otago 11 Auckland ••• 3 Mr G. M'Kenzie was referee. TARANAKI BEATS WELLINGTON ON THE POST VICTORY. Taranaki beat _ Wellington, 15-14, at Wellington in the last minute of play. There were 12,000 spectator’s present. Wellington, playing with the wind- and sun behind them, opened with a lucky try. Jackson followed a short kick. Taylors return rebounded from a Taranaki player, and Thomas scored-, after Jackson had missed the bounce. Thomas failed with the kick. Wellington, 5-0. Swain scored) again from a forward rush, Wogan failing with the kick. Wellington, 6-0. Taranaki were now attacking, and a brilliant series of forward rushes was rewarded by a splendid try by Malone. Coutts failed to convert. Half-time: Wellington 6, Taranaki 3. Immediately on the resumption of play Siddells fielded beautifully, ran, and kicked to Hunt, who mulled. Swain picked up, and ran between the posts. Wogan landed a goal. Wellington, 11-3. Taranaki attacked again, and Malone scored after a -forward rush near tho posts. Coutts failed with the kick. Wellington, 11-6. Jack Shearer scored similarly for Wellington, Wogan missing the shot at goal. Wellington, 14-6. Ennis replied with a fine try at the corner from an opening by Hunt. Malone’s kick was unsuccessful. Wellington, 14-9. Ennis scored again, alter a (brilliant interception by Marks, who passed it on to the wing. West failed with the kick. Wellington, 14-12. With one minute to go, West just missed the posts with a beautiful long pot. A second later Hammorsley toppled over, scoring a try, and winning the match. Score : Taranaki 15 Wellington 14

, HAWKE’S BAY DECISIVELY DEFEATS CANTERBURY. The Hawke’s Bay-Canterbury match was played on Saturday in glorious weather. There was a large "attendance. Early in the game Hawke's attacked strongly, and Kivell, getting the ball from the ruck, cut through nicely, and scored. Yates failed with the kick. Canterbury assumed the offensive, and, as the result of a good passing rush amongst the forwards, Carnegie scored a try, which was not enhanced. After a period of attacking by Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay carried the play well into Canterbury’s territory. From a scrum near the goal line Kivell set liis backs going, and Grenside scored, O’Donogliue converting. Play settled at halfway for a time. Then Hawke’s Bay attacked, and just before half-time another try was scored for them by Grensido, who put in a good run. O’Donoghue converted. At half-time the tally was:— Hawke’s Bay ... 13 Canterbury 5 The second spell opened with a strong rush by Hawke’s Bay, which resulted in Batchelor scoring. O’Donoghuo converted. After this Canterbury had somewhat the better of the game for a'while, but could not drive the advantage home. Then Hawke’s Bay set up a. strong attack, which resulted in Kivell scoring. O’Donoghue failed with rather an easy kick. Canterbury pressed for a while, but Hawke's Bay sent them bade again. Penalties relieved for Canterbury. A good run by Doreen was stopped a few yards from the i line, just after Doreen had an unsuccessful pot at goal. Canterbury again | pressed closely, but a penalty relieved them. A few minutes before the call of : time O’Donoghue scored for Hawke’s Bay, but failed to convert his own try. Immediately after the Hawke’s Bay backs got

going, with tho result that Kingston scored and O’Donoghue converted. Tho gam© ended i Hawke’s Bay 29 Canterbury ••• 0 FARCICAL TACKLING. Our Christchurch correspondent telegraphs that the ‘Press’ says: “Canterbury's defeat by Hawke’s Bay was thoroughly deserved. The, display of the Canterbury backs, to put it mildly, was laughable; in fact, the spectators, when they saw how things were going, treated, the game as a comedy rather than a football match. No worse tackling than Canterbury’s has ever been seen on Lancaster Park.” ALL BLACKS BEAT MAORIS. * JUST GLIMPSES OF FORM. FORWARDS TOO GOOD. (Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 19. The All Blacks v. Maori match was played -on Athletic Park under favorable conditions, except for a northerly wind. The crowd was estimated at about 13,000. Much of the play was of the loose,_ scrappy type, but there was plenty of incident, with glimpses of attractive work. The All Black forwards were superior to tho Maoris’ pack. FIRST SPELL. Tho Blacks won tho toss, and took advantage of the wind and sun for the first spoil. After a brief period of loose play, an interchange of kicks turned to the Blacks’ favor, Beilis sending Ford away on an attacking run. Tho Canterbury man was tackled near the line, but rabbited across. Tho free kick gave only temporary relief to the Maoris, as Beilis, from tho nick, again set bis backs moving. M. Nicholls, Badeley, and Ford participated in a neat passing bout, the last-named crossing near the corner. M. Nicholls failed to convert. All Blacks 3, Maoris 0. During the ensuing play the Maoris succeeded in stemming further rushes, and occasionally retaliated, though not with tho same concerted action as tho All Blacks. Success was achieved by the Maoris when Barclay gathered un the leather from a cross kick by Badeley. He broke away, and transferred to Peina, who dashed across. Akiura’s kick failed. Maoris 3, All Blacks 5. Soon after Steel demonstrated his qualities by fending off two opponents and scoring. Badeley converted. All Blacks 8, Maoris 3. The Black forwards dominated subsequent play, but the backs made several combined attacks, from one of which Ford scored. Badeley’s kick was .a trifle short. All Blacks 11, Maoris 3. Before half-time Steel made another fine dash from halfway, beating off several opponents, to score. M. Nicholls landed the goal, and the spell ended : AH Blacks 13 (Maoris 3 During this spell Richardson and Bell (All Blacks) were injured, and replaced by Shearer and Dickinson. Penia (of tho Maoris) was also injured, and M. Blake filled tho vacancy. SECOND SPELL. Early in the second spell passing among the All Black forwards ended in Shearer scoring, and M. Nicholls goaled. All Blacks 21, Maoris 3. An exhibition of dummying accounted for a try to the Maoris, Mill (the halfback) beinf responsible, cleverly working his way through the opposition to score behind the posts. Tangitu _ converted.

All Blacks 21, Maoris 8. Play was even for a long period, without producing any bright features. _ Eventually a follow up by Bell resulted in that ■player scoring. Another try added fust afterwards; Barclay completing an effort by Gemmell. . Neither try was converted. B]aclts 21, Maoris 14. Broughton (Maoris) was injured' in this spell, and replaced by Love. Final score: All Blacks 21 , Maoris Mr T. Parata refereed. HERIOT TOURNEY. [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CLYDE, August 21. The Heriot football tournament on Saturday provided a good days sport, there being strong . competition. llesults : Schools —Heriot beat Waikaka in the final. Albion won the juniors easily, and iaiias won the seniors, with Waitaki runners-up. THE GOLDFIELDS TOUR. [Special io the ‘ Star.’] CLYDE, August 21. The Vincent football team to meet Otago on Thursday is the same as defeated MamI ototo. OTHER GAMES. Wairarapa v. Wanganui, played in I showery weather at Wanganui, was ' won by Wairarapa by 18 to i 3. In I the first half the Wairarapa had_ all the best of the play, and at half-time led by 12 to 5. In the second half they’ soon added 6 points to their score; but during the last twenty minutes Wanganui played up well, and scored 8 points. The visitors were too fast and clever for the local men, and were undoubtedly the better | B 20 defeated Nelson 13 at Nelson. , , , Eastern Districts (Mataura) 19 beat South Otago 12 at Balclulha. Dunedin Technical College 14, Balclntha Technical School 3. Played at Montecillo. Dunedin Post and Telegraph 14, Invercargill Post and Telegraph 3. Turnbull and Jones 11, Kempthome, Prosser 3. NORTH OTAGO v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. In the return representative game played at Timam, South Canterbury 16 defeated North Otago 6 —a fair indication of the respective merits of the teams. MOASOAR CUP. ■ In the final South Island match, played at Christchurch, Christchurch High School 13 beat St. Bede’s (Catholic College) 3. In the North Island match, at Auckland, Auckland Grammar School scored 14 against Hamilton. High School 0. CHRISTIAN BROS. v. DIARIST. A senior and a junior game between the Christian Brothers and the Manet Brothers’ (Invercargill) Schools were played on Saturday. The senior game-was played as a curtain raiser to the interprovinoial match, and resulted in a win for the local lads by 20 points to 5. Tries were scored by Cusack (3), Brown, O’Reilly, and Francis, and O’Connor converted one. M'Swigau scored for the visitors. _ _ Christian Brothers also won the junior match, which was played on Saturday morning at the Caledonian Ground, by 3 points to 0. Donnelly was the scorer. SCHOOLS MATCHES. In the B Grade match. Green Island 6 defeated Ravensboume 3. Taranaki Primary Schools 14 defeated Wanganui Primary Schools 11 at Wanganui. The winners showed they were capable of upholding the best traditions of Taranaki Rugby. THE LEAGUE CODE. Auckland 23 points beat Hawke's Bay 5 at Auckland. 1 In the final of the shield competition at Christchurch Addington 23 defeated Sydenham 12.