RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18280, 21 May 1923, Page 5

RUGBY

POSITION OP TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competition ;

KAIKORAI v. ALHAMBRA. The ancient rivalry of the Kaikorai and Alhambra Clubs, who in the halcyon days of their supremacy produced trials of strength and skill about which older enthusiasts still talk freely, is still sufficiently alive to attract a big “gate.” and to ensure some excitement. But it must hav3 been this mainly which_ aroused the enthusiasm, for the game itself, while vigorous and fast, was without the purposeful move and tactical skill of the older encounters. ' However, the game was fast, and there were instances of individual brilliancy. The forwards of both teams played a rigorous game, and were evenly matched, though towards the end Alhambra had the superiority. The Shacks on both sides threw the ball about freely, but there was a lack of concerted effort. All the Alhambra forwards played well, and particularly W. Knox, as wingforward. Perry, M'Meeking. and Soon-

la-rf were prominent in Kaikorai’s vanguard. Among the Alhambra backs Punch M'Dongall played a sound game, and he was well supported in the. fiveeighth line by Leyden, a boy from the juniors, who showed much promise. Kaikorni were without S. Knight. Alhambra backs attempted passing early in the game, but it soon broke down, and a mark by Dickinson relieved further pressure by Alhambra forwards. M'Meeking and Sonntasr headed a rush to Alhambra territory, where a number of scrums took place. "Webber (Alhambra half) _ marked when Kaikorai were in an. attacking position. A good cut-in by Dickinson and a quick run looked dangerous, but the wing failed to take the pass, and King (Alhambra wing) returned play to the other end with a good kick. Each side attempted passing, hut the handling of the ball was weak. Parsons (Alhambra fullback) saved well when his side were near their own line after some good 1 forward play by Perry (Kaikorai). A good centring kick by Anderson (wing) put Alhambra in a likely looking position, which was followed by 'by the "backs swinging into action on the other side, Hobson (centre) being thrown out a few feet from the line. Alhambra continued to have the

better of the exchanges until M'Meeking again broke through with a dribbling rush. He was brought up by Leyden (first five’eigbth). In the ensuing play Kaikorai backs essayed some passing. Dickinson, taking the "Kill well from Goldsmid (halfback). made a characteristic dash and passed to M'Dongall. The latter was well tackled. For the next ten, minutes Kaikorai made the attack, but their attempts at passing were ragged and unfinished, while Alhambra backs wore tackling well. The play of the forwards, too, was even. A good deal of interchange of kicks took place, and Alhambra were awarded three or four free kicks for' infringements by their opponents. A series o£ brisk attacks were made by Alhambra, forwards, and Crossan (Kaikorai full-back) and the other backs were kept busy. Knox attempted to goal a free kick for Alhambra, but it went wide. Alhambra kept up the pressure, and M'Dongall attempted a pot. It went low, however, and Kaikorai forced. A minute or two later Alhambra drew first blood. .M'Dongall took a good pass from the half-back, and, after a great run.

passed to Hobson, who'scored. The kick failed. Alhambra 3-0. Kaikorai for-

■wards, with Sonntag and Dow in the van, set np a vigorous attack, but good kicks bv the Alhambra hacks took play back to halfway. Alhambra forwards attacked hotly just before the spell ended, and Knox, who had been playing well all the spell, showed out prominently. A series of exciting scrambles took place right on the line, and the ball went out as the bell was rung for half-time, with Alhambra 3 points in the lead. A pretty passing rush by the Alhambra backs brightened up things in the early stages of the second spell. The ball was passed out smartly from a scrum by Webber, and it went in turn to M’Dougall, Hobson, and King. The last-named kicked when crowded on the touch-line, and in a great race for the ball Poole got there just in time and forced. Kaikorai forwards carried right to Alhambra’s line, where a series of scrums took place. Their hacks essayed a passing bout, when Leyden neatly cut in and transferred play to the opposite end. He kicked, and, following up fast, got his man, another Kaikorai back clearing just in time. Excitement became stronger when Alhambra scored a minute later, Thomas (forward) picking up and, dashing . over after the ball had been centred. Parsons made a good but unsuccessful attempt to goal Alhambra _ 6-0. Kaikorai forwards replied with a vigorous assault, and play hovered dangerously about Alhambra’s line. Gilchrist at length forced himself over through the ruck. Dickinson’s kick failed. Alhambra 6-3. _ Good play by Perry again put Kaikorai in a good position, and Dickinson had an attempt to goal a free kick. Brisk, bustling rushes by Kaikorai forwards kept Alhambra busily defending, until a kick by Leyden relieved. Kaikorai strove hard to score, but could not pierce the defence. Sonntag made an unsuccessful attempt to goal a free-kick. A pood deal of tight forward play took .place for a time. Parsons, playing the ball on the ground, Kaikorai wore given a tree kick, but M’Dougall, who took the kick, failed to goal. Free kicks were frequent to both sides. Kaikorai at last forced

home their attack. Goldsmid got tho ball away smartly to A. Knight, who passed to Dickinson, this player grounding near tho corner. Ho also took the kick, but failed. Kaikorai 6-6. With the scores equalised, tho crowd became excited. A brisk sortie was made by Alhambra forwards, followed by a good dash up the line by M’Dougall. Campbell made an unsuccessful attempt to kick a goal from a mark. A kicly by an Alhambra back deep into Kaikorai territory, and Crossan saved only in time. Webber marked, but failed in his attempt to drop-kick a goal. Alhambra were now making all the attack. Just before time Punch M'Dougall was-unfortunate in not scoring. He charged down a return kick by Crossan, and ran over the line after the ball, which just went out of bounds as he got to it. The game ended ;

Kaikorai ... 6 Alhambra 6 Mr A. J. Haub was referee. UNIVERSITY A v. SOUTHERN

The match between University A and Southern, at Tahuna, resulted in an easy victory for the Blues by 45 points to 3. The Blues were much too good for Southern, and in tho first half were not very serious about the game. The Blues’ victory was again brought about by the speed and combination of their backs in their passing rushes, which left Southern completely Bewildered. Their forwards repeatedly made tho opportunities for them by getting tho ball out smartly.

alhough they were not equal in weight to the Southern pack. University scored at the rate of a point a minute in the first twenty minutes 'of play, and it was only near the end of the half that ■Southern got a try. .Among the University backs Stewart was conspicuous for his brilliant runs. Webb (centre threequarters) also played a fine game, and Pea (first five-eighths) did some neat passing'between his legs. Sinclair (back) distinguished himself by converting six tries. " Dickson (forward) was injured towards the end of the first half, and University played one man short for a time. In the second half Kingston (threequarters) took his place, and Mackcroth joined the backs. Highley scored Southern’s only try, and Smith achieved the fame of bringing down Kingston. Play had just opened when the Blue backs' got into motiop, and Kingston scored the first try. Soon aftpr_ Stewart scored at the corner after a brilliant run, and Harty added another three from a forward rush. The Blues were getting all over Southern now. Stewart got the ball again, after it had passed from Perry to Fca and Webb; but ho was blocked near the goal, and Owen fought over. A little later Perry ran into play smartly .nfer Pen, and enabled Webb to score. Cabot, Stewart, and Pea each added a try to the total, before Highley succeeded with a dribbling rush _ and _ scored Southern’s only try. The kick failed. .In the second half Southern faced up to the Blues wdth greater determination, and carried play into their opponents’ territory several times with long kicks, Play ranged up and down the field ; but before the whistle went Cabot, Williams, and Bridgman (forwards) each added three to University’s total. Sinclair converted six out of the eleven tries from varying positions. ' Scores: University ... 45 Southern 3 Mr K. M'Kenzio was referee. ZINGARI v. DUNEDIN. There were a few flashes of good individual play in the match between Zin-gari-Hichmond and Dunedin, played at Montecillo. Both sides sadly lacked combination The match _ throughout was characterised by hard kicking and loose, ragged play. The Dunedin backs fumbled the ball "badly, and lost several likely chances of scoring as a result. The Blues, who kicked off in the first spell, had an uphill tight, with, the wind against them. The play was strenuous at times, and although Dunedin made several bold attempts to score, they could not pierce the defence.

Lombardi replaced Jones in the Dunedin back division. Forthe winners Peat, who played in the senior grade foiy the first time, shaped well. M'Nauglilon, Fcklmlf, and Clydesdale all played a solid game. For Dunedin Baker (wing), Hnnrahan, O’Connor, Baker, and Scott showed out prominently. From the kick-off Zingari rushed play into the Dark Blues’ territory, where after a series of scrums and line-outs Dunedin forced. The colors secured possesion, and smart passing among the backs almost ended in a score, Mitchell being collared 1 on the Hue. Hickey secured possession and worked his way through the opposing backs, scoring near the posts. Clydesdale’s kick faileo. Zingari 3, Dunedin 0. Play was uninteresting for a time, but the Blues, by strenuous efforts, kept the Colors on the defensive. Dunedin secured from a scrum, and Watson marked a strong kick by Fox when the Blues were following up fast. M'Naughton bad a shot at goal, the ball falling just under the bar. Almost immediately M'Naughton marked in a good positian, and kicked a fine goal. Dunedin attacked strongly, but a good kick by one of the opposing backs prevented a likely score. Peat pjcKocl up in the loose, and after a strong, fast run' for the line, was collared by Wilson. Wilson fumbled, and Paterson, following up fast, scored. Clydesdale converted. Zingari 13, Dunedin 0. Half-time was called without any additional score being registered. On resuming Jacobs secured, and, dodging all apposition, scored near the posts, Clydesdale’s kick went wide. Zingari 15, Dunedin 0. After an exchange of long, powerful kicks by both sides, Clydesdale saved a strenuous rush by the Blues’ forwards with a good lino kick. Erratic passing by the Blues’ backs when in their opponents’ territory spoilt a good chance of scoring. Cameron bad to retire at this stage owing to an injury to his left ankle, received when attempting to stem a loose rush by the Blues. Emv right took his place. The Blues were making strenuous efforts to score, but they could not pierce the defence. Brien secured, and, ably assisted by Watson, play was carried into the Blues’ territory. A penalty on the line relieved Dunedin. A free kick for obstruction by Watson was taken by Scott, the ball falling short of the bar by a few feet. A kick by Brookes was followed up smartly, but the Zingari full-back forced. Final :—- Zingarl-Richmond 16 Dunedin 0 (Mr E. Clancy was referee. TAIERI ROVERS v. UNION.

This game, played at Tahuna No. 2, was not notable for any outstanding brilliance, being mostly a forward struggle. Ii was a fast, open go, with both, sets of forwards evenly matched, but tho back play was not up to the standard of the forward divisions. Taieri was slightly superior in tho rearguard, their handling being more accurate. Tho lino-kicking of both teams 1 was good. Murdoch, Allan, and Finlay were the most prominent Taieri forwards, and Oliver and tho Scott brothers the moat serviceable backs. For Union, Healy and Burns (forwards), and Semple and Taverner (backs) did good work. Taieri kicked off, and a loose forward rush carried play to tho Union line; but a force saved the Reds. Play was fairly fast and open, with Union having a slight advantage. Brisk forward play by the north end team resulted in tho Greens forcing. Taieri answered with a rush to their 'opponents’ territory, where Scott had a shot which went wide. Some loose forward play ended in Ellison scoring for Union. A good kick by Taverner made tho score Union 6, Taieri 0. The' Red forwards were playing a keen game, but neither set of backs was showing much skill. A good kick by A. Scott placed tho country team in a good position, and a few minutes later Allan goaled from a free kick. Union 5, Taieri 3. The Greens kept up the attack, and looked like scoring, but a smart lino kick by Simpson saved the situation for the Reds. The spell ended without further score. On resuming, Taieri were aggressive, and a passing rush resulted in Allan scoring near the posts. The _ same player missed the kick. Taieri 6, Union 5. From the Hck-out Union carried play to the Greens’ twenty-five, where _ Simpson had a shot which fell short. Taieri came back again, and were almost over on two different occasions. Mishandling by the Taieri backs enabled Semple to break away with the ball at his toes, but the Greensforced. Then A. Scott marked in front, arid goaled with a good kick. Taieri 9, Union 5. Taieri continued to attack, but a nice run by Ellison cleared for Union. A good deal of hard kicking ensued, neither side claiming any advantage. From a scramble near the Union line Allan secured, and forced bis way across. A. Scott converted. Taieri 14, Union 5. Each side attacked in turn, but no further score resulted, and the game ended : Taieri ...; ... 14 Union ... 6 Mr Morgan was referee.

PIRATES v, UNIVERSITY B. The game between Pirates andi University E resulted in a comfortable 'win for the Blacks, who carried too many scoring guns for their lighter opponents. Both sides threw the ball about freely, hut the passing rushes usually broke down fairly soon. University did not play nearly so poorly as the scores would indicate. All the Pirates’ backs were _in farm, Bell, Morgan, and Walker particularly so, while the forwards more than held their own, especially in the loose. Ross, A. Porritt, and Shand were most prominent among the Blue backs, and Johns and Meadowcroft in the forwards.

A small crowd watched the play. The Blues kicked off towards the Bay road, and Pirates were first to move forward. ’Varsity, however, followed a high punt, and got to the twenty-five line, where Ward just missed taking the ball with a fairly clear run in. Morgan got it instead, and play went right down to the comer flag, whore a free kick saved ’Varsity. Two more free kicks eased the position for them. There was somo scrambling play on the railway wing, and then Walker, securing the ball, battled through to the lino, and fell over near the posts. 801 l converted. Pirates 5-0. Open play followed, with the Blues making valiant efforts to get a passing rush going. Ward was responsible for bringing play to the Black twenty-five, but Bell took it back. Twice the ’Varsity were forced, and a minute or two later Walker put in another battling rush right to the centre of the goal, where he just got over. Bell again converted. 10-0. Brunette and Porritt shone in the succeeding play, and Ward finished some pretty work by being put out of action. He had to retire, Grovillo taking his place. A freo kick near the twenty-five line gave Lamb a shot, and he safely landed a goal. Pirates 10-3. Tho play was nice and open, and Pirates getting the ball from the scrum, it went from hand to hand until Morgan got it, and streaked round behind l tho posts. Once more Bell added the points. 15-5. Jeffs soon after retired, limping. ’Varsity were making the bettor attempts at passing, but a strong dribbling rush by Pirates brought play to the Blue line. Porritt streaked across tho ground, and looked like beating tho opposition, when he lost the ball. Hawke ffew from the wing, but threw out. Ross put in a good bit of play, and Porritt missed a fine chance to score by picking up. Hawke swooped around tho scrum at halfway, and carried tbs ball right to tbe hue, where ’Varsity were forced. Shortly alter, Morgan took tho ball simply from Grevillcks bauds and crossed. 801 l failed 1 with his kick. 18 —0. Half-time sounded wdth the scores unaltered.

Jones came on in place of Jeffs after the interval. Morgan was prominent, but three free kicks in succession gave the Blues breathing space Ross made a nice opening, but Bell’s strong kicking stopped a promising rush. Wise and Ross “ went out ” simultaneously, but both came to after attention. Bell was conspicuous on several occasions. Porritt got going, and sped along the wing, passing m to Meadowcroft, who was downed. A few minutes late:- Ross hung on too long, and Walker kicked through. An exciting race up the centre between Porritt and Morgan was finished by the former falling. Morgan followed up, and, kicking over tbo line, scored once more. Bell’s kick failed. 21 —3. Boss was again hurt, and this time had to retire. Henderson was next to score, Bell failing with a long kick. 24—5. Pirates continued to dominate the play to the end, Smith scoring and Bell converting. Just before time Lamb kicked a goal for the Blues from a “ free.” FinalPirates 29 University B 6 Mr G. M'Kcnzie was referee. SECOND GRADE. Alhambra 18, Pirates B 0. ’Varsity D 30, Union 0. Zingari 6, Port Chalmers 3. Training College 11, Pirates A 8. Kaikorai 19, Taicii Rovers 0. ’Varsity C 14, Southern 3. THIRD GRADE. Southern 19, Dunedin 0. ’Varsity E 12, Kaikorai 9Alhambra 11, Pirates I) 0. ' Zingari 16, Training College 0. Pirates 0 47, ’Varsity F 0. Green Island, 11; Ravensbourne. 9. Alhambra A, 17; Pirates, 0. Southern A, 3 ; Port Chalmers A, 0. Y.M.C.A. A, 23; Taieri Rovers, 5. Port Chalmers B, 9; Alhambra R, 0. FOURTH GRADE. Zingari A, 14; Dunedin A, 0. Fraser, Mattingly, Bremncr, and Murray scored for the winners. Ball converted one. Southern B, 15; Kaikorai, 11. Union, 8; Kaikorai, 0. FIFTH GRADE. Southern, 18; Port Chalmers, 5. Union, 21; Y.M.C.A., 0. Dunedin, 26; Zingari, 3. IN OTHER CENTRES. Auckland.—Pousonby 6, Grammar Old Boys 6, Marist Brothers 62, Eden 0; University 9, College Rifles 0. Wairarapa.—Red Star 19, Featherston 0; Carterton 14, Masterton 8; Greytown 6, Gladstone 0. Wellington.—Poneke 9, Athletic 8; Borhampore 9, Wellington 0; Petone 13, Old Boys 6; Oriental 9, Selwyn 0, Marist 14, II ut t 0. Christchurch.—Marists 8, Albion 0; Christchurch 49, North Canterbury 3; Linwood 9, Sydenbam-Lyttelton 3; Old Boys 14, Merivale 14. South Otago.—Senior grade : Crescent 9, Owaka 3; Toko 14, Clinton ’3; Out-ha, a bye. Junior grade : Crescent 19, Owaka 3; Romahapa 6, Toko 0; Milburn 9, Clutha 5. Invercargill.—Pirates 9, Marista 8; Waikiwi 5, Invercargill 3. NEW ZEALAND AND SYDNEY UNIVERSITIES. FIRST TEST DRAWN. SYDNEY, May 19. The Rugby match between the New Zealand and Sydney Universities resulted in a draw—ll points all. This was the first test game, but the teams lacked combination, and at times play was patchy, with a tendency towards sluggishness. Sydney opened the scoring, Hcsslein landing a penalty goal from inside the visitors’ twenty-five. A Sydney three-quarter line rush ended in Stanley scoring. Hesslein converted. 'Sydney had the best of most of the scrums, and, as a consequence, the Blacks were called upon to perform much defensive work, _ A free kick for an illegal tackle gave Diack an opportunity, which ho accepted. A smart effort by Murray and M‘Donald took play down the field, and the latter crossed the line. Diack kicked a goal and equalised the scores.y The second spell was devoid of incident, and was mostly of a give-and-take nature. Sheehan got off-side and gave Diack a further opportunity, and New Zealand led by 11 points to 8. In the last five minutes, houeyer, Foote scored i for the Blues, but the kick at goal failed. —A. and N.Z. Gable LEAGUE GAMES. Christchurch. —Sydenham 7, Woolston 5; Addington 6, Hornby 5; Kaiapoi 16, Linwood 13. Wellington.—'Central 35, Petone 23.

. "m R .*£ T) <u c _2 « 1 ,3 (h | Lost q 'S c '5 pH to s University A 4 4 0 0 119 17 8 Kaikorai . .. 4 3 0 1 71 26 7 Zingari 4 3 1 0 59 21 6 Alhambra 4 2 1 1 48 20 5 Pirates 3 2 1 0 69 25 4 University B 4 2 2 0 43 65 4 Dunedin . 4 1 3 0 31 61 2 Taieri Rovers 4 1 3 0 22 59 2 Union 4 1 3 0 5 97 2 Southern . 4 0 4 0 15 93 0