NORTH AND SOUTH DRAW.

Evening Star, Issue 18346, 6 August 1923, Page 4

NORTH AND SOUTH DRAW.

GAME IN THE MUD.

STRENUOUS TUSSLE—6 ALL.

[SrECiAL to riia ‘Star.’]

Tho North v. South fixture was played on Athletic Park on a ground resembling that for the final Springbok test. Heavy rain fell all morning, aiuf'dt was still raining steadily when the teams took tho field.

In the North team, Stewart replaced APLean at full-back, Peina playing wing three-quarter, and Snow replaced Richardson in tho South team, while Steel undertook tho duly of captain. The weather brought the attendance clown to between 4,000 and 5,000. South won tho toss, Jacobs setting the ball in motion. The 'North forwards pressed, but a few minutes after the start, Bell, with tho ball at his feet, quickly transferred play to tho other on cl of the field. North attacked again, Jacobs being noticeable. A free kick gave South a big advantage, but Tilyard, with a speculator, eent the North away, Sinclair just managing to save before lie was tackled by Peina. Tho South forwards were forcing the game, and an infringement gave the Southerners a chance of placing the ball over, Sinclair took tho kick, but just failed to guide tho ball between the posts. South were having tho best of the exchanges, the forwards showing to advantage. Play centred about halfway for some time, A forward rush by the North was stemmed by APCarthy, but a moment later tho ball came across from Righton, and Peina, coming up fast, collected nicely, and got across to score the first try. Jacobs failed with the kick. North 3 South 0

North continued to press. Mill secured from tho scrum, hut Tilyard failed to pass, and was smothered. Grenside made a nice run down tho left wing, but passed forward, an offence that was repeated by Peina on the other wing, and a little later, when North’s chances of scoring were very bright. After a, scrum Snodgrass made a groat run upheld with the ball at Ids feet, Jacobs just managing to kick out to save. The advantage gained improved the South’s outlook, and North secured relief from a free kick. Tho forwards took the ball down (he field, but bad passing by Tilyard spoilt a promising movement. An exchange of kicks followed in tho South half, and then followed a succession of forward tussles, the ball being kept on the ground. A forward rush caused the South to force, and from this the Southerners came away. Potaka relieved with a good lino kick, but M'Carthy and Snodgrass put the South on attack again. From a scramble on tho lino Williams got across, and evened the scores. Sinclair failed with the kick. North ... .. 3 South 3

A min ate later Snodgrass electrified the spectators by running from halfway, and scoring at the corner, after "being collared by Stewart a yard from the line. Sinclair again failed to pilot tho ball accurately, although tho kick was a difficult one. South ... ... ... 6 North ■■ 3

Following this reverse, the North took the initiative again, Sinclair going down to some dangerous forward rushes. South attacked again from a fine kick by Sinclair, and were still pressing when halftime sounded. SECOND SPELL. Lain was still falling when the second spell opened, and the forwards dominated plav again, the North having the advantage in the loose. North were awarded a free kick, hut Jacobs preferred “up .and down” to having a shot. Mill secured from a scrum, bat both Tilyavd and Johnstone failed to hold, and the South were relieved for a while. A rush improved the position for North again. Several times the progress of play was stopped in order to remove mud from the players’ cyc.'a Shirt of the ground resembled a sea of inml. South attacked again, and caused North (o force down. A North attack was saved in brilliant fashion by Hill, who gained 25yds with his kick. The South' continued to keep the Northerners busy, although the Northerners made occasional invasions of South territory. In one of these Steel just managed to kick out to touch in lime to avert trouble. A stern struggle took place-Tm the South line, but good defensive tactics prevented a crossing. Steel relieved with a splendid lino kick. The Northern side bad much advantage for some time, and play centred about midfield. The crowd cheered _ when North’s position improved, and a linc-out took place on the South lino. I'ov some minutes the North attacked strongly, and excitement reached -a high pitch. A brilliant piece of play resulted in Mill beating the opposition and scoring almost between the. posts, Jacobs failed with the kick. South 6 North 6 Strenuous efforts to gain the lead were made by both sides, but the game ended without further score. North 6 South 6 RECORD or PREVIOUS GAMES. This intcrisland match was the nineteenth (officially recognised) .in which North lias met Smith. Ot the eighteen games which had been played up to last year the North Island representatives had won ten, th-o South Island had won seven, and one had been drawn. Ten games have been played in Wellington, the last to be staged there prior to-day being three years ago, when North won by 12 points to 5. Iwo years ago the North-Mouth match was plavcd in Christchurch, North winning by 23 points to 13. Tho teams on that occasion were:—North: Kingston; K. Svenson, Cl. G. Aitkcn, B. Algar; M. Grierson, 0. E. Badeleyj E. Roberts; J. Donald; E. Hughes, H. Jacob, J. Moflltt, E. A. Beilis, A. M'Lcan, A. 11. West, A. Carroll. South: J. Russel; J. Steel, W. A. Ford, 11. Phillips; G. Jeffs, D. M'Cormick; A. M. Connolly; S. Cabot; L. Petersen, A. White, IV. Duncan, E. H. Ellis, C. M'Lcan, J. Richardson, A. Scott. Of those players only six were chosen for to-day’s North-South match: Jacob, West, A. M'Lcan, Steel, Peterson, and Richardson. The teams in last year’s match, which was played at Auckland, and won by South by 9 points to 8, were as follow (excluding replacements during the game):—North; E. G. Brook; S. K. Siddells, P. Hickey, Borrell; VI. P. Nioholls, P. Byrne ; 11. E. Nieholls ; E. A. BellLs; R. M'Cullough, S. Shearer, L. Cupplcs, J. O’Brien, M. Brownlie, U. P. CVilcinai, H. Masters, South: R, Bell; J. Steel, K. Svenson, J. Fitzgerald; W. R. Pea, G. Dickinson; R. Mathieson ; X. Carnegie; F. Smyth, A. White, J. Richardson, L. Petersen, 0. Turpin, Goodail, L. Williams, Only one member of last year’s North team was among those chosen this year —M. Brownlie. There were four of last year's players in this year’s South team—Steel, Richardson, Petersen, and Williams.

Results of previous North-South matches are as follow :—■

AUCKLAND BEATS SOUTHLAND. Auckland defeated Southland by 37 points to 3. Tho weather was fine, but the ground muddy and under water in patches as a result of heavy rain overnight and in tho morning. Auckland! had' the heller of the first spell, and tho opposing forwards were evenly matched. Tho Southland forwards made somefino rushes, but their backs did not support them, and their efforts were fruitless. Tho Auckland backs were superior, and their passing was remarkably accurate, considering the state of the ball. The second spoil was more even, though toward tho end Auckland predominated. The visitors kicked off, facing the sun. Auckland at oncp attacked, Southland) forcing within a few minutes. The attack was renewed, but the visitors’ forwards repeatedly broke away, only to bo pulled up. Aucldand’s efforts to score were almost successful, the visitors’ forcing several times in. the first part of the spell. A retermined rush by Southland reached Gregory, tho Auckland full-back, who dived in, stopping the advance, receiving mi injury to his head. Southland, by a series of rushes, transferred the piny to the Auckland side of halfway, where Cooke cut in cleverly and passed to Radeley, who scored and converted. Auckland 5, Southland 0. Southland were forced twice. Molloy then signalled his transfer to fullback (in place of Gregory, who retired) by swerving through the defence to pass to Badclcy, who scored, but failed to convert. Auckland 8, Southland 0. Shortly afterwards tho Auckland backs, 'swarming over their opponents, drove therii to the line, where Arnold scored, Radeley converting. Auckland 13, Southland 0. Then followed some nice passing between Lucas and Cooke, who'scored, Radeley again, converting. Auckland 18, Southland 0. Southland attacked for a spell, but Auckland gradually worked down, and passing enabled Thomas to score. At half-time the score was : Auckland 21, Southland 0. On resuming, Southland gradually worked down to the homo twenty-five, where a keen struggle took place. _ After a series of attacks Onghton, picking up from a. scrambling rush, evaded the defence on the blind: aido and scored a clever try. Apncw had to kick from an angle, and 1 made a good attempt, tho ball striking the post. Auckland 21, Southland 3. Southland continued to attack, but were unable to pierce the defence, a scrum on tho line clearing Auckland. Give-and-lako play followed, in which Southland had perhaps tho better rot matters, and play was transferred to the Auckland twenty-five, where a free kick relieved! tho pressure. Tho visitors’ forwards played! with determination, but tho defence proved sound. Then Cooke secured, passing to Lucas, who peered. Radeley converted. Auckland 26, Southland 3. Play remained about halfway, an Auckland break-away being well saved by Plok. Another Auckland 0 attack resulted in a force, and then. Southland, spurred on. set up a series of attacks widen, however, lacked the requisite finish. Play travelled up and down tho field, tho visitors playing better than at. any other stage of tho game. Then Auckland gained the ascendancy, _ and, though tho defence was stubborn, pierced tho lines three times, otf-sido play preventing a- score being registered. After several rushes Peters beat tho Southlanders in a race for the ball and scorerd a try, which was not converted. Auckland 29, Southland 3. Southland again rallied, and after play at halfway Cooke passed to Radeley, who scored. The try was not converted. Auckland 32, So-uth-'land 3. Southland row set up a hot attack, and looked dangerous. They wore right on the lino, when Lucas, snapping up a, pass, broke through, and, outdistancing ail pursuers, ran the length of tho field, scoring between tho posts. Cook© conve rled. Auckland 37 Southland

MANAWATU BEATS SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. iManawat.il (28 points) defeated Southern Hawke’s Bay (6 points) at Palmerston North, in showery weather and on a heavy ground. Tho visitors were outclassed.

GAMES AT TIM ARIL

(Rugby Charily Day was held in Tirnani, when two representative games were 'plavpd. South Canterbury B defeated! Mackenzie Sub-union by 15 points to 6, and South Canterbury defeated Waimato bv 8 points to 0. COLLEGE MATCH. In a return match King’,s College beat Grammar School at Auckland by 10 points to 0. WELLINGTON v. WAIRAEAPA. The turf was already very wet and sodden when the Wairarnpa-Wcllington match commenced on No. 2 ground, and with rain failing steadily the prospect of an open game was small. Tho Wairarapa forwards, accustomed to wet conditions, had the. best of the opening stages, playing with their backs to stand fine. A dribbling rush headed by 0. Gibson placed the visitors in trouble, 'but Carson forced from Svenson and Rogers. The Uairarapa attack wad resumed, and the Greens wore twice, nearly over, Malcoiin kicking dead on the first occasion, and Porter forcing on tho second. Duncan and Porter (broke through momentarily, but Wairarapa swarmed hack, and were within an aco of scoring. 0 Sullivan opened up a Wellington attack, and Malcolm vainly attempted to pot with the heavy hall. Wairarapa made an excellent piece of passing out to Morns, who reached tho corner, where he was tackled Good work by O’Sullivan, Duncan, and Roberts placed Wellington in better position. Half-time sounded with no score on either side. . In tlm second smell of the match Wairarapa, had tho better of the, game, and there were wmo exciting incidents, hut the final bell rang with no score on e-uner side. LEAGUE GAMES. In tho League match Canterbury _v. Wellington, at Sydenham Park, Chnstchurclp Canterbury won, 29-5.

SOGGER

POSITION OF TEAMS,

The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in \he, senior grade competitions: —

NORTHERN v. OLD BOYS. The match between Northern and Old Boys at Culling Park was of a fast, open nature, and aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators. Northern, on the day's plav, deserved their win, though there was very little to pick and choose, between the two" teams. Dougins and Allan could not turn out for Oldltoys, and liarraway and Grant (a junior player) filled the positions of left-back and left-wing respectively. 'Cherry was absent from the Northern side. The game opened in lively fashion, with a couple of raids by Northern. O’Brien (left wing) crossed with a good kick, BrundcH’s attempt to head the ball in failinu. Race (Old Boys’ centre-half) put in a nice piece of footwork, and placed his forwards on the attack with a welldirected pass to M'Muilan (right wing). The ball was sent back by Coates, and a further attempt by Race went wide. Northern attacked several times, to bo repulsed by the Old Boys’ backs, Harraway rendering splendid service. Ruddimau skied the leather, which fell near the goal

month, j 5. Drydcn (Northern inside-left) heading over. Latimer sent tho hallowed up the field, and Coates, returning with a powerful kick, Ruddiman sent in a shot which was unsuccessful. Play travelled up and down the field at a fast pace, Northern having slightly the better of tho exchanges. Old Boys took play to their opponents’ goal, but tho forwards hung hack, and Mitchell (Northern goal-keeper) had ample time to clear. Most of tho play was on tho pavilion side of the ground. O'Brien and I). Dryden were working hard, and Latimer was playing a useful game for Old Boys. M'Mullan shifted play up the field with a powerful kick, Coates coming to light with a fine “header" and returning the leather to Old Boys’ territory. Coates was playing a sterling game, .and was ably supported by APPliereon. The Northern halves were also playing well, and the defence was well nigh impenetrable. Cafikio stopped a grubber from O’Brien, and in a raid by Old Boys M'Mullan sent in a shot which missed narrowly. A further attack by Old Boys followed, but S. Duncan (centre-forward) lost a chance by letting the ball get too far in front of him. Northern retaliated with a strong attack on tho right, a fine shot by Duncan missing by a small margin. The ball came across to O’Brien, and ho sent in a drive which gave Casbio no chance. Northern 1, Old Boys 0. J. Duncan crossed to Ruddiman. and Old Boys were forced to give a corner, the kick going over. O’Brien led another Northern raid, and after an anxious moment for Old Boys, one of tho backs relieved witli a long kick. Just before the dose of tho spell Race sent out to M'Mullan, who put in a beautiful shot, tho ball rebounding from the cross-ba-r. Play continued fast and open after the opening of the second spell, both sides having a fair share of attack. A number of attacks by Old Roys failed, and Northern also missed some chances. Towards the end of tho gams Old Boys were constantly in Northern territory, and were trying hard for a score. They did not. however, succeed in goaling, and .a good game ended ; Northern ... ... 1 Old Boys ... ... 0 Air R. Brown was tho referee. MORNINGTON v. SOUTHERN,

ITom tho kick-off tho Mornington forwards combined nicely, and had 'Southern defending stoutly, M'Evoy being prominent. Dickel tested with a long shot, but Southern found relief from off-side. Donaldson tricked Dickel nicely and tapped nicely to Oliver, who sent wide with only goalio to defeat. M'Evoy handled in penalty area, but Newman’s shot went outside. M'Kenzie, Southern’s goal, saved well on two occasions from Catto. Rialdock robbed M‘Gregor and sent his forwards off. Donaldson, after a fine effort, placed Hill in possession, and tho score opened with a fine drive. Southern, 1-0. Encouraged, Southern kept up tho pressure and had Morniagton’a defence hard pressed. D. Scott handled in area, and Donaldson go ale d with a terrific drive. .Southern, 2-0. Till half-time excellent football was shown, Ibut the defence on both sides was good. On resuming Southern pressed hard, and Donaldson narrowly missed with two long drives. The Mornington forwards gave tho Southerners a hard time, but Trevatlmn and Walter and M'Kenzie (in goal) prevented a score. Catto broke away, and M'Evoy saved at the expense of a corner. The kick, well placed by Catto, was hustled into tho net from a scramble. Within five minutes the equalising goal was scored by Watt, who received in pood position from Catto. With ten minutes remaining both sides made repeated efi’orto, and tho final effort of the Southern forwards found M'Fadycn in Ircnt, but placed the ball in Scntl’s hands, A good game, very ably controlled by Mi Parfitt, resulted - Southern 2 Mornington 3 MAORI HILL v. MOUNT ZION.

Tho match between Maori Dili and Mount Zion, at Culling Paik, provided a fair exhibition of football. There was nothing to pick and choose between tho teams, and the game was very close. In tho first spell both sides missed many .good chances. A penalty kick by Mount Zion was unsuccessful.

Tho second spell was closely contested, and (bo only score was by M'Connack (Maori Hill),'who netted wiih a fine shot. Final score: Maori Hill 1 Mount Zion 0 Mr Frame was the referee SECOND GRADE. Old Boys 7, Maori Hill 0. Northern 2, Technical Old Boys 0. Southern 3, Morninglon 2. THIRD GRADE. Mornington 1, Southern 0. Technical Old Boys 1, Taieri 0. Y.M.C.A. 3, Northern 0. FOURTH GRADE. Y.M.C.A. 2, Technical Old Boys 1. Mornington 5, Normal 0. (Maori Hill 5, Southern 0. Northern 1, Old Boys 1. FIFTH GRADE. Mornington 1, High School A 0. High School C 1. Southern 1. Taieri d, High School B 3. Technical A 7, Tcchncial C 0. Port Convent 6, Northern 0. BROWiT SHIELD. Auckland 10, ’Wanganui 1.

Dii to. Played at Won hy Scores. 1837 Wellington North 16-3 1902 ... Wellington Smith 20-14 19C3 Auckland South 12-5 1S04 ... Dun edin Drawn 5-3 1905 Wellington North 260 1906 ... Wellington North 9-5 1907 ... Christchurch North 12-0 1308 ... Wellington North 12-5 1903 ... Wellington South 19-11 1910 ... Christchurch South 14-10 1911 ... Wellington North 19-9 1912 ... Napier North 12-8 1915 Christchurch South 25-0 1914 Wellington South 8-0 1919 ... Wellington North 28-11 1920 Wellington North 12-3 1921 ... Christchurch North 28-13 1922 ... Auckland South 9-8

Team. >> ct c * d ■oals for. to o 1 s £ p O C Old Boys ... 10 7 1 2 26 9 16 10 7 2 1 53 15 15 Moniington 10 5 2 3 24 23 15 Northern 9 5 0 1 19 13 17 Kaitangata ... 0 6 2 1 10 6 11 Southern 10 2 5 3 11 27 7 MaoriHill ... 10 3 6 1 11 17 7 *Taiori 10 1 8 1 12 27 3 Mount Zion 9 1 7 1 11 25 3 *Seaclift' beat T; ikri by default.