LEAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 9

LEAGUE

QUEENSLAND’S BRILLIANT FOOTBALL GREAT SCORING MACHINE. There was an attendance of about 5,000 at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday, when Queensland met Otago in the second international League fixtui’o to be played in Dunedin. The rain that fell so prodigally all the week, and particularly on Saturday morning, made it inevitable that patrons who expected anything in the way of thrills, as League crowds are wont to do, would bo woefully disappointed. The ground was water-logged, and the ball early acquired certain characteristics only found in the cel species, _ which made handling a rather precarious proceeding, and only to be undertaken on the principle of take it up tenderly, treat it with care.” That the Queenslanders, after some early fumbling, were able to handle the ball in the masterly Btylo that they did, particularly under conditions that rapidly became worse, is no mean tribute to their football abilities, and in this respect the game must hare been an eye-opener to the spectators. It must bo remembered too, that the visitors are innured to grounds with surfaces of granite, a wet field being as great a novelty to them ns a dry one has been in Dunedin during the past three months. Time after time passing movements Wont the whole length ol the field, in many of which practically the whole side participated, some of the backs often coming in for two or three helpings of the leather. This was a memorable feature of a game _ that could hardly rank as a very brilliant affair, though a lack of scintillating qualities was hardly due to any shortcomings on the part of the Queenslanders. The inexperienced Otago side made a father feeble showing, except for-the first fifteen minutes, and at other all too brief intervals. Alter the visitors’ first try they seemed to ho hopelessly out of it, putting up a feeble resistance to the onslaughts ol a team skilled in all the arts and crafts of a game which they have brought to a wonderful state of perfection in the past three years. In justice to the local team it is_ only fair to point out that a side of the highest calibre would have suffered a crushing defeat if they had attempted the old orthodox methods adopted by Otago on Saturday, providing of course the visitors were able to obtain a Fair share of the ball from the serums. The Queenslanders demonstrated _ that ye ancient half, five-eighth, five-eighth centre three-quarter, wing three-quar-ter game, and tjic all too-lamiliar variations must bo scrapped as an effective method of try-getting, even with-a few “dummies” and other elementary “stunts” thrown in. _lf the game had been played along lines that have almost become canonical, they would probably have proved only about a twenty-points better side than the_ opposition; it was their unconventional style of play that so completely nonplussed Otago, and on a dry day there is no knowing what tally might not have been hoisted. They have developed a new League technique, in which the orthodox methods that apparently served so well in the past, are only used as a means of decoy for overtrustful and rather naive opponents. Their “ scissors’ ” passing movements, which, fortunately, for Otago were only brought into operation at rare intervals, appeared to bo capable of an infinite number of variations and permutations, and the side gaining possession of the ball with even the best of opponents against them, should, theoretically at least, finish up with a certain try. The chief weakness with the local side was that even when the hacks got into notion it required the exercise of very little occult powers to anticipate their every movement, and the attack generally 'broke down before the ball reached the three-quarters. It was their ability to anticipate every movement that was responsible for the Queenslanders’ rich harvest of tries. The visitors’_ “ rako appeared to take things fairly easy in the first fifteen minutes, Otago getting the ball in the initial eight scrums. It was during this time that Queensland was on the defensive, and the local thirteen were unlucky in nob -getting at least one try. Once the opposing hooker assorted his superiority there was only one set of hacks in it, and they pranced and danced in and out of the opposing side with a grace and skill and a joyous audacity that served to lighten up the gloom as far as supporters of the local team was concerned. In all these movements Edwards, the half-back, always appeared to be the star that dazzled most. lie initiated movement after movement, aided no_ doubt on occasions by tho protective measures adopted by a friendly forward, but it was an outstanding performance, amongst a whole constellation of “stars.” It is stated that he is not the equal of the ox-New South Wales player, Duncan Thompson, and if this is so it only goes to show the strength of the game in Queensland. The two wing three-quarters, of course, appeared most in tho picture, and a great and resourceful pair of scoring men they were, with a surprising turn of speed. But it was Gorman who appeared to he the genius in the quartet, with- his uncanny of anticipation, astounding “dummying” propensities, and a bewildering incapacity to do the thing that his opponents expected. Tho forwards were a hefty crow, with weight, speed, and agility, and the way they were able to combine in the back movements almost immediately after tho break up of the scrum Was a revelation. If the local team had boon able to 'obtain possession of the ball more frequently from the scrums the score might have been reduced considerably. The “ rake ” cl id not always take full advantage of tho “ loose head,” whilst matters were not improved when the ball was kicked out to t lie opposing half as was done on occasions. Cameron was easily the best forward on his side, revelling in tho most gruelling work. Eckhoff and O’Neill wore also prominent. The backs were simply outclassed, and several of their passing movements hardly resulted in the gain of a yard, owing to their seeming inability to rqn straight or make an attempt to draw their opponents. A feature of tho visitors’ game that did not always appeal was the amount of “shepherding” and “bridging” indulged m, which certainly savored of obstructionist tactics on occasions. But like everything else appertaining to the game they have reduced “shepherding ” to a fine art. With a heavy set of forwards against them who favored the same tactics there would bo a tendency to rough play. The referee, Mr S. Devereanx, made ' good use of the advantage rule, and gave a very satisfactory account of him pelf. The official attendance was given at 0,356, and the gate taking as £373, THE TEAMS. Queensland. Full-back, J. Craig. Three-quarters—C. Aynsley, T. Gorman, G. Crouch, W. Spencer. Five-eighth, J. Moore. Half-back, A. Edwards. Forwards —V. Ambrnster, J. Purcell, N. Potter, H. Steinohrt, J. Bennet, A. Henderson. Otago. Full-hack, E. Watson. Three-quarters—A. M'Kay, P. Prescott, D. Clydesdale. Five-eighths—J. Webber, D. Crossan. Half-back, B. Jacobs. Forwards —L. O’Neill, A. Sullivan, A. Williams, D. Fitzgerald, M. Cameron, B. Eckhoff.

THE PLAY, Queensland’s superiority was evident as soon as tho teams lined up on the field. The only advantage Otago had was tho wind, Queensland losing the toss. The visitors quickly displayed some expert handling of the ball, and also showed wonderful bursts of speed. In the first movement the ball went out to Moores, who handed the leather to Gorman. Sullivan intercepted and carried out a long and clover dribble, tho effect of which was spoiled by an Otago infringement. Eckhoff sot up a likely-looking attack, hut tho numbers were too strong. O’Neill was prominent in some good tackling by the Otago forwards, and almost carried the ball over, but Craig saved. From a penalty awarded as a result of off-side play by Gorman, a fairly easy kick was successfully executed by B. Watson, Otago’s full-back. Otago ... 2 Queensland 0

Queensland carried out another nice passing movement, but Purcell dropped the ball. Tho situation, however, was retrieved by Moores, and though the first attempt proved abortive, another passing bout instituted by Aynsley landed* the mustard. Aynsley reversed to Gorman, who centred to Moores, tho latter scoring behind tho goal posts. Craig succeeded with the kick. Queensland ... 5 Otago „ ... ... 2 After a few infringements on both sides, Otago had another good chance, of which the forwards, with Sullivan and O’Neill prominent, took full advantage until an uncertain passing bout was intercepted by Crouch. Crossan picked up the ball and started a smart rush, shot it out to Clydesdale, who carried the ball well into Queensland’s twenty-five. There tho ball was transferred to Cameron, but tho numbers were too strong for him. Following a scrum midfield, Gorman got possession and passed to Purcell, tho latter passing out to Potter, who, after a clear run. found the lino. Craig missed the goal. Queensland 8 Otago 2 Tho performance was practically repeated in the next few moments. Coming around from tho scrum, Aynsley kicked the ball over tho full-back’s head. Armbustcr securing and touching down. Craig again missed. Queensland 11 Otago 2

The succeeding play seemed to be in Otago's favor. Clydesdale got close to the line, but was easily settled by Liebke. A penalty was awarded against Queensland, but tho kick, taken by Watson, was unsuccessful. Then came one of the prettiest passing movements of tho half. The whole of Queensland back division took part, but the ball wont wide near Otago’s goal line. Otago reciprocated with a neat rush that terminated in a duel between the twi full-backs. Crouch relieved Queensland’s debacle with a kick upheld. Moores got possession, he and Gorman exchanging passes until Moores dropped the ball. Queensland several times penetrated to within a few yards of the homo goal, but mistakes in handling obviated any decisive progress. On one occasion Potter grounded the ball near the post, but ns a try this was not allowed. But a more fruitful rush was instituted by Edwards. He passed to Gorman and Crouch; the latter passed out to Aynsley, who made a great run, kicking the hall over the head of the Otago full-back, recovering the ball, and grounding nicely. Craig’s luck at kicking was stili out, and Hie score was thus: Queensland ... ... 14 Otago 2 Crouch took a brilliant pass from Gorman, who passed to Spencer near Otago’s twenty-five. Spencer found the try easy, and Craig was at last able to clear the post, making the score: Queensland 19 Otago 2 Its characteristic passing tactics were again resumed by Queensland, Moores picking up the ball and passing it to Craig. The ball wont in turn to Gorman, Crouch, and Spencer, the latter knocking on. Otago thou bad its three-quarters and five-eighths engaged in tho best passing rush* tho side had attempted during the spell. The ball was intercepted by Aynsley, and passing with machine-liko precision through the hands of Moores, Crouch, Aynsley, and Craig, eventually arrived in the possession^of Spencer, who again scored, while Craig again cleared the goal successfully. Queensland ... 24 Otago 2

spectacular passing movements continued to he Hie chief feature of the piny, and tho handling was remarkably clever considering, that tho ball, thanks to the incessant drizzle, was at this stage utterly greasy. After a scrum, fetciuohrt followed up smartly from a free kick in Queensland’s twenty-five, and kicked the ball, which Clydesdale, forced. Half-time arrived with tho scores unaltered: Queensland ... 24 Otago ... 2 The rain sot in heavily when tho game resumed, and the ground was in a corresponding state. Queensland made an early score, Aynsley, after a brilliant run, '■ scoring at the corner. The ball, lacked by Craig, hit the post. Queensland ... 27 Otago ... 2 Spencer was the next to score, Otago’s opposition at this stage being very weak. Aynsley kicked the goal. Queensland ... 32 Otago ... 2 A desultory struggle in Hie rain with Otago defending desperately was all that then characterised the play for some time. Watson had retired from the field at half-time through an injured shoulder. Prescott toow tho position of full-back, Eckhoff transferring to centre. Tail was the newcomer in the pack. Otago had a further casualty about halfway through tho spoil, an injury necessitating the retirement of’ Eckhoff. whose place as centre was taken by Cusack. A dull period was relieved by a momentary revival on Otago’s part, and an Otago back narrowly missed through kicking too hard. Queensland forced, and then set up a passing movement,, which the rearguard maintained from one end of the ground to the other. Spencer outwitted Otago’s defenders, and scored. Aysnley’s kick failed. Queensland ... ... ... ... 35 Otago ... ...

Though Queensland’s next score, through a try by Ayusley,_ was too easy to be at all spectacular, it had a special interest because of the fact that Aynslev exceeded his century for the tour, his score reaching 101. Craig kicked successfully, and the score stood: Queensland •*. —. 40 Otago ~ ... ... 2 Queensland was still definitely in the ascendancy, and though Otago was temporarily relieved from a perilous situation, Spencer secured the ball, and, diving his way through a phalanx of Otago defenders, scored the greatest try of the day. Craig kicked the goal, inflating the visitors’ score and making .the figures: Queensland ... ... „. Otago ,« ... A further session of dullness was illuminated by Cusack, who started a run towards the goal, but missed fire. Edwards picked up the ball, and passed to Aynslcy. The fast three-quarters made a solo run from Otago’s twentyfive, and, though Prescott threatened trouble, the Queensland man fended him off cleverly, crossed the line, and leisurely passed the bull to Edwards, who made the official try. Craig’s kick succeeding, the score now was : Sueensland ... ... ... ... 50 tago M M » M M

Queensland made another passing rush, which was interrupted at halfway through a knock-on. After another strong spurt Aynsley again reached tho line and scored. The kick failed, and the score was: Queensland ... ... 53 , Otago ... ... 2__ Though Queensland again scored easily after another good passing bout, a little humor relieved the monotony. Once behind the posts, Aynsley, reaching the line without any difficulty, magnanimously presented the ball to Henderson. But the Queensland forward stumbled and lost, the ball, a situation O’Neill was quick to realise. No doubt tho Otago man imagined that the forcedown was a gift, but Henderson recovered the bail almost miraculously and succeeded with the try. Craig converted. Queensland ... 58 Otago _ ... 2 The game ended with another easy try for Queensland, accomplished by Steinohrt, Craig converting. The final score was: Queensland 63 Otago .« - ••• 2 Mr S. Devereaux was the referee. .»» NOTHING TO STOP ’EM "

A FEW REFLECTIONS. [By Blue Petek.] Watching the League match on Saturday Horn under the family umbrella, I was reminded of the story of the Canadian who was proudly pomtiim out to an Irisli-Amencaji visitor the wonders of his beloved Niagara. “Isn’t it,* marvellous,” enthused he. “ that millions and millions of tons of water should continually How over the falls like that?” “Marvellous is retorted the visitor; “ sure, an’ phwat s to stop utf” There was certainly nothing to stop the galloping sprinters from Bananaland on Saturday; tho feeble efforts of tho Otago ladders having no more effect than a 2ft high rode in the middle of the Horseshoe Fall has upon the great onnishing waters of tho said Niagara. Time after time the lightweight Blues sot themselves tensely and pluckily to stop the big, speedy, ball-bearing' stalwarts in red, but they were either left standing and feebly grasping an armful of damp air or were crashed aside like children who had got in the way of a runaway Clydesdale. The two flying wings simply mowed down their opponents like human reapers and binders, leaving a line of blue and muddy bundles in their wake. It was a tale of slaughter reminiscent of tho closing stages of the All Blacks and New South Wales match in Christchurch two years ago, only far more so. Such a runaway victory did not allow of an adequate exposition of many of tho finer points of the game. Tho visitors simply did as they liked, and had no need of recourse to finesse. The absence of serious opposition, however, did enable them to show off their machine-like system. Tho backs moved off in perfect alignment, and there was always one too many for the opposing side at the finish. They handled the wet and “greasy pig ”- like ball wonderfully well, too—gripping it with far greater certainty than the Otago players gripped them—after it had been heeled out with lightning rapidity and mechanical regularity to the waiting Red backs. One wonders what the score would have been had the ground been firm and tho ball dry. Tho only weakness was tho goal-kick-ing whenever the position was anything but straight in front.

As the score mounted rapidly a plaintive voice from tho crowd asked: “ What are yon playing—a hundred up?” And at the time it did look something like a billiard match, in which tho champion (after tho other chap had scored a cannon and broken down) had taken his cno in hand, and was merrily on his way to mu out with an “unfinished break.” It was a pity that the weather, the game, and the circumstances generally were not more favorable—a pity, I might say, for Divers’ reasons. The energetic secretary of tho Otago League is such a battler. Nothing comes amiss to him that will legitimately advance “ the cause.” Versatility is his middle name, and on Saturday his roles included those of “ barker,” sandwich man, trainer, and “ Zambnk,” as well as general supervisor. A live wire is Harry. There were conflicting opinions expressed after the match concerning the merits of tho game, but the onlookers were fairly unanimous in their regret that the visitors from Queensland could not have been scon in a struggle with focmen worthy of their steel-—say tho English team which visited Dunedin last winter.

However, we’ve been given another opportunity of witnessing the League game ns played by experts, and—well, I dunnol TEAMS ENTERTAINED. In the evening both teams were the guests of the Otago League in the Strand Salon, the president (Air J. T. Cooper) presiding over an attendance of 100. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of “ Our Visitors,” said that the game played by the Queenslanders that day was an eye-opener to the spectators, particularly in view of the conditions. He considered that the local team had done well against their more experienced opponents. Ho felt confident that if the Queenslanders came back next season they would not win by such a substantial margin, and the 'difference between them would be lessened every season. The speaker also referred to the sporting qualities of the players. Mr J. Doyle (team manager), in responding, said that New Zealand had sent several powerful combinations to Queensland, and had done the pioneering work. The people had to bo educated to the now game, and this took' time and money, and it was not until this season that Queensland was in a position to return the visit. In Now Zealand the code was not on the pedestal it was in his own State, but he ventured to think that the present visit would help the game along. The expense involved in staying an extra week in order to visit Dunedin was only a secondary consideration. When he saw the crowd present at the game that day ho realised the enthusiasm of the people for League here. 110 paid a tribute to those who controlled the game in Dunedin, and also considered that the Otago team would defeat any League team tlie visitors had met in the South Island. He ,■thought Otago could take - shelter under the old saying that the scores did not indicate the differences in the sides. Eor the first twenty minutes tlie homo team made a good fight for it, and the forwards kept np to the end. Next year when the Queenslanders returned he would insist on a test match being played here. Mr H. Sunderland (business manager) congratulated the referee on the way he had handled the game, and he would be acceptable for any test matches. He congratulated the officials, the secretary, for the manner in -which the arrangements had been carried out. The Queenslanders had earned_ a great name for their; sportsmanship, and the citizens of Dunedin would lose nothing in adopting the game played by them. Ho referred to the great sacrifice that had been made by players and enthusiasts in the days before the code had become the national pastime. Touching on what he described as the “ bogy of professionalism,” he said that in Queensland no one argued about the matter now. The Amateur Athletic Union of Australasia had decided that a player who did not recoiyo payment could not bo classed gs a professional* The bogy bad boon

raised in Queensland when tlio University and secondary schools had been invited by the League io “ come over,” and. although some of the University professors had raised an objection to the change, the Amateur Athletic Union’s pronouncement had reassured players that they would not lose their amateur status. The game had pro?, duccd Tommy Lawton, the Queensland Rhodes scholar, who had been placed on the “ grid ” by Oxford University, but he noticed that the New Zealand Rugby Union hud not raised an objection to him. Lawn tennis was not branded as a professional sport, although the Davis ('up players had received greater sums than any League player was supposed to receive. He predicted that League would bo the national game in the dominion in the future, and he promised that both Queensland and Now South "Wales would assist the node. Mr T. M. Gillies, in proposing the toast of “ The Now Zealand League Council,” expressed the hope that the game would make such progress in other centres that the headquarters would bp shifted to Wellington. The council had done a groat deal to assist tho weaker Leagues. The Now Zealand Council representative (Mr De Wolfe) briefly replied. The toast of “The Referee, Teams, and Captains” was proposed by Dr Moody and responded to by Messrs S. Devereanx (referee). Potter (Queensland captain), and Watson (Otago captain). During the evening songs were given by Messrs Jenkins, Liebke, and A. Snell, a trio by the Fogarty brothers, and a recitation by Mr J. Kennedy. The accompaniments were played by Mr D. Cooper.