SATURDAY’S SPORT

Evening Star, Issue 19275, 14 June 1926, Page 10

SATURDAY’S SPORT

South’s Rugby Debacle

Canterbury Extends Indians

RUGBY

NORTH’S BIG Wifi SOUTH ISLAND DOWNED BY 41 TO 3 NICHOLLS KICKS EIGHT GOALS; [Per Exited Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Juno 12. One of tho most remarkable matches In tho long history of- intcrisland contests was played to-day, when, the North defeated tho South hy 41 points to 9. The attendance was estimated at 18,000, and amongst the spectators who crammed Athletic .Park weremahy who thought tho South would win, while those favoring the North’s chances conceded it won hi bo a close contest. Taking the players individually, there was not a great dilfereuce in their ability, but the North managed to coinbine and South did not. Add to this fact the remarkable performance of Mark Nicholls in kicking 20 points (four penalties and four conversions), and you have tho essence of the game. FIRST SPELL. The North kicked off with a fresh northerly behind them, and within tivo minutes Nicholls scored tho first penalty, due to a scrum infringement. North 8 South 0 Then the battle began in earnest. The North at first wore beaten in the scrums, hut the South’s inside backs, though playing valiantly, could make little headway against Nicholls, Porter, and Thomas, whose anticipation amt speed enabled them to smother the passing rushes. In the loose scrummages the North were slightly better, due to the superior ability of the forwards at in-passing tho ball. The tackling was grand, hut while the North nad the ball the South could not advance. There were few oxciting incidents—it was mainly a stubborn tussling game in midfield, until tho South were again penalised almost in the same spot ns previously, and Nicholls goaled again. North ... ... 6 South ... _. 0 After the Kick-off Oliver intercepted a sow pass and gave the ball to his forwards, who crushed over at tho corner, Mills scoring. Stevenson's kick failed. North ... ... ... G South 8 The North backs and forwards, passing and dribbling, went upfield close to the South goal, where another penalty gave them three points per Nicholls. North _ „ ... ... 9 South ... ... 8 Shortly afterwards, from a scrum, Mill let Nicholls and Svenson away, Svenson swerving and throwing tho ball to Porter, who scored. Nicholls kicked a magnificent goal from the side-line. North . ... ... II South ... 3 The North were now flinging the ball about at every opportunity, but many passes went astray, and South’s tackling was splendid. Then from a lose scrummage Nicholls let Blake and Svenson .away, catching the South out of position, and Svenson scored for Nicholls to goaL North ... ... 19 South ... ... 3 South hacks, combining well for once, were unlucky in failing to score. Dailey, Oliver, and Elvey handled, but Elvey, after crossing the goal-line, was pushed out of bounds. Just_ before half-time the South were penalised, and Nicholls goaled again. North 22 South ... 8 SECOND SPELL. With, the wind blowing behind them, there seemed a chance of South making up the leeway, but the second spell saw the North hacks combining better and their forwards establishing superiority in the- scrums, and that settled the issue. ■ Immediately on resumption North won a serum and Cooke finished off a spectacular movement by handing the ball to Lucas, who ran over easily. Nicholls missed with tho goal kick. North ... ... ... .... 25 South ... Atfer some indecisive play South made a supremo effort to score. M'Gregor, Oliver, Alley, and another forward passed, repassed, and dribbled the ball, and Oliver dived across at the corner amid great applause. North 25 South - 6 M'Gregor cleverly intercepted a pass and put South in an attacking position, but Malcolm’s defensive kick was decisive. Then Mall sent the ball out to Blakep who passed to Lucas. Tho latter, when tack Jed, fn-passed to Cooke,,who galloped oyer unopposed. Nicholls missed with the kick. , North 2S South ... 6 The South forwards retaliated with a freat rush, but missed scoring. Tho all was carried hack to quarter way, where the North were penalised and Kilby sent a long skimmer over the bar. North —. ... 28 South 9 Following up this success the South forwards pressed on to the North goalline, but after a thrilling battle the North gradually cleared thoir ; ground. It was practically the South’s last effort, The North backs swung into action time after time, and, as Porter was always with them, the defence could not withstand the assault. From a scrum close to South's line Mill dived round. Ho was tackled, but the ball rolled on, and Kivell, coming up, touched down. Nicholls goaled. North ... 88 South 9 Individual dashes by South players. Including Elvey, Stewart, Ward, and Alley, relieved the monotony, but presently Porter set his backs going, and Thomas finished off the movement. North - —36 South The final stages of the game were potable for the brilliant openings made

Otago league Team Defeated

by Nicholls. Before tho end Nicholls outwitted the Soutii players, and tho hall was thrown . to Finlayson, who walked under the posts, and Nicholls goaled. North 41 South 9 Although beaten by a such a margin, it cannot bo said that any South player plaved badly. Elvey, Oliver, and M’tTregor played magnificently individually, and all the forwards grafted, particularly Alley. Stevenson was overwhelmed with work, but played splendidly, but tho Irvine, Lomas, and Mill-Nicholls-Cnnko combination would have beaten a greater team than tho South, ALL BLACKS’ TEAM STEVENSON SELECTED The following team has been chosen to represent Now Zealand in the Australian tour: - Full-back, D. Stevenson (Otago).^ Three-quarters—K. S. Svenson (Wellington), J. Blake (Hawke’s Bay), W. Elvey (Canterbury), F. W. Lucas (Auckland), A. C. B. Rohilliard (Canterbury) . Five-eighths—M. Nicholls (Wellington), ATE. Cooke (Hawke’s Bay), Sheen (Auckland). Half-hacks.—J. Mill (Hawke’s Bay), W. C. Dailey (Canterbury). Wing-forward, C. G. Porter (Wellington) . Forwards—A. Lomas (Auckland), W. R. Irvine (Hawke’s Bay), A. Kilpatrick (Hawke’s Bay), L. H. Harvey (Wairarapa), 0. T. Alley (Southland), M. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay), B. Finlayson (North Auckland), R. Stewart (South Canterbury), C. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay), L. Knight (Auckland), W. Hazlett (Southland). LOCAL MATCHES POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competition:

SOUTHERN v. UNIVERSITY B. University B .suffered its first defeat of the season by Southern, who proved victors hv 17 to 13, after a last, open game. Southern forwards dominated practically throughout, and hooked tho ball in 90 per cent, pf the serums to wood purpose, for their backs threw it about freely, and displayed some good passing. On tho other hand, the ’Varsity backs, weakened by tho omission of men drawn for the A team, saw little of tho ball, though when they did the Southern defence was sound. ’Varsity was tho first to make an attacking move, tho backs swinging into action from a serum, but the Southern tackling brought it up. Cushnie (Southern full-back) made a good attempt to goal a free kick from just beyond halfway, tho ball falling a little short. For the' next ten minutes Southern forwards had charge, but a back movement which was attempted was spoilt by off-side play. Strong pressure was kept up by the' Southern forwards, and play hovered dangerously near the ’Varsity lino, success only being prevented by tho poor handling of the Southern backs. ’Varsity temporarily worked play to the other side of halfway, but could not make much progress against the solid Southern vanguard, who turned defence into attack. Twice Southern players made good but unsuccessful attempts to pot. Southern got the ball in tho serums, and Prebble (half) got the ball away smartly to Judge (five-eighth), who was held up a few yards from tho lino. From a free kick at the twentyfive Prebble kicked a good goal from a wide angle. Southern, 3-0. Southern’s score was increased a minute later, Peterson (second fiveeighth) scoring near tho posts after, the ball had come from a scrum and gone between Prebble and Judge, the latter sending to Peterson, who made a good cut-in and straight dash over. Prebble converted. Southern, 8-0. For once the ’Varsity backs got a chance, aud Mathieson (centre) showed a good turn of speed before transferring to Byers (wing), who was grassed about the twenty-five. Within a few minutes Southern were on the attack again, and _ a passing bout among Prebble, Neiper, and Judge ended in the last named just forcing himself over at the corner. Cushnie’s kick failed. Southern, 11-0. The students’ forwards made a brisk penetration to about tho Southern twenty-five but tho Southern forwards again proved the stumbling block. Nicholson tried to put over a freo kick from about lOyda out but wont short. Byers and Mitchell flashed up tho line in a passing effort but the Southern tackling was equal to tho occasion. Few and far between were the chances of tho ’Varsity backs, for Southern were hooking tho ball in nearly all the set scrums. ’Varsity’s first score came suddenly. Through the Southern full-back failing to field the ball, ’Varsity got within striking distance and tho backs came into play. Mathicson (centre) cut in well and raced towards the line with Bibby (wing) in support. The centre, however, passed the full-back himself and ran round behind the posts. Mitchell converted. Half-time was called shortly afterwards, the score being: Southern 11, University B 5. ’Varsity scored early in the second half, the backs getting away with some good passing. Mathieson sent the ball out to Byers and the wing sent it inwards again, Mathieson throwing himself over. Mitchell converted with a good kick from a difficult angle, making the score: Southern 11, University B 10. Southern forwards again dominated, and ’Varsity backs were kept busy defending. Prebble made a good though unsuccessful attempt to goal a ; free kick. Some excitement waa caused

when M'Lean (’Varsity half) dummied and sent tho ball to Mathicson, who made a good run to near tho corner. It was not long before Southern had returned play to the other end, some exciting tussles taking place near tho line. Southern was awarded a free kick, and Probblo goaled. Southern 14, University B 10. Southern backs wore not afraid to throw tho ball about and kept ’Varsity busy. Peterson picked up from a loose scramble beyond the twenty-five lino and ran past hali-a-dozen students like a racehorse. Ho went over at tho corner and ran round half way to the goals to score a groat solo try. Prehble's kick went wide. Southern 17, University B 10. Southern now made all the attack, and some really good passing was shown by tho backs'", particularly tho fivfeighths. M'Mullan (wing) went within an act of scoring after the full-back’s kick had been charged down by several Southern forwards. Play went right to,Southern’s lino after their Kicks had fumbled some chances. Bihby was thrown out at the corner. There was a lot of penalising to both sides at this stage. Again ’Varsity backs had some opportunities but they could not show their usual skill, the passing efforts invariably breaking down and letting Southern forwards away. For ofisiclo play by Southern ’Varsity wore given a tree kick and Mitchell goaled ’Vavsitv 13. Southern 17. ’Varsity made strenuous attempts to score, luit the Southern defence was solid. Prebble saved his side with some line kicks from within the twenty-five. Further ’Varsity passing was unavailing, hut still the students attacked. There were some, exciting scrums and line-outs at the corner, but Southern withstood all pressure and had shifted piny hack to neutral territory before the game ended. Scores:— Southern 17. University B hi. The Rev. W. B. Scott was referee. PIRATES v. ALHAMBRA. Alhambra, kicking towards St. Kilda, at once made the pace willing. A forward rush, headed by , Knox, took tho ball over the line, but Pirates forced. Again the ’Bnmas, with Knox loading, and Walker saved. J'ree-kick, Callender failing with it. Reels kept sweeping on and King, potting, pist missed. Once or twice the Blacks backs got going, but the opposing forwards were playing a great game. The pace kept up, and when the Red backs got to work they quite held their own. Glengarry took a tine mark. Flashing play "by‘both sides, and Morgan got away: but he side-stepped when it looked a certain try. Three minutes later Robinson made an opening on the other wing and sent out to Wise, who passed cleverly to Malloch, and the latter had a'clear run in. Walker missed from almost in front. 3-0. ’Bamas attacked, and took play right to the Black line. Walker again asased. Reds’ line-kicking was good. Pirates were getting the ball from tho scrum, and St. George was sending it out, but tho tackling was deadly. It was a good game to watcii; a little too much whistle, though. Glengarry had two shots from penalties, and Barry one from a mark. All missed. ’Bamas were getting tho chances. Pirates were again forced, and immediately afterwards M'Goorge fumbled on the line, and Glengarry swooned up and fell over for a try. Callender added tho points and put ’Bamas ahead. 5-3. Thus the spell ended. Pirates making desperate but unsuccessful efforts. After the interval play continued fast and even. Now and again the fa-st Black backs looked like clearing out, but there was always a breakdown. At Inst Jackman got it out to Malloch, and the latter struggled over. Walker’s kick hit tho post. Pirates, 6-5. A great fight went on for some time in Pirates twenty-live, with occasional breaks away by the backs. Wise made a great run from inside half-way, but was brought down when within five yards of tho lino. Walker shone, and' play continued exciting, Morgan missing a chance from a’Hama. kiclT behind the lino. Each side attacked in turn, King and Walker both defending well. A. nasty collision knocked out Malloch, who retired with concussion. A good, last, even game, well controlled by tho referee (Mr W • Jenkins), ended;— Pirates 6 Alhambra 5 ZINGARI v. UNION. Shortly after kick-off good work by M’Naughton placed Zingari in an attacking position, but a mark brought relief to Union. Passing by the Zingari backs carried play to the Union hue, but the Reds cleared and shifted play to the Colors’ territory, where Stevens put over a goal from a free-kick. Union 3, Zingari 0. Stung by this reverse, Zingari backs attacked strongly, and Orr on two occasions was well tackled when in a scoring position. Heazlewood then kicked a splendid goal from a free-kick —3 all. Good play by tho Union backs put the Colors’ lino in danger, and More scored for the Reds. The kick failed. Union 6, Zingari 3. Tho Colors were the next to score, a passing rush resulting in Wiklgoose gettting across. Heazlewood missed an easy kick. 6 all. During the next ten minutes Union made most of the play. The forwards found a gap in the Zingari defence, and M'Dermott fell over the line with a couple of opponents hanging on to him. The kick missed. Union 9, Zingari 6. Shortly before half-time the ball was kicked" over the Union line, and Proctor scored for Zingari. Garside’s kick failed. 9 all. On resuming Zingari attacked, but a speculation enabled tho Reds to clear. Zingari were awarded a free kick in front, and Heazlewood piloted the ball over tho bar. Zingari 12, Union 9. Play was in tho Union twenty-five when A. Kindley gained possession and potted a nice goal. Zingari 16, Union 9. The Reds came back again, and went within an ace of scoring. A fine run by M'Naughton gained ground ior the Colors, but a free kick sent them back. A little later M'Natty scored after a forward rush. M'Natty goaled. Zingari 21, Union 9. Almost immediately afterwards the ball was kicked over the Union line, and M'Natty again scored. The scorer missed the kick. Zingari 24, Union 9. Tyreil then added another trv for the Colors. Heazlewood’s kick failed. Zingari 27, Union 9. Hcazlcwood made a good rim, and sent tho ball out. enabling Procter to score between the posts. M'Naughton goaled. Zingari 32, Union 9. There was .no further score, the game ending Zingari 32 Union 9 Mr G. Marston was referee. KAIKORAI v."DUNEDIN. Bishopscourt No. 1 was sodden for the Kaikorai-Dunedin match. The game, which was won by Knikorai by 33 points to nil, was played at_ a “cracker” pace from start to finish, and the lively dashes by the Blue and Black backs and Dunedin’s returns to the offensive provided a thrilling and interesting game for the big crowd on the line. . From the kick-off Kaikorai’s hacks were set in motion, but Dunedin’s forwards came through, Knikorai forcing twice within two minutes. Butler was unsuccessful with a penalty kick from the twenty-five line. Kaikorai attacked, a series of back movements taking play to Dunedin line, where Swift (half-back) secured and went round the scrum to score. Tho kick failed. Kaikorai 8, Dunedin 0. Play continued at a fast speed. Fountain made a fine dash through Dunedin, who were weak in defence, to score under the posts. Gordon converted. Kaikorai 8, Dunedin 0. Up-and-down field play followed till the Dunedin full-back made a faulty move in kicking out on his line. From the line-

out Fountain punted high, and in the scramble in touch Hicks beat the Dunedin men. The kick succeeded. Knikorni 33, Dunedin 0. Kaikorai wore near to scoring, the bad going over the dead line, and in the subsequent play Dunedin were penalised. Gordon kicked a goal. Kaikorai 16, Dunedin 0. Hemmed on their line, Dunedin were kept busy staving oft the strong forward and back attacks. Shortly before the whistle was sounded Dunedin turned the attack. The wind had dropped for the opening of the second spell, in which Kaikorai made an early start. From a scrum inside halfway the backs moved away in line, and. Fountain capped the effort by scoring at the corner. The kick failed. Kaikorai 19, Dunedin 0. A forward scramble ended in M’Meekin scoring between the posts. _ The try was converted by Perry. Kaikorai 24, Dunedin U. Dunedin could not stop Kaikorai, and within two minutes Lang was given an opportunity, and ho touched down after crashing his way through. The kick bv Brown failed. Kaikorai 27, Dunedin 0. Although the game had been fast and bright, Dunedin wore not worn down, for they placed Kaikorai on the defensive on their Hue. With ridiculous ease a Kaikorai forward (Hicks) took the ball to the other end, but a breach ol the rules gave relief to Dunedin, who returned to the offensive. Kaikorai’s backs could not get away, and twice they were penalised. Butler was not successful with the kicks. Kaikorai was in a tight comer till Wilkinson dashed away to halfway, where ho transferred to Johnson, who was pushed out at Dunedin’s twenty-five. Kaikorai’s forwards made the opening for Fountain to score at the corner. Gordon’s kick failed. Kaikorai 30, Dunedin 0. -Gorkin headed a dribbling rush, and scored well. Perry’s kick failed. Kaikorai 33, Dunedin 0. Towards the end of the game Lang made a brilliant dash along the wing, and cut infield to pass to M'Meekin, who knocked on with onlj the full-back to pass. For the last thrill Fountain sprinted down the line. He was supported by Slaughter and Gorkin, but the latter funded on the lino. The game ended : Kaikorai 33 Dunedin 0 ’VARSITY v. TATE HI HOVELS, ’Varsity A met Taiori Rovers at Mosgiel, and the game resulted in a win for the former by 26 points to 8. The ground was rather heavy, and a fitlul wind blew diagonally across the ground. The borne team kicked nil with the wind, and from a mark, W. Bathgate (Taiori) opened the scoring. A good passing bout was initiated by the Blue backs and Hanan scored. The kick was successful. ’Varsity 6, Taieri 3. Dunn and Henderson wore the next scorers, while Diack scored after a spectacular run, two of the three being converted. ’Varsity 18, Taieri 3. Douglas was the first to score in the second half, and Diack converted again. ’Varsity 23, Taieri 3. Swallow (Taieri) then scored, and Bathgate’s kick was successful. ’Varsity 23, Taieri 8. The final points were added by Diack from a penalty kick. ’Varsity 26. Taieri 8. Mr E. Clancey was referee. SECOND GRADE. Pirates 12, Dunedin 0. Zingari 16, Union 3. Pirates B 3, Kaikorai 0. THIRD GRADE. Pirates A 8, Alhambra 3. Pirates 19, Union 0. FOURTH GRADE. Pirates A 33, 'Southern B 0. Alhambra A 12, Dunedin 0. FIFTH GRADE. Zingari 10, Port Chalmers 0. Pirates 6, Dunedin fi. Green Island 3, Southern 3. High School 13, Kaikorai 8. PRESIDENT'S GRADE. Alhambra 6, Taieri Rovers 3. High School A 31, Pirates 11. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Ponsnuby 14, Grammar 5. Marists 17, Grafton 13. College 3lilies 14, University 9. NAPIER. Hastings 12, High School Old Boys 10. Celtic 15. Maris!s 6. Pirates 30, M.A.C. 3. MASTERTON. Grey town 12, Carterton 10. Gladstone 14, Masterton 3. Iteatherston 21, Marlborough 3. CHRISTCHURCH. Old Boys 11, Limvood G. Albion 8, Merivale 6. University 12, Christchurch 3. INVERCARGILL. Heavy rain caused postponement of all Rugby. POVERTY BAY BEATS WAIROA Poverty Bay defeated Wairoa (holders) in the Barry Cup match at Wairoa. The local team included the All Blacks, Nepia, C. Brownlie, and Corkill. The visitors were fitter, and showed Letter combination, eventually winning by 22 points to 8. OTAGO CENTRAL RESULTS [Special to toe ‘Star.’] Clyde aWI Tarras drew, 3 points each'; Alexandra, beat Cromwell by II points to II; and Ranfurly beat Mataknnui bv 24 to 8. Alexandra is leading Clyde for the shield by 3 points. fc7.QP.IS V. SOUTH CANTERBURY The South Island Maoris will play a match against South Canterbury at Timarn on Saturday next. 'The following players will represent the Maori team - Full-back, M'Dnnald (Marlborough) ; three-quarters—T. Robinson (Canterbury), W. Reid (Nelson), IT. Phillips (Marlborough) ; live-eighths—ll. Bell (captain, Southland), J. Scott (Otago) : half-back, Te Tan (Otago); rover, Moreto (Otago) ; forwards— Stewart (Otago), M’Dnnald (Marlborough), C. Black (Otago), Manihcra (Canterkiry), Manning (South Canterbury), Smith (Marlborough), R. Ellison (Otago). The team will assemble at Timarn on Thursday evening, the Otago and Southland players travelling by the express. The players will be under the charge of Mr W. J. Stead, the ex-AH Black. Other officials connected with Maori football in the South Island who will also.be in Timarn to discuss matters in connection with the tour to Franco are:—Messrs D. Ellison (Otago), W. Mihaka (Temuka), W. Barrett and G. Pitama (Kaiapoi), J. Karetai (Banks Peninsula), and J. M‘Donald (Marlborough).

<4 -U> (T. tD fa •< 71 *-> j; tfi 05 r-» Team. 9 ■4 .H tt rt 3 C/3 o rt b ‘3 *0 rt P4 S* IJ Q fa Ch E Kaikorai ... 7 s — o 112 41 12 University A 6 5 — 1 110 24 11 University 15 (> 4 1 ] 1 1 .'5 53 9 Pirates 7 4 2 1 HO 67 9 Zingari ... 7 4 2 1 f>8 38 9 Q Southern ... 7 4 3 — f).‘! 73 O Alhambra 7 4 ,3 — 1 3 45 8 .Dunedin ... 7 1 0 — 40 101. 2 7 7 _ 203 ■— Tuieri Rovers 7 — 7 — Oi 112 —