Britain’s Brilliant Display

Evening Star, Issue 20511, 16 June 1930, Page 14

Britain’s Brilliant Display

Otago Defeated 33-9 Dazzling Back Raids Tourists at Top of Form Rugby of the very best-fast, scintillating, and thrilling—was given at Carisbrook by the British team, who hopelessly outclassed the Otago fifteen. The spectators saw a new brand of Rugby—a brand which made the game stand out among the many epic encounters which have been played on the Carisbrook Ground, and which will leap to the memory in any attempts to recall the big treats of one’s football experience. The display of the visitors was a highly meritorious one, their methods having the home side puzzled from the very start. Throwing the ball about with abandon, even in their own twenty-five, they gave a game which would always bring a crowd to its feet.

Thirty-three to nine in the visitors* favour was a fak index of the play of the respective sides. There was only one team in it, and few excuses can be made for the showing of the Otago men, who were fairly beaten by a fine side. While there, was not so much between the forwards in the tight work, the visitors were infinitely cleverer in the loose, and their footwork was a treat to watch; while the way in which they shot the ball out to the backs from the line-outs or rucks was a tribute to their versatility. Otago, as a matter of fact, played just as well as the visitors allowed.

A HUGE CROWD The great hold which the game has ’ on the public was shown by the attendance at 1.30, an hour before the big gam© started, there then being over ten thousand people present. At that time there was a great demand on 1 pies, sandwiches, and tea, many people having been so eager to get a position of vantage that they came without their midday meal. ' The gates had been opened at 11 o’clock, and even at that early hour ' there were several hundreds waiting to be admitted 1 , many carrying rugs and food. The curtain-raiser between Alhambra A and Pirates A was started at 1 o’clock, and the youngsters played a vigorous game, evidently keyed up to a high pitch of excitement through , the importance of the occasion. All the time the crowd was growing larger, the stand, which had been almost fully booked, gradually filling up, The rain which fell during the morning made the outook gloomy for the match, but fortunately by 2 o’clock the sky bad cleared, and the sun was shining, though a chilly breege blew from the south. The rain of the morning, as a matter of fact, improved the : condition of the ground, which had suffered slightly as a result of the recent dry spell. For the match the ground was in excellent order, with team that played was not as a splendid surface of turf. At 2 o’clock there were about thirteen thousand present, and people were still coming in the gates. The boys of the .primary schools had a fine position on the field to see the play. They were accommodated on the ground inside the enclosure, cases, boxe's, and sheets of paper being used as seats to guard against the dampness of the grass. TWO TRIES EARLY There were about 23,000 people present when the big match started, the weather still being bright, with a southerly wind blowing almost directly across the field. Both teams were . cheered loudly when they took the field. Right from the start tho visitors made tho game open, passing following .the kick-off by Otago. From first scrum Britain got the ball clearly, and at the end of splendid passing Reeve beat Stevenson badly, to score at the corner. Black converted, and two minutes after the start of the game Britain led by 5 to 0. Only two minutes later the British backs turned an Otago forward rush * ■ totheir own account, and, in beautiful passing, Bowcott irade a great opening, to send Reeve over behind the - posts. Black converted, and 'Britain led by 10 to 0. within ten minutes » after the start. lALL TOWED ABOUT For a spell of five minutes Otago ■ forwards held their own, but when someone attempted to rick up the ball in a dribbling rush, Britain broke through again, both wings making strong, though unsuccessful, efforts to get through. Bowcott, in particular, • was showing himself a clever insido man. Again Britain, throwing the ball about in every conceivable position, turned defence into attack, but Stevenson brought Reeve down. Francis, the Otago half, put the home side in a good position several times, and once Wilson' broke away, but the British defence held. ' A feature of tho visitors’ play was seen when Reeve centred and the forwards raced up the centre of the field, Beamish picked up and scored behind the posts. Black again converted, and after twenty minutes’ play Britain led by 15 to nil. FEW PEKALTIES Penalties were rare in the early part of the game, but now several were awarded against the visitors, and from one of these Lindsay put over a splendid goal from nearly half-wuy. Folipwjag the goal Otago put more dash

into their play, but Wilson was caught at the end of'passing. Lindsay went close with another free kick. Lindsay next' put in a dash, and the ball was carried to the British lino. Bassett fumbled and Francis picked up to score. Lindsay’s kick missed. Britain 15, Otago 6. DIFFERENT STYLES It was interesting to watch tho different scrum formations and‘compare their effectiveness. While Britain hooked the ball from most in the earlier part of tho game, Otago was now getting a fair share of the ball. Murray, the visitors’ half-back, was inclined to get offside, several penalties being awarded against him. Tho game continued to be fast and spectacular as tho Britishers continued to throw tho ball about. More British passing saw Morley brought down, hut from tho scramble which followed Ivor Jones was there to pick up and score. Black converted, and Britain led at half-time by 20 to 6. CROWD ENTHUSED AGAIN , When the second spell was resumed Lindsay went to full-back for Otago, and Stevenson played as wing. A spectacular British passing rush enthused the crowd, Aarvold kicking high over Lindsay’s head, and Morley racing for the ball, which went out of 1 .ends. Otago had a turn at attack, Stevenson being caught by Reeve. Fumbling by British backs let Otago through, Giles kicking to Bassett, who fumbled on the line, the Otago man coming up to score amid wild excitement of the crowd. Stevenson- missed an easy shot at goal. With fifteen minutes of tl , second spell gone the score rend:—Britain 20, Otago 9. SPONG DAZZLES The resolute tackling of Lindsay prevented several visitors getting over, but from a scrum in front of the goal Spong, playing brilliantly, ran through the Otago defence for a great try, which Black converted. Britain 25, Otago 9. CLEVER FOOTWORK Though Otago forwards battled hard and made the visitors contest every inch of the way the British forwards were far cleverer with their feet. From a rush Murray made a great breakaway, and cutting tho defence in half, threw to Ivor Jones, who scored. For the first time .Hack failed to convert, but Britain had the substantial lead of 28 to 9. Otago was now a well-beaten team, and Reeve went over for a try in spectacular fashion, Black converting from a very difficult angle. At a quarter to 4 the score read: Britain 33, Otago 9. MORE FIREWORKS Risks were taken by the visitors even when Otago penetrated beyond the twenty-five, the ball going among three players before it was booted to touch. Fireworks by Spong, an elusive player, electrified tho crowd, but Hodgson was brought up on tho line. Otago forwards strove to get through, but the visitors adroitly turned defence into attack, as they had been doing all afternoon, tht ball being thrown abotd. it* fj.'wta. alar fashion by Spot g and Company. In the last few • md-v d the game Giles unsuccessfully attempted a pot. The Britishers, however, ha t not done their dash, and just before the whistle blew Lindsay was called noon u. stop Morley, the Otago full-back, whose display was certainly an improvement on that of Stevenson’s in tho first spell, doing this in effective style. The visitors left the field amid cheering, victors by tho handsome' score of 33 to 9. Small boys in battalions swarmed about the two teams as they made their way to bte dressing room*.

The teams were;—■ GREAT BRITAIN. DARK CLUE. Full-back—J, Bassett 13.10. Three-quarters—J. C. Morlcy 11.7, C. D. Aaarvold (captain) 13.0, H. M. Bowcott 12.0, J. C. Reeve 13.10. Halves—R. S. Spong 13.0, P. F. Murray 11.7. • Forwards—H, Row 14.10, D. Parker 15.2, H. O’H. O’Neill 14.0, B. H. Black 14.4, J. L. Farrell 13.11, Ivor Jones 13.9, G. R. Beamish 15.4; J. Hodgson 14.10. OTAGO. LIGHT BLUE. Full-back —D. R. L. Stevenson (Southen) 13.0. Three-quarters—E. M. Wilson (Alhambra) 12.0, H. F. Fookes (University A) 11.9, D. I'\ Lindsay (University A) 13.7. Five-eighths—L. Giles (Pirates) 12.0, N. M. Bradanovich (University A) 10.2. Half-back—A. T, Fr-ncis .(University B) 10.1. Forwards —R. Souter (Alhambra) 12.8, J. Hore (Southern) 13.4, B. Dunne (Pirates, cantain) 13.0, C. Sonntag (Kaikorai) 14.0, C. Finlayson (Taiori) 13.5, E, Collett (Dunedin) 14.0. J. Murtagh (Alhambra) 13.6. Wing-forward.—G. L. Scott (Taieri) 13.10. The average weight of the British pack (eight men) was 14.6, and the Otago pack (seven men) J 3.5. COMPAATIVE WEIGHTS. The respective aggregate > weights of the teams were;—Great Britain, 204st; Otago, 189st lOlb. .Britain averaged 13st 91b per man, and Otago 12st 91b per man. The British forwards aggregated 115st 81b—an average of 14st 6,11 b. Otago’s vanguard aggregated 107st 51b—an avci’age per man of 13st 61b. The aggregate weight of the British backs was 88st 61b, each man averaging 13st Gib. Otago’s hacks aggregated 83st 51b, an average of list 10J!b. PLAY IN DETAIL FIRST SPELL There was a cross wind blowing from the south when the teams took the field, Dunno lending the homo side on to the ground amid a salvo of cheers which were renewed as Aarvold came out at the head of the British side. Britaiu won tho toss and Bradanovich. set the hall rolling, Otago having a slight breeze in its favour, but the sun in its eyes. Beamish fielded the ball, and set the backs going from the jump, tho visitors working right back to near halfway. From a scri’im Britain heeled, and Murray sent the rearguard away in a crisp passing movement, Spong, Bowcott, and Aarvold handling in turn. Aarvold made ground before sending a perfect pass to Reeve, who received inside halfway. Ho was away like a flash, and, outpacing tl>o opposition, he swerved past Stevenson’s outstretched arms to score a brilliant try. Black converted with a.line kick. BRITAIN ... ... ... ... 5 OTAGO ... ... 0 Play had been in progress barely three minutes, and the ball tad been in motion but a moment when Bowcott gained possession near halfway. Ho drew the defence beautifully, and penetrating tho defence in great stylo ho sent Reeve If again. The wing three-quarter again show da great turn of speed, and left the opposition standing to score a spectacular try between the posts. Black converted with a neat kick, and with barely six minutes gone, the score was:— BRITAIN 10 •. OTAGO 0

Play had been fast from the start, and it was full of incident, but the pace did not slacken', Hodgson heading a British forward rush from a lineout, which was chocked by Hradanovich, "’ho took a mark and lined inside the visitors’ twenty-

Francis was playing a sound game behind the Otago pack, and from a line-out ho sent the homo backs away. A promising movement was spoilt when Fookes missed his pass, however, and Hodgson led the British forwards to halfway, the visiting ba-cks moving into action in scintillating passing. Reeve missed his pass from Aarvold, and Giles broke through to halfway. . Otago threatened danger for a while, but Hodgson relieved after Otago passing had broken down. Dunne was at the head of an Otago forward burst, but was unsupported, and Rew afid Hodgson retaliated by leading Britain back to the Otago twentyfive, Stevenson being caught in possession. The British forwards were ■ heeling cleanly, and Murray gave a low' pass, to , Spong, which the .latter failed to gather, and Stevenson

lined near the twenty-five. Britain was'throwing, rlie ball about from all positions of the field, and a clearing kick was well fielded by Bassett, 1 who lined at the Otago twenty-five. Hodgson was playing a fine game in the British pack; and Jed a forward sortie inside Otago territory, Francis relieving with a great line-finder to the visitors’ twenty-five Parker led the visitors in a forward rush from a serum on the twenty-five, and Spong further improved by lining near halfway. The British forwards wore showing great dash in the loose, and Parker and Hodgson were in a burst which took play to near Otago’s twenty-five, where Spong made a fine opening and passed to Reeve, who swerved past Lindsay, but was well tackled bv Stevenson.

Play swung across to the other wing, and Wilson, cutting into British passing, made a good run from halfway to Britain’s twenty-five, Bowcott coming straight at him ami knocking the bail out of his hand. A moment later a British player was for lying on the ball, but Liftdsay’s kick from a handy position wont outside the posts, and Bassett, gathering well, found touch with a strong kick near halfway.

Britain was using the line-ont as a means of attack, and Murray sent the barks away from halfway, Spong showing out particularly well. Aarvold took the ball well, but sent a ragged pass to Reeve, which tho wing was unable to gather. In the Otago pack Finlayson was showing out well, and Sonntag was doing, some hard graft. Failure to follow up on the part of several of tho home forwards, however, gave Bassett

plenty of time ito clear, and he usually found the, line .with well-directed kicks. Hodgson headed a, British dribbling rush, and then Spong, who was playing a sparkling game, made a dashing cut through, but lost the .ball after, jinking his way past several Otago meut , The ball swung- across ;to Reeve, and, being unable to get through, the wing three-quarter centred with a good kick, the forwards coming up fast in front of the posts. The ball hit the post and bounced back, and Beamish, who was following fast, picked up and scored. , Black converted. BRITAIN ... ... 15 OTAGO ... . ... 0

So far it had been Britain all the time, but Otago had a turn for 'a time, and Francis dribbled through, in good stylo, being well supported by Finlayson and Horo. Bradanovich made a cut through, ■but was collared, and then another ;round infringe-

ment ■ cost Britain

a penalty after the lino had been ■ cleared. ; Lindsay took the kick, and sent the ball over with a groat shot from' 10yds inside halfway. BRITAIN ... w ... 15 ’ OTAGO ... ... ... ... 3

Tho Otago forwards were now showing to more - advantage in the loose, and Finlayson made a good burst, passing to Hore. Soutor handled in turn, but was forced oik, and from the lineout Collett shot to ball to Bradanovich, all the Otago backs to Wilson handling. Tho wing three-quarter was just getting into his stride when Morley brought him dou Britain was not long in returning to the attack, and passing reached Aarvold, who lined at. the Otago twentyfive. Otago cleared well, but in tho face of a rush, headed by Giles, Bassett marked well and brought relief. Off-side play by tho Britishers _ gave Lindsay another shot from a similar position to his previously successful kick, but the effort was unsuccessful, and Bassett found touch with a good kick. Scott led an , Otago breakaway following a breakdown in British passing, and Lindsay received and passed, to Fookes, who lost the ball inside Britain’s twenty-five. From a scramble near the line; Francis picked up and dived over, Lindsay’s kick failing. , BRITAIN ... ... 15 OTAGO ... ... o: From ; tho kick off the British forwards mad;; an incursion deep into Otago territory, and ; a clearing kick by Fookes brought only' temporary relief. the British, backs swinging into action. Aarvold: was collared by Fookes and then . Britain 1 started passing ; towards the other wing, Lindsay bringing Reevo down with a solid tackle. The visitors were throwing the ball about irom:"1 position'., uk Otago’s tackling -was sound, and for a while play hovered around halfway. Otago was doing better in th escrums, but the backs were slower elf the mark than the visitors, and Bowcott put in a long kick from halfway, which went into touch near the Otago twenty-five. Black was playing a dashing game in tho British pack, and picking up inside the home twenty five lie passed on to Jones, who handed on to Spong. The tricky fly half beat a man and passed to Morley, who was well tackled by Wilson a few yards from the lino. Stevenson relieved with a good kick, which was well fielded by Bassett, who eluded several tacklors, and lined at tho Otago twenty five. Spong mulled a pass shortly afterwards, but fumbling by the Otago backs let Britain through and Spong started a passing movement by- sending to Bowcott Aarvold received in turn, but; Morley lost the ball when ho was collared. Jones had followed fast, however, and picking up he dived over to score'wide. 'Black converted with a magnificent kick, and a moment later half-time was sounded with tho score:— , . BRITAIN ... - 20 OTAGO ... ... ... 6 SECOND SPELL In the second half, Lindsay dropped back to full-back for Otago, and Stevenson came .up to wing threequarter. Francis ■ marked- Murray’s kick .off, and the Otago forwards carried play to halfway. Sppng set the British backs in motion, and the. ball came out to Aarvold, who made a good run, and kicked over Lindsay’s head. Morlby followed through, and made a determined bid to reach the ball and it went out of touch. Following the drop put, Wilson improved Otago’s position by finding touch just outside Britain’s twenty-five. Francis dribbled through in good style, and gathering well, sent a long pass to Fookes, tho. centre three-quarter handing on to Stevenson, who was grassed by Reeve. A minute later Britain returned to tho attack, and Jones, following through fast, compelled Lindsay to force. Hodgson was the next to bo prominent, making a good run inside Otago’s twenty-live. Spong also penetrated the defence, but was brought down and Otago rallied. Play wont to near the British twentyfive, and Giles kicked through. Following fast, ho had a race for the hall with Bassett, the Otago man, getting there to touch down amid 'thunderous cheers. Stevenson missed an easy kick. BRITAIN ... 20 OTAGO 9

Britain maintained the pressure, but Francis, who was playing a great game, brought much needed relief to Otago bv finding touch with a good kick past halfway. The British forwards, led by Jones and Hodgson, returned to the attack, but Lindsay checked the rush in great style, and a moment later prevented a likely-looking try by coming across to tackle Morley at the end of British passing in which Anvvold drew the defence - well..

Tho visitors were always dangerous, and gathering a long pass from a scrum Spong cut the defence in half and went straight for the lino to touch down by tbo "post. Black added tho major points. BRITAIN ... ... ... ... 35 OTAGO 9

Tho Otago forwards made a sortie to the British-twenty-five, with Sonntag at their head, and off-side play by the visitors enabled Lindsay to have a shot at goal, which went wide. Tho British forwards soon worked back to halfway, and from a line-out ruck Murray received and made a good solo run, passing to Ivor Jones inside Otago’s twenty-five for the dashing Welsh forward to score well out. Black failed to convert. BRITAIN ... ... ...... 38 OTAGO 9 Otago rallied temporarily, and the backs took part in passing, Fookes fending a man off and passing to Stevenson, who was forced into touch near tho line.

A scrum infringement by tbo visitors let Lindsay have another shot at goal about 35yds out, but his kick failed, and Aarvold lined at halfway. x Hodgson headed a British forwai’d rush, but Lindsay, who was proving a tower of strength to Otago, found touch with a big kick to halfway. Britain came away in another great passing movement. Murray, Morley, Spang, Black, and Reeve handling in turn. Lindsay came across fast, hut Reeve jumped over his arms and scored a spectacular try. Black converted with a splendid kick. BRITAIN ... . ... 33 OTAGO 9 The Otago forwards were tiring badly, and Britain was all over them, O’Neill coming through at the head of a rush to halfway. Brndamwich made am opening for Giles, who kicked, through, BasseU clearing. Bassett was caught with the ball by Finlayson ,a moment later, but Boycott relieved with a good kick to touch. Spong was always a source of great danger to Otago, and he jinked his way through half of the home side before passing to Rew, who was caught with the ball near the line, Otago being compelled to force. Francis sent the Otago backs away, but Stevenson was collared by Reeve just past halfway Souter led an Otago forward sortie to Britain’s twenty-five, and Frances did some good rush stopping, but with Otago pressing Beamish relieved by finding touch. The first stoppage of the game occurred while “ pants ” were called for, and two successive Otago back attacks came to nought through solid tackling by the visitors. Scott gave Giles a chance to get awat, hut the latter short punted to touch inside Britain’s twenty-five. In the dying stages of the game Giles had an unsuccessful pot at goal, and just before time the British backs were attacking, Morley being collared near the line by Lindsay. Time was sounded with the score:— BRITAIN ... ... ... ... 33 OTAGO ... 9 Mr S. Hollander (Christchurch) was the referee.

WHAT THE FIGURES REVEAL BRITAIN'S OPEN TACTICS Figures- are not usually dull when applied to Rugby football and the statistics which are given below should convey something, to those who are conversant with the game. In carrying 24 scrums to Otago s 13 Britain disclosed much greater frontrank power than the local men. Only three times in each spell did tho visitors elect, to screw the scrum, and on still fewer occasions did they burst through by sheer weight. With ma-chine-like precision they fed the halfback, and tried continually to open up tho game. In tho line-outs the teams wore more evenly ,matched, but again Britain which won 20 to Otago’s 17, had the better of matters. It was typical of Britain’s open game that from no fewer than 1 13 line-outs dangerous passing rushes were started among the backs, five times in tho first spell and eight times in tho second. Ten line-outs ended in scrums. Otago fed tho backs from six line-outs. Passing rushes from loose rucks were even, each team setting things going six times in this way. Otago had only one penalty awarded against it, but Britain was pulled up on eight occasions, four times in each spell. Only one attempt at potting was made. It was by an Otago man in the second spell. Concerted dribbling rushes were scarce. Otago took three marks to Britain’s one. The following are tho figures FIRST SPELL, Britain. Otago. Line-outs ... 12 10 Scrums _ ... 12 5 ■ Penalty kicks 0 4 SECOND SPELL. .Line-outs 8 7 Scrums 12 8 Penalty kicks 1 4 OTAGO’S RECORD MATCHES AGAINST OVERSEAS TEAMS The following is a list of results of matches between Otago and overseas teams: — v. NEW SOUTH WALES 1882.—Won, 8 to 0. 1886.—Won, 23 to 0. ' 1886.—Lost, 0 to 9. 1901.—Won, 5 to 0. 1925.—L05t, 17 to 22. (It was a combined Otago-Southland team in this match.) v. BRITISH TEAMS. 1888.—Lost, 3 to 8. 1888.—Lost, 3 to 4. 1888. Drawn, no score. 1904.—Lost, 8 to 14, (This was a combined Otago-Southland team.) 1908. —Won, 9 to 6. 1930.—Lost, 9 to 33. v. SOUTH AFRICA. 1921.—Lost, 3 to 11.

BY THE CLOCK 3.27 p.m.: Teams appeared. 2.30: Otago kicked off. 2.31: Bright passing ended in Beamish breaking away. , 2.32: REEVE flew down the touchline and scored. BLACK mad© no mistake with the kick. ' . 2.33: Fookes stopped Aarvold in full flight. . 2.34: Bowcott opened up the game for REEVE to prance home again. BLACK carried on the good w6rk with his boot. 2.38: Otago recovered from the shock and set up attack. 2.40‘ Wilson lowered Morley just when the fast winger was about to lay his ears back and go for it. 3.41: Enter Francis wit hgreat piece of defensive play. 2.44: Spong broke through, and Reeve set sail again. This time Stevenson got him. ■ 2.45: Wilson made a break, but Bassett collared him 2.47: Lindsay milssed with a penalty kick. , 2.49: BEAMISH thundered across to score for Britain, and BLACK once more converted. Fifteen points in twenty minutes. 2.52: Pretty exhibition of side-step-ping by Morley. '.54: LINDSAY landed a penalty goal. 2.55: Otago staged first real passing rush. 2.57: Bassett marked in face of torrid Otago forward onslaught. 2.58: Murray came round the scrum before he was-due. Lindsay just missed with the penalty. 12.59: Lindsay and Fookes did good work, and FRANCIS scored. Lindsay failed with the kick. . 8,1; Otago forwards battling hard and Aarvold prominent 'in slashing counter.

3.3: Lindsay brings the dangerous Reeve to earth. . 3.5: Fookes likewise settled Money.

3.6: Bassett came t" jugh well. 3.9: Great move, in which Aarvold shone out, ended in I. JONES accepting an in-pass and romping over. BLACK did the trick again.

Spell-oh! 3.17: Francis held up a British attack by marking. 3.19: Aarvold turned on a penetrating run, kicked, and he and Morley chased the leather over tho dead-ball line.

3.20 3.20: Otago attacked, and Bassett was called upon to stop Fookes. 3.22; Lindsay again lowered Reeve — just in time. , ■ 3.24: Morley missed a pass, and Giles and Francis tore'down the field, with Fookes not far behind. GILES followed up all the way and scored. Stevenson missed an easy kick. 3.27: Giles dropped a pass, and let Spong shoot through to gain much ground. 3.28; Francis relieved. 3.29: Lindsay’s clean tackling again in evidence. Morley knew it. 3.30: Great cut-in by SPONG, and well-deserved try. BLACK added a couple of points with the kick. 3.32: Lindsay missed with a penalty but in tho next second saved with a fine line-kick. 3,34: Murray secured from rush, jinked into an opening, and sent in to I. JONES, who scored. For once Black missed. 3.36: Fookes and Stevenson went off on a sally. But nothing doing, 3.38 to 3.39; All Lindsay. 3.40: Francis clung to Black and pulled him down. 3.41: British passing rush ended in REEVE again scoring. BLACK converted. 3.44: Spong set a merry tune 3.46; Stevenson saved with A mark, 3.47: Otago forced down. 3.48;; A rara avis—a good Otago rearguard passing rush. Stevenson well collared. 3.51: Spong broke up another Otago passing rush. 3.53: Stevenson tackles Reeve, 3.55: Bassett saved with good kick. 3.56: Lindsay tackled the speeding Morley. 3.57; Otago attacked, but Bassetfc found line. AH over. CURTAIN RAISER The curtain, raiser between Alhambra and Pirates, two of the leading teams in the third grade competition, provided a fast and interesting game, which kept the huge crowd well entertained while they were awaiting the big match. . Pirates showed greater speed and cleverness than their opponents, and won by 23 points to 3. Mr N. Reardon was the referee. THE GAME REVIEWED BRITAIN'S BRILLIANT BACKS RUGBY OF A SPARKLING-TYPE [By Dark Bmje.] Though much had been heard, of the splendid game which the 1930 British ''Rugby side played in its opening matches of the present tour, few could have anticipated such a spectacular game as they played at Carisbrook against tho Otago team. For the greater part the ball was being tossed about in scintillating fashion, and every attack had a glamour, and glitter all its own. True, some of their handling went astray at times, but generally it was precise and superb. It made the game a treat to watch. While admitting that the Otago team that played was hot _as strong as the Canterbury and Wellington sides that defeated Britain, the victors, on their showing, must have fully extended the strongest combination. They were full value for every point of tho thirty-three. Their motto is evidently that attack is the best means of defence, and seldom throughout the game did they fail to put it into effect On one occasion, when within their own twenty-five, they tossed the leather about freely, three men handling before it was finally sent to touch with a mighty kick. Incidentally, it may be mentioned that every one of the visitor - '■•'s a strong “ boot,” and they were far more accurate than their opponents in finding th« line.

The game showed conclusively that Rugby of the fast, open typo that is generally claimed to belong to New Zealand, can be played well Under the old rules. Very often the visitors, when defending, steered the play, infield when they would have been out of temporary difficulties by simply kicking to a near touch-line or running out with the ball. Another excellent feature was the manner in which the forwards helped the backs. Several times, when a wing three-quarter saw he must have gone into touch, he sent a centring kick, and the British forwards would bo galloping down the centre

of tho field after it. One fine try was scored in this way. The British 3-2-3 scrum certainly proved superior against Otago, the visitors gaining the ball twenty-four times against Otago’s thirteen and. making good use of it. How they will fare against the New Zealand pack remains to be seen. In loose work, howover, the British forwards showed a wonderful control of the ball, their dribbling being good to watch. Most of them handled the ball excellently, too. Much has been said about the British breakaways being off-side, but they certainly did not get off-side. The player who did get off-side sometimes was Murray, the half-back, who did not get to his end of the scrum as ho should when he put the ball in. The Otago wing forward (Scott) played within the on-side limit. There were some delightful movements by the British backs, among whom Spong stood out as a champion. Bowcott also showed himself a versatile player, initiating many movements which gained much for his side. The two wings, Morley and Reeve; are both dangerous scoring men. Morley showed himself to be tbo possessor of a sidestep which puzzled the opposition, while Reeve proved himself a winger of class, with a deceiving change of pace. Bassett as full-back played a sound if not brilliant game, and only once let his side down by failing to stop the ball on the line. Among the forwards Hodgson played a great game, though he was well supported by Beamish • and Ivor Jones, the latter being a very clever opportunist, and a very dangerous man near the opposing goal line. The forwards were clever in opening up play from line-outs and rucks. While Otago was beaten by a definitely superior team, the home side was disappointing in many respects. Francis, the half-back, easily justified his selection, and both in attack and defence was a tower of strength to his side. The, defence of the five-eighths (Bradanovich and Giles) was often found wanting, and if was surprising that as the'game advanced they did not find means to counter the dummies and sidesteps which left them standing. Wilson, on the wing, got few good chances all day, though he put in one or two runs The replacement of Stevenson by Lindsay _as_ full-back in the second half was a Ivy improvement the latter tackling in decisive fashion. Several attacking movements by the Otago backs might have ended successfully had' there been better backing up of the player in possession. In this‘respect the Otago forwards should have followed up better than they did Finlayson was probably .the outstanding forward of tho Otago pack. However, it was a great game to watch, and easily the better sidle won. With all its faults the Otago team was only allowed to play as well as the opposition permitted. The handsome win of the visitors will make the first test next Saturday more interesting than ever. It is probable that tl.vi visitors will not te able, to take su6li_ surprising liberties in tossing tne nal about when Cooke and other experienced players are about, but the fact remains that they are fast and clever. Much will depend on the work of the New Zealand forwards, and the share of possession that New Zealand gains. TOURISTS STRIKE FORM REEVE'S BEST DISPLAY TO DATE [By J. G. M'Lean.J Those who have seen all the matches so far played by the British Rugby team will agree that Saturday’s was its best exhibition. ■. Even though th.y held an advantage in weight, the forwards played with a good deal more cohesion than they have shown in any of the last three matches, not only . ploying well to their backs, but varying their tactics by _ keeping the ball close, as they did for a time in tho second spell. Behind the scrum, with a pair of very, speedy wings operating outside a chain of i ifJ hac' i, who handled accurately, and were ready at all times to seize the slightest opening presented by the opposing backs,; Britain held an advantage from the start. This was impressed on the crowd from the moment when, within a minute or so of the kickoff, the backs from Murray outward handled nicely to send J. S. R. Reeve away at a speed that completely beat Lindsay, while Stevenson’s groping tackle was insufficient to stnv his 'progress. Though Reeve has in earlier shown a. great deal of pace others ( of the team nave insisted that on his recent form at home he had yet to show us'nis best. On Saturday he must have been a deal nearer his true form. Apart from his pace he has the advantage of high-stopping action, which makes him a difficult man to hold; ana, finally, to complete an excellent day s work, his tackling was consistently sound. BETTER THINGS IN STORE In the Wellington match and succeeding games both backs and forwards in the British team seemed to have lost touch, but the improvement evident perhaps presages the attainment of their best form. Otago was admittedly not as strong as Wellington or Canterbury, but they did everything possible no check me movements of a team that relies almost exclusively on open methods or attack: The Otago forwards played as well for their physique as any team the British have encountered, and the few flaws evident in the tackling could he attributed, after the first surprise attacks, to the simple fact that, man for man, they were outpaced, , In comparisons between this and tho earlier games of the tour two things at once occur. The first is that in Lindsay Otago possesses a bigger line kick than anyone else so far met, and tho second is that no half-back, even including Mill, Dailey, and Kilby, has shown more variety in his methods and more crispness about his general play than Francis did behind the Otago scrum. , „ , , ■ Three really good full-backs have now been met on the torn - . Tho first was Roache, whoso tackling was flawless. But with his frail physique the Wai. rnrapa man rose shaken from every tackle. The second was Lilburne, who exhibited attacking talents in a defensive position, but did not have to do a tenth of the tackling which Lindsay had to perform. Though an accurate kick, Lilburne did not get Lindsay’s length, or anywhere near it. As to Roache, the disparity in physique is all in favour of the Otago man. Only sheer physical strength enabled Lindsay to bring off some of his saves. COMMENDABLE METHODS. Though Otago played up close in an efforts to hamper the British backs the absence of studied offside play was a delightful feature of tho game. There was an absence, too, of the delayed tackling to which one or two other sides have resorted in an effort to demoralise tho British attack. The margin by which Britain won hardly represented the territorial run

of tho play, but it was a worthy reward f.r consistent enterprise. Had Otago’s place-kicking been better in the second spell at least half a dozen points might have been added. But even the' best goal kickers have their lapses; The British team is fortunate in having several to rely on. If Black or Prentice should be off tho mark, Ivor Jones and Dai Parker are just about as reliable. Black had a great day’s kicking at New Plymouth, when in addition to converting several tries he scored a nice one himself. But he heat this performance on Saturday with his six consions, one or two of them from really magnificent kicks. Reviewing the matches played to date, Otago may be set down as about the third strongest the British team has met. Wairarapa was one of the strongest. forward, teams, but did not have commensurate, strength behind the scrum. The-Otago backs moved as nicely as, any set ,tho British team has met, and , the. fact that there was no penetration is not so much a reflection on the talent of the individuals as a tribute to the high standard of the British tnckliiio. Manawhenua was about the weakest side met ov the British team, with Wanganui and the West Coast somewhere about the. same mark. Against West Coast, however, the British team for two-thirds of the game was disorganised and uncomfortable. On Saturday it was a different side. Part of the improvement must have been attributable to the confidence given by the presence of Bassett, who in his second appearance showed that the impressions > formed of his play at Wellington were not an over-estimate. RUSH FOR BEST SEATS WOMEK WERE EARLY ARRIVALS ', BMttCHT THEIR LUNCHES AHD KBVELS PERFECT CRNTMt OF NEAT 1 CNWR Loaded, with papers, magazines, thermos flasks, lunch baske'ts, paper hags and riigs, two' women 'from Tapanui were the first to arrive at the gar o s at Carisbrook on Saturday morning, being on the scene nearly ah hour before the ' gates ’opened. Two men, father and son, from Oamaru, were the earliest arrivals at the Burns street gates, but both tho women and the fami’-’ Ttair were beaten in tho rush for the first seat..-Mr William Peacock. a Dunedin resident, lurrying through the turnstiles and rushing to select the best seat, right on the halfway line, facing the stand. • “We come from the country, and there we get up early,” declared tho Tapanui football enthusiasts. When they arrived a light drizzling rain was falling, hut they were cheered with knowing that, at least, their early rising would give them a chance pf obtaining two of the best, if not the best, on the ground at the lowest price. Fortified with rations and rugs, they were prepared to wait for four and a-half hours before the big match began; let» it rain, let it pour, they were not going to bother. Luckily for them, as well as the thousands working in the city at that hour and thinking of little’ else but the football match that afternoon,' the drizzle was short-lived, and tho wind was neither strong nor cold,Their vigil at the gates was pleasant. Casting an anxious eye toward the south’ard, they forecasted a fine day. At the: same time they were equipped for the worst. If it rained they had their umbrellas, and they delighted in. the realisation that, should it rain, they would be seated; while the ' thousands crushed together at the.hack of them would have tho rain dripping down into theirssbocs and boots!

Before Jong more women, enthusiasts of . the deepest dye, arrived. They wore out for a day’s sport and fun. The women were easily beating t v e men in the race for tlie pick of the best oval side seats. Two school girls were the next to arrive. At the Burns street gate the Oamaru visitors were not left long to enjoy their_ lonely, wait, women soon taking up positions at the other turnstiles.

“And was it cold last night?” facetionriy inquired the first male arrival, of the women. It was rerain’seent of nights in the queue for eprly doors on the first ritdit of a pantomime or musical comedy. Before 11 o’clock about 100 bad assembled at the gate's. They were loaded with rugs, extra overcoats and parcels. Ten minutes before the °P ene d Mr Peacock arrived at the M Glashan street entrance and he took 11 rm? ace the only vacant gateway. Tho early arrivals were fullv equinned for a long wait. The girls had conies of humorist magazines, .many had » copy of the daily paper, and several women had novels. Twc> young ladies gingerly handled a steaming parcel. At 11 o’clock, right to . the hour, tho gates were opened, and, although ho was by no means the first to, ! arrive outside the grounds, Mr Peacock was the first into Carisbrook. He hurried, across the and obtained! a scat on the only row lining the oval directly in position with the halfway line. When the Burns street gate's were opened the small crowd immediately rushed the railway corner of the ground, sheltered by tho grand stand, from the southerly wind, which was 1 ! blowing lightly. With the grounds almost deserted it was ludicrous to see the women ant* men scampering over the embankment at a fast clip to obtain a seat. They had the choice of nearly a thousand, but each was determined _ not to b» beaten for the best offering. They looked but a few stragglers in a wilderness of space A constable or two patrolled the grounds, but there was no fear of their services being called on to settle any dispute as to tho rights of the claimants for seats. _ Tho new arrivals were completely satisfied. The seats obtained were worth theiS wait at the gates, they declared. Outside the grounds fifty-two coin stables had just arrived. They, too,were early on the scene. From suburban and country stations they had assembled ■ at tho city station, and w special tramcar was t;* deliver them to the grounds. They made an imposing collection of law controllers as they paraded along Burns street. Hero was nearly five tons of blue uniformed official brawn to con-, trok the crowd. Detailed to various positions, previously set out on a per-fectly-planned map by Sub-inspector Cummings, the constables dispersed to their points within a quarter-mile, radius of the historic Carisbrook Ground. . Wrapping the rugs round their legs, the early arrivals settled down to wait for the crowd to come. The-waiting had made some ot them peckish, and parcels- were soon onened out. Thsrtwo young ladies who had juggled at* the gates with tl’3 steaming pc reel spread out a paper tablecloth and started to demolish a huge pile of fish and emps. Memories of the musical halls! Winblea ard cravfish and stout! The al fresco luncheon was most pleasant. Thev could eat without a, big crowd watching. Out in the open and with the best seats under them, thev could enjoy themselves. While they had their early lunch the less fortunates in the city were still at work, with eyes ou the clock to strike the hour

«f noon. But those in the ground wore Hot the only ones to have a real foothall lunch. Less than quarter of a mile away fifteen boys, waiting for the rest of their schoolmates and masters to arrive, were seated on the side of tho railway embankment in the Wilkie road cheerily munching fried fish and chips —a delectable meal for juvenile tastes. By midday the football enthusiasts were percolating more rapidly througu the gates at Carisbrook, every ear from the city bringing its load. It was not till nearly 1 p.m., however, that the crowd started to arrive in Earnest. They chose the lower rows of the emfcmfcment, and with plenty of room they spread out their sugar bags and papers on the cinders, and rested. Typical of a Dunedin crowd, they were exceedingly quiet and good-humoured. Not even tho later arrivals pressing through their ranks to obtain likely positions higher tip on the embankment disturbed them. A low ripple of conversation rose from the crowd, but there was quietness till the schoolboys, hundreds of exuberant lads, arrived and took up their positions inside the oval enclosure Many were shrewd hoys. They had provided themselves with small boxes, and they were enabled to get a good view over the heads of the smaller boys in'the front row. A modern Babel was staged inside the enclosure by the schoolboys The provision of a special enclosure for the boys -w«s a wise plan. They were qut of the way. Moreover, they pro vided plenty of fun for the early spec %tors. Fierce arguments as to the Ultimate result of the big game arose many quarters of the schoolboy pia*es, each argument being abruptly terminated by some small "lad being •nobbed and upended by his opponents, who outnumbered' him in both weight of argument and physical power. When the curtain-raiser teams came out of the grand stand the youngsters had justifiable cause to let loose their stored vocal energies, which had been suppressed by tho checking of their attendant masters. They cheered every movement of the teams, working themselves up to concert pitch for tho bigger attraction. By 1.30 the lucky ones who had been •bio to take a rest on the cinders of the embankment were forced to rise, as the crowd was nearly thirty deep on the embankment. They wore packing in closely on the newly-constructed bank, but the schoolboys were all the time encroaching inch by inch, as if in concert, upon the side line of tho ground. They looked disappointed when their vociferous cheering of a Pirate attack was rudely broken off by the stentorian command of the masters to move back. On the bank the crowd was pressing in, the steady stream of pedestrians oh all roads to Carisbrook pouring its thousands into the grounds. , A John M'Glashau College pupil was not to he outdone or pressed out of his position. He took along a trench periscope, which he erected to catch a glimpse of exciting stages of tho preliminary match. While northern crowds may be more volatile, Dunedin crowds cannot bo excelled for orderliness and composure. The quietness of the thousands—there were 11,000 at I.3or—was ominous. The crowd was too quiet. Was this solemnity a prelude tu great scenes of enthusiasm? The crowd seemed to bo reserving its lungs for the big encounter. The curtain-raiser was suffi- , oiently bright to keep the crowd’s attention focussed from the beginning on ilugby football. In no other place in New Zealand could a crowd bo more orderly. It denoted intense interest. Not even the crushing in of the late arrivals annoyed tho bank patrons, but many who had had good views found their vision blocked by burly forms bulking, up in front. The Scotchman’s Gallery was exceedingly well patronised, but the “deadheads ” must havo cursed tho ingenuity of hoarding advertising experts who had erected a massive bill board on tho railway siding to block their view. All points of vantage were occupied, and of those who saw the game without paying for the privilege the big crowd 6f men on a new residence being erected opposite the southern end of the ground had a bird’s-eye View of proceedings. Several small boys had quite a profitable day, earning more than sufficient to defray the cost of their admission—which was a doubtful matter before they hit on their brainy idea—by selling old kerosene and petrol/ tins and disreputable boxes retrieved from the dump adjoining Carisbrook. The late arrivals found that their view from the top tier was partially blocked by the crowd in front, and the small hoys were requisitioned to provide temporary stands. The boys were on the alert, however, and for every box or tin handed over the fence they were rewarded 3d or 6d, the charge being according to the value of the stand. Indulgent constables patrolled tho tall iron fence, and smjled at the money-making efforts of tho youngsters

Although the crowd*was roused to a high pitch at various stages of the game, they had no thoughts buf for serious football. When the game ended the schoolboys provided the sight, nlways memorable, of worshipping humanity teeming across the field, the teams being surrounded by the invading juvenile Chauvinists. Contrary to expectations, the great crowd was cleared from the ground without a hitch, and the excellent arrangements made by the police for traffic control worked faultlessly. In even-regulated lines, the cars parked in the street in the vicinity of the convincing ground, were released to take their part in the main stream. Control was efficient in every particular.

SPIRIT Of THE GAME mvm Tt MAR THE MATCH sftewts at the wmn That the game was played in a very fine spirit, and that the players of both sides enjoyed it was made clear at the dinner rendered to the Britisl and Otago teams at the Grand Hotel by the Rugby union after the match. Mr H. Harris (president of the Otago Rugby Union), in proposing tho health of the British team, said that four teams from Great Britain had visited this country. He hoped the present aide would go away from these shores with a very good impression of New Zealand. Football in New Zealand, though perhaps it was not fully realised, owed a debt of gratitude to the British teams that had come here, for they had shown them how football should be played. He was safe in saying that the rise of Rugby in the dominion dated from the visit of Stoddart’s team, of 1888. He was also sure that on the game the 1930 British team had shown them that afternoon it was the equal of any side that had come from Great Britain. (Hear, hear.) Its play had been an eyeopener. If -the team showed the football next Saturday that it had shown that afternoon, well, he would not be sure of New Zealand’s prospects. (Hear, hear.) - Mi - J. Baxter - , the manager of the British team, in replying to the toast, expressed thanks for the complimentary remarks made concerning thcT team. The British team, he said, had come here to play the game to the best of its ability, and to endeavour to uphold the traditions of the game at Home, if their coming here was going to be at all helpful, and if New Zealand and its players saw anything good in their game, they would be proud. They themselves hoped to learn something from New Zealand football. Apart from that they had come here to get to know each other better, s and he felt that as long os football'was played in the way it was that afternoon there was no surer way of making and cementing friendships. The game was played in the proper spirit, and there was nothing to mar it in any shape or form. (Hear, hear.) It was a great thing for thirty fellows coming from so far apart to play this .wonderful game of Rugby and to finish the game far better friends than when they commenced. (Hear, hear.) A neat little speech was made by Mr C. D. Aarvold. who captained the British team against Otago. He said they did not consider they were supermen as players: they merely went on the field to enjoy a good game. ■' They felt rather pleased with the result of tho game, not because they managed to

win or because they played fairly well, but because they enjoyed the afternoon. That day was the first tipie they had, really enjoyed football as they did at Home. There was a certain amount of camaraderie about the game which made it tremendously pleasant. Dr B. Dunne, captain of the Otago team, stated in reply that the British team were the finest sports the Otago team had played against for quite a numoer of years. The _ match was played in an excellent spirit, and the home team had learned a lot from the game their visitors played. Mr G. R, Beamish, in proposing the toast of (< "The Referee,” stud that it was a pleasure to have a refe o who would join in “ sending _ the game along ” in the spirit in which it should be played. Mr Hollander’s ruliiigs had been excellent.

The toast of “The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union ” was proposed by the mayor (Mr R. S. Black) and acknowledged by Mr T. Fletcher, who described the British team as “ the finest band of sports who have ever been brought together,” and expressed the opinion that it would leave a big impression on New Zealand football.