RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 21505, 1 September 1933, Page 3

RUGBY

SOUTHLAND BEATS HAWKE'S BAY ll’ek United [’hess Association.) NAPIER, August 31. In a good, open exhibition of Rugby at Hastings the touring Southland representnthes defeated Hawke’s Bay by 26 points to 11. The match was played at a fast pace throughout, a featufc being the handling by the whole Southland team, both backs and forwards indulging in many spectacular, rushes. The visiting forwards were much heavier and taller than the opposing vanguard, and secured the ball in 80 per cent, of the scrums and lineouts, thus giving their backs every opportunity to function. A factor wind) was largely responsible for the big score by Southland was the weak tackling on the part both of the Bay backs and forwards. Time and again one or two of the visiting players * ran right through the home team, and when the Bay men did tackle they went high and were easily thrown off by the big visiting forwards. Playing with the wind in the first spell, Southland took all before them and had Bay defending almost continuously. The forwards completely overshadowed the home players both in the tight and loose play. The visitors threw the ball about very freely, and the home team had to work hard to keep their line intact. The visitors had their reward, however, when, after a number of players had handled, Berry went across in a handy position, and Sharp converted. Except for one or two spasmodic bursts the Bay men were defending foi; the rest of the spell, having their line crossed on two more occasions, Mitchell and George scoring tries, and Sharp converting both. Shortly before the bell, from a passing rush, Apsey secured, and, outpacing the opposition, scored a good try at the corner for the Bay, hut the kick at goal failed. After the interval the home players were a vastly different team. They immediately took play to the visitors’ twenty-five. Here Le Quesne claimed a mark, and goaled from the side line with a drop kick. Bay continued to have the better of the game, although the tackling was still weak and the forwards were still not securing tlm ball. After pressing for some time Steere crossed near the posts for Bradley to convert. With ten minutes to go and the scores 15-11 matters semed promising for Bay, but Southland suddenly launched an attack, from which Galt scored an unconverted try, and a few minutes later first Mitchell crossed for Sharp to convert, and then Berry scored, the final score reading:— . Southland 26 Hawke’s Bay H JAPANESE AT PLAY [Pe* U.vnrn Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 31. An interesting game of Rugby was played between a team from the Japanese training ship and the Training College. Although at a big disadvantage with respect to size and weight the visitors displayed a good knowledge of the game. Training College won by 21 points to 16. There was loud cheering every time the Japanese scored. SBUTH CANTERBURY V. OTAGO Several attractions are being staged at Carishrook to-morrow afternoon in an effort to swell the funds that are being raised by the committee of the sports queen." The principal attraction will, of course, be the representative Rugbv match between South Canterbury and Otago. The South Canterbury team is a very strong one, and, while Otago will be weakened by the absence of the members in the touring team, a very good side has been selected. _ A further attraction will be the cur-tain-raiser between the Otago women’s hockey touring team and an Otago team.' The Otago girls have upheld their reputation as being one of the leading hockey teams in New Zealand, and the public will be glad of this opportunity of seeing the team in action. Still a further attraction will be a mile and a-half race arranged by the Otago Centre. N.Z.A.A. Association.