RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 22413, 10 August 1936, Page 4

RUGBY

AUCKLAND BEATS SOUTHLAND A CLOSE FINISH MIKTHERHEIS' GREATER SPEER [l'm United Bres* Association.] IXVERCARGILL, August 8. Greater all-round speed enabled the touring' Auckland team to defeat Southland by 19 points to 16 points at Rugby Park to-day. The -weather was line but the ground was heavy. The game began brightly, but developed into a dour forward struggle • until halfway through the second spell, when 'there were some, brilliant moves by both sides. The forwards were well matched. Southland’s superiority in the tight being offset, by the more effective short passing of the Aucklanders, of whom Hadley, ■, Pepper, and August were outstanding. ■ The best of the Southlanders were Shorriff, Irwin, Purdue, and Mattingly. The backs adopted different tactics,Auckland depending on its fast flanks, while Southland, after losing Mitchell after 30 minutes’ play, sought to penetrate in the middle. Byerley was the most prominent .Auckland back, Beyer being sound at full-back. Sharp played a splendid game at centre for Southland. ' Purdue (Southland) was a better half-back than Frankham.

some fine passing and backing up on the part of the visitors, Manawatu beat North Otago at the Oamaru Show Grounds on Saturday by 17 points- to 11. The touring team was decidedly heavier both in the forwards and backs, and was quicker to accept opportunities. The backs showed to advantage, particularly in the second spell, when some excellent movements were initiated displaying speed and clever backing up, which latter factor was the deciding issue in what might well bo described as a -game devoid of colour. Tho forwards of both teams worked hard throughout, but, although lighter, the North Otago pack was superior in the scrums, the front row hooking the ball cleanly time after time. Honours were fairly even in the line-outs. North Otago failed badly in the open, and did not combine as was expected. The backs individually were good, but in a combination little could be said in their favour. Had the home side’s backs displayed the same smart work in the latter stages as did the visitors, the final result might have been vastly different. - At it was the scores were a good - indication of the respective merits of tho teams. The teams

Manawatu.—"Walden; Waugh, Gillespie, Fletcher,' Thurston, -Nicol, Briusden, Findlay, O’Dea, Sutton, M'Kenzio, W. Powell, Sullivan, Crawford, Finlay. North Otago.—Easton, Cameron, Rutherford, Dwyer, M'Laren, Tempero, Stichman, Johnston, Carrodus, G. Newlands, Dougherty, A. Newlands, Carrington, Hollow, J. Easton.

North Otago kicked off, and Brinsdeu fielded, but in attempting open up play : the latter’s pass was intercepted by a North Otago forward, and play quidkly settled iu Slanawatu’s territory. The visitors attempted passing rushes, but lack of co-operation at the crucial moment spoiled, these movements and allowed the home side to transfer play to within striking distance of the goal line. Stichman sent out a smart pass to Cameron, who made a good run, but was pushed into touch. Receiving a liberal share of the ball, the home backs kept up a good attack, but splendid defence saved -the situation for the visitors. Tempero made a good opening, but was unsupported. Rushing through the opposition, the North Otago forwards broke away for G. Newlands to dribble over the line to score. Easton converted. North Otago 5, Manawatu 0. Sutton'was next seen in action, but M'Laren intercepted. Play, however, returned when Walden gained possqssion, the ball going into touch at halfway. Rutherford secured and kicked through to Walden, who was caught iu possession. • In the ensuing scramble a Manawatu player was penalised and Easton attempted a penalty, but the ball just missed tho bar. Play returned and from mid-field Brinsden secured and sent his backs away, Gillespie making a bold bid for the line, but Cameron saved. Gillespie again got away, but M'Laren was on the alert and brought off a, good tackle. Manawatu at tin’s stage was making every endeavour to open up the play. Nicol threw away a good chance when he threw a bad pass, the movement breaking down. From play in North Otago territory M'Kenzie sent out a long pass to Brinsden, who sent his backs away in a passing rush which ended in Waugh going over in the corner. North Otago 5, Manawatu 3 At this stage Dwyer received an injury necessitating his retirement from the field, and he was replaced by Steele. Bad play by Rutherford gave Manawatu its nest try, J. Finlay accepting the opportunity to touch clown smartly. The kick at goal failed. Half-time sounded with the scores;—

Auckland attacked strongly from the kick-off, and had Southland defending desperately. Sharp cut in on Auckland passing and sent on to Mitchell at the halfway ' Hag. The Southland captain evaded two or three tackles and ran SQyds with only Beyer to beat. The full-back caught Mitchell 2yds from the line, but the All Black wing regained his feet and scored in the corner. Wesney converted with a great kick. Southland was playing all over Auckland until the visiting backs took the game into the Southland twentylive. Mitchell was injured and left the held. During his absence the Auckland lacks handled cleanly for Byerley to score in the corner. Bush converted. Moyle retired injured and was replaced' by *Frankham. Soon afterwards Mitchell retired from the game. Auckland continued to attack, and Curtayne fielded a clearing kick and i.otted a goal. Auckland was now definitely superior, Hadley taking the ball in every scrum and' the backs delighting the crowd with their 1 quick passing. The Auckland forwards broke through the middle of the field and August finished a good rush by scoria g°under the bar. The halftime score was:— Auckland ... 34 Southland ... ... •5r The second half opened quietly with Auckland holding the upper hand. The Southland forwards broke through to the Auckland twenty-five, and Mattingly kicked a goal from a penalty. Southland was now more than holding its own, the forwards beating the Auckland vanguard and the backs showing a great improvement. The Auckland players, however, were too fast, and Byerley, after a strong run, cleverly threw' in to Bush, who scored and converted. Play was exciting as Southland rushed into Auckland territory. Cakler made a good opening for Wesuey, who scored wide out. Mattingly converted. There were still 20 minutes to piny, and Southland appeared to have a chance of victory. The crowd cheered wildly when Mattingly kicked a penalty goal and Southland was only three points behind. The Auckland defence, however, held against the onslaughts of the Southland forwards, • and the final scores were : Auckland JO Southland 16 MANAWATU BEATS NORTH OTAGO VISITORS IMPRESS In a game which was devoid for the most part of exchanges of a spectacular nature, but which was characterised by

North Otago S, Manawatu 6,

The second spell saw the visitors more enterprising, and play become more exciting. Following a smart attack Manawatu was sent back with a penalty kick. . Thurston, however, came to light, and finding an opening in the defence sent Sullivan away, the latter combining with the backs to give Waugh, his second try. Manawatu 9, North Otago 8. The home forwards took a turn now, and, led by J. Easton, instituted a bright movement which ended on the line, but good defence prevented a try. North Otago kept hammering fo* a time, Cameron, Stichman, and M'Larcn' being conspicuous, but their efforts came to naught. Snapping up quickly, Nicol cut through to open up play for Thurston, the latter sending Fletcher over for a good try. Manawatu 12,’ North Otago 8. Play was up and down at this stage, the movements being spasmodic and without cohesion. S. Easton brought off some fine work at full-back, and Rutherford made amends for his previous mistakes. Easton made a great attempt at a field goal, the ball actually hitting the crossbar and bouncing into play. An infringement shortly after gave North , Otago another three points, when Johnstone kicked a penalty goal. With only one point separating the teams play became fast, and the visitors resorted to open methods. M‘Laron, when in a good position, just failed to pot a goal. Just before time Waugh again scored as the result of a fast back movement, his speed outpacing the opposition. Finlay converted. Noside sounded with the scores: Manawatu 17 North Otago 11 Mr C. J. L. Mollison was the referee. A curtain-raiser was provided between Athletic and Old Boys* the game being the final of the third grade competition. Athletic, by superior tactics; bad the advantage throughout and won ■fairly easily by 9 points to 3. This is the first time for many years that the third grade shield lias gone to Athletic. The team is to be congratulated on its achievement.

SOUTH OTAGO DEFEATS WEST OTAGO The annual fixture between the above teams was played at Kaitangata on Saturday. Although the weather was fine the ground was very heavy after the recent rain, and was really unfit to play on. The attendance was very disappointing, and the experiment of . taking representative fixtures away from the centre will not be a profitable one for the Rugby Union. The match was quite an intcrostine one. The packs were evenly matched, but the Western backs were superior to the South Otago rearguard, and initiated some nice movements, despite the heavy ground and greasy ball. Had the match been played on a dry ground it would probably have ended differently—it certainly would have been a fast, open game. For the winners Roy was safe, while Bartlett and Barron were prominent in the backs. The forwards all played well, tho Orr brothers in particular always being in the van of any rush. For Western Lischncr and R. APKenzie shone out in the backs, while J. M‘Kenzic was probably the outstanding player in a good pack. The teams were: — South Otago.—J. Roy; A. Middlemass, W. Barron, T. Gold; G. Barron (captain), J. Bartlett; C. Walls, R. Orr, H. Major, W. J. Rogers, J. Muir, A. Orr, C. Wilson, J. Brown, H. Prydc. West Otago.—W. Paterson; R. MTxenzie, F. Lischner, C. M'Kenzic; W. Reid, G. M'Call; A. M'Donald, J. Gray, G. Spittle, Cushnie, W. Divers, W MTvenzie, d. M‘Kenzie, A. Miller, S. Campbell.

West Otago kicked off and R. Orr immediately took play to Western end, but Lischner put in a good bit of work and South Otago were defending their line, Roy and Middlemass being prominent on defence. From a scrum M'Douald ami R. M'Kenzie again put Western on attack, Middlemass relieving. Shortly after Reid attempted to goal from a penalty, missed, and South Otago forced. Gold made a run, and the' Western backs’ then showed up, Lischner being very dangerous when brought down by Bartlett. South Otago now took a turn at attack, G. Barron and Brown showing up. Western forced after Middlemass had attempted to goal from a penalty. M'Donald and R. M'Kenzie headed a rush, and in ensuing play Lischner and Reid carried on to South Otago’s corner, South Otago cleared, however, and play went to halfway. G. Barron secured and made a nice run before passing to Middlemass, who in-passed to Muir, who went over. Middlemass converted. South Otago 5, West Otago nil. The South Otago pack kept play in Western territory, and Paterson was called on to relieve. Barron and Roy returned to the attack, -anc\ bad handling by Western gave South Otago a chauce. Shortly after Western were penalised, and Middlemass made no mistake with tho kick. South Otago 8, West Otago nil. Following tho kick-off Pryde headed a rush, and Walls and G. Barron carried on, a high kick by the latter being forced. G. Barron again came away, and was ably supported by Gold and Bartlett, Reid and C. M'Kenzie putting iu good defence. Middlemass caught Paterson in possession, and South Otago were dangerous, M'Donald finally coming to the rescue. G. Barrou attempted a, field goal, and Western forced. The visiting backs now showed some pretty passing, and ivere pulled up inside the South Otago twenty-five, Roy finding the line about halfway. Forward play followed, South Otago were penalised, and Paterson kicked a goal. South Otago 8, West Otago 3. G. Barron and Bartlett headed a rush, but C. M'Kenzie gained the lost ground, and, following a penalty, South Otago had to force. Western were pressing hard. Lischner being very dangerous. A high kick by him was marked by Gold, but the kick was blocked, and Spittle carried on to the South Otago line. Western were now distinctly superior, till Roy sent up a long kick, and the southern pack rushed play to the Western end. Gold was brought down in the visiting twenty-five, and hurt his ankle and had to retire, being later replaced by Olver. Middlemass, W. Barron, and Bartlett put in good work, but Reid secured, passed to R. M'Kenzie, who scored. W. M'Kenzie missed the goal, the ball hitting the post, and half-time went with the scores:—South Otago 8, West Otago 6.

On resuming South Otago took play to the Western line, G. Barron being prominent. Play veered back to halfway, where 'Western were penalised and Middlemass kicked a fine goal. South Otago 11, Western Otago C. A good 1 run by Liscbner took play well up, but C. Walls returned. Western, headed by McDonald and C. M'Kenzie, rushed 'play to South Otago twenty-five, and in ensuing play the latter scored. Paterson failed to add the major points. South Otago 11, Western Otago 9. Play remained in neutral territory, till Olver intercepted in a Western pass and put South Otago on attack. Paterson secured, and play .went back to the other end. G. Barron then secured and made a great run before passing to C. Wilson, who was brought down near the line, and J. M'Kenzie relieved. South Otago kept up the attack, and tight play took part on Western line. Campbell and Gray broke away, and Paterson gained more ground. Following a penalty, South Otago were soon again inside Western twenty-five, but Liscbner put in good work, and a forward pass spoiled a promising movement. Play went back to halfway till Reid attempted a penalty goal. Olver returned and play went up and down for a time. The Orr brothers headed a South Otago rush, and play went to Western line, where Middlemass attempted to goal from a penalty and Western forced. A man in front of the ball at' the kick-out kept South Otago on attack. Bartlett putting in good work. The Western defence was sound, and good passing by the backs gained a lot of ground. Following line-outs, J. M’Kenzio followed up fast and scored. W M‘Kenzie missed. South Otago 11, Western Otago 12. Play was now quite exciting, aild with only five minutes to go Western were having the best of tilings till South Otago, headed by the Orrs, rushed play to Western line, and a great tussle took place. A. Orr blocked a Western kick and fought his way over and put South Otago again in front. Middlemass failed. South Otago 14 Western Otago 12 Western attacked, but _ time was called without any alteration to the scores. Bov. Mr MTlowcll (Milton) controlled the game. After the match the two teams were entertained at tea, the usual speeches and cheers being exchangd at the conclusion of the meal.

SECOND GRADE BANNER FINAL, WON BY CRESCENT Woodlands and Crescent teams me'; at Balclutha in the final for the second grade banner, the result being a win for the latter, after extra time had been played, by 12 points to 9 points. Woodlands kicked off. Shortly after the start Hughes attempted _ to goal from a penally and Woodlands forced. Strong rushes were made by both teams, and in one -1. Hae was injured and was replaced by \V. Brown. Play went up and down, Crescent having to force on one occasion. The first score came to Woodlands, Teller kicking a, good goal from a penalty. This livened Crescent up, and very soon after Hughes had a chance and landed a goal from a penalty, making the scores 3-3. Woodlands rushed play to Crescent line and one of the latter players just forced in time. Grimshaw put in a good run and looked like scoring, but lost the ball and Woodlands returned play to Crescent twenty-five. In ensuing play Gilmore went over and forced, but was called back for an infringement. Half-time went with the scores unchanged. Woodlands opened the attack, but play went back to halfway; but not for long, Woodlands having the better of things, and Crescent had to force twice. Woodlands were determined, and in a loose rush one of their players went over to score, 6-3. Crescent came away, and a good hack movement took play to Woodlands’ line, the latter forcing after a Crescent man had gone over and lost the ball. Crescent kept up the attack, and from a penalty Hughes goaled, 6-6. From the kick-off Grimshaw secured and made a good run, but Woodlands saved the position by forcing. Crescent tried hard to secure a lead, but could not manage it, and time went with the scores still level. By previous arrangement it had been decided to play to a final, and the teams changed over. Both sidcs_ were going well and play was exciting. Telfer put his side in front by kicking a penal ty, and on resuming Crescent had a shot from a penalty, and Hughes made no mistake, the scores again being level. The teams kept up a great pace, but Stephenson finally secured and scored, thus giving Crescent the lead by 12 points to 9 points. Mr C. Clark refereed. GENERAL NOTES. Other South Otago results were:— Clutha 111 6, Toko. 111. 5; Clinton 111. 20, Crescent 111. 3. At tho meeting of the South Otago Rugby Union, on Thursday night, August 26 was fixed for the annual match with Eastern Districts, at Gore. It was decided to start the senior knock-out on 15th inet., the draw being:—Crescent v. at Balclutha at 2 p.m.; Toko. v. Clinton, at Balclutha, 3.15. Other' matches will, be: Woodlands v. Clutha 11., at Balclutha, 3 p.m.; Crescent 11. v. Union, at Kaitangata; Valley a bye; Clutha 111. v. Crescent 111., at Kaitangata, 1.30; Toko. 111. v. High School, Balclutha sports ground, 1.30. Permission was given Crescent thirds to travel to Roxburgh seven-a-side, on 22nd inst,, and permission was also given High School to play Mosgiel High School at Balclutha on Tuesday. SOUTH OTAGO HIGH SCHOOL v. SOUTHLAND HIGH SCHOOL. On Saturday the S.O.H.S. team played Southland Boys’ High second fifteen at Invercargill, the home team winning by 19 points to 9 points. The ground was very heavy, and there was no sun. The homo team were much heavier than the visitors, and the game resolved itself into a forward struggle, during which the S.O. boys were repeatedly pushed off the ball, and their backs rarely handled. The home backs put in some nice movements, but it was only towards the end of the game that the superior weight began to tell on the visitors. Southland attacked from the start, but the S.O. boys came away, and from a penalty Shaw landed a nice goal. The home team came away after this, but were pulled up, and Espie, Grimshaw, M'Kinney, and M‘Mi 11 an carried play well into Southland territory. The home team carried play back to S.O.’s twenty-five, where Gazzard secured and dropped a fine field goal. 4-3. Southland resumed the attack, but the visiting backs were tackling well, and half-time went with the score unchanged. The second spell was hard and not very spectacular owing to tho heavy going The home forwards came away strongly and from a scrum Gazzard again got possession and dropped another field goal. 8-3. From the loose S.O. attacked, and the ball was heeled out to Espie, who beat the opposition badly and went over to score the first try of the match. Shaw’s kick hit the cross-bar, 8-6. Weight was now beginning to tell, and from a strong forward movement Warburton cut through to score. Gazzard converted. 13-6. South Otago, headed by M‘Neur, Allen, and Cochrane, rallied, and in ensuing play the ball went to M'Kinney, to Shaw, to Grimshaw, who kicked upheld. Off-side play by Southland gave Shaw a chance, and ho kicked a splendid goal. 13-9. The last five minutes of play was dominated by Southland, and Davis and Ritchie scored easy tries in quick succession. Gazzard failed to convert either, and the game ended; Southland 19, South Otago 9. Mr Bell refereed. PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ SEVEN-A-SIDE. The annual seven-a-side tournament, under the auspices of the South Otago Primary Schools’ Sports Association, was held in Balclutha on Saturday, and proved very interesting. Messrs G. H. Mitchell (Balclutha, convener), W. H. Hampton (Kaitangata), and G. Walker (Otanomomo) were in charge of operations, and they are to he congratulated on the way in which the various games were got off. Messrs A. Good and C. Clark assisted the teachers with the refereeing, and tho committee is grateful to these for their help. Amongst tho visitors present during the clav were Messrs D. Marshall, member of the Otago Education Board, and D. Mulvey, president of tho South Otago Rugby Union. - The results were:— —A Grade.— (Open to schools of any grade. Maximum weight Bst 41b.) Balclutha A 12. Kaitangata C 0. Kaitangata A 23, Balclutha B 0. Kaitangata B 14, Clinton 0. Stirling 6, Toko 3. Clinton 5, Balclutha B p. Toko 6, Kaitangata C 0. Kaitangata B 9, Toko 0. Kaitangata A 24, Clinton 0. Balclutha A 5, Kaitangata B 0. Final.—Kaitangata A defeated Balclutha A by three points (a penalty goal) to 0. The names of the winning team are:—V. Hughes, B. Sutton, J. Haig, W. Good, V. Bowmar, L. Henderson, Iff. Robertson. —B Grade.— (Open to schools of Grade 3A or lower. Maximum weight Bst 41b.) Tuapeka Mouth 13, Waiwera 0. Hilleud 9, Otanampmo 0.

Waiwcjo 13, Gtanaraomo 0. Final.—Tuapeka Mouth 5, Hilleud 0. —C Grade (Bantam).— Maximum weight sst 71b. Clinton 9, Balclutha B 0. Balclutha' A 12, Kaitangata 0. Toko ’ A 9, Kaitangata O 3. Kaitangata A 22, Toko B 0. Kaitangata B 34, Balclutha 3 (the half point for force-down after extra time). Kaitangata C 6, Toko B 0. ' Kaitangata A 16, Clinton 0. Balclutha A 24, Toko A 0. Clinton 0, Kaitangata B 3. Final.—Balclutha A defeated Kaitangata A by three points to nil after extra time had been played. The, names of the winning team arcD. IJarron, M, Cunliffe, U. Hastings, ,C. Mulvev, R. Murray, J. Willcocks, S. Wright. TAIERI DEFEATS DUNEDIN A friendly game played at Mosgiel between Taieri and Dunedin resulted in a win for Taieri, 10-6. Though the ground was heavy, the match was fast. For Taieri. M.'lutosh scored two tries, which were converted by Wilkins and Broad Icy. Egan, the Dunedin fullback, who played a very serviceable game, kicked two penalties for Dunedin. Air C. Gibbons was referee. THIRD GRADE A. Southern 25, Kingari B 3. High School 3, Green Island 0. Alhambra A 8, Kaikorai 3. THIRD GRADE B. Pirates 15, Varsity F 9. FOURTH GRADE. Alhambra 31, Union 0. Christian Brothers 17, Ravensbourne 0. Dunedin 16, Southern 0. M'Glashan 22, Kaikorai 3. SEDDON SHIELD In the Seddon Shield final, played at Blenheim, Marlborough, the holders, beat Golden Bay-Motueka by 36 points to 8. AUCKLAND B BEATS THAMES At Auckland the B representative team beat Thames Valley by 39 points to 11. CANTERBURY CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY SUNNYSIDE Merivale 5, Liuwood 3. Christchurch 25, Varsity 18. Sunnyside 0, Albion 0. Old Boys 44. Athletic 9. _ Sunnyside win the championship, RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH OTAGO TEAM TO PLAY MANAWATU The following Otago team has been selected to play Manawatu in the Ranfurly Shield match at Carisbrook on Wednesday:— Full-back, Taylor. Three-quarters—Watt, Smith, Black. Five-eighths, Trevathan, Gillies. Half-back, Saxton. Forwards, j— M‘Donald, _ Campbell, Hore, Parkbill, Murphy, Neiper, Niven, Valentine. Emergencies. Backs: Simon, Maliony, M‘Skimming. Forwards: Murdoch, Forman, Moreland. Tho 30 players selected for training are to t meet at the University Hall, Union street, on Tuesday, at 7.30 p.m. PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ RUGBY TRIALS All boys are required at Tahuna Park on Tuesday, at 3.30 p.m. OTAGD JUNIORS BEAT SOUTH TUAPEKA In a bright, fast game, played at Beaumont, an Otago junior representative team defeated a representative South Tuapeka team by 8 points to 6. IN OTHER CENTRES WELLINGTON. —First Division.— Athletic 11, Poneko 7. Wellington College Old Boys 27, Eastbourne 13. Marist 18, Petone 12. Wellington 12, St. Pat.’s College Old Boys 6. Hutt 12, Johnsonville 8. —Second Division.— Athletic 20, Wellington College Old Boys 17. University 35, Oriental 13. Wellington 16, Pirates 6. Miramar beat United by default. AUCKLAND. Grafton 25, College Rifles 12. Training College 12, Technical Old Boys 5.