INTERPRO. RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 22722, 9 August 1937, Page 5

INTERPRO. RUGBY

Southland Wins Donald Stuart Memorial A Thrilling Game Otago a Little Unlucky (From Our Own Reporter.) INVERCARGILL, August 7. On a h«avy ground at Rugby Park this afternoon, Southland aetomplished the double with a try on time, defeating Otago by 14 points to 11 in a thrilling game, which was played at a remarkably fast clip under such conditions. Forward it was again a great tussle, but, despite the underfoot conditions and the greasy ball, there were many lively flashes of back play, and in the second spell, especially, the game was full of incident. With Otago 8 points down shortly after the interval, the Dark Blue forwards made desperate endeavours to pull the game out of the fire, and rucking like champions, and staging some splendjd loose rushes, they drew level, with a quarter of an hour to go; but in the dying stages of the game the Maroons came away again, and from a blind side movement, started by Purdue, Sutherland went over, with two minutes to go, and thus the Ranfurly Shield holders also secured possession of the Donald Stuart Memorial Shield. Territorially, Otago held the advantage, and on the very fine game played by the Dark Blues- they could be counted a shade unlucky to lose. It was most attractive football by two sides who rose superior to the conditions; but, if anything, Southland made a little better use of the opportunities that came their way.

Weather that was almost a replica of that for last year’s game at Invercargill was experiencea for the return game between Otago and Southland at Rugby Park this afternoon, and the ground was heavy after much rain overnight and throughout the morning. It was bad luck for the Southland Rugby Union, which in the expectation or a record crowd, had gone to the trouble of erecting extra seating accommodation on the far side of the ground. Nevertheless, in spite of the wretched conditions prevailing, the attendance when the big game began was over 7,000, the special trains bringing a large contingent of Otago supporters from Dunedin, Added interest was given to to-day’s game by the_ fact that the match decided jjossession of the Donald Stuart Memorial Shield. The All Black, R. H. Ward, stood down from the Southland team, his place being taken by G. Graham. J. Miles was replaced at second fiveeighth. for Southland by P. Grace. Qlhe teams were:— SOUTHLAND. Full-back, W. E. Ruff. Three-quarters—R. Henderson, A. W. .Wosney, A. G. Sutherland. Five-eighths, P. Grace, G. Thomas (captain). Half-back, J. Purdue. Forwards—V. L. George, J. Mattingly, 0. George, E. R. Chesterman, 0. Graham; N. R, Irwin, J. Hamilton, W- L. Crawford. OTAGO. Full-back, E. Bolton. , Three-quarters—R. G. Mahony, K. Park, W. A. Black. Five-eighths, D. Murray, T. Berghan. Half-back, P. Howden. Forwards—-J. Mahony, W. R. Laney (<Aptain), C. E. Quaid, B. Barnes, E. Murphy, L. Hill, L. yosailagi, R. Neiper. OTAGO PLAYS WITH WIND The teams were played on to the field in traditional Southland fashion by the Caledonian Pipe Band, which was supported during the afternoon by the Invercargill Junior Band.

Southland kicked off against the wind, Laney marking the kick-off, but although he failed to gain the line Barnes led an Otago forward rush beyond halfway. Southland secured from the first scrum, and Thomas sent the backs away, Wesney missing his pass, and Hill led an Otago rush inside Southland territory. - Howden launched passing and Berghan made a pretty cut-in, the passing breaking down at Murray. A penalty to Otago from the twentyfive was taken by Bolton, who failed, Southland forcing. The Otago forwards exerted pressure for a while, and Neiper went through from the drop-out, his pass going astray. Southland passing again broke down, and Black went through to near Southland’s • twenty-five. Purdue drove Otago back and made another good break from the scrum, Neiper stopping a rush headed by Crawford. Play then came to Mahony, who placed Otago on the attack, Howden and Laney combining, in a nice piece of work which took the Blues inside Southland’s twenty-five, OTAGO FORWARDS GOING WELL. The Otago forwards, with Laney, Quaid, and Hill in the van, were going well in the loose so far, but behind the Southland scrum Purdue was doing a great amount of saving work. When the Southland forwards came away from halfway Neiper and Howden stemmed the rush, but Southland was gaining repeated possession from the scrums, and Thomas beat a couple of men before being brought down. Mahony put in a,low kick along the flank, and the Otago forwards again went to the attack, Howden launching ft short side movement in which Berghan and Mahony combined nicely. In face" of, an Otago forward rush Ruff gathered well, but did not get the line, and eventually Bolton again placed Otago on the attack by clever play. OTAGO OPENS SCORING. Berghan made a good cut through, and Laney broke through from a scrum; and in a good dribbling rush J. Mahony picked up

and dived across to score after play had been in progress for 13 minutes. Bolton’s kick fell short. Otago 3 Southland 0 Laney was leading the Otago forwards in fine sytle, and twice he caught Purdue with the ball. Crawford led a Southland rush and Grace punted through, bub Bolton saved well, and the Otago forwards again took play inside Southland territory. Henderson and Ruff fumbled in the face of an Otago forward rush, and with the Blues pressing. hard on the line Hamilton came through and cleared to the twenty-five. The rain was holding olf well, but the ground was very heavy, and the Otago forwards were suiting themselves to the conditions and keeping the ball along the ground, following through fast. Howden sent the Otago backs away, and Black made a great run before Ruff tackled him near the line. Otago was doing better in the scrums now, and behind the pack Howden was directing the attack in good style under such conditions. There was some bright play with Otago making most of the attack at this stage. With Otago pressing hard, Purdue saved well with a fine kick to touch, and Thomas made a good break through beyond halfway. Howden again sent Berghan off, and the latter, who was playing a very good game, made ground before giving to Black, who was well tackled by Sutherland. Otago had easily the better of the game so far. The Maroons had never looked really dangerous. A free kick put Southland in the attack, but the Blue rearguard got going, and sent them back. Then a penalty to Otago took the visitors to the Southland twenty-five, but L. George led a coun-ter-attack, which was pulled up near the Otago twenty-five. Chesterman and Hamilton then broke up an Otago passing bout, and led the Southland pack deep into the Otago territory for the first time. A scrum was former! 10yds out from the Otago line, and from here Berghan took a high pass and cleared brilliantly. The Southland forwards came back again, but could not get within striking distance of the line. CHANCE MISSED. Neiper was playing a very useful game, and was covering up as an extra back. Then Berghan made a brilliant opening, and passed to Murray, who put in a strong run before passing to Mahony, who dropped the ball with an almost clear field before him. Otago continued to harass the opposition, and a nice piece of play by Park placed the Blues in an attacking position again, Wesney saving. A clever cross-kick by Berghan compelled Southland to force, and in a moment the Maroons had to concede another forcedown. Laney essayed a pot, but the ball failed to rise. Chesterman came through, but was badly beaten by Howden, who went round the serum. An Otago passing bout was held up. L. George and Crawford led a Southland rush hack to halfway. The Maroon backs combined in a nice passing rush, Thomas, who playing a very heady game, beating a couple of men to take Southland well past halfway. FIRST RED SCORE. The ball was kicked hard down to Bolton, who fumbled in front of the goal, and Chesterman started passing which went to Wesney, who dived over wide out. He failed with the 'kick. . Otago ... ... 3 Southland .... 3 Play had now been in progress for 35 minutes. Southland were now shaping much more dangerously. Sutherland made a groat run along the side line before being bundled into touch at the twenty-five. Howden was giving great service behind the Otago pack and varying his play cleverly, and he made a nice break /through to halfway. It was a fast game under the conditions, and the Southland forwards, led by L. George and Chesterman, were now infusing more life into their play. Their loose rushes gave the defence a good testing. The Otago forwards were rucking wpll, and Berghan put in a long kick, which rolled over the line, Southland forcing.

From the drop out Isiepcr tried to pot, and Southland cleared to the twenty-fives. With Southland trying to clear, Bolton was caught out of position, and Mahony came across to save in good stjde, passing to Murray, who made good ground before being forced into touch at the twenty-five. In a Southland passing movement Grace and Sutherland combined well, the former showing considerable thrust. The Otago passing broke down and the Maroons staged a counter-attack which reached halfway. Otago, largely as the result of good play by Howden, worked to the Maroons’ twenty-five, but Crawford and Mattingly staged a good loose rush, Mahony coming across to hold it up just past halfway. SOUTHLAND SECURES LEAD. From a scrum here Thomas streaked round the blind side and was only pulled up in the twenty-five. Southland passing then reached Sutherland, who broke out of a tackle by Black and also beat Bolton, and went across for an excellent try well out. Wesney converted with a magnificent kick from the side line. Half-time sounded with the scores:— Southland S Otago 3 SECOND SPELL After light drizzling rain the sun broke through the clouds before the teams came out for the second spell. S. Purdue replaced C. George in the Southland pack, the latter having suffered an eye injury. ’The kick-off was recalled, and from the resulting scrum Howden shot through, launching further passing. A moment later Berghan was prominent. Southland broke clear beyond halfway, and Bolton was caught wj,th the ball when he tried to jink Sutherland. Murray put in a good run and J. Mamony led an Otago forward rush, in the face of which Ruff saved well.

Southland staged a loose rush, but Bolton gathered a long kick near the line and found touch at the twentyfive. After receiving treatment for a slight injury Howden returned to the field. Hill made a good break from the twenty-five, but Southland maintamed the pressure until Howden saved nicely. Vosailagi and Barnes were both battling hard in the tight, and this panled a good Otago rush from the lineout to halfway. The Maroons returned to the twenty-five, and Howden started passing, in which Berghan again drew the defence smartly. Laney was at the heart of a forward rush, and Howden, Berghan, and Murray combined in passing, the last-named being tackled. Thomas picked up, and with a long kick drove Otago back, the Blues eventually forcing.

OTAGO ATTACKS. When Otago looked dangerous Neiper was there to start off an Otago forward rush, and passing, in which all the backs handled, reached Mahony, but Parks's pass was forward, and the Blues tried passing in the other direction, Black beating Sutherland, but slipping before ho could get clear. Tho Maroons came back to the twenty-five, where Pnrduo got Howden with a solid tackle. Bolton broke clear in a good run, and passed to Howden, the Blues going deep inside Otago territory. Barnes dribbled through, and Berghan made a good run, Wesley saving well when danger threatened for Southland. From halfway the Otago backs came away, and Berghan put in a clever kick to touch near tho cornel-. A good chance was lost when Park dropped the ball in passing, and Southland worked to halfway. SOUTHLAND AGAIN. From passing at midfield, Henderson sent Grace away, and Irwin, Chesterman, and Crawford joined in for the last-named to score a brilliant try, which Wesney failed to convert. Southland ... 11 Otago 3 Back and forward Southland was showing more cohesion than Otago at this stage, and making more use of the chances that came their way. The Maroons launched another attack, the Otago forwards, led by Vosailagi, returning play to halfway. When Southland got clear again, Bolton fielded brilliantly and found touch well past halfway, where Berghan gained possession and made a fine cut through, Thomas getting back to save. Sutherland broke away from Black near halfway, but Bolton made no mistake, and Howden started passing on the blind side, the Southland forwards shifting play back to halfway. STILL OTAGO. From a line-out just inside Southland territory the Blue forwards tried to smash through, but Ruff saved brilliantly. Laney led the Otago pack back again, and from a scrum there Howden swung his backs into action, Park being pushed into touch 15 yards from the line. Howden sent Berghen off again from the line-out, but bad passing saw the movement break down. Otago had dominated the play for a period. A moment later Southland were penalised, and Black kicked a fine goal from 30 yards out. Southland 11 Otago 6 . Southland then assumed the offensive, but the Otago backs broke up a loose rush, and swept play deep into Maroon territory-, where a penalty for Southland was very welcome. This carried play back to the Otago twentyfive, and from a scrum here Howden and Park worked the blind side to gain considerable ground. Mahony was now playing at centre, Park being out on the wing. AND AGAIN. Some indecisive play followed until Berghan made an opening, and Quaid led a smashing forward rush to within five yard. l ; of the line. Hero Murray whipped the ball out to Neiper, who streaked through a hole in the defence to score near the posts. Black converted. Southland >.. IT Otago ... ... .... ... ... II Amidst great excitement Southland launched a desperate attack, and Otago had to force down. Wild passing hy the Southland forwards allowed Otago to break through to the Maroon twenty-five, Purdue saving with a fine line kick. The hopes of the Otago supporters were raised as Howden sent his whole hack line off, but Black was caught and bundled into touch. From a line-out just inside the Southland twenty-five the Otago rearguard came into action again, but tho Maroon defence was too solid. THE DECISIVE POINTS. With three minutes to go it was still anybody’s game. Both sioes were fighting desperately for the decisive points. Then Howden was penalised for coming round the serum .too quickly. Wesuey missed a hard shot at goal. A fierce loose rush swept play to tho Otago line, and with a minute to go Southland pulled the game out of the fire. A scrum was formed syds out, and Purdue worked the blind side to Sutherland, the winger throwing himself over in the corner. Wesney failed. The game ended: Southland ... 14 Otago ... ... 11 SHIELD-HOLDERS WELL HELD

SOUTHLAND'S NARROW WIN GREAT DISPLAY BY OTAGO FORWARDS [By Hooker.] Under conditions ■which reasonably might not have been expected to produce good Rugby, Southland accomplished the double at Rugby Part, Invercargill, om Saturday afternoon, the new holders of the Ranfurly Shield defeating Otago in the return game by 14 points to 11 after a first-class exhibition by two sides who rose superior to the conditions. It was a brighter and more open game than was seen the previous week in Dunedin, when the Ranfurly Shield was at stake, and while there was no falling off in the general standard of forward play the backs staged many lively movements, with the Otago rearguard especially throwing the ball about freely in their efforts to gain the upper hand. Heavy rain overnight and throughout the morning made the ground very heavy, but all the same it stood un to the game well considering what a thorough soaking it had had. It was some consolation to the seven or eight thousand spectators that the rain link! off for the greater part of the afternoon, and they were provided with a game that was fast and full of exciting exchanges, with the issue in doubt to the very end, Otago coming from behind to draw level a quarter of an hour from time, only to bo deprived of a draw by a brilliant try by Sutherland three minutes from time. At the least, Otago might le considered unlucky to have lost. The Dark Blues had a considerable territorial advantage until well on in the first spell, but every attack was met by resolute tackling by the Southland hacks, and then in the last 20 minutes of the spell the Maroon forwards began to infuse more life into their play, and, making good use of the opportunities that came their way, Southland was able to lead by 8 point to 3 at half-time.

The Shield-holders continued in the ascendancy for a while in the second spell, and with backs and forwards playing well together they were able to increase their advantage through a, spectacular movement in which backs and forwards combined well, and Crawford finished off splendidly, giving Southland an eight point load. VISITORS CALL THE TUNE. From this stage onwards, the Otago pack, rucking like _ champions and showing great dash in the loose, set out to overhaul the Maroons. 'Jhrusu was succeeded by counter-attack, but it was Otago that was calling the tune, and the crowd was roused to a high pitch of enthusiasm when the Dark Blues equalised a quarter of an hour from time, Neiper scoring a hue try after the way had been paved by a brilliant cut through by JJcrgnan. It looked as if the Southland forwards were done, but they made a great rally in the closing stages, the blind side movement which led to A. G. Sutherland going over at the corner being engineered by J. Purdue. When Wesney’s kick failed this gave Southland a margin of three points with two nllnutes to go, but the Maroons nearly increased their lead in the last minute of the game, the persistent Sutherland being thrown out at the corner. None of the players selected to gc into camp with the All Blacks for next Saturday’s test took part in the game. Taylor, Trevathau, Simon, and Parkhill dropped out of the Otago team, and Green and Vorrath were others who did not make the trip to Invercargill. Mitchell, of course, was prevented by injury from playing for Southland; but the All Black forward, R. H. Ward, was included until the last minute, his place being taken just before the teams lined out by G. Graham, while P. Grace, a promising young player, replaced J. Miles ns second five-eighth in the Southland team. On the day there was very little between the teams, and the Otago forwards adapted themselves thoroughly to the prevailing conditions. Scrum possession favoured Southland by ai very small margin, but from line-outs and rucks Otago saw more of the ball. Southland’s win was due to the deadly tackling of the backs, to good backing ud by forwards and backs at the right time, and to the ability to turn to good account the mistakes of the opposition. Two costly errors by Otago backs in the first spell resulted in Southland scoring twice in fairly quick succession. LANEY’S FINE GAME. The Southland towards did not dominate the play as they did in Dunedin, and the Otago pack was excellently led by the captain, W. Laney. who played one of the best games of his career. In tight and loose he was always in the thick of things, and his play in tho second spell especially reached great heights. Anything Laney may lack in weight is made up lu r the virility and cleverness of his play, and he was as good as any forward on the ground on Saturday.

The University A forward, L. Vosailagi, was playing his first game for Otago, and he worked well throughout, his line-out play being particularly good,, E. Murpliy was another good.

honest forward, and a young player who took the eye was L, Hill, of Southern. Indeed, the display given by the whole pack indicated that in spite of the absence of several well-known players on the northern tour Otago can still field a pack that will keep the best of the opposition husjy. BERGHAN CREATES GOOD IMPRESSION. The combination of P. Howden and T. Berghan behind the Otago scrum was a particularly’happy one, and both shaped very well indeed. Howden sent out crisp passes to Berghan, he was always there when it came to stopping, and made several good bursts uphold. Berghan was one of the best backs on the ground, and his play at first fiveeighth created a most favourable impression. Tho famous ex-All Black, J. W. Stead, told the writer that the young University player was one of the most promising five-eighth he had seen for a long time. He showed heaps of penetration, handled well, and sent good passes on as a rule, while his welljudged kicking and stalwart defence were features of a fine all-round display. Ho should bo one of the successes of Otago’s northern tour. D. Murray went better at second five-eighth in his customary role than at centre three-quarter in the previous game, and he, too, showed thrust and linked up well with Berghan. The three-quarter ,ine shaped better than it did in Dunedin, but it still fell w r ell below the finish ot that fielded by Otago last season. Black and Sutherland had a good duel on the wing, but tho latter bad too much finesse for the Otago player, and on one occasion broke out of Black’s tackle, went past Bolton, and scored. Nevertheless, Black made some strong runs, but more than onco when he looked like getting clear he lost his footing. Park lacked the experience necessary to cope with A. W. Wesney at centre three-quarter, and when R. G. Mahony went to centre in tho second spell he straightened up tho attack considerably. Mahony’s pace was a big asset in the first half, and, with Bolton more uncertain than usual, this player did a lot of valuable saving work. Ho has been transferred to Invercargill, and his loss to Otago football is considerable. E. Bolton, Otago’s full-back, has played better games. Sonic of the things ho did were brilliant, especially in the second spell; but he failed to gather in the face of a Southland forward rush in tho first spell, this leading to tho Maroons’ first try, and he also made several other rather costlv mistakes. After the interval, however, he played much better, and he did some great tieding of tho ball. A tendency he will have to guard against, however, was a habit of getting out of position. When Otago was awarded a penalty in the second spell, the captain, W. Laney, appeared in a quandary as to whom he should give the kick to. He eventually decided on W. A. Black, who kicked a good goal 135yds out, and later ho converted the try scored by R. Neiper. The last-mentioned player is deserving of special mention, for he was in the picture all day. Neiper handled well, was in the van of many loose rushes, backed up in splendid style, and stopped many of Southland’s forward rushes.

OUTSTANDING HOME FORWARDS. The Southland forwards were slowed up somewhat by the heavy going and did not appear so much at home under the conditions as the Otago pack. Exceptions were Chesterman, Hamilton, Crawford, and L. George. The latter is a worker always, and the more one sees of him the more surprising it seems that he should have been so consistently passed over by the All Black E. 11. Chesterman was included in the All Black trials, and on Saturday was one of the best forwards in the game, his loose play especially being good, while he followed up very fast. He paved the way for Wesney’s try, and also took part in the movement that led to Crawford’s try. Crawford l was one of the outstanding forwards in the match at Dunedin, and he played another grand game on Saturday. Whether in tight or loose, he was always doing his bit, and with Otago pressing hard he frequently cleared line. Hamilton, the former Otago representative, is a clever forward, worth , his place in any pack. SUTHERLAND’S GOOD PLAY. The Southland rearguard was very sound, especially on defence, and the outstanding players were A. G. Sutherland and G. Thomas. Sutherland is a wing three-quarter of high quality, and if ho turned on the displays in the All Black trials that he did in _ the two games against Otago it is difficult to see why he has been passed over by the All Black selectors. He is a very strong runner, has a good pair of hands, is a resolute tackier, and always very dangerous near the line, as he showed with a couple of fine tries on Saturday. Thomas, the Southland captain, showed a lot of penetration at first five-eighth, blit the youthful Grace did not always follow him. A. W. Wesney made the most of the chances that came his way, but 11. Henderson did not impress particularly on the wing. W. Ruff did a lot of useful work at full-back, but at times was too slow at coming up for the ball. JUNIOR MATCH A WIN FOR OTAGO The junior representative game between Otago and Southland, played at Invercargill on Saturday, resulted in a win for Otago by 5 points te 3 after a scrappy game in which forward play predominated. Fraser scored Otago’s try, which Murphy converted, and Johnston scored a try for Southland. Mr W. 0. Ward was the referee. CANTERBURY BEATS TARANAKI [Pan United Press Association.] STRATFORD, August 7. Playing more open and a better class of football the Canterbury touring Rugby team beat Taranaki at Stratford

to-day by 16 to 9. Canterbury scored four tries to Taranaki’s one. Th* game was not a brilliant one, and the absence of any constructive work among the-Taranaki backs made more apparent Canterbury’s superiority in turn department. Canterbury’s superiority was most marked at five-eighths and in_ loose forward work. Mortlock’s cut-in led to Canterbury’s first try by Eathorne. Larrett scored, and Taranaki equalised at half-time with two penalties by, Clarke. Sullivan and Smith interchanged over three parts of the field for Smith to score Taranaki’s only try. From then on Canterbury dominated the game, Pablecheque and Foley scoring and Nolan converting each. The outstanding Canterbury mea were Garrett, Mortlock, and Nolan in.the backs, and Milliken, Coll, and Pablecheque in the 'forwards. For Taranaki Smith and Sullivan were the best backs, and Fowler and Clarke th# outstanding forwards* .

SOUTH CANTERBURY BEATS ASHBURTON At Timaru South Canterbury bcaf Ashburton by 31 points to 12. BULLER BEATS WEST COAST [Per United Fans Association.] GEEYMOUTH, August 8. In the first challenge match for th# geddon Shield West Coast lost to Buller by 12 points to 11, after a display of bright football. The scorers for Duller were J. Hill (2) .JR. Butterfield, and J. Lake, and for West Coast Gilbert and Roberts (2), Gilbert converting out try.