SATURDAY’S SPORT

Evening Star, Issue 22952, 9 May 1938, Page 4

SATURDAY’S SPORT

RUGBY

COMPETITION TABLE

BRIGHT GAME AT GARISBROOK . UNIVERSITY A BEAT ALHAMBRA In a bright and spectacular game before 3,000 spectators at Carisbrook University A beat a much improved Alhambra team by 17 points to 8, the winners possessing greater pace and more finish than the ’Bamas, who, nevertheless, contested every inch of the way and actually scored the final try right on time. University gained the greater share of the ball from the scrums, but their passing was met by solid tackling on the part of Alhambra, whose forwards also showed out well in the loose. Features of the game were some brilliant work by N. A. Mitchell at centre for Alhambra, the All Black making many fine runs and showing keen anticipation in defence, while in the University rearguard Berghan was outstanding, Wait also being responsible for a dashing game on the wing. Students in joyous mood and carnival regalia, headed by a pipe band, provided a bright interlude at the start of the main game and during the interval. ~ THE TEAMS. University A.^-Backs: J. Egan, H A. Steele, K. Park, M. Watt, Mee, T Berghan, P. Howden; forwards—N Murphy,-.A. Burns. C. Foote, C. Mack T. Trott, W.. Borrie,; P. Foote, J. L. Adams. ■ - ; • Alhambra.—Backs : Hawkins, Broadfootj N. A, Mitchell, Tappin, Orange, Robinson, M'Keich ; forwards—Bam, Frood, Stewart Lament, Tregea, Skinner, Polworth, Robertson. Alhambra kicked off, and following play around halfway Robinson footed through cleverly inside Varsity’s twenty-five. The Alhambra forwards, playing well together, set up a strong offensive, but passing broke down early, and Berghan came through in a good run beyond halfway. Mitchell made a burst, but was not supported, , and Mack led the Blue forwards in a rush to the ‘Bamas’ twenty-five. _ The ball \vas being flashed about in lively fashion, and Mitchell made another good run, fending Park off and sending Broadfoot away to halfway. Howden launched Varsity passing, and Watt made a, strong dash along the flank, his pass going astray. M'Keich sent the Alhambra backs away, and Mitchell beat the defence badly, going past several men before kicking through to Egan, who fumbled, but recovered and found touch. Varsity shifted play to_ the Alhambra twentyfive, and Hawkins cleared with a good kick to touch. From a scrum inside the twenty-five, Howden whipped the ball to Berghan on the short side, and the Varsity first five-eighth made a determined run to score wide. Egan failed. University A 3, Alhambra 0. Play ranged from one twenty-five to the other very quickly, and after a strong run by Berghan, who was showing great dash, Mitchell turned the •tables with a brilliant ruu deep inside Varsity territory. The Alhambra fonvards, with Stewart, Tregea, and Skinner in,the van, swept to the line in a smashing rush, and Skinner picked up and dived across. Broadfoot failed. University A 3, Alhambra 3. Varsity were getting a fair share of ball from the scrums, but the ’Bamas were going- great guns in the loose, and they kept up the pressure. Varsity ■■ launched passing, which broke down, j and Mitchell made another fine run, ■beating several men before handing to j Tappin, who overran his pass at the ; Varsity twenty-five. , The Alhambra ; forwards threatened danger again a; minute later, but Egan managed to '■ fet his kick in, and C. Foote led a j arsity loose rush to the ’Bamas’ ! twenty-five. I The Varsity backs wore not handling . too surely, and the ’Bamas’ van was always quick to take advantage of any break down. Lament frequently coming through. Although he wtis not given a great deal of room to work on, Watt made several bids along the Varsity flank, one of which nearly culminated

Southern and Kaikorai Leading Two Undefeated Soccer Teams In ideal football weather the third round of the Rugby competition was played, the games providing bright football, and in the main being very well contested. At Carisbrook University A and Alhambra provided a lively exhibition, the students winning 17-8 in a game in which the All Black N. A. Mitchell, at centre three-quarter for Alhambra, showed outstanding form, thrilling the spectators with some dazzling runs. University B, one of the strongest B teams of recent years, overran Union to the tune of 24 points to 6 in the early game at Carisbrook, and on the Caledonian Ground Pirates pulled the game out of the fire against Zingari-Richmond, a potted goal, with three minutes to go, giving them victory by 4 points to 3. This was the second time in succession that Zingari met reverse as the result of a goal from the field. Kakorai had a close call against Dunedin, winning by 3 points to nil, and at Mosgiel Taieri gave Southern a great tussle, the country team leading by 5 points to nil at half-time. Southern proved too strong at the finish, however, and a well-fought and attractive game ended with Southern winners by 12 points to 8. Mosgiel netted half a dozen goals against Technical, but it was a poor game, and not to the credit of the leaders. Plenty of opportunities to score came Seacliff’s way, but, lacking shootists, they went down 6-1 to Maori Hill. Surprisingly enough, Caversham turned the tables on Mornington by the odd goal in five. Speed told its tale. Both Rosiyn-Wakari and Northern lacked thrust near goal in a fast game; the former scored their first win by the only goal. Old Boys had the bye.

Another penalty to University on the twenty-five line saw Egan successful at last, the full-back landing a good goal. University A 14, Alhambra 3. In the closing stages Murphy went off with an injury, but Varsity maintained the attack, and passing reached Watt just inside the twenty-five, the wing making a determined run and increasing his pace near the line to flash over for a fine try. Egan failed. University A 17, Alhambra 3. Alhambra rallied with three minutes to go, and Mitchell made a solid run, Tappin failing to gather his pass a few yards from the line. Play swung across the other way, and Mitchell footed through. An Alhambra loose rush ended in Munro (who had replaced Tregea) going over for a try, which Broadfoot converted, the game ending: University A 17 Alhambra 8 Mr D. Kilgour was the referee. ONLY JUST IN TIME PIRATES’ POTTED GOAL The “ Die-hards ” lived up to their reputation at the Caledonian Ground when they led Pirates until within three minutes of the final whistle, although the Blacks had much the better of the play territorially. Zingari’s strength lay in their loose forward rushes and sound tackling, while Pirates relied for success upon their backs. Taylor played soundly at full-back, but was astray in his goal kicking. The Black’s inside backs were the weak link. An interesting match all through, Pirates deserving to win, though Zingari’s plucky defence won admiration. The three-quarter line on each side did good work, while Parkhill, Mahoney (Pirates), Pollock, Munro, and Hennessey (Zingari) were the best forwards. The teams were as follows: Pirates: J. Taylor, A. Duff, W. Porriain, B. Thorburn, N. Bathgate, T. Fraser, W. Camnbell, J. Mahoney, T. Graham, A. Neilson, L. Clode. A. A. Parkhill, P. Harkess. T. Grant. M. Shand Zingari-Richmond: .1. Campbell, •). Smith, J. Mehalski, J. Anderson, W.

in a try, Watt losing the ball as he was brought down over the line, Alhambra forcing. The Alhambra forwards took play to halfway, but Steele ran strongly before being forced into touch inside the ’Bamas’ twenty-five. Twice in the face of Varsity rushes Hawkins elected to speculate, and each time he was lucky. The Varsity forwards were going better together now, and from a ruck near the line Berghan obtained possession and sent to Watt, who finished off determinedly, Egan converting with a good kick from well out. Varsity A 8, Alhambra 3. Mitchell was giving the crowd some great thrills by his dazzling bursts, and when Robinson made a nice opening the All Black received just inside halfway, “ jinking ” his way through half the Varsity team before being brought down only a few yards short of the line. The Alhambra forwards were on Varsity’s line until Burns and Foote cleared, and with a long kick to touch, Mitchell again placed the ’Bamas in a good position. The Blue forwards ana backs combined in short-passing which was met by solid tackling, and Tappin made a strong run along the wing, Alhambra being on the attack when the spell ended with the score: University A S, Alhambra 3. Soon after the resumption Egan had a shot from a penalty, but the kick went inside. With Berghan always prominent, the Varsity backs combined nicely in passing, and',‘their , persistence was rewarded when Howden sent Berghan away on the blind side. Watt adding the finishing touches with a wellearned try. Egan’s kick missed narrowly. University A 11, Alhambra 3. Watt was showing a good turn of foot, and put in several strong runs, Mitchell and Hawkins both saving Alhambra in turn. Neither team could be expected to maintain the fast pace of the first half, but the game was still being solidly waged, and Howden was opening up play for the Varsity backs from all positions, only solid tackling keeping them out. Egan, who had had several close, but unsuccessful attempts to goal, missed a “ sitter,” and Alhambra forced. The ’Bamas staged a strong rally and Mitchell made a couple of bursts, Berghan tackling him. Hawkins failed to goal from a penalty, and then the Varsity hacks altered the situation, Berghan. Mee, and Steele combining in passing which went from one 25 to the other before Steele was caught from behind. While the Varsity backs were still being given plenty of the ball, they found the defence hard to penetrate, and the ’Bamas come away in one or two solo dashes. Tappin making a good run Polworth led an Alhambra forward rush to the Varsity 25, but with Burns and Mark at their head the blue van worked back to half-way. Tregea retired in jured. and the Alhambra forwards made a sortie inside Varsity’s 25 but Howden launched passing and Mee made a good run which took the Blues back to half-way.

Mason. A. H. Rapson, D. Robertson, R. Munro, M. Homer, Z. Pollock, V. Short, H. Frcoimm, D. Wilson, A. Hennessey, R. White. Kicking towards the harbour goal, Pirates immediately assumed the offensive, and by a series of passing rushes kept the Colours defending hard, but always they were turned hack. Taylor tried a pot without success. Thorburn next made a good run to be brought down close to the line by the just-prcviously-iniured Hennessey. Campbell eased the situation a little, hut the Blacks were getting the ball from the scrum and were soon worrying the opposition again. Parkhill came through strongly, but lost an excellent chance of scoring by kicking too hard. A long shot for a field goal by Taylor just went wide. The Colours were defending valiantly, Mason and Campbell being prominent, and when they worked up to a handy position on the right wing a good passing bout saw Mehalski hand to Anderson, who went over near the left-wing Hag. The kick failed. 3-0. Pirates returned to the attack, and a free kick for off-side gave Taylor another chance, but it went astray. Play was mainly in Zingari territory till half-time, when the score was still 3-0 in favour of the Colours.

For some time after the resumption play remained in the Zingari half, the Colours’ forwards repeatedly clearing, with strong loose rushes. Freeman was injured and went off. Idour replacing him. Taylor missed with a penalty kick from the twenty-five, and the Colours rallied to make one of their rare excursions into enemy country. Play for some time thereafter remained in mid-field till, midway through the spell, Colours made a determined attack and were nearly over again, a free kick saving the Blacks. Shortly afterwards Mehalski essayed a pot, which, however, missed. The Colours kept up the pressure, and again a free kick saved the defenders A sudden and brilliant change came when Perriam cut in on a passing rush, made a fine run, and passed to Thorburg close to the line. Anderson, however, saved splendidly with a good tackle. In the scramble Colours offended, and Blacks had a free kickclose up for Taylor to miss badly. Keeping at it, the Blacks were eventually rewarded when Perriam potted a goal from right in front and gave them the victory three minutes before time. Final scores : Pirates 4 Zingari 3 Mr G. Lewis was referee. AN EVEN GAME KAIKORAI LUCKY A splendid penalty goal by Chapman 15 minutes before the end of the game gave Kaikorai a narrow victory over Dunedin, who, with a fair measure of luck, might easily have emerged the victors. A good crowd watched the game at Tahuna Park, and although there were few thrills, a very interesting and hardly-fought game held the attention until the final whistle. The teams were: — Kaikorai. —W. Ruff, B. Ruff, M'Fadzien, N. Keen, Murray, Chapman, Scott, Jamieson, Davie, Leatham, Barnes, Gibson, M‘Lachlan, M'lntosh. and Souness. Dunedin.—Lowe, .Smith,*.- Wallace. Spillane, Black, Manion, Wright, Carter, O’Connor, Ray, Brosnan; Aitken, Collett, M'Kewen, and Marshall. From the outset it could be seen that the packs were well matched, with Dunedin superior in the line-outs, Ray and Collett being outstanding in this department. When Marion cut through he was unsupported, and Ruff saved with a beautiful kick to the line. Up-and-down play, with Ruff saving with fine line kicks, followed. A neat cut-in by Manion and good tackling by the Dunedin backs were features of the next evenly-contested 15 minutes. Ray, Collett, and Aitken were leading the Blue forwards in fine style. Brosnan made a brilliant break-away to gain some 50yds. This forward shone in the loose all day, but was too much inclined to get off-side. At least half a dozen penalty kicks to each side were badly missed at this juncture. After the resumption, sound play by the Dunedin five-eighth, Black, who was the best back on the ground, strongly supported by his forwards, gave Kaikorai supporters some worry Ruff, who had now moved up to centre-three-quarter, was giving some thrust to the Kaikorai hacks, and with Barnes showing better form in the van, it was still a veiy even game. Again, Ruff and Chapman missed with penalties, while Spillane was most unfortunate in failing with two splendid attempts. The same player was almost over at the end of a passing rush. Dunedin were now on the attack for some time, and with a little more finish would have scored. Back came the Hill forwards, and when a Dunedin forward was caught well offside Chapman kicked a good goal. Kaikorai 3. Dunedin nil. Before time was called Dunedin attacked relentlessly, W. Ruff and Barnes saving well, and when Collett and Brosnan were held up after a passing rush time was called. Kaikorai 3 Dunedin 0 Mr J. Briggs was referee. SOUTHERN FULLY EXTENDED SHAKE-UP FROM TAIERI Facing a five-point deficit at the end of the first spell in their match against Taieri at Mosgiel, Southern seemed to be right up against it, but from the kick-off in the second half they cracked on the pace in an already fast game, two tries scored by D.

Trevathan giving them the lead. In this spell T. Trevathan went off injured and Simon came on, the old Simon-D. Trevathan combination proving very effective. Taieri’s unexpected showing in the first half was responsible for Trevathan being moved in from fullback to first five-eighth to strengthen the Southern attack. In this spell the Taieri forwards more than held their own against the formidable Southern pack and gave a first-class exhibition, and the Magpies had to fight every inch of the way to hold their lead to the last whistle. The teams: — Southern. —Backs: D. Trevathan, Black, Inglie, Bolton, Robert, T. Trevathan, Stent. Forwards: Quid, Lawson, M‘Donald, Neiper, Hill, H. Tyrie, Edwards. Niven. Taieri.—Backs : Wilkins, Grant, Murray, M'Cartney, Johnstone, Campbell, Frew. Forwards: Henderson, Cursey, Giles, Barron, Bissett, Broadley, Barnes, Law.

After eight minutes’ indecisive play, most of which was in midfield, Taieri drew first.blood with a movement that caught Southern napping. _M‘Carthy, their fast winger, started it at halfway, passing oh to Murray and .Johnstone, who led the way to the Southern line, Campbell finishing off a spectacular attack by scoring in a handy position. Giles converted. Taieri 5, Southern nil. Southern had the better of the play that followed, Taieri putting up a dogged resistance to a series of determined attacks. At this stage D. Trevathan, who had just narrowly missed a hard shot at goal, moved in as first five-eighth, Robert going to the wing, with Bolton as full-back. A moment later D. Trevathan attempted a quick pot from 10yds out in front of the posts, but missed. Southern were making desperate efforts to cross the Taieri line, but could not make any impression on the defence, and the spell ended with Taieri still holding the lead. The country forwards had given a firstclass exhibition, and had been well backed up by the men behind them.

Southern were on the job right from the kick-off. and scored in 30 seconds. A line out and scrum formed on the Taieri twenty-five, and Stent worked the blind side to D. Trevathan, who streaked through a hole in the defence and threw' himself over in the corner. His kick just missed. Taieri 5, Southern 3. T. Trevathan had to go off immediately after w'ith a head injury, Harry Simon coming on as half, and Stent going out ae second five. D. Trevathan repeated his scoring performance w'ithin another five minutes. Simon secured from a scrum deep in Taieri territory and whipped the ball out to Trevathan, who cleverly fainted and again went through on his own. He converted with a fine shot. Southern 8, Taieri 5 'Taieri were by no means daunted, and responded with a determined attack that kept the Magpies busy in their own twenty-five, but could not sustain the effort, and Southern W'ere soon hammering back at them. The play swung backwards and forwards at a lively pace. Trevathan manoeuvred into position for potting, and after several unsuccessful shots into a low and blinding sun finally put one squarely between the posts. Southern 12, Taieri 5. Taieri retaliated within "two minutes, Giles kicking a good penalty goal. Southern 12. Taieri 8. In the last quarter of an hour Taieri staged several desperate rallies, but could not get over, and in the last stages Southern ivere on top again. Final score:— Southern ... 12 Taieri 8 Mr F. Henderson was referee. UNIVERSITY B WINS AGAIN UNION WELL BEATEN There was no doubt as to which was the superior team in the early match between University B and Union at Carisbrook. The Students, assertive right from the commencement of the game, harassed the slow-moving Union team and held the upper hand from the commencement to the end. The forwards were too lively and clever for the Maroon pack, but it was the Varsity backs that cemented the win, throwing the ball about freely and displaying more thrust and understanding. The tackling of the Union team was poor. Varsity is a team which will be a thorn in the side of most teams this season. The teams;— Union.—Backs: D. Trevathan, Saul, Harle, Goding, Carter, Werner, Divers. Forwards: Richards, Paris, Campbell, J. Walker, Vorrath, Gensik, Martin, James, Walker Varsity B.—Backs: Falvey, Bissett, Jones, Kawe, Skelley, Fyffe, Simpson. Forwards: Gleeson, Wall, Sprague, Dunne, Thodey, Valentine. M‘Kee, Hawder. It has almost become a traditional feature of the Varsity B team to forsake the too orthodox methods of many senior sides and throw the ball about with gay abandon. And this game was no exception to the genera] rule. The Students’ pack was a vigorous one so far, almost as fast as the backs. They initiated several dangerous sallies, and in the first five minutes of proceedings they scored easily. Union was definitely sluggish up to this stage, Varsity being on the hunt all the time. This first try came from a line-out, Simpson scoring well out, the kick missing. Then came a thrill, culminating in another try. Jones, playing at centre, threw to Bissett. He adopted _ a dangerous ruse to pass the Union full-back, and crossed in a position that gave Falvey a good opportunity of capping the effort off. Varsity was eight points in the load now. It was not due to a co-ordinated sallio that Union opened scoring, but rather to a shrewd cut-in by Werner. He left the Students’ backs standing, and streaked across nicely. The conversion attempt failed. Shortly _ after, Falvey kicked a goal 10yds inside halfway. This session easily favoured Varsity, both in the forwards and in the backs. Union did not improve in the other half; there were too many forwards prone to slack, Gensik being the only exception, excepting All Black Vorrath. From the start Varsity swarmed Union’s line, and Skelley shot away. Among the Students’ pack M‘Kee had spared nothing, and he supported the first five-eighth well and scored. Falvey added the major [joints. Then Kawe, fast Maori winger, flashed across, the kick failing. This movement was characterised by some pretty handling. Towards the end of the game Fyffe made an electrifying dash, and left Union standing. He judged his pass nicely, and Valentine had a clear run-in. A penalty to Union, successfully kicked by Martin, made the final: University B ... 24 Union Q Mr 0. Butler was referee.

SECOND GRADE. Zingari 25, Taieri 3. Port Chalmers 3, Pirates A 3. Training College 14, Alhambra 8. ... Varsity D 8, Union 8. THIRD GRADE. Zingari A 35, Training College 8. Zingari B 12, Pirates B 5. Varsity E 14, Ravensbourne 9. Kaikorai 29, Dunedin 0. Southern 41, Port Chalmers 5. Pirates A 53, Union 5. Varsity F 22, Alhambra 0. INTERMEDIATE. King’s High School 48, Training College 0. Varsity G 11, High School B 6. Otago High School 20, M’Glashan College 0. FOURTH GRADE. Union 8, Zingari 0. Southern 20, Ravensbourne 0. Alhambra A 5, Kaikorai 3. Dunedin 43, Southern B 0. Taieri 18, Port Chalmers 0. Pirates A 68, Alhambra B 0, FIFTH GRADE. Southern 14, Green Island 0. High School defaulted to Zingari. ‘ Taieri 8, Kaikorai .3. Technical College 38, King’s. High 5. SOUTH OTAGO GAMES Senior A.—Clinton 14, Crescent 3; Clutha 6, Toko. 3. , Senior B.—Gatlins 3, Union 0; Valley 9, Star 9. Second Grade.—Toko. 14, Clinton 5; Crescent 14, Clutha 6. Third Grade.—Crescent 17, Toko. B 5; Clutha 12, High School 8. In the School v. Clutha third grade match, School, with the wind in their favour, knocked up 8 points, Wright scoring a try, which was converted by Findlay, and Allan scoring a try from a good back movement. In the second spell Clutha came to light, and Petrie scored, Clark converting. Fogarty “ potted ” a nice goal, and Petrie scored another try, the final score being 12-8 in favour of Clutha. In the senior game, Toko. v. Clutha, all the scoring was done in the first spell. Moffat kicked a penalty goal for Clutha and Gold scored. Murphy scored for Toko. Mr W. Caldwell was referee. The position in senior A is that all four teams now have a win each, and next Saturday’s matches will be watched with interest, as the lowest in this section plays the winner of Section B for the place in the competition games. Next Saturday’s matches; Toko. v. Crescent, at Milton; Clinton v. Clutha, at Balclutha; Star v. Catlins, at Owaka; Union v. Valley, at Clydevale; Toko. 11. v. Crescent 11., at Kaitangata; Clutha 11. v. Clinton 11,, at Clinton; Clinton 111. v. Toko. 111., at Milton. IN OTHER CENTRES WELLINGTON. The matches were continued in delightful weather. Two teams only in the first division remain undefeated after two rounds of championship, games—namely, Poneke and Petone. Poneke 20, College Old Boys 13. Petone 5, Johnsonville 3. Hutt 7, Marist Brothers Old Boys 6. Wellington 9, Athletic (last season’s champions) 6. CHRISTCHURCH. Albion G, Linwood 6. Old Boys 13, Christchurch 8. Sunnyside 20, Varsity 17. Air Force 18, Athletic 3. Merivale 42, Technical 14. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 20. Marist G. Invercargill 10, Star 7. Old Boys C, Bluff 6. AUCKLAND. Marist Old Boys 22, Manukau Rovers 8. Grafton 19, University 6. Grammar Old Boys 19, North Shore 3. TARANAKI, Tukapa 18, Clifton 16. Inglewood 17, Star 6. Stratford 31. Eltham 3. Pa tea 3, Athletic 0. Kaponga 3, Waimato 0. Okaiawa 16, Opunake 3. WANGANUI. Old Boys 12, Kaieran 9. Pirates 12, Marist 9. ( MASTERTON. Old Boys 13, Grey town 7. TIMARU. Geraldine 13, Zingari 0. Temuka 15, Celtic 6. Star 7, Wamiato 3,

The following are the positions of the teams: — ■3 >> a C * m fl .• 11 -+J a S O £ irt 3 t* *3 o *o Southern 3 3 0 0 41 14 6 Kaikorai 3 3 0 0 17 12 6 Taieri 3 2 i 0 20 17 4 University A 3 2 i 0 48 22 4 University B 3 2 i 0 51 25 4 Pirates ... 3 2 i 0 19 18 4 ZingariRichmond 3 1 2 0 19 17 2 Alhambra 3 0 3 0 13 41 0 Union 3 0 3 0 9 52 2 Dunedin 3 0 3 0 11 30 0