HIGH SCHOOLS RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 23350, 21 August 1939, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOLS RUGBY

OTAGO DEFEATS CHRISTGHORGH HEAVY GROUND SLOWS GAME UP There were heavy patches of slush on Carisbrook tor the annual encounter between Otago and Christchurch Boys’ High Schools. Otago ran out the winners by 9 points to nil, which was a fair indication of the merits of the teams. The game was slowed up by the heavy ground, but it was nevertheless a lively affair. The Otago rearguard handled with more certainty and combination than their opponents. The teams;— Otago Boys’ High School.—Backs: Somerville, M’Pherson, Partridge, Gough, Frew, Wilkinson, Leith. Forwards; Moore, Logan, Crawford, Rennie, Overton, Pile, Phelan (captain), Fllison. Christchurch Boys’ High School.— Backs: White, Mummery, Maxwell, James, Rickards, Hadfield, Thomson. Forwards: M'Laughlin, Sapsford, Bigncll, Brooke, Trotter, Lake (captain), M'Millun, Mackwell. The crowd gave the two teams a cheer for their intimidating hakas. Christchurch kicked off, Partridge and Gough immediately staging a lively counter-attack for Otago, the winger being bundled into touch. Partridge was conspicuous again in another fine dash, and then Otago were nearly over, Frew sending a bad pass to Gough when a try seemed certain. Richards cleared well in the face of n further Otago and play swung into Otago territory, where Somerville pushed the visitors back with a penalty kick. Leith sent Frew and Pile off from hero in a rush to the Christchurch twenty-five, but the blue and black forwards burst through and swept the game back to the Otago twenty-five. The Otago forwards battled to halfway again, and then a penalty kick took them deep into the Christchurch twenty-five, where Frew nearly dribbled through to the line. The game was fast and lively at this stage, the play swinging up and down the field in attractive style. Richards took Christchurch to within striking distance of the Otago line, but in a good position Maxwell’s pass went astray and the movement broke down. Maxwell had two shots at goal in quick succession, but missed. Gough shifted the scene of action back into Christchurch territory, the Otago backs handling in a Spirited burst through to within syds of the Christchurch line. Again the ball went right through the Otago chain, but James soundly stopped M'Phcrson as he went for the line. Ten minutes before the spell ended Somerville put over a penalty goal for Otago from just outside the twenty-five, the ball just clearing the crossbar.

Otago 3 Christchurch • 0 Christchurch dominated the play that followed, but could not press home the openings they were offered. Just before the spell ended the. Otago , backs staged several bright rushes, but; could not get across. SECOND SPELL. After some indecisive play in midfield the Otago pack worked down into the Christchurch twenty-five, White stopping a hard rush with a well-judged line kick back to halfway. Otago secured from a ruck here, hut faulty handling spoilt a dangerous movement;. Then came a fine try. Leith sent his backs into action, Partridge making a good run through the defence before sending on to Gough. The winger streaked down the sideline for a further 20 yards to the line and scored well. Somerville failed. Otago G Christchurch 0 M'Millnn was injured and was replaced by Blaekmore. Otago were forcing the pace and were giving the crowd plenty of lively play. Phelan tried to kick ’ a penalty goal, but missed. Christchurch cleared, hut Otago were soon back again and kept Christchurch busy, Frew breaking through a ruck. His forwards backed him up to the Christhcurch line, where the Dark Blues forced just in time. Ellison and White were casualties and were replaced by Goodyear and Trollope. With 10 minutes to go Somerville consolidated Otago’s position with another penalty goall Christchurch fought back gamely, but could not get past a sound defence, and'the game ended: — Otago High ... 0 Christchurch High 0 Mr J.. E. Macassey was referee.