OTAGO WARDS OFF SOUTHLAND: GREAT DISPLAY OF RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23024, 15 August 1949, Page 7

OTAGO WARDS OFF SOUTHLAND: GREAT DISPLAY OF RUGBY

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, Aug. 15. Otago warded off (he third Ranfurly Shield challenge on Saturday when they defeated Southland (1-3 after one of the most rugged games seen at Carisbrook for a long time. In a memorable finish. L. S. Woodhou.se, the Otago half, kicked a snap dropped goal after sustained Otago attacks. The game was seen by a crowd officially estimated at 34.000. The game was marked by sporting tradition characteristic of the rivalry between the two neighbouring provinces and was a classic exhibition of forward play between two wellmatched packs. The Otago backs showed more speed and penetration than the challengers, but their best efforts were nullified by determined tackling, and even when they tried the short kick Southland's cover defence stood firm.

The match was played in drizzling rain and although the ground was in excellent order the ball soon became greasy and difficult to handle.

The scoring opened when R. IT. Bell kicked a goal from 40 yards out after four minutes' play. A Southland forward rush immediately afterwards took play to the Otago 2.4 where Otago were penalised for offside play and T. R. Webster kicked a neat goal.

The Otago backs started passing ai every opportunity, but the defence was impenetrable, and although under pressure Southland gave nothing away.

Possession from tire scrums and rucks was fairly even, but the line-out play favoured Otago- W. A. Lunn, who was the outstanding forward on the field, being the dominating figure, lie had pood support from K. J, O'Connor, and W. McNab. with C. Todd prominent. in the loose while 11. W. Wilson led the pack strongly. After tho attack by the Otago backs Southland took the offensive early in the second spell, but Lunn took play over the Southland line only to lose the ball and miss a certain try. J. Graham, first five-eighth, was prominent in all Otago’s passing movements, but the Southland forwards were tireless and only a lack of finish prevented them from capitalising their dash. A sweeping rush by the Southland forwards endangered the Otago line till W. I. Pcrriam cleared, but the challengers were not to be denied and thrust and counter-thrust followed in ouick succession with little between the teams-

Otago still had a territorial advantage but continued to loose scoring opportunities by hair-breadth margins. Torrid forward play continued with Otago's holding a slight edge, but still unable to finish off though launching attack after attack.

It was a scoreless spell of grand football with Otago ceaselessly attacking until in the last minute of the game Woodhouse decided the issue with a left foot pot from a ruck. Woodhouse gave a competent display behind the Otago scrum and Moore, Pcrriam, Bell and Orr played soundly.

The Southland backs tackled brilliantly. N. J. Bennett and D. Smeaton were outstanding in this respect while tlio former All Black full-back. Webster, got the side out of some difficult situations.

T. A. Budd led the Southland forwards vigorously and C, E. Robinson. W. A. McCaw and A. L. Sutton were prominent in loose rushes and C. O. Ballam in the tight.