THE RUGBY GAME.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18166, 4 August 1919, Page 9

THE RUGBY GAME.

POSITION OF TEAMS UNCHANGED. Tho tenlh round of tho Canterbury Rugby Union's Senior competitions on Saturday waa lemarkablo for a very oloso game between Maris'is, one of tho two leading teams, and 'Varaity, who were a long way belund them in championship points. At oue stage 'Varsity had a fivo-poiut lead, and looked like winning, but Marists won by three points. Tho four leading teams won their matches, and tho points wore relatively the same as they woro last week. Details are as follows:

OLD BOYS v. CHRISTCHURCH. Tho Uid ijojo bacAs oiio,v».-a 10 advan uyo agaiaisi, Uhristciiuxen, and it was tnroujjii their greater speed Uia,t tnoy were able to beat Clinstchuroii decisive.y. 'H'e first spell was even, and a pimply goai by Kvans lor U.d lioyr. wa« equalised by a similar goal by M'Lood just beiore hali-ume. Iu the boooiiU spoa Ujo Oul boys let me ball out to their backs very cousieleiUly, and. although Mehrtens ooatmuaiiy ovorraa tho ball, t.;eio was a good doal of br;:;lit play, in which Boag, at v;ing ihroequarter, waa very prominent. From a ptsa by Thompson, Boag dodged through and scored alongside the posts. Evans converting. In a confer movement by Chriatohurch, Evans, tho Old Boys' full-buck, attempted to run too far, and waa overwhelmed in a loose rush, in which M'Cully scored by a bit of fust following up, and Matsan equalised the scpros ngnin. A little later Cook misled a mark rijht in front of tho Christchurch poal, and Otley dribbled over nnd scored, Evans Hgain converting. After up and down play a scrum was formed nosr tho Chris'church lino, and Witholl dashed ovor, hut tho kick wos not converted. Christchurch had a very .strong rally, but thov Hied to r?rrv tho serum in a nice position, and B'aclrmoTe trfln'fnrrpd p'nv to the Chris'church hs'f. a few minutes Inter disced ovpr tho line from a «crum five yards out. Evans Jigfiin convorting. Old Boys won by 21 poi Vin (tbre« fools fmin tries. t>. trr nnd a penalty rroall to & noints fn wm.l frtotn n try o-wfl a penalty goal). Mr C. Buchanan was reforeo. MERTVAT.E v. AT,BTON. Tho game between Merivaie and Alhion at Cariton corner oLara'd late, tor Albion had five of it 3 regunu piayors ttbsont, aud experienced Bomo difiioulty in getting a team together. It waa a one-sided contest, although Albion showed a good deal oi fighting spirit. Merivalo pressod from tho commencement, and kept the bail most of the time in their opponents' half. Grant gained a try, and his smcccss waa followed up until at half-time the score was 17 points to nil. However, there ■ was some willing play on both sides in tho second spell, although the Merivaie score kept mounting. Just before tho ivhislin blow Buchanan, Albion's fast man, made a great dash for tho lino, and scored a try. The game ended in favour of Merivalo by 81 points to 8. Foster, a young player from the Albion President's team, showed a good deal of keenness and promise. The Merivalo mon played woll, although their host efforts were not, of course, required. Mr C. Evans was tho reforoe. LIFWOOT) v. SYDENHAM. Ldnwood wore not up to their usual form on Saturday, but they had no great difficulty in puiting up a score of seventeen points to nil against Sydenham at Limvood Park. Aftor tho heavy, rain of tho preceding few days, the ground was in a very slippery condition, and this resulted in a number of humorous situations which provided considerable amuoement for the spectators, The forwards of both learns worked well, Sydenham particularly showing considerable improvement in this respect. But the books on both sides were weak, and tho game throughout was of the rough nnd tumble order, with here and thero a few bright patches of passing or tackling. Sydenham had a full team, and although it was evident from the start that the holders of tho "wooden spoon" had littlo chanoo of winning, thoy put up a good defence, particularly in the first spell. Soon after tho garao oponed Davis kicked a pen* ftlty goal for Linwood from a distance of at least thirty-five yards, tho hall passing cleanly between the posts. For a while afterwards Sydenham kept their opponents busy, but the eastern suburbs team was too strong for them, and in a general scramble Owen got across their line. Davis took tho kiok, but failed to improve. A little later Owen again got a»w*y with the ball, and waa within a low inches of scoring when Watson intercepted and forced tho ball, There was no further score in the first spell. In the seoond half Sydenham had a hard job to keep Linweed in cheok. Dingle secured a try after good work by Hirst, but Davis failed to convert. Shortly afterwards Linwood hod hard luck owing to oomo boys obstructing tho gamo, otheiwise thoy would certainly have further improved their position. A good passing rush in which Buxaon, Yatoa, Hirst, Davis and Mooro participated, resulted in Davis getting over with the ball. Davie's kiok missed. Shortly before tho conclusion of tho gamo a regrettablo inoident happened. Y«ites kicked the ball out at the oorner, and in passing in Davis (Sydenham) managed to catch tho ball from a kick. Davis promptly called out " Mark," but as the reforou did) not notioo tho incident his whistle was not blown, and Suraon scored rather easily, Davis afterwards converting. A Sydenham player disputed the referee's decision and was ordered off tho field. Another player nlso went off the field as a protest against tho referee's decision. Although Sydenham were woakeaicd by tho defection of these players, Linwood did not agaia score, and tho game ondod in a victory for Linwood by seventeen pointa to nil. Jfc W. Fuller was tho toferoo. MARISTS v. TARSITY. Marists and 'Varsity met en the' oval. 'Varsity put up a great fight, a fast and oxcitinsr game resulting in a win for Marists by eight points to fivo. Playing with a fairly strong wind behind them Marists, after the kick-off. invaded 'Varsity territory. Framo put in some good work and sent J. Mullins off. but Robertson tackled him soundly. Marists' backs were throwing the ball about /feely, but 'Varsity's defence was sound and a loose rush removed play to the other end, where Maloney's good work, 'with better support, might ha\-o come to something. 'Varsity forwards, headed by Bell and Gordon, rushed over Marists' line, but only a force resulted. From a scrum Fitzgerald scoured and sent tho ball out, and a fine 'bout of passing followed. Taylor raced for the line, only to bo grassed by Robertson. O'Malley had two unnuocessful shots from penalties, and with Frame always prominent Marists kept 'Varsity penned in their own twent.y-rivo until Maloney got away. Brosnahan stopped his pro£;re6s, and Marists' backs triod hard to get through, but the 'Varsity forwards checked overy rush nnd Young and Bossolman transferred operations to Marists' line, whero 'Varsity's passing was intercepted by D. M'Cormack, who was waiting off-side, hut escaped the penalty, and the Marist backs camo away. Moloney, Gordon and Jackson improved tho 'Varsity position, and Cooper kicked high into tho centre. Lawn, following up fast, secured tho ball and passed to Moloney, who scored. Lawn converting just bofore half-time. 'Varsity opened the second spoil with a strong attack, but Marists' forwards retaliated with 'a looso rush and a 'Varsity man retting off-sido Marists hold tho advantage for a time, although their attempts at passing wore invariably countered by frood tackling. Livingstone intercepted a uas3 from Fitzgerald and ran through, but lost a good chance bv hesitating instead of '.'oiiif; on. Taylor, following up a kick, had Cooper in trouble, and the Murist forwards rushed tho ball over the - 'Varsity lino, Petersen scoring a. try at the corner, which O'Malley foiled to convert. Good footwork bv Gordon took play into Marists' quarters, where 'Varsity backs made somo determined but fruitless rushes. Ellis and Smyth raised the siege, and passing between M'Donald. O'Malley. J. Mullins and Fitzgerald resulted in tho last-named gaining: a try botween tho posto. after a smart, dodgv run. O'Malley converted. Bell led a 'Varsity attack, which M'Donald chocked, and Framo kicked out noar tho 'Varsity lino, but 'Varsity forwards camo back to half-way. O'Malley had an unsuccessful attempt from a penalty, and Younir and Gordon came away. ' Bossolman had ah'unsuccessful pot, and Lawn a fruitless attempt from a penalty. Frame and Peterson led Marists up and Fitzgerald getting away, looked like scoring again, but this time Robertson made sure of him. J. Mullins and Mataou were associated in some passing along tho Hue, and Peterson brolvo away from a lino out. Robertson saved, however, and play was at the half-way when time sounded. Mr G. Matthews was rofereo. SECOND GRADE. Boys' High School defeated Christchurch At North. Park by 6 pointa to 8. The scorers for tho winning side wc.ro Diok3on and Crawford, nnd a try was scored for Christchurch by Talbot. Mr F. C. Schmidt controlled tho Merivalo boat Linwood at North Park, tho •wis* Wns S« *<» Ril< Wwft. w*P*»»\M* *w U»a eoam wsto Noumea* Y*mim>» Maweoa,

Payne, Smith and Hobbs, Thompson converting a try. Mr A. Martin was reforeo.

Old Boys won from Christ's College by default.

Marists playod Technical College at Ensor's Road, and were victorious by 8 pointa to 5. For the winnors, tries were registered by Lagan and Mullins, ono being converted by Dolanoy. Price scored a try for Technical and Brosnahan increased tho points. Referee Mr P. -fct. Goodin. THIRD GRADE. Playing at the Rangiora Recreation Ground, North Canterbury defeated Riccarton by 88 to nil. Tries wore scored by Hume (3), Heap '2) and Fleming, Young, Breach, Wheeler, .Tames and Motrin. No goals were scored. Mr W. E. Cockroft wos referee. Christ's Col lego wore successful against Marists, at Marists' ground, scoring 11 points to their opponents' 6. For tho winners, trios were obtained by M'Staggins and Talbot, and the latter converted one and also kicked a penalty goal. O'Brien and Mahoney were responsible for a try each for Marists. The rofereo was Mr G. Selwood Christchurch defeased Technical by 17 points to 8, nt tho Polo ground. For tho winners, two tries werq scored by Lawson and ono each by Burns and Lvnskev, and Burns .also convortod a try and kicked a penalty goal. Richards obtained a try for the losers. Mr L. Guinev reforood. V arsity A won their match a<rainst Sydenham, at Sydenham Park, by 8 points to nil. aiio_ snore consisted of tries registered by Shrimpton and Matheson, ono being convertocl by Shrimpton. Mr W. Duggan was in chargo of tho frame. Linwood woro tho winners against 'Varsity B, nt North Perk, tho score being 14 points t(. 9. Two tries were secured by M'Grogor and one by Howell, for Linwood.'and M'Gregor also kicked a goal from a mark and converted a try. For tho losers, Rapson nnd Quartermain scored a try oach, and Brown fcicltfd r penalty goal. The referee was Mr Vf. Hnrmnn. Kaiapoi had a. win over Old Boys, nt the la*tor's gTouid, bv 12 points to nil. Fluetv and R/>wso scored t'vo trios each. Mr J. Mercer was the referee. Morivale won from Albion B by default. FOURTH GRADE. Morivnlo defeated Albion by 20 points, to 8, nt the Polo ground. For tho winners. Yates, Pococlt, Pollock, Koys and Small scored trios, and Pocock kicked a penalty goal nnd convortod a try Rnxworthy was the scorer for Albion, with a penalty goal. Mr W. Howell wa's tho referee. In the mateh between lioyo' High School and Christ's College, at the Polo ("round, thb former won by'B7 noints to nil. Tho score consisted of tries by Alley (2), Powoll (2), Richards (2). Orchard (8), Graham and Biltcliff, of which Pitce.-itb.ley and Powell each, convortod. ono. FIFTH GRADE. Technical boat Boys' School by 0 points to 3, at the Polo ground. Richards and Logie oach scored a try for Tochnical, nnd Frasor registered a try for High School. Referee, Mr H. C. Wnt^on. Marists won from Sydenham by default. SIXTH GRADE. Technical had a win oTer Boys' High School, at tho Polo ground, by 19 points to nil. Tries woro secured-by Booth (2), 0 Connor nnd M'Lenaghnn, and Wilson kicked a penalty goal and converted two tries. Mr C. Chisne.ll was tho referee. Marists won from Albion by default. CHRIST'S COLLEGE v. OTAGO HIGH SCHOOL. A WIN FOR CHRISTCHURCH TEAM. BIG ATTENDANCE AT MATCH. [From Chra Correspondent.] TIMARU, August 2. The railway difficulties at least have had tho merit of rriving Timaru its first opportunity of seoiug a Rugby match between Christ's Coliejje and the Otago High School, and Timaru people mado the most of th,o opportunity this afternoon, a largo crowd assembling at tho Caledonian grounds. Old Boys of both schools woro present in considerable numbers, among them being not a few who wore ablo to exchange reminiscences of their own experiences in historic contests botween the two schools. Although thero had been heavy rain on Thursday night and yesterday morning tho ground was in good order, and the game was fast and spectacular. Christ's College won by fourteen points to sis. Thoir backs, who were considerably heavier than Otago's, wore far stronger in attack, though thoir tackling was ver- weak. Otago, however, wero not a scoring sido, and most of their passing bouts went amiss. OtaEo had the advantage of weight in the forward division and did fine work in tho looso, but thoy woro beaten inoro often than not in the scrum. Christ's College woro without tho services of Wilson, in tho back division, and during the game lost both Richmond and Hargreavea, whose places, however, were well filled by emergencies. Tho team 3 were; Christ's College—Horgreaves, Prime, Cowlishaw, Richmond, Averill, Macfarlane, Johnson, Leokie, ' Lowry, Turnbull, Gibson, M'Leod, A. L. Matson, Worthy and Strachan. Otago Boys' High School—Townsend, Taylor, Koiha, Shepherd, Dickinson, Jackson, Shand, Tapper, Hill. Bell, Marelin, Calder, Watson, Arthur and Allan. THE PLAY. Christ's College opened with » strong sttaok, nnd within a minute and a half Cowlishaw crossed tho Otago line. Richmond had secured tho ball from a throw-in, beating a couple of men and passing to Cowlishaw, who dodged through. Tho try was not converted. College, throo; School, nil. The Otago forwards proved too good in the open and for some minutes kept play in the Collogo twonty-five, but a chance was lost through off-sido play. Following a good kickby Marslin, Taylor got away and reached the full-back, but spoilt a fine run by an orratio pass and College roliovod. After some close forward play tho College backs carried the ball to midfiold, and an exchange, of kicks and a scrum gave them possession again, Avorill, who was playing a heady game, set tho baoks in motion, and Richmond finished a nica passing bout by cutting, in and scoring. The kick at goal failed. College, six; School, nil. Short, sharp rushes in tho middlo of the ground kept the Dlay interesting, and school gradually worked thoir way into Collogo territory. Richmond hurt on ankle, in stopping a rush,, and had to retire. Hopkins came on as fiifst fivo-cightbs and Averill wont out to wing, Allan, playing a fine game, led tho way again into College territory, but the backs could not press tho attack home, and Colloge forced, after an unsuccessful shot at goal by Allan. Taylor started another rush, which seriously threatened tho Collogo dofonce, but Hargreavcs saved tho situation, and Colloge mado good use of tho lino. A Scramble at tho Otago twenty-five saw Averill get woll away and ho finished up a f'ory pretty run by scoring a try botweou ho posts. Cowlishaw kicked a goal. College eleven; School, nil. A solo run by Taylor was stopped in the nick of time, but Otago continued to press, Allan and Marslin leading several spectacular rushes. College had to play tho last few minutes of tho spcli without Hargreavcs, who had injured a lmco, but they staved off .trouble, although a couplo of shots at goal [by Dickinson went very close.

Score at half-times Oolloro, elovenj School, nil.

i In the second half N. D. Matson took Harjrroavos's place, and in tho school team lackson wont to full-back, Townsend plnyinsr first fivo-oi(thths. Soon after tho kick-off TownsInd ran through the CoUcro bucks, and ot in a short kick, which Matson fumbled, nablinK School to set possession KKain. heir passing failed, however. Marslin aud 'upper led,a stronir invasion by tho lorwards, and Colicpe wore kept busy on ho defensive. A shot at goal by Allan oissod, but School were given a ireo kick ilmost immediately, and Dickinson placed a fine jjoal.

Colloko, eleven: School, three. Good looao play bv the School forwards and a nippy run by Dickinson had Colloro in trouble,' but the School backs did not make much of their opportunity, the passing failing moto than once when a try was imminent. Dickinson waa putting in Rroat work and boating his man frequently, but ho waa not supported us ho deserved. Usine the lino effectively. Collogo Rot back to half-way, and the forwards again obtained possession. Johnson sot tho backs froins ana the ball went to Hopkins, Cowlishaw, Averill and back to Cowlishaw, who irot over near t'.io posts. An easy kick at (roal was taiescd.

Colloge, fourteen; School, three. A weak kick by N. Matson gave Otago an opening, and Taylor and Shepherd made a dash, this latter being held v.p almost on the line, A ecramblo followed and' off-side play gave School a free kick. Dickinson took tho kick and registered! a goal. ColleKC, fourteen; School, six. A succession of marks slowed the play, bnu College got another passing bout Bosng. Shepherd eaxdnjr cleverly. "With the ball at thoir feet, Allan and Townsend ended u- hne pioco of work at tho Collet twenty-ftvo, nnd from the resulting scrum Allan got ROins acain, Collcro fust saving tho situation by forcing. Keiha and Dickinson mado tho next onslaught.' Matson saved, and . play settled cloco to the College line. The School forwards wero puttimr (jreat dash into thoir work, but with luck ajrainiit them, -ine Collo-ro backs apt out of most precarious positions time after time. Followinic an unsuccessful attempt at goal, from a penalty, Jackson found the lino cleverly, but Collegeforced again. Allan and Marslin lad several vigorous School rushes, but whenever tho hall reached thoir backs tho scheme came to ffirfef. Although Collece woro on the dojynofve for the last miarter of an hou* all the fiohool oSozte Jailed to add to tho score,

and Colloro won by fourteen points (thtco tries, one converted} to sis point* (two penalty goals). ASHBURTON SUB-UNION. Tha following matches were played last'week in connection with the Ashburton County Rugby Union:Seniors—Old Boys (Ashburton), 24, beat Rakaia, 8, on the Ashburton Domain. Southern Cross (Arhburton) defaulted to Springburn. Juniors—Rakaia, 20, beat Ashburton Technical School, 3. Ashburton, 15, boat Southern Cross, nil. rugby cup final. [Per Press Association.] . WANGANUI. August 2. The Rugby Cup final wan played to-day between Pirates and Old Boys, the latt«r winning by cifjht points to three. The weather wan showery, but olay was fast and exciting all through. Pirates scored early, Ltcr.d landing a fino goal from a penalty. There was no further sooro in the first half. In the second spoil Old 13pys scored two trier, ona being converted. WEST COAST. [Pee Peesb Association.] WESTPORT, August 2, The first inter-union football match at Westport einoo the war. eventuated to-day, wher. Buller mot and defeated Reofton by eight points to nil. Tries were scored by Tannerhill and Friend, ona of which Griffiths converted. A.I.F. DEFEATS AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and ft.Z. Cable Association. (Received August 8, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 3. The A.I.F. team beat Australia by 22 to G. NEW ZEALANDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. TWO SUBSTANTIAL WINS. (Reooivt-d August 1, 12.5 a.m.) CAPETOWN, July 23 (delayed). Tho Now Zou.laiid:r» beat tho boutli-VVoatern Ditftricts at Oud shoo.n by twenty-three points to nil, and beat tho Eastern Province at Port Elizabeth by fifteen points to nil.

V. D. L, For. PI a. Agst. PtB. ,T1. Maristn 9 1 160 25 9 L:mvood 9 — . 1 183 4-2 0 Mcrivalo 6 ' 1 3 137 82 151 Old Boys . 8 0 < 115 60 6 'VaTaity a 1 0 6S 139 8J Christchurch. n 7 93 107 8 Albion . o 8 85 158 n Sydenham 1 __ 9 23 188 1