RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

representative matches SOUTHLAND DEFEATS OTAGO GREAT FORWARD STRUGGLE [BT TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] IXVERCARGILL, Sunday A crowd of 8000 at Rugby Park witnessed a great forward struggle between Otago and Southland yesterday, the game resulting in n win for Southland by 9 points to 7. The weather was ! ideal, but the ground was slightly | heavy after rain. Both teams fielded i strong packs, Southland's small margin of general superiority representing the ' difference in tho scores. Although the game was a forward one | play was fast and open throughout. The ' tackling of both sides was a feature. Southland deserved its win. as Otago was unable to cross its line. Otago's points came from | a field goal and a penalty goal, while Southland scored, two tries. Outstanding for Southland were Metcalfe, Soutaern. C. George and Hamilton, while for Otago, H. McSkimming, Silver, Dunne, Hamilton, Simon and Vorrath were prom- I inent. ■ Southland kept tho visitors in their own twenty-five for the opening five minutes and won the first five scrums. Otago profited by the mistakes of the Southland backs, however, and had a turn on rttack. The defence of both sides was sound and play remained in neutral territory until a brilliant run by H. McSkimming took the Otago forwards to Southland's line. From the ensuing ruck tho ball went back to Silver, who kicked a field goal from the twenty-five line. Spectacular and torrid forward play followed. the Southland pack breaking through to Otago'3 line, where a. penalty was awarded in front of the post?, Hamilton kicking a goal. At half-timo the score was:— Otago. 4; Southland, S. Immediately on resumption C. George heati:d the Southland forwards to Otago's line and he dived over 15 yards from the corner. No goal was kicked. There were some exciting incidents as each team tried to find gaps in the other's defence. Another great onslaught by the Southland forwards enabled Geddes to cross in. the cornerfor an unconverted try. Silver then goaled from a. penalty 40 yards out. Play became closer, with terrific clashes between the forwards. Tho closing stages saw th© Otago backs throwing the ball about! in desperate efforts to score. Twice they were within an ace of euccess, but the defence was safe and the game ended:—Southland. 9; Otago, 7.