MUD LARKS

NZ Truth, Issue 1286, 31 July 1930, Page 13

MUD LARKS

Alhambra and Pirates (From "N.Z. Truth's" Dunedin Rep.) QNLY the fact that ihe third Test was v -' being broadcast from Auckland kept the Rugby fans at Carisbrook on Saturday. The day was bitterly cold, and would have sent even Commander Byrd to cover, and the standard of football was below third-grade. Playing m a howling wind, and m heavy rain and sleet at times, did not appeal to either the Alhambra or Pirates; team, and they were very lackadaisical. As was to be expected m the circumstances, the game early developed into a mud scramble, and because Alhambra had slightly the better forwards, they won. Still, on the day, they would not have been unlucky if they , hadn't. J. Murtagh, R. Souter and H.* Gillick were the mainstays m the Alhambra pack, and were at the head -of all the rushes. Gillick was always putting his weight into the tight stuff but he was most dangerous when he was near the line, for there he pushed like a land salesman. The half-back, C. Davis, was not on his game, and sent out some poor passes. R. A. Callander handled well and was sound m defence, but he has not the gift of penetration. The other backs ran around a lot, but they never, seemed to get anywhere. f On the day, E. Wilson, the rep. winger, did not show out to the same extent as L. Griffin, who was playing on the. other wing, but he did not get as many chances. If W. Walker, Pirates* full-back, had