RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18542, 1 May 1922, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

BANNER COMPETITION OPENED. GREAT ENTHUSIASM SHOWN UNIVERSITY! A v. ZINGARI. The ■ great hold the game of Rugby football has obtained on the public of the dominion was fully evidenced, so far as Dunedjn is concerned, at Corisbrook on Saturday, when over 4000. people were present to watch the match between University A and Zingari. The conditions were ideal—no wind, clear, bracing atmosphere, and dry ground—and the gate taking* beat all records for an opening club match. Zingari kicked off with the sun in their faces, and Johnston led a forward rush to the Blues’ full back, Sinclair, who returned well. The colours forwards came again, ’but a speculator saved tho Blues. Wills was in front of another dribbling rush, and the Blues were hard put to it to hold off the attack. A scrum was formed on the Blues’ line, but tho Colours’ passing broke down, and Perry kicked out at the centre. Connolly, Ma.oky, Gilroy, and Stewart showed out in good individual play, but the handling of the ball on both sides was far from accurate. The Blue forwards were being bard pressed by tho opposing pack, and good kicking by Connolly and then M'Naughton ended at the Blues’ corner flag. From the throw-in Paterson dropped over. Watson missed the goal-kick. Up to this time the play had not once been in the Colours’ twenty-five. Bridgman and Cabot at last put their side in position, Connolly kicaing out just in time. Wildgoosc then broke tip an attempt at passing by tho Blues’ backs, and play rested at tho centre. The Blue backs were handling the ball, but not making any progress. The Zingari forwards ogain rushed the ball to tho Bine line, where a shocking pass from a scrum enabled the Blues to shift, play right to the other end of the field, but over-anxiety amongst the Blues saw a good chance of scoring lost. Stewart, on the left,wing, made a dash, but was well collared, and piay came back to the centre, whore passing between Perry. Ward, and Hawke broke down at the last-named. In the seednd spell Stewart found the line well, and from the ensuing play Perry. Hawke, Mackerelli. and Stewart handled the boll, and the lastnamed raced round to score behind the post*. Sinclair kicked a goal. Paterson had a long shot from a free-kick without success. Bad passing by the Zingari backs let the Blues through, and Perry pottejl without success. The Blue forwards were now more than holding the opposing pack. Ward wound up a neat bit of passing by just failing to get over. The Bine backs wore, now tossing the ball about in a spectacular fashion, but nothing was coming of their efforts. M’Naughton stopped a Blue forward rush in good style, and then Wills punted through to Macky, who marked and drop-kicked a fine goal. Harty came into the finish of a passing rush, but slipped when almost clear, and Stewart was dragged down just in time. Then Jrocobs; the Zingari right wing three-quar-got well away, but was caught from behind', and immediately after Stewart saved his side with a good line kick. The Blues now began to dominate the play. Watson was caught with th 0 ball hear his line, and preferred to give a free-kick rather than let go. Sinclair made a good but unsuccessful shot. The whistle went with the score;— * ' • , University A 8 points. Zingari 3 points, i Mr G. M’Kenzie was referee. x ALHAMBRA v. PIRATES. ' The match between Alhambra and Pirates aroused a tfood deal of interest in Rugby circles and attracted a fair ring of spectators to the Caledonian ground. There was nothing much to choose between the teams, but Pirates had undoubtedly the Wst of it or. the day’s play. As was only to be expected,at the oppning of the season, the game was very ragged. The players had not much assurance in handling the ball, and at times the game was a mere scramble. On the whole, Pirates showed up better than Alhambra, and they kicked with tnore purpose. Their forwards tried cm several occasions to open up the game and got the ball out to, the backs, but the latter wpre *too slow in getting away and fumbled the ball at times. Their 'occasional however, brightened up the game, and kept -Alhambra busy on defence. The Alhambra fulhback (King) was a tower, of strength, to his side, and saved , the,, KitUation time and again with wellpjtacqajtiipks. He. only missed the ball on , ope, ool»aion. The forwards wdre about a matjdiv for each other, and play was inconclusive for the first half. Bell anti Smith, op , each side, kicked a goal from opportune : openings, ■ and West (three-qharter) scored f° r Alhambra in the second spell. The middle of the second half saw the' Pirate forwards attacking strongly. Their backs, also began to open 1 up, but their rushes ware. usually forced out. Pirates kept pressing their opponents, and G. S.' Smith acored' at the corner, making the game even at six, with only a short time left. Alhambra had ’a free *kick, but did not benefit much by it, and’ after one brilliant spurt up the field were kept busy defending their own line. Several passing ' rushes ’by Pirates failed, but at the last' moment Mockridge scrambled over. His try was just in time, as the whistle went immediately. Generally speaking, the passing was weak, and King was easily thfi star back on the field. M’Dougall. Alhambra five-eighths, played a good gurpe, and was instrumental in making the opening that enabled West to score. Knox. Thomas and Glengarry were among the / best of the Alhambra forwards, and Ross, Jones and Tyson were perhaps the, best of the Pirates’ hardworking pack. Mr Torrance was referee. , ■Pirates ... ... 9 points. Alhambra ... 6 points. KAIKORAI v. PORT CHALMERS. The match between Kaikorai and Port Chalmers w,as played at Tahuna Park before about 500' spectators. Port Chalmers won the toss and played with tho sun at their backs. Shortly after Hie commencement of. the game Kaikotai was penalised and [Port Chalmers had a shot at goal, the ball falling short. From a scrum in the Kaikotai twenty-five Crossan sent the ball to Denham, who transferred to Owles, that player in turn passing to Dickinson, who was pushed out' at the cottier. Give-and-take play was rather in favour of Kaikorai, the backs . playing and handling the ball well. From a actum Port Cluilmers got the ball, but it > did not, go far, the tackling of the JBlues being too sth'e. From a throw-in Knight snapped up the ball and tried to pot, the ball 'falling short, and Kaikorai being forced. Fountain, of tho Port team, who was ploying a good game, started a passing bout but tho passing was faulty. A nice opening was made by Denham, who sent on to Owles, the latter ’being'pushed out at the corner flag. The Kaikorai forwards were' too heavy for Port, and on several occasions broke through, hut Knight, of Port, Chalmers, was playing a good game. Smith, of Port, was the next to break atyuy, but was well I added by Owles. The Kaikorai backs were kicking too hard, but. Port did not take any advantage. Denham snapped up and had a shot, but again the ball fell short. Port for the first time got the ball from the scrum, but their bocks were not safe at handling. A good out in by Dickinson saw the ball go to Crewes, but Poole missed the pass and a certain tryt was lost. From a scrum Crosean snapped up the ball, but was tackled on the line. Kaikorai was penalised and Pott raided ahd carried play to the other end- Kaikorai was again, penalised and Knight had/ a shot, the ball being charged dovrt.. Port was now playing well and on several occasions was nearly over, Dickinson, with a good line kick, saved Kaikoraj, Another rally by Port soon had Kaikorai' defending hard, Crossan saving with-a short line kick. Sonntug was playing a great game for Kaikora'i and was almost over on several occasions. From a scramble Dickinson snapped up tho bull and sent ' it to Crewes who passed to Owles, the last named scoring a good try at tho comer, Crewes's kick at gctal going wide. Kaikorai 3. Port nil. Shortly after the whistle sounded half-lime with the score unaltered. The second 4Jpell opened with an exchange of kicks, but the Port backs, who were playing with the , sun in their eyes, i mltaecf on several occasions. Kaikorai was penalised and Knight sent the ball well down the line with a good kick. Offside phty saw a scrum yi midfield. Port got i, thd ball, but the attack was stopped by a fine tackle by Sonntag. A good rush headed by M’Gill and Sim saw the ball go out at * the corner. From a scramble Fountain sectired the ball, and beating the Kaikorai becks, scored a nice try. Watson's shot :: went over with the score Port 5, Kaikorai ‘ . 3. 1 Tne Port team was putting more dash f, into the game and had Kaikorai on the i. defensive for a long time. The Port for- !• wards were beating the hill team, Smith j end'Glengarry playing a hard game. Port’s „ fnll- beck was playing a great game and sewed hit side from several dangerous rushes. Tile Kaikorai forwards carp® away again but' offside play spoilt a good chance. It • Sonntag and Williams headed a nice rush, jr but Fort’s full back was equal to the oocaff , sion and saved’ with a nice line kick, jt;. From a scramble Dickinson kicked to f Crewet, wbo tent the bail to Poole. He

ran in behind the posts and Crewes converted with a nice kick. Kaikorai 8, Port 5. Kaikorai began to wake up and Owles with a nice kick sent tho ball out at the corner flag. From a scrum Crossan sent the ball to Dickinson, who cut in, but Crewes knocked on, and from a scrum in Iront Port secured and forced down. Play of a scrambling nature took place with Port having the better of the game, Fountain and Parsons getting in some nice kicks. From a scrum on the line Kaikorai was penalised and Parsons sent the ball out at half-way. Tho whistle sounded shortly afterwards, and an evenly-contested and hard-fought game, which was controlled by Mr J. Himburg, ended: Kaikorai 8 points. Port Chalmers 5 points, SOUTHERN B v. UNION. Southern and Union met on tho North Ground in the presence of a good number of spectators. Prior to the opening of play both teams elected captains and deputy eaptainu for the season. J. Marks and C. Walsh being chosen for Union and ’ W. Brown and H. Harley for Southern. Tho contest was a more even one than the scores indicate. Union was a much lighter team than Southern, but played a plucky, uphill game. The Norfhcnders showed lack of practice together, oqd the loss of their captain before tho first spell was half over was greatly felt by them.' Marks received a severe kick under 'the left eye, which was closed, and he had to retire, H. Smith taking his place, but not before the team had been playing for some minutes a man short, during which time Southern put on 6 points. Southern scored first,, shortly after the opening of tho match. Brown getting over the line, but his attempt to convert failed. To this Union responded with a try by Walsh. Ranger's kick lacking direction—3 all. Keen, low tackling by tho Union prevented several Southern rushes from materialising. ; Tho Black and Whites kept up their pressure and ultimately a series of passes by forwards, in which Mitchell, Bairi, Brown,' and Potts took port, enabled Brown to score, but the kick failed. Another Southern rush carried tho ball well ,on in front of goal, where a Union man lav on the ball. From tho free kick awarded. Prebble landed an easy goal. Tho first spell finished with the score: Southern, 9; Union, 3. On resuming there was much up-amlv down play, until out of a scrimmage near the Union posts, Potts got over the lino, and Prebble had no difficulty in converting Score. 14—5. Not long afterwards Mitchell secured r. pood mark, but fnilet! in his kick. Then Mitchell got over the line near the corner post, but a kick at a difficult angle missed the opening. Shortly ‘afterwards the whistle sounded, the final scores being: Southern 17 points. Union i 3 points. For the winners Prebble (half back). Smith (centre), and Reidy (full back) all played a solid game, while Carnegie, Mitchell, Boreham, and Bain did well amongst the forwards. For the losers Marks, Jackson (five-eighths), Watson, Walsh (full back), and Ranger were frequently in the limelight. Mr W. Renniek was referee. TAIERI ROVERS v. UNIVERSITY B. Tho large number of spectators that assembled or. the Recreation ground. Mosgiel, was rather disappointed with the showing put up by Taieri Rovers in the opening match of the season. That University was the superior team may be judged by the result; 29 —0. Taieri forwards more than held their own with the opposing pack; but the back play was inferior, though the full-back (Scott) did not let many obar.ces pass him. At the opening of the match play was rather fast, but slackened off-towards the finish. The lack of training on the part of the Rovers was noticeable, especially as the game ■ progressed. The passing rushes of the University were good and secured much advantage at times, especially towards the finish. Taieri played with the sun in their faces in the first spell. Turnbull was unable to play. The University team possessed much more speed than Taieri, and many times this’ proved their favour; Play was stopped momentarily three times on acoouht of players being hurt, but all recovered and resumed their places. • In the first spell University’s score was comprised of a goal from a free kick and two tries, one of which was converted.The scoring in the second half (18 points) was made up of one unconverted' try and threA converted. ] University B 29 points. Taieri Rovers ... Nil. Mr R. M’Kenzie was referee. ; ‘ SECOND GRADE, i Zingari-Richmond 35 points defeated Pirates B 12. ■ Pirates A 14 points defeated Ravens-, bourne 3.. For the winners, Taylor, Grierson, M'Nulty scored tries, while _ Rogers scored for -the losers-. Pirates played a good game and were too fast for Havensbourne. French and Connor were prominent for Ravensbourne. ! THIRD GRADE. High School 15 points defeated Port Chalmers' nil. Irvine (2), Johnston and [Wilson scored tries, and Jhlly kicked a igoal from a mark. . fourth gr^de. .Zingari-Riohmond B S points defeated Dunedin nil. ; Pirates A defeated High School A, on it,he Caledonian Ground, • by 14 points to hjl. Watson, Munro, Niven, and Payne scored, and Shepherd converted one. SCHOOLS’ MATCHES. | Ravensbourne 28 pdints defeated Moray Place nil. IN OTHER CENTRES, j (Pee United Press Association.! AUCKLAND. April' 30. I Ponsonby 8 poipts beat Grammar School Grafton 12 points boat College Rifles i Marist Brothers 16 points beat Univer--B':*V 13 ‘ WELLINGTON. April 30.The football season opened/' \ The weather was cold, but fine. The games, which created considerable interest, resulted: — . . , Oriental 11 points beat University 6. j Petone 11 points beat Marist Brothers 6. ' Berhamporo 9 points’ beat Poneko 4. Old Boys 11 points beat Selwyn 9,- ! Athletic 5 points'beat Wellington nil. CHRISTCHURCH, April 30. Linwood 16 points beat Old Boys 11. i Marist Brothers 24 points beat SydenhamLyttelton nil. , Merivale 20 points; beat Albion 4. ; Christchurch 20 points beat University 3. LEAGUE MATCHES. (Pee United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 30. Athletic 23 points beat Ponsonby 5. Marist Brothers 25 points beat Richmond 11. City 48 points bent Fire Brigade 10. Devonport 17 points drew with Newton 17 points. CHRISTCHURCH. April 30. Sydenham 37 points beat Federal nil. Addington 28 points beat Linwood 13. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL THE SEASON OPENED. The 1922 season opened on Saturday in ideal weather. Indications point to a promising season—two new teams, Taieri and Seacliff, are playing in the first grade, piaking 10 in all. A further incentive to player* is the visit of the Australian team, due about tho middle of Juno, and there is likely to be keen competition for representative honours. FIRST GRADE. MORNINGTON v. MT. ZION. Mornington and Mt. Zion were tho first to open at Culling Park, Mr Fogarty having charge of Hip game. There was a fair attendance, and notwithstanding jt was the first mutch of the season, an interesting game was witnessed. Mt. Zion opened against a bright Min, and Stevens (Morn-* ington's left wing) was conspicuous with a fine centre, which tho inside men failed to take tip and Thompson returned play to Mornington’s goal, only to have his shot cleared by Scott. Play hung in midfield for a lime, Hansen, centre-half for Mt. Zion, showing adeptness in getting on to and breaking up Mornington’s forward moves. Mt. Zion at length took up the running, and both Prescott and Ketch Thompson were playing in a pleasing style. Diekcl, left-back, and Scott in goal for Mornington., were safe and forestalled all advances. Catto, on the right wing for Mornington. obtained the ball in midfield arid carried play down the line, and from a fine centre Newman opened the scoring—Mornington 1, Mt, Zion nil. Almost from the kick-off, Stevens made a splendid run down the field and centreing to Newman, the latter again scored. Mornington 2, Mt. Zion nil. Halftime was called shortly afterwards. Tho second spoil opened with brigjit play, Prescott,, making a nice run down the centre. Diokel, however, returned to Catto, who tricked past several opponents until Hansen stopped him. Prescott, again made, a fine irun. and, beating Dickel, essayed a shot, which Scott saved. Several corner kick* were forced by Mornington, which, however, proved resultless. JJy a fine piece of play on Mfc. Zion’s right, the ball was

centred into Mornington’s goal, mid Scott was brought down but saved by conceding a corner which was Givc-nnd-tako pln> followed until Dickol misheaded, and Ketch Thompson sent the bull towards Morniiigton's goal, where Scott cleverly saved a couple of shots. Mt. Zion's play in-' the field was good, hot the forwards failed in front of goal, Mornii.gton were pressing rheir opponents hard, ami a penalty was given them for handling the hall in the penally area. Dickel took the kick at goal, and sent in a hard low shot, which Mt, Zion goalie held and cleared. At the call of time Mornington wore still attacking. a line run by Stevens ending in Lees placing over from the former's centre. Result ; Mornington 2 goals. Mt. Zion Nil NORTHERN v. MAORI HILL. The game between Northern and Maori Hilt was played on Culling Park and reisuited in a first and interesting exhibition. .The pace set was too solid for most of the players, but. Maori Hill appeared to suffer most, from the short ness of wind. ;As it, was they gave Northern a good go land went very tear to making a draw of jit on several occasions. Northern had the |snn behind them in the first spell and ! Hachop, Maori Hill's goalie, was early icallod on to save a hot shot. Bntndell, Northern’s right, wing, was in good form and getting plenty to do was making good ■ use of the ball. The opening score came from a splendid centre by this player, Cherry net Sing cllose in. Northern 1, ,Maori Hill nil. By good passing between ! Hill's forwards on the right, play was carried clown to Northern’s goal, but Balk’s attempt went .outside. Following a free kick against Rudcliman. who by the way, was playing in goal, Northern removed play from the aoal, and Potts (inside lefl) sent across to Cherry, who again found the net. Northern 2, Maori Hill nil. M’Guire, at right half for Maori Hill, was playing la' fine game, but Hill’s halves generally Tailed to keep> up close enough to their forward line. Ruddiihan had little to do ,in goal, Dry den,'Coates, and Simpson being I responsible for breaking up the Hill’s for:ward moves. Brnndell was still prominent in fast line work, and a swinging shot by him was well saved by Bacliop. , The spell ended without further score. Northern opened the second half with promise, hut Maori Hill, steadily' settled down. Balk obtained in midfield and sliding' Through several, of the opposition placed ortt to Fraser on the left wing, who sent into goal, and Jeffries scored. Northern ;2. Maori Hill 1. Northern found tho sun Troublesome and Maori Hill’s forwards wore ’combining nicely Jeffries on tho right wing, however, failed them on several occasions, Potts, who had been playing a fine gainc at inside left for Northern had the misfortune to receive an injury and retired. Notwithstanding (his loss Northern [continued to make tho play. Brundell was ’being closely watched by Kelly, tho exMornington back, who had ohartgorl from right, to left back, and consequently was not so \dungerous. In tiro latter stages of the game Maori Hill made everv effprt to score an equalising goal, but 'Ruddiman safely dealt with all attempts’ to pierce his citadel, and the game controlled by Mr Smith ended:— ■ ’ Northern 2 goals. i Maori Hill , 1 goal. OLD BOYS v. SEACLIFF. The match between Old Boys otid Rea cliff was played at Seacliff, and the recently improved ground was in excellent condition. This was Sencliff’s first appearance in first Igrade football and, in spite of the score, lfc was seen that they will shortly he capable of extending the town teams. Old Boys kicked off and the inside forwards carried the ball to Seacliff’s goal, Alloo scoring. Old Boys 1 goal, Seacliff nil. The town, team had slightly the better of Hie ensuing play, Seacliff being pressed to their own goal and M’Lcnnan scored for Old Boys from a scramble’ in front Old Boys 2 goals, Seubliff nil. Seacliff became more aggressive and were unlucky not to .-.core. The play was now much more even. A combined movement by the Old Boys’ f(/wards finally resulted in Alloo again • netting for Old Boys. Old Boys 3 goals, Seacliff nil, Seacliff wore now,settling down ■ in earnest and «oon Humphrey drew first b.o°d by giving Deoker no chance. 0 d Boys ) 3 goals, Seacliff I goal. Again pld Boys forwards got away and with a Ringing shot Alloo got his third goal. Old Boys 4 goals, Seacliff 1 goal. The combination of Old' Boys was proving effective but m the break-away Seacliff were awarded a comer, and M Kenzie put in a good low corner kick whiqli Rivers breasted through Old Boys 4 goals, Seacliff 2 goals. Seacliff goal keeper cleared from Fraser with a Speculator, but. the latter again securing petted. Old Boys 5’ goals, Seacliff 2 goals. | After the change over Allan was prominent m clearing a Seacliff attack. Race (Old Boys), centre half, was sending his forwards away, with splendid passes, and from one of these Fraser again scored. Old Bpys. 6 goals; Seacliff, 2 goals; Sound play by the Seacliff full bucks kept Old Boys out, Arndt being prominent. The Seacliff forwards rushed play to the other end, where Dcakcr saved a hard shot, but from Ins return Rivers scored. Old Boys. 6 goals: Seacliff, 3 goals. Combined play by Old Boys’ forwards resulted in M’Leip tian scoring. Old Boys 7 goals; Seacliff, 6 goals. Seacliff strove nard to score, and, from good forward play, finally forced' a corner, which, however, Deaker cleared. Kennedy, who had been playing cleverly throughout at left, sent out to Fraser, who drew the Seacliff rearguard, and netted with a good shot. :, Old Boys. 8 goals ; Seacliff, J goals. Old Boys continued the pressure, and Fraser, just on time, scored igain. ’ Old Boys 9 goals. Seacliff 3 goals. 1 The score is not indicative of the standard of the game, and considering that in their first encounter Sealiff were pitted against last year’s cup winners they acquitted themselves more than creditably, and will in a short time, with the experience gained from games against the towji teams, prove a capable side. TAIERI v. Y.M.C.A. These teams mot at _ Mosgiel, Tnieri winning by 6 goals to nil. SOUTHERN v. KAITANGATA. Southern travelled to Kaitangata, and defeated the local team by 4 goals to nil. SECOND GRADE. Mornington 2 goals beat Southern nil. . Waitati 10 goals beai Northern B 1. 1 Christian Brothers 6 goals beat Old Boys 4. Gofds were obtained for the former by G. Donnelly (3), T. Donnelly, Higgins, and. Baker. Northern A 3 goals heat Maori Hill 1. THIRD GRADE. : Southern 6 goals heat Taieri nil. ■ Maori Hill and Christian Brothers, a draw; no score. High School ft goals heat Y.M.C.A. nil. 1 Technical College 5 goals beat Mornington 1. MATCHES AT AUCKLAND. (Pee United Purrs Association a AUCKLAND. April 50, Philomel 11 goals heat Evorton 3. Brotherhood 4 goals beat Northcoto 2. . North Shore 9 goals beat Corinthians.