RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19199, 16 June 1924, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

FIRST GRADE MATCHES. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams in the Senior Grade competition ; Points Flat;

University A. v. Pirates. The University A v. Pirates match, played at Carisbrook on Saturday, provided the best contest seen in Dunedin this year. The ground was in wonderfully good order, considering (he heavy rain which fell toward the week end, and some exciting rallies wore witnessed. The students won the mulch by 12 points to 9 points, for the simple reason that they took more advantage of the scoring opportunities which came their way. The Pirates’ backs wore more onen put in scoring positions by their forwards than were the A hacks by their vanguard, but the black backs could not finish oil the attack. In the last 10 minutes cf the game the Blacks battered hard at the defence of the Blues, but they could not force their way across. Pirates Quickly attacked following on a short punt by Potaka, and the Blues forced from an unsuccessful free kick bv Walker. The Blacks again attacked, but - free kick to the Blues helped them to relieve the pressure. The Black forwards then came .with a rattle, and Milne and St. George headed another great rush, Webb having -o run some distance behind his lino to got in his kick. St. George, Provan, Potaka, and Wise joined in passing, but not much ground was gained. The Blues were finding it difficult to throw hack the attacks. Gillicrd, Perry. and Murray started a passing movement. and Murray's kick was (barged down, and the Blacks were into the Blues' territory again. Walker missed with a free kick. The Black forwards were more than holding their own. and from a scrum near the Blues’ line St. George passed to Proven, who caught the Blues' backs out of position. and dashed straight through to score a good 1 rv. Wa Iker missed the goal kick. 3 0. Proven showed out with another good run. and passed to Potaka, who wa* well tackled. Two free kicks were given to (lie Blue,: in succession for offside play. The Black forward’s were getting the ball from the scrums. rerry got the ball from a scrum and kicked. Robinson taking a good mark. The ball struck the bar from Robinson’s place kick and bounced over. 6 —o. These reverses wakened un the Blues They gained ground from a free kick for offside play at a scrum, and Lainli missed with a penalty shot at goal. Pierce picked the ball out of a scrum, and Lamb had another penalty shot, without, success. Pirates forcing. Webb, Gil herd, and Cabot joined in passing on the right wing, some ground being gained. The hardworking Black forwards again dominated the position, but a good run by Perry, who passed to Webb, swung the play to the other end of the field. Lamb again failed wilh a penalty shot at goal, and M’Donald dashed down the left wing from the return kick ami passed to Dickson. who passed to Dunne, the last-named being dragged down at the corner. The Blm-s kept no the! pressure, and Lamb once more missed with a penalty for offside play at u scrum. Then the Blues’ backs came away with one of their spectacular pieces of play, the ball being handled n- Gil herd, Murray, and Webb. Webb went straight for the line, but was brought can u by u solid tackle by Walker. Cabot picked up and crossed the line, and Hen lost the pall. Gilbert!, however, was handy, and he scored. Lamb missed. 6 —3. Half time was then called. On resuming. Perry cut in and made a slashing run along the left wing. He passed to another Blue man, who sent on to M'Douald. , The powerful Bine wing three-quarter sot sail for the line, beat one man, and threw off a tackle by Walker, scoring near the corner. Dickson missed the goal kick. 6—6. Ivl'Donald stopped a Pirates’ rush in good style immediately after, but the Blues' defence was being •■veil tested. A good kick by Gilberd and a dribble bv Munro took the. iffa-'- the other cud of the field, where the ball went into touch in goal. The Blue forwards wore now going well. A period of scrambling play followed in the Blues’ twenty-live, the passing of the Black backs bi-eakiug down several times. Walker potted without: success. and M’Donalri gained ground with a good run. From loose play at. the centre Perry sent out to Webb, who ran 40 yards along the right wing with great determination and grounded (he ball jus! ns he was bumped into touch in goal by Walker. Lamb missed die goal kick. 6 —9. The Black forwards again attacked strongly, and a desperate struggle took place on the Blues’ line. From loose play on the right wing the ball was kicked info Wise’s arms, and he dashed along the (otichliue to score at the corner. Walker failed wilh the goal kick. 9 —9. Play rested at midfield for a time. Jeffs came on in place of Provan. M’Donald ran right across the face cf file attack from one side to the other, and from a scramble the ball was sent out to Webb, who made another splendid run and scored. The goal kick again tailed. 9—12. Perry made a clever run and passed to Munro, Walker saving in front of his goal with a weak kick, which just reached the. touchline and no more. The Blue forwards were now playing with great determination. Walker put his side in position with a high punt, and the Blues had an anxious time lii! Dickson got in a lucky speculator which took play to hallway. In the last stages of the game f.'ic spectators were roused to great excitement. The Blacks threw themselves into the contest with great zgal. and hurled attack after attack on (he Blues’ line. Wilson dribbled well to the lino, but Murray marked beautifully. Munro on another occasion threw himself on the ball just in time. The desnerate attacks of the Blacks, however, proved futile, and a fine game ended— University A 12 points. Pirates ' ' 9 points. Mr G. M’Kenzie was referee. Alhambra v. University S< The match Alhambra v. University B, which was played on the Caledonian Ground, resulted in an easy win for the former by 21 points to nil. The ground was in very good condition, considering the quantity of rain that had fallen during the week. Owing to the University vacation the wearers of the Blue jerseys had a weak team, no fewer than seven of the players originally chosen being replaced by others. The winners played much better than their opponents in all departments of the game, and were responsible for nearly all the good football witnessed during the match. Alhambra, kicked off from the Kensington end. Good following up by Anderson put University on the defensive and a few minutes later Thomas had a shot at goal from near halfway, but the ball fell short. X forward rush by Alhambra almost immediately afterwards ended in Gillick scoring in a fairly good position. Thomas made a good but unsuccessful attempt to convert. The University attacked for a brief spell after (he kick out, and off-side play gave them* a shot at goal, but the ball fell a trifle short. Play remained almost entirely on the University side of the halfway for some time. The Alhambra indulged in a few passing bouts, but the tackling was solid and they could not break through. After King had had a fruitless pot at goal from some distance out the Alhambra got away on a passing rush, which broke down inside the University twenty-five through the ball being dropped. It was kicked out to M’Dougall, however, who got away nicely and scored in a good position. Thomas converted with a nice kick. A long kick by (he Blues soon afterwards sent the ball over the Alhamora line, a force down resulting. The students kept up the pressure for a while, and a nice run by Stevenson finished up near (lie Alhambra lino. Another passing rush by by the University threatened danger, but the ball was kicked over the line and promptly sent into touch in goal by the defenders. A fine passing rush by the Alhambra hacks, in which King gained a lot of" ground, took play inside the Blues’ twenty-five, but the scene was quickly transferred past midfield, and then to the Alhambra goal, but a free kick stopped the attack. Stevenson attempted to pot a goal, but the ball did not rise, and Alhambra forced down. From a mark at the Alhambra twenty-five the University had a shot at goal, but the ball went wide, and a pot. by Stevenson immediately afterwards resulted in the Alhambra forcing down again. A fine run by the University full-back was the next feature of note, but a wild pass enabled the Alhambra to break away, and the Blues were penalised at their own twenty-live for offside play. Thomas made a good attempt to kick a goal from the side line, but the ball fell under the bar. The spell ended with play inside the University twenty-five.

A brief attack by (he University at tho opening of the second spell took play to the Alhambra twenty-five, but the students were soon on the defensive. From a free kick to tho Alhambra just outside the Mines’ twenty-five Thomas kicked a nice goal. The Blues then attacked, and after being momentarily checked they had a shot at goal from a free kick, but without success The Reds gradually worked their way to their opponents’ twenty-five, where a passing bout was indulged in, but was Mopped by Stevenson. M'Dougall had a hurried p,ot at goal a little later, but without success, juc Students were penned down near their line for some minutes, but u force down was (ho only result. About half-way through (he spell good following up by M'Dougoll almost ended in a score. A few minutes later Jenkins picked up from a loose rus=h and dashed over the University line in a handy position. T horaas converted with a splendid kick. Before long the Alhambra were attacking strongly again, but the Blues averted a score by forcing. From a free kick at the Blues’ twentyfive Thomas had another shot at goal, but missed with a rather easy kick. Another promising passing uout by the Alhambra backs was spoiled by King kicking instead of passing. Alter the University had forced down twice Thomas had a shot at goal from a free kick in front of the posts, but tho ball went wide. A few minutes before (ime King intercepted a pass outside the University twenty-five. and after making a clever run scored behind the posts. M’Dougall converted. The final incident of note, was a good passing rush by (hs Blues, who looked like scoring at one stage, but the Alhambra stemmed the attack, and the game ended with play at halfway, the scores being: Alhambra 21 points. University B nil. Mr B. Watson controlled the game. i Kaikorai v. Zingari. The match between Kaikorai and Zingari was played at 'iahuna Park and resulted in an easy win for Kaikorai, who scored 27 points to their opponents’ 6. Though beaten the Zingari team played a very plucky game rignt up to the finish. Near the end of the game Connor had to leave the field owing to an injury to his knee. Soon after tho bail was set in motion Kaikcra.i was penalised and Ha/.el wood had a kick at goal which failed, play then being carried into Zingari territory. Soon afterwards Dickinson hud a free kick, but failed to score. The Colours retaliated, Johnston and M‘Ewan leading the way into Kaikorai’s twenty-live where a strenuous tussle took place, relief eventually coming by Kaikorai finding' the line. Flay was oniried to nithin striking, distance by Zingari but the invaders were again driven back. Dickinson failed with a free kick. ' Ihe Zingari hacks came into action, but deadly tackling by Kaikorai stopped them before they had gone far. Kaikorai attacked strongly; Clydesdale's and Johnston's good fielding being mainly responsible for nullifying the attack. The first, score was soon after registered by Dickinson with a goal from a free kick. Williams picked up and transferred to Dickinson, who scored cleverly between the posts, the. try being comer,ted; Soon after Glengarry, on being tackled, passed to Williams, who sent tho ball on to Sonntag, that player scoring. Callander converted. Half-time was sounded soon afterwards. On resinning, when play was picked up at midfield Wills secured aud scored a good try, but no goal resulted. Kaikorai pressed bard, and from a semm five yards fron Zingari’s lino Crossan got the ball out to his backs, but a forward pass by Perry slopped the movement. Kaikorai kept up five attack and M‘Douga.ll scored, Callander converting. This made Kaikorai 16 to tbeir opponents’ 3. Kaikorai were still aggressive, and Dickinson bad an unsuccessful penalty kick from over the half-way line. With play in Zingari territory, from a scrum close to the Kaikorai line the ball came cut to Connolly, who got over at the corner. Ha/.levvood failed to register the major points. Kaikorai became aggressive and Callander scored, Dickinson failing with the kick. Zingari put up a strenuous light ami made supreme efforts to cross the Kaikorai *line, but failed to do so. Kaikorai cleared and Dickinson getting possession scored, Callander con verting. Very shortly before . the whistle sounded M’Doligall scored a try which was unconverted, the game terminating : Kaikorai 27 Zingari 6 Mr A. J. Haub acted as referee. Dunedin v. Taieri Rovers. The game between Dunedin and Taieri Rovers was played on Tuhuna Park. During the first spell Taieri, playing one man short, were kept mostly on the defensive, but in the second half a Fifth Grade player, .1. Craig, came on, when tho Greens’ play improved, and a hard-fought game ended m a draw—nine points all. Dunedin won (he toss, and soon after tlie kick-off (heir backs took (ho ball well up the field. Jones made a good attempt to, score, but was brought down almost on (he line. Offside play by Ihe Blues gave taieri many opportunities, but at length the Dunedin backs got away, and O'Sullivan scored. Butler failed with the Kick. Dunedin 3, Taieri 0. This reverse woke the Taieri forwards up, and a good rush by them brought them into the Dark Blues’ twenty-five, where they kept the play for a time. The Blue backs then' got away, but: failed to score, through a bad pass on the part, of their second fiveeighths. The Blues secured from a lineout, and M‘Bride’ scored. O’Sullivan’skick failed. Dunedin 6, Taieri 0. Fast but ragged play followed, and a mark by Harper gave the Greens a good opportunity to make points, but the effort failed. Ramsay headed a good dribbling rush up the field, but was slopped through offside play. More offside play by the Greens later gave the Blues a ohance at goal, but the kick failed. Towards the end of the spell the Bluos secured Ihe ball from a scrum and got it out to the wing, who was, however, pushed out when near Taieri’s line. A mark cleared fo r the Greens. The play wa s now more even, and the spell ended with Taieri attacking. The second spell opened with much give and take play, but the advantage was with the Blues. Pearce marked for the Greens, and his kick went over the bar. Dunedin 6, Taieri 3. The Greens now began to throw the ball about, and they pressed the Blues back to their twenty-five. Collett marked, and Pearce made a good run uu the line, but was brought down. At this stage O’Sullivan. Dunedin’s . captain, was ordered off for rough play. The Blues brought the game up to the Greens’ line, but, J. Craig cleared with a strong line kick. From the throw-in Dunedin secured, and a. good passing rush by their hacks resulted in a try at the corner by Shiel, the wing. Collins failed with the kick. Dunedin 9, Taieri 3. Dunedin were now pressing, but Ramsay marked for (he Greens and kicked a fine goal. Dunedin 9. Taieri 6. From a good passing rush by the Taieri backs Finlay scored, but Pearce's kick failed. Dunedin 9, Taieri 9. The Dunedin backs again attacked, and from a scrum the Bluos carried the ball over the line, but Taieri forced. The play now became more even, and the game finished with no change in the score, although in the last 10 minutes both sides narrowly missed scoring. Dunedin 9 pom Is. Taieri Rovers 9 points. Mr W. M'Neill was referee. Southern v. Union. The game between Southern and Union, played at Bishopscourt. resulted in a win for the former by 16 points to nil. Union held their opponents in the first spell in spile of the fact that they included three or four juniors in their ranks. Southern, however, played more solidly in the second half, and the Maroons were not able to withstand the pressure. For the winners the best players wore Mitchell, Prebble, and Bain, and for the Maroons Vorrath and MTCay were tlie most prominent. Union kicked off, and for some time neither team obtained (ho upper hand. Southern oame away with strong rushes, but Union’s defence proved sound. Towards the end of the spoil both teams were compelled to force. Play was better in the second spell, and from a Southern forward rush Mitchell grounded the ball across the line, and Highley kicked a fine goal from near the corner. The Black-and-Whito backs next came to light with a passing rush, and Marks scored, Highley converting. Shortly after Prebble secured and dashed across the line to score, but the extra points wp.re not added. Union began to look dangerous, but. Southern saved, and from a passing rush Mitchell scored. The goalkick was resultless. The final score was: Southern 16 points. Union ... - Nil. Mr W. Rennick was referee. SECOND GRADE. Pirates 11, Southern 3. Alhambra beat University D by default. University C 3, Zingari 3. Port Chalmers 7, Dunedin 3. OTHER GRADE MATCHES POSTPONED. Third, Fourth, Fifth, and President’s Grade matches were postponed.

GAMEIS AT AUCKLAND. (Pee United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 14. The following are tho results of to-day’# games:—Ponsonby 14 beat Grammar 12; University 16 heat Marists 8; College Rifles 24 beat Grafton 6 ; King’s Old Boys 24 beat Shore 0; Newton 11 beat Suburbs 8. WELLINGTON RESULTS. (Pee United Pirkss Association.) % WELLINGTON, Juno IS. The following are the results of Saturday's matchesPetone 19 boat Potieko 3 (Mark Nicholls potted a goal and converted two tries) ; Athletic 12 beat Berhampora 6; Oriental 19 beat Wellington 12; Marists 9 beat University 8 (Murphy kicked a marvellous winning goal); Hutt Ik beat Selwya 0. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES POSTPONED. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 14. The southerly storm continues, and Rugby and hockey matches have been postponed. POVERTY BAY BEATS MANAWATU. 'Per United Press association.* PALMERSTON NORTH, June 15. Manawatu was well beaten on Saturday by Poverty Bay in the representative Rugby match at Palmerston North. Poverty Bay was a much heavier side, and raked Manawatu fore and aft, the home fifteen putting up a very weak defence. For Poverty Bay Caulton, Devery, Langslands, and B. Whaitiri scored tries, Tureia converting all four. Law' kicked a penalty goal for the losers, while Bailey and Seeker got unconverted tries. The final score was 20 points to 9 in favour of Poverty Bay. ALL BLACKS’ TOUR. DELEGATE TO LONDON CONFERENCE. APPOINTMENT NOT YET MADE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June IS. When the New Zealand team leaves for England it will be accompanied by a number of enthusiasts, among whom will be some who’ have been prominent in the game either as players or officials. It is understood that H. E. . Nicholls, whose omission from the list of selected' players came as a surprise,—contemplates making the trip to England, though it may not be as a member of the official party, as the New Zealand Rugby Union has not yet received an application on his behalf. Those who travel with tho team must receive the permission of the New Zealand union, but as the complete party, including players, will not exceed 40, there will no doubt be other New' Zealanders who will travel to England to see the All Blacks in action. Applications to travel with the team have been considerably in excess of the number for which permission , can be granted. Local enthusiasts wio will travel with the team are Mr L. Simpson, well known throughout the dominion : as a referee, Mr Murphy, a member jp{ the Management. Committee of the Wellington Rugby Union, and Mr W. Dustin, who was a prominent, footballer in the Wanganui and Manawatu districts for a considerable time. The appointment of a delegate to the Imperial Conference to be held in London about the .end of the year has not yet been made by the Nc\v Zealand Rugby Union. Mr V. Meredith, of Auckland, is available to act on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union in that capacity, and others reported to be available for the .position of delegate include Wilson (Canterbury) and Mr H. Harris (Otago). Remits from New' Zealand to the conference are to be drawn up shortly. THE LEAGUE CODE. AUCKLAND v. AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES. A DRAWN GAME. (Per United P.bess Association.) AUCKLAND, June 14. The third and concluding game between the Australian universities’ League touring team-and Auckland was played to-day on Carlaw Park and resulted in a draw—l 4 points all , Auckland had the better of tho game in the first spell, scoring 14 points to nil In the second spell the visitors showed much better combination, scoring 14 points by good concerted play. The first score went to Auckland. Dufty fielded the ball at the centre and raoed : down the side line. A couple of exchanges 1 saw Littlewood get the ball and score at the corned. Dufty failed to convert. Shortly afterwards, from a scrum near tho Australians’ line. Poison got the ball and dodged over. Dufty missed with the kick at goal Australia attacked strongly, bat desperate tackling' by the Auckland’ backs j held them up on the goal line till a penalty relieved the situation. Auckland were penalised at their twenty-five but Ryan missed goaling. After some strenuous play Ghent, who had replaced Poison at halt, broke through the forwards at half-way and passed to M'Dotuild. who sent the ball on to Bass, the last-named scoring. Laing missed the goal. Just before half-time Bring accepted a pass and raced through the opposing backs to score behind the posts. Wetherali converted. The half-time scores were: Auckland 14, Universities nil.^ Immediately after resuming the Universities set up a fine passing rush. Ryan scoring at the corner. The scorer failed at goal. After some strenuous play the visitors with a good passing bout sent Ryan over near the corner, but the try was not converted. Another score w’cnt to the visitors soon after, Halbertaher crossing near the poets after a good run and Dunworth converting. The visitors were getting the ball from the scrums and made a good open game of.it. Tho scores were equalised by Ryan crossing again at the corner after a fine passing bout. Dunworth failed at goal. AiJoHand attacked strongly toward the finish- l»"t failed to add to their score. GAMES AT WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 14. The following are the results of the games at Wellington: Mutt 20 beat Newtown 8; Petone 5 beat City 0. CHRISTCHURCH COMPETTTUONJS. (Per United Press Association.) v CHRISTCHURCH, June 14. Sydenham 13, Addington 10. QUEENSLAND DEFEATS ENGLAND. Frees Association—Bv Telegraph—Copyright. BRISBANE, June 15. (Received Juno 15, at 5.5 p.m.) There was fine weather for the Rugby League game, in which Queensland defeated England by 25 points to 10 after a wretdhed exhibition of football. The game was marked by many mistakes on both sides, and altogether lacked brillianoo. At halftime the scores wore: Queensland 8, land 5. In the second half Queensland played a greatly improved game and finished with tin; match well in hand.

p. VT. i„ i). for. ilgst. IMs. Kaikorai 8 ti 8 — Ki4 :i.i v; Pinilvs 8 2 —- 102 4!> 12 Alhambra 8 (i 2 -- 9:2 12 T'mvcrsUv Ti ... 7 2 — 102 in 10 (JnivorMty A ... fi a 1 — 84 48 10 DllJIrrlin 8 V, 4 1 7(> 8!) Southern 8 'A a — 71 88 fi Taicri Havers... 8 r* 2 :w 88 Zinpari Union 8' 7 i f> 7 i -.7 16 1)1 1C5