RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19476, 11 May 1925, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S MAIViLES. SOME CLOSE FINISHES. The Rugby football matches were con—hued on Saturday under ideal conditions The weather was beautifully fine, and there was practically no wind, while the grounds were in splendid condition. In three of the five senior matches the teams were evenly matched, and the winning margin in each of these games was very small. In two cases, however —Kaikorai and Pirates —victories by substantial margins wore, recorded. The senior matches resulted as follows: Kaikorai 61, Union 3. Pirates 31, Dunedin 3. University A 9, Alhambra 7. Zingari-Richmond 9 University B 8. Southern 9, Taieri Rovers 8. POSITIONS OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competition : Pts Pts ’Flag P. W. 1.. D. tor. agst. pts. Pirates 22 0 0 !1 It 1 Kaikorai 22 0 0 73 12 4 University A. ... 22 0 0 43 20 4 Zingari ,- ... 22 0 0 34 13 4 Southern 2 1 1 0 22 42 2 Alhambra 2 0 1 1 14 16 1 UnneJin 2 0 1 1 10 3S 1 Union 2 0 2 0 8 86 0 Taieri Rover® ... 2 0 2 0 17 21 0 University B ... 2 0 2 0 21 59 0 UNIVERSITY A v. ALHAMBRA. , The display given by University A and Alhambra on the Caledonian Ground was disappointing, and those who went out with visions of fast back play had to bo contented with a forward game. The match was evenly contested all through, and only one try was scored —the result of good play by- University. The Blues eventually won by nine points to seven. After scrambling play at half-way, Gillick led the Alhambra forwards in a strong rush, but University retaliated with a passing movement which broke down at Webb. The Blues then carried play into Alhambra’s twenty-five, where Glengarry tried to pick the M.ll out of a scrum, and University were awarded a free kick. Dickson kicked a goal; 3—o. Gilberd secured the ball in the face of a Red forward rush, and started a passing movement, which a knock-on spoiled. Stevenson, who was playing on the right wing, misfielded the ball, and the Alhambra forwards were quickly on him. Nicholson (full-back) relieved the pressure. The Reds were securing the ball in the scrums. Passing by the Alhambra backs took play to the Blues’ line, but Gilberd kicked up tho field and gained some 50 yards. In the vicinity of half-way Alhambra were awarded a free kick and Callander kicked a fine goal, bringing the scores level. Johnston set the Blues’ backs in motion, but M'Clymont, who was playing at- centre three-quarter, gave Stevenson a -bad pass. Aitken kicked up-field, but a free kick regained some of the lost ground. Callander was instrumental in gaining further territory with a good line kick. A period of dull play followed. The Reds’ forwards rushed play to the University twenty-five where Johnston beat two or three men only to throw the ball away. Gilberd handed the dummy cleverly, but Stevenson, to whom he passed, knocked the ball on, and Callander marked. Dickson broke away on his own and gained a little ground. Callander and Webber then rushed play to the University line, but the ball went out of bounds. Gilberd set his backs in motion, but again the movement broke down. Wylie dribbled down to the Blues’ twenty-five, and the ball went out at -the corner. The Reds became dangerous, and a score seemed likely, but the Blues had cleared their line when the half-time whistle blew with the score at 3 all. A change was made in the University backs for the second spell, and Stevenson went to the full-back position, Nicholson replacing M'Clymont, who went on the wing. After an exchange of kicks King punted into Johnston’s hands, but Webb, who was well marked, was collared with the ball. After a passing rush by the Blues Webb again got away, but ho was brought down by Callander. Knox broke through nicely, but Stevenson secured the ball and was forced out.' Webb w'as sent away shortly after, but, after a good run. he knocked on. The Reds then became aggressive, and carried play into University territory, and from scrambling play in front of the posts Glengarry potted a goal, giving Alhambra the lead bv four points. Webb started a passing movement which gained a little ground. Johnston started Webb off. but the fast wing was again brought down. A bad pass gave the Alhambra forwards a chance, and the ball went out near the corner. The Blues cleared their line, and play was gradually taken to the other end of the field. The Blues were awarded a free kick in a good position, Dickson adding three points t 6 University’s total. ‘7—6. The best piece of play of the day followed. Webb raced down the left wing and passed in to Dickson. The ball then wont through the hands of most of the University backs to M'Clymont, who dashed ever at the corner and scored a fine try. Stevenson’s kick at goal failed. The game ended without further incident. Scores:— University A 9 points. Alhambra 7 points. Mr W. Jenkins controlled the game. PIRATES v. DUNEDIN. The match Pirates v. Dunedin was played at Carisbrook in the presence of a fairly large number of spectators. The ground was in first-class condition, and the weather was all that could be desired: Dunedin played in their own colours, but the Pirates wore light blue jerseys. The Pirates blacks were top fast and clever for the opposing side, who suffered defeat points to 3. ; . Dunedin won the toss, and Pirates kicked off with a strong sun against then. For about five minutes ■ neither side had any material advantage, but after that Dunedin got away on a passing rush, which took play to the Pirates twenty-five. A free kick brought relief, and the scene of operations was again transferred to the vicinity of halfway. Dunedin attacked again, but a free kick to Pirates for obstruction by Field enabled the defenders to clear. Up till this stage Wise had been prominent, putting in a lot of clever work After nearly a-quarter of an hour’s play the ball went to Morgan from a line-out near the Dunedin twenty-five, and that player made a strong run,' touching down behind the posts after evading several men. Robinson’s kick at goal did not hi crease the score. 3—o. A few minutes later Morgan put in another fine run, but was well collared near the Dunedin line. Dunedin removed play to midfield, but Pirates were soon attacking again. A promising passing rush was terminated by a knock-on. After the game had been in for about 20 minutes Hansen, half-back for Dunedin, had to be carried off the field in consequence of having injured a leg. O’Connor, one of the forwards then retired to halfback, and his place was taken by J. M'Kowen. Immediately after play was resumed Pirates broke away from a scrum, and a fine passing rush, in which Graham, St. George, and Morgan took part, ended in the last-named scoring near the corner. Morgan took the kick at goal, but the ball wont wide. 6—o. Dunedin then became aggressive for a brief spell, Delahunty being prominent in a loose rush, but Pirates soon broke away again. Malloch made a fine run, and then passed to Pierce, who transferred the ball to Henderson, the conclusion of tiio being a good try behind the posts. Robinson had no difficulty in converting. 11 —0. Dunedin then attacked, and from a free kick in a favourable position Collins sent the ball nicely over the bar. 11—3. After some open play Pirates got dangerously near the Dunedin line. A free kick brought relief, but only for a minute or two, after which the Pirates backs got away, and Morgan finished up a fine rush by scoring near the corner. Morgan’s kick at goal again failed. —3. Almost immediately afterwards Graham kicked the bail, and'by following up smartly fielded it and ended a splendid run by scoring near the corner. The kick at goal, which was taken by Morgan, failed to increase the score. 17 —3. Dunedin then attacked strongly on two occasions in the clqsing stages of the spell, and just, before half-time Collins made a good but ineffectual attempt to kick a goal fron; a penalty. minutes after the opening of the second spell Pirates were penalised outside their twenty-five on account of off-side play by Rodger. Collins’s kick was a good one, but the direction was a little faulty. The Pirates then became aggressive, but after some straggling play a free kick brought relief to Dunedin. The Pirates returned to the attack without delay, but another ffree kick enabled Dunedin to clear their lino. Pirates were not to bo denied, however, and within a few minutes MaUocb ended up a nice run by scoring near the posts. Brown took the kick, but the hall hit one of the uprights. 20—3. Just afterwards Pirates wore penalised, and Collins had another shot at goal from near halfway. The_ direction was good, but the ball feR a little short. Pirates forced down a £“*r minutes later. Play travelled

up and down the field for a while, and then Dunedin became aggressive. Collins had another fruitless shot at goal from a free kick. After a lot of somewhat uninteresting play Dunedin broke away, but Pirates averted .a score by kicking into touch in goal. Pirates again attacked, and some scrambling play ended in Milne scoring well out. Brown took the kick at goal, but the effort, though a good one, was fruitless. 23 —3. About 10 minutes before the finish. Pirates put in a fine passing rush, the ball finally coming out to Morgan, who dashed over the line in a fairly good position. Brown added the major points. 28—3. After more open play Pirates broke away again, but St. George lost the ball on the line, and a force down was the only result. Just before time Morgan raced over the Dunedin line at the corner, but Brown failed to convert. 31—3. When the bell rang play was near halfway. Scores: Pirates 31 points. Dunedin 3 points. Mr A. Eckhold controlled the game. KAIKORAI v. UNION. When Kaikorai and Union took the field at Bisbopscourt on Saturday afternoon there was not much difference noted in size and strength, but the result, which went in favour of Kaikorai to the tune of 61 points to 3, left no doubts as to the stronger team. On the whole the game was disappointing, and Union will certainly have to get down to form or cricket scores will be the result. The match was interesting enough in the first half, but the second spell developed into fji one-sided game with the issue never in doubt. Union, admittedly, made several game attempts to break down the opposition, but Kaikorai proved invincible and carried everything before them. From/ the start Kaikorai attacked, and a fast rush ended in M'Meekscoring. Findley converted. The success was soon followed by Driscoll crossing the line, and Findley sent the ball over the posts. Prom a scramble at halfway Driscoll scored an unconverted try. 15—0. Union rallied, and from a loose rush Ashton crossed. The kick at goal failed. Then, in quick succession. Slaughter added to Kaikorai’s score, and then Quirk came on and crossed the line. Findley converted both tries. The second spell, was fast: but very onesided, and the game proved one succession of tries for Kaikorai. The scorers were Callender, Slaughter, W. Driscoll, Williams. Sim. and M'Meekmp. Findley was in great form, and converted, three of the tries. • He also kicked a penalty goal. Perry converted Slaughter’s try. The game ended with the scores; Kaikorai - 51 points. Union 3 points. Mr Renwick was referee. ZINGARI B v. UNIVERSITY B. In the first 10 minutes of the match between Zingari-Richmond and University B it looked as though the Colours wore going to have the bettor of the game, hut the Blues managed to pull themselves together, and the honours were fairly evenly divided during the greater part of the contest. The match was not by any moans a good exposition of Rugby football, as both teams inched considerably in combination, but this was compensated for at times by some good individual play, Hazelwood, Brien, Noble, Garside, and Proctor being useful men for Zingari and Lamb, Mitchell, Hamm, Ledingham, and MT.ean taking a prominent part for the Bhies. The match ended in a win for the Colours by nine points to eight Zingari kicked oft with the sun in their eyes, and forced an immediate attack, which was countered by a free kick for University. The Colours persisted in their efforts, and a sharp tussle in front of the University posts was broken up by Shield (full-back), who relieved the position. However, an admirable piece of play by the Zingari backs resulted in Williams crossing over a few minutes later. Hazelwood failed to convert. Zingari-Richmond 3, University 0. After one or two short attacks by Zingari Hawkins broke through, and added the second score, which Hazelwood failed to convert. Zingari 0, University 0. The Bines made a recovery, and l edingham took a free kick,- which gained a bit of territory for his side. Another free kick for the students was well taken by Hazelwood, who prevented the ball from going into touch at what would have been an awkward moment for Zingari. A snappy passing movement by the University backs ended in Hanan getting away;' but he was collared some yards from the lino. A few moments later, howeVor, Lamb made the Blues’ initial score, which was converted by Mitchell. Zingari i), University 5. Just before half-time the Blues had a good chance spoilt through a knock-on. The opening stages of the second spell saw a considerable improvement in University’s play, and Hiinun sprinted over the line and scored. Mitchell’s kick failed. University 8, Zingari 6. An attack by Zingari was effectively repulsed, and Hanan took h good mark. The kick, however, was charged down, and a few minutes later Proctor look a successful free kick, which made the score: Zingari 9, University 8. Play was anywhere for the next few minutes, though the Colours were at limes within an ace of scoring. Lamb broke away nicely, and with a clear run before him was pulled up by the whistle and a scrum followed in Zingari territory. Garside relieved the pressure, but nis team lost ground again, and the whistle blew with the play near midfield. Scores: Zingari-Richmond .. i) points University B 8 points Mr J. Sutherland was the referee. SOUTHERN v. TAIERI ROVERS. The match. Southern v. Taieri Rovers, played at Tahuna No. 1 ground, proved an interesting game, the Southern men defeating their opponents by nine points to eight. The teams were fairly well matched, and there was not much to choose between them as far as actual play was concerned, but through a very lucky try Southern was fortunate in winning. Southern kicked off and immediately made a rush to Taieri’s comer, but the Greens forced down. Play continued in midfield for some time, and Southern again attacked, but A. H. Scott relieved with a good kick. Scoles returned the ball to Taieri territory. Taieri pressed vigorously and up-and-down play followed. From a scrum a good passing rush by the Southern forwards was stopped by the ball going out. A little later Geary secured, a mark, and the resulting rush finished with Geary across the line. Pearce’s kick failed. Taieri 3, Southern 0. A fine passing rush by the Taieri forwards sent the ball out at the corner, but off-side play spoilt their chance of scoring. Southern, were awarded a free kick for offside play, and pressed to the attack, transferring play to Taieri territory. Bain (Southern) scored a fine try by diving over Geary, but Highloy failed to convert. Taieri 5, Southern 3. Up-and-down play followed for some time without either side gaining any advantage. Later the Southern forwards rushed up tiio field, and a fine passing rush nearly re suited in a try, but a good kick .up the line relieved. Wilson secured a mark, but the Greens did not gain much. A clean mark by Mitchell saved a critical moment for the Southern men. Ilore made a line rush up the field and got near the Taieri line. Following a free kick Highley attempted to pori a goal, but the ball struck the post and Mitchell caught it on the rebound, and rushed across the line before the Taieri men realised what had occurred. Bain failed to convert. Southern 5, Taieri 3. A good rush by the Taieri forwards was spoilt by a fine kick up the field by Noipier. Some good line kicking followed, and Neipier secured a good mark. With two minutes to go before half-time the Taieri players attacked vigorously and A. H. Scott secured a try which Grieve converted. Taieri 8, Southern 6. On resuming several line-outs saw the play edging towards the Southern lino. From a lino-out a dangerous rush by Taieri ended in M'Pheat forcing. Mitchell kicked out, and play was transferred to the Taieri half. A kick by Keen (Southern/) was too hard and Deo (Taieri) forced. A penalty kick to Taieri was followed by a good rush led by Peterson, and Dee kicked out. Prebble (Southern) took a good mark, but his kick was charged down. A. H. Scott cleared with a good kick, and later saved another dangerous rush by the Southern forwards. From a scrum Bain got the ball, and passed to Noipier, who went across. Highloy'a kick fell short. Southern 9, Taieri 8. An exciting rush by the Southern forwards followed, but Findlay kicked out down the line, and saved the situation. Taieri then attacked vigorously, and following a scrum in Southern’s corner Prebble forced. Following play in midfield Findlay (Taieri) made a fine attempt to pot a goal from well out, but the ball struck the top of the post. Taieri pressed to the attack, but .Southern defended well, and play went to midfield. Even play followed, neither side gaining an advantage from several attempts to score. The game ended with Taieri attacking strongly. Southern 9 points Taieri Rovers 8 points Mr A. Morgan was the referee. SECOND GRADE. West Taieiri 14, Dunedin 0. University D 54, Taieiri Rovers 0. Pirates A 21, Union 3. ’ Southern 7, Y.M.C.A. 6. Training College 36, Kaitangata 0. Pirates B 14, Green Island 0. University C 55, Alhambra 0. Zingari, a bye.

THIRD GRADE. Southern 8, Alhambra A 0. Kaikorai A 14, Port Chalmers A 11. Zingari A 5, Training College 0. University E 3, Union’3. Alhambra B 6, Kaikorai B 6. Port Convent B 20, Pirates B 0. Dunedin 13, Y.M.C.A. 0. Ravensbourne 12, Zingari B 5. High School, a bye, i Pirates A, a bye. FOURTH GRADE. Southern 6, Pirates B 0. Pirates 51, Union 0. Alhambra A 5, Zingari 0. Dunedin 12, Taieri Rovers 6. High School 12, Alhambra B 6. FIFTH GRADE. Pirates 14, Southern 3. Port Chalmers 8, Dunedin 6. Zingari 21, High School 3. SIXTH GRADE. Southern 16, Zingari A 8. High School B 8, Dunedin 8. Kaikorai 35, Zingari B 0. High School A 17, Alhambra 6. ■Green Island 3, Pirates 0. AUCKLAND GAMES. (Pkh United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 10. The Auckland games resulted; — Ponsonby 6, Grafton nil. University 5, Grammar Old Boys 3. Marist Old Boys 16, College Rifles 3. North Shore 6, Manukau Rovers 3. King’s Old Boys 27, Newton 9. WELLINGTON COMPETITION. (Pjsb United Press Association,) WELLINGTON, May 10. Athletic created a surprise by beating Petone by 11 to 8. Petone led by 8 to 3 until nearly half-time, when Athletic outplayed the suburban team, and piled up 11 points by effective play. Other games resulted: University 19, Oriental 16; Old Boys 11, Wellington 6; Poneke 27, Selwyn 3; Berhampore 14, Hutt 3. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. The Christchurch matches resulted: Old Boys 19, University 3; Christchurch 14, Albion 8; Linwood 16, North Canterbury 5. .