RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19530, 13 July 1925, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

LOCAL MATCHES. THE SENIOR COMPETITION. The Rugby Union’s senior competition ■was continued on Saturday in unfavourable weather, rain falling almost the whole time. Pirates retained their lead by defeating Kaikorai by 9 points to 3, and University B drew with Alhambra. Ihe results are as follows ;

PIRATES v. KAIKORAI. Pirates met Kakorai at Carisbrook on Saturday, and at the conclusion of a hardfought- forward game still held their record of being unbeaten this season. The ground was very heavy, rain fell during most of the game, and the struggle was mostly between the forwards, who were about ervenly matched. Pirates, however, had the better backs, and the advantage they held here enabled them to secure the victory. Pirates kicked off from the Cargill road end, and from the first throw in the Blacks broke through. Callander drove back with a speculator. The Black forwards came again, and from a scrum St. George passed out. The pass was cut off by Delahunty, and M’Meeking dribbled past the halfway. It was thus early seen that the best plan was to kick hard and take a chance rather than to attempt to play the passing gome Walker had a long shot with a penalty, and the Colours forced. The players were slipping and sliding, and their antics appeared to amuse vastly the 2000 odd spectators. Callender put in a strong kick to the half-way flag, end from the throw in the Black forwards dribbled through, Fountain stopping the rush in fine style. Hard forward work in the Colours’ twenty-five followed, and Kaikorai forced again from a penalty. The game was mostly on tire Kaikorai side of the half-way flag, and was shifting backwards and forwards as the result of hard ground kicking. The Hiii forwards, Glengarry and Williams in front, took play to the Blacks’ twenty-five, wheiv some desperate scrumming in the mud followed. Walker fielded a hard ground kioK well, and Slaughter, fumbling, was caught with the ball, but the Blacks were kept on the defensive, Graham helped to lift the pressure with a strong run, Johnston, fullback, stopping him at midfield. Scrambling play of the kick or miss variety followed, and Callander punted high to Walker, who kicked back well, A hard ground kick by Callander and a foolish attempt at pass ing the greasy ball by the Black backs lei the Kaikorai forwards away, but Walker, who was fielding the ball well, saved tht situation. Give and take kicking followed, and Slaughter and Johnston both went tc the mud under solid tackling before they could get rid of the ball. The Black foi wards were hammering away at the Colours defence, but a Colour’s player got in t speculator. St. George tried passing fron the scrum, but Delahunty secured the bal first, and then- the Hill forwards swept down the field, Graham kicking out just ii time. Kaikorai kept up the pressure, ant a scrum was formed on the Blacks’ line Pearce relieving with a short dribble. .A hard kick, and play was back at midfield Walker had a free kick, as also did : Kaikorai man. A scrum was formed a the centre, and St. George started his back on the right wing. Stewart, Graham, an. Robinson handled the greasy ball cleanly and the Black centre then gave Wise a clea. run in. Walker missed the goal kick, o Slippery play followed. Robinson punted high to Johnston, who could not grip the ball, and the Black centre put in a ground kick to the Colours’ goal posts. The. Black forwards surged to the attack, Callander marking, and stalling off the danger. In the next few minutes pie Blades were hard pressed. Walkei fumbled near midfield, and. Slaughter booteu the ball past him. .The Kaikorai wing got to the ball again, hesitated, and hao half a mind to try to pick it up, and then kicked, but not nearly hard enough, and a Pirates man got back just in time to ,ave. The Colours were given a penalty, and Pirates forced. The half-time whistle then went. Pirates, 3 points; Kaikorai, nil. The Kaikorai forwards opened the second half well. They were, however, getting little assistance from their backs, who were trying to handle the ball instead ol kicking hard and taking chances. Gordon pickecT up and dashed through the loose and passed to Callander, who was held up in front of the goal posts. A Pirates’ man got in a, lucky speculator, and play was once more at the half way. Hard forward play followed, and the Blacks were given a free kick. Walker kicking a fine goal from about 15 yards inside the 50 yards’ flag. Pirates, 6 points; Kaikorai, nil. What may bo termed sacks-on-the-mill play followed, and some of the players were hardly recognisable. The Kaikorai forwards carried play to the Blacks’ twentyfive, and the play drifted back to the centre, where Walker beat three Kaikorai men and punted, Johnston saving. The ball was thrown to Morgan, who gained ground along the left wing. A nice bit of passing between Gordon and Callander helped their side, but a speculator regained all the ground. Morgan made another dash, but was ‘well collared. The ball went over the line, and the Colours forced in a hurry. On the kick out some desperate scrumming ensued. The bounce of the ball favoured Fountain, who raced along the left wing, Stewart getting across and bringing him down with a solid tackle. Play swung to the othei side of the field, where Morgan received the ball from a short passing bout, but was well collared by Johnston near the line. A scrum was formed, and St. George came round on the blind side and passed to Morgan. The Black wing three-quarter ran a yard or two, hesitated, and then turned towards die goal posts, beating two or or three men, and scoring. Walker missed the goal kick. Pirates, 9 points; Kaikorai, nil. t M'Meeking and Glengarry were in front of a Kaikorai rush, which broke down at the Blacks’ twenty-five, and, from a short passing bout, Callander raced over unopposed on the right wing. Callander missed the goal kick. Pirates, 9 points; Kaikorai, 3 points. Callander made another solid attempt to go through on his own shortlv after, but from an ensuing scramble Walker secured and kicked right back, the ball going out at the Kaikorai twenty-five. Slaughter ran and kicked to Walker, and tackled him with the ball, but Robinson got back and saved the attack. Solid even forward play ensued, Walker changing defence into attack with a fine kick. In the last stages of the game the Kaikorai forwards broke through to the Blacks’ twenty-five, but it was quickly back to half way. What may be aptly termed a forward battle in the mud ended shortly after. Scores : Pirates 9 points. Kaikorai 3 points. Mr J. Sutherland was referee. UNIVERSITY A v. SOUTHERN. Despite a driving rain, a heavy ground, and a sodden ball, the match between University A and Southern, at the Caledonian Ground, was comparatively fast, and the handful of spectators who attended saw miracles performed with a ball which must have had as much life in it as a sack of sawdust. The Southern team, though green, fought stubbornly, and at times brilliantly, but it, was the case of the good little man against the good big man, and at times University's heavy pack simply swamped their lighter opponents. On the day's play, however, Southern undoubtedly have a team which will take some beating in a season or two. The final scores—l 7to sin favour of University—-is an indication of the relative strength of the teams. The Blues kicked off from the harbour end, and Southern, by forward play and short kicking, pressed solidly into University’s half- Stevenson, however, by sound play, saved his side from what seemed to be a dangerous situation till a free kick by Highley sent the ball well up to the Bines’ line, -whore passing by the Southern backs, initiated by Bryant, was marred by a lob pass. From a scrummage in University's twenty-five Probblo secured and, passing to Judge, the latter transferred neatly to Nepier, who, evading a low tackle, got across- Prebble’s kick was successful. So-'theiy, 5; University 0. Play centred in Southern’s twenty-five for some minutes, when Southern, being penalised for offside plav by Highley, gave University a shot at goal, Ledinghnm being successful with a fine effort. Southern, 5; University 3.

A dribbling rush by tbo Blue pack carried play to Southern's twenty-five, but a determined counter-attack by the Southern forwards removed the scene of operations to the centre of the field. The Blues returned to tho attack, a fine dribbling rush by the University resulting in Dickson scoring. Ledingham failed with the kick. University. 6; Southern, 5. Play centred for a time in Southern territory, where a mark by Judge relieved tho pressure somewhat; but from a scrummage University’s winger, Hanan, secured and, evading Peterson’s tackle, dashed across near the comer. Stevenson’s kick at goal just missed. University, 9; Southern, 6. Offside play by M’Luggage gave Southern an opportunity, but Prebble failed to pilot the ball over- The Southern pack, by fast following up, kept play in University s twenty-five for a time. From a mud scramble Prebble initiated a passing rush, which, however, was marred by a faulty transfer. Immediately after what looked like a certain score for Southern was nullified in the same way. A real old-time muddy mix-up in front of University s goal was broken up by offside play on Southern s part, and. the spell ended immediately atterwards , , , , On resuming. ( o Blue backs, who were handling the ball remarkably well, broke away, and . Hanan beat tho opposition badly to score a fine try. Stevenson s kick failed. University 12, Southern 5. Play was of an even nature for some minutes till Prebble set his backs in motion, Peterson being brought, down after a brilliant run. Southern backs continued to attack vigorously, and play centred at University’s end till a mark by More e - lieved the pressure. Speculation was the order of the day. and seemed to pay, but a speculator missed by Gillam gave the Blue backs an opening of which they quickly took advantage, carrying play to Whites twenty-five, where a knock-on broke up the rush. Bryant retired injured, his place being taken by Williams, who was greeted with cheers. Another rush by the University back division kept Southern on the defence, and a pretty little movement was initiated by Paoey (who was playing in place of Webb), who passed to Boss. Ihe latter transferred to Morete, who was grassed near the line. The Blue vanguard again attacked strongly and kept play in Southern’s territory, and in a vigorous scramble near the centre M’Kerrow received a kick on the thigh which necessitated his being carried off. Another dangerous rush by the Blue pack frustrated by , Peterson securing and transferring play to his opponents’ twenty-five. The Blues by repeated dribbling rushes again pushed the lighter team back to its own twenty-five, Southern’s line being saved only by determined defence by Prebble. Again University attacked and a solid rush culminated in Tljndenaoh scoring. Stevenson made no mistake with the kick. University 17, Southern 5. A pass missed by Gillam put Southern’s line in jeopardy, but relief came from a free kick token by Highley- From then on play was mainly in University’s favour, and Southern were still defending strenuously at tho call of time, tho game thus ending: University .. 17 Southern 5 Mr G. M‘Kenzie was referee. TAIERI ROVERS v. ZINGARIRICHMOND. A handful of dauntless spectators witnessed the match between Talerl Rovers and Zingarl at Tahnna Park. The state of the ground and of the ball both made accurate or spectacular play out of the question. The game was, as the score suggests, a very even one, and probably a draw would have more fairly indicated the merits of the two teams on the day’s play. The scores were level at half-time, but Proctor added a winning try for Zingari with a fine individual effort in the closing stages of the game. The Rovers were the first to attack and •ontinued to hold a slight advantage for -.ome time. They had two unsuccessful atL empts to place goals from just inside halfvay. Misflelding by a Zingarl back let he Green forwards up to within striking distance, but the Zingarl backs with several concerted movements changed the icene of action to Taieri territory. Vickers, he Taieri full-back, was caught in possedon of the ball, but the Green defence moved adequate to the attack that folbwed. The Zingari pack swept down on he line and Taieri Were compelled to force. V bad pass let the Green forwards away, >ut M'Naughton held up the movement by narking. The Rovers had another turn of attacking, and Zingari was saved by a ucky “speculator” to the line. From a icrum near the Rovers’ twenty-five Rovers -ot the ball, but there was a momentary icsitatlon on the part of both teams apmrently in expectation of the referee's vhistle. Rovers were the quicker to retime, but began with a wild pass, which 1 1 lowed a Zingari back to break through ■nd carry play across the line, where xindly scored. Heazlewood’s kick failed, 'mmediately on resuming Rovers charged lown on the Zingari line and within half i minute Southgate had touched down ami ■qualised the score. Pearce failed with he kick at goal. Zingari-Richmond 3, Taieri Rovers 3. Play continued for o ime at the Taieri end of the field, and at ength Calder, leading a forward rush, licked up and dropped across. Again leazlewood’s kick was unsuccessful. Just tefore half-time Taeiri crowned another •igorons assault with success, Scott getting across at the corner. J. Findlay’s dek just fell short. The second spell started with the scores 1 all. Zingari took charge for a while, •nit a" long and lucky kick of Scott’s put he Colours defending. Infringements vere frequent on the part olj both sides. Wills broke in sensationally to a Rovers’ lassing movement, and was almost clear iway, but a Taeiri back came round and :aved the situation. After a spell of play n neutral territory Colours took command again and delivered attacks first on me corner and then on the other. 1 hen icott gained 50 yards or more with it inely judged line kick, and again Zinjari were on their defence. The Greens vere awarded a free kick la good posiion, but Grieve just failed to notch a goal. The next incident occurred when Taieri •lovers had a free kick from their own ine. Proctor secured it on the full, ran itraight down the line, fending off one or two tackles on the way, and scored. Todd made a good but unsuccessful attempt to ■oavert. To this reverse Taieri responded .vith a vigorous attack. J. Findlay had a •esultless kick from a fair position, and Clio Inst incident of tho game was a force by Zingari. The final scores were:— Zingari-Richmond .. .. 9 points. Taieri Rovers C points. Mr A. Morgan was the referee. UNIVERSITY B v. ALHAMBRA. The ground at Opoho was more Ike a bog than a football field on Saturday afternoon, and the match between University d and Alhambra afforded little opportunity io tho players tor a scientific display. It ,vas a remarkably oven game, though in tho first spell tho Blues maintained a certain amount of pressure. The forwards of both teams played well, and the University defence came well up to expectations. However, tho slippery ground and the greasy ball were severe handicaps, and the match frequently degenerated into a scramble. The first spell consisted of a number of attacks and a certain amount of aimless picking. About a-quarter of an hour after the start Johnston, tho University halfjack, dashed off with the ball and translerred to Miller, who crossed over to score. Uamb tailed to convert. University 3, Alhambra nib Alhambra made a strenuous attempt to pierce tho Blues’ defence, but their effort failed, and play relapsed into a sort of scramble. A few minutes later Callander took a good mark, and within the space of a minute ho had taken two more, though they did not gam his side any material advantage. Wilson, tho tall University forward, was con ,-icuous and at one stage of the game ho sent a clever low kick which had the effect of relieving his side from a position that was becoming dangerous. There was no further score at half-time. , „ Play opened up a bit in the second spell, and Alhambra became more aggressive. A nice forward rush ended in M’Millan securing the ball, and. 1 aided by a slippery stretch of mud, ho managed to scramble over Callander made a good attempt to convert, but failed. A University attack in which Wilson figured prominently followed, . and play veered into Alhambra territory, where a free kick for tho’aggressors just missed tho posts. Then Callander broke away, but was collared when looking dangerous. Another opportunity offered when he took a free kick, but tho attempt failed. Tho Colours continued to force tho play, and the Blues had a few anxious moments near their lino. The students gradually worked clear, and then the whole team raced belter skelter for the other end. whore they had a fnp kick, and play subsequently opened out. with an exchange of kicks and a number of lineouts The game ended in a draw a few minutes later, the score being: University 15 5 points, Alhambra 3 points. Mr R. Torrance was the referee. DUNEDIN v. UNION. Union came nearer victory when they mot Dunedin at Montecillo on Saturday than at any other time this season. Do-

spite tho inclement weather conditions, which made tho ground particularly wet and slippery, a good game was witnessed by tho tow spectators who attended. The narrow margin by which Dunedin won was a fair indication of tho relative strengths ol tho teams, Dunedin kicked off in the rain, and the game was quickly taken in hand by 'both packs of forwards. The Red pack pushed hard, and with a series of rushes kept play in tho Dark Blues’ twenty-five. However, tho Blue backs finally broke away, Shiel being brought down O' tho line. From a line-out the Dunedin forwards took tho ball at their feet into Union’s twentyfive, where there was a good deal of rough and bumble play. Tho bad condition of the ground spoiled some good attempts by Dunedin. From loose play in front of goal the Union half-back secured and passed to Templeton, who ran down the field, but lost the ball. He regained it, however, from a line-out, and dashed across the lino. Ashton failed with tho kick. Union 6, Dunedin nil. The Blue forwards once more carried the war into the Reds’ territory, _ where, after a lot of hammering at their opponents’ line, Delahunty carried the ball across. Collins’ kick was unsuccessful. Union 3, Dunedin 3. ■ . , . A minute later the half-time whistle was On resuming the Union forwards started a vigorous offensive, which was met firmly by the opposing pack, and for some time play hovered in neutral territory. The Dunedin forwards were lasting well, and pressed hard, but M’Dermott showed line defence, repulsing attacks almost singlehanded at times. Play was eventually carried to tho Reds’ twenty-five, where from a scrum Dawson got the ball and passed to Shiel, who cut in smartly and scored a nice try. Collett failed to find the uprights. Dunedin 6, Union 3. _ _ , Dunedin’s second trv roused the IvetLs, and for the rest of the game way was confined to Dunedin’s territory, but there was no further score. The game ended: Dunedin - £ points. Union 3 P° mts ‘ Mr R. Watson was referee. SECOND GRADE. Training College 44, Alhambra niL Ravensbourne 8, Pirates A 6. Port Chalmers 4, Southern nil. Union 3, University D nil. Pirates B 26. Dunedin 5. Kaikorai 12, Green Island nil. THIRD GRADE. Port Chalmers A 3. Training College 3. Ravensbourne 6, Y.M.C.A. 3. Port Chalmers B 28. Alhambra B 0. High School 54, Dunedin ml. Kaikorai A 3, Zingan A 3. University E 6, Alhambra nil. Pirates A 6. Southern 5. Pirates B 22, Kaikorai B nil. High School 34, Dunedin nil. FOURTH GRADE. Alhambra A 6. Dunedin nil. Pirates B 4. Taieri Rovers 3. Pirates A 17, Green Island niL High School 8. Kaikorai 6. Zingari 12, Alhambra D mL FIFTH GRADE. Alhambra 3 Zingari 3. Pirates 35, Dunedin nil. Southern 3, High School nil SIXTH GRADE. Port Chalmers 5, High School A 3. Pirates 9, Alhambra 8. Kaikorai 9, Dunedin nil. , High School B beat Zingari B by default. , _ , , Green Island beat Southern B by default. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. CHANGES IN OTAGO TEAM. Wise (wing three-quarter) has notified the selectors that he is unable to go to Invercargill with tho Otago team to plav Southland on Wednesday, and his place will bo taken by Petorson. trio Southern wing. Owen (emergency forward! is unable to make the trip, and Dunne has been picked in his stead. POVERTY BAY DEFEATS BUSH UNION. (Peb United Peesb Association.) GISBORNE, July 11. Before an attendance of about 2000, Poverty Bay defeated Bush Union by 50 points to 12. Tho winners were much superior in tho backs. Ihe game was fairly even till the interval, tne scores then being 18 points to 6 in favour of Poverty Bay. Thereafter the local combination told, and towards tho end the visitors were outclassed. Poverty Bay scored 11 tries, seven being converted, and one penalty goal. Bush Union’s score con sisted of one penalty goal and three tries. WEST COAST DEFEATS DULLER. (Peb United Press Association.) WESTPORT, July 11. Tho return Rugby match between Bailor and West Coast was played at Victoria Square to-day in glorious weather. In 3 attendance was a record for W ost Coast and Buffer matches, tho takings amounting to £l3O. The teams wore very evenly matched. At half-time filler led by C points to 3—two penalty goals by Gnththf. to an unconverted try by Jamieson. The second spell was very strenuous, Steel, tne All Black, with cha'rcteristic inns, scoring two unconverted trios. Buffer made des perate efforts to retrieve tho game, time and again pinning West Coast on tho Ime, but without avail. West Coast were also dangerous on many occasions. The curtain-raiser between Westport juniors and Inangahua was won by Westport by 20 to nilAUCKLAND MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 12. Ponson-by 3, Marists 3. College Rifles 3, Grammar nil. Grafton 11, University 3. Shore 18, King’s Old J4oys 16. ' Suburbs 14, Manukau 8. , , Mount Albert Grammar School 5, King s College nil HAWKE’S BAY GAMES. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, July 12. Hastings 24, Celtic T 7. Maori Agricultural College 11, Havelock North 3. Pirates 3, Miarists 3, WAIRARAPA MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) MASTERTON, July 12. Gladstone 12, Carterton nil. Red Stars 54, Martinborough nil. Greytown 29, Masterton nil. With three games to be played tho issue lies between Rod Stars and Gladstone. WELLINGTON COMPETITION, (Per United Press Association.; WELLINGTON, July 12. ; Poneko 15, Marists 9. Oriental 6, University 3. Potono 9, Borhampore 9. v* ellington 19, Athletic 4. Old Boys 8, Hutt nil. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES (Per United Press Association.) CHRISiCxxJRCH, July 11. Merivale 13, Linwood 3. Christchurch 17, Albion nil. University lb, North Canterbury 5. The positions of the teams in tho senior competitions arc as follow:—Old Boys, Merivale, and Christchurch, each 7 joitns ; Linwood, 5; University, 3jr; Albion, 2; North Canterbury, Ij.. HAWKE’S BAY REPRESENTATIVES. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, July The following team has been selected to represent Hawke’s Bay against Wairarapa at Masterton next Saturday:—Fullback, Nepia ; three-quarters—(ironside, Blake, and Falwasser; five-eighths. Mill and Paewai; half, Gorki II; wing-forward Walker; forwards—Gemmel, Ormond, M. Brownlie (captain), C. Brownlie, Mahoney, Irvine, and Kirkpatrick Eleven of tho selected 15 have worn the All Black jersey in tho last throe years, another has plyacd for the North Island, and the thirteenth toured Australia with the last Now Zealand Native team. This will probably bo the team to defend tho Ranfurly Shield against Canterbury’.

Pirates ... 9 Kaikorai .. • w 3 University A ... 17 Southern _ 5 Dunedin ... 6 Union 5 Zingari ... 9 Taieri Rovers ... 6 University I ... 3 Alhambra 3 POSITION OF TEAMS. The position of the teams engaged in the senior competition is now as follows: Point© Flag P. w , L D. For. Agst. Pts. Pirates . 10 10 0 0 203 62 20 University A Kaikorai . 10 9 . 10 6 1 3 0 1 185 147 67 71 13 13 Alhambra . 10 X 3 5 57 4G 11 Zingari . 10 5 4 1 90 79 11 Southern . 10 5 5 0 132 115 10 Dunedin . 10 ‘ 4 5 1 75 124 9 University B . 9 1 7 i 78 169 3 Taieri Covers . 9 1 7 1 83 90 Union . 10 0 10 0 37 253 0