RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19785, 10 May 1926, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. THE SENIOR COMPETITION. After a lapse of one Saturday owing to the closing of the Exhibition, the Rugby Union’s competitions were resumed on Saturday. The principal match was that between Kaikorai ami Alhambra, the former winning by 11 points to three. The grounds were in good order in spite of rain overnight. The results of the day’s matches were as follows; Kaikorai .... 11 Alhambra .... 3 Pirates .. .. 25 Southern .... 11 University B. • 34 Dunedin .. .. 20 University A .. 54 Union’ 0 Zingari .. .. 16 Taieri Rovers 3 POSITIONS OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of tho teams in the First Grade competition:— Points

ALHAMBRA v. KAIKORAI. The players of the Alhambra and Kaikorai Clubs have been the heroes of a hundred tights, so to speak, in the days gone by, but it would be safe to say that the two packs never met in a harder tussle than when they tried conclusions at Carisbrook on Saturday, at the conclusion of the University A and Union match. The Alhambra bad evidently planned to play their forwards for all they were worth, make the game tight, and so prevent the Hill backs from getting possession of the ball. The Hill backs, however, were not a great deal bettor than the Red backs when they did get the ball, and so the Kaikorai forwards were left to tight out the battle against the opposing vanguard. In the second spell, particularly, the game descended at times to a mere sacks-on-the-mill contest, and it is just a matter of opinion whether the referee (Mr R. Torrance) could not have stopped this style of how not to play the game earlier than he did. It was a most uninteresting game, and many people left the ground long before the final whistle went. The match certainly did not prove the draw the Otago Union expected. In the second half Berry and M'Millan were injured, aud had to leave the ground. Alhambra played with the sun at their backs, and the forwards at once got into solid work at midfield. The Red forwards came on with a promising rush, but Dickinson stopped it dead, and -the Red backs mishandling, the Blue forwards, with Glengarry in front, got to their opponents’ line. Scrambling play took place in front of the Reds’ goal, but a couple of free kicks brought relief to the north end team. Then King, who was standing near the right corner flag, missed a high kick, and a Kaikorai man picked tip the ball, but had to go outside the play to come round to score —a rather amusing and unique incident. The Kaikorai team were trying to open the play, and Callander forced the Reds with a high kick. Dodds, and then Parsons, drove hack attacks by the Hill men, but Callander ran and kicked, and King missing. Perry and T. Sonntag carried on the movement, the Reds again forcing. Hard kicking by the Red forwards, for whom Campbell, Coombes, and A. Glengarry were battling hard, took play to the Kaikorai twentylive, where Knox secured and punted to Dicldnson, who, with his line in danger, marked. Give-and-take play followed. Swift got the ball away from a scrum, but Callander failed to take his pass from Dickinson. The Hill forwards came into the breach, and dribbled to the line, Laing scoring at the left corner. Dickinson missed the goal kick. 3 —nil. The Alhambra backs were playing very poorly, and the Kaikorai backs broke through, Callander spoiling a splendid opportunity by giving Slaughter a bad pass. The ball then went into touch-in-goal as Callander fell on it. Play drifted back to the other end of the field, Kaikorai having to force, and a little later Dickinson and Laing came away with passing, but solid collaring stopped the movement. Bad judgment by Callander when he had the ball, and solid stopping by the Reds’ half-back. Smith, were features of the following play. The Kaikorai backs were getting the ball, but they were jamming their wings on the line. At last Callander made another of his solo efforts, and weak tackling let him run deep into the Red territory. He gave a bad pass to Slaughter on the right wing, but he managed to hold the ball at the second attempt and scored. Dickinson kicked a fine goal. • S—nil. The whistle went shortly after with the Alhambra attacking hard. The Kaikorai forwards came away with a rattle. Laing kicked and got to King—who was right off his game—before lie could return. A scrum was formed on the line, and the Reds had to force. The Red forwards, A. Glengarry in front, bore down on the Hill team’s line, hut the attack dwindled away once the ball got out to the rearguard. A sacks-on-the-mill episode at midfield lasted some minutes. Dickinson gained a lot of ground with a punt to the open side, and although the Kaikorai had their opponents under hard pressure, the solo efforts of the Hill backs to bump their way through ended nowhere. Another sacks-on-the-mill episode. Callander forced the Reds with a kick which sent the ball 50 yards. The Red backs then put in their best bit of passing for the day, Griffen being the last to receive the ball, and making a bold bid for tlie line, and Kaikorai had to force from a scramble. The Red forwards came again, and R. Callander (brother to the Kaikorai R. Callander) kicked a g*>al from a penalty. B—3.8 —3. In the final stages of the game Callander received the ball near the centre, and threw out a long pass to Dickinson on the right wing, the All Black five-eighth scoring. Dickinson missed the goal kick. 11—3. Kaikorai missed another likely chance shortly after, Laing making a good run along the line after receiving the ball from Dickinson, and then throwing inaeld as he was collared from behind. It was a bad pass, and Dickinson failed to hold it as it landed on his shoulders. The game then ended: Kaikorai II points. Alhambra 3 points. PIRATES v. SOUTHERN’. Pirates and Southern met at Bishopscourt, the former winning by 25 points to 11. It was a hard, fast, and open game, with plenty of interesting piny among both backs and forwards. Half-way through the second spell Southern were leading, and it seemed as if they might bent last year’s premiers, but Pirates (hen set up a series of spectacular movements, and put on 16 points before the final whistle. The kick-off by Southern was immediately followed by a passing rush by the Blacks. A hard kick by Graham saw the ball go over the line, but Mattingly iniskicked and sent it into Rodger’s hands, the Pirate’s forward going over to score an easy try. Walker failed to convert. Clark took play back to tho Southern line again, but a counter movement by the Black-and-Whites compelled him to save hurriedly. Passing between Robinson and Clark was followed by a serum near Southern’s line, but the Blacks were driven back. Wise saving in the face of a solid forward rush headed by Carnegie. After vigorous play in the Pirates’ twentyfive Prebble sent the bail out, on the blind side to J. M’Kerrow, who clashed across to score. Hollander's kick at goal failed. Pirates 3, Southern 3. From a scrum Judge came through with a determined run, but through a good save .by Walker the danger was averted. Southern kept up a steady pressure, and for some time had play in Pirates' territory. From a tussle near the line, Harrison worked his way across and scored a try which A. M’Kerrow converted. Graham put the Blacks on attack, but Judge and Neipier took play back to the Pirates’ twenty-five, Walker being called on to save twice in quick succession. Graham, however, picked up and sent to Demalmanche, the ball being handled by Jackman and Rodger before it went to Clark, who scored at the corner Walker’s kick went wide. Southern 8. Pirates C. Southern forced from another Pirates’ passing rush before the half-time whistle was sounded. After the kick-off tor the second spell play remained for a time in neutral terri-tcr-r. Clark at last got away on the wing, but" he threw in recklessly when jammed on the line, Prebble kicking out. Pirates rushed play to Southern’s lino Jackman and Wise making attempts to cross. Clark wu thrown out at the corner, and Prebble

forced from the resulting play. Wise secured from a speculator by Mattingly, but was soon clowned. Gourley got the bull out to Wise cleanly from a scrum soon after, and the Pirates wing three-quarter dashed across to score a good try. Walker again failed to add the extra points Pirates 9, Southern 8. Southern immediately attacked, and fought hard to cross. From passing among the forwards Lewis secured and forced his way across A. M'Kerrow’s kick failed. Southern 11, Pirates 9. After passing among the Pirates hacks Clark was caught just at the corner by J. M’Kerrow. Demalmanche secured, however, and sent out to Wise, who ran across and touched down behind the posts. Robinson failed to convert. Pirates 14, Southern 11. A forward rush by Pirates carried everything before it. Graham van ahead and, picking un the ball in_ his stride, scored as he was collared. Robinson s kick failed. Pirates were given another chance when Mattingly tried to speculate and missed the hall. Cooper picking up and scoring, Wise’s kick was unsuccessful. Solo efforts by Jackman and Wise put Pirates on the attack again, and from play in the Southern twenty-five Robinson sent on to W T i«e, who scored at the corner. Graham kicked a fine goal. _ Pirates were attacking when the final whistle of a fine game blew, with the scores: Pirates 25 pojnts Southern H points Mr J. Higginson was referee.

UNIVERSITY A v. UNION. The match between University A and Union resulted in a runaway victory lor ti,e former team, and although tho Maroon forwards showed a certain amount of dash at times the speedy University backs effected their usual series of speedy passing movements, which completely demoralised the Union defence. Webb was injured, and left the ground shortly before the end of the game. ... , . Union kicked off from the Workshops end, and promptly took play into University’s territory with a series of forward rushes. From a lino out in University s twentv-five, Stevenson secured, and gained ground with a long line kick. Ross secured possession when the ball came into play and sent out to Diack, who passed to Webb. The latter streaked for the line and scored, Stevenson converting. Iho Blue forwards .assumed the offensive, and, from the ruck, Pacey picked up and passed out to Hanan, who beat several of the opposition and got over near th P corner. L ack’s attempt at goal failed. Again University pressed, and a passing rush instituted by Holden resulted m the ball going to Pa’cev, who passed out to Hanan, who dashed along the line and scored. Diack again failed to convert. University, 11; Union, nil. The Maroon forwards, headed by M'Dermitt, got away with the ball at their toes, and for a time played centred in the Blues’ ground, but Stevenson relieved with a good run to midfield, where Diack secured. The baU went to Webb, who ran across the held, drawing the defence, and finally Hanan obtained possession and scored another try. A vain the Union forwards attacked, and succeeded in keeping University on the defensive till a line kick by Stevenson carried play to the half-way mark. From a scrum Hanan secured, and passed to Ross. The latter ran round, and banded to Holden who made a good run before passing to Pacey. who got over unopposed. Diack converted. University, 19, Union, nil The Blue forwards pressed, and took the ball into Union’s twenty-five, where Holden picked up and got across. For the ensuing five minutes play was all in favour of the Blues, and Webb made a good run from the half-way mark and took the leather into Union s twenty-hve before punting. Dunne raced up and scored under, the posts. Diack mi >de no mistake with the kick, and • at half time the score stood: University, 27 points, Union, nil. . ~ , , On resuming University attacked vigoiously and an opening by Holden gave Martin a chance, and he took the bad across near the corner flag, Stevenson failing to convert. Again the University backs got into motion and Hanan snapped up and went over, Dun* adding the major points. University 35, Union nil. The Blues continued to press, and Martin nicked up from the ruck and dived over. Plav was in the Maroon’s favour cor a time, till'the Blue forwards broke away and their rush resulted in Hindcnach addmg another three points. Diack s kick at Eroal failed. The University backs were throwing the ball about freelv. and a passing rush instituted by Diack resulted m Hanan goine over behind tho posts. Diack kicked a goal. Pacey . next ran through and passed at the right moment to Douglas, who outdistanced the opposition and scored. Stevenson converted. Play continued to be in favour of the Bines and from a forward rush, Dunne picked uu and scored. Stevenson missing the Kick. A penalty in favour of the Maroons was missed by Stubbs, and the game ended with the scores: ’ University ~ Union nU Mr E. Clancy was referee.

DUNEDIN V. UNIVERSITY B. University B piet Dunedin at Ta huna Park before a handful of spectators. Ihe students were without .the services of Lindsav, whose place was filled by M Donald. In the first spell the Light Blues thiew the ball about in traditional University fashion, and showed good combination in backing one another up to correct mistakes Their tactics had the Dunedin men quite baffled, and the students penetrated their defence time and again, with the result that they had 25 points on at half-time. The second spell was quite a different story. The Dark Blue forwards drove into the University backs with great vigour, and gave them very little oppoi trinity to start their dangerous passing movements. Butler ga«e a fine exhibition of goal kicking and landed no fewer than four penalty goals. The Dunedin backs were never much in the picture, but the forwards asserted thernSelves to such puipose that the team added 15 points durin<r the spell, while the students added only nine. Mitchell, the students’ captain, played an exceptionally fine game, and -was resopnsible for making many openings tor others as well as scoring tries aud kicking goals himself. It was almost a quarter past 3 when play started. Dunedin kicked off, and for a time play hung in' midfield till a University passing rush broke down and let the Dunedin forwards through. Then Mitchell picked up and saved nicelv. eventually finding the line near the Dunedin twenty-live with a welljudged kick. From the hue-out Mitchell made a good opening and started a passing rush which ended in Mathicson scoring at tho corner. Nicholson s kick failed. The students continued to and from a scrum near the Dunedin line Wells got over. Mitchell added the extra points. Dunedin rallied to the attack, and from scrambling play Collett scored, O’Connor kicking a coal. University B 8. Dunedin 5. Dunedin were compelled to force, but on resuming the Dark Blue forwards rushed play to the other end of the field and compelled University to force. The students quickly returned to the attack, and a movement was started from a loo*o scrum. The ball passed through several hands to M’Clymont, who successfully gave the dummy aud crossed the line to score. Nicholson made a good, but unsuccessful, attempt at goal. Play swung across to the students’ left, where Mathieson on tho wing ran round the opposition and added another try. Mitchell landed a pretty goal from a difficult angle. University B 16, Dunedin 5. The students were awarded a penalty kick in a good position, and Mitchell made no mistake. The students kept up tho pressure and Mitchell, getting a return pass from M’Donald, hurled himself across at the corner. Mitchell’s kick just failed. Student passing from a scrum caught the opposition out of position, and Mathicson ran round them and scored. Just before half-time the Dark Blue forwards got away and, led by Cullen, charged down on the students’ line, but the attack was not presed home. Tho half-time score was: University B .25. Dunedin 5.

Early in tho second spell Dunedin lost a promising opportunity through four of the forwards over-running the ball. Dunedin had a penalty kick awarded them in a fair position, and Butler landed a good goal. A few minutes later (ho same player landed another goal from a similar position. University B 25, Dunedin 11. A student hont of passing saw M’Donald cross the line at tho corner, but he was given out of hounds before he touched down. Cullen headed a Dunedin .attack, and kicking over Nicholson’s head he had a clear run in, but Nicholson beat him for possession of the ball and forced. Butler took advantage of another free kick to place a third goal from a very difficult position. During the 20 minutes in which the spell had been in progress Dunedin had added nine points to their opponents’ nil. Illegal tactics in the scrum brought a penalty kick to University in excellent position, but Nicholson failed to increase the score. Mitchell started a movement on his own side of half-way. ant 1 the ball wont to M‘Don aid. Batchelor, and back again to Mitchell, who scored. Mitchell’s kick failed. The Dunedin forwards, who were dealing with the students’ ettnei: much more effectively than they did in the fir.-t spell, carried an attack over the line, and Bakerouched down. BnUer failed to convert.

Dunedin continued to hold the upper hand, and a tough struggle took place for several minutes on the students’ line. For illegal tactics in a scrum five yards out Dunedin were awarded another free kick, and Butler added another goal. Wilson broke through and headed for the Dunedin line, but ended by giving the pass to a Dunedin man. From their own twentyfive University made n sudden sortie which was finished off by M’Donuld scoring. Nicholson’s kick was unsuccessful. University B 31, Dunedin 20. Mitchell broke through in midfield, and sent the ball out to Mathicson. who scored after a good run- Nicholson’s kick was unsuccessful. This was the final incident of the game, which ended: University B 34 points Dunedin 20 points Mr A. J. Haub was referee. ZINGARI-RICHMOND v. TAIERI ROVERS. Zingarß-Richmond met Taieri Rovers at Mosgiel, and proved themselves the better side, especially in the second spell, when the backs iiegan to work together much better, handling the ball more smartly and cleanly than in the opening stages of the game. The Taieri forwards surpassed the Colours’ pack, but their backs lacked the combination of the visitors. The home team kicked off, but were soon forced back into their own territory, where play remained for some time. The Greens attacked well, and piny was transferred to the Colours' twenty-five, whore a penalty goal gave Taieri a load of three points The Colours then took up the attack, and a good passing rush ended in Mitchell scoring. Hazelwood failed with the kick. Zingari-Richmond 3 Taieri Rovers 3. The Colours attacked again and tight play on the line ended in Zingari-Rich-inond scoring. Hazelwood converted. Zingari-Richmond 8. Taieri Rovers 3 Half-time was called a few minutes later When play was resumed the Colours returned to the attack with renewed vigour. A passing rush was started b Orr for Zingari who ran infield and passed to Mitchell who scored. Zi/igari-Richmoud 11, Taieri Rovers 3. Zingari's next score was the result of a brilliant passing rush, started by Orr, who, after he was jammed on the line kicked across in front of M;e goal. Further passing follwed, and finally a Colours’ back went across. Hazelwood easily converted. The game ended a few minutes later with the scores; — Zingari-Richmnd Id Taieri Rvers 3 Mr J. Himburg was the referee. SECOND GRADE. University D 22, Alhambra 8. Pirates B 38, Dunedin 13. Port Chalmers 16, Kaikorai 5. Training College 13, Pirates A 5. THIRD GRADE. A Section. Zingari-Richmond 11, Kaikorai 9. Southern 9, Alhambra 8. B Section. Pirates C 21, University F 9. FOURTH GRADE. Pirates A 42, High School 0. Alhambra A 51, Y.M.C.A. 0. Union 20, Pirates B 6. FIFTH GRADE. Port Chalmers 6, Green Island 0. Alhambra 8, Kaikorai 3. Zingari-Richmond 13, Southern 0. Dunedin 15, Ravensbourne 0. Pirates 8, High School 8. AUCKLAND MATCHES. (Pee United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, May 9. Ponsonby 14. Grammar 3. Marists 3, Grafton 3 College Rifles 11, University 3. In the Ponsonby-Grammar match Grammar lost all hope of victory through injuries to Wright, S. Badeley, Goodacre, and Gardiner, all backs, who had to leave the field. Gardiner was admitted to hospital with slight concussion. WELLINGTON GAMES. (Per United Phebs Association.) WELLINGTON, May 9. Oriental 17, Poneke, 0. Athletic 9, Wellington 0. Petone 32, Hutt 8. Berhampore 17, Selwyn 5. University 21, Marists 0. Old Boys a bye. THE CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITION. (Per United Pbesb Associa iion.i CHRISTCHURCH, May 9. Merivale 23, Old Boys 12. University 23 Albion 3. Christchurch 6, Limvood 6. INVERCARGILL MATCHES. PIRATES DEFEAT STAR. (From Onn Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, May 9. Playing in the senior competition matches on Saturday afternoon for the Galbraith Shield Pirates unexpectedly defeated the Star fifteen by six point to three after a close and interesting contest. The defeat is the first that Star, who were last year’s premiers, have experienced for a long period of years. The other match in the senior competition, that between Invercargill and Southern, was won by the former team by 18 points to 10. HAWKE’S BAY. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, May 8. Hastings 12, Pirates 11. Marists 6, Technical Old Boys 5. Celtic 3, High School Old Boys 0. IN OTHER CENTRES. (Per United Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH. May 9. FeUdm" 19, Western United 6. Old Boys 21, Woodville 3. MASTER TON. May 9. Grey town 17, Red Stars 3. Carterton 50 Featherston 6. Masterton 13, Martinborough 3. A CRICKET SCORE. (Per United ■ ness Association.) WELLINGTON, May 9. In the folirth grade match between Petone and TaTta yesterday, Petone won by 103 points to nil. SCHOOLS’ RUGBY. The following is the draw for Wednesday : B Grade.— Forbury v. Albany street, at North Ground; Kensington v. N.E. Valley, at Oval No. 1; Maori Ilill v. Macandrew road, at Bishopscourt No. 1; George street a bye. Bantams.—Forbury I v. Macandrew road I. at Bathgate Park: Arthur street v. High street, at Montecillo: Kensington v. Kaikorai, at Bishopscourt No. 2 ; Caversham v. George street, at Oval No. 2; Musselburgh I v. N.E. Valley I, at Oval No. 3; Forbury IT v. Macandrew road 11. at Alexandra Park ;Normal v. N.E. Valley 11, at Opoho No. 1.

P. TT. L. i'. For A get. F.P. University A .. 3 3 0 c 107 3 C Zingari .. .. o 3 0 0 33 9 0 University B .. 3 o 0 1 7G 33 i) Kaikorai .. .. 3 2 0 I 51 2.3 5 Pirates 3 2 1 0 50 43 4 Alhambra .. .. 3 i 2 n 19 o.> 2 Southern .. .. 3 i o 0 OO 38 o Dunedin .. .. 3 0 3 0 20 77 0 Union 3 0 3 0 12 112 0 Taieri Rovers .. 3 0 3 0 11 40 0