RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20431, 11 June 1928, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

FIRST GRADE MATCHES. UNIVERSITY A DEFEATS KAIKORAI. A HARD-FOUGHT GAME. Once again Rugby footballers and followers of the game were favoured with fine weather on Saturday. The principal attraction was the match between the two unbeaten teams —University A v. Kaikorai. After a stern tussle the Students emerged victorious by 12 points to 3. The other games resulted as was expected, but University B was fully extended by Taieri and won by only 3 points to nil. University A is now the only unbeaten team, but it has played one match fewer than Kaikorai. Both teams have 14 flag points, and Pirates and Alhambra are close behind. The following are the results or the matches:—

POSITIONS OF TEAMS. The following are the positions of the teams engaged in the First Grade competition:— _ . i Points Flag

UNIVERSITY A v. KAIKORAI. Great interest was attached to the meeting of these unbeaten teams, and it is estimated that about 8500 people were present at Carisbrook to watch the contest. The game was played under ideal weather conditions, and the ground, taking it all round, was in splendid order. The spectators were treated to an interesting game, but the Blues did not provide many of the thrills usually in evidence When they take the field. Kaikorai kicked off from the railway end, and after Botting. La ing, Ross, and Monk had joined in passing, which broke down badly, Stevenson missed with a fairly easy penalty shot. Play hung at the Colours’ twenty-five, but the Bine passing also failed, and Allan and Clcland led a dribbling rush, which M'Clymont stopped at his twenty-five. Kaikorai was getting the ball from the scrums, and Laing was making a solo dash now and then. A long scrum took place at the Blues’ twenty-five, the Students being under pressure, but Stevenson saved ’well. Bad passing by the Colours let Bradanovitch secure possession, and he ran and punted, play going right to the other end of the field. Play hung at midfield, and the crowd in the stand booted loudly at some incident which was not observable from the press box. Monk punted to Stevenson, who sent back with interest. The game so far had been mostly confined to the forwards. The Blue backs passing was not gaining ground. Mathoson secured from some passing, and put in a great kick to the line. Fountain, who should not have been playing, went off, and Slaughter came on. Bradanovitch then showed out in some passing, and Holden was held up just in time. Botting relieved with a good line kick, but the Blues were quietly back on attack. Passing swung out from the Blues left wing to Matheson, who potted a fine goal. 4 —nil. The Kaikorai men were kicking too hard, and giving Stevenson plenty of time to send back. The Blues were also beating the Colours in the line outs. Smith, on the right wing, was collared by Wilson near the Kaikorai line, and the Blues kept up the pressure. The Colours had to force, and Jackson was in front of another Blue rush, Ross stopping well. A miskick by Bradanovitch nearly got his side in to trouble, but Stevenson saved well in the face of a forward rush. Hard ragged forward play followed. Holden, who was varying his play with judgment, handed out to Bradanovitch on the short side, and Smith went on to the right corner before he was collared. Matheson had another pot, without success. A couple of free kicks helped Kaikorai, but the Blue pack, which was now more than holding its own against the opposing vanguard, set up a determined attack. Haugh-

ton was almost over, and Laing ran back over his line to force. From the ensuing scrum, Holden went round and through a gap on the open side to score. Stevenson goaled. The half time whistle went shortly after, the Blues having so far had the best of the game. 9—nil. Henley missed with a penalty at the start of the second half. Laing, first five-eighth, was showing up with some good individual play, but the Hill backs could not continue. Passing broke down at Ross, and then Wilson collared Smith well, at the end of the Blue passing. Monk punted to Stevenson, who was caught with the ball, and Kaikorai attacked with vigour. Sonntag was always prominent. The Kaikorai backs were coming in fast on to the Blue passing, which was mostly going across field. A scrum was formed near the side line at the Kaikorai twenty-five, and M'Clymont raced in from his wing to take the fast pass from Holden. The bail then travelled right through the backs to Smith, right wing, who wont over at the corner, just clear of Wilson’s clutching hands, to finish off the best movement of the day. Stevenson failed to goal. 12nil. The Kaikorai forwards came with a rattle, and Lotting, Laing, and Ross joined in passing, the last-named cutting in and going straight for the goal posts, and from a scramble Matheson forced just in time. Laing cut off a pass from Holden, and in/ a flash was through the defence. He threw back to M'Meeking, and a third Kaikorai man was pulled down on the line. M'Clymont picked up from a scramble, but his kick was charged down, and Cleland dived on the ball to score. Brown missed. 12 —3. A high kick and a quick follow through by Smith had Kaikorai in trouble and Bradanovitch missed with a penalty shot. The Kaikorai forwards now set up a solid attack, and twice Stevenson saved well. Kaikorai missed with a penalty, and shortly after Martin led a good Blue rush. Ross was now playing a good attacking game, cutting in well, and after some exciting forward play at the centre Laing twice broke through with solo efforts. From one rush Stevenson failed to field the ball on the ground, and the Kaikorai forwards surged to the attack, Glengarry just being beaten for the ball as it went over the line. The Blues came again in the dying stages of the game, and Smith was nearly over at the right corner. The final whistle went with play at the Kaikorai twenty-five. University A .. .. 12 points Kaikorai 3 points Mr R. Watson was referee.

ALHAMBRA v. UNION. Although the game between Alhambra and Union as a whole did not provide spectacular or exciting football, there were plenty of good passing movements, and the game was stubbornly contested. Alhambra won by the comfortable margin of 24 points to 6, but its task was not so easy as the scores might make it appear. The Red and Blacks owed their success mainly to their backs, who threw the ball about in good style. The Union forwards made a plucky stand against the hard-working Alhambra pack. The players were hampered, however, by the greasy state of the ground, and the ball, too, was heavy. Early m the game Coates had to retire with an injured knee, Wyllie taking his place. Towards the end Lumb went off- with an injured shoulder, and a short time later Donniston and Campbell collided, both being carried off with leg injuries. Alhambra attacked at the start, viiffen potting unsuccessfully when there was a good chance of a score if he had sent the ball out. Souter failed with a free kick a few minutes afterwards. 'J lie Rod and Blacks kept on attack for some time, but Elliott broke away on his own, running 30yds before kicking, Ecnnon picking up and sending the ball out. Good

work by Lumb took the Maroons right to the Alhambra line, where offside play lost them a good chance. Almost immediately, however, the Maroons were awarded a penalty kick in a good position, Churchill piloting the ball between the posts. Union 3, Alhambra nil. Souter had another unsuccessful shot at goal. Riddle miskicking on his own side of the line. Union was lucky to force. A good run by Vorrath put Union on attack, but the Red and Blades were saved by a free kick. The Red and Blacks came away in a strong passing movement, which gained a long stretch of ground. From play in midfield, Griffen secured and made a good dash before passing to Buchanan who, swerving cleverly near the line, went over in a tackle to score. _ Callander converted. Alhambra 5, Union 3. Again the Alhambra backs broke away, Wilson making a fine run up the line from halfway, only to be collared a few feet from the line. He dropped the ball, but Griffen could not pick it up, and a try was lost. Alhambra kept up a series of hot attacks, More with the ball at his toes, saving from one strong effort. Callander took a good mark, however, and kicked a goal. Alhambra 8, Union_ 3. Towards the end of CLe spell the Union backs joined in several good passing efforts, but were unable to penetrate the defence. Alhambra attacked at the start, the ball rolling out of bounds after a kick by Wilson. A few minutes afterwards the same player made a fine dash down the wing, only to lose the ball when over the line, the Maroons forcing. For a time the Union forwards attacked strenuously, Churchill failing with a shot at goal from a penalty. The Alhambra backs then began to throw the ball about, their efforts breaking down near the line. They were awarded a free kick in front of the posts, however, and Callander kicked an easy goal. Wilson followed up a hard Alhambra kick, and, boating the Union backs for the ball, dashed in between the posts, Callander converting. Alhambra IG, Union 3. The Alhambra backs initiated a hot attack, which ended in Walker and Buchanan falling short of the line, a free kick saving the Maroons. Then the Maroons took a turn at attack, and carried play to the Alhambra line, where they were awarded a penalty, Churchill kicking a goal. Alhambra 16, Union 6. The game was nearing its end when, after a solid Alhambra forward rush, Wyllie secured and dashed across near the corner, Callander converting with a fine kick. Alhambra 21, Union 6. Two Union attacks failed to penetrate the defence, and then from passing Wilson dashed over for another score, Callander’s kick failing. The game ended with the scores:— Alhambra 24 points Union 6 points Mr B. Olliver was referee. DUNEDIN v. SOUTHERN. The match between Dunedin and Southern at Logan Park was won by the latter team, with a margin of seven points. The Dunedin pack outplayed its opponents, but the Black and White backs proved too good for the Dark Blues. . Dunedin kicked off, and carried play into the Southern territory, but the Dark Blues were very soon on the defensive. The first score of the match came when Todd came round a scrum on the blind side and passed out to M'Kerrow, who just managed to scramble over the Dunedin line well out. Wilson’s kick failed. Southern 3, Dunedin nil. The Southern backs were working well, and its forwards were also showing up in the loose. They very soon had Dunedin in trouble again. A scrum in front of the goal gave Todd his second opportunity. The ball passed through the hands of several of the Southern backs. Todd eventually grounding the ball in a good position, after a nice run. Wilson’s kick was successful. Southern 8, Dunedin nil. Southern’s next score came from a penalty goal, the result of Hayes lying on the ball. Devlin made no mistake with the kick. Southern 11, Dunedin nil. Just before the end of the spell Dunedin secured three points from a penalty goal, Collett being successful with a welljudged kick. Southern 11, Dunedin 3. Dunedin early had Southern defending after resumption, and after a series of scrums near the Black and White line Brookes managed to force his way over. Collett did not convert. Southern 11, Dunedin 6. ' ,

Todd, at half-back, was invaluable ■ to his side, and kept bis backs busy. He made the opening for Southern’s next try, passing in after a tricky run. Inglis eventually secured the ball and dashed over. Devlin’s kick was successful. ' Southern 16, Dunedin 6. Dunedin secured another three points as the result of a Southern infringement. Collett kicked an easy goal from within the Southern twenty-five. Hollander received a severe blow on the head as a result of a collision and had to retire, Bain replacing him. There was no further score, however, and the gatqe ended Southern .. .. .. 16 points. Dunedin 9 points. Mr A. Fleury was the referee. PIRATES v. ZINGARI. Some of the spectators who viewed the Pirates —Zingari match at Tahuna Park expected the Blacks to win with a cricket score after witnessing the first half, in which Pirates compiled 21 points, while its opponents had not opened their account. Before the spell ended the Pirates absolutely outclassed the Colours, the Black forwards playing excellently as a team, and the backs showing more football knowledge, combination and speed than Zingari. Until half time Zingari’s fowards —a good lot —played individually, and the backs were often out of position and handled badly. The Colours had rather the better of the second half and registered eight points to the Blacks’ three. Generally, the game was ragged. Pirates kicked off favoured by a corner to corner wind, but against the sun, and the forwards started a loose rush that was repelled, the Colours entering the Blacks’ twenty-five. During Zingari’s gradual retreat Pirates was penalised, and Orr’s kick sent the ball just wide of goal. Following a scrummage, the Pirates’ backs started a passing rush from which Graham, after a dashing run, scored a try at the corner. Faulkes failed with the kick. Pirates continued pressing, but a free kick gave no fresh advantage. They were getting most of the ball, and crossing and recrossing Zingari’s twentyfive in determined efforts to score again. A good dribbling movement initiated for the Colours by Richardson, and carried on by Sturgeon, sent play to Pirates’ line for a moment. Play was again in the Colours’ territory when Faulks cut in nad beat two or three opponents by dummying. A free kick to Piates was followed by Bouterey setting his backs in motion, and a passing bout in which all the Pirates’ backs handled smartly permitted Jolly to score a nice try with Zingari’s backs out of position. Faulks converted with a good angle kick, and he was successful a moment later with a kick for offside play, thus taking the score to 11 —nil for Pirates. The Black .maintained their onslaught, and from a loose scramble Bouterey picked up and potted a goal from a handy position. After the kick off Pirates’ forwards returned play to Zingari’s twenty-five, where Bouterey, from a scrum, worked the blind side to Ball and Fraser, the last-named being unmarked when he added a try. Faulks missed with the kick. Another rush by the Blacks terminated when Graham, after receiving a pass, was crowded out at the corner. Ball obtained possesion from a scrum, transferred to Fraser, the latter scoring his second try with Graham in support. Faulks kicked unsuccessfully, leaving the score at half time; Pirates 21, Zingari nil. Crawford, who was unwell, did not play in the second half for Zingari, M'Naughton coming on at first five-eighth and M‘Callurn being shifted to the half-back position. Just after the beginning or the second spell Glendinning retired with a slight head injury. Bell replacing him in the Pirates forwards. Zingari had decidedly the better of play in the opening stages, penetrating well into the Blacks’ territory, and striving hard to score before being partially repulsed. Then from a loose rush Price dribbled the ball past Cheync, M'Xatty snapping it up to sprint 20 yards and score a good try near the posts just vus he was tackled by Cheync. Caradus missed with the kick. Pirates reasserted itself, carrying the bal Ito Zingari’s twenty-five. It secured from a scrum, Bouterey picking up cleanly and transferring smartly to Ball, who passed to Faulks, the last-named sending out a good pass which Jolly missed, spoiling a sure try. Fraser retired with an injured shoulder, Graham shifting to centre ami Walker coming on on tho wing. From a scrum in the Colours’ twenty-five the ball was heeled out, and after a bright bit of passing "by ali the Pirates’ backs Graham gut

in and passed to Walker, the latter scoring a try comfortably. Jolly’s kick failed. Zingari’e forwards carried play well down the field, and mishandling by Pirates’ backs had the Blacks in trouble. Proctor secured at midway and made a brilliant run, eluding several tacklers to score behind the posts. M'Naughton converted this try, which was succeeded by very ragged, uneventful play. The final scores were:

UNIVERSITY B v. TAIERI. A very strenuous and evenly-contested game was witnessed at Mosgiel when University B defeated Taieri by 3 points fo nil. It was not until well on in the second spell that University managed to cross, for the defence of the country team was very sound and the fast passing movements of the University rearguard were stopped by deadly tackling. On one or two occasions Taieri was unlucky in not scoring, but the defensive tactics of the Blues kept the country team from crossing. University kicked off and for a few minutes play remained in Taieri's twentyfive, but the country players came away with a strong rush, and for some time the Blue line was in danger. Findlay had a kick at goal from a penalty, but failed, and play continued in University’s territory for a spell. The Blue backs broke away with a fast passing rush, but Somerville was well tackled in Taieri’s twentyfive. From an infringement Malcolm had a shot at goal, but the ball fell short and Taieri cleared. The University forwards started a dribbling rush, which again penetrated into Taieri’s twenty-five, but the defence of the country team was sound, and the movement was brought to a stop. Taieri retaliated, and after a period of scrambling play in midfield, Bathgate secured and broke through but was tackled before he had gained much ground. Shortly afterwards Finlayson gained possession and, after a good run, passed out to A. Scott, who was tackled near the Blue line. Following a fierce scramble the Blue backs again got away and Somerville, cutting in smartly, passed out to the wing, but his pass went astray. For some time play remained in midfield, University’s rearguard movements being counteracted by good tackling. Taieri’s position was improved by a good kick by Findlay, and shortly afterwards Rodgers broke through from a scramble and with only the full-back to pass, lost a golden, opportunity by hesitating, and University saved by kicking out. Half time sounded with no score registered. At the commencement of the second spell the University backs commenced a passing movement in their own twentyfive, which nearly proved disastrous, and Taieri’s forward rush was halted by the ball being kicked out. For some time play swept from one end of the field to the other, but neither side could hold the advantage for any length of time. .From midfield the Taieri pack started a fast dribbling rush, but University forced down. University again got away on a fast passing rush which brought play up the field at a great rate, the wing being well tackled in Taieri’s twenty-five by Brown. The pressure on tEe Taieri line was relieved by a free kick, and the game went- back to the Blue twentyfive- After a scramble at the corner University again forced. A period of strenuous play in midfield followed, after which the University backs got into motion again, and Somerville rounded off the movement by diving across at the corner. Malcolm failed to convert. University 3, Taieri nil. With but a few minutes to go, Taieri strained every nerve to score, but the Blue defence was equal to the occasion, and the game ended: University B .... 3 points Taieri Kil Mr W. Rennick was referee. SECOND GRADE. Alhambra 6, Zingari 3, Taieri 3, Dunedin 3. University C 24, Pirates B 11. THIRD GRADE. Zingari 12, Alhambra B 3. High School 13, Green Island 6. University E 24, Union B 8. Kaikorai 11, Union A nil. Alhambra A 8, Pirates B nil. FOURTH GRADE. Pirates 18, M'Glashan nil. Alhambra A 25, Zingari nil, Dunedin 10, Taieri nil. Kaikorai 3, Y.M.CA. nil. Zingari A 6, Southern 3. Green Island 17, Port 3. High School 20, Alhambra B 8. FIFTH GRADE. Dunedin 18, High School A 11. SIXTH GRADE. Zingari 28, Dunedin nil. VINCENT SUB-UNION. At a meeting of the Vincent Rugby Football Sub-union on Friday night it was unanimously agreed to adopt the suggestion of the O.R.F.U. for a Nelson tour. The country match, Maniototo v. Vincent, has been arranged for July 14, at Clyde, when it is suggested the selectors should pick the touring team. The local selectors were also instructed to recommend to the O.R.F.U. any players suitable for the South Island team. IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.! AUCKLAND, June 9. University 25, Ponsonby 8. Grafton 19, Grammar 9. North Shore 11, City 8. Training College 6, College Rifles 6. WANGANUI GAMES. (Pee United Press Association.) i WANGANUI, June 10. Marist 14, Old Boys 11. Kaierau 12, Ratana 8. Technical Old Boys 3, County nil. GAMES IN WELLINGTON. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 10. Old Boys 27, Athletic 13. University 41, Oriental 6. Poneke 17, Wellington 3. Petone 34, Berhampore 11. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. (Pee United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 9. Albion 11, Old Boys 10. Merivale 23, Technical 12. Christchurch 9, University 9. SOUTH CANTERBURY COMPETITION. (Pee United Press Association.) TIMARU, June 9. Temuka 9, Old Boys 3. Star 6, Waihi 3. Zingari 3, Celtic nil. 1 i I INVERCARGILL COMPETITION. ! < A WILLING GAME.

(Special to Daily Times.) INVERCARGILL, June 10. The second round of the Rugby matches concluded here yesterday with a thrilling game of fast, open, and hard football between the two leading teams—Star and Pirates. Star, hitherto undefeated this season, were beaten by 8 points to 3, So now the two top teams enter the third round on level terms. The weather was perfect, and the ground was in splendid condition. The game drew a record crowd. Diack scored the whole of the 8 points for Pirates, bringing his total up to 43 points for six games. An unfortunate incident marred the closing stages of the game, Roberts (Pirates and Southland hooker) being ordered off the field for striking Bell (Star rover). Only half a minute for play was left when Roberts was collared by 8011. The game was willing, and at times bard. Thomas (Pirates) suffered injury during the t>st spell from a kick in the ribs from Bell. Thomas was lying on the ball, and Bell came up and kicked at the ball. Thomas was injured about the ribs. Shaw

was carried off with concussion, allegedly as the result of a kick on the head by a Pirates player while Shaw was prostrate on the ground. Show is in hospital. Invercargill 27 defeated Southern 12.

Jniversity A 12 Kaikorai 3 Alhambra 24 Union .. 6 Pirates 24 Zingari . .. 8 University B 3 Taieri .. 0 Southern 16 Dunedin . .. 9

P. W. L. D For Ag Pts. I nivcrsity A 7 7 0 0 171 17—14 Kaikorai 8 7 1 0 126 61—14 Pirates 8 6 2 0 101 62 —12 Alhambra s 5 3 0 08 00—10 University B 7 4 3 0 73 37 — 8 I inion ' 8 3 4 1 68 120— 7 Southern 8 3 5 0 60 77— 6 Zingari 8 1 6 1 45 109— 3 Dunedin 8 1 7 0 33 156— 2 Taien 8 1 7 0 38 105— 2

Pirates .. .. Zingari .. .. Mr I. Grant was referee.