RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20473, 30 July 1928, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

FIRST GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP. WON BY UNIVERSITY A. NARROW DEFEAT OF KAIKORAI After a close and exciting game University A defeated Kaikorai on Saturday by three points to nil, and won the First Grade Championship for 1928 with an unbeaten record. University has now won the banner on 10 Occasions, a record which has been beaten only by Kaikorai, this season’s runner-up, which has held the championship 12 times. During the past seven years University A has been the premier club on six occasions, Pirates holding the championship in 1925. The University team’s record this season is an excellent one. It has played 15 games, all of which it has won, scoring 333 points, compared with its opponents’ 50 points. Kaikorai, which has been beaten twice by the champions, scored j 244 points, compared with its opponents’ 88. Pirates and Alhambra, who tie for third place, have eath lost five matches, and are 11 points behind the champions. The season has been remarkable in that the matches, almost without exception, have been played in fine weather, and on no occasion have First Grade matches been postponed. Saturday was probably the best day experienced, and the grounds were hard and dry. In all of the matches the scoring was small. The matches resulted as follow: — University A.. 3 Kaikorai .. .. 0 Alhambra .. .. 12 Zingari .. .. 8 University B .. 8 Southern .. .. 0 Pirates .. .. 8 Taieri 5 Union 9 Dunedin .. .. 0 POSITIONS OF TEAMS. The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the First Grade competition. . Points Flag P. W.L. D. For Ag. Pts. University A 15 15 333 60 30 Kaikorai .. 15 13 2 244 88 26 Pirates .. 15 9 5 1 164 120 19 Alhambra .. 15 9 5 1 168 142 19 University B 16 9 6 Union .... 15 6 8 1 141 199 13 Taieri .. ..’ 15 4 10 1 80 157 9 Zingari .. 15 3 10 2 88 183 8 Southern .. 15 3 12 Dunedin .. 15 1 14 PREMIER CLUBS OF OTAGO. The following is a list of the premier clubs of Otago since 1885: Year. Ciub. Year. Club. 1885 — Dunedin 1907 —University 1886 — Pirates 1908 —Dunedin 1887— Union 1909—Alhambra 1888— Kaikorai 1910 —Alhambra 1889 — Kaikorai 1911—University 1890— Union 1912 —Southern 1891 — Alhambra 1913 —Zingari 1892 Alhambra 1914—Kaikorai 1893 — Kaikorai 1915—Southern 1894 — Kaikorai 1916—Union 1895 Kaikorai 1917—University A 1896 — Kaikorai 1918 —Pirates 1897 — Kaikorai 1919 —University 1898— Kaikorai, 1020—Alhambra 1899 Kaikorai 1921—Kaikorai 1900— Alhambra 1922—University A 1901— Kaikorai 1923—University A 1902 Alhambra 1924—University A 1903 Alhambra 1925—Pirates 1904 Southern 1926—University A 1905 Alhambra 1927—University A 1906 University 1928—University A UNIVERSITY A v. KAIKORAI. University A met Kaikorai at Carisbrook under ideal conditions, and after an interesting game the Light Blues secured a lucky win by three points to nil. The Kaikorai forwards, playing well together, dominated the game, keeping the Blue vanguard very busy all through, and stifling the play of their rearguard. Kaikorai had plenty of opportunities to win, but the passing of the backs nearly always went straight across the field, and sometimes it ended farther back then where it started. There was not thrust to it. The Hill side, moreover, missed at least two fairly easy penalty kicks at goal, and the try scored against it was the result of a foolish risk taken by Monk. The Blues played from the railway end and had the sun behind them. The Colours’ forwards opened the attack with a great rush which carried play to the Blues’ twenty-five, M'Clyraont stopping the movement. A free kick helped the Blues to shift play back, and Holden sent out to Webb on the blind side of a scrum, Fountain taking the Blue wing three-quarter well. The Colours’ forwards came back with dash, but a couple of free kicks to the Blues helped them to stave off the attacks. Stevenson punted to Wilson, from a free kick, and the Colours’ full-back fumbling, he was deep in trouble, and forced in a hurry, as the ball was kicked over his line. Kaikorai was soon back at the Blues’ twenty-five, where Callander missed with a penalty kick for obstruction, Stevenson returning to the centre flag. Botting was sending the ball out to Fountain, on the blind side, but Webb was collaring him well. The Kaikorai passing in the open was straight across the field, and the Blue backs were simply taking them man for man. The Kaikorai forwards were battling hard at the Blues’ twenty-five, when one of their players kicked too hard and Stevenson forced. Passing went out to Fountain on the left-wing, but Webb stopped him in his second attempt. The Colours were getting the ball from the scrums, and Rotting was passing out well to Laing, but thereafter the movements were breaking down. The Hill forwards were keeping hard into the tight play, and although the Blues managed to lift the pressure now and again, it was never for long. Callander, full-back, stopped one thrust by the Blues well, and Wilson went down to a forward rush in good style. Next moment the play was at the Blues’ goal mouth, a Kaikorai man potting without success. Then Botting passed to Wilson, who cut in cleverly, and ran to Webb before passing to Fountain, who was caught by Stevenson right at the corner. Passing by the Kaikorai backs and a series of high kicks left play at midfield, but M’Meeking and Sonntag headed another fine forward rush, Quirk missing a supe try by failing to hold a pass, Stevenson forcing. The Hill forwards were having to come back repeatedly to save the weak play of their backs. At last the Kaikorai backs opened with promising passing, but Fountain missed the ball near the left corner. Haughton was hurt and Mathieson took his place, and the half time bell went shortly after with no score. The sun had now disappeared behind the hills. Kaikorai forwards opened with a dashing attack, but, as in the first ' half, they were kicking too hard to Stevenson and giving him plenty of time to return. Callander missed with a penalty kick and was hurt shortly after and Monk came on. Holden sent out to Mitchell, who ran along the right-wing to pass to Nicholson. Mathieson came into the movement, which broke down on the Kaikorai line. The ball was punted to Stevenson, whose return went over the line. Monk had so much time to force that he thought he would kick instead, and he sent the ball fair into Morete’s arms. Morete made a dash for about 15 yards and battled his way across. Stevenson missed the goal kick. 3—nil. Back came the Kaikorai forwards with the greatest determination, and Monk missed with a penalty. The Blues were seldom getting the ball from the scrums, but the Kaikorai backs on the other hand could not do much with it. Mitchell claimed what looked like a fair mark in the centre of the field, but the Kaikorai forwards went on, and they were given a free kick. Allan was laid out and on being raised from the ground swung his leg backwards and forwards to see how it was feeling. The referee, who was an interested spectator of the “ first aid,” got too close, and to the great amusement of the crowd, limped away rubbing his shin. Stevenson had to save again, and a scrum was formed under the goal posts. Botting was getting the ball away, but the Kaikorai backs simply could not make headway, and M’Clymont relieved the pressure with a run along the left wing. At last the Blues shifted the play back to the centre, where Dunne passed to Christie, who booted the ball over the line, Kaikorai forcing. Once more the Kaikorai forwards carried the play to the lilues’ line, and held it there. Foun-

tain made a dash along the left wing, but had no chance • of getting through, and Cleland missed a fairly easy shot, Morete being penalised for obstruction. Stevenson then drove back the attack with a great line kick. The Kaikorai forwards once more put their backs in position, and once more the backs let them down —the passing simply went across the field till the end man was pushed out or collared. Wilson made a feeble attempt with a pot, the Blues forcing, and then the ball was kicked back to Monk, who fumbled. A Blue man picked up, and a dangerous-looking passing movement stopped right at the Kaikorai line. Mitchell potted from well out, Kaikorai forcing, but the Hill forwards once more asserted themselves, and carried play to the Blue twenty-five. Fountain ran strongly along the left wing, fending off Webb, and a throw-in took place at the Blues’ line. It looked as if the Colours might score* at any moment, but there was no thrust, no finish, anti little ingenuity in the movements of their backs. Monk missed with a penalty well within distance, and the bell went shortly after. University A .. .. 3 points Kaikorai Nil Mr A. E. Eckhold was the referee. UNIVERSITY B v. SOUTHERN. A keenly-contested game between University B and Southern, at Tahuna Park, ended in victory for the Light Blues by 8 points to nil. Although play was confined to the forwards during the greater part of the game there were flashes of more or less spectacular play among the backs, Horsley, the University first fiveeighth, showing his best form. Pacey, the ex-Otago representative, made his first appearance this season, playing at wing-three-quarter. He scored one of the winners’ tries. Ragged play followed the kick off, Southern being the first to attack. The invaders were quickly driven back, however, and after passing Somerville went over to score in a good position. Malcolm’s kick failed. University B 3, Southern nil. The Southern forwards immediately broke away in a solid rush, which ended in the Blues forcing hurriedly. A clever kick by H. Todd put Southern once more on attack, Wilson breaking away in a solo dribbling effort, but the Blue forwards returned, Southern being saved by a free kick. J. Todd cut in nicely, but Blue intercepted his pass, and a chance was lost. C. Lewis broke ■away however, with the ball at his toes, but he was collared as he picked up to dive over, and Muir kicked out. At halfway Horsley secured and twice “ dummied,” gaining 30 yards, but the ball went out. From an ensuing scramble Pacey picked up and potted, the ball going just outside the upright. The Southern forwards drove back a hot attack, and from a kick by Bolton the Blues forced. The half time whistle sounded without further score. The early play in the second spell was ragged. Passing among the Blue forwards ended in a scrum being formed five yards out. The Black and White forwards made strenuous efforts to clear, but Pacey picked up and ran strongly to score at the corner. Malcolm converted with a fine kick from the touch line. University B 8, Southern nil. Wilson twice led Southern forward rushes, which seriously threatened ' the Blues, but offside play lost the Black and Whites a chance Play for some time was confined to Blue territory, but the defence was sound, and Southern could not fin.sh off its attacks. University passing ended in a strong dash by Pacey, aid then Byers was sent away on the other wing, scrums following in Southern territory. Intercepting at a scrum, Malcolm broke away on his own, but he ran into the full-back and lost a good chance. A. dash alone the left wing by Simpson put Southern once more on the offensive, and J. Todd was twice nearly across. The Blues cleared,, however, and Muir ran strongly past halfway. Southern was attacking strongly when Sutherland marked in good position, but his shot was wide. The game ended with the scores: University B 8 points. Southern Nil. Mr G. Marston was the referee. ALHAMBRA v. ZINGARI. Tahuna Park No. 1 ground was in splendid condition. Within 10 minutes of play starting Zingari forced. The latter took play to the Alhambra half, and had all the best of it for a while, but it found the defence sound. Alhambra invaded the opposite end in an open rush, and Zingari again forced. A pot at goal by Coates went wide. Alhambra secured a penalty in a good position, and R. Souter kicked a goal. Alhambra 3 points, Zingari nil. Zingari took the bail well into the Reds’ territory, where some hot, open play carried the ball over the line, but Alhambra kicked out and averted a score. The Reds made a determined onslaught on the Zingari line, and near the twenty-five flag Griffin picked up smartly and potted a goal. Alhambra 7 points, Zingari nil. Zingan had the best of the play in the remainder of the spell. Zingari had the assistance of a breeze in the second spell, and, playing with fine dash, soon placed Alhambra in a difficult position. The Zingari forwards were playing a rattling game, keeping on the ball splendidly. In a loose forward movement within Alhambra’s quarter-line Garside dribbled the ball over nicely and scored a well-deserved try. The kick at goal was a failure. Alhambra 7 points, Zingari 3 points. Alhambra saw possible disaster ahead, and put more vigour into its play. It was not for long, however, and Zingari again worked the ball well down the field, compelling Alhambra to set up a strong defence. M'Naughton was prominent in an attacking movement, and .the ball went to Crawford, who got through and scored in a good position. The kick was not what was desired by Zingari. Alhambra 7 points, Zingari 8 points. The ball travelled up and down the field for a time. The efforts of the Reds’ backs to pass were nullified by smart attacks by Zingari. A few minutes before the whistle Alhambra managed to score a sensational try. The ball went to Wilson near halfway, and that player made off down the field, keeping' close to the side line, and got over to score behind the posts. R. Souter converted. The final score was; Alhambra 12 points. Zingari 6 points. Mr R. Kennedy was the referee, PIRATES v. TAIERI. Weather conditions and the state of the ground were very favourable for a good exhibition of football at Mosgiel on Saturday, when Pirates played Taieri. The forwards were .fairly evenly matched, the advantage, perhaps, inclining to the Pirates’ side, but the Blacks showed a marked superiority in the combination of their back division. The game was keenly contested throughout, and Taieri was attacking strongly when the final whistle went. Pirates kicked off pnd play' went to Taieri’s end. A free kick for an infringement gave the Colours relief, but this was only temporary, for shortly afterwards Graham found an opening, and transferred to Jolly, who went across to score an easy try. Faulks converted—Pirates 5, Taieri nil. Shortly afterwards Taieri was awarded a free kick and play returned to halfway. Faulks then had an unsuccessful kick from a penalty. Taieri was hard pressed in its twenty-five, but Findlay gained ground with a good kick, and two more kicks by the same player brought the Colours to Pirates’ line. Taieri obtained the ball from a scrum and Bathgate, by a jinky run, nearly got across to score, but the Blacks cleared and slowly forced play back to their opponents’ territory. The Pirates’ rearguard initiated some promising passing movements, but overeagerness lost it a good chance, and Taieri obtained relief with a free kick. Soon after Giles had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a difficult angle. Findlay took the ball at his toes to the Blacks’ twenty-five, then kicked over the lino. R. Pearce followed up quickly, but the ball went out of bounds. Half time was called shortly after with the scores:—Pirates 5, Taieri nil. A combined passing rush by the Pirates’ back division opened the second spell, but the movement broke down. A few minutes later the Blacks’ half-back secured the ball, which reached Graham, who scored wide out. Giles’s kick failed. —Pirates 8, Taieri nil. The Pirates' forwards maintained the offensive, but Findlay by a good kick turned defence into attack. The Blacks, however, came again, and Giles made a nice opening, but faulty

handling lost a good chance of scoring, and immediately after another chance was lost through a pass being dropped. Another determined attack saw Fraser brought down near the Taieri line. There, a series of scrums took place and the ball travelled out to Graham, who lost possession after crossing the line. Bathgate, Finlayson, and Findlay together made a sortie to Pirates’ territory, and the Blacks’ defence was severely tested. An opening soon after was found by Liddell, who raced across to score a good try. A. Scott converted. —Pirates 8, Taieri 5. •This reverse stimulated Pirates and a good combined effort by the backs nearly resulted in a try. Giles next broke through and transferred to MDonald (wing), who made a fast swerving run down the line, but his career was checked by Brown. Bathgate then put his side on the attack, and the Colours maintained the offensive till the end of the game. The final scores were;— Pirates 8 points. Taieri 5 points. Mr C. Williamson was the referee. UNION v. DUNEDIN. The ground was in excellent condition at Logan Park on Saturday for the match between Union and Dunedin, and a fair number of spectators witnessed the game. Union kicked off, but Dunedin was soon attacking, though only temporarily, for good forward play by the Reds soon had Dunedin busily defending. Union was awarded a free kick outside the Blues’ twenty-five, but Churchill’s shot at goal was unsuccessful. The Reds were in a handy position to score when a scrum was formed on their opponents’ line, but the defence of the Dark Blue forwards proved equal to the occasion, and Dunedin gradually worked its way back into Union territory. Dunedin started passing, but a knock on spoiled the effort, and Union was enabled to transfer play into the Dark Blues’ twenty-five, where they were penalised. Churchill narrowly missed with the kick. Dunedin essayed a dangerous rush into Union’s quarters, More saving with a fine break away for the Reds. The Dunedin forwards retaliated, and operations were shifted to the Reds’ line, Vorrath, with a good line kick, stopping the rush. The Red forwards maintained the pressure, but _ the defence was sound, and Union was driven back to its line, where Dunedin made vain efforts to get over, until More, with one of his good solo runs, turned defence into attack. The Dunedin forwards made a good opening, and swept play to Union s line. A further attack later by Dunedin was stopped, Liddell marking. The Union forwards, with a fine dribbling rush, took play into Dunedin’s twenty-five, and an infringement on the part of the Dark Blues brought about the initial points, Churchill kicking a good goal. Union, 3 points; Dunedin, nil. Churchill went through with a fine run, but was not supported, and play at half time was at half(sn resuming More broke away end carried play near Dunedin s line, where from an ensuing scramble Vorrath picked up and dived over. Churchill failed with the kick. Union, 6 points. Dunedin ml. The Dunedin forwards now livened up, and a good rush terminated in the Dark Blues reaching the Union twenty-five. Dunedin now had the Reds defending hard, and it was only through line play bv More that the Dark Blues were driven back. Collett was tackled at the right moment when making a dangerous run > and then Churchill, with an excellent cut in, ran almost to the Dark Blues line before he was grassed. Play remained at halfway until Johnson received possession from a scrum, and after a fine dash along the line, passed to Arthur the latter-scoring a good try. _ Churchill failed to convert. Union, 9 points; Dunedin nil. Churchill saved his side in theface of a determined Dunedin assault, but a few minutes later Collett gained ground for the Blues The Un;on forwards drove Dunedin back and tried hard to penetrate thfe defence, but Hayes saved with a good line kick. Up and down play followed until time was called, with the scores: — Union 9 points. Dunedin Mr C. Napper was referee. SECOND GRADE. Pirates A 40, Southern 8. Ravensbourno 19, Zingari 3. Pirates B 5. Union 3. Training College 19, Dunedin 3. University C 33, Port Chalmers 6. THIRD GRADE. Alhambra A 8, Southern 7. Kaikorai 14, Pirates B 4. High School 23, Ravensbourne 3, FOURTH GRADE. M'Glashan 11, Southern 11. Kaikorai 19, Technical 13. Zingari A 12, Alhambra A 5. Dunedin 24, High School ml. Pirates 64, Zingari B nil. FIFTH GRADE. Zingari 3, Southern nil. Pirates 66. High School ml. SIXTH GRADE. Ravensbourne 12, Green Island 8, Alhambra A 25. Alhambra B ml. High School 10. Taieri 9. WAIRARAPA DEFEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY. Per United Press Association.) TIMARU, July 28. Wairarapa defeated South Canterbury in the final match of its tour by 14 points to 11, after a keenly-contested game. South Canterbury had the better of the play in the first half, the forI wards playing particularly well in the loose. In the second half Wairarapa had the assistance of a light wind, and showed greatly improved form. The forwards used their weight with telling effect, and the backs were much more I dangerous on attack. The scores were 11 I points all till a minute from time, when Stringfellow scored after a brilliant run from near halfway. On the play in the second half the visitors deserved their win. Tries were scored for Wairarapa by Stringfellow (2), Jury, and Sharp. Stringfellow converted one. For South Canterbury Scott and Trotter scored, Halstead kicking a penalty and converting one try. The final score was: Wairarapa .. .. 14 points South Canterbury .. 11 points NELSON RETAINS SEDDON SHIELD. (Pee United Press Association.) NELSON, July 28. In perfect weather conditions and in the presence of 4000 spectators Nelson (the holders) defeated West Coast for the Seddon Shield this afternoon by 22 points to 13. The game was fast and open, and in the first half the Coast, who set a strong pace from the start, held the upper hand. The Nelson backs indulged in some spectacular movements, but the team game numerous penalties within easy range and had the visitors’ kicking been better they could easily have added another 10 points to their score. The final score was: Nelson 22 points West Coast .. .. 13 points A HAWKE’S BAY MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) WAIPUKURAU, Julv 28. Central Hawke’s Bay defeated East Coast by 19 points to 6 in the annual Rugby fixture to-day. . i. i i. «> WAIROA v. POVERTY BAY. (Per United Press Association.) WAIROA, July 28. The Wairoa Sub-union (the holders) successfully defended the Barry Cup this afternoon against Poverty Bay by 11 points to 6, after a good, fast game. Wairoa was much superior in the first half, scoring the whole of its points, but the home team fell away in the second spell in which the visitors scored 6 points. The Wairoa primary schools’ team also beat Poverty Bay by 6 points to 3. CHARITY DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. July 28. To-day was Charity Day for the Canterbury Rugby Union, the whole of the gate takings going to local charities, including the relief of unemployment distress. Christchurch beat University (the season’s premier club) by 15 points to 8; Merivale drew with Linwood, 11 points each; and Old Boys beat Technical by 19 points to 10.

AUCKLAND. ' (Per United Press AssodanaKf In the Rugby football championship final University and Ponsonby, the two leading teams, played a drawn game, 14 points all. It was a great match. University scoring a magnificent try a minute before time. Conversion of this try would have won the match, but the kick failed. Other senior games resulted as follows: — Training College 28, North Shore 8. Grafton 15, College Rifles 6. City 6, Marist 5. KING’S COLLEGE DEFEATS GRAMMAR SCHOOL. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 29. In the annual fixture between King’s College and Grammar School, King’s College won by 19 points to 11. WANGANUI. (Per United Press Association.) Technical Old Boys 9, County 4. Marist 7, Ratana 3. Pirates 13. Old Boys 3. WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) University 16, Old Boys 15. Poneke 19. Berhampore 6. Athletic 14, Wellington nil. Petone 15, Oriental 10. Marist 9, Eastbourne 7. The championship points are as follow: —Poneke 24, University 23, Oriental 20, Old Boys 15, Athletic 15, Petone 12, Marist 10, Eastbourne 9, Berhampore 6, Wellington 6. CANTERBURY REPRESENTATIVE * TEAM. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 29. The Canterbury team to play Auck-land-at Christchurch on Saturday will be:—Full-back, Harris; three-quarters— Doreen, Olliver, and Chesley; five-eighths. Grant and Hay; half-back, Page; wingforward, Fookes; forwards—Tom Robinson, Toby Robinson, Manchester, Lawson, Jackson, Clark. Cottrell; emergencies—backs, Galbraith and Cox; forwards—Anderson, Baird, and Pickering. INVERCARGILL. (Per United Press Association.) Star 23, Southern 3. Invercargill 20. Pirates 18. The defeat of Pirates leaves Star with a lead of two points with two games to play.