RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20781, 29 July 1929, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

■FIRST GRADE MATCHES. BRIGHT GAME AT CARISBROOK UNIVERSITY A AND KAIKORAI STILL LEAD.' Although the weather was favourable for Saturday’s .matches, the grounds, without exception, were heavy, with the result that spectacular play in most of the matches was out of the question. The game between University A and Pirates on Carisbrook proved the exception, and provided a bright and open exposition of the code, the students, especially, handling the slippery ball w'ell. Although honours were fairly even in the first spell of _ the .game between Kaikorai and University B, the Blue-and-Blacks dominated play after the change 1 over, and scored an easy win by 17 points to 4 points, . After what was little more than a mud scramble, Alhambra prevailed over. Zingari-Richmond at Bishopscourt by 19 points to nil. Southern had an easy victory over Dunedin, winning by 23 points to 8, and Taieri just got home against Union by 6 poits to nil. The results of the matches were as follow: — University A.. '27 Pirates .... 5 Kaikorai .... 17 University B 4 Alhambra 19 Zingari ~ .. 0 Taieri .... 6 Union 0 Southern .. 23 Dunedin .... 8 POSITION OF THE TEAMS. The position of the teams engaged in the senior competition is now as follows;

Should Kaikorai and University A win their matches next Saturday these two teams wiil play off for the premiership on August 10.

UNIVERSITY A ,v. PIRATES, Pirates were leading at half-time by two points in the match at Carisbrook on Saturday against University A, but in the second half the Light Blues, playing with plenty of sparkle and speed, simply romped over their opponents and ran out winners by 27 points to 5. The Blues played from the railway end, and at the initial exchanges it could be seen that, the ground was in a fairly heavy condition. The Blues were the first to attack, but Glendining led a break away from a line out. Pirates gaining some ground. The Blue forwards were playing well and hookiilg the ball to iTLean. Forbes, second five-eighth, tried to go too- far after cutting into the Blacks’ defence, and then Webb was well taken by Malcolm near the Blacks’ left corner. Good play by Bouterey, Niven, and Cheyne, and an' exchange of kicks had the Blues under pressure, and Cheyne made a good dash along the right wing, Stevenson being forced out near hia goal line. Bouterey passed from a scrum to Cheyne, who cattle round on the open side of the scrum, and was held up on the line, and then from another scrum Bouterey gained possession A. Blue man .anticipated a pass by Bouterey to Giles, and left an opening through which Bouterey dashed to score. Malcolmn kicked a goal. s —nil. The Black forwards were now going well. A scrum was formed at the centre, and passing went out from M'Lean - to Bibby, Vho knocked on, with the defence well broken. Another scrum followed, and Bradanovich potted, Pirates forcing. The Blues kept l up the attack, and .Fookes potted without success. Malcolm -was fielding the heavy'ball" well and gaining ground with his punting. He was getting a fair amount of work to do. The Black forwards drove their opponents to their line, but the back play of the Pirates lacked both thrust and finish, and a good line-finder by Stevenson lifted the pressure. It was now noticeable that the. Blue forwards were putting more dash into their play than the Pirates’ vanguard. Hurring dribbled through to the Blues’ twenty-five, ’hut Blue and Wilson led a counter-attack. Back came the Pirates, and Bouterey, Yonng, and Cheyne handled in passing. 'Cheyne was cheeked by Stevenson, but went on and was collared from behind near the line. The Blacks were getting opportunities to score, hut their backs had little combination or thrust, and they were being lost. Play went to halfway, and twice Cheyne collared Bibby well at the end of a Blue passing rush. Blue went off and Martin came on. , Spectacular runs by Fookes and Webb bad the Blacks in trouble, and then a Black back miskicked the ball behind his own line, where it lay wide out for Hindenach to follow through and score. Stevenson missed the goal kick. 5 —3. Hxciting forward play -followed at the Pirates’ twenty-five, Hook doing some good work, and the half time whistle went. Pirates ~ .. ~ .. .. 5 points. . University ......... 3 points. The Blues started with' a rattle, but Fookes’s pass hit M’Clyraont on the shoulder, and Cheyne snapped the ball and ran and punted past Stevenson, who however, managed to save.- Weak play by Young let the Blue forwards away, but Moore held up the movement. Then,'from play near the centre, Bradanovich grabbed the ball as, a short kick was charged down, flicked it out in an instant to Fookes, and Bibby turned infield to beat Malcolm and score. Stevenson missed the goal kick. 6—5.

Footes cut in from another passing bout by the Blues, but hung on too long when the defence was well open. M'Lean sent out from the next scrum to Bradanovich, who was playing in something like his best form. The Blue first five-eighth cut in and threw a long pass to Bibby, who bobbed through weak tackling to score his second try. Bradanovich kicked a goal. 11—5.

The Black forwards shifted play past halfway, but Aitken got in a good ground kick, and after the Blues had handled the ball in passing Webb put in a centreing kick. Giles took the ball fronting hia goal, hesitated, and then threw to another Pirates’ back. The latter fumbled it, and Bibby dashed in, picked up, and over. Bradanovich missed the goal kick. 14—5 Pirates once more attacked, and the Blues had to force. Some, hard forward play followed, in which Christie was showing out. The Pirates’ backs were getting plenty of the ball, but they could do nothing with it. Malcolm gained a lot of ground with a run, M'Clymont bringing him down at the finish, and Giles potted, the Blues forcing. This was the . last serious attacking effort by the Blacks, whose forwards were noticeably tiring. A fine line kick bj Bibby, and a solo dash by Fookes. had the Blacks in trouble. Hook temporarily saved the situation with a dribble, but the Blues then came with a pretty piece of passing. Ragged forward nlay followed, and from a scrum near the centre Bouterey passed on the blind side to Cheyne, He missed the ball, and Bibby secured and got through to punt upfield. Thoma« followed up fast, and kicked on, and then Bradanovich picked up to score a spectacular' try near the posts. Stevenson kicked a goal. 19—5. * Bibby made another dash along the wing from the blind side of a scrum, and then passed infield to Hindenach, the ball finally going to Fookes fronting the Blacks’ goal. After' a good run Fookes managed to throw himself over the line to score. Bradanovich kicked a goal. 24—5. A beautiful bit of passing by the Blue backs left the tired Pirates forwards behind, and Bibby, the last man to receive, side-stepped both Cheyne and Malcolm, and scored a fine try. Bradonvich missed the goal shot. 27—h. In the last stages of the game Webb tried hard to get across for at least one try for the afternoon, and h«T just failed on two occasion?. The game ended; Univeraity ’ 27 points. Pirates S points. Mr I. Grant was the referee.

KAIKORAI v. UNIVERSITY B. The game between University B and Kaikorai, which was played on Tahuna No. 1 ground, provided a hard-fought coucesr, but for the most part the play, which was confined mainly to the forwards, rub drab and uninteresting. la the first half honours were fairly even, but after the change over the hard-work-ing Kaikorai pack gradually wore the students down, and in the final stages of the game completely, routed them. The ground was heavy, and the sodden greasy ball made accurate handling almost impossible, with the result that most of the passing movements initiated in the back division broke down almost in their inception. University B kicked oft', and a bright passing movement among the Kaikorai back's took play to halfway, where Fountain fumbled his pass. ~ He dribbled through, however, and what looked like clanger for the Blues was averted 'by Francis clearing to the line near halfway. From a scramble near midfield Francis sent his backs away, and the ball went to Somerville, who made a good run to Kaikorai's twenty-five before ne was brought down. Kaikorai attacked, and pressed the students back into- their own quarter, where play centred until Somerville brought relief with a long punt into touch. Following tip this advantage, the Blue forwards took the ball at their toes deep into Kaikorai territory, but the Blue and Black vanguard counter-attacked vigorously, and swept down the field to within a few yards of their opponents' line, where a mark by Francis brought a temporary respite. One of his characteristic line kicks by Lindsay gained a good slice of territory for the Blues, but the advantage was nullified by Watkins. who led a Blue and Black dribbling rush back to the Students' quarter line, where the ball went out. Time and acam the Kaikorai backs cot possession, but their handting was faulty, and their movements lacked thrust.. ' From about five yards inside halfway Lindsay had a shot at goal from a penalty, but although the ball flew beautifully it hit the bar. From a scrum near halfway Somerville cot possession and after a great dash down the line passed to M'Kenzie, who was brought .down a few yards out. A period of t ; ght play followed in front of the Kaikorai goal, and M'Kenzie, picking up from a scramble, potted a good coal. University 84, Kaikorai nil. At this stage Borrie retired with an injury to the head and was replaced by Butterfield. Play returned to halfway, and fast following by the Kaikorai pack took play to the University line where a tight struggle ensued until a penalty brought relief. For the next few minutes play remained in neutral territory, and was very ragged; moreover, the handling by both teams was very poor, for which, of course, the greasy ball was mainly responsible. Again the Blue and Black pack broke away in a speedy 'oose rush and got well into the B's quarter, but Lindsay saved with a long return to the line. - Kaikorai came again'and regained the lost territory, and from a penalty Boss put over a good sioal. University 84, Kaikorai 3. The Blue forwards now came into the picture, and rushed their opponents back on to their own twenty-five, and for a time the Blue and (Blacks were hard put to it to keep their line intact. A v'corous sortie led ■by Richardson and Watkins took play to the other end of the field, and within 20 yards of the _ Student's line, offside nlay gave Kaikorai a penalty from which Ross notched another three points. Half time wag called immediately afterwards with the scores: Kaikorai 6, University B 4.

Soon after the change over, the Kaikorai pack, with Richardson and Watkins the van, launched a vigorous attack on the Blue line, and the movement paved the way for a bright combined movement amongst the Hill backs. Fountain secured and made a good run 'befoi’e inpassing to Braithwaite, who ran round behind the posts for a splendid try. Ross’s attempt to convert was charged down. Kaikorai 9. University 84. Spurred by this revel se, the Students set up- a vigorous counter-attack, but although they got within striking distance time and again, they failed to finalise the movements. A passing rush in which Ross. Braithwaite and Laing handled, returned play to halfway and a long line kick by the last named carried the movement on to the B’s twenty-five. The pack secured from the l_ine_ out and pressing the Blues back to within a few yards of their own line, kept them hard on the defensive. Foot’’ by foot the Students fought their way back to the twenty-five, where a long lino kick by Lindsay returned play into Kaikorai’s end of the field. M'Meeking picked up from a scramble and initiated a passing movement Which, however, broke down at Laing near midfield, but Clarke, coming up fast, kicked through a cap. and the next few minutes Saw the Students again on the defensive in their own quarter. Play veered back to halfway, but Kaikorai came again, and launched attack after attack on the Blue line, just failing to score on several occasions. A penalty brought relief for the Blues, but only temporarily, for the Kaikorai pack was on top of them all the time. University B managed to battle back to halfway on one occasion, but Kaikorai was not to be denied and again pressed back into the students’ twenty-five, where an irresistible rush by the forwards culminated in OHiver falling on the ball to score. Ross converted. Kaikorai 14. University B 4. Almost immediately afterwards Braithwaite dribbled through and scored. Ross faibng with the kick. The game ended a few minutes later with the scores:. Kaikprai 17 points. University B .... -4 points. Mr J. M'Copibie conh'olled the game.

ALHAMBRA v. ZINGARIRICHMOND.

The match between Alhambra and Zin-gari-Richmond was played on a very slippery ground at Bishopscourt in the presence of a handful of spectators. Alhambra lost no time in attacking, and a good passing run, in which Davis, Callander. and Wilson figured, broke down within six yards of the Zingari line. The ball was already very greasy, and it was hard to handle it, while the players found it difficult to keep their feet. Alhambra, keeping up the pressure, Zingari was compelled to force twice in rapid succession. Zingari kept the ball on the ground, and with a capital dribble carried the ball to the centre, and then to the Alhambra twenty-five, where Faulks stopped the onslaught, and kicked back to the centre. Alhambra came into possession and rushed into Zingari territory, Zingari at last forcing. The wild scramble in the mud was resumed, the ground being in a deplorable condition—so bad, indeed, that the referee would have been justified in stopping the game. At the Zingari quarter-line a free kick was awarded Alhambra, and Faulks placed a good goal, Alhambra 3, Zingari nil. The Zingari forwards rushed down the ground, and it was the Red and Blacks’ turn to force. . Again Zingari pressed, and the ball went out within three yards of the

Alhambra line. The Red and Blacks were working hard in defence, and a free kick brought them relief. A steady attack was then set up by Alhambra, and Zingari forced. Alhambra once more forced play, and in the loose Walter picked up and passed to Johnston, who cut in beautifully, and dodged several opponents before he passed to Gillick, who scored near the posts. Faulks converted. Alhambra 8, Zin gari nil. Once more Alhambra set up an attack, but Zingan repealed the onslaught and dribbled down to Faulks, who kicked smartly back to Zingari s quarter-line. From a scrum near V le , celltre the ball went to the Alhambra backs, and Wilson ran to within a couple of yards of the line, when he was collared. Two minutes later Zingari forced. The Red and Blacks continued to make efforts to score, and following loose play the ball passed among the Alhambra backs until Wilson got a clear run over, and scored near the F ost f' } ,e klck at eoal failed. Alhambra 11, Zingari nil. In the second spoil the condition of the ground was worse than ever, and the football, such as it was, proved less than interesting, iwo tries were scored for Alhambra, Callander and Wilson crossing the line. I'aulks converted one try. The game ended;— ‘ & Alhambra 19 points Zingan-Richmond . . Nil Mr C. Napper was referee.

TAIERI v. UNION,

Mnvn?] m f at vr b ? t , ween Taieri and Union, plajed at Mosgiei, was not productive of any spectacular play. Though the game was played in bright sunshine, the ground uns very greasy underfoot, and open play was out of the question. As it was, Taieri had to work hard to scrape home winners b> 0 points to nil. Taieri kicked off against a strong sun, and Union imme--5nS P p- e f e 8 OD the attack? a penalty kick which was awarded to the lUaroons failing to reach the posts. From here Taieri made several determined attempts to obtain the advantage, and the play zig-zagged about midfield for a consMerabl o period the players having difficulty in controlling a slippery ball I*lorn a line out near the Union line, Taieri verier T lr - V7’. ' V,lich UUCOnverted laieri 3, Union nil. Taieri returned to the attack with vigour, and pressed hard but were several times unlucky and Union cleared. Play was carried downfield by the Union forwards, but the iaien backs turned defence into at* tack, and after an interchange of kicking won back to Union's territory. Taieri backs hei e brought oft their first passing move ment of the day, and the ball travelled out to the centre-three-quarter, Campbell, who scored fairly well out. Bathgate’s kick was unsuccessful, :IIK i half tinlG M - nE ca]led immediately afterwards. Taieri G. Union

On the resumption oi play Taieri pressed bard and earned play into Union’s territcry, but the Maroon full-back cleared veil, inten continued on the attack and Mvont, a fi' arde ''p, a in the Union U\entj-fi\e. The kick was unsuccessful, tor a time play was brilliant considering the conditions, and the backs of both teams indulged in some good open work and passing movements. The Union forwards initiated a rush which took them well into Taiens territory, where a penalty kick was awarded to them, without result, laieri once more made an effort to score, hut the Union defence was too good. Just before time it seemed that Taion would score, Findlay grounding the ball well under the posts, but

j being recalled for a knock on. Time was ■ Bounded with Taieri still on the attack, and the game ended:— Taieri ..... .... 6 points. Union, .. .• Nil. Mr J. Aitcheson was the referee. SOUTHERN v. DUNEDIN. Southern had little difficulty in winning their match with Dunedin at Tahuna No. 2. The ground was in very good order considering the recent bad weather, and thei light breeze that was blowing caused neither side any great inconvenience. Dunedin kicked off, and the Black and White forwards immediately set up a strong attack, which carried play right to the Dunedin hne. Here. Hore secured from a line out and forced his way across to score well out. Prebb'e's kick missed, boutnern 3. Dunedin nil. Dunedin came with a rush and had Southern defending lor a while, the Black and Whites eventually extricating themselves from a tight corner by forcing. Southern reversed the positions very quickly, and the forwards broke through to Dunedin territory. From a scrum Choo Quee secured and scored under the. posts. Prebble converted. Southern 8, Dunedin nil. Dunedin mada determined efforts to score, and kept up an intermittent attack, which was several times almost effective, but the Black and White backs were in good form, combining nicely. Prebble secured from a scrum, dummied cleverly, and sent the ball out to Sutherland, who scored. Wilson's kick at goal missed. Southern 11, Dunedin ml: A few minutes later Collett was tin- j lucky with a free kick, the ball striking the crossbar and rebounding into play. M'Bride secured, and all but got across the line, but the defence was too good. Half time was called with no addition to i the scores. J Five minutes after resumption the j Southern backs again got away, a nice ' movement endinc in Inglis scoring on the corner. Wilson's kick missed. Southern 14. Dunedin nil. , Dunedin's first try was secured by M'Tndoe, who raced across the line and just beat the defenders to the ball, which rolled over from a tussle near the line. Co'lett converted. Southern 14, Dunedin 5. Within a minute or two Prebble got an easy chance to add three points to his side's tally by means of a free kick in front of the (posts. Southern 17. Dunedin 5. Dunedin worked their, way down field again, and a desperate struggle ensued in the Southern twenty-five, Dawe eventually securing and just getting across. Cnllett's kick failed. Southern 17, Dunedin 8. P'ay was very even for some time until Prebble sent his backs away in a good run, which ended by Morrison scoring on the corner. Wilson's kick went wide. Southern 20. Dunedin 8. TCot long after Ing'is scored the final try of *he crame for Southern. He got possession at about halfway, short punted over an opnonent's head, regaining possession and scoring a fine try, which Wilson failed "to convert. The game ended a few minutes later with the scores:— Southern 23 pointß. Dunedin 8 points. Mr F. Swete was referee.

; IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND GAMES. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 27. Saturday was the Auckland Rugby Union’s annual charity day, and there was a large attendance at Eden Park, where the senior and secondary schools’ ; games were played. A sum of between £3OO and £4OO will be available for the various charities. The senior games resulted: —University 9 points. Grammar 3 points; Porisonby 32 points, City nil; Manukau, 17 points, Training College 12; Technical Old Bovs 11 points, College Rifles 8; Marists 22 points, Grafton 3. Falwasser. who declined a League offer from England recently, rejoined the Manukau side yesterday. ' WELLINGTON MATCHES. (Per United' Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 27. University 24. Poneke 9. Wellington 12, Berhatnpore 5. Petone 14, Oriental 5. Marist 13, Athletic 8. Old Boys 19, Eastbourne 10. THE CANTERBURY UNION. CELEBRATION OF JUBILEE. . (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 27. The Canterbury Rugby Union celebrated its golden jubilee to-day. Thousands of old Rugby players, including many whose names were household words in the days when the game was young, assembled in Christchurch to take part, many having come from far afield in response to the union’s invitation. The Maori footballers and entertainers gave hakas and dances at Lancaster Park, and later a .match was played, Town v. Conn-

v*j, a.iic I'uuiuijr team won oy y point* to 8. BARRY CUP GAME. ' WON BY POVERTY BAY. (Per United Press Association.) „ WATROA, July 27. loverly Bay beat Wairoa here thie afternoon for the Barry Cup by 16 points to 11 points after a very even game on e heavy ground. The play was mostly of e forward nature, the visitors’ backs just turning the balance. MANAWATU DEFEATS BUSH. (Per United Press Association.) PAHIATUA, July 27. ManaAvatu beat Bueh by 14 points to 9in an open, spectacular contest. The pace of the Manawatu backs in the first spell gave them a lead of 14 points to C. Bush had much the better of the exchanges in the second spell, the forwards particularly playing a great game. Tries were scored for Manawatu by Paige (2). Strange, and Thompson. Fletcher converted one try. Tries were scored for Bush by Rolfe, Wolland, and M'Day.

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH. ; HOLDERS RETAIN TROPHY. (Per United Press Association.) r ■ NELSON, July 27. “ Mainly on account of a comfortable lead > in the first half. Nelson retained the Seddon Shield against the West Coast by i 19 points to 9 points. At the end of the * -first half it' looked as if Nelson were going to win easily, as their backs were a class above the opposition, and threw I the ball about-with abandon. The half , time score was 14 points to 3 points in i Nelson’s favour. ' However, the West Coasters showed new life in the second spell, when they 1 commanded the scrums, giving their backs plenty of opportunities, which they were unable to make the most of through lack of combination. The Coast players did not have'an understanding of each other’s play.' Snodgrass was in form, scoring two tries, kicking a penalty goal, and converting a try. Another outstanding plaster for Nelson was the full-back, Boyce, who showed dashes of brilliancy. Fong was the best Coast back. Hagar and hnetas were two fine forwards for the and were the best forwards on the ground.

Teams P. W, L. D. Points. Flag F. A. Pts. Kaikorai .. 13 10 2 1 194 57 21 University A 13 10 2 1 328 87 21 Pirates 13 8 41 167 108 17 Aljiambra 13 8 5 0 176 104 16 University B 13 7 5 1 193 193 15 Taieri .... 13 7 6 0 127 110 14 Southern .. 13 6 7 0 122 125 12 Dunedin .. 13 5 8 0 119 250 10 Zmgari 13 1 11 1 42 255 3 Union .... 13 0 12 1 71 250 1