RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21373, 29 June 1931, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR COMPETITION KAIKORAI DEFEATS UNIVERSITY A A COMFORTABLE WIN Rugbv matches were played in fine but very cold weather on Saturday, ih.e principal game was that between Kaikorai and University A at Carisbroo,:, the Light Blues suffering their first defeat this season. Kaikorai gained a comfortable win by 17 points to 5, their lorwards being definitely superior to the Blue pack. Pirates scored an easy win over Taieri, but Zingari-Richmond, who extended University A on the previous Saturday, could beat Union by only 0 points to 3. Kaikorai now occupies the leading position in the championship, but lias played one more match than University A, which has yet to meet University B. The A team, if it defeats the B side, .ts is generally expected, will lead at the completion of the first round of matches by one point from Kaikorai.

POSITION OF TEAMS The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the senior com

KAIKORAI v. UNIVERSITY A Kaikorai met University A at Carifebrook on Saturday and beat the Light Blues by 17 points to 5 points—the first defeat inflicted on the A team so far this season. The hill forwards proved too solid a proposition for the opposing pack, and the Colours' backs, though lacking combination on attack, were almost impregnable on defence. The A backs were beaten for the ball at the scrums, but even bo they did not give a very impressive exhibition of combined play. The teams University A.—Backs— Lindsay, M'Kenzie, Bush, Smith, M'Kechnie, Cook, Pryde; forwards— M'Curdy, Service, Aitken, Hartnell. Gifford, Strang, Abel, and Thomas. Kaikorai. Backs—Lewis, Stewart, MTarlane, Johnston, Ross, Braithwaite, Francis; forwards—Lucy, MTHardy, Watts, Sonntag, Perry, Allen, Bartlett, and Laing. _ ' • , Sonntag kicked off from the Cargill road end, the Blues having the advantage of a brisk cross wind. Braithwaite at once showed out with a short punt, and Sonntag, following through fast, the Blues were quickly under pressure, a scrum being formed in front of their goal posts. A free kick to the Blues proved very timely, but the Kaikorai forwards, who were putting plenty of weight and dash into their play were quickly back, Thomas and then Bush driving back attacks. After eight minutes' play Francis broke away from a loose scrum at midfield, and, runnjng along his left side line for some 30 yards or so, he came to Lindsay, and then passed to Johnston, who went over unopposed at the corner. 3—nil. .' . , A weak pass out from a scrum saw the Blue forwards break through, but Ross got back and saved well. Lindsay just managed to hold up an attack after he had been collared, and Bush gained a lot of ground with a penalty. The hill forwards were more than holding their own against the opposing pack, and moreover, the Blues were inclined to jump at their opponents' heads instead of taking them low. Smith picked up near his goal and returned a well-judged short kick by Francis, and then Pryde went down to stop another rush by the hill men. ; A break through by Laing had the Blues, on defence shortly after, and then M Curdy showed out in a dribble to Lewis, who took the ball, but hesitated and was pulled down;at his twenty-five. Bush missed with a penalty from near halfway, Kaikorai forcing, and he. tried again with a free kick four yards outside the hallway. The kick had the distance, but lacked direction, and Kaikorai forced. Playmostly a battle between the forwardshung at the centre for a bit, and then Pryde sent out,to M'Kechnie, to Cook, to Bush, to Smith. The last-named raced along his left-wing, went clean past Lewis, and round behind the posts. Lindsay kicked agoal. 3—5. . , The Kaikorai forwards continued to hold the upper hand and were getting most of the ball from the scrums, but Francis's passes did not always imd Braithwaite in position. Braithwaite, moreover, was inclined to overdo the short punt in the Colours' passing movements. The Blues had a turn at attack, and Bush bowled Lewis over just as he kicked for the line—a good punt—Bush being temporarily, laid out. A dribble and a short punt which''" dropped in front of the Blues goal saw three Blue men hesitate and fumble, and from the ensuing scramble the Colours were awarded a free kick, Francis making no mistake with an easy shot. 6—5. -'•;;_,,•' „ , Just before half time M'Farlaue collared Bush well as the stalwart Blues' centre was i breaking through near the Kaikorai twenty-five. Kakorai 6 points, University A 5 points. . The Colours now had the assistance of the wind, and from a loose scrum at the Blues' twenty-five Laing and another Kaikorai player dribbled through to Lindsay, who snapped up the ball from their feet and found the line near halfway. Good kicking by Francis and then Lindsay saw the Biue backs link up in passing. Bush handing on to M'Kenzie, who ran along his right wing and centred. It was a good move, but it broke down. Francis was varying his play well, and was being well fed by the Kaikorai pack. He got in a nice line-finder, and play went through to the Blues' left corner. Lucy took the ball from the throw in and bustled. hs way to Lindsay, and then gave Bartlett a pass and a try. Francis missed the goal kick. 9—5. The spell had been 10 minutes in progress. The hill forwards were keeping the opposing pack very busy, but the respective reaTguards could not link up in the passing rushes. Lindsay missed with a penalty, and Ross returned with a beautiful linefiinder. The Colours again worked play to the Blue line, and Braithwaite potted without success, the Blues forcing. Once more the Colours attacked. Francis dribbled away from a scrum and Perry carried on the.movement, picked up near the line, and the ball as he was collared by Lindsay. Francis kicked a goal. 14-^-5. Brathwaite missed a good chance after he had cut into the defence by holding on too long, and a free kick to the Blues helped to ease the pressure. A fine crots kick by Ross had the Blues in trouble again, and Francis potted without success. Kaikorai kept the Blues penned at their twenty-five. The Blue backs were coming away with spasmodic attacks, but the solid tackling of Laing, Braithwaite, and Ross stifled the movements before they got far. Braithwaite brought Bush clown with a great tackle as the Blue three-quarter raced through, and the Colours again took play to the Blues' line. The hill paek were hooking the ball from nearly every scrum, and their backs were making judicious use of the line. Bush got offside, and Francis just missed with the penalty kick, and immediately after the Colours were given a free kick right in front of the goal, Francis sending the ball between the posts. 17 —5 The game ended shortly after. Koss was caught just in time as lie cut through to the goal posts, and then Lindsay was driven back over his own line and collared, a force down resulting. Kaikorai 17 points. University A .... 5 points. Mr H. C. Williamson was the referee.

SOUTHERN v. DUNEDIN The match between Southern and Dunedin, played at Tahuna Park, provided a very ragged display, Southern winning by 17 points to 3. During the first quarter of an hour Dunedin had the winners penned in their own twenty-five, but from then on Southern always had the upper hand, and in the second spell Dunedin was only twice in the Black and Whites' twenty-five. As far as Southern was concerned, it was a day of lost opportunities. The backs were well fed, but time after time bad handling lost them chances of scoring. Dunedin played an effective spoiling game, but it was only the consistently bad passing of the winners which prevented a much larger score. The teams were as follow: Southern.—Bolton, Purvis, Sutherland, Casey, Chooquee, Wilson, Simon, Hore, Inglis, Hill, Wilson, Turner, Buchanan, Carnegie. Cavanagh. Dunedin.—B. Hayes, Martin, Lee, M'Bride, Toomey, J. Hayes, Taiaroa, Young, Amos, Karetai, Miller, Herbert, Dudley, Stevemon, M'Kewen. Southern kicked off against wind and sun, and were immediately driven back into their own territory, where play remained for the first 10 minutes. Then Hore and Cavanagh combined in a good movement, which gained a long stretch of ground. Dunedin quickly returned, and Toomey kicked a penalty from a long shot straight in front. Dunedin 3, [southern nil. From the kick off Southern immediately attacked, and a bright passing movement ended in Sutherland being brought down a yard from the line. Southern quickly took the offensive again, and at the end of a loose rush Simon forced his way across near the corner. Bolton's kick failed. Dunedm.3, Southern 3. Southern came away in several good rushes, Hore leading the forwards well. The Dunedin defence held,, however, Toomey on one occasion bringing off an excellent save. At last, after several chances had been lost through bad handling, Sutherland went acrossi in a good position. Bolton converted. Southern 8, Dunedin 3. From the kick off the ball went, out near the corner and after a brief scramble Southern forced? Lee went off with a shoulder injury during the spell, and was replaced by SoSern immediately attackedl at the start of the second spell and kept play continuously in Blue territory The backs were being well served with the ball, but chance after chance was thrown away by bad handling. 'At length Casey Picked up in a scramble near the line and dived past a couple of tackles to score well out. Bolton's kick failed. Southern 11 Dunedin 3 The Black and Whites continued to hold the upper hand. Bolton fielded cleverly and kicked down the line, following up fast. The Dunedin backs fumbled, and Bolton picked up a couple of yards from the line and scored wide out. ile failed to convert. Southern 14, Dunedin 3. A minute later Cavanagh marked well out in front of the posts, drop-kicking a fine goal. Southern 17, Dunedin 3. \oung went off with an injured ankle. When Bolton tried a cross-kick Miller secured and dashed to the opposing twenty-five, and Southern had a turn on defence. Scrambling play followed until the final whistle was sounded with the scores:— Southern 17 points. Dunedin 3 P° int s. Mr J. Peat was the referee. UNIVERSITY B v. ALHAMBRA University B and Alhambra tried conclusions on Logan Park. The teams University B.—Nicholson, Hubbard, Dovi, Salt, Dunne, Lowndes, Blyth, M'llroy. Bannatyne, Begg, Chapman, Summers, Thomson, Small, Sutherland. Alhambra.—W. Griffin, Williamson, Callendar, Wilson, Johnston, T. Griffin, Didhain, Berry, Ramage, Stichbury, Davis, M'Kewen, Campbell, Souter, Frood. Alhambra kicked off, and the ball was well returned, play taking place in Alham-, bra ground. The Alhambra backs were then instrumental in shifting play to within 10 yards of the University line. Another Alhambra run started from a scrum, but the opposing backs came up fast and the danger was at an end. Williamson made a capital run, but was pushed out. Alhambra continued to attack, the backs doing splendid combined work. Didhani was making off strongly, but was grassed six yards in front of the posts. From a line out the ball went to the Alhambra backs, but this time the passing tactics failed 'owing to smart tackling, and Salt kicked out at the twenty-five. Nicholson, with a good kick, found the line well past the middle line, but an interchange of kicks ended in Alhambra's favour,; a line out following near the University quarter-line. The ball went back to the Alhambra territory, but the University forwards retaliated with spirit, and play was soon in the rAlhambra ground. Loose play followed in which Hubbard took the ball close to the Alhambra line, and Blyth managed to cross near the corner to score. Nicholson's kick was not a success. University B 3 points, Alhambra nil. Again the students pressed hard, and Alhambra was kept busy to avert another score. The Blues' forwards were giving away no chances at this juncture. Play was fairly even for the remainder of the spell, but no other score was made. Alhambra swept play to the University line on the resumption and Souter had a shot at goal from a penalty, but it was too low. From a scrum at halfway, the ball came out to Alhambra, Callander dashing away till opposed by Nicholson. When he kicked, Williamson was well up and in a hard race he beat Nicholson for the ball and scored. Souter failed to convert. Alhambra 3, University 3. Alhambra took the ball again to the Blue line, Berry and Stichbury showing up prominently. A line-out near the Blue line saw the ball go to University, who cleared, and Griffen had a pot at goal from well out, the ball hitting the crossbar arid bouncing back into play. .■ A long linekick by Nicholson and a good dash by Sutherland put University on the attack, but Alhambra kicked down again and Nicholson forced. At this stage Berry (Alhambra) had to leave the field, Earle going on. Shortly afterwards Wilson made a great rush round his opponents and scored behind the poets. Souter converted. Alhambra 8, University B 3. A couple of Alhambra passing rushes were held up just in time, and then Dovi, Sutherland, and Salt transferred play to the Alhambra twenty-five. Just on time W. Griffin (full-back) secured possession and dashing up, transferred to Johnston, who sent it back to him, and he scored well out. Souter's kick was successful and the game ended with the score: Alhambra 13 points University B .. .. 3 points Mr J. D. Fletcher was the referee.

PIRATES v. TAIERI A small crowd gathered ai Mosgiel on Saturday to see the game between Pirates and Taieri. A cold wind blowing down the ground made conditions unpleasant, and gave Taieri a decided advantage in the first spell, but they failed to make the best use of it. On ! the change round Pirates practically took charge of the game, Robilliard getting across at the corner three times in 20 minutes. In the final stages of the game the wind died down, and Taieri livened up, but Pirates were in an unassailable position, and eventually won by 18 points to 9. The teams were as follow: Taieri. —Brow, Duff, Stevenson, Lindsay, Liddle, Bathgate, Thompson, Dyer, Moffatt, Findlay, M'Leod, Finlayson, Scott, Muirhead, Broadley. Pirates. —Walker, Allen, Giles, Eobilliard, Todd, Joyce, Miller, Waddell, Hill, Duff, Miler, Gordon Hook, Smith, Fitzgerald. Pirates kicked off with the sun in their faces, and with the wind against them. The Taieri forwards carried play to the Pirates' twenty-five, where, following a few minutes' tight plav. Findlay kicked a penalty goal from well out. Taieri 3 points, Pirates nil. Giles received the ball from a passing rush, and kicked through to the Taieri full-back, who failed to field it, and the home team was in trouble, but the forwards came round and saved. Bathgate transferred play to the other end of the field with an excellent line kick. From a penalty at tiie twenty-five Findlay had another shot at goal, but missed. Following the drop out, the Pirates backs opened out in passing. Robilliard making a strong run up the line before being pulled down. The attack swung ncros6 field, and Giles cut through before handing on to Allen, who raced over at the comer. Giles's kick, though a good one. fell short. Taieri set up a hot attack on the Blacks' line, but the Piratce backs were handling the ball

with great confidence, and were kicking to the line well. From a scrum Bathgate received the ball from Broadley, and went round on the blind side, passing to Thompson, who sent on to Lindsay, the latter kicking when jammed on the line. The wind carried the ball over the goal line, and Pirates- forced. T aier i kept up the attack till the Pirates backs, who were throwing the ball about well, opened out in passing. Joyce made a nice opening before sending on to Giles, who beat his man. and gave Robilliard a clear run in. Giles failed with the kick. Pirates 6 points, Taieri 3 points. Taieri attacked again, Pirates being hard pressed. Findlay failed in an attempt to kick a goal from a penalty at the twenty-five, but a few moments later, from another penalty, in about the same position, he sent the ball between the posts. Giles cut through the Taieri defence, and sent Robilliard away, but the latter was jammed on the line. He passed infield, but got well offside a minute later, and Taieri cleared from the resultant penalty kick. The Blacks continued to attack, and Fitzgerald passed out from the ruck to Robilliard, who dashed across. Giles failed with the kick, and the half time whistle went immediately after. Play had been in progress for only <i few minutes when Robilliard raced over at the corner, after all the backs had handled. Walker failed to convert. Pirates 12 points. Taieri 6 points. The Taieri forwards attacked strongly for a few minutes, but the Pirates' backs rushed play to the other end of the field, where, from scrambling play near the corner, lobilliard picked up and went across. Walker's kick went slightly astray. Pirates by now had a definite ascendancy. Robilliard gathered in a high pass from Giles after all the backs had handled and scored. Walker failed to convert. The Taieri forwards had a turn at attack, and a desperate struggle took place on the Pirates' line, but the Blacks' defence held. Taieri came back a moment later, and fumbling by Walker allowed Stevenson to pick up and strike for the line. He was brought down, but Thompson picked up and fell across. Findlay's kick went astray. Even play followed at midfield for a time, till the Taieri forwards carried play to the Pirates' line, where a scrum infringement almost in front of the goal posts gave Bathgate a chance to land a goal, but his kick went outside the posts. Pirates were nearly across on several occasions in the last minute or two, but their attacks were repelled, and th*> frame ended: Pirates ........ 18 points. Taieri 9 points. Mr G. Marston was the referee.

ZINGARI-RICHMOND v. UNION The game between Zingari-Richmond and Union was played at Montecillo on Saturday, and resulted in a victory for the Colours by 6 points to 3 points after a very poor exhibition of football, which was further marred by a cold southerly wind. The teams took the field as follow:—

Zingari-Richmond.—Foote, Stevenson, Cassidy. Procter, Cranefield, Caradus, Rapson, Garside, Sanderson, M'Natty, Pivett, Morrison, Douglas, Standring, Deuchrass. Union.—Allen, M'Cullough, Silver, Henderson, Churchill, Smith, Lumb, Johnson, M'Quecn, Morgan, Flawn, Collier, Hay, Lang. Turner. Union kicked off and from a scrum the Colours hooked the ball, Cranefield and Caradus indulging in a good passing bout, which Silver broke up with a fine line kick. Stevenson broke into passing by the Reds aud kicked to Allen, who found t_e line at halfway. Hay and Lang were at the head of a Maroon forward rush to the Colours' line, a force kick bringing relief. The Maroon forwards were giving the Colours' line, a free kick bringing relief After Churchill had missed with two or three free kicks, Garside,' Deuchrass, ami Rivett led a Colours' forward rush to the Union twenty-five, where, after passing among the backs, Procter knocked on when in a likely position. The Colours' forwards were now combining better, and after carrying play to the Union line, a serum was formed, Rapson receiving, passed out smartly to Cranefield to Caradus, who, when right on the line, handed on to Stevenson, who had an easy run in for a try at the corner. Foote's kick at goal missed. Zingari 3 points, Union nil. From the kick-oft', the Colours set up another attack on the Union line, Allen bringing relief with a good kick. Not to be denied, the Colours forwards, led by the veteran Garside, set up another attack on the Maroon line, a free kici bringing respite. Union were the next to snow out, and after a nice passing rush between Smith, Churchill, Silvci, and M'Cullough, the last-named was nearly over at the corner. From the ensuing line-out play the Colours were forced. Rivett and M'Natty led a counter attack, but Silver, picking up well, made a fine solo dash, putting Union on the attack again. From a scrum in front of the posts, the Maroons were awarded a free kick, Churchill having no difficulty in equalising the scores. Zingari 3 points, Union 3 points. The half-time whistle sounded immediately afterwards. Upon the resumption of play, Union resumed the offensive, but it was shortlived. The Colours' backs, playing with more dash and determination, began to pass the ball about more freely, and first Procter and then Stevenson were nearly over after passing. Hay broke into Zingari passing right on the line and carried play to halfway, where some hard work ensued, M'Cullough going off injured. The Union forwards carried on right to the line, where over-eagerness lost them a certain try, a free kick bringing muchneeded relief to the Colours. The Colours fought back to the opposing twentyfive, where, from a scrum, Rapson secured and worked the blind side, passed out to Caradus, to Stevenson, who scored a good try near the corner flag. Foote failed to add the major points. Zingari 6 points, Union 3 points. The Union backs, in turn, came away in a nice passing bout, Smith being nearly over right under the posts. Again the Colours' backs swept into motion, Cranefield and Caradus making a good run to the Maroon line, where Smith cut into passing, and transferred play back to halfway. Both sides were now taking turns at attack, with Union having the better of the exchanges. The last rally by the Colours' forwards ended in Rivett being grassed a few inches short of the line. When the whistle went a few minutes later, the Colours were pressing, and the scores were:

Zingari-Richmond .. 6 points. Union 3 points. Mr J. Hayes was referee. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND Hodge has notified the selectors that he will be unable to play for Otago against Southland on Wednesday. Hore will now be played in the front row with Souter. Noble (Pirates) was the emergency picked by the selectors. SECOND GRADE. Alhambra A fi, Pirates A C. Alhambra B 8, Ravensbourne nil. THIRD GRADE. Kaikorai 13, Training College 5. Southern 3, High School 3. Zingari A 29, Union nil. Training College 19, Pirates B 3. Alhambra 37, University F 3. FOURTH GRADE. M'Glashan 13, Ravensbourne 3. Union 29, Christian Brothers nil. FIFTH GRADE. Dunedin B 6, High School 3. Alhambra 6, Zingari 5. SIXTH GRADE. Southern 3, Zingari nil.

The results of the matches were 83 follow: — Kaikorai 17 University A.. 5 Pi r fiteR • • 18 Taieri 9 Alharnbra 13 University B .. 3 Zingari Southern b Union 17 Dunedin S 3

petition:— Pts. Fill? -'■'''.■ P. W. £. ~T>. F. A. Pts. .'9 V 7. l ! 1 132 53 15 University A'. . Southern ~ .. Alhambra >«. '8 -7 1 9 6 1 I 9 6 2 — 135 42 14 2 91 20 14 1 101 42 13 Pirates .. .• 9 4 3 2 129 76 10 Zingari '..':■ .. Taieri .. -/.£i 9 4 4 9 2 7 1 69 . 69 9 — 4f 110 4 Union ." "'• , - ?*>^ 9 2 7 — 29.121 4 University 3:. Dunedin :i\- .. 8 16 9 1 8 1 63 121 3 — 25 164 2