LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21409, 10 August 1931, Page 3

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

MAXWELL CUP COMPETITION Although the League games played on Saturday were fast and at times interesting, the play generally was not up to the usual standard. City accounted for Pacific on the Caledonian Ground, and Christian Brothers beat Athletic by 20 points on the Oval. CITY v. PACIFIC .City had the advantage in the early stages of the game against Pacific, the forwards penetrating into Pacific’s twentyfive. Good work by the Pacific backs, however, relieved the pressure,_ and play hovered in midfield for some time. City then came away in a rush which looked dangerous, as the Pacific full-back threw the ball astray when tackled, but the south-end men saved by solid tackling. Timlin, Reid, and Harrison were prominent in counter attacks. City eventually worked down to Pacific’s territory, where a penalty kick was taken by Eckhoff, but the ball went wide of its mark. A fine burst by City, started by Nelson and carried on by Ginders, gained some ground before the latter was brought down. Another penalty to City was entrusted to Barbara, but the ball went outside the posts. Some hard play followed, but City worked back to halfway. Nelson then secured and raced down the line. He passed out to N. Barbara, who went over tp score a good try, which was not converted. City kept -up the pressure, the backs combining in some fine movements. Nelson made repeated openings, and was responsible for Eckhoff going over to score near the posts, M'Cabe converted. When half time was called play was in Pacific’s territory. City 8 points, Pacific nil. The play was fairly even for some time after the game was resumed. The City backs eventually came away in a good movement, which ended near Pacific’s line. A few minutes late Clydesdale followed up a long punt, secured possession, and touched down wide out* N. Barbara was successful with the kick. Timlin intercepted a pass in City’s twenty-five andraced through to score a good try, which Caskie converted. Luskie broke through at halfway and was responsible for removing play to Pacific’s line, but Reid saved by kicking the ball out of bounds. City had Pacific on the defence for some time, but the south-end team rallied and made desperate efforts to score in the last few minutes, but failed to break through. When the final whistle was blown play was in midfield. The game ended: — City .. ... 13 points. Pacific 5 points. Mr T. O’Connor was the referee. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS v. ATHLETIC Christian Brothers set Athletic a hard task from the outset, as the Green backs were in good form, and their pace was too fast for their opponents. From the kick-off Athletic forced matters, and from a ecrum in tjie Green’s twenty-five Stead secured and ran through to score. Atkinson failed to convert. A few minutes later a movement by the Green backs was quickly checked, and a penalty to Athletic was taken by Atkinson, who failed to increase the north end team's score. The Christian Brothers backs then commenced a fine movement, the whole rearguard division handling. Pearce, J. O’Malley, and T. O’Malley were the last to receive the ball, the, latter touching down. Pearce failed with the kick. •Some minutes later a fine run by Schmelz saw him beat several opponents to score in a good position.' Pearce again failed to convert. The half time scores were: Christian Brothers 6 points, Athletic 3 points. - The Greens made the game very fast and open after half time. The backs swept down the' field repeatedly, and quickly added 17 points to the score. Pearce and Kean Scored tries from their own twenty-five. Tries were also registered by B. O’Connor and J. O’Connor. One try was converted by Kean. The ■final scores were: - ' , Christian Brothers .. 23 points. Athletic .. .. ■ 3 points. , Mr F. Percy was referee. - ; RESERVE GRADE Christian Brothers and Pacific reserves met on the Caledonian Ground, the game, resulting in a win for the former by 11’ points to 5 points. Mr G. Blazey was referee. IN OTHER CENTRES (Peb United Press Association.) AUCKLAND. Marist 12, Devonport, 6. Richmond 14, Ponsonby 5. Ellerslie 11, City nil. The competition was won by the Marist team. WELLINGTON. Old Boys 17, Newt Own nil. City 8, Petone 7. CHRISTCHURCH. Linwood 12, Hornby A 11. Sydenham 27, Riccarton 6. Addington 11, Hornby B 5. * : r ~