RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22270, 24 May 1934, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

By Full-Back. OTAGO AND NORTH OTAGO FIXTURES The following are the Otago and North Otago fixtures for the season:— July 16.—Otago v. North Otago, Oamaru. , July 21.—Otago Sub-unions v. Southland Sub-unions, Invercargill. July 25 Otago v. Hawke's Bay, Dunedin. VT . July 28.—South Canterbury v. North Otago, Oamaru. August 4.—Otago v. Canterbury (Payne Trophy), Dunedin. Auzust 11—Canterbury v. Otago, Dunedin. . ~ ' . August 18.—Otago v. Southland, Invercargill. ■ _ August 25.—North Otago v. South Canterbury, Tiniaru; Otago v. Southland, Dunedin. August 29.—Nelson v. North Otago, Oamaru. „ ~ September I.—Ashburton v. North Otago, Ashburton. September s.—South Canterbury v. Otago, Dunedin. September B—Otaeo v. Wellington, Dunedin. - • . . September 15.—Otago v. Maori team, at Dunedin. July 27.—South Island trial, at Oamaru. September 29 North v. South Island, Dunedin. ,- ' , August 4—Payne Trophy match, Dunedin.

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT Old-timer.—W. Pearson (Southern) played for Otago against Taranaki in 1923.

UNION v. ALHAMBRA

The early match at Carisbrook on Saturday -was between Union and Alhambra, the game resulting in a draw. Union scored two tries (one converted) and a penalty gpal, and Alhambra three tries (one converted). The game was fast, with the forwards making most of the play. The back play by both sides was marred by ill-directed passing and faulty handling I was disappointed with the play of Davis, "the Alhambra half-back. It, was the first time I had seen him play this year, and his form showed a falling off compared with the favourable impression I had formed of it. Davis, indeed, did not appear to be able to do anything right. Ron Callander, first five-eighth, was also off his game, though one run he made clean through the defence in the second half paved the way for a try shortly after by Campbell. The play, indeed, of. the whole of the Alhambra backs' for some reason or other was weak. They failed to pass at the right time and ran into tackles. Their display was much below the exhibition they gave against University A at Carisbrook in the first match of the season, and it appeared to me that the rearguard requires some _ rearrangement. Campbell was the mainstay of the forwards, and was always in the play. Earle was also in the hard work. This player appears to have lost a lot of the judgment he showed in line-out play when he first came to Dunedin. / Silver played .another excellent. game at full-back for Union. His defensive work and sense of anticipation are improving every Saturday. R. Garden (centre) was. very sound on defence, and L. Werner, Burgess, and Goding were also solid in this department of play. Like the Alhambra backs, however, they could not join up effectively on attack. It may be added that not one try was scored by a back in the game. Collier was a hard worker in the pack' from start to finish, and Garside, who is being played in the centre of the front row, also battled away well. MacDonald showed the worth of fast following through, and scored two tries.

SOUTHERN v. ZINGARI-RICHMOND ' The Southern , forwards proved themselves too good for the Zingari-Richmorid' pack, and were playing over them towards the end of the game. In the first spell the Zingari forwards well held their own, but the Southern pack outstayed, them, and were thus enabled to give their backs' room to work in. The Southern backs, moreover, were always trying to do their, part, and the try scored by Turnbull in the second half was the result of a pretty piece of passing. A. scrum-was formed in Southern territory on the" stand side. Casey got the .ball from the 6crum and handed to Black, who had come in from the wing three-quarter position for the first pass. Then T. Trevathari, Bolton, Smith, who put in a good run, and Turnbull handled in turn, the last-named scoring. The try scored by Black in the first spell was also the result of a well executed movement. '• Casey sent the ball'out. smartly from the scrums, but should not always stand up before passing. Casey played a serviceable game for his side. T. Trevathan, who came on shortly after the commencement of the game in place of Sutherland, put some thrust into his play. Bolton, at second five-eighths, showed improved form, but his handling was weak at times. The three-quarter line quickly drooped into position when they had a chance of attack. Black runs with plenty of dash, and Turnbull and Smith also kept well into the play. D. Trevathan, at full-back, gave an impressive display. He was always in position, and his fielding on the ground and in the air was excellent. He was not seriously tried .in tackling, but he no doubt can do this stopping as well as he does bis other work. Hore, Morland, and Aitken worked hard, and Edwards did a lot of stopping in the open. Campbell, the Zingari-Richmond fullback, played a useful game. His tackling was splendid, and he has only to find the line better in his kicking tp become a first-rate full-back. The other Zingari backs were better on defence than on attack, and they had plenty to do in stopping both the opposing ™%" n r d 4 ?eamiard. Procter, the All Black tbreeauarte? was starved for the ball all the afternoon; Black pushed him off the first time the pair met, but Procter quickly recovered himself and brought down .the heavy Southern wing three-quarter. HalsW the; Zingari first five-eighth lost a fine chance of securing a try for his side bv hanging on to the ball when he had Procter waiting in support a few yards from the line. M'Donakl, half-back, was ■plucky enough, but he should sharpen up his! passing from the-scrums. Murdoch Watkios, arid Morrison were prominent in the forward play. KAIKORAI v. DUNEDIN The weight of the Kaikorai forwards in the match against Dunedin had its effect as the game wore on, and towards the end of the second spell Dunedin weakened badly. In the first spell Kaikorai were leading by 9 points to nil./and in the second half they, ran up 26 points. Murphy and Lucy were outstanding m tne forward play. They were in the front of the close work all the afternoon. Jhe Kaikorai pack paved the way for play by their backs, and Irancis (scrum-hall), Henderson (five-eighth), and Johnston (wino- three-quarter), in the second halt particularly, gave the opposition plenty to The Dunedin forwards battled away to the finish, but they were very tired when the final whistle went. Herbert and Crowley proved themselves a pair of solid workers. Tavlor, on the wing, played -»i serviceable game, and Dawkins's minting to the line assisted his side a lot. His defensive work, under the run of the play, was very helpful. Dawkins was hurt in the second spell and had to leave the held. Wallace, centre, also shaped well. ine game finished in semi-darkness. UNIVERSITY B v. PIRATES The match University B and Pirates provided an interesting and evenly contested game (11 points to 5 points). The first spell ended with the score a points to 5 in favour, of the Pirates although the Light Blues led by 5 points to 3 points during most of the spell. Duriu" the second half, however, the University team, especially the forwards, . were outplayed by their opponents, who ■' secured the ball from most of the scrums. -The Pirates backs, although enjoying I plenty of the ball, did not show the necesI sarv thrust, with a result that the ball certainly went through the chain of backs, but gained little ground. I The University side, although without Ijthe service* of. Sfett, their fast wing-

three-quarter, played good, open football both forward and bank. Want of condition told its tale in the second spell, and one anil all seemed very tired when the game ended. Emanuel at.half-back played well, and served his backs when opportunity offered. Page and Ryder had plenty of tackling to do. Maskell on one wing was well watched and not allowed to go far. Syines, who played on the other wing, had hardly pace enough to escape being collared when in scoring positions. M'iarlane at fullback gave a good display. He fielded and kicked well, and saved his side on many occasions. Of the forwards, Simcock, Wilson, Anderson, and Harrison worked Saxton, the Pirates half, played soundly from start to finish. Manning and Martin combined well and formed the mainstay °t the bucks. Taylor at. full-back played his usual safe game. He fielded, safely and generally found the line with, his kicks. The Pirates forwards, as a whole, played well together, and outlasted their opponents. Bannatyne, D. Stuart,' Statham, Valentine, and Carnahan were untiring m their efforts. TAIERI v. UNIVERSITY A Taieri and University A have .met in some exciting games, but it is'.probable , that they have never staged .' a more strenuous encounter than that in. which they drew—o all—at Tahima Park on Saturday. Though the backs had plenty of work to do, it was clear from the start that the result would be decided between the forward packs,, and had the Blue vanguard weakened under the heavy strain there is no.doubt that they could not have saved the game. Though they could not stop the sweeping rushes of the big Tareri- men, they were able to hold their own in hooking, and it was through clean hooking at a critical stage that they were enabled to get the ball out to Dunne, who scored their only try. Ihe game was fought at a great pace, and the crowd was aroused to a high pitch of excitement as play swept from one end of the field to the other in a series of stirring bouts between the forward packs. Both sets of forwards came quickly round the scrum to smother the half-backs, and this, combined with fine tackling on both sides, broke up most Of the passing movements. The presence of R. M'Skimming in the Taieri team as centre three-quarter brought about a considerable improvement in its play, though he individually was not outstanding. His penalty from the side line showed, that he has not lost his ability as a place-kick. The outstanding Taieri back was Murray, the tall wing-three-quarter, who took the ball well and made several determined runs. It was one of his efforts that resulted in his team's only try. Bathgate's play showed some improvement though he has not yet regained his best form. He did his best service in backing up his team mates at critical periods, and it was by a clever piece of anticipation that he was able to take the ball from Murray and score for Taieri. The forwards played with great determination. Findlay and Finlayson did some fine work, and Broadley played a useful game in tfte loose. Jolly played another sound game at full-back for University A and was only once bustled by the onslaughts of the Taieri forwards. Neither o£ the wing three-quarters, Jones and Dunne, had many opportunities, but both showed determination. Dunne's try was an outstanding effort. He appeared to run straight into a group of Taieri men, but in the short distance that he had to run he collected so much pace that he was able to dive between them and ground the ball over the line. Fookes was not playing, and M'Kechnie, who replaced him, did not shine on attack. In the forwards Chapman played another fine game, and he wag well supported by Green and Simmers.

OLD FOOTBALLER TRIES AGAIN Better known in lawn tennis and. golf circles, George Lindsay, of Winton, a prominent footballer some years ago, was to be seen playing for the Winton junior football. team on Saturday afternoon last (writes the Wiritoh correspondent of the Southland Times). He has a son aged 18 who plays a good type • of game;, for the Winton team, but the fact that the juniors could not field a full fifteen was responsible for the veteran filling the role of full-back. Full football regalia was not required, and in every-day clothes (shoes, trousers and shirt), Lindsay, senior, took up his position as the Winton custodian. Play had not been in progress!, very long when the full-back made a, desperate attempt to save his side by a flying tackle. From the melee, emerged the Winton tennis champi&ri with blood' on his face. It was later learned that Lindsay had received a knock on the mouth, necessitating a visit to the dentist and',the removal of nine of his lower teeth. It can now be taken' for granted that the Winton custodian has definitely retired. RUGBY IN JAPAN The Japanese set out to acquire proficiency in tennis and swimming, and now it seems as if they have added Rugby Union football to .their list of sporting attainments (says ,the Australian Footballer). Against the fairly strong Australian Universities' side which toured their country recently, the Japanese broken even in two tests, and in the remaining games won twice, to their opponents'' three times. With typical thoroughness they recently sent a representative to England to learn the latest methods, and in special preparation tor their Australian visit they retired to the fastnesses of the mountains to train for months together. Mr Martin: the manager of the Australian team, in recording his impressions of the tour, says: — "The Japanese game follows closely the English style, due largely, to the influence of one Kayama, player and official, who spent a time in England, and made a special study of their methods. The ball is hooked quickly and got out to the wingers with amazing speed. There is little attempt to break through in the centres —speed arid backing being used to make the overlap. The kicking is not very strong, and drop-kicking an almost unknown science. Thus, the magnificent field goal by Westfield from the touchline, 40 yards out, in the second test, brought the stadium; down. The punting, while accurate, lacks length, and the high punt and follow-on is not used very extensively. • .'■■. "The amazing part of their game is the scrummaging. The Australians outweighing their opponents, were beaten in 90 per cent, of the set scrums; so much so, that it'became necessary for the Australian backs to stand right up on their opponents when a scrum was set, regardless of the territorial state of the play. The reason is science. The packs are picked with mathematical consideration for perfect balance. The players, uniform in size, fit in like a glove to form a wedge-like scrummage. And then they pack so low that the bigger Australians had little chance of using full direct pushing power. Science, in this case, has overcome the lack of weight very effectively." JAPAN BEATEN IN LINE-OUTS. In the line-outs the Japanese were badly handicapped by the lack of height, and the brilliance of M'William, Sydney University high flyer. Consequently, Japan took scrums instead of line-outs at every opportunity. The backs are mainly of uniform type—very nippy and alert in attack, and very game in defence. The Australians found that the follow-on under a high punt often had the home teams in trouble, and it was frequently used with success. The refereeing is of a high standard, and the interpretations in accordance with those of Australian officials. The Japanese players have a wonderful knowledge of the rules, and the elementary breaches so common with some of our Sydney grade players were entirely missing. Yes. even the forwards know the rules backwards there.

The stadium at Hanasosa is one of the finest I have ever watched footb lil at. A big stand stretches right along one side of the ground, and is built right down to the playing area, thus affording a magnificent view of the game. The playing area is in keeping—firm, level turf.! This ground was built by an electric railway company for the use of the Rugby Uniou authorities. It is within handy distance of three big centres, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, ail served by the railway company in question. Rugby Union has also received the approval of the naval and air authorities, and is proving most popular. WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY.

The hospitality, courtesy, and sportsmanship were wonderful. Nothing was too much bother for any. of the hosts, and

every want was anticipated. Tbe games were played in true Rugby Union spirit, and the players fraternised in line fashion. The five magnificent trophies brought back by the tourists give an idea of the goodwill promoted by the tour. A magnificent vase of exquisite workmanship—the gift of the Anglo-Japanese Club—goes to the Canberra National Gallery. Then there are handsome cups for the interuniversity contests, oue lor the Sydney-Brisbane match, another for the Melbourne-Adelaide, and the third for the interuniversity championship. Western Australian does not compete in' these contests yet, but it receives a trophy.

The tour must be regarded as an outstanding success, and is likely to prove the forerunner of many more. The fact that the Australian team contained representatives from Adelaide and Melbourne is certain to have a beneficial effect on the popularity of the gamp in those centres. The Rugby Union authorities should be grateful to the foresight of the Sydney University Rugby Union Club, who sponsored the tour. RUGBY IS " SWELL" NEW YORK OPINION. Reports from America indicate that Rugby football is now making a much stronger appeal than hitherto. The recent visit by a Cambridge University team was an excellent advertisement for the code. A New York correspondent states that there were 4000 people present at the opening match of the tour, and most of them had never seen chc English game before. The on-lookers, arriving in a spirit of patronising investigation, remained to cheer Cambridge, who beat Harvard by 41 points to 18. They answered the announcer's-question, "What do you think of the game? " with &n enthusiastic cry, " Swell." "I watched the game," the correspondent writes, "in the company of several experienced players of American football, and can testify to their excitement as the game progressed. They were aghast at the discovery 'No substitute allowed.' At the American game long rows of reserve players sit waiting to replace any injured or exhausted members of the team. Despite the elaborate precautions taken in American football against injury—with doctors constantly running on to the field and players costumed like ' amateur divers,' my companions agreed that English Rugby is faster and more strenuous than the local . counterpart. They were surprised when the Cambridge team continued with only fourteen men after C. W. Jones, the stand-off half and outstanding player, was removed with a broken ankle. Although the customary cheer-leaders and excitement organisers of American University games were absent, there'was no lack of enthusiasm from the spectators, who vociferously cheered the visitors' triumph. SCRUM—OR SCRAM? A Rugby revival is predicted by Dr Marvin Stevens, chief coach of New York University, where the game was played. "It is the coming spring game of America," he said. Other American experts unstintingly praised the Englishmen's speed. Some of the technical terms considerably puzzled the spectators. There was. for instance, a tendency to confuse " scrum " with " scram " —America's euccint imperative to one outstaying his welcome. The Cambridge players were probably amused to read of their'" Baby blue and white shirts and white panties." But the summing-up of New York's desire to become Rugger conscious was left to the hawker of the rules nt the gate, who monotonously intoned, "Read about the new. and mystifying game from China! " NOTES The Otago selectors will have their work cut out in picking-the full-back for the Otago team. With Taylor (Pirates), D. Trevathan (Southern), and Silver (Union) we have three young full-backs who are already fine players in this difficult position. At the present time • I would say that Trevathan has the better idea of. "positional play of the trio. One" weakness in full-back play noticeable in local football is a lack in nursing the forwards. Full-backs should play to their forwards. They should not run practically straight across the field away from their forwards, , —particularly when they have the ball (kicked back to them from the line out jpjay,—and punt the ball out.' Their job, •in "a case like this, is to put the ball out on the side on which their forwards are playing, even if they do not gain'a yard. .Alhainbra and Union played with three new balls and Southern and ZingariRichmond with one —an old ball in the first half and a newer looking one in the 'second. Clubs and referees should certainly have a better arrangement than that prevailing at present with regard to the throw-in from the line With three balls and a boy fielder on each side line a side is. of ten placed at a distinct disadvantage by a quick throw-in, as one side may be put into position through no effort, of its own. Alhambra gained a distinct advantage by a quick throw-in in the second spell on one occasion in the match against Union. I. consider many opportunities are. lost by sides not adopting the quick from the side Vine, but to make things equal there should be only one ball in the game, and players should have to field it themselves. At any rate there is a distiuct lack of uniformity when in one match we see three, balls used and in another match on the same ground on the same afternoon one ball only. As a matter of fact I understand the Southern Club refused to play with more than one ball. Followers of the game in Dunedin will be pleased to see that Mr W. Pearson has been appointed one of the four New Zealand selectors to pick the All Black team to go to Australia this 1 year and then, the following year, the' team to play in Britain. The other South Island selector is Mr Allan Adams. The two North Island selectors are Messrs E. M'Kenzie (Wairarapa) and V. R. Meredith (Auckland). The selectors have a very hard task in front of them. "Onlooker," of the Southland Times, already submits the names of 26 Southland _ forwards as having claims for recognition this season. They are:—Mattingly, Don-, nelly, Gait, M'Coll (Star), Metcalfe, Wilcox, Dick, Charles, Carter (Pirates), George (2), Tapley, Clode (Invercargill), Berry, Southern, Agnew (2). Naylor, Pawson (Albion), Wilson, Smillie (Old Boys), M'Gowan (Mataura), Purdue, Fowle, Murphy, Bisset (Country). There are probably others, adds "Onlooker." As there were 13 forwards in the All Black team which went to Australia in 1932, it would seem that Southland will be fortuna'te if they get two forwards in the team. M'Douald, the hard-working Southern forward of last year, who has been in the country, has returned to Dunedin, and will be playing again for his old team on Saturday. ■ .'" My Ravensbourne correspondent supplies the following:—"After a good, hardfought game with Zingari, played at Ravensbpurne. the local t»am ran out victors by 6 points to 3. The game was played in good spirit. Zingari have a very young team, composed mostly of Third Grade players, and they shaped very well, giving a good display of football. Torrance, playing full-back for Zingari, -saved his side time and again. Zingari have a capable man for their coach in Mr N. Reardon. Of,the two Ravensbourne wing three-quarters, I think Wilson is much faster than Groom, and he played up to the mark on Saturday. Galloway, at full-back, was not seen at his best.' P. C. Minns, who is now residing in Wellington, has been suffering from a severe cold, and on that account was unable to play on Saturday. The Wellington Club, of which he is a member, does not anticipate that Minns will be available for any further matches. Minns is proceeding overseas very shortly, and, though no definite announcement has been made, it is regarded as likely that he is returning to England. Mr J. B. Wootton, on the conclusion of the meeting of the Committee of Management of the Otago Rugby Union on Monday night: "Can you tell me, Mr Chairman, whether a referee can stop players from kicking the ball around the ground before the commencement of a match?" Mr J. Mitchell: "No. he cannot stop them." Mr Wootton: "Well, this referee said he could." The name of the referee was not divulged. The New Zealand Rugby Union rule under which the Eastern_ Districts Subunion claims it has the right to suspend J. Barber for the remainder of the season reads as follows: —" In cases of misconduct by any club, team, player, or official,

travelling or otherwise, inquiry shall be held by the union directly interested within ten days from the date when such misconduct was brought under the notice of the union interested." Barber is charged with using insulting language to Mr J. Gordon, an official of the sub-union, in a garage on a Friday afternoon. No other persons were present. Barber claims that the sub-union has no jurisdiction over him, and bis appeal to the Otago Union is being forwarded to the New Zealand Union for a decision. Peterson was moved nearer the scrum on Saturday, taking. Pollock's place at second five-eighth (says the Post), and as a result the Petone backs exhibited more sharpness in their attacking movements against Poneke than had been revealed in any previous match. Peterson is the exSouthern and Otago player. In the Roberts brothers, sons of Sir Alexander Roberts, Hutt have a pair of fine forwards (says the Wellington Post). A. Roberts played solidly through the game on Saturday, and G. Roberts threw plenty of weight about when he took Peck's place. Nolan is undoubtedly the most promising full-back seen in Canterbury for many ye..rs (says the Christchurch Press). With every match he is improving, and it appears that with longer experience he may well be a candidate for highest honours.