RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23542, 4 July 1938, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHERN’S LEAD INCREASED SOUND DISPLAY AGAINST UNIVERSITY A TAIERI BEATS KAIKORAI Only three of the Otago Rugby Union’s First Grade matches scheduled for Saturday were played, the rain during the week having been'sufficient to leave most grounds too wet to justify the playing of all grade matches. The outcome of the day’s play was that Southern increased its lead in the championship competition by scoring a comfortable win by 12 points to 3 against University A. This game gave the Carisbrook crowd good entertainment. It was far from one-sided, but Southern’s teamwork and resolute defence once again triumphed over a fast but more erratic side. The other two games were much more interesting from a result point of view. Kaikorai met and was beaten by Taieri at Tahuna Park. Taieri opened up with great dash, and, with the assistance of three penalty goals, ran out the winner by 12 points to 8. The game was fairly even territorially, and it provided plenty of incident to keep the interest of a fair crowd. It was mostly a forward battle, with both packs playing energetic loose football. There was not a great deal between them in this department, and it was the superior thrust of the Taieri backs that had the main bearing on the result. On the other Tahuna Park ground Zingari-Richmond pleased its supporters by drawing with Pirates, 18—all. The game was not productive of consistently good football, but definitely set the pace in the first half and for a while after the interval. At that stage the score was 18 points to 6 against Pirates, and the Blacks had to stage a sustained rally to make up the leeway. The scores were as follows: —

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS The following are the positions to date of the teams in the Senior Com-

SOUTHERN UNBEATEN WIN AGAINST UNIVERSITY A Southern and University A met on the Carisbrook Ground, which was in surprisingly good order, considering the heavy rain on Friday. The Southern team succeeded in retaining its unbeaten record, but it had no runaway victory. In the second spell there were some exciting moments, when the Blue forwards well held the Colours’ pack, in which Quaid. who will leave this week for Australia with the All Blacks, played a tireless game. But whereas the Blues’ rearguard mostly adopted orthodox attacking movements hand-to-hand passing across the field—which seldom got them far in the face of solid tackling, D. Trevathan, the Colours’ first fiveeighth, varied his tactics on attack with excellent judgment, and repeatedly gained ground for his side with well-placed line kicks. Both sides Were freely penalised, chiefly for infringements at scrums. The teams were as follows:

University A.—Backs—Egan Steele, Fyffe, Watt, Mee, Skelley, Howden: forwards —Gleeson, Wall, C. Foote, Trott, Mack. Borrie. Vosailagi. P. Foote.

Southern. —Backs —Bolton, Black, T. Trevathan, Inglis, Robert. D. Trevathan, Simon; forwards—Edwards, Quaid, McDonald, Neiper. Hill, Tyrie. Smith, Hollev. Borrie kicked oil from the Cargill road end, and the Colours’ backs at once came into action. T. Trevathan running into a solid tackle. The Colours’ forwards carried play to the Blues’ territory, where D. Trevathan missed with a penalty kick at goal from well out, and the Blues forced. The Blue backs were hying to come into action, but they could not gain ground in the face of solid tackling. Watt and Howden were prominent in attacking movements with centring kicks, but D. Trevathan sent back with a fine kick to the line. The Blue forwards were doing great work in the line outs, Mack especially, but the Colours’ backs had the greater thrust in the open play. Fyffe made no mistake in tackling T, Trevathan as he tried to break through, and twice D. Trevathan was well tackled as he cut in near the goal line after receiving the ball from Simon. Egan was hurt and Townsend came on as full-back From a scrum Simon passed to D. Trevathan, to Robert, to T. Trevathan who cut the defence in half and scored, D. Trevathan missing the kick at goal Southern 3, University A nil. The game had been in progress 22 minutes Mee made a great break after receiving a pass from Skelley, from a scrum, and was collared r.ear the line, and he made another desperate attempt to go across on the blind side of a scrum immediately after. A fine dribble by Borrie put his side in position, and Wall and P. Foote dashed over the line. Wall touching down. P Foote missed the kick at goal Southern 3, University A 3 Robert was caught just in time in front of the Blue goal posts, and the ball was sent back to D. Trevathan, who balanced himself and screw-kicked a goal amidst loud applause. Southern 7, University A 3. D. Trevathan missed with another pot, and then, with a short punt, he caught the Blues napping, Inglis dribbling on and Quaid diving over to score. D, Trevathan kicked a goal. Southern 12. University A 3 Just before half time Simon went round a scrum on the blind side and threw infield. Three Southern players handled the ball, and Tyrie knocked on when he was on the line and lost a certain score.

There was no score in the second half, in which the Blues staged a solid game, and in which D. Trevathan did some great saving work. D. Trevathan and Robert made a fine thrust through the defence, and D, Trevathan and then Neiper were almost over Steele turned defence into attack with a slashing run along the left wing, to beat Black for the second time in this spell, and Howden put his side in position with a line kick, but D, Trevathan’s defence was impregnable, and his line kicking heart-breaking to the attacking side. The Blue forwards were now right on their game, and Watt made a thrust on the right wing and Steele on the left. Townsend made a lucky save with a speculator in the face of a forward rush, and the Blue,-- held to their attack Amidst great excitement the Blues went to the Colours’ line, but their backs were not varying their tactics

and were being taken man for man with with no ground gained. Steele, however, was going for the line with the greatest determination whenever he got the chance, and he took some stopping. The game ended with play at midfield. Southern 12 points University A .. .. 3 points Mr D. McKay was the referee.

KAIKORAI BEATEN

TAIERI WINS ON MERIT

Kaikorai’s colours were lowered by Taieri in a hard game on the Tahuna No. 1 ground. The final score was 12 points to 8 against the Hill side, and it could not be said that Taieri’s win was in any way a lucky one. The goal kickers of each side had a day of opportunities, and Wilkins (Taieri) kicked three penalty goals. The game was fought out mostly between the forwards, neither set of backs being able to make any great use of the amount of ball provided, although G. Murray was the spearhead for a number of strong Taieri thrusts in the second half. There was plenty of hard football, and Taieri won a fast game on its merits. The teams were as follows:

Taieri. —Backs—Wilkins, McCartney. Grant, Findlay, Murray, Johnstone, Frew; forward;—McLeod, Moffitt, Law, Barron, Bisset, Walker. Broadley, Henderson.

Kaikorai.—Backs—McFadzien, Allen, Manning, B. Ruff, Murray, Chapman, Scott; forwards—McDonald, Barnes. Mclntosh, Souness, Davie. Reid. Murray, Leatham.

Taieri kicked off with great vim. Johnstone and McCartney in turn tested the Kaikorai defence, and the Hill side was kept very busy for a few minutes. Taieri was rewarded when Kaikorai was penalised, and Wilkins kicked a goal from a reasonable position. Taieri 3, Kaikorai nil. At this stage Kaikorai appeared to be rattled, the Taieri forwards opening up a series of dashing loose thrusts. The backs, though, were not linking up well and position was lost several times by faulty passing and indifferent handling. A break by Barnes from a ruck nearly evened tne scores. He was smothered just short of the line, but Taieri was penalised soon after, and Chapman kicked a goal from an easy position—3-all. Both sets of backs were passing badly, but the forward; were providing plenty of. brisk football. After a hesitant start, Kaikorai settled down to a solid attack. The forwards were sending back plenty of ball, but breaks by the Taieri forwards were a constant menace. McFadzien was applauded for driving back one such rush in brilliant style. The Kaikorai forwards swarmed back and Wilkins was caught with the ball. He got rid of it. but Barnes charged down a clearing kick on the line and fell over for a try. Chapman kicked the goal from a wide angle. Kaikorai 8, Taieri 3. The game was moving about a lot. and Wilkins was very close with another penalty shot. He had still another chance a minute later, and his kick from the touchline glanced in off an upright, Kaikorai 8. Taieri 6. I. Murray gave away a penalty foolishly only a minute or two after this, but Wilkins’s kick just missed. Taieri had again taken over the attack, but the loose passing of their backs was getting them nowhere. Neither set of backs had yet shown any penetration. McCartney was dangerous in a strong burst on the short side. McFadzien just managing to get him into touch. Johnstone went over from a short passing rush, but he had not gathered his pass cleanly and was called back. Touch in goal gave Kaikorai relief but the drop out was charged dowm. and Moffitt attempted to kick a field goal. The ball dropped short, but when it was fumbled Souness was too eager and got offside in front of the posts. Wilkins kicked a “sitter.” and Taieri led 9 to 8 at half time.

The second half was not so interesting. although the game remained just as fast and some of the exchanges were willing. The Taieri backs handled much more snappily. G Murray, at first five-eighth, playing with a lot of determination and directing a strong attack D. Murray moved in from second to first five-eighth to stop him. but the rangy Taieri inside back continued to give one of his best displays After Wilkins missed a penalty shot from well out. there was a period of interesting but indecisive play about midfield. Chapman in turn, missed a fairly long penalty shot There was plenty of opportunities for goal kickers. Play was very hard, and the referee issued a general caution to the forwards, Taieri went further ahead when Murray carved his way through some loose play in Kaikorai’s twenty-five and sent Findlay over for a try well out. Wilkins missed. Taieri 12, Kaikorai 8. The Kaikorai backs were playing well enough individually, but thev were not linking up at all well, and the side did not look like saving the game Broadlev came out of the Taieri pack to make an extra back late in the half, and Murray frustrated Kaikorai’s desperate up-and-under tactics by finding

touch consistently. Walker was hurt late In the game, and Campbell came on in his place. Kaikorai could make no impression on a rugged, smothering defence, and the game ended:— Taieri 12 points. Kaikorai .. .. 8 points Mr J. Briggs was the referee. PIRATES v. ZINGARI A DRAWN GAME The game between Pirates and Zingari-Richmond at Tahuna No. 2 was somewhat patchy at first, but in the second spell it brightened up considerably, and Pirates, who were well behind, managed to pick up the lead and make it a drawn game. Perriam 'was seen to advantage and managed to pot a goal. The teams were fairly evenly matched, and the score gives a good indication of the trend of the game, at least in the latter half. The teams were as follows: Pirates.—Backs—McLeod. McLachlan, Perriam, Duff, Fraser, Thorburn, Bathgate; forwards—Shand, Graham, Neilson, Harkess. Wilson. Grant. Ken*nedy. Beadle. Zingari-Richmonu.—Backs Campbell, Lumsden. Mehalski, Smith, Rapson, Mason, Robertson; forwards — Douglas, Homer. Pollock. Short, Morrison, Wilson, Hennessey, White. The match commenced with a fairly lengthy period of willing play ranging over the whole field, Pirates eventually getting near the line. An infringement within the Zingari twentyfive gave that team an opportunity to relieve the pressure; but Pirates were soon back on their line. The ball came out from a scrum fairly close up. and McLachlan secured and punted, but a Zingari forward got the ball, and play went back to midfield. Pirates took charge, and from a scrum near to the line Duff secured and went over at the corner. Perriam took the kick from a fairly difficult angle and failed. Pirates 3. Zingari nil. Short (Zingari) retired injured and was replaced by Carmichael. A free kick was taken by Perriam, making the score: Pirates 6, Zingari nil. Soon after, Lumsden had an opportunity for a free kick, and the score became: Pirates 6. Zingari 3. Fast forward play carried the ball into * the Pirates twenty-five, where Rapson raced past the field and under the posts. Lumsden converted. Zingari 8, Pirates 6. From a short spell of rather straggling play Douglas (Zingari) crossed. Lumsden converting. Zingari 13. Pirates ' After half time Zingari attacked, but got nowhere, and the ball stayed about the halfway line, the territorial advantage being slightly in Pirates’ favour Pirates kicking carried the ball upfield, but a good run by Mason, assisted by Mehalski, carried Campbell over, Lumsden converting. Zingari 18, Pirates 6. But Pirates were not done, and an attack resulted in Shand crossing the line. McLeod failed. Zingari 18, Pirates 9. Play remained about midfield, but a Pirates rush resulted in Perriam potting a goal. Zingari 18, Pirates 13. A grand run by Perriam carried Fraser over, and the scores were equal, 18—all. Zingari attacked, but a free kick saved the situation, and the match ended wuh play in midfield and the scores: — Zingari .. .. •• 18 points Pirates 18 points Mr G. Williamson was the referee. INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH AUCKLAND BEATS TARANAKI (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 2. Although Taranaki led at the interval by 6 points to 5, mainly through the efforts of its back line, Auckland’s forwards were the deciding factor in the second spell, and the home side won by 16 points to 9. Auckland was without the services of ils regular three-quarter line. Prentice having contracted measles, and the wing men, D. Martin and the All Black J. Dick, being absent with influenza, but the side gave a surprisingly good display under the circumstances. The new line comprised Killeen at centre and Flelt and Ramsay on the wings. The attendance at Eden Park wa- the largest this season. Taranaki opened the scoring two minutes after the kick off, Meuli kicking a beautiful penalty goal from a difficult position. Eight minutes later Auckland took the lead when A. Brown broke away and scored after Cooney had received from a scrum. McLean converted. Auckland 5, Taranaki 3. Auckland looked like scoring on one or two occasions, but good defensive work on the part of the Taranaki backs kept the opposition at bay. After Taranaki had turned defence into attack, C. McLean, a visiting forward, scored well out. There was no further score when half time came, Taranaki leading by one point. The game up to this stage was fast and open, but after the recommencement play was confined mostly to the forwards. Sullivan, the All Black five-eighth, shone for the first time in the match, when, two minutes after the interval, he made a brilliant dash from midway and touched down in the corner. The kick failed. Taranaki 9, Auckland 5. Less than five minutes later Pearman short-kicked from a scrum, and Brady carried on the movement to cross the line with the ball at his feet and score near the posts. McLean converted Auckland 10, Taranaki 9.

land forwards. Arnold played a good game at half-back for Taranaki, and Meuli on the wing was very safe, his kicking and tackling being sure. Johns, as the last line of defence, played well. The best of the Taranaki forwards were Richards, C. McLean. Benton, Coull, and Fowler. IN OTHER CENTRES Rugby matches in other centres resulted as follows: — WELLINGTON Poneke 13, Eastbourne 10. Athletic 13, Marist Brothers Old Boys 6. Petone 18. St. Patrick’s Old Boys 6. Wellington 26, Johnsonville 9. Wellington College Old Boys 6, Hutt 5. CHRISTCHURCH Linwood 3, Sunnyside 3. Albion 14, Christchurch 0. Technical 15, Old Boys 3. Sydenham 11, Merivale 6. Air Force 15, University 6. Linwood is now 1£ points ahead of the next team, Sunnyside. COUNTRY MATCHES MANIOTOTO v. VINCENT The annual fixtures between the Vincent and Maniototo County football teams were played at Alexandra on Saturday before a large attendance. In the junior game Vincent won by 6 points to 3, and the senior game ended in a draw. 3 all. both unconverted tries. PROMINENT FOOTBALLER DEATH OF MR K. S. MORTLOCK (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, July 2. The death occurred suddenly to-day, after a short but severe illness, of Mr K. S. Mortlock, one of Canterbury’s best-known Rugby footballers over the past six years, and a prominent and popular member of the Old Boys’ Club. Mortlock. who was 28 years of age, represented his province 40 times in all. mostly as second five-eighth or centre, and was noted for the all-round steadiness of his play, first-class defence being allied to attacking powers that were well above the average even for provincial backs. Unselfish team work of a high order was characteristic of his play, and clever openings were made for the benefit of others. Mortlock played for the South Island in 1934, and also took part in the All Black trials before the departure of the 1935 team for EnglandMortlock leaves a widow and voung child.

With Auckland hooking consistently, the home side held territorial sway. McLean then kicked a penalty goal for Auckland, making the score 13 points to 9 in favour of the home side Taranaki looked dangerous, but Auckland’s defence, thanks to the accurate kicking of Solomon at full-back, was sound. There was no additional score until five minutes before the final whistle, when Carson broke from the ruck and grassed the ball, making the score 16 points to 9. Shortly afterwards Johns, the Taranaki full-back, missed a penalty shot at goal, and the game ended with the score unchanged. Auckland’s back line was not seen in action as much as it might have been on account o£ faulty passing from the base of the scrum by Cooney Pearman, however at five-eighths, was briliantly incisive, while Brady gave good support. Killeen mishandled on occasions. McLean. Hull, Pepper, and A Brown were the best of the Auck-

petition:— P. W. L.D Points, F. A. Ch. Pts. Southern .. 10 9 1 168 32 19 Kaikorai 10 7 2 1 86 57 15 Pirates 10 6 3 1 120 75 13 University A 10 6 4 — 131 79 12 Taieri .. .. 10 5 5 — 98 1Q5 10 Zingari 10 4 5 1 81 90 9 University B 9 4 5 — 97 141 8 Dunedin 9 3 6 — 56 94 6 Alhambra .. 9 2 7 — 45 96 4 Union .. .. 9 1 8 — 41 154 2

Southern .. .. .. 12 University A .. 3 Taieri .. . . ..12 Kaikorai 8 Pirates .. . . .. 18 Zingari-Richmond .. 18