GRIM STRUGGLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26779, 24 May 1948, Page 3

GRIM STRUGGLE

Excelsior Defeated Two close games were played at the Oval on Saturday when the leading team in the Citizens’ Shield competition, Excelsior, suffered its first defeat of the season at the hands of Athletic. These two teams are now first equal, and Old Boys’ victory over Maheno affirmed their positions as third and fourth in the competition points respectively. Athletic v. Excelsior Avenging their previous defeat by the Blues, Athletic was successful in holding Excelsior and gaining a 3 —nil victory in the main match at the Oval on Saturday, after a particularly hard tussle. The only points scored in the game came from a penalty goal by J. Halvorscn early in the first spell, A. I-lopley, one of the Excelsior three-quarters, was injured and left the field. So far this season not a single try has been recorded against Excelsior. At the commencement of play light rain was falling, and by half-time the weather had deteriorated, although the rain very evenly matched, and although Atheventuallv lifted a little at the end of the game. This made the ball far too greasy lo enable either back line to handle it with ease, and the game developed into a fast forward contest. The teams were very onenly matched, and although Athletic enjoyed a decided territorial advantage in the first spell, Ilalvorsen at full-back had plenty of work which he executed proficiently, saving his side frequently with long, raking line kicks. The backs on both sides stood deep on the attack, but solid tackling took heavy toll. H. Pittaway, at second five-eighth for Excelsior, was fast off the mark and exploited every opening, and a pot at goal by him from straight in front of the posts passed just outside the upright. Both forward packs worked hard throughout the game, although Athletic packed quicker and better. On the loose. Excelsior excelled, although Athletic only spoiled their dribbling rushes by poor control which resulted in the ball being snapped up and sent out of reach by the opposing backs. The referee was Mr F. Williamson. Maheno v. Old Boys The game between the two weaker teams in the competition proved uninteresting and was mainly confined to forward play. The backs on both sides were disappointing and failed to take advantage of the opportunities that offered. The Maheno forwards played a l-ugged game in the tight and set scrums, and Old Boys had superiority in the loose. The play 'was very even in the first half, although Maheno was often on attack and held Old Boys mainly on the defensive. The breakaway forwards for Maheno were quick to move from the set scrums and often had the Old Boys inside backs bustled. There was no score at half time. ' Play was much the same In the second half, with the Old Boys making use of the wind and attacking strongly. A. Rainey played soundly for Old Boys and was responsible for some good solo breaks. The only score in the game came when F. Daly, Old Boys’ half-back, received the ball from a ruck on the Maheno line, cut around the side of the scrum to score wide out. The final score was: Old Boys 3, Maheno nil. Mr J. Cossens was the referee. Otckaikc v.. Duntroon The first points scored this season against Otekaike came from a field goal by L. Peterson on Saturday in the game won by Otekaike against Duntroon by 8 points to 3. The ground was wet, and it was a struggle between two good packs of forwards, who were well supported by their backs. Tries were scored for Otekaike by E. Harris and R. Sheppard, one being converted by R. Gard. Mr H. Tempfero was the referee.