MATCHES AT CARIBROOK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27058, 18 April 1949, Page 7

MATCHES AT CARIBROOK

VISIT OF CHRISTCHURCH TEAMS BRIGHT HOLIDAY FARE The appearance of two Christchurch teams —Merivale and Albion —in their annual Easter matches against Alhambra and Southern respectively attracted a crowd of about 2000 to Carisbrook, which was in excellent order for the opening of the season. Both games produced Rugby well above the usual holiday level, and in each the superior combination and finish of the local teams proved the deciding factor. The results were:— Alhambra 23, Merivale 3. Southern 20, Albion 6. BRIGHT DISPLAY Southern played excellent first-of-the-season Rugby to defeat the Albion (Christchurch) side in the second match at Carisbrook. A fehture of the game was the highly promising debut for Southern of the former Port Chalmers full-back, J. Peck, who gave a thoroughly workmanlike display at second fiveeighth. He made several fine openings to pave the way for tries, and his kicking was strong and well judged. The Southern forwards dominated the scrums and loose rucks fairly persistently, and the backs were not slow to take full advantage of this superiority. J. Graham played a resourceful and clever game at first five-eighth, and J. Dow, a speedy wing three-quarter, made several determined funs. The pack was well led by D. Smith and T. Wallace, while N. Brownie, W. Dry den and R. Peat gave good support. The Albion forwards did not show the cohesion of the Southern pack, but their loose rushes often gained considerable ground, P. Hegarty, D. Bodger, R. Fleming and D. Hopping being a tireless quartet. The visitors’ backs had limited opportunities, but N. Chandler, the Canterbury representative five-eighth, and N. Rayfield were quick to seize any openings in the defence, and both did valuable work in cover defence. Southern led by 8 points to 6 at half time, tries for the winners being scored by Dow and M. Howley, one try being converted by Peck. D. Matson scored a try for Albion, and D. Often kicked a goal from a penalty. In the second half Southern called the tune, and L. S. Woodhouse, who played a characteristically sound game, scored two tries, and M. Howley one. while Peck kicked a goal from a penalty. Mr J. Stewart was the referee. E. MICHIE OUTSTANDING Showing superiority back and forward, Alhambra began the season promisingly with a good win over Merivale in the early match. The outstanding player on the field was E. Michie, who led the Alhambra forwards strongly, and was well supported by W. Neame. A. Williams and I. Mitchell showed up in the loose. The Alhambra backs were well served by R. Stewart, the former Otago halfback, and although lapses in handling were perhaps to be expected, the winners combined in some attractive passing. In one movement started by Michie at halfway, practically the whole line handled before P. Mitchell finished off in spectacular ■ fashion. A. McDonald was a strong-running centre, always looking for work, and D. Brown and R. Fenton shaped well on the wings. Merivale lacked the combination of the winners, but individually several players showed to advantage, notably J. Brazil at first five-eighth, P. Walker (centre), and K. Taylor (wing) in the backs, and J. Pearce and S. Sweetman in the forwards. Michie scored two tries, drop-kicked a goal from a penalty, and converted one try for Alhambra. Tries were also scored by D. Heenan, McDonald, P. Mitchell, and Neame. Merivaie’s points consisted of a goal from a penalty, kicked by K. Taylor. Mr J. Frood was the referee.