SUPERIOR COMBINATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27081, 16 May 1949, Page 6

SUPERIOR COMBINATION

SOUTHERN WIN COMFORTABLY Alhambra made too many mistakes to cope with a side of Southern’s calibre and experience, and although the scores were s—all with the first spell well advanced Southern led by 8 points to 5 at half time, and playing much more strongly in the second half ran out the winner by 26 points to 5. The Alhambra forwards battled hard throughout, but there was better understanding between the Southern backs and forwards, the backs handling much more surely than the Alhambra rear division. T. Wallace played one of his best games in the Southern pack, hunting the ball closely and with dash all day. D. Smith was effective in the line-out play, and W. Dryden and D. Young were often noticeable in the loose. The Southern backs displayed plenty of resource, with L. S. Woodhouse giving them a quick service and varying his play cleverly. J. W. Paterson and J. B. Peck were a good combination at five-eighths, while the centre, A. Howley, stood out for strong and determined running and quickness through the gap. E. Michie, easily the best Alhambra forward, was prominent in the line-out play, and often broke through with the ball. He was well supported by S. Jarvis and W. Neame, the latter doing good work in cover defence. R. Stewart, behind the Alhambra pack, opened up play whenever the opportunity presented itself. D. Carhdus (wing) was the most impressive of the others, making several tricky runs and showing considerable dash. He scored Alhambra’s only try from an opening made by P. Sullivan, Michie adding the extra points. The Alhambra backs were inclined to stand off their opponents, and the full-back, R. Maitland, was very uncertain in his fielding of the ball.’ Peck contributed 14 points to Southern’s total—a try, four conversions, and a goal from a penalty. Tries were also scored by McKenzie, Howley, Woodhouse, and Paterson. Mr L. Millar was the referee.