SOUTH OTAGO RUGBY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27372, 24 April 1950, Page 3

SOUTH OTAGO RUGBY

Country Sport

As a result of Saturday's games, Owaka, last year’s “ wooden spoo'ners ” in the Senior Grade, was the only team to win its two opening games in the South Otago competition. Clinton seniors beat Clutha by a goal from a penalty to nil, at Balclutha, while at Milton, Crescent beat Toko 12—3, and at Owaka the home team beat Valley Ijy 8 points (two tries, one converted) to 6 (two tries). Other results were:— Second Grade.—Lawrence 18, Owaka nil; Star 12, Toko 6. Third Grade.—Toko 13, Clinton 3; South Otago High School 6, Clutha 3; Crescent 9, Owaka n'l. GOOD EXHIBITION Toko 111 and Clinton 111 provided the curtain-raiser at Milton, and turned on a ‘ good exhibition. Both teams showed fitness, but Toko had the edge on their opponents, who played a loose spoiling game in the forwards, while they lacked penetration in the back divison. The Toko backs endeavoured to dfren up play, and some good individual efforts were seen. Tries were scored for Toko by Sawers, Howie and Shaw, and Dee converted two. Hansen scored Clinton’s only try. The final score was Toko 13, Clinton 3. For Clinton, Cody played an outstanding game on the side of the scrum, and Steele was the pick of the backs. Dee and Cockerill were the best of the Toko forwards. HAIG’S GOOD SHOWING L. Haig, who was playing his first game since he was hurt last season, early showed that he was in good form against Toko I, and it was he who guided all the movements against Crescent I. He drove Toko back with long line kicks and when in striking distance opened up the game smartly. Both sets of forwards played hard football, but Crescent possessed better combination and secured a greater percentage of the ball. Toko played better in the second spell, and the backs had more of the ball. The final score was Crescent 12, Toko 6. For Crescent, Haig kicked two penalties and a field goal, and Robinson scored a try. For Toko, C. Simpson kicked a goal from a penalty.