COMFORTABLE MARGIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27383, 8 May 1950, Page 6

COMFORTABLE MARGIN

Taieri Beats Alhambra A strong wind militated against constructive play-in the match at Tahuna Park where Taieri beat Alhambra by 15 points to 3. By adopting spoiling tactics in the scrum Alhambra managed to keep the score in the first half down to 3 —all. but with the wind behind it Taieri forged ahead, and won the game convincingly. P. Johnstone was once again the mainstay of the winner’s pack, but L. Blackie was by no means eclipsed in the loose play. The backs suffered an early reverse when T. Thomson had to retire with an injured leg, but J. Johnstone, who moved into the half-back berth in the second spell, proved a fairly effective substitute. His outside man, J. McLeod, celebrated his return from the “ bank ” with a first-class display. The Alhambra forwards gained a -fair share of the ball in the first half, mainly because they collapsed the scrums, but the backs seldom made use of the wind and a general scramble resulted. S. Winter and W. Neame worked hard in the tight and when the ball did come out cleanly P. Sullivan and D. Brown made the most of their opportunities. Tries were scored for Taieri by K. Frew, L. Blackie, McLeod and J. Johnstone. L. Couper did not convert any of them, but he kicked a goal from a penalty. Alhambra’s points came from a try scored by P. Mitchell. The referee was Mr C. Quaid.