NORTH OF ENGLAND V. SOUTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1943, 14 February 1889, Page 25

NORTH OF ENGLAND V. SOUTH.

NOTES BY FORWARD.

THE NQRTH WINS. The seventeenth annual encounter between representative Rugby teams from the North and South was decided on the ground of the Blackheath Club last December and ended iv a victory for the Northerners by two goals to a try. The weather was most unfavourable, a heavy fog hanging over the field, the players at times being indistinguishable. This undoubtedly interfered with the attendance, some 4000 persons putting in an appearance. Consequent upon the semi-darkness play was limited to 30 minutes each way, but despite this a grand game was witnessed, which throughout was fast and exciting, and that the better side won is beyond question. The Northern forwards were much superior to the Southerners; they always followed the ball up well and seemed never to tire, whilst the home backs were a better lot than their rivals. Although Mitchell made one or two mistakes in the first half he fully made up for this later on, and his returns into touch were always good. Stoddart was the pick of the three-quarters. Hubbard, up to the time he unfortunately had to retire through fracturing his collar-bone, played a sterling game, but Christopherson had few chances of distinguishing himself. At half back Martin-Scott aud Richards distinguished themselves. Of the forwards it would be difficult to select any particular man, all working with a will, and this may also be said of the whole of the Northerners. Royle was an excellent back, whilst Sutcliffe and Lockwood made some grand runs and tackled well. Bonsor and Mason T. Scott, at half back, were always to the front, and played throughout a magnificent game. Jefltery kicked off for the South from the eastern goal. The ball was returned into the centre, where a number of scrummages took place, the home team, with a combined rush, taking play into the Northern half. Here Hickson, Cave, and Martin-Scott were conspicuous for some brilliant play. The ball was gradually worked back into the home grouad, but Stoddart and Richards came to the rescue, the latter kicking into touch into the Northern twenty-five. The North for a little time had to act on the defensive, but by the aid of Bonsor and Sutcliffe the pressure was relieved. Play continued to be of a very fast nature, principally among the forward division. Handcock and Dewhurst came through a "scrummage, and carried operations into the opposing half, but it did not remain long in this quarter, as Hickson, heading fi fine dribble, neutralised matters. Fr jm a scrummage in the Southern twenty-five the ball was passed to Sutcliffe, who attempted to drop a goal, but failed. The ball being out of Mitchell's reach, shot past him, and went over the goal line. Before the home back could save. Anderton ran up and scored a try, a somewhat lucky one. He, however, was well cheered for his smartness. Sutcliffe landed a neat goal. Resuming, the South seemed to wake up to the occasion, and ere a couple of minutes had elapsed operations were carried onia the .visitors'- territory, where Everehed from some loose play picked up, and dodging his opponents cleverly crossed the line. Mitchell failed to score.. Hobbard saved an ugly rash, headed by Yiend, and soon afterwards the

visitors were accorded a free kick for the offside play of one of their opponents, but nothing resulted, Mitchell returning it well into the centre touch. From the line-out Robinson got hold, but did not travel far ere he was well brought down. Half-time was riow called, with play in the midfield, and the North leading by a goal to a try. On crossing over, Bonsor restarted the game, Stoddart returning. The Northern forwards at once rushed ,«p,,but were stopped by Richards, who picked tip; the ball, and, running in fine style, had a fair opening, when he unfortunately slipped. Again : coming up the field, the Southerners where hard pressed, and from a scrummage jpr the home twenty-five the ball was handed to Lookwood, who, measuring bis distance carefully, dropped a magnificent goal. Resuming, the Southerners once more assumed the aggressive, some grand passing taking place between Richards, Hubbard, and Stoddart, when the latter, after running a long distance, was pushed into touch five yards from the goal line. Continuing to force the game the Southerners were within an ace of scoring, when Hickson, Jowett, and Toothill took the ball away. Hubbard soon obtained possession, and making a splendid spurt, ran right across the field, and on being tackled fell heavily, and sustained a severe fracture of his collar-bone. He was immediately removed and attended to by Doctors Clarke and L. Stokes. Wynne, from the forward division, took Hubbard's place. Re-starting, the Northerners pressed, but Dewhurst relieved by an exoellent dribble. By this time the fog was increasing in density, and the players could hardly be distinguished. Christopherson, Sutcliffe, and Stoddart made some dashing runs, whilst Handcock, Mitchell, Bonsor, and Anderton were very prominent. Nothing, however, resulted, and when time was called the North were left victorious by two goals to a try. Of the 17 matohes the South have won 10 to the North's four, the other trio being left drawn.