SOUTHLAND NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 32

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

The Pirates defeated the Invercargill on Wednesday, 12th inst., by 1* points (one goal from a mark and two from tries) to nothing. The Invercargill was weakened by the absence ef M'Pherson, Cuthbertson, and Lea, and was obliged to play about 20 minutes of the first spell without Henderson, J. Martin, their captain, made his first appearance in the team since the accident he received at the beginning of the season. The game was expected^ by every one to be a close contest, which might result in a win for either side, bub it turned out to be a one-sided affair, the Pirates having the best of it from start to finish, Invercargill being completely over matched, and their play was in no way comparable to that of the previous Wednesday. Jt was, in fact, the poorest exhibition of the game they have given this year. If it had one redeeming feature, it was the tackling, which along with Watson's play at full back was all that prevented a much larger score being put up against them. The play of the Pirates, on the other hand, was the best they have shown this year. Their combination was good, and the superiority of theirf or wards enabled them to play three half backs, which proved an advantage. Their backs, taken on the whole, played well, and although they accomplished some very good passing rushes, they at times Bho wed a want of judgment in that line, and some were guilty of an occasional bit of f ambjiing. The tries were obtained by M'Kay and Purdie, and the goals from them were kicked by Manson, one of them, which was from near the touch line, being a particularly clever kick. The other was a very clever drop kick from a mark made by Rodgers. Tapper, Rodgers, and Manson were the bastrof the Pirates' bapks. M'Kay had several free kicks awarded against his siae for off -side play and picking out of the scrums, and one for deliberate hand balling. The pick of the forwards were Anthony, Lock, Farquharson, and N. M'Robie. ,The latter, who has a sore ear, played on the wing, and did much for his side. The only one of the Invercargill team worthy of mention was Watson, whose play was faultless. Mr I. Jenkins made a good referee, and Messrs M'lnernje and Guthbertson gave satisfaction on the lines. „..,',,. The return match Star v. Gore took place at the so-called Chicago of the South, and resulted in a win for the visitors by 15 points to nothing. Six tries w.ere obtained— Donaldson 2, Smith 2, Hughes 1, and Hast I— from which one goal was kicked by Knrfcky. The game was played in a friendly spirit, which is,wortby of mention, since a number of footballers are of the opinion that this could not be the case in Gore. Mr Bowler made an able and impartial referee. Orepuki defeated Otautau at Riverton by 14 points to nothing. The score was made by 2 goals kicked from marks and one from a try. Mr K. Cameron made an efficient ref erre. The Invercargill Second were defeated by the Pirates Second by 12 points to 2. „ Out of 15 tries scored by the Star in the last three matches they have played one goal has been kicked. Perhaps when tries become scarcer they may learn to kick goals. The position of the town clubs have for the season been finally settled by the defeat of the Invercargill on Wednesday. This has again consigned that club to the end of .the ljst. Had .they beaten the Pirates it would have placed those Wf? clubs eaual at least, and JnvercargiljL would baye had the hope of taking second place by beating the gfcar in the pexs match, bnt ,tnere is no«uchluck for the Blues.— Cnoss^An.