THE RUGBY GAME Dunedin v. Union.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 36

THE RUGBY GAME Dunedin v. Union.

Tha time-honoured engagement between the Dunedin aud Uuion teams attracted a large number of spectators to the Caledonian ground on Saturday. The Danedia in the firsb spell played with a strong wind at thei 1 * backs, and almost immediately placed their opponents on the defence, bub Lumb with a lucky kick relieved the Maroons. However, the advantaga was only momentary, for during the next 10 minutes or quarter of an hour play rested in the Union quarters. A capital forward rush then shifted the game right on to the Dunedin lines, and the danger was only averted by the good play of Stobr and Eagles. The Union persisted in their attack, and a passing rush by their backs was rendered fruitless by Stephenson intercepting and kicking well down the field. The Union team, after some loose pay in midfield, were nexb on the defensive, and v free kick to Dunedin resulted in their opponents being forced. A lot of uninteresting play intervened, principally serums aad line-outs, until, the Union forwards breaking away, a score seemed imminent, Drumm (the Dunedin full back) saving in a plucky way. Half-time was then called. On the teams crossing over it was generally anticipated that the Un ; on men would make matters pretty warm for their opponents, but a reverse state of things was witnessed. Tbe Blues made spirited attacks on their opponents' lines, and some capital passing ru6b.es amoDg3t their backs gave the Maroons a lot of trouble. The character of the play now became more interesting than hitherto. The game was made more open by both teams, and a remarkably fine passing rush among the Dunedin backs resulted in the game being coufiaed for a long while to the Union quarters. A scrum was formed near the lines and Brading scrambled over and secured a try. Turtou, who took the kJck, had the misfortune to see the ball sU-ike the post and bounce back into play. This reverse Eeemed to awaken tho Union forwards, and the game wag made much more even. They instituted a series of vigorous forward rushes, which, however, met with a stubborn resistance. Subsequently, when the Dunedin invaded tha Union territory, the Blues were awarded a free kick owing to several of their opponents being eff-'jide. Turton made no mistake this time, and landed a beautiful goal. A fevr minutes later Stephenson got across the line, bub hid the ill-luck to be thrown into touch-in-goal. When time was called shortly after the score stood : Dunedin ... 6 points Unioa ... ... Ml.