THE RUGBY GAME. Kaikorai v. Dunedin.

Otago Witness, Issue 2258, 10 June 1897, Page 36

THE RUGBY GAME. Kaikorai v. Dunedin.

The beautifully mild weather, together with fche anticipation of witnessing a keenlycontested match, bad the effect of attracting a largo number of spectators to the Caledonian i ground on Saturday afternoon, when the [ Kaikorai met the Dunedin. latter kicked off from the north end of the ■ ground, and it may at onc9 be stated that the play all through the first spell was of * decidedly disappointing cbaraoter. On only one or two occasions did the game open out and something like dash and spirit characterise the movements of the players, but these were only momentary, and the spectators were compelled to watch a dreary succession of scrams and line-outs. On one occasion the Kaikorai broke away with a good ruih and had a splendid show to score, but this was spoilt by an injudicious kick by one of the forwards. Subsequently Wilkinson made a rush for the line and passed* to Williamson, who got over, but being off-side the ball was called back. The seoond half was infinitely more interesting, play generally being more fast and open. Soon aft6r Torrance kicked off Isaacs shifted the . game to the Kaikorai line, where in a scrambling rush M 'Donald, a Dunedin forward, picked up the leather and kicked an indisputable goal. An interchange of kicks amongst the backs left the hall in the Kaikorai's twentyfives, where it remained till it was carried to neutral territory by a fine passing rush in whioh Williamson, Duncan, and Wood figured prominently. Duncan now getting possession from one of the scrums kicked across the ground near to the posts, where Williamson Bcored. Wood taking the kick placed an easy goal. Subsequently Dunedin was forced. Kaikorai was awarded free kioks, but nothing came of them, and subsequently they were rather severely pressed. Towards the close the game became very keen and exciting, and although both sides attained at times good positions no further scores resulted, the game ending Kaikorai .„ 5 points Dunedin .~ v 4 points Pirates v. Union. The match between the Pirates and Union Clubs, which was played on the North ground, attracted several hundred spectators. The Pirates, winning the toss, played for the first spell from the northern goal. The play was of a give-and-take character for some time, but the Pirates gradually took it to their opponents' end, and Macassey made a good attempt at goal from a free kick. A few minutea later, after a couple of troublesome passing rushes had been checked by the Union team, the ball came out to Hay in front of the goal, and that player dropped the ball neatly over the bar. There was no addition to the score in the first Epcll, which was largely devoid o? interest. The second spell had not been long in progress when Stalker received an injury which necessitated his retirement, and the Pirates were loft to finish out the match with H men. The Maroons' forwards, playing with great determination, attacked vigorously, and the ball coming into the possession of Lumb (the full back for the home team) he potted, but without ■ucces», for though the ball passed over the bar it was on the bounce that ib did bo. The Blacks were kept defending after this, until their forwards, with a fine rush, cleared their lines and carried the play to the other end of the field, where they were awarded a free ktck, from which Matheson vainly attempted to place a goal. Helped into the Pirates' quarter* by a 'serviceable punt down the line by Armstrong, the Maroons instituted another vigorous 'onslaught on their opponents' lines, but they [were met with resolute tackling, and though fche Union forwards again and again got well up to the coveted line, Priest and Barb with the kelp of the others on' their side invariably managed to break through and relieve the pressure. On one occasion Wyllie potted from in front of the Pirated goal, but the ball passed beneath the crossbar, even if it had not been touched in its flight, and shortly afterwards Dredge secured a mark within range, butLumb's kick was charged down. Towards the end of the game the Union forwards seemed to have nhot their bolt, and in the closing stages the Pirates manifested the upper hand, but there was no further score, and the match, which wa( controlled by Mr A. Downea, resulted— Pirates ... 4 points Union _ —Ni ZINGAHI-RICHJIOND V. ALHAMBRA. This match was played at Montecillo in J" 1 ' presence of a large number of spectator*. Tli<

ground was in capital order, and the home team had erected a rope round tho field of play, which effectually prevented the onlookers from encroaching. The game connequently was not oncß interfered with. Alhambra won the toss, and Maofarlane kicked off. The Ziugari almost immediately took the ball into the Alhambra quarters, and the visitors were kept very busy defending thoir lines until Ross relieved by a fine kick well down fche fisld.- Alhambra continued to press their* opponents till the Zingari forwards, by a fine dribbling rush, carried the play to the Alhambra. lines. A series of scrums ensued, and the Zingari backs wera within an ace of sooring ou several occasions, only being stopped by the determined tackling of the Alhambra backs. Towards the close of the spell Alhambra by good kicking took the ball in the Zingari quarters, where, f com soma loose play, Ross, after a fine run, scored a try, which Lambeth oonverted. Shortly after the resumption of play the Alhambra forwards rushed the ball over the Zingari lines, a force down resulting. From this out the Zingari kept the ball in the Alhambra twenty-five, and the visitor« wera forced on several occasions. With only about 15 miuutfs to play ib looked an if the Alhambra were going to win, but Reid, getting possession near the halfway flag, ran right through the opposing backs and scored a try, which was not converted. The Zingari forwards subsequently took the ball to the Alhambra twenty-nva flag, where, after some very fast play, W. Smith goi possession, and orossiDg ths Alhambra, line scored the winning' try, which was nob O3nverted. A few minutes later time was called with the following result : — ZingariRichmond 0 points Alhambra ... 5 points