RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 4032, 23 June 1931, Page 47

RUGBY LEAGUE.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. Some bright football was seen on Saturday between the four senior teams competing in the Ellis Cup competition. Christian Brothers and Athletic met on the Caledonian Ground in a game that was fast and open from start to finish. Christian Brothers played up to their old form, and secured another victory. On the Oval City and Pacific also provided the spectators with a fast and interesting game, which resulted in an easy win for City. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams in the Ellis Cup competition:—

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS v. ATHLETIC.

Athletic instituted a strong attack against Christian Brothers from the kick off, the forwards and backs combining well. Play went to the Greens’ line, and it was only the strong defence which prevented Athletic from registering a score. The play was fast and open, and fairly even for a time. The Greens then broke away in a fine movement, and fumbling by Stewart almost let Pollock through. The Christian Brothers’ backs set up another strong attack, and Pearce raced through to score a good try, which he failed to convert. Athletic held the Greens for a time, but another fine movement by the backs, started by M'Kewen, ended in Pearce again beating the opposition to score at the corner. The try was not converted. A little later the Athletic forwards came through in a dribbling rush, with Duncan in the van, but a force-down was the only result. Athletic made another strong attack near the Green’s line, and after two attempts from penalties M'Donald kicked a fine goal. The score at half time was: Christian Brothers 6 points, Athletic 2 points. The second spell was opened with frequent thrusts by the Greens, but Athletic retaliated. A few minutes later the Green backs again broke away in Athletic’s territory, and Pearce raced over at the corner to score another good try, which he converted. There was a thrilling piece of play later, when Kean snapped up the ball at halfway and raced through the opposition to score

a brilliant try. He failed with the kick. Athletic then took a hand, and Gray scored wide out. M'Donald’s kick went wide. A little later Ted O’Connor sent out a pass to Pearce, who again beat several opponents to score. He failed with the kick. Athletic attacked, and Gray, Te Au, and Barlow figured in one of the best passing movements of the game, Barlow scoring wide out. M'Donald again failed with the kick. A sweeping movement by the Green backs towards tlie close of the game ended in Pearce scoring between the posts. He was successful with the kick. The final scores were : Christian Brothers .. 22 points Athletic 8 points Mr F. Percy was referee. CITY v. PACIFIC. The game between City and Pacific had been in progress only a few minutes when Fitzgerald scored. Clydesdale missed with the kick. A great rally by Pacific saw City’s line in danger. Then Davies, with a fine penalty goal, opened the score for the south end team. Bryan, Harrison, and Reid were prominent in Pacific counter-thrusts, and play was in City’s territory for a time. A little later Clydesdale increased City’s score with a penalty goal. Just before halftime Nelson and Eckhoff started a reverse movement, which ended in the latter scoring. The halftime scores were: City 6 points, Pacific 2 points. Pacific opened the second spell with a fine try, Harrison making a good opening before sending Reid across. Davies failed to convert. City returned with a strong attack, and a smart try was scored by Boreham. Clydesdale was successful with the kick. A little later Clydesdale scored another try for City, and M'Cabe converted. Then Luskie scored after a fine run half the length of the field, and 'M'Cabe added the extra points. Pacific swept down the field, and Harrison made another good open ing for Tait to score. Davies converted from a difficult angle. City forced Pacific back, and Hayden scored after a short passing movement. Clydesdale failed with the kick. The game was fairly even from then to the final whistle. The final scores were: City 28 points. Pacific 10 points. Mr T. O’Connor was referee. RESERVE GRADE. At the Caledonian Ground a reserve grade game was played between a side representing Christian Brothers and Pacific combined, and a team from the Athletic Club. Each side scored a try and kicked a penalty goal, the final scores being 5 points each. The game was controlled by Mr F. Sims. IN NORTHERN CENTRES AUCKLAND. Marist 11, Devonport 4. Richmond 1, Ponsonby 2. City 20, Ellerslie 2. WELLINGTON. Old Boys 7, Newtown 0. Petone 9, City 5. CHRISTCHURCH. Addington 24, Linwood 22. Hornby 34, Sydenham 3.

p. City .. .. 7 Points. Cup W. L. D. F. A. pts. 7 104 50 14 Christian Bros. 7 5 2—120 57 10 Pacific .. .. 7 1 6—52 123 2 Athletic .. .. 7 1 6—47 119 2