SPORTING.

Southland Times, Issue 17877, 5 September 1918, Page 3

SPORTING.

FOOTBALL. SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ FINALS. WELL-EARNED VICTORY FOR SOUTHLAND. Great enthusiasm characterised proceedings at Rugby Park yesterday afternoon when the final matches of the inter-pro. secondary schools’ tournament were played in perfect spring weather with the ground in splendid order. The grandstand was comfortably' filled at 1.30 when the Christ - church-Otago match was due to commence, and steadily the crowd was augmented as the time approached for the match to begin m which the local High School fifteen engaged the visitors from Timaru. In the .first match, while there was an almost entire absence of wind, bright sunshine confetituted a slipnt disadvantage in the first spell when Otago faced the west, but as the sun sunk in the heavens and Christchurch's turn came to play in that direction a haze came over and the sun was obscured. CHRISTCHURCH (20) v. OTAGO (3). (Blue and black I. (Blue and white l. There was very little wind when the teams tiled out to play r on a dry, even ground, with Dunedin facing the sun. The teams were as follows; — CHRISTVIURCU 11. S. — T. I. Dascfllps (9.10): J. M. Willoughby (9,21. K. .1. Howes (11.51. A. <■'. Allen (II.til: W. (Iraliam (10.il) and S. R. ('arletnu (S.S); half; W. Dailey (S.fil: forwards: ,1. B. While P.O (wiuKorl. front row: T. H. Donnelly (9.19) anil J. C. Forsyth (10.71. D. S. Ounn (9.101. t). M. Dickson (12. 3* U D Oaßo (10.71, U- W. Reese (10.7). J. A. Fraser (11.9). OTA (JO H. ?. —Townsend (10,3): Keiha (12.C.1, Dickinson (9.1), Taylor (9,121: finrton (N. 91 and McKay (II.«i ; half: Stian.l (5.9): forwards: front. (11.2) and Webb: lock: Dunn (12.»n; Marslin HI. ji, Allen tio.ii). Bell (11.KM, Smill) (12.m. Campbell (winner). Referee: Mr M. N. Hyndman. It was evident at an early stage that both teams were anxious to play an open game in keeping with the reputations they had previously won, and it was not long before the respective packs were doing their level best to get the ball away from scrums and throw-in’s to their backs. Otago forwards secured the ball during the first few scrums and sent it out. cleanly, but the rearguard failed to make the most of their opportunities—there was always one player to drop a pass before the chain could be completed. Blues (Christchurch) eventually took a hand in the attacking game, but Bowes failed to cany on from a run inaugurated by Dailey. After an ineffectual Christchurch assault on the blind side. Blues dribbled the ball across the line and Otago forced down. Blues returned to the attack and Dailey whippet! the ball out smartly from the loose to Carleton to Graham and Bowes next gained ground with a smart run prior to kicking over the head of Townsend, Otago's last man. Willoughby, who had followed up fast, secured the leather in turn and scored at the Otago posts; the kick failed.—Christchurch 3, Otago 0. Otago showed to advantage on resuming, and Burton took a pass gathered from the loose and started a run, but Keiha was hauled down near the corner flag, Dailey forcing down. Christchurch forced again shortly afterwards. From a throw-in at the stand Dickinson caught the ball from the forwards and dashed through the opposing rearguard in brilliant style, but was smartly grassed by full-back Lascelles. A long free kick by Blues reached the corner and Otago forced. On the north side Dickinson intercepted an opponent’s transfer and kicked to touch in Christchurch 25. Dickinson sent Keiha away on a fine run a few moments later, but the 'latter was not supported and the movement was smothered. The Christchurch backs now became very aggressive, Dailey invariably getting the ball away from scrums and loose. He worked the short side very cleverly in one instance and Willoughby had the opposition in trouble when he let go an indifferent transfer, Otago relieving. T*he Otago full-back failed to take a long kick cleanly and was charged down by Allen. Christchurch had a shot at goal from a place-kick, but the ball fell short. Otago next attacked to the north, Shand, Burton and McKay initiating a combined movement, but a faulty pass closed the effort. Shand, Burton, McKay and Dickinson again made a promising run on the north side. The last-named beat the Christchurch fullback and looked like running in unopposed, when he was overtaken and pulled down from behind in a convincing manner by a fleet Christchurch back. Faulty handling spoiled several Otago attempts at transferring tactics and the spell ended with play at the centre.

The wind had almost died away and the sun was obscured when Otago set the ball in motion for the second spell. From the outset, as in the first half, Otago forwards showed to advantage from the throw-in and secured the bail well in the pack, and presently Shand, McKay, Burton, Dickinson and Taylor made a good transferring run, but Taylor was tackled in possession. Otago continued to press and Blues forced. At the centre Dailey dodged round the scrum on Otago getting possession in the pack, and cleverly intercepted the transfer of his Otago half-back rival, sending Graham and Willoughby off on a run which gained ground close to the goal line. Christchurch then opened out on the other hand White to Dailey to Carleton to Graham, the effort resulting in Allen scoring; the kick was unsuccessful. —Christchurch 6, Otago 0. In turn Dailey and Burton were prominent on their respective sides, taut the tackling was always sure and effective, both packs working strenuously to afford opportunities for their backs. Blues gradually worked to Otago territory' and passing by Dailey, Carleton, Graham and Bowes enabled Allen to drop in at the corner flag, but the scorer •was unsuccessful with a difficult kick.— Christchurch 9, Otago 0. Shortly after resuming Bines were in trouble when Allen broke away and Bowes in support put in a jinking run prior to feeding Donnelly, who had backed up. Donnelly, who showed pace, let Carleton have the leather to score in a good position; Dailey added the major points.—Christchurch 14, Otago 0. Otago next had an innings, the Dunedin pack putting in some good work from line and loose, but Keiha kicked rather hard from a favourable attacking position, and Blues forced down. After forcing a second time, Blues used the line to advantage, and Bowes accomplished a clashing run close to the touchline. The attack was pressed home, Dailey, who always appeared to be on the ball, diving in at the corner Hag; the kick was not a success. —Christchurch 17, Otago 0. Almost immediately, Blues charged down again, their opponents displaying signs of weariness invariably associated with teams called upon to chase consistent transferring efforts, and the combination of Dailey, Carleton, Graham, and Allen proved successful, the last-named scoring, but the kick failed. —Christchurch 20, Otago 0. As the result of the enterprise of McKay, Otago put forth renewed efforts on resuming and Blues were soon trying their hands at defence work. Keiha made a bold dash for the line, but was grassed in the vicinity of Blues’ posts. Otago surged down with renewed vigour, but Dailey kicked upfield at a critical juncture. Otago were not to be denied, however, and came back with a rush, but fumbling by' the rearguard lost them a nice chance of scoring. Otago worked down to the north-eastern corner and a short, sharp assault ended in Burton scoring; the kick from a difficult angle failed.— Christchurch 20, Otago 3. Blues reached Otago quarters from the drop-out and Graham was prominent in a passing run which failed, the game closing soon afterwards. —Christchurch 20 points’ (converted try and five tries), Otago 3 points (try). Both teams essayed to play the o{ten game and thus afforded the spectators a delightful exhibition of fast and clever work, in which the Christchurch boys invariably appeared to advantage by reason of their backs acting more systematically and handling the ball surely. The Otago rearguard had obvious pace, but, time after time, the ball was knocked on or dropped in transferring runs, while the players failed to swing out accurately in attacking formation. Their passing varied by reason of over-anxiousness and a want of accurate double-handed work in preference to overhand transfers, which proved too slow at times and were often misdirected. Tlje

Christchurch forwards put up a great fight in opposition to a pack with longer reach on the line and more weight in the scrums and in this connection are deserving of every credit. They worked ungrudgingly to get the ball to their rearguard and were successful to a degree hardly expected by their rivals or the onlookers. The attack of the backs from Canterbury was the feature of the tournament from a spectacular point of \ iew and as such was duly recognised by the public. They worked together in a manner which was a distinct credit to their instructor, and the half-back (Dailey) was the keynote of nearly every well-execu-ted movement. The Christchurch High School has produced some famous halves and it may be said that the youth with the shock of snow-white hair is not the w'orst of them by a very long way. SOUTHLAND 13, TIMARU 3. (Reds) (Blue <fc White) Led out on to the field with their respective standard-bearers, last Saturday’s two winning teams. Southland and Timaru, faced each other and performed their stirring hakas of greeting—or was it of defiance? The condition of the ground left nothing to be dessi.red, and the erstwhile brilliant sunshine was pleasantly shaded by a canopy of cloud; in short everything conducive to a first-class display of football was there and the applause emanating from the grandstand and fences of the inner enclosure indicated that the large crowd was well pleased with the exhibition given. SOCTHDAND H.S.— I. <l. Mackay (9.12); C. (Thick (9.2). (1. n. St-vras (19.01, H. O. Morgan (Il.r.l: (1. Clflland (K'.i.l; It. .li’fcoate (11.4): half; H. s. .lalmston (10.2): fanvcrcs: T. R. Prycle (11.5). A. MillruKO.- <11.01; lack: Cl. D. Arnotr. (10.9): R. Mi-Dmvall 1(0.9). F. A. 11.,1z (11.4). D. Coakley (12.2). A. .1. Kinaslan:! (10. KM; winger: T. 13. Fouhy (in. ii. TIM ARC H.S.-R. Bay:; 19,12): H, Morrison (S.S). M. Fahey (9.12). (1. (IM-nu (10.in: .1. Karl (9.1), il. M.-c i9.ni: half: A. K.-ixton (19.0 i; forwards; .1. IKIL-Ilalo (10.10), F. Mnnlian (11 ni; lock: D. Stewart ll;:.o, ; .1. Boston (in. S). F. Withcll 111). 9). A. Aeheson (11.1). R. Stewart (11.5); winger; S.'dabot lll.S). Ueferen: Mr Alex. IVrbic. Southland kicked off, playing from west to east. Right from the jump play was fast and furious and the Reds charged down to the Whites’ twenty-five, where Cabot secured the sphere and brought it to mid field again. A passing rush by the Whites finished in the home twenty-five, where Stewart broke away, but the effort to score was unsuccessful. Morrison kicked well and followed up with good speed. Timaru got the ball out. of a scrum in mid-field, but Southland secured a free kick which took them into the Whites’ danger zone. Southland backs were showing much speed but the visiting forwards were sound in defence and kicked to advantage. Play was kept in their twenty-five for a time until a line kick took it to the half-way, where Morgan saved, gaining slightly. A bad pass from Fahey (Timaru) (Spring an attack by the White hacks placed the ball out of touch about the half-way murk. Southland forwards were prominent in attack and pressed, following up a free kick down to the Whites’ line, where the latter forced down, only narrowly averting a try by' the Red half. From a scrum at the twenty-five, Reds’ forwards again charged down and Stewart (Timaru) cleared to the line. From here a serum not far from the visitors’ line gave Clelland (Southland) his chance, and with a clever feint he dashed across, scoring a fine try amid great applause. Johnston very neatly converted.—Reds 5, Whites 0. The visiting forwards pressed up at the kick off, but were soon defending a heavy Red forward charge ending in a free kick for Whites at half-way. A good kick caused Rods to force down. Reds’ half of the field saw play for a time, though their forwards kept making things hot for the visitors. From both teams some very good line kicks Mere witnessed. Tiniaru's full-hack (Boys) putting in three or four splendid line-firders in succession. Pressure following one of the=e caused the ball to be hustled over ihe fine and Southland forced. The ball was evidently blown very tight as the bounce sorely deceived in many instance-'. A break away from the twenty'-five scrum by Southland forwards backed up by Morgan (three-quarters) resulted in a dribbling rush down to the visitors quarter, and Reds for a time looked like scoring. An exchange of kicks, however, transferred matters again to half-way. Boys took a good mark here and set the Whites attacking. The home backs showed sound defence and Jefcoale, with a good line kick, saved impending trouble. An exchange of line kicks saw Timaru attacking with passing rushes near the Reds’ line, but the home forwards opened up the game slightly and for a time the visiting rearguard was nonplussed, only a mistake on the part of the home forwards averting another score. A fast charge by Bttrton took the leather across the home line with a Red and a White man hot upon it. Southland forced down. A line-out in mid-field saw the spell end—Southland 5, Timaru 0.

Southland kicked off upon resumption, the visitors playing east. A free kick in mid-field set Timam attacking and a mark I at the home 23, kicked by Buxton, went j over the crossbar nicely, making the score — | Reds 3, Whites 3. A free kick in the centre I gave Reds their chance, and after a deter- ] mined scramble on the line they attempted ; to cross by a passing rush, which was ! blocked by a saver from a Timaru back. The Timaru boys kicked well but. the home I forwards were too good in the loose, anil j maintained good, steady plodding while the ) visiting pack were inclined to be spasmodic. The Reds kept threatening (ill a smart passi ing rush by Jefcoate, Welland and Diack ; brought forth a try by the latter in a good * position. This was converted by Johnston j amid tumultuous applause, and (he score read: 10—3. Timaru then turned on an- . other charge and pressed up to the home i twenty-five. Their forwards looked busi- ; nesslike but a kick to the line brought re- | lief to the Reds and a line-out at mid-field. 1 Southland's backs exhibited ample speed and | salHes were often made into the Whites' ] territory. Jcfcoate’s line kicks were admiri able. An exchange of line kicks at midfield resulted in only slight advantage for , the home team. Offside plav_ by Southland gave the Whites a free kick in their twentyfive. and after a few loose forward rushes , Stevens (Red) cleared to the line with a 'good kick. A good mark in his twenty-five t by Cabot (Timaru) gave Jefcoate creditable i possession and returned play to within the j Whites’ danger zone. From here a good I passing run ended with a line-out on South - | land’s twenty-five, a bad forward pass by j Morrison going unnoticed. Line kicks took i play back to half-way, from where a Timaru | passing rush wits stopped at his twenty-five ; by Mackay. who maintained his sure game | of Saturday last, though not called upon j 'o often. Timaru forwards evinced a great affinity towards offside play and waiting on the weather side of the scrum. Play remained in the home half for some time and ! a charge by the White backs was stopped i by some very effective home tackling. A good line kick by Southland’s five-eighths I (Jefcoate) gained quarter of the field, and j with five minutes to go a mark b.y Timaru was returned with a line kick from the Red ; three-quarter to the twenty-five. Charging up from the line-out at the visitors’ twentyfive Morgan got, across in the north-west corner, the attempt to convert, from a difficult angle being unsuccessful. Timaru forwards hj id fallen away visibly and looked relieved when time was called with the scoring board indicating—Southland 13, Timaru 3. Thus the fourth festival of the annual tourney, in which ‘‘the kids from Timaru” had previously two wins to their credit and the Christchurch boys one, concluded, the teams in order of victory being: Southland, fimaru, Christchurch, and Otago. RUGBY RULES. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 4. Notwithstanding the refusal of the New Zealand Union to allow any variation in the rules the local Union has decided by six to two to play Auckland on Saturday under modified rules and take the consequences. Some speakers denounced the New Zealand Union as pig-Readed and said only the other clay they had to fight and keep in Wellington because it was a discredited body. Members recognised that both they and Auckland might be disqualified but they were more concerned about losing the Ath-

Hie Park, as the lease says Rugby football must be played there. By way of precaution the use of Newtown Park has been secured. The actual resolution passed stated that the Auckland rules would be adopted for this game only as an experiment. WELLINGTON PLAYERS’ OPPOSITION. ELEVEN MEN DECLINE TO PLAY. WELLINGTON, September 4. A further development of the hitch in football matters is that eleven members of the team chosen to represent against Auckland have refused to play under the tune tided rules as desired by the local union. From statements made at the Wellington Union’s meeting the members were apparently under the belief that the players would support them, so that the action of the men was not quite expected. The New Zealand Union’s committee has not further considered the matter yet, but it is understood that, it is determined to adhere to the decision to refuse permission. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. SOUTHLAND v. OTAGO, WEDNESDAY, 11th. Senior team will be chosen from the following players on Monday :—lrvine, Skinner, Beaton. O’Sullivan, Clarkson, W. Irvine, Long. Houdm, haircloth, White, Bradshaw, Watson, Ritchie, Gardiner and Stevens. The above players are requested to attend Y.M.C.A. Gym. on Friday, at 7 p.m. Schools’ team: Elley, Porter, Padget, Brown. Kerr. Mcßae, Churchill, McGregor, Wainrighf, Meadows, Wilson. Emergencies; Winton, Lockerbie. Jamieson. ISdflo LADIES’ HOCKEY. SOUTHLAND REPRESENTATIVES. The selectors have chosen the following players to represent Southland against Otago at Dunedin on Saturday, 14th inst.: — Left wing. K. Way to (Gore) ; inside left, L. Horner (Winton) ; bully. M. Hislop (College) ; inside right, L. MeCulloek (Winton) ; right wing, R. Godward (Collegiate) ; left half, F. Barraclough (Ex-High) ; centre half, I). Rabbidge (Collegiate) ; . right half, A. Hunt (Y.W.C.A.i ; left full-back, F. Udy (Gore); right full-back, M. Milne (Gore); goal. E. Briggs (Gorei. Emergencies: Forwards. H. Ashley (College), 11. Horner (Winton); backs, E. Stout. (Ex-High). The Town v. Country match resulted in r. win for the former by 4 goals to 1. PIGEON FLYING. The Invercargill Homing Society flew a race from Mosgiel on Saturday last. There was a good entry of birds, nine lofts competing representing fi4 birds. The day turned out very bail for a quick fly, heavy weather meeting the racers for the best part of the journey. However, the pigeons put up a very fair trip, doing the journey in 2 hours 40 minutes, over 103 miles airline, which was good under the circumstances. Chas. Purdue again won with a bird bred by Mr R. Harper, closely followed by Knuckey and Budd’s entry, while Jas. Cox’s bird was just behind, third. Result; — Chas. Purdue's “Rorke’s Drift . . 1 Knuckey and Budri’s “Stormcrest” 2 ■las. Cox’s “Paddy” 3 In order —R. B. Nicholson, Kissell and Martin, N. Unwin, Adamson Bros., D. G. Strang, and MacFarlane. The Club is holding a race for coming members on Saturday from Mat aura for a special prize from Mr A. Clark, the promoter, and there will be a good competition for this event.