FOOTBALL.

Southland Times, Issue 18935, 23 September 1920, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

FINAL REP. GAME

SOUTHLAND BEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY.

The final representative game to be played on Rugby Park this season was played yesterday afternoon when the Southland team indicted a substantial defeat upon South Canterbury to the tune of 31 points to 12. The ground was in good order but a strong easterly wind made play somewhat difficult for the team opposed to it. In the opening spell Southland with the advantage of the wind quickly rattled on points and were able to hold its lead although South Canterbury made big efforts to get upon even terms during the second spell. A feature of the match was the great kicking of Agnew for the home side and he converted four tries besides dropping a penalty goal from near half way. SOUTHLAND 131) V. SOUTH CANTERBURY (121. (Maroon) (Green and Black) Southland—backs ;Brown ; Holmes, O’Kar.e, Fortune; Stead, Lopdell; Dalgleish; forwards: Smith, McKenzie, Cockroft, Whyte, Roche, Millar, Agnew and Baird. South Canterbury—backs :lloulihan ; Storey, Taylor, Crannitch; Cook, Spillane; Dewar; forwards: Stewart, Parker, Fitzsimmons, Direen, Shea, Mcßride, Flynn and Scott.

Southland won the toss and South Canterbury kicked off from the western end against the eastern wind, the kick off being returned by O’Kane to the Greens’ 25 flag but Cook retaliated and found touch near half way. The Maroon forwards bunched and carried the ball to the Greens 25 where bad handling by the Greens backs allowed the Maroon forwards to invade. From the ruck Dalgleish secured and fed Lopdell on the short side the latter sending Fortune away to score wide, after two minutes play. Whyte failed to convert. Southland 3 South Canterbury . . nil The drop out was followed by a Green rush, in which Shea and Parker were prominent, but the movement vv.v stopjiod by O'Kane, and the Maroons countered to past half way. Near half way I.o'xlell snapped up a mark and Agnew hail a try to goal from a drop kick, the ball going just under the bar. South Canterbury’s full hack, Houlihan, fielded and found touch near the 25 flag. From the line out Baird and Whyte who headed a Maroon rush towards South • Canterbury's line, and a high kick gave Holmes possession, but after a good run he was grassed anti South Canterbury forced. The drop out was returned by Brown to the Greens' 25 flag, and sonic close forward play followed which was ended by Fortune finding the line without changing the scene of play. Storey flashed out in an individual effort and Brown was forecd to pass to O'Kane, but the pass brought trouble to the Maroons until Baird, Millar, and Whyte cleared. Stewart showed out in a solo effort, but off siric sjtoilt the movement just as it was gathering way. Holmes anil Whyte, with the ball at their toes, quickly (Hit Southland in a good position on the Green lino. The line out was broken through by Flynn and Shea, who came away in a good rush, carrying play to the 25 Hag. Dewar marked, but the kick was charged down by Agnew and the hall was sent out to Holmes who touched the line ju-t as he was getting under way. Whyte. Cockroft and Millar made some ground and McKenzie with a good line kick put the Maroons in a handy position. Play closed tor a few minutes and opened with rapidity, and Baird, securing from the ruck, sent the ball clean over the heads of the Southland backs to Fortune, who ran over unopposed, coming round behind the posts to score. Brown goaled. Southland S South Canterbury . . nil The kick off was returned downfield by O'Kane, and Dalgleish, following fast, snapped up the ball ami sent Holmes away. The big wing put in a good run down the lino, and attempted to kick over the full back’s head. The ball however struck the full back, anrl he saved, finding touch. Direen marie a big effort to clear and took the ball to Brown who sent him to the right-about with a good line finder. Dalgleish marie another opening for Holmes, but the latt°r was forced to kick, the bail going over the line. South Canterbury forced. The drop out was follower! by a pretty Smith Canterbury passing rush in which Dewar. Spillane, Conk, Taylor and' Storey handled in turn. The last named was collared by Fortune, and Baird anr 1 Millar countered to Houlihan. The Green forwartis came through to Dalgleish, who wfitt flown to the rush anrl Stead kicked downfield to Crannitch, who found touch. The Green forwards with Direen prominent went to O'Kane, but a counter to which th? South Canterbury hacks failed to go flown swung [day back again to Green territory where a Southland back marked Agnew took the kick anrl landed a good goal. Southland 11 South Canterbury . . nil The South Canterbury team was now beginning to show the effects of a strenuous fight against the wind anrl the defence was weakening. The drop out was returned by Dalgleish to touch in no man's land, where Cockroft and Millar, with Baird handy, countered. The ball was quickly carried downfield, but it went out touch-in-goal. A short drop out to Storey nearly caught the Maroons napping. Baird sent out a pass to his backs, but Lopdell was out of position and South Canterbury quickly seized the opportunity to move to an attack, Spillane heading the movement. Dalgleish secured from the ruck anrl sent to Fortune on the short side, the latter kicking high and. following his own kick, bustled Houlihan. McKenzie, who was following with Fortune, secured and running strongly made a big gain before sending .Agnew away. The last named scored wide, and taking the kick himself goaled from a difficult angle. Southland Ifi South Canterbury . . nil The Maroons were now using the wind on every occasion anrl getting the ball out to Holmes whenever opportunity occurred in an endeavour to give the big wing every chance. Cockroft showed out from the drop out and Dalgleish sent Holmes away in a run that ended on the Canterbury line. From the scrum Holmes again secured, but was tackled as he fell over and a drop out resulted. The returning kick from O'Kane showed what a ball could do when given to twisting. The kick landctl near the line and appeared to he going over, hut the bounce went at right angles to the line of the kick, the ball going out near the corner flag. Dalgleish sent the ball nut from the line, hut bad passing by the Maroon harks allowed Took to clear. .A free kick to Green further improved the position, Scott finding touch near the half way mark. Baird opened to Stead, who s<mt Holmes with Dalgleish in attendance. Holmes sprinted down the touch line, but w-as tackled in possession anrl the Maroon forwards with Baird at the head swarmed on 1 he ball, anrl ju<-t as the line was reached Baird secured anrl fell across. Agnew goaled. Southland 21 South Canterbury . . nil South Canterbury were now striving to keep the score down, and Cook in a good run, gave the dummy to several Southland forwards, but was eventually grassed. A wild p;iss by Lopdell almost brought trouble to the Maroons, but Holmes- gathered the rolling ball and centred. Baird fielded the kick and cut in. making an opening for Whyte which the latter accepted, scoring mid way from the posts. Agnew again added the major points. Southland 20 South Canterbury - • • nil The kick off brought no relief to South Canterbury and Whyte sending down a short kick collared Dewar in possession and Roche and Agnew carried on. In an exciting race for the ball Whyte outpaced the opposition but missed the ball when he dived to register. South Canterbury forced. The drop out saw Dalgleish make an opening for Holmes who raced down the touch line to score wide.

Agnew was given the kick and made no error. Southland 31 South Canterbury . . nil The kick off found touch and was scrummed at the half way line and Dalgleish sent the ball to Lopdell, who was out of position, but Stead secured and sent to O'Kane, who in turn sent Holmes away. The run ended inside the South Canterbury 25. The Maroons surged towards the Green line, smashing through the defence, and O'Kane missed the ball when over the line, a force resulting. Taylor and Storey showed out in a pretty piece of combined play passing and re-pass-ing until post half way, where half time was sounded. With the wind behind them South Canterbury was expected to show to better advantage in the second spell, but the supporters of the home side were confident that the lead was too.great to be overhauled. The Greens set up an attack from the kick off return, and Dalgleish stopped a dangerous forward rush with a short kick downfield which Dewar marked. Scott attempted to goal but the ball went wide from a pood drop kick. Southland forced. The Red forwards with Baird and Cockroft prominent headed down field but Spillane set them hack with a good line finder that went out at the 25 flag. South Canterbury attempted a passing rush, but it was not successful, and the Maroon forwards came away to half way. South Canterbury tried the long one handed passing but failed to make any ground with it and it was not until the Green forwards, with Dirccn and Shea prominent. swept downfield that any anxiety was felt. Holmes came across and forced a hard kick. Not to be denied, South Canterbury, now playing a great uphill game, again invaded Maroons’ territory, and things happened in quick succession as the Green forwards swept towards their objective in an irresistible rush which was ended by Fitzsimmons scoring in a good position. Spillaue goaled. Southland 31 South Canterbury . . 5

Off side play stopped a Green rush after the kick off, and Baird’s kick was returned too hard by Storey, the ball going over the dead bail line. The drop out was marked hy Cook and Scott came tip and endeavoured to drop a goal, the ball going outside the posts. Southland forced. The Greens kept hammering away at the Maroon defence, and kept the home backs busy stopping loose forward rushes, Dalgleish doing sortie pood work in front of the Green pack. The Maroon forwards were apparently satisfied to keep the score down and never really exerted themselves tin less the line was threatened. Sueccv.s at last came to the South Canterbury forwards, and Direen ended a great rush by crossing the Southland line with the ball at his feet. Scott failed to add with the kick. Southland 31 South Canterbury . . S The drop out was fielded by Cook who, calmly looking at the posts, dropped for goal from the field. The ball went true and another four points were added to the visitors' tally. Southland 31 South Canterbury- . . 12 Parker returned the kick too hard, and the Ha 11 went over to be forced. The Maroon forwards bunched and cleared to half way, where from a irmalty Spillane attempted to drop a goal, the ball going under the bar. Southland forecd. Parker sent Storey away from the drop out, but he was grassed before foing far and a long low kick went to Houlihan, who sent downfield to Holmes. The last named found touch at the half way mark. The Greens continued to attack, but the defence was sound, and, using every opportunity to open. South Canterbury made for fast Often play that kept the Maroons going to keep the score down. The [tiny was now wholly routined !;> Southland's 25. and it was seldom that the. home side passed half way. Near half way Dewar marked from the ruck, and Scott, taking the kick attempted to goal hut failed. The ball was forced as “no side” was sounded the score being Southland 31 (five converted tries, a penalty goal and a try l ; South Canterbury 12 (one converted try, one potted goal and a try), Mr R. McKenzie controlled the game. PLAY IN QUICK TIME. —South with the wind.—After 2tuin- -Fortune scored at north corner. S3— S.C.O. 51 m.—-Holmes forced S.C. 71m.---S backs fumbled. S.C. (o S 25. 9m. - Holmes and Whyte to S.C. 25. 11m. -Storey dashing run for S.C. 15m. —Baird transfers to Fortune, fry, Brown goals. SS - S.C.O. 17m. —Stead pas.se.? out, Holmes good run. 19m.— S.C. backs fine passing run. 22m.—Baird narrowly misses score. 23m. -Agnew drops goal from mark. Sll S.C.O 24jm.—S.C. forced. 26m.--t?.C. attack 525, good rush. 27m, — Good play McKenzie, Agnew scores and goals, Slf> S.C.O. 30m. — Holmes nearly over, S.C. forecd. 33m.—s backs fumble, Baird saves. 35m.—Holme:- good run from halfway, pass in Baird scored. Agnew goals, S2l S.C.O. 3Sm. —Baird transfers, Whyte scores, Agnew goals, 52»5 -S.C.O. 40m.—-Whyte dashing dribble over line, loses ball. 41m. —Dalgleish short side, Holmes scores, Agnew goals, ?31—5.C.0. 44m.—-S. attacking. 45m. —Long pass, O’Kanc over line, fell short. 47Ini. —Spell concludes. Time added for stoppages. S.C. hooked well, six clean; S one. S.C. four free kicks; S none; number scrums indecisive. —South Canterbury with wind.— After jin.—S.C. attacking. 2 A in.—O’Kanc misses, Holmes saves. 4m.—S.C. mark, drop missed, S forced. 5m. —Spillane repels S attack by kicking, tim.— Whyte prominent. 9m.—S.C. pressing, dashing forward play. 10Arn.—Fitzsimmons scores, Spillane goals, S3I—S.C.S. 13m. —S.C. fine ground work, S forced from drop. 15m. —Brown saves S. 17m Free kick S, visitors too anxious. 20m. —Spillane long kick, S forced. 22m.—-Baird to S.C. area, north corner. 25m.—On short side S.C. fine rush, Direen scores, kick fails, S31 —S.C.S. 26m. —Inside centre mark Cook pots goal for S.C., S31 —5.C.12. 31m. —S.C. place kick by Spillane, under bar, S. forced. 3.3m.—Holmes fine run to halfway. 38m.— Millar knocked out. 39m.---S.C. forwards prominent. 43tn.--S.C. attacking south corner. 44 jin.—S at halfway. 45jm. —S.C. mark, Spillane’? kick, good direction, drop short. Time was added for casualties. S best of scrums, ball four times cleanly; S.C. twice; number scrums ball out side or indecisive. COMMENT ON THE PLAT'. A strong wind, blowing with (he force of half a gale from the east, interfered to a serious extent with what might otherwise have proved an exciting game on a dry ground. Southland were fortunate in winning the toss and lost no time in pressing home their attack to score within two minuter of the outset.' A second score within a quarter of an hour put the Maroons 0,. good terms with themselves and the pacx began to display a tendency to keep the ball with them, although they fared badly in the scrums. In fact, all through the first spell the visiting hookers held the advantage, and they were assisted in this direction by the fact, that, the referee invariably waited for the South Canterbury forwards to come up iu opposition to prompt packing by the Maroons. The official in charge also “emptied’ the ball in between the opposing forces instead of rolling it in on the grass, according to the generally accepted custom of the game—the Northerners were playing for the third time under this referee, whose methods were quite new to the home side. Before the game had been in progress for half an hour the Maroons had a lead of 16 points and they end"voured to open out the play to a great'*-

extent, but the rear division seldom got the leather cleanly, partly owing to the aggressive tactics of their rivals, who did not hesitate to over-run the ball and wait, and partly because the local vanguard lost possession in the scrums and failed to bunch steadily, over-anxiousness being in evidence. However, Baird, and in a lesser degree, McKenzie, presently made some fine openings and their hacks came into the picture. The rearguard brought off some fair runs, but they did not combine as effectively as expected, while they were met with hard, clean, tackling. Despite somewhat ragged back play the Maroons' score continued to mount up helped materially by the clever place-kicking of Aghew and they held a commanding lead when half time arrived, individual play, rather than combined work, accounting for the substantial total. On exchanging ends, South Canterbury, nothing daunted by the many points on record against them, set out confidently to overtake the score, but it was not until over ten minutes had elapsed that their dashing efforts were rewarded. Judicious line-finding and long, wind-tossed kicks enabled the Greens to keep Southland busy defending, until, as was generally expected, the first score came from a fine rush. I' ollowing on a converted try, the visitors made great efforts to increase their total, but over-eagerness was often apparent, while the Maroons tackled sturdily, although high tackling was too often indulged in for real safety to be attained. A few free kicks made the penalised Greens realise that they must play more steadily, with the result that their attack became more dangerous and at times their opponents were hard pressed. The Maroons kept the invaders at hayfor a quarter of an hour, and then two scores—a try and a potted goal—came within sixty seconds of play, bringing 12 points in sight. With twenty minutes to go. the homo side warmed to their work, the pack closing up in bunched formation, considerable progress was made. The visitors tried hard to get their crack wing three-quarter, Storey, into action, but he was closely watched and seldom broke away although his display was such as to attract constant outburst? of applause from the spectators. The defence of the Maroons moved equal to all demands up to the final whistle, although South Canterbury marie several excellent attempts at goal from field and place kicks. Considering that they had battled against a gale in the opening spell and put forth renewed efforts in the second half, the South Canterbury pack put up a great showing and deserve to be classed as slayers of the first water. The visiting backs kicked well, tackled effectively, and ran fast, but their passing efforts were not such as to encourage the belief that they could have won the match under any circumstances. Had the home side been called upon, they could probably have made a better showing, but there was evidence of want of combination in forward ami back divisions that should not have been witnessed. Time anrl again, it may also be mentioned emphatically, the high loose tackling of a number of the Maroons, packmen and hacks alike, got their side into serious trouble.

The South Canterbury forwards all played well, Direen, Shea, Stewart and Fitzsimmons being particularly prominent. The visitors, if inclined to perform off-side at times, tackled promptly, and worked the line-nuts very well indeed. They did not use their feel well, however, and sent the bail ton far, instead of dribbling closely like the home vanguard and nursing the leather when they did get it. clear into the territory of the Maroon backs in the second spell. One of the best games played on the side of the Green? was that afforded by five-eighth? Cook, who fed hi? comrades, slopped rushes, tackled and kicked iu a high class manner. Despite heavy calls on hi? powers he was to be depended upon and generally gave a. good display. Dewar gave a plucky display at the rear of (tie pack, and Spillane proved a reliable and alert five-eighths. As previously remarked, Storey bore out his high reputation as a wing-three-quarter, and Crannitch was reliable at the other end of the line. Fullback Houlihan appeared to net over-de-liberatoly at times, but this is accounted for by the fact that he was severely injured early in the game, and. under the circumstances, his performance was of exceptional merit.

Hard and fast follower? of the local side were somewhat disappointed at the showing jof tlie Maroon forward?, and it is safe to say ! that they had reason to he so in some re--1 sped?. There was something amiss with ■ lise back row of the scrum, as the ball seli dom came out cleanly and promptly, and it i could certainly bo seen hanging in the | balance, with the half-back cooling his : heels in anticipation. The packing on the j line, ton, was ragged at times, and supports | were missing when dribbler? broke through, while the tackling was not always up to the standard of that witnessed in some previous contest.?. Baird was easily distinguishable throughout the game as a leader of the park ami a very useful and necessary | link to join tip with the back play. He I let very little escape him, and even filled j the role of full-back on one occasion when I Brown had been grassed up-field. Agnew ! also assisted the backs, besides playing well j in his own department, and front-ranker j McKenzie was very little behind in the j same connection. In fact, McKenzie openj ed out several phase? of the game leading j to scores and generally gave a bright disI play in the open for a player placed at. the i head of the serum. On the other hand, Smith, the second front row man, was seldom seen outside his own position. After Baird. Whyte was the best forward on his side, and Cockroft kept his team well under scrutiny throughout, while he found time to put in some very effective line-out and loose efforts. Roche put up a solid showing, but was hardly at his best after his enforced holiday. Millar was quick to see openings and stayed the match nut better than on any previous occasion this season. There was no fault to find with full-back Brown, while both Fortune and Holmes played up to the highest expectations of their many friends. The latter took the ball with more confidence than usual during the opening spell, and was always looking for work as the game progressed. I O'Kane had an unlucky day, (he ball sel- | dom reaching him accurately from the I scrum, while he had very few opportunities of bringing his brilliant tackling ability into use. He played his part well, however, ami it was not his fault if he did not shine out as he would liked to have done. Like his centre. Stead was comparatively neglected when it came to passing opportune j lies, hut ho stopped many rushes, and brought off some invaluable line kicks after i running back to save his side. T.opdell \ mixed if with the visiting backs and fori wards iu single-handed efforts, but his 1 passing out was not good. At times he preferred to battle through or attempt to do so. while his supports awaited the bail .in vain. He ha? yet to acquire the alert skill of the clever inside five-eighths. Dalgleish got the ball away from the lino and ! ko-e fairly well and never failed to stop ground rushes, hut he was always hampered by the slow way in which the ball came | lo him from the pack when they did send lit out. He is learning to play as a halfj Tick, hut his education is far from comI pletc as yet. ' * Mr Mackenzie, of Dunedin, was an imI partial referee, hut local players were uni used to being dragged off the ball on going j down to rushes and failed to appreciate his i waiting for the opposing side to form up for j the scrum? when they lagged by the way. ! The visitor also missed a number of fori ward passes by the South Canterbury backs, i but this might happen to the best of offi-

culls. I In winning yesterday. (he Southland side compiled a total of 100 points for the representative game season, with 41 points scored against them. I THE VISITORS ENTERTAINED. | The visiting team was entertained at ! dinner at the Railway Hotel after the | match, the president ‘of the Southland I Rugby Union, Mr A. Geddes, occupying the chair. In proposing the health of the South Canterbury’ team, the chairman, said that he hoped they had enjoyed their visit and would go back with pleasant recollections. He was sorry that the wind had spoiled the game from a spectator’s point of view, jand had the conditions been more favour- ■

able, the players of the visiting team would not have been so tired by half-time, and the game would have been a much better one to watch. The match was cleanly contested, and it was clear that both teams were out to play in the spirit in which rueby should be played. He was very pleased to sec Mr Storey with the team, as he was a good sport to go touring with his province after an extended Australian tour. Given more ball and with a little more ground to work on, he would have given a fine exhibition of football, and he hoped that next year he would be in the game again wearing the “all black” jersey in South Africa. The speaker also wished to congratulate Mr Dewar on the way he went down to the rushes and he (the speaker) hoped that he was no worse for the kicks he had received. This was the sixth game played between these two provinces, and until this year each had had two wins and one match had been drawn. By that day’s win Southland had gained the advantage, but perhaps next season South Canterbury would even matters up.

Mr J. Harley, manager of the visiting team, thanked the Southland Rugby Union ami the Southland team for the enthusiastic reception which had been accorded the visiting team. He congratulated the Southland fifteen on winning the Ranfurly Shield, and said that it gave the people of Timaru great pleasure to see it. come to the South Ishnd and to Southland. He also congratulated the team on its splendid victory against, his team, in which they had played a good clean game. The wind certainly affected the play to a great extent, and had the conditions been different, perhaps the margin would not have been so great, but the best team won the match and he wished them success on Saturday. He referred to the necessity of Unions uniting to keep football clean to please the public and to combat the Northern Union game. He hoped that the Southland team would visit Timaru next season when they would be given a very cordial reception. Mr Spillane endorsed the manager’s remarks. Mr B. Manning (coach), proposed the health of the Southland team. Mr L. Cockroft, replying, congratulated the South Canterbury team on its fine pack of forwards, the best the Southland team had met this season. Fie had not played against a cleaner lot. Other toasts were: “The Referee,” proposed by Mr G. Fortune and responded to by Mr McKenzie; and the “Press,” proposed h5- Mr SV. G. Compton, and replied to by Mr Davies. THE CURTAIN RAISER. MARIST (11) v. MATAURA (nil). (Green and Black.) (Blue.) A curtain raiser was played by the Marist Brothers’ school team and Mataura, each side having an unbeaten record in its district. Marist lost, the toss and played against the wind in the opening spell, but the Mataura boys had the bed of the spell and went near scoring on several occasions. They were, however, unable to penetrate ■ the defence of the Marist backs, and the spell ended without any score being registered. With the wind behind them the Marist boys attacked from the commencement of the second spell, and after a few mhiutes’ play Broad scored after giving the dummy to Blues, The kick failed. Marist 3; Mataura nil. Hamill soon after registered Marists’ second try, which was unconverted, and the third try was secured for the Greens by O’Brien, Hamill converting. Mataura tried to make headway, and although the Blue backs passed well at intervals they were unsuccessful in crossing the Marist line. The game ended: Marist 11 (one converted try and two unconverted tries) ; Mataura nil. Mr J. A. Doig controlled the game. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. The following .team will represent Southland against Otago on Saturday:— Backs : I. Brown Three-quarter hacks: Holmes O’Kane Fortune N. Stead L. Lopdell J. Daigleiph. Wing forward; D. Baird. Forward?: Miliar, Agnew White, Cockroft, Roche, Smith McKenzie. Emergencies —Backs: Gilmour, Davidson, Lilley. Forwards; Sparks, Rice. The Otago team will be as follow: Back? ; Watson Crcwcs Owles M ard Perry Fca McClcary. Forwards; Bain Duncan Richardson Patterson Edwards Turnbull Berwick. Winger; Knox. KELSON v WEST COAST. (Per United Press Association.) NEDSON, September 22. In a rugby match Nelson defeated West Coast by 21 to 6.