RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 20772, 13 May 1929, Page 6

RUGBY

STAR TOO GOOD PIRATES VANQUISHED IN EXCITING GAME 22 POINTS TO 16 BLUES AND WAIKIWI SCORE . WINS Rugby followers were treated to some thrilling football at the Park on Saturday afternoon when Star and Pirates I. met for the first time this season. Both teams were well-trained, and as conditions were surprisingly good, football of a high standard was possible. Star won, after one of the hardest and most exciting contests of recent years by 22 points to 16, their team work as against the individualism of the Blacks being the deciding factor. Waikiwi secured their first win by defeating Southern and Blues easily accounted for Pirates 11. Taken all round the football was of a very interesting nature and enjoyed by the large crowd which attended. STAR (22) v. PIRATES I. (16) Played on No. 1 area this game created great interest as it practically decided the leadership of the first round. Playing conditions were almost perfect. The ground had dried rapidly and only in patches was the. surface a little greasy. A fair wind blew and a strong sun prevailed, but generally speaking the stage was well set for the “first test.” The result, a decisive victory for Star (six tries, two converted, to three tries, two converted and one penalty goal) came as a surprise to many. It was thought, that a very even contest would be made, but Star’s superiority in the. back division coupled with the splendid support of the forwards showed there was a fair margin between the sides. Star played as a team and Pirates lacked cohesion. In the tight Pirates forwards won the day, but they were not a match for the Star forwards in loose play. The game bristled with incident from start to finish, and as it. was played at a fast pace throughout, the spectators were kept at a high pitch of excitement. Fortunes fluctuated somewhat, but Star’s initial lead of 13 points before the opposition opened its account stood them in good stead and they had little to fear from the late run made by the Blacks. Though hard, the game was clean, and gave promise of further exciting contests between these two teams later in the season. The teams were: — 'Star (Navy and White).—Oughton; Stubbs, McAuliffe, Melvin; Riddell, Bell; Holden; Donnelly, Agnew; O’Toole, Shaw, Cockroft; Lilley, Sinclair; Mahoney. Pirates (Black) .—Murray; Pickering, Diack, Geddes; Falconer, W. Thomas; J. Johnson; Tinnock, Carter; Bird. Batchelor, King; O’Driscoll, Richardson; Fitzgerald. First Spell. Pirates‘lost the toss and Diack set the ball in motion facing a strong sun and playing against the wind. The Blacks were awarded a free kick in the lirst few minutes of play and Diack found touch inside Star’s 25. Falconer received and punted goalwards, and the Black forwards surged down on Oughton, who held up the attack. Star hooked irom the first scrum and Holden put in a clearing kick to half-way. Thomas immediately gave Pirates the advantage by fielding and lining at the corner, but the White forwards eased the position by dribbling back from the throw-in to half way. Thus early the play gave every promise of developing into a thrilling encounter, determined rucking and solid tackling being the order. Star backs were the lirst to get going properly. Holden got the ball away cleanly from a midfield scrum and the ball went out to McAuliffe, who was bagged before he could get clear. A Pirates forward infringed and Lilley attempted to goal, his kick just missing the uprights. Shortly after the drop-out Holden snapped up from the base of a ruck in Pirates’ 25 and sent out to Riddell, who ran straight and passed to McAuliffe. The Star captain drew the defence well before handing on to Stubbs near the line, the latter throwing himself over in a tackle at the corner fop a good try. Lilley’s kick was short.

Star 3 Pirates 0 The Black forwards took all before them in a rush to Star’s line and gave their backs an opportunity to launch an attack, but although the ball was got away cleanly from the ruck, the Star inside backs pounced on Thomas and Falconer and frustrated the attempt. A long kick by Lilley transferred play to Pirates’ 25 where Pickering marked and found" touch at the half-way Hag. Solid scrumming and line-out play favoured Pirates and their backs were getting plenty of ball, but the five-eighths would not let it out. Sinclair headed a sortie which cut deep into Pirate territory and the danger signal was flying when Geddes’s pace enabled him to nip in on a rush and save. An anxitftis moment came for Star when Oughton and Melvin bungled a return. Fitzgerald followed up fast and caught Oughton in possession, and support would have made a chance a probability. McAuliffe got round first, however, and relieved with a long kick up the centre. Another free to Pirates gave Diack a chance, his kick, a good one, falling short. Both teams had now warmed up and some good exchanges ensued. Pirate forwards were making the most of the play, but the backs were letting them down. Star’s defence was sound, nevertheless, and they were giving nothing away. Bell commenced a pretty piece of chain passing which ended in Stubbs being forced out near the grandstand wing corner. Murray lined at the 25 and play swung to the opposite wing where Bell secured after a line-out and, cutting out two opponents, sent on to McAuliffe, who ran straight past a couple of defenders and went over in the arms of Murray near the posts—a dashing effort. Holden converted. Star 8 Pirates 0 Holden saw more of the ball for a whilp and he did not hesitate to set his backs in motion at every opportunity. Two attempts to penetrate almost ended successfully, both McAuliffe and Stubbs making determined efforts to get over. McAuliffe fooled the opposition badly by varying his play and short punting to a gap behind Falconer and Thomas. Thus out-positioned Pirates were hard put to it to stave off another attack. Bell, Mahoney and McAuliffe went through together, but Murray was ■ safe and sent Star back to half-way. Excitement ran high when Murray failed to find the line and Bell, fielding in his stride, made a great opening -for McAuliffe, who swerved past Diack in a flash and, with Riddell and Melvin in support, went straight into the arms of Murray before he could get a clear pass to Riddell. As it was he freed the ball, but it dropped at Riddell’s . feet and a khock-on spoilt a certain try. ' Both Riddell and Melvin were unmarked. Star were not long in retrieving the lost try. From a scrum that followed Holden worked the short side smartly, and with Mahoney getting into position to provide the extra man, Melvin was given a chance. He took at top and crashed over at the corner just inside the flag. Melvin had practically no room to work in and the try was a meritorious one. Lilley converted with a great kick. Star v ...... 13 Pirates 0 With only 20 minutes of the spell gone and 13 points up Star continued to play in dashing style • and appeared to have the opposition demoralized. The Whites played

an attacking game and it was proving successful, but on the other hand Pirates, still getting a fair share of the ball, could do nothing with their opportunities. Riddell secured and shot up the centre and passed to Donnelly, who was ruled offside. In the next minute Diack and'Pickering took part in a brilliant .piece of work which was responsible for Pirates’ first score. Diack secured about the middle of the paddock and, scuttling across the face of a breaking ruck, ran out to Pickering, but instead of passing put in a long "scooter” kick to the corner. Pickering anticipated cleverly and set off to the corner with Oughton coming across field. In, a thrilling race, which brought the crowd to its.feet, both got there simultaneously, but Pickering gathered up in a sensational fashion and dived over at the corner for a good try amid wild cheering. Diack failed to convert. Star .. 13 Pirates 3

This success put new life into the Blacks, and they, set about their work with renewed vigour. Play became fast and exciting and in a melee Donnelly was temporarily knocked out with a kick on the head. Pirates were packing their scrums well and were rewarded with a liberal supply of ball, but still the backs were failing to get moving. The “stand” received a thrill when Pickering charged down a kick by Riddell and, with not an opponent between him and the goal-line, he failed to secure the ball. Pickering had a great chance, but he could not pick the ball up. Star's defence was bent, and Pirates' forwards, led by Metcalf and King, established play at Star’s 25. Stubbs lost ground in an overhead kick and some hard line play ensued, Stubbs ultimately clearing beyond the 25. Pirates held the advantage and several scrums were formed in Star's 25. The Black hookers (Carter and Tinnock) were heeling well, but Johnson was well watched by Mahoney', who repeatedly bagged the Black half ball and all. Whenever Johnson did get the ball away the backs badly mulleo their attempts to do anything of value. Murray potted unsuccessfully and Lilley, marking, brought temporary relief. Back again, Pirates forwards kept Star busy defending, but over-eagerness brought an infringement and Lilley found touch at the half-way flag with a big kick. With a few minutes to half-time Pirates’ back play brightened up and only’ the solid tackling of the Star backs kept them out. Falconer attempted to cut in when a transfer out would have been more profitable and a fair chance was lost. Then Fitzgerald kicked through near the line, but Stubbs cleared smartly. Star forwards were furthering the clearance when an infringement pulled them up and Diack landed a fine goal from 35 yards out in front. Half-time went with the scores: Star 15 Pirates 6 Second Spell. The second spell opened briskly, Star winning an exchange of kicks with Holden’s punt finding touch at the Blacks’ 25. Within two minutes Star had increased their score. 'Star forwards smashed through the Black lines, and from a scrum, Holden secured and dummied perfectly before sending Stubbs over on the short side for his second try. Stubbs’s determined dash carried him over as he met a solid tackle on the line. Holden failed. Star 16 Pirates 6 Pirates’ forwards worked play' to Star 25 and a chance to score presented itself, but Diack failed to take Falconer’s pass when in good position. Pickering .marked near Star's line and essayed a goal, but despite a "no charge” missed. From the drop-out Bird tried to get the backa moving, but once again fumbling nullified the attempt. The Blacks continued to win the majority of the scrums, but beyond getting possession the backs made little headway. Thomas elected to cross-kick instead of passing, only to see Stubbs nip in and race away before finding the 25 line. The Star forwards were working hard in the loose and dominated the play in this department, although they were inferior in the tight. Pirates were penalized and Lilley’ failed to goal, and then Diack put his side in'an attacking position, but when the ball reached Geddes he was jammed in on the line. Geddes was not getting a go at all and when he did see the ball he generally had to face two or three markers. The play ranged between the twentyfives at a great pace, and the public was yelling its appreciation of the lightning-like changes of fortune. Holden and Stubbs became prominent in a bout of passing up the Press strip wing and Agnew came into the play at the 25. He kicked past Murray and then over the line aqd, in -a race with Pickering, headed the Pirates’ man off to score behind the posts, despite Pickering’s attempt to obstruct him from behind. Holden missed a sitter. Star 19 Pirates 6 Bell next made a solo dash and opened up passing and Pirates counter-attacked. Geddes received, beat a man and passed in to Fitzgerald, who sent on to Diack near the line. A knock-on brought up the move and Star got relief with a free kick. Pirates were not done yet and O’Driscoll and Bird both made breaks, but were unsupported. Both sets of backs got going in turn without result. Geddes showed his paces by making a great break up the grandstand wing, passing several men before Sinclair threw him out near the corner with a solid tackle that knocked Sinclair out. Black supporters cheered when Johnson picked up from a scrum and dived short and groaned the next moment when. Diack missed a good opportunity to goal from a free kick close to the posts. Pirates were battling hard and earned the try which followed a moment or so later. Thomas passed to Fitzgerald, who was nearly over and then the ball came back to Diack, who put in a dazzling dummy-sellinfi run which carried him past three opponents to within yards of the line where he in-passed to Carter. The forward kicked over and Geddes,-pounced on the ball for a deserved try. Diack goaled with a good kick. Star .. .. 19 Pirates 11 Fast as the play had been, it became even faster and both teams put great dash into their play. Each attacked in turn. Diack attempted to break through at midfield and McAuliffe stopped him and, gathering the ball, passed to Mahoney, who sent on to Riddell, and the youthful fiveeighth accepted in his stride and galloped away’ to score under the posts. Holden again missed a sitter. Star 22 Pirates .. 11 •The crowd were being treated to a grand exhibition of dashing football and applauded the players as they dashed info the fray for the final flutter. Time was speeding on, yet Pirates still had a chance. Wild enthusiasm by Pirate supporters was displayed when Fitzgerald cut clean through the Star defence and raced away to Oughton.. He kicked past the full-back and looked like scoring a “lone-hander,” but Bell put on a surprising burst of speed and got up in time to kick the ball out at Star’s 25. Diack attempted a pot, but was bustled before he could kick the ball and Falconer dribbled on cleverly and passed out to Geddes, who scored a splendid try at the corner. Diack goaled with a magnificent effort from the touchline. Star .. .. 22 Pirates .. 16 The pace was beginning to tell and several stoppages were made for injuries to players. Pirates made a final effort, but the Star defence held and the whistle went for “no side” with the scores: Star . -22 Pirates 16 It was AP exciting encounter and great credit is due to Mr E. Kelly for his splendid refereeing.

WAIKIWI (27) v. SOUTHERN (11)

Waikiwi gained their first victory when on No. 2 area they decisively defeated Southern. While the Reds thoroughly deserved to win they were fortunate to leave the field witli such a big margin to their credit. The score at half-time was 11 —3 i in Waikiwi’s favour, but it was not very long after the resumption before Southern ; had drawn level. Then came a try to the Reds over which there was much argument. The referee awarded Montague a try which was disputed by the Southern men on the grounds that the Red half had put his foot out. This was apparently the line umpire’s opinion also, but the referee who was in a position to see was certain that the player had not gone into touch and ruled a try. A number of the Southern players persisted in their contention that the try should not have been allowed and as the result of certain remarks he made Mattingly- was ordered off. Southern seemed to lose their dash after this try and its sequel and were not in . the picture for the rest of the game. The teams were:—■ Waikiwi (red and black)—Mills; Gregg, Mitchell, C. Watson; Soper, I. Smith; Montague; Busby, Myers; W. Gibson, Crowe, Heatley; J. Gibson, Shcffelbein; L. Smith. Southern (light blue) —Martin; McMillian, Hughes, Thomas; Locke, Brown; Meffin; Mannix, Bulman; Rogers, Leith, Mattingly; J. McEwan, Saunders; R. McEwan. . The Blues were the first to show up, a strong forward rush nearly culminating in a try. This served to arouse the Reds from their lethargy. A sweeping forward rush took play almost to Southerns line. The Red forwards heeled to their backs but Watson spoilt the chance'by a feeble attempt to pot a goal. Southern failed to clear, however, and the Red forwards swarmed on the line. In the subsequent melee J. Gibson crossed. Mills goaled neatly. Waikiwi Southern .. .... 0 Southern strove hard to draw level. Good play by Hughes and R. McEwan threatened the Red line and a passing bout gave McMillan a chance but he was grassed in time. The Reds were glad of the relief afforded bv a penalty. Soper intercepted when a Southern passing bout looked promising and was able to run right to the Blue full-back. He was not supported well enough for a try to result and Southern were soon on attack again. McMillan came very near to scoring in the left corner. He got across but a five yard scrum was ordered. Play swung to half-way where from a line-out Sheffelbein broke clear and ran to Martin, the Southern full-back. Shcffelbein then punted and clapping on all the pace he could muster he reached the ball first and scored a good try. Mills kicked a poster. Waikiwi 8 , Southern • ® Headed by Mattingly Southern made a sortie and R. McEwan nearly crossed. A minute later his dashing efforts were rewarded and the Blues had broken the ice. McEwan could not goal. Waikiwi .. .. 8 Southern 3 Soper was as usual playing with any amount of dash and nearly brought another try to Reds. R. McEwan had an ambitious shot from a penalty, the ball falling, well short. .McEwan tried to be kind to his hookers by rutting the ball under their feet and Mills had a chance of goaling. The ball went just outside. Montague got away well from a scrum but spoilt his work by throwing out a wild pass. Jhe Reds were having the better-of matters at this stage but'wild passing among the backs lost them chances. A good run by I. Smith took play well upfield. He punted and Martin was unable to clear before several Red forwards were on top of him. A scrum five yards out. was ordered and in the ensuing play J. Gibson scored his second try. Mills made a good though unsuccessful attempt to goal. Waikiwi .. H Southern 3 Half-time came almost immediately. The sun was shining brightly in the faces of the Reds after the interval. Waikiwi were the first to attack but mishandling among the backs was again costly. The Southern forwards pressed hotly and Watson failed to clear, this giving Mattingly a chance to cross at the comer. McEwan could not goal. Waikiwi H Southern . - 6 Within two minutes the Blues had wiped off the deficit. A good run by Thomas who dummied cleverly during his progress was the prelude to a snappy bout in which Hughes and Locke participated, the latter scoring. McEwan kicked a fine goal. Waikiwi H Southern 11 The Reds were aggressive and kept Southern hemmed in their own twenty-five for ten minutes. Mattingly nearly put the ball over from a penalty at half-way. This was the only occasion on which Southern were in the picture but all Waikiwi’s aggressiveness went for nothing until Montague jinked down the line and was awarded a try in the comer. This was the try which caused all the. argument and Mattingly's departure. There had been plenty of “yap” in the game up till this incident, but there was a great deal more after it. Mills failed to goal. Waikiwi .. 14 Southern H The awarding of this try seemed to take the dash out of the Southern men. Within a few minutes Sheffelbein added a well-de-served try and Mills goaled. Waikiwi .. 19 Southern 11 McEwan rallied his men but Waikiwi were able to repulse the attack and launch a counter-attack in which Sheffelbein nearly went over. Mills had a shot from a penalty but missed. Then came Sheffelbein’s reward for consistently following the ball. He caught Hughes in possession. The centre tried- to clear by kicking but Sheffelbein caught the ball and raced away for a soft try near the posts. Mills goaled. Waikiwi '. 24 Southern 11 Before time was called W. Gibson rabbited his way over and was awarded a try which was not converted. The game ended: Waikiwi 27 Southern 11 Mr A. R. Cross was referee. BLUES (21) v. PIRATES 11. (9) This game was commenced on No. 2 area and concluded on No. 1 and resulted in a ciear-cut victory for the Blues. The winners took the upper hand almost from the kick-off and rattled on three tries inside 10 minutes. Pirates took the field with 13 men, but before long the two late-comers put in an appearance. The Blacks were beaten in all departments of the game and but for over-eagerness on the part of the Blue forwards at times, the defeat would have been a heavier one. Blues backs handled well and were quick to make capital out of opposition mistakes, at least three tries being scored as the result of taking up the play where it had broken down in the Pirate lines. The winners impressed with their passing and shotved better cohesion in the back division than previously. In the absence of Porter, Norris filled the fullback position creditably and apart from displaying soundness on defence he ofttimes opened up attacking movements for his backs. Frampton and McKay were outstanding for good work both in attack and on defence. The Blue forwards worked well together, 0. George, Southern, and Kerse being in the van of most rushes. Pirates fielded much new blood and did not combine too well. Burke, a newcomer on the wing, shaped'well and Blee, who has been off the scene for some time, also put in a lot, of good work. Jim Archer, 1925 All Black, made his first appearance this season and at rover did some useful work. Cockroft. Pryde and Jack Archer were other forwards who toiled hard. . The Black backs were at sixes and sevens and although get-

! ting a fair share of the ball failed to take advantage of their opportunities. The game was contested at a fast pace and at times some spectacular play was witnessed. The teams were: — , Blues (blue and black)—Norris; Henderson, Frampton, Manson; Lowe, McKay;'Cj Johnson: Burnett, Leopold; Southern, C. George, L. George; Matheson, Dennis; Kerse... ‘ ■ Pirates II (black)—Blee;'Burke, Boyd, Craig; Lishman, Pay; G. .Thomas; Stott, Moss; Pryde, Cockroft,- John Archer; Fleming, Earl; Janies Archer. ' First Spell. Blues attacked from the outset and after Henderson had failed to get over at the Press strip corner the' play swung to the other side, and from a passing rush McKay doubled round to take from Henderson and score at the corner. C. George missed. Blues .. .. .. • • • • • • • • • • 3 Pirates .. ...... ■ 0 Pryde put’in a’long kick over Blues’ line and Blues forced. Almost immediately Blues set up massing and after Frampton made a good opening McKay received and swerved in sweetly to score near the posts. The scorer converted. Blues 8 ' Pirates ...... - 0 Norris and McKay put Blues on the offensive with side-line passing which gained 30 yards. Pirates forwards, led by Pryde and Cockroft, worked play back to Blues line. Here Thomas sent his backs away from a scrum and a try was imminent, but Lishman went too far and -lost -a good chance. The venue changed in a flash. Blee fumbled and Manson kicked through to race away, and keening the ball at his toe he kicked over the line to score a good try. Manson took the ball,from Blues twentyfive. McKay converted. Blues 13 . Pirates ■ .. 0 Pirates attacked and good passing looked likely, but mistakes in handling cost them dearly. Kerse accepted a short kick and passed out to Dennis who sent on to C. George. The Blue forward made a break and passed to C. Johnson when tackled, Johnson racing from half-way to score under the posts. McKay missed a sitter. Blues 16 Pirates - - .... 0 The play was fast though patchy and there was plenty of incident to amuse the crowd. Pirates forwards were holding their own, but the Black backs were failing to carry on. Blues were penalized in midfield well out and Cockroft kicked a good goal. Blues 16 Pirates 3 The Blue backs were going well together and some bright passing was indulged in. Henderson was sent away for the corner but failed when he had a good chance, John Archer coming across smartly and pushing him into touch-in-goal just as the corner flag was reached. Play of a give and take nature followed without result until halftime was called shortly after. Second Spell. Pirates took up the offensive after the resuniption and kept Blues penned on their line for a time. Henderson relieved the position with a big kick and from the following play in which mistakes by Pirate backs helped Blues, Southern picked up and scored under the posts. McKay con- • verted. Blues .. .. .'. ........ 21 Pirates 3 Blue passing was broken up by Lishman who put in a good solo dribble to Blues twenty-five. From a scrum near the corner Thomas threw out a long pass to Boyd who potted. The ball went to the side of the posts and Craig following up fast scored a good try in a handy position. Cockroft failed. Blues 21. Pirates 6 Another passing rush by Blues threatened and Pirates escaped with a force-down. Blues kept up the pressure and made further attempts, but Pirates’ tackling had improved and the defence held. Manson secured near the corner and cross-kicked to McKay who sent Frampton away. The centre sent on to Henderson who got over in a tackle. C. George missed. Blues 24 Pirates 6 Blues now took complete charge of the game and pierced the Black defence at will. Johnson fed his backs smartly and some good crisp passing was witnessed. Frampton next went over at the corner but the referee ruled tackled ball. In the next moment Pirates were forced. Some exciting play followed in which Pirates backs and forwards played a prominent part. After a good rush by the Blue backs, Jack Archer cut off a pass and raced away up mid-field with three forwards in support. He passed to Fleming who ran into Frampton’s tackle and a fair chance was missed. The Blues came back, but Burke was the stumbling block and sent them back to half-way with a big kick. Fumbling by the Blue backs let Pirates’ forwards through and some hard scrumming took place on Blues line. Frampton marked and cleared. Pirates were now going well and were not to be denied. The Blue backs were caught out of position and after a good cut in by Thomas Boyd secured and went over-under the posts. Cockroft missed a sitter. Blues 24 Pirates 9 Norris next made a good run and almost got over at the corner, Burke once again getting back to save. Time was called shortly after with the scores: Blues 24 Pirates II 9 Mr J. Oughton refereed. SECOND GRADE OLD BOYS (11) v. PIRATES (6). Playing at Queen’s Park, Old Boys succeeded in defeating Pirates who fielded only 13 men, by 11 points to six. For Old Boys, E. Squires scored a try, C. Rout converted a try. and' kicked a penalty and Cameron made a try. For Pirates, Flint scored a try and Walker kicked a penalty. Mr W. Pay controlled the game. BLUFF (11) v. STAR (3). A fast game resulted at Biggar street between Bluff and Star,- the Port team emerging victorious by 11 points to three. Philipson scored two tries and Dawson one for Bluff, a conversion bringing the score up to 11 points. Greaser with a try compiled Star’s points. Mr D. Dyer was in charge of the game. INVERCARGILL (14) v. MARIST (0). Invercargill succeeded in defeating Marist by 14 points to nil after a good hard game at Biggar street. For Blues Tapley,- Grant and Clode each scored a try, G. Frampton converted one and Grant kicked a penalty goal. Mr W. J. Anderson refereed. RIMU (53) v. WAIKIWI (0). Waikiwi travelled to Rirnu and playing two men short were defeated by 53 points to nil, the home team proving superior in all departments of the game. Mr E. Fogarty was referee. THIRD GRADE BORSTAL (56) v. PIRATES (7). A fast, clean game characterized by good sportsmanship resulted at Queen’s Park between Borstal and Pirates, Borstal proving much superior to their opponents, defeating them by 56 points to seven. Pirates’ score was composed of a penalty kick and a potted goal by Smith.- Thomas, scrumhalf, played an outstanding game for Pirates. Mr F. Daubney refereed. INVERCARGILL (55) v. MARIST (0). An uninteresting game resulted between Invercargill and Marist, the Greens who

were inferior to their opponents, being defeated by 55 points to nil. Mr G. Withers, junior, refereed. HIGH SCHOOL (17) v. OLD BOYS (0). Playing 'on the Herbert street grounds, High School succeeded in defeating Old Boys by 17. points to nil after an interesting struggle. • Mr J. Ewart was referee. SOUTHERN (12) v. BLUFF (0). - Southern journeyed to Bluff and after a fast game, defeated the home team by 12 points to nil. Mr J. Murray refereed. FOURTH GRADE INVERCARGILL (6) v. TECHNICAL (6). A drawn game resulted at Tweed street between Invercargill and Technical, the final score being 6 all. Brandford scored two tries for Blues and for Technical Pascoe scored one try and McEwan kicked a penalty goal. Mr J. Durham was referee. HIGH SCHOOL (13) v. STAR (11). Playing at High School the home team proved.too much for Star, defeating their opponents by 13 points to 11 after a wellcontested game. Mr D. Donaldson refereed. FIFTH GRADE TECHNICAL (IS) v. HIGH SCHOOL (5). Playing on the Eastern Reserve Technical succeeded in defeating High School by 18 points to five. Mr E. Harrington was referee. NORTHERN DISTRICT Lumsden (33) v. Waikaia (0). Country Pirates (14) v. Riversdale (3). JUNIOR. Waikaia (9) v. Country Pirates (0). Balfour (15) v. Riversdale (6). DISTRICT Winton (11) v. Waianiwa (3). IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. College Rifles (21) beat Grammar Old Boys (6). City (7) beat Marist (0). Training College (18) beat Technical Old Boys (6). Ponsonby (29) beat Manukau (17). University (14) beat Grafton (3). WELLINGTON. Athletic (23) beat Oriental (12). ’Varsity (11) beat Wellington (30). Old Boys (32) beat Berhampore (8). Poneke (24) beat Eastbourne (3). Pctone (17) beat Marist (12). CHRISTCHURCH. Old Boys (14) beat Albion (12). Merivale (27) heat ’Varsity (14). . Christchurch (25) beat Technical (3). Linwood (14) beat Christchurch (6). TIMARU. Old Boys (17) beat Zingari (8). Waihi (12) beat Celtic (9). DUNEDIN. University A (63) beat Dunedin (6). Pirates (18) beat Taieri (3). Kaikorai (14) beat Southern (9). University B (301 beat Union (14). Alhambra (19) beat Zingari (0). AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY TEAM. TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND. (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, May 12. The Australian University Rugby Union team to visit New Zealand is announcel to leave Sydney on the Marama on May 17. Several stars, including Ross, Gibson, Hemingway and Mann, are not available, but the side is said to be a good one. The following players will make the trip: — Backs,—McMullan, Danger, J. Kennedy, Barker, Kennedy, Nichollas, Lamport (captain). Forwards.—Ramsden. Wiseman, Morton, Clay, Neill, Dezarnaulds, Morey, Cunningham. Reserves —Nairn, Flynn, McLean, Beveridge, Ahearns, Robertson, Joyce?—Australinn PrAss Association.