RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 21480, 24 August 1931, Page 8

RUGBY

SATURDAY’S GAMES PIRATES RETAIN LEAD STAR DEFEATED 12—3 BLUES OUTCLASS WAIKIWI There was a pleasant surprise for Rugby Park patrons on Saturday afternoon, the standard of play in the Pirates —Star senior game more than compensating for the raggedness of play witnessed in the Star Blues match the previous week. Star roped in four juniors, who had participated in an earlier game, to make up their complement, but contrary to expectations this move strengthened rather than weakened the blue and whites. The game was bright and open throughout and demonstrated what the players could do under ideal conditions. Pirates won decisively enough but the score of 12 to 3 in their favour by no means indicated the merits of the two teams. At one stage, when the Star forwards had taken charge of the game, it looked as if Star might win. but Pirates’ superior pace, fitness and combination prevailed and gave them victory. Some splendid form was produced by some of the more prominent players, those showing up most frequently being Murray, Sharp, Berry, Metcalfe and Peterson (Pirates) and Stubbs, Sievwright, Riddell, Mattingly, Mahoney and. Sinclair (Star). Berrv is a newcomer from Christchurch. He previously played in Wellington and was a member of the Wellington team which defeated Southland for the Ranfurly Shield last season. His form in his first game (on Saturday) impressed and stamped him as a forward well tip to Southland provincial standard. Sharp played one of his best games to date, but at times was inclined to go too far solo. Stubbs did much valuable work for Star and Mahoney, at wing-forward, showed that the fast conditions suited him admirably. He is still Southland’s best rover and it is surprising that he has not been included in the Southland team trainees. Mattingly’s deadly tackling was a feature of the game. An interested spectator was Mr E. 11. ("Charlie”) Diack, late Pirates and Southland captain, now of Marlborough, who must have been pleased with his old team's showing. The second senior game, between Blues and Waikiwi, resulted in a cleanout victory for-Blues by 31 points to three. 'rhe virtual final of the Galbraith Shield competition will be played next Saturday between Blues and Pirates. By their victory over Star Pirates retained their twopoints lead. Should they win next Saturday the premiership will be theirs but should Blues succeed in winning, another match between the same teams -will be necessary to bring about finality. , Conditions were excellent for Saturday s games and there was a surprisingly large crowd present at the park. PIRATES (12) v. STAR (3) TfiLs game was played on the No. 1 area which was in first-class condition. There was a strong sun and a light breeze. The teams were as follows: — Pirates (Black) .—Murray ; _ McEwan, Murtagh, Harrington; Sharp, \V. Thomas; G. Thomas; Carter, Stott; Robinson, Duff, Berry; Metcalfe, Peterson. Star (Navy ami White).—Halpin; Sievwright, Stubbs, McColl; Cockerill, Riddell; Agnew; Donnelly, Mattingly; O’Toole, Hennessy, Galt; Sinclair, Aitken; Mahoney. Star were the first to attack, Stubbs and McColl showing up in an onslaught on Pirates’ line. Murray missed an attempt to goal from a penalty but placed the blacks on attack with the kick. Star were forced down twice. Murray returned the drop-out from the latter forcedown, but Halpin failed to field his return and Metcalfe swooped down to recover the ball and commense a movement in which Carter, Moss and Harrington figured, the last-named crossing at the corner and running round for a good try. Murray missed an easy kick. Pirates 3, Star nil. Star then took a hand. Good lining by Mahoney and Cockerill kept Pirates on the defensive but although Star pushed the black forwards they could not get over. Star continued to have much the better of things and surprised by throwing the ball about freely. Stubbs raised a cheer when he broke through two tackles and sent Cockerill and Sinclair away. The movement was crisp and looked good until a faulty in-pass was not gathered in. The blacks were being beaten for ball in the scrums and were unable to get going. Murtagh effected a good save but Stubbs sent Pirates back again with a splendid line kick to the corner. After a long period on defence Pirates cleared their line, G. Thomas making a solo break which took him deep into Star territory. Sharp was prominent when he raced in and took a long throw-in. His break was dangerous for Star but Sharp lacked support and a good chance was lost. Stubbs relieved the pressure with a good kick t.o the 25 line, but Pirates were not to be denied. The forwards out-played the Star pack in some solid rucking on the line and Halpin was caught in possession right on the line. The ball rolled clear and Robinson dived over. W. Thomas's kick just missed. Pirates G, Star nil. Star came again and the forwards had Murray rattled. He was caught by Mahoney

who had followed through fast and Sinclair and McColl raced up to kick over. Sharp beat McColl to the touchdown and forced. Murray placed Pirates on attack with a long liner only to see the advantage lost when a forward infringed. Star forwards, Mahoney in the lead, next raided the blacks’ half and Sharp put in some brilliant work in clearing the position. The game was bright, both sides endeavouring to open up the play at every opportunity, with Pirates having perhaps the better of the exchanges. They were favoured with a fair breeze, however, and had little difficulty in forcing Star back with long linefinders. The tackling on both sides was good. There was plenty of obstruction going unchecked, the blacks being the chief offenders. Mattingly, Donnelly and Mahoney were associated in a slashing piece of dribbling which sorely tried the black defence and a moment later Stubbs fielded in the centre and raced across to the grandstand wing before sending Riddell and Sievwright away. The first opening (Stubbs's) made the try, Puddell furthering a good movement before passing to Sievwright, who although cramped for room, raced up the sideline and touched down for a good try. Murray made no attempt at all to take Sievwright. Stubbs did not get a chance to convert, the ball rolling over and being kicked by the opposition. Pirates 6, Star 3. Berry, Metcalfe and Mattingly were prominent in the following play, Berry in particular showing much dash. With Metcalfe he made many breaks and harried the Star backs. Riddell was responsible for a brilliant save when McEwan and Murtagh went through. Half-time was called shortly afterwards with Star on attack. Second Spell. Pirates commenced the second spell with a great rattle, a nice passing rush cutting deep into Star territory. The following five minutes were invested with much action,' good play and mistakes alike contributing to some delightful exchanges of bright and open Rugby. Attack and counter .attack followed in rapid succession, Pirates' looking more likely to score than Star. Stubbs, Sharp and Murray were outstanding in this play. The pace, g hot one, continued. Pirates were getting more ball now and trying all sorts of ruses to break through, but these were met with most resolute

tackling and play hovered about the Centre. Solid scrumming eventually favoured Star and play was established in Pirates’ 25. G. Thomas suffered injury to his right leg and was carried off the field. Hardy went on and a rearrangement of the black backs was made. W. Thomas went behind the scrum, Murtagh first five-eighth and Harrington centre, Hardy taking one wing. Stubbs changed direction and made a good opening for Cockerill and Sievwright. The last-named received in his stride but slipped when turning infield. Star were awarded a free kick in a handy position but Stubbs failed with a fairly easy kick. Pirates’ forwards worked play to Star’s 25 where Peterson broke clear and raced over for a good try. Murtagh failed to goal. Pirates 9, Star 3. Good passing by the black backs had the Star defence out-positioned and after some nice handling Hardy crossed at the corner. Pirates 12, Star 3. This was the final score. Mr D. Leckie refereed. BLUES (31) v. WAIKIWI (3) Blues had a runaway victory over Waikiwi, the game being called off with the score at 31 to 3. Tries were scored for Blues by Manson (2), Henderson, Foster (2), Mclntyre (2) and Clode (2). Niven and C. George converted one each. For Waikiwi McDonald kicked a penalty goal. Mr H. R. Willcox refereed. During this game Ferguson (Waikiwi) was carried off the field suffering from slight concussion. He recovered later. JUNIOR MATCHES SECOND GRADE. STAR (22) v. ODD BOYS (6). Playing at Rugby Park Star played Old Boys as a curtain-raiser and emerged victorious by 22 points to six. Old Boys could not exhibit very much combination, ■di hough some excellent individual efforts were seen, and consequently the Star rearguard, who went much better, proved easily superior. Territorially Star had definitely an advantage most of the time. In the first spell Cuff and McColl scored tries for Star, while Shand scored for Old Boys, none of the kicks being converted. After the interval Star pressed hard and scored in the first minute of play. Old Boys then took a turn on attack, but their efforts came to nought. The scorers for Star in the second spell were Leith, Milne and Donaldson, while Sievwright goalcd from a mark and Halpin converted two tries. Patterson crossed the line for Old Bovs, making the final score Star 22, Old Boys 6. Mr A. Angus controlled the game. Waikiwi defaulted to Blues. FRIENDLY MATCH. PIRATES (6) v. OREPUKI (0). Pirates travelled to Orepuki and after a fast and exciting friendly match succeeded in defeating the home team by 6 points to nil. Craig and Gale scored tries for the visitors. THIRD GRADE RAILWAY (13) v. CLIFTON (6). Playing at Biggar street a scrambling game resulted when Railway defeated Clifton by 13 points to six. Both sides had almost exactly similar colours and consequently much confusion resulted. Arnold, Gray and Ford scored tries for Railway, Henley and Domigan each converting one. Dale scored an unconverted try, while Clifton's other three points came from a penalty try. Mr I. McKay was referee. Bluff defaulted to Borstal A. FRIENDLY MATCH BOYS’ BRIGADE (27) v. BOY SCOUTS (5). Excellent football was provided in a match between the Georgetown Boy Scouts and the Georgetown Boys' Brigade on Saturday afternoon at the Eastern Reserve. Although the Brigade boys won by 27 points to 5 the Scouts were by no means as outclassed as the score would indicate. Several of the spectators after the game remarked about the fine spirit in which it was contested. For the Scouts Crozier scored close in for Braxton to convert whilst N. Dawson (2), Wilkinson (2), Ramsay, McArthur, M. Dawson scored tries for the Brigade. McArthur potted a neat field goal from well out. Mr J. T. Gardiner controlled the game. MARIST BROTHERS’ SCHOOLS DUNEDIN DEFEAT INVERCARGILL. Playing at East Park, Dunedin, on Saturday afternoon in the annual Rugby fixture between the two schools, Christian Brothers’ High, Dunedin, defeated Marist Brothers’ High, Invercargill, by 13 points to nil. The first spell ended with no score and in the second Spillane, Percy and Plank scored for Dunedin, McAllan converting two tries. BAIRD CUP RETAINED BY CENTRAL. WESTERN AND CENTRAL DRAW. Playing at Otautau on Saturday Central retained the Baird Cup by playing a draw with Western, the final score being eight all. Hunt scored for Western and Porter converted from the side line. Brown scored for Central and Thornbury converted from well out. Buxton scored a good try in the corner for Western. Porter failed to goal. McLeod equalized by scoring an unconverted try. Mr .1. Ewart refereed. A curtain-raiser between Orawia and Nightcaps juniors resulted in the premiers (Orawia) being defeated by 8 to 5. HIGH SCHOOLS’ TOURNEY SOUTHLAND TEAM DEPARTS. OPENING GAME TO-DAY. The team from the Southland Boys’ High School to participate in the annual High Schools Rugby Tournament at Timaru this week left by Saturday morning’s express. There was a large crowd present at the station to farewell the team and as the train drew out the boys were given three hearty cheers. The team responded with the school haka.

Following is the personnel of the side:— Full-back: W. Strang 11.6. Threequarters: R. Henderson 12.4, K. Uttley 10.3, C. Milne 11.0. Five-eighths: D. M. Page 10.13, N. Polson 9.7. Half back: B. Peterson 9.7.

Back Row: W. Crawford 12.5, G. Anderson 12.4.

Middle Row; R. Rodger 11.6, A. Pickard 13.5 (captain), N. Irwin 12.6. Front Row: A. Smilev 11.5, W. Bisset 11.6.

Wing-forward: H. Crawford 11.6. Emergencies: Backs: T. Mackie 9.6, H. Georgeson 9.8, N. Watte 10.10. Forwards: S. Jack 9.8, M. Buddle 11.4. Mr A. J. Deaker accompanied the team as manager.

The opening games of the tourney will be played to-day when Christchurch meets Southland and Otago plays Timaru. On Wednesday the finals will be played. Arrangements have been made to have full reports of the games in the Southland Times.

LUCKY DRAW

AUSTRALIAN TEAM. MATCH WITH OTAGO. HEAVY GROUND HAMPERS VLSITORS. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, August 22. In the first match of the tour, the Australian team were lucky to draw with Otago at Carisbrook to-day, the final score being three points all. The Otago forwards overwhelmed the opposition while the greasy ball and sodden ground prevented the Australian backs, who showed great speed, from opening out in passing. Immediately following the kick off, Australia rushed play to the Otago line, the blues being compelled to force in a hurry'. From the drop out, the Australian backs opened out in passing, but Giles cut off a pass and broke through. A try seemed certain when he threw the ball away and the chance was lost. Otago worked play back and the blue forwards set up a series of attacks on the Australian line, but Ross, who was playing saved time and again with judicious kicks to touch. At length Towers broke away in a fine run which carried play into Otago territory, this being the second time after 15 minutes’ play that Australia had been outside their own half. The Otago forwards were soon back in the Australian twenty-five where Bush missed twice with penalty kicks at goal. Hartnell headed a blue forward rush which went past Ross, but Towers came back and kicked the ball over the line and out of play.

From the resulting scrum, Bathgate dashed round on the blind side and was nearly across, being pulled down at the corner. A minute later Simon was almost over and play swung across field where McKenzie received the ball from Finlayson at the side of the scrum and was pulled down just before he reached the line. Australia was forced again, but once more Bush placed Otago on attack with a kick which went into touch at the corner.

Australia were unable to lift the pressure and Cavanagh picked up in the loose at the side of the scrum and threw out a long pass to Fookes who kicked through. Giles and McKenzie were on it like a flash and dribbled over the line, McKenzie beating several Australians to score. Bush’s kick was interfered with.

For the remainder of the spell Otago were almost continually on attack, several rushes by both backs and forwards just failing to cross the Australian line. Ross was doing a tremendous amount of saving. The opening of the second spell saw Otago once more on attack, Hore and Allan leading a forward rush to the Australian twenty-five. Malcolm came round the blind side of the scrum and passed to Blair who ran to Bush, but threw his pass forward and spoiled a promising movement. Once again Otago returned to the attack and Lucy was almost across following a passing movement among the forwards. The Australian forwards now livened up somewhat and forced the blues back. From aiscrum Malcolm sent out to Cowper, who kicked through. Following up fast, Cowper got to Bush as he was fielding the ball from the ground and kicking it out of the latter’s hands picked up and sent on to Towers who raced across. The kick at goal failed. Following a desperate attack by the Otago forwards, Towers cut clean through Otago's back line and ran to Bush before kicking, the ball going into touch at the. corner. From the line out the ball camo to Towers who struck hard for the line, but Bush brought him down with a heavy tackle. In the closing stages of the game Otago were attacking desperately but the Australian defence was very sound and the game ended without further score. Mr J. Oughton (Invercargill) was referee. SOUTHLAND v. AUSTRALIA LOCAL TEAM CHOSEN. The Southland team to meet Australia at Rugby Bark on Wednesday has been announced by the selectors (Messrs Arthur Geddes, A. Mitchell and Harold Strang) as follows:— Fullback: G. Porter (Western). Three-quarters: J. H. Geddes (Pirates), D. U. Crosbie (Northern), F. J. Townsend (Eastern). Five-eighths: D. G. Grant. (Eastern), L. Niven (Blues). Half-back: A. M. Ussher (Eastern). Front row: R. S. Donnelly (Star), C. T. George (Blues). Lock: W. Southern (Blues). Side row: G. B. Purdue (Star), J. S. Mattingly (Star). Back row: T. Metcalfe (Pirates) captain; J. Murphy (Winton). Wing-forward: D. Agnew (Eastern). Emergencies: C. A. Johnson (Blues), R. Sharp (Pirates), C. L. Stubbs (Star), I. S. Galt (Star), P. Sinclair (Star). G. Thomas (Pirates) and W. Duff (Pirates) were not available for selection. The team is requested to meet at Rugby Park at five o'clock this evening. GOOD TEAM WITHOUT A GENERAL. The team chosen to meet the Wallabies is identical with that which met Wellington in the Ranfurly Shield game at Wellington and put up such a splendid showing against Canterbury at Christchurch. It is also the same side with one exception as that which met and defeated Wairarapa at Invercargill. Porter replaces Stubbs at full-back. ■<.:

All round there is no doubt that the team is fully representative of what is offering in the province and should do well against the Australians, but the selectors again have left much to Providence in the matter of the leadership of the side. Good pack leader and forward as Metcalfe undoubtedly is, he cannot be expected to do justice to the position of captain. Indeed it is questionable whether it is a fair thing to request Metcalfe to hold down the position. In practically all of Southland's games this season generalship has been sadly lacking and it is time the selectors realized this. Mahoney, Star wing-forward, is the type to lead the team and in view of his return to form it is surprising that the selectors have given him no consideration. Southland has an enviable record against Australian teams, but by their latest action the selectors are inviting its destruction. It is not too late to amend the position. Leave Metcalfe as pack leader but give the position of captain to either Grant or Niven. Both are tacticians and from their positions in the five-eighth line will have an infinitely better opportunity of directing operations than a forward whose head is buried in the back of the scrum for a great part of the game. —“Onlooker.” VISITORS ARRIVE TO-DAY. The Australian team is due from Dunedin by the 1.10 p.m. express to-day. The visitors will stay at Deschler’s Hotel during their stay in Invercargill. At 3 o’clock this afternoon they will be accorded a civic reception by the deputy-Mayor (Mr C. J. Brodrick). IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Auckland Grammar 24 v. New Plymouth High School 3. WELLINGTON. St. Patrick’s (Wellington) 14 V. St. Bede’s (Christchurch) 9. CHRISTCHURCH. Merivale 21 v. Varsity 0. Albion 18 v. Sydenham IL Linwood 3 v. Old Boys 0. Christchurch 11 v. Athletic 0. SOUTH TARANAKI. Okaiawa 16 v. Kaponga 0. Hawera 6 v. Athletic 5. Elthani 21 v. Waimate 11. Opunake won by default from. Patea.

RANFURLY SHIELD CANTERBURY’S SUCCESSFUL CHAD LENGE. WELLINGTON BEATEN BY TWO POINTS. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 22 By 8 points to 6 Canterbury (challengers) won the Ranfurly Shield match against Wellington at Athletic Park this afternoon. At half-time Canterbury led by 3 points to nil, but in the second spell Wellington put on two tries neither of which were converted, and until fifteen minutes from the end were leading by 6 points to 3. Then Day scored a fine try for Canterbury under the posts which Roberts converted and Wellington was unable to score again. The match was not an inspiring exhibition of football and both sides lost numerous opportunities through mishandling and tactical blunders. On the day, Canterbury fully deserved to win. In the first spell the southerners usually held the advantage although Wellington in the latter stages of the spell were frequently seen attacking and in the second spell came to light with a great spurt. The challenger’s winning try was preceded by a persistent attack which finished right on the Wellington line where the ball eventually was sent out to the backs and Day fended off Nicholls to score under the posts. The game was remarkable for the number of injuries. In both spells play was frequently held up so that the ambulance men could give attention to players who had been hurt. Two Canterbury men, Andrews and Kearney, had to retire and Fuller had to come off at half-time for Wellington. Another remarkable feature was the comparatively few penalties awarded. Canterbury received more than did Wellington, but on only one occasion was a penalty kick at goal taken. Canterbury kicked off and gained ground with a forward rush but was let in for an awkward position when Roberts, at fullback, fumbled a high kick and had three men on him before he could clear. The ball went into touch in goal. Soon afterwards Canterbury had to force-down, but from the drop off got away in a good rush that penetrated to Wellington’s twenty-five. There Coulston was penalized for offside play but. Roberts missed the kick at goal. For a time the game was dull. The backs on each side handled on occasions with the Canterbury men by far the more successful. Twice they were held up at the last moment by Lilburne. The first score came after half an hour’s play. Day, the Canterbury five-eighth, got away round the blind side of a scrum and cross-kicked just before being tackled by Paine. MacDonald and Lilburne fumbled the ball between them and were caught in possession. A scrum was formed near the Wellington line and Canterbury' hooked the ball, allowing Mullan to set Oliver and Innes going and the latter crossed well out to score. Roberts missed with the kick. Canterbury 3, Wellington nil was the score at half-time. In the second spell Wellington attacked persistently and about ten minutes from the start Lilburne, now playing at fiveeighth, picked up from a Canterbury forward rush and got through the opposing vanguard. He was tackled, but in a ruck the ball was kicked over the line and Huxtable won the race for it. Nicholls missed.

Innes had a pot at goal for Canterbury from near half-way, but the ball fell a few yards short. Soon afterwards the Wellington forwards got away in a great loose rush, starting from the Canterbury twentyfive and Price finished off the attack by scoring well out. Nicholls again missed. Canterbury replied with a series of movements that gradually gained ground and after a lot of attack in Wellington’s twenty-five the ball was secured by the Canterbury’ forwards. Mullan sent out a great pass to Day and the latter fended off a weak tackle by Nicholls to score a try under the posts which Roberts had no difficulty in converting. Canterbury 8, Wellington 6. In the closing stages of the game Wellington took great risks in their efforts to open up the game and the Canterbury defence had a lot to do. It was equal to the task however and its sure tackling prevented Wellington from penetrating far. There was no further score. The referee was Mr J. King, of Taranaki. PREVIOUS SHIELD HOLDERS. 1902 to 1904 —Auckland. 1904 to 1905 —Wellington. 1905 to 1913—Auckland. 1913 to 1914—Taranaki. 1914 to 1920 —Wellington. 1920 to 1921—Southland. 1921 to 1922 —Wellington. 1922 to 1927—Hawkes Bay. 1927—Wairarapa. 1927 —Manawhenua. 1927 to 1928—Canterbury. 1928 to 1929 —Wairarapa. 1929 to 1930—Southland. 1930 to 1931—Wellington. 1931—Canterbury. This marks the lOCth challenge game for the shield, the second occasion on which Canterbury has won the trophy and the fourth time it has come to the South Island. Canterbury' first won it in 1927, defeating Manawhenua by' 17 to 0, but lost it the following season to Wairarapa by eight points to seven. Canterbury had earlier defended the shield against South Canterbury, the holders winning by 29 to nine. REPRESENTATIVE GAMES NORTH v. SOUTH MAORIS. SOUTH ISLAND RETAIN TROPHIES. Christchurch, August 22. The Prince of Wales Cup and the Te Mori Rose Bowl were at stake in the match between the North Island Maoris and the South Island Maoris played to-day. South (the holders) succeeded in retaining the trophies, winning by the narrow margin of 10 points to 9. In the first half, North had faster and brighter players, and individualists with more penetrative power. They were six points ahead at half-time. Soon afterwards the scores were 9 —o but they faded badly in the second spell and ultimately' a potted goal, when the scores were 9 —6 in favour of North, brought victory to South. A dash by Kaua and a pass to Walford gave North the first try which Morrison failed to convert. Morrison scored again when, a few minutes later, he had a penalty shot at goal which was charged down. He got the ball and touched down. Nepia failed to goal. In the second spell, Walford scored again after he was given a pass from a forward rush. Morrison failed to goal. South now took command of the game. McDonald scored a lucky try by picking up the ball which was kicked to the wing. He raced round Phillips to score a good try at the corner, after one of the few bouts of passing in the game. Tlie last score was Barber’s potted goal. He was given the ball in North’s 25 and, as the northerners were closing in, he took a quick snap shot. RETURN MATCH. AUCKLAND DEFEAT HAWKES BAY. Auckland, August 22. The return Rugby match between Auckland and Hawkes Bay was played at Eden Park to-day under ideal conditions and resulted in a win for the home team by 19 to 14. ' The match was chiefly confined to the forwards in which Hawkes Bay showed a superiority except for about 20 minutes in the second spell, when Auckland rattled on eleven points in quick succession. Auckland scored two converted tries, two unconverted tries and a penalty goal and the visitors three penalty goals and a converted try.