RUGBY FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 22046, 20 June 1933, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHLAND UNION

WEEKLY MEETING OF EXECUTIVE

DRAW FOR SATURDAY

The management committee of the Southland Rugby Football Union met last evening, Mr W. Bail'd (president) presiding over the following members: Messrs A. H. Courtis, R. T. Meredith, H. Strang, L. Lopdell, W. A. Oliver, D. F. Leckie, A. J. Geddes, J. L. Cameron, A. Mitchell, J. L. Oughton and R. G. Kitto. Mr R. Deacon (Riverton) wrote acknowledging the Otago. University team's request that the Deacon Cup should be played for annually between the Otago University and Canterbury College teams and agreed to the sug--B<Mr Courtis mentioned that in the advice to the University team it be made clear that the name Deacon Cup be retained. The secretary of the New Zealand Union wrote advising that Southland’s challenge for the Ranfurly Shield with Canterbury on August 19 had been approved. Collegiate’s explanation regarding their default to Borstal (third grade) on Saturday was accepted. Mr Oughton, chairman of the flag committee said it was very regrettable that a new club just admitted should have to default in their first season. The following nominations from subunions for the managership of the Southland Sub-Unions’ team were received:—Central District, Mr W. G. Clark; Western, Mr Cecil Mills; Eastern, Mr J. W. Aitken; Northern, Mr J. W. Aitken. It was decided to make the appoint - ment at next week’s meeting. W. L. Crawford was granted a transfer from Country Pirates to Old Boys, subject to his clearance and residential qualifications being in order. J, Hamilton (Old Boys) was granted a regrade from first to second. In reference to the Sports Trust Cup games, Eastern wrote suggesting that the first match be played on July 8. Mr John Kirk, secretary of the Western District Sub-Union, wrote applying for the following dates for the approval of the Southland Union:— July s.—v. Central at Drummond for the Baird Cup.

July 15.—v. Southern, at Riverton, for the Sports Trust Cup. July 22—v. Central, return match for Baird Cup. August s—v. Eastern for the Sports Trust Cup. September 2.—v. Central for the Sports Trust Cup. September 16.—v. Northern for the Sports Trust Cup. It was decided to circularize the subunions advising them that the Southland selectors desired July 22 set aside for the Town—Country game.

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY.

Saturday’s fixtures are as follows:— Seniors.—Pirates v Waikiwi at Rugby Park No. 2, at 2.45 p.m.; Old Boys v Star at Rugby Park No. 1, at 2.15 p.m.; Invercargill a bye. Second Grade.—Marist v Rimu at Queen’s Park No. 1, at 2.30 p.m.; Star v Pirates, at Biggar street No. 3, at 2.15 p.m.; Old Boys v Waikiwi, at Queen’s Park No. 2, at 2.30 p.m.; Invercargill a bi Third Grade.—Borstal v Railway, at Borstal, at 2.45 p.m.; Old Boys v Bluff at Biggar street No. 4, at 2.45 p.m.; Collegiate v Clifton, at Appleby Ground, at 2.45 p.m.; Pirates v High School at Rugby Park at 1.30 p.m. (If ground conditions not suitable to be played at Tweed street); Invercargill v Star, at Biggar street No. 1, at 2 p.m. Fourth Grade.—Waikiwi v Marist, at School No. 3, at 2.30 p.m.; Bluff v Rimu, at Biggar street No. 2, at 2.45 p.m.; Invercargill v Clifton, at Clifton, at 2.30 p.m.; High School A v Pirates, at School No. 1, at 2.30 p.m.; Borstal v High School B, at Borstal, at 2.15 p.m.; Technical a bye. Fifth Grade.—Marist v Invercargill A, at Tweed street, at 2 p.m.; High School v Pirates at School No. 2, at 2.15 p.m.; Technical v Invercargill B, at Biggar street No. 4, at 1.30 p.m.

CENTRAL DISTRICT.

SATURDAY’S GAMES.

(From Our Correspondent.)

On Saturday afternoon, when excellent weather conditions prevailed, the third round of the senior section of the Hamilton Shield competition in the Central District was continued, and as the positions of the teams stand at present this competition has reached an interesting stage. Further successes to Limehills and Winton on Saturday give both these teams an even number of shield points and their match next Saturday will provide a good deal of interest. The blue and whites have yet a game in the first round, however. Dipton went under to Winton on Saturday after a fast and interesting game, and although the maroons won by a 12 point margin, there was nowhere near this difference between the sides. Limehills had a fairly comfortable win over Hedgehope, who were unable to field a full side.

SENIOR.

WINTON (20) v. DIPTON (8).

The playing area at Dipton was in good order, and there was a fair attendance present. A dry ball was available, and a spectacular exhibition resulted. Although the first half was confined to the forwards for the best part, the second spell was productive of a bright display, with both sides opening up play at every opportunity. The maroons’ win by 20 to 8 was not as pronounced as the scores may appear to indicate, and there was not a great deal between the sides. It was particularly noticeable that the maroons put little dash into their play as soon as they were in front, as far as points went, and it was only when their opponents commenced to make the play that Winton put any vim into their efforts. Both packs were fairly evenly matched, and although the red and whites dominated in line-outs, the maroon vanguard secured the lion’s ;hare of the ball from set scrums and the loose. The Winton backs did not function at all well in the first half, but a re-arrangement at the commencement of the second spell made a world of difference and from then on the visiting rearguard was a dangerous unit and figured in a number of sweeping passing bouts. A re-arrange-ment in the Dipton backs at the beginning of the second half was also for the better, and the home backs showed considerable improvement. The tackling of the Dipton backs was very solid.

The teams lined out as follows:— Winton (maroon): D. Chilton, Boyle, W. Murphy; J. Murphy, McDougall; A. Chilton, Watson, Forde; Souness; Driscoll, Pierce; Forde, McCurdy, Robertson; Walker. Dipton (red and white): Hardboard, Bissett, McKay; Dutan, Latchford; McDonald, Whitaker, Kean; C. McDonald; Snow, Laing; Palmer, Thombury, Sparks; McWhirter.

Dipton were the aggressors in the early stages of the first spell and held play in the visitors’ territory for some time, but the defence was sound and the red and whites were repeatedly driven back. Winton eventually took up the attack, which they maintained for the best part of 'the spell. The opening try for Winton was a wellearned effort by D. Chilton, who crossed after leading the Winton pack in a good rush. Boyle failed to convert from a fairly handy position. Winton again scored a few minutes later, after play had hovered on the red and whites’ line. A scrum on the Dipton line was ordered and with the ball at their toes the maroon forwards wheeled for J. Murphy to score. Boyle goaled, making the scores at the interval, Winton 8, Dipton 0. Winton opened the second spell somewhat half-heartedly, and the home side took up the offensive almost immediately. Play centred in the maroon twenty-five for a period, during which Dipton added eight points and equalized the scores. Mishandling among the Winton backs allowed the opposing forwards to get through, and Thornbury cut in and scored in a handy position. Laing goaled. Laing missed a penalty kick, but he made amends a little later when he landed a penalty from half-way with a fine kick. It was at this stage that the maroons again commenced to put some vigour into their play, but the red and whites maintained the attack and were unfortunate in not further adding to their score. The maroon forwards at this stage were securing a plentiful supply of ball and their backs handled in good style. A passing bout by the home backs broke down and let Winton through and Pierce gathered in to take play to the Dipton line, where McCurdy was tackled. From the ensuing scrum Winton hooked cleanly, and Souness cut-in to cross the line. Boyle failed with the kick. Dipton again took up the attack, but the visiting forwards gradually drove them back. Even play followed and from outside {he red and white twenty-fivo Driscoll landed a good field goal for the maroons, making the scores, Winton 15, Dipton 8. Winton continued to hold the upper hand and from a scrum just outside the Dipton twentyfive Souness sent out to Driscoll, to Pierce, to McCurdy, for the last-named to send Forde over fairly well out. Boyle goaled, making the final scores: Winton 20, Dipton 8.

Mr G. Cleland was referee. Hedgehope went under to Limehills by 26 to 3.

JUNIOR.

Tire junior games resulted as follows: Ryal Bush 7 v. Wrights Bush 3; Hokonui 18 v. Winton 6; Fernhills 11 v. Limehills 3.

COUNTRY PIRATES v. LUMSDEN.

(From Our Correspondent.)

The return match between Country Pirates and Lumsden which always creates a considerable amount of interest was played at Lumsden on Saturday under ideal weather conditions. It was thought that owing to the improved showing of the Lumsden team of late that they might be able to check the unbeaten record of Country Pirates but Pirates rose to the occasion and emerged victors by 11—5. The game resolved itself into a great tussle between the forwards with Country Pirates winning from most of the scrums and lineouts, their quick breaking and fast following up finding the Lumsden team not able to stand up to their onslaughts with the 'result that there wasn’t a great deal of back play on either side. Of the Country Pirates forwards all were toilers with T. McNamee and Parker the most outstanding. The backs did not get a great deal of work but Hamilton was always where he was wanted. A. Sutherland, who is a dangerous scoring man, did not get much to do, while Rae Sutherland, the full back, played a sound game.

For Lumsden Graham and Tomlin in the forwards, played well up to district standard and in their backs Williamson never missed anything, but he is inclined to kick too much instead of trying to score. Knight was the best back on the Lumsden side. If this player could kick he would be a serious contender for district full back.

Lumsden kicked off against the sun and Pirates soon took play into the Lumsden 25, where a great battle was fought between the forwards. From a scrum in midfield Gray shot the ball out to Graham and after all the Lumsden backs had handled Mcßride went over well out. Tomlin with a great kick goaled. Lumsden 5; Pirates 0.

From the kick off Pirates attacked and from a forward rush McNamee went over well out. A. Sutherland’s kick at goal failed. Lumsden 5; Pirates 3.

From the kick off Pirates again took play to the Lumsden twenty-five and after having Lumsden defending stoutly, A. Sutherland gathered the ball and went over near the corner flag. His kick at rroal was unsuccessful. Lumsden 5; Pirates 6. Half-time sounded soon afterwards. The second spell was marked by very even play. After about 15 minutes’ play Lumsden had Pirates defending near their goal and from a scrum, Gray shot the ball out to L. Graham, who went over near the posts, only to be recalled for an infringement. From the resultant scrum Pirates cleared and took play to the Lumsden twentyfive and after a short time Hamilton for Pirates succeeded in getting across well out. Rae Sutherland took the kick and made no mistake. Pirates 11; Lumsden 5. From now on Pirates had Lumsden defending all the time and the final whistle found Lumsden defending stoutly at their twenty-five with the score Pirates 11; Lumsden 5. Mr A. N. McDonald controlled the game. Unfortunately the teams lined out half-an-hour late, finishing the match in the dark thus creating displeasure among the large number of spectators who turned out to witness the match.

REFEREE ASSAULTED.

SCENE AT MATCH.

(Per United Press Association.)

A disgraceful scene occurred during a Rugby match at Hangatiki on Saturday. When Te Kuiti were playing the local team a Maori member of the Hangatiki team remonstrated with the referee over a penalty kick and was ordered off the field. He picked up the ball and took it away, calling on the rest of the team to follow. His two brothers followed tut the remainder of the team stopped to finish the game. Another ball was procured but the disqualified player rushed on to the field and commandeered the second ball. The three brothers then ordered the referee off the field which was on their property. There was a wild scene during which the referee and another player were struck on the head as they were leaving the field.