RUGBY FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 22052, 27 June 1933, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHLAND UNION WEEKLY MEETING OF EXECUTIVE SPORTS TRUST CUP FIXTURES Matters of interest to country unions were discussed at the weekly meeting of the management committee of the Southland Rugby Union last evening, when delegates from five of the six sub-unions were present by invitation. Among other things the Sports Trust Cup programme of fixtures was arranged after a lengthy discussion, and the manager of the Southland Subunions’ team to play the Otago Subunions at Dunedin on July 29 was appointed. . Mr W. Baird (president), presided over the following members: Messrs A. H. Courtis, R. T. Meredith, A. J. Geddes, L. Lopdell, H. Strang, A. Mitchell, R. G. Kitto, J. L. Oughton, J. L. Cameron, D. F. Leckic, W. Campbell and G. W. Johnston (Northern), C. Mills ana J. Miller (Western), H. G. Wallis, J. W. Aitken and I. Martin (Eastern), R. D. Cox (Southern), and W. G. Clark (Central.) Three nominations were received for the managership of the Southland Subunions’ team, Messrs W. G. Clark (nominated by Central and Southern), J. W. Aitken (nominated by Eastern and Northern), and C. Mills (nominated by Western). A ballot was taken and resulted in Mr Clark (Central), being appointed manager of the team. He was congratulated by the other nominees and the chairman, and returned. thanks for the confidence placed in him.. ‘I trust I can carry out the duties with credit to myself, the team and the union,” said Mr Clark amid applause. The explanations of the Bluff and Waikiwi Clubs regarding recent defaults by their junior teams were accepted, Mr Oughton commenting that when entries from junior clubs were being considered next year the number of defaults be taken into account. Mr Meredith asked the chairman what was being done in regard to sorting out and getting fit the Southland feam. He remarked that it was time the players, a certain number, of them, were advised to go into special training. He suggested that a course of ‘‘physical jerks,” as in other years, should be carried out by the team.. Mr Courtis supported the suggestion. Mr Strang, on behalf of the selectors, said they had the matter under review. It was their intention to select a number of players early in the coming month and give them sprinting training rather than “physical jerks,” which had not altogether been a success in the past. The players showed a. lack of keenness for this type of training. Further they did not desire to interfere with club training at the present time. The players in the running for places in the representative team were training hard at the present time. He could assure the executive that the selectors would see that the players were thoroughly trained for the tasks ahead of them. Permission was granted the Star junior team to travel to Branxholme to play Ryal Bush on Saturday, July 8. The secretary of the Hawkes Bay Union wrote confirming August 31 as the date of Southland-Hawkes Bay match at Napier. The manager of the Southland News Company v/rote, offering to present the union with an Omega time clock of the latest design to be erected at Rugby Park, on the understanding that the union provided platform and housing which would cost about £4O. It was decided to accept the offer with thanks. The question of erection was left in the hands of the grounds committee and Mr Abbey Jones. The secretary of the Otago Rugby Union wrote confirming the agreement to change the date of the Otago-South-land game at Invercargill to August 5. Country Fixtures. Considerable discussion over the dates set aside by sub-unions for Sports Trust Cup and other fixtures took place and after several alterations and amendments the following list of fixtures was agreed to:— Wednesday, June 28.—Grant Cup match, Northern v. Eastern, at Gore. Wednesday, July s.—Western v. Central, at Drummond (Grant Cup). July B.—Western v. Southern, at Riverton (Sports Trust Cup). Saturday, July B.—Central v. Old Boys, at Southland Ploughing Match. Wednesday, July 12.—Town v. Eastern, at Gore. Saturday, July 15.—Western v. Eastern, at Otautau (Sports Trust Cup). Saturday, July 22.—Town v. SubUnion team. Wednesday, July 26.—Central v. Holders of Sports Trust Cup. Saturday, July 29.—Sub-union match at Dunedin. Saturday, August s.—Southland v. Otago, at Invercargill. August 9 (or before). —Northern v. holders of Sports Trust Cup. Wednesday, August 9. —Southland v. Marlborough, at Invercargill. Saturday, September 9. —Southland V. Taranaki, at Invercargill. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. Following are the fixtures for Saturday:— Seniors.—Pirates v. Old Boys, at Rugby Park No. 1, at 2.15 p.m.; Invercargill v. Waikiwi, at Rugby Park No. 2, at 2.45 p.m.; Star a bye. Second Grade. —Marist v. Old Boys, at Biggar street No. 3, at 2.15 p.m.; Star v. Rimu, at Kennington, at 2.30 p.m.; Invercargill v. Pirates, at Queen’s Park No. 1, at 2.30 p.m.; Waikiwi, a bye. Third Grade.—Borstal v. High School, at Borstal, at 2 p.m.; Old Boys v. Railway, at Biggar street No. 4, at 2.45 p.m.; Bluff v. Clifton, at Bluff, at 2.45 p.m.; Pirates v. Star, at Appleby Ground, at 2 p.m.; Collegiate v. Invercargill, at Eiggar street No. 1, at 2 p.m. Fourth Grade.—lnvercargill v. Technical at Rugby Park, at 1.30 p.m. (Tweed • street at 2.45 if Park unsuitable); Clifton v. High School A, at School No. 1, at 2.45 p.m.; Rimu v. Borstal, at Borstal, at 2.45 p.m.; Marist v. Pirates, at Biggar street No. 2, at 2 p.m.; Waikiwi v. High School B, at Waikiwi, at 2.15 p.m.; Bluff a bye. Fifth Grade.—Marist v. Pirates, at Queen’s Park No. 2, at 2.15 p.m.; High School v. Invercargill B, at School No. 2, at 2.15 p.m.; Technical v. Invercargill A, at Tweed street, at 1.45 p.m. CENTRAL DISTRICT GAMES. WINTON DEFEAT LIMEHILLS. A HARD FOUGHT CONTEST. TWO PLAYERS ORDERED OFF. (From Our Correspondent.) Interest in the Limehills-Winton senior game played at Winton in the Central Sub-union’s competitions on Saturday afternoon was particularly keen and one of the largest gatherings seen on the Winton Domain for some time—estimated at over 60(5—witnessed a hard-fought contest, although far from spectacular, which was won by Winton by 12 points to nil. As a consequence of the reaull ci Saturday#

match both Limehills and Winton are on a level footing as far as shield points go, and it is anticipated that a playoff between these two sides will be necessary. Excellent weather conditions prevailed in the Central district for Saturday’s fixtures and in both senior and junior sections all games were played. The other senior game between Hedgehope and Dipton, resulted in a win for the former side, marking the first win of Hedgehope during the season. Hokonui, the leading team in the northern junior division, suffered their initial defeat at the hands of Drummond, while Winton won the other match in this division against Fernhills. The improved Mabel Bush side lowered the colours of Ryal Bush, the leading team in the southern junior section, while Wright’s Bush accounted for Waianiwa in an even contest. In the Winton-Limehills match two players came to blows and the referee ordered both off the field. This incident occurred not long after the commencement of the second spell. Other players of both sides were also warned by the referee, but from then on the game was not a difficult one to control. In the Hokonui-Drumniond junior game, played on the latter’s ground and resulting in a win for the home side by 8 to 6, a protest against a ruling of the referee has been lodged by Hokonui, who are the leading team in the south section of the junior grade, and Saturday’s defeat was their first reverse to date. Both these matters, along with an incident of a side refusing to complete the final 20 minutes of a game under a referee’s rulings, will be dealt with by a meeting of the Central Sub-Union on Wednesday evening, when it is also anticipated that the present senior competition may be closed. SENIOR. WINTON (12) v. LIMEHILLS (0). The fact that the results of their two previous meetings this season had been drawn games and that the result of the contest on Saturday would play an important part in the • Hamilton Shield competition drew an exceptionally large crowd to the Winton Domain, where the standard of Rugby was disappointing. The playing area was in good order, but the ball was inclined to be greasy and difficult to handle. The success of the Maroons was well deserved, their win being just as decisive as the scores would indicate and there was no doubt that on the day the better team won. For three parts of the game the home side were the aggressors and after they established a six-point lead in the second spell it appeared to be only a matter of how many points Winton would win by. The display of the Blue and Whites can only be classed as disappointing. After missing two openings in the first 20 minutes of the first spell, Limehills were never very dangerous and had to play second fiddle for practically the remainder of the game. The Winton pack won the day, and although at a disadvantage as far as weight was concerned were definitely on top at the finish. The Blue and Whites secured practically all the ball from line-outs and while they monopolized tight work for the best part of the first spell, the Maroon pack was the only one in it in the second half. In loose rushes the Winton forwards dominated play and repeatedly were seen to advantage in some first-class bouts. The home backs were far from an effective unit and while they displayed little initiative, mis-handling was the cause of many movements breaking down. Although the Blue and White rearguard did not display a great deal of thrust, their passing bouts were more effective than those of the Maroons. The defence of the Limehills side was particularly sound. The teams were:— Limehills (blue and white): Robb; Reid, Clark, Murphy; Wilson, Roughan; Brosnan; Wilson, Casey, Payne; McHugh, Plunkett, Rouse; Ward, McCarthy. Winton (maroon).—Walker; Forde, McCurdy, Driscoll; Calder, Pierce; Souness; D. Chilton, Boyle, A. Chilton; J. Murphy, McDougall; Watson, Robertson, G. Forde. The Maroons took the field three men short, and played with twelve men for the first five minutes. For the first 20 minutes the Blue and Whites held the upper hand and held play in the Maroons’ twenty-five. With their forwards hooking cleanly, the Limehills backs handled well, but missed two good opportunities to open their account. Gradually the Maroons took play to the visitors’ territory and held play there for almost the remainder of the spell. Frequently play was held up on the Blue and Whites’ line, the Maroons being unable to get any further, solid tackling by the Limehills backs and better packing by their vanguard being the two deciding factors in. frustrating the onslaughts of the home side. Limehills could not get beyond halfway and several scrums on the Blue and Whites’ line followed. The Limehills pack secured the lion’s share of the ball in this half, but Brosnan was frequently bagged and not allowed to clear. The home backs played ineffectively, their passing being flatfooted and very uncertain. The Maroons figured in a desperate effort on the Blue and Whites’ line. when, the interval whistle sounded with, neither side having registered any points. The second half commenced more brightly and a few good bouts were witnessed on the part of the home backs. Winton took up the attack, which was maintained for practically the whole of the spell. The way for the opening try of the Maroons was paved by Calder. A rearrangement in the home front row line, when Watson was included, made a great difference and the Winton hookers secured possession from almost every scrum. From a scrum just outside the Limehills twenty-five Calder and Souness worked the short side. The former put in a good run before sending out to Forde, who on being tackled on the Blue and Whites’ line in-passed to Calder, who went over for a good try well out. Boyle failed to goal. Winton 3 Limehills 0. Limehills immediately took up the attack, but only momentarily and the Maroons again rushed play to the visitors’ twenty-five. Robb, the Limehills full-back, was getting plenty to do, and although caught in possession on occasions he saved his side repeatedly with well-judged kicks. The home backs were playing with improvement, but their efforts were, of little material advantage. A Passing rush by the Maroons from inside haltway saw the Winton backs kick through for Pierce to rush down Murphy’s defending kick.. In a scramble on the Limehills line J. Murphy crossed Murphy failed to goal. Winton 6, Limehills 0. From then on Winton were definitely on top and had their opponents hard pressed. Winton s next try was a smart effort by Souness, who secured from a scrum on the Limehills line to cut in and cross. Murphy faded with the kick. Winton 9, Limehills 0. Limehills were compelled to force on two occasions, while the Maroons were unlucky in not further scoring when the ball touched the referee and a scrum on the line was ruled. The Maroons were playing better football as the game went on. Their final try was a good one by Forde. Calder and Souness again worked the blind side from, a scrum just inside the Limehills’ twenty-five. Forde, on receiving from Calder, put in a smart run and broke through two or three tackles to cross well out. Murphys kick hit the cross-bar and bounced infield. There was no further score and play was in mid-field when the final whistle sounded, with the scores Winton 12, Limehills 0. G. Cleland jvas FfiWjßgr

HEDGEHOPE (8) v. DIPTON (3). On their own grounds Hedgehope registered their first success of the season by accounting for Dipton by 8 to 3. Dipton played with three men short, but the game throughout was fairly evenly contested. JUNIOR SECTION. The junior results were as follows:— Drummond 8 v. Hokonui 6; Winton 12 v. Fernhills 6; Mabel Bush 8 v. Ryal Bush 0; Wrights Bush 8 v. Waianiwa 3. BAIRD CUP MATCH. CENTRAL TEAM CHOSEN. The Central team to meet Western (holders) for the Baird Cup at Drummond on Wednesday, July 5, was announced by the selectors (Messrs Morrin, W. Moylan, and J. Forde) on Saturday evening as follows:— Full-back.—G. South (Hedgehope). Three-quarters.—R. Thornbury (Dipton), A. McCurdy (Winton), M. Forde (Winton). , , Five-eighths—W. Wilson (Limehills), C. Calder (Winton). Half-back.—L. Brosnan (Limehills). Front Row.—A. Chilton (Winton), W. Boyle (Winton), D. Chilton (Winton). Middle Row.—J. Murphy (Winton), R. McDonald (Dipton). Back Row.—J. McCarthy (Limehills), A. Rouse (Limehills), R. McLeod (Hedgehope). Emergencies.—Backs, R. Walker (Winton), W. Reid (Limehills); forwards, Casey (Limehills), G. Wilson (Limehills). WESTERN DISTRICT. OREPUKI v. WAIAU. (From Our Correspondent.) In the senior competition Waiau met the Orepuki representatives on the Recreation Ground, Orepuki, last Saturday afternoon. The ground was somewhat greasy after recent frosts followed by heavy rain, thus making handling difficult, and the game resolved itself for the most part into a forward battle between two well-matched packs, with occasional flashes of back play from the better organized Orepuki backs. George Purdue led his pack in fine style, while G. Porter, as full-back for Waiau, was a tower of strength, his long punts and accurate line-finding being of great assistance to his side.

Orepuki attacked from the whistle, and for the first twenty minutes dominated the play, the red forwards packing in good style and overwhelming the blues, giving the impression of considerable superiority. However, the visitors rallied and in their turn carried the attack to the home twentyfive, and only the sturdy defence of the ’Puki rearguard foiled the repeated attacks of the Waiau pack. Bates, who had received an injury to his knee, retired, and was replaced by Mclntyre. From the kick-off ’Puki were soon in a good attacking position. Suddaby, receiving the ball from a scrum, sent his backs away, and E. Mclntyre with a fine dashing run, kicked over the line and followed through to score a splendid try between the posts. George Purdue converted from an easy position. Orepuki 5, Waiau 0. Halftime was called shortly afterwards. On resuming after the interval Waiau set up a determined attack and carried play right down to the home line. Here several scrums and line-outs occurred, from one of which Frampton secured and forced his way over five yards from the corner flag. G. Porter took the kick, but with an excellent effort failed to convert, the ball just falling outside. Orepuki 5, Waiau 3. For the remainder of the spell Orepuki were definitely superior, and for most of the time the play was in the territory of their opponents. The red pack were getting the ball and Suddaby gave his backs many good openings, some very likely movements breaking down through faulty handling. G. Porter was called on to do a great deal of defensive work, and after twice suffering head injuries he was eventually forced to retire a short time before the conclusion of the game. For Orepuki George Purdue was always in the picture, and was well supported by a hard-working pack of forwards, from which it would be a difficult matter to make a special selection. A. Suddaby (half), E. Mclntyre, and Harrington were the outstanding backs. Mr E. J. Weir controlled the game. Jubilee Celebrations.

A special general meeting of the Orepuki Club was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall last Thursday evening for the purpose of making arrangements for the forthcoming Jubilee Celebrations. Mr E. D. Bone presided. It was proposed to mark the occasion by holding, subject to the approval of the sub-union, a seven-a-side tournament including both junior and senior competitions, and also a Grand Jubilee Ball.

Arrangements were made for advertising the function, and also for circularizing all clubs. The following committee was set up to make initial arrangements:—Messrs G. Purdue, J. Sorenson, E. D. Bone, V. Barraclough, C. Porter. NORTHERN DISTRICT. COUNTRY PIRATES v. BALFOUR. (From Our Correspondent.) The third and final round of the Northern District competition was commenced on Saturday when Balfour journeyed to Athol to play Country Pirates. It was thought that owing to the close game between these two teams in the second round that Balfour might be able to stop the unbeaten record of the shield-holders, but Country Pirates, with a re-organized back division, played their best game to date and ran out winners in a good game by 22 to nil. For Country Pirates the forwards all played well, it being hard to sort, out any outstanding players except that W. Drummond and L. McLean were always to the fore in all phases of the game. Of the backs H. Soper played his best game to date, his two tries being gems. T. McNamee, at first five-eighths, was the find of the season, being the best player in this position in Northern. A. Sutherland again proved that he is the best scoring wing three-quarter in the district by again notching two tries to his already big total. Rae Sutherland, at full-back, played a magnificent game. For Balfour Bruce was the best back on his side while in the forwards Dillon, Rivers and Scobie were the best workers. The Play. Balfour kicked off with the sun at their backs but it was soon apparent that Country Pirates were going to make a bold bid for victory by transferring play to the Balfour Balfour were kept defending for a siderable time when A. Sutherland secured and scored near the comer. His kick at goal failed. Country Pirates 3, Balfour 0. From the kick-off Pirates had Balfour on the defensive again and soon after H. Soper secured from the scrum and cut in to score a great try. A. Sutherland’s kick went wide. Country Pirates 6, Balfour 0.

From the kick-off Pirates again transferred to Balfour territory and from a scrum about 15yds out Soper sent out to T. McNamee who cut out the opposition to score a neat try. His kick at goal was not taken owing to an in-

fringment. Country Pirates 9, Balfour 0. After about fifteen minutes’ play in the second spell T. Soper sent out to Hamilton who was playing centre and he transferred to A. Sutherland who brushed off a couple of opponents to score a great try in the comer, his kick at goal going under the bar. Country Pirates 12, Balfour 0. Balfour made a great effort to score and took play to Pirates’ territory but Pirates were tackling well and kept them out. However play was soon transferred to Balfour territory where Lindo Soper put in a great run and was nearly over. Soon afterwards T. Soper had a pot which missed. From a scrum about 15 yards out. H. Soper, the half-back, secured and again scored a great try. Rae Sutherland converted. Country Pirates 17, Balfour 0. Pirates were now playing all over Balfour and just on time Lindo Soper secured and cross-kicked the ball, striking the bar and bouncing in-field. He was up in a flash to take the ball in his stride and went over. Rae Sutherland again converted. The whistle sounded soon afterwards with the score: Country Pirates 22, Balfour 0. THE SPRINGBOKS. TEAM TO MEET AUSTRALIA. (United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Capetown, June 26. The South African Test team against the Wallabies at Cape Town on July 8 is as follows: — Full-back.—G. H. Brand. Threequarters.—J. H. Gage, F. Waring, J. White, L. Barnard. Halves.—B. Osler, D. Craven. Forwards.—M. Louw, H. Killing, S. Louw, V. Geere, P. Nel (captain), F. Bergh, H. Dalton, I. Froneman. The average weight of the forwards is about 14.9. RUGBY IN AUSTRALIA. N.S.W. DEFEAT QUEENSLAND. (United Press Assn— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.25 p.m.) Brisbane, June 26. In a Rugby Union match New South Wales defeated Queensland by 33 points to 22.