RUGBY FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 25307, 10 June 1935, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTH ISLAND TRIAL FAST AND EXCITING PLAY - BACKS DISAPPOINTING (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 8. Fast and exciting Rugby was seen in the South Island trial match this afternoon'when the Possibles beat the Probables by 39 points to 21. There was fine forward play and a fair proportion of the forwards seen out in this game should reach the All Black team. The back play was generally disappointing and it seems unlikely that, with the exception of one or two outstanding players, the South Island will have any backs in the New Zealand team. The three nest backs on the ground were Hart, Oliver and Nolan. Oliver and Hart combined as well as usual, the wingei- scoring three tries and Oliver one. For the Possibles team Nolan played a faultless game at full-back. The half-backs, Simon (Otago) and Davidson (West Coast) were not of the standard set by Dailey, Mill, Kilby and Corner. Davidson gave his five-eighths few chances, so that Gaffaney and Mortlock had not their fair share of the ball. Among the forwards there were several men of outstanding quality showing size, speed and industry. Among the best of the fourteen-stoners were George (Southland), Adkins (South Canterbury), Best (Marlborough) and McNeight (South Canterbury) in the Possibles team, and Vorrath and King (Otago) in the Probables side. These were the biggest, if not the best, of the two packs. The whole sixteen forwards were really a fine selection. The teams were as follows: — Possibles. Full-back.—G. Gilbert (West Coast). Three-quarters.—J. Watt (Otago). C. J. Oliver (Canterbury) and T. Morrison (South Canterbury). Five-eighths.—O. Lunn (Golden BayMotueka) and D. Lane (Marlborough). Half-back. —H. Simon (Otago). Forwards.—L. George (Southland), J. Hore (Otago), G. Adkins (South Canterbury): H. Deavoll (Canterbury), L. Max (Nelson), J. Best (Marlborough), L. Niven (Otago); W. McNeight (West Coast). Probables. Full-back.—G. I. Nolan (Canterbury). Three-quarters.—E. Holder (Buller), N. Mitchell (Southland) and R. Busch (Nelson). Five-eighths.—K. Mortlock (Canterbury) and G. Gaffaney (South Canterbury). Half-back.—M. Davidson (West Coast). Forwards.—O. Hattersley (Canterbury), G. Orman (Buller), G. Lovell (Marlborough); F. Green (Otago), F. Vorrath (Otago), R. King (West Coast), G. Giddings (South Canterbury); T. Metcalfe (Southland. ANOTHER ACCOUNT METCALFE’S GOOD WORK. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 8. King gave the Probables pack much of its driving force and at the outset it was seen that here was a forward measuring up to the finest New Zealand standard. His great strength was displayed when he burst up a ruck and sent the ball out to Niven, the speedy Otago forward, who scored the first try of the match. Hore retains the form that made him an All Black in 1928 and subsequent years and there was no forward on the field who hunted the ball with greater vigour. Metcalfe was another who was on the job all the time and when weight was wanted in the scrum he did not spare himself.

The tall powerful frame of L. Max (Nelson) was prominent in the lineout play. He showed his great potentialities when he broke away with a dazzling burst of speed to score a try for the Possibles. Other outstanding forwards were Hattersley, Adkins, Green and Giddings. Deavoll was also prominent, particularly' as a goal-kicker. He sent over one magnificent shot. Of the full-backs Nolan inspired a feeling of security that was lacking with Gilbert. With the exception of Mortlock, the play of the five-eighths was not impressive. Gaffaney played well, but without the dash of earlier trials. Lunn, of Golden Bay, improved in the second spell, running straight and passing accurately. Oliver and Hart with their brilliant speed and heady, dashing play appealed as Test players. Their outstanding brilliance completely overshadowed the other backs. Holder’s defence made him a better man than Morrison, though in other respects they were about even. Fifteen who are likely to gain positions in the South Island team are Nolan, Hart, Oliver, Holder, Lunn, Mortlock, Simon, Hattersley. Hore, Adkins, Deavoll, Max, King, Giddings and Metcalfe. ALL BLACK TEAM SOUTHLAND NOMINATIONS. The following nominations for the All Black team have been made by the Southland Rugby Union:— Backs.—N. Mitchell (Old Boys); D. J. Oliver (Pirates). Forwards.—G. B. Purdue (Western), C. Anderson (Star), L. George (Invercargill), T. Metcalfe (Pirates), R. Berry (Pirates) and C. George (Invercargill). SOUTH ISLAND TEAM GEORGE AND MITCHELL INCLUDED. L. George (Invercargill) and N. Mitchell (Old Boys) are included in the South Island team which will play an All Black trial game against a North Island team at Wellington on Thursday. in othercentres DUNEDIN. Rugby matches played at Dunedin on Saturday resulted:— ’Varsity A 8, Taieri 7. Southern 21, Kaikorai 3. Union 12, Dunedin 3. Pirates 14, Zingari 6. Alhambra 56, ’Varsity B 3. UMARU. Zingari 16, Temuka 11. Star 13, Geraldine 0. Celtic 5, Old Boys 3. CHRISTCHURCH. Old Boys 29 beat Sydenham 9. Athletic 8 beat Merivale 6. Christchurch 21 beat Linwood 10. Albion 13 beat Varsity 3.

EASTERN-NORTHERN GAMES LUMSDEN DEFEAT PIONEER Lumsden defeated Pioneer in the Eastern-Northern competition on Saturday by eight points to six. The Weather was extremely unpleasant, there being a drizzling rain throughout the match. It developed into a steady fall toward the end of the game. The play was more or less a Jhud scramble from beginning to end with Pioneer having the better of play throughout. The teams were:— Lumsden (blue). —McDowell, W, Williamson, Hazlett, Wellman, Richards, Small; forwards, Bisset, Cournane, W. Sheriff, Cournane, Sims, G. Small, Hardy, Graham. Pioneer (red and white); —D. Ford, Hoffman, Crawford, Robins, Johnston, Mitchell; Tutty; forwards, Cox Cooper, Scott, Ward, Donald, Mathieson, Golumb, Browning. Play commenced in the drizzling rain Pioneer having the wind at their backs. The Pioneer forwards took the ball upfield with Ward leading the pack. Lumsden hooked from a set scrum, but failed to make use of the opening and the ball went out at half-way. Lumsden were penalized for an infringement and Robins had a shot at goal. The ball fell short and Bisset found touch. Lumsden were again penalized and Crawford missed after a good attempt. Pioneer opened up and a bright passing movement followed, each of the backs handling in turn. The movement broke down when Johnson sent a poor pass to Hoffman. Ward found the line well upfield. Pioneer missed several opportunities in the next few minutes, being unable to handle the slippery ball. McDowell cleared for Lumsden and play was carried into Pioneer’s' territory: Tutty made a good break and kicked well up field. McDowell secured and found touch at half way. Lumsden were going well in the loose and play was carried to Pioneer’s line. A set scrum took place in front of the goal and Lumsden hooked. Bad passing spoilt the movement, however, and Ward found the line. The Pioneer forwards broke through and play was carried to Lumsden’s line. McDowell picked up and found touch at the twenty-five. McDowell was playing a good game at full-back for Lumsden, handling the greasy ball remarkably well. He again saved by finding touch when Pioneer were aggressive. Ward broke through and went over to score at the comer after a good run with the ball at his toe. Robins missed with the kick. Pioneer 3, Lumsden 0. Half-time sounded immediately afterwards.

An exchange of kicks took place after the interval, the ball finally going out of play at half-way. Lumsden pressed and the forwards, ball at toe, carried play to Pioneer’s line. Ford saved the situation with a speculator. McDowell secured and found touch at the twenty-five. The Pioneer forwards rucked through and Ward scored under the posts. Tutty’s kick missed. Pioneer 6, Lumsden 0. Lumsden were attacking for the next five minutes and from a set scrum on the Pioneer line a Blue forward forced his way over for a good try. The kick missed. Pioneer 6, Lumsden 0. Crawford made a good run with the ball at his toe, but McDowell picked up brilliantly and found touch. Pioneer were having the better of the play at this stage. McDowell was still playing a very gound game at full-back for the Blues, saving time and again. Two Blue forwards broke away and carried play to the Red line. A scramble followed and Graham secured and scored near the posts. Williamson put his side in the lead with a good kick. Lumsden 8, Pioneer 6. Towards the end of the spell another shower came on and the conditions were extremely unpleasant. The game developed into a mud-scramble. Lumsden were holding their opponents well, being content to play to the line. Pioneer made a determined bid, but a Lumsden player forced down. Fulltime sounded with Pioneer attacking. Mr R. W. Stevenson refereed.

MATAURA v. COUNTRY PIRATES.

The match between Mataura and Country Pirates was played at Mataura under adverse conditions, rain falling throughout. This, together with a cold south-westerly wind, marred the game both for the players and for the small crowd of supporters present. Country Pirates won by 9 points to 6. During the first few minutes, the backs of both teams threw the ball about freely, but thereafter play was confined mostly to the forwards, the ball being too greasy for safe handling. The line-kicking by the full-backs, J. Calder and Sutherland, was very sound. The half-backs, R. Calder and H. Soper, were called on to stop hard forward rushes in quick succession, and throughout the game were severely buffeted. The outstanding forwards of the game were C. Soper, Parker and McLean, of Country Pirates, and Scott, Renshaw and Gillespie, of Mataura. The teams lined out as follows: — Mataura.—J. Calder, McCaughan, Leitch, Maudsley, Adam, Gibson, R. Calder, Curtin, Renshaw, Cruickshank, Scott, McKerrow, Reid, Hunt, Gillespie. Country Pirates.—Sutherland, L. Soper, Hamilton, Lynch, Dennis, MacNamee, H. Soper, C. Soper, N. Soper, McLean, E. Soper, Parker, Frame, Allison, Bushnell. Pirates kicked off against the weather, Renshaw fielding and lining at half-way. From the throw-in the Maroon forwards carried play to Pirates twenty-five where a succession of scrums followed. From a looose ruck McCaughan secured and with the ball at his toe headed for the line, but was forced out at the corner by Sutherland. Mataura pressed strongly, throwing the ball about freely, but were'•finable to penetrate the defence. Pirates were penalized near the side line for an infringement in a set scrum and J. Calder goaled from the twenty-five line. Mataura 3, Country Pirates 0. From the kick-off Pirates made a determined effort' to equalize but Calder and Leitch with well placed line kicks sent them back to their territory. The Maroon hookers were securing the ball from the scrums, but the inside backs were being tackled before they could hand the ball on. At this stage the ball was becoming too greasy for handling and neither set of backs could afford to throw it about. The Mataura forwards continued to dominate the play, but hard kicking spoilt several good chances of scoring. At this stage a Mataura hooker, Cruickshank, was injured, being replaced by Clarke. The Pirates forwards swept the length of the field in a fast dribbling rush. Hamilton, who was standing in close, secured from-a ruck, but failed in a pot at goal from a difficult angle. The home, team again took the offensive, Renshaw repeatedly breaking through in short dribbling rushes. Hewever, Sutherland was giving ho chances and kicked for the line with fine judgment. From a scrum near half-way H. Soper sent his backs away, Hamilton punting high over the fullback’s head. When fielding the ball J. Calder knocked it back over the line and E. Soper following up fast dived for it. Calder saved temporarily by kicking it from under him, but in the ensuing scramble Parker secured and scored for Pirates. The kick at goal was charged down. Country Pirates 3, Mataura 3. By this time the game had developed into a series of rucks and forward rushes, Pirates showing a slight superiority over the lighter local pack. J. Calder relieved a dangerous situation for Mataura by picking the ball from the Pirates forwards’ feet, and lining at the twenty-five. However, Sutherland, by judicious

kicking to the line kept his men on the offensive until a smart dribbling rush by Curtin and McKerrow took play back to neutral territory. Halftime sounded shortly afterwards with play still in neutral territory. On the resumption of play, the Maroons showed renewed vigour, taking play to Pirates’ territory, where R. Calder, Gibson and McCaughan made a determined effort to cross, McCaughan being tackled by Sutherland at the corner. A series of rucks followed and Mataura were penalized. Sutherland failed to find the line, and Leitch, successfully dummying the opposition, raced for the line and handed on to McCaughan, who was forced out after hard rucking on the line. Hamilton secured and relieved Pirates from a difficult position. At this stage Leitch, the Mataura centre, had to retire and was replaced by Anderson. Country Pirates again took up the offensive, but Gillespie securing in a ruck broke through and found the line near halfway. From an ensuing ruck H. Soper secured and sent to Dennis, to MacNamee, to Hamilton, who kicked upfield and followed fast. Gillespie fielded the ball, but mis-kicked it right into Hamilton’s hands and the latter crossed for an easy try. His kick at goal failed. Pirates 6, Mataura 3. Shortly afterwards Hamilton again kicked over Mataura’s line where R. Calder appeared to force down. Apparently, however, he failed to do so and Lynch, following up fast, touched down for a try. The kick again failed. Pirates 9, Mataura 3. Play then swung briskly to and fro, the Maroons making strenuous efforts to save the game. Both teams at this stage were losing opportunities by trying to handle the slippery ball. Shortly before time sounded Mataura made a determined effort to score and in a ruck near Pirates’ corner were awarded a penalty. J. Calder, catching the opposition unawares, centred to McCaughan, who kicked across and following up fast scored under the posts. Calder’s kick failed. Time was then sounded. Country Pirates 9, Mataura 6. Mr F. O’Kane, of Gore, refereed. SUB-UNION MATCHES Matches in the Central and Western districts were played under most unfavourable conditions with heavy showers of rain falling. CENTRAL DISTRICT. Central District results were:— • Senior. Winton 26 v. Limehills 8. Mabel Bush won by default from Wrights Bush. Junior. Ryal Bush 9 v. Central Star 3. Drummond 6 v. Dipton nil. Limehills won by default from Winton. WESTERN DISTRICT. , Seniors. ) Western District results were:— Waiau 9 v. Otautau 0. Riverton 14 v. Ohai 0. Nightcaps and Orepuki, a draw, no score. Juniors. Orepuki 14 v. Otautau 6. Waiau 11 v. Ohai 3. Western Star 9 v. Riverton 0.