FIRST SENIOR GAMES

Southland Times, Issue 23794, 17 April 1939, Page 3

FIRST SENIOR GAMES

Galbraith Shield Competition

GOOD STANDARD OF FOOTBALL

INVERCARGILL SCORES 41 POINTS

Rugby football of a standard rarely associated with the opening of a new season was seen by the good crowd of spectators which attended the first round of games in the Galbraith Shield competition at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon. All teams made the most of the good playing conditions and the result was a display of bright Rugby. The standard of play in the game between Old Boys and Pirates reached a high level. Both teams fielded strong sides and although the game was won by Pirates by 11 points to eight, there was very little between the teams. Invercargill fielded a dashing back division against Bluff and scored nine tries in its total of 41 points, the biggest score of the afternoon. C. McKenzie, Invercargill wing three-quarters, distinguished himself in this game by converting seven tries. He failed in only one attempt. The Star-Marist game, which resulted in a draw, was evenly contested, the young Marist backs showing up well against a team.which fielded a strong and experienced pack. R. Ferris, Marist centre three-quart-ers, won the honour of scoring the first try of the season. Several of the better-known players showed excellent form for so early in the season. R. H. Ward signalized' his return to the Pirates team with a fine all-round forward game. His dash enabled him to stand out in a good pack, and his anticipation of the play gave him a good try. He narrowly missed a second after beating the defence with clever footwork. A. G. Sutherland played brilliantly at second five-eighths for Invercargill. His

handling at top speed and determined running were features. He scored four tries.

J. Purdue’s work behind the Invercargill scrum was outstanding. He was well served by a hard-working pack and he made the most of his opportuni-, ties.

V. L. George, W. L. Crawford, T. Metcalfe, G. H. Graham and S. Purdue, of the older division of forwards, played up to form, and younger forwards who showed up were G. Baker and A. Marshall (Old Boys), J. Newall and N. Baird (Marist), F. McEwan and J. Ward (Pirates), A. West and H. Robjohns (Bluff), 0. McKay (Invercargill) and R. McKenzie (Star). Of the newcomers to Southland Rugby, J. W. Fleming, of Wellington, who played at full-back for Invercargill, did all of his work in a tradesmanlike manner and shaped as if he will be a decided acquisition to the province. B. L. Tapley, of Dunedin, also played for Invercargill. He showed speed in his running and scored two tries. C. K. Saxton, the All Black halfback, and McPhail, of Timaru, who have joined Pirates, did not play. Saxton has been indisposed with influenza. In addition to those mentioned, there were several backs who showed promise. Two smart wing three-quarters opposed to each other were C. Harvey (Pirates) and E. Jackson (Old Boys). J. Marr (Invercargill), L. M. Uttley (Star), A. W. Wesney (Old Boys) and M. P. Grace (Marist), all played good football. Results of the games were:— Pirates 11 beat Old Boys 8. Invercargill 41 beat Bluff 0. Marist 8 drew with Star 8.