BRIGHT PLAY BY STAR

Southland Times, Issue 23835, 5 June 1939, Page 5

BRIGHT PLAY BY STAR

Good Combination Against Pirates INVERCARGILL BEATS OLD BOYS MARIST SCORES AGAINST BLUFF The defeat of the championship leader, Pirates, by Star was the outstanding feature of the eighth series of games in the Galbraith Shield competition at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon. Both back and forward Star made the play for the greater part of the game and, by taking advantage of opportunities, scored a well-earned win. It was Pirates’ first loss. The playing conditions were excellent and in all games the Rugby was entertaining and of a good standard. Star’s improved combination was a feature of the team’s play. The backs handled the ball well and combined in several spectacular passing movements. Pirates’ backs, on the other hand, did not display the accuracy of handling ■which made them such a formidable force in other games. They were bustled by the Star forwards who played their usual solid game and lasted a hard match right to the final whistle. Invercargill had little difficulty in beating Old Boys and Marist avenged Bluff’s first-round victory by winning an interesting game characterized by hard forward play. Pirates’ defeat brings Invercargill and Pirates together at the top of the senior championship, each having lost a game. Star is now in a good position, being only three points behind the leaders. This team is playing so well that it might yet play a prominent part in the decision of the championship. Star and Invercargill meet next Saturday. The results were:— Star 14 beat Pirates 9. Invercargill 23 beat Old Boys 11. Marist 9 beat Bluff 3. CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS The following table shows the positions of teams in the Galbraith Shield competition:— Pts. Ch.

P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. Pirates 8 7 — 1 116 74 14 Invercargill 8 7 — 1 179 56 14 Star 8 5 12 88 72 11 Marist 8 2 15 47 88 5 Old Boys 8 1 — 7 82 140 2 Bluff 8 1 — 7 44 126 2