BRIGHT RUGBY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 176, 31 August 1914, Page 9

BRIGHT RUGBY.

CAVALRY v. INFANTRY. The large crowd that filled the grand stand and lined the embankment at the Show Grounds on Saturday afternoon was treated to a bright and interesting display of football. The hard ground and the strong nor'-wester made things a little unpleasant for the players. Nevertheless, the solid work of camp life had made the men hardy, and they played in a.true sporting spirit right through the game. The match w r as the chief topic of conversation both in and away from the tent lines, and in view of the fact that the infantry had already played together and defeated a Canterbury fifteen it was generally thought they would have no difficulty in putting their "horsemen-compatri-ots" under. But no. The ebb and flow of success in the football field is closely allied to the ebb and flow of success in the battle field. The Cavalry frequently charged down the fieid en masse, and scattered the defending foe right and left. At times, though, "there were enemies to the right of them and enemies to the left of them"; consequently their line of attack was penetrated, and victories. were registered against them. On the day's play, the better team won. The cavalry men played with more dash and more vim than their opponents did. Their brilliancy was not spasmodic; they used their pace and strength to the utmost advantage. Combination developed as the game proceeded, as was witnessed by a pretty passing rush near the end of the game, which ended in "Morry" Moore scoring.

The outstanding feature of the whole game was the dogged way in which the infantry men hammered at the attacking cavalry. They apparently did not realise that they were beaten until the final whistle blew. When the score was 19 to 9 against them, and there were only a few minutes to go, they saw an opening, and, with sparks of brilliancy, they forged their passage through and took the ball the whole length of the field and scored. Sapsford's heroic and successful attempt at goal is worthy of much praise. Mali's try was scored wide out, and consequently the kick was from near the touch line and dead against the howling nor'-wester. In fairness the infantry team it must be mentioned that the men were engaged in attack practice in HagJey Park all the morning, and naturally they were somewhat tired before the game commenced.

There were numerous changes in both teams, and as no official programmes were issued the public experienced some difficulty in finding out the names of the players. Mr J. F. Peake ably controlled the game, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. The sum of £s'ii was collected at the gates.