LEAGUE RUGBY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1725, 25 August 1919, Page 2

LEAGUE RUGBY.

KNOCK-OUT FINAL

SYDENHAM WINS IN POOR GAME. By its victory over Aldington in the final match of the knock out competition on . Saturday, the Sydenham League Rugby Club's senior 'thirteen concluded the season with an unbeaten competition record. In a way it is a pity that that should be so, for, while the Sydenham team undoubtedly deserves its position, the general standard of football would be higher, and the public interest would be better sustained, if there were other clubs "in the running." It is to be hoped that next season the senior teams may be more of an even strength; one of them, at any rate, if it develops as it has this season, should extend Sydenham—that is Addington, a young team, a keen team and a team that knows the value of training. Saturday's game was a poor one except for one or two isolated movements. Possibly the long interval since the main competition closed was in part responsible for that; then the teams were not first selections. Sydenham was without the services of W. King, who was playing for New Zealand in Wellington, and W. Smyth, who has left the club, while D. Lagan, Addington's goal-kicker, was also absent. Sydenham Paik was in fine order and the pace at the start was fast, although neither-side made much of a showing at handling the ball; but it was not a pace that lasted, and before the middle of the second spell both teams were very tired. Then, the backs exchanged long kicks or, if they were bustled, used the line in just the same manner as tired Union teams use it. In the main, the scrums favoured Sydenham, but in few cases did that mean much advantage, for all the usual fire of attack was lacking from the backs. The first try fell to the ultimate winners through a chance follow-up after hard kicking over the line, but Addington got ahead before half-time by C. Locke running through from about half-way. The chanee was again given him by -P. Sanders, who placed a long punt in just the right position. Locke easily outdistanced his pursuers, and himself goaled. In the second spell Sydenham had distinctly the better of the game, although one or two of the Addington forwards worked haul and occasionally led a rally. The Black and Whites' collaring was hardly up to its .usual standard, but neither was the attacking force of the Sydenham backs, and the one balanced the other. The Addington rearguard did not get many opportunities, but it, too, was off colour. J. Sanders put in some good individual work, but he was very poorly supported. Sydenham drew level with a penalty goal, and took the lead when a try was scored from a forward scramble.' Towards the end Addington gave flashes of livelier play, and once S. Symister was nearly through—had he kept on down the touchline instead of swerving in to beat the full-back he might have scraped past* but generally lack of form was evident, and the final whistle seemed welcome. AUSTRALIA v. NEW ZEALAND. WIN FOR THE VISITORS. - Fresa AaroolnM'on. WELLINGTON, August 23. The League match, Australia versus New Zealand, was played in the Basin Reserve to-day. There was a large gathering; the ground was in good order and the weather was fine, with very little wind. New Zealand commenced with a good attack, but Hallovvay relieved. The New Zealanders tried to open up the game, but passed wildly. Bad passing by the New Zealand backs let Horder away, and, side-stepping four players beautifully, he scored. Oxford converted. Australia 5, New Zealand 0. The New Zealand forwards broke away, but good work by Prentice saved the position. The Australian backs indulged in passing, but faulty handling spoilt their effort, and New Zealand returned to halfway. Johnston, C'ubitt and Gilbert were prominent in a fine passing rush, which was well stopped by Dufty. New .Zealand forced shortly after in an attempt by Oxford at goal. The New Zealand forwards shone out well, Scott being to the fore. Ifwerson, picking up, scored, and Dufty converted, making the scores five all. The passing of the Australian backs was well stopped by Bradley. Passing between Border, Gilbert and Cubitt forced the New Zealanders. Off-side play spoilt a promising New Zealand passingrush, ami good work by Halloway and Johnston took play lo the. New Zealand line. Dufty was responsible for staving off the attack. A good run by Ifwerson from half-way and a mark by Bradley ensued, Dufty narrowly missing the goal. Prom n passing rush by the Australian backs, Johnston cut in and scored. Oxford's kick failed. Australia 8, New Zealand 5. A good passing rush by the New Zealand backs was spoilt by Morris missing the ball. A dodgy run was made by Hies, who nearly got over. Passing by the Australian backs, aided by good kicking by Sweeney, relieved. Bradley made a fine effort to break through, but was well tackled. The New Zealand forwards were getting the ball, but their passing broke' down. Headley and Dufty were responsible for good efforts, and from a free kick Dufty goaled. Australia .S, New Zealand 7.

From the kick-off Bradley, by a fiii(> dodgy run, passed to Walters, who sent the ball to Morris, who was offside. ITorder picked nji and passed to Gubitt, mid the ball travelled to Gilbert and to Robinson, who. through missing, spoilt a good effort, Williams was responsible for a good dribble, which took play well down the field. Ilorder intercepted a pass from Neal, and, side-stepping, beat seven men and scored. Oxford con verted. Australia Li, New Zealand 7. Passing U'tween Halloway and Johnston let Gilbert over. Oxford converted. Australia IS. Xew Zealand 7. Several attacks by the Xew Zea landers broke .down, and at half-time plav was in inidfiejd. Soon after the recommencement, Neal was injured, and this affected his subsequent play. from a gorfd dribble by Avery, lfwerson got possession and scored. Australia IS, New Zealand II). I'ast, open play by both sides fidlowed, until, from a long kick by Dufty, Sweeney gained possession and after a good run, passed to Gilbert, wdio scored. Oxford converted. Australia 2'.'>, New Zealand 10. Play hovered around halfway, and Dufty potted a magnificent goal. Australia 211, New Zealand 12. Shortly after Morris picked up and, evading two opponents, centred, Ifwer son gained possession, and, outpacing the opposition, scored, Dufty converting. Australia 23, New Zealand 17. After fast play Dufty had a shot at

sroal, which failed, Instead of forcing, Uordcr ran ami passed to Oubitt, win) centred. Ryan passed to Burgo,. who scored. Oxford failed with (he kick. Australia 20, New Zealand 17. The New Zealandors attacked strongly, but the defence was sound. From a free kick Duftv goaled. Australia 2<>, New Zealand 19. From the kick-out Watkins charged Duffy's return and scored. Oxford converted. Australia :>l, New Zealand 1!). Australia * were throwing the ball about in good style, and from passing between Halloway, Johnston and <'ul>ilt the last-named 'scored. Oxford - con verted. Australia ;>(>, New Zealand lit. From a passing rush between ,)ohn ston, Gilbert and Cubitt the last-iiame.l again scored. Hordcr failed al goal. Australia :!!>. New Zealand IS). The New Zealnnders maile nunierous fruitless attempts, and eventually Dufty kicked a -penalty goal. Australia .'!!), New Zealand 21. Fine work by Johnston and Bulge enabled Ryan lo score. Burgc converted. Australia 44, New Zealand 2.1. lu further fast work the Australians forced and the New Zealanders were attacking when time was called.