FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18630, 28 July 1930, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SOUTH CANTERBURY V. NORTH OTAGO. A DRAWN GAME. The South Canterbury senior and junior representatives Journeyed to Oamaru on Saturday, where they met the North Otago senior and junior teams in the annual nome and home matches. The junior game was won by North Otago by 9 points to 6, while the senior game ended in 1 draw, each side scoring six points, all from tries. Prior to the commencement of the junior game, which was played as a curtain-raiser, the weather condif ons were ideal, but a strong south-easterly wind sprang up, and \*as in evidence for the remainder of the af'.emoon. It was a big advantage to the team playing from the eastern end of the Oval. The junior game was an interesting one, and on the run of play there was not a great deal between the teams. Facing the wind in the first half, the South Canterbury forwards played a fine game, and proved themselves clearly superior to thenopponents. Unfortunately for the visiting side, the wind swung round for a period, so that for almost thrte parts of the game, South Canterbury had to battle against odds. South Canterbury’s six points came from two good tries, the home side’s points being made up of a converted try and a field goal, which was a great kick into the wind.

The senior game was keenly contested throughout, and on the play, North Otago were somewhat lucky to secure a draw. Full credit must be given them for two really splendid tries in the dying minutes of the game. Five minutse from time South Canterbury were leading six points to nil, and a large number of spectators left the ground, thinking North Otago had no chance of winning, or even of drawing level. However, the backs got going twice in pretty rushes, Kent crossing in the corner twice. On the first occasion W. Neutze tackled Kent, but unfortunately let him go, and the home wing was quick to seize the opening. Territorially South Canterbury had by far the better of the game, the forwards showing to advantage in the loose and line-outs. Giddings, Adkins and D. Callanan were prominent throughout the game, but at the same time the remaining forwards all worked hard. The backs handled fairly well, but their chief weakness was failure to run straight, the wings invariably securing possession with no room in which to manoeuvre. Roper gave a good display behind the pack; a vastly different exhibition to that given by him in the Wanganui match. R. Carelton, playing for South Canterbury for the first time, was the best back on the side, although he was inclined to kick a little too much. L. Connolly was very safe at full-back. T. Direen, R. Cameron and Sim were the best of the North Otago forwards, while Hunter was outstanding in the backs. He gave a fine display behind the pack, opening up play from both sides. The live-eighths, L. Ross and L. Hollow, were not impressive, and C. Clark at full-back, gave a poor display, being far too slow. At the conclusion of the games, the teams were entertained at dinner, where the usual toasts were honoured. THE PLAY. The teams were as fellow's;— South Canterbury. (Green and Black) L. Connolly (capt.) A. Gaffaney G. Murray E. Wilkes R. Carleton W. Neutze P. Roper. L. Neutze G Giddings G. Adkins J Callanan G. Phillips F. Stevenson D. Callanan F. Shewan North Otago. (Maroon, Gold and Black) C. Clark G. Sumpter D. Grant H. Kent L. Ross L. Hollow R. Hunter T. Direen G. McCallum J. Simpson L. Park R. Cameron (capt.) A. Sim W. Cameron A. Clark North Otago won the toss, and elected to play from the western end, hav ing the advantage of ihe sun. They were obliged to face a strong wind, however, which greatly hampered back play throughout the match. D. Callanan kicked off for South Canterbury, the Colours forwards returned play to just on the visitors’ 25. The ball was knocked back to Roper from the line-out, and he sent Carleton, Neutze, Murray and Galfaney away on a bright rush. Gaffaney in-passed to Carleton to Neutze, who elected to find touch, the wind carrying the leather well down field. An infringemetn in a line-out saw a scrum ordered, and North Otago gained possession. Hunter cut through on the open side and transferred to W. Cameron, but the latter lost possession when tackled hard. South Canterbury tnen heeled cleanly from a scrum. Proper going round on the blind side with Carleton, who found touch just past the half-way line. R. Cam iron and A Clark broke through with the ball at their feet. The last named picked up and handed to Sumpter. w r ho was grassed by Adkins and Wilkes. From a line-out a few minutes later Roper again gave his backs possession, Carleton, Neutze and Murray subsequentl> handling. The centre, however was brought down in possession, and the Colours cleared with a good loose rush. South Canterbury then attacked hotly, after Adkins had smothered an attempted clearing kick by Ross. The Greens swarmed on to the North Otago line, but a force down relieved for the home side. In succeeding play Roper got through nicely on the blind side and handed on to Gaffaney, who, however, was pushed into touch. The high wind was greatly assisting South Canterbury, who were having the better of play. The Green backs attempted to open up, but the Colours forwards effectively broke up the movement. Securing from a line-out, L. Neutze kicked high down the centre. C. Clark made a poor attempt to field, the ball rolling over the line. Giddings. who had followed up fast, beat Clark in a race for the ball, and was awarded a try. The same player failed to convert. South Canterbury 3 North Otago 0 L. Neutze returned the kick-off to half-way. where from a line-out Hunter broke through, and in a smart run transferred play to the South Canterbury 25. Phillips was then prominent, breaking through from a line-out. but his transfer to Shewan was forward. Stevenson and Phillips again forced an opening, but a knock-on spoiled a good chance. W. Cameron and Direen were associated in a good run, but W. Neutze regained the lost ground after gathering in smartly, finding touch well down the paddock. The North Otago forwards were doing their best to keep play tight, and for a time the backs did not come into the picture. Hunter eventually sent Ross, Hollow and Grant away, but the latter was grassed in attempting to cut through. Neutze picked up when Grant lost posession, and found the line just past half-way. The North Otago backs once more swung into action, but Wilkes intercepted. He did not get very far, however, before being upended. J. Callanan and Shewan broke through smartly, but were ruled off-side. Giddings and Adkins repeated the movement a moment or so later, but were stopped bv Clark. The North Otago forward! came away too smartly, but Giddings failed to improve South Canterbury’s position, the ball going ,

outside the posts. A few minutes later, North Otago were again penalised, but this time D. Callanan missed from an easy position. Murray then made a good run, but his pass was smothered by W. Cameron, who went away with Direen and Simpson in support. The Greens incurred a penalty, and Sumpter found touch with a good kicx against the wind. Receiving on the blind side, Gaffaney beat Kent and went away with Neutze in support, but the latter was brought down in possession. Giddings was prominent a moment later, but the remaining Green forwards failed to rally in support. The North Otago forwards then took a hand, but Carleton picked up nicely, eluded two men, and found touch at haif-way. Roper came away smartly from a scrum, and handed on to Carleton, who again kicked, sending North Otago back to their 25. The Colours soon had play back in the visitors’ territory, Hunter having an unsuccessful shot from a penalty. Half-time sounded with the scores:— South Canterbury 3 North Otago 0 In the second half, Gaffaney went to centre in the South Canterbury team, Murray going out to the wing. This time South Canterbury had to face the wind, but it did not seem to worry the forwards to any extent. Roper was early prominent in a smart run, carryin play to North Otago’s 25. Sceuring in a line-out, Giddings sent back to Roper, the ball being handled by Carleton, Neutze and Gaffaney, who knocked on. North Otago were penalised in the scrum, Connolly finding touch right at the corner flag. The Green backs were given possession, but they ran across field, Murray eventually being brought down by Kent. J. Simpson, R. Cameron and McCallum set up a determined loose rush, but a penalty for off-sicu-brought relief for South Canterbury. Gaffaney then received from Roper on the blind side, and handed on to Murray, who was held up right on the line. The ball came back to Giddings, to Phillips, who penetrated the de. fence as far as Clark and then sent on to L. Neutze, who had a clear run in, but he failed to accept the transfer. W. Cameron picked up, but Roper took the ball out of hands, handing out to Carleton, to Wilkes, who short punted on reaching the North Otago full-back. Carleton followed up fast, and dribbled the leather over to score. Phillips made a good attempt to convert, the wind carrying the ball outside. South Canterbury 6 North Otago 0 Play now brightened up a good deal, the North backs being more prominent than hitherto. Direen kicked high for the forwards to follow through, but Roper marked well. There was a man in front when he took his kick, and from the resulting scrum, Hunter went away on th»« blind side and gave to Sumpter, who was forced into touch. Adkins broke through from the line, only to loose possession. Carleton, who was playing a sound game, picked up in the loose and kicked through, but Clark relieved. Hunter was then penalised for picking out of a scrum, South Canterbury invading the home 25. Hunter again opened up for North Gtago. but Connolly marked in the face of a strong rush. The Greens worked their way to Colours territory, Clark just managing to force in time. L. Neutze secured in a line-out and sent back to Roper, who set the Green backs moving. The ball travelled along the line to Murray who kicked, Clark again forcing. From play in mid-field, the Green forwards broke through, but Hunter proved the stumbling block, finding touch at half-way. Direen ai;d R. Cameron were showing rm in the North Otago vanguard, and they forced their way through to half-way. but the Green forwards retaliated in a smart passing rush which ended in a penalty being awarded for off-side. From this North Otago gained a good slice of territory, play : ettling in the c 'outh Canterbruy 25. The Greens exhibited a stubborn defence, however, and two penalties enab’ed them io work back up field. The North Otago backs were then sent away by Hunter, but Grant dropped his pass when in a favourable position. Again the Colours swept down field in a great rush, but off-side spoilt a possible scoring chance. Play was confined to the forwards for a period, no fewer than six line-outs following in the space of a few minutes. Then Hunter got an opening on the blind side, but Sumpter, who accepted his pass, was pushed out at the 25 flag. The Green backs figured in a fine rush until G ffaney dropped the leather when tackled by Grant. Roper made another nice opening and gave to Carlecon. whose attempt to cut in was not successful. North Otago came back to the visitors’ line. Hunter making a bold attempt to get over on the blind side. With five minutes to go, the game looked a sure win for South Canterbury, but North Otago staged two brilliant rushes, both r which ended in tries. In both instances the entire back line bandied for Kent to score in the corner on each occasion. The first try was a gift in a sense, for Neutze had Ke’rt in his grasp, and let him go. Neither attempt to convert was successful. Hunter missing the first and Hollow che second. The game ended:— South Canterbury 6 North Otago 6 Mr K. Bryant was referee. Junior Match. South Canterbury set up a not attack from the kick-off. but Robertson relieved with a fine kick to mid-field. The Green forward retrieved the lost territory with a nice rush, which Campbell stemmed by marking. Provan dived through from a ruck with the ball at his teet, but he was not supported, and a good chance was lost. Sullivan gave the Green backs possession but Stowell was brought down before he had got very far. The wind, which was very strong, was greatly troubling South Canterbury, but they were holding their opponents well. Park secured from a line-out and gave to Calder, but the latter was slow in getting rid of the ball, and the Greens broke through, only to driven by a long kick, which caught the full force of the wind. Calder, captain of the Waitaki first fifteen, was using the wind cleverly, sending the visitor back time and again. r . he Green forwards were having a gruelling time battling against the wind, but they were clearly superior to the home pack. Notrh Otago worked to the Green line, but Sullivan sent them back with a good liner. Play at this stage was mostly in favour of North Otago. Park sent his hacks away, but Wallis brought Campbell down heavily. A moment later, Park again secured, but Ellis intercepted nicely, taking play to the home 25. Here relief came through a nenaltv against Gniptead for off-side. The Greens, led by Grant, staged a fine rush which forced North Otago back to their own territory. Here Park gave to Calder. who was repeatedly kicking for the line instead of putting the leather into the wind. Sullivan gained a good slice of ground after a nice run on the blind side, and the Green forwards made strenuous efforts to hold the ground so cleverly won. From play in the visitors’ 25. Park set his backs moving, Calder. Gillies, and Robertson handling. The latter cut in nicely. and handed on to Gillies to Calder, who had come round on the outside, and he went over in the comer for a nice trv. Kinder converted with a good kick. North Otago 5, South Canterbury 0. North Otago continued to press, but a penalty brought relief for the visitors. Half-time sounded without further score. South Canterbury started off at a great pace, but the North Otago backs borke through. Gillies and Calmer being prominent. Play was taken right to the South Canterbury line, where North Otaeo made strenuous efforts to cross. Their backs opened out. but Grant dribbled through following a

dropped pass. The ball came back to Kinder who landed a great field goa* again the wind. North Otago 9, South Canterbury 0. South Canterbury set up a strong attack, Stowell and Grant participating in a good rsuh. North Otago were making as a good showing against the wind as did South Canterbury in the first half. Gillies made a fine solo run, “dummying” two men beautifully, but Shand failed to hold the pass, and South Canterbury cleared. From play in the home 25. Ellis picked up and sent to Cartwright, who returned a pass to Ellis, the latter scoring near the posts. The kick missed. North Otago 9, South Canterbury 3. South Canterbury were now obliged to take a turn on j defence, the North Otago backs were now throwing the ball about freely*, South Canterbury were not showing up as they were expected to.. The North Otago forwards were going well in the loose, and were breaking up the movements of the visiting backs. From play in the home 25, Morrison picked up and forced his way over in the corner. Stowell missed with the kick. North Otago 9. South Canterbury 6. It was now South Canterbury’s turn, and they gave North Otago an anxious time, but failed to improve their position, the final scores being. North Otago 9 South Canterbury 6 Mr G. Knowles was referee. RANFURLY SHIELD GAME. SOUTHLAND DEFEAT WANGANUI. By Telegraph—Press Association. INVERCARGILL, July 26. Southland successfully staved off the first of the season’s challenges for the Ranfurly Shield to-day, defeating Wanganui by 19 to 0. The conditions could not have been much worse o' Rugby. Heavy rains had made the area at Rugby Park very wet and heavy indeed, and before the game had been in progress very long players were dodging about coated with mud. A high wind blew throughout, and several showers fell during the game. Naturally the attendance was greatly affected, but those present were rewarded by a fast and interesting game in the circumstances, and while they did not look like winning the Wanganui team gave the impression that they would be capable of attractive football on a dry ground. The same applies to Southland. Wanganui were fortunate in ’ winning the toss, and so having the assistance of a high wind and several showers of hali and sleet at their backs during the first spell. They failed to make full use of the elements. Although the wind had dropped a little when the second spell commenced, the Southland players made more use of it, the result lysing that Wanganui were out of their quarters only in spasmodic rushes. Honours in practically every department went to Southland, although only by a small and hard earned margin. The Maroons shared territorial honours in the first spell, and practically monopolised them after the interval. In forward work there was not the difference between the two packs that was anticipated. The weight advantage of the home set was evened up by the pace and quickness off the mark of the visitors, the lighter men finding the heavy going not not quite so big a handicap as some of the bigger Maroon men. As the game wore on, however, the extra stone or two began to have its effect, and Southland had definitely the upper hand soon in the second spell. The teams were:— Southland. —Norris, Diack, Porter. Geddes, Niven. Sharpe. Holden, George George. Galt McKenzie, Purdue, Metcalf, Southern. Bell (win gf or ward). Wanganui.— McLennan, Ambrose, Lowe, Collier, Morgan, Gibbons. Duncan, Kil oily, Mclntyre, Heise. Stewart, Byres, Leahy, Preston, Walden (wing-forward). Southland’s first score came alter Bell caught both the Wanganui halfback and first five-eighth when they attempted to clear and from an ensuing scrum about five yards from the line the Maroon pack screwed with the ball and surged over the line, ! ' /r *tcalfe touching down. Diack kicked

a good goal. Southland 5. Wanganui 0. Play had been in progress just on fifteen minutes. A penalty kick by Diack was well fielded Lowe, who kicked down the centre. Porter took f he ball, and sent out a low transfer to Geddes. The winger fielded it beautifully just on half-way and set sail for the corner. After drawing two defenders, he cleverly threw a goou lob pass in to the ever-present Bell who had only to run over the line and score. It was a splendid piece of work by Geddes and earned him ' eartv applause. Diack did not goal, and the score at half-time was South- | land 8. Wanganui 0. The interval brought relief to Southland, who had been kept defending for some time. In the second spell Norris fielded a kick by a defender, and tried to open up play by throwing a long pass out to his backs. His pass was not accepted. but Geddes got his foot to it, and dribbled on his own down tbe side line. Although faced by several Wanganui men he got through them and scored an excellent try just inside the corner flag. Diack made a good attempt to goal. Southland 11, Wanganui 0. Southland’s next try was obtained when Sharpe came round the side of a packed ruck on the half-way line with the ball, and crammed on top speed, going straight down the middle of the paddock. He lost his supports but side-stepped the fullback and threw out a pass to Geddes, who had run himself into position. The winger took tbe ball in his stride and ran over near the posts and Diack goaled well. Southland 16, Wanganui 0. Wanganui were finding it very difficult to hold up the Southland forwards, whose weight advantage was becoming apparent. Tbev had to force twice, and a good dribble by Sharpe forced them back on to their line almost immediately. A ruck heel was fielded cleanly by holden, who handed on to Shame almost under the posts. Tbe second five-eighth was blocked, but managed to get a pass out to Porter, and the centre ran across. It was a well-earned try. Diack missed the goal, however, and the final whistle sounded immediately with the scores:— Southland 19 Wanganui 0 SEDDON SHIELD. By Telegraph—Press Association MOTUEKA. July 26. The Seddon Shield was retained by Golden Bay-Motueka to-day, against West Coast by 13 points to' 9. In the first minute, Martyn kicked a penalty goal for Coast, for whom Davidson scored a try soon after. Clark registered a try for the Bays before halftime. In the second half Holmwood and Stewart scored tries for the Bays, ana Stewart potted a goal. Martyn kicked a penalty for the challengers. DUNEDIN CHAMPIONSHIP. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, July 26. In senior play games to-day the results were:— Alhambra 3 beat Pirates 0. ’Varsity A 15 beat Dunedin 7. Kaikorai 11 beat Zingari 11. ’Varsity B 17 beat Union 6. Southern 9 beat Taieri 3. Flag points of the leading teams were:—Alhambra 20, University A 18, Kaikorai 18.

NORTH AUCKLAND VERSUS BRITAIN. By Telegraph—Press Association WHANGAREI, July 20. The following players are to represent North Auckand in a rorcth againlst the British team at Whangarei next Wednesday:— Fullback —Kerr (Whangarei). Threequarters— Barrich (Rodney), Mullins (Whangarei), Sellars (Kaipara). Five-eighths— Davies (Northern Wairoa), Ryan (Whangarei). Half—McDonald (Whangarei >. Rover —Wells (Northen Waiioa). Front row—M. Moressey, M. Sheriff (Whangarei). Lock—W. Rika (Whangarei). Supports—M. Rika, Halstead (Whangarei). Back row—Fletcher (Kaiapara), Thomas (Bay of Islands). The Britishers are due at Whangarei on Monday afternoon by the express from Auckland. On Tuesday night they will be guests at a tourney under the auspices of the Whangarei Boxing Association when Lieut. Beamish, of the visiting team, will act in an official capacity. On Wednesday night they are invited to attend a ball in the Town Hall. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. By Telegraph—Press Aswaciattor CHRISTCHURCH, July 26. Football matches were played to-day in fine but windy weather. Results:— Old Boys 14 beat Varsity 3. Sydenham 13 beat Technical 3. Merivale 29 beat Linwood 9. Christchurch 4 beat Albion 0.