RUGBY SEASON OPENS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21646, 6 May 1940, Page 8

RUGBY SEASON OPENS

Good Form Displayed

Star Beaten By Makikihi Temuka Have Easy Win RESULTS AT A GLANCE SeAior Makikihi 9. Star 3. Geraldine 9, Old Boys 3. Temuka 36, Celtic 6, Southern 21, Zingari 3. Junior Old Boys 11, Zingari 0. Third Grade Zingari 26. Geraldine 5. Fourth Grade Star IT; Temuka 1". Rugby of a high standard was reached at the matches on Saturday, taking into consideration that they were the first games of the season in the South Canterbury Rugby Union's senior competition. All games stated off at a fast pace, but there was a noticeable slackness mid-way through the second spell, even the referees having difficulty in keeping up with the games, but it was to be expected as it usually takes a few matches for the players to get really fit. A surprise victory was made on the lower ground at Fraser Park, when Star went under to Makikihi, the new country team in the competition, by nine points to three. This should add considerably to the interest in the senior competition. as in other ye?.rs Star have usually been in the first flight, either finishing winners or runners-up. The main game on number one ground proved to be a run-away victory for Temuka. the country side playing excellent Rugby to win by 36 points to six. This season, the senior players are much younger and it was especially noticeable in the forwards of the two town teams playing, as they must have been giving away a stone all round. With the majority of last year's best players away on active service, it will give the juniors a golden opportunity t-‘ prove themselves in senior Rugby. The other two town teams playing away suffered defeat, Geraldine being too good for Old Boys and Southern, the other Waimate team i.i the senior competition, beating Zingari by 21 points to three.

BY BIG MARGIN

CELTIC DEFEATED Setting off at a fast pace from the moment that the ball was put into play, Temuka combined well to play some bright Rugby. They defeated Celtic by 36 points to six. The country team were not afraid to throw the ball about, and with the forwards gaining possession from the scrums, the backs made the most of their opportunities.

L. Goodson, who captained Temuka, played a sound game, combining well when he came up from the full-back position to institute many of the scoring movements. His speed and

steady handling, together with his experience in football years proved too much for the young Celtic inside backs, who, however, tackled with determination. Both sides, were too inclined to go for the man high and it was very rare to see a clean low tackle. Behind the Celtic pack W. Dwyer proved to be an enterprising half-back and more should be heard of him later in the season. He made a splendid break from mid-field on one occasion to catch the opposition on the wrong foot and go right through to near the front of the posts. A few moments after the kick-off Temuka hooked the ball on the halfway line, J, Nolan, the country halfback racing down the sideline to pass to A. McKenzie, the wing threequarter scoring in the corner. Dawson converted with a magnificent kick from the sideline. Goodson came back again to the Celtic line in another rush, passing to McKenzie, who scored near the posts. Goodson converted. From near the Celtic line In the corner, G. Horgan swung Infield and potted an excellent goal. Short passing amongst the country forwards brought them within scoring distance and D. Stewart went over. Dawson converted. Later Dawson put over a penalty from the sideline to make the half-time score 22 points to nil in Temuka's favour. Celtic began the second spell with unabated vigour, and the half-back made a break to the 25 where a Temuka player held on to him. when he was without the ball, and was penalised. Dwyer put the penalty kick over. Temuka came back and McKenzie capped off a rush to score. Goodson converted. The same player made a brilliant run from the fullback position to pass, and come back to take it again, and then send it to Dawson who dribbled through. McKenzie snapped up to score in the comer. The kick missed. The Greens attacked and brought play to the Temuka line a forward diving over. The kick failed. After a period of scrambling play Nolan (Temuka) made a splendid run to be pulled up near the corner. M. Cameron, a forward carried the movement on and scored. Dawson’s kick missed. The final score was: Temuka 36. Celtic 6. Mr L. K. Murray was referee.