THE BIG GAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18161, 21 May 1927, Page 6

THE BIG GAME.

NOTES ON THE PLAY. TOO HARD FOR BRILLIANCY. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5. The crowd numbered about twelve thousand and from the start barracking was keen. The fact that Cromb was not playing and that Nixon was full back did not displease the Old Boys supporters in the least. Old Boys provided the first thrill soon after the kick-off. Nixon, at full back, failed to catch the ball cleanly, but he dribbled it infield. Baird followed up and, charging down a kick, started a loose rush which threatened danger. Old Boys got right to the line, when a penalty pulled them up. Nixon got out of trouble with half a dozen opponents grabbing him. Passing rushes by the Christchurch backs met with deadly tackling, Carleton and Harris both taking their man, ball and all. The tackling was great. Scrimshaw’s job was obviously to mark Dailey, and the All Black half was closely watched. Old Boys opened the scoring with a try by Ogier. It was scored in the sou’-west corner after he had narrowly missed twice previously. Dailey’s headwork was responsible for the score. He (worked the blind side cleverly and, passing over an opponent’s head to Ogier, allowed the wing three-quarter to dive across. Syd Carleton got the ball in midfield, and, finding his way blocked, steadied himself and dropped at goat. It was too short and too low. Stephenson fielded, but made a poor kick into touch. Christchurch made a couple of attacks. On the second occasion Robilliard centred, but Galbraith, who took the ball, was “the proverbial mile” offside. Some lively exchanges in front of the east stand caused some of the occupants to call “ Play the game, Christchurch.” Godfrey let fly with his boot, but kicked the air. A great loose rush by the Old Boys forwards took play three-parts the length of the field, Christchurch getting out of an awkward position with a force-down. “Son” White made a grab at Dailey and missed. Did “Son”, say “Turn it up Bill, you’re not in England now?” Christchurch made desperate efforts, but met great tackling. Godfrey got the ball and charged head-down for the line. Jacobs tried to stop him and was laid out, being replaced by Low. Christchurch kept at it. White made a Herculean effort to get over at the corner, but he was pushed into touch. M’Gregor was looking for a short throw-in from the line, but Old Boys were wide awake.

Robilliard tried it with one of the forwards, but it didn’t come off, and Christchurch lost thirty yards of ground. It had been a great go up till halftime. Old Boys had had the wind. What would Christchurch do in the second half ? Christchurch started the second spell with a rattle, fast following up by Scrimshaw compelling a force down. Nixon was hurt in stopping the rush. Old Boys had a few anxious moments on defence, but great work in the loose by the forwards brought them relief. The crowd became greatly • excited, as play swung to the other end. Nixon limped off and Hobday came on as wing, Mortlock playing full-back. Ivor Gray got within, a yard or two of the line before being brought down. Old Boys were having bad luck in ■ the way of injuries. Jack Harris provided the next thrill, failing with a drop at goal after breaking through the centre. Then M’Gregor jinked but was brought down. A free kick to Christchurch but Talbot failed. There was general laughter at Robilliard’s attempts to fend Ogier off, but the tackle was a sure one. White now placed the ball for a penalty. There was a sigh as the ball went straight for the goal, but it was too low. The rival half-backs raced for the ball and collided. They sat on the ground and looked at each other, and the crowd laughed heartily. Mullan was injured and had to be assisted off, Frater coming on. This was a serious loss to Christchurch. Frater’s first pass from the scrum was along the ground. Christchurch made a great onslaught with a loose rush, and keeping up the attack, Cave forced his way over in the corner. There was a great round of cheering, which became deafening when White converted with a fine kick from the touchline. • Men yelled and women screamed when Daye Hay dribbled from near halfway to the Christchurch line. White next mgde a solo run. but Dailey was his undoing, pushing him into touch. “Son” went head over heels, and again the pair had a grin at each other. Old Boys backs were caught out of position in a passing rush. The ball went out to Robilliard, who went over unopposed. White's kick made everybody hold their breath, but it just missed this time. In the closing stages White was easily the outstanding forward. Bowes was the third Old Boy to leave the field, being carried off with an injured leg. Syd Carleton had a shot from a penaltj', but narrowly missed. So Christchurch have done it at last, 8-3. A hard game—too hard for the football to be brilliant.