CAMBRIDGE AHEAD IN VARSITY RUGBY GAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 14

CAMBRIDGE AHEAD IN VARSITY RUGBY GAME.

(Special to the “ Star.”) LONDON, December 15. Forty thousand spectators, a match crowded ivith thrilling incidents bringing out all that is best in the game, and a keen struggle. Such was the annual Rugby contest between the University teams of Oxford and Cambridge at Twickenham. In every' way' it was true to tradition. The event never fails to make its appeal. Indeed, with the growth of the game in recent y'ears, it has become more popular than ever. One thing which has made for its success is that, now that it is decided at Twickenham, one can look on in comfort. One has happy memories of the time when it -was held at Queen’s Club, but it is better to sit on a stand than to have to stand on tip-toes and stretch the neck over another man’s shoulder in order to see. On this occasion Cambridge were the favourites, despite the fact that Oxford are the only English side to beat the New South Wales tourists, and. moreover, had steadily improved. The Dark Blues, it was recognised, had a fine pack, but they were inferior behind, and it was thought that the Cambridge backs would be able to win the match. This is exactly what happened. Cambridge won by four goals—two from penalty kicks— and two tries 0 (22 points) to a goal and three tries (14 points). It will thus be noted that Oxford scored as many tries as their opponents, and that the latter’s success was due to the kicking of two penalty' goals and the conversion of a try'. But it was a convincing victory'. At the same time one came away with the highest admiration for the Oxford forwards, who tried so splendidly' to neutralise the advantage Cambridge held behind the scrummage. Indeed, for a long time they kept the game fairly even in the scoring by their heroic efforts, and it was not surprising that they tired a little towards the close. Still, the very last incident of

the match was a try' for Oxford. It was a misfortune for the Light Blues that Sobey, their scrum half, had to withdraw at the elevent hour owing to an unsound ankle, but A. D. Campbell, an old Fettes boy, who took his place, played his part admirably, giving excellent support to Windsor Lewis, his partner, despite the fact that his forwards heeled slowly'. In these circumstances the backs were almost at their best, apart from the dropping of a few passes. J. M. Bannerman, who is likely to get his thirtieth cap for Scotland this season, was a great forw T ard for Oxford. The match was followed by amazing scenes in the West End of London. In the way of “Rags” it was a record. It seemed as though every student from both Oxford and Cambridge was present, and determined to paint the town red. They raided the restaurants and theatres, and until after midnight p’ay'ed a merry game with the police. On these occasions a good deal of license is allowed, but the fact that two theatres had to be shut down in the middle of the performances indicates that the “ rag ” went too far. After what happened stern restrictive measures are bound to be taken. Such scenes are not likely to take place again.