League.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18508, 7 July 1928, Page 5

League.

CUP SEMI-FINAL AT MONICA PARK. The second to last match in the McKeon Cup competition was played at Monica Park this afternoon between the Sydenham and Hornby Rugby League teams. The winner will meet Marist in the final next Saturday Though Marist were defeated by Hornby last week they, as leaders in points at the end of the second round, have the right to challenge the winner of the knock-out competition. The teams in the match to-day were fast and heavy, and it was a stern struggle all through. The attendance of spectators was good. SYDENHAM V. HORNBY. Sydenham set off with a rattle, and Heuchan missed narrowly with two penalty kicks. Then Davis put over a penalty from tTie Sydenham twenty-five line. A line run by Tonkin went to within a few yards of the Hornby line, where Fraser notched two points with a penalty goal. Willing play went to the other twenty-five, njjd Davis added to the goaling habit by putting over another penalty. By good following up Sydenham got through to the corner where Q. C. Blazey scored. Sydenham 6, Hornby 4. The Hornby backs showed the more initiative, but they could not get past the Sydenham tackling. The} increased their score by another pen alty by Davis. This player had anothct attempt a moment later, but failed. The Sydenham line was crossed for tho first time when Cameron dodged his way through from the ruck for Davis to con Vert. Davis had. succeeded three times

In his five attempts at goal. Hornby 11, Sydenham 5. The Hornby backs were opening up the game, and the most brilliant seen on Monica Park for two or three seasons was staged when Stuart, securing from within his own twenty-five, swerved and dodged his way at top speed through the scattered opposition. lie demoralised the team, and delighted the crowd. AVhen every opponent was drawn, Stuart gave G. Woods a clear field, but the referee apparently saw an infringement. Maekie, Smith and Cameron got going in a swinging movement to the line, but Cameron knocked on. The game was hard, willing and brilliant, with the Sydenham forwards conteracttng much of the nippiness of the Hornby backs. From a great loose rush half the length of the field, Dymond and Tonkin interchanged finally to give Le AVarne a chance to dash aernps. It was accepted, but Fraser'n kick was poor. Half-time came with tho scores:— Hornby 3 1, Sydenham S.

The Sydenham forwards pressed to t.he line and sevei-al tinves were nearly over. There was considerable kicking and Fraser, who was lucky with some of his saves, had an unsuccessful attempt at a pot. Davidson and Stuart, opposing wingers, were playing a great game. - Sydenham had a chance of nearly levelling the score when Heuchan had a shot from a penalty, but the kick failed. N. Vivian burst through for Hornby, but was well tackled by Do Warn®. Hornby, however, were near the line, and attacked on both flanks. Houison, a. newcomer from Taranaki, who was playing centre, nearly got through by dummying a pass, and Davis was Injured in a. dash on the other wing. Ho just got over. Hornby 14, Sydenham 8. The game ended with the scores:—■ HORNBY 3 4 SYDENHAM 8 Referee: Mr IT. AN*. Lawrence,