Big Crowd Watches To-day’s Contest At Lancaster Park.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18544, 18 August 1928, Page 5

Big Crowd Watches To-day’s Contest At Lancaster Park.

NORTH AND SOUTH clashed at Lancaster Park this afternoon, the occasion being the annual inter-island Rugby match. The weather was fine and the ground was in good order, though a trifle on the heavy side. The interest that the match had aroused was shown by the very large number of spectators. A large number of visitors were present, the special trains from the West Coast and various parts of Canterbury bringing full quotas.

R. Kent, the Waikato player, was played at centre for the North Island team, L. Minns being placed as emergency. Porter captained the North Island team, and Snodgrass led the South Island team on to the field. South Island won the toss, and played with the advantage of a light breeze, and with the sun at their backs. The attendance was about 10,000. South won an exciting game by a single point, the final score being 13 to }4. It was reminiscent of the intermatch in Wellington last year, but the standard of football was not so good. Before the game North were the favourites, the general opinion being that their forwards would prove too good fur the southerners. However. as was the case last year, the South Island forwards held their own against the burly men from the North. Neither set of backs combined well on attack, the North Islanders, in particular, being disappointing. The North Island saw more of the ball from the scrums and line-outs than South did. but they generally failed to make good use of their opportunities. Bramwell. the North halt, and Langlands, first five-eighths, were both weak on attack, with the result that Cooke’s play suffered. Nevertheless the Wairarapa crack was responsible for many pieces of brilliant play.

The North Island three-quarter line were not impressive, though, of course, owing to the failure of the inside backs, they did not see a great deal of the bail. Carlson, who came here with a great reputation, failed to live up to it. llis handling was weak. Roach played a fair game at full-back, but it was not equal to the display he gave for Wairarapa against Canterbury. Of the North Island forwards, the three Aucklanders. Finlayson, Knight and Batty, were always to the fore. Knight was one of the best forwards on the ground. Porter played a dashing game at wing-forward, but he was frequently off-side. Holden went quite well behind the South Island scrum, but Brandanovitefc. at first five-eighths, was erratic on attack and he frequently held on to the ball too long. : He defended soundly, as also did Hay, who played a good all-round game. Oliver was very uncertain in his handling and he spoilt several promising movements by dropping passes. The best wing on the padock was Snodgrass., and it was unfortunate that he h*id to retire injured. He scored a great try in the first spell. M’Clyroont, on the other wing, made some good rune, but he did not seem tq know when to in-pass- the ball, and he was often collared in possession. Stevenson was disappointing at fullback. He was not up to Inter-Island standard. Frietas and Masslin were the two outstanding forwards for South, and Clark, Jackson and Bird were also good. Robinson. at wing-forward, played with splendid dash, especially in the second spell. The teams were:— NORTH ISLAND. Full-back—L. Roach (Wairarapa). Three-quarters—W. H. Carlson UVaganui), R. Kent. ( Waikato), and N. Anderson (W aikato). Five-eighths—A. E. Cooke (Wairarapa) and W. Langlands (Poverty Bay). Half-back—L. Bramwell (Poverty Bay). Wing forward—C. Porter (Wellington). Forwards-r-A. Knight (Auckland). S. Willoughby (Wairarapa),' N. Willoughby (Wairarapa», R. Steerc (HAwke's Bay). W. Batty (Auckland). A. Palmer (Auckland), A. Finlayson (Auckland). Emergencies— K. Reid (Wairarapa) and L. Minns (Waikato). SOUTH ISLAND. Full-back—D. Stevenson (Otago). Three-quarters W. M'Clvmont (Otago), C. Oliver (Canterbury) and F. Snodgrass (Nelson). Five-eighths J. Brandanovitch (Otago* and D. Hay (Canterbury). Half-back—A. Holden (Otago). Wing forward—Toby Robinson (Canterbury ). Forwards—W. Freitas (West Coast), A. Marslin (Otago). J. B. Jackson (Canterbury). S. Batchelor (Southland), R. Bird (Southland), J. Howden (Southland), F. Clark (Canterbury). Emergency-—H. Coxhead (South Canterbury). THE PLAY. A scramble followed the kick-off, and Bramwell let the ball out. Langlands being collared in possession. Brarawcll then worked the blind to Anderson, but the winger’s in-pass went astray. Roach had a place-kick from a penalty, but his shot fell short, and from the resuiting scramble Hay started a rush, and South cleared. Porter put the North on to the attack again with a brisk dash, but his pass to An-, derson was smothered. Jackson and Bird staged one bright rush, sweeping to half-way, but Porter led the Northern forwards back again, and a freekick for obvious obstruction pressed the South. Off-side play by the Northern forwards saw play settle at halfw’av. So far play was very unfinished, the South backs dropping their passes on more than one occasion. Marslin led the South forwards in a great breakaway, but Anderson intercepted a pass and kicked cut. From the line-out the North Island forwards burst through. A blind-side movement to Anderson was checked when Stevenson took a good mark, and attack and counterattack. in which Porter gave the lead, saw play settle again at half-way. The best passing rush to this stage was provided by the Northern backs. Porter joining in, but Anderson was well offside when he took his transfer. Holden looked good when he ducked round a icrum and booted cleverly, but Roach was equal to the occasion, spoiling his

effort by knocking-on. Snodgrass, after the North Island forwards infringed, Had a good shot from a hard penalty, the ball just going wide. Knight burst through a ruck in great style and handed on for Cliff Porter to put in a bright run. 11 is pass went astray, and Brandanovitch "put in a snappy run. However, Carlson secured and ran in field, and shot the ball out to Kent to Anderson, who sprinted for the corner and, easily evading Stevenson’s tackle, scored a good try in the corner. Roach’s kick was a good one, but just not good enough. North Island 3, South ’lsland 0. Oliver put in a bright dash which the Northerners countered with h passing rush. Roach saved well from a kick by Stevenson, and Holden, securing. had a drop-kick at goal, which just fell short. M. Willoughby led another great rush by the Northern forwards. Knight and Porter invaded South Island territory, but Hay accepted a bad pass from Brandnoviteb and sent to Oliver to M’Clymcnt. The winger broke through brilliantly, but Oliver was off his balance when he accepted a pass with a clear field in front of him. Off-side play by the Northerners let South Island keep up the oressure.

A South Island rush broke down in the centre, but Snodgrass snapped up. In a fifty-yard run he outpaced Anderson and Porter, and burst through a solid tackle by Roach to score a brilJient try in the corner. He failed with a hard kick. North Island 3. South Island 3.

Following a mark by Brandavitch, Marslin and Freitas bustled Roach and forced the North Island, but from a scrum the North backs went away and Porter, with two other forwards, backed them up in great style. The rush went half the length of the field before a forward pass from Porter to Carlson spoilt it. South sent a counter-attack, in which Oliver and Tob}' Robinson figured, to the North Island twenty-five, and Brandanovitch, securing, dropkicked a pretty goal. South Island 7, North Island 3, A good punt by Ifaj' and neat work by Stevenson put the South Island on the attack again, but a knock-on spoilt the attempt to press the effort home. Again the bustling North Island forwards, led by Knight, changed the play, and Porter broke through from a scrum for Stevenson to take a good mark. A good kick bj- Langlands gave the North Island backs a chance, but Holden broke away well. Roach tried a drop-kick at goal, which, just fell short.

At this stage Snodgrass required ambulance attention for an injured eye. Porter again shone and Batty carried his effort on ; a scrum five yards out resulting. South Island forced when Anderson attempted to score from a short kick, onodgrass resumed with his head bandaged. South obtained another kick when Langlands indulged in bad obstruction. Things looked dangerous when Cooke broke away and sent on to Carlson. Snodgrass intercepted but Knight who was playing a £reat game, carried on, Stevenson sending him back. Then a good kick, following a forward rush by the South, saw Freitas, Marslin and Robinson secure possession and Robinson scored near the posts. Stevenson converted. South Island 12, North Island 3.

A short passing rush by the Northerners penetrated the defence but Porter hung on too long. Then Langlands spoilt another attack in the same manner. Holden, with a beautiful kick to the line at half-way. relieved a very dangerous position. Bramwell sent his backs awav. and Cooke came round fast and took a pass outside Anderson. ( racking on the pace, he sidestepped two men and sent to Steere. Stevenson made a good effort, but he had three men to tackle, and Carlson, coming up outside, took a pass to score a brilliant try. Roach failed to convert. South Island 12. North Island 6. Finlayson, backed up by Batty, put in a characteristic dribbling rush which Stevenson staved off in the nick of lime. Off-side play by Porter relieved South, just before half-time sounded. The half-time score was:— South Island 12 North Island 6 SECOND HALF. Cooke nipped through in a North back attack, but he lost touch. From a scrum, which followed a penetrating rush by the northern forwards, the northern backs went away, but a solid

tackle by Stevenson stopped Carlson, and another rush saw M Clymont bowi Carlson into touch in neutral territorv. From a scramble M’Clymont made a bold bid to get a way, but Carlson held him. Robinson then burst th.ough a scrum and vent fifteen yards before passing to Freitas. The pass went astray, but Holden took the ball on. He failed to snap it up, but Freitas succeeded and went over for a try wide out. Stevenson missed the kick. South Island 15 North Island 6. Following a high kick from a penalty to the North Island, a northerner took Toby Robinson’s pass and sent his backs away. The ball flew along the line and Cooke came round to secure again, but with the line in sight

off-side sent North back. A scrum saw Finlayson, at the head of the northern forwards, break past Stevenson and score a great try between the posts. Langlands converted. South Island 15, North Island 11. South went away in a passing rush " hich stopped when Anderson mads sure ot Snodgrass, and a lightning counter-movement saw Langlands beat a man and sprint down the line. His tn-passi went astray, and Brandanovitch cleared. South secured in a good posia^tef Brandanovitch had been tackled, Robinson burst through and sent to Snodgrass, who got within feet ot the lme before being thrown out. The Northern forwards, playing with great dash staved off the attack. Holden sent his backs away, but the movement broke down when Oliver failed to accept a good pass. A long kick by Roach \?-^i Vec * t * le North, but Holden and i L hvmont smashed back with a plucky burst. A force-down saved tha. North. Holden, Flay and Brandanovitch handled in turn and sent to Oliver, who cut a man out and sent a high pass to Snodgrass, who met a sure tackle from Roach Snodgrass was again hurt, this time, his leg. South Island again in vaded N orthern tea rilory, a good kick by Hay pressing Roach, but a good run and a short punt by Cooke sent the opposition back. A cheer went up from the crowd when it was seen that Cheslev was replacing Snodgrass. Snodgrass got a great ovation as he was carried from the field.

(The Rival Five-eighths.) Torrid work at half-way saw Bramwell send Anderson down the wing, but his pass was intercepted, and Bird Marslin and Robinson went hard down to the North Island line. A South Island rush in a good position ended with a weak pass at the centre, which Batty intercepted and dashed up-field. Carlson, M. Willoughby, and Finlayson handled in a rush which looked as if a try must result. Carlson was pushed out, and a desperate rally by the South Island saw Holden kick the ball out at half-way. Both sides failed to get attacks going, until an infringement by North gave Cbesley a shot at half-way, which fell short. _ Batty, from a ruck at half-way, brilliantly broke through and passed to Porter, but the movement broke down at Steere. Another rush saw the ball go to Carlson without a man against him, but the winger knocked on. North kept up the pressure till off-side play relieved. A beautiful rush broke down when Oliver missed a pass at centre. Bad trouble came when the northern backs went away and Cooke shortkicked. Stevenson went for a mark, but mulled the ball badly, and Cooke dashed up and scored before Stevenson brushed fumbling. Langlands missed an easy kick.

South Island 15, North Island 14. Batchelor broke away after a rush by the South forwards, but he hung on too long, and Knight and Batty sent play back with a swift dash to the twenty-five. Batchelor was injured, but resumed. A scrum saw Porter again back up his wings, and he sent Cooke a good pass, but Stevenson dropped Cooke with a tackle. From a rush by the North backs, Cooke cut in, and his sprint ended inches from the line.

The South Island forwards then infringed, and from the penalty Porter missed a hardish shot at goal and Brandanovitch cleared. A neat mark by Holden stopped still another hard attack. Oliver, taking a short punt, mis-kicked, but the inside backs staved off a nasty position with a quick breakaway. A long kick by Freitas, which Clark followed up, invaded Northern territory.

The big Northern forwards, led by Steere, again broke through the opposition, but M’Clymont intercepted, and a penalty, when Langlands obstructed in a Southern rush, was given to South. The South forwards at last got going, but when play opened up Chesley took a short kick off-side, and Cooke gained ground with a line-kick. Robinson, then Clarke, broke through, but Oliver’s short kick went right into Roach’s hands. A free-kick to South was not put to good advantage, and still another kick went right to Cooke. Stevenson effected a save. Batchelor, with the ball at his toe, gained fifty yards, but a bad pass gave Chesley no chance. Porter was yet again off-side, but the kick did not find the line. Stevenson, however, marked Roach’s return, and found the line with a beautiful kick past half-way.

Ilolden worked the blind and directed beautifully through from a scramble at half-way. Fie sent M’Cly* mont away, and the winger put in a good run, but had no room to work in, and Roach took him well. The- ball went out from a scramble and time sounded with the final scores:— SOUTH ISLAND 15 NORTH ISLAND 14 Referee, Mr E. A. Simpson. Following are the results of the matches played between the two islands. It will be noted that, with th 6 exception of the war years, the fixture has been an annual one since- 1902: 1897—North, 16 to 3. 1902 -South, 20 to 14. 1903 South, 12 to 5. 1904 Drawn, 3 to 3. 1905 North, 26 to 0. 1906 North, 9 to 5. 1907 North, 11 to 0. 1908 — North, 12 to 5. 'l9o9—South, 19 to 11. 1910— 14 to 10. 1911— North, 39 to 9. 1912 North, 12 to S. 1913 South, 25 to 0. 1914 South, S to 0. 1919 North, 28 to 11. 1920 North, 12 to 3. 1921 North, 28 to 13. 1922 South; 9 to 8. 1923 — Drawn, 6to 6. 1924 North, 39 to 8. 1925 North, 16 to 5. 1926 North, 41 to 9. 1927 South, 31 to 30. 1928 South, 15 to 14.

VARSITY V. OLD BOYS. The Varsity and Old 33oys senior A teams played a curtain-raiser to the big: g|me. Neither side was at full strength. Varsity especially being without several of their leading players, including Fookes, Loveridge, Galbraith and Chesley. Old Boys kicked off with a light wind against them. Old Boys attacked from the outset, and within a few minutes their efforts were rewarded, Armstrong crossing for a try, which Mehrtens failed to convert. Varsity retaliated. Grant made a great run right through the centre, and, after heating several men, he passed to Hawkes, who went over unopposed between the posts. Dewar made a poor attempt at goal, and the scores were 3 all. Harris made a good run, and a try seemed likely when Ilawkes intercepted and found touch. Then Merritt dribbled through, and across the goalline, but he was beaten for the touchr down by Sherwin. Old Boys returned to the attack, arid in a passing rush Armstrong made an opening for Merritt, who scored, but failed to convert the try. Old Boys threw the ball about freely, and another passing movement ended in Low scoring. Cox failed with the kick. Old Boys 0. Varsity 3. From a penally Calder had an unsuccessful shot at goal for Varsity. Halftime came with the scores:— Old Boys 9, Vrsity 3. The second spell opened with a good run by Grant. He made a splendid opening, but the other backs failed to make use of it. Old Boys attacked. Armstrong made a good run, and passed to Harris, who sent the ball on to Ogier. The Old Boys winger made a splendid run, arid scored far out. The kick was too much for Cox. Old Boys 12, Varsity 3.

(Old Boys Backs.) Varsity set up a strong attack and in a scramble on the goal line Hawkes picked up and dived across. The try was not converted. Old Boys 12, Varsity 6. A solid attack by Old Boys saw Varsity pressed. The ball went ovit to Ogier, who had an unsuccessful pot at goal. Then from a. penalty Merritt landed a goal. Old Boys 15, Varsity 6. Immediately after Ogier scored for Old Boys after a. pretty bout of passing. Merritt added the major points with a splendid kick. Old Boys 20, Varsity 6. Old Boys continued to attack and once or twice came near scoring. Then Varsity attacked, carrying play right on to the Old Boys line. However, there were no further scores, the game ending: OLD BOYS 20 . VARSITY 6 Referee: Mr S. Hollander. PIBST CURTAIN RAISER. As a first curtain-raiser to the big match a game beginning at noon was p!ayed between the Sydenham under 19 team and the Rakaia third grade team. The game resulted in an easy win for Sydenham by 25 points to 3. Referee, Mr A. Wcodsford.

MARLBOROUGH MAKE A BID FOR SHIELD. WAIRARAPA A BIT LUCKY IN FIRST SPELL. (Special to the “ Star. ") CARTERTON, August 18. Wairarapa. and Marlborough met in a Ranfurly Shield match, in beautiful weather, before an attendance of 3000. The first spell was marked by tight play by the challengers, while Waifarapa backs attempted to open the game with several passing bouts. The Marborough defence was sound for fifteen minutes, when Parker passed to Cundy, who cut out all the opposition and ran up to Astin, the full-back, and transferred to Stringfellow, who scored near the posts. Cundy failed with an easy kick. The Wairarapa forwards were much superior, and confined play mostly to the Marlborough half. Several fierce thrusts by Q. Donald, Park’er, Fairbrother and Jury were bold up on the line, and finally (till managed to relieve to half-way. Sntherley had to retire with a hurt shoulder, Boyce taking his place. A fine forward rush by Devine, Boyce, Roberts and Gill had Wairarapa in trouble under the goal, but a free kick relieved. There was ragged play till the Wairarapa forwards again asserted their superiority, but after Sharp had penetrated to a scoring position Cundy dropp'ed the pass. Aston hurt his anklo and retired, Ishei-Avood taking his place. Washington had two good chances to goal, but the kicks fell short. Half-time was sounded with no further score, but Marlborough narrowly missed securing a. try, Botham being beaten for the ball by Jury. CHRIST’S COLLEGE BEAT WANGANU' Per Press Association. NELSON, August IS. Christ’s College 24 beat Wanganui College 11. SOUTHLAND V. MANAWHENUA. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, August IS. Manawhenua met Southland at Rugby Park. The weather was overcast, but the ground was in good order. The attendance was about 4000. Throughout the first half, play was not very interesting, anad was mainly confined to the forwards, the visiting pack being slightly the better. Southland scored after thirty minutes play, Diac.k kicking a penalty goal from a difficult angle. Southland 3, Manawhenua 0. WANGANUI V. TARANAKI. (Special to the “ Star. ”) NEW PLYMOUTH, August 18. Wanganui kicked off against Taranaki. Within a minute.Tilley kicked a penalty goal. Play was carried to the Wanganui end. where Fookes scored. Collins converted. A few minutes later Murphy scored. Collins’s kick failed. Halftime was called with the score:— Taranaki’ 8, Wanganui 3.

WELLINGTON V. AUCKLAND. ills*? a (Special to the “ Star.”) ’ WELLINGTON, August 18. In beautifully fine weather and in the presence of a big crowd the Auckland and Wellington representatives met at Athletic Park this afternoon, in the first Inter-provincial Rugby match of the season here. Although bright sunshine tliis morning had proved beneficial the turf was still rather wet after rains during the week. Auckland kicked off against the sun. Play opened brightly and at a smart pace. Mflßokay and Cowan went down the line in a fine rush but the Heather went into touch. Chaney made a good opening in the visitors’ twenty-five and passed to Ramson hut the latter kicked on. Auckland came downfield with a good rush, but infringed. Wellington sent the visitors back and after beating the defence Shearer knocked on a couple of. yards from the linte. Ramson the west minute, however, opened Welscore with a penalty goal. Wellington 3, Auckland nil. Play was open and sparkled at times with neat work, but the handling was not always good. In defending their line-from a solid rush Wellington were penalised but Butler's kick at goal went astray. There followed a bright piece of play. Cowan set the Wellington backs in motion, and after Mackenzie and Chantey handled Ramson went through to score in a handy position. He failed to convert. Wellington 6, Auckland 0. Then Linton got away on his own to score under the posts for Jenkin to convert. Wellington G. Auckland 5. Edgar was injured and was replaced by Claredge. After Ramson failed to goal from an easy position Chaney made a brilliant opening for Sly to score. Shearer converted and the spell ended. Wellington 11, Auckland 5.

GREAT INTEREST FOR PRINCE OF WALES CUP. (Special tcrthe “ Star. ”) GISBORNE, August 18. The first of the contests for the Prince of Wales Cup attracted great interest, especially amongst the Maori population, and there was a great gathering on the Oval to witness the match between Tairawhiti (East Coast) and Tokerau (Waikato and Northern Districts). Tairawhiti won the toss. Play in the early stages was confined to the forward divisions, which were evenly matched, Nepia being outstanding.. Nepia thrilled the crowd with an attempt to pot a goal in midfield, but he just failed. The visitors twice missed a fine opportunity by holding on to the ball too long. Play was held up for a short while, P.‘ Matene receiving an injury to a hand, but a little later this player legis-ter-ed the first try for Tokerau. Tairawhiti responding with a spectacular try by J. Leech, which Nepia converted. Tairawhiti 5, Tokerau 3. Play developed into a spirited struggle, both teams displaying fine defence. When' Tokerau were awarded a penalty, C. Papuni sent the ball through the uprights with a beautiful kick. Tokerau G, Tairawhiti 5. W. Bayne (Tokerau) received an injury, but was replaced by T. Jones, both sides attacking vigorously to the end of the first spell, without any alteration to the score. HIGH SCHOOL TOURNEY BEGINS NEXT WEEK. The fourteenth South Island High Schools Rugby tournament 'will begin at Dunedin on Monday and concluded on Thursday. The first da3*’s games will be Timaru v. Southland and Otago v. Christchurch, and the winners and losers will play off on the second day. Dunedin opinion is that Christchurch will win both games, with Timaru’s and Southland’s chances for second place about equal. There is nothing guaranteed about this forecast, however, for school teams are not particularly consistent. Southland are reputed t 6 be a strong side this year, but thev have always to be taken on trust, as they plav no big school games before the tournament. Their onl.v outside match this year was against Gore High School, whom they defeated by 21 points to 3. Gore defeated the weak Otago second fifteen by 12 to 8, so the two results are not very impressive from Southland’s point of view’. However, they are expected in Dunedin to be “snags” for someone next week.

Timaru have their usual rugged lot of forwards, though they are not as heavy as usual. The backs are not considered to be as brilliant as last vear's tournament winners, though ‘ thev throw the ball about a lot. Waitaki defeated Timaru a few weeks ago by 13 points to 6, but the Timaruvians can be expected to improve on this performance. They have suffered a big loss, however, in R. King, their wingforward and captain, who damaged a knee in the Waitaki match and is a very doi*btful starter in the tournament. He was one of the outstanding players last year, and is as near to being a match-winner as one player can be.

Otago have had a good many ups and downs this year. They played good football to beat Waitaki by 9 points to 6, but since then have had shocking luck in the way of accidents, practically every member of the team having been laid out at some time or other. With a weakened team, they were well beaten by Christ's College, 21-0, but they are hopeful of making amends and regaining their form of early in the season. They play the 3-2-3 scrum, but not very successfullv. Their casualty list keeps on growing' Holden, the half, has influenza and will not be playing next week: Turner, a forward, has a bad knee; and Salt’ a wing three-quarter, has a damaged shoulder. The Christchurch High School team this season is a good one. Thev have beaten Christ’s College twice. Their forwards are a hard-working lot and their backs are fast and nippv. They handle the ball well. Escott, the High School full-back, is a great goal-kicker. Of the thirteen tourneys already played, Timaru have won ’five, Otago three, Christchurch three and Southland two. Winners and runners-up were:—-

1915 . Winner. . Timaru Runner-up. Otago 1910 . . Otago 191 7 . . Timaru 1918 . . Southland 1919 . . Otago 1920 . . Christchurch 1921 . . Christchurch 1922 . . Southland 1928 . . Timaru 1924 . . Otago 1925 . . Timaru 1920 . . Christchurch 1927 . . Timaru Christchurch