REP. RUGBY.

Wairarapa Age, 28 August 1933, Page 3

REP. RUGBY.

CANTERBURY HOLD RANFURLY SHIELD. OTAGO JUST DEFEATED. CHRISTCHURCH, August 26. Five points down at half-time, Canterbury contrived by scoring two tries, one converted, iir the second half to repel by three points, Otago's challenge for the Ranfurly Shield. Lancaster Park was in perfect condition for play, the turf having been softened by rain on Thursday night, and to-day the weather was fine but overcast, with, a cool easterly breeze. It was a vastly different game from that of last Saturday, when Canterbury easily beat Southland. The Otago side was much faster and more resourceful and fully tested the Canterbury team. Otago's weakness was between the scrum and threequarter line, and the result might easily have been different. The play was fast and open from the start. Both sides sought open play and Canterbury especially worked their backs whenever possible. Canterbury made most of the play in the first half, the forwards showing great form and giving the backs excellent service from the scrums. Otago showed capacity for quickly developing counter attacks and profiting by mistakes. Otago's first try was the most sensational of the match. Mullan passed to Mortlock, but Mortlock sent a very low pass to Oliver and Smith, dashing in, picked up the ball perfectly from the ground and dashed upfield. A pass to H. MciSkimming let the fast winger away well clear of the field. He ran round behind the posts and his brother goaled. Neither side had much advantage for the rest of the spell. Canterbury scored within three minutes of the resumption of play. From the ruck the ball was heeled to Mullan, who passed on the short side to Mortlock. Hart received the ball when he had little room, but he made a Splendid dash down the sideline past the full-back and crossed the line at the corner and then ran into a better position. Nolan's kick landed the ball on the crossbar, from which it rebounded. Otago 5, Canterbury 3. In a fewmore minutes Canterbury took the lead. Play was on the Otago 25 when Mullan passed to Hazelhurst to Mortlock, who made a swift swerving run, pierced the defence and scored ten yards from, the posts. Nolan goaled. Canterbury 8, Otago 5. The remainder cf play was fairly even, most often the territorial advantage being with Otago, but there was no further score. The attendance was about 14,000. — (P.A.) VARYING FORTUNES. AUCKLAND BEAT TARANAKI. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26. A Rugby match in which Auckland defeated Taranaki by 22 points to 17 was an extraordinary one. In the first half only one team was in it. Taranaki completely outplayed _ Auckland in every department and led at half-time by 12 points to 1 i. »In the second spell there was still only one team in it. That was Auckland. The Taranaki forwards and tackling 'deteriorated and Auckland gained the ball from the scrum and, with slashing attacks, piled on points. In the last few minutes the scores were seventeen all and it looked like a draw, but Auckland scored and converted another try and snatched victory from what ihad seemed an impossible position. The only difference in the conditions in the second half was the bright sun, which troubled Taranaki, whereas the sky was overcast all the first spell.—(PA.) WANGANUI WIN. KING COUNTRY DEFEATED. WANGANUI, August 26. The Wanganui Rugby representatives defeated King Country by 15 points to 3 to-day. Greater speed in the winner's threequarters ’ line, in which Bullock-Douglas was the star, outclassed the visitors. Wanganui scored three tries, one converted and a field goal by Bullock-Douglas (15 points) and King Country an unconverted try. — (P.A.) / MARRIED v. SINGLE. MATCH AT TINUL In a Rugby match played at Tinui on. Saturday, Married defeated Single by 12 points to 6 after a bright and interesting game. For the winners G| Mclsaac and E. Mclsaae scored tries and H. Morris kicked two penalties. Pyne kicked a penalty and Strachan scored a try for the losers.