TOUR CONCLUDED

Evening Star, Issue 23368, 11 September 1939, Page 4

TOUR CONCLUDED

Otago Overwhelms South Canterbury Bright Game Under Good Conditions TREVATHAN IN BRILLIANT FORM [By Hooker.] TIMARU, September 9. • Concluding a successful northern tour, Otago defeated South Canterbury at Fraser Park by 35 points to 6, a dry and fast ground with perfect conditions overhead tending to produce a very bright and lively game in which the tourists, with backs and forwards working well together, at times reached brilliant heights. A crowd of about 1,500 spectators was delighted with the football provided, and again and again the Otago backs flashed into action, only determined tackling by the homesters on a number of occasions preventing a larger score being nm up.

South Canterbury did nob display the concerted effort or the finish of the opposition, but the home side were triers all the way, and even after the issue had been placed well beyond any doubt they still strove desperately to pierce the defence, but lack of finesse and failure to back up often prevented movements from culminating. Individually, South Canterbury shaped well on many occasions, but there was that ladle of combination and understanding which proved costly.

his wings nicely into position, and Churchill especially had a field day as a result. Murray’s play throughout was very sound, and he has shown himself to be one of the best backs on the side.

Churchill has made advance during the tour, and played his best game today, His speedy runs thrilled the spectators, and besides scoring two tries he frequently brought the crowd to its feet by his strong and determined running. It was a first-rate exhibition of three-quarter play. Less of the play went to Werner’s wing, but he did all that he was asked to, and was often dangerous. R. Silver, at full-back, jrlayed another fine game, his fielding and bis kicking being of a high standard. He got great length into his kicks, which were invariably well judged. Silver converted a couple of tries, and bis penalty goal from 50yds out was the best seen on the tour—a magnificent effort LACK OF COHESION. South Canterbury’s pack played quite a lively, bustling game, but there was a lack of understanding among the forwards, who did not back up to any great extent. The best was G. Mills, a former Auckland player, who showed himself to be a clever packman, with a good all-round knowledge of forward play. His liueout work was good, and ho often came through at the head of loose rushes. lu the loose W. M‘Cully and F. Polhill were noticeable, the latter especially leading some good dribbling rushes. L. Kain, a good stamp of lock forward, worked hard in the tight. South Canterbury’s backs did not have the opportunities of Otago, but when Parsons was able to launch passing there was not tho smoothness of movement in attack that marked tho work of the visitors. The inside men occasionally showed some penetration, but they were too hesitant, neither Lundy nor B. Morrison (who replaced Cartwright when lie retired injured in the first spell) making many opexiings for the All Black, T. C. Morrison. Carfwright played steadily at second five-eighth until injured, and his departure was a loss. Although he had such restricted opportunities on attack, T. C. Morrison made one or two determined bursts, but his defence was outstanding, and he broke up Otago attacks again and again, frequently taking two men and doing wonderful saving work. Parsons, behind the scrum, played a serviceable game, and he worked the blind side well, \V. Murphy making several strong bursts on the short side, one of which was rewarded with a try. His tackling, too, was very sound, and altogether he gave a most promising display.' C. Rollinson, at full-back, played a fairly safe game, and his fielding and kicking being quite good though once or twice he found the strong-running Otago backs more than he could cope with. The teams were:— OTAGO. Full-back.—R. Silver. Three-quarters.— L. Werner, D. Murray, A. E. Churchill. Second Five-eighth.—W. Campbell. First Five-eighth.—D. Trevathan. Half-back.—P. A. Ongley. Front Row.—P. Treacy, C. .Quaid, T. Graham. Middle Bow.—G. Gregg, L. Hill, VV. H. Jolly, 11 Nieper (captain). Back Row.—L Naylor. SOUTH CANTERBURY, Full-back.—C. Rollinson. Three-quarters.—G. Wright, T. C. Morrison (captain), W. Murphy. Second Five-eighth.—C. Cartwright. First Five-eighth.—R. Lundy. Half-back.—l). Parsons. Front Row. N. Campbell, G. O’Hara. W. M'Cully. Middle How.—P. Hansen, G. Kain, W. Gale. F. Polhill. Back .Row.—G. Mills. FIRST SPELL Otago kicked off against a slight breeze, but with the sun at their backs, and the South Canterbury forwards, headed by M'Cully, Hausen, and Polhill, made a sortie to Otago’s twenty-five. Hill and Jolly staged a counter-rush to halfway, and Naylor started his backs in passing from a line-out, the whole line handling until Churchill was stopped by Wright at halfway. Otago were making the play, and though Rollinson temporarily lifted the pressure Trevathan made a fine break up the centre of the field, Cartvvpright saving a dangerous-looking situation by taking a mark in the face of the Otago forwards. Otago had been commanding possession so far, but tho South Canterbury forwards were breaking quickly, and Mills broke up several Otago movements. Then from halfway Nieper sent bis backs away in passing, and Werner made a good burst along the wing before sending in to Murray, who was tackled by Morrison inside the twentyfive.

Otago’s score consisted of three converted tries, three unconverted tries, a penalty and two field goals to an unverted try and a penalty goal, and the team shaped as though it were setting out on, instead of completing, a long and strenuous tour. The forwards scrummaged well, especially in the second half, and they used the lineouts and rucks to open up play frequently, the retirement of W. H. Jolly at half-time being felt by the tourists in the second spell, so far as line-out work was concerned. Jolly was still feeling the effects of a mild bout of influenza, and under the circumstances lie went remarkably well until he retired at half-time.

The pack was again admirably led by the captain, R. Nieper, who set the others an example in backing up which was followed to very good purpose, lie frequently started pacing movements among his backs or came across to make an extra man, and in-* the closing stages was rewarded with a good try. Nieper has been outstanding in every game he has played. L. Naylor, the tall, strong Alhambra packman, played a very line game and was the best forward on the field. He has. shown remarkably consistent form throughout the tour, and turned on one of his best -games to-day. Besides being at the'head-of nearly every loose rush and doing good work on the Jine-outs, he followed up very smartlv and was always quick in getting across to dropped passes and tackled balls. G. Gregg, the youn" Vincent player, has benefited from the experience he has gained on this tour, and he infused plenty of dash into his play in tight and loose, while L. Hill gave a first-rate exhibition of all-round forward play. POSSESSION* FAVOURS OTAGO, In the first spell scrum possession was evenly divided, Otago winning seven and South Canterbury seven, while six were of an indecisive nature. Otago won 14 line-outs, South Canterbury eight, and 12 were indeterminate. The rucks favoured Otago by 13 to 6, six being indeterminate. South Canterbury were awarded five -penalties and Otago two._ In the second half Otago’s superiority in the scrum work was much more pronounced, the visitors winning 21 scrums to South Canterbury’s six, while five were indeterminate. Otago gained possession from 14 line-outs and South Canterbury from 12, while three were indeterminate. The rucks were even, each heel-, ing seven times, while seven were indecisive. Each side gained one penalty. D. Trevathan reached brilliant heights, and was easily the most outstanding player on the field. He flashed through the defence again and again, showing both pace and resource, and in the first spell he scored a try that came as the result df a splendid piece of work. He cut off a pass from Parsons (the South Canterbury half-back) to Lundy, and was through the defence in a flash, beating the full-back with a clever side step and racing across for a try. And the South Canterbury public sat up and exclaimed; “ And this is.the man who is supposed to be slow!” Trevathan ami Ongley worked up an excellent understanding, and the inside combination of Ongley-Trevathan-Campbell was a happ.v one. Trevathan always had a very, quick eye for openings in the- defence, and he invariably cut in at the right moment. He bad less defensive work to do than usual, but his marker found him very hard to cope with. Just by way of good measure, as it were, Trevathan potted two goals—one’ from a difficult angle 25yds out after he had 'received from Ongley and the other when Churchill threw him a long pass 40yds out in front. The second was a glorious effort, and roused the spectators to enthusiasm. P. A. Ongley, considering the fact that be has had only a couple of games in the last six weeks, soon settled down to give the backs excellent service, and hia passes to Trevathan were well placed and well directed. He varied bis play with some sharp bursts from the scrum, and also used the line to hold position when necessary. W. Campbell, playing at second fiveeighth, showed n lot of thrust and resource. and although caught once or twice in possession in the eaj-lv stages he p]ayed a wonderfully steady game later on. and scored a couple of tries, obe after a nice piece of passing and the other as a result of fast following up. Campbell’s line kicking was powerful and well judged, and bo tackled verv surely,

I). Murray had a stood duel with the All Black, T. C. Morrison, and with more opportunities coniine the way of the Otago man lie naturally showed to *d rentage, though Morrison’s defensive work was or a high class. Murray ran

CHURCHILL OPENS OTAGO’S ACCOUNT.

With Otago attacking hotly, Murphy threw the ball out to Cartwright, and Morrison lifted the pressure with a long kick through the open gap to find touch at halfway. A long kick resulted in Otago forcing, but with backs and forwards working well together, Hill, who was playing a lino game, started passing and the ball came to Churchill, who was quickly into his stride and finished olf a run from the twenty-five with a good try. Trevatban failed to convert. Otago 3, South Canterbury 0. Cartwright placed South Canterbury on attack with a long kick to touch at the twenty-five, and the scene shifted l when Nieper led a rush past halfway. The Otago backs were always prepared to give the ball an airing, and following a fine thrust by Trevathan the backs indulged in further passing, Murray taking play inside Sonin Canterbury’s twenty-five. Polhill led a, South Canterbury raid past halfway, and Lundy sent Morrison away in a good run, Murphy being forced into touch a few yards from the line. South Canterbury were doing better in the scrums now, and Parsons held position by finding touch near the corner. From a penalty 30 yards out Morrison went wide and Otago forced. SOUTH CANTERBURY LACK FINISH. Ongly mado a break from a scrum and passed to Jolly but the latter’s pass to Werner went astray and Kain cleared to touch. Passing by Otago stopped at Campbell who was caught in possession, and then Lundy made a good break. Individually, South Canterbury were making some good thrust's, but there was not the necessary finish. Treacy was penalised for obstruction and from a penalty on the twenty-five Morrison again went wide and Otago forced. South Canterbury had Otago in their twenty-five for a while, and Mills and M’Cuily broke through, a penalty for a scrum infringement enabling Trevathan to find touch past halfway. Twice Trevathan kicked for the open gap and W. Campbell footed through to near the line, a penalty taken by Rollinson driving Otago back to halfway. TREVATHAN’S BRILLIANT TRY. When Parsons endeavoured to get the South Canterbury backs moving Trevathan cut off a pass to Lundy at the twenty-five, and through the gap quickly sidestepped Rollinson and went across for a fine try. Silver converted. Otago ••• 8 South Canterbury 0 Silver’s long line-finders were an immense advantage to Otago, and he repelled a South Canterbury attack in which Cartwright was prominent, the latter retiring with a head injury and being replaced by 13. Morrison who went to first five-eighth and Lundy to second. Otago maintained the pressure and from a ruck the ball was shot back to Ongley who sent to Trevathan with the anticipated result—he quickly snapped over a beautiful pot from an angle on the twenty-five, and after 35 minutes play the score was: —■ Otago 12 South Canterbury 0 Showing rare dash, Trevathan flashed into the picture again a minute later, making a great burst from 10yds on his own side of halfway to the twentyfive, where he passed to Campbell, who was checked. Play swung in the other direction to Werner, and the winger dribbled through and sent the ball back to Campbell, who snapped it up and went across for a try wide out. Silver converted with a fine kick. Otago 17 South Canterbury 0 HOME SIDE RESPONDS. South Canterbury opened their account when Murphy had a shot from a penalty inside the twenty-live and kicked a neat goal. Otago 17 South Canterbury 3 With South Canterbury pressing, Gregg came through at the head of an Otago rush and sent to Campbell, mishandling by several of the hacks losing a good opportunity. Ongley was giving a quick service and the backs burst through in a bright passing movement from halfway. Churchill, who was showing much dash and resource, making a strong bid before he was brought down inside the twenty-five. Halftime sounded with Otago on attack, and the score: Otago 17 South Canterbury 3 SECOND SPELL Jolly, who was slightly indisposed before the game, did not come on after half-time. South Canterbury staged a good forward rush on resumption, Mills being prominent. Ho was doing good work on the line-outs, but the pressure was lifted when Trevathan made a break past Lundy (who was hack at first five-eighth), with Naylor in support. Rollinson, with a long kick to touch, repelled an Otago attack, and Lundy, using the line, placed South Canterbury on attack. Lundy shot the ball to T. Morrison, who had a pot, the ball failing to rise and Otago forcing.

SILVER GOALS 50 YARDS OUT. South Canterbury passing stopped at B. Morrison, who was caught ball and all, and from a penalty 50.yds out Silver landed a magnificent goal. Otago 2l' South Canterbury 3

Otago were at it again a minute later, Trevathau sending Murray and Churchill away, and handling again himself, Naylor being in support. A penalty did not bring South Canterbury much relief, and Naylor, who was in everything, led another rush inside the twenty-five. Parsons and Murphy made a break along the flank to halfwav, but Naylor was at the head of another sortie, the South Canterbury forwards staging a good response, with Polhill in the van. Murphy made a good bid on the blind side, but then the ball flashed through the Otago chain and Churchill made a run almost from one twenty-five to the other, T. Morrison getting him with a strong tackle. There was plenty of incident, and with Kain and M‘Cully prominent the South Canterbury forwards swent inside Otago’s twenty-five, and when Parsons cleverly worked the blind side Lundy handed on to Murphy, who capped off a good movement with a try. Murphy failed to convert. Otago 20 South Canterbury 6 Otago were quick to respond, and when Ongley ran wide from a scrum to send Trevathan away, the first fiveeighth beat a man and sent Campbell over for a pretty try. Silver failed. Otago 2-T South Canterbury G Although his opportunities on attack were comparatively restricted, T. Morrison was playing a great defensive game, and fre-

quently broke up promising Otago attacks, catching Werner after he had made a good run past halfway.

South Canterbury did not have tho finish of the opposition, but they were triers all tho way, and Wright made a good run along the flank, going past Churchill, but with N. Campbell in support he went a shade too far. As Silver endeavoured to dear he was well tackled by Muqihy, but the Otago forwards shifted play ,to halfway, where Churchill made a fine burst upficld and passed to Campbell, Murray kicking through for Trevathan and Churchill to foot the ball through, the latter going over to score a good try. Trevathan converted from fairly wide out. Otago 28 South Canterbury 6 TREVATHAN LANDS ANOTHER. Play continued to be bright and lively, with Otago backs handling well, and when Silver fielded a kick from T. Morrison he made a strong run and passed to Campbell, who found touch inside the twenty-five. Trevathan was prominent again a moment later with a nice cut through, and when Hollinson endeavoured to clear Churchill gathered and threw a long pass to Trevathan, who steadied himself, and from 40yds out and straight in line, potted another beauty. Otago 32 South Canterbury 6 Otago were all over the opposition now, but with one of the few opportunities that came his way T. Morrison made a good run along the flank before he was checked. The Blues launched another attack, and Onglcy, who was opening up play at every conceivable opportunity, sent to Trevathan, Campbell sending in again to Trevathan, and Murray, Churchill, and Nieper handling in turn for tho last-named to score, Trevathan failed. Otago 35 South Canterbury 6 South Canterbury gallantly made an effort to score, and Wright made a fine break npfield, and as he came to Silver kicked over the full-hack’s head, but good backing up saved the day for the Blues, and finally W. Campbell cleared, Otago being on the attack when the game ended with the score: — Otago 35 South Canterbury G Mr L. K. Murray was the referee. OTAGO TEAM'S RECORD FOUR WINS The Otago team’s record on the northern tour was as follows; v. Wellington, lost 3-7. v. North Auckland, won 25-13. v. Auckland, drawn 3-3. v. Wanganui, won 4-0. v. Taranaki, lost 4-8. v. Canterbury, won 10-3. v. South Canterbury, won 35-6. Played 7, won 4, lost 2. drawn I; noints for 84, points against 40. TOURISTS RETURN Ine team had a most enjoyable stay at Tim am, and the entertainment of the visitors was in the capable hands of Mr A. C. Pippin, who is not only treasurer of the South Canterbury Rugby Union, but is also well known as the secretary of the South Canterbury Swimming Centre. After the match the teams were the cmests of the South Canterbury Rugby Union at a dinner, and the various .speakers congratulated the Otago team on the display it had given, stating that it had played one of the most, attractive games seen in Timaru tor a team returned by bus yesterday afternoon. A DRAWN GAME WELLINGTON V. TARANAKI [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. September 9. Recovering well after being 12 points down at half-time Wellington drew with Taranaki. 18-18, at Athletic Park. The game failed to produce much Ingnclass football, but in the second spell was spectacular and exciting. The ground was in good order ana the afternoon fine. The attendance was approximately 12.000. In the first spell Taranaki had the advantage of a strong northerly wind, and made most of tho play. Lambourne. Wellington’s hooker, who .has been so successful in representative football this season, was absent from the home pack, and Taranaki gained' a majority of the ball from the set scrums.' The backs went well individually, but showed a lack of combination. Brown, the first five-eighth, was inclined to lob his passes, and neither Killeen nor J. Sullivan handled or passed well. Both scored spectacular tries, however, and were always conspicuous. Johns, the fulLhaek. played an outstanding gamp, using the wind to gobd advantage in the first spell and fielding and tackling excellently. Of the forwards. Coull and Benton were the best in (lie loose, and Young was outstanding in the line-outs. Wellington opened the scoring with a good try by Wright, but after that Taranaki gained the upper hand. Tries were scored bv Killeen, J. Sullivan, and C. Sullivan, Johns converted one, and Arnold kicked a field goal. The second spell was the reverse, Wellington scoring 15 points and Taranaki 3. Wright. Sherratt, and Wales scored tries, and Thomas kicked two penalty goals. For Taranaki Johns kicked a penalty goal. CANTERBURY BEATS WEST COAST [Per United Paess Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 9. Well held for the greater part of the game, Canterbury finished spectacularly against West Coast on Lancaster Park Oval to-day, and won by 24 points to 6. The margin is greater than the run of play justified, because with less than a quarter of an hour to go Canterbury was leading by only 5 points. In the last 15 minutes the Coast defence weakened _ slightly, and the speedv Canterbury wingers seemed three flashing tries between them. Tries were scored for Canterbury by Allen, Roberts (three!, and Cartwright (two)', and Ballantyne converted three tries. For West Const. Lindbohni kicked two penalty goals. MANAWATU BEATS WAIRARAPA [Per United Press Association.] PALMERSTON N„ September 10. Manawatu defeated Wairarapa by 21 points to 3. Wairarapa gave a poor exhibition, and the game scarcely came up to representative standard.

SOUTHLAND'S NARROW WIN AUCKLAND BEATEN BY 18 T 8 14 [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 9. The Southland team encountered the strongest opposition of its northern tour when the side just managed to take honours by 1G points to 14 in the last three minutes against Auckland at Eden Park in tho most thrilling game locally lor many years. Auckland led until that stage, and with the tonring side nine points to nil at the interval it looked as though the homo team would prevail as Southland had not displayed anything like its true form.

Halfway through the second spell Auckland had the advantage by 14 points to 6. Southland decreased the margin to three points with seven minutes to go, and evened the scores four minutes later with a try. Wesney’s kick at goal failed, but an appeal was made for another kick as an Auckland player was lying down in the middle of the field instead of beinp behind the goal line. The second kick was successful, and gave the visitors the game by two points.

The ground was in perfect order and tho overhead conditions were fine. The attendance was estimated at 17,000, the largest crowd at Eden Park this season. The individual brilliance of the Southland backs brought the spectators to their feet many times in the second spell. ■ They were definitely superior to the Auckland backs on attack, but it is a tribute to the defence of all the home players that tho visitors did not score more often. With this factor in mind, and on the general run of the play, it is the opinion of capable critics that Auckland was unlucky to lose and a draw would have been a better indication of the exchanges. In spite of losing its hooker, Slierriff, after 10 minutes’ play Southland had a scrummage superiority in the first spell of 11 to 8, but Auckland raked 10 to 6 in the second half. The Southland three-quarters, Sutherland, Wesney, and Mahony, were brilliant with handling and elusive running. Saxton was a capable captain and showed wonderful incisive ability with a penchant for running hard and straight. The Auckland full-back, Hare, showed remarkable kicking powers in sending over a penalty kick at goal from a yard inside halfway, and in another 45 yards attempt from near the sideline the ball bounced back off the bar. Tries for Southland were scored by Sutherland, Ward, and Grace. Wesney converted two and kicked a penalty goal. Moffitt and Pepper scored tries for Auckland. Hare converting one and kicking two penalty goals. FIJIAN TEAM BULLER BEATEN BY 5 POINTS [Per United Press Association.] ■ WESTPORT, September 9._ Playing before a large attendance in fine weather and with the ground in a good state except for a few’ heavy patches, tho Fijians inflicted tho first defeat on Bullcr this season, the tourists winning by 9 points to 4. The visiting pack was very willing, but their hookers were unable to obtain possession of the ball. The backs, however, were very alert, and began some of their most dangerous passing movements from their own twenty-five. The first score came to the visitors from a penalty, Ralawa kicking a fine goal from fairly wide out. The Buller forwards time and again broke through in the scrums, but were held up by hard tackling and accurate touch-find-ing by the Fijian bucks. Korovulavula, the full-back, was particularly sure in getting the ball and finding the line. The Buller backs got in some smart passing rushes, Weenink on numerous occasions being sent away, but Cavuilati showed equal pace and got hia man by sound tackles. Brilliant passing by the Fijian backs ended in Vorege grounding the ball just as Weenink got him, raising the Fijian score to fl-nil. In the second spell play had not long been in progress when F. Neighbours kicked a field goal for Buller. For the greater part of this spell Buller held the territorial advantage, but were unable to penetrate the defence. Dawson, Robertson, and Wilson were particularly prominent in dashing Buller forward attacks, whilst all the Duller backs were functioning well. Just when it looked as if Buller might win through with combined forward rushes and then with quick passing movements by tho backs, the Fijians broke away in another beautiful passing rush iu which the ball was thrown about freely for Ralawa to score his second try. Fiji 9-4. Buller stormed the Fijians’ citadel in attempts to cross, but their efforts just fell short of success. Dunn, Buller’s full-back, got in some long touch line kicks in response to llalawa’s relieving kicks, but the Fijians held on to their lead to win by 9 points to 4. The Buller ■ half-back retired in the second spell with a fractured jaw.