OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 64

OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND.

The comparatively small number of spectators at this match, played at Carisbrook, were, treated to a fast and, at times, brilliant exhibition, and no knowledge of the intricacies of hockey was necessary to appreciate the exciting rushes which were frequently made by both" sides. Hockey could, have had no .better advertisement thaa Saturdlay'e game, tfhe interest in which was kept up to concert pitch by the series of attacks and counter-attacks which lasted right up to the call of time-. " """ The teams were: — Southland: Goal, Banrrerman; full backs, Galbraith and Clark (captain) ; -half backs — Porter, Smith, and W. Dingwail; forwards — Callendar, Lewis, Hartley, Wren, Wall. Otago: Goal, Austin; full backs, Johnson and Ryburn (captain); half backs — Thomson, Moore, and Chalmers.; forwards — Moody, Calder, Siedeberg, Gower, Rutherford. Referee, Rev J. Shaw. ►During most of the first spell the visitors appeared to have the advantage. The advantage was more apparent than real, for though they invaded Otago'© circles pretty frequently the weakness of their combination asserted itself there, in the very position where it is most necessary. The fact that Otago did not throughout the game have one corner hit against them would seem to «how that they* were not seriously, troubled by, the attacks on their goal. Had Southland bean stronger in shooting th« result would probably have been different, but no amount of good work in the loose is of much avail unless that work results in goals. If the shooting does' not have this result then the value of "the other

work must be discounted. The southern* team were' fait, and lasted through a hard-

game splendidly. They knew no defeat' until the final whistle sounded, but play«lfco win right through. At times there was' good pasairog on' the part of two or three but they lacked the organised methods' which enabled the whole of -Otago's forward line to combine in passing movements. Their backs ell played well, Ga-i-braith and Smith particularly bo. Of th« forwards Urem abd Hartley wero P ro " minent in much good individiial work, and kept the Blues' backs busy watching them. In the- Otago team Austin, in goal, did excellent work. Johnson not orily defended in great style, continually breaking up rushes by the Southland forwards and getting away with the bait at his stick, but also kept the Otaeo forwards well fed. Of the halves OBarmexs was easily tn« best and the play between him and Rutherford was very effective. Thomson was generally sound, but both he and Moore failed to back up as they should, and consequently the forwards ha.d occasionally to come back for the ball. A stronger centre half would have given his forwards many more ohances. The forwards showed good combination and plenty of pace. Though in on© or two instances centre and inside right dwelt too long over their passes, so much good work was dome by, each of the front rank men that there is a big enough credit balance in their favour. Sk-deberg's passing out to the wing as * i means of diverting attention from nun- ! self, and then taking «- shot .f. fr ° m th * re " ! turn paes worked very effectively. . i The Rev. J. Shaw was prompt and inw partialr as referee. Otago- w 4 goals. Southland ~_^_ 2 goals.