RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 49

RUGBY LEAGUE.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. Christian Brothers showed their best form against Pacific on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon and compiled a big score. The Green backs threw the ball about in fine style, and Pearce, the speedy wing three-quarter, registered five tries. Athletic put up a stern fight against City on the Oval. Had the north end teain been more solid in attack it would probably have registered a win. City secured the verdict by the email margin of two points. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams in the Ellis Cup competition: —

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS v. PACIFIC. Pacific set up a strong attack at the start, but the Christian Brothers’ backs quickly settled down. Good tackling by the Pacific side prevented a score in the very early stages, but the Green backs again swept down the field, and Pearce scored at the corner and converted the try. A little later the same player ran right through to score behind the posts. He again converted his try. A few minutes later Pearce again broke through as the result of weak tackling. The scorer failed with the kick. A little later Blackwood, one of the Pacific backs, was injured, and left the field. Davies kicked a goal for Pacific, and before half time Kean finished off a passing movement for the Greens. He succeeded with the kick. Christian Brothers 18 points, Pacific 2 points. After the resumption of the game play was fairly even for a time, but Pearce again broke away, and scored at the corner. Deaker later scored for Christian Brothers. Then Pearce once more beat the defence and scored his fifth try. In the final stages Hobson scored a good try at the corner. In some tight play Osmond, one of the Pacific forwards, was removed from the field with a broken rib. The final scores were: Christian Brothers .. 30 points. Pacific 2 points. Mr T. O’Connor was referee. CITY v. ATHLETIC. Working the back division at every opportunity, City carried play into Athletics’ territory from the start. As the result of a dash down the left wing Crawford scored for City. The kick at goal failed. Athletic held City for a time, but the repeated efforts of the City backs were again successful. Nelson followed up fast and scored. The try was not converted. A little later Crawford received an injury to his head, and had to retire. Just before half time M'Donald kicked a penalty goal for Athletic. City 6 points, Athletic 2 points. Athletic opened the second spell with strong attacks, and the north end men put in some good work. The backs, however, did not possess the. necessary thrust to make an opening in the defence. Athletic again rallied, but several players failed to pick up the ball at the critical moment, and chances were lost. A little later M'Donald, with a

long penalty goal, increased Athletic’s score. The final scores were: City 6 points. Athletic 4 points. Mr G. Blazey was referee. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. City 16, Marist 2. Ponsonby 20, Newton 8. Richmond 17, Ellerslie 9. WELLINGTON. City 4, Newtown 3. Petone 12, Old Boys 11. CHRISTCHURCH. Addington 21, Sydenham nil. Hornby 21, Linwood 13. PROPOSED TOUR OF AUSTRALIA. LONDON. May 18. The l Rugby League Emergency Committee discussed Australia’s invitation to tour in 1932, and decided to refer details and terms to the full League Council. Meanwhile it is moving cautiously owing to the exchange position. The Rugby League is asking New South Wales and Queensland for further reports and financial returns from matches now being played in order that a suitable comparison can be made before a decision is made to accept.

P. W. Points. L. D. F. A. Cup Pts. City .. .. 3 3 — — 3G 30 6 Christian Brothers 3 0 1 — 75 21 4 Pacific 3 1 2 — 32 50 2 Athletic .. 3 — 3 — 17 55 —