Rugby Football in Dunedin: Southern and Alhambra Draw.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 48

Rugby Football in Dunedin: Southern and Alhambra Draw.

but the play was not of interest so far as the spectators were concerned. The Southern backs tried passing in the final Stages. _ Simon passed to Davis on the blind side. Davie ran and got in a short kick, and was then knocked over. Davis showed out again immediately after, and I»lay swung across to Purvis, who was caught just in time. The whistle went shortly after with the play at the Alhambra twenty-five. Alhambra .. .. Nil. Southern Nil. Mr R. W. Jenkins was the referee. ZINGARI-RICHMOND v. PIRATES. Zingari-Richmond met Pirates at Tahuna, and, afte r a willing and fairly fast game, scored a well-deserved win by 14 points 'to 6. The teams were as follow:— Zingari-Richmond.—Heazlewood, Procter, Stevenson, Cranefield, Caradus, RapSon, Garside, Sanderson, Standring, Rivett, Morrison, Douglas, Calder, Deuchrass. Pirates: Walker, Robilliard, Allen, Easton, Todd, Ottrey, Giles, Hook, Waddell Smith, Anderson, Noble, Miller Gordon, Fitzgerald. Pirates kicked off against the wind, and Solid work by the forwards carried play deep into the Colours’ end of the field From a scrum, Rapson got the ball away to Caradus. The latter threw a long pass to Procter, who got to the opposing twenty-five before he was brought down by Allen. An infringement gave Zingari a penalty about 10 yards from halfway, and Heazlewood kicked a good goal from a difficult angle. The Pirates pack came into action, and with a series of short, solid rushes, worked play down to within a few yards of the Colours’ line. From a line out Giles got his backs into action, but the movement lacked thrust, and with each man well marked by a Colours’ playe r ground was lost instead of gained. Douglas and Morrison led a loose rush by the Zingari pack, and the ball travelled to the Blacks’ twenty-five, Easton relieving with a long return, which found the line near, halfway. Here the Pirates’ backs again got going, and Ottrey, securing possession, went through the defence to Zingari’s twenty-five. He dropped the ball, but dribbled on, and what looked like a certain score was averted by Barbara falling on the ball inches from the goal line. Zingari set up a vigorous attack, and a solid concerted forward movement rushed play up the field to Pirates’ twenty-five, where Walker picked up, and, aiming for the line, found touch near halfway. Zingari came again, and for a few minutes the Blacks were hard at work defending their line. Giles relieved the pressure with a long kick downfield, but the Zingari forwards were not to be denied, and with Standring, Douglas and Morrison in the van, they pressed the Blacks back into. their own twenty-five again. All the Pirates’ backs handled the ball in a passing rush initiated by Giles, but the movement was marred by faulty handling. From a scramble near midfield, Noble broke away on his own, and dribbled right over the Zingari line, but Barbara again managed to force down. Again Giles sent his backs away, and the ball went from Ottrey to Allen, to Robilliard, and back to Allen, who made a bold bid for the line, but was thrown into touch just before he reached it. Attack after attack was launched on the Colours’ line, but the defence was sound, and at no time did any of the rushes look dangerous. Heazlewood, from a mark, sent a longe line-finder to well past halfway, but from, the line out Robilliard secured and sprinted down the line to regain a good slice of ground for his side. The Black backs were getting the most of the ball, but with the exception of Allen none of them was showing much initiative. Procter slipped through the defence near his own twenty-five and got through nearly to the opposing twentyfive, where he short-punted over the line, but Todd, coming up fast, got to the ball first and kicked out of bounds. Play returned to halfway, where Heazlewood picked up, ran nearly to the twenty-five, and. coolly took a pot. The shot missed by inches, and the ball on landing hit the bottom of the post, with the result that the bounce beat Walker, and Garside, who had followed up, fell on the ball to score. The half time whistle went immediately afterwards with the scores:—Zingari-Rich-mond, 8 points; Pirates, nil.

Tffie second spell opened with a solid Zingari pack, which drove the Blacks nearly to their own quarter line, but Walker regained the lost ground with a long line kick. From a scrum Giles worked the blind side and whipped the ball out to Ottrey, who in turn passed to. Easton. The winger made a determined dash down the line, and, in-passing to Ottrey a few yards from the goal line, sent the latter over near the posts. Walker failed to convert. The Blacks set up a vigorous offensive bn the Colours’ line, but they were met with a sturdy defence, and for a time play was centred in Zingari’s twenty-five. Standring bYoke through with the ball at his toes and got through nearly to halfway, but Walker picked up smartly and returned to the Colours’ corner. Zingari pressed back to the x twenty-fiye, but the Black vanguard came away in a tight rush, and drove their opponents back on to the line, where Giles, picking up, dived over to notch Pirates’ second try. Walker failed with the kick. The Pirates backs were now going better than in the first spell, Allen and Easton showing out in a couple of. good runs. For a time Pirates held the advantage, and kept up a determined offensive on the Zingari goal line. The Colours’ forwards, however, rose to the occasion again, and, led by Standring, Garside, and Douglas, went through with an irresistible rush to the Black twentyfive. Here, from a loose scramble, Cranefield secured, arid, beating two opponents, passed out to Stevenson, who battled his way through the defence to score near the corner. Heazlewood’s attempt at goal failed. For a time play was very ragged, with Pirates holding a slight territorial advantage. The backs, who had, at the beginning of the spell, been showing improved combination, began to lose their cohesion again, and, although they were getting the ball time and again from the scrums, practically all of their movements broke down, A good run by Stevenson took the ball deep into Black territory, but Walker brought relief with a long punt, which found the line well on Zingari’s side of halfway. A long line kick by Heazlewood again put Colours on the attack, and Barbara, snapping up near

tlie twenty-five, made a dash for the line. He failed to score, but just on the call of time Standring gained possession from a scramble on the line and dived over. The attempt to convert failed. The final scores were; Zingari-Richmond .. 14 points. Pirates 6 points. Mr A. M'Gregor was referee. DUNEDIN v. TAIERI. The match between Dunedin and Taieri, played at . Mosgiel, provided a fairly ragged exhibition of football, although the strong wind which blew across the field was largely to blame for the nature of the game. Taieri were the aggressors during the greater part of the game, but were not able to make use of the opportunities that came their way. The score of 8 to 6 in favour of the visitors was made up of two tries (one converted) for Dunedin and two penalty goals. The teams were:— Taieri.—T. A. Stevenson, C. Duff, L. Lindsay, Stevens, W. Bathgate, M'Donald, J. Pearce, Beattie, Moffatt, Findlay, M'Leod, Brown, Scott, Muirhead, Finlayson. Dunedin: Hayes, Hayes, Fulton, Bayne, Brookes, Toomey, Taiaroa, M'Kewen, O’Reilly, Herbert, Karetai, Amos, Martin, Coughlan, Brown. Taieri won the toss and played up the wind. In the early stages play was confined mostly to the forwards. Hayes (full back) saved Dunedin repeatedly, and Toomey also showed- up well in defensive work, while Findlay -was prominent among the Taieri forwards. Finlayson (Taieri) and Brown (Dunedin) were fairly evenly matched. After Taieri had made several onslaughts in the Dunedin twenty-five, Dunedin were penalised, and Findlay kicked a beautiful goal, the wind carrying the ball just inside the post. Taieri 3, Dunedin nil. Dunedin rallied and Brown started off from halfway with the ball at his toe to the Taieri goalmouth, Toomey snapping it up and diving over, scoring, a. fine. try. and converting. Dunedin 5 points, Taieri 3 points. From then on Taieri used the line to very good purpose, and were continually hammering at the Dunedin defences. However, in the loose-play Dunedin were the superior. Herbert and O’Reilly, in particular, were prominent in heading the loose rushes. Bathgate made repeated endeavours to open up the play, but was receiving little support from his outside backs. Taieri made another rush for the Dunedin line, Findlay and Finlayson being in the van. Dunedin were playing to the Taieri full back, who -was rather weak. After a fine line kick by Finlayson, Taieri had Dunedin in their own twenty-five. Hayes, the Dunedin full back, returned play to halfway, and half time was called with no alteration in the score.

Play in the second spell was very even and honours among the forwards were slightly in Dunedin’s favour. Fine tackling by Brown (wing forward) was responsible for checking any effort on Taieri’s part to open up the game. Dunedin used the wind to good effect. O’Reilly, the Dunedin skipper, kept his men together, and headed many a rush to the Taieri twenty-five. Martin was also showing up well in the Dunedin pack, and Herbert was responsible for good work in the line-outs. Findlay headed a strong rush for the Dunedin twenty-five, and the visitors had an anxious time. Offside play gave Findlay a chance which he accepted, and Taieri led, with the score: Taieri 6 points, Dunedin 5 points. Dunedin made a determined effort, and rushed-play to their opponents’ twentyfice, where Bathgate relieved with a splendid kick. Give-and-take play saw Toomey break through, but Bathgate again relieved. Hayes fielded splendidly, and attempted a pot at goal, which went wide. Brookes, who was playing a reliable. game, followed up and tackled the Taieri full-back, and Hayes snapped the ball up and dived over, Toomey failing with the kick. Dunedin 8 points, Taieri 6 points. Taieri came back with a strong rush, Fulton saving with a good line kick. The home team strove persistently to score, but Dunedin’s defence was too sound, and the game ended with the scores:—

Dunedin 8 points Taieri 6 points Mr Macassey was the referee. UNIVERSITY A v. UNION. In a match which was not distinguished by any really good, open play, and which for the most part was a series of scrambles. University A defeated Union by 20 points to nil on Carisbrook. The University backs were unable to get into their stride, the same applying to the Union rearguard, although brief flashes of good individual play occasionally enlivened proceedings. The teams were as follow: — University A.—Lindsay, Mackenzie, Dunne, Salt, Irwin, Cook, Lowndes, Service, Bannatyne, Borrie, Hartnell, Sutherland, Abel, Strang, Hamilton. Union.—Silver M'Cullough, Stephenson, Churchill, Garden, Lumb, Stokes, M'Kenzie, M'Queen, Johnston, Morgan, Turner, Lang, Collier, Hay.

Union kicked off against the sun and wind, but within a few seconds of opening the University pack carried the ball down to Union’s twenty-five, where from a scrum the Union backs secured the ball, but wer e unable to make much headway, although a good line-kick by the wing brought play to halfway. A short spell of scrambling play near mid-way ensued, when Salt, the University wing, secured the ball and found the line well down towards the corner. The Union defence was adequate for the occasion, however, and play swung back into mutual ground. From an infringement by Union near half-way, Lindsay tried a kick a goal, the ball narrowly missing the posts. Shortly afterwards the University backs swung into action, Salt being forced out near the corner. Another infringement just outside Union’s twenty-five gave Lindsay, another chance to kick a goal, but again he narrowly missed. Salt secured the ball from a scramble, and ran down the line, but his pass went astray, and Union again forced play back to halfway. The Union backs then began to take a hand in. the attack, and a good movement finished in University’s corner, the ball being forced out. The University forwards put in some hard work and averted the danger, play going back to halfway. Shortly afterwards, from a scramble inside Union twenty-five Mackenzie secured

the ball, and scored at the corner. Lindsay kicked a splendid gpal. University 5 points, Union nil. Good packing by the Union forwards carried play into University’s country, where the Union backs put in some good work, Lumb. being pushed out at the corner. Union strained every nerve to cross, but the University defence was very solid, and after a few minutes of scrambling in the corner a good kick down field relieved the situation. Following a period of scrambling play in midfield Cook secured from a ruck, and passed in to Salt, who crossed in a handy position. Lindsay’s kick went wide. University 8 points, Union nil. Half time sounded shortly afterwards, with play in midfield and the score unchanged. Immediately after the resumption of play University instituted a dribbing rush which was stopped by Silver, the Union full-back, who took a good mark. Soon afterwards, however, University again carried play into Union’s twenty-five, but an almost certain try was spoilt by a knock on. University again returned to the attack, but an infringement allowed Union to clear, a good line kick bringing play back to halfway. University started several passing movements, but they broke down before much ground had been gained. The forwards, however, kept up the pressure, and carried the ball to Union’s line.. Play swung across field, and Mackenzie made a good run and narrowly missed scoring, the ball going out at the corner. Immediately afterwards from the line out, Abel secured and crossed at the corner. Lindsay’s kick failed. . University 11, Union nil. For some time play swung from one side of the field to the other, in meutral territory, neither team securing much advantage. The Union backs instituted a passing rush which broke down when Churchill failed to get rid of the ball. Lindsay then took possession and made a great run almost to Union’s twenty-five, where he passed to M'Kenzie, who kicked to the centre, the ball being splendidly marked by Silver, the Union full-back. The University backs made several attempts to get into action, but solid tackling prevented them from making much headway, and play remained in midfield for a spell. At this stage M'Cullough, of Union, received an injury to his shoulder, and went off. Henderson taking his place. From a pass Mackenzie secured and made a great run to the Union line, where he was brought down by Silver. A scramble followed, from which Strang took possession and dived over. Lindsay’s kick failed. University 14, Union nil. Almost immediately afterwards Irwin secured from a ruck and ran over. Lindsay handled the ball twice and no kick was allowed. University 17, Union nil. From a long throw out, which was fumbled by Union, Irwin secured and passed to Mackenzie, who scored near the corner. Lindsay’s kick went wide. The final whistle sounded immediately afterwards, with the scores:

University 20 points. Union Nil. Mr J. M. Briggs was referee. KAIKORAI v. UNIVERSITY B. The match between Kaikorai and University B was played at Bishopscourt on Saturday. A strong north-west gale militated against good back play, but the forwards of both sides rose to. the occasion and a keen forward game, with the backs flashing into action now and then, was witnessed by the few hundred spectators present. Allan, Watts, and Sonntag were the pick of the Kaikorai forwards, the first-named being the best forward on the ground, while among the backs Ross (who was playing in his first club match this season), Francis, Stewart, and Johnson were a tower of strength to their side. In the Light Blue vanguard, Blue, D. Allan, and Harrison played well, and were ably assisted by Hubbard, Burt, Jagusch, and Phillips in the rearguard. The teams took the field as follows: —

Kaikorai.—Backs: M'Farlane, Stewart, Laing, Johnston, I. Ross, Botting, Francis. Forwards: Lucy, Watkins, Sonntag, Watts, R. Allan, Rodger, Bartlett, Perry. University B. —Backs: Phillips, Burt, Hawksworth, Hubbard, Hoyle, Jagusch. Bly th. Forwards: Blue, Cunningham, Simmers, Gifford, Harrison, Benson, A. Ross, D. Allan.

University kicked off against a strong wind, and the Hill forwards worked play into Light Blue territory, where Hawksworth relieved with a good kick. From the line out Watts and Allan dribbled through to the opposing twenty-five, where Stewart received and short-punted, gatherthe ball in again in his stride to cross at the corner and go round near the posts for a fine try. Botting’s attempt to goal failed. Kaikorai 3 points, University B nil. Spurred on by this reverse, the Light Blue forwards, led by Allan and Blue, rushed play to the Colours’ line and M'Farlane had to force in a hurry. From ensuing midfield play, Blue picked up from the ruck and made a fine dash for the line with Hubbard in support, but a forward pass robbed the students of a certain try behind the posts. The Colours’ forwards gained the upper hand, and the Light Blues were hard pressed for a time until Blue carried play to the Kaikorai line, where a scrum was formed. The students hooked the ball to Blyth, who worked the blind side and dived over for a well-deserved try. Phillips’s shot at goal failed to add the major points. Kaikorai 3 points, University B 3 points. The Kaikorai backs started passing from the kick off, but A. Ross intercepted a pass from Laing to Johnson, and with a clear field in front of him set sail for the line, but M'Farlane got to him in time, and from the ensuing tight play Kaikorai were forced. The Colours’ forwards now took a hand in attack, and Allan and Watts rushed play to the opposing line, D. Allan and Hubbard saving in quick succession. From a scrum about 20 yards out Francis received, and, beating several of the Universitj’ backs, scored a spectacular try in a handy position. Botting again failed with the kick. Kaikorai, 6 points; University B, 3 points. Kaikorai received from the centre and rushed play back to the Light Blue line, where Phillips saved by a good line finder. Not to be denied, Francis received from the line out, and passed to Ross, who was collared, but Laing, who was handy, picked up and, cutting the defence in half, ran right to the goal posts' before being grassed by Phillips. From a scrum in front of the posts Francis secured and essayed a pot, the

ball striking a Light Blue forwards and going over the bar. Stewart, who was following up fast, secured and touched down, but the referee ordered a twentyfive kick because a small boy behind the goal line touched the ball before Stewart reached it. Half time was called immediately afterwards with the scores: Kaikorai, 6 points; University B, 3 points. Sonntag kicked off upon resumption, and the hill forwards swept down on the students’ line, where Watts was nearly over. The Light Blues were kept busy defending their line for some time, first Francis and then Ross being nearly over. Kaikorai kept up the pressure, and in a fine forward rush, led by Perry and Allen, the latter forced himself over. The kick at goal was a failure. Kaikorai, 9 points; University B, 3 points. Francis was now feeding his backs well, and Laing and Johnson made a deep thrust into the Light Blue territory; but sound tackling by Phillips prevented an addition to the score. University now took a turn on attack, Allen, Cunningham, and Blue breaking through to the Colours’ twenty-five, where Ross, in trying to, save, kicked high in the air, and the wind carried the ball back to his own line, where Harrison, following up fast, went over at the corner _ for a somewhat lucky try. Phillips’s kick at goal failed. Kaikorai, 9 points; University, 6 points. The Kaikorai forwards came away in turn, and after some hard scrummaging on the line Allen picked up and threw himself across for his second try. Johnson failed to convert. Kaikorai, 12 points; University B, 6 points.. The next incident of note was a fine passing rush by the Light Blue backs. Blyth sent out smartly to Jagusch, to Hoyle, to Burt, who knocked on right on the Colours’ line, and so lost a certain try. From the ensuing scrum the Kaikorai forwards again swept dowm the field, and Ross, picking up from the ruck, made a fine solo run, but was not supported, and the students cleared, but only temporarily, for when the final whistls went the Colours’ forwards were making strenuous efforts to get over, and the game ended with the scores: Kaikorai 12 points. University B 6 points. Mr J. Aitchison was referee.

SECOND GRADE. Ravensbourne 9, Southern 3. Dunedin 12, Pirates B 8. THIRD GRADE. University E 18, Dunedin 8. Southern 28, Alhambra 9. Pirates 14, Union 11. Dunedin A 14, High School 3. FOURTH GRADE. Union 27, High School 3. Zingari A 14, Christian Brothers 11. . FIFTH GRADE. Southern 50, Dunedin B nil. Ravensbourne 14, High School nil. SIXTH GRADE. Southern 13, Christian Brothers nil. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. C Grade. Technical A 57, Christian Brothers nil. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. College Rifles 9, Technical Old Boys 6. Ponsonby 11, City 3. University 15, Grammar Old Boys 6. Marist Old Boys 21, Training College 8. Grafton 3, Manukau nil. WELLINGTON. Despite a northerly wind amounting to half a gale, and very heavy rain, all sports fixtures were decided. Results:— Marist 10, University 8. Wellington 18, Berhampore nil. Oriental 9, Eastbourne 6. Hutt 17, Miramar 5. Petone 6, Athletic nil. Poneke 12, Old Boys nil. CHRISTCHURCH. Football matches were played to-day in a heavy north-west wind. The grounds were fast. Results:— Christchurch 17, Linwood 5. Sydenham 14, Athletic 13. Merivale 25, University 3. Old Boys 19, Albion 6. INVERCARGILL. Invercargill 20, Old Boys 6. Pirates 17, Waikiwi 3. HAWKE'S BAY DEFEATS WAIROA. WAIROA, May 30. The annual representative football match between a Napier-Hastings side and Wairoa was played here this afternoon before a large attendance, and was won by the visitors by 22 points to 9. Wairoa led by nine points to nil at half time, but the superior condition of the visitors and good play by Cooke enabled Hawke’s Bay to overwhelm the home side by scoring 22 points in the second half. WAIRARAPA DEFEATS BUSH. PAHIATUA, May 27. In the representative Rugby match played to-day Wairarapa defeated Bush by 9 points to 3 on a heavy ground. A tricky cross wind hampered play. Playing with the advantage of the wind in the first spell Wairarapa put on only six points, Bush forwards making a splendid showing. The speed of the Wairarapa backs enabled L. Williams to cross twice at the corner. Bush held a slight advantage territorially in the second spell, but again the pace of the visiting backs brought them a try, this time by D. Oliver. N. M’Kay kicked a fine penalty goal for Bush. From there on the home vanguard practically dominated the game till the last five minutes, when Wairarapa backs were often dangerous. TEAM FROM AUSTRALIA. QUESTION OF EXTRA MATCHES. WELLINGTON, May 27. Advice was received at the meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union tonight that there was no objection to the Australian fifteen playing two extra

matches to the eight agreed upon during the forthcoming tour. The team would leave Sydney about August 14 and arrive at Auckland. The union decided to adhere to the present itinerary and appointed a sub-committee to recommend what extra matches should be played. The Australian team will no straight down to Dunedin from Auckland. REPLACING INJURED PLAYEI.?. ENGLISH RULING SOUGHT. WELLINGTON, May 2L Chief among several questions rclating to Rugby rules that came befoie the New Zealand Rugby Union this evening was the much-debated one of the replacement of injured players. Alter a lengthy discussion the union decided to write to the English union placing the position in New Zealand before it, together with the reasons why replacements were allowed and asking for a definite ruling. Whatever the English union’s decision might be it was decided that the New Zealand union would abide by it. In the meantime, pending the English union’s reply, it was decided to allow replacements as had been done in the past.

INTERPRETATION OF A MARK. WELLINGTON, May 28. At a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union last evening confirmation was sought by the New Zealand Referees’ Association of the union’s interpretation of a mark. The union upheld its previous resolution that a mark could only be allowed when a player had both feet on the ground and claimed a mark by making a heel mark immediately he caught the ball. For the purposes of a ruling it was decided that the word “ immediately ” could be taken to mean simultaneously.

REPLACING INJURED PLAYERS. NEW PLYMOUTH, May 28. The Taranaki Rugby Union to-night passed a resolution regretting that the New Zealand Rugby Union had decided to write to the English Union for a definite ruling on ■ the question of replacements, and questioning the wisdom of stating at this stage that the English ruling would be acted upon, whatever it might be. The Taranaki Union bases its objection on the grounds that replacement is a national custom, and has nothing to do with the rules of the game, any more than has the English custom of remaining on the field at half time. Further, the matter was fully discussed at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Council, and it was clearly laid down by the various delegates that this question was not in dispute. Had it been, any suggestion of non-replacement would have been strenuously opposed. In view of this clear indication of the opinion of the various unions throughout New Zealand, the Taranaki Union fails to understand why an opinion in England is now being sought on a purely domestic matter. The only result may be to place the English Union in an unnecessarily false position, and possibly lead to trouble in New Zealand if the- decision conflicts yvith the sporting instinct of the players and the public. PAYNE TROPHY MATCH. A statement that there would be no suitable Saturday available for the Payne Trophy match at Christchurch this season was made at the meeting of the Management Committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union. Finally it was decided to ask the Otago Union if Saturday, August 15, would be suitable for the match. Mr W. Britten stated that as soon as the Canterbury representative returned from its northern tour the Otago representatives would commence travelling. _ Some members of the champion team in each centre would doubtless be away with the provincial teams. Mr L. Thomson stated that the absence of one or two players from a club side should not be considered. Mr E. V. Phillips: It would break ..p the combination. The suggestion was made that Otago should be asked to accept a Wednesday for the match, and that it be changed to a Saturday if possible. It vas stated that the Canterbury representative team would be playing against Wanganui at Wanganui on Saturday, August 15, and that arrangements nTight be made to send north the same night any representative players in the champion club’s team. It was decided to ask the Otago Union if it would send its junior representative team to play in Christchurch on August 15, the date suggested for the Payne Trophy match.

UNIVERSITIES’ TEAM ARRIVAL AT SYDNEY. SYDNEY, May 26. Described here as stocky and powerful, the New Zealand Universities’ Rugby Union footballers arrived at Sydney in crisp, sunny weather. They received a warm welcome from crowds on the wharf, including Mr G. P. Stuckey, president of the Sydney University Sports Union, and other leading sports officials. The New Zealanders were given a reception at a leading city hotel. The hope was expressed that the visitors would live up to the high standard of their predecessors, who invariably provided thrilling games. The manager of the team (Mr F. W. Petre), acknowledging the cordiality of the welcome, expressed gratification at the announcement that the Sydney grounds were now softer than usual. Mr Perkine (Canterbury) said that the side included men with fine records, but it would be at’a disadvantage in the first match as its members had not yet played together. The team later practised at University Oval.