RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 50

RUGBY LEAGUE.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. The Ellis Cup competition was advanced a further stage on Saturday afternoon, when Christian Brothers secured an easy win over Athletic on the Oval, and Citybeat Pacific by 5 points on the Caledonian Ground. Several hundred spectators witnessed the game on the Oval. Athletic again showed that it is an improved team, but the pace and finished movements of Christian Brothers could not be denied. It was a fairly close game all through between City and Pacific. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams in the Ellis Cup coinpeti-

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS v. ATHLETIC. A squally wind made things somewhat unpleasant for this match. From the start Christian Brothers indulged in fast and spectacular play, the backs being seen in some fine movements. Only determined tackling kept Peace and Kean from scoring. As the game continued, however. J. O’Connor scored for ’the Greens and Kean converted. Athletic kept up a steady pressure for a time, but it was fruitless. A little later Pearce scored near the post and succeeded with the kick. A penalty goal by Pearce made the Greens’ score 12 points. Athletic again attacked, but M’Donald kicked a difficult penalty- goal. Later on Duncan scored a good try, which was not converted. From a scrum B. O’Connor secured and sent E. M’Kewen over near the posts. Pearce converted. . The game was fairly even for a time after resuming. Following a period of defensive _ play Athletic took a hand, and Clark dribbled over for Barlow to fall on the ball and score. M’Donald failed with the kick. Some minutes later M’Kewen again scored for the Greens. The try was not converted. Another try was scored for the Greens by R. Hill, but the kick again failed. The game ended: Christian Brothers .. 23 points. Athletic 8 points. Mr T. O’Connor was referee. CITY v. PACIFIC. City attacked strongly at the outset, and the game had not been long in progress when a bright movement among the backs ended in Nelson scoring a try behind the posts. Eckhoff converted. Pacific later started another passing movement, in which most of the backs handled the ball. A quick pass to Reid was accepted, and he beat several opponents to score wide out. The try was not converted. At half time the score was: City- 5 points, Pacific 3 points. City again attacked strongly- when the game was resumed, but Pacific rallied, and there was some tight play near City’s line. Eckhoff relieved with a long kick and Crawford scored a good try near the corner. Clydesdale failed with the kick. A little later the Pacific backs had a good opportunity to score, but Mason was not fast enough for his opponents. The City backs then swept done the field in a splendid movement, but Clydesdale fumbled a pass, and some hard play followed on Pacific’s line. City was attacking when the final whistle sounded. The game euded: City 8 points. Pacific .3 points. Mr G. Blazey was referee.

SECOND GRADE. Athletic 14 points, Christian Brothers 10 points. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Devonport 13, Richmond 5. Marist 18, Newton 9. Ponsonby 24, Ellerslie 8. WELLINGTON. Old Boys S, Newtown 6. City 5, Petone nil. CHRISTCHURCH. Hornby 15, Sydenham 10. Addington 19, Linwood 15.

tion: — Points. Cup City Christian P. W. L. D. F. A. pts. . 4 4 — — 44 33 8 Brothers 4 3 1 — 98 29 6 Pacific .. . 4 1 3 — 35 58 2 Athletic .. . . 4 — 4- — 25 7S —.