RUGBY LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 47

RUGBY LEAGUE.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams in the Ellis Cup competition:—

CITY v. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS. Playing with the wind at their backs, Christian Brothers plunged early into the attack'against City, and only good efforts by Hayden and Eckhoff saved the line. City rallied momentarily, but the Brothers swept downfield again and, securing the ball from the ruck, B. Hill fell across the line. Pearce narrowly failed with a difficult kick. A little later Pearce fielded smartly a mis-kick by Hayden and, shooting infield, seemed certain to score when M'Gee stopped him with a good tackle. Mainly by dint of hard forw’ard work, City forced the Brothers back into their own twenty-five, but, although the Magpies’ backs were getting plenty of the ball, they could make no progress ag'aint a fast, smothering defence. Again the Brothers surged into City territory,' the ball swinging from Pearce’s wing right across to Kean, who missed an awkword pass when in a certain scoring position. A minute later Pearce went down the line, only to be forced out of touch by Hayden’s tackle.

At last the City backs managed to shake off the tackling, and in a thrilling rush the ball went out to Ginders, a new player from Auckland, who iri-passed to Clydesdale. A score seemed imminent, but a free kick gave the Brothers relief. Luskie and Nelson were prominent in a spectacular City attack which- ended under the Brothers’ posts. A penalty kick was awarded City, and M'Cabe sent the ball over. Just before time the Brothers’ backs swept down in a great rush, and a try seemed certain, _ when the referee ruled a knock-on against Kean. ■ Early in the second session City took advantage of the wind and forced the pace. Fast, loose play, all to the advantage of City, ended in Townsend getting over the line. Clydesdale missed with the, kick. A hot attack by the Brothers was held up as the, result of _ an infringement, and City retaliated with a period of persistent pressure, which was relieved by Pearce, and Eckhoff put City still further ahead with a penalty goal. A few minutes later this feat was repeated. Striving hard to make up the leeway, the Brothers pushed City back into their own twenty-five, but the luck of the day was all against them. At length B. O’Connor succeeded with a penalty kick. The game ended: City 9 points. Christian Brothers .. 5 points. Mr G. Blazey was referee. ATHLETIC v. PACIFIC. The game between Athletic and Pacific was full of brilliant patches, several players on each sideishowing considerable form. First-one side would attack and then the other, and, because of the improved handling, many of the movements were successful. Athletic set up a brisk attack at the outset, and Atkinson scored a good try for M'Donald to convert. Then

Reid made a nice opening for Pacific, and Bryan scored. M'Donald (Athletic) landed another good goal. Then Venables noted a neat try for Athletic, and, after some good Red passing, Burns brought the total up to 6. Caskie kicked a good goal, .and made it 8. Again M'Donald came to light with a goal, and his side crept up another couple of points. From the scrum Darling flashed the ball out, and Burns, whose try was converted by Caskie, put Pacific ahead 13—12 at half time. The game was equally exciting in the second spell, tries being scored for Athletic by Atkinson (who ran 75 yards). Gray, and Barlow. M'Donald converted another try. For Pacific. Harrison scored a splendid try, which Caskie converted. Catkie also kicked two penalty goals. The final scores were: Athletic 23 points. Pacific .. .. .. i2 points. Mr A. Watt was referee. RESERVE GRADE. In a reserve grade game, played at the Oval, Athletic beat Pacific by 13 points to nil. Christian Brothers had a bye. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Marist 8, Richmond 3. Devonport 16, City 5. l4, Ellerslie 3. WELLINGTON. City 27, Newtown B nil. Newtown A 28, Petone 13. CHRISTCHURCH. Hornby A 17, Addington 13. Linwood 22, Sydenham 6. Hornby-B 11, Riccarton 10.

INTERSTATE MATCH. WIN FOR QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, June 28. In a Rugby League test match Queensland defeated New South Wales by 15 to 8.

P. W. L. D. Points. Cup Pts. F. A. City .. .. 8 8 —— 113 55 16 Christ’n Bros. 8 5 3 125 66 10 Athletic .. 8 2 6 — 70 141 4 Pacific .. 8 1 7 — 74 146 2