RUGBY FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 21098, 2 June 1930, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S GAMES BLUES AGAIN DEFEAT PIRATES A 21 POINTS TO 19 BRILLIANT GAME THRILLS CROWD Showing a complete reversal of recent form, the Blues team surprised local Rugby fans on Saturday afternoon by defeating the redoubtable Pirates A side by 21 points to 19 in a, brilliant exhibition which thrilled the big crowd at Rugby Park. It was a refreshing display of bright and open Rugby. There was little between the teams and the score is a fairly true indication of f' the respective merits of the sides. _ From the first whistle to “no-side,” .sensation followed sensation, excitement running high throughout the whole 90 minutes of play. Fortunes fluctuated with remarkable precision and never at any stage could either side rest on its lead. Conditions were wellnigh excellent for fast and open Rugby. By defeating Pirates A, Blues displaced them in the championship race and now lie in second place one point behind Star. The other senior games produced interesting contests, Star defeating Southern by 9 to nil and Waikiwi creating a surprise by decisively beating Pirates B by 27 to 15.

GALBRAITH SHIELD

BLUES (21) v. PIRATES A (19) Played on the No. 1 area, which was in splendid condition, this game provided a thrilling encounter between two wellmatched sides. Not for many years has such a splendid exhibition of club Rugby been played. The ball was given plenty of air, with the result that many' dazzling movements were staged. The evenness of the game was reflected in the final' score of 21 points to 19. Each side scored five tries, Blues succeeding in converting three, while Pirates goaled two. Blues forwards played a game out of the box, and it was largely due to their consistently good rucking that their backs were enabled to play such a prominent part in the decision of the game. Their packing was solid. Pirates were slightly shadowed in this department of the game, but evened up by a splendid display in the backs. The Blacks’ rearguard has never functioned better. They threw the ball about with delightful abandon and always looked dangerous. Falconer (Pirates’ five-eighth) was the best back on the ground. Both on attack and defence he displayed resource and initiative, and whenever he got his hands on the ball the crowd looked for something to happen. . He was well supported in most of his attacking movements. Every man in the game worked hard and it is a credit to the teams’ coaches that they were turned out in such splendid condition. The display once again placed Invercargill Rugby on a high pedestal and as the representative season is so close at hand, it augurs well for the chances of the provincial representatives in their games with northern challengers for the shield. The teams were: — Pirates A (black): W. Thomas; Webb, Diack, Geddes; Falconer, Sharp; G. Thomas; Carter, Tinnock; Hazlett, Batcheler, Metcalfe; O’Driscoll, Robertson; Peterson. Blues (blue and black) : Norris; Henderson, Porter, McKay; Niven, Grant; Johnson; C. George, Burnett; McKenzie, Mclntyre, Clode; Dennis, L. George; Kerse. Blues kicked off into a slight breeze and successive kicks by Hazlett and G. Thomas placet! Pirates on attack. From a line-out Hazlett secured and got his backs going. Geddes received but was" well tackled byHenderson and a similar movement on the other wing was terminated by McKay’s good collar of Webb. Blues roused the crowd to enthusiasm by a great passing rush in which all the backs from Niven to McKay handled, the move cutting deep into black territory. The venue was changed in a flash. Batchelor broke in on Blue passing and the ball was kicked through to Norris, who delayed- his return. Metcalfe, following up fast, charged down the kick, and dashed past Norris, who caught Metcalfe from behind and obstructed him. But for the fact that Metcalfe got clear and scored, a penalty try must have been given against Norris. Diack converted and put Pirates five up inside five minutes play. • Pirates 5 Blues Nil. The first real sensation of the match was created'in the following play. Norris fielded a kick near the stand wing in Blues’ half, and instead of lining, raced across field to Henderson’s wing. Here he transferred to the Blues’ flyer, and after a flashing run in which he left the defence standing, Henderson dived over beneath the poets. It was a spectacular effort which brought forth wild cheering. Niven converted and equalized the scores. Pirates 5 Blues 5

Play had been in progress less than 10 minutes and some splendid exchanges had delighted the crowd. The packs were evenly matched, but Pirates so far had been getting most ball. Blues were penalized just inside the half-way and Diack had a shot at goal but failed, Norris taking the ball on the run and finding touch at half-way. Solid tackling characterized the ensuing play in which both sides threw the ball about freely. McKay attempted to goal from a penalty. His kick fell short and Diack put in a great line kick to halfway. For the. next few minutes Blues dominated the play both back and forward and Pirates had a busy time defending. Getting the ball from almost every scrum now, Johnson sent the backs away time and time again and only the resolute tackling of the blacks saved tries. Porter was ambitious and had a ehot at goal from a few yards inside half-way. It missed and the blacks cleared. After a long period on defence the blacks worked play back to Blues’ 25, Hazlett leading Bis forwards in fine style. Norris was equal to the occasion, and taking the ball off the forwards’ toes, cleared brilliantly. It was a bright game and the crowd cheered its approval. The Blues were breaking through the line-outs only to be sent back by the deft kicks of G. Thomas, who was fielding and lining well for the blacks. The exchanges thus far had favoured Blues. Several forward rushes by Pirates were repulsed, the Blue forwards tigering hard and holding the Pirates pack well. Diack essayed another long penalty shot and Blues were forced. From the drop out O’Driscol! secured and started a passing rush on the left wing. Falconer came into the movement twice and made a good opening before passing to Geddes, who broke through Norris’s tackle and grounded

at the corner—a good try. Diack failed. Pirates 8 Blues 5

Peterson was prominent in the ensuing play and kicked past Norris who was hustled to clear. Webb, Geddes and Falconer got going, but Henderson cut in on the passing and ran 50 yards up the Wing before he was overhauled by Hazlett. He got the ball clear to Clode, who dribbled on to Pirates’ line. Here Burnett joined in and dived over to touch down at the corner. McKay just failed to goal. , Pirates 8 . Blues 8

The pace was terrific. Attack and counter attack followed in sharp bursts. Real tackling saw big and little men bowled over as they tried to break through. At last Blues won a bout of rucking and excitement ran high as C. George and Kerse broke clear and went through to W. Thomas unchecked. • The Pirate full-back went down gamely and stopped the rush. Grant cut-in nicely, but lost his supports and ran into trouble. The following scramble favoured the Blue forwards and the ball was kicked over Pirates’ line. Clode showed an amazing burst of speed and dashed over to touch down amid deafening applause. Niven failed to goal. Blues 11 Pirates 8

Pirates tried hard to take the lead before half-time, but despite hard forward work they were unable to penetrate. Metcalfe and Hazlett led a rush to the 25, and Metcalfe bagged Norris in possession. McKenzie got back in time to help Norris out and the big Blue forward used his strength and weight to shift the play out of danger. Second Spell. The sun shone out brilliantly as the teams kicked off for the second spell. McKenzie marked Diack’s kick and found touch at Pirates' 25. A minute later Porter forced Pirates with a long kick over. Kerse marked the dropout and attempted to goal and Pirates were again forced down. A spell of midfield play ended in Diack transferring play to Blues quarter with a ground kick to the 25. The Blacks did not remain there long however, McKenzie leading a rush back into Black territory. From this position the attackers launched several offensives and only by standing up to the Blues inside line were the Blacks able to frustrate attempts at thrust. Johnson sent the ball out at every possible opportunity and Grant and Niven strove hard to pierce the defence. Falconer and Co. presented a brick wall opposition and little headway was made. Blues were rewarded for their persistency a few minutes later. Grant cut in and lost the ball and Sharp securing was bustled into a faulty clearance. He essayed a touch kick from the centre, but fell short by yards and Norris, anticipating the play, was in position to receive and make an opening on the far wing for Porter. The big centre took the ball in his stride and brushed off a tackle before sending on to Clode who crossed and ran round for his second try. Niven converted. Blues 16 Pirates 8

Blues at this stage had gained the upperhand and continued to do all the attacking and magnificient rucking by the Blues’ pack kept them well placed in position to thrust. The forwards were working like Trojans and refused to give any ground. AU this time however, the Blacks were defending solidly, Falconer and G. Thomas in particular, doing great work. A rally by the Blues’ forwards had Pirates with their backs to the wall, but their scrum crumpled and Mclntyre and L. George just missed going over by inches. Porter next gave the ladies in the stand a thrill as he collected near Pirates 25 and, shaking of several attempts to collar him, was almost through. The cheering was deafening. Next the übiquitous Clode, a promoted junior, grabbed up the leather near the line and hurled himself at the line. He was held up. It was thrilling football, both attackers and defenders battling superbly. The Blacks had an anxious time but managed to keep their line intact. They cleared, but only temporarily, and the ball went to Grant who potted from close in but missed. It was the Black’s turn next. Far from done, they managed to get past the Blues forwards and gain the halfway line. The’ reverse was a shock to Blues and they wilted. A thrill followed. Falconer obtained possession at midfield and made a slashing, swerving run through the defence. He got clear to Norris and changing direction beautifully, sent out a long ground pass to Geddes. The bounce was favourable and Geddes raced away from Norris and McKay (who had come across from the opposite wing) to score a good try inside the corner. Diack missed. Blues .. 16 Pirates 11

It was a great game for the crowd and the excitement and enthusiasm increased as the game resumed. Blues were all over the Blacks the next minute and only bad handling spoiled a certain try. The Blacks came again and playing desperately, threw the ball about from all positions. The handling was good, but the defence just as sound. Geddes and Hazlett made a big gain up the side line and the forwards carried on right to Blues line. The Blues were now tested. They survived and L. George was instrumental in clearing. Play swung to Webb’s wing where passing by the Blacks was held up by McKay. Several times Webb was despatched but each time McKay was equal to the occasion. Another sensational try followed. Diack took a clearing kick just outside Blues’ 25 on the far wing and potted. It was a beautiful kick but missed its objective. The ball soared high beyond the posts. Sensing a possible try, Geddes left the mark like a shot out of a gun, and running up the centre, crossed the line in time to recover the ball as it rebounded from Henderson’s arm. The Blues’ winger had an awkward ball to take. It was going away and had he waited for the bounce, Geddes would have probably beaten him then. The try’ was merited, if unexpected and Geddes was cheered for his quick work. Diack missed an easy chance to convert, and as it turned out it cost his side at least one shield point. Blues 1G Pirates 14

The pace, great as it was, increased. Both sides continued to make an open game of it and some good passing was witnessed. The Blacks always looked likely whenever they got moving. Falconer was playing the game of his career. His fielding and handling were perfect and he ran his backs into position at every opportunity. Twice he made brilliant solo runs, one of which should have ended successfully but for crowding on the part of his supports. The Blue forwards fought back. Their rucking was grand. Every man was pulling his weight. Blues were the next to increase their score. Play was established inside the Black’s 25, and Mclntyre emerged from a ruck with the ball in hiss arms. He dived and was held up and after Johnson had made a couple of efforts to get over, Niven picked up a waiting ball at the base of a ruck and jinked his way through the defence to the posts. It was .a good solo effort which caught the defence out of position for the only time in the game. Niven converted. Blues .. 21 Pirates :. 14

The final stages of the game were just as exciting as the first. Pirates were dying hard and saw yet a chance to, pull the game out of the fire. Their determination brought them success. Diack hung on too long after Falconer had made yet another great opening and a possible try was lost, but the next minute he figured in a movement which ended in Webb crossing. Sharp started the rush and cutting out two men he sent on to Diack who drew Norris before handing to Webb. The last-named crossed at the corner and ran right round behind. Diack converted. Blues ' .. .. 21 Pirates 19

With only a few minutes to go, Blues again took charge and had the Blacks RusUy defending their line. Sonie solid scrumming favoured Blues but they did not score and the game ended

Blues 21 Pirates A 19 Mr, J. Oughton splendidly refereed a great game.

WAIKIWI (27) v. PIRATES B (15)

Waikiwi secured a good victory over Pirates B in the curtain-raiser game.- Pirates were in the lead at half-time, but Waikiwi, fitter and keener, lasted better and routed the Blacks in the second spell. Play was bright and open. For the winners the Gibson brothers, Montague, I. Smith, McDonald and Sheffelbein showed up prominently, while Craig, Mclntosh, McPherson and McKay played well for Pirates. Waikiwi have improved recently and' should win further eames. The teams were:

Waikiwi (Red and Black) .—Greig; McDonald, Mitchell, Stevens; I. Smith, Todd; Montague; J. Gibson, W. Gibson; Sheffelbein, Dagg, Cringle; L. Smith, Lyttle; Murray.

Pirates B (Black) —O’Neill; Rangi, Murphy, Boyd; McPherson, Mclntosh; J. Johnstone; T. McKay. Stott; Scobie, Spencer, Gilson; Roberts, Pryde; Craig. . Waikiwi kicked off against the wind and Pirates used their weight to take play to the Red twenty-five. Montague was prominent in stemming a couple of attacks, but the Blacks were not to be denied and good following up resulted in a try. Craig charged down a kick right in front of the Reds’ goal and he raced over to beat Greig to the touch down. Craig goaled. Pirates B 5, Waikiwi 0. Waikiwi forwards took a hand and some good loose dribbling saw the Reds gain the Black twenty-five. Pirates were penalized twice and McDonald made attempts to goal but, the wind proved too much for him. A nice piece of concerted work by Pirates ended in McPherson scoring between the posts. Craig converted. Pirates 10, Waikiwi 0. The Red forwards were going well and easily broke through the defence. One loose rush ended successfully, Dagg scoring after Mclntosh had failed to force for Pirates. McDonald failed to goal. Pirates 10, Waikiwi 3. Craig scored shortly afterwards for Pirates. He took cleanly at the end of a lineout inside Waikiwi’s half and ran through the opposition to score behind the posts. The scorer converted. Pirates 15, Waikiwi 3. The Reds got going again and a good forward rush was topped off by the backs, Todd receiving at the end of a good passing rush and scoring near the posts. Todd missed the goal. Pirates 15, Waikiwi 6. Waikiwi kept up the attack and just on half-time rushed play to Pirates line. They were too eager however and threw away a try by too hard kicking. Pirates were forced down and half-time was whistled with the score Pirates B 15, Waikiwi 6. Waikiwi had shaped well enough in the first spell to suggest that they would no better with the wind in the second, and this was borne out as tne game proceeded. Tne ited lorwards, headed, by tne uiLsoii brothers, Shenelbem and Lyttle, headed many excurs.ons into Black territory and so well did the backs support them that several tries resulted. W aitciwi took complete charge of the game and only on rare occasions did the Blacks manage to get near the Red line. W. Gibson was the first to open the second spell scoring for Waikiwi. He converted his own try, and a few minutes later goaled from a penalty to make the scores 15-14 in favour of Pirates. A nice piece of solo work gave I. Smith the next try and Waikiwi took the lead 17-15. Pirates rallied temporarily and Craig headed a rush to Waikiwi’s line. McDonald turned defence into attack however and getting clear raced from one end of the field to the other to score a spectacular try. W. Gibson goaled. Waikiwi 22, Pirates B 15. . Waikiwi had now definitely established superiority, and a good piece of combined work between forwards and backs saw 1. Smith make a nice opening for J. Gibson. The latter dived over near tne posts and his brother again converted, making the final score Waikiwi 27 Pirates B 15 Mr E. Fogarty refereed. STAR (!>) v. SOUTHERN (0) The match between Star and Southern on No. 2 area was not worth watching. The Star players were either loafing or trying to achieve wonders lone-handed. When they were loafing, which was for the greater part of the game, Southern were on attack. When they were indulging in solo efforts Southern usually’ managed to keep them out. One try in the first spell and two in the second were all Star could gain. If Southern had possessed a good scoring man they would have crossed on several occasions, for the lackadaisical Star men were at no pains to keep out invaders. Star would have been much wiser both from their own point of view and that of the public to have forced the pace and thrown the ball about. Southern looked much more like a team than on some of their earlier appearances but Joe Roche’s presence in the pack would have made it a much more dangerous attacking unit. The i Southern hookers did good work, the ball' coming out very cleanly. Jack apparently I has the knack of locking a scrum. Frost i at half played a plucky game and with Lock was the mainstay of the Blue rearguard. The teams were:

Star (Navy and White) —Campbell; Giller, Lorimer, Agnew; Adams, Stubbs; Bell; Lilley, Donnelly; O’Toole, Clarkson, Aitken; Galt, Mattingly; Sinclair.

Southern (Light Blue)—Sylvester; Kerr, F. Jack, Burtenshaw; Bagrie, Lock; Frost; Mannix, Newall; Corkin, D. Jack, McEwan; Hamilton, Kir- McCallum. For ten minutes Southern, although playing against the wind, kept Star on the defensive but the Light Blues did not look like scoring. Fine footwork by Donnelly was responsible for Star’s initial attack. A try was lost through over-eagerness. Having assumed the offensive Star stayed there and the backs were seen in some passing movements which were lacking in pace and precision. The ice was broken when from a scrum under the posts Bell passed out to Stubbs who eluded a couple of opponents and ran round behind. He took the kick himself but it was too simple. Star 3, Southern 0.

Southern rallied and their hookers heeled nicely on several occasions for the half to gain ground by line kicking. The Blue backs were also seen in some fair passing and play was right on the Star line. A foolish kick, however, let Star force, and from the drop-out the Magpies launched an attack which came to nothing through Agnew running into the kick. The Southern forwards were scrumming much better than Star and the Blue backs saw plenty of ball. They gave it a go but lacked the necessary finish to score. Half-time came with Star leading 3-nil although Southern had had the better of the game. Star had evidently received instructions to bestir themselves and shortly after the resumption Agnew galloped across following a brief passing bout. Lilley did not goal. Star 6, Southern 0. Bell was the next to score for Star.' A scrum went down on the Blue line and Bell battled and wriggled his-way across. Lilley missed. Star 9, Southern 0. Stubbs tried to bullock his way across a moment later: He actually crossed but lost the ball. Southern rallied and more than held their own until “no-side” sounded. Star 9, Southern 0, Mr E. Budd was referee.

TOWN v. NORTHERN LOCAL TEAM SELECTED. The following players have been selected to represent Town against Northern on Tuesday :— Norris; Webb, Porter, Geddes; Falconer, Niven; Holden; L. George, C. George; Hazeltt, McKenzie, Galt; O'Toole, Metcalfe; Bell (wing-forward). Emergencies.—C. Johnson, Diack, Henderson; Tinnock, Mattingly, O’Driscoll. REFEREES APPOINTED. Following are the referees for to-morrow’s games: Western v. Southern —Mr J. Ewart. Central v. Eastern —Mr D. Dyer. Northern v. Town —Mr E. Budd. JUNIOR MATCHES BLUES STILL UNBEATEN. Saturday’s junior Rugby matches had no effect upon the proud record of the Invercargill Football Club which as yet has been unbeaten in the junior grades. Strangely enough the wins of the second and fourth grade teams were as the result of defaults, Bluff failing to meet the seconds and High School B the fourths. Playing at Bluff the third grade team inflicted a crushing defeat upon the home team. A feature of the second grade competition was the draw between Old Boys and Star—l2-all after a hard game played on sloppy ground at Queen’s Park. Similar conditions underfoot prevailed on the other area at Queen’s Park where Rimu defeated Waikiwi by a small

margin after a willing struggle between the two teams. The performance of Waikiwi was particularly meritorious, going to show that before long they will be a force to be reckoned with for premiership honours. The results of the various games arc as follows: — SECOND GRADE STAR (12) v. OLD BOYS (12). Both teams in this game were evenly matched and from start to finish the game was a hard one and was full of incident, spectators being well-rewarded for their attendance. For Star Sievewright and Smith each scored a try and Halpin kicked two penalty goals. Rout kicked three goals for Old Boys and Francis scored a try. Mr W. O. Ward was referee. RIMU (5) v. WAIKIWI (0). The Rimu-Waikiwi game, also played at Queen’s Park, was a hard and willing struggle, the country team winning by a converted try. Mr A. B. Frampton refereed. Bluff defaulted to Blues. THIRD GRADE OLD BOYS (4) v. SOUTHERN (3). Playing at Biggar street Old Boys succeeded in defeating Soutliern by 4 points to 3 after a hard and willing game. Southern pressed hard in the first spell and in the second half Old Boys railed. Southern, however, retaliated by a great I forward rush which resulted in T. Russell I gaining possession of the ball and out-pac-n.g tne opposition to score a brilliant try. Tne kick railed. Excitement became intense and in the last few minutes ot the game Dcrbie potted a goal for Old Boy's, the lilial whistle sounding almost immediately afterwards. The Southern forwards dominated the play from start to finish and in tire backs Marshall, Cavanagh and Uouling ad played well. A good exhibition was alto given by Herbert who retired injured. Mr M. Sheehan controlled the game. INVERCARGILL (45) v. BLUFF (4). | Invercargill journeyed down to Bluff and immediately the game was started, the Blues set about to compile a cricket score I against the home team. How well they succeeded is indicated by the final scores' of 45-4 in favour of the visitors. Mr A. Angus was referee. HIGH SCHOOL (19) v. BORSTAL A (9). Playing at Herbert street High School defeated Borstal A by 19 points to 9 after a game in which the Borstal forwards were very prominent. Crowe and Uttley were outstanding for High School. Mr H. Wilcox refereed. BORSTAL B v. PIRATES. Pirates could only field nine players, and consequently Borstal B won by default. Some players were loaned to the Blacks however, and a friendly game was played on the Borstal grounds. Play was not of a particularly spectacular kind, and resulted in a win for the Borstal boys by one ' point, 4-3. Mr E. Kelly was referee. FOURTH GRADE TECHNICAL (14) v. OLD BOYS (0). Technical proved definitely superior to Old Boys in a match played at Queen’s Park, winning by 14 points to nil. All the points were scored in the first spell, the try-getters being West, Piercy, Carswell and Neame. Moseley converted one try. Mr D. Donaldson refereed. WAIKIWI (8) v. STAR (6); A fast forward game was played at Waikiwi between Waikiwi and Star, the home team gaining victory by 8 points to 6. For the winners, E. Tansley kicked a penalty goal and Aitken scored a try which Tansley converted. The try-getters for Star were T. Robertson and Doig. Mr J. Smith refereed. HIGH SCHOOL A (38) v. MARIST (0). As the result of faster forwards and backs, High School A were successful in gaining a runaway victory over Marist, the final score being 38-0 in favour of High School. The match was played on the Herbert street grounds. Mr A. Smith was referee.

High School B defaulted to Blues.

FIFTH GRADE

HIGH SCHOOL A (32) v. INVERCAR GILL (0).

A ragged game took place between High School A and Blues at Biggar street, resulting in a win for High by 32 points to nil. For the winners Wesney scored three tries, Paterson two and Uttley, Scandrett, Georgeson and Sefton. Smith kicked a penalty goal and Wesney converged one try. Mr A. Wilson refereed. MARIST (39) v. HIGH SCHOOL B (0). Marist gained a substantial victory over High School B at Biggar street, winning by 39 points to nil. The School forwards packed hard and tight. A. Shepherd played a great game at half for Marist and T. Finerty was outstanding at first five-eighth. The points-getters were A. Shepherd, A. Baird, T. Finert-' and J. Baird, the lastmentioned scoring a fine try after a beautiful run. Mr C. Clark was referee. The following is the Marist . team to play High School A at High ground at 10.30 a.m. topnorrow,' June 3: —C. Campbell; F. Rooney, J. Baird,. R. Robertson, R. Ward, T. Finnerty; H. Shepherd; J. Curtin; J. Cleghorn, 0. Fletcher; J. Murray, N. Forde, N. Wills; L. Crowe, M. Small, N. Ward, J. Hanning, T. Donaldson, N. Dawson. A DRAWN GAME NEW SOUTH WALES v. QUEENSLAND. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Brisbane, May 31. The Rugby union match New South Wales v. Queensland ended in a draw, six all. The match was played im mud after heavy' rain- I

POSITION OF TEAMS. Pts Ch. P. W. L. D. For. Agst-. Pts. Star .. .« . .. 6 1 — Ill 25 10 Blues .. 6 4 1 1 130 59 9 Pirates A .. 6 4 -J — 143 75 8 Waikiwi . . 6 2 4 — 67 136 4 Pirates B .. . 6 1 4 1 53 108 3 Southern . . 6 1 o — 34 135 2