RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19050, 22 June 1925, Page 12

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE SENIOR COMPETITION. . ANOTHER WIN FOR GRAFTON. MARISTS DEFEAT UNIVERSITY. Tho senior Rugby championship competition was continued on Saturday in almost perfect weather and the contests provided some excellent football, especially at Eden Park, where tho three matches in A section were played. Grafton, whose play showed great improvement over their performance on the previous Saturday, defeated Grammar Old Boys by a margin of three points after a good game. A. E. Cooke "was in brilliant form, scoring three tries and kicking two goals for the winners. Marist Old Boys proved too strong for University, and although the scores were even at half-time they had a lead of 15 points when tho game ended. Ponsonby had an easy win over College Rifles, their backs outclassing the opposition. Detailed results aro as follow: Grafton, 19, beat Grammar, 16. Marists, 20, beat University, 5. Ponsonby, 29, beat College Rifles, 0. North Shore, 14, beat Suburbs, 6. Manukau Rovers, 11, beat Newton 3. GRAFTON'S GOOD DISPLAY. Grafton took the offensive from the kickoff, a clearing kick by Goodacre, the Grammar fullback being blocked by Cooke, who secured the ball and touched down. Keary failed to convert from an easy position. Hwei-sen soon brought Grammar level by kicking a penalty goal and Keary failed with a similar attempt shortly afterwards. Play settled down ir> midfield until Wilson and then Batty broke away and just failed to score. The next try camo to Grafton through a fine effort by Hughes, who, breaking away from midfield, sent Cooke on to finish a spectacular piece of work by scoring between the posts. Keary's kick missed. From the change-over, Grafton pressed, but Knight relieved temporarily, and then Hughes was again prominent. A penalty io Grafton was taken advantage of by Keary from the sideline and his kick increased Grafton's lead to six points. A promising movement was started by Goodacre, but Monteith was crowded ouu and from a forward rush Grammar w el& awarded a free kick, Ifwersen just missing. Over-eagerness spoiled work by the. Grammar backs and Ifwersen again failed with a penalty kick. A handling bout between Ifwersen, Taylor and Potter further improved Grammar's position and Batty carried on with ball at toe, but Grafton's defence was sound and Cooke prevented Monteith from scoring. . Johnson headed a rush from Grafton territory, but his pass was dropped. An exchange of kicks between Cooke and Goodacre saw Conway fumble, but ho managed to force and Grammar, from the resulting kics, swept upfield, Peacock snatching up in the ruck to fall under the posts.. Tho try was converted by Ifwersen. Half-time came with the spores: Grafton ~ >■ . < »» .. 9 Grammar .. .« .. • • 8 A simple penalty goal was missed by R. Cooke just after tho interval, and although Grammar attacked strongly their errors were a hindrance. Hughes and Cooke were again associated in a splendid move. Starting from his own quarter, the former kicked hard and the centre-threequarter, following up with a. great burst of speed, outstripped the opposition for the rebounding ball and fell over the lino near the post 3. Ho converted his own try. _ , Trying hard ]to decrease Grafton s sixpoint lead, Grammar were given a penalty for offside play and Hwersen goaled from near halfway. ~ Some bright passing was then seen. Arnold had been stopped by Finlay in a dribbling rush, Wilson followed up his own punt to bustle Finlay, who lost possession. Batty dribbled the ball over and scored. Ifwersen converted. With a lead of two points, Grarflmar appeared to have prospects of a win, but Grafton were playing determinedly and making the best of opportunities. The last quarter was fought out at a fast pace, despite frequent offside play by Grammar. After a convincing run by Menzies, Stewart carried on to the line, where he lost the ball, but B. Keary was there and scared. Cooke converted what proved to be the W 'cooko gained ground with an accurate linekick that placed Grafton in their opponents territory, where <?oine hard play followed. A freo kick for offside play was missed by IJ. Kpjlt-v an 1 an interception by Monteith, with Wilson in support, shortly afterwards, looked dangerous for Grafton until an miring em en t baited them. Tho gamo ended with Grafton leading by 19 points to 16. DEFEAT OF UNIVERSITY. Solid work by their forwards was an important factoT in Marist Old Boys' win over University. Honours wore even m the first half University were tho first to get going and for a time kept Marists on tha defence, a score seeming imminent on several occasions. However. Marists cleared by vigorous forward play, and then a breakaway by Loft who snapped up a missed pasa. took play into University's twenty-five. A freekick gavo -timely relief and University pressed again only to bo driven back by a forward rush. , In the second quarter Marists worked their way to University's territory, where Loft fielded a clearing kick and made. an opening for Brodrick. who was stopped just short of the line. University took a turn on attack, and Cashmore and Macken were associated in a smart passing oout, which ended in the latter scoring. Miller converted It was not long before Marists drew level. Hard work V their forwards put them in a good position and from a passing bout in University's twenty-five Brodrick got over, Peters converting. Halftimo came with Marists pressing and tho scores:— University .. .. •> Marists ° On resuming University started will, but a little later, followine a loose rush by the Marist forwards, O'Brien, who had come up to centre in the second quarter, gave Macdonald a clear passage, and he scored at the posts. Peters added the goal points. University became aggressive and Marists had to force. Keene countered a Marist attack, and in fast, open play the ball travelled up and down the field. Then Miller, the Marist wine-threeauarter, gained possession of the ball and after a fine dash, sent the ball on to Loft, who touched down between the posts. Peters converted, putting Marists 10 points in the lead. University made strenuous efforts to reduce the deficit and narrowly missed scoring before the quarter ended. In tho final quarter thev were again unlucky. faulty work by the msi.de backs spoiling chances after tho team had worked into a striking position. A breakaway by the Marists reversed the position, and after a scramble in University twenty-five. Marshall crossed the line. Peters made no mistake with the kick. • A handling bout between Keene, Olsen and Macken ended in the wing-threequarter being forced out at Marists' twenty-five. Another passing rush, probably University's best on the day, was similarly stopped, and when the gamo ended Marists were pressing hard. NORTH SHORE WIN AGAIN. North Shore extended their unbeaten record by defeating Suburbs for second time this season. The game was played at North Shore. The winners were quickly ill their stride, and rushed play to thoir opponents' twenty-five immediately tho game started. Suburbs got a brief respite owing to an infringement by tho home side, but they could not clear, and after several scrums in Suburbs' twenty-five, M. Reid kicked a penalty goal for North Shore. The visiting team, whose forwards did good work, had somewhat the Letter of the remainder of the quarter, and narrowly missed scoring. ' , , In the second quarter, after a- . spell of open play by the backs of both sides, the Suburbs forwards broke away and gave their backs an opportunity. Baker, McLeod ■ and Neill were associated in a bout which resulted in the last-mentioned scoring an unconverted try. One of the North Shore forwards, G. Fairgray, had to retire, being replaced by Best. Attacks by the North Shore backs were stopped and shortly before half-time Suburbs gained the lead. Their forwards dribbled through to their opponents' twenty-five, where Somerville gained possession and made a good opening for Neill who scored another unconverted try. A fine penalty goal by M. Reid just after play was resumed evened the scores. A hot attack by the local forwards broke down in Suburbs' twenty-five owing to a pass being intercepted, but the home forwards returned to the attack and good following up by Waugh enabled him to scoro between the posts. M. Reid, added the goal points. Play continued to bo fast and at times strenuous. Tn the final quarter, following a strong attack by Suburbs Neill had to retire, and was replaced by Wormald. Then the Suburbs fullback, Grey, also had to leave tho field, the vacancy being filled by McDonald. North Shore worked down to _ the visitors' end of the field and M. Reid kicked his second penalty goal, making the. score—l 4—6 in North Shore's favour. Tho visiting team's efforts to reduce the deficit failed and the gamo oaded without further scoro.

PONSONBY'S EASY VICTORY. Just after the opening of the PonsonbyCollege Rifles game the former were awarded a penaltx. which Syme missed. However, he mado amends with another tree kick almost immediately afterward College Rifles managed to keep- Ponsonby defending for a brief interval, but alter Todd had failed with a penalty Lucas headed.a rustu which waa spoilod by tlia ball going into touch. A mark by McGregor resulted m Tonkin nearly getting over. A few minutes later from a scrum Pelham scored on the "blind" side. Syme failed to convert. Just after the change-over McGregor sent Syme away and Lucas carried on to notch a try. > Syme converted. . Tonkin next added to Ponsonby's tally, with an unconverted try. Syme was injured and retired. In a melee shortly afterwards Pelham received an injury to his collarbone and left the field, being replaced by Foster. Keeping up the pressure. Ponsonby had their opponents working hard, but no further points were added before the interval, the score being:— Ponsonby 14 College Rifles . 0 Resuming, a free kick to Ponsonby gave Tonkin a chance, and his unconverted try was almost instantly followed by anotheT in which Hook, Lucas and McGregor combined, the last-named capping a fine effort. Despite improved piny by College Kiiiea in the final quarter. Ponsonby maintained their supremacy and were placed still further in the lead by Tonkin, who notched his third try. and McCarthy, who bustled over in the corner. The score stood at to 0 when Lucas clashed up the field, dodging through the opposition, to touch down under tho goal after a brilliant run. McManus failed with the kick and tho game ended. MANUKAU ROVERS V. NEWTON. Manukau Rovers had to work hard for their victory over Newton at Victoria lark. Newton had the better of the first Quarter and were continually on the attack but failed to scare. In the Becond quarter Manukau had a turn on attack, and although Newton kept them out for a long time tho Manukau's efforts wereat last rewarded, a sustained attack ending in IN. Blucher notching an unconverted try. On resumption after half-time the Manukau forwards caused Newton, a lot of anxiety and for a time play centred m their twentyfive. When a penalty against Manukau lifted the siege Newton launched an offensive and play travelled up and down the field. Then Newton worked their way to Manukau's twenty-five, and Price put in a great dash which took him to the line. Following a scramble Leahy touched down, making tho score 3 all. The kick failed. Forward play predominated for the rest of the game, which was keen and exciting. After Manukau had been stopped just in time, Newton went to the attack, but. Austin relieved the situation with a good kick and a hard loose rush by the Manukau forwards took play to Newton's end of field. One of the Newton players failed to field a high kick and Agnew, following up fast, gained possession, outpaced his opponents, and scored a good try which he failed to convert. . Manukau pressed again and after a scrum near Newton's line Hausham picked up the ball and got across, Austin converting the try, There was no further Bcore. JUNIOR COMPETITIONS. SECOND GRADE. North Shore B, 6, beat Suburbs, 0. Telegraph, 9, beat North Shore A, 8. Grafton, 11, beat Ponsonby, 0. University A, 12, beat Swanson, 0. THIRD OPEN GRADE. Ponsonby, 50, beat Henderson, 0. Eden, 6, beat Marist Old Boys, 0. Kohimarama, 14, beat Howick, 3. St. Heiiers beat United B. Grafton, 8, beat North Shore, 3. Ellerslie, C, beat St, George's, 3. THIRD INTERMEDIATE GRADE. North Shore, 21, beat Manukau, 8. Eden, 29, beat Kingsland B, 5, Suburbs, 12, beat Marathon, 3. Ponsonby, 28, beat United B, 0. Grey Lynn, 9, beat Kingsland A, 6. FOURTH GRADE. Ponsonby, 17, beat Ellerslie, 6. Manukau, 27, beat Kohimarama, 0. Telegraph, 11, teat Parnell, 6, beat Grey Lynn, 5. Suburbs, 17, beat Marathon, 0. North Shore, 12, beat Kingsland, 6. THAMES V. HAURAKI. A WELL-FOUGHT CONTEST. [BY TELEGE.APO.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] THAMES. Saturday. A representative match was played today betWeen Thames and Hauraki Plains in perfect weather, and before an attendance of 1500 spectators, including many visitors from the Plains. Thames kicked off, but lost ground through faulty handling by their inside backs. Later the Thames forwards got going and dominated tho game for some time, until the visitors broke through, after a splendid attempt by Cotter (Hauraki). to goal from ten yards past half way. The game continued fast and interesting, the first spell ending in favour of Hauraki. The fast-following Hauraki forwards began to bustle the home backs, breaking through repeatedly, until finally a smart piece of passing enabled Clarke to score in tho corner. Cotter landed a, great goal from the aide line. Hauraki, 5; Thames, 0. The Thames forwards put a little more life into their work and attacked for a few minutes, but their efforts w&r® nullified by inability of the backs to judge the flight of the balL With 12 minutes to go tho Thames forwards at last overpowered the opposition, and after a scramble were awarded a penalty. from which Pratt kicked a goal. Hauraki, 5; Thames, 3. There were numerous stoppages through inj tinea. Hayward, who was playing a sterling forward game for Thames, • broke through from a line-out at half way and transferred play to the Hauraki goal line. He again got the ball and cross-kicked to the corner. Strange fell over the line with tho ball, - but waa adiudgod off-sido. Tho Thames backs suddenly began to pla<y football. Donnelly side-stepped his way through a bunch of opposing forwards. Strange handled the ball, and it went back to Donnelly, who passed to Mcßae. The latter transferred to Harrison, who sent the ball on to Winder. ' a score resulting in the corner. The kick failed. The Thames backs now played as if inspired, but there was no addition to the score, the match ending: Thames, 6 points; Hanraki, 5. The match involved possession of the Birch Cup. Tho representative junior match, Thames v. Hauraki,. was won by Thames by 6 points to 3. WHANG AREI COMPETITIONS [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WHANGAREI. Saturday. For tho first time this season the matches in tho Whangarei Rugbv Union's competitions were played under fine weather conditions. ■ 9 •> At Kensington Park Old Boys , seniors went down to. a much improved Horahora teahi by 17 points to 14, after leading by 14 points to 6 at half time. For the winners tries were scored by S. Harris (2),; Scott and F. Litt, the last being converted by Kerr, who also kicked a penalty goal. For Old Boys A. Lamb and C. Collins secured tries. Downs converting one. Penalty goals were kicked by Dunn and McKay. At Hikurangi the Hikurangi first grade team beat Kamo by 8 points to 3, after a fast gamo ot fairly, good football. Kamo drew first biood, with a try by R. Nelson, but in the last Quarter Berghan and R. Cunningham scored for Hikurangi, which team is now in a good position toward winning the season's championship. In the junior grade Hikurangi, 5 (a try by Potter, converted by Hamilton), beat Kiripaka. 3, a try by Preston. High School, 19. two tries each by Tilly and Mackay a penalty goal by Mcßao, and. a potted goal by Sullivan, beat Towai, 9, tries by Ford, Reeves, and Going. Kamo, 6, beat Hukerenui, 3. In the third grade Old Boys. 18, tries by Webber. Conway and. Wakelin, and penalty goals by Conway (2), and Doel, beat Kamo, 3, a try by R. Elliott. High School B, 23, tries by Kelly (3), Cossill, Crawford (2), and Murray, one converted by Wells, beat Parua Bay. 3, a try by Thorburn. Y.M.C.A, 23, tries by Broomfield, Trevurza, Richards, Peterson and Winstanley, a penalty goal by BroOmfield, and a conversion by Reilly, beat Horahora 0. High School A. 34, tries by McLennan (3). Burt. Cunnell. Webber, Meyer and Burkliart. and penalty goals by Ewen and Burkhart and two conversions by Hewin, beat Pioneers, 0. PIAKO UNION RESULTS. [by telegraph.--oivn correspondent.] TE AROHA, Saturday. The Piako Union's matches to-day resulted : Senior Grade.—Terriers, 3, v. City. 0; Waihou, 3, v. Manawaru, 3. Juniors.—Terriers, 17, v. City, 8; Waihou, 18, v. Manawaru, 5. Third Grade.—Terriers, f>. v. Waihou, 0. RESULTS AT TAUMARUNUL [by telegraph.—own correspondent. ] TAUMARUNUI, Saturday. The Rugby football games to-day resulted: —Athletic, 13, v. Taumarunui, 0; Manunui, 11, v. Ongarue, 5. MATCH AT OPOTIKI. [by telegraph.—own correspondent. ] OPOTIKI, Saturday. The cup matches were continued to-day in beautiful weather. In the senior competition, City, 6, beat Te Hui, 3, after a hard game, won in the last minute. Ha\,k)ns and S. Parkinson scored tries for the iviuntrs, and a. penalty goal was kicked for the losers.

PLAY AT TE PUKE. TEAM LEAVES THE FIELD. [BY TKLEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] TE PUKE, Saturday. - The 3Etngby football matches played hero to-day resulted:— Seniors.— Pongakawa, 12, v. Hovers, J; United, 6. v. Rangiuru, 0. Juniors.—Papamoa, 0 v. Rovers. 0. In the senior match. United versus Rangiuru, the latter team, apparently dissatisfied with the i* i tree's decision in awarding United's second try, walked off the held. THE POWNALL TROPHY. TAUIAPE RETAIN POSSESSION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAIHAPE, Saturday. The first challenge for the Pownall trophy was played here to-day, when the Kaii£itikei and Taihapo representatives fougnt out a great game. Taihapo had the best of the play at the start, and had Rangitikei on tho defensive for some time. Their efforts were rewarded when Belliss, the ex-All liliicK, forced his way over the line. Bennett failed to convert. . Play was even for some time and was then relieved with bright passing rushes by bou. sides. Coleman got over for itallgitikei from a loose rush, and Cameron converted. A period of fast play followed. From tho loose Jackson got possession fooled tho opposition, and ran o v er. loby Bennett adding the major points, laihape. 8; Rangitikei, 5. Rangitikei.then had the best of the game for Borne time, but then efforts wero spoiled Ly faulty handling. Simpson picked up and dodging Peebles and Bennett, ran over between the posts. Johnston converted. Taihape, 9; Rangitikei, 10. O'Connell next dribbled over tho line and Ormond touched down, Bennett added tho major points. Taihape, 13; Rangitikei, 10. The Taihape forwards now dominated tho play, and another series of dribbling rushes ended in Ormond scoring. The kick waa charged down. Taihape, 1C; Rangitikei, 10. After the interval Rangiftkei _ attacked strongly, but Taihape recovered quickly and from a forward rush Taylor scored, Bennett converting. Taihape, 21; Rangitikei, 10. Later, Rangitikei broke away and Cameron got over. Johnston jailed to _ convert. The next score came to Rangitikei, Taihapo being penalised and Cameron kicking a goal. Taihape, 21; Rangitikei, 16. Tho Taihape forwards proved superior, Bolliss making nice openings. Taylor scored, but Bennett failed lo convert. Rangitikei pressed, but failed to gain any inaterial advantage. Bolliss and Whiteman set off from half-way and O'Connor came in in time to take a pass and scored under tho posts. Jackson c<?nvorted. Both teams put in good defensive work and there was no further score, the match ending: Taihapo, 29; Rangitikei, IG. HAMILTON COMPETITION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT I ' HAMILTON, Saturday. Senior grade Rugby matches were played at Rugby Park, Hamilton, under ideal weather conditions to-day, and before a largo number of spectators. The matches ye re keenly contested, and provided some interesting football. City obtained a fairly easy win over United by 1G points to 3. The latter team lalcked the combination they showed in their two previous matches, and lost many opportunities. The score for City consisted of tries secured by A. Christie, Clemmett (2), and C. Clarkin, two of which were converted by Hemmingway and M. Johnston. United's three points were secured from a penalty kick by H. Charlston. The match between Old Boya and Frankton provided the most exciting football of the present season. The teams we re evenly matched, and there was no score until a few minutes before time, when the Frankton forwards succeeded in breaking down their opponents' defence, C. Warren getting across. The try was not converted, PIAXO COMPETITION. [By TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA, Saturday. The Piako Rugby Union's competition was continued this afternoon at the Herries Memorial Park. The principal match was that between Terriera seniors and City. Tho attendance web fair. City were too eager, being penalised several times. Tho Terriers' backs threw the ball about, but Tim to ins intercepted. From a scram on the lino Timmins was penalised for passing on tho ground, and Dodd took a shot at goal, the Ball going over. Terriers, 3; City, 0. After half-time City set a lively pace, but were unable to score. Walls got across but lout the ball. Terriers then took a turn, City had a shot from an infringement, but. the bs.ll fell short. The last few mini-tea were very exciting, City endeavouring to get across. There was _no alteration in the score. Terriers winning by 3 points to 0. Mr. W s Jonas was referee. GAMES AT TAURANGA. [BS TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. J TAURANGA, Saturday. The Tauranga Rugby Union championships were continued this afternoon in splendid weather. In the Jordan Cup (senior grade) two games were played, A keen match between Cadets Old Boys and Wainui was won by Cadets by 6 points to 0. The game between Te Puna and Rangataua finished a fine contest, victory going tc Te Puna by 9 points to 6, D. Borall landing a goal for the winners £rom tho side-line just on the call of time. In the junior grade (Oliver 'Cup) Cadets Old Boys defeated Matapihi by 12 points to 3. The match, Wainui v. Mount Maunganui was awarded by default to Mount Maunganui Tho third grade Jordan Banner match between Cadets and Rangataua was won by Cadets by 18 points tp 5. Three games were played in the primary schools competition, the results being as follows ir-Tanranga A, 12, v, Maungatapu, 3; Greerton, 16, v. Otumootai, 5; Mount Maunganui, 38, v. Tauranga B, 3. RESULTS AT WANGANUL [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WANGANUI, Saturday. The Rugby football to-day was of the best. A stirring and exciting contest took place between Pirates and Technical Old Boys, and ended in a draw, 12 joints each. Kaierau had a strong tussle with the Ratann team, and won by 13 points to 8. Wanganui Old Boys defeated Marists by 19 points to 5. Old Boys are now the leaders for the cup. Kaierau have come up and Pirates have dropped back. THE SOUTHERN CENTRES. [BX TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Saturday. Eijjht thousand people saw Poneko defeat University by 27 points to 16. It was an exciting game, the teams being level,'each 16 points, until nearing the end of tho second spoil, when Foneke forged ahead. Poneke now leads for the championship. Oriental, 8, defeated Athletic, 3; Petone, 10. defeated Marist, 6; Oriental, 8, defeated Athletic 3; Wellington, 12, defeated Selwyn, 3 Hutt, 3, drew with Old Boys, 3. CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. The Rugby football matches to-day resulted Old Boys, 27, v. University. 0; Christchurch, 8, v. Merivale, 3; North Canterbury, 6, v. Linwood, 3. INVERCARGILL, Saturd&y. In the presence of about 2000 spectators tho old rivals. Star and Pirates met, Star winning by 8 points to 0. Pirates had tho much heavier forward pack, but the Stur backs combined finely. , Invercargill defaulted to Marists. DUNEDIN, Saturday. Tho following are tho results of to-day's —ugby football matches:—Pirates, 11, v. University A, 8; University B, 3, V. union 3; Zingari-Richmond, 16, v. Duno din, 6: Kaikorai. 21. v. Southern, (3; Alhambra, 6, v. Taieri Rovers. G.