FIELD OF SPORT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 169, 1 May 1935, Page 2

FIELD OF SPORT.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “Onlooker”). Mr J. MacMillan, (president of the Ashburton Rugby Referees’ Association), who represented the Association at the annual conference of the New Zealand Association at Invercargill during Easter, has contributed the following comment on the main questions discussed, and other notes | will follow later: — “The conference was considered to have been one of the most successful held for some years.*. Delegates were welcomed by Mr John Miller (Mayor of Invercargill), and by Mr H. Strang (president of flie Southland Rugby Union). “It was presided over by Mr D. McKenzie (chairman of the executive), who has been chairman for twentyi-one years, and who is best known to the public for his lecturettes from Station 2YA on the laws of the game. “The Scrummage Rule. —The main discussion centred on the new scrummage rule, which it is hoped will obviate many of the difficulties of interpretation experienced by players and referees alike. Brieflv stated the rule now is:—-When the hall is on the ground and past one foot of a player on each side it is fairly in the scrummage. The first and the fourth foot on either side may then hook the ball. . „ . “To carry out the intention of the rule, the hooking feet in the scrummage are the first and the fourth, and the old time method of hooking with the outside foot when there were two men down in the front of the scrummage, will come back into the playing of the game. The second and third feet on either side mav not attempt to hook the ball until it has passed them. In any case they cannot hook the ball successfully, and it is better that these feet be not used in attempting to hook. “It is also to be noted that after the ball has been put fairly in the scrum it can come out anywhere but straight through or at either side between the lines of feet of the opposing front row forwards.

“Another point needs emphasis. The player putting the hall in the scrum must stand at least three feet- from the scrum and propel the ball sufficiently hard for it to land on the ground and reach the fourth foot. ' “Law 21.—There is an important al-

teration to the rule relating to the , kick-off from half-way. Previously the ball had to reach the ten yards mark, and opposing players could not prevent it from so doing. The law now reads: —‘The ball must reach the ten yards line, unless first played by an opponent.’ This means that now, directly the ball is kicked, the non-kicking side can come into action. This seems to be an alteration that will make for the speeding up of the game. “The same rule (section (b) Law 21), has been altered to allow it drop kick to be taken instead of a place kick after an unconverted try. It. appears that the only advantage of this is to allow' spectators to know whether the try is converted or not.”

Slippery grounds and wet conditions on Saturday prevented bright play in tne Ashburton Rugby Union's competition matches, ana most fixtures developed into forward struggles. Both senior matches were fairly interesting, though, and produced reasonable play ior tne beginning of the season. Tne Metliven v. Rakaia senior game at Methven did not produce any spectacular play. After the backs discovered that they could not handle the ball accurately, the game developed into a forward struggle, and tne heavy Methven forwards cud not have it all their own way. The light Rakaia forwards played well to hold Methven in check until the last ten minutes.

j. Dolan was playing very good football, hut unfortunately injured his head, and had to retire. Bablecheque has not overcome the habit of playing the ball with his hand in scrummages and picking out of the scrum.

E. McKenzie still has his old dash, and was one of Methven’s best forwards on Saturday. G. Kelly, a junior, also helped materially in his side’s victory. He is Worth a place in any senior; team. G. Stephen and R. Lilley were the best of Methven’s rearguard. Taylor (Ralcaia’s full-back), played ft fine game with conditions against him. His play is improving. B. Doig was the best forward on the ground, and he was ably supported by his brother.

Findlay was on the ball all day. It is a great pity that he has no height. Aspiring representatives would do well to take a lesson from his dribbling and following up the ball. Henderson played a sound game, while B. Jordan did' not seem to get going in the wet conditions. Mayfield juniors played a surprisingly good game, defeating Methven A. at Methven. They should develop into a good side with coaching. The Ashburton Rugby Referees’ Association intends calling a mee.ting of officials and players to hear its delegate’s report of the New Zealand Association’s conference l held during Easter. It is to be hoped that players will avail themselves of this opportunity to have the alterations of rules clearly explained to them.

In the Allenton v. Technical Old Boys’ senior match, S. Burrows (Technical) played a good solid game, his line-play being especially good. B. Prichard (Technical), a junior player, of distinct promise, handles well. A little more experience m senior play should develop him into a good forward.

A. Dalton (Technical) is a hard worker who buries himself in tight play, and is a decided acquisition as a hooker. His absence was noticeable when he had to leave the field on account of an injury. B. Menzies (Technical), a one-time Hampstead senior, showed glimpses of football ability, and when properly fit, should be an asset to his side.

J. Varcoe (Technical), played a solid all-round game. His try was a nice individual effort, and hie was also a nice place kick He has curbed a good deal of his tendency! to ran into trouble when in possession of the ball and so lose touch with his supports. A. Woods (Technical), with a little tuition of positional play, should develop into a good winger. He made a good run which resulted in Technical’s last try. C. Brady (Technical), should remember that a full-back’s job is to try and take the ball on the full, as waiting for the bounce will get his side ’into difficulties. This was the case on Saturday. O. E. Morriss (Technical), should concentrate on getting the ball away from scrums and rucks, and on a little more variation in general play. These things are essential to a half-back. U. Flatman (Allenton) should remember that a half-back’s job is to feed his backs, and not run into the forwards with the ball. T. Cates (Allenton) played a solid game. Lack of opportunities did not give this player * the chance to show what he is capable of producing. R. Woodham (Allenton) has a tendency to kick too much. He should remember that possession of the leather is most essential as vvithout .it tries cannot be scored.

L. Vessey (Allenton) had an off day. This was probably accounted for by his playing out of his usual position. He should curb his inclination to speculate as this habit will only get his side into difficulties. S. Pennal (Allenton) played a good game, his line-out work being a feature of his play. Hie should concentrate on more solid scrummage work. R. Rose (Allenton) is a consistently hard worker and very good at following up. A little advice on the finer points of the game will considerably improve his play. R. Burnett (Allenton) should remember that bullocking into melees with his head down is of no use, as it is mostly wasted energy. A little careful coaching would improve this player and turn these spasmodic bursts to good account for his side. J. Lysaght (Allenton) is a good loose forward for his weight. Be has the happy knack of anticipation, but is inclined to get off-side too frequently. He should remember that this bad habit is always to his side’s disadvantage.