FOOTBALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 171, 3 May 1937, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

THE ASHBURTON COMPETITIONS. METHiVEN DEFEAT OLD BOYS. The Ashburton Rugby Union’s competitions were continued on Saturday in fine but rather warm weather. Old Boys were defeated by Methven at Methven, the Union having been granted a closed day in the Domain for this match, at which there was a large attendance. Technical Old Boys beat Public Works in the other senior game at Ashburton. The game at Methven was 'a spectacular one, and as close a contest as could be desired. Old Boys, pressing hard for the last period of the game, were unfortunate in not obtaining the try which would have put them in front. The final score was 11—9 in Methven’s favour, the country side having won its first two matches this season. The two teams playing on Saturday are likely to be leading in the senior competition, and if they continue to turn on football of the kind seen on Saturday, should make the games very interesting indeed.

Public Works made their first appearance in Ashburton football in a match against Technical Old Boys at the Showgrounds. Technical had an 18-nil victory, but Public Works territorially had quite a lot of the game. The backs of the newly-formed team lacked finesse, and did not initiate anything that looked like a scoring movement. The Winchmore team had a solid,lot of forwards who worked hard and had an advantage in the scrums, and also brought off some good dribbling rushes. Public Works have scarcely •had any practice together yet, and their play on Saturday was not a good indication of what they may do later in the season. The Technical team played quite a sound game. Results at a Glance. Senior— Methven 11, Old Boys 9. Technical Old Boys 18, Public Works nil. J unior— Rakaia 16, Old Boys 3. Methven 5, Springburn 0 Third Grade—

Methven 11, Allenton 8. Technical Old Boys 45, Hinds 8.

Fourth Grade— High School 53, Technical B nil. Technical A 3, 'Methven 3.

Methven 11 v. Old Boys 9.

There was a closed day for the match between Methven and Old Boys at Methven. The large crowd which witnessed the game in the Domain were treated to an exhibition of football as good as there is likely to be in Ashburton this season. The game was keenly contested with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. Both sides threw the ball about with a will and a bright, open game resulted. Old Boys were superior in the scrums and the backs were fast and handled keenly. McTigue and Duncan on the wings were always dangerous. The first part of the game was in favour of Old Boys, who kept play in the Methven twenty-five. Then J. Lilley secured in a line-out at half-way and making a fast run down the field scored wide out. The try was unconverted. Methven 3, Old Boys 0. Methven scored again shortly after, following tight play in the Methven twenty-five. R. Lilley forced his way nearly to half-way, sometimes having three men hanging on to him. He passed to J. Lilley, who carried on in a fast run to the corner, where J. Cretney secured the ball and fell over the line. The try was unconverted. Methven 6, Old Boys 0. Old Boys’ turn camo when the fullback kicked past half-way, where McTigue got the ball and raced across near the posts. White converted. Methven 6, Old Boys 5.

A period of up and down play followed and half-time came with no further score.

Immediately on the resumption of play Old Boys were awarded a free kick in a handy position, but the attempt missed. Methven lost a chance when Harrison crossed the line, but lost possession, Old Boys forcing. Play then went to Methven twenty-five, where D. White secured from a. scrum, and kicked a field goal, putting Old Boys in the lead. Old Boys 9, Methven 6. Methven were then placed on the defensive. Old Boys went across the line and lost the ball, and Methven forced. From a scrum in the Old Boys’ half of the field Cook secured and kicked and fast following up saw R. Lilley score. Cook converted. Methven 11, Old Boys 9. From then on Old Boys kept up a particularly vigorous attack, and had Methven pinned on the lino for a long period. There was a succession of

scrums and line-outs in the corner. Finally Methven cleared and T. Lilley intercepting a pass, took play to the twenty-five. Here Old Boys were ■awarded a free kick, but missed. Old Boyis continued to press, but failed to score, although they were on tho point of doing so for the last 20 minutes of tho game. The final score was Methven 11, Old Boys 9. Air C. Wellman was referee.

Technical Old Bays 18, Public Works 0.

After some line-outs and scrums the Technical backs took the ball down to the Public Works’ line, but were penalised and the Public Works forwards dribbled through to the other half of the lield. After up and down play a loose Technical rush took the ball well downfield, and Public Works relieved when the ball went into the dead area. From a half-way scrum the Technical backs went away again. Bradley cut right through, but dropped the •ball. Technical followed this up well with a shot at goal, but R. Varcoe’s kick was to one side. Play was brought down to the Public Works’ line again by a Technical back movement. The ball remained in Public Works’ territory for some time and in a forward scramble went over the line and a twenty-five was awarded. Technical continued to attack on the line, where a line-out was followed by a scrum, from which the ball was flashed out to Robertson on tli© wing, who went over unopposed. Varcoe converted with a good kick- Technical Old Boys 5, Public Works nil. Public Works attacked strongly and after penning Technical for a time took a kick from just outside the twenty-five, which went wide. Technical Old Boys gradually forced their way back. From a back movement in the Public Works’ twenty-five Robertson took a fine pass and went over in the corner after a good run. The kick failed. Technical Old Boys 8, Public Works nil. Public Works returned to the attack. The forwards dribbled the ball through and a race for possession with the Technical full-back ensued, but the touchdown was awarded to Technical. Shortly after Public Works tried another free kick, but Scott’s attempt failed. Play round half-way followed. There was no further score at half-time.

Technical had the sun behind them in the second half. After a short spell, Technical attacked and Thompson went over under the posts. Bradley converted. Technical 13, Publio Works nil.

Public Works came down into the Technical twenty-five and there was another scramble for the- ball when it went over the line. A scrum was awarded and a free kick for Technical followed. Woods was several times called on to save foe Technical and the Public Works’ team kept play in the twenty-five. Samuels kicked the ball up and following up fast caught Bradley in possession. Technical were penalised, but Samuels missed from an awkward angle. Public Works continued to press, but there were no combined movements likely to penetrate the Technical defence. Technical eventually took the ball upheld from a penalty kick at half-way, and went to tho Public Works’ line. When a Public Works player dribbled up to halfway, Bradley and Bevan took it back in a passing movement. Play was in the Public Works’ line until a free kick was awarded against Technical. Public Works took play back to halfway, but a loose Technical movement again compelled them to force. Bradley secured and sent to Bevan, who transferred to Robertson, but a knockon spoilt tho movement. Public Works took the ball back and pressed hard again, trying to break, through. The defence held, and a Technical player, breaking through to halfway, transferred to Thomas who was following and went up nearly half the field to go over. Cobden converted. Technical. Old Boys 18, Public Works nil.

Public Works made another’ sortie downfield, but play was on the halfway line when the whistle blew with no further score. Air P. Alorrison was referee.

JUNIOR GRADE. Rakaia beat Old Boys by 16 points to three in a match on the Showgrounds Grey goose, Douglas and Carney each scored tries for Rakaia, and Douglas in addition potted a goal and kicked a. penalty. B. AValls crossed the line for Old Boys. Air C, Stevenson was referee. Hinds beat Technical Old Boys by 14 points to five at the Showgrounds. For tho winning team B. Gundry 'scored two tries and J. Harris and M. Thompson one each. The last player also converted one try. G. Calder scored for Technical and W. Sparrow converted. Air D. Wood was referee. In a match at Methven the home team defeated Springburn by five points to nil. Air K. Hood was referee. THIRD GRADE. A close game resulted when Allenton met Alethven at tlie Showgrounds. The visiting team came out winners by 11 points to 8. AlcNeil scored two tries for Alethven and Alallet one, and G. Watson converted one. Tries for Allenton were scored by R. Bradford and J. Smith, Dabinet converting one. Air F. Kennedy refereed. Technical Old Boys proved too good for Hinds in a match on the latter team’s ground, and the game ended with the score 45-8 in. the visitors favour. Air C. King refereed.

FOURTH GRADE

High School had a runaway victory over Technical B at the Showgrounds. They compiled 53 points, Technical

failing to score. Mr S. Alexander was referee. The game between Technical A and Mcthven at Mcthven resulted in a draw, both sides securing three points. Mr G. Dalton was referco. IN OTHER CENTRES. Christchurch Merivale 11, Christchurch 0; Varsity 20, Linwood 3; Sydenham 37, Technical 9; Old Boys 11, Athletic 0; Sunnyside 8, Albion 3. Timaru —Old Boys 38, Celtic 3; Star 14, Temuka 8; Geraldine 12, Zingari 1L Auckland—Grafton 39, College Rifles 9; Ponsonby 31, Grammar Old Boys 13; Manukau 15 Marist 11; Otahuhu 17, Training College 13. Welhngton Athletic 21, Marist Bros. 0.8. 3; Petone 23, Hutt 0; Po neke 16, Wellington 11; Wellington College 0.8. 14, Eastbourne 13; Johnsonville 29, Pirates 0; Miramar 5, Oriental 6; Wellington 6, University 11; St. Patrick’s College 0.8. 18, Athletic 0.

QUEENSLAND AND NEW SOUTH WALES DRAW.

SYDNEY, May 2

In the Rugby Union contest Queensland and New South Wales drew, 17 points each, after the latter had led 14 to nil at half-time.

THE ASSOCIATION CODE.

ASHBURTON DEFEATS NOMADS

The Ashburton Association Football Club played their second match of the season against the Nomads’ senior reserve team from 1 Christchurch, on Saturday. The game ended in a win for the home team by five goals to one. The game was late in starting, on account of the late arrival of the Christchurch team. The weather was excellent and the large crowd on the toucliline were soon compensated with a good display from both teams. Within a few minutes of the game starting Nomads secured the lead. From a break-away, by the visiting forwards Rossi ter landed the ball in the net.

Some very fast play followed, the ball moving from one end of the field to the other, and some very pretty passing movements -by Nomads foiwards kept the home backs busy, but as the players were warmed up, Ashburton settled down to play good football, andi were constantly pressing the visiting team’s goal, each forward in turn doing his best to equalise. It Avas not until after 35 minutes’ play that this Avas brought about, L. Wilson being the scorer. The home team still predominated in play, and some very pretty heading of the ball by the home team was much appreciated by the crowd on the touchline. Half-time found the score, Nomads 1, Ashburton 1.

When the second half opened the sun had gone doivn behind the trees, and in the first feAV minutes Ashburton were one goal in the lead, W. Strouger being the scorer. The home team continued to press, and good Avork by Tinker and, Strouger ended in the latter finding the net for tho second time.

The home team at this point were outplaying the Nomads. The home half-hacks, G. Warriner, Iv. Macfarlane and H. Gowans, were keeping their forwards well supplied with the ball, and particularly good work was being done by this trio. The next goal to Ashburton came from the left wing, S. MeElhinney making no mistake with a good shot. With the home team continually pressing, T. Thomson and I>. Gowans had not a great deal to do, but whenever they were called upon they were always equal to the occasion, and the neat footwork of T. Thomson and the clean kicking of D. Gowans was a feature of the game. The visiting team were unfortunate to lose one of their forwards, who during the first half hurt his ankle, and although he continued for .some time had to retire during the second half. With the home team continually pressing, another goal was scored. This time it was headed into the net by a Nomads’ full-back. The game was clean and open and full of interest, and when the final whistle was blown the score read: Ashburton 5, Nomads 1. Mr A. P. Warriner was referee. The visiting team was entertained at dinner at the Somerset Hotel, and were guests • at the dance in the Radiant Hall.

SUNDER LAND WINS THE CUP

LONDON, May 1

In the English Football Association Cup final, Sunderland beat Preston by three goals to one. The busmen’s strike did not a fleet the attendance. Half an hour before the beginning of the match the stadium was packed. Ninety-three thousand spectators took pait in community singing, led by naval and military bands. Brilliant sunshine added to the general carefree atmosphere. The enormous crowd’s exuberance was stilled when the bands began the solemn chords of ‘ ‘Abide With Me, which is now traditional on these occasions. The crowd stood bareheaded and joined in. . Their Majesties, on their arrival, were greeted with tremendous enthusiasm The cheering was renewed when the King shook hands with the players. Preston led 1-0 at half-time, Flank O’Donnell haying scored after snapping up a perfect pass. Sunderland played more scientific football in the second half, Gurnev, Carter and Bnrband scoring to win the Cup for Sunderland for the first time. i „ The Queen presented the Cup to Carter, captain of the feundeilaiui team, congratulating him on his marriage on April 2G. The Queen added: “You could not have had » better wedding present than the Cup. The King also congratulated Carter.

MATCHES ELSEWHERE. Christchurch—Western 3, Nomads 0; Thistle 3, Technical Old Boys 2; Rangers 2, Y.M.C.A. 1. Auckland—Ponsonby 4, Comrades 3;

North Shore 2, Mount Albert 2; Thistle 7, Abels 4. Dunedin—Mosgiel 4, Seadiff 2 ; High School Old Boys 4, Technical Old Boys 2; Northern 3, Maori Hill 2.