RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 183, 4 August 1919, Page 8

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

COIiEGE MIXES STH.t lead, GRAFTON WELL BEATEN. GRA3DIAR PUTS PONSONBY DOWN. MARIST 12, PARNELL NIL. UNIVERSITY 17, NEWTON 11. The Rugby club championships were advanced another stage on Saturday, when College Rifles held their lead by defeating Grafton, the only team which had hitherto beaten them. Grammar Old Boys still remain runners-up by virtue of a win against I'onsonby. 1 here was a moderate attendance at Eden Park, where the College Rifles and firafton game was played. Though the conditions were fine a strong breezy alternately favoured the teams and this bothered the Grafton players more than their cleverer opponents, who proved themselves adaptable. The Grafton pack started well but tired, and the College Rifles backs were given plenty of chances which they used to advantage. The first spell ended with College Rifles leading by eight points to five, but in the second ppell the Rifles piled up the points, though they had to play right out for them, the linal score being 2S to 11 njrainst Grafton. Grammar Old Boys and Ponsonby played a fast, open game at Victoria Park, the former winning by 16 points to six. At the Showground the Marist Brothers Old Bovs-Parnell game was a hard, even game, the former winning by J2 points to nil. University p.nd Newton did not play full spells, but discontinued the game when University had a score of 17 points up to 11 by Newton. GRAFTON V. COLLEGE RIFLES. College Rifles had flrst mivanrage of a strong breeze, and immediately pressed the attack, but their efforts were met by fast tackling that smothered a number of dangerous-looking movements. Time and a-ahi the •Grafton forwards cleared to the centre, but only a high kick was required to bring a force and return action to Graf ton "quarters. The Rifles opened out iv a. close passing bout, in which forwards ami Tjaeks participated, and Laxon scored, but failed to convert. College Rifles 3, Grafton O. In the second twenty Grnfton took their turn on the attack, and from a long throw-out -Gasparich secured and sent on io Hughes, to Nixon, who made a dashing rim and scored. He kicked, a goal. Grafton 5. College ltifles :i. A flue run by Grierson took play to Grafton line. Here Rifles seenred from a scrum, and a passing hont saw Laxon cut in strongly and score between the posts. He converted, and the score was: College Rifles S. Grafton 5. College Rifles very quickly added to their register in the third quarter. Grafton were opening np when a clearing kick went to Kingston, -w.no was caught in possession Tie Rifles , forwards carried on. and the ball was sent up to Wilson, who scored near the posts. Laxon goaled. College Rifles 13. Grafton 5. Grafton forwards crowded on tbe pace, and despite the wind advantage had the Rifles defending but they litied. and the latter again came to the attack. From a scrum outside Grafton 23 Rifles secured, and Wright sent his Tracks away. Laxon fooling the defence ■with si change of pace, and scored. Minogue failed to convert. They kept at it, and a nice bout was ended by Pooley witu a tricky run and a score. Fletcher failed to convert. When Grafton -got the wind in tie last qnarter they rallied to the attack till Grierson broke away and played on to near Grafton's line, where Kingston, was penalised for playing the fcall off the ground, and Laxon placed a goal. College Kifles 22, Grafton 3. Nice play by Dixon put Grafton again on the attack, and from a free Nixon placed a goal.' College Rifles 22. Grafton S. When Grafton were attacking a breakaway by the Harty brothers and Fletcher saw t"he latter downed by Nixou almost at Grafton line. Rifles were pressing the attack when Grierson was hurt by a trip, and froia the free laxon kicked a goal. College Rifles 25, Grafton S Almost immediately afterward, when Grafton were attacking. Irving marked and Nixon goaled. College Rifles 23, Grafton 11. The Rifles came back at the attack, but a free relieved Grafton, who were attacking when Gasparich -was ordered off for roughing nn opponent. Grafton now showed sizns of demoralisation. nndgthe Rifles added more points when ULJ^Z the scores as stated. Mr. YVetherilt was referee. ■PVRNELL V. MARTPT OLD BOYS. From the kick-out we Reds penetrated deeply into Marist Old Boys' territory n-nere relief came to the defenders from * free kick, and the forwards, following up. lock, 'he ball with them beyond the midline " Gedve came to his side's assistance with a high kick, which the red vanguard got under, and attempted v passing rusn tti-"i easy striking distance, but high passIng spoilt their opportunities, and coming to the defenders, play reverted to red territory, where the attacking backs took a hand. A kick along the line, followed up by Gavin, gave that player an opportunity, and lie marie good. Pilling railed with a good kick from a difficult angle—Marist Old Boys 8, ParneU <>. More play that favoured Parnoil i!u* time finished up iv the vicinity of the M.irist Old Boys' line. The first change round saw the reds playing more spiritedly and t,, better advantage. Combined buck ;ind forward play took them to witniu an ace of scoring, the turning point being from a scrum. Marists came away, and on the far side their backs began to throw tbe ball about to advantage, but the opposition met the onslaught, and with play 3iear the quarter line the whistle sounded for spello with the score unchanged. When play was resumed the advantage from the -wind again reverted to the Reds, who tame down the side-line with the ball at their feet, being held up just at the corner. They fought hard, however, and the Marist oirlßoys were called on to put up a determined defence, which they were equal to. They not only arrested the onslaught, but by Pilling, showing'up prominently. They liiid crossed their opponents' quarter-line, ;ind were still going strong when, for an infringement in the height of the attack. Pilling took the shot, sending it well within. iMarist Old Boys t>, Parnell o Parnell livened up at this, their backs showing a new incentive, playing with da.<h. and taking it well into their opponents' territory. They repeatedly attempted to break through but the defenders" Hue held good, and then in turn came out, only to have a free awarded to their opiionents. from which .Simpson failed iv a poor attempt. This player, however, assisted by Sims, distinguished himself, making a line breakaway from the loose, and taking it to | within a few yards of the objective line, where Malloy kicked it across, a scrum resulting, from which the defenders got relief. Tn<» advantage to be had from the wind li-j.i now passed to Marist Old Boys, and They were attacking strongly when the whistle went, and Pilling had another shot, placing Marist Old Boya still further in the lead.—Marist Old Boys It. Parnell O. Tliey eidded more points a few moment*; later. .Pressing to within a few yards of their opponents' line they were putting solid preslatter attempted to relieve the position with a punt, which came back in the wind, and I iyer. getting well into his stride, whipped it'up and went over at the line. His kick failed, leaving the score—Marist Old Boys 12, Parnell 0. Interchange play of a desultory nature without a change iv the score kept things within Marist Old Boys' territory until the end of play. Mr. Eusor controlled the game. NEWTON A". UNIVERSITY. Tup came between University and Newton sceaied to be regarded by the players as more or less of a Joke. University was inufh the stronger ream, but did not play :iB-<'nt at any time through the game, evicieiiilv thinking that the points were safe with "them. Newton played a better game Than they have put up for a long time, and their forward work was a very great imlirovement. Several times they were refqmufible Kir some good football, and their tries were the result of hard and willing work. For r tie winners Holland, Roblnfon. Miller. Rrlusdc-n. and Wells scored, one try being converted by Brinsden. For Newtun tiie scorers were Alf. Clark and

Caseley, while Kelly converted a try and kicked a penalty goal. The final score was —University 17, Newton 11. Mr. Kronfleld i was referee. I GRAJUTAR OLD BOYS V. PONSONBY. The whites immediately opened up an attack, assisted by Clcal marking, but Ballautyne countered with a dash and in indifferent handling by Mareden helped the blue and blacks. In a period of forward play Ponsonby predominated. Grammar getting relief in a back movement, which broke down when Goodwin missed his pans. Ponsonby worked back again and marked on the twenty-live line, but the shot failed. Cunningham and Wilson assisted in shifting the venue to Ponsonby's territory, but the respite was only temporary, and the blue and blacks were kept at bay only by strong efforts until quarter-time souuded. Ponsouby continued their aggressive policy, and Stormont was robbed of a try by offside play. ltoss endeavoured to set his hacks j going without success twice: the Grammar I hooker secured and the backs made a useful run, but Goodwin was the weak link. A hard kick by 'Marsdeu wan pursued by ! the whites to the line. Then Xicholsou was the last to handle in a run, and kicked , out at the corner. His side secured and I Row sent out to Bndeley to V. Badeley. I who scored. S Budeley converted.— I Grammar .">, IVmsonby <>. A spectacular , run among the white backs followed, and ■ Woolley. rutting In. was nearly over. How- ■ ever. Goodwin gol possession and forced ■ his way over .it the corner. The kick M I unsuccessful. Donovan intercepted aud 1 luade a clash, which again put Ponsouby ;on the Atark. and Kelly replied effectively to a relieving kick by CSoodwin. A long J boost by V. Badeley got the whites out of I the mire, and a score should have resulted j from a bout started by the same player, j but Goodwin again missed his paw, and a i kick by Stormont saved Ponsonby ac halftime sounded; Grammar being eight points to the good. A sequence of ehort, fast bouts looked like terminating in A score to Grammar, but Nichofcon got oIT-slde. Indlj vidual work at Intervals by .Stormont. Hunt, and liighton was of assistance to Ponsouby. nnd thoy worked down to the Grammar I zone, where Itlgliton marked n kick by ! Ross. A good kick by Stormont round the j goal.—Gruimnar s. Ponsonby :i. Fast play . followed, with Ponsonby making strenuous I efforts to wipe off the deficit. Poison and 1 Hunt being prominent. Prentice got his forwards away again from the line out. and thereabouts the "Ponies" were awarded a free. Stormont took the kick with succes.:.—Grammar S. Ponsouby ('». The play w.iK hotly disputed, the Pousonby forwards making a better showing, and"stormout dribbling from the scrum and picking up was collared by iMursden near the Hue. Changing over. Woolley made a tricky run, • which, gave Grammar the advantage S. I Badeley received from Ross, and make a i grand opening on the ollud side, and the J ball went through several hands to Goodwin, who forced his way over at the corner. The try was not converted. Free kicks enabled Ponsonby to relieve the tension. I but the whites surged back only to see Stormont and Donovan come through t<, Marsden. Ponsonby full-back kicked to Uμ« who returned, and there we* no opposition, pursuit. rieal picked up. but when out of bounce, and a line-out was formed. Here s Badeley gathered iv and trickily evaded the opposition. He converted his effort and the ecore-Bheet showed-Granimar 16 Ponsonby G. This was the final score, tereeting and even play following until the bell sounded. Mr. Hancock waJ referee. SECOND GRADE. College Rifles. «. beat Grafton, 5' Ponsonby. 40. beat TJnlversltv 0 Papatoetoe 12, beat Grammar Old Boys 10. THIRD GRADE. University defaulted to Eilerslie Parnell, 19, heat Martsta, 0 St. Stephens, 24, beat College Rifles, 6. FOURTH GRADE. Ponsonby. 9, heat Grafton, 5. Marists A. 19, heat Parnell, 0. Suburbs, 11, beat Grammar, 0. FIFTH GRADE. Marists, 0. drew with Grafton, 0 SECONDARY SCHOOLS. Grammar A. 21; beat Grammar B. 8. SECOND GRADE. Sacred Heart, 21, beat King's, G. Grammar B, 5, "drew with Technical. 5. THIRD GRADE. Grammar A. 11, beat Grammar B, r>. King's, 3, drew with .Sacred Heart, 3. FOURTH GRADB. Technical, IT. beat Grammar B, 8. Sacred Heart. 3. beat King's, 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS' MATCHES. A GRADB. Epsom. C, beat -Mount Kden. :;. Maungawhau. 14. beat Newmarket 0 Ponsonby A. 3, drew with Vermont A. 3. Mount Alliprt. 8. beat Richmond Road, a Takajiima 3 (try by Moller), v. Remuera, 3 (penalty goal by iMcCoy). B GRADE. Te Pa pa pa. .1. bear. Point Chevalier. 0. Ba.Tfleld A. 25. beat Newton West, 0 Beresford Street. 29. beat Surrey Hills 3 Normal defaulted to Napier Street A. C GRADE. Grey Lynn. 'J4. beat Bayfleld B, 3. Ponsouby. 14, i, ea t Avoudale, 0. Newton East, IS. beat -Mount Rosktll, 0. Nelson Street, 1!). beat Vermona B 0. Ellerslie. 2«. beat Napier Street B, 3. "COLLEGE DAY.' , GRAMMAR V. KING'S. EXHIBITION GAME ARRANGED. The exciting games provided by Grammar School and King's College in their two meetings this season, both of which resulted In drawn games, has raised a unanimous desire amongst Rugby enthusiasts for another meeting of the teams, and this*the oflicials of the Auckland Rugby Union have managed to arrange. The game will be a purely exhibition one. and will not in any way be connected with the Secondary Schools Championship, for though at present the colleges mentioned have unbeaten records, each has yet to meet the Sacred Heart team, so that a defeat is possible for either. Added to this is the fact that the principals generally do not view the playing of ties favourably, preferring to have, the game played for the game's sake, and not for the purpose of winning of championships. Recognising, however, the immense interest attaching to another meeting of schools have decided to allow the boys to meet again, and the director of the Sacred Heart College agreeing to tne necessary alteration in the secondary schools competitions, the Rugby Union have been aWe to arrange a programme for the fixture "Oud College -lay." anil the Domain has been secured for Saturday next, the Stth inst. The programme will consist of three Sacred Heart v. Grammar School B, at 1 p.m. Grammar School v. King's College, at 2.10 p.m. College Rifles v. Grammar School 0.8., at 8.15 p.m. The last game haR a big bearing on the senior championship and should provide a fast, exciting exhibition, while, with the .itber games preceding it. followers of footI hall have an opportunity for enjos'ment rarely available iv Auckland. COUNTRY UNIONS. WAIHI BEATS THAMES. (By Telegraph.—Owe Correspondent-) WAIHI, Saturday. Wain! defeated Thames by 12 to 11 points in a representative football match, played at the Recreation Reserve this afternoon. It was a fast, open game. Walhl's success was mainly dnp to the efforts of tne fullback. W. Heath. MATAMATA UNION. (By Telegraph.—own Correspondent.) "MATAMATA, this day. In the Matamata Rugby Union's competition Matamata defeated Patetere by 122 points t.» i); Waharoa defeated H'airere by 0 to 3. ROTORUA COMPETITIONS. By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, Saturday. The second match of the second round of the Rotorua Rugby Union seniors, Wuikite v Whaka, resulted in a drawn game, a try to Whaka being scored by Itangthlroa. and a try for Waiklte by Stohr. .Mr. Floyd was referee. In the juniors. Kahuknra beat Waikite by :t points—a try by Goodson. Mr. Talamal was referee.

NORTH AUCKLAND CHALLENGE ! SHIELD. I WON BY WIIANGAUEI. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHAXGAUEI, this day. The Whangarei rep. team, which journeyed to Dnrgaville on Saturday, succeeded Jn wresting the Harding North Auckland .Challenge Shield from Wairoa reps, by 41 , points, lo 14. BAY OF PLENTY CONTESTS. CBy Telegraph.—rress Association.) IVHAKATAXIS, Saturday, m the Bay of Plenty competition for the Kusflhs Cup, Wlinkatane 12, beat Opotiki (1 In the first half Whakalane, at the bo-in-ning, had tlie beet of tile same, .7. Lan'son land A. Hutclilngs scoring tries as n result lof good work by S. Te Whetu. Opotiki then showed to better advantage, anil T Mowbray scored a try, and Te riau converted a penalty kirk. In the second halt passing rushes by Whakataiie resulted in Isaac Kunul scoriug two tries. HAMILTON" V. CAMBRIDGE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Saturday. Hamilton seniors journeyed to Cambridge, and, after a fHSt same, won by uo to ti. HAMILTON V. MORUINSVILLE. The Morrinsville fifteen visited Hamilton meeting Hamilton It team on Steele lark The game was very Interesting, both teams being fairly even, Morrinsville winning by WANGANUI CUP FINAL. (By Telegrapn.—Press Association.i WAXGANUI, Saturday. The Rugby Cup linal was played to-day between lirates and IHil Boys," the latter winning by s points to ,!. Tin- match was played In showery weather, but play was fast and exciting all through. 'Pirates scored early. Head landing a tine goal f rom ~ , len . alty. There was u<i further scoring in the Ilrst half. In the second spell Old Hoys scored two tries, one being converted, and thus won the match and the championship.