SPORTING GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 8

SPORTING GOSSIP.

t.By ACTAEON)

RUGBY FOOTBALL. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The Rugby representative matches this season start early and linger late with some of the provinces. For instance, Wellington plays its first rep. game v againt Taranaki) on June 4 and its ast (against Auckland) on September 2*2, though in all that province has only about half a dozen games for its top-grade reps. In addition, of course, the Wellington crowd will see j a combined Wellington-Horowhenua-Manawatu team against New South Wales, and the third test • match,, as Avell as the inter-Island game. The Ranfurly Shield holders, Hawke's Bay, have eight interprovincial matches already arranged, the first against Wairarapa on June 4. Alto-ether tbe N.-.R.U. delegates arranged for 48 interprovincial matches, ten matches for the New South Wales team in the Dominion, and eleven for the Maori team in New South Wales and in the South Island on their return, in all 69 big matches. North Auckland is down for a trip to Taranaki. The N.Z.R.U. Council last week endorsed two dozen reinstatements of players, fourteen of which came from | Wellington. The Auckland reinstatements were: F. A. Pennalligan, J. Ibbertson, C. A. Woollev. ,S. N. Hill. L. O. Wrathall, C. H. Williams, E. C. Osborne, and J. R. Miller. The pick of the senior games next Saturday will lie College Riiles v. Grammar Old Boys and Ponsonby v. North -Shore. After the College Rifles' experience against North Shore last week, Ponsonby arc not likely to regard the Shore men lightly. The playing of three matches in a week by the last All Black team in New South Wales was a subject of discussion at the N.Z.RU. annual meeting, and it was incidentally stated that the Maori team in Now South Wales the same year played four matches in eight days. * It was generally agreed that this was asking too much of players, and a motion was carried that an interval of at least three days between test j iuatc.es should be allowed. Wiseman and McCullough, of the I Auckland University team, were not I available for the trip to Sydney, aud notified the selectors to that effect before the New Zealand Universities' [ team was announced. The championship points in the Auckland senior grade club competition are: I Grammar Old Boys 4, University 4, North Shore 4, Grafton 3, Marist Old Boys 3, College Riiles 2, Ponsonby 0, Newton 0, Eden 0, Suburbs 0. So far Grammar have had easy matches, as also have University, while Ponsonby have lost two hard games in the very last minute of play. It is obvious that I the figures will change considerably in the next three week--The "swarming" episode at "Wembley Park the other day recalls a similar incident at one of the greatest Rugby matches In England, when tbe New Zealand service team played England for the Military Cup at Twickenham in 1919. Thousands of Australian and New Zealand "diggers" who bad got into the ground to see the game! saw before them a -huge stand- tbat had been ticketeVl off for booked seats for the elect of the land. 'Word went round "that when the Maori haka was commenced tbey should rush tbe stands. At the signal they did so. overwhelming the military police and installing themselves in tbe stands | beyond any hope of dislodgement, and th* ticket-holders when they arrived had to ba' -satisfied with improvised accommodation. Eden Park habitues arc beginning to look rouud for v full-back likely to fill the bill for the rep. matches. Flndlay. of Grafton, is not playing this season, and his successor is not convincing. O'Connor did not shape promisingly for Marist Old Boys on tho opening day, and easily the best custodian that has been seen on the main ground so far is Gregory, of Ponsonby. He has gained a dell in weight nnd confidence - since last season, and if he keeps up the form shown on Saturday he should be in the running. .'—_... For the International Rugby Union match between England and Scotland there was a great deal of trafficking In grandstand tickets, one syndicate buying up a number and advertising them for sale at £.*i each. Such trading aroused much indignation. NORTH SHORT V. COLLEGE RIFLES. The surprise ot the day was the defeat of College: Rifles by North Shore, ln this match neither team had a try recordea against it, the only contributions to the storing acconnt being goals from penalty kicks. North Shore played well for its j victorv, silthou-h the team was perhaps lucky "to win. 'Their opponents played a fine aggressive game, displaying some good concerted work in the back division, but almost invariably their rushes broke down i before the splendid defence of tbe home I team. who. with Gasparieh at full, and Millar «.n the wing, were -well served. These two players extricated their sl«e from tight positions time out of number. In the last half the fates'were ranged against College, who, with ordinary luck, would have haa several tries to their credit. Gricrson, Kogartv and Malone were unlucky in not scoring". With but a few moments to go tbo visitors' chances of making the match at least a draw, it not a win. were ruined by the failure of Goodwin to accept a pass from Muir, when he was actually in bis opponents' in-goal. It was a -ifficult pass that bounced on his head, and it was mere misfortune that lost tbe opportunity that bad been so eagerly attempted. Both ot the penalty goals kicked by (iarparieh were the outcome of infringements by College. The members of this team must "earn to keep on side whether they are on the ag-ressive or defensive. I-layers who get off-side iv their own twenty-five should be relegated to the touch-line for future matches. The mis-use of the line kick.wa* also a noticeable feature of thl» team s playing. It is a worthless expenditure of eneVgv kicking a ball out on the full 30 or 40 vai-ds down the line during the course of nlnv: unless the kicker is in his own tweutv-nve. Of the players in tbe match Malone was the outstanding figure. His position nt rover was utilised by him to the best advantage, and he was instrumental in starting many promising movements. Among the Shore forwards, "Putty Fair-., gray was always to be seen working a»M."ousiy College backs were not much above tbe'standard of their opponents, t.rierson. showing- out a trifle better than tho rest. UNIVERSITY V. NEWTON. The nineteen point victory registered by University over Newton is not accepted by some as _ fair Indication of the run of the game : the writer would not say that Tlni-1 verslty were to that extent the better team, | but rather that Newon were by X poms the weaker of the two teams. There was nothing about the students' display to wax j enthusiastic about. They had dozens of opportunities, hooking the 1»all invariably from the scrum, and though Hopkins got the ball out clean, the movement was frustrated by mistakes first by one back and then by another. The forward play was of a straggly nature and occasionally, after smothering the opposition Newton broke through into scoring position, but. there was no finish about their movements and they came to naught. Newton have half a dozen players of senior standard in their team, but the others are iv many cases hopeless. It would have been much better for the grade had Eden. Suburbs, and Newton pooled their players and put in one senior fifteen. At present the displays of these teams is nothing short of farcical. Newton gets recruits from I day to day, but that only discounts any combination these others may have worked i out. On Saturday. Good, an old Grammar Old Boys player, turned out. In the first half, at fullback, he did not make a mistake and was a tower of help to the backs. Later he went lato the forwards and did a lot of solid work. Earl and Ross, and occasionally the centre three-quarter, showed decent, form, but a handful of- men can't; play fifteen. In the students' team Keene and McCulloug-h were the pick of the forwards and Ilopkius and Arkle the backs.

PONSONBY OUT OF LUCK.

I Ponsonby had the worst of the luck in I being defeated by Grafton by six points to j three when, for the greater part of the game they had bad their opponents on defence The conditions favoured footwork rather than handling, but the blues never 'hesitated to throw tho ball about, and they sutTered when a slip on the treacherous turf |at times left the ball at tbe feet of the I Grafton forwards with an almost open | field. There is no doubt that the Ponsonby style of short, snappy passing among backs and forwards makes the game open nnd fast, and in the first twenty minutes they had Grafton rushed off their feet. What saved the colours was the fact that the Ponsonby forwards too often tried to come into the passing before they were onside. and it was this fault more than anything else that lost them the match. It was a bad example that the Grafton forwards copied to some extent when their backs got going in the second twenty minutes, and Referee Hayson had to come down strictly on both teams for the fault. So far as the play went there was little between the teams once Grafton had rallied after being rattled by a hurricane jump-off by the blues, and it was anybody's game right to the end. As a matter of fact.' Ponsonbv looked much the more likely to pull the win off when the teams were level In the last twenty minutes, but a little bit of luck gave an opening in the last minute to Borrie. who did the right thing in sending the ball infield to his forward supports, aud it went safely through several hands for Cooke to score unopposed. In such circumstances it was almost certain to be Cooker who would score, for he showed throughout the game a genius for always being for a rally or a sortie, and was the outstanding back on the field. Lucas, tbe Ponsonby centre, was another outstanding figure among tbe backß for rallying both defence and attack, and Ponsonby's try was tbe result of especially clever work on his Gregory quite outshone the Grafton fullback, his handling being quick, clean and sure, and his kicking strong nnd welljudged. Of the other blue backs Wade was the pick, thouch they all proved a snappy lot. Bnckland did a lot of good worß behind the Grafton pack, but he has not vet got into his best form in getting the ball away. nnd Nlcholls was thus given, little opportunity or room for his ability to make openings. The other Grafton backs were sound, and once they sharpen up their passing tbey will be a bard lot to beat. It was in the forwards again that Graftons - salvation lav. After the first twenty minutes they gradually got the upper band through their smart becking tin in breakaway dribbling. Helander. Keary and Pleydell being conspicuous. O'Brieu showed an unusual offside tendency. McWilliams. Marshall and Righton frequently led the blues in opening up. and carrying on handling attacks, which is tbe Ponsonby specialty, but most of the pack at times took offside chances. MARISTS' DEFEAT OF SUBURBS. There is not much to be said of the game played between Marist Old Boys and Suburbs, at Avondalc. Marist played hard and had an easy win, though the local fifteen put up an even better fight than that against University the previous week. All the Tykes back division played well, with Molloy outstanding. The passing was very good considering the roughness of the 'field of piny. Earlly was smart behind the serum, but the opposition wing forward. Long, took a good deal of fending. McDonald, one of the forwards, made an impression, aud is undoubtedly a slashing younc player, with weight, | speed and bead. The pack used its weight 'well in the scrums, ensuring every opportunity for feeding the backs. The Suburbs Itcam did not tackle quite as well as the previous game, but nevertheless deserve credit for a good stand for a young combination. Hunter was fair at full, but Lincoln, Vallance and W.olmald bore the brunt of the work. Sly. who was in the five-eighths line, .reverted to the forwards, and was not seen to equal advantage: Abel. Hollings and the Clcndona were always busy, but the footwork of Marist backs, who prevailed in most departments —though their passing was not altogether reliable —was a principal factor. Suburbs will not be last in the list for the season. GRAMMAR OLD BOYS V. EDEN. This game calls for very little In tbe way of comment. The -Eden side was an assembly of Individualists, who battled along undaunted through four fifteen- »'nnte spells, but. through .the almost entiiX absence of combination they seldom got beyond tbe halfway line. Grammar h_d a [field day and pub on 38 points in the 1 hour. ,Thelr back division was , considerably altered. Williams, V. Badcley and Thomas i being absentees. The llljply effect of two very easy games upon; tue whites is that they .will-not be ns 'well-ittci to face solid attack or to- break through serious defence as will other fifteens who have already had a couple or dlngdong struggles. The backs ihave been taking risks and indulging in I light-hearted play that would not do against more., doughty opponents. Next Saturday will tell.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

j ATHLETICS ~V. DEVONBORT. [ Although Devonport were unable to make I any effectual Impression upon Athletics at North Shore, the game was not without | interest. The bocks of the home team I were good, biit the forwards at times lacked combination, and this defect told materially | against them. Lack of judgment in passing I was. another fault which added to Devonport's disadvantages. At other times they | started o'fr with plenty of promise, bnt they were deficient in the llnish displayed by their opponents who, incidentally were a lighter team. Athletics generally indulged in more team work and players were always ready to give the necessary support when one of their side initiated a movement. RICHMOND V. MARIST. Considering that- they were by Tar the lighter tenui. tbe - Richmond thirteen did well to register 15 points to _larists' 23 In [the match played on Onrlaw Park No. *J I ground last Saturday. Marlsts had much tbe better combination, and the heavier team, and at times played brilliantly. The forwards are. a fine lot, fast and nippy, while the backs - arc safe. The Marist team -is one which it Is expected will create some surprises during the ensuing season. Sherlock' was a safe full back, Gallagher. Lynch. Ghent and Foss being the pick of tbe backs, and Bass. Turner and Duane, of the forward Hue. Honlon. the Richmond full back, was a tower of strength to his team, aud on a number of occasions he was instrumental In nullifying tbe stroug Marist onslaughts. His handling of the ball was a feature, for he always seemed to know where to place It down the field. The two McLean brothers, Butler, McKenzie and Redwood added their weight to Richmond, and were- responsible for those movements which saw their team pressing the issue in their opponents' territory. —___ PONSONBY V. NEWTON. Despite the unfavourable weather, and tbe fact that the season had only ' just opened, Tonsonhy and Newton provided a match on No. 1 ground at Carlaw I'ark last Saturday, which was full of Interest. The combination of both teams was frequently at fault, but at other times it was (rood. Ponsonby in tbe main held together better than their opponents, Pitman. Cole. Mcf'lure and Kelly proving a strong quartet, which was frequently successful In breaking down Newton's defence. Ponsonby"* superior combination told in their favour in the first half, and the spe". ended with ten points in their favour against the two which Newton had, secured by a pot. Newton put more dash into their play in the second half, but tbe two tries which they secured were doe more to individual effort than to or-anised play. Henderson and Hanlon | shone out in Ponsonby's forward row. while j of the other backs. Delgrosso was a useful man Stack played a flue game for Newton. | and was easily the best of the forwards, j and throughout Ihe game he worked with vim and pace. Poison ns usual was an active man and resourceful behind the scrum. Gregory. Brown and Quint.ill were the mainstays of the backs.

Lh'MS TENNIS.

DAVIS CTJP. Hawaii has been drawn against Australia in the Davis Cup elimination round, i The dates for playing these matches have not been Axed. Possibly Hawaii is not too confident of defeating any Australian team, and has not pressed for a date. Or maybe the uncertainty about the dispatch of the Australian quartet has caused the American Tennis Council to procrastinate. At any rate no definite date has been named for this first match, but a private cabled inquiry addressed tn Mr. Dwight, Da-vis who provided the trophy for these international contests, has evoked this information: — -•_:_ninations must end by Saturday, August 18. and the finals will he fought.on Friday. August, 31: Saturday, September 1: and Monday, September 3."

HOCKEY.

The championship matches under the auspices of the Auckland Hockey Association advanced a stage last Saturday afternoon, when the second set of n»tchei eventuated. The heavy rain on iriday night and an overcast sky in the rooralns ■raised a doubt about the advisability or carrying out the programme. Towaras noon conditions looked a tittle more favourable, and It was decided not to make a postponement. A heavy shower shortly before the start of the matches spoilt the attendance: however, those spectators who am i Journey to Remuera were well rewarded, as two senior matches were full of interest and uncertainty until the call of timeIv front of the pavilion Somervell met 'and defeated University by the odd goal » three after a strenuously-contested game. l-t Luke's also scored a victory by the narrowest possible margin as the result ot I a gallant encounter with Mount Eden. St Luke's took the field at full strength, with Potter at centre-half, Steele on tne I left of the middle division, and. of course, McLeod was on the right. This arrangeiment 'left Mount Eden a tough proposition Ito outflank the St. Luke's backs. With ' Steele on the left It appeared that his (special mission was to pay particular attention to the brilliant inner right of tae •Mount Eden team: however, he was nor available, nor was. D. Alexander. Xeverthe- . less Mount Kden placed a strong eleven on the field. It was pleasing to note the reappearance, although only temporary, oi A C. Johns at centre-half, an_ he -was sandwiched in between Wheeler, who was Playing for the first time this season, anu K. Rankin. The trio constituted an extremely capable half-line, and on both siae* the play of the half-backs was the dominating element In tbe game. > St. Luke's, after a drawn game on tne first day, were anxious to obtain the desired result, and went on to the field determined to put up a big fight. Mount Eden, although disappointed at the absence of A. Alexander, were anxious to retain their position at the head of affairs, and immediately the game commenced it was evident tbat a struggle of more than ordinary interest would develop. It was not long before both teams settled down to real business, and under the conditions nothing could have been finer than the play of the halves. The forwards were nuable to operate with any degree of freedom or cohesion, partly on account of the state of the ground, as tbe players found it difficult at times to maintain the perpendicular, but to a great extent by the superior tactics or tbe opposing halves, and at times tbelr work was a revelation. Tbe forwards on both sides were well catered for and play veered between the two goals without result until Hookham found the net after the Mount Eden goal bad been stormed. Tbe losers also got a shot past the bt. Luke's goal, but "Watson, who did the shooting, was off-side. The game was.exceedingly fast at times, and full of Incident, especially when McLeod had a shot from a corner which soared ,f tr 2J£" toward the mouth of the goal, but its flight was arrested. Rankin also Uad a shot from a corner and missed the post by a fraction. Strange to relate neither goalie had very much to do. For St. Li_*e*s Rowe (fullback) played a splendid Bame for the winners. Steady hitting marked his play. McLeod's artistic work was most effective, both on attack and defence, and be showed some pace when be overhauled Monteltn. I Steele also played a sterling game, hitting i and stopping cleverly. In the winner s forward line Hookbam was the shining light. 1 while Dickson worked bard and bad bad luck in not turning a fast ball into the goal. For Mount Eden Horspool used his stick like a cricket bat, speculating with his usual accuracy. Johns proved a valuable addition to the Mount Eden bacit division, and in the first spell showed his best form. Rankin played a versatile game and was invariably at hand. Wheeler shaped best on tbe defence. His scoop stroke caused a lot of anxiety Of the forwards Watson worked well. Fletcher broke away several times, but found the opposition "a tough problem. It was the odd goal in three, after an exciting match, that gave to Somervell a victory at the expense of University In their initial match of the season. Throughout the seventy minutes' play was marked more by individual than combined efforts. The teams shared in the aggressive tactics, but overanxiety in circle work rendered many attacks uneffective. Somervell were very forceful, but it was after they scored tbat University were properly roused and very forceful work led to >Fotbering_am equalising. Of the Individual players Veale rendered a good account as goalie for the students. Speight was seen in tip top form and Ms efforts greatly brb_e the- white attacks. Sloman was safe, but not ln his best form. Hume broke many attacks but lays ou two much wood, in .hitting, especially near the opposing circle. Both ißallantyne and Player were safe, although at times the last named had visions of boundary strokes. Forward Fotheringham showed up well, but indulges ln too much one-handed play. Harman was troublesome. The vanguard does not work as it should. Cooper the Somervell goalie, met several attacks cleverly, and used his feet to great advantage. Roberts was best of the back division. He stopped and cleared very cleverly, but at times lifted the 'ball daugerousy high. Cole proved difficult to pass, but uses the sideline too frequently. Simpson, though sound, still has an inclination to play too far back. E. and C. "Watts were best of the forwards. Caudet showed improvement, but can still centre sooner.

j BOXING.

NORTHERN ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. - The annual general meeting of tbe Northern Boxing Association -was held last night in tbe Auckland Amateur Sports Club's rooms, when there were 59 members present, Mr. C. F. Sanders, tbe president, being ln the chair. Tbe annual report and balance-sheet, a precis of which was published in the "Star" last week, was adopted. In moving their adoption. Mr, Sanders said the was pleased to report that there bad been an actual profit on tbe year's working of £53 4/!>. On tbe expenditure side there was tbe sum of £136. . which represented extraordinary expenditure, since It was not anticipated tbat it would occur again, and in view of tbls the year would seem to have been particularly successful. Tbe association was now in tbe happy position of having £1358 to its credit in tbe accumulated fund, after making provision for £30 i that was outstanding, and the president thought the association should be congratulated on tbe progress it had made. During tbe year there bad been eight professional contests, and it was noticeable that purses bad bad tbe tendency to come down. Three years ago purses bad been elevated to such a high financial mark tbat some of tbe smaller associations had found it impossible to carry on. They had fallen adrift in many eases, and bad not since been heard of. The speaker felt sure tbat smaller purses meant more fights and better value. (Hear, hear). Mr. Sanders referred to the fact that three of the lads who left for the Australasian meeting bad returned with titles last year. (Applause). PROPOSED OLYMPIC TEAM. While on tje subject of amateurs be wanted to say tbat the present year should prove to be the most creditable tbe association had ever experienced, since it was j intended that every attention wonld be given to amateurs who showed promise, In order tbat a team might be sent to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games next year. The amateurs now had that In view—a trip to the other side of the world, where they would be able to demonstrate j what New -calenders could do when faced with real competition in the ring. Mr.

Sanders, urged all present to support ._. project, when the time came !_«_,_. funds would be necessary, and _ ",?*** member answered the appeal in accord-!' 7 with the lemrtb of his pocket then T- 5 " good sportsman, he could not do mon?■■** I The newly-formed centre system, wim three areas in both North and. 8m,.? Islands, was now in working order ;_- ---tinued Mr. Sanders, and it was ho__i _S lit would prove efficacious. Some of -. smaller centres should find it a boon __. they would not. now have to go so fa? |X£ j when they required assistance or advice. | THE OTAGO MUDDLE. The chairman referred to the Otasro _,* ing Association muddle over the*-_fi*-_s' McQuarrie fight. It had been aJked inks_ Press why the X-B.A. did hot exp»?. ,! opinion on the score of the squabble. Well, there was one verSl'S reason—because it bad nothing to do t_H the N.B.A- and it -was no use looking f„ trouble. Reams and reams of corresmm dence had been received from both th_ Otago Association and the New Zealnmi ' Boxing Council, and the N.B.A was S aware of what was going on. The eim, tive of the Otago body had been dlsqualSoi by the council, and was not now in official operation. When all was said an* doni the dispute boiled down to a very simni. thing—the mistake of a referee. It seemed however, that down in the South they vm loyal to their referee, nnd would not admit of any mistake having been made in,, their referee ruled, he had ruled, and _ - would have to stand for all time, right or wrong—that seemed to be their attttuda. On the other hand the council Bald » referee's ruling was valid for so long as it ■ was ln accordance with the Yules. In the ' case under review the referee'had madetn obvious mistake—he had allowed the one mlnute spell between rounds to extend to two and a-half minutes. The.Otago Association would not see the logic of the council's view, and the latter body got aotliin* but abuse, so that it had no option but to disqualify the Otago Association official. Mr. Sanders thought these details should be thoroughly understood, since there seemed to be many in Auckland interested in the position who were not cognisant of the true facts of the case. The president concluded by expressing appreciation at tha i large attendance, which went to show that there was a healthy interest in the affairs of the association. - ,; : ; MEMBERbHIP INCREASED. A motion, proposed by tbe president, Mr' Sanders, thnt the membership of the ass. . elation be increased by 50, but that not • more than 25 additional members be electa! ln any one season, was carried. The present membership of the association is 10u. It was decided that the membenihip subscription for tbe year be 30/. : ; A special honorarium of £50 was-gtjited =' to Mr. P. B. Greenbough, the late hot. secretary, and the matter of making him a: life member was left iv the hands of the; committee. .' , • Mr. E. Dean, hon. treasurer, was vote*; 20 guineas, and Mr. P. K. Fraser,. hon.auditor, five guineas. ... . ~ . ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The followiug ofllcers were elected: Patron, the Goveruor-General. VUcomn Jellicoe;, president, Mr. C. F.-'- Sanders; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. M. F. ConhdlT, D R Caldwell, J. L. R. Bloomfieltl. J. Brown, J. E. Pagan, J. GiUett,'H. R. Mackenzie, and W. Ralnger;. committee, Messrs. J. W. Russell, J. Glllett. J. W. Brown, F. Burns, W. E. Dervan, E. Craig, J. Pagan, Hodson, J. Gillies, A. Ricketts. TV. Luke, and H. Greenbough *. hon. medical; officers, Drs C C. Murphy and L. K. Hagen: hon. solicitor, Mr. -K. J. Coates: hon auditor, Mr T R. Fraser: hon. referee, Mr. F. Burns; hon. custodian, Mr. J. Brown: Hon. secretary. Mr. R. M. Carter; lion, treasure*, Mr. E. Dean. WHIT i-KE-t V. ____WBY The NB.A. has matched :Cyi3 .-hitater of Xew Plymouth, and Tom Keener <J Gisborne. to box fifteen ron*_te j. AncUw« on June 4. Heeney was holder of thelearr weight championship .of -ow Zealand before bis trip to Australia.,more.than «S months* absence entailing forfeitore of the title which he will 'have now to win ag»--Whitaker Is a promising candidate, who w»» ln the amateur ranks when 'Keener *™* champion, and has since beaten Fooler an* Cadman after they ha_ defeated McOeaiJ. This evening the annual meeting of toe Northern ' Boxin= Association will be helat the Sports Club rooms. ...