CHAMPIONS ALWAYS. AUCKLAND B REPS. BEATEN. RUGBY CLASSIC. POLLARD CUP FINAL. CAMBRIDGE SEASON ENDS. TE AWAMUTU MATCHES. OPOTIKI FINAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 233, 3 October 1927, Page 13

CHAMPIONS ALWAYS.

AUCKLAND B REPS. BEATEN.

RUGBY CLASSIC.

POLLARD CUP FINAL.

CAMBRIDGE SEASON ENDS.

TE AWAMUTU MATCHES.

OPOTIKI FINAL.

A GAME OF THRILLS.

SOUTH ISLAND BEATS NORTH.

THIRTY ONE TO THIRTY. •,

(.Special to "Star.")

WELLLIXGTON, Saturday.

Piayprl in glorious weather, the interIsland Rugby mntch at Wellington this afternoon provided a great attendance of spectators witli a game of thrills, characterised throughout by high scoring on both sides. Eventually it became a. toss-up to which side victory would torn, but it rested at last with South Islam! by 31 points to 30. Not much in it, but sufficient to give the Southerners a deal of satisfaction, as it was their first win since 1922. The teams were:— North Island. Fullback: M. Nicholls (11.7) Three-quarters: L. Hook (11.0) T. R. Sheen (11.0) B. Greneide (13.4) Five-eighths: A. Berridgo (12.7) L. Johnson (12.0) Half-back: F. D. Kilby (10.9) [Wing-forward: A. Keene (13.3) Forwards : S. Hadley (12.6), J. Swain I. Finlayeon (15.4), I. Harvey (15.12), M. Brownlie, capt. (14.6), C. Brownlie (14.7), R. McWilliania (14.0) South Island. Fullback: Lilburne (11.12) Three-quarters: Snodgrass (12.12), Carleton (11.5) Robilliard (11.12). Five-eighths: Strang (11.1) McGregor (11.0) Halfback: Dalley (10.10) • Wing-forward: Scrimshaw (11.11) Forwards: Hore (13.0), Burrows (12.8), Stewart (15.1), Alley (15.6), Hazlett (14.10), Marslin (13.6), Snow (13.7)

The conditions were ideal, and when the teams lined up the attendance was estimated at 25,000. Maurice Brownlie showed the North Island team the way on to the field, and was immediately followed by the South. North, who won the toss, wore black and South white. The first attack was set up by South, but a knock-on pulled the movement up near the North twentyfive, but almost immediately Sbutb was awarded a free, and Strang bad a shot, the ball just missing the upright and" going a few inches outside. An exchange of kick* ended in favour of North, and there was some strenuous play which brought the crowd to their feet. Brilliant passing between the South backs saw RobillJard well tackled by Nicholls, and Strang whipped in to snap up the leather and find the line near the twenty-live flag. Again the South backs got going, and the bail travelled along the line, and Snodgrass got across, but was called back for a forward pass by Dal ley. The Southern backs were handling the ball in fine style, and their movements keeping the crowd at a bigb pitch. The North pack broke away, and sweeping the opposition aside they took the ball half the length of the field, and Swain dived over to score under the posts. Berridge missed the easiest g>f shots. North ;.... 3 - South 0

The play was brimful of incident, and while the lorwards of the North were breaking through, often their attacks were counteracted by the brilliancy of the South backs. The latter, time after time, were within an ace of scoring, and their determination bore "fruit when beautiful passing, in which Strang and Robilliard brought off some reverse passes, ended In Robilliard getting across a yard from the corner flag. Strang missed the shot. Never a dull moment; the pace was right on, and every few seconds- the crowd was shouuting itself hoarse as movement after movement threatened to end in a tcore C. Browi.lie began the nest attack, which saw the North total increased. Several handled the weather the last being Swain, who went over the South lino to notch his eecona try. Nicholls failed to add the minor points. To halt a Nortii attack Dalley marked, but the North were now putting some pep into their play, and Berridgo was cutting in nicely and making good openings, and after cutting out two opponents, he sent on to Hook, who dashed for the line, passing to Kilby at the right Moment for the half-back to score near the corner. Nicholls landed a great goal. Hore led the South pack in a breakaway, but they did not get far. However, getting the ball from a line out, the South backs set up one of their briliiant passing bouts. McGregor initiated it, and the ball was passed through half a dozen pairs of bands, a lazzhiig piece of play seeing Carletou •core a fine try. Swain's shot hit the upright and came back into the field of play.

North hit back and were throwing the ball about near the South line wheu Uerridge was tackled offside, and from the penalty Nicholla pui the ball over the bar.

Twenty points scored in just as many minutes -dazzling football. Kilby, missing a pick up, the South forwards" ••ami- thtoiij-h, and tackling Nich-.ills in |>osH<-M.-fk)!i. matters were looking bad tor Nurth till Gienside stepped in and found the line near the twenty-five flag. Snodgrasa was not handling with his usual accuracy and frequently got his «ide in trouble. Berridge and Sheen (lived throu»li the inside backs, but the linal pass to Swain was dropped when that player merely had to go over unopposed. Keeping up the attack, a free for a scrum infringement gave Nicholls a chance, but his shot went wide.

His Third Try. The South forwards swept down and liH'l Nicholls bustled when Berridge line to h!a assistance and, oeating a ■•■jiiple of opponents, he sent Hook awaj. H>.>k riuule a dash, and when tackle by

'. urieton, parsed to Swain, who, for Li.c tliird in.ic placed th« leather over 11 , i! So iili 1.1ie.. Nicholls missed an easy kick.

South had beon having a hard time, hut their turn came wh«»n Dalle j made a tricky run, pasted to Scrimshaw, who whipped back to Kobilliard, and the lastnamed finished off the fine movement by scoiing. Strang converted.

Play was ut half-way when the inter val en me.

When the game was resumed the North forwards set up a series of strong attacks, but the South played good defensive tactics, and had their turns in attack, and early added to their total when Scrimshaw scored.

Almost immediately afterwards a enalty gave Snodgrass a chance; he sent the ball over the bar and the scores were even.

Scoring in Turns. Banging away like men possessed, South battered down the oppposition, and as fast as North sent them back they returned. For a scrum infringement in front of the posts, Marslin brought the house down when he placed a goal and put South in front. South had hardly been raised to the top when North took a hand in the attack, and play settled in the South twenty-five. Here Kilby worked the blind side, and the ball went to Johnson, who was across in a flash. Berridge goaled.

Up and down the play travelled at a dazzling pace and the crowd were cheering wildly. Each side had ample opportunities, but knock-one were frequent through overeagerness on the part of the players. Robilliard made a brilliant run, and after beating several opponents, passed to Scrimshaw, who ran round to score behind the posts. The try was converted again, and South hit the front.

Johnson sent Hook away, and the Aucklander dashed for the line, being tackled hard by Dalley. Then the South pack came away, and taking the play to the North end, were awarded a penalty near the half-way line. Snodgrass had a shot, but the shot did not prove fruitful. With the lead against them, North made desperate efforts to even up the score, and twice in quick succession Hook was within an ace of notching when Dalley downed him. Never letting up, North played desperately, and from strenuous play Harvey bustled over the South line. Berridge missed an easy kick. In less than two minutes North were over again, a brilliant passing movement ending in Johnson scoring tiear the posts. Nicholls converted.

The scores had hardly been changed before Strang placed a great penalty goal for South, and the margin was only two points between them. Pipped on the Post. One of the South players went off injured, and Heazelwood came on at fullback, Lilburne going up to three-quarter. There were now only five minutes to go, and the pace was a cracker, each side making strenuous efforts. Hook was bustled in a clearing kick, and Nicholls was smothered, and from the scramble Strang passed to Snodgrass, who dashed over to once more put South in front. Strang missed with the shot, and with three minutes to go the board read South 31 North 30 There was no further score.

WHAT HISTORY SHOWS. . Following are the results of matches played between the two Islands to date :— Nortb Island has won 13, South 7, nnd two have been drawn. '1897.—North won. Iβ—3. 1002.—South won. 20—1 » 1803.—South won, 12—5. 1004.— Draw. 3 nil. • 1805.—North won, 20 —0. 1006.—North won, o—s. 1907.—North won, 12—0. 1908.—North won. 12—5. 1909.—South won, 10—11. 1910.—South won. 14—10. 1011. —North won. 19 —9. 1912.—North won, 12—8. 1013.— South won, 23—0. 1914.—South won, B—o. 1919.—North won. 28—11. 1920. —North wop, 12—3. 1921.—North wofi, 28—13 1922.—South won, 9—B. 1923.—Draw. 6 all. 1924.—North won, 39—8. , 1923. —North* won, 16—5. 1926.—North won, 41—9. DEACON CUP MATCH. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Saturday. A Rugby match for the Deacon Cup, between the premiers of, Dunedin and Invercargill, was played at Carisbrook to-day, the contestants being University A (Dunedin) and Pirates (Invercargill). There was bright sunshine, and a hard ground. Four thousand spectators witnessed a fast though ragged game, Pirates winning by 15 points to 6. " i

Th* winners' forwards proved the match-winning factor, the usual speedy combination of the University backs being sadly lacking.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CAMBRIDGE, Saturday Football in this district was concluded to-day with benefit- matches for injured players, and also the first annual interLodge representatives' game between Manchester United (Paeroa) and local Lodges. There was a good attendance. A curtain raiser to the Lodge match was provided by Hamilton Junior reps, and Cambridge B. The match was one of the best displays of rearguard work seen this season, the Hamilton backs throwing the ball about to the delight of the spectators. Owing to the visitors arriving late four short spells were played. There was no score up to the third quarter. In the final spell the visitors showed their superiority putting on 11 points to nil. For Hamilton Grevllle scored a try. Clarkin converted and also kicked two penalty goals. The Lodge match proved quite an Interesting display. Cambridge were decidedly the better team, though they won by only the narrow margin of 6 points to 5. For the locals Shaw and Kelly scored tries. Pneroa*s try came as a result of the locals misunderstanding the action of the line umpire. They made no attempt to tackle Williams, who went on to score the softest of tries. K. Dean converted.

Urrom Our Owu Correspondent.? TE AWAMUTU. Saturday. The local Rugby season was brought to a close this afternoon, when a combined team from Huntly and Ngaruawahia were defeated by Te Awamutu seniors by 19 points to G. The visitors had well the best of play In the firsj half, and led by 6 points to 3. In the second spell the Te A wain urn backs threw the ball about and added Iβ points to their score. The Waipa Junior reps defeated Mnnlapoto by 11 points to 8 after a poor exhibition.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) OPOTIKI. Saturday. Country defeated Te Huia to-day in the finnl Rugby competitions by 11 points to C. The match was very spirited. Severn] players twine Injured, and a Te Huia olnyer was ordered off In the first half In the last half two men were taken off the field owing to injuries, and just on time a Te Hula player was ordered off the field for threatening behaviour. The game was eaitily the most exciting seen this season. The final points in the competition are :—Country, 15 ; Te Huia, 13 ; City, 9 ; Kutarere, %.

PONSONBY BEAT GRAMMAR IN

CHARITY CUP MATCH.

The Charity Cup match between Ponsonby and Grammar Old Boys, played at the Showgrounds, attracted an attendance which half filled the stand and threw a black fringe round the field. Both teams contained a fair sprinkling of juniors, but they played bright football, I'onsonby, the winners of the club championship, running out the winners by eight points. learns:—

Grammar Old Boys.—Turei, Hook, Wilson, Gardiner, Singleton (2), Badeley, Potter, McCarthy, Vvhelan, Knight, Goodacre, Cathcart, Batty, Schnauer.

Ponsonby.—Johnston, Syme, Lucas, Woods, Cammick, Tonkin, Whitburn, Palmer, Laurie, Solomon. Kighton, Short, Fleet, Hogg, Tonkin.

It was half past three before the teams, with Baity leading Grammar and Lucas carrying the ball tor Ponsonby, took the Held. Grammar set the game going, and Lucas immediately gave the crowd a thrill with a dash back to the halfway. A long punt had Ponsonby anxious until a strong dash down the sideline by Woods eased the pressure. Grammar kept up the pressure, but failed to score, Batty and Wilson catching Johnson in possession. A scrum was ordered, and a penalty to the Ponies drove Gramiu..i back to neutral ground. Next followed a hne movement. Johnston fielded the ball cleanly, beat Knight, and dashed up to let Lucas away. From the Ponsonby skipper the ball went out to Woods, whose pace carried him to within a few yards of the line. Grammar then had a run, all the backs . handling, but the champions' defence held good and the attack was smashed before it became dangerous. The score sheet was still a blank at the change for the second quarter.

Immediately after the resumption Cammick beat half a dozen men in a dash which had the whites guessing. Mldfleld play was then the order until Lucas and Cammick combined in a clever piece of in and out passing. Battling play by the Grammar forwards with Batty prominent, took the game to the Ponies' line. The whites then set up a long attack. A penalty eventually allowed the blues to clear, but Grammar soon returned to the attack, their backs handling in great style. Their efforts were rewarded shortly afterwards. Singleton waltzing through the opposition for a good try. Turei failed to raise the flags. Grammar 3, Ponsonby 0. There was a laugh when Knight ripped away half of Lucas' jersey, and half-time found Grammar still three points in front.

Grammar swung away in a merry back movement right after the resumption. Lucas being compelled to kick wildly in order to save a score. At mid field Grammar attempted to set up a passing movement, but in a flash Lucas had intercepted and was racing for the line. When tackled by Turel he sent out a welltimed pass to Cammick, who streaked over between the posts. Short missed an easy kick.

With the scores even, Ponsonby came again, and In a twinkling Cammick was through for his second try. The angle was too wide for Short. A minute before the end of the quarter Short made a poor attempt from a penalty. Ponsonby 6, Grammar 3.

Ponsonby were first to get going after the change, Turei being compelled to kick out on the corner. Batty broke away on bis ow"n in a line effort, but sent out a poor pass. which allowed Woods to snap up the leather and race away. Three-quarters of the Grammar team were out of position, and the winger, with the assistance of one of the other backs, went within a yard of the line. Here he was toppled over, but he was up like a shot and across for a try between the posts Short added the minor points. There was one more attack by the Grammar rearguard, and then the final bell clanged. Ponsonby 11 Grammar 3 Mr. Stretton was referee.

MANUKAU THE VICTORS.

Manukau and Technical College Old Boys, the two li grade teams in the final of the Pollard Cup competition, provided the secondary attraction at the Showgrounds. Teams:— Technical Old Boys.—Aynsley, Miller, Turbett, Cooper, Hogg, Haslam, Harris, Keane. Tilley, Ferguson, Grunt, Jones, McMiken, New ham, Kennerley.

Manukau.-T-Lipscomb, N. Lipscomb, Albon, Sturmey, Kata, Ingram, Tutuki, Brimble, Kahu, Hookham, Laird, Sathcrly. Waketield, Taylor, Grace.

Following their own kick-off hard, Manukau pushed Technical Old Boys to within ten yards of their line in a minute, but, with the help of a penalty, the greens took pluy back to midlield. Then Technical had their turn, but every time they shot away the defenders launched a. counter attack, and for the next ten* minutes play went up and down the lield at a wonderful pace. Then, from one of Technical's attacks, the ball, handled by four backs, went out to Miller, and cutting in, the speedy winger ran over near the corner for a flue try. Hogg's kick from the side line was unlucky and fell between the posts beneath the crossbar.

For the rest of the first half Manukau did their best to even the score and finally Laird scrambled across. T. Lipscomb's was a poor one.

Solid defence by both teams was the outstanding feature of the second half. Time after time one aide or the other would attack, only to be met by sound tackling Prom a tussle in twenty-flve, the ball Hashed out, and was passed along the whole line of Manukau's backs. When Albon got possession be raced over. The kick missed.

Technical were now tiring, and Manubau had them defending hard. Kabu, Manukau's lock, picked up from a melee, and sent his team mates away. Sturmey was the last to handle, and he scored near the sideline. A' greasy ball made him miss the kick. After this. Technical brightened up and rushed play to Manukau's half. Keane darted away down the line and the Manukau backs thought he had run out, but he kept on, and the referee allowed him his try. He failed with his own kick.

Not disheartened by this reverse, Manukau came again, and from a mix-up in front of Technical's posts, Rata marked. He sent the ball between the uprights a minute before the last whistle, and Manukau, a it 'grade team, came off winners of the Pollard Cup for 1927. # Manukau 12 Technical Old Boys 6 Mr. E. Sutherland was referee. GRADE RESULTS. SECOND GRADE. Marathon 8, beat Ponsonby 6. SEVENTH GRADE. ' Shore 35, beat Manukau 3. Bayfield 8, beat Gladstone 5. GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. DAKGAVILL.E. For the Costello Shield, at Pukehula, Pukehuia (holders) beat Southern by 8 points to 0. HAMILTON. City 14, beat Old Boys 8. In the Clark Cup flnal. Stock Auctioneers 15, beat Public Works 3. Central Power Board 12, beat Dairy Co. 10 TAURANGA. For the Green Cup, Rangataua beat Matakana on a force down; and Cadets Old Boys beat Judea by 8 to 3.

TB PUKE. United 3, beat Pongakawa 0. KOTOBUA. Perpetual Forests 25, beat Rotorua 0. THAMES. , Parnell Juniors Iβ, beat Thames B 3. Auckland Thirds 3, drew with Thames 1 birds 3. PUKEKOHE. Pukekohe 25, beat Auckland City Club 10. WHANGABET. Old Boys 26, beat Hiknr&ngi 9. Juniors. —Portlaad •> beat Horaiioim •.

THAMES VALLEY FORWARDS TOO GOOD. PAEROA, Saturday. The last official match of the season was played at Paeroa between a Thames Valley representative team and Auckland representatives in perfect weather and ideal playing conditions. Forward play characterised the game, the local forwards being superior to Auckland. Thames Valley won by 18 to 17. For the home team tries were scored by L. C. Masters (2), McQuarters and Hollis. Black converted three tries. For Auckland, tries were scored by Lofi (4) and Stuart (1).. Bradanovich converting one. . BENEFIT FOR JACOB. LEVIN, Saturday. The Rugby season was brought to a close by a match between Horowhenua and Manawatu, which was played to-day as a benefit for Jacob, the Manawhejiua captain nnd All Black, who was seriously injured when playing last week. After a ragged game Horowhenua defeated Manawatu by 21 to 18. Jacob, who sustained internal injuries, is now out of danger and progressing satisfactorily.