RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 112, 14 May 1929, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

CLUB MATCH THRILLS. PONSONBY IN TKEIIt STRIDE. THE DEFEAT OF GRAMMAR. For thro* successive. Saturdays the spectators at Eden Park have had thrills in plenty. Last Saturday's struggle ■between Ponsonby and Manukau, played before a crowd of over 9000, fully justified the patronage. It went from start to finish at a surprising pace, it teemed •with those electric flashes which delight the public, and not until the closing minutes did the undoubted superiority of the victors definitely assert itself. Manukau started off brilliantly, and for the first ten minutes it looked as if -they might repeat the performance of Grammar a fortnight before. Their hookers secured possession, their forwards broke quickly upon the Ponsonby back's, and their own rearguard essayed handling that must have been fruitful had it been skilful. There .was a weakness, however, not far from the serum. But Ponsonby brilliantly staged a comeback to win a great game. Meantime, Grammar Old Boys went down badly to College Rifles, who had suffered a'record defeat from 'Varsity the previous week. Grammar's, tailingoff after a brilliant start is hard to explain; on the other hand - there is reason to believe that the side will yet be a force to be considered in the final adjusting of the championship. A correspondent contributes the following points to the controversy concerning the proposed reversion to the old rules:— "(1.) The effect en the future footballer, the schoolboy. The whole of his physical training in school is based upon quick activity and quick thinking in that activity. He loves the chance to display this in the type of football which the*new rules allow. Teachers find these rules an encouragement to quickness of thought and action. They would recognise the loss both in physical and mental benefit, in a departure from them. (2.) Secondary school football has been improved out of sight by the new rules. The 'shiner' is not encouraged with them, and again the physical benefits of fitness and quickness of thought and action are so valued that there would be a revolt against reverting to old rules." The positions of the teams in the senior competition to date are: — Points Chr. P. W. L. D. For. Ag.Tts.

Training College a 3 — — 40 2H « Ponsonby «» - 1 f/ "J Manukau 3 2 1 — ob 44 4 Grafton 3 1 1 — o3 -J 4 "University - 1 Grammar 0.8... 3 1 - «>l y' - Technical 0.8. ..31- —iJ «;0 - c?tT se . K . ifles ::".' lis- i 40 :> Marist . 3 — 3 0 34 <J

THE PONSONBY MACHINE.

The Ponsonbv scoring machine was seen at its best on Saturday against Manukau, when it dashed'on- 11 ■ points in the first 20 minutes and 13 in the last quarter, to bring off a brilliant ' win against Manukau, the team that had brought off a surprise victory against them last season. Right up to the last ten minutes the game was full of thrill, for the Manukau forwards, and • thenerratic backs, nibbled away Ponsonby's early lead until with only quarter of an hour to <xo Manukau had the lead at 17-16. Then Ponsonby flashed most brilliantly to decide the issue in their, favour. After the early stages of the game the Cammick-Jamieson combination at fiveeighth was sound as a connecting link to the scoring three-quarters, and it was the Hook-Lucas-Hook combination that settled the issue in Ponsonby's favour. 1 8. Hook's pace and 1,. Hook's trick of

elusion worried Manukau, while Lucas was at his best in snapping the attack ty the riaht place, speeding it up, and cccasionailv putting in an individual dash. McManus, the younger, did great stopping work near the scrum, and at times got his backs going well. Eraser's full-back display was generally good. Though well held in the tight work, the Ponsonby forwards, with Palmer, McWilliams, Solomon and Heyward prominent, appeared to advantage in play- , ing to their backs. Mamikau's combination in attack, and individual work in defence were erratic. Kalm, Satherley and/Laird did yeoman work among the forwards, who always worried the blues, and Byers was ever nippy at half in both attack and defence. E, Brimble showed up in the early stages for strong running, but later he was regularly pocketed, and his failure to. send the ball along smartly often lost chances. Falwasser brought off several electric dashes, but the most reliable back on the side was Watene, who played one of his best games at full- t back, and achieved a single-handed score by high-kicking and fast following.

SATURDAY'S SURPRISE.

There was no element of luck in the Grammar-Ci/llege Rifles mat Mr and all the honours were with College Rifles. Earlier form this season suggested a comfortable win for the whites, but football at times is an uncertain game, and even those who gave College Rifles a chance were not prepared for such a decisive win as 21 to 0. That WM-P« score when time was called, and at no stage from the second quarter onwards did Grammar look like holding their •wn. College Rifles as a team outshone their opponents. Individually there were men on the Grammar side equal to the best of College Rifles, but where the latter combined in movements tne Grammar men went solo and. did not take a trick, while the "prop", and cor combination of Rifles scored all tnc time. With the Rides hookers getting j

the ball the Grammar backs were "fasting," and they had really few scoring opportunities. Grammar disappointed, but it was Rifles' superiority all round that won. Their forwards on the day were the better combination in every way, and their aggressiveness, coupled with the fact that they controlled the scrums, meant that Grammar were up against it all through the piece. The player who occupied the spotlight most of the time was Wilson (Rifles}, who gave a dashing display and finished it off with excellent kicking.

KARL IFWERSEN'S WIN.

It was not Karl's boot only which won City their first match of the season on Saturday, albeit the only scores were the two goals he kicked. What was really ol tlie utmost service was his knowledge of the game and his tinerring instinct—in finding the weaknesses of the other side. • City were up against a hard, bustling set of forward who gave their opponents no rest, but when the ball, came to K. Ifwersen he returned it with almost uncanny precision-to the one spot where it could be of least value to the other side and so gave his forwards the bit of spell they needed. His drop-kick from the field was a remarkable performance, being taken from a considerable distance back and almost on the side line. The ex-rep. player may have lost his old dash but he is still a force to be reckoned with in any senior team. Neil Ifwersen played a dashing game, marred by one instance where he passed the ball blindly and lost hj£ side a good chance of scoring. Ferguson Avas quite satisfactory and showed a nice turn of speed on occasions. Berridge is fast

getting into form and at times showed the brilliance which is expected of the ex-Ponspnby representative. Lockie is a very fine half, quick in the defence and smart at getting the hall away. Herewini, at full, was in and out. At times his handling was puerile but on the other hand his dashing runs, plucky tackling and lusty kicks were of a high standard. After League play, Rugby is somewhat strange to him, but it is well to note that the selectors have no intention of dropping him, despite occasional slips. They are probably well advised, for the Maori is speedy and agile, and, being only a youngster, may develop into' a top-notcher. Amongst the forwards, -Fletcher and Chrisp, the latter making his first appearance of the season, were outstanding. Harlots made the mistake of not playing their forwards more. Instead, they fed a set of backs which failed lamentably to make use of the opportunities provided. Individually, these backs played a fair game, but there was a marked lack of -initiative.' The attacking movements were stereotyped and usually succumbed to ordinary collaring without making much headway. Smith was the best of the bunch. Stuart mishandled very badly and Mallett, who some useful rims, was inclined to hold too long. , Wright, at half, was sound, but could with advantage introduce some variety into his game, a remark that applies to all the backs. Cornthwaite was ' very safe at' full, though a few slips detracted from an otherwise excellent performance. In the forwards, Hadley was "out on his own" and with Carroll as his hooking partner, gave a good balance to the scrum. Marshall, as rover, was weak in tackling and let his side down more than once.

TEACHERS.STILL WINNING.

Training College are shaping to go 1 through the first round undefeated, though they still have to meet solid opposition in the Ponsonby and Manukau sides. Against Technical Old Boys on Saturday they were not so impressive as they had boon on the previous Saturdays. True, they had a comfortable enough win on points, but at least eight points were practically given to them by mistakes of the opposition, and had the Tech. backs shown the form of their forwards Training College would have had little or nothing to spare. Forward the honours were undeniably with the Tech. vanguard, both in the scrum and the open, Xelson, Lambert and Malcolm made excellent leaders, with D. Keane often prominent also. Haslam did a lot of stopping, while Harris was consistently good throughout. But the fiveeighths lost many chances by standing up too close when on attack and thus not being on the run wlien they took their passes. , Turbott did some great defensive work, but he, too, got out of position in attack and had to take his passes standing.. Both Couper brothers, on the wing, suffered from the faults of the inside players, but when chances did come

their way thev showed lack of decision in both fielding, and running. Whitaker at full-back, was frequently at fault in his fielding Abbott was the outstanding player o of the game/his dash and confidence enabling him to make the most of chances that came his way, while lus goal-kicking- was good. Rae was, as usual, -a tower of strength to the side, while the other backs were steady without being quite up to the form of the previous week. Butler, like the full-back on the other side, was troubled at times bv the erratic bouncing of the ball on a softened ground and by the glare of the sun when facing the west. Injuries are taking toll of the teachers. Thev lost Connolly the previous week with a head injury, and on Saturday Mackey received a jaw wound which is likely to keep him oufe-tf the game for, several weeks.

'VARSITY'S WIN.

The game between 'Varsity and Grafton at the show grounds at no stage looked like developing into a fast, open game, the play on the whole being very drab. The two brights spots of the play were Goodwin's tries, one he intercepted inside the 'Varsity half-way and left the opposition standing, and Mathcson's brilliant move in drawing two men and le'.ting the 'Varsity winger away. 'Varsity appear to be only a shadow of their former selves, the forwards shining far too much. With the weight they have behind the hookers 'Varsity should secure far more of the ball than they are getting at present. Having such a first-class back line behind them the students would go much further if the

forwards concentrated on securing the ball, letting the backs do the bulk of the attacking. Keegan, after a years spell, turned out in his old position, and considering it was his first game, performed particularly well. Anderson and Keene were prominent at the head of the loose 'Varsity forwards. Minns and Goodwin were again well in the limelight, the latter perhaps receiving more of the ball. 'Varsity are lucky in having two such prominent players, unfortunately these two are not receiving enough of the ball, Matheson spoiling many promising movements. It would pay Jenkins occasionally to throw the ball right out to the wings from first five-eight, and the wingers' speed would make the opposition sit up and take a bit of notice. Stotter and Jenkins combining well together did not have an easy day; the Grafton forwards gave them a hot time. Carter, considering his bad hand, shot the ball out exceptionally well. Grafton sadly missed the solid play and leadership of.Finlayson, this player having to stand down owing to a poisoned foot. The Grafton forwards combined well as a pack, but were let down by the bad passing of the backs—lobbed passing being the order of the day, Wanoa and Crompton both put in a good day's work, the hitter's fast following up and low tackling were of the highest order. Hamiora is a very elusive individual, but secured little support from the remainder of the inside beaks; had he been backed up the margin would not have been so big. Liddle was the better of the wings, and was noticeable for one or two solo efforts. Whalley, at full-back, Mas evidently new to the position, but except for being a trifle nervous and out of position quite distinguished himself, his tackling being first-class.

REFEREES' ASSOCIATION.

LAWS OF THE GAME. At the weekly meeting of the Auckland Rugby Referees' Association last evening at which Mr. M. Kronfeld presided, there was an attendance, of 44 members, and also present Mi'. H. (J. Williamson, of the Otago Association. Mr. A. Paul! read a very interesting paper on "Mistakes of the Referee," and contended that the decisions would not be open to fault if the referee kept up with the play. To dp this physical fitness was absolutely necessary. Referees at Wellsford requested that Mr. P. Maokie visit Wellsford and give a lecture on the laws of the game. The request was referred to the executive. Mr. J. Shepherd was presented with his intcrproviiicial certificate.

WIN FOR PUKEKOHE.

The smart three-quarter, H. Stoupe, who has been one of the outstanding players in the Marist Bros. Old Boys senior team, is now living at Pukekohe. He will join up with the ■United team and should be a decided acquisition to that club. WAIKARE SUB-UNIUW. The Waikare sub-union opened die season at the Kanglriri grounds on Saturday with four teams In the field. Kanglriri met Te Knuwhata and Taniwha met Vvaerenga. The Hangiriri-Tc Kauwhata game was fast and strenuous, and ended in a draw — 13 all. Taniwha beat Wnorenga by 315 to 7, after a hard game. For Taniwha, Nopia scored two tries and converted two, and Manaka scored a try. but Xepia failed with tint kick. For Waerengu, Prentice potted a goal and Gibbons scored a try ; Souter failing with "the kick.

BAY OP ISLANDS.

ICaikohe. mot Xgawha and defeated them by 3 points (a penalty goal) to 0, after a hard-fought forward game from start to finish. Faulty passing and bad handling fit critical moments spoiled scores on each side. Changes in both teams made combination difficult, hut this will soon disappear with practice. The tackling on both sides was very clean and effective. Neither side had any advantage, being evenly matched. For Kaikohe. Panapa, at full, played a good game, penny was the best three-quarter, and Jiatene showed a decided improvement on last week. Diamond was too well watched to get far. William?, not quite recovered from a bad cold, gave a good dashing display, and he and Heke were quick to take advantage of any openings. Amos, at half, played n better gamei and made the most of his opportunities. F, Jackson, a new member, was easily the best forward on the ground. His line work and in the loose, with Hows, ■could be eopierl to advantage by his team mates*. Edmonds and Edwards were more successful in hooking the ball. Skinner held the pack together well. For Xgawha, Thomson, at full, was kept very busy, his kicking being very effective. Itaweka is improving, and, with the Fyfe brothers, will be a strong trio before long. The Paltons, at five-eighths, were very nippy, George spoiling several movements by following up fast to harass his opponents. The Te Haara brothers, with Kogers and ,T. Whin, were very prominent in the loose rushes, and got good support from the rest of the pack.

WAIPA SENIOR REPS.

(From Our Own Correspondent,) ' TE AWAMUTU, Monday. The following senior rep. team has been selected to represent Waipa against Otorohangtt at Otorolmnga next Saturday:— Full-back, A. Trlfer (Korakoniii) ; threequarters, It. Sinclair (Te Awaiuutu), E. Jeffries (IV Awamutu), G. Liekiepenny (Rovers) ; nve-eighths. G, Quin (Te Awanuitu), E. Hell (Pirongia) ; half, p. Wilkes (United) ; rover, la Kay (Korokonui) ; forwards, W. Pollard, X. Crulckshank (Korakonui), R Gobel (Rovers), G. Th6inson (Korakonui). Edwards (Te Awamutu), E. Holmes, J. "Ward (Te Awamutu).