RUGBY OPENS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 103, 4 May 1931, Page 13

RUGBY OPENS.

PLENTY OF OPEN PLAY. TOUCHLINE IGNORED. STAR MATCH SPECTACULAR. ALL GAMES REVIEWED.

For the first time since 1917, Rugby club matches in Auckland were played under the old rules in the opening matches of the season at Eden Park on Saturday. Contrary to the predictions of stout supporters of Auckland's amended rules, the matches were fast and open, and the big match of the day —Technical College Old Boys and Training College—was a spectacular game, with the ball being tossed about with delightful abandon, ever in play. Generally, the touchline was ignored. Save for the fact that two spells were played instead of four quarters, there was no obvious indication that there had been any change in the rules, Of course, this was as it should be, and as was expected of Auckland teams, accustomed'longer than any others, to rules compelling open play, and determined to keep alive the spirit of the "Auckland rules" in their style of play. ■

'. Naturally, there was a deal of ragged football shown at periods in the various matches, but the standard generally was good for first-day games, and players made it so fast and open that some of the teams had difficulty in seeing their games through. This spirit among the players will do much to keep Rugby to what had become known as the Auckland style, and at least delay the drift back to the tight-scrum and touch-kick-ing tactics, which had alienated public support at one period of the recent past. Another feature of Saturday's games was the close competition, two of the games being won by a margin of one point and not one team scoring a runaway victory. It was a perfect day for Rugby and Eden Park, with its verdant oval, looked a picture. The crowd was enthusiastic. Results were:— Technical Old Boys 13, Training College 12. College Rifles 13, City 3. Grammar Old Boys 12, Manukau 3. University 11, Marist 0. Ponsonby 10, Grafton 9.

GARLICK'S THREE TRJES.

Fielding much the same pack as has .won: them many victories in the past, Grammar Old Boys scored a 12—3 win over Manukau Kovers. It was a good game and a hard game, but not a brilliant game. In the first half the blacks strove hard for a lead, and although they did not get it they prevented the whites from making a ■ start with their score. In the second spell a different tale was told. Grammar used their weight and soon had the Rovers with their backs to their goal line. There was a melee and Corner whipped the ball out to Bell. Garlick came up fast to take his pass and streaked over for a try. An unconverted try by Turei a minute later saw the teams level again, but froi this stage onwards the blacks seldom looked like winning. Two more unconverted tries, one by Garlick and another by Lendrum, put the blacks well astern, and In the last few minutes of play Garlick touched down for his third try of the afternoon, the final whistle finding the whites nine points up. For Manukau it must be acknowledged that they battled gamely, although faced with an adverse score, until the end. Spectators who followed the game missed the big form of L. Knight, but A. Knight, the ' Batty brothers, the two Potters and

Skelton were all there ana their past expe-

rience gave them an advantage over the Manukau van. W. Batty, who is skippering the Old Boys this season, set his team an excellent example, and was always well up with the ball. P. Potter "roved" to good effect, and frequently harassed the opposition, using his ffiet well. Corn or was sound, and his nippiness savod 1; s side on several occa-

sions. The five-eighths, . Webb and Mclndoe, gave promiee of good things to come, and it was unfortunate that Webb had to be carried off with a nasty head wound near the close of play. A his pair are former members of the Isorth Shore Club, and know each others play. Garlick, on the right wing, had an afternoon out and scored three tries. He has pace and knows when to use it. I-endrurn, on the other flank, did not receive the same opportunities, but his try was a smart effort. Bell, centre, used his head, and on several occasions drew the defence cleverly before handing on to his wings. Hutchinson made no serious mistakes, but his line kicking was not as accurate as he is capable of. Manukau were almost a new team, only mm ißftfti of it. . .

Carter was a bad offender, and time and again the student backs were held up •through his dropping the ball. Caughey and Smith were worthy opponents in the centre position. The former, who is playing his first season in senior football, seemed slightly nervous. Smith, who* on the other hand has had previous experience in the senior grade, was well up to standard.

Of the wingers, Milliken was outstanding. He played a great game for the students, and should be a regular campaigner. He has developed more speed than he had last year, but has retained his dash and determination. He is a "goer" when he gets the ball, and is hard to stop. His handling was a bit erratic on Saturday, but this will improve. Couper, the ex-Technical Old Boys' flyer, is turning out for 'Varsity this year, and his speed and dash notched him two tries. Both Marist wings, Evans and Looinbe, were rather weak, although it must be said for them that they did not get many chances.

Although Butler's handling was faulty he was only beaten one one occasion, but Caughey was there to save. He was not called on to do as much work as Harris, and generally performed well. Harris, also, was good. His kicking was better than Butler's, and he got more length into his punts. There was not an extraordinary amount of kicking, and the players did not exploit the kick-into-touch rule. . Indeed there was not an appreciable difference in the game as played under Auckland rules. 'Varsity's three tries were the result of good concerted efforts. Couper crossed the line twice and Caughey got there once, Carter converting. The scores were :—■ 'Varsity „..„. 11 Marista 0 Mr. Austin was referee.

ONE POINT WIN.

A spectacular game, crowned by a whirlwind finish, resulted from the Technical College Old Boys-Training College Clash, which was the star attraction at Eden Park. All through there was a succession of lively incident, and the finish was a grim and glorious effort on the part of the students, but they had left their burst too late, and went down by a single point, Territorially, Tech. had all the best of the game, and had their backs been able to crown the work of their forwards they would have won by a bigger margin. For the opening match of the season, the pace was amazing; passes were bound to go astray, and combination faltered in the face of fierce defence. Tech. won for the reason that they were the better balanced side, with a more virile pack, and with more resourceful and enterprising backs. Training College looked smaller in stature than their opponents, but they stood lip gamely to

concerted attacks — the!r defence was never under suspicion. But Training College lacked a leader. There were some who showed promise in the early stages, but who faded because they were not properly fit. At times forwards and backs were at sixes and sevens, and the whole side played without design, but all round they promise to settle down Into a useful side.

On the other hand, Technical Old Boys indicated that they have the material for an excellent combination. They have a virile pack, young and enterprising, a pack that plays as a pack. In line-out work they had the advantage in height, and made most of it; they packed a solid scrum with plenty of 'weight behind it; they heeled smartly, from the rucks and nearly all the forwards showed an appreciation of making the play for their backs. The result was that Harris at half had a busy afternoon feeding his backs, but he was a universal provider, without a distinguished clientele. Given a feast of opportunities the men outside him usually frittered chances away. There was too much futile crossfleld running, with nobody making any real attempt to straighten up the attack. Haslam, who did not appear to be fit, spoiled many attacks by holding on too long, and when he did unload it was usually too late, thus giving his centre no chance to stralghX'i up or break through. It was a pity, for the three-quarter line—Common, Turbott and Koss —appeared to be a fairly useful trio. Taken all round, the Tech. backs are an attractive lot, ana gave quite an encouraging display. Although the Training College backs were forced to play the role of defenders most of the afternoon, they occasionally opened out in attack, but they, too, spoiled any chances they had liy running towards the touchline instead of the goal-iine. But they did not have many opportunities to show their powers of attack. It said much for their determined defence that Tcclicould cross their line only once.

COLLEGE RIFLES' WIN.

College Rifles opened the season promisingly by defeating City by 13 points to 3, after the score had been 3 all at halftime. The first spell was marked by very closely contested but rather ragged play, in which both sides missed good opportunities. Berridge opened the scoring in City's favour with a penalty goal, and some time later Dear scored for the Rifles, In the second spell the Rifles' backs got going in good style, Kirk sending the ball out consistently, and Dear and Albrecht at midfield cutting through the opposition strongly. Albrecht put on a try which was a lone-handed effort, and converted, while a little later a nice opening by Dear gave Albrecht another try, which he converted. It became obvious from the later stages of the game that College Rifles, in addition to a solid pnek,' has the makings of a really good attacking rearguard. City's forwards held their own, but the backs showed no combination whatever, though individually Berridge and Kerr-Taylor were prominent on occasions.

PONSONBY LUCKY.

Ponsonby started the season with an unconvincing win by 10 points to 9 against Grafton, and a slight turn of luck would have turned tho win the other wny. Grafton led 6—4 at half-time, a try by Fraser and a penalty goal by Paton to a potted goal by Jamieson. Early in the second spell tries by Frankham and Carter gave Ponsonby a lead which appeared to make them safe, but when Larsen scored for Grafton, Paton failing with a moderately easy shot at goal, there was only one point between them and still fifteen minutes to play. Ponsouby kept on top to the h'nish, but could not score again. Ponsonby played their characteristic open game, but found Grafton an improved side, and the thrustful influences of Lucas and Hook were missing. Frankham, Camraick and Jamieson were sound and resourceful, but the three-quarter line frequently lost touch, witli the result that Carter, a dashing player on the wing, did not get the chances he deserved. Pope was sound at full-back. Solomon, Palmer and Satherley showed up well in the pack. Grafton's forwards held the opposition well, Finlayson and Fraser being outstanding. Larsen showed up well at half, and Paton proved a good defensive full-back. The five-eighths aud threequarters are promising, but Ponsonby's speed demoralised their combination, though they did good individual work..

GRADE RESULTS,

SENIOR B. Otahuhu 17, beat Eden 6. North Shore 6, beat Mount Roskill 3. Marathon 25, beat Parnell 0. THIRD OPEN. Waitemata 9, drew with Eden 9.

THAMES UNION'S RESULTS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) THAMES, Sunday. Perfect weather prevailed for the opening of the Rugby seSson at Thames on Saturday, when there was a large attendance of followers of the game at Rhodes Park. During the off season several improvements have been effected to the No. 1 and No. 2 grounds, which are now in splendid playing order. The first senior game, between College Old Boys and Ramblers, was won by the latter by 9 to 3. For the winners Ebax scored two unconverted tries and Savage kicked a penalty goal. Edwards scored the only try for College Old Boys. / City was able to field only fourteen men in its match with Physical Training, and the game was evenly contested in the first half, when the score stood at 9—3 in Physical Training's favour. During the latter part of the first spell a City player, Henderson, received a nasty cut on thf head and had to be taken to the hospital with concussion. With the advantage of a full team Physical Training had rnucl the better of the game during the second spell, and won by 23 to 3. Junior games resulted: College Old Boys drew with Ramblers, played at Matakohe 3 all. Physical Training defeated Turus by 28 to 6. High School defeated Physical Training by 12 to nil.

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE.

FRANKLIN. Seniors. —Tuakau 16, beat Pokeno 0; Onewhero 17, beat Bombay 8; Kohanga 9, beat Pukekawa 3. Juniors.—Pokeno 31, beat Tuakau 3; Kohanga 9, beat Pukekawa 0 r Bombay 5, beat Onewhero 3; St. Stephen's 2(i, beat Clevedon 3. Third Grade.—St. Stephen's A 13, drew with St. Stephen's B 13; Pokeno 3, drew with Bombay 3. PUKEKOHE. Seniors.—Old Boys 16, beat United 6; Kia Ora 9, beat Ramblers 8. Junior Grade. —White Star 6, beat Wesley College 3; Patumahoe 6, beat Old Boys 3. Third Grade. —High School 6, beat White Star 3. WAIUKU. Seniors. —City 13, beat Waipipi 0; Otaua 21, beat Aka Afea 9. Junior Grade. —City 5, beat Waipipi 0; Aka Aka beat Otaua. TB AWAMUTU. Tβ Awamutu 17, beat Kihikihi 3. Waikeria 34, beat Puketotara 0. Hovers 13, beat Pirongia 3. TAIHAPB. Hautapu 3, drew with Huia 3. United 3, drew with Pirates 3. Juniors. —Hautapu 20, beat Utiku 9. DARGAVILLE. Dargaville 11, beat Maropiu 0. Juniors.—Ruawai and Waima, byes; Dargaville defaulted to Ruawai. Third Grade.—High School 8, beat Dargaville 5. TE AROHA. City 9, beat Terriers 0. Tries were scored by Maloney, Burgess and Gibbs. Juniors.—Terriers 20, beat City 3. For City Edmonds scored; for Terriers Whitten, Horgan, and Winter scored two tries each. Elstow 28, beat Hot Springs 6. HAMILTON. Marist 13, beat Old Boys 10. Technical Old Boys 17, beat Frankton 12. TAURANGA. Athletic 13, beat Tepuna 9. Huimai 8, beat Mount 0. Junior.—Athletic 17, beat Tepuna 0; School 39, beat Huimai 6. MORRINSVILLE. Terriers 5, beat. United 3. Kereone 19, beat Waitoa 0. Juniors. —Te Puninga 9, beat Kereone 6; United 13, beat Terriers 3; Springdale 5, beat Waitoa 3. TAUPIRI. Taupiri Seniors 34, beat Ngaruawahia Juniors 8. WAIHI. Seniors.—Mataura 31, beat Waikino 5. THAMES. Ramblers 9, beat College Old Boys 3. Physical Training 22, beat City 3. Juniors.—College Old Boys 3, drew with Ramblers 3; High School 12, beat Physical Training 0. HUNTLY. Te Hoe 8, beat Huntly 3. KOPIOPIO. Seniors.—Apanul 14, beat Whakatane 3. Juniors.—Whakatane High School 15, beat Whakatane 6. OPOTIKI. Country 14, beat O.M.P. 6. Juniors.—High School 11, beat Country 0; O.M.P. 8, beat City 6. PAEROA. Seniors.—East 8, beat West 0. _ • Junior Grade. —Kast 8, beat West 3; High School Old Boys 11, beat Hikutaia 3. DARGAVILLE. Seniors.—Dargaville 11, beat Maropiu 0; Northern Star 16, beat Southern 11. Junior Grade. —Southern 3, beat NorThird Grade.—High School 8, beat Dargaville 3. WAIPA. Rovers 13, beat Pirongia 3; Te Awamutu 17, beat Kihikihi 3; Waikeria 31, beat Puketotara 0. TAUPIRI. Taupiri seniors 34, beat Ngaruawahia juniors 8.

GAMES IN THE SOUTH.

FEILDING. Palmerston North Old Boys 22, beat Feilding 0. MASTERTON. Gladstone 22, beat Master ton 6. Carterton 32. beat Red Star 5. I'irates 16, beat Tamatea 0. Marist 11, drew with High School Old Boys 11. WELLINGTON. University 10, beat Oriental 7. Wellington 14, beat Poneke C. Miramar 11, beat Berhampore 5. Hutt 30, beat Athletic 11. Eastbourne 11, beat Old Boys i>. Marist 21, drew with Petone 21. Senior B. —St. Patrick's Old Boys 30, beat Melrose 0; Old Boys 6, beat Porirua 3; Hutt 20, beat Selwyn 6; University 17, beat Onslow 0. CHRISTCHURCH. •Varsity 14, beat Old Boys 9. Christchurch 24, beat Athletic 3. Albion 5, beat Sydenham 3. Linwood 10, beat Mertvale 14. DUNEDIN. Southern 22, beat 'Varsity B S. Kaikorai 27, beat Union 5. Alhambra 18, beat Taieri 3. 'Varsity A 20, beat Pirates 8. Zingari 13, beat Dunedin 3. WANGANUI. Kaierau 9, beat Pirates 6. Old Boys 14, beat Marist 0. Technical Old Boys 27, beat Satana 8. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 41, beat Old Boys 19. Star 8 beat Invercargill 6. HASTINGS. Hastings 14, beat Celtic 3. Napier Technical 14, beat Hastings Old B ° yS °; TIMARU. Old Boys 13, beat Waihi 3. Star 15, beat Zingari 3. Temuka 11, beat Celtic 0. MASTERTON. Gladstone 21, beat Masterton 0. Carterton 30, beat Red Star 5. Greytown 11, beat Old Boys 8.

'VARSITY SHOW PROMISE

laekinc in spectacular finesse, en for championship honours this season. Mnrists are a much-improved team, •iiw in the forward division, which, •/'E? £fJKsr ss Bras -Err sHS "fin!~* wn« also weak, and the honours for that department of the game went to the Manet nair Eville and Judd. In the loose, however, the students showed up to better advantage and, led by Anderson and Peacock, thfv did a good deal of destructive work. Stacey and McVeagh were tireless and silent workers, and Jenkina played a good lo The ga Hadley brothers were the leading liehts of the Marist vanguard, but Stewart vis always in the thick of the fray. Walsh, the rover, was one of the outstanding men on the field, and with his dash and greater experience of the game he overshadowed his vis-a-vis, Boswell, who is comparatively new to the position. Boswell, however, got in plenty of good work Walsh was a never-ending source of trouble to the student back division. He was prominent, both on attack and on defence, and in addition to engineering several nice movements, he pulled his side out of a number of tight fixes. 'Varsity have a new recruit for the halfback position. Leys, who has been in big football in Wellington, showed himself to be a valuable acquisition. He is a heady player, shows plenty of speed in getting the ball away from the scrum, and is not afraid to go down. Conway, on the other side was better on defence than on attack. On both sides the connecting links between the half and the outside backs were weak, and a number of promising passing movements broke down there.