RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 130, 5 June 1933, Page 12

RUGBY.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. ponsonby; take-the lead\ SATURDAY'S "GAMES REVIEWED; • With the sixth series of matches completed on Saturday,. Ponsonby are now at the top of the Auckland -Rugby Union's .senior championship ladder. Up till Saturday Grammar and Marist were the leaders, but both went Sunder, Ponsonby beating Grammar'in the big match-at Eden Park by 20 points, to 13, and Marist failing by tlireu points against Grafton in the curtainraiser. Ponsonby now has a lead of one point. _

Dtahuhu 'were overwhelmed by Training College and failed to score, the students running up 21 points. University won comfortably from Technical College Old Boys and College Rifles scored a good win over. Ma'nukau at Onehunga. Results were: — Ponsonby 20, beat Grammar 13. Grafton 6, beat Marist 3. '.' Training College 21, beat Otahuhu 0. University 16, beat Technical 6. College Rifles 17, beat Manu.kau 0. • The- championship table is:—

GRAFTON'S NARROW WIN.

A penalty goal was all that separated Grafton and Marist at the end of the curtain-raiser at Eden Park. There were many ragged periods throughout the match, play, being mostly among the forwards. Here' there was little to choose between the two packs, Fin lay soli and Bunting showing fine fighting spix-it l'or Grafton and bwm Hadley, Poland and Eville doing solid work for Marist. Neither set of backs was impressive. They failed to .show an appreciation of combination and many opportunities that came to both sides were ignored. Cooney alone was always on liis toes, but ho was given wretched, support on the rare occasions he did carve a way through. A feature of Grafton's play was the splendid'defensive work of Paton, the fullback, his long and accurate line-kicking saving his side time and again. His tackling was resolute. •It was his fine penalty goal from a long way out that won the game for Grafton. The kick was from ten yards inside halfrwily" and i'rojn near the sideline. There was one great • forward attack by Marist near the end. inspired by S. Hadley, j but it failed, Grafton 6, Marist 3.

EASY WIN FOR TRAINING COLLEGE,

Oil No. 2 ground at Eden Park. Training College gave a capital. exhibition, and romped over Otahuliu by a margin of 21 points to nil. •' ; < v The country men . were at- a big disadvantage In having to field ■ a team from which several of .their best-players were absentees as a result of injuries sustained in earlier games. The three-quarter line, Clarke, Pearson and Petersen, as well as that sterling forward, Jack Hammond, were all replaced by- substitutes. These defections naturally affected' the play of the teams as a whole., 'The red • forwards did really well, and gave their backs reasonable opportunities, but' 'the rearguard were at sixes and sevens, and rarely looked like scoring. On attack they were weak, on defence, their tackling was, indifferent, and Ihey were frequently out. of position. Babbage sent the ball out smartly enough, but many chances yore lost when Arnold persisted* in trying to force his way through the opposing pack instead of passing when his way was blocked. , The students, on the other linnd, were in rare fettle. They had both Pnrgeter and Webber back in their ranks. The forwards set up a hot paefc-from the start and the backs threw the ball about freely. Often their methods were unorthodox, but their handling was and their 'movements were smartly executed. Townsend was a toyer of strength 1o his side, quite apart from his fine work with the boot. For the winners tries were secured by Pountney (2), Gibson and Webber. Three of these were converted by Townsend, who also notched a. penally gaol. Training College 21. Otahuliu 0. Mr. J. G. C. Wales was referee.

COLLEGE RIFLES' BIG WIN,

College Rifles played one of its best games, perhaps its best game, this season, when it' scored five tries, one of which was converted, against Manukau at Ouehunga on Saturday. The suburban team could not put on any points and gave a very disappointing display. Playing with a very strong southerly, wind behind them in the first 40 minutes, the winuerH had a lead of six points at the Interval, Stewart having scorcd twice. Manukau had more than held their own,- and,' in fact, were decidedly unlucky not to register a few points, Poulton, on one occasion, actually getting across, but was recalled for having accepted a forward transfer. In the opening minutes of the second spell, with the ele ; ments in Its favour, Manukau launched some strong offensives, and the Collegian backs were standing close up to check the danger in its initial stages. The home team's supporters' hopes fell to zero when the visitors changed defence into attack, the best form of defence, and remained in the picture for the rest of the afternoon, with the exception of the final few minutes. G. S. Kirk opened up the game from all over the paddock and his men gave a fine display. One of the College movements must be recorded as at least one of the 'best ever seen out at Onehuiiga. _ Within a few yards of their line the forwards started some short passing. From forward to forward it went and then out to the backs, the last man to handle, Wales, scoring a glorious try behind the posts. It was real Rugby. Just before the whistle Manukau got the Avhips out again but they could not get through the Bound defence. ' For the 'winners.J.' Kirk played another sound game. Stewart was the best wing on the ground, and. Wales and Brown played good games, especially after the interval. Vear was not up to his best form. Frankham's attack was good, but he let Berridge through on several occasions. S. Kirk performed well behind the serum and sent out some beautiful transfers from all angles. Bellj Ross, Stone and Granville were the pick of the forwards. Tries were scored by Stewart (2). Wales, Brown and Bell. The losers' rearguard was further weakened by the latest defection, C„ Stuart, who lias thrown in his lot with Grafton. Berridge, at first five-eighth, was the best. He broke through on several occasions, usually,unsupported, but several times he threw . away chances through holding on too long. A newcomer, Poulton. on the left wing, showed from limited opportunities. Kercopa was an absentee in the forwards, which were a hard-working lot, Constable, Pcarce and Pepper being prominent.

MUCH IMPROVED 'VARSITY.

'Varsity -were a much Improved side when they beat Technical Old Boys 16—0 at the Showgrounds on Saturday. This was typically shown In two of the tries, one of which was a back movement"solely and the other a forward movement. In the first, the in-passing showed great combination, and in the latter, the fact that the ball did not touch the ground once, though it passed through tlie hands of six forwards, showed the handling power of the pack. Every man in the pack worked like a Trojan, both in the loose and the tight, so that It is scarcely possible to individualise. . Mention, however, might be made of Armltage, the senior B player, who was not outshone by the others. Mulvihill was the most outstanding back on the field, and tlio fact that he was playing centre proved his versatility. All the backs had improved oil last Saturday. Jaguseh showed the result of; last week's practice game, while liCxt year 'Varsity will -have a useful nlfln. in Lewis.. Groan appears to have struck form again, * too, and did all that was required at-first five-ejghtli. -... Though Tech. were definitely beaten, til.c.v always had a comeback, and alwavs made a game of it. They fought to the bitter end. Nelson. Hardley, arid McMiuken stood out tlie most- in manv a strrlifig forward; Uatt!c. wiiile McKenzie, at half, .came to light (h* tlie second sp'ell. Coupcr was always dangerous, while at times Harris showed his power to sunx U]i r situation.

PONSONBY'S GOOD WIN*

-Ponsonby's ability to date advantage of the mistakes of Grammar gave them a splendid win ia the big match of the day at Eden Park. With 12 points on the board shortly alter half-time, Ponsonby looked certain winners, but with an astonishing recovery,' Grammar caught up and actually , passed'Ponsonby to hold the lead for a brief period. It was a hectic burst on the part of Grammar —a series of whirlwind rushes which ended with Grammar putting-on 13 points is as many minutes. With one point separating the teams, there was any amount of excitement, and Grammar's chance of success at that stage, was equally as good as Ponsonby's.. But Grammar faded, and two convincing tries,by Ponsonby hermetically sealed the issue. The line-out work and splendid loose play of the Ponsonby forwards was the deciding factor in the triumph of the team. Shading Grammar in line-outs, Ponsonby took full advantage of these opportunities and the forwards gave the backs generous service. Honours were fairly even in set serums. With Solomon playing a clever roving game, and frequently making the play for the backs, the Grammar defence was. put to a hard test, and after gaining a slender lead the defence wilted. It was then that Ponsonby took complete command again. Grammar forwards battled grimly, but they were shaded by the splendid all-round work of the Ponsonby pack. For less than a quarter of an hour in the whole game they held sway. In that short time Lockington excelled himself, and in the second halt' -McCarthy gave a splendid performance, his control of the ball in dribbling being ail outstanding feature of his play. A solo dribbling effort by him paved the way for a try. The Ponsonby biieks were a dangerous lot. Frankham contributed much to the success of the team, lie gave an exhibition of real ability at the base of the scrum, sending perfect passes out to Xamicson and varying his place cleverly, 110 crowned an afternoon of splendid football with two good tries and made great openings .which led to others. Jamieson was in brilliant form. His short punts over the heads of the defenders were always kicked with shrewd judgment to an obvious gap. He engineered clever , moves, and he was always a puzzle to the Grammar defence when iu possession. Except for the, solid work of Slytield and the alternating brilliance of Xjendrum at centre, there was not a great deal to commend the play of the Grammar, backs. Corner, who has been suffering from an injury and illness, by no means played up to form. The combination of the line was not good, but it was relieved by several dazzling'' runs by I.endrum. They strove hard, but hopelessly. Jt. was Ponsonby's 'day. Ponsonby 20, Grammar 13.

GRADE GAMES.

SENIOR B GRADE. Parnell boat North Shore A by default. Manukau 17, beat University 0. North Shore 9, beat Grammar Colts 6. SECOND GRADE. Grammar A 11, beat Technical Old Boys 0. Grafton A .Is, beat University 3. Marist It, beat Grammar B 9. College Rifles 21, beat Training College 5. University 11, beat Waitcmata 6. Suburbs 12, beat Grafton Colts 3. Tamaki 13. beat Northcotc B 0. THIRD OrEN. Newton 36, beat College Rifles 3. Eden 14, beat Oratia C. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. ! Technical 0.8. 26, beat Training College 14.- • - • Eden 27, beat Y.M.C.A. 3. College Rifles 9, beat Marist 0.8. 3. Manukau A 5, drew with Otahuliu 5. University 9, beat Manukau B 5. Suburbs 10, beat Grammar .14. Waitemata 13, beat Eden 0. Dilwortli 0.8. 17, beat Northcote 0. Eastern Suburbs 3, drew with Papatoetoe FOURTH GRADE. • ; V Northcote 14, beat Grammar 3. ■ Point Chevalier 40, beat Northcotc 0. Grammar 0.8. I], beat Otahuliu 0. Suburbs 0, beat Grafton 0.

FIFTH GRADE. Marist 13, beat Parnell 6. Technical 0.8. 16, beat Grammar 6. City 5, beat Point Chevalier 0. Suburbs 6, beat Ponsonby 5. "" SIXTH GRADE. Eden 43, beat Northcote 0. Grafton 9, beat Marist 0. Technical 0.P.. 15, beat Ponsonby 0. Manukau 6, beat Suburbs 3. SECONDARY SCHOOL GAMES. Auckland Grammar 25, beat Takapuna Grammar 3. Mount Albert Grammar 21. beat Sacrcd Heart College 8.

JUNIOR BOYS.

INTERMEDIATE. Suburbs 15, boat Pnrnell 3. Manukau 18, beat Northcote 3. JUNIOR. Waltoinafa 9. beat Northcote 6. Newton 38, beat Y.M.C.A. 0. Eclen 3, drew witli Otahuhu 3. Eastern Suburbs 22, beat Good Shepherd Convent 0. Manukau A G, beat Manukau B 0. Suburbs 3S, beat Parnell 0.

MANUKAU SCHOOLS.

| NEW UNION FORMED. During the week-end a conference of [school teachers was held at Papakura. It was convened by the Manukau Rugby SubUnion for the purpose of starting a competition among the primary schopls of Manukau. The conference was presided over by Mr. H. C. Baulf, president of the Manukau Union. After a long discussion, the meeting decided to form the Manukau Primary Schools' Rugby Football Union, to be affiliated to the Manukau Union. The officers were:—President, Mr. A. B. Fordyce (Takanini) ; secretary, Mr. Geo. Buchan (Karakul, who, with Messrs Doull (.Drury) and Robbins (Papaiura), will form the executive committee. Mr. C. W. Jackson, of Papakura, lias presented a cup to bo competed for and the matches will start after June 12, when the draw will be made.

HAURAKI PLAINS V. THAMES.

The first representative fixture for this season of the Thames Rugby Union will take place next Saturday, when the Hauraki Plains Union will send a senior and junior team to Thames. The following have been chosen to represent Thames:— Full-hack,. W. Savage; three-quarters, F. Moran, S. Goodwin, S. McMalion: fiveeightlis, .T. Garvcy (captain), L. Mcßac; half, J. Akc forwards. J. Strange, E. Russek, G. Pollock. E. Robson, .T. Gordon, T. Abraham, G. Percy. C. Abraham.

Juniors.—Full-back, J. McGregor; threequarters, E. Lanning, T. Henderson, R. Court; five-eight lis, G. Coxhead, W. Mcßae (Captain) ; half,'- K. Otto; forwards, A. Boswell, .T. Marshall, M. Sanderson, E. Murray, K. Fitzpatrick, W. Flooks, J. M. Hosking, C. Hovell.

GAMES IN THE SOUTH.

WANGANUI. Taranaki 20, beat Wanganul 8. NAPIER. Hawkc's Bay 17, beat Wairarapa 14. ' WELLINGTON. First Division.—Wellington College Old BOvs 0, beat Eastbourne 5 ; Wellington 25, beat Marist l'J ; Poneke 11, beat Pctone !); Hutt 18, beat Athletic 17. Second Division.—St. Patrick's 27, beat Melrose 0; Oriental 15, beat Berhampore 6; Johnsonville 11, beat Upper Hutt 3; University 19, beat Mirainar 15.

DUNEDIN. Southern 20, beat Pirates 0. Taieri 14, beat Union 6. Zingari 11, beat Dunedin 4. | i Kaikorai 9, beat Alliambra 3. • INVERCARGILL. Country Day. Town No. 1 25, beat Eastern Sub-Union 11. Central Sub-Union 11, beat Western 6. Town No. 2 25, beat Southern 5. TAIHAPE. Utiku'3; brat Huiu' 0. Hautapu 3'j. boat Old Boys 8. Juniors. —Pirates- 3,. beat Hiwera 0; Utiku 5, beat Hula 0; Hautapu 11, beat Huimai 0.

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