RUGBY OPENS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 100, 30 April 1934, Page 14

RUGBY OPENS.

SENIOR CONTESTS. TWO SURPRISES SPRUNG. UNIVERSITY SWAMP MARIST. With two surprises—the overwhelming defeat cf Marist by University and the "win of College Rifles over Ponsonby— the Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship opened with rich promise on Saturday afternoon. There was plenty in the football to give encouragement to the spectator that this season will produce j better and brighter football than last. 1 Two of last year's three bracketed champion teams, Marist and Ponsonby, went down, one gallantly, the other in- 1 gloriously, Ponsonby, who played College Rifles in the curtain-raiser at Eden Park, led the way until the end, when College Rifles, showing initiative and a will to win, raced on to deserved victory. The University-Marist match, the main attraction of the day, was just a procession of University backs to the Marist goal line, and the speed of the winners left their opponents bewildered. Five points was the difference in favour of Manukau against Otahuhu at Sturgess Park, and Grafton were six points up 011 Technical Old Boys at the Showgrounds after a bright and open first-day match. Altogether, it was a highly satisfactory ■opening day. Results were: — University 40, v. Marist 6. College Rifles 12, v. Ponsonby 8. Manukau 13, v. Otahuhu 8. Grafton 9. v. Technical 3. UNIVERSITY'S WEIGHT AND PACE. When University and Marist filed out for the big match of the day, there was a sharp contrast in the size of the two teams, University obviously being heavier ail round than their opponents. \\ eight forward and pace behind soon gave Umversitv a command which they would not relinquish, and :"t was not long before it was plain to ail and sundry that Marist ■were about to suffer a Heavy defeat University won by 40 points to O, and that wide margin reflected the difference in finish between the two teams. There were many delightful movements ou the part of University. Their raking forward movement paved the way for the backs, and the 'Varsity three-quarter line soon settled down to display craft and precision. Tliey proved to be a splendid scoring unit, and treated the spectators to a feast of try-getting. . A paradox was the fact that Marist held a two-to-one advantage in set serums, the magnificent hooking of W. Hadley giving liis side a generous supply of the ball from this department. With reasonable service from the scrum, one would have thought that the Marist backs would have made some impression, but their efforts lacked anv semblance of design. They were futile. On the other hand, the University backs gave a polished display, passing and interpassing and scattering an unhappy defence in their continued race to the goal-line. The honours of victory go more to the University three-quarter line than to anyone else. They scored seven of the side's ten tries, which, of course, tells the story of how well the inside backs must bave played. For University, it was a spectacular triumph and with a fine stamp of forward pack and tons of pace behind, they should go far in this year's competition. Marist will have to find some new backs. The whistle blew upwards of 70 times. GRAFTON TOO STRONG FOR TECH. In a rattling display for the first game of the season Grafton proved too solid for a young and resolute Technical team and won by nine points to three. It was an excellent game to watch and the spectators at the Showground were well satisfied with the fare provided. Grafton fielded a strong team and although some of Its supporters were disappointed that it did not run over the lighter opposition, there was really little to find fault with. No team can show up better than the opposition will allow, and the greens, though fielding a big proportion of promoted juniors, played tlieir traditional game, which means that they were keen, skilful and nippy, with abundant resourcefulness, and always ready to turn defence into attack. The weakness in the Grafton attack was entirely a question of faulty combination both back and forward. When this is remedied, as it should be after a few Saturdays, they may be expected to give any team in the competition a great run, for on Saturday's showing they have excellent material. Grafton was first to attack, but when the teams settled down Technical usually secured tlie ball from the scrums and for a spell they had the better of the play... Then the weisrht of the opposing forwards began to tell its tale. The first score came when Kyall cross-kicked to Burton for an easy try, which Paton failed to convert. Turbott was prominent with a fine dash, but he hung on too long, and was stopped by McLean. Starting the second spell Techs, essayed to open up the game, and with really smart work had Grafton defending, until McLean broke clean through. The big forward passed to Curry, who outpaced Common, and finished up with a try which was not converted. The greens came again and with a reliable dropkiek might easily have changed the fortunes of the game. Two easy penalty goals were missed by Murdoch and Aro, before Lord succeeded with the third from well back. This reverse had the effect of rousing Grafton, who now put in their best work of the day, and Tech. had a torrid spell. Several times the black and whites were almost over, but desperate tackling kept the green line intact. From a penalty Paton sent the ball straight between tlie posts. It dropjied on the cross-bar, and rolled over to give his side another score just before time was called. Among the Grafton forwards Bunting stood out for consistently good work. McLean was conspicuous throughout, and in the second half particularly fully justified liis reputation. Ryall caught tlie eye most among the backs, who had a tendency to run across instead of down the field. Paton's kicking was invaluable to his side. Weber, Ashley and King showed up in the Technical vanguard. Murdoch gave a good display at live-eighths and so did Turbott, at centre, though on occasion he held on too long. Final score : Grafton 9, Technical Old Boys 3. Captain Wales was referee. RIFLES' LAST-MINUTE WIN, Much good should come of the victory of College Rifles over Ponsonby. The result should give enthusiasm a.id encouragement to College Rifles and spur Ponsonby on to greater and better effort. After a drab first spell, Ponsonby began to wilt half-way through the second, and College Rifles, sensing the wavering of the Ponsonby forwards, soon opened a series of solid attacks. For the first time the backs attacked consistently and it was not long before Ponsonby were hemmed on their line defending desperately. It was anybody's game at this stage. With eight points all on the board and only a few minutes to go. there was some tigerish work by the College Rifles forwards and a series of praiseworthy but unavailing efforts by the backs. Less than a minute separated victory for the oiie and defeat for tlie other, and in the minute came the sensation of the match. Wales, the College Rifles centre threequarter, delighted his supporters with a brilliant field goal that brought certain victory to his side. Wales was 40 yards out When he obtained possession. He momentarily studied the outlook, then executed a perfect dropped goal. Ponsonby's play was not inspiring, nor could it luivg given encouragement to their supporters. On the other hand. College Rifles appeared a stronger side than last year and played with better understanding. Although they do not look like a champion team, they are a side likely to upset the calculations of the would-be pickers of the champions of 1934. MANUKAU BEATS OTAHUHU. Over eagerness on the part of both teams adversely affected the general standard of plav at Sturgess Park, where Manukau Rovers defeated Otahuhu by 13 points to S It was largely a game of lost opportunities, with most of the cahnces being thrown away through over eagerness or a desire to do too much. Undoubtedly the better team won. The visitors showed the better team work, and in the'second half their forwards played relentlessly. The early stages of the game were uneventful and the first score did not come until well on through the spell, when sood footwork by Pearson and a dash hv Gladding paved the way for a try bv Lazarus, which White converted, giving Otahuhu a five-point lead. Within three minutes Manukau liad made, up the leeway, tlie forwards heeling cleanly from a scrum five yards out from the Oatliuhu line and Hatfield sending Brimble over. Midway through the second spell Heazlewood landed ,a penalty goal and sooa afterwards- smart.

passing by the Manukau backs saw Beri ridge score and Heazlewood convert with ! a splendid kick from the sideline. The | only other score of the game was a penalty I goal kicked for Otahuhu by White. Among the Manukau forwards Pepper | was outstanding. He was always up with i the ball and continually harassed the local backs. Another wlio caught the eyewas Trott, while Biggs, who came 011 as an emergency, gave promise of good games ahead. Hatfield, behind the scrum, sent the ball out smartly to Brimble, whose nippiness was a source of trouble to the opposing side. Berridge's long experience was of much value to his side, particularly when the defence threatened to break down. Heazlewood played a safe game at full-back and helped his side to victory with his fine place kicking. White, the Otahuhu full-back, was uncertain at the start, but showed much better form as the game progressed. The threequarters got few opportunities, chiefly due Ito poor handling inside. Soloman's passing from the scrum was erratic and he was over anxious to do too much on his own account. Hedge, a promoted junior, showed promise in the five-eighths line, although his handling in the second spell was weak. Among the forwards Jones, Coleman and Peterson did good work. SENIOR B. Manukau 15, heat Eastern Suburbs 3. North Shore 20, beat Grammar 11. MANUREWA V. PAPAKURA. The Papakura juniors visited Manurewa on Saturday for a friendly game, and were defeated by Manurewa by 11 points to 9. Mr. H. C. Tliorburn was referee. GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. DAE GA VI LIjB . Dargaville S, beat Ruawai 0. Kaihu 13, beat Waima "S. Southern 6, beat Northern Star 3. Junior.—Northern Star 9, beat Dargaville 3; Waima 11, beat Kaihu 0. THAMES. United 20, beat Fhysical Training 0. Hui Mai 24, beat College Old Boys 3. Juniors. —High School 32. beat Physical Training 3; College Old Boys S, beat Hui Mai 5. TAURANGA. Te Puna 2, beat Athletic 0. Rangataua 10, beat Cadets 0.8. S. Junior.—Matakana 34. beat Athletic 3; Cadets Old Boys 22, beat Te Puna 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. TAIHAPE. Hnutapu 12. heat Huia 8. Pirates G. beat Utiku 3. Junior.—lTautapu 12. heat Hula S; Pirates 27, beat Huimai 0. NEW PLYMOUTH. Tukapa 34. beat Opnnake 0. New Plymouth Old Bovs 14 beat Star 11. Hawera 25, beat United Old Boys l(i. Okaiawa 9, heat Empire Old Boys 0. Clifton 12, beat Stratford 9. Patea 9, beat Eltham 0. Inglewood 9, beat Kaponga 3. "WELLINGTON. Petone 14, beat Athletic 12. Ponete 11, beat Wellington 6. Hutt 14, beat Eastbourne 9. Marist 22, beat AVellington College Old Boys 11. Senior A, second division.—Oriental 14, beat Johnsonville 3 ; Miramar 11, beat Berliampore 11; St. Patrick's Old Boys 20. beat Onslow 3; University 27, beat Melrose Selwyn 9. WANGANUI. Kaierau 9, beat Pirates 3. Old Boys 6, beat Technical Old Boys 4. Marist 9, beat Waverley C. PALMERSTON NORTH. St. Patrick's 20, beat Feilding Old Boys 15. Old Boys 20, beat Kia Toa 18. Feilding 12, drew with United 12. NAPIER. Marist 14, beat Technical Old Boys 8. Hastings 11, beat Hastings Old Boys S. Celtic 5, beat Massey Agricultural j College 3. j Pirates 6, beat Napier Old Boys 5. MASTERTON. Red Star 3 drew with Old Boys 3. Carterton 11, beat Dalefield 6. Gladstone 6, drew with Martinborough C. CHRIST CHURCH. Christchurch 15, beat Sydneham 10. Linwood 11, beat Athletic 10. 'Varsity 24, beat Merivale 0. Old Boys 13, beat Albion 6. DUNEDIN. 'Varsity B 9, 'beat Union S. Zingari 15, beat Taieri 6. Alhambra 3, beat Dunedin 0. Southern 19, beat liaikorai 3. 'Varsity A 11, beat Pirates 0. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 17, beat Albion 9. Old Boys 24, beat Star 8. Invercargill 43, beat Mataura 9. TIMARU. Star 5, beat Pleasant Point 0. Temuka 17, beat Celtic 3. Geraldine 3, drew with Zingari 3. HARD LUCK. CRACK PLAYER'S CAREER ENDED. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. In the running for the centre-three-quarter position in the All Blacks last year, W. Rutherford, the brilliant threequarter for New Plymouth Old Boys, was missed from the playing field on Saturday. He will probably never play football again, having been ordered to bed for perhaps months. His heart is seriously affected. Although the previous week he played an excellent game, and appeared to be the fittest man on the field, his condition is such that his doctor cannot permit him to play. Rutherford, who was a fast, dashing centre, is a nephew of Lord Rutherford of Nelson. He is still young, and it was hoped that lie would gp a long way in Rugby.