RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 12

RUGBY.

SENIOR CLUB GAMES. MAXUKAU'S BRILLIANT WIN. FAST, SPECTACULAR PLAY. On a ground which looked much better than it played, Manukau scored a spectacular win over University in the big match of the Rugby day at Eden Park on Saturday. Brilliant loose forward play by Manukau and effective bottling up of the University back attack, led to the triumph of Manukau. It was a game full of exciting incidents and thrills, a game which kept the crowd cheering continuously. Played as the curtain-raiser, the match between College Rifles and Grafton was interesting, and Rifles again proved that they are a team to be reckoned with by winning by five clear points. Marist, whoso hopes for championship honours this year were high, failed again, going down' inglorionsly to Technical College Old Boys. A margin of eight points separated Grammar from Otahuhu, the match being played at Sturgess Park. -All games were interesting, with the highlights provided in the main attraction. Results were:— Mamikau 14, beat University 13. College Rifles 14. beat Grafton 9. Technical 12, beat Marist 0. Grammar 13, beat Otahuhu 5. MANUKAU'S SPECTACULAR WIN. Loose forwards who played with surprising dash and energy from first to last, and backs whose deadly tackling crippled a dangerous attack gave Mnnukau a spectacular win over University in the big match of the day at Eden Park. The match provided one long series of thrills and the issue was in doubt right to the final whistle, when only one point between the teams showed oh the board. Manukau won by 14 points to 13. Manukau, living up to their reputation as a dangerous team on No. 1 Eden Park, opened up with brilliant loose forward rushes. Opposed by a heavier pack, it was reasonably thought Manukau would ntrt get an over-generous share of the ball and that the speed and elusiveness of the University three-quarter line would bring comfortable victory to the students. It was not to be. . . Football is a funny game. All the planned attack of University was quickly smothered and instead of the spectacle of the University backs racing' in spectacular array toward the goal line, there were brilliant loose forward manoeuvres by the Manukau forwards that lasted for the greater part of the game. With energy and initiative, that won" rounds of applause, Mnnukau played on top throughout, and so effective was their bottling-up of the University 'backs that the University attack was completely crippled, save for the determination and spectacular work of Caughey, with an occasional touch of artistry by Admirably led by Pierce and Pepper, the Manukau forwards, by effective bustling tactics, 'had the University pack in difficulties early on, and it'was only tqward the end of the game, when University were behind and '''striving for victory. ,that the University pact won the ball with any consistency. At this stage University were opening out 'with attack after attack, and bo hard was the pressure on the Manukau defence that soon, it seemed, the defence must wilt. It says much for that defence, especially for the work of Heazlewood, that there was never any suspicion of its waverthe score at 9—B in favour of Manukau, the University attack was more dangerous than at any other stage of the same. Then came one of those qu"* changes of Rugby fortune that delight the crowd. Away went the University backs, and as Mulvihill sent the ball to Caughey, Berridge. the Manukau second five-eighth, brilliantlv intercepted. Backed up on either side, he raced to Bush, drew him, and sent a perfectly-timed pass to Poulton who raced on with the University hacks in hot pmsuit Berridge, in intercepting, had knocked on, but, fortunately for Manukau, the referee, Mr. A. E. Austin, did not notice

After that came a glorious individual effort bv Canshey. Once he had obtained the ball from Mulvihill, he shook off a woultl-be tackier and in a brilliant burst for the line, beat three men and crashed er Vs he was tackled. Asain only one point separated the teams, but there was little time left and University could not score the points that would bring them victory. The match was certainly one of the fastest and most spectacular that an Eden Park crowd has seen for a lons time, ,and brought back memories of the old Ponsonby team of a few years ago. It was a same of thrills throughout, tense and brilliant.

TECHNICAL 018. BEAT MARIST. Except for several brilliant movements br the Technical backs, this came was not a very interesting clash. Technical won jo_o their four unconverted tries being the result of pretty and clever rearguard work. The handling and back ' n S U P ° r the winners' backs was good and all gayi nice displays. Lord's place kicking was very poor and.his clearing kicks were not up to senior standard. The inside men, Murdoch and Hnslam. made a lot of openings for their three-quarters Haslam timed his passes nicely. Turbott was the best of the three-quarters. Most of the piny went to Oldbnry's wing He played vgfr bnt Is not fast enough to be a first-class linger. In the forwards MacKenzie was outstanding for his fast following up. The ?ries were scored by Oldbury (2) * Crump ancl Turbott. The least saia about the Marist backs', display the better Muller. n<- firit fivp-ei"hths. gave ft shocking exhibition and Btll-Booth: outside him,-was not much better: The ball did not go out'past Sell Booth all day. The three-quarters had no opportunity to show their attacking ability, but their defence! was weak The hpst back was the custodian, Rogers. He folded weir and gained a lot of applause for his flne long clearing kicks He seemed toT>e tlie only man who could anticipate the ran of his opponents' play W. Hadley and Toye were the pick of the pack.

COLLEGE RIFLES' FAST FINISH. After ocenpyinir what Werned to ImT a' losing position, Colleee R'flps came to llelrt in the last ten minutes of their game w th Grafton and turned defeat into victory with a ii£#«£S Mue, was a triumph for football brains. As to ™terial Grafton seenW to have it well over their opponents.— They -have as-.-fine.. ..looking a. spt of forwards as there Iβ In the competition, and the team as a whole has wpicht and speed -With these assets they estabuseful lead early in the game and hPld it until the last quarter.. At that stage Rifles appeared to be in a. bad way Thev seemed to be feeling the strain of thpi'severe, battling against men. Temporary casualties among the blues were freauenr. But they had the will to win. And as already mentioned, they had football brains, none too common., an asset Bringing into the contest every atom ot ener-v. the team as a whole fought desperately. The backs tossed the ball about freely ana generally with fine precision Conventions were overlooked for the moment, -but few openings were missed, and In face of this determined attack the Grafton defence wilted. Panned to their lines, they strove desperately, but the initiative was now definitely with the blues, and as a result of a great' sustained rally they notched eight points' in about ten minutes and turned defeat into victory. There was not a great deal between the two packs, but in the rear division the difference was marked. Whereas the Grafton rearguard usually moved almost diagonally across the field the blues almost always made ground when they secured the ball. The first score w/ent to Rifles when Brown made an opening and passed to Bell, to Stone, who scored. • This reverse seemed to etlmnlate Grafton. Using their WPieht and combining better, the black and whites for a lengthy period almost took charge of the game. Inglis fooled the opposition completely and made an easy opening for Bunting to score. Early in the second half Raynor got over, and next Currey, taking the pass from McKearney, brought the score to 9—3. It was unfortunate for Grafton that it was Paton's off day for goal-kicking, as he missed easy chances to increase the score. The change in Rifles' fortunes commenced when Brown, after a strong fend, finished up-a brilliant run by a try near the corner flag. In the final rally McCormick just missed a try through the ball bouncing the wrons .was for him. but a few minutes , later was more fortunate. After a fine movement, in which all the blue backs :took part, this player, who had raced, round from the other side of the field. Was up in time to- secure' the try. The final score went to Lawrence and was converted by Wales just as time was up. Amongst casualties was the Rifles' full-back, Kirk, ; who had to retire after a kick on the face' early in the second spell. His place was admirably taken -by Frankham. Shadbolt, the Grafton forward, had to go pttnear the close of .the game. Final score :•— ■College Rifles »......,.. ~ 14 Grafton 9, . Mr. J. A; llalcolnvwas. referee;

KEEN GAME AT OTAHUHU. In their opening game at Otahuhu Grammar gave a good first match display, and, whilst they ran out winners to the tune of 13 points to 5, their suburbanite opponents had them hard at it right up till the call of time. Otahuhu dominated the play during the first half, but over-eagerness spoilt several scoring chances. Their first score came within two minutes of the kick off, when Pearson, at centre, fielded smartly and sent Gladding away for a sixty-yard sprint, to outpace the opposition and score a great try, which White converted. Play hud hardly resumed when Hedge picked up, beat several opponents, and passed to Glauding, who dashed over lor what appeared to be ft certain try. By this time the great crowd of fans on the terraces were wild with excitement, but the referee s decision for a knock on checked them slightly. Grammar now took a hand and carried play right down to Otahuhu s twenty-five, where Slytield put in a spectacular run, and had the lianl luck to fumble the ball when grounding, and Otahuhu forced. The play was of the strenuous order from now on until the spell came, with several breaches oy Otahuhu. but Slyfield failed with several attempts at goals. On resuming after the spell Grammar made tilings merry, and Buckley scored a good try, which Slyfield converted. A long kick beat Otahuhii's full-back, who had been injured, and Hammond snapped the ball up and galloped over. Sly Held missed with the kick. Play was now very even, both packs putting in good work, and some good exchanges and. kicking took place. Otahuhu were awarded a free kick, and it looked as if the scores would be equalised, but Pearson failed to put the ball over the bar. From a scrum Grammar secured and Gooch made a -nice opening and scored. Slvfield converted. Otnliuhu made feverish efforts to score, and had Grammar fighting solidly on their line, but many chances were lost through bad handling. On the day the better team won, but the exhibition given by Otahuhu against one of the most solid packs in the competition, was quite good. Injuries to several Otahuhu players held the game up, and White and Williams had to retire, which slightly disorganised the team. For Grammar, Matheson at full-back gave a sterling display. The backs gave a better display of ha'ndling than did their opponents. Corner got the ball cleanly, and started many good moves. The forwards played well. Mcßeth, W. Knight and Sca'rborough being in the limelight most of the time. For a first of the season game, the team, as a whole, played up to expectations. The Otahuhu team has had hard luck meeting two of the hardest teams in the competition right at the start, it was a vastlv improved team to the previous Saturday, and should give better displays as the season progresses. White at fullback, was excellent right up to his retirement Pearson, at centre, was a hundred per cent better than in his previous game. "Teddv" Hedge, the recently-promoted third grade player, gave a great exhibition, his cutting-in being one of the features of the day. Gladding played right at the top of his form. Solomon, at half, altnougn opposed to one of the best halves in Auckland, was not overshadowed, and did all that'was asked. , Although they gave away much i\eignt the pack worked well, Williams. Jones. Jurv and Clark being in the thick all the time. The popularity of the Rugby code was well -evidenced on Saturday, the terraces at Sturgess Park being crowded. This ground is easily one of the best in the Dominion, and, after all the rain experienced over the latter part of last week, played in perfect condition. MANUKAU SUB-UNION. The opening series of games for this season were played on Saturday at Huuua, CleVdon ana Drury under good cond.tions, the grounds being in specially good orde . The matches were keenly contested, and were fast for so early in the season i'hf senior match was played at Hunua between Hunua and Drury (last year s champions), with Drury being defeated by 20 to b. lhe Hunua forwards dominated the game, with Colin Ross, the ex-Otahuhu forward, skippering the llunua boys. Tries were scored by Liethart, Quigley, llobbs Ulburne and Pickard for the winners, Pickard also converting a try and kicking a penalty. Siuton and Colson scored for Drury. • Drury thus met with their first defeat for some years. At Drury the Manurewa juniors met the local team and defeated them by 11 to -i, after a very fast game played on a comparatively dry ground. Tue passing of the Manurewa backs was'of a high standard, and their full-back, Hooper, played an outstanding game. Basham, Anuesley and Bennett scored for the winners, and Kay Hoult for Drury. The Papakura juniors were defeated at Clevedon by the local team by 12 to 0. Clevedon played a heavy pack and the torwards won the game. Pratney and Gore scored for the winners. The three referees were Messrs. G. Forbes, F. Duder and J. Cossey. ,

SENIOR B. Eden 10, beat Grammar Colts 3. Shore 16, bent Tech. 0.8. 0. University U, beat Manukau 5. Painell 0, beat Eastern Suburbs 3. GRADE GAMES. •/ SECOND GRADE. . Xorthcote 11, beat Ponsonby S. ■ Eden 22, beat University O 6. .... University B 8, drew with Otahuhu 8. ■ Grafton A 12, beat Grammar 0.8. 3. Grafton Colts 20, beat Tech. 0.8. 0. Manukau beat Newton by default. College Kifles 20, beat Tacnaki 0. THIRD OPEN. Ponsonby 9, beat Otahubu 3. ' College Kifles 17, beat Waitemata 0. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Grammar 0.8. 20, beat College Rifles 6. Parnell 0, drew with University 0. Suburbs 17, beat North Shore 0. Ponsonby 9, beat Otahuhu 6. FOURTH GRADE. Grammar 0.8. 8, beat Manukau 0. Suburbs 33, beat Takapuna 0. FIFTH GRADE. Marist 6, beat Ponsonby "3. . . Grammar 0.8. IC, beat Takapuna 0. -Tech. 0.8. 36, beat Grafton 3. ; : Suburbs 'S2, beat Manukau 0. SIXTH GRADE. Ponsonby 12, beat Otahuhu 3. Suburbs 6, beat Northcote 3. Manukau 10, beat Tech. 0.8. 0. GAMES "IN THE PROVINCE. PUKEKOHB. S Patumahoe 12, beat White Star 9. Old Boys 18, beat.Bombay 7. .Juniors.—Patunialide 12, beat Old Boys i 3; White Star 14, beat Ramblers 5. TAUPIRI. Ngaruawahia 21, beat Taupiri 0. Juniors.—Ngaruawahia 28, beat Taupiri 0. . Gordonton 3, beat Huntly 0. Te Hoe beat Orini. THAMES. Hui Mai'B, drew with United 8. College Old Boys 19, beat Physical Training 0. Juniors.—Hui Mai 5, beat High School 3; Physical Training 9, beat College Old Boys 0. TE KUITI.. Te Kuiti 18, beat Nehenehenui 6. Mangapehi 0, beat Hangatiki 3. Juniors. —Te Kuiti 6, beat Mangapehi 0; Waititi 6, beat Mangaotakl 0; Pio Pio 0, beat Hangatiki 3. KOPEOPEO. Ruatoki .15, beat Whakatane 8. Paroa 8, beat Poroporo 3. Juniors. —Ruatoki 16, beat Old Boys 3. Third Grade.—High School A 24, beat Poroporo 0; Tan-eatua 19, beat High School 80. DARGAVILLE. Waima 9, beat Dargaville 5. Kaihu ,8, beat Northern 3. Southern 5, beat Ruawai 3. Juniors".—Waima 10, beat Southern 6; Dargaville 15, beat Ruawai 3; aihu Valley S, beat Tangowahiue 3. PUKEKOHE-FRANKLIN. Patumahoe 12, beat White Star 0; Old Boys 18, beat Bombay 7. Tuakau 14, beat Te Kohanga 9. Juniors. —Pukekolie : Patumahoe 12, beat Old Boys 3; White Star 34, beat Ramblers 5. Franklin : Tuakau 21, beat Te Kohanga I 'S ; Bombay 0, beat Onewhefo 3. v * WHANGAREI. Hikurangl 11, beat City 3. —' Horahora 11, beat Plpiwai 0. Maungakaramea 0, drew with Old Boys 6. Juniors.—Manaia 8, beat Horahofa S: Old Boys 25, beat ■ Poroti 0; Whangarel High School 16,-drew-withy-'Whakapara*l6^

RODNEY. • , Kaltoa 12, beat I'akiri G. Wellsford G, bent Port Albert 3. l'uhoi G, beat Matoraa o. MANGATAWHIRI. Mangatangi 3, drew with Mercer 3. Pokeuo 3, bent Maramarua 0. Juniors. —Valley 'J, beat Pokeuo 5. WAIKAHE. Waerenga 20, beat Rangirlri 13. Waiterimu U, beat Woodleigh 5. WAIPA. Rovers 20, beat Tokaiuil 11, Suburbs 12, beat Te AwamutU 0. Juniors. —Te Awainiilu S, beat Rovers 0; Ngutunul 21, bent Te Mawhni 3. Thirds. —Te AwamutU 0.8. 21, -beat Rovers 3; Suburbs 3, drew with Te Awaiiin t n 8. WIIAKATANE. Ruatold 12, bent City 8. Paroa 8, bent Poropoi'O 3. Edgeeumbc 11, beat Awakeri 3. Juniors. —YVniiimna 12, beat Tnneatun 0; Ruatoki Hi, bent City 3; Edgecumbe li, beat Awakeri 0; Poroporo 12, bent Paroa 0. ROTOR UA. Kahukurn 2. r >, beat UtuUina 0. Wnikele 8. drew with Old Hoys 8. Juniors. —Ngongotaha 8, bent Kaliukura 0; High School !•, beat Mamuku 8; okere li). beat Old Boys li; Waikite U, drew with Utuhina G. TE PUKE. Rangiruru 21, beat United 15. Pongnkawn 25, beat I'npiimuii C. Juniors. —United 8. bent Knngiuru 0; Papauioa 10, beat Pongukawu o. GISBORNE. Young Maori Players IC, beat Old Boys 14. H. 5.0.8 12, beat Marist 0.8. 5. TE AROHA. City 21, beat Hot Springs 3. Wailiou 25, beat Tui Maori 0. . Juniors.—Waihou 8, beat Hot Springs 0 ; Elstow 0, beat Manawaru 3. PAEROA. Old Boys G, drew with 'West 6. Juniors.—Nethorton 'J, beat West 3; Hikutala 3, drew with Old Boys 3. Third Grade. —Old Boys 10, beat High Sehool G. . TAURANGA. Rangntnua 14, bent Mataknnn 6. Cadets Old Hoys 0, bent Athletic 3. Juniors. — Cadets 0, bent County i>4 Athletic 5, beat Ruugataua 3. MORKINSVILLE. Kereone 3S, bent United 3. Terriers 9, bent Eastern 0. Juniors. —Old Boys IC, beat Motumaoho 3; United 3. beat Terriers 0; Tahuua 5. beat Eastern 0. Third Grade.—Eastern 10, beat Old Boys G. OTAMATEA. Mnrnhemo 0, beat niwaka 3. Waipu 22, beat Maungnturoto 0. Walpu 22, beat Maungatoroto G. PUTARUHU. Arapuni-Waotu 14, beat Tokoroa 6. MATAMATA. I'atctcre 21, beat Mataniata 0. Wnrdville 8, beat Hlnuera r>. Juniors. —Old Boys lit. beat Rnunßalti 0; Walton 14, boat. Waharoa G; Hinuera 10. beat Wardville 0. Third Grade.—Old Boys G, drew with Walton G. WAI 111. Knlikati 11, bent Mataura 3. Convent 0.8. 2v. neat Waikino 6. Juniors.—Mntaiira 14, beat High School 0.8. 0; Katikntl 28, bent Covent 0.8. 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. WELLINGTON. Athletic 10, beat Poneke 0. Wellington College Old Boys 10, beat Petonc 1. Hutt 14, beat Wellington 0. Marist 14, bent Eastbourne 11. TAIHAPE. Hula S, bent Pirates 3. ' ... Utiku 3, beat Hautiijiu 0:,,;- . Juniors.—Haulapu (!, beat Hula, 3; Pirates 8, beatolliwera G. ■' [• Third Grade , .— I'irales 2T, beat Hula 0. WANGANUI. Old Boys 6, beat Marist 8 Pirates 4, beat Waverley 3. Kaierau 17, beat Technical 0.8. 3. PALMKRSTON NORTH. Feilding Old Boys 3. bent Kia-toa 0. ' Old Boys 17, beat Woodville 3. Feilding 10, beat St. Patrick's 3. NAPIER. Hnvelocfc ■ Xorth 15, beat M.A.C. 5. Celtic 10,.beat Hastings G. Technical .28, beat Pirates 5. • Eskview 11, beat M.8.0.8. !). Hastings- High School 0.8. 16, beat Nnpier High School 0.8. 15. High School 0.8. 15. MASTERTON. Old Boys 6. beat Maryborough 3. Daleflelil 0, beat Masterton 5. GLADSTONE. Gladstone 11, beat Groytown G. Carterton D, beat Featberston G. Juniors. —Opaki 3, drew with Old Boys 3; Featherston 5, beat Red Star 3. NEW PLYMOUTH. Old Boys 20, beat Kapongn 7. Elthain 3, drew with Inglewood 3. Opunakc 17, beat Star 10. Okaiawa 0, Tient Stratford Old Boys 0. Tukapa 3, beat Ilawera 0. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 18, beat Old Boys G. Star 34, beat Mataura 6. DUNEDIN. Matches postponed.

STRICT REFEREE.

FOUR PLATERS ORDERED OFF. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Saturday. Immediate and decisive action was taken by the referee, Mr. H. Johnstone, when signs of rough play began in the opening match of the season betwepn Frankton and Horotiu, at Rugby- Hamilton, to-day. During the second half, Heops and Triston, of Frankton, arid Whorskey, of Horotiu. were ordered off, and later Painton suffered a similar fate. Fighting was responsible for this action by the referee. Final scores were : Frankton 29, Horotiu 3. GAMES AT HAMILTON. SAGE CUP. Marist 17, beat Technical 15. Frankton 20, beat Horotiu 3. Old Boys 24, beat Railways 0. JACK KIRK INJURED. The College Rifles full-back Jack Kirk, who had his none broken in the curtainraiser at Eden Park on Saturday, returned home tun same evening after being attended to at the Auckland Hospital. Although the injury was a painful one, he spent a comfortable day on Sunday.