RUGBY THRILLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 124, 28 May 1934, Page 14

RUGBY THRILLS.

MORE SURPRISE WINS. KEFLES PIP GRAMMAft 0.8. PONSONBY'S REURN TO FORM. Still more surprises cropped up in the Auckland Rugby Union's senior competition on Saturday, and it is still extremely difficult to forecast the likely winners of the championship. Reversals in form iave been a feature of the competition to date, and the uncertainty of the results has attracted large attendances. In the principal game at Eden Park College Rifles delighted their supporters by registering a last-minute win over Grammar Old Boys, claiming victory by a penalty goal and an unconverted try to a converted try. There 'was also a surprise in the curtain-raiser, in which Otahuhu, one of the lowest placed teams, defeated Technical Old Boys,.who in their last match had checked Grammar by 11 points to 5. In the other game played at headquarters Grafton got home after a hard and interesting tussle with Marist Old Boys. Out at the Show Ground Ponsonby showed a'return to their best form.'by scoring a convincing win over Manukau Rovers, the championship leaders. With five games played the positions of the teams are as follow: — Tts. Ch. ■p. W. L. D. F. A. PtS Manukau 5 4 1 — 47 51 8 Grafton 4 3 I—so 8o 0 College Rifles .5 8 2 — 40 4., 6 Grammar ....4 2 2 — 4837 4 Technical 0.8. 5 2 3 — 3.> i> 4 Ponsonby ....4 2 2 — 31)47 4 Otahuhu 4 2 2 — 39 40 4 University ....4 1 3 — 76 66 2 Marist ...'..:.. 5 1 4 — 35 83 2

RIFLES' GREAT FINISH.

Not for many a long day has Eden Park witnessed a finish as sensational as that which allowed College Rifles to snatch victory from Grammar Old Boys. In a matter of seconds play had been raced from one end of the field to the other, and the dark blues, who, with- only a few •minutes to go, had looked certain losers. had turned a likely 5 —3 defeat into a B—o8 — o victory. . . Fast play characterised the first spell. Midway through the term Rifles took the lead as the result of a penalty goal kicked bv Wales, but just before half-time the Old Boys launched a surprise' attack which ended in Gooch going over for a try which Slyfleld converted. Attack and counterattack kept the spectators interested in the second spell, although the score board remained unchanged. As the pointer of the time clock crept over the last few minutes a win to the Old Boys appeared certain, especially as the whites were attacking vigorously, but then came the surprise. In his own twenty-five Wales whipped the ball to McCormick, who returned it to the centre. Another' pass gave McCormick possession again, and he streaked for the line. With the Grammar fnil-back in front of him he kicked, and Brown, who had come up fast, raced in pursuit of the ball. With a clear field ahead of him the winger put his foot to it instead of trying to pick it np, and went after it again-to fall on it as it rolled over the line. The kick failed, but the Rifles had brought off a. sensational victory. .

In snatching victory when the game seemed lost Rifles gave further proof of the fact that their present team can be relied upon for a strong finish. Throughout the game the blue lorwards played gallantly against their bigger opponents,, and although they were unable to give their backs much of the ball, they never once let up, even though at times they were pushed yards down the paddopk. Hurt was always prominent, but there was not one of them who did not earn his salt. Thompson played a lively "game behind the scrum, and had the satisfaction of seeing his backs do something with the ball when he gave it to them. McCormick and Wales were particularly clever, while Brown played an excellent game on the wing. In defence every one of the College backs did well, the tackling being much superior to that of the Grammar rearguard. Kirk had plenty to do at full-back, and did it well, several times saving cleverly when the Grammar pack was thundering on top of him.

It was no fault of the Grammar forwards that the Old Boys did not win, for'the way in which they controlled the game was really the outstanding reature of the match. Time and again the white backs were given the ball, but they were much too slow in doing anything with it, and most of the attacks were smothered before they were properly launched. There was no one among them to make openings, and their play generally was drab. Matheson's handling of the ball was at times brilliant, but there were also occasions when his tackling was below standard. The Grammar supporters would have liked to have seen the wings given more' opportunities, but troubles nearer the scrum restricted their activities.

' PONSONBY STRIKE FORM.

One of the largest crowds" seen at the Showgrounds for some time were present on Saturday when Ponsonby severely trounced the hitherto . unbeaten Manukau team by a margin of 10 to 6. The game was outstanding in brilliance, and the dazzling collaboration with which the Ponsonby backs threw the ball about had the spectators at concert pitch throughout. The result was looked upon as a foregone conclusion for Manukau, but they were never in the picture, Ponsonby being on the offensive practically throughout each stanza, and revealing form reminiscent of the club at its best. The blue and blacks dominated all phases of the play, and il was early apparent that Manukau were in for their first defeat/From full-back to forwards Ponsonby were .the better team, and now that they appear to have settled down It would not be surprising to'note them continuing in winning vein. On the other hand, Manukau never appeared to get into their stride and lack of understanding between the backs appeared to be a big factor in their defeat, | The forwards worked like "Trdjanas in attempting to reduce some of the leeway, but could not gain the advantage, the Ponsonby. pack, perhaps, being a shade the, better vanguard on the day. No excuses can 'be advanced for Mannkau's defeat as they were decisively beaten.by .a better side. For the winners, Colebrook did not have much work to do at full-back, but cleared in pleasing style.; Both; wings were responsible for determined dashes, down the side* line, but Moses was the better on defence. - Pearman and Jamteson collaborated, to ; the best advantage and were a source of continual danger to Manukau when in possession. Pearman is also a fine goal kicker' and, although ' lie' >converted- only ; two ~ out of seven on Saturday, the";other 'five, only ' missed by inches. Frankham displayed keen anticipation at the base of the scrum; while his try was .a real gem. It is hard to discriminate among: the forwards, ... all working solidly, throughout, ; with,; Bond: outstanding as -the best forward on the ground. For Manukau both Heazlewood and Wells were sound as the last, man, Heazlewood also revealing elusiveness when' hewent up In the five-eighths position.. The Hank men did not see much of the ball, owing to the faulty handling of the inside men, but both defended well. Berridge,. at times, was- responsible for some really brilliant play, but was inclined to keep possession too long. "Hatfield did not see much of the ball, but opened up his supports at every opportunity. The pack were all triers with Pepper, Pearce and Constable most prominent.

OTAHUHU7S SURPRISE. - .

Without rising to the level of brilliancy the game between Otahuhu and Technical Old Boys provided a sufficiency of real action to keep the interest of the crowd centred in the' play. In one respect the match was unusual in that Technical, after having matters pretty well their own way in the first half, although they only placed five points to their credit, were well and truly trounced in the second spell. At the interval Technical led s—o, and on the run of the play uy to that stage there had been nothing to indicate defeat being entered tip against them. Otahuhu, however, in the second half took a real part in the dispute, and though their play could not by any stretch of imagination be de- . scribed as great, they put a lot of vim into their efforts and gave Technical all that was owing on the first spell and some more. All the honours went to the Otahuhu forwards, . who played -vigorously and kept plugging away, being almost continuously on. flae attack. Gladding's try finalised a line effort, in which he was associated iyith Solomon and Hedge. The last-named played adashy game and was" responsible for ipg_holes in the defence several times; Murdoch, aad Hnslam showed out iri : many good movements, but. there was.really no "player tIES** 1 ? 11 " Technical^-;try 'was • 'regis-. Hoslam, Murdoch converting. eachraored a try for

GRAFTON JUST TOO GOOD.

In a first-class tussle on No. 2 ground, Grafton proved a little too good for MaristH in a tight finish. There was plenty of incident and play was fairly open with little between the two teams, first one and then the other would gain a territorial advantage and hammer away at the line with desperate efforts to fret across. These usually failed for the reason that neither side had a satisfactory back combination. There were exceptions, notably early in the game, when Grafton staged a passing bout in which the ball passed rapidly and cleanly through half a. dozen pairs ot hands. The opposition was completely baffled by the speed of the movement, and the last man to handle, Savory, scored an easy try. It was a Grafton player also who supplied the most spectacular incident in the game. The half got possession m his own twenty-live and scut out to the five-eighth who handed on to Currie. Taking the ball at the half-way mark Currie corkscrewed his way through the immediate opposition and then unwound a turn of speed such as is rarely seen. He ran right round the Marists backs and crowned a fine effort with a try behind the goal posts. The scoring was very even at first and accurately reflected the run of the game, ft was three all, then six all, then 11—1) in favour of Grafton, next 12—31 with Marists leading. It was only in the last seven or eight minutes that the black and whites were able to get in the lead again. McLean started an "up and under" sally, which gained a lot of ground, and from a penalty Paton landed a goal. Marists made great efforts to equalise, but they were all dead tired and failed to stop a last-minute dash by the Grafton backs. Dick got over at the corner flag, and just gained the referee's verdict. For Grafton Inglis also scored a try. For Marists McGrory, Smith and Fowler each scored tries, and Bell Booth kicked a penalty goal. The game was slowed down occasionally by the free use of the whistle and some comment was made on the fact that the advantage rule was apparently not being observed. Final score : Grafton 17, Marists Old Hoys 12. Captain Wales was referee.

GRADE GAMES.

SENIOR B. Tech. 0.8. 11, beat Parncll 3. Eden beat Eastern Suburbs by default, Grammar 0.8. 9, beat Manukau 0. North Shore 14, beat University 6.

JUNIOR GRADE. Waitemata 11, beat Tech. 0.8. 0. Otahuhu 22, beat Marist 0. Suburbs beat Newton by default. University A 6, beat Grafton Colts 3. Ponsonby 22, beat College Rifles 6. Eden 9, beat Manukau 3. Takapuna 19, beat Oratia 3. Grammar Old Boys 3, beat Northcote 0.

THIRD OPEN. Tech. 0.8. 6, drew with Eastern Suburbs 0. • Eden 3, beat North Shore 0. College Rifles 17, beat Howick 3. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Tech. 0.8. 19, beat North Shore 0. Otahuhu 6, beat I'arnell 3. Suburbs 12, beat Grammar 0.8. 3. College Rifles 16, beat Northcote 8. Manukau 11, beat Y.M.C.A. 6. FOURTH GRADE. Suburbs - 14, beat Manukau 0. Grammar 0.8. 7, beat Marist 0. • Eden 29, beat Otahuhu 0. Tech. 0.8. 8, beat Northcote 6. -Ponsonby 12, beat Takapuna 0. FIFTH GRADE. Ponsonby S, beat Grafton 0. Suburbs 11, boat Marist 0.8. ft. Tech. 0.8. 2S, beat Manukau 0. Eden 17, beat Takapuna 5. . SIXTH GRADE. Parnell 15, beat Ponsonby 0. . Tech. 0.8. 53 beat Otahuhu 0. Manukau 14 beat Northcote 3. JUNIOR BOYS'. SENIOR GRADE. Eden 17, beat Eastern Suburbs 0. Suburbs 19, beat Takapuna 3. INTERMEDIATE. Eastern Suburbs 9, beat Eden 8. Suburbs 29, beat Manukau 0. Good Shepherd 3, drew -with St. Barnabas 3. Manukau 9, beat Y.M.C.A. 5. ,"• JUNIOR GRADE. Parnell 35, beat Good Shepherd 9. Newton 6, beat Takapuna 0.

AUCKLAND USPS.

FIRST TEAM SELECTED. The main surprise of the Auckland representative Rugby team announced by the sole selector, Mr. V. R. Meredith, to meet Waikato in the first inter-union game of the season at Hamilton on June 4 is the inclusion of R. G. Bush, last season's representative full-back, in the pack. The team is:—

Full-back: Heazlewood (Manukau). Three-quarters: Kedgley (University), Caughey (University), Hamon (Grammar). Five-eighths: Haslam (Technical Old Boys), Wales (College Rifles). Half: Corner (Grammar). Front row: Finlayson (Grafton), Hadley (Marist), Pepper (Manukau).

Second row: McLean (Grafton), A. Knight (Grammar), Bush (University), Peacocke (University). Back row: Solomon (Ponsonby). Reserves: Pearce (Manukau), Frankham (Ponsonby). All players must attend at the Training College ground at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday for training. .

The Waikato Side. The Waikato Rugby football team, which will meet the Auckland representatives at Hamilton on June 4, will be chosen from: Backs.—Davies (Tauplri), Allen, Denz, Wilson (Hamilton), Aitken, W. Cameron (Morrinsville), Oliver (Waipa), Carroll (Matamata), Dare (Putarurn). Forwards. —D. Bourke (Cambridge), C. Cameron, Leeson, Carter, Lewer (Morrinsville), Thomson. Erskine (Waipa), Sharpe (Matamata), Story, Tristram, Painton (Hamilton). - i '-,'■■ Auckland'v., Thames. The Auckland side to play Thames at Thames, also on the King's Birthday, is:— Full-back.—Matheson (Grammar). Three-quarters.—Brown (College Rifles), Pearson (Otahuhu),. Buckley (Grammar). Five-eighths. '— Slyfield (Grammar), Brimble; (Manukau). ••' ;■ Half-back.—Aro (Technical). Forwards.-—: Scarborough (Grammar), Batty (College Rifle's),- Thomas (University),. Morgan (Grammar), Stone (College Rifles), ■■'. Locbington (Grammar),. Drake (University), Organ (Ponsonby). Reserves: Currcy (Grafton), Hardie (Grafton). This team will meet for training at the Training • College ground at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday.

MANUKAU SUB-UNION.

The first.matches of the Manukau Rugby 'Sub-union's second round -were played on Saturday. The senior game was between Drury and Hunua, at Drury, before a big crowd. This was exciting, and towards the end Hunua threw the ball about in, great style, but starting too late, Drury winning by 0 to 8. The scores were Hodgins, Sinton and W. Cossey for. Drury. For Hunua, Pichard. and Milne : scored a try each, with Pickard'converting one. Mr. A. Dotchin "was referee.

The junior . matches were played at Papakura and Manurewa. At Papakura the local team was defeated by Clevedon 17 to 8, and Drury were beaten by Manurewa by 30 to'B. The referees were Messrs. G. Wrightscn and A. Evans. WAIRARAPA TOUR CANCELLED. MASTERTON, Saturday. The Wairarapa Rugby Union, has decided to abandon its tour this season of Auckland, Taranaki, North Auckland and Waikato, as such would prove too great a drain on its resources. The only representative fixtures Wairarapa: will play during the winter are against Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Manawatu and Bush.