RUGBY WINNERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 136, 11 June 1934, Page 12

RUGBY WINNERS.

MANUKAU IN FRONT. GRAFTON AND GRAMMAR DRAW. RIFLES DOWN TO UNIVERSITY. Two of the four games in the Auckland Rugby Union's senior competition on Saturday were indecisive, Grafton and Grammar Old Boys sharing the points in tlio main match at Eden Park, and Otahuhu drawing with Ponsonby at Epsom. All the grounds were heavy, but this did not prevent the teams from providing attractive football. The Grafton-Grammar Old Boys contest was always interesting, and over the final stages it was wildly cxciting. At one time it appeared as if the black and whites were likely to take the win by a comfortable margin, but the Old Boys rallied and withstood a heavy offensive near the finish, to draw at 14 points all. On No--2 ground at headquarters University, whose form has been at sea for the most of the season to date, caused a mild surprise by registering a comfortable win over College Rifles. The most exciting finish of the series was witnessed at the Showgrounds, where a penalty goal landed right on the call of time allowed Otahuhu to draw with Ponsonby. At Onehunga Manukau-succeeded in defeating Marist Old Boys, and thus again go to the front in the race for the club championship. The positions of the teams follow:— Pts. Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Manukau 7 5 2 - £8 07 10 Grafton C» 4 1 1 80 52 9 I'onsonby j> 3 2 1 RO 03 7 Otahuhu <> 3 _ 1 00 •>.) 7 College Rifles ..7 3 4 - OS <11 <j Technical 0.8. . 0 3 3 - 44 30 « Grammar 0 2 3 1 70 00 .> University .... 0 2 4 - «•» S.i 4 Marist 0 1 o - 38 Jl &

GRAFTON CHECKED.

After giving Grafton a liandy lead midway through the first spell, Grammar Old Boys rccovored well, and, cluofly duo to hard battling by tlioir forwards, sueceodea in sharing the points with the former competition leaders. Owing to the conditions under which the game was played, the struggle was more a splendid forward one than a fast back one, but nevertheless there were times when it speeded up remarkably.

The first points went to Grafton when Patou kicked a good penalty goal, and the black and whites went further into the lead shortly afterwards as the result of Dick scoring a try which Paton converted. With the spell nearly over, Grammar set out to make amends, and were successful to the extent of an unconverted try scored bv Gillett, and a penalty goal kicked by Slvfield, making the points B—6 In Grafton's favour at the Interval. The second spell had not been long in progress bctore tiie whites went to the front as the result of a fine solo try scored by Corner, but two penalty soals landed by 1 aton returned the advantage to Grafton. Grammar strove to draw level again, and got abreast of their opponents as the result of Pollock scoring and Slyfield converting. This made it 14-all, and the points were unaltered at the final whistle, although over the final stages, which were contested to the accompaniment of excited cheering, Grafton definitely shaded their opponents.

Taken collectively, the Grafton backs impressed much more than the Grammar rearguard. Inglis, behind the scrum, varied his play nicely, and saw to It that his hacks got plenty of the ball, borne or the betjt openings of the game were made by Ryall, who was a lot more in the picture tiian Stuart. The three-quarter line was more reliable than brilliant, although A t did not get over many chances. I'aton gave another sound exhibition'at full-back. Among the forwards McLean was always prominent in the loose, and almost succeeded in snatching victory for his side in the last few minutes of play. Fiulayson was a great worker, and was well supported

by Sliadbolt and Bunting.

Corner, behind the Grammar scrum, played splendidly, his form being up to his highest standard. In defence ho saved the whites time and again, and on attack he used his head and did all In his power to get his line working smoothly. Ihe try that he scored at the start of the second half was a fine individual effort. He got the ball from the scrum outside the Grafton twenty-five, beat Inglis. and went straight through to swerve past Paton and score. Again it was apparent that the Old Boys five-eighths line is capable of a lot of improvement. As the result of mistakes inside, the opportunities given the Grammar wings were limited. Matheson was not as consistent as Paton. The forwards, especially in the second spell, played with great heart—at times rathe_r too desperatelv for a section of the crowd. The chief fault of the Grammar van wa3 a tendency to get offside and for this mistake tliey paid dearly. Every man was a worker, with Morgan a lot in the picture. C. Brown was forced to retire at a timo when he was playing well.

HONOURS EASY,

A dour struggle by both sets of forwards was the feature of the PonsonbyOtahuhu match when thoy drew S-all at the Showgrounds on Saturday. Territorially Otahuhu were perhaps a shade the better team, and even though they were lucky to he awarded a penalty in the last minute of the game, the red and blacks deserved to score, as it was only bad luck that kept them out at the end. Neither side handled with accuracy, and glorious opportunities went astray through this fault. For Ponsonby Colehrook was too slow at full-back, nlthough he kicked really well. Carter gave a dashing display, his best this season. Jamieson and Shaw, a new recruit, were not a happy combination, Shaw's handling being very faulty. Frankham was brilliant behind the scrum, and his keen anticipation frequently opened up the game for his supports. The pack worked hard, with Somers. Knight and Fraser always in the limelight. White gave a solid exhibition as fullback for Otahuhu, his coolness under pressure being a feature. The lyings did not see much of the ball, but iriads llie most of any opportunities that came their way. Pearson was really brilliant in the early stages, but lapsed a little at the end. Hedge made every effort to penetrate the blue and black defence, while Solomon was always a trier. The best forwards were Jones, Cox and Williams.

RIFLES GO DOWN TO 'VARSITY.

Showing something of their old-time form, 'Varsity had a clear-cut win OTer College Rifles 011 No. 2 ground. It was n plashing game, with any amount of open play and a number of bright incidents that delighted the spectators. The Light Blues won on their merits, but the game was very even, and up to the last few nilnules, Willi only a point between the two teams, it was anybody's game. At that stage Rifles were putting up a characteristic last minute rally, and, with 'Varsity penned to their twenty-live, the stage was set for a dramatic finale. At the critical moment, however, Inglis got possession and started a brilliant movement in which 'Varsity gave of their best and clinched the Issue. The half threw back to Bush, who ran well up the Held, passed back to Inglis, to Armitago, to Kedgley for a try under the posts which Bush converted. In the scrums the Light Blue pack had a clear advantage, and during the whole of the first spell and part of the second sent the ball out cleanly time after time. The Rifles vanguard, on the other hand, were clearly superior in loose work, and when the chance came to attack were .alive to every opportunity. This remark also applies to the Rifles backs. They were not so fast as the 'Varsity line, and had nothing like as big a share of the ball, but when they did get possession tliey were always dangerous. Bush was a thoru in the side of the opposition throughout the match, his long, accurate line kicking saving his forwards tremendously. Caughe.v at centre was in great form both in defence and attack, and Lewis on the witig showed exceptional pace in one particularly fine dash. The Rifles backs played right up to form. Their tackling was sound; indeed, it had to be to stop the persistent attacks of the fast-moving 'Varsity rearguard. Especial mention should be matto of the full-back, Kirk, who gave a fine all-round display. What a pity he cannot kick like Bush ! Apart from the scores already mentioned, Mulvihill and Kodgley each scored unconverted tries for 'Varsity, and Bush kicked a penalty goal. For Rifles Brown and McCormick each secured tries, one of which was converted by Wales. • Malaojia -w?a *etea<3,

MANUKAU V. MARIST,

Although the score S—3 was in favour of Manukau, it must be conceded that | Marist were a little unlucky not to divide i the honours. The game was played at Oneliunga, and in spite of the unpleasant weather conditions drew an exceptionally good gate. The win, of course, places Manukau at the head of the championship table again. Coming as it does after a series of reverses, it will infuse new life into the suburban fifteen for the second round, in which previous Manukau fifteens have always performed well. With any luck at all they should retain their present position. The play was mainly confined to the forwards right through, although there were some nice hack movements. Both Manukau's tries were the result of rearguard actions. For the winners, Ileazlewood did not go well in the first spell, but after the interval revealed his best form. Berridge, who played at centre, was always dangerous in possession. Poulton, second five-eighth, gave a very good display and scored a beautiful try. Brimble was not in the picture as much as usual. Hatfield, behind the scrum, was right on form, and handled the greasy ball with great confidence. Constable, Pepper, Pearcc, Kereopa and Sutherland shared the honours in the pack. Elliott, the Marist custodian, was very safe, his handling being very clean. BellBooth showed great dash In the threequarter line, but did not get many opportunities. Hassan, tlie ex-Auckland League representative, played at second five-eighth, and was probably the pick of the Marist rearguard. Connolly, half, played a good game. In the pack, W. Hadley, Irvine, Judd and Fowler shared the honours. Manukau's two tries were scored by Poulton and Brimble, Ileazlewood converting the hitter's try. Muller scored Marist's only .try.

MANUKAU SUB-UNION,

Saturday marked the end of the second round of the inter-club competitions and Drury and Hunua are level with 6 points cncii. The main senior gnme was at Drury and the local team defeated Clevedon by 11 to 5. Mr. A. Evans was referee. I'ukekolie Old Boys played a friendly game with llunua and won by 13 to 0. A. Dotchiu was referee. Papak lira Juniors registered their first win this season on Saturday at Papakura by defeating Drury, S to 0. This Is duo to a little reorganisation and some new blood. Manurewa juniors accounted for Clevedon by 25 to 0. Messrs. Duder and Alexander were the referees. The South Auckland Referees' Association is holding a rally in Papakuia on Tuesday, to meet the players and discuss the various rules. Also a lecture will bo given by Mr. W. Pleydcll.

GRADE GAMES.

SENIOR B. \ Manukau 14, heat I'arnell 7. lCdeu 9, boat North Shore 3. ] Grammar it, beat University 3. ; Technical 0.8, beat Kastern Suburhg. JUNIOR GRADE. j Otahuhu 0, beat University A 8. Grafton Colts (!, beat Technical 0.8. 0. Waitemata 8. drew with Jlarist 8. Grafton 17, beat Grammar 0.8. 3. Kiien 17, beat College lUtles 0. Suburbs 11, beat University B C. Northcoto (3, beat l'onsonby 3. Manukau 17, beat Oratia 3. Trinity College 11, beat Takapuna 10. THIRD GRADE. I Technical 0.8. -3, beat Howick 0. Kastern Suburbs G, beat Manukau 0. College Rifles 23, beat North Shore 5. INTERMEDIATE GRADE. Technical 0.8. 20, beat College Rifles 0. Manukau 11, beat University 3. Grafton G, drew with Northcote 6. Parnell 11, beat Y.M.C.A. 3. Otahuhu 0, heat Tamaki 3. Northcote G, drew with Grafton 6. FOURTH GRADE. Marist 6, beat Eden 3. Technical 0.8. 10, beat Ponsonby 0. Northcoto 3, beat Manukau 0. Takapuna beat Otahuhu, by default. FIFTH GRADE. Technical 0.8. 8. beat Suburbs 3. Grammar 0.8. li, beat Manukau 0. Eden 38, beat Grafton 0. Marist 3, beat Takapuna 0. SIXTH GRADE. Northcote <5, heat Fonsonby 3. Parnell 6, heat Suburbs 5. Manukau 30, beat Otahuhu 0. JUNIOR BOYS. SENIOR. Suburbs 41, beat Eastern Suburbs 0. Manukau 8, beat Takapuna 0. INTERMEDIATE. Newton 6, beat Suburbs 3. Northcote 3, drew with Manukau 3. JUNIOR. Takapuna 27, heat Parnell 5. Eastern Suburbs t>, beat Suburbs 0. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SENIOR. Mount Albert 25. heat Takapuna 0. Auckland 0, beat Sacred Heart G. SECOND GRADE. Mount Albert 9 beat Technical College 0. SIXTH GRADE. Auckland Grammar A 12, beat Takapuna A SEVENTH GRADE. Technical College 3, beat Takapuna Grammar 0.

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE.

MANUIvAU. rtrury 11, beat Clevedon 5. Juniors. —Papakura 8, beat Drurj u, Ma nu re wa 25, beat Clevedon G. MATAMATA. Pat.etere 13, beat Ilinuera 3. Wardvillc 10. beat Mntnmata 11. Juniors. —Patctere 3. drew with Walton 3 j Ilinuera 0, bent Ol<l Boys 3 ; Mutfimatfi o,'drew with Waharoa 6. . Thirds. —High School 29, beat Ilinuera 3; Patetcre 7, beat Walton 0. OPOTIKI. Citv 0, beat Old Boys 0. O.M.P. 20, beat Country 0. Juniors.—O.M.P. 10, beat City 0I; Opotiki I).II.S. 20, beat Whakatane D.H.S. lu. TAURANGA. Athletics 9, bent To Puna S. Kangataua 10. beat Cadets 0. Matakana, a bye. , Juniors. —Cadets 15. beat Matakana 5; Athletics 9, beat Kangataua 0 ; Country, a bye. TE AROHA. Hot Springs 10, beat Waihou 0. Juniors.—Manawaru 8. beat. Hot Springs G; Waihou 15, beat Elstow 5. Third Grade.—Waihou 30, beat High School 0; Manawaru 11, beat City 0. CAMBRIDGE. Hautapu 9, beat United 0. Leamington 3, beat Northern 0. Juniors. —Northern 21, beat Uniteu 0; Leamington 20, beat Maungatautarl 13; Hautapu 13, beat Karapiro 3. Third Grade. —Hautapu 9. beat Northern 0 ; United 9, beat Leamington <j. In the senior championship, with two games yet to be played, the. points are Hautapu S, Leamington 8. United 0, Northern 0. heLENSVILLB. Seniors. — Helensville 3. drew with Ivaukapakapa 3; Parakai 57, beat Wai--111 Juniors.—Helensville 8, beat Waitaki 3; Kiimeu 17, beat Parakai 3; Silverdale -3, beat Huamai 0. TE KUITI. Maniapoto representatives 6, beat Kawhia 3. . Waitete 4, beat Mangaotaki 4. TE AWAMUTU. Technical Old Boys 10, beat Waipa 6. HAMILTON. Frankton 13, beat Ilorotiu 3. Marist 5, beat Technical 0.P.. 0. Old Boys 39, beat Railway 0. PUIvEJKOHIE. Te Kohanga G, beat White Star 3. Onewhero 3, drew with Patumahoe 3. Juniors. —Old Boys 5, drew with White St Third Grade. —Botnbny 23, beat Pukekohe 0. „ _ , , , Secondary Schools. —Senior: Pukekohe Technical High School 6, drew with St. Stephen's School 6. Junior: Pukekohe 6, beat St. Stephen's 3. MORRIN-SVILLE. Terriers 9, beat United 3. Kereone 38, beat Eastern 0. Juniors—Old Boys 3, beat Kcreutie 0; Motumuobo 2-1, beat-United 0; Tahuna G, beat Basteru 3. Third Grade. —Terriers 30, beat Old Boya 1

THAMES. Physical Training 9, beat Huimfll 6. United 14, beat College -Old Boys 0. Juniors. —College Old Boys 0, beat High School 3; Physical Training 25, beat Hign School 0; College Old Boys 11, beat Huiniai 9. WHAKATANE. City 6, beat Waimana 3. Rangiuru 22, beat Papomoa 3. WHITIANGA. Kuaotunu 22, beat United 3. PAEROa. United 13, beat Great Old Boys 5. Juniors.—llikutaia 11, beat West 0; Nerherton 14, beat Old Boys 0. Third Grade. —Netherton 11, beat High School 0. 11. Martin, ail Auckland relief worker in the Paeroa racecourse relief camp, had his jaw broken in the senior match. HUNTLY. Gordonton 11, beat Huntly 3. Third Grade.—Huntly 0, drew with Ngarunwa.hia 0. Juniors. —Huntly won by default from Gordonton. * WHANGAREI. Senior.—City 9, beat Horahora 0; Mauiigakaramea 13, beat Mangakahia o; Hikurangi 27, beat Pipiwai 0. ' Junior.—High School 0, drew with Wliakapara 0. _ __. . Third Grade. — Horahora 13, beat High School ( 3; Waiotira 3, drew with Hiku--lUFinal' oC the Primary Schools' Seven-a-side.—Convent G, beat Horahora 3. OTAMATEA. Senior.—Paparoa 21, beat Mangawal 3; Waipu 9, beat Mauugaturoto 4; Kaiwata ii, beat Marohemo 0. Juniors.—Waipu 21, beat Paparoa 6; Maungaturoto 11, beat Kaiwaka 3; Xaipulia 19, beat Batley 0. DARGAVILLE. Seniors. —Southern 9, beat Ruawai 0; Waima 11, beat Dargaville 0 ; Kaihu Valley 13, drew with Northern 13. Second Grade. —Kaihu 14, beat Ruawai 0; High School 38, beat Tangowahine 0. Juniors. —Southern 8, beat Dargaville o; Tangowahine 6, drew with Northern Star 0. TE PUKE. United 15, beat Pongakawa 10. Itangiwru' 22 beat Papamoa 3. RANGITAIKI. Matamata 14, beat Matnliina G. Awakeri won by default from Edgecumhe. RODNEY. Tuhoe 28, beat Matoma 8. Wellsford 11, beat Port Albert 3. Ivaitoa 9, beat I'akerl 3. FRANKLIN—PUKEKOHE. Te Ivolianga G, beat White Star 3. Onewliero 3, drew with I'atumahoe 3. 'J'uakau 9, beat Bombay G. Juniors—Old Boys 5, drew with White Star 5; Bombay 20, beat Te Kohanga 3; Patumahoe 14, bent Ramblers 0. Third Grade.- —Bombay 23, beat Pukekolie 0 ; Patumahoe 11, beat Bombay East Secondary Schools. —Senior : Pukekohe Technical High School G, drew with St. Stephen's School 6. Junior: Pukekohe 6, beat St. Stephen's 3. WAIUKU. Otaua G, drew with City G. Juniors. —City 16, beat Waipipl 0 ; Aka Aka 11, beat Glenbrook G. WAIICARE. Rangiriri 13, bent Oliinewai 8. Waiterimu 6, beat Waeronga 3. Waiterimu is leading for the championship. MANGATAWHIRI. Mangatangi 11, beat Mercer 3. Pokeno 31, beat Mnramarua 0. Juniors. —Mercer 17, beat Pokeno 3. WAIPA. Technical Old Boys (Auckland bye team) 10, beat Walpa reps. G. Juniors.—Rovers G, beat Te Awamutu 3. Thirds.—Old Boys 22. beat Rovers 0; Suburbs 15, drew with Te Awamutu 15. • WAIHI. Mataura 14, beat High School Old Boys 4. atikati 3, drew with Convent Old Boys 3. Juniors.—Mataura 9, beat High School Old Boys 3. i._. ' , TAIHAPE. Hula 6, beat Hnutapu 3. Utiku 9, beat Pirates 3. Juniors.—Utiku 0, drew with Hautapu 0; Pirates 11, beat Hiwera 6. Third Grade.—Hautapu 9, beat Pirates

GAMES IN THE SOUTH.

"WANGANUI. Waverley 14, beat 3. mastbrton.. Greytowa 6, beat Red Star 5. FEILDING. Woodvllle 8, drew with Feilding Old Boys s - GISBORNE. Marist 0. NAPIER. Marist 12, bent Pirates 9. _ Tunica! 1 k o y*'l7," beat Eskview 3. Hasting? Old Boys 10, bent Tamatea 5. Celtic 9, beat Havelock Isortli o. PALMERSTON NORTH. Fia Toa 8, bent United 3. Old Boys 13, beat l>eilding 3. Massey College a, beat St. I atriCK b u. NEW PLYMOUTH. 8 - »o Boys 4. Empire palmate C * Okaiawa IG, beat Star 6. WELLINGTON. Hutt S, beat Wellington 3. Marist 13, beat Pctone 11. Poneke 17, beat Eastbourne 13. Athletic 3, beat St. Patrick s Old Boys 0. Wellington College Old Boys 15, beat University 0. Second Division.— -Berhampore 3, drew with Miramar 3; Oriental 3, drew with Athletic 3; Petone 10, beat MelroseSelwyn 10; Johnsonville IG, beat Wellington 14. CHRISTCHURCH. Merivale 11, beat Old Boys 3. Albion 13, beat Linwood 11. 'Varsity 9, beat Sydenham 3. Cliristchurch -1* beat Athletic D. O AMARU. Old Boys 20, beat Athletic 3. Excelsior 8, beat Malieno 3. TIMARU. Star 2G, beat Celtic 3. Zingari G, beat Old Boys 3. Pleasant Point (i, beat Temuka 3. Wailii 3, beat Geraldiuc 0. INVERCARGILL. Old Boys 13, lieat Pirates 9. Star 12, beat Mataura 1). Blues 11, beat Albion 6. FIFTEENS IN THE PROVINCE. The following teams have been selected to represent various country centres in the Auckland Province in forthcoming representative games:— TAUPIRI. Against Walpa on Wednesday, at Taupiri.—-Full-back, M. Davies (Taupiri); three-quarters, H. Mathers (Taupiri), McLaughlin (Ngaruawahia), J. Davis (Orini) ; iive-elghths, N. Pene (Gordcnton), C. Thompson (Te Hoe) ; half-back, W. Tukere (Ngaruawahia); forwards, M. Taylor (Gordonton), Byrne (Gordonton), A. McNicol (Gordonton), J. Belcher (Te Hoe), I. Brooks (Huntly), W. Smith (Gordonton), H. Catley (Taupiri), K. Welch (Taupiri). Reserves: Backs, B. Thompson (Ngaruawahia), M. Mcßurney (Ngaruawahia) ; forwards, F. West (Orini), W. Lovell (Taupiri). Manager, Mr. L. Powell (Taupiri). Mr. F. West will be referee. KING COUNTRY. Northern against Southern, at Taumaiunui, next Saturday. —McLeod (Maniapoto), Phillips (Kawhia), Cameron (Otorohanga), R. Barlow (Maniapoto). Tamahoe (Kawhia), Fletcher (Kawhia), Trust (Maniapoto), Robison (Otorohanga), Stringer (Maniapoto), McCallum (Kawhia), J. Barlow (Maniapoto), Kemptliorne (Otorohanga), Willison (Kawhia), Baggs (Otorqlianga), Kawe (Maniapoto). Reserves: Coburn, Gasken (Otorohanga), Edwards, Carnahan (Kawhia). MANIAPOTO JUNIORS. Against Otorohanga, at Otorolinnga, on Saturday. — Whetarangi, Buckley, A. Bo wick, R. Ferguson, Elliott. Herewini, K. Cotter, C. Verry, C. McMillan, W. R. Martin, A. Andrews, T. Nealon, Nolan. Reserves: M. Anderson, F. Smythc, N. Moonie, T. Davis.