RUGBY HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 134, 8 June 1936, Page 14

RUGBY HONOURS.

OTAHUHU SWAMPED.

GRAMMAR'S CLEAR-CUT WIN

PONSONBY STILL IN THE LEAD

Played under glorious conditions, there were no upsets in the Auckland ug y Union's senior championship series on Saturday afternoon. With a touch of the spectacular, Grammar swept to a clear-cu victory over Otahuhu in the niain game at Eden Park, but Ponsonby, by their J'ctory over Manukau, still lead in points for the championship table. At North Shore the home side went down somewhat ingloriously in the second spell to University. Jn tliev were better than College Rifles, and Marist showed Training College the way home. Grafton had the bye. Results were:.— Grammar 25, Otahuhu 9. Technical 21, Conege Rifles 14. Ponsonby 8, Manukau 3. University. 28, North Shore 10. Marist 16, Training College 6. Competition ladder: ch I>. W. L. D. F. A. I'ls. Ponsonby .. (i <] — 1 Marist « S 1 — 22 7 Grammar ... <>3-1 b.t 77 Otahuhu ... 5 3 a — \>] •'» » University .. « 2 2 2 11S 87 O Grafton , ... o 2 2 1 bJ »« '> Technical .. 5 2 - 1 .oO 4 o Manukau ...5 1 J 1 j!2 ? Training Coll. o 1 4, — 40 07 - North Shore 5 1 4 — 48 144 2 College Utiles 0 1 u — 41 110 OTAHUHU DEFENCE RIDDLED. For a few brief minutes of the opening of their match against Grammar, Otahuhu gave the impression that they were about •to turn on some of the fireworks which gladdened the hearts of the crowd when they appeared at headquarters last season, but it was a false hope. Their torwards played splendidly in the loose for a time, handling the ball with speed and accuracy, and giving a praiseworthy allround service to their backs. For a few minutes they pressed Grammar hard, and several times the Grammar backs had to use ail their defensive resources to keep Otahuhu at bay. Then Grammar started to assert themselves, and Otahuhu, who had never been a really happy combination, went from bud to worse, until tliey were a completely disorganised and bewildered side. Although Grammar controlled the game after the lirst quarter of an hour, Otahuhu manage'l to hold their own, and, with the aid or a stubborn defence, and an occasional electric attack, they actually emerged at the end of the first spell with a lead of three points.

It was (i v<;r.v different story in the second spell, and us tlmeslipped by the Otnhuliu hopes faded fast. Grammar, with ceaseless back attack, in which Swain, Fletcher and Kelly were the stars, hammered the Otaliuhu line mercilessly, and In the second spell they piled up '-3 points. Their victory was convincing: and devastating. The Keni of the match was a solo effort by Kelly, the fast Grammar wing. Receiving a pass on the blind side of the scrum near lmlf-way, Kelly raced to the open side, changed direction prettily, riddled a hopelessly puzzled defence and shot on to the goal line to crown with £ try one of the most spectacular solo efforts seen at Eden Park so far this season. Keen interest was taken in tile play of Hedge, the Otnhuliu lirst Hive-eighth, who last season gave promise of doing great things, and Brown, the Otaliuhu and All Black wing three-quarter. Hut both played Indifferently, and did not display the form one was entitled to expect from them. Especially did this apply to Brown. Quick heeling by the forwards and the elusiveness and speed of their backs led Grammar to victory, while a complete lack of understanding among the Otaliuhu backs cr shin ' r « ,nsiUernbl y to Otahuhu's ci Übiiiiij* defeat.

PONSONBY LUCKY. l'onsonby, the lenders of the cliamnioniv'Pi . e "'"l ,L ' t . ltloll > llatl all the luck lu the k,m !.f «f Uln a >!? illts decision over Miuiu- ' ' lt; Purges I'ark. Playing with the htiong sun behind them in th<. first half Mauukau started to bustle the blue and . , a "i s ' n l e ' e ""Position defence a •, tU!il v t0 k eep them out. On many I'm, > ?,V s , , we , le witUln an ace of scorJ,,l . " l ' t 1 J"*' lacked tiie finishing touch, ihelr three points came from a good penalty kick by Wicklund. Frunkliam scored a very neat try, which Hook conv.°. *? • lhe secoUll b;i]f was Manukau's ail the way. They hammered away relentlessly at the opposition, and missed at least two almost certain tries through overeagerness. l'onsonby's second try was scored by Carson. For the winners Hook at full-back gave a nno display, saving his side continually. Solomon was the back who bore the brunt of tiie attack and gave a tine display. Frankliaui at half got plenty of ball, but the spoiling tactics of the opposition nullitied much of his work. In the forwards Bond, Knight and Carson were easily the best. Manukau was superior in both backs and forwards and Littlejolin at full was most resourceful and handled particularly well. The three-quarter line, Hayes. Henderson and Schubert .showed much better penetration than the blue and blacks, and brought oft some spectacular passing. Hankin was sound and the diminutive Brlmble played a great game. McLaren at half was particularly sound. All the forwards played well. Wlklund, Skipper, Smith and McLean being always prominent. MARIST VICTORIOUS. Marist held too many guns for Training College, who were not able to stem the vigorous onslaughts of the "Tykes' " back line. The game was an entertaining one from the spectators' point of view, both sides throwing the ball about with an abandon that produced fast and ojien play. The Marist rearguard were in great form, every player giving of his liest, but the outstanding man on the field was easily Curtayne, who has done yeoman service for

Marlst this season. Time andl againi he T VnfhU I'Sfing was pleasing SSUSSi wSile'I Hardy ran well ou the wings. ing College back division were sound, but bv no means brilliant, Silcock the flist flvee'ighths, being the only one to B P lay penetrative powers. Both packs we solid, the teachers producing somefineplj in the loose forward rushes. lhty seem to be taking a leaf from Grammar's book in the way they screw the scrum. Scot ' played throughout as a ' oose h for l^® r „ f proved a constant thorn in the side of the Marist inside backs, his worrying tactics upsetting many of their bestmoveuieiit . Caldwell was often prominent wltli faßt following -up and proved very capable leader for the Training College Pafkthe Marist scrum Toye was thei outstandiu„ player, with Aitken, a recruit fro" 1 lish Uugby, Butler and Fitzpatrlck irood support. Tries were scored for Marist by Toye (2), Butler and Logan. Curtayne converted two. The losers ° obtained from tries by McCaithy ana Mathesoii. BUSTLING SHORE FORWARDS. Taking advantage of their heavy, bustling pack, North Shore played a forward game against University at Devonport, and effectively smothered the back play of toeir opponents until well into the second half. The tirst spell was theirs by a tive-poiut margin, and they held their lead until well into the second. But the strain -was too great, and once 'Varsity s back machine got into relentless action, fed by superiority in the scrums, there was no stopping, anil points piled up quickly, to finish Except, perhaps, for the last few minutes, plav was extremely thrilling and even. Right from the whistle it was obvious that if Shore were going to do anything it would be mainly done by their forwards— in keenly attacking open play. In the scrums Thomas, 'Varsity hooker, was too good for them, and it the ball did get out it was generally so delayed that any bhore back movements were smothered in their early stages. But by breaking up and following fast the heavy pack, contain ng several servicemen players, launched disastrous sorties on 'Varsity's back line. Massey, Burgess, Castaing, McKean and McNeill were prominent in these stifling sallies. Shore were playing in this way a vastly Improved game. Over on the ■Varsity back line things were going in a disappointing way, until the position called for desperation. But the blue backs were working far better than those of the .local side, and when they finally overcame the menace of tlie opposing forwards, it was good to see the ball swing out along the line to Kirkland who, with the ball once iu his hands, gave line turns of speed; or to Hayuian, on the other wing, whose dashes were brilliant. , It was Bush, the outstanding player of the day, who did most to, put 'Varsity back on its feet. Apart from his v;onderful kicking, which piled up some 13 points, he linked up, with the three-quarter iine again and again to give spectacular impetus to brilliant movements. Even the most partisan of the home team's supporters were lost in admiration. Nearer the scrum Cornes played a very fine game, full of dash-and enterprise. Inglls made good use of the service of a scientific pack, in which Thomas, Newman and Daniel were prominent. Tries were made, by Kirkland (2), Thomas, Drake and Shirley. Shore gave few complete back movements, but Waters and Soinervilie did brilliant pieces of work, both separately and in association. Burgess, Sainty 'and McNeill made tries, Waters converting and Woodham kicking a free.

TECHNICAL OLD BOYS SCORE. In an even game played as the curtainraiser at Eden Park Technical Old Boys proved sliglitly superior to College Rifles and won by 21 points to 14. Supporters of lust year's champions, who looked for an easy victory, received something of a shock as College Itilies, who seem to improve each week, held the territorial advantage for the greater part of the first half and at times seemed likely to dominate the game. In this they were well served by their pack, which, despite the defection of several players who were absent through "flu," gave a tine exhibition, especially in the loose. In the scrums they had a distinct advantage in the tirst spell against a heavier pack, and gave their backs plenty of the ball. Tackling on both sides was good but for occasional lapses on the part of the Rifles' backs. These proved costly for the Technical backs are very fast, and made full use of their opportunities, scoring two tries in (luick succession just before the first spell ended. In the second half the Technical rearguard used its weight to advantage and had the better of exchanges. However, with an adverse margin of 21 points to 0 the blues came again and McCormick, getting possession from the blind side of the scrum, beat three of the opposition backs for a try which Passmore converted. For Technical Mackenzie scored two tries and Cooper one. Lash converted two and kicked two penalty goals, and Murdoch converted one try. Passmore was a great asset to his side, not only as hooker but also as goal-kicker. He converted a try and kicked three penalty goals, and only just missed with two others. Rifles' fullback, Ivirk, was very erratic in defence, though his line-kicking at times was good. Wales, as usual, put in a fine afternoon s work, and Thompson, too, was in first class form. McCormick was brilliant in patches. In the pack Anderson and Batty led a ""Amongst the Technical forwards the burly Maori, J. August, was conspicuous and took a deal of stopping wlien he broke through in possession. Lash, Murdoch and Byerley were the pick of the backs, GRADE GAMES. SENIOR B. Parnell 14, beat Eden 6. Manukau 9, beat Marists 7. Suburbs 51, beat Takapuna 6. SECOND GRADE. Grammar 34, beat Training College G. Suburbs 14, beat Marists 5. I'anmure 21. beat 'Varsity 3. Tech. 0.8. 24, beat Northcote S. College Rifles 14, beat Shore 0. THIRD GRADE. I'onsonby 24, beat Takapuna 6. Manukau 19, beat College Rifles 9. Grammar A 42, beat Tamakl 6. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Grammar 30, beat 'Varsity 5. Suburbs 6, drew with Tech. 0.8. 6. I'arnell 11, beat Marists 3. * Otahuhu 20, beat College Rifles 0. Grafton 6, beat Manukau 3. FOURTH GRADE. Tonsonby IC, beat Takapuna 3. * Northcote 12, beat Grammar 3. | Tech. 0.8. 16, beat Parnell 5. Marists 0, beat Newton 6. ; Suburbs 9, drew with Panmure 9. FIFTH GRADE. Northcote 13, beat Grammar 5. I'onsonby 23, beat Takapuna 14. I'arnell 30, beat Shore 6. lOden 2G, beat Marists 5. Manukau 17, beat Tamakl 5. SINTH GRADE. Eden 11, beat Otaliuhu 3. Manukau 8, beat Panmure 3. JUNIOR BOYS. SENIORS. rarnell 9, beat Manukau 3. Newton G, beat Suburbs 0. Eden 13, beat Takapuna 3. INTERMEDIATE. Eden 23. beat Suburbs 3. Newton 19. beat Otaiiuhu 0. | Manukau 33, beat St. George's 0. Marists 49, beat Parnell 0. Shore 31, beat Takapuna 0. JUNIOR. Newton 71, beat Parnell 0. Manukau IS, beat Suburbs 0. Eden 12, beat Shore 0. Takapuna 50, beat Monte Cecilia SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ■■A SENrORS. Auckland Grammar 47, beat Takapuna Grammar 3. Sacred Heart College 11, beat Mount Albert Grammar G. SECOND GRADE. Mt. Albert Grammar 43, beat Takapuna College 0. THIRD GRADE. Otaliuhu 9, drew with Grammar 9. FOURTH GRADE. Otahuhu IS, beat Grammar 0. Auckland Grammar 21, beat Takapuna Grammar 5. FIFTH GRADE. Mt. Albert Grammar 42, beat Takapuna Grammar 0. Otahuhu 10. beat Grammar 3. Otahuhu B 35; beat Sacred Heart 0.

SIXTH GRADE. Otaliuhu 14, beat Mt. Albert Grammar 5. Takapuna 0. drew with Tech. College Sacred Heart 23, beat Takapuna B 3. SEVENTH GRADE. Otaliuliu 3, drew with Sacred Heart" 3. GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. TAUMARUNUI. Athletic 20, beat Hanaroa 16. Third Grade.—High School 9, beat Taumarunui 8. Juniors. —Hikurangi 9. beat Manunui 6; Taumarunui 17, beat Athletic 14. THAMES. College Old Boys 9, beat Physical Training 6. Juniors. —Physical Training 21, beat College Old Boys G; High School 27, beat Ramblers 3. Third Grade. —High School 11, beat College Old Boys G. . TAURANGA. Motakuna 14, beat Cadets 8. Te Puna 16. beat Rangataua 11. Juniors. —Judea 0, drew witli Rangataua 0; Matapihl 5, beat Cadets 3; Omokoroa 8, beat Athletics 0. KAIPARA. Parakai 13, beat Helensville/3. Kaukapakapa 10, beat Parakai 8. Kumeu 20, beat Helensville 3. DARGAVILLE. TVhangarei Representatives 14, beat Northern Wairoa 11. Juniors. —Dargaville 16, beat Ruawai 0; Northern Star 3, beat Old Boys 0. Third Grade. —High School 2D, beat Dargaville 10. WHANGAREI. Senior 10-a-side. —First round : Kia Toa 12, beat City 5 ; Old Boys 14, beat Karamea 6. Final : Old Boys 19, beat Kia Toa 6. Senior B. —Pipiwai 8, beat Manaia 6. Junior. —Old Boys 24, beat City 0; Horahora 15. beat WhatHiri 0. Third Grade. —Horahora 19, beat High School 5; Old Boys 21, beat Onerahi 3. 4tli Grade. —Old Boys 17. beat School B 8 ; School C 25, beat School A 3 PORT AEBERT. Puhoi 5, beat Port Albert 0. Ivaikohe 17, beat Wellsford 12. Matakana 9, beat Pakiri 6. MANUKAU UNION. Drury 11, heat Clevedon 3. Juniors.—Clevedon 11, beat Papakura 9. RODNEY. Puhoi 5, heat Port Albert 0. Kaipara Flats 17, beat Wellsford 12. Matakana 9, beat Pakiri 6.

GAMES IN THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH. Sunnyside 14, beat Old Boys 10. Christchurcli 8, beat Sydenham 6. Albion 18, beat 'Varsity 6 Athletic 27, beat Linwood 3. TIMARU. Police Charity Match.—Otago 8, beat Canterbury G. OAMARU. North Otago Athletic 27, beat Maheno ll> bld Boys 20, beat Excelsior 0. DUNEDIN. Zingari 18, beat 'Varsity B 16. Southern 21. beat Alhanibra 0. Varsity A 27. beat Union 5. Pirates 13, beat Kaikorai 6. Taisri 22, beat Dunedin 21. TAIHAPE. Utiku 16, beat Hautapu 3. Old Boys 16, beat -Huia 9. Juniors.—Pirates 5, beat Hautapu 0. TARANAKI. Stratford 24, beat Old Boys 10. Clifton 14, beat Star 6. Tukapa 12 beat Inglewood 3. Okaiawa 33, beat Eltham 6. Fawera 15. beat Waimate 11. Kaponga 25, beat Athletic 3. Opunake 9, beat Patea 6. WANGANUI. Marist 20, beat Old Boys 15. Waverlev 39, beat Ratana 3. Technical Old Boys 18, beat Pirates 0. PALMERSTON NORTH. Kai Toa 17, beat Massey College 9. Feilding Old Boys 17, beat St. Patrick's ' Old Boys beat United by default. MASTERTON. Old Bovs 8, beat Martinborough 6. Carterton 25, beat Featherston 3. Gladstone 27, beat Red Star 11. Greytown 11, beat Dalefield 3. NAPIER. Napier H. 5.0.8. 20, beat Havelock 16. Marist Old Boys 9, beat Technical Old Boys S. WELLINGTON. Senior A (First Division). —Athletic 22, beat Eastbourne 0; Wellington 13, beat Hutt 12 ; Petone 13, beat Poneke 10 ; Wellington College 0.8. 13, beat Marist 0.8. 7. 0.8. 7. Senior A (Second Division). —St. Patrick's College 0.8. 8, beat University 3; Jolinsonville 11, beat Miriynar 8; Athletic 55, beat United 5. NELSON. Waimea 19, beat Old Boys 9. Rivals 9, beat Rovers 0. Nelson 14, beat Pirates 0. INVERCARGILL. Invercargill 21, beat Pirates 8. Star 30, beat Old Boys 0. Mataura 38, beat Marists 19. Invercargill' now lead for the championship.