RUGBY HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1936, Page 13

RUGBY HONOURS.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. MARIST TOO GOOD FOR GRAMMAR. GRAFTON DOWN TO OTAHUIIU. Down, eight points in the first spell, Marist staged a brilliant recovery in the second to sweep to a spectacular victory over Grammar in the big match of the Rugby day at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon. The first spell was good, and the second brought many a thrill as Marist overhauled and passed the Grammar score. On their home ground Otahuhu delighted their supporters by defeating Grafton. Technical College Old Boys romped away from JCorth Shore, Ponsonby beat College Rifles with case, and Manukau scraped home against Training College. Results:— Marist 24, beat Grammar 11. Otahuhu 20, beat Grafton l(i. Technical 34, beat North Shore 0. Ponsonby 32, beat College RiHcs C. Manukau 11, beat Training College 8. Championship table: —- Points Cli. I'. W. L. D. F. A. l'ts. Ponsonby .... 9 S 1 — 203 99 10 Marist 8 7 1 - 154 07. 14 Olaliuhu 8 0 2 — 114 85 12 Grammar 9 5 3 1 154 120 11 University ... 8 3 3 2 152 124 8 Grafton K 3 3 2 125 110 8 Technical .. . . 8 3 4 I 103 85 7 Manukau 8 3 4 1 82 74 7 College It ifles . 8 1 0 1 58 158 3 Train. College 8 1 7 — 70 122 2 North Shore ..8 1 7 — 73 244 2 CONVINCING MARIST VICTORY. Enthusiasts were prepared for a hardfought and close match with the meeting of Marist and Grammar, which was given pride of place at Eden Park on Saturday, and there were some even among the Grammar supporters who were prepared for a narrow Marist victory, but there were few indeed who lielieved that the Marist victory of 24 points to 11 would be as convincing and devastating as it was. Although Grammar completed the lirst spell with an 11—3 lead, their efforts had not been particularly impressive, and with the wind behind them, their supporters were entitled to expect a little more than they received. There was no great lire and dash among the pack, and the backs did not move along as smoothly as they might have. The Marist backs saw to that. The whole character of the game changed in the second spell, and seldom has a transformation been so swift and complete. The Marist forwards got a strangle-liold on the game, and with the backs, especially the inside men, in brilliant mood, there was much of the spectacular in the Marist attack. Even without the priceless services of lladley in the front row, Marist won all the hall they wanted. Their forwards proved on the day that they were a better pack than Grammar in every department, and their sweeping loose rushes, with the ball at toe, were pretty to watch. Those crushing movements were led by Butler, MeGrory, McHugli and Bailey, a quartet which contributed much to the .Marist victory. One of the most refreshing features of the game was the straight, penetrating running of the Marist insides. The halfhack, Irvine, although harried throughout the match by the unceasing attentions of the Grammar breakaways, gave splendid service from the base of the scrum, and Curtayne, Cooney and Logan worked wonders when in possession of the ball. Auckland Rugby enthusiasts, who watch the main game at Eden Park Saturday after Saturday, have not been in a position to realise how good Cooney really is. lie rose to brilliant heights on Saturday, weaving his way through in dazzling fashion—the real inspirati on of the Marist attack. lie was equally >d on defence. One of the contributing factors in the Marist success was the manner in which all the backs moved up swiftly on their opponents and smashed one Grammar attack after another before it had got properly under way. An interesting sidelight of the match was tlic decision of (lie Grammar captain to play A. Brown, the front row man, at wing three-quarter when Flett went oft with an injured muscle. Brown lias an exceptional turn of speed, and although,he got. only oni' opportunity, lie revealed in that burst his speed, his wonderful determination and his ability to dteeive his opponents with a quick chance of pace. Perhaps it is a little too late in liits career to train him as a Winger, but it would be an interesting experiment well worth trying. WHERE WEIGHT TOLD. In an interesting game at Onehunga Manukau proved a shade too good for Training College and won by 11 points to S. The students made a good showing against a heavier team, and at the close of the first half it appeared that they might gain the victory. After battling in the teetli of a strong wind they were only three points down, anil it looked as though the change round would see them pile up enough points for a win. However, it was not to lie. Their first piece of bad luck came when they lost their half, Sutton, just before the first spell ended. This necessitated a readjustment of the back division, and the resultant combination was less effective. But the chief factor which turned tlio scale against them was the Improved form of the Manukau forwards, who adopted the bustling tactics, and by sheer weight and speed overwhelmed the lighter paqk. However, the bout continued fairly even with the outcome in doubt until the last quarter, when the collegians were obviously feeling the strain. In the first half Training College gave a fine exhibition | and fully held their own. They won ninetenths of the scrums and when the ball came out their backs exploited the position with short, sharp passes, keeping play close so that the opposition had few opportunities to use the wind. A little more finish to their attack arid they uiusit have put up a score. When Sutton went off Silcock came on at half and made a first class substitute, but the combination behind was disturbed. A high light in the match was the superb exhibition given by Hare at fullback. His kicking was well judged with remarkable length and accuracy. lie tackled well, and when opportunity offered ran his three-quarters into position. Once he made the mistake of hanging on too long, but this was an isolated fault. On one occasion, with a favouring wind, he just missed with a penalty kick from well behind the half-way mark, the hall dropping a couple of feet short of the bar. On the Manukau side Brimble as usual got through an immense amount of work, but after making good openings was prone to pass wildly. McLaren was thoroughly sound as half. The front rankers were disappointing in the first spell, hut fully compensated in the second. Pepper, Pearee, Wiklund and Smith were leaders in some superlative loose rushes. For the winners McLaren, Moir and Smith scored tries, one being converted by Skipper. Training College's try was gained by Mathieson and converted by Hare, who also kicked a penalty.

OTAHUHU'S RECOVERY. With eight minutes to go and the score standing at 13 points to 12 in Grafton's favour, it looked a certainty that Otahuhu would go under on the home ground, Sturges Park, but the generalship of Pearson turned the tide, and the red and blacks ran out victors with four points to spare. The attendance was easily a record and the big gallery went wild with enthusiasm when the local side added the last two tries. The game was brimful of incident; Grafton dominated the scrums and the black and white backs had a feast of tiie ball, but gained little advantage owing to the deadly tackling of the opposition. The half-time score was 12 points to 8 in Otahuhu's favour —a penalty by Beyer, a grand potted goal by Pearson and a try by Carroll (which Beyer converted), making Otahuhu's dozen. Morley scored for Grafton and l'earman converted a try by Fraser. In the second half Roddick scored for Grafton, l'earman converting, and l'earman also kicked a penalty, making their total 10. Otahuhu's total was Increased to 20 by two brilliant tries gained by Cliff Williams, one of which Beyer converted. For Otahuhu Beyer again gave an outstanding display at full-back. Four of his kicks hit the crossbar and one the post. His line kicks were features of the game. Pearson, at centre, was spiendid, his heady play and tactics upsetting the plans of the opposition. He was ably supported by Grant and Carroll. Hedge was solidly marked. Cliff Williams was the hero of the day and definitely outplayed Dick. The forwards played as a pack should, the newcomers, Dodds and Meredith, impressing. For Grafton, Stewart, at full-back, was weak at times, particularly when lie let Carroll score. The backs, of which Killeen was easily the best, failed against the opposition tackling. Fraser and Morley scored nice tries, but Dick was out-generalled. Arkle, at half-back, gave his backs every chance by snappy passes. Anderson, Bunting, Roddick and Tannaliill were always prominent in the forwards. McLean, listed as a forward, was more often than not playing as a spare back and was several times penalised for being offside. ONE-SIDED GAME. Playing before a large crowd at Northcote, with a greasy ball and a ground that was just slippery enough to be dangerous, Ponsonby showed sound form and vastly superior back play to score an easy win at the expense of College Rifles by 32 points to G. Although Rifles battled hard they never looked like a winning team, their only success being in the hooking department, where Passmore put in some splendid work to give his backs plenty of opportunities, of which, however, they were unable to take advantage. The game could scarcely be described as an interesting one, as the issue was never in doubt. Much of the credit for Ponsonby's walkaway must go to Jamieson, who was the brains and driving power of the backline. Time and again he flipped through gaps in the Rifles' defence, and showed some pace before sending on for other players to score, and his opportunism and clever placement of his kicks were an example to less experienced players. The remainder of the Ponsonby backs played sound games, Frankliam passing well from the base of the scrum, and I). Solomen beating the opposing backs on several occasions by clever changes of direction. Hook played great football at full-back, and although his tackling was never severely tested, lie kicked and handled with the ease of an old player, and converted four tries, two from difficult positions. His in-field kick, which led to a try by Solomon, was a masterpiece. The forwards were sound without being brilliant, F. Solomon, Knight, Evans and Carson catching the eye. Wales, the College Rifles captain, was the only back of the losing side to show prominence, and toward the end of the game even he became rattled. Apart from his hooking, Passmore deserves credit for a gallant display in» the College Rifles pack. He followed up tirelessly, and considering that it is his first season in senior football, played a very heady game. He scored all his side's points with two penalty goals. Batty was as honest as usual in both looso and tight, and Pike, although not seen much by the casual observer, buried himself in the scrum and showed that he is a good tight forward. Ponsonby's points, came from tries by Knight (3), F. Solomon (2), Dow, Evans and Johnson, Hook converting four. TECHNICAL TOO GOOD. The swift, cutting, combined back movements of Technical made the ball and points too elusive for North Shore, especially in the second half, when the greens ran up a quick tally to win by 34 points to nine, ltut the first half saw a much more even contest, and hopes were high when the spell ended 11 —G. Could Shore keep it up? They couldn't. Technical swung their back line into play, with every man working as imirt of a machine which was kept in action by the scientific work of the pack. The heavy Shore forwards took to quickbreaking, bustling tactics, but by sending on the bail in good time to the next man the Technical backs foiled the muffling tendencies. It was not for want of hard lighting, every man of them, forward and hack, tliat Shore failed ; hut it was guerilla warfare, without the skill and precision of a well-organised army unit. On the winning side many players showed fine mettle. Playing at his usual position of full-back during the lirst half and in the three-quarter line later, Turbott gave a splendid all-round exhibition. It was not sporadic brilliance, but cool, reliable safeness with which he put an end to danger time and again, while his speed and enterprise was dononstrated in the three-quarter position. Itayment, who went to full for a time, played another good game, and his fine speed in the second halt' won him a try. Edge, McAdam and Lash were valuable links, the latter converting five' tries and kicking a penalty. At half Reid showed great form, proving himself an Ideal link between forwards and backs. Apart from his swift sureness in getting the ball away he showed fine enterprise without taking too many risks. Among the forwards, a fine combination in set scrums, August nnd Cooper were outstanding. Tries were won for Technical by Cooper (2), Reid, Edge, McAdam, August and Itayment. The game showed once more that Shore has tho material, but it must be developed. There was too much individual work onong the backs, and too little scientific packing where the forwards were concerned. They had the weight, but weight alone will not conquer skill. One gratifying feature of the play was good tackling, particularly in the first half. Hanging on too long to tho ball was a noticeable fault. Tries were won by J. Sainty (2) and McKean, with Jessup doing a lot towards them. JUNIOR BOYS. SENIORS. Manukau 3, drew with Newton 3. Eden 14, beat Ponsonby 0. INTERMEDIATE. Newton won by default from Parnell. Otahuhu 6, beat Manukau 5. Eden G, beat Takapuna 3. Suburbs 42, beat St. George's 0. JUNIORS. Manukau 40, beat Ponsonby 11. Suburbs 17, boat Northcote 0. Manukau B 12, beat Shore 3.

GRAMMAR DEFEAT KING'S. There could he no doubt as to the better team in the Auckland Grammar School v. King's College game at tho Grammar school in Mountain Road on Saturday. Apart from the decisive score, 24—0, the Grammar lads were on top all the time except for a little time just at the beginning of ■the second spell. Grammar got six tries. These were due mainly to the clean, almost faultless handling of the backs. The Grammar school certainly have the makings of a tine backline. They are fast, clever, determined, and as far as one could judge with a team almost always on attack, their tackling is good. Another feature, too, is that tlieir strength comes largely from the inside backs. The pack is solid, hardworking, and each man does honest work in the tight, for these lads do not bother to shine in the open where a selector might possibly see them. They got the ball in the scrums and the line-outs and mainly in the tight. It is a pity that Grammar has no*t someone who can kick goals consistently. This much, must be said for King's at the outset, they were not fielding their best team, and even had tliey been, Grammar had more of their first fifteen back from last year. King's were outpaced in the backs and out-weighted in the pack. 'One left the lield witli tlic impression that as far as actual football is concerned this secondary school football is the best of all. MORRINSVILLE'S CLOSE CALL. Maintaining a lead of three points for most of the second half, Morrinsville SubUnion seniors had a close call in defending the Finlay Cup, premier Rugby trophy of the Waikato, against a strong challenge from Cambridge representatives. Morrinsville were without J. Leeson, the Waikato and 1934 AU Black forward, who is suffering from a poisoned knee, but had four Waikato representatives in their team. Changing round with the scores B—o8 —0 in their favour, Morrinsville looked easy winners, but soon after half-time a runaway try by N. Holmes for Cambridge made the scores B—s. Exciting play followed until the final whistle, both teams attacking in turn for the last lialf-hour of the game. R. and T. Clarkin scored for Morrinsville, W. Cameron converting one try. N. Holmes scored and converted for Cambridge. Matamata seniors are the next challengers for the cup on July 11. GRADE GAMES. SENIOR B GRADE. Manukau 12, beat Takapuna 0. Eden 12, beat Marist 5. Parnell 15, beat University 6. SECOND GRADE. . 'Varsity IG, beat Suburbs 9. Technical 12, beat Grammar 0. Otahuhu 15, beat Training College 17. Marist 9, beat Eden 0. Northcote 34, beat College Rifles 11. Waitcmata 17, beat Grafton 6. THIRD GRADE. Manukau A 14, bent Waiteinata 0. Manukau Colts 28, beat St. George's 5. Grammar A S, beat. Technical 0.8. 0. Marist 29. beat Parnell 0. Takapuna 20, beat Tamaki 0. Grafton 12, beat College Rifles 6. Grammar 28, beat Otahuhu 5. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Marist G, beat Manukau 0. Technical 19, beat Suburbs 3. Parnell 12, beat Training College G. Eden 9, beat Ponsonby (S. FOURTH GRADE. Ponsonby G, beat Otaliuliu 3. Parnell 9, beat Marist (>. Suburbs 17, beat Newton 0. Panmure 14, beat Shore 3. Manukau 24, beat Technical 0.8. 11. Northcote 9, beat Takapuna 8. FIFTH GRADE. Parnell 31. beat Tamaki 0. Technical 15, beat Shore 0. Manukau 3, beat St. George's 0. Grafton 11, beat Takapuna G. Eden B 11, beat Takapuna B G. Ponsonby 35, beat Grammar 0. SIXTH GRADE. Manukau 10, beat St. George's 0. Otahuhu 12. beat Panmure 3. Suburbs 0, beat Eden 0. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SENIOR GRADE. , Grammar 24, beat King's College 0. Mount Albert Grammar 35, beat Takapuua Grammar 3. SECOND GRADE. Grammar 33, beat King's 0. THIRD GRADE. Sacred Heart 0, drew with Otahuhu 0. Sacred Heart wou by default from Technical College. Auckland Grammar 17, beat Mount Albert Grammar 9. FOURTH GRADE. Sacred Heart 9, beat Mount Albert 0. Otahuhu 23, beat Sacred Heart 0. FIFTH GRADE. Mount Albert Grammar 5, beat Sacred 1 .Heart 0. " Mount Albert B 3, drew with Sacred Heart B 3. SIXTH GRADE. Sacred Heart 9, beat Mount Albert Grammar G. SEVENTH GRADE. Sacred Heart 14, bent Grammar A 0. Otahuhu G, beat Sacred Heart 0. MAORI TOURNAMENT INTER-TRIBAL SPORT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sunday. Relaxing after the morning ceremonies at Mauukarihl Pa, the Maoris flocked to the Camp Reserve, where Rugby and hockey matches wore contested. The East Coast Maoris beat the West Coast at Rugby by 22 points to 17, thus winning the Tainui Cup in a vigorously unorthodox game that was full of excitement. In an inter-tribal match Ngatiawa defeated Te Arawa by G points to 5. The Matariki (Hastings) Maoris scored a double victory by winning both the men's and women's hockey finals. These matches wore the culmination of a week's elimination games. The Matariki men outplayed Kahuranahi (Hawke's Bay) by two goals to nil, and the Matariki women narrowly snatched victory from Ratikawa (Horowhenua) by one goal to nil. COLLECTION AT NORTHCOTE. A collection, amounting to £7 10/, toward the provision of training quarters for local Rugby players was taken up on Saturday afternoon during the progress of the senior match Ponsonby v. College Rifles, on the Northcote municipal football ground in Stafford Road.

! GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. TE KUITI. To Kuiti 21, beat Waitete 0. United Juniors 7, beat Waitete C. ' To Kuiti High School 20, beat Waitete thirds G. THAMES. Rangitaiki 10. beat Thames 11. .Ttiniors. —Ramblers IS, beat C.0.8. 9. Third Grade.—C.O.B. 20, beat Ramblers S; Thames High School S, beat Hamilton High School IS; Hamilton thirds 20, beat Thames seconds 11. PAEROA. Ilikutaia 19, beat Netherton 0. TE AROIIA. Te Aroha S, beat Morrinsville 3. DARGAVILLE. Otamatea Representatives 8, beat Northern Wairoa 0. Juniors. —Tangowaliine 3, beat Dargaville 0; Kaihu Valley 10, beat Old Boys 0. Third Grade. —Northern Star 2S, beat Ruawai 0. WIIANGAREI. Kia Toa 14, beat Old Boys S. Hikurangi 13. beat Karamea 0. Juniors. —Waiotira 13, bvsat Ilorahora 3, Old Hoys 16, beat Waikiekie 0. Third Grade. —Ilorahora 10, beat IIi„n Grade.—Old Boys 24, beat High School A 0; High School B 21, beat High School C 0. HAMILTON. Old Boys 23, beat Te Awamutu 0. Taupiri W. 13, beat Frankton 3. Technical Old Boys 12, beat Marist o. Rovers 3, beat Taupiri E. 0. MATAMATA. University. 11, beat Matamata 9.' MORRINSVILLE. Finlay' Cup.—Morrinsville seniors (holders) 8. beat Cambridge (first challengers) 0.

Juniors.—Terriers 9, beat Rovers 4; United 3, beat Old Boys 0 ; Motumaoho 25, beat Eastern 0. Third Grade. —Eastern 39, beat Kereone 0; Terriers 10. beat Old Boys 0. CAMBRIDGE. Juniors.—United 11, beat Northern 3; Hautapu 9. beat Leamington 0. TE PUKE United beat Pukeliina by default. Papamoa 11, drew with Maketu 11. Juniors.—United 3, drew with Paengaroa 3. TAURANGA. Matakana 0, drew with Cadets 6. Te Puna 25, beat Rangataua 8. Juniors.—Omokorea 15, beat Cadets nil; Matapihi 9, beat Rangataua 3; Judea 19, beat Athletics 3. TE AWAMUTU. Old Boys (Hamilton) 23, beat Te Awamutu 6. Juniors.—Waikeria A 23, beat Ngutunni 9 ; Te Awamutu 17, beat Tokanui 9. Third Grade.—Old Boys 17, beat High School 0. TAUMARUNUI. Inter Sub-Union. —Taumarunui 19, beat Ohura 3. Juniors.—Taumarunui 20, beat Ohura 3. lIUNTLY. Huntly High School Old Boys 0, drew with Iluntly 0. MANUKAU UNION. Clevedon 15, beat Ilunua 6. Drury 9, beat Manurewa 0. Juniors.—Clevedon 27, beat Karaka 0. DARGAVILLE. Sub-Union Reps.—Otamatea 8, beat Northern Wairoa 0. RODNEY. Port Albert 9, beat Matakana 3. pakiri 11, beat Wellsford 3. Kaitoa 11, beat Warkworth 5. WAIUKU. Mangatawhiri 0, drew -with Waiuku 0. TUAKAU. Franklin 19, beat Pukekohe 13. WHAKATANE. Whakatane 13, beat Opotiki 5. Juniors. —Whakatane 21, beat Rangitaiki 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. GREYMOUTII. Representative Matches. Buller 10, beat Coast 0. Juniors. —Buller 5, beat Coast 3. MAORI RUGBY. East Coast 25, beat Taranaki 17. WANGANUI. A Grade.—Kaierau 37. beat Halcombe 13. Mar ton Old Boys 10, beat Old Boys 12. Technical Old Boys 19, beat Waverley Old Boys —. Marist 15, beat Pirates 8. liatana 0, beat Hunterville 3. TAIHAPE. Utiku 11, beat Mangaweka 5. Pirates 24, beat Huia 3. Hautapu 25, beat Old Boys 5. Juniors. —Hautapu 0, beat Pirates 3. MASTERTON. Senior Championship.-—Red Star 19, beat Gladstone 9. Old Boys 30, beat Carterton 24. DalefieJd 24, beat Featherston 0. Martinborougli 23, beat Grey town 13. Red Star are leading in the championship by three points. O AMARU. North Otago Old Boys S, beat Athletic 0. Mahcno 42, beat Excelsior 7. DUNEDIN. Southern 22, beat Pirates 0. 'Varsity A 32, beat Taieri 3. 'Varsity B 11, beat Alhambra 9. Zingari (i, beat Dunedin 0. Union S, beat Kaikorai 0. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 9, beat Old Boys 0. Marist 11, beat Albion 3. Invercargill 32, beat Mataura 3. CIIRISTCHURCH. Albion 25, beat Athletic 19. Old Boys 24, beat Merivale 0. Sydenham 15, beat Lin wood 9. . Sunnyside 29, b-eat 'Varsity 6. PALMERSTON NORTH. Feilding B 12, drew with Massey College 12. Feilding A 14, beat St. Pats 11. Old Boys 0, beat Kia Toa 3. NAPIER. Napier High School Old Boys 21, beat Hastings 3. • Marist Brothers Old Boys 15, beat Pirates 0. WELLINGTON. Senior A (First Division). —Poneke 18. beat Wellington 10; Wellington College Old Boys 0, beat Marist Brothers Old Boys 3 ; Athletic 0, beat Hutt 0 ; Petone 23, beat Eastbourne 0; St. Patrick's College Old Boys 10, beat Jolinsonville 0. Senior A (Second Division). —Athletic 22, beat University 10; Wellington College Old Boys 10, beat Miramar 5; Oriental 17, beat Pirates 6; Wellington 18, beat United S. NELSON. Marlborough 14, beat Nelson 6. TIMARU. Star 28, beat Old Boys 20. Tonuka 22, beat Zingari 0. Wailii 13, beat Geraldine 12. TARANAKI. Inglewood 9, beat Stratford 5. Ola Boys 14, beat Clifton 13. Tukapa S beat United 0. Hawera 14, beat I'atea 3. Okaiawa 3, drew with Athletic 3. Kaponga 21, beat Eltham 3. Opunake 10, beat Waimate 0. Secondary Schools. —St. Patrick's College 3, drew with New Plymouth Boys' High School 3. College had the better of the match. TREVATHAN'S CENTURY. GREAT KICKING IN OTAGO. (By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.") ■> DUNEDIN, this day. Dave Trevatban, the Southern Club and Otago representative five-eighth, has scored 113 points in ten games this season. On Saturday he registered 19 out of 22 points for his side against Pirates, made up of one try, one converted goal, two penalty goals and two potted goals.