RUGBY CHARITY DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 182, 3 August 1936, Page 16

RUGBY CHARITY DAY.

WHIRLWIND FINISH.

NORTH SHORE'S SURPRISE.

RANFURLY SHIELD.

BRIGHT SCHOOL MATCHES. IrRAMMAR TEAMS VICTORIOUS SENIOR GAMES CONTINUED. Speed and combination among the Jacks gave Auckland Grammar a convincing victory over Sacred Heart in the main attraction for Rugby's Charity Day Eden Park on Saturday afternoon. To the strains of the old liugby song, "On the Ball,'' and to the accompaniment of school war cries by youths bedecked with streamers, the teams were cheered throughout the match. As a curtainraiser Mount Albert Grammar and King's College met, victory going to Mount Albert comfortably. Senior matches, under a special competition, produced much good football. Particular interest was taken in the meeting of Grafton and Technical on No. ' 2, Eden Park, and a close match ended with Grafton two points ahead, a try in the last minute giving them victory. Results of the games:— Auckland Grammar School 18, beat Sacred Heart College 0. Mount Albert Grammar School 13, beat King's College 5. Grafton 15, beat Technical 13. Marist 19, beat Training College 16. University 9, beat Manukau C. Grammar 2(i, beat College Rifles 10. North Shore 8, beat Otaliuhu G. SPEEDY SCHOOLBOY BACKS. Although not as colourful and spectacular ag' the watches of former years, the secondary schools' 'games which are always the feature -of Kugby's charity day, were full of ihterest, and in each of the contests on Xo. 1 Eden I'nrk, two or three players of real ability in the four teams seen in action were revealed. Greatest ihterest centred in the meeting of Auckland School and Sacred

Heart College,' "There was never any doubt as to t he; winners. G ram mar were superior in every department. Their tall forwards won the ball from line-outs, tiiey heeled consistently-, from set scrums, they were quick to rake the ball back from' rucks, and the speed of, their backs carried them to convincing victory.

Sacred' Heart battled gamely, and had it not been for the splendid efforts of their full-back, the score of IS to nil against them might have heen grea.ter. One disappointing- feature of the match was the high tackling. Seldom was there seen the resolute roimd-the-ankle tackles one expects from first-class secondary school players.

There were' few occasions in which the Sacred Heart bqck line was seen to any advantage. They lacked the combination of their opponents, and they did not have the speed or understanding. On the other hand, the of the Grammar back line was impressive, and the ball was handed from one to; the other with praiseworthy accuracy.;( The , Grammar insides, Garrett, ■Tones and Jackson were a good attacking force, with Jories'showing a nice appreciation of an'ifeye for an opening. The results of the games were :— Mount Albert- Grammar 13, beat King's College S r Auckland Grammar 18, beat Sacred Heart College 0. FAIR FOOTBALL. In a match that was a little on the dull side through lack of enterprise on the part of both sets of backs, Marist gained a last-minute victory over Training College by 19 to 10. The teachers had held the lead practically throughout the contest mainly through the spoiling tactics emPloyed by the side. College played right on top of the Tykes backs, and uever allowed them any latitude. On the other hand, it must be admitted that Marist failed to show their usual bustling tactics while the penetration of the inside backs ' ?,\' as . 'pissing. On the general run of play framing College were a shade unluckv, and the experience the team is having playing together should help to mould a particularly good side for next season. Elliot was both safe and sound for the winners, while Hardy made the most of any opportunities he received. Coonev ■showed up under difficulties, but the weak point appeared to be Lawson, who was having his first game in the seniors. On the odd occasions he got going he appeared to possess ability. Irvine fed his supports well, while Fitzglbbon and Bailey were always in the fray.

Hare gave a splendid display as man for Training College, and scored ten sored 8 5' th 'S°al. kicking. Rodffers has fine speed for a winger, and was alwavfi o-VfT 0118 - went well, while Silcock gave his usual sound service from forwards nd D ° bbinS PlaJed WeU

oJ\i' n, ZI\ er Z a £ eaten team through--v r>' half, when they met Grnffnn on No. _ ground on Saturday. Without flip rlnHh tii Turbott, at full-back, and Mu r . !"'! Jhe five-eighth, and with Byeclev and August away with the representative team *~, ff re en attack lacked sting and Grafton' although Ivilleen and Dick are also in tho south, literally . "ran rings round them " I earman, as was the case last Saturdav throinrh th/° rm ""{"repeatedly ranrigYt through the opposition, whose tackling could have been a lot lower. At half-time the score was 12—0 in favour of Gcafton In the second half Technical however .Keemed to wake up a little and backs and forwards showed a little more spirit in combining in some good rushes. The snoll was not far gone before Reid went round the side of the,scrum and beat a number ot men before sending Alexander over near the side line The greens kept up the pressure and Lash picked up about twenty yards out and without straightening up shot across at the corner with about six Grafton iiien trying to stop him. It was a great burst that deserved a try. There now appeared to be some hope for Technical and the splendid rucking of Anns, Slontt.TrZ,nf* IUIV l bIU ? D 2 Keftne ke P t in the Grafton twenty-five until Montgomery fielded ix high pass froni a back and crossed near the post. Lash converted and put his team one point in the lead. The game had heen working up to a crescendo, with Technical definitely on top, Right on time, however, when the whistle was expected **n> moment, Johnston, the temporarv Grafton centre, took a pass about halfway and made a brilliant run to the corner flag, beating man after man and shaking off tacklers in his stride. It was the highlight of the match and a try worthy of first grade football, putting Grafton two points lead-and clinching victory for the whistle went: a moment later. The Grafton backs were all good, with Pearman, Johnston, who also dropped a fairly easy field goal in the first half, and Arkle who played a sterling galne at half, the outstanding men. McKenzie played well at first five-eighth, in the first half and fullback m the second for Technical. Lash was an asset on the wing and Alexander was occasionally bright. In the forward diysions the honours lay with Technical, K-enne J f Ollt , SOmeCy ' Mulvihill and ' Players. Roddick, Gable H,", ng . were the b<> st of the Grafton S L,mi, WlDn r er s points came from tries hifn + Johnston. Pearman connnnnltv „? t ry and Roddick kicked a ™«i--*ai ohl J ston potted an easy field f H fn ail ? er ." Lash and Montgomery of the tries LaSb co ™ing two

Out at Stages Park North Shore sprang a surprise on the home side and ran out victors with two points to spare. Whilst not productive of high-class football tho game was most interesting and was hotlv contested right up to the final whistle First score" was registered bv Otahuhu when Hedge opened up play nicely, ami Eiwyn. drawing the opposition, passed to C. \\ llliams, for him to go over. Pearson's kick missed. It was near the end of the second half that Otaliuliu's second ti'y was scored. Hedge was continually cutting through and sending out fine passes which went astray: Going through in fine style, Teddy sent out to Pearson, whose great speed and fend were .spectacular as ho went oyer at the corner.

Norths Shore's two tries were gained in the first half. Jessjup made a good opening dashed downfleld'and then sent on to McKean, who finished the movement nicely "Waters' kick was a good one. Putting a hefty kick into a speculator Jessup sent the ball well down field, and McNeil beat Halliwell to it. For the visitors, Jessup and Finla.vson gave fine displays, the Matter's speed making him dangerous all the time. McNeil was •the pick of the forwards. Hedge, playing lialf-baek for the first spell, and (hen fiveeighth, was Otaliuliu's best back, with Hen-y Brown and Pearson doing line work. .Tphns ; and Jury were the pick of t" forwards.

'VARSITY WIN IN LAST MINUTE. At Onehunga, University had a close tussle with Manukau, but managed to snatch victory with a 'try gained in tlio last minute of play. The winners would have been unlucky had the decision not come their way, for they played the better football and were attacking for the greater part of the game. The local forwards seemed to miss Pepper, who is away with the representative team. Whatever the cause, they lacked their usual dash. Almost invariably they lost the ball in the scrums and. in the loose their rushes, occasionally brilliant, were not sustained. As a consequence their backs were sadly handicapped. Meanwhile the University pack were slioding fine combination and fairly held their heavier opponents in all departments. Thomas' hooking was a feature and the ball came out to Inglis with almost monotonous regularity. The half took the field with an injured hand, but came through with flying colours. He fed the rearguard with sharp, accurate passes, with the result that the blue backs were almost continuously in action. A big score would have resulted, but the tackling of the local backs was above reproach. With the advantage of a strong wind the visitors made most of the play in the first half, but the early scores came to Manukau. With splendid opportunist and keen determination, Anderson and Schubert outwitted the opposition for a couple of tries when play first found its way into University territory. The first try went to tiie credit of Brimble, who came on the scene in time to profit by the opening the other pair had made. The second was secured by Schubert. Before the spell ended University evened up with a try by Newman and a penalty goal kicked by Mulviliill. With the turn round and the wind in their favour, it appeared that the local men would secure a winning margin, For ten minutes or so they pressed dangerausly, but the blues staved off the attack llid then the wind died down. The University backs were combining well and frequently threatened the Manukau line. Hayman was conspicuous in several determined dashes and in the last minute of play got his reward with a well-earned try. None of the tries was converted. FAIRLY MEDIOCRE.

It was a fairly mediocre game from the spectators' viewpoint on Xo. 2 ground, for drab periods were more frequent than thrills. Grammar showed its superiority over College Rifles by running up a le.ul after a few .minutes, which it held safely and increased until the game en:led with the score at 24—10. Grammar backs made it their day out, and their cutting tactics were too strong for the defence. Their forwards gave them plenty of opportunities.

In the first spell Uifles forwards did good work, but were soon met at their own game by the whites. Buckley won a good try near the posts and Corner converted. After a while Kities swept the field and McCorniick raced away over the lin<\ fassinore converting. Before half-timo came Fieft and King were over. Corner converting the latter try. Play in the : second 'spell was of a mixed variety, with uninteresting tendencies. Mcßeatli (2). and Spittal won tries for Grammar, Corner converting one. Kities crossed again. Barker deserving his try. I'assmore kicked true.

Corner's splendid l'orm behind the scrum helped a great deal towards his team's victory. lie varied his play excellently without taking any rash risks. Cato, at first live-eighth, impressed with a dashing game-, Flett gave a tine performance in defence and attack on the wing. Spittal did not seem to have many opportunities, and it was only towards the end of the game that lie showed something of his true form. On the whole, the back line played very soundly. There was little to choose among tiie forwards, but Mcßeatli, Don and Buckley caught the eye. Rifles' backs were little seen in combined efforts. Vear, McCormick and Thompson, however, were often in the limelight with individual work. A generally hard-working pack included Passmore, Batty, Barker and Stewart among its prominent members.

OTAGO BEATS SOUTHLAND. D. TREYATHAN KICKS TEX POINTS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Sunday. A record for an attendance at Carisbrook and also lor a Ranfurly Shield match was achieved yesterday, when Otago beat Southland by 10 points to 3. The oflicial estimate of the attendance was between 26,000 and 27,000 and the gate receipts eo far as figures can be compiled give a total of over £1500. It was reported yesterday morning that many seats lor the grandstand could be purchased at cheap figures, so cheap, indeed, that a rumour got about that they were forgeries. The olticials of the Otago Rugby Union say that there is no truth in such an allegation and that the cheapness was brought about by a desperate last-minute effort by speculators to get rid of their holdings at any price. There appears to be a doubt whether speculators were successful in their efforts, as a considerable number of unoccupied seats were noticeable in the grandstand. .

Snow was raked off the surface of the Carisbrook ground in the forenoon and piled up in huge banks. Under the conditions the ground could not be otherwise than very soft.

Southland started off at a great pace and set up a strong attack. However, the visitors were penalised and Trevathan dropped a great goal from 40 yards out. Southland passing saw Mitchell collared just short of the line, where a penalty brought relief to Otago. Following a spell of even play Otago set up an attack and from a scrum Simon sent out to Dave Trevathan, who, in a flash, potted a goal, giving Otago a 7 —o lead after twenty minutes' play. Up to this stage Southland had made nearly all the attack.

Watt brought the crowd to its toes by I sprinting 55 yards before being pushed out at the corner flag. Immediately afterwards passing between Simon, Trevathan and Watt saw the last-named score at the corner. Trevathan's kick missed. Otago set up several fierce attacks and a fast r»n toy Watt just fell short of success, while an attempt by Trevathan to pot a goal failed. From another Otago attack Southland forced just in time. Before half-time Gillies cut through the defence and a score seemed certain, but Watt missed the pass from Smith. At half-time Otago led by 10 points to nil. Mitchell Goes to Centre. Mitchell went to centre for Southland in the second spell. The Otago forwards were quickly on attack, but a nice break through by Mitchell lifted the siege, and Sharp failed to put the ball over from a penalty from 40 yards out. A smart break from the scrum by Purdue took the challengers to Otago's line, where Purdue again secured and dived over near the corner. Sharp's kick failed. Otago attacked-with great vigour and \ rush went into Southland's half, where i passing rush ended in Smith crossing between the posts, but 'lie was called 'back for a knock-on. Fumbling ,bjr Taylor, Dtago's full-back, placed his line in danger jntil a strong run by Black carried play leep into Southland territory, where Sillies failed with a pot at goal. Taylor umbled badly and Southland • got down ilmost to Otago's .line, but Trevathan ound the line past half-way. • The ground was cutting up and play vas almost-solely confined to the forwards, janey went, off' injured and was replaced iy Murphy. A penalty against 1 Southland nabled Trevathan to add three points to Hago's score. Passing by Otago's backs aw Watt in his stride, and after a great un he touched down at the corner. Treathan missed the kick. Another fine run iy Watt just failed, and time was called ,'ith the score:

Otago 16 Southland 3 A game between Otago and Southland juniors, played at Tahuna Park, resulted in a draw- of B—all. Otago will he called upon to defend 'the shield again on Wednesday, when it will play the Auckland touring team. JUNIOR BOYS. INTERMEDIATE. Manukau 31, beat Takapuna 0. Marist 9, beat Eden 3. Parnell 12, beat Manukau Colts 3. Suburbs 6, drew with Newton 6. Shore 20, beat St. George's 0. JUNIORS. Newton 25, beat Pamnure 0. Manukau (3, beat Takapuna 3. Monte Cecelia 24, beat Parnell 0. Suburbs 9, beat Eden 0. Northcote 14, beat Shore 0.