Flashes From Saturday's Sport

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 152, 30 June 1941, Page 4

Flashes From Saturday's Sport

RUGBY The Pace That Tells.— The Suburbs team regained its reputation to toms extent by the defeat ol Marist Old Boys, lt>—ll, in ;i game played at a great pace irom end to end. It was the pace that did it. lor no player was allowed time for hesitation or the recovery o£ a tumble, and tho Suburbs made fewer tumbles than the others, and had most of the luck that was going. The ability of the Marist forwards to crash over the opposition in fast dribbling drives did not serve them so well this time because of rigorous infiltration "f the Suburbs forwards and the nip and dettncvT of C. 15rady in whipping the ball away from the line of the drive, and often opening up dangerous counter-thrusts in which his forwards gave the opposition some or" their own medicine. It was the torwaids and ('. Brady who paved the way for the wm. though the backs all found did th-eir bit. by tackling faster and Mirer than usual. Jje Long dominated the tiist tn in lite and the last minute of the game, with the ball bouncing to his bands ior a try u hen charging the return from the kick-off, and, later, he got a "try by cuttmg-uif a high, hurried pass. At no time were the M.irists playing below form, which added to the merit of Suburbs' win, and the hope thai they can maintain their improved standard. Sorenson's goalkicking showed a sad lapse, though his linekicking was good, and T. Hogati was promoted to the job dt a goalkicker for Marist. Straight From College To Senior.—The lirst home niatih played by Takapuna, 1940 winner ot the CaHalier Shield, was greatly appreciated by the excellent attendance at iahoroto I'ark on Saturday, and excitement ran high when Takapuna led Technical Old Hoys by only S —<5 at the interval. Ihe visitors failed to take advantage ot a teas:, of the ball from the SCI Hill, and exploiting this weakness Taka- | puna b.iv ks adihxl four more tries (two converted) iu t'he second repel 1 to a third penalty goal by Technical, to make the final score 21—!>. A feature of the personnel was tihe playing of three men who had gone straight into senior championship Kugby from collegiate football, though Saturday was not their first appearance in Gallaher Shield games. K. Perry, fullback, was captain of Seddon Memorial Technical College XV. in 1989. Y. Moves, No. 1 five-cigbt'h, was Rugby skipper there in 1940, besides senior champion athlete. He was responsible for some capital line kicking. 1). Titchener and H. Rogan, the wing three-quarters, both scored two tries apiece for Takapuna; the former came straight into the side this ■winter after playing all last season for Ta.kapuna Grammar School. Playing opposite to Rogan was W. Perry fa brother of the Technical full-back), who was a senior hotkey player for St. Luke's last year. Grammar Unlucky.—Training Collegewas fortunate to take the honours from Grammar Old Boys after being in arrears until the last minute, when a penal y near the goal gave the Teachers their win. There was no score at half-time, although in the early stages of the spoil Bilkey. Grammar first live-eighth, went over after a clever run on the blind side, the referee awarding a drop-out. Territorially Grammar had the better of the exchanges and went close to scoring several times. The backs played with more cohesion than in the match the previous week, but the forwards were not so tlangerous in the loose. Training College also opened up the game, often from defensive positions, and the backs combined teally well toward the close of the play. AVhen Kingstone, the Teachers' custodian, joined in a back attack near the end and scored unopposed with the wing outside hint, the Grammar backs were caught well out of position. Each side scored a try, while Training College registered two penalty goals against one. Army Beaten in Wellington.—Despite the presence of several New Zealand representatives in it pack, the Hutt Army fifteen was beaten 17 —11 on Saturday by Athletic, tho leading team in the Wellington premiership. The other first division games resulted: Wellington 22, v. Wellington College Old Boys 3; Hutt 12, v. Air Force 6; Johnsonville 6, v. Poneke 0; Eastbourne 8, v. University 6; Petone 7, v. Oriental 3; Marist 10, v. St. Patrick's Old Boys 3.

HOCKEY Teachers Day Out.—Training College had a field day when it ran up a six-goal tally against a weakened United team. It used the right flank to advantage, for Giles on the wing was responsible for three or the scores, while Bogue (inside riglit) notched two and Bedtrgood at centre one. Doubtful Goals.—Grammar Old Boys was somewhat lucky to gain a two-goal margin over Somerville, for the movements which culminated in the scoring of two of its goals in the first spell were obviously started from an offside position. Both sets of forwards put thrust into the attacks, but A. Anderson, who did the hat-trick for Somerville, showed how an attacker can benefit from fast following-in in the circle. H. Lawry, the Grammar centre forward, displayed some clever stickwork and catered well for his line, his unselfish play frequently being the means of upsetting the opposing defence. Better Combination.—The Mount Eden team was seen to bettor advantage than usual when opposed to the Papakura Camp eleven. The forwards engaged in splendid passing runs and received support from their halves that is usually lacking. Hots-pool proved that he possesses splendid aggressive powers as well as defensive, and if future garnets are moulded on this last one Mount Eden should prove troublesome in the Devonport Shield matches. Offside Difficulty.—lt was unfortunate for St. Luke's that Albertians took the field one man short, the goalkeeper being the absentee. This enabled Albertians to trade on the offside rules by playing the halves over the half-way line. The first breakaway inner forwards of St. Luke's were cramped and it was only when the play was sent up the wings that progress was made. St. Luke's managed to put on two goals in the first spell and these proved sufficient for a win. Albertians got a goal in the second spell, but with the assistance of the offside rule were able to hold up their opponents. WAIKATO ANO KING COUNTRY (Spccial.) HAMILTON, this day. The following team will represent Waikato against the King Country at Taumarunui on Saturday:—Backs, W. Higginson, W. J. Phillips, R. Everest, A. Scott, F. Fowler, W. Brown, E. R. Houghton: forwards. K. Arnold, H, Morgan, W. Warrender. A. J. Thompson, G. H. Terry, J. M. Taylor, E. H. Catley, W. Cooper; reserves, C. Goosman, A. J. Aitken, A, Leeson, M. Johnson. C. Perkins is not available.

RUGBY LEAGUE City Three Up.—ln the game on No. 2 field between City and Marist the tackling by both sides was hard. City had a decided advantage in the first half, the scores at the interval being 9 —3. When the teams changed over Marist showed improvement aud dominated play for the greater part of the spell. Marist's score went to 11 points as the result of good tries by Crocker and Donovan, and a conversion by Wiberg, while City also reached 11 with a penalty by Clarke. The forwards on both sides were playing hard football towards the end. City came through with a fine movement, with only a few minutes to go. with Brassey in the van. He kicked the ball over the line near the corner and racing through just managed to touch down to give City the win, 14—11. Promising Three-quarter.—Playing his fast game in the three-quarter line for City against Marist at Carlaw Park on Saturday was J. 11. R. Braswey, a former Grammar School Rugby player. He made a fine impression, being quick off the mark and noticeable for following up an advantage. Brassey. who is also a good track runner, played in the preliminary trial games held at Carlaw Park before the season commenced. He is a valuable acquisition to the City backline. Versatile Full-back. — There was no better custodian in action at Carlaw Park than Clarke, who has held the last line of City s defence with success for several seasons. Cool and eollcctcd at all times, lie kicked with judgment against Marist and frequently tollowed up to join in passing with his backs. In one City movement in the (second spell ot the game nzainst Marist he made a run almost to the Marist hue, where he met a hard tackle. In Saturdays gamp Clarke kicked three penalty goals, mainly from different angles, and was successful with one conversion, thus accounting for eight of City's 1-1 points.

SOCCER Trophy Challenge Fails. — Wellington scored a clear-cut win, 6 goals to 3, in withstanding the first challenge of the season on the Basin Reserve for the Football Association Trophy. Auckland, playing with the wind in the first spell, scored two sna.p goals (Robinson and Woods) within a few minutes of the kick-off. Wellington had recovered from this reverse at half-time, and although Auckland took the lead again with a :n>al by M. Francis, Wellington dominated the game in the last 20 minutes 111 which they scored four times. The defence of the challengers was impaired by three accidents to the goalkeeper, Cocker, who had previously been iplaying brilliantly. lie was a cripple in the last quarter of an hour. Speed, Riggans and Hutchinson were the best of the Auckland backs, with Orr playing soundly in support. The forwards caime up against a solid defence, but got in some good work. Robinson played a good game 011 the right wing. Masters found the opposing half a tough proposition and did not get many chances to shine. M. I'rant-is iplnvcd his usual clever game, but did not got many scoring opportunities.

Wellington's Combination.—The positional pi ay and team work of Wellington was better than that of the Auckland side, and the three-goal margin of victorydid not unduly flatter them. Fisher rendered them «reat service in goal, proving clever and resource;ill under pressure. lv. \ eoman and Bolton proved solid defenders in the full-back position, clearing po.yerfully, and were especially good aga.ir.st the wind. The half-back line functioned well, Watts and Eongbottom showing 11, p well both on attack and defence. 1 o the first line must go the honours of the day. They .played clever and constructive football, some of their movements being pretty to watch. Tiicv were well led by B. Yeoman, who proved a thrusttul spearhead, getting three good goals. Where all played so well it is hard to individualise, but Hatehard and Price impressed with clever and forceful plav. B. 1 eoman f3). Walker, Hatehard and Price scored for WeUington. Ponsonby Forwards Shine.—ln the main attraction at Blandtcrd Park on Saturday x on son by was the better side on the run of the day's play and fully deserved its victory over Metro-College by the odd goal in five. The Ponsonby vanguard was in line form and was always the more damperout line in front of goal. Dowler, H. Chapman and Braekenridge were most conspicuous, while Callag'han made some brilliant runs down the left wing and tested tiordon on several occasions with some good drives. Rut ledge played excellently at inside right and gave some nice passes. H. Chapman (one) and Brackenridge (two) scored for the winners. Hagand Rouse were the pick of the Ponies' halves, both players tackling in fine style and giving their forwards snappv passee. Veart' and Brown, were safe as backs, and broke up some promising movements of the College forwards. l)obson was safe in goal, making several brilliant saves. For the lose.rs Putt and Hope-Ede were the scorers, and were the pick of the front line, which lacked the finishing touches of its opponents. Turner played a particularly good game at centre half.

Shore In Lead.—North Shore gained the lead in the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship on Saturday by beating Newton 32—12; a remarkable win seeing that Shore was behind at* the interval. In the second half of the game the Shore backs w it'll cohesion and enterprise, and Newton could make rio headway. The play of the Shore inside backs was even and sound, and V. J. Scott played his usual resourceful game at full-back. Petersen In Form.—The outstanding forward in open play for North Shore against Newton was C. S. Petersen, who showed speed and ability to make play for his backs. Petersen's raiding was a feature of the game, and on his iorm he has earned a place in the Auckland team to play South Auckland. Athlete's Fine Try.—The value ef speed was demonstrated bv 11. Emus in scoring a fine solo try for Newton against North Shore. When the ball came to him Emus did not have the overlap for a clear run, but his speed got him round the Shore flank in time, and then ho had everything his own way. One of the fastest track runners in Auckland, Emus is giving Newton good service as a scoring wing. Chase Spectacular.—A colourful game was played by T. Chase at lull-back for Manukau against Mount Albert. Iu defence he was very sound, and late in the game lie took a turn in attack. Chase made practically all the running for a try which Kirinui got. Starting from his own twenty-five Chase, with free use of his characteristic side-step woaved his way right through to MeLac-hlm, the .Mount Albert full-back. By that time Kirinui was at his side and ready for the pas-s which meant a try. Among the Reserves.—Three r/ea.-u--players who were chosen to t" t.i Kngl.Vnd with the New Zealand team in the l'.CJ'.t season are in the emergencies for t lie Auckland representative team chosen to play Soul.'!i Auckland. They ate J. Smith and V. ,1. Scott, of North Shore, and A. Melnmirney. of .Mount Albert. Scott and j Smith are playing just ;ik well a* they did ! two seasons ago. while Mclnnarncy, as the | result of wider experience, is now a much ] more polished player.

Moody was in brilliant form at right back and was ably supported by M. Speed, whilst Gordon made some line sivcs in goal—one drive by C'allaghan from close range in the final stages of the game being spectacular. Welch Excels.—Eastern Suburbs scored a well-deserved victory over Mount Albert by the odd goal in seven at" St. Helier's. Prominent contributor to the result were the three pivots, R. Welch, centre furward, L. Archer, half, and J. Cowie, goalkeeper. Welch made tile most of every opportunity, scoring two troals, of whirtli the first was the result of a clever solo effort. Cowie gave a perfect display of goalkeeping and his saving of a hard penalty shot was brilliant. C'laik, centre forward, and Irvine, inside left, worked well for Mount Albert, receiving good support from Gisby at left half. Gilbert and Ritchie "were the other scorers for Suburbs. Clark and McDonald netted for Mount Albert, whoso third goal came off t'iie shoulder of a Suburbs defender.

Air Force AH Square.—ln the curtainraiser at Blandford Park Air Force held Albels to a draw of one goal after a stubborn game. Abels was first to score, when Boivmer took advantage of a nice pass from Meek to open the scoring. C. Eknian led the Abels vanguard in good style, while Bominer and Meek were also at top form. Blake p'ayed solidly at centre-half. Rutherford was safe at rightback, and MeCliiKky gave him every support. For the Air Force C-aisley, Bell and Eliis were always triers. Caisley was most prominent, and he was cventuallv rewarded when he beat Birchall with n good shot to equalise the scores. Smith "and La very were in good form at half. Lattimer and Everson were sife at back, and Lorenson made several splendid clearances in goal. Chinese Win Test—Despite the scoring of two goals by Australia in the first eight minutes of the opening Soccer Test at Melbourne, and a 3—l lead at halftime, the home side was eventually beaten by China, 6 —4. The Chinese had equalised the scores after four minutes' play in tbe second spell. One of China's goals was dedected off the 'keeper's boot.