RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21449, 15 April 1935, Page 16

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR COMPETITION MATCHES OLD BOYS ROUT ALBION HER I VALE BEATS 'cHRISTCfIURCII IN CLOSE GAME Results at a ?tincc:--Old Boys 37, Albion 5. Merivale 11. Christchurch ■">. University 23, Limvocd 11, Sunnyside 21, Athletic 8.

The first grade competition for the Canterbury Rugby Union's championship opened on Saturday. The weather was brilliantly fine, and the grounds ■were in perfect order. .However, the rain during the preceding week had not taken all the sting from the turf, baked hard by a very dry summer, and minor injuries were frequent. The main fixture of the day was the encounter between Albion, last year's champion side, and Old Boys, on the oval at Lancaster -Park. Before an attendance of about 3000, Old Boys scored a smashing-victory by 27 points to 5. Albion was completely nonplussed by the penetration and speed of the Old Boys' rearguard, which, for so early in the season, combined spectacularly. Flank and centre movements came alike, the best scoring effort covering the whole length o[ the ground. At Rugby Park there was an exceptionally large attendance lo see Merivale. beat Christchurch by 11 points to 3 in a hard-fought game. The Merivale backs clinched the issue in the dying stages. University and Llnwood played a hard match on the south .ground at Lancaster Park, which was remarkable for the high scoring. The match revealed all the weaknesses common to .matches at the opening of a season. Linwood finished very strongly, but could not make up the leeway. In a fast game played on the Sunnyside ground, Sunnyside beat Athletic by 21 points to 8. Championship Table The following table shows the position of the teams in the championship as the result of Saturday's matches: — P. W. L. F. A. Pts. Old Boys ..1 I 0 27 5 1 Sunnyside .. 1 1 0 21 3 1 Merivale ..1 1 0 J1 3 1 University ~1 1 0 22 14 1 Albion ~ 1 0 1 5 27 0 Christchurch' ..1 0 I 3 11 0 Linwood .. 1 0 1 14 22 0 Athletic ..1 0 1 8 21 0 •Sydenham .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 "Sydenham had the bye in the first round. OLD BOYS (37) v. ALBION (5) Except for 10 minutes towards the end of the second half, Albion, last year's champion side, was never in the picture against Old Boys in the match on Lancaster Park oval • on Saturday. A small crowd was delighted by the brilliant open play of the Old Boys' backs, which, after they settled down to handle a wet ball, developed scoring movements on either flank or straight down the centre. The display for so early in the season was all the more creditable, and indicated clearly that the Old Boyfi' Club has now built up a side which will make a very determined bid for the championship. For Albion it could be said that the task in hand was never shirked, and their ofTqrts in defeat, especially of the forwards. were as great as any when fortunes have been more favourable. The Albion team at no stage played like a side, and lacked both speed and penetration among the inside backs. To make matters worse, Albion had very bad luck with injuries, losing three players during the game, which meant that the back line had to be reorganised. The teams were:—

Old Boys—G. T. Nolan: S. G. Henry, C. H. McPhail, D. G. Cobden; K. S. Mortlock, A. P. Cobden: W. A. Clarke; K. Lowry, W. C. Toy, R. W. Cross, F. J. Foley. J. B. Trist. N. J. JVlcPhail, N. Schulter, and North.

Albion—H. M. Dyne; R. Thompson, H. Davis. W. Thomson: P. Allsopp, R. Garrett; C. Clark; K. Oakley, P. Robinson, T. Hooker, W. Sweeney, D. Callanan, S. Smith, H. Mooney, and J. Wilson.

The Old Boys' backs made the only open play of the first 10 mintues, but a wet ball made sale handling difficult. A. P. Cobden made two cut-in thrusts, the second «on the blind side, to start a rousing three-quarters' dash of 30 yards, at the end of which D. G. Cobden was hurled into touch by Dyne, the Albion full-back, three yards from the corner flag on the left -wing. The scrums were very interesting. Old Boys, playing a 2-3-2—the old formation—opposed Albion's 3-4-1 formation. Scrum work at the opening was ill-concerted, but Albion got more than a fair share from the first 10 set scrums. Old Boys broke through when Albion forwards mulled a high kick, and Clarke secured to cut past the scrum and take a pot shot at an acute angle. The ball sailed just outside the far upright. Clark, the Albion half, was hurt in a devastating flank rush by Old Boys, and left the field. He was replaced by the former West Coast player, O. F. Scott. Old Boys worked the blind side from within the twenty-five, and D. G. Cobden crashed his way over in the corner for a determined try. He bumped off R. Thompson and Dyne. Nolan failed to convert. Old Boys 3, Albion 0. The Albion backs were rearranged. Garrett went to half, Davis to second five-eighths, and Scott to centre. When Old Boys were awarded a pen'nlty just outside the twenty-five, Nolan just failed to kick a goal. Old Boys did not release the pressure, and A. P. Cobden scored a spectacular try ■with a corkscrew run .from the twntyflve line to under the goal-posts. Nolan converted. Old Boys 8, Albion 0. Albion forced an attack home immediately, and R. Thompson appeared to have given Old Boys a lot of bother with a high kick, A bunch of Albion forwards, following up fust, swooped down on A. P. Cobden, who fielded the kick 10 yards from his goal-line. Cobden side-stepped the onrushing forwards, started a passing rush into midfield. From Jiand to hand the ball flew —Cobden to Clarke, to Mortlock, to C. H. McPhail.

McPhail cut in at halfway, and sent Henry away with a clear lane down the right wing. A great three-quar-ters' try by Henry resulted. Ho clapped on all speed, with V/. Thomson, Wilson, and R. Thompson converging on him. Ten yards from the corner W. Thomson dived on Henry's heels and the flying winger fell. Recovering quickly, he burst R. Thompson's smother tackle, and rolled with Wilson over the goal-line to ground the ball for a try. Nolan did not convert, and the score at half-time was: Old Boy 3 11; Albion 0.

T. Preston, last year's captain, had to come on as emergency when Dyne yas injured, and played at full-back. D. G. Cobden showed speed and determination in scoring within 10 minutes of the opening of the second half. A. P. Cobden started the rush at halfway and C. H. McPhail ran D. G. Cobden into position. Ho burst free from ty/o half-hearted tackles and spun round through Preston's tackle to have room to ground the ball for a try. Nolan's kick went under the bar. Old Boys 14, Albion 0. Old Boys were securing the ball J'rom set. scrums, having changed to a 3-4-1 formation. The Albion pack suddenly took a new lease of life and drove home attack after attack, each breaking on a grim and quick-rallying defence. Callanan burst over the coal line once, but was held up. Then Wilspn and Mooney exchanged short passes inside the twentyfive, but Mortlock's tackle smothered the ball. The Albion backs jriade one rush, Davis cutting out Scott with a long pass to W. Thomson. In a good position the chance went begging when a pass to Allsopp was delayed a fraction too long." Albion's third loss because of injury was Mooney, who was replaced by H. Bowes —another West Coaster. The two Cobdens combined to give Old Boys their next try. A. P. Cobden cross-kicked. D. G. Cobaon took it in his stride, beat R. Thompson, and ran to Preston before throwing a long pass infield. A. P. Cobden came up to take it and score under the posts. Nolan converted. Old Boys 10. Albion 0. Albion attacked. " Davis just, missed with a pot shot, and in the next, minute Davis made a strong run to the left flank. He passed to W. Thomson, who cut in and broke a tackle to score. Sweeney converted. Old Boys in. Albion 5. Old Roys scored immediately. Clarke ran through the forwards and A. P. Cobden scored his third try. Nolan missed an casv kick. Old Boys 22, Albion 5. The Old Boys' inside backs outmanoeuvred the opposition to score. A. P. Cobden cut in and Mortlock beat two men in a swerving run to near the goal posts. Trist converted, making the final score: Old Boys 27, Albion 5.

Referee: Mr E. A. Empson

UNIVERSITY (22) v. LINWOOD (14) After securing an early advantage over Linwood, University had a difficult job keeping it. Football in the first half was most unimpressive, even for an early-season game. Only enterprise among the University forwards and a few backs gave the play any vim at all. University's enterprise was assisted by lack of cohesion in the Linwood backs, but when changes were made in the second spell and the back line got working Linwood was hard to stop. Had the improvement started 10 minutes sooner University would probably have been beaten. Teams were:

University—W. McGreevv, L. Hayman, S. A. Roberts, E. G. Whitcombe, M. F. Taylor, G. R. Parsons. J. H. McAulitTe, F. Wilson, R. C. Simmers, R. B. Burke, Hudson, P. G. Roberts, D. J. Wilson, R. B. Hamilton, C. Allen. Linwood—G. Brown, L. Mason, N. Dunshea, N. McLclland, E. Grigg, D. Robb, J. Storey, R. Thompson, R. Matterson, S. Loader,' R. Ldley, A. Brownlee, J. Revell, B. Bradley, M. Gunderson.

The game was played on the south ground. University immediately got into the play, and enterprise was rewarded in a few minutes with a try. The University backs started a fast rush from midfield, and S. A. Roberts finished it off by going over well out. McAulifTe, who played soundly throughout the game, converted this try. University 5, Lin wood 0. Univcrsitv had the benefit of a stiff breeze, but were unable to maintain a promising attack when the Linwood backs got away on the first of several clean movements which took them to the opposing side's line. A few mild assaults tried out McGreevy, the new University full-back. Linwood maintained this attack for a surprisingly long time until after making a clearance through good use of the pack and a few punts, University had the chance to score handy points from a free-kick well up. McAuliffe was successful. University 8, Linwood 0. University improved considerably on the

score before the end of the half. Burke went over frorrt a snap line-out very near the goal line, McAuliffe converting: McAulifTe himself scored from a scramble at the conclusion of a really fine run by Robert's; and S. A. Roberts scored a few minutes later, using a nent dummy effectively to break through. The half-time score was: University 19, Linwood 0.

There were changes in the backs when Linwoocl took the field for the second half. Brown, youthful fullback fo- the first half, had Rime up to second five-eighths, and Mnson was back in his place. Linwood scored early from a massed forward movement which was impossible to stop. Loader one of its prime movers passed' to Matterson. who went over easily. Gunderson missed the kick. University 19, Linwood 3. It was some time before the University backs could clear from the next Linwood attack, and not long again before Linwood had scored three more points through Brown succeeding with a free kick. G. A. Parsons scored University's last and best try and the best try of the game. A back rush started the attack. The ball travelled to Whitcombe. left wing three-quarters, who quickly snapped it in again to Parsons. Parsons had nearly 30 yards to run to the line, but with a splendid effort he got there. McAulifTe missed the kick. Linwood had easily the best of the game after this. The forwards massed for a solid attack which soon saw Gunderson scoring. Brown converted. University 22, Linwood 11. Dunshca was nearly over shortly after. Then the forwards attacking again, got the leather out to the backs, where Robb ran through without much trouble to score the last tryBrown missed the kick. Final scores:

University 22, Linwood It.

Referee: Mr H. O. Jefcoate.

MERIVALE (11) v. CHRISTCHURCJI

Merivale and Christchurch, playing at Kugby Park, gave a display of Rugby about equal to the standard expected at the beginning of the season. Übfl .forwards worked, energetically,

although there was a decided slackening of the pace towards the end, and the backs were always ready for a run. Few of the movements, however, looked dangerous, and many broke down because of dropped passes or men being caught in possession. It was the superiority of the Mcrivale backs which gave the side a winning margin of eight points. Except for the first 10 minutes, nearly all the play was either in neutral or Christchurch territory. The Christchurch forwards were obtaining the ball four times out of five from the set scrums, but the backs could make no use of it. Had the Merivale forwards been able to give their backs more of the ball the score would have been much greater. As it was the Christchurch backs had to spend most of their time in stubborn defence, with their attempts at attack being quickly stopped by the marauding Merivale forwards.

The t.qams were:— Merivale—R. Evans: W. Mann, C. J. Oliver, J. Maxwell; E. Nnwburgh, 11. Forbes: A. N. Boutcrey; B. Roberts. A. Bourne,- R. Clark: R. May, J. Hartland, G. Francis, H. Deavoll.' A. Grant. Christchurch—l. Campbell: G. F. Hart, J. Poison, VV. Ground!: J. Todd. Jack Gaskin: G. S. McHerron; W. Adorian, D. Almond. W. Fleming, D. Duff. •!. Frengl<\v. -T. E. Manchester, M. Murray, P. Rhind.

Play hting about mid-field for the first. 10 minutes. The Christchurch hookers were getting the ball from most of the scrums, but faulty handling by the backs and the spoiling Merivale forwards prevented full use being made of this advantage. Christchurch was in a good position once after a long line kick from Manchester, but a promising back movement broke down through Poison hanging on too long. Then the Merivale forwards, led by Deavoll, gained the upper hand and the side attacked solidly for some time. Deavoll had two unsuccessful shots at goal from free kicks. Once Hart, hud to run across to the left wing to save. The handling of the Merivale backs improved and from a scrum the ball went crisply along the line to Oliver, who drew Poison and Grennell to give Mann a short, clear ram for a try wide out. Deavoll did not goal. 3—o. The Christchurch forwards maintained their superiority in the set scrums and gradually worked to Menvale's twenty-five. Oliver, in attempt-, ins to pick up a rolling ball, accidentally kicked it out of his own hands. Todd, who was following, snapped up the ball, and when tackled by Oliver

passed in to Poison, who scored wide out. Adorian's kick failed, making the half-time score:

Cbristcburch 3, Merivale 3. Mori vale's second try came early in the second half, when the backs obtained from the loose. Oliver sent the ball out to Maxwell on the wing and ran outside the winger. On receiving a good pass he outstripped the opposition and scored. Deavoll missed the kick. 6—3. Merivale had Christchurch penned in the twenty-five for 10 minutes, but met stubborn defence. A long line kick from Manchester took Christchurch to halfway. This advantage was followed and short passing among the backs took play to the twenty-five. Here there were some forward scrambles until a rush by the Merivale backs, culminating in a long run by Oliver, took the ball deep into the Christchurch twenty-five. Oliver's pass to Maxwell was forward. Bourne led the Merivale forwards to the Christchurch line, where there was a stern tussle. Then Campbell sent away a clearing kick, which went straight to Oliver. He passed to Newburgh who, after selling a dummy to Grcnnell. ran round to score under the posts. Boutercy converted, making the final score:

Mcrivalc 11, Christchurcli 3 Referee: Mr C. McLachlan.

SUNNYSIDE (21) v. ATHLETIC (8) In a fast and well-contested game Sunnyside boat Athletic by 21 points to 8 at Sunnyside's ground. Sunnyside's victory was the result of superiority among both backs and forwards, although there was not much to choose between the play of the opposing packs. However, Sunnyside fielded the much better set of backs. They were faster, more enterprising, handled more surely, and combined better than Athletic's backs did. Up to well on in the second half Sunnyside did the majority of the attacking, but then the Athletic forwards took charge until towards the end of the game, which finished with Sunnyside attacking vigorously. It was a hard game, and the form was good, considering that the match was the first of the season. The teams were:—

Sunnyside—L. Mahoney; W. Oliver, P A Hart. R. Chinnery; W. Greer, J. Bisphan; R. J. Masters; A. Malcolm, W. McJanett, W. Ellis, G. J. Howell, W. Bowden. G. Newton, G. W. Lang-dale-Hunt, and J. Freear. Athletic—J. Gillespie; W. Ives, O. Sculiv, H. Burns; J. Small, L. Moran; T. Roach; P. Noonan, M. McKendry, W. Aitken, D. Whillan, R. Wright, E. W. Sutton, W. Coll, and D. G. Simpson.

Sunnyside scored within five minutes of the start. After an initial burst by Athletic's forwards, Sunnyside worked back. From a ruck Newton kicked out to the backs, and Greer fielded the ball well. He cut in, drew the full-back, and passed to Bisphan at the 23-yard mark, the latter going over five yards from the corner. Bisphan converted from a difficult position. Sunnyside 5, Athletic 0. A long kick by Gillespie had Sunnyside in trouble, and by following up fast he bustled Mahoney, but the ball rolled out over the line. At this stage Burns went off injured, T. Kotlowski taking his place. Good work by Coll and Whillan took the ball to Sunnyside's line, but Masters cleared. Soon afterward Coll struggled over bv the posts, but he was called back for an infringement. A few minutes later Moran was successful with a free kick from 35 yards out, on an angle. Sunnyside 5. Athletic 3. After close forward play in Athletic's territory. Masters went round the scrum and dived over the lino, but was brought, back for an infringement. Masters was prominent again a few minutes later, being shouldered out just as he wai about to dive for the line. Sunnyside's forwards continued to press, and at last Ellis went across the line in a pile of forwards. Bisphan misled the kick. Half-time was called with the scores unchanged. Sunnyside 8, Athletic 3 ¥ For the first 10 minutes after the beginning of the second spell the play was fairly even, although it was not of a high standard. Greer took a penalty from 30 yards out, but the ball swerved outside the posts. Sunnyside's next score came from good work by Greer. He received the ball from a ruck, cut in. and beat several men, and then passed to Lanficiale-Hunt,

who ran round behind the posts. Greer converted. Sunnyside 13, Athletic.3. Sunnyside's forwards swept 50 yards down the field with a passing rush, but just as a score seemed imminent there was a knock-on. The backs carried on the attack from the scrum, and Chinnery was nearly ncross. Another knock-on among the forwards stopped another Sunnyside attack. Athletic then broke clear and began a series of forward attacks. Roach went round the scrum near Sunnyside's line, but he was well tackled, and Sunnyside worked out of danger. A fine run down the line by Chinnery and a centring kick saw Ellis pick up the ball and score between the posts. Greer converted. Sunnyside 18, Athletic 3 The Athletic forwards took the ball to Sunnyside's line, and McKendry scored a good try. Moran converted. Sunnyside 18, Athletic 8. From this stage Sunnyside took control again, and a forward rush ended with a tine try by Howell. Greer missed the kick. The final score was:— StfiiTiyrfde 21, Athletic 8. The referee was Mr C. G. Crawford. SECOND GRADE

At the Show Grounds. Christchurrh 24, beat Linwood 8. Referee: Mr G. Robertson. , TT . ~ At the Show Grounds, University 13, beat Merivale 6. Referee: Mr W. J. S °Af Lancaster Park, Athletic 13, beat Old Boys 8. Referee: Mr J. Edmonds. At St' Albans Park. Training College 11, beat Albion 0. Referee: Mr K. P At ir Svdenham Park, Technical Old Boys 13, beat Sydenham 9. Referee: Mr N. Steel. . At Barrington street, West Christchurch Old Bovs 9, drew with Old Collegians 9. Referee: Mr F. Sinclair.

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Sin re last reason there have been f-cveml minor amendments fo the rules governing Rugby; but the most apparent to casual spectators on Saturday must have been that, which requires play to be recommenced after an unconverted try by a drop-kiric nt halfway instead of by a place kick as formerly. Converted tries are followed by n place kick at halfway in the old style. The other change." in the rules concern certain laws of advantage and laws concerning scrum work.

C. Clark, the Albion half-back, was the most serious casualty at Lancaster Park yesterday. Albion lost three men during the course of the match with Old Boys—Clark. H. M. Dyne, the full-back, and H. Mooney, a forward. Clark will be out of the game for at least a month with a badly dislocated thumb.

The Cobdcn brothers did more than a fair share of the scoring for the Old Boys' team against Albion, if there had been any agreement for a pro rata basis. A. P. Cobden, at first fivescored three tries, and his brother, D. G. Cobdcn, playing on the left wing, scored two. A. P. Cobden played an outstanding game, and among Canterbury's young inside backs he promises to fulfil early promise With K. S. Mortlock outside him,' Old Boys certainly have a fast and clever inside back combination. I> G. Cobden has far more than ordinary speed, and is very ingenious in making openings for tries near the corner flag. An average winger could not have scored either of the two tries he obtained in this match.

Old Boys started the game in experimental mood. Throughout the first half a 2-3-2 scrum formation was plaved using a wing-forward, but with little real success. Albion packed the 3-4-1 formation. Of course, on such a short trial it would be impossible to make conclusive judgment, but certainly Old Boys did not heel regularly in the first half. In the second half Old Boys also played the 3-4-1 formation, and immediately secured more than a fair share of the ball from set scrums.

D. Callanan, the Albion forward, formerly a South Canterbury representative, opened the season showing first-class form. He appears to be much more suited to the side rank position than to the front row where hf was played last season. He was one of the best forwards on the oval on Saturday.

The Old Boys' pack is heavier this year than last, and against Albion packed very solidly, It appears that the inclusion of J. B. Trist as lock has greatly solidified the packing in the set scrums. His work on Saturday was outstandingly good. Trist played in the country last season and retires£nted the Country in the match against the Town.

There will be no competition matches next Saturday, but the first grade championship will be continued on April 27. The draw for the second round to be played on that date is as follows: — Sydenham v. Christ church. Merivale v. University. Albion v. Athletic. _ Liiwood v. Sunnyside. Old Boys a bye. a o »

On Saturday Sydenham played a friendly match against Lincoln College at Lincoln as a means of keeping in trim. Sydenham won a fast and open encounter by 36 points to 16 The form shown was very good, and Sydenham will have to be seriously reckoned with in this year s championship series.

The first lecture to club coaches will be held on May 1. The lecturers will be Mr J. T. Burrows and Mr A % I. Cottrell. The lectures will be divided into sections dealing with forward play, back play, and general tactics. * * ■

The Mcrivalc-Christchurch game attracted a big crowd to Rugby Park. It was easily a record for the opening of a season and probably the biggest crowd 1 hat has ever watched a match at Rugby Park. The game was interesting although at times ragged. There were the usual lirst-of-season faults and many lost opportunities. Merivale scored three tries (Mann, Oliver, Newburgh), one of which was converted by Dcavoll. and Christchurch scored one try (Poison). Place kickers were troubled by a moderate breeze, and only one of eight attempts was successful.

Merivale this season will be without the services of J. A. Hooper, a useful live-eighth. Hooper will leave tomorrow to take up a position on the West Coast. If his injured knee mends satisfactorily he will certainly be playing in first grade Rugby on the Coast.

There were at least three possible All Blacks playing at Rugby ParkOliver, Hart, and Manchester. Of these Oliver was the only one to show usual form. He was the mainstay of the Merivale backs, and although this was the first competition match of the season he showed his usual cleverness and speed in attack and c.-jJ.m assurance on defence. Hart was starved—not deliberately—but used his speed to do useful work on defence. Many of his tackles were too high. Manchester was unusually subdued, but will doubtless be back to form before The Christchurch pack would have been improved by the leadership of A. I. Cottrell.

Poison, the former country player, who was at centre for Christchurch on Saturday, was unfortunate in having

to mark a player of the calibre of Oliver in his first match. Oliver was not greatly troubled by him. Poison scored his team's only try by being in the right place at the right time. His handling is fairly certain, and when he has learned a few tricks he will make a useful centre. Grennell, cn the left wing, is another player from the country. He is a determined but not particularly fast runner. On Saturday his handling was weal:.

While University impressed in the game against Linwood on Saturday with any amount of enterprise in the first half, their comparative lack of it in the second surprised. But University seemed invariably to start that way, and since it is chiefly a matter of lack of adequate training, it should be easily remedied. The 1935 University side has been fortunate to bo able to retain a majority of its 1934 players. That ha? not always been the case, and the team's chances arc all the better for if. But a little reorganisation among the backs will probably be needed, if the game on Saturday can be taken as any criterion.

Prominent among the University men who were playing last season in the senior competition are the brothers. F. J. and D. J. Wlison (Wilsons in Ihe team have become almost a tradition), R. B. Hamilton, P. G. Roberts and Hudson (all in the pack). Newcomer forwards include C. Allen (New Plymouth first-grader last year), R. P. Burke (Victoria College last year), and R. C. Simmers (well known here, and back again after playing for a season in New Plymouth). Simmers is a big man, out of condition at present perhaps, but one of the promising men in the side. Burke seems an opportunist of promise, and Allen a hard worker.

In the University backs, L. Hayman (1934 wing-threequarter), S. A-. Roberts, G. A. Parsons. J. 11. McAulifTe arc- all well known. The newcomers in this division include McGreevy. fullback 'played for St. Patrick's in the Wellington Senior B competition last season), E. G. Whifcombe (wing-fhree-quarter, who played one or two games tor Hawke's Bay Inst year), and M. F. Taylor (last year playing for the Pioneer Club, Gorr>.

The new Lin wood tr.-ni: will be worth watching. The side probably represents an interesting experiment by Ihe club coach, who evidently believes in giving club juniors a chance. Linwood has several 1934 juniors playing, and from the play on Saturday the experiment might be very successful. G. -Brown, the full-back for part of the time on Saturday, was a 1934 junior. He seems reliable and a good kick. R. Robb, five-eighths, is another junior of 1934 and J. Storey, the halfback, a 1934 third grader, both played promisingly on Saturday, and Robb celebrated his entry into the higher ranks with a fine try. J. Revell and M. Gunderson, in the pack, were juniors last year, as was R. Lilley, emergency forward who was given a game on Saturday. The leavening of old players of last season is still strong, however. The backs have the support of N. Dunshea, Mason, N. McCleliand and E. Gregg. Dunshea is an excellent general for any young team. In the forwards there are R. Thompson, A. Brow nice, B. Bradley, S. Loader, and R. Mnttcrson, all experienced men, who, with backing from the younger men, will bind together a strong fifteen.

Sunnysidc promises to be a harder team to beat this season than it was last year. Its pack has been strengthened by the inclusion of G. J. Howell, who last year played fox Albion and won a place in the provincial team, and G. Newton, a former Inangahua League representative. In the backs, W. Greer, a former Buller representative, should give speed and thrust to the attack. On Saturday he played at second five-eighths, and was directly responsible for two good tries.

as well as converting two. R. J. Masters has gone in to half, and J, Bisphan to first five-eighths, while W. Oliver, last year's half, is on the left wing. Musters was very prominent, both on attack and defence, and the inside combination should develop a fine attack. On Saturday the handling o£ the bac!:s was not always satisfactory, and st times the passing was poor.

Perhaps (ha most significant indication of the lack of team work, both among Athletics and Sunnyside's backs, was the fact that not more than twice did (he ball gel out to the wing three-quarter;; in orthodox passing rushes. The fault was more noticeable in Sunnyside's backs, because they had much more of the ball than Ihe Athletic backs. It does not seem that the fault can be entirely explained away because the match was the first of the season. Ordinarily that would be- a reasonable explanation, but last season the same fault was noticeable in the play of both teams. On the left wine; Sunnyside had R. Chinnery and on the right W. Oliver. Chinnery made the most of his opportunities, and showed that he has more than average pace, and is a nimble and tricky runner. The trend of play was away from Oliver's wing, and he was not able to show his quality as a wing. That, of course, is not his place, for last year he played half-back and won a place in the Canterbury team.

Last season Athletic was the lowest team on the competition ladder, and its game on Saturday does not give its supporters much cause to hope that it' will occupy a higher position this year. The side is not much different from that of last year, ;:nd it has no players who are outstanding, except W. Coll and D. G. Simpson. As a unit, the forwards are stronger than the backs, and should be able to meet most packs in the senior competition on an eqml footing. Athletic's pack, with players like Coll, Simpson. W. Aitken, and G. Newton, has plenty of weight and pace, and if (he standard of back play were more in keeping with that of the forwards the team would certainly have a good deal more success.

Two oi Athlctic's hardest, working forwards arc C'oll and Simpson. Simpson has not been showing his best form for some time, but ho has always been worth his place in the pack, and indeed would be an asset to any team. He lias weight and unusual strength, but he does not seem to be using them to the best advantage. Coll Is a finer forward still. He has unusual pace, and is one of the hardest forwards in the game to stop. On Saturday ,he was the outstanding forward on the ground. BRITISH TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA INVITATION DECIDED ON IfSITED rBBSS ASSO'.'TiTTCIS —FT EMCTRJO Tr.LK'iRii'B—COS'TEIGHT.) CAPE TOWN, April 11. A special meeting of flic South African Rugby Board agreed to send an invitation to Great. Britain to tour South Africa in 1936. Twenty-four matches, including three tests, arc proposed. FOOTBALLERS—YOUR BOOTS. This year you can obtain the famous "O.B." Football Boot, with its exclusive, patented foot-protecting features, in two weights . . . standard weight for "forwards" and a lighter weight for "backs." This new "O.B." Football Boot is a masterpiece—lightness has been obtained without sacrificing strength or foot protection. If not stocked locally write M. O'Brien and Co.. Ltd., Christchurch, for nearest retailer. —2

RUGBY LEAGUE

OPENING OF SEASON WAIMAIRI RE-ENTERS SENIOR GRADE Results:Hornby 25, Sydenham 6. Addington 19, New Brighton 3. Ruru 5, Waimairi 2.

The Canterbury Rugby League's season opened on Saturday with an increased number of teams. There are seven teams in the senior grade the newcomer being the Waimairi team which, after an absence of five years from the competition, went down to Ruru in a dull and low scoring game. New Brighton met Addington at Rawhiti Domain, and though New Brighton was not a watch for Addington, it gave promise of developing into a good side. The main game between Hornby and Sydenham was more even than the score indicates; but Hornby's strength told in the closing stages.

Although there wero many mistakes made in all the games, everything augurs for a successful season.

lIORNBY (25) v. SYDENHAM (6) There was a good attendance at Sydenham Park; but Hornby was superior in the forwards and the inside backs, while the home team lacked combination throughout. Several good chances were thrown away through ovcr-anxiousncss. Hornby will certainly improve on this display, for with a strong and hard working set of forwards as well as two good inside backs in Timms and Young, the team has good prospects of finishing near the top of the ladder. Palamountain was playing a good game until he had to go ofT halfway through the first spell. The Sydenham backs were at fault when the ball did come their way, the halfback not being up to standard, while Hamberger, who was responsible for some good solo bursts, would have gone better in the pack than playing five-eighth. J. Madden and T. Carey went well in the forwards; but the former was off-side at least twice, when tries seemed imminent. The following were the teams; — Hornby—K. Tayior; M. Standeven, C. Poison, W. Palamountain; R. Timms, IT. Young; J. McCarthy; W. Woodgate, A. Ward. J. Airey, H. Standeven. H. McGirr, W. Dunn.

Sydenham—B. Ayson; J. Raistrick, E. Grimes, C. Coffey; E. Hamberger, W. Raistrick; C. Hurrcll; R. Rennic, W. Carey, C. Bunker, J. Madden, J. Clancy, T. Carey.

Within the first two minutes Young drew the defence cleverly and crosskicked for M. Standeven to gather in neatly and score at the corner. Hornby kept up the pressure; but Hornby being penalised Hamberger goaled for Sydenham. At this stage wild passing and too much kicking were responsible for Sydenham not scoring. Palamountain then went off and was replaced by Manson, who went into the pack, McGirr going on the wing. Just before the interval Dunn went over from the loose and the half-time score was:

Hornby 6, Sydenham 4,

After Poison had' almost scored, T. Carey equalised with" a good penalty goal. There was only one team in it now, and Hornby attacked hotly. From a forward rush Ward got over for a try which M. Standeven converted. Timms then put in a good run before passing to Manson. who dashed over at the corner. McGirr then gained a good stretch of ground before in-pass-ing to Dunn, who went over. A passing rush, in which Young, Timms, and Taylor joined, ended in the last-named scoring. The ball then travelled through the chain of backs to Taylor, who had no difficulty in scoring. Timms goaled. Hornby continued toi throw the ball about in fine style, but there was no further score, and the game ended: Hornby 25, Sydenham 6. Referee: Mr G. Falgar. ADDINGTON (1!)) v. NEW BRIGHTON (3) In an unimpressive display. New Brighton was beaten bv Addin'gton by 19 points to 3 at the Rawhiti Domain on Saturday afternoon. Considering that this was the first game of the season for both teams, certain faults may bo overlooked; but it is evident that, although some of New Brighton's forwards still know their game, there must be a better co-operation and understanding among (he backs before the team will meet with much success. New Brighton started off well, but before long superior handling of the ball in the Addington back line made the game a very hard one for the former team, and New Brighton had enough work to do in defending. The score was a good indication of the trend of the play, and would probably have been higher in Addington's favour but for some timely saves by the opposing forwards when the team was in a dangerous position. New Brighton fielded much the same team ns last year, with the exception of J. Branch, who was playing breakaway forward: but Addington fielded live new players—L. Bench, formerly of Hutt, L. A. Stewart, who played for Linwood last year, L. Monk, who was drawn from the club's junior team, P. Serra, a former Merivale and Canterbury Rugby representative, and E. Nee, a Merivale Rugby player last

yer>r and a junior representative in 1931. The teams were:—

New Brighton—H. Davis: M. Davis, R. Crawford, H. Codyrc: R. Scott, M. Davis; B. Rogers; H. Wakefield, H. Lumby, T. Egan, W. Wakefield, J,

Crawford, J. Branch. , Addington—E. Nee; E. Barbarel, L. Knight, L. Bench: J. Amos, L. Young; F. Beban; L. Wehncr, F. Riley, L. A. Stewart, L. Evans, L. Monk, P. Serra. From the beginning New Brighton forced the pace, and five minutes after the start J. Crawford finished off a strong rush a score New Brighton's only try. The team again pressed, and for a quarter of an hour play was centred in Addington's territory. New Brighton frustrated a good passing movement in the opposing team's back line, but soon after Addington again battled forward, and Amos passed to Barbarel for the latter tp go across the line. Bench got away fast from a scrum, but about three yards from the line he was brought down by H. Davis. A fresh attack let Beban over two minutes later, and Nee converted. New Brighton now showed signs of weakening, and play centred in this team's territory for some time until Amos broke away from a scramble near the line and crossed in the lefthand corner. Half-time came with Addington holding the territorial advantage and the score:—

Addington 11, New Brighton 3 On resuming, Addington again attacked. and Wehner emerged from a sortie to make a short run and score. Nee converted. New Brighton were now hard pressed, and a try for Addington seemed certain, but H. Davis saved the situation when he obtained the ball at the corner and found the line at half-way with a good kick. Bench made a good bid for a try, but was forced out at the left corner flag. Soon after Evans took the ball across in the face of stout opposition. Beban, Serra, and Stewart combined in a passing rush, but a try was averted on the goal lirye. Shortly before the finish J. Crawford retired with an injured ankle and W. Wakefield with a cut above an eye. New Brighton continued two men short. The game finished with the score:— Addington 19, New Brighton 3 Referee: Mr A. Bench. EURU (5) v. WAIMAIRI (2) A somewhat ragged exhibition of football was given in the match played at the Papanui Domain, Sawyer's Arms road, on Saturday, between Waimairi and Ruru. As could be expected for the first game of the season, infringements were frequent, knock-ons and offside play slowing up the game a good deal. Waimairi, winners of the junior competition last year, showed fair form in its first match in the senior grade, and with the addition of several experienced players from other clubs should improve a lot. The forwards dominated much of the play, in which for Waimairi D. Broad, a light but energetic player, showed up well. He worked hard in the tight, and showed a lot of speed when going through an opening. _ With better support from his team mates his efforts should have ended in at least two tries. L. Snedden, D. Merrin, and L. Pateman also stood out. For Ruru, W. E. Cox, V. Reid, and D. Murray worked hard in the tight and loose. The most impressive of the Waimairi backs were A. Pahi, at half-back, D. Smith, at second five-eighths, and R. Bond, on the right wing. The outstanding player on "the field was N. Pettit, at full-back for Ruru. When the Waimairi forwards were in the ascendancy with loose rushes that had the Ruru backs badly bustled, Pettit was very sure in his handling and accurate in his line-kicking, relieving the pressure time after time. Outside Pettit, the best of the Ruru backs were A. Manawatu (first five-eighths) and L. Thompson at second, when the latter replaced an injured man, while F. Murray, at centre-three-quarters, displayed judgment in his cutting in, and should prove Ruru's best scoring man. The teams were:—

Waimairi —E. Shirley; R. Bond, C Shirley, A. Shirley; W. Meadows, D Smith; A. Pahi; J. Ramsay, D. Broad, L. Pateman, D. Merrin, L. Snedden, H. Shirley.

Ruru—N. Pettit; B. Manawatu, F. Murray, P. Morrissey; D. Murray. A. Manawatu; W. Spicer: V. Reid, W. E. Cox, V. Carroll. C. Koskella, C. Murray, T. Somerville. Waimairi won the toss, and faced the sun. Scrambling play took place for the first few minutes, the forwards of both sides controlling matters. A. Manawatu made a good run for Ruru deep into Waimairi's twenty-five, but a chance of scoring was lost when D. ■ Murray hung on too long, and was smothered. The Waimairi forwards drove Ruru back with a fine rush, and a sure try was missed when four forwards had no one to beat, but a knock-on pulled them up. B. Manawatu (Ruru) was injured, and was replaced by T. Voyce. Scrummages were frequent. R. Bond took a penalty fo:r Waimairi, but missed, and the same player had hard luck in dropping a difficult pass when in a good scoring position. L. Snedden put the ball over from another penalty soon afterwards. Waimairi 2, Ruru 0. Up and down play marked the rest of the spell, and just before time L. Thompson replaced V. Carroll in the Ruru team. At half-time the score was: Waimairi 2, Ruru 0.

The second spell opened at a fast rate, play travelling up and down field rapidly. Individual rather than combined efforts were a feature of the spell. Toward the end of the game the best movement made by the Ruru backs resulted in a try near the posts. From a scrum near Waimairi's twentyfive, A. Manawatu received the ball, to beat his man and transfer to Thompson, who burst through the tackles of two Waimairi men, to give to F, Murray, for the last-named to go over. D. Murray converted. Ruru 5, Waimaxrj 2. Although Waimairi

made a rally toward the end of th® spell, it could not succeed in equalising matters. The game ended is Ruru's territory, with the score: Ruru 5, Waimairi 2. it > Mr H. Worsfold was the referofc i THIRD GRADE Linwood 23, Waimairi 6. *| Sydenham 16, Whiteombes £. ' Pirates 15, Vulcan 8. FOURTH GRADE Linwood 5, Waimairi 3. Riccarton 13. Sydenham 9. FIFTH GRADE Waimairi 17, Linwood 5. SIXTH GRADE St. Joseph's 25, Waimairi 3. SEVENTH GRADE Hornby 35, St. Joseph's 0. Linwood beat Sydenham by default SCHOOLBOYS' GRADE Waimairi 5, St. Joseph's 0.