RUGBY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21579, 16 September 1935, Page 7

RUGBY LEAGUE

AUCKLAND DEFEATS CANTERBURY MARGIN OE 13 POINTS

Brilliant work by the Canterbury forwards saved their side from a big defeat when playing Auckland at Monica Park oh Saturday. The final score was: Afcckland 26, Canterbury 13. They played as well as any Canterbury pack has for years, and gave the visitors such a harassing that their backs, a truly formidable combination, rarely were able to indulge in their devastating passing rushes. Everything was in order for a great match, the ground being very springy. The attendance was about 3000. . Taken all through, the game, though having patches of real brilliance, did not have the all-round snap and sparkle expected, the Canterbury forwards' spoiling making the form shown just a little disappointing in view of the Aucklanders' record. It was a sad blow to Canterbury's hopes when it was announced that the captain, J. Amos, was unable to play owing to a leg injury. He has risen to such a position that all his team-mates'.-look to him to make the openings for them, and without him the backs were leaderless and very mucb ; lacking in initiative. Though Ward hooked four out of five scrums for them they could do nothing with the ball when they got it, and occasionally were guilty of standing flat-footed. The positions were exactly reversed on the Auckland side. The Auckland forwards gave the.backs meagre assistsecuring possession, but when the forwards did have the ball they handled equally as well as any backs and._sh.owed some brilliant individual efforts. The Auckland backs were superb in almost all their work, showing a precision and dash that were always dangerous. But. no matter how good a side may be it can play only as well as its opponent allows, and in this case the local forwards were the dominating figures. They.gave absolutely nothing away, and, always working as a pack,' bustled the visitors off their .game and on into.errors, such as low passes^ Lou Brown, the best scoring man in New Zealand at present, was well held by Whitley, the best tackier of the season, who was always in his place and dived relentlessly at Brown's legs. When- Brown was clear he showed the sparkle for which he is renowned, amazing speed off the mark, and a disconcerting swerve and change of pace. Cooke, either full-back or centre, was just as expected, neat, exact, and almost flawless. His kicking was an ob-ject-lesson in placement. All the other visiting backs showed form of a very high standard, taking and giving passes always at top srieed. Hall, until injured, showed all the requisites of a high-class wing and was always dangerous. Of the Auckland forwards Tetley was the most noticeable for his fpst following and dean handling. Simoson, Satherley, and Hutt were all good workers.

Of the Canterbury backs, McCarthy was the only one to compare favourably with his vis-a-vis on attack. All defended stubbornly, though there was too often high instead of low tackline. The visitors' pace was too much for the local men without their usual leader, and they, too, fell into error. At full-back, Standeven gave a creditable showing in spite»of waiting for the bounce at times. The Canterbury forwards worked so well as a pack that no one was really outstanding. Wehner was most conspicuous near the start, with Baudinet showing great .improvement. Stuart and Dunn were going strongly at the finish. The teams were as follows:

Auckland Full-back—A. E. Cooke. Three-ouarters—L. Brown, E. Fletcher. C. Hall. . Five-eighths—B. Riley, A. Kay. .Half-back—W. lassan. Forwards—J. Laird, T. L.Hutt, H. Simpson, D. Herring, C. Satherley, H. Tetley. , Canterbnrr Full-back—M. Standeveri. Three-quarters—C. -X. Davison, F. J. Jackson, R. "Whitley. Five-eighths—H. Knirnt, L. G. Young. . Half-back—J. McCarthy. Forwards—L. Wehne'r. R. Ward, W. Dunn, G. Baudinet. M. Smith, P. Serra. The Play Cooke kicked off. his team defending the south goaL The Auckland backs swung right into a series of very fast passing chains, which were not allowed to go very far. A number of minor stoppages stopped the speed for a time, but gradually Canterbury fought back and Davison had a shot at goal from a penalty 40 yards out. His kick was wide. A .strong Canterbury attack was started by Jackson, who sent to Whitley, Wehner, Jackson, and Wehner before the ball went out doep in Auckland's twenty-five. Twice in breakaways Knight and Whitley refused to pass, Cooke sending them back with excellently-placed kicks that earned loud applause. A long penalty to Davison opened Canterbury's score. Tetley and Hutt made a grand rush almost from the kickou, Kay also joining in. When Brown was held up Tetley was off again, starting a chain that ended with Brown racing round Standeven for a try. Satherley missed at goaL Auckland 3, Canterbury 2. A penalty by Satherley fell short. Jackson and Whitley were unsupported in a promising movement, and they were sent back by Fletcher. Knight was on the side-line for a few minutes with an injured ankle. A splendid individual movement by Whitley took him well up, and he fought off his tacklers for a try In a corner. Davison missed the kick. Canterbury 5, Auckland 3. Strong running by the reds had Auckland in trouble. Hassan cleared temporarily, but Smith dribbled back and then all the forwards, with Baudinet at the head, swept on for 50 yards before Brown saved by kicking dead. A snankfhg run by Cooke was cheered. He gave to Laird, who went in well and passed to Tetley, who ran over, but was offside. Laird and Hall were hurt and were replaced by D. Keane and E. Brimble, the latter going to five-eighths and Riley to the wing. Whitley and Baudinet made ground. but Brown soon altsred the position. Davison and Serra both failed with penalties. A splendidly-placed kick by Standeven bounced out beside a corner flag, but the half-time bell spoiled the chance. Scores: Canterbury 5, Auckland 3.

Fletcher and Cooke changed places for the second half. In an Auckland dash Standevrn was slow in forcing the ball, and Brown flashed past him !to score. Satherley converted. A hard run by Standeven was followed by Young breaking clear, and send'ng to Fsudinet who gave Dunn a forward pass. Serra, Dunn, and Jackson went almost to the line, but swinging passing by Riley, Brimble, and Brown returned to the centre, where Kay was spectacular till he passed forward to Cooke. A free-kick for a ground pass spoilt Davison's next run. Then came a really brilliant effort. Hassan was excentionally fast from a scrum, to Brimble, to Kay, to Cooke, who went in and out for 30 yards to the line. Satherley goaled. Auckland 13, Canterbury 5. Another brilliant move by Fletcher. Cooke, Fletcher, and Kearie was too fast for the defence, Keane scoring, and Satherly converting. Auckland 18, Canterbury 5. Very soon another flying chain ended in Brimble sending Riley over. Satherley's kick was true. Auckland 23, Canterbury 5. Brimble was hurt, but soon returned. Knight

and Young made two good breaks, the second going on to Davison, whose speed left Cooke behind in a great race for the line. Young converted Auckland 23, Canterbury 10. An orthodox .chain of backs found Canterbury out of position, Kay crossing with a six-foot dive. Satherley's kick was poor. When a red back passing rush.broke down,' McCarthy, in a flash, sent the ball into the forwards for A. Stuart, who replaced Wehner, to dash over. Davison's kick misged, leaving the score: Auckland 26, Canterbury 13. Referee, Mr H. A. King.

BENEFITS' OF THE TOUR

EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG : PLAYERS ' Before its departure: on Saturday night the Auckland League football team was entertained at dinner by the Canterbury Rugby Football League. ■ Mr W. S. E. Moyle, president of the • Canterbury League, expressed the pro- !' vince's thanks to Auckland for sending such a strong team on a goodwill tour, and said he hoped the experience the side'had gained would help it to ■ beat the Australians next Saturday. VI look forward." said Mr Moyle, "to the time when the code will win 1 out in Canterbury as it has in Auckland, New South Wales, Queensland, Paris, and the North of England." In his reply Mr Grey " Campbell, Auckland president, thanked Canterbury for a very enjoyable visit. He was a little.'disappointed that his team's play that afternoon had not been its best, but Canterbury's superb fitness had given Auckland a worrying time. He was sure the tour would benefit his younger men for the forthcoming matches against Australia. Mr A. E. Cooke said the bustling play of Canterbury had put Auckland completely off its game, the backs being badly upset. Messrs H. Avery. T.' A. McClymont, L. G. Young, and H.< A. King also spoke briefly, and cheers were exchanged.

SEVENTH GRADE I Lin wood 8/ Hornby 2. SCHOOLBOYS' GRADE Waimairi 7, Linwood 0. REFEREES' ASSOCIATION SMOKE CONCERT HELD On Saturday evening the Canterbury Rugby League Referees' Association eniertained the players and officials of the centre at a smoke concert. Mr C. Allen presided, and there was a good attendance. After the Loyal toast had been honoured the remaining toasts were:— "New Zealand Rugby League Council," proposed by Mr C. Goodman and replied to by Mr R. A. Drury; "Canterbury Rugby League Centre," proposed by Mr J. Underwood and replied to by Mr W. S. E. Moyle; "Kindred Clubs," proposed by Mr H. A. King and replied to by club delegates; "League Clubs," proposed by Mr T. Carroll and replied to by the various delegates; "Referees' Association," proposed by Mr Moyle and replied to by Mr C. Allen; "Artists, Press, and Ambulance," proposed by the chairman. In replying to the toast of the Canterbury Rugby League, Mr Moyle stressed the harmony of the delegates throughout the season, saying that they were generally there for the good of the game. He had the greatest confidence in them.

During the evening Mr Moyle presented a suitable memento to Mr H. A. King for being the most efficient referee in Canterbury during the last two years. In his remarks, Mr Moyle .complimented Mr King on the high standard he had maintained and hoped iftj&t he would long be spared to serve .tjie game. items were contributed bv ■Messrs P. McSweeney. S. Smith, and H. A. King while recitations were given by Messrs J. Laurenson and F. Williams. IN OTHER CENTRES (HIESS ABSOCUTIOH TBLXOiAU.) AUCKLAND. September 15. Champion of champions' match— Richmond 26. Newton 15. EASTERN SUBURBS WIN SYDNEY PREMIERSHIP (trcrrreD pbkss association—coptbight.) (Received September 15, 7.20 p.m). SYDNEY, September 15. Eastern Suburbs, by beating South Sydney by 19 points to 3 yesterday, won its first Rugby League premiership since 1923. ASSOCIATION CANTERBURY BEATEN BY OTAGO

CLOSELY CONTESTED GAME

Otago beat Canterbury at English Park, for the J. E. Jones Cup, by three goals to two in the first game played in Christchurch between the provinces for 10 years. The game was the most spectacular seen here for years, play being throughout fast and interesting. The Otago team had to play brilliantly to win, and in this respect they owed their success to, the tremendous speed and finishing-bff ability of their forwards. F. Cr?ggs, the Canterbury star winger, seldom passed J. Pickerill, the redoub'able Otago right back, who was one of the best players on the field. The score practically represents the difference between the teams. The teams for the match were:— Otago (blue) L. Holden; G. Taylor. J. Pickerill; A. Stenhouse, A. Brown, T. Truesdale; L. Smith, W. Rogers, G. Henderson, J. Dalziel, H. Balk (captain). Canterbury (red and black) M. Mitchell (captain); S. Cawtheray, A. McMillan; M. Gordon, A. Sutherland, A. Ellis; F. Craggs, G. Ellis. G. Smith R. Souter, R. Pattinson. The exceptional speed of the visiting forwards had Canterbury in trouble at an early stage, and two nice goals resulted in this advantage. The Canterbury full-backs could not cope with the speed and the' cleverness of the Otago men, with the result that the home half-backs had to remain in the vicinity of the visitors' forwards. This meant that sorties and movements by the Canterbury forwards did not have the support of their intermediates, and the result was that the inside men had a great deal of extra work to do. Some of the Canterbury players, too, began to feel the pace, and many times from throws in the. Otago men initiated attacking movements through this lack of precaution.

F. Craggs. showed a clean pair of heels to J. Pickerill for the first ■ 10 minutes, but after that the Otago man watched him-closely and consistently robbed him of the ball. Superiority in Forwards Otago was definitely superior in the forwards; they had plenty of pace', and their ability to finish off movements should provide an excellent example for the Canterbury van. L. Smith and H. Balk, the wingers, were thorns in the home side's defence every time they got the ball. It is quite obvious, however, that for the return match, to be played at Dunedin on September 28, the selector will have to make some changes in the Canterbury team. A. McMillan was off colour, no doubt from lack of prac-

tice caused by an injury to a leg some time ago. His ability is well known, however, and the English Cup final next Saturday shoutd provide him with the necessary chance to regain form. Alex. Sutherland played his usual game, but he did not meet with much success, and it was apparent that the pace told on him during the second spell. G. Smith has shown disappointing form this season in big matches. He lacks penetration, and has also lost the polish which made him the outstanding centre last season. J. Souter, the promoted Lyttelton junior player, was an outstanding success. He seized every chance which might bring him within scoring iange, with the result that he notched two goals for Canterbury. R. Pattinson, on the left wing, played quite well, but must get out of the habit of centring the ball behind the inside men. Conscientious training by the Canterbury men should produce the desired result when the two teams meet again. The Pray Otago kicked off with the sun, but a nicely placed kick by A. Sutherland to Smith put Canterbury on attack. Dalziel eased the pressure and a pass to the right wing found G. Henderson streaking down the line well clear of McMillan. Mitchell gathered in the centre nicely and Canterbury countered. Craggs nearly getting through solo. Canterbury kept up the pressure and from a centre by Craggs, Souter just failed to head into the net. Play swung to the Canterbury end, following pretty passing by the inside Otago van, Balk putting in a shot which just cleared the cross-bar. A Canterbury sortie saw Smith head outside the posts from a centre by Craggs. Otago came again, Dalziel outstripping the Canterbury defence before passing to Balk, who found the net with a great shot.

Otago 1, Canterbury 0. Otago appeared to be much more dangerous on attack than Canterbury owing to their greater speed and finish. Otago scored again soon after, when Rogers took the ball off McMillan, passed to Balk, who beat Cawtheray before centring for Henderson, to find the net with a fine header. Otago 2, Canterbury 0. Canterbury now had a spell at attack, but the Otago backs played brilliantly on defence. Canterbury kept up the pressure, and from a corner by Craggs, Souter just missed with a header, and from the resultant melee Pattinson rapped the cross with a powerful shot Canterbury were not to be denied, however, Souter going through nicely following a centre by Craggs. ' Otago 2, Canterbury 1. A fast movement by Otago had Canterbury defending desperately, but a free kick eased the pressure, and play swung downfield, where Pattinson placed nicely to Craggs, but J. Pickerill robbed the winger of the ball and put his van on attack with a hefty kick. Mitchell had a torrid spell between the sticks, Otago coming several times within an inch of scoring.

Mitchell made a fine save off a header by Henderson from a centre by Balk, and play swung to the Otago end, where Craggs cleverly beat Pickerill only to put in a shot which went yards from the goal. Canterbury held the advantage, Ellis, Smith and Craggs failing with shots at goal. Half-t me was called wi'h making ground on the left for Otago, the scores still being:— Otago 2, Canterbury 1.

On the resumption of play, Canterbury attacked, but G. Ellis put in a weak shot which was cleared well downfield, where Ellis and Smith, of Otago, had a duel near the Canterbury goal. Canterbury countered with B. Souter prominent, but the Otago defence held like a rock. A minute later Souter caught Holden with the ball, the Otago keeper being forced to kick over his line. From the corner, A. Ellis landed the ball in the goal-mouth, where Souter neatly found the net with a magnificent header. Otago 2, Canterbury 2. Canterbury, at this stage, were having the better of the game, and only great defensive work by the Otago bachs kept them from scoring. A. Ellis nicely stopped a dangerous Otago movement, and transferred to Smith to Pattinson to G. Ellis, but Pickerill just manag d to c'ear. A nicely placed kick from Stmhou'se to L. Smith put Otago on attack, and a seri~s of headers in the Canterbury goal-mouth saw the visiting van do everything but find the net. The Canterbury backs had to play like demons for the next few minutes, and they were ably supported by splerd'd keeping by M. M'tchelL A clearing kick by A. E"i<; let Souter and Pettinscn away, but Taylor stopped the movement, transferred to Stenhouse, to Henderson, to Balk, who raised the dust of the cross with a great, shot. Otago resumed the lead when Henderson found the net from a corner by L. Smith after a Canterbury back was forced to kick over the goal line. Otago 3, Canterbury 2.

Otago kept up the pressure with inspired movements, Canterbury being forced back to their goal-mouth after each sortie. G. Ellis sent the Canterbury van away in the first likely movement, the ball going to Gordon, to Craggs, whose shot went wide of the upr'ght. The final wh'stle sounded with play in midfield and the scores:— Otago 3, Canterbury 2, feeferee: Mr J. Jennings. PRIMARY SCHOOLS' FINAL

Playing as a curtain-raiser to the Canterbury and Otago representative game, St. Michael's defeated Addington Convent by 5 to 3 in the final of the primary schools heavy-weight division. Mr J. E. Jones presented the Herbert Smith Cup to the captain of the winning team. THIRD GRADE Celtic B 2, Marist 0. Y.M.C.A. 10, Nomads 0. FIFTH GRADE Technical B 3, St Albans 0. SEVENTH GRADE Northcote 1, Linwood 0.

IN OTHER CENTRES (EREBS tBaOOWTIOH TBIiBGBAM.iI AUCKLAND, September 15. Falcon Cup knock-out final—Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys 5, Young Men's Christian Association 3. Senior championship—Ponsonby 2, Comrades 2. Ponsonby won the championship. WELLINGTON, September 15. Playing for the Alf Williams Cup, Marist created an upset by beating Hospital, the Chatham Cup winners, by 6 goals to 4. In the Victory Cup replay Scottish Wanderers beat Seatoun by 2 goals to 0.

BRITISH FOOTBALL WEEK-END RESULTS (rnHTBD PBSSB ABSOCIA.TIOS—COrIBIOST.) (Received September 15, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 14. We*ek-end football results aro:— ASSOCIATION First Division Arsenal 2, Wednesday 2. Villa 6, Proston 1. Blackburn 3, West Bronrwleh 1. Bolton 2, Everton 0. Chelsea 1, Leeds 0. Hudderefield 1, Derby 1. Liverpool 7, Grimsby 2. MancheßtSr City 3, Birmingham 1. Middlesbrough 0, Brentford 0. Stoke 0, Sunderland 2. Wolves 2, Portsmouth 0. Second Division Barncloy 3, Burnley 1. Blackpool 4, West Ham 1. Bradford City 1, Portvale 1, ' Doncaster 1, Bury 0. Hull 2, Charlton 4. Newcastle 0, Manchester United 9. Norwich 1, Leicester 2. Notts. Forest 2, Swansea 2. Plymouth 2, Fulham 0. Sheffield United 1, Tottenham 1. Southampton 3. Bradford 0. Southern Section Brighton 0, Swindon 2. Bristol City 4, Millwall 1. Orient 2, Bristol Rovers 0. Palace 2, Bournemouth 0. Exeter 1, Coventry 3. Newport 0, Cardiff 0. Northampton 0, Luton 9. Queen's Park Rangers C Aldershot 0. Reading 1, Gillingham 0. Southond 0, Notts. County 0. Watford 2, Torquay 2. Northern Section. ' Barrow 1, Crewe 1. Carlisle 0, Tranmere 1. Hartlepoola 2, Gateshead 0. Lincoln 1, Chester 1. Mnnsflold 4, Darlington 2. New Brighton 2, Stockport 0. Rochdale 2. Southport 1. Rotherham 2, Halifax 0. Wallsall 1, Chesterfield 1. Wrexham 0, Oldham 1. York 1, Accrington 1. SCOTTISH LEAGUE First Division Airdrie 3, Aberdeen 4. Arbroath 0, Hamilton 1. Ay# 1. Hearts 3. Celtic 4, Albion 0. Dundee 4, Clyde 3. Dunfermline 2, Queen's Pari 2 Hibernian 1, Rangers 1. Motherwell 3, St. Johnstone 0. Partick 2, Kilmarnock 0. Third Lanark 2 Queen of the South 3.

Second Division Alloa 1, Montrose 2. Brechin 1, Edinburgh 2. Dumbarton 2, Stenhousemnir 0. Falkirk 3. Leith 0. Kinc'e Park 2, East Fife 1. Morton 3, Forfar 0. Rnith 1, Dundee United 1. St. Bernard's 2, Cowdenbeath 0. St. Mirren 4, East Stirling 1. NORTHERN UNION Lancashire Cup First Round Leigh 5, Broughton 2. Livorpool 7, Salford 14. Rochdale 5, Oldham 7. St. Helens Recs. 17. Barrow S Swinton 2, Warrington 2. Wigan 6, Widnes 5. Yorkshire Cup First Round Bratuley 8, .Leeds 85. Castleford 8, Dewsbury 11. Featherstone 9, Hull and Kingston '£ Huddersfield 37, Bradford 4. Hunslet Acton 18, Willesden 8. Hull 18, Batley 2. Keighley 7, Halifax 5. York 7, Wakefield 5.

BTJGBY ONION Blackheath 3, Rosslyn Park 8. London Irish 6, Portsmouth Services 0. Old Paulines 20. Guy's Hospital 9. Wasps 12, Harlequins 31. Bedford 20, Bath 8. Cardiff 11, Bx-igdend 6. Coventry 14, Rudby 0. Gloucester 21, Lydney 3. Leicester 38, Pennrth 0. Manchester 8. Bradford 14. Swansea 8, Bristol" 0. Newport 11, Abertillery 0. Weston Super Mare 0, Llanelly 0.