RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23001, 22 April 1940, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

FIRST COMPETITION GAMES ARMY’S DRAW WITH SUNNYSIDE , 1939 CHAMPIONS BEATEN BY TECHNICAL Results: — Army 14, Sunnyside 14. Old Boys 7. Merivale 0. Technical Old Boys 14, University 9. Christchurch 13, Linw- od 10. Albion 20, Southern 11. Athletic 18, New Brighton 9. Air Force, a bye. Rugby football matches on Saturday in the city—the first competition fixtures this season—brought surprises to followers of the game. It was expected, for one thing, that Sunnyside would have a harder task in holding the new Army fifteen. This was the main game on , the oval, but Army (with many changes from the previous Saturday), played with nothing like the dash shown in its earlier game with University, and the meeting on Saturday was mainly a very grim, and sometimes too fierce, tussle in the forwards. The final points, 14-all, fairly reflected the play. Then supporters were also surprised to see the 1939 champions, University, beaten by Technical Old Boys by 14 points to 9, after a game that lacked much of the spectacular play expected after the dashing style of University on the previous Saturday. But Technical’s win has greatly quickened interest in this steadily improving team of young players. High School Old Boys and Merivale played an interesting game at the Show Grounds, their sides, greatly weakened from last season by enlistments, showing how the war is going to effect club Rugby for 1940. Old Boys won by seven points, Merivale not scoring at all, but there was really very little between the teams. The Merivale forwards might have carried the day by splendid combination, but Old Boys’ backs established sound defence. There was a good deal of interest in the appearance, for the first time in the top grade, of the New Brighton team. New Brighton was beaten by Athletic by 18 points to 9, but the new team put up a good showing, with plenty of initiative in the backs and dash in the forwards. Southern and Albion, on the south ground at Lancaster Park; gave a big crowd the brightest game of the day. Albion played more enterprising football and won by 20 points to 11. Playing at Rugby Park, before a big gathering, Christchurch defeated Linwood by 13 points to 10, the Christchurch backs showing superiority on attack in an even game. The crowd at Lancaster Park approached 3000, an excellent figure for opening day. particularly considering other attractions which took thousands of city people out of town. The weather, although cold, was good for Rugby. SUNNYSIDE AND ARMY DRAW ■ It would be safe to say that a draw fairly reflected the fortunes of the Army-Sunny-slde game on the oval at Lancaster Park. It was really dour football nearly all the way, with the enterprising Army backs closely watched , and unable to' develop the dash expected of them, and both sets of forwards giving and taking in an even struggle which was inclined, towards the finish, to become a little too willing. .There was shouted comment from the crowd, sometimes angry comment at what seemed unnecessarily rough tactics, particularly In one fierce forward struggle when Surgenor, a new Army back, received a hard knock in the ribs while endeavouring to smother a Sunnyside attack and then, while 'on the ground, received another kick which gave him concussion and caused his withdrawal from the game. Excessive keenness could be blamed for that accident, however. It seems certain that the Army's appearance in the competition will, give crowds a wealth of good football. Because the play was dour on Saturday, it does not mean that it was uninteresting. There was little that was spectacular in back play, although the crowd was expecting it, but splendid forward clashes brought plenty oi interest and excitement, with repeated pttacks at oios° quarters °nd some fine defence, particularly by the Army backs, when hard-pressed towards the close of the game. With the'game held in the tight so much, neither set of backs had much chance. But there were Isolated bright movements on both sides. Sunnyside forwards were well rewarded when they did get the ball away to Hart, Masters, and Ritchie, who seemed to be in most of the back attacks, often with considerable effect. Hart and Masters were the prime movers in. one spectacular scoring dash which took Haft over after one' of his typical hard runs, during which it is almost impossible for anyone to stop him. McCarthy, ' the half-back, was hampered by lack of opportunities. Of the forwards, Burke played his typically aggressive game. Chandler'frequently led many useful loose rushes' and McLeod and Ireland. with Kelly often prominent too, were the forwards who maintained an exciting long series of forward attacks in the second spell. The Army team —radically changed since its meeting with University on the previous Saturday—found the Sunnyside-tactics a different proposition and suffered through an inability to retaliate against the fast-moving block of Sunnyside forwards when the play was kept tight. But the Army defence held steadily at the critical period. Jones, the wing three-quarter, gave an impressive showing again; Foley and Surgenor, the five-eighths, adapted themselves to the close play and found' holes in the opposing back line which they exploited frequently until Surgenor was Injured. McDermott, the full-back, impressed all critics by his defence; his kicking was not spectacular, but was sure. McPhail, Cunningham, McLean (particularly for his kicking), and Lynch, were outstanding forwards. The teams were:— Army—J. McDermott; A. W. Moodle, A. W. Morrison, B. V. A. Jones; W.T. Foley, G. R. Surgenor; G. Thompson; N. J. McPhail, G. Cunningham, T. Graham, P. L. Lynch, W. Carlton. J. McLean, O. G. Wood, W. H. Reid. Sunnyside—Mahoney; R. Hart, ,R. Chinnery, Perkins; W. Ritchie, J. Masters; McCarthy; H. Burke, Aitken, H. McLeod, G. Ireland. F. Chandler, N, Mllllken, G. Kelly. J. Hartland. A vigorous forward rush gave Sunnyside the chance for first points when Army was penalised and Burke put over a long kick from an angle. A long, stem struggle saw play gradually swinging down on the Sunnyside twenty-five, where a clearing kick by Chinnery was charged down and McPhail,. following the play well, was there to down the ball for a try for Army. McLean missed a very difficult kick. Before the end of the first spell Army had gained a good lead of 11 points to 3. McLean placed another kick over the goal from an angle and well up-field and near the end of the half, another chargeddown kick, when Army was attacking hotly, saw Surgenor In an easy position for a short run Over to score. McLean converted that try. In the second half Hart attempted to-pot a goal from well out;. this failed, but the ball rolled on over the line and Perklhs, following up fast on the left wing, scored. Burke could not place a difficult kick. Army gained again when J ones, receiving from the blind‘side on the far corner, dashed over smartly; and scored. It was shortly after that that- Surgenor was injured; Perkins, too, .had had to leave the field, Allen going on. Sunnyside gradually gained in ascendancy through fine forward slogging, and Masters started Hart off on a fine scoring run which gave the defence, a surprise, although two Army men tried ixi .haul Hart down. Burke succeeded with a splendid kick, and Sunnyside needed only

OLD BOYS BEAT MERIVALE

Although the final score was 7 points to 0 in their favour. High School Old Boys were well extended to beat the keen young Merivale team which they played in an interesting match at the Addington Show Grounds. The pace at which the game was played throughout indicated that though many necessary replacements have weakened them, neither team, will be handicapped later in the season by lack of fitness. Both teams fielded almost new senior back lines, and in the forwards many of the last season’s players had been replaced by men from the lower grades. . Against heavier, and some more experienced opponents, the Merivale backs gave a remarkably sound display. But for spells of faulty handling, which is to be expected early in the season, the light Merivale backs would have been a fairly sound attacking line. Reid and Thorne in the three-quarter line showed promise of being useful additions to the side. Reid’s pace and alertness often took his team out of difficulties, or placed it in handy positions. Lapslie showed the benefit of the experience he gained in senior matches last season. During most of the play neither team showed any decided advantage, but there were times when the Old Boys’ backs were superior. Served excellently by Saundercock, they made the best of many opportunities and often took play well into Merivale’s territory. Pearce was fast off the mark, and of the men outside him, Wilson and Sinclair were outstanding. In the combined back and forward attacks Wilson was alway prominent. Led by the more experienced men, both packs worked solidly, the scrums and line-outs being fairly evenly divided. J. Rankin was a mainstay for Old Boys. The teams were:— Merivale—Lapslie: Reid. Brien, Thorne; Christiansen, Hooper; Taylor; Selwood, West, Howard, Downie, Rudkin. Pimm, Charteris, Francis. High School Old Boys—Arming; Adcock, Wilson. Sinclair; Garrett, Pearce; Saundercock: E. Cocks, Stenhouse, Hall, Trotter, A. Cocks, Foley, Bain, Rankin. Old Boys made their first score—the only points taken In the first half—within a few minutes after play began. After a speedy attack by Merivale, Saundercock penetrated the opposing back line, kicked through, and followed up to score an unconverted try. i Although they were unable to cross the goal-line , after several atempts late in the second half, the Old Boys backs were rewarded for their solid attacks when Pearce kicked a neat field goal. Referee: Mr A. E. Rogers. TECHNICAL DEFEATS UNIVERSITY The curtain-raiser to the main game on Lancaster Park oval, when Technical Old Boys defeated University. 1939 senior champions, was on the whole a very disappointing match, although enlivened at times by some good concerted movements. Although their forwards did not gain the upper hand until the second half, Technical thoroughly deserved to win. the score, 14-9, being a fair Indication of -the run of play. Lohrey and Herman were outstanding as pack leaders, Lohrey particularly playing keenly and aggressively. He was always a menace to University when leading a loose rush. A feature of the play was the fine place-kicking of Herman, who landed two excellent penalty goals, converted one try from a difficult angle, and struck the upright with another kick right from the sideline. In the Technical back line Coote scored two good tries as a result of determined running, and was always hard to stop. Roach, at first five-eighth, showed an appreciation of the possibilities of blindside play, and made the openings for Coote’s tries. The formidable University back line could do little right, the principal trouble being that they did not run nearly hard enough when in possession. Mishandling and dropped passes were frequent. Nicol, a Manawatu representative last year, made some good runs in the first half, but for the greater part of the spell was only running at half pace, and there was a decided improvement when Ellis came up from full-back. The latter was easily the best back on the ground, thoroughly deserving his try; He always looked dangerous on attack, and he sharpened up the other backs by his hard running. Their combination improved rapidly towards the close, but it was too late, for the Technical forwards had a definite ascendancy at that stage. In the first half the University forwards were superior in the loose, getting the ball consistently in the line-outs and sharing the honours In the tight. They gave their backs plenty of the ball, but they could do nothing with it. In the second half they lost their cohesion, and the Technical forwards , took .charge of the . game. Of the University forwards, Walter played well both in the tight and loose, and Bilcllff led some good loose rushes in the first half. Tries for Technical were scored by Coote (2), Herman kicking two penalties and converting a try. For University tries were scored by Walter, Garrett, and Ellis. The teams were;— Technical Old Boys—Croy; Coote, Beasley, Tolputt; McCammon,- Roach; Randall; Harvey, Brown Ansley; Herman, Hayles, Bain, Woodham; Lohery. University—Ellis; Cartwright, Hunter, Fountain; Kimberley, Nicol; McAuliffe; Murphy, Wilson, Garrett; Walter, Hildyard, McKenzie, Bilcliff; Roberts. Referee: Mr G. Berry. GOOD SHOWING BY NEW BRIGHTON Although beaten, ample justification for its inclusion xn the senior grade this year was given by the New Brighton-team in its first match against Athletic at Lancaster Park. The eager initiative- Of the new team and potentialities for swift, incisive back movements should go a long way towards giving it a good position in the early rounds of the competition. A propensity for clever spoiling tactics among the backs will be an Important factor in holding heavier combinations. The pack-leaders displayed a commendable keenness which was instrumental in breaking up many rearguard attacks and in forcing the .dribbling rushes. The -team gave the impression that, with a little more experience of the devices of senior play, it should provide worthy competition for other clubs. Closer cohesion among the Athletic forwards gave the team a more effective offensive In the open and the retention of many of last year’s seasoned backs welded a strong combination. Vigorous thrusts in the forwards, supported by quick coverage from the backs, was the principal factor contributing to the success of the Athletic team. The teams were:—■ _ Athletic—P. Mahoney; R. Empson, B. Mahoney, J. Wareham: D. White, S. Callanan; W. Clark: J. Young, N. Morgan, C. Walklin, P. Bradley, A. Mahar, G. Carter, P. Noonan, E. Sowden. New Brighton—J. Long; H. Cook, D. Gibson, T. Ryan; R. Kllworth, L. Hay; P. Long; G. Harris, E. Turton, J. McKernan, A. Long, H. Sturrock, V. Grammar, M. Fraser, B. Wright. Both teams had a liberal sprinkling of new blood, a good number of players coming from the junior grade and some coming from other centres. A notable addition to the Athletic side was Wareham, the Wellington representative player. Empson joined up from Linwood, and among the promotions from the junior grade were P. Mahoney, Young, Morgan, Walklin, and Bradley. The New Brighton team was, of course, composed almost entirely of players from the club’s junior team, which succeeded, in the competition last season. One or two players, however, were- recruits to the club. The standard of play was, of course, no criterion, and the game was more or less scrambling in character. Athletic held a substantial territorial advantage for the greater part of the first half, but this in no way discredited the valiant efforts of the new side. D. White opened the Athletic score early In the first spell with a penalty troal from a long way out on the left wing. His lead was followed by a quick score from B. Mahoney, who received from Empson In the half-way area where solid rucking had been In progress. Empson made a bright dash and transferred to Mahoney on the line. White converted. Walklin scored from a forward rush five minutes later, and White again converted. A similar movement when New Brighton failed to force gave Young a score Just before half-time, when the score was; Athletic 18, New Brighton 0. Ryan made a bright burst at the opening of the second. spell, and his territorial gain gave Gibson an easy kick for a penalty goal. The New Brighton team continued to attack with vigour, Kilworth, Hay, and Ryan being outstanding, while Wright, Turton, and Sturrock were reliable forwards. The whole of Athletic’s back line worked -well, and White was a valuable asset for his kicking. Bradley, Walklin, and Young were the most enterprising forwards. ■ ■ , . Gibson obtained another easy penalty as Athletic frantically .tried to defend the newcomers’ onslaught. in . the second half. By vigorous packing. New Brighton kept play in Athletic’s twenty-five for most of this spell. Gibson gained another penalty goal near time, making the score: Athletic 18. New Brighton 9. Referee: Mr C. R. McCallum, three points for a draw. Sunnyside got those when Burke, with an £asy penalty close toT the posts,' was.'again, successful. The game ended: Army. 14, -. Sunnyside 14; Referee: Mr H. T. Coulter,.

LAST MINUTE WIN FOR CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch beat Linwood at Rugby Park by a try in the last minute of play. The game was hard and open, and In the main was a duel between the Christchurch backs and the Linwood forwards, the Auckland and North Island representative. Schubert, who played on the Christchurch, wing, being the outstanding speed and capacity for a strong, straight run were a constant menace to Linwood, more so as the Christchurch forwards, through fine play by Jesson, hooker, had the better of the scrums. Blacker (formerly of Wellington), Brown (from Athletic), and Aspell (second grade last year) were new forwards for Christchurch, who played well. Thacker, full-back, made many excellent saving kicks. , , , • The strength of the Linwood forwards was their attack from line-outs and loose play, but the team as a whole could not finish the - many opening movements started. Coburn. Gorman, and Malhalm were in the forefront of all attacking movements, and they were well supported by others in the Linwood pack. McHugh and Allen made some spectacular runs for Linwood, and had they been supported by a man of Schubert’s speed the final score would have undoubtedly ended well in Linwood's favour. Drower was safe as full-back. The teams were:— , _ Christchurch—Forwards: H. Brown, W. Jesson, T. McNelght, A. Bacon, E. Blacker. M. Williams, M. Stonehouse, T. Johnston. Backs: H. Lawrence. T. Aspell. H. Black, L. Schubert, J. Ballantyne, E. Kerr, W. Thacker. _ „ Linwood —Forwards: J. Gorman, r>. Coburn, J. Monk, K. Armour. J, Sutherland, N. Mahalm, S. Hensley. J. Lawlor. Backs; L. Hewitt, T. Richards, F. Allen, E. Boyce, W. McHugh, G. Harrison, R. Drower. „ A Schubert scored the first try for Christchurch in the first five minutes of play (Ballantyne converting), and after a series of attacks by the forwards Mahalm evened the score for Linwood (Sutherland converting). Sutherland failed with a free kick from outside the 25 yards line in the second, half. After some fine back movements on each side, Ballantyne was tackled on the Linwood line, and from a scrum Black scored a try which Ballantyne converted to give Christchurch a lead of five points. Brilliant runs by McHugh and Allen opened the way for Allen to score by the Christchurch posts. Allen’s kick succeeded, making the score 10 points all. In the last minute of play Schubert scored in the comer from a scrum by the Linwood line. Ballantyne’s kick failed, the game ending: Christchurch 13, Linwood 10. Referee: Mr R. W. Blazey. ALBION BEATS SOUTHERN There were few dull patches in the game between Albion and Southern on the Lancaster Park south ground, both teams playing hard football and opening the game up at every opportunity. Albion won by 20 points to 11, after leading 10-8 at half-time. R. Garrett played a useful game for Albion, adding seven points with a potted goal and a penalty. E. Martin, Southern’s new wing-three-quarter, displayed an astonishing turn of speed to score the first try of the match, but in the second half he collided with J. Garrett and both were compelled to retire. In the final stages Albion asserted a slight superiority and hustled the Southern forwards, who played too loose a game. The teams were:— Albion—D. Stout; H. Wilson, J. Garrett, R. Keetley; E. ’Wood, R. Garrett; G. Cullen: A. Hadfield, T. Walker, E. Wlllman, G. Bond, M. Johnston, A. Gray, E. Easier, G. Kelley. Southern—H. Hobson: E. Williams. E. Farmer, E. Martin; D. Syme, W. Bedelph; R. Amtman; S. O’Neil. W. McCammon, A. Round; R. Armour, J. Pegley, W. Sargison, S. Peryer; H. Watson. Both teams attempted to open the game up and five minutes after the start Southern’s new wing three-quarter. Martin, ran in for a try at the end of a strong back rush. Bedelph converted. Albion retaliated with two tries in, quick succession. Wilson and Hadfield getting over in handy positions for J. Garrett to convert both tries. After some fast forward play Peryer touched down near the corner for Southern. Hobson’s kick failed. Half-time came, with the score: Albion 10, Southern 8. R. Garrett Increased Albion’s lead with a penalty in front of the posts, and soon after Bond touched down wide out. R. Garrett failed to convert. Syme received from Amtman and put in a good run to score near the comer for Southern. Bedelph missed the kick. A potted goal by R. Garrett further Increased Albion’s lead. Referee: Mr C. G. Crawford. SECOND GRADE At Wigram, Athletic 21 defeated Air Force 3, Referee: Mr V. A. Beaumont. At Sunny side: Albion 20 defeated Sunnyslde 3. Referee: Mr M. Graham. At North Park, University 26 defeated Linwood 3. Referee: Mr A. Billens. At North Park, Training College 19 defeated Christchurch 14. Referee: Mr D. H. Robertson. . „ , . , At Beckenham Park, Beckenham 6 defeated Technical Old Boys 3. Referee: Mr R. E. Bunne. , „ . . . . At Malvern Park, Southern 9 defeated Merivale 8. Referee: Mr R. Anderson. THIRD GRADE A Technical Old Boys 12 defeated Athletic 7. Linwood 12. defeated Air Force 3. Merivale 25 defeated Christchurch 14. Hillsborough 16 defeated Lyttelton 0. West Old Boys 39 defeated Southern 8. THIRD GRADE B Collegians 12 defeated High School Old Boys, 0. . . i Christ’s College 44 defeated Christchurch 1 'University 15 defeated St. Bede’s College D. ; Training College 12 defeated St. Andrew’s College 10. FOURTH GRADE Merivale B 6 defeated Training Col* lege 3. University 11 defeated Merivale A 3. Southern 32 defeated Linwood 3. Albion 27 defeated Technical Old .8.0y5,6, Kaiapol 33 defeated Christchurch 3. FIFTH GRADE Technical Old Boys 23 defeated West Old Boys 5. " Richmond 38 defeated Lyttelton 8. SIXTH GRADE . Linwood 24 defeated Merivale 3. i High School Old Boys 32 defeated Kaiapol 11. . UNDER 18 Technical Old Boys A 63 defeated High School Old Boys 0. UNDER 9st 71b Technical Old Boys 23 defeated Aranui 6. Albion 13 defeated Southern 5. Kaiapol, 23 defeated High School Old Boys 8. , Linwood 50 defeated New Brighton 0. UNDER Bst 7lb Merivale 5 defeated Southern 0. Linwood 5 drew "with Albion 5. . _ ' • UNDER 7st i Richmond 12 defeated Sunnyslde 0., Albion B 14 defeated Aranui 13. Southern 14 defeated Albion A O.’ Christ's College 24 defeated West Christchurch High School 0.; , Beckenham 6 defeated' Technical Old Boys 5. RUGBY LEAGUE SYDENHAM HAS GOOD WIN • LINWOOD FAILS AGAINST ADDINGTON Results:Sydenham 21, Rabala 13. Addington 22, Linwood 2. Hornby 8, Riccarton 6. . ' Two strong teams, playing reasonably good football for so early, made a happy opening for the Canterbury Rugby Football League’s 1940 competition, and Sydenham Park has rarely looked better- Sydenham. which will be hard to beat, played well together, and was too much for Rakaia, winning fairly comfortably. Addington surprised by having a 20-polnt margin over Linwood, which failed to get going properly. Tins : Hornby forwards proved too good for Riccarton in their inatch at Hornby, and had a narrow win. SYDENHAM (21) V. RAKAIA (13) 1 There was little difference between two fine sets of forwards in the game between Sydenham and Rakala—and they had more than their share of the play—but in the backs Sydenham had an undoubted advantage. Its passing was excellent for a first game, and it has plenty of speed. Rakala had only two backs with the same cleverness as Its opponents showed, and as- a consequence they had 'too much to do, especially in covering up’ mistakes of [Others. J. O’Connor was always outstand-

ing on attack or defence, and Davison, with few chances, again showed the form that earned him New Zealand honours. R. Brown, very hard to stop, and Duke, who made a return to his top form, were Sydenham’s best backs, while in the forwards Wilson, Dunlop, and Eddington played best for Sydenham, and Barnard, Lister, and Burnett headed most of the Rakaia runs. The teams were as follows: Rakaia—G. Bellaney; C. H. Davison, A. Greygoose, E. Johnson: C, Buckley, J. O’Connor; W. Beckley; M. Lawlor, C. O’Connor, W. Lister, E. Barnard, E. Burnett, D. Mead. _ _ , „ Sydenham—K. Edginton; T. Duke, R. Brown. F. Bryden: W. Ralstnck, T. Preston; L. Brown; E. Grimes, W. Jolly, K. Dunlop, R. Berry, M. Eddington, I. Wilson. With the slight wind at its back, Sydenham soon went on attack. Bryden had two attempts at penalty goals, the second going over. Sydenham 2, Rakaia 0. The ball went across the Sydenham line in a fast chain. Brown cutting in beautifully and sending on to Duke, who reversepassed to Brown for a good try. Sydenham 5, Rakaia 0. In a Rakaia run. Lister broke away. Lawlor following in fast to score, Davison goaled. Sydenham 5, Rakaia 5. Faster passing was putting the Sydenham backs on top, and when L. Brown set his line off, Duke finished off well for a try and conversion. Sydenham 10. Rakaia 5. Beckley. off hurt, was replaced by C. Barnes. Rakaia rushed from the reopening for Barnes to score in a heap of players. Sydenham 10, Rakaia 8. From a scrum, R. Brown was smart to an opening and sent to Bryden for a good try in the corner. Duke s shot _ hit the cross-bar. Sydenham 13, Rakaia 8. Wilson dribbled into a gap and snapped up smartly for a try. Duke converted. Sydenham 18, Rakaia 8. When Rakaia rallied Davison kicked a penalty and Barnard scored after breaking fast from a scrum. Sydenham 18, Rakaia 13. A lastminute run gave Eddington a try from a loose rush, to make the final score: Sydenham 21. Rakaia 13. Referee: Mr W. Thomson. ADDINGTON (22) V. LINWOOD (2) There was very little open play In the game between Addington and Linwood, any attempt by either set of backs to start passing movements generally falling through faulty passing or bad handling. Although Linwood managed to hold Addington fairly well in the first half, it had no chance for the remainder of the game, Addington attacking strongly for the greater part of the spell. Hard and persistent play by the forwards was mainly responsible for Addington’s win, Price. Calder, and Poff putting in some gooa work in both the tight and the loose. Calder also proved to be a useful kick, converting the four tries scored and kicking a penalty. Although the backs showed plenty of pace and a fair amount of penetration. their efforts were spoiled by delayed or bad passing. The five-eighths, McEwan and Mcßride, were the best of a fairly even line. „ . Linwood was outclassed In all departments, the only player to cause Addington any worry being Beri, at centre. The forwards worked hard, but they could not hold the Addington pack, and consequently the backs had few chances. The teams were:— ~ _ Addington—S. Mooar; W. McEwan, W. Smith, R. Dryberg; J. McEwan. R. McBride; A. Geddes: H. Calder, R. Price. E. Reynolds, K. Wilshire, B. Fraser, E. Poff. Linwood—J. Hammond: D. Wlngham, L. Beri, J. Smith; H. Reml, T. Roach; M. Smith; R. Miller, W. McKerrow, E. Millar, F. Meagher, L. Sneddon. N. Waghorn. In the first -spell Wilshire scored for Addington, Calder adding the extra points and also kicking a penalty goal. Ben kicked a penalty for Linwood. In the second spell tries were scored for Addington by Price, J. McEwan, and Smith, all of which were converted by Calder. Referee: Mr V. Armstrong. HORNBY (8) v. RICCARTON (6) • Hornby surprised Riccarton, at Riccarton, on Saturday, in a very close game. The win was very popular on account of the home team not being up to full strength. It was a pity that the efforts of the Riccarton backs continually went begging, but the home team’s forwards kept up the pressure throughout, and thoroughly deserved the honours. Both teams were considerably weakened on account of enlistments. THIRD GRADE Woolston 15, Linwood 5. FOURTH GRADE Linwood 34, Dalllngton 0. FIFTH GRADE Riccarton 16, Sydenham 0.

ASSOCIATION CODE

WESTERN AND THISTLE IN HARD GAME RANGERS UNLUCKY AGAINST TECHNICAL Conditions were excellent for the second series of games in the Hurley Shield competition. In the main game at English Park 12 goals were scored when Western beat Thistle. Although Western won by 4 goals the game was closer than the scores would Indicate. The standard of play was particularly high for so early in the season. _ , In the earlier game at English Park Technical was decidedly lucky to beat Rangers by the odd goal in three. Rangers on more than one occasion should have had the match won, but remarkably poor shooting robbed them of an earned victory. , • , At Wigram. Nomads were lucky to share the points, with Air Force. Air Force had much the better of the game, but could not finish off the movements. In the match at Spreydon Domain another even game resulted in St. Albans defeating Celtic by the odd goal in three. All the goals were scored in the first half. The position of teams in the championship is now;— P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. Western ..2 2 St. Albans ..2 2 Tech. College , _ . Old Boys 22 Thistle .. 2 1 1 8 11 2 Air Force .. 2 1 14 5 1 Nomads •• -2 l J 2 c 1 Rangers .. 2 ,Celtlc • r 2 TECHNICAL OLD - BOYS (2) V. . RANGERS (1) In the early game at English Park the Rangers team was decidedly unlucky to lose to Technical Old Boys. The Rangers forwards were by far the more dangerous, showing more pace and penetration than the Technical van, but failed In finishing off movements. Technical was well up in the competition last season, while Rangers were near the bottom; but Rangers this year are giving a much improved showing. Particularly can this improvement be seen In the forwards, hitherto the team’s weakest department. In R Dowker the team has a real find, and more games by this promising player should make his presence a match-win-ning one in the team. The passing among the forwards has much room for improvement, however, and more accuracy in shooting is necessary. In this A. Lees, an excellent player in other respects, had a poor day on Saturday. The halves all tolled hgrd on defence, but would do even better if they backed up their forwards on every possible occasion and gave them low. accurate passes. , Outstanding among the,full-backs were W O’Brien (Rangers) and F. Neate (Technical). Both gave exemplary displays on defence, keeping an excellent position and working well in the close play. Both keepers made some wonderful recoveries and saved everything that reasonably could have been stopped. D. Weir was the pick of a hard-working trio of halves and made a good Job of marking the slippery Dowker. The Technical forwards were not very impressive, the pick being P. Fleete and S. Lennon. The teams were;— Technical Old Boys; A. LaingjJP. Neate, T Clarke; D. Weir, E. Harris. W. Clarke; S.‘ Lennon. P. Fleete. H. Sherwood, O. Paulsen, and J. Mallinson. - Rangers; V. Hammond; W. O Brlen, J. Evans; S. Lee, E. Barnes, D. Miller: J. Harbutt. C. Sharr, A. Lees, V. Cowper, and R. Dowker. _ The scorers for Technical Old- Boys were O. Paulsen and S. Lennon. R. Dowker scored for Rangers. Referee: Mr C. Hamilton. WESTERN (8) v. THISTLE (4) Both Western and Thistle played good football in the main game at English Park. Thistle began the second half with a fourgoal deficit through poor support of the forwards by the halves. With Thistle playing' a defensive type of game. Western’s task was only to find the net, and accurate shooting is one of its main assets. In the second half Thistle played much better, showing much more dash, and scoring two fine goals in quick time. However, the defence slipped badly over the concluding stages, and Western was presented with the simplest scoring opportunities, of which it quickly took advantage. Among some fine performances, two in particular were outstanding. They were that of R. N. Smith of Western and J. McLennan of Thistle. Both men gave excellent displays. R. N. Smith, a brother of G. R. and J. Smith, who play inside him,, although only a boy, was not so closely watched In the first, half, and took full advantage of this in putting his side in an unassailable position at the Interval. With his speed, ball control, and ability to put across a perfectly placed centre, he looks like joining his three wellknown brothers in the Canterbury side in the. near future. J. McLennan, on the right wing for Thistle, had few chances

in the first half, but managed to score a brilliant goal from well out even then. In the second half, with good co-ordina-tion from Weir, he gave his best display so far on the park, and was finally rewarded with another goal. McLennan s main disability in the past was lack of speed, but on Saturday he showed plenty of pace. . . Thistle, though fielding a more improved side than last season, still shows much room for improvement, in the players and also in team work. Better backing up by the halves for the forwards and ability to keep the passing lower and more accurate should improve Thistle greatly. Generally the Thistle defence played well, but Harker missed badly twice. In Western's fifth goal he gave a goal away by touching the ball off instead of punching, and again in Western's seventh goal he had a good chance of saving R. Smiths shot. „ . The Thistle forwards show room for. improvement, although E. Hall in particular, and W. Weir were prominent. GalDraith required too much room to work in to be effective all the time. Western generally gave a finished display, the only fault being to lose possession by wild, hign clearances by the backs. The teams were:— Western—P. Brooks: G. Graham, S. Cawtheray; C. Anderson, M. Gordon, G. Roberts: R. McCreadie, R. Smith, G. Smith, J. Smith, and R. N. Smith. Thistle—G. Harker; J. Dougall, J. Anderson; W. Sutherland, A. Sutherland, A. Renwick; J. McLennan. W. Weir, J. Tennant, E. Hall, and A. Galbraith. Scorers for Western were R. Smith (4), G. Smith (2\. J. Smith and R. N. Smith. For Thistle the scorers were J. McLennan (2), W. Weir, and E. Hall. Referee: Mr E. B. Harris. ST. ALBANS (2) v. CELTIC (1) There was very little between St. Albans and Celtic at Spreydon- Domain, and although St. Albans won by the odd goal in three, victory might easily have gone to Celtic. The main thing against this was the poor shooting of the Celtic van. Several raids looked like moral goals, but poor marksmanship ruined goaling opportunities for Celtic. St. Albans suffered to a certain respect from the same complaint. Neither team showed very good teamwork, too much movement coming haphazardly from the kick and run. type of play. Passes were ballooned, instead of sent swiftly along the ground, and this meant invariable loss of possession and ball control. Celtic revealed, in spite of defections in the -usual side, that it has the material, but it wants moulding .into shape. Positional play in defence and attack should be studied more seriously. Players got out of position too often and passes as a result went astray. Wing players on both sides also should endeavour to centre the ball at the feet of their inside men instead of behind them. St. Albans had a new centre in F. Stout, who came up in place of J. Blease. He made a fair showing in his unaccustomed position. The teams were:— , . _ _ , ,-, St. Albans—W. England; S. Cole. D. Mitchell; C. Cook, J. Blease, H. Wilkins; N. Newton, A. Madden, F. Stout, B. Frankland, and R. G. Pattinson. Celtic—W. McFall; R. Dynes, C. Reeves, R. Mackay, J. Rundell, P. Nelson; T. Thompson, G. McMenamin, P. McDonald, J. O'Rawe, and C. Brosnahan. The scorers for St. Albans were B. Frankland and F. Stout. P. McDonald scored for Celtic. Referee: Mr R. C. Neville. NOMADS (1) V. AIR FORCE (1) Nomads, playing one short, certainly had all the luck of the game against Air Force at Wigram, and were very fortunate, particularly over the concluding stages, in not being beaten. Air Force received most of the scoring chances, but poor shooting nullified some great opportunities. Over-eagerness and lack of knowledge of the finer points of the game appear to be Air Force's main trouble. Against Nomads, Mitchell gave the best display, but the other two inside men should improve with more practice at shooting. Of the Nomads van, whose chances were limited, Barnard gave a real captains display and nursed some fine movements along the right flank. Douglas and Cullen also put in some good work, and Wilson was always solid. Both sets of halves and backs worked hard and the keeping was very fair. The teams were:— _ . _ Air Force—J. Higgison: N. Hadnup, D. Anderson; D. Tweedie, W. Todd, T. Waddell; S. O'Brien, W. Mitchell, J. Trlngham, N. Kitto, and K. Willoughby. Nomads—D. A. Mcßae; L. Fleet. R. Wilson; C. Pickup. J. Billcliff, J. McNaughton: M. Barnard, R. Cullen, C. Wilson, E. Douglas. . M For Nomads, Cullen scored, and for Air Force W. Mitchell. Referee: Mr N. Billcliff. SENIOR RESERVE GRADE Air Force 4. Technical Old Boys A 4. Thistle 7, W.M.C. 1. Technical Old Boys B 7, Rangers 1. JUNIOR GRADE Western 6, Marist 3. Celtic 6, Nomads 1. THIRD GRADE \ Nomads 3, Matchless 0. Marist 6, Technical 2. FOURTH GRADE Llnwood 3, Thistle 3. Technical 6, Marist 0. FD?TH GRADE Celtic 2, Nomads 1. Technical 4, Hornby 1. SIXTH GRADE Hornby 5, Linwood 0. St. Albans 2, Marist 2. Technical 3, Thistle 2. Western 2, Celtic 0. SEVENTH GRADE , Hornby 4, Marist B 1. St. Albans 3, Linwood 2. Technical 12, Nomads 0. Celtic 3, Rangers 2. Thistle 6, Marist A 1. ARMY TEAM WINS Flavins against a team from an overseas vessel at Hagley Park on Saturday afternoon, the newly-formed Army Association football team won decisively by 7 goals to lT Harris scored five goals for Army and King two.