RUGBY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24867, 6 May 1946, Page 3

RUGBY LEAGUE

SYDENHAM BEATS ADDINGTON VIVIAN CUP SERIES Bright and interesting football marked the first series of games for the Vivian Cup, which opened competitive football in the League code on Saturday. Although play suffered somewhat from start of the season mistakes and over keenness, there was every indication that once the players have settled down a high standard should be reached. Some promising young players turned out, and with most clubs having their share of experienced men, prospects for the season appear- to be particularly bright. At Sydenham Park a good crowd saw the home team gain a narrow victory over the youthful and speedy Addington team after a fast and open game. Addington had the best of the first half, and led by 8 points to 0 at half-time. Half-way through the second spell, however, the speed of the home forwards, assisted by a capable and experienced back line, told against Addington. The scores see-sawed until the* final whistle, Sydenham scoring the winning try shortly before full time. At Hornby, the home team gained an easy wifi, 33 points to 10, against Woorston, and Rakaia beat Linwood, at Rakaia, by 17 points to 3. Addington v. Sydenham The result was in doubt until the final whistle in the match between Addington and Sydenham. With a heavier pack, and with fast and enterprising backs. Addington held a slight advantage until half-way through the second spell, when the forwards began to tire, and offered little protection to the inside backs. At this stage, also, the Sydenham backs were able to combine better, and were ably supported by a set of vigorous forwards .who lasted better than their opponents. The game was marred at times b Y much kicking, but for the most part botti teams played open and attractive football. Several of the tries came from excellent combined movements. M. Noonan. Sydenham breakaway forward,' played an outstanding game and linked up well with his backs. He scored two good tries. In the back line L. Brown, at half, G. Wallace, wing three-quarters, and T. Burton, full-back, played sound games. The Addington inside backs had an excellent understanding. L. Brown and E. Falgar, although harassed in the latter stages by the opposing forwards, were frequently dangerous. Falgar, a young former Canterbury representative, in particular shows every promise of developing into an outstanding player. In the first spell tries were scored for Addington by W. Rowe and Falgar, one of which was converted by D. Yandle. In the second half J Metcalfe, N. Gillmah, and Brown scored tries. Rowe converting one. For Sydenham, tries were scored by Noonan (2). J. Duke (2). and Wallace, Brown converting three. The referee was Mr R. Barbarel. Rakaia v. Linwood Rakaia, strengthtened by the inclusion of two former West Coast players, and several newcomers from the Union code, proved too good for Linwood. The game was played at a fast pace, with Rakaia’s team-work improving as the game progressed. O’Cdnnor. at first five-eighths, was sound, and Wilson, on the wing, showed plenty of speed in scoring two excellent tries Gardiner was the best of a hard-working pack of forwards, while Davison was again prominent with some excellent kicking. Tries 'were scored for Rakaia by Wilson (2) and Gai iner. Davison converted two tries and kicked two penalty goals. For Linwood, a try was scored by Nuttall. The referee was Mr A Hamburger.

Woolston v. Hornby The home team in the match at Hornby had little difficulty in beating Woolston. winning by the handsome margin of 33 points to 10. The game was fast and open, although some promising movements were spoiled by over-eagerness. . E. Lewis, the Hornby five-eighths, showed all hi' former versatility and scored five tries. Other scorers for Hornby were Smith Henry. Davis, and Neale. Lewis and Henry each converted one. and Henry I kicked a penalty goal For Woolston, Wilson and Bateman scored tries, and Dunn and Flewellyn each kicked penalty goals. The referee was Mr B. Vine. LOWER GRADES Senior B.—DallingtorT 6, Rakaia 3; Ricearton 8, Waimairi 0; Christchurch 22. St. Joseph’s 9. ,

Junior.—Christchurch 14, Addington 3; Sydenham 25, Linwood 5. Third l4, Linwood 7; St. Joseph’s 42, Christchurch 0; Riccarton 11, Aranui 7; Hornby 30, Dallington 4; Sydenham 22, Waimairi 5. Schoolboys.—Under Bst 91b: Sydenham 33, Linwood 2. Under 7st 71b: Sydenham 18, Aranui 0. Under 6st 71b: Christchurch B 13. Linwood 5: Riccarton 24, ArsnUi 6; Christchurch A 20, Woolston 0.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL WAKEFIELD TRINITY BEAT WIGAN (N.Z Press Association —Copyright! LONDON, May 5. Wakefield Trinity beat Wigan by 13 points to 12 in the Rugby League Cup final, played at Wembley. Wigan led at half-time by 6 points to 5. The game was played at a cracking pace, and was marred only by the poor kicking of Wakefield Trinity, which snatched victory from Wigan two minutes before the finish when Stott kicked a penalty goal to give Wakefield the lead for the first time in the game. The majority of the spectators came away convinced that Wigan should have won by a wide margin of points. Despite brilliant movements by the Wigan backs, including the New Zealander, C. Nordgren, Yorkshire dourness won the day Nordgren had few chances. He scored a brilliant try from one of them, eluding several opponents. Nordgren on another occasion would have scored a brilliant try but for putting his boot over the touchline when practically unopposed.