RUGBY FOOTBALL SENIOR COMPETITION

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27665, 23 May 1955, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL SENIOR COMPETITION

Christchurch Takes Lead WIN OVER TECHNICAL & ON OVAL

Christchurch and Technical, the two leading teams in the Canterbury Rugby Union's championship, attracted the biggest crowd of the season to Lancaster Park on Saturday, and a win by 17 points to 5 left Christchurch alone at the head of the championship table. Old Boys and University won easily from Sydenham and Belfast, and Albion, Marist, and Linwood all won their games by comfortable margins. At the end of the fifth round of matches points scored are as follows: Christchurch 5, Old Boys 4s. Technical 4, University 3i, Marist 3, Belfast 3. Albion 2, Linwood 2, Sydenham 1, New Brighton 1, Merivale 1, Sunny-side-Spreydon 0. Following are the results of senior grade games played on Saturday:— Christchurch 17, Technical 5. Old Boys 28, Sydenham 8. University 21, Belfast 8. Albion 17, Merivale 6. Marist 23, New Brighton 14. Linwood 14, Sunnyside-Spreydon 8. CHRISTCHURCH'S WIN There were plenty of thrills in” the game between Christchurch and Technical, and the 12-point difference did not represent the merits of the play of the two teams. After the stirring second-spell display given by Old Boys and University the previous week, patrons had possibly expected too much, and there were many who left Lancaster Park at the end of the game disappointed with some of the play by both sides. Christchurch was slightly the better team on the day’s play. It scored three tries to one by Technical, but only one of its tries was a result of a concerted back movement. Two of the tries were opportunist and well finished off. A feature of the game was the big number of stoppages for injuries, mostly minor, although serious enough to cau r e two Technical players—a back and • forward —to leave the, field. Two <>• the Christchurch mainstays, the half-l . K. Allsop, and the full-back, M. Gold, axSo Seriods during which, because of inju ies, tey were not of much use to their side. Many blunders were made in handling, especially by the Technical outside backs, and it was the ability of the Christchurch backs to capitalise on mistakes that gave them victory. The outstanding player in the Christchurch back line was P. Moir, at second five-eighths, who has played consistently well since coming from Wellington two years ago. Moir, who handled expertly all through, made breaks through the centre that should have given his wing three-quarters the overlap had his own good work been carried on. Moir is just as sound on defence as he is when making his straight dashes for the line. On this Same and on his form in previous matches, e is something more than a link in a strong chain. The Scoring The first spell was well advanced before the scoring opened, Gold kicked a penalty goal for obstruction. The Christchurch backs had made good progress with a passing rush which looked likely to pro?u try when P ‘ Logan, the Technical }^J^ ee ‘3 ua ? ers ’ J tackled R - Smlt h. the S^*T c ? urch , wtag ’ just as th e latter 'was about to receive the ball from the centre, h. Vernon. Christchurch did not hold its lead for e . ball from the scrums, the Teehnicrl half-back and five-eighths, &J!3? n £*, r « m^ ed P la y to the Christa serl es of hot attacks by the Technical forwards ended when L. Grenfell scored a try, which T. Jackson converted. Before half-time, how)T e £<S lrte * tch ¥ rch J lgain took the lead by 8 points to 5 when Gold kicked his serond penalty goal from easy range. nerkSi li y Ca k held the advantage for a good J< ri ? d t J? e ®®cond spell, during which J"*.. Logan gave his backs plenty of the fini hJL Logan, beating the Christchurch was wrii ’t7^% 1 ‘ kely J‘l score - bUt he i k P n x. from behind by Moir. " c hntcal kept the pressure on, but misHrt ntU < lnB « by the outside bdeks turned the f,, . vour of Christchurch. From a a ri h?» P i SS J? g C“ h ' ln which Gold placed !Jj£ l 3 rt when he hroke through the neaf't h y e ?o?sen en te SnvVsK ‘1 hand y y ila 0 d d o^s C &pl a iX Christchurch a looae ball and scored wide out I T?a+h fMS tasr^’r?&with' II a 1 „ n ft! a ?° U lS er ’ and he waa Quickly fol’<£XeS y kS:. Centre ' D - TayI °r. Wa whX N^H th i.. the Christchurch left wing, wSrfr h ™» c™ sl stently looking for throueS * >J2 nCe wh . en Vernon broke tnrougn, and he scored in the righthand corner of the field. g <™™ ri l tC i lUrch i WOI 2 b y 17 points (a goal t rles and two penalty goals) to 5 points (a goal from a try). Christchurch Backs Superior

Christchurch full-back, 'M. Gold sc orer this season, « WB i tota J to 36 Points with two penalty goals and a conversion. His plav with out blemish, for he mis°u nce £ ar l y ln the game and was P* a J®“ M hen . B - side-stepped him in the second spell. Generally, however, findJS" h. a iSS y ? tee l £ ’ Rn< L hfilong llne--5!12 helpwi his forwards out of their dlfficutUes. Allsop, at half-back, was ?”JH d “ not _ spectacular, and a wellsubstituted for J. Hotop, came through a h f«”?* credit and linked up well witti.Moir. The centre, Vernon, was well looked after by his opposite number, D. Taylor, but the few chances he had he made the most of and again showed up as a well-balanced footballer with good judgment in passing. The two wing three-quarters. Smith and Osborne, started scratchily, but improved as the game progressed. There were few scoring chances offering for either, and Smith was untiring in his efforts to make his own chances. Smith is as fit as any man playing today, and he may yet improve on his very good form of last year. In the forwards, R. Duff was a tower of strength in line-outs and scrums, and the front-ranker, J. Staines, whose form has been consistently good this year, was one of the best workers on the side. He may'nave to be seriously considered when the representative team is being chosen. M. Logan, at half-back, and J. Waine, first five-eighths, were the only Technical backs to give adequate support to the tigerish forwards. Logan’s passes from the scrum never went astray, and his rushstopping and tackling were well up to standard. Waine was called on to do more than his share .on defence, and many times after he had sent the ball along the line he had the mortifying experience of having to cover up the mistakes in handling of his outside backs. His game was full of merit. At second five-eighths, B. Ford, a lignt-weight, was out of his element, and his poor handling unsettled the backs outside him, all of whom mishandled frequently. Taylor, at centre, made several breaks early in the game that demanded solid tack-, ling, but P. and B. Logan were disappointing. Jackson, at full-back, gained valuable ground with his linerfinders. Although let down rather badly by some of their backs, the Technical forwards played an inspired game until the uneven battle caused them to tire. The team was weakened by the absence of the best forward; N. Teague, who was standing down because of injuries, his place being filled by L. Grenfell, a consistent worker who scored his side’s only try. Rathgen, as breakaway, was always a source of trouble to the Christchurch backs, and his fast following-up, good tackling, and excellent ball control, were features of the game. D. Young.. G. Sibley, and B. Arthur were honest toilers in a fine pack, and it was no fault of the Technical forwards that the side was beaten. Mr K. Noonan was referee. ALBION BEATS MERIVALE More rugged and experienced than its opponents Albion scored a clear-cut win over Merivale in a game that at no stage produced the highlights of Rugby. The Merivale forwards, of whom J. Turner was the best, struggled on pluckily for the full game, but attacks usually broke down before the ball reached the centre-three-quarters. Albion also depended mainly on fast-breaking forwards, although J. Palmer, a five-eighths, was always troublesome when he set off for the line. A. E. Elsom. playing at wingthreequarters, seldom received the ball, but defended soundly. At half-back R. Dyer again played soundly, and W. Heath, at full-back, kicked two penalty goals and converted a try. In the Albion forwards B. Hopping and J. Claridge were

I Merivale’s two wing-threequarters, I. 'Anderson and L. Wilson, both more than

useful players, were not given any scoring chances, and the full-back, K. Burnett, handled well and kicked with judgment. The half-back, R. Watson, did much good work that did not bring results. Supporting Turner in the forwards M. Bourne and D. Fleming did best. In the first spell Heath kicked a penalty . goal and T. Neave scored a try for Albion, Watson scoring a try for Merivale. Palmer and J. Ackland scored tries for Albion in the second spell, Heath converting one and kicking a penalty goal. For Merivale Turner scored a try. Albion won by 17 points (a goal from a try, two tries, and two penalty goals) to 6 points (two tries). Mr L. Kirk was referee. OLD BOYS IN FORM Old Boys were too strong for Sydenham in th - main game at Rugby Park, winning by 28 points (five tries, of which two were converted, and three penalty goals) to 8 (two tries; one converted). Fitter for- I wards and more speed and thrust in the backs were the main factors in the superiority of Old Boys. The play of two of Canterbury’s leading backs—P. B. Vincent, the Old Boys captain, and M. J. Pixon, the Sydenham wing-threequarters—was disappointing. Vincent’s passes too often were misdirected, he occasionally fumbled, and he showed a reluctance to stop dribbling rushes by falling on the ball. Dixon scored a typical opportunist try, but he has not yet regained the vigour that won him an All Black jersey. On Saturday he appeared to be still out of training and frequently he was well behind the play when a team-mate was looking for support or when ‘ an Old Boys attack threatened. The Old Boys forwards paved the way for victory by their fine work in the scrums and their relentless pursuit of the loose ball. Jt was no coincidence that two of, the Old Boys’ tries were scored by forwards from movements started by the backs. M. Hern again played a very fine game, but there were seven other willing workers in this pack. There was not a weak link in the Old Boys backs, and each man at least once in the game cut through the opposition or earned applause for a neat defensive move. R. Wilson, at five-eighths, played I brilliantly at times and showed much of I the tactical sense of his more renowned I brother. , . 1 Vincent was not alone in his reluctance to fall on the ball; his forwards and several of his backs failed in this respect ' on several occasions. The lively Sydenham forwards were beaten at their own game, but their mobility would have carried the day against lesser opposition. They more than held their own in the line-outs and, led by D. Collins, they made some good dribbling rushes. They wilted towards the end, though, and too often failed to sup- ■ port a team-mate who got away on his own. , The Sydenham backs lacked penetration in their orthodox moves, and most of their attacks were individual or opportunist efforts. Against such opposition they were well advised to concentrate on marking their men. R. Bowick, at centre, and. A. A. Jemmett, at five-eighths, were the soundest on defence, but they, too, were left standing by the speed of their opponents. , „ Old Boys’ tries were scored by S. Henderson, R. Blick, G. Knight, G. Roberts, and L. Johnsen. D. Mayo converted two tries and kicked two penalty goals. Henderson took the last two placekicks for Old Boys, and succeeded with one, a penalty about 45 yards out and at quite a wide angle. D. Collins and M. J. Dixon each scored a try for Sydenham, R. Cotton converting dne. The referee was Mr M. Cooper. LINWOOD BEATS SUNNYSIDE In a game that produced few good movements Linwood beat SunnysideSpreydon by 14 points (two tries, one converted, and two penalty goals) to 8 (two tries, one converted). Although the Sunnyside forwards won a good share of the ball, their backs were unable to do anything useful with it, and the defence of the backs and the forwards left something to be desired. The Linwood team did not have to rise to great heights, but there was a disappointing lack of zest in the forwards and of penetration in the backs. Too often the Linwood players failed to pursue an advantage that an opponent’s error gave them. A. Taylor, the Linwood fullback, was the best back on the field. He defended coolly and handled cleanly, but v(as tco ambitious with some of his line D. Wakefield played capably behind the Sunnyside-scrum, but he was seldom supported in his solo bursts. Most of the backs outside him were deficient in tackling, passing and handling, and were un-able-to develop any combination. M. Couch and R. Tabb (Linwood) were the hardest-working of the forwards. O. Birtt was perhaps the best of the Sunnyside forwards. B. Powell and L. Hunter scored tries for Linwoqd. A. Taylor converted one and kicked two penalty goals. N. Wakefield and D. Wakefield each scored a try for Sunnyside, one of which was converted by R. Barnes. BELFAST’S SECOND LOSS * University scored a convincing win when, at the south ground of Lancaster Park, Belfast was soundly beaten by 21 points (five tries and two penalty goals) to 8 (a goal from a try and a penalty goal). At no time did the Belfast backs function with the smoothness of the University line, and it was somewhat surprising that University’s winning margin was not greater. In the line-outs and scrums University was superior, but honours were divided in the rucks, and Belfast, playing its usual hard football, was superior in the loose. Of a solid pack of University forwards, H. Burry, G. Williams, A. Chirnside, and J. Broomfield were perhaps the best. In the Belfast pack there was no harder worker on the field than G. Fechney, who with D. Small and Halligan were the mainstays of the side. The University inside backs, B. Molloy and S. G. Bremner, were too sound a combination for the opposition, and the backs outside them added a thrust that was lacking in the Belfast line. Bremner made ground with tricky runs, and before E. Brown went to mark him he was given every latitude. In the second half, however, he attempted a little too much on his own, and likely back movements failed. R. Wells showed dash at centre. J. Croucher improves vHth every game. Saturday he scored a goed try and cd two penalty goals. His defence, catching, and kicking were excellent. For most of the match Belfast backs had to defend desperately. In this department none stood out more than W Guilford and E. Brown, On attack, howi ever, the line, after flat-footed starts, could not work efficiently. F. Wilson, at ! full-back, was sound, and C. Cassidy also worked hard. For University tries were scored by Broomfield, R. Land. Croucher, G. Gale, and Burry, and Croucher kicked two pen- ' alty goals. For Belfast D. Small scored a ! try, and this was converted by Brown, ’ who also kicked a penalty goal. Mr W. Fright was referee. WIN FOR MARIST • After being three points down, Marist beat New Brighton by 23 points (a goal ' from a try, four tries, a field goal, and a ■ penalty goal) to 14 (a goal from a try and ‘ three penalty goals). ' ! Marist, in the eariy stages, did not function as well as in its previous two games, and New Brighton, playing an open game, ; was quick to capitalise on mistakes. Both packs had considerable difficulty in llne- ’ outs, and there were many instances when . the new rules were not applied to the full. The New Brighton line failed to work as smoothly as that of Marist, 'with the result that New Brighton had to rely mainly u on spoiling tactics to achieve its purpose. ■ McCormick, playing his first game , for Marist this year, did not find his feet until the second half, when he played ex- , ceptionally well. Outside him, M. Far- ; rington, a player of distinct promise, gave a good account of himself. He scored a ' ?£ od . *!? with a Powerful run around the blind, besides kicking a field goal from 40 I yards out. C. A. McDonald, who has . played consistently well this season, continued to improve. J. Douglas, on the . wing, had few opportunities, but he scored ; one good try. At full-back K. C. Stuart 5 played his usual sound game. In the Marist forwards K. F. Meates, after a spell from an injury, showed towards the end of the game that he is not yet fit. D. Ashworth. B. Daliessi, and J. , M. Ryan were the best of the forwards. Although New Brighton’s backs were not very effective, they once moved the length of the field for a fine try. The ?» c 5, of the New Brighton backs was M. Hadley, at full-back. His all-round play was excellent. W. Ear 9 man did little on . att A ck ; hls low tackling checked many I a Marist thrust. e-J 1 ? the forwards M. Harris, who proved i his kicking prowess with two long range pi 6 cl? lty goals ' and Hockl «y were the Tries were scored for Marist bv J. Douglas, M Farrington, C. McDonald B Mann, and D. Ashworth. K. Stuart con- > verted a try, and Farrington potted a goal. For New Brighton W. Earsman > scored a try, converted bv'M. Hadlev, who kicked two penalty goals. M. Harris also kicked a penalty goal. Mr J. P. Malcolm was referee.

LOWER GRADER

Senior Second Division.—Sydenham *5, Papanui High School Old Boys 3; Marist 16, Merivale 3; High School Old Boys 6, Technical Old Boys 6; R.N.ZAJ. 6, Christchurch 0. Junior A.—Linwood 8, University A 3; High School Old Boys A 11, Lyttelton 8; Technical Old Boys 13, Kaiapoi 6; New Brighton 6, Marist 3. Junior B.—Sumner beat University B by default; Albion 9, Sunnyside-Spreydon 8; Marist B 25, R.N.Z.A.F. 3; High School Old Boys B 3, Sydenham B 0. Third Grade.—Christchurch Maoris 38, Albion 3; University 20, Christchurch A 3; Marist 12, Technical Old Boys 11; Udwood 12, High School Old Boys 0. Fourth Grade.—Technical Old Boys 41, Merivale 3; Marist 6, New" Brighton 5; Sunnyside-Spreydon 22, Christchurch 8; Papanui High School Old Boys 24, Lyttelton 5. Fifth Grade.—Albion 39, Sydenham 0; Linwood 17, Merivale 6; Belfast 11, Marist 3. Under 18.—High School Old Boys 31, Technical Old Boys 0; Christchurch 3, Sydenham 0. Under 17.—Sunnyside-Spreydon 10, Technical Old Boys 0; Linwood 17, Christchurch 6; Southbridge 8, High School Old Boys 3. Under 16.—Marist 14, Belfast 12; High School Old Boys A 9, New Brighton 6; Sunnyside-Spreydon 18, High School Old Boys B 0. Under Bst 101b.—Sunnyside-Spreydon 25, Albion B 3; Albion A 25, Linwood A 0; Christchurch 25, Marist B 5; Sydenham 17. High School Old Boys A 3; Belfast beat Merivale by default; Marist A beat Cathedral Grammar by default. Under 7st 71b.—Belfast 14, Albion 6; Rangiora beat High School Old Boys by default; Linwood A 25, Sydenham B 0; Linwood B 12, Marist B 5; Sydenham A 11, Marist A 0; Merivale 25, Papanui High Schorl Old Boys 3. Under 6st 71b.—Merivale 25, Albion 0; New Brighton 11, Marist B 3; Marist A 25, Sydenham A 0; Linwood B 22, Sydenham B 3; Christchurch 24, Sunnyside-Spreydon 5; Linwood A beat Sumner by default. Under sst 101 b A. —Sunnyside-Spreydon 2 a 4 - st - Mary’s 0; Christchurch 0, Merivale A 0; Sydenham A 25, Albion 0; Marist A 12, Linwood A 0. Under sst 101 b B —Linwood B fl. Merivale B 3: Sunhyside-Spreydon C 25. Linwood C 3: Nev/ Brighton B 25. Bryndwr Marist 0« Sunnyside-Spreydon B 3. Lyttelton 3; Marist B 25, Marist C 3; Sydenham B 25. Christchurch B 0. Under sst A.—New Brighton A 3, Linwood A 0: Sunnyside-Spreydon A 3. Kaianoi 0; Riccarton Marist 24, Merivale A 0; Belfast 11. Christchurch A 3; Sydenham 9, Albion A 0. Under Sst B.—Linwood B 15, Bryndwr Marlst 0: Merivale B 3. New Brighton B Albion B heat Christchurch C bv default: ifarist B IS, Sunnyside-Spreydon C 0: Christchurch B 17. St. Albans Marist 0: Sydenham B 3. New Brighton C 0; Sunny-side-Spreydon B 12, Sumner 3. r HURUNUI SUB-UNION RESULTS Results of matches played in the competitions of the Hurunui Rugby SubUnion on Saturday were:— Senior Grade.—Waiau 26, Hanmer fl;

Kaikqura fl, Cui ver den 0;> Cheviot 6, United 3. Junior.—Waiau 13, Cheviot B 8; Kaikoura 10, Culverden 8; Cheviot A 17, United 5. NORTH CANTERBURY SUB-UNION Following were the results of matches played in the North Canterbury SubUnion’s matches on Saturday:— Senior.-r-Ngai -tu Ahuriri 6, Woodend 3; Oxford 20, Rangiora 14; Kowal 11, Glenmark 6; Amberley fl, Ohoka.3. Junior.—Cust 14, Rangiora 0; Kowal 11, Glenmark 8; Loburn a bye. Third Grade.—Oxford 26, Woodend 3; Amberley 9, Ohoka 0. Draw for Saturday Following is the draw for Saturday:— Senior,—Rang v. Ngal (Mr Grant); Ox v. Am ’(MrvSincoCk); Ko v. Wo (Mr Huria); Oh v. Glen (Mr Loffhagen). Junior.—Rang v. Ko (Mr Fulton); Glen v. Lo (Mr Sloss); Cu a bye. Third Grade.—Ox v. Am (Mr Beere), 1.30; Oh v. Wo (Mr Chambers), 1.30. Advt. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES Auckland^—Marist 14, Manukau 12; Ponsonby 38, Navy 17; Northcote 15, Suburbs 9; University 43, Eden 12; Takapuna 16. Papatoetoe 0; Grafton 16, Grammar 6: Otahuhu 16, North Shore 13. Wellington.*—Poneke 16. Marist 9; Wellington College Old Boys 12, Taifti 9; Onslow 29, University 6; Athletic 13. St. Patrick’s Old Boys 0; Oriental 17, Wellington 11; Petone 39, Hutt 6.