RUGBY Opening Matches In Senior Competition

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28253, 15 April 1957, Page 11

RUGBY Opening Matches In Senior Competition

. The Canterbury Rugby Union’s senior champonship began in Christchurch on SaturdayTn perfect Rugby weather. Grounds which had been hard a week ago had benefited from the rain tha“

to* some first class football was seen There wa“a cS^t^st 31 LanCaSter to See

. ° f of the day was the defeat thiPwPj yS A b> Linwood, a team that should do well 15 >ear. Another surprise was the performance 13-11 “-S e ’ SpreydOD “ holdin 8 Technicirto a

Results were:— Technical 13, SunnysideSpreydon 11. Sydenham IS, Albion 3. Christchurch 8, Marist S. Linwood 6, Old Boys 3. Belfast 10, Merivale 6. 3 University 18, New Brighton GOOD GAME The main game on Lancaster Park Oval, between Christchurch and Marist, produced some firstclass football. The game was in doubt until 15 minutes before time, when an inadvertent crosskick gave Christchurch a wonderful opportunity of equalling the scores. A grand kick from .Jr M - Gold gave Christchurch the extra points and won the game by 8 points (a goal from a try and a try) to 6 (a rn try and an P €nal ty goal). The teams were:— Christchurch: M. Gold; R. M Smith (vice-captain), C. Devine. R. Sewell; R. Wainohu, T. George: R. Liddicott; A. Leslie, B. Paipa R. H-Duff (captain), D. Matheson’ K. Orsbourn, J. Staines, J. McKenzie. E. Jones.

Marist: J. G. Cadigan; E. Noonan, C. A. McDonald (vicecaptam), M. D. Hurley; T. F Powell, J. M. Collier; J. M. Stuart; T. E. Longley, N. Orr, J. T. Ryan, K. F. Meates (captain), W. L’Estrange, B. R. Mann, K. J. O’Shannessey, J. M. Le Lievre. In the first half, Hurley and Cadigan had to leave the field and they were replaced by M. O’Brien and P. Leeming, a forward. Collier ’ moved back to full-back and Leeming took Hurley’s place on the wing. Until Hurley and Cadigan left the field, the Marist back line was combining better and making more play than Christchurch. In the reshuffle, however, the Marist line was weakened when Collier, who had made some brilliant breaks at first five-eighths, went to full-back. All the Christchurch backs played well, but no back on the field was the equal of the fullback, Gold. His positional play was perfect, his handling in the face of charging backs and forwards was excellent, and some of his line' kicking earned his side great distance and the applause of the crowd. Most of the play went to Sewell’s wing and he made the most of it. He scored a great wing’s tpr and missed another only by inches. Smith saw little of the ball from set play but, as usual, made his own play with some excellent opportunist breaks. Eut for an unfavourable bounce of the ball from one of his crosskicks. any one of four Christchurch forwards would have scored unopposed. Devine, Marist centre last season, fitted in perfectly into the Christchurch line. ■ He had one or two good runs. It > was unfortunate that he was the i victim of some unnecessarily hard j play from some of his former j team-mates. George and Liddi- 1 cott combined well but were i shaded by the Marist pair, Stuart 1 •nd Collier. The Marist right wing, Noonan, |

began the season by stepping innalti ® mith in Marist’s opening Passing movement, but from that £jrSL On IJ he f °und Uttle to do. McDonald was well-marked by had few °PP°rtuniU- 11 used hls speed to score his sides only try. Purcell made one or two good breaks, but he suffered from the close marking of Wainohu. Collier broke through the Christchurch line several times during his short stay as first-five-eighths, and he gave the line a punch that was lacking later. His one mistake—an unhappy one for him—was his miskick that gave Christchurch the winning try. • J ll6 line-out play was highly interesting. For Christchurch, Matheson and Orsbourn were opposed by the big Marist players Meates, Ryan, and Longley. Marist got the better of the encounter. Meates especially was right in form. O’Shannessey played an excellent game and won the battle for the tight-head strike, and Mann and Le Lievre were always in the thick of the tight play.

Duff and Matheson provided Christchurch backs with the ball from lineouts, and both played hard in the rucks. Staines and McKenzie were two others who were always on the ball, and Orsbourn was seen to good advantage in the loose play. For Christchurch, Gold scored a try and converted a try and Sewell scoredx a try. Marist’s points came from a try by McDonald and a penalty goal from Sewell. Mr W. Fright was referee. Linwood’s Win

5 For so early in the season the : Linwood back line gave an exceli lent exhibition of crisp and sure ■ handling and. as a line, was > superior to Old Boys. Linwood ■ did not manage to score a try, '■ winning by 6 points (two penalty goals) to 3 (a try), but its win ! was well-deserved nevertheless. The teams were:— Linwpod.—B. H. D. J. Stirling, S. T. Conagan, R. A. Spriggs, C. A. ’"Illis, J. A. Turner, N. W. Main (vice-captain), K. B. Trevella (capt.), B. R. Caldwell, C. E. Kerr, D. L. Field, R. J. Tabb, D. F. Couch, A. M. Holland, M. Fearnley. Old Boys.—G. Franks, D. Panckhurst, L. Johnsen, B. Matthews, D. Spicer, A. Pearce, N. S. Roberts (capt.), I. Brown, R. Cockrane, M. Cunningham, G. Mcßae, E. Hern, D. Hattaway, R. Kirkland. Until half way through the second spell, the quality of the backs could not be truly gauged for practically all of the first spell and the first half of the second spell was devoted to solid and uninteresting forward play. The two highlights of the first spell were Old Boys’ only try, scored by Panckhurst after a great run, and the back movement of Linwood which was started on its own twenty-five and travelled the length of the field before being halted only feet away from the goal line.

The second half produced some good back movements from both

tte honour » goin X to

Th® inside back combination of Main, Pearce and Ellis paved the way for Linwood’s success in the began poorly, but soon settled down to throw good passes which Pearce handled well *£ ls impressed more than any other back on the field and the auesmere representative, Dailey, Ptoyed extremely well. Spriggs, on the left-wing, saw most of the play and he narrowly missed a try in the first spell.

Only one of last year’s regular backline played for Old Boys —Johnsen—so that the line was something of an experimental one. With S. K. Henderson, the vice-captain, on the injured list—he has a sprained e—Johnsen, who will probably play full-back this year, was at centre. Young kicked too much and gained little from these kicks out m the second spell he combined effectively with Pearce, who was given a torrid time by quick-breaking Linwood forwards. In the first half there was little to choose between the two .packs but in the second half the Linwood forwards broke through Old Boys lineouts repeatedly and at one stage were completely in control. In Kerr and Field, Linwood have two good lineout forwards. Kerr had a grand duel with the more experienced Cockrane in the hueouts. Tabb was the best of ?‘l 1? e loose forwards. He played brilliantly. He was well supported by Caldwell.

Roberts and G. Mcßae were the best of the Old Boys’ pack in the loose with Roberts, as usual, first class on cover defence. Cochrane jumped beautifully for most of the game. Hern played his usual “ a *i d and with Cunningham and Kirkland gave Young good service from the rucks. Old Boys’ try came after 12 Play in the first half when Pankhurst fielded a fly kick p racad . abo . ut , 4o yards to score. Dailey tackled him just short of the line but his Impetus carried wS 1 ! °^ r v ? fter 20 minutes Caldwell kicked a penalty goal and rt,^nJ e R eated this ' toom a more d S risht on ha Jf tone. Mr G. P. Thomas was referee. UNIVERSITY WINS Last year’s championship winner, University, was too fast for New Brighton, and won by 18 points (three goals from tries and one try) to 3 (one try) at Rawhiti Domain. University played enterprising football throughout, and gave its speedy backs plenty of chances. New Brighton played a negative game. The game was marred by many long and indecisive rucks. The teams were:—

University: B. Dineen; J. Croucher, C. Keenan, J. Tapsell; P. Hutchinson, S. Bremner; B. Molloy; J. Williams, R. Moffatt, R. Hockley, H. Walker, J. Broomfield, N. Falloon, J. Creighton, G. Loveridge.

New Brighton: M. Hadley W Earsman, G. Bolton, B. Boland; IC Logan, R. Flaus; B. Barron* H. Burry, E. Carbines. R. Nixon, M. Harris, M. Duke, R. Goodman, C. Browne, K. Wilson. University attacked from the outset and was rewarded within eight minutes when Molloy made a tricky run and passed to Bremner, who scored between the posts after dodging several defenders. Dineen converted easily. Further points came when Hutchinson received in a passing movement and ran diagonally to score -in a handy position. Dineen converted.

Hutchinson thrilled the crowd in the second half with two runaway tries, scored from the halfway line in each case. He was too fast <for the defence. Dineen converted the first of these. Just before the end of the match the b{ew Brighton captain, Burry, scored a try after a forward scrimmage on the line. The best of the New backs was Hadley, who was safe throughout. In the forwards, Harris and Nixon jumped well in the line-outs, but the pack as a whole was'mastered by the lighter University eight. The team was without a goal-kicker, and two simple attempts were missed by Flaus.

The University back line functioned smoothly, with Bremner, Hutchinson, and Croucher being most impressive. Hockley and Loveridge played well in the lineouts for University, and Moffatt was outstanding in the loose and on cover defence. Falloon played well in his first .senior game.

Creighton gained eight tight heads, and conceded none. { The referee was Mr F. Goodman. . SUNNYSIDE-SPREYDON PLAYS [ WELL ■ Sunnyside-Spreydon surprised ■ by its fine fighting display against the heavier and more experienced Technical team which won narrowly by 13 points to 11 in the early match at Rugby Park. For ■ quite a part of the match it looked i as if Sunnyside would win. When Technical was playing ragged Rugby at the beginning, the combined side went to a lead of 8-0; at half-time the score was 8-8; Sunnyside again took the lead at 11-8 shortly after the resumption; and it was only in the second part of the half that Technical really gained the initiative. The teams were:— Technical Old Boys’.—T. Jackson; B. Logan, D. Taylor, I. Pickering; R. Logan, K. Howison; D. Mathews; B. Arthur; B. Nunan, N. Teague (captain), L. Grenfell, M. Whittaker; G. Sibley, D. Young, J. Smith. Sunnyside-Spreydon.—J. White; A. Olliver, B. Owens, B. Readman; P. Taitoko, V. Sykes; I. Richards; I. Hoe; D. Woods A. Kendrew, L. Stuart (captain)’, K. Bartlett; R. Waller, R. Stuthridge, G. Kendrew. With many new players Sunnyside seemed a much improved team, especially in tackling. Technical, although it had several opportunities, was unable to make any headway for a long time against a strong defence. The combined team is still a light one but very fit and it went about the match with a great deal ; of purpose. The forwards, well , outweighted, made up for that by their fire and dash. Kendrew, in ; particular, stood out frequently and Woods and Hoe, until he went off were other good members of , a keen pack. ( Lacking in backs for some seasons, Sunnyside seems to have improved also in this direction with Sykes, Taitoko and Richards imparting a thrust that gave Tech- . nical some bother. Technical did not reach its best until late in the game and it could not have been a very satisfactory win from its point of view. Two ) of the best wing-three-quarters in . the competition, Logan and Pick- J

ering, did not get the chances they might have, but they were often successful, in making their own play. Pickering scored a fine try

when he kicked over the opposing full-back’s head and followed up. The Technical forwards should have been better than they were but in spite of that Sibley was at times brilliant and always up with play. Teague was a good leader.

Tries were scored for Technical by B. Logan, Pickering and Taylor. Jackson converted two tries. Hoe scored for Sunnyside and Woods converted the try and kicked two penalty goals. Mr L. S. Kirk was referee. SYDENHAM BEGINS WELL

Sydenham began the season well with good all-round play and admirable combination betwen backs and forwards when

it beat Albion by 16 points to 3 at Rugby Park. Fit forwards were in grand form and they gave their backs plenty of chances to keep the side on attack.

The Albion pack was shaded enough to' deprive the backs of the possession that their opponents enjoyed. When the line did get the ball some hesitancy and slowness among the inside men allowed tacklers to be right up to smother movements. Much of the interest was in the performances of the threequarters, M. J. Dixon (Sydenham) and A. E. G. Elsom

(Albion). Dixon looked very competent and he got the most chances. His continual covering up was a noticeable feature. Elsom, on the other hand, lacked the ball although he showed his usual speed in racing to keep up with play, and his tackling was deadly. The teams were:— Sydenham. —M. Gowans; J. Squibb, R. Bowick, M .J. Dixon (captain); J. Le Comte, R. Cotton; M. F. Whitta; G. Smith, J. Moorhead, B. Wilson, B. Mason, T. Bisman; A. White, D Collins, H J. Fox. Albion. —N. Edgington; P. Lennon, A. Elsom (captain), T. Neave; J. Ackland, K. Morrison; R. Dyer; W. Garlick, B. Hopping, K. Kidd, T. Carlyon, D. Neilson; W. Rawiri, S. Robinson, H. Garlick.

Most credit for the win must go to the Sydenham forwards who kept forcing throughout. They got a major share of the ball from lineouts an ’ rucks and at times indulged in some very fine short passing. Whitta had a grand day at half-back with neat passes and well-placed kicks. Outside him, Cotton was also in good form, his elusiveness complementing his intelligent tactics. He scored two tries, one of them at the end when he moved past many opponents.

Even , though they were overshadowed, the Albion forwards put up stiff opposition. Their

main fault lay in allowing themselves to be broken up. H. Garlick set an example by his tenacious tight play and Hopping was, as usual, a fit and clever loose . forward, often leading rushes with the ball at his toe. Outstanding among the backs was Edgington, at full-back. In a difficult game he handled surely and kicked long and accurately to touch. The inside backs did not combine well enough to provide opportunities of which Elsom might have made good use. Tries were scored for Sydenham by Cotton (2) and Le Comte. Gowans converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. Edgington kicked a penalty goal for Albion. Mr R. E. Empson was referee. CLOSE SCORING GAME Not many thrills were provided in the Belfast-Merivale game; but interest was maintained to the finish because of the closeness of the scores and the strenuous efforts in the closing stages. Following were the teams:

Belfast.—F. Wilson. A. Alexander, C. Cassidy, L. Barr; G. Cosgrove, L. Odgers; R. Odgers; L. Halligan, B. Rogers, T. Gilmore, G. Fechney, S. Tunstall, G. Don, L. Reeves, G. Telfer.

Merivale.—S. Hawthorne; I. Anderson, H. Parana, O. Burnett; R. Wilson, T. Davies; R. Watson; D. Skelton, C. Birkett, B. Turner, L. Luff, J. Thompson, D. Elmers, B. Cantwell, M. Drury. Playing with the advantage of a strong easterly wind Belfast had the better of the opening stages and a misdirected kick by a Merivale back gave a Belfast forward, Rogers, a try, which Wilson converted.

Merivale scored the next points when Watson, the half-back, sent out a smart pass to Davis, who cross-kicked for Anderson to take the ball on the full and score at the corner. At half-time Belfast led by 5 points to 3.

Early in the second spell Merivale. took the lead when a smart cut-in by G. Parana made an opening for Anderson, who scored his second try. Merivale, now playing with th£ wind, had a territorial advantage, but it tired against the more rugged Belfast forwards, and Barr made a good dash before sending infield to the forwards for Fechney to score. Wilson converted.

Both teams will improve on their opening displays, which revealed a lack of understanding by the backs and a lack of condition in some of the heavier forwards. Belfast owed much of its success to excellent play by F. Wilson at full-back. R. Odgers and L. Odgers, at half-back^and first fiveeighths, were other mainstays of a team that did not make the most of its chances. In the forwards B. Rogers, G. Fechney and L. Halligan played honestly, If the passing by the Merivale backs was not so crisp as could have been wished it showed a desire to open up the game and play bright football. Watson, at half-back, got plenty of the ball, often accompanied by the Belfast forwards, and he playeri a fine game against odds. Th< passing by the other backs was usually slow and lobbed and seldom reached the wing three-quarters Anderson, who, with limited chances, scored two good tries. With keen attention to practice Merivale may develop a combination which will bring results later in the year. Belfast won by 10 points (two goals from tries) to 6 points (two tries). Mr K. Noonan was referee.

lVominations For All Blacks (New Zealand Press Association) T HAMILTON, April 14 i JX. an Kurtovich, former Waikato, Thames Valley, and Taranaki representative, has been appointed assistant coach to Mr W. D. Corby by the Waikato Rugby Union. He was nominated by Mr Corby The following Waikato players were nominated for the All B Clarke, lan Clarke, A. R. Reic? R c Hemi, M. J. McDonald, B. ’A. C Cowley E. A. Pickering, A. Hayes, G. P. Nola, J. R. Carroll, and J. T. Graham.

Results In Other Centres

Auckland.—Takapuna 13, Ponsonby 5: Grammar Old Boys 14 Manukau 8: Otahuhu 22, North Shore 12;" Un “ ve . rsi ‘V. 21, College Hifles 0; NorthSuburbs 12; Marist Old Boys 2v, Eden 3.