ENTER-OLD FRIEND RUGBY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1109, 24 April 1911, Page 7

ENTER-OLD FRIEND RUGBY.

LAST YEAR'S OPEN STRONGLY. TOHAPB TO FIVE PLAYERS. ...... SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Oriental ... .„ 24 Old Boys 0 St. Jamas ... ... 9 Wellington 3 Southern ... ■... 13 College ... 0 Poneke 25 Melrose 0 Petone 11 Athletic 3

"Cry Havoc! And lot slip the dogs of vrarr" Five packs of Rugby war dogs wero let loose against other five on Saturday, and worried each other with more jr less effect. Crowds of them were short 1 of training, and their'intention was frequently a. good deal more deadly than their execution About 3000 faithful followers of Rugby lookc-d on the Park, where Oriental imposed a heavy beating on Old Boys, and a nondescript, sort of Boramble ensued between St, James and Wellington. Other clashes occurred at Miramar, Karori, and Petone. Tho Jlirnn'ar match was a bright one, but the onfall of Melrose on Poucke (at Karori) wiV about as effective as the patter 'of soft oummer rain on a tin roof. Old Boys have evidently not killed themselves with training, ■ and must be rather courageous to appear in public in their present state of unfitness. Yet it was wonderful to notice how they maniaged to keep interest focussed on their tattered fortunes. . How, it is difficult to Bay> but they dill it. From a quiet opening the game developed into a fairly ■vigorous and lively contest—fair considering tho training—and was marked by a quick play of changing circumstances. Sometimes, too, Old Boys extended their opponents surprisingly. They achieved the somewhat difficult feat of keeping mouth's agape over a contest, the result of which was "all Lombard Street to a China orange." Oriental was in every way the superior team. Its backs were eound in defence, and both backs and forwards wero occasionally brilliant in attack. Old Boys' rearguard was outclassed. .The forwards of the team, when they did pull themselves together for an occasional onslaught, wore thrown back again through want of skill. Often they waded in in a spirit of enterprise, but invariably these outbreaks crumbled at the critical moment. Still, futile as they ■wero, they wero repeated from time to time, and it was only towards the fagend of tho gamo that their indifferent "condition" finally fouml them out in the eyes of all. " , . Two players ■ were somewhat seriously injured during the afternoon. A.. Thomas, playing for St. James, received a kick in the faos, and sustained a broken nose. He was assisted, off' the field, and was replaced by I\' Crewes. Soon afterwards Smith, also a member of the St. James team, had the misfortuno to break his arm "near -''the , shoulder. It appears that the St. James man' had. coino into violent collision •with Lambert,'' ono of the Wellington fifteen, whom he had- tackled. . A .number of'players wero temporarily''incapacitated'' during the progress of the games, parti-: cularly in the St. James , v. Wellington contest. • . • ' ' Gilbert (Old Boys) broke'a rib just beforo half-time, but did not discover the nature of his injury until he had played right through the : remaining part of the game. Another player who sustained damage wns D. 'Bridge' (Wellington), who injured his shoulder, ■ and had to leave tho field. . • • • A.n unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of tho first" spell in the Oriental-.Old Boys match. ' Carrad, the Oriental 'full-back, saved smartly in face of a rush of opposition forwards, and ended his effort lying on the ground. 'As he lay he received n swinging kick in tho body from a member of the Old j Boys forward pack. No doubt the latter : was unable to arrest his headlong career Carrad, however, seemed little tho worse for the experience. ■ Interesting games are not looked for at Jliramar, but the fixture out there oh .Saturday was interesting, enough, ami, if i r W i S T? ot;snrprisin S to find .Southern I defeat Victoria" College,. it was an cye•oponer to .find them so very much ■ superior, especially in the backs. -In the 'past .Southern have invariably played a forward game, but, this season, they will make more use of the rearguard, 'which , tias been ■ materially strengthened by tho ■ inclusion of Bradley. For the present some of the backs are "green," but they are already in capital training, and that they are commencing tho season full of enthusiasm was evidenced by tho fact that the president and several other otneers of the club journeyed to Miramar to witness the team's victory. ■ While-playing in the Petone-Athletic 7\fM Pet ?" e , on Saturday, Poole (Athletic) received a rasty cut on the leg. He was assisted off the field, an-1 medically attendod to.

ORIENTAL-OLD BOYS LOSERS SHORT OF.TRAINING. Old Boys were rather out of training. That is tlio-Bame against Oriental summed up. After nttecn minutes of jog-trot, the Oriental pack, with M'Bain in the lead, bore down on their opponents' goal DawBon jus managed to get in a saving kick Checked ,for a moment Oriental recovered and again swept forward, but their opponent rf '' a!'! 1 * nst <"»«r turned tho tables-. The Old Boys rush was stopped none too soon, at the twenty-fiva. Oriental now threw their whole strength into tho attack, and, after sonic confused work Perry slipped over. 3-D, A snort spasm of activity by Old Boys followed, but tho Test of the spell was Oriental's. Bunkenturg crossed the line-carrying several opponents, but was recalled, and then CarTad shots goal from a penalty. 6—o. A couple of attempts were smothered at'the out-at. A third attempt was more successful. Roberts nipped up tho ball in a scramble, and sent a long pass to Murdoch. It was cleverly taken. In his turn Pyle on the wing neatly fielded a pass at long rnngo and slipped over. 9—o. Oriental forwards now took a hand in tho business, and tried passing, but were immediately crumpled up. With their boots they made better play. A spirited rush split the defence, and Kyne grounded the ball beyond, the lino. 12—0. When the ball returned to play a rush by the Old Boys' pack penetrated Oriental territory; but Carrad (full-back) slopped it in gallant style, and Oriental again became aggressive. When the second spell opened Old Boys were exhorted by onlookers to "do things." They laid themselves out to obey the mandate, and started a series of heavy forward rushes. The first was driven in briskly.- Kyiio forced, and got Oriental out of trouble. Tho next move of the attackers \vi\s move complicated. The forwards began well, but ended badly. Their initial impetus carried them close to Hie Oriental line, but tho Tiish was blind. Mixed up in a jumbled mass the Old Boys forwards took to passing. The ball c:ime out to Grace, who ;nnde a break for the corner. Success was in sight, but Grace clung too long to tho ball. When ho did piiss-ho was then wit'iin a couple <,C yards of the line—the ball fouled an opponent, ajul tho opportunity was gone. Tin' superiority of Oriental was even more <n-iilont dining thu remaining play tluin in tho opening spell. A clean passing rush l>y the Oriental backs ended iu Miinlneli getting over. 15-0. I'yle und Roberts wero

jointly responsible for n neat bit of play. The former, playing in rear of a scrummage, fielded the ball and kicked at an an*'le for tEo Old Boys line, and Roberts streaked in and scored. 18-0. Old Boys were now gasping, and run off their less, but Orieutal kent at them, and Perry was the next man over. 21—0. A late episode was an Oriental attack, in which the ball flashed ont to the wmg. Pyle, unable to penetrate at this point, dashed back across the front of the goal, and took a Hying shot, but the ball went .wide, and just afterwards the Oriental backs made a final dash, and Mathcson scored the last try of the clay Oriental, 2t; Old Boys, 0. Mr, H. Card was rcieree.

ST. JAMES-WELLINGTON. ; . RATHER DULL AFFAIR. Bright spots were few and far between in the general drabness which pervaded the contest between St. James and "Wellington. St. James were easily tho better team, both forward and back, but they are not keyed up to ton form yet. The team was unfortunate in losing two men on Saturday, Thomas, full-back, breaking his nose, and Smith, n new five-eighth, breaking his arm. Without M'Kellar, tho Wellington forwards were leaderless, and their backs were not formidable at any stage of the proceedings, although Lambert nindo things awkward: for St. Jnmcs on more than ono occasion by prettily intcrccnting passes. The lirst outstanding point in tho game was a likely-looking attack by the St. James backs, but Young,.wing-three-quar-ter, kicked over tho line, and Wellington torced. Shortly afterwards, from a short throw-in, Manning, who played a dashing game throughout, took the ball neatly, and dived over the lino. 3-0. A willing bid for,honours by Wellington was checked with a pretty tackle by Hikita and the Wellington men had ttvo shots at goal from close range, but' Lambert and lvirkwood, in turn, failed to convert For a brief spell the Wellington smimniers worked willingly, and effectively, but the effort was not sustained, St. James wearing them down and compelling them to force twice in quick succession. Towards the end of a dull spell St. James had matters much their own way, and they scored a pretty try before half-time. Hikita got possession at half-way and sprinted up the touch-line to the 25 flag where, on being blocked, he sent a long pass infield. The ball wont on through three different hands, ending with Hills, who scored under the posts. G—o. ' , ■ Tho second spell was in favour of St. James, their combination being infinitely superior to that of Wellington. Manning added another try for his side, getting over from a forward scramble. fl—o. Wellington's only score was a fine goal-by Lambert from a free kick. .9-3/;' Mr/T: Jolies was referee. ". '' : '

', SOUTHERN-COLLEGE. POOK.STAET, BUT BRIGHT FINISH.. While the match between Southern and College was in its early stages it promised to bo.a dreary affair, but towards tho close, it developed into an interesting contest marked by some bright play among the Snitheni backs. In the iirst half Southern played with tho sun in their eyes, wliiJe.a fairly stiff northerly breeze blew across the, field.'There'was not.a great deal to choose between the teams in this spoil. College commenced vigorously, and Curtayno and Quilliam headed some good forward rushes, that kept their opponents busy, and a capital bout ot pa?sing between the College backs also threatened danger on one occasion. For tho last ten minutes of the spell, however, Southern did all the attacking, and it was only good defensive work by l'oanansa, Ryan, and Fair that kept the Reds out. h. Houlihan was within an ace of scoring, and immediately after \V. Houlihan lost what looked like a score through cuttiiiß in when he should have made use of Bradley nnd Johnson. The second half was all in favour of Southern, ami, after a quarter of an hour's play, K. Houlihan and L. CampMil dribbled to the corner, whore Stevens scored. 3—o. Southern were now Retting tho ball from every scrum, and made frequent usa of their backs. Gallagher, from a scruin at the twonty-Rve, sent the ball ta \V. Houlihan. The latter's pa?s missed Russell, but Bradley caiittjit it on the bounce, and beating two men sent a long pass to M'Donald, who scored. E. Houlihan converted. 8-0. Stainton. College half, met with a mishap at this sta>;o, and exchangsd positions with Ponnsnga. This did not improve matters, and Bradley, after dribbling down to tho posts, easily beat Stainton, and scored a try, which he converted. 13—0. The concluding ten minutes was responsible for a. good run by llorris.oii, tho College winger, and excellent kicking by Mitchell, Southern full-back. Jlr. Thompson was referee.

PONEKE-MELROSE. ONE-SIDED ENCOUNTER. Fonoke ami Melrose met at Karori. It looked I'oneke's game horn the start, and the more the match progressed the less one could be blamed lor inferring that Jlelroso were appearing in a formal sort of way. Within two minutes the Poneke backs were attacking, and for half an hour thereafter Melrose didn't get back to the place they kicked off from. On every shadow of on excuse Tilyard, the hall, presented tho leather to his backs." I'oneke seemed to look upon the ball as their own particular play-thing, and the cltorts of Melrose to take it lrom them were more ponderous than effective. From passing attacks, which were about the only interesting items on the whole programme, Morns, Hyan, and others became very aggressive. Morris deafeated his own good intentions by'an undue anxiety to cuddle the ball; Kyan got over, but was not awarded a score. However, tho game was not old when Elliott wound up a passing rush by scoring near the corner. The try was not converted. Poneke, 3; Melrose, 0. An unexpected occurrence was a Melrose excursion into the land of tho Red and Black. A turbulent mix had got translated into a kind of running scrum from which H. Marshall picked up the ball and booted it with_ sufficient energy to cause I'oneke to force. Melrose persisted in their unusual trespass, b\it to no purpose. Poncko migrated to- the other end of the paddock and took the entertainment with them. A clever opening by the Poneke headpiece (T. Walsh) paved the wny for a score by Elliott; and a fifty-yards gallop by Ryan (who rolled deception, trickiiims, and speed into the one run) provided another try. Walsh converted one of the tries, so at half-time the score was: Poneke, 11; Melrose, 0. I'oneke's first business in the .-econd spell was the increasing of their account by three; Elliott scored. Poneke, 11; Melrose, 0. A creditable attempt by Melroso to score was brought to an end within a couple of yards of the goal-line. Halfway through tho spell Poneke substituted 17 for- H as tho total. Walsh made an irresistible opening in mid-field, sent out a long pass which drifted into the possession of Morris, whose speed enabled him to score. Tilyard, who had been toiling' tremendously, scored the next try. Walsh rnnvertfd it. Poneke, 22; Melrose, 0 Then, slightly against the rules of fullback etiquette, Ctidby scored. And thus the game ended: Poneke. 25; Melrose, 0. Mr, C. Atkinson referecd.

PETDNE-ATHLETIC. FAST AND INTERESTING GAME. 'Hit; first match of the sea.-an on Ihe new Perone ground was I lie best opening gamp Ihiii has been wilnessed in Pγlone for ninny a year. In I lie first spell play wns vigorous n,nd exciting, the back p.iiy being particularly gcntl. Pctono opened with n fino parsing bout, which carried play near to striking distance, and then Nunn secured from the scrum, and sent to M'K<w,ie, to Kiimsden, who raced over. M'Farlane convened. s—o. Athletic then made an onslaught, •lint fouml ,]. liyaii a solid obstacle in tho way. The. (own leani, however, repeated the attack, and a good passing-rush ensued from Kerr to E. Macdcuald, to Eyonsen, to S. Wilson, tlio last-named being grassed by Ramsdeu at the corner. After a fusillade of kicking by the backs, and some wild attempts lo find touch, "Ranji" Wilson headed a rush to Petone territory, and Evensou had two unsuccessful shots. Aston, Hnrdham, and Dent then broke, away with a fine dribble, but were checked by Evensen, who gained ground with a beautiful kick. Petonn now pressed hard, but Athletic worked bravely, and a combined rush brought en a scrum on Petono"s line, where Kensecured, and dashed over. 5—3. The best piece of play in the game took place, when Dent secured from the line-out, whipped out to Nuiin, to Ramsden, who put in nn exciting run, evaded several opponents, and sent on to Jas. Fiyan, who got. over at Ihe corner. M'Farlane made a great kick, but it went wide. 8-3. On resuming after the interval it was discovered that Poole had met with an accident. He was replaced by AVilton. Both teams quietened down (luring this half, and were not so aggressive. There were a good many forward rushes and counter-rushes, but neither team crossed their opponent's line. Athletic made the pace again towards the end, bnt.it yielded nothing. M'Farlane kicked a penalty just two yards iusido the half-way, which brought the score to 11—3. Ramsden, .Tap. Eyan, Dent, and Aston were Petone's best men, and, for Athletic, Evensen, Kerr, "Ranji" Wilson, and Bell shone out. Mr. A. Neilson was the referee. About 500 spectators were present.

OTHER CITY MATCHES. THE JUNIOR GRADE. Wellington Junior ■ scored a comparatively easy win over Pouekc Junior. At half-time they had (i points to the good, and in the second half they ran tho number up to 15 to 0. The score was the result of five tries, credited to S. Hunt, K. Hunt, Miller, Wallis, and Campbell. Among the , Wellington backs are f.omo promising players this year. Campbell, wing-three-quarter, was particularly good, and so were S. Hunt and Gilbert. Oriental and Southern Juniors fought; out a "stubborn game. Just before halftime Hislop, who showed good form throughout as first five-eighths, crossed for Oriental, and notched the only score of the match. St. James met Athletic Junior at Miramar, and defeated them by G points to 3. The scores were the result of tries, those credited to St. James being obtained by Kitto and Dobson, and T. Woodcock crossing for Athletic. Athletic made great efforts to draw level in the second spell, but were successfully prevented by St. James, who, however, would have shown a better sportsman-like spirit had they not dawdled so much towards the finish._ Playing on their home ground, Petone defeated Victoria College by 17 points to nil. . For the winners, G. Togdcn, A. Parker, R. Collier, R. Lindsay, and Hasan each scored a try. One try wns converted by D. Boyd. For Petone, Parker, Boyd, and Collier played well. For the losers, who lacked combination, Bertrand, Daniel), Howie, M'Cormick. Millar, and Nathan, 'did good individual work. Mr. L. Simpson was referee. In a match that was to have been played at Lower Hutt, the home team defaulted to St. John. Mr. C. P. Brockelbank was the appointed referee. Fifth-Class. The St. Patrick's College fifth grade A team defeated Selwyn by 75 points to nil. Scorers for the;winners are too numerous to mention. M'Carthy and Burn were prominent among tho players, who worked well for St. Patrick's College. Mr. R. I'ordyce was the referee. In a match at Petone tho local team defeated St. James by 2G noints to nil. Southgate (2), L. Senior, Davis, Bolton, and Murphy scored tries for the winners. Murphy converted four tries. The winning team showed fine form from kickoff to the call of time. Playing for tho winners, Murphy, Davis, Soulhgato, and L. Senior acquitted themselves well. Elton and Marsh played well for the losers. •U Hutt Park, Melrose defeated Hutt by M points to 11. H. Helliwell did all the scoring for the winners, nnd for the losers Dennehy, Osborne, and Kontley divided thn scoring honours. Both teams shaped well. Mr. J. Slines was the referee. St. Patrick's College A (77Vv. Selwyn (ft). St. Patrick's College B (11) v. Southern (11). Wellington College A (62) v. Oriental(o). Wellington College B HO) v. Poneke (3). Melrose (H) v. Hutt (11).