RUGBY RIVALS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 294, 6 September 1920, Page 6

RUGBY RIVALS

WELLINGTON MEET AUCKLAND

HOME TEAM RETAIN THE SHIELD j BIG CROWD AT THE PARK \ In the presence ot about 15.000 spectators, including the Prime Minister and other members of Cabinet and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke). Wellington decisively defeated Auckland, the challengers for the Ranfurly Shield, by 20 points to 3 at the Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon. .The weather conditions were ideal, and the turf was in splendid order. Forward olay predominated nnd in this the Wellington pack excelled in tho second half of the gjimc. Auckland played with a light breeze behind them in tho first spell, but faced a daring sun. They held their own fairly well till halftime, and managed to secure tho opening score in tho shape of an unconverted try. They did not maintain the lead for very long, however. Wellington topping their 'score hy dint of a converted, try. Thus at half-time the odds seemed fairly even with the score b to 3 in favour of the home team. Auckland were aggressive in the opening stages of tho second half, but they gradually faded away before the slashing attacks of the Wellington for-wards-ncil her team of backs rendered much service at any stage of the game— and before very long they were a badlybeaten team. Play, although largely confined to the. forwards, was fast and open, the Wellington pack bunching well and playing with better combination and crcncralship than the Aucklandcre. O'Brien, as full-back, stood ud to his task gamely, fielding the ball and Kicking in good style, but the rest or the Auckland backs fought shy of getting down on tho ball in closeups. The result was that tho Wellington forwards added two unconverted tries to their tally, while Auckland seldom crossed the halfway line. In the dying stages of the same Wellington added a converted try and a potted-goal to their total, and the curtain waß rung down on what had developed into a rather tame exhibition. Wellington mostly ?ot the hall from the scrum, but the backs could not get it away before Singe. Auckland's brilliant wing-forward, was down on them. E. Roberts was at the top of his form, displaying great dash and initiative, and M. Nicholls, Wellington's youthful second five-eighth, was another back of outstanding ability. The two full-backs excepted—and they both played well—the remainder of the backß lacked brilliancy on the attack. Standen, o.£ Wellington, seconded Singe as the most prominent forward on the field, and hard on his heels came Arnold, llayward, and Moore, of Auckland, and J. Shearer. Moffllt, and Calciuai, of Wellington. One of the weak pointß of the Wellington team was their pocr tackling. The teams were:— Auckland: J. O'Brien, Nicholson, Badeley, Lucas, Gricrson, Laxon, .Robb, Singe, Arnold, Hamilton, Alexander, ilaywaru, Moore, Campbell, Lomas. Wellington: Malin, Barker, Algar, E. Ryan, M. Nicholls, J. Tilyard, E. Robertß, Calcinai. S. Shearer. J. Shearer, Alointt, Harkness. Price, Standen, Hughes.

From the kick-off after an interchange of forward rushes Siwje turned the tables on Wellington with dramatic BUddenncßS by kicking down field and charging after the ball in company with Alexander. The pair crossed the line with no one to beat, and the crowd held their breath. Alexander fumbled, and before ho had had lime to recover Malin dashed in and forced. Auckland still prcßsed, and Wellington being penalised lladeley had a fruitlcas shot at ooal from a long; way bacK. Malin, who waa fielding the ball with beautiful precision, saved well on two occasions. The Wellington backs indulged in a few pretty flutters, and then met with disaster, ltoss charged through the Wellington pack and delivered a heady punt. Lonias, Hnywnrd, and Campbell came through the breach, and the latter pounced on the leather and touched down, Badelcy failed with the kick. Auckland, 3; Wellington, 0. This reverse put Wellington on their mettle, and the the forwards carried the ball into Auckland territory by a Bcries of short, Biiappy riißhcs. A melee took placo on the Auckland line aim in the face of considerable opposition Ryan bored his way through tho solid phalanx of Aucklanders p.nd ucorcd in a handy position. M. Nichollß made no mlßtake with the kick. Auckland, 3; Wellington. 5, Hall-time arrived without any further score.

Auckland opened up briskly in the second half and it looked as if Wellington were in for a warm session. Twice they came within an ucc or scoring, but later they appeared lo lose their dash, and Wellington commenced to swarm over them. The breeze now freshened considerably to the joy of the home team's supportera. Wellington were petting distinctly the better of the 'game, tho forwards beiug particularly aggressive. 'Tilyard secured a mark from a Bhot delivery from Nicholson, but Nicholls failed with the kick, ltoberts marked, and another shot at goal by Nicholls lollowed, the ball falling short. Fast, oven play among the forwards then set in iu neutral territory. The local backs, However, wero not gettiur; the ball enough, and when they did receive the leather their work lacked sting. At this itago iJarner who had been olt colour right from the start, retired with, an injured leg. J. Nicholls came on in his place and replaced Koberts at half. The latter moved up to tho five-eighths line, while Algar went out to tho wing. Wellington maintained the pressure and another try come their way—play was lying well back, when J. Shearer worked his paßtage through tight scrummage and transferred to .Standcn to Calcinai, who touched down in tho corner with O'Brien hotly challenging him. If. Nicholls missed the kick at goal. Auckland, 3 : Wellington, 8. The Aucklanderß were now fast going to pieces before the stinging attacks of tho home forwards, and before very long Hughes scored in tno corner from a forward scramble. M. Nicholls failed to add the major points. Auckland, 3; Wellington, 11. In the dying stages the ball came from the scrum to J. Nicholls, who beat two or three men, and paßeed to Tilyard, and the latter scored well out, M. Nicholls added the extra polntß. Auckland, i; Wellington, 10. just on the call of time Roberta deftly potted a goal from well outside the twcnty-tlvc line. Aucklnnd, 3; Wellington, 20. Thoro .was no further score. Mr. K. M'Kcnzie <jf Jfasterton, was referee, ' SMOKE CONCEET. Tho Wellington and Auckland representative teams were entertained at a sumke concert on Saturday evening. Dr Newman. M.P., presided, sunported by Mr W Hornig (Wellington) and Mr. Jones (Auckland) Dr. Newman proposed the toast of the Auckland Rugby Union and the toam, coupled with the names of Mr. Jones and Mr. Grieson. Sneaking to the toast. Dr Newman said that tho Rugby game was a good game, and he hoped that next year a brighter code of rulea would be played Mr. Jones thanked the mover for his complimentary remarks, and said that the Wellington Union had been congratulated for Its snorting spirit in altering the Hanfurly Shield competition. Mr. Grieson (captain) mentioned that the game was played in* good spirit. Mr. A. Baylis (Auckland) proposed the toast of the Wellington union and team. Ho congratulated Mr. M'Kensio on hU referceing. Mr. Hornic, in hfs reply, thanked the mover for his kind remarks. Mr. E Koberts (captain of the Wellington team) thanked the managers and tho players for tliH manner in which they had proposed tho toast. He was with Auckland in seeking the new amendments. Mr. W. Perry piopoaed the toast of the' Canterbury Iteferees' Association. Mr. (Joodscr manager of tho Canterbury team, replied and expressed the hope that the WellingtonCanterbury game would be the forerunner of an annual fixture Mr w lirittaiu (Canterbury) proponed the 'toast V! ll !, e ,iy cl , l . in n lon „ ] ,! e f, e . l ' cl;B ' Association. Mr \ l ' «• J )a , 1 , ley ll , n n? Ulnßtoll) responded on behalf of the Wellington lleferees' Association. Mr. A. Griffiths proposed the toast of tho referees (Mr. Pnehe and Mr M'Kcnzie). Both referees replied to the toast. Mr. tr. Frost (Auckland) proposed the toast of Dr. Newman, M.I 1 . Messrs J'Viche and Brooks wero recipients of presentations from the Canterbury Referees in recognition of their success. ■pItIMAUY SCHOOLS' TOURNKY. The teams to represent Uie primary schools in the four districts participatin'" in the 'tournament, which will commence to-morrow, will be chosen from the following players:— Manaivalu: llonberg, Jamieson, Moffatt linker, ltenuett, Allen, Lunn, George ltobbie, Connor, Budd, Mitchell, iiigirs Thompson, Kobinsun, Bamberry, Westwood, Strange, Diedrich, Kvatt, Ormond Wanganui; Taylor, Lints, I'oster, Vernon, i'acknatz, Shaw, Titter (2), Carr Harrison, Crouch, Dabinctl, Derbyshire,'Mobb White, Lowe, Kempton, Coulston,' ¥iummore, Gould.

Wairarapa: Merson Williams (2), Chamberlain, Wilkinson. Watson, Hoee, Ogden Hulrawood, Tiluon, Yates. JXill. ilruntou' Peterson, Kiugi, Gray, Coulter, Boner';' Donald, Jtenall, Stevens. ""1.".,

Wellington; Kicholis, Walls, Oropp K or . ris, Ward, King, Winham, Waitai, Wixon Wunnucott, Fordhani 12), Shannon Clark' Koburtson, Laugtoid, Stewart, Barrett' Filzmaui'ice. '

'i'hc various fixtures for the three days' play havj been drawn as followTuesday, at 3 p.m., at Athletic ParkW'cltiiiL'tou v. WauL'anui, Wairarapa, v Manawntu.

Wednesday, at Pctono; Wanganui v Manawatu, Wellington v. Wairarapa Friday, 3 p.m., at Athletic Park: 'lianawatu v. Wellington, Wanganui v. Wairar»pn.

Tho masters in charge of the Manawatu boys will be Mens™. A. W. Thompson and Bates, whllo Messrs. 11. Miller and W. li. Haskivillc will accompany the boys from tile Wai.-arapa. The Wellington boys havo been licpt, in training and coached by Mr. .J. Lynskey during their fortiiipht's vacnlion, and arc expected to make a food showing against their opponents. The last tournament provided very close contests, the Manawntu boys proving tho winners. Wairarapa, took second place, while Wellington and Wanganui lied for third place. REFEREES AT PLAY. As a "curtain-raiser" to the his n.ateh at the Park the Welliiißton and CanterImrv referees met in rriimdly contest, there was no score in the first spell. In the second half Barrett and llrit.'iin each scored an unconverted try for the visitors, who maintained their lead till well on in the game, when Rrooliß kuchod down for Wellington as the result of a rush started by Darby. It. Paton added the major points. Shortly afterwards, J. Moflitt notched another 1 try for tho homo team, which Paton converted, and the game ended—Wellington, 10; Canterbury, 6. JUNIOR REP. TEAM. The following have been selected to represent Wellington in the junior match to be played against Horowhcnua, as cur-tain-raiser to tho 'Varsity match at Athletic Park on Wednesday:-Full-ba<.'k, Hugh; llireoouartevs, Llnley, Poole, Mahoney; five-eirrhts, Hutchinson, Armstrong; half, Eastgate; wince forward, Patchen; hookers, Guy. Barclay; look, M'Masters; supports. Ctidby, Sullivan; back row, Bennett, Dickens; emergencies, (backs), Roberts Shanahan. Ridgley; forwards. Bond, Oollyer, AiKlcrwn. The team in to practice at Athletic gymnasium to-morrow evening. UNNERSITYTEST MATCH NEW ZEALAND DEFEAT SYDNEY BY 17 TO 9. By Telegraph-Press Association. Christchurch, September 4. The first test match between the NewZealand and Sydney Universities was played to-day on Lancaster Park, in the presence of over 6000 people. Tho game was I'aet and interesting, particularly in tho second half. The first spell -was mostly confined to the forwards, the New Zcalandors being nonplussed by the visitors' thrce-two-three formation, and being beaten in tho scrums. Sydney played with great dash, the backs in particular being prominent. F,arly in the spell Hingst scored. Just on half-time the New Zealand hacks got going, and a pretty piece of play between M'Leod and Fea ended in the latter scoring. Campbell converted.

The second spell was all in favour of the Now Zcalanders. who opened up their play. The firßt .score came to the visitors, Goldsmith scoring an unconverted try. Then M'Leod scored for New Zealand, after a great run from half-way, and a minute later Phillips cot ever, after a-nlce passing rush. A penalty in the Sydney twenty-five enabled Campbell to kick a goal, and then M'Gurcn scored for the visitors. Just on scored again-, the final Bcorcs being; New Zealand, 17; Sydney, 9. The game was a hard one, and there were several injuries, New Zealand losing two men, M'Kcnzie in the. first spell, and Phillips near the ond of the game.

matches" elsewhere

OTAGO (34) T. WANGANUI (9). .By Telegraph—Press Association,. Dunedln, September 4. Tleautiful weather prevailed this nftcrnoon for the match between Wanganui and Otago. which was played at Carlsbrnnk before an attendance of fully 8080 spectators. The game proved somewhat one-sided, the Otago forwards being very much superior to the opposition, and the home team finally won by 34 points to 9. Home time after the kick-off, "Richardson, by fast following np. made an excellent onentng. rrom which l'aterson scored. Crewcs missed the kick at goal. By a loose forward, rush Wanwinul took nlay to tho Otago lino, where Dillon cot across, fic'ott failtng to convert. Otago, 3; Wangaiml, J. Subsequently. Knox scored a try which was converted by Crowes. Otago, 8; Wanganui, 3. After a short spell of even pta-v, Ward ran right across the field, and wade a brilliant"' opening. The return kick .by a. Wanganui back was charged down, and Owlcs, who had been following uu with Ward, scored at the cornel 1 . Edwards's kick missed. Otago, 11 j Wangairul, 5. A few moments later, Paterson initiated a passing rush, which war, carried on by Richardson and CreweH. the last-named Beoring near tho corner. Otago, 14; Wanganui 3. From a scrum M'Lcary snapped up the ball and went round the open side, scoring a »ood solo try. The spell ended 17—3 in favour of Otago. The second half opened with some fast up and down play, and, after some minutes. Bain obtain possession and scored. Turnbull missed the kick at goal. Otago, 20; Wangaivui, 3, Picking up nicely, Owles passed to Joyce, who transferred to Crewcs, enabling the last-named to score behind tho posts. Orewes roared. Olago, 25; Wanganui, 3. A good forward nish by tho visiting forwards saw Otago nußily defending, and Macky cleared with u lucky speculator, but a free-kick to IV'anganui followed, and Bellis made no mistake. Otago, 25; Wanganui, 6. Pntcrnon broke away ou a fast dribble, and fumbling; by Campion and Dillon allowed M'Dougall to score. There was no ."oal. Otago, 28; Wanganui. 6. Tho Wanganui backs indulged in a nice niece of passing, the ball being handled by a number of players, and a pretty movement was ended by Collier scoring behind the posts. Bellis missed the kick at goal Otago. 28; WaiiEanui. 9. Owles next set the Otago team in motion, and a. forward movement ended in Turnbull scoring a try in a good position. M'Dougall failod to goal. Otago. 31; Wanganui, 9. M'Dougall scored just on time, and the game ended: Otago, 34; Wanganui, 9. Mr. O'Leary (South Canterbury) waß referee. '

RTJGBT RULES TO BE AMENDED. A private meeting of Rugby delegates from various parts of the Dominion was held in Wellington at the week-end for the purposo of discussing various proposed amendments to the rules of the game, some of which are already being observed by tho Auckland Union. It is understood that the. delegates decided on a number of amendments on the linos of those in force in the northern province.