WEEK-END RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 245, 11 July 1921, Page 7

WEEK-END RUGBY

PONEKE’S THIRD DEFEAT ATHLETIC BEATEN BY ORIENTAL University, 6; Pontke, 3. Oriental, 11; Athletic, 8. Petone, 21; Berhampore. 6. Marist, 8; Wellington, 3. The chief point of interest about Saturday afternoon’s round of Rugby matches was that Poneke —at one time leading for the championship—suffered their third successive defeat—this time at the hands of University, who were running second to last in the competition. The mutch took, place at the Athletic Park in the presence of a moderate-size crowd. University held the lead throughout both spells, except for an interval of two minutes in tho second half, when Poneke managed to equalise the score. The Red-and-Blacks, who were without the services of C. Tilyard and Hughes, made a poor showing, tho University players proving more than a match for them. The Poneke hacks went, to pieces, Malin, Tunnington, and Christopherson being the only players who showed anything approaching form. B. Algar disappointed his admirers, and more than once when ho received tho ball ho apps-ired to bo at a loss as to what to do with it. Siddells, full-back for University, was in great form, and received an ovation from tho crowd at tho conclusion of the game. Ho gtivo a far better exhibition than any of tho full-backs who figured in last week’s try-out for t]io New Zealand representatives, his work on defence being excellent. Frequently s ho converted defence into attack. Once while Poneko were attacking ho intercepted a pass by an opponent (F. Tilyard), and ended up a run to tho half-way line by kicking to centre. Thia waa typical of his play during tha afternoon. Aitken, Thomas, and Jackson wero also prominent among tho ’Varsity backs. Iho line-kicking on the part of both teams was not up to the usual standard. Athletic and Oriental met. at the Basin Reserve, and tho score just about indicates the respective merits of tho teams, the Black and Whites deserving their win. Wellington put up a better fight than was expected against Marist. At halftime Marist led by 8 points to 3, and on resumption they had at times their work cut out in fending off tho attacks of their opponents. As it was there was no score at all in the second spell. As regards the remaining match, which took place at Petone, the suburban team had no difficulty in decisively defeating Berhampore. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. The position of the teams. at the conclusion of Saturday’s matches was as

UNIVERSITY V. PONEKE. Favoured by a stiff northerly, University assumed the aggressive right from the jump. Poneke were able to clear, and Christopherson started a passing rush, tho ball going through tho hands of all the backs to M'Arthur, who fell over in trying to cut in. F. Tilyard then took up the running, and dribbled into touch. A few seconds later Aitken converted defence into attack by a splendid line-kick. From the lino-out Christopherson let tho University pack get in on the Poneko goal-lint? through failing to field, but tho defenders succeeded in forcing. Tho University backs indulged in a small flutter, but Aitken failed to take a running pass. A penalty to tho Greens saw Scott have an unsuccessful shot at goal. University continued to worry the Red and Blacks, ■ their backs getting in sonic bright work. Trapski saw an opening and passed to Aitken to M'Kay to Jackson, who crossed over and touched down, but was recalled on the ecore of a forward pass. The next sally on thf part of University was more successful, Aitkon, tho last man to receive, scoring ten yards in from the corner. Aitken failed to add the major points. University, 3; Poneke, nil. Poneko paid a return visit to their opponents’ twenty-five, where .M'Kay cut m with pretty effect, only to bo well collared by D. Algar. The Poneke backs then got going, but something happened on each occasion at a critical juncture. Once when 1). Algar got well away ho sant a pass to Tunnington, but the latter missed. Bator the ball swept the chain of tho P-onoks backs till it reached M'Arthur, who bungled and lost. After this University cleared their territory of tho invaders. Tho University backs frequently attacked en masse, but they negatived their efforts by too much crcss-the-ficld passing. What was often missing was a good straight run. Jjckson and Hutchinson started a dangerous movement, and F. Tilyard earned applause by outstripping the latter player and flooring him with the ball. During the course of a haphazard attack University were awarded a penalty, but Scott missed the kick. University commenced to slow down, with tho result that Poneke raised the hopes of their supporters by attacking continuously for quite a spoil, but their work lacked punch. Jackson, whoso shoulder was still giving him trouble, failed to stop a rolling ball, with the result that Tunnington, who had followed up, obtained possession and streaked for tho line Tho University hurdler, however, recovered himself with lightning swiftness and eot out to chase tho Poneko man. Overhauling him near tho line, Jackson threw a splendid tackle and stopped a score.

0n change-over Poneke set out to even up the scores, and early achieved their end. The forwards attacked, and a halt was called through King working over the twenty-five yards mark, and about two yards from the touch-line. He landed a'pretty goal. University, 3; Poneke, 3. No sooner was the ball In motion again, than University set up a hot attack, the suddenness of which paralysed the defenders. Aitken made an excellent opening after running diagonally for about 30 yards, and then cutting in. I'lve yards from the line ho passed to Thomas, who crossed over and touched down near the corner. The try was not converted, Thomas taking the kink. University (J; Poneke, 3. University again attacked, the backs gaining considerable ground in a fast run. Scott, the last man to receive, centred, but Holin stopped th« rush. The Poneke forwards turned ths tables on their opponents, and when within, striking distance J. Shearer made a vreak for the line, only to lie tackled by Dixon. The next incident of note was when Hmg had a penalty kick at goal from a range of 40 yards. It wan a fine attempt, the ball just going outside the posts then Siddells received from a long kick, on his own line, and instead of kicking made a long run and passed to Jackson. The latter player gained still more ground an-1 pusacd back to Siddells, who punted when challenged. It was touch-and-go, but Malin was equal to the occasion, university continuer! to hotly engage tils Poneke defence, their backs giving no quarter Moro than once they went within an ace of scoring. Thomas put iu a good straight run, but lost the ball when tackled The Green forwards earned play over the goal-line, where Poneke wore awarded a penalty, which enabled thorn to clear. University again attacked, and Hutchinson throw away a good chance through running blindly nto the ruck instead of passing. Eventually relief came the way of J’ 0 ™ 11 *- 5 / ceourod and paanerl to B. Algor to M Kay,

who was tackled by Dixon. A loose kick from tho ruck sent tho ball to the University twenty-five. 'The Poneko backs, however, wero incapable of penetrating tho defence, and before long they wore themselves vigorously defending. The wind freshened towards the end of the game, and for the last ten minutes Poneke assumed tho aggressive, University appearing to tire somewhat. Tho work of the Rad and Blacks, however, was slovenly, and Siddells, the defending fullback, had little difficulty in preventing the invaders from crossing his lino. The result was that by tho time the bell sounded no-side University had returned to the attack. Mt. A. C. Kitto was referee. ORIENTAL V. ATHLETIC. There wero about three thousand people at the Busin Reserve to witness the contest between Oriental and Athletic. Tho match was a benefit, injdd of tho funds of the Prhico of Wales Park, and it is thought that tho City Council will gain a considerable sum in tho proceeds of the gate. Tho result of the game (11—8 in favour of Oriental) was, on Saturday’s play, clear indication of the merits of theteams. The Oriental forwards, led by Moffitt, did excellent work. Their weight and cleverness, somewhat nonplussed the Athletic pack. Needless to say, Roberto, at first five-eighth had the eyes of the crowd fastened on him. When he went on to the field ho was forced to peso before two photographers, and was accorded something in the nature of an ovation. He played consistently, but not brilliantly. The game was not very open. The forwards did a huge amount of work, Oriental taking control of the scrums. The Oriental full-back/ Heley, was seen in some fine flashes of brilliance, and was very safe, missing no chance. M'Cabo was not at his best. "Ranji” Wilson settled down to hard work occasionally, and when he did move, did something for his team. Oriental. took matters into their own hands from the outset, and probably would have scored within n very short while, had not Moffitt got offside. Heley cleared a sharp counter-attack with a long kick, and the game livened up in the Blue twenty-five, where Maxwell sent out to Griffiths, who disposed of tho leather to Armstrong on the spot. Armstrong scored the first try, but rntoaed converting by a narrow margin. In the next few minutes Roberts did some good work. But the man who should have received the pass fumbled it, and the Whites took the opportunity. Avery secured the ball on the left wing, and scored a pretty try after beating Brookes badly. Armstrong made no mistake with a difficult kick, making the tally B—o for Oriental. Athletic still had their tail up, and emerged from a series of scrimmages as if a score was on the way, but Wilson, with the ball, did not get far, and a knock-on further retarded matters. From half-way the ball went to Roberts, then it went through a couple of hands, M'Cabo doing notably good work, and back to the five-eighth, who got across—Athletic’s first score. Roberts succeeded with tho kick. As soon as Oriental got going again a knockon spoilt their chances, and Roberts cleared. He followed this with some pretty play, and it wns at just about this time that M'Cabo threw the ball wildly at open air, and nullified a scoring chance. Soon after, Maxwell started something that looked promising, but Hanson missed a pass. Riggs had hard luck in knocking-on as he dropped tho ball. What looked like a White try followed shortly after, but the referee gave a scrum near tho line. After some solid forward work, Oriental got a free kick near tho Blue quarter, and Armstrong added three points before the whistle went for half-time, with the scores: Oriental, 11; Athletic, 5. Athletic took matters in hand after the change over, and after one silly mistake on the part -of the Blues, Roberts got the leather out to the right wing three-quarter, who ecored. The kickfailed. The Athletic passing at this stage was excellent, and it was frequent to seo the ball going through five or six pairs of hands. Oriental had to force pretty soon after this stage, and Athletic again got over the line, where they missed scoring from a free kick. From this until the whistle blew there was no further score for cither side. The first spell provided play that was far more interesting. Mr. Bradley was referee. PETONE V. BERHAMPORE. In the presence of a large number of spectators at the Petone Recreation Ground Petone. met and defeated Berhampore by 21 points to G. The Oval was in excellent condition and tho wind was of little advantage to either side in turn. In the first spell the I'etone forwards had the better of the play, but in the second half —particularly in tho dying stages of tho game—tho Borhamporo van more than held their own. Tho Petone rear division outclassed their less experienced opponents on every occasion. H. Nicholls was the star performer, while M. Nicholls and Ryan were also responsible for some excellent work. From tho outset Petono were aggressive and lost no time in opening up a scoring account. Obtaining possession of tho ball from a scrum in the Borhampore twenty-five, H. Nicholls passed to M. Nicholls, who transferred to Corner, from whom it was passed to Ryan. Hamilton, the last player to receive tho leather, cut. in, and eluding a bunch of opponents scored a brilliant try under tho posts. M. Nicholls added the major points. I'etone, 5; Berhampore, 0. Following upon tho kick-out, Petono again forced the pace, and the forwards carried play into Berhampore territory, where a serum was formed. An infringement on tho part of the Berhamporo wing forward led to Petone being awarded a penalty, and M. Nicholls had no difficulty in goaling. Petone, 8) Berhampore, 0. The home team continued to press, and Berhampore were obliged to seek salvation in a force down. From the kick-out H. Nicholls received the leather, and baffling tho opposition with- a neat "dummy,” potted a goal from a spot 4-0 yards distant from the uprights. Petone, 12; Borhampore, 0. Stimulated into activity by this reverse, Borhampore livened up considerably, nml Walters initiated ft break-away movement in his own twenty-five, and after sprinting a distance punted the ball over tho head of tho Petono full-back. A great race for -possession resulted in Gibson obtaining the ball and touching down. Tho kick at goal failed. Petone, 12; Berhampore 3. Just pofore tho close of the spoil Petone added another try to their total. Securing the ball from a scrum formed about 10 yards from the Berhampore twenty-live line, H. Nicholls set. his Wcks in motion, M. Nicholls. Corner, and Ryan in turn handling it. Thomas, tho winger, accepting a good pass from Ryan, flew across the lino and touched down. No goal resulted. Petone. 15; Borhampore. 3. . . Upon resuming, M. Nicholls received from the kick-off and punted well down, field into the Berhampore tweuty-hye, where a scrum subsequently ensued. The I'etone pack "hooked” the ball, and 11. Nicholls lost no time in transferring it to M Nicholls, who punted ovor tho head of tho full-back. A smart following up by the Petone forwards resulted in Nnnkivell scoring ft good try. the kick at goal failed. Petone. 18; Borhampore, 3. For a spoil tho Berhampore forwards made things lively, but owing to tho excellent defensive work of J . Nicholls their efforts were nullified. They, however, continued, to force matters,' and Malin and Standen initiated a brenk-awnv movement, which was responsible for play being brought to tho Blue twenty-five. Eventually Mathtaßon obtained possession of the father and crossed tho line at tho corner. 0 a tempt nt; goal went wide. Petone, J»; Berhampore, 6. At this stago - • Nicholls received an injury to fils > and for tho remainder of the gallic play* ed at centre three-quarter. In the dy-

ing stages play became very willing, and the referee had occasion to caution a couple of players. Just before tune following upon an interchange of kicking, Ryan secured the ball, side-stepped two players, and punted right across tho field. Riddell, the Petono full-back, raced up tho field and retrieving the ball while still on the run, crossed the line and scored a brilliant try. No goal resulted and the game ended: letone, 21; Borhampore, 6. Mr. L. Simpson carried the whistle.

MARIST V. WELLINGTON. Tho early game at the Park was between Marist and Wellington, tho former team winning by 8 points to J. Tho game was played east and west, neither side having, the advantage or the wind. Play was open, but never attained a very high standard, and tun only really bright incidents were two bursts of good passing bv Marist. Creed scored Marist’s first try? Ho took the ball from a high kick about halfway, and scored between the posts after practically running through tho whole opposing team. Murphy goaled. a-0. l--« next try was Wellington’s. Irom a dribbling rush by the forwards the ball went across to the wing, where bmith secured close to the line, and ran across and scored near tho corner. Tull missed goaling by inches. 5—3. Before halftime Marist scored another try. the half (Toohill) secured from tho scrum and passed to Binning abo , ut J; h ® five mark. Binning registered a pretty run and then passed to Markham, who scored. Murphy missed goaling irom near the touch-line. Marist, 8; Wellington 3. There was no scoring in the second half, which was characterised by verv even play, with the advantage slightly in favour of Marist. The winning side would have done better but for faulty handling. Mr. Moffitt was referee. Junior Championship. Petone (25) defeated Poneke (0). Berhampore 6 Athletic 3. Third Class. Petone defeated Old Boys by 25 points to &ots College G Y.M.C.A. 0. Bowen and Parkes scored for the winners. St. Patrick’s College (16) defeated Athletic (0). Kennedy (2), Keogh, and Aldridge scored tries, Kennedy convertm o Hutt 19 Berhampore 13. Fourth Grade, Berhampore (8) defeated Old Boys (3). Petone 7 Y.M.C.A. 3. Oriental A 23 Athletic 0. Tn* wore scored by Fisher (2), Hepburn, Simmons, Hickey, and Wilkins. Dufty converted one and Corby kicked a goal fiom a “Tqhvyn 20 Wesley 3. Tries f ® r winners wero scored by Rose (-), - 1 * (2), Ottoway, and Thompson. Bridge, converted one try. Fifth Grade. Poneke (ID defeated Oriental (0). St. Patrick's College 8 Scots College 6. Sixth Grade. wSngton S Colleg? drfeated Petone B hponeko^St. o Patrick’s College 0. Seventh Grade, St Patrick’s College 12 Petone 0. Poneke A 19 Scots College 6. WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET SPRINGBOKS. The selectors have picked 22 Pj a y®‘® from whom the fin al ’^ so i lta tive 1 the Springboks on J to trainTho players chosen 8° 1 a 3 S—" <?£“>■ "t ; /AthMic) M Nicliolls (Petone), fl. Hw’ison (Univewityj!’ S - PRIMARY SCHOOL MATCHES Further results of games in the PriSchools competitions are ns folA * Senior A Grade. Trett DU S., 14; Eastern Hutt, 3. Butt . Tries were Terrace. 4*; iviiij-u. v. r °T d nVsimS taS M and Fordham and Nicholl did the goalkicking. the former potting a goal irom l5; Mount Cook, 0. Tries wore scored by Hands, James and M'Leod (2). Tlairds converted onaSenior B Grade. Normal. 25; Marist, 9. . South Wellington, 8; Berhampore, 0. Newtown. 3; Normal. 3. . Tn the Senior B competition Petone District High defeated Petono West by 6 points to nil. Junior Grade. South Wellington, 3; Roseneath, 0. MATCHES IN THE WAIRARAPA. By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Masterton, July 9. Tho Wairarapa Rugby Union fixtures were continued this afternoon. Red btai and Greytown seniors met at Masterton, and a ragged game was won by Greytown by 5 points to 3 after Red Star had had the best of the game In iho first spell, Red Star were attacking nearly all the time, and narrowly missed scores on four or five occasions. Greytown managed to save the position through good handling of the ba I by the backs. Just on the close of the spell, Greytown broke away, and scored a trv which was converted. In the second spell, Greytown started off well with good P assln ,£j U “ h *\ S ’ r ware unable to score. The Red Star forwards then commenced to play 'iith better combination, and dominated t: •nlav for the rest of the game. btars were however, able to score ° n 'y on trv, and tho game ended with the score: Greytown, 5; Red Star, 3. Stars had the better forwards, and Greytown the better backs. _ . Carson, a Red Star back, received serious injury to his leg, and was carrier! off the field in the second halt. At Featherston, Masterton seniors accounted for Featherston seniors by « P Gladstone seniors beat Carterton seniors by 13 pointe to 6. At Grcytown, the Wairarapa junior representatives defeated Bush juniors bv 13 points to 10, after a good game. GAMES IN THE MANAWATU. (Fixah Our Special Correspondent.) Palmerston North, July 'The weather conditions for Saturday’s games were fine, but cold. Owla # ~ family bereavement of ouo of * he ° Boys’ team, tho fixtures Old B? y9 )h „ Jackeytown wan postponed. At tni show grounds, Western United (who are leading for the championship by one point from Jackeytown) were pitted against Kia Toa, and the Folding team tried conclusions with the Diggers. The final score in both matches was 5 points fo 3, a converted try as against a. penaltygoal in each cose. Western United (red; v- Kia lon /blue) —lt was anticipated that the meeting between these fifteens wou.d cause a. keen game, and although the opening proceedings wore somewhat drab operations soon resolved themselves into a keen, hard forward contest. Anytning in the nature of concerted attacking back plav wns conspicuous by its absence but both rear divisions defended well. At half-time no score had been tered. Early in the second halt the reds made the pace «. cracker, and tho blues were caught napping, Sheehan getHiik ovor near th© corner from a rosy forward onslaught. P. M-air with a splendid kick. I lay from this

out was fast, tho scene of operations going from one end of tho field to the other in rapid succession. r lho Blues were awarded a free-kick for an nlfringement just outside the Reds’ 2>to rter mark, and Johnstone’s kick found tVe mark. At the call of time, there was' no further score. Mr. J. Proud controlled the game. . Feilding (yellow) v. U.S.A, (b ue).-lhis game was a fascimile of the other senior fixtures, forward onslaughts and absence of back play being the chief factors. Feilding drew first blood per medium of a penalty-goal kicked by IR‘ a J < L , , 0 Diggers' score was a try obtained by O’Reilly from a forward scramble, Swameon converting. Mr. C. Fraser carne the whistle. z t n Junior— High School J- Gltl BoSS (3). Pohangina (8) v. V', ir . _ Third Grade.—Western United (») v Old Boys (11). AUCKLAND RESULTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, July 10. The match Auckland v. Thames was played here, and the result was p. drew —li all It vras a good, fast game, chieflv forward. The Thames van by spoiling tactics prevented the Ancklan backs from operating Only withir th. last ten minutes the latter 0 to score two tries. At , - cs score was 8 to an( i GrierB?n. 0 TheYrst was converted by For Thames Buchan, Griffen, and - - w?ck scored trios, Tale converting the Auckland defeated Goldfields at Paeroa by 1" points to 11. CHRISTCHURCH, RESULTS, By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, July 10. Maris! s beat ’Varsity by nil; Merivalo beat Old Boys by to 3, Linwood heat Christchurch by H to , Albion beat Sydenham by 40 to n . DUNEDIN MATCHES. By Telegraph-Press Association. Dunedin, July 10Southern beat Dunelin by 12 pmnts to 4; Chalmers beat University bj 1 to 13; Kaikorai drew with Pirates all- Zingari bent 'Varsity L by 2- to 11/ Alhambra beat Union by 9 to ml. MARLBOROUGH V. NELSON. By Telegraph.—Press Association Blenheim, July 10. A Rugby match between Marlborough and Nelson, arranged to assist the se - tion of the combined team to meet the South Africans, was played to-day, a u re-nlted in a win for Marlborough by insulted There wns no score 24 points to nil. inere wuo th. Th. by •“’hJ co.: Byrne also potted a goal. MANAWATU REPRESENTATIVES (From Our Own Correspondent.) Palmerston North, July 9. Tim selectors have chosen the fol owS B Caßcnder, W. Bramwell; filmehan, E. Anderson Manawato against at placo will be toi.en oy

follows P. w. L. D. Pts. Pts. Ch. for agst. pts. Petone 11 10 1 0 202 73 20 Poneko 11 8 8 0 110 55 13 Oriental ... 11 7 4 0 128 114 14 Berh'mpore 11 7 4 0 108 81 14 Athletic ... 11 5 5 1 125 117 11 jlarist O.B. 11 6 1 72 76 9 University 10 3 7 0 88 117 6 Selwyn 10 2 7 1 71 131 5 Wellington 10 0 9 1 41 188 1