RUGBY CONTESTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 195, 15 May 1922, Page 6

RUGBY CONTESTS

BOTH LEADING TEAMS BEATEN SEVEN TEAMS NOW EQUAL IN POINTS SEVERAL PLAYERS INJURED In perfect weather, the Rugby championship contests were advanced another stage on Saturday, in the presence cf large crowds. Athletic and Oriental, who were leading in the championship table, suffered defeat at the hands of Petone and Poneke. ’Varsity, Marist, Berhampore, and the teams named, are now equal, with four points each. A regrettable feature of Saturday’s matches was the number of somewhat serious accidents. B. Algar, playing for Poneke, had his right shoulder dislocated, and Jeff Nicholls, younger brother of the two All-Black players, sustained a sprained ankle playing for Petone against Athletic. Ryan, the Athletic skipper injured his knee, and De Clifton and Patching, of the Selwyn club, were injured in the head through a collision.

Poneka held the bulk, of popular (support in their match with Oriental, and justified it by defeating them by three tries and a converted try to nil. There was nothing in tho game to arouse enthusiasm among the five thousand spectators who attended at Athletic Park. . There was little attempt at combination on either side. B. Algar had the misfortune to dislocate his shoulder. Matthews,' on the Oriental side, retired .with an Injury to his eye. Tunnington, who scored two triea for Poneke, was the most conspicuous player on the ground. The whistle was constantly blowing. Early in the game Mr. Kitto scotched attempts at rough play, and penalised both teams frequently for breaches of the code. • The Petone-Athletic fixture was productive of a fast, interesting exhibition, and after a hard-fought tussle the suburban fifteen emerged the victors) by 21 points, to 9. The Athletic forward division outclassed the Petone van on practically every occasion, but where back play was concerned the positions were reversed. The Petone combination as a whole was good, but M. Nicholls and Corner will both have to dispense with the habit of cutting in and retaining the ball too long before the back division can hope to reach last year’s standard. "Ginger” and “Doc” Nicholls were frequently seen to advantage, as were also Hamilton and 'Thomas. Cowie plaved a fairly sound game at full-back. The star performer of the day, however, was Brook, the Athletic full-back, . who. saved his team from delicate situations time out of number, and whoso line-kicking was a feature. With the exception of Bullard the remainder of the Athletic rearguard did not impress. Seldom has Kelburn Park held so large a number of Rugby enthusiasts as was the case on Saturday, when Berhampore met Old Boys. They were treated to a fast and open, if towards the end one-sided,' game of football. In the second spell the Berhampore rearguard played havoc with . their opponents, who at critical moments "were not always on the spot to check a rush. Old Boys, however, were sometimes more than -a match for their heavy adversaries in the forwards, but the whole team lacked staying power. Marist Old Boys had an easy vic- . tory over Wellington at Newtown Park. Plav in the. first half was fairly even, Marist gaining a lead of eight points. In the second spell, however, they ran up another fourteen. Wel--1 lington failed to score. The game was fast, and for the most part, open. ’Varsity beat Selwyn at Kilbirnie by 10 points to 3 after a very hard game, in which both teams gave evidence that training had not been neglected. The ’Varsity team was, with the exception of Burns, who is suffering from a bad ankle, the same as last week when Patone were beaten by such a large score. Peacocke, a very useful forward in the Selwyn pack, was unable to play, his place being taken by Rickard, who before the war played for Wellington senity having made no score until well on Selwyn’s side for the most part, ’Varsity having madeno score until well on in the second half, while Selwyn’s score eventuated near the commencement of play. Without a doubt ’Varsity’s backs saved the day, every one distinguishing himself at some part of the game. The forwards, too, did their share, however, and Dighton, Scott, and Mcßae did gome fine work. Both Patchings and de Clifton played good games for Selwyn, and by a coincidence. both were knocked out at the same time, colliding with each other from around the scrum. Eastgate, behind the scrum, also did some very, fine work, his low kicking being especially good. PONEKE DEFEAT ORIENTAL ' BY 14 TO NIL INEFFICIENT ORIENTAL BACKS The teams were :— Oriental.—Full-back, Burton ; threoquarters, Wilson, Riggs, Smith; fiyoeighths, Griffiths, Carroll; half, J. Gilchrist ; wing forward, Gair; forwards, Matthews, Scott, A. Gilchrist, Muir, Moffitt, Brown and King. Poneke—Full-back, J. Tilyard; three-quarters, D. Algar, McArthur, Tunnington; five-eighths, F. Tilyard, B. Algar; half, C. Tilyard; wing, forward King; forwards, Booker, Parsloe, J. Shearer, Calcinai, McDonald, IS. Shearer, and Tynam. Within a few minutes of the kick-oil, Poneke indulged in a bright passing bout. Calcinai secured the ball, and passed to B. Algar, to F. Tilyard, to McArthur, to who used his paco well and scored near the cornier amid great applause. King failed to register the goal. Poneke, 3; Oriental, 0. This incident, of the ball passing from the hands of a forward, right through the back division to the wing

three-quarter, put the spectators in a mighty good humour, as it presaged a fast, open game, in which effective passing was to be a feature. Subse-. ouent events did not justify the anticipation ; it was one of the few pieces of concerted passing in the match, which settled down to a gruelling forward battle. Before the first spell -was half-way through, B. Algar retired with a dislocated right shoulder. King filled the vacancy, and Slater came on, to complete the forwards. There was a tendency to play the man, rather than the ball, but Mr. Kitto squelched it early, by awarding free kicks. The crowd was not slow in commending his prompt action. . Carroll and Smith were often prominent in stopping for-' ward rushes of Poneke, headed by King, Booker. Calcinai, and J. Shearer, while C. Tilvard and McArthur often blocked rushes started by A. Gilchrist, Brown, and Matthews. After some even play in neutral territory, Calcinai secured, but was brought to earth by a diving tackle by Burton. The ball ran lose, and J. Shearer snatched it up and scored, after running a few yards. King’s kick was high and long, but the ball went wide of the posts. PonAe. 6; Oriental, 0. Shortly after the kick out, Oriental rallied, and threw plenty of dash into their work. Wilson, on the wing, who was fed onlv rarely, was making short individual bursts. From one of these he was heading for the line with only J. Tilyard to pass, but tripned when about twenty yards out. Had he been nttende.d, a try was more than probable. The game continued to be fought among the forwards, evidently as the result of a pre-arranged decision. Neither side was attempting to get the ball to the backs, and, in numerous breaches for off-side. Poneke were the worse offenders. From n free kick, eight yards from the half-way, Matthews made a creditable attempt, but distance and direction were lacking. There- were few incidents of note during the remainder of the spell. Once Poneke essayed a passing rush. Tunnington, the most 'useful of the backs, sent the ball to D. Algar. but that player took it off-side. King did a great line kick, from twenty-five to twenty-five. In n struggle in Orientals’ corner, Poneke were awarded a free kick, but King’s kick went wide. Moffitt and Carroll participated in a rush that looked dangerous till D. Algar stopped it with a good line kick. Just before half-time Matthews left the field with an injured eye; Coulter took hia place. Any hopes the spectators had of the game improving in the second half were doomed to disappointment. "What else can we do, but make it a forward < game, against Poneke?” said an Oriental player, during the intermission. "We’re not mad,” he added. Poneke narrowly missed scoring a try, on resuming. Tunnington was tackled across the line, an fell into touch. After a few side-stepping sttfnts by J. Tilyard, McArthur secured the ball from a scrum, forty yards from the line, and, evading three tacklers, made a splendid' opening for F. Tilvard, who scored a try, several defenders misjudging his intention. King kicked an easy goal. Poneke, 11; Oriental, 0. Poneke were frequently penalised. Oriental had an unsuccessful shot at goal, from near half-way. For a long time Oriental were attacking in Poneke’s territory, but solid defence was put up by the three Tilyards and King, the last-named being a thorn in the side of Oriental. J. Gilchrist, Oriental half, was getting the ball from the scrum, but his backs made no use of this advantage. "Keep it in the field,” shouted spetcators as the ball -was kicked into touch with a persistency that annoyed them. Poneke gradually drove their opponents to the twentyfive line. Here was one of the few bright pieces of play in tho second spell. From some loose play, F. Tilyard secured the ball and passed to Tunnington, who dodged past the fullback,- and ecored half-way between t'he posts. No goal resulted. Poneke, 14; Oriental, 0. The desultory forward play continued. There were many "loose heads” in the scrum, and "sacks on the mill.” The game was held up for several minutes, while a pair of knickers were requisitioned. Towards the end, Poneko indulged in a bout of passing, and F. Tilyard got across, but was recalled. The score was unaltered when the full-time boll rang. Five thousand people went home disappointed with the quality, although, on their showing, Poneke deserved their victory. Mr. A. C. Kitto was referee. PETONE 21, BEAT ATHLETIC 9 FAST, INTERESTING GAME The largo crowd who witnessed the trial of strength between Petone and Athletic at the Potono Oval were more than repaid for their attendance. The game, a good portion of which was devoted to forward play, was fast and interesting throughout, and although the suburban fifteen obtained tho verdict by 21 points to 9, they did not have things all to their liking, and experienced difficulty in cracking the Athletic nut. „ . . The teams were: Petono—Oowie, A.

Thomas, Corner, Hamilton, G. L. Nicholls, M. F. Nicholls, H. E. Nicholls, Fitzgerald, Price (captain), Griffen, Lovo, A. Parker, Pole, Wylie, Nankivell.

Athletic—Brook, McCabe, Gibson, Bullard, Hosking, Sutton, Brunsell, McCarhe, Guy, Christie, Duncan, W. Ryan (captain), Parkes, C. Osborne, Goodall. Playing against the sun, Athletic assumed the offensive and forced Petone back to home territory. From a scrum, H. E. Nicholls sent the ball to his brother Mark, but the latter spoilt a promising movement by cutting in. A series of stinging attacks bv the Athletic van were repulsed by M. Nicholls, and Cowie and Fitzgerald changed the venue by punting into the Athletic twenty-five. Love broke away, but was recalled for an infringement, and a scrum was ordered about eight yards from the Athletic goal-line. The Athletic forwards, however, came through with the ball and commenced a dribbling rush, which might have proved dangerous had not Corner marked, ine Petone player essayed to goal, but the hall fell short. The ensuing play was of an up-and-down nature, both sides striving hard to g ain the ascendancy. G. L. Nicholls received an injury to his ankle which necessitated his retirement and his place at centre was taken by Doc Nicholls. The Petone backs got going but on two occasions the movement was frustrated by Brook, the Athletic full-back, who was playing a sound game, and play was carried to the letone twenty-five. Brunsell received the ball from a line-out, and transferred to Sutton, who spoilt tho bout by sending Hosking a bad pass, and the ball went to the forwards. McCabe later had an unsuccessful kick at goal from a penalty. Petone were within an ace of scoring, Griffen, Nankivell, Parker, and Lovo breaking away about midfield and carrying the ball over the Athletic line; McCabe, who seemed to spring from nowhere, very wisely kicked the ball “dead.” Petone were not to be denied, however, and shortly afterwards opened a scoring amount. An opportunity was lost through Corner making a blind pass, and had it not been for the defensive work, of Cowie and H. E. Nicholls, Athletic would have drawn first blood. Play was carried to Athletic territory, and Gibson, retrieving the after it had glanced off the goal-post, rushed behind the line and endeavoured to kick it out of bounds. Hamilton, the winger, snapped it up and .evading the opposition, crossed the line at the corner. M. Nicholls had no luck with the kick. Petone, 3Athletic, 0. At this stage W. Ryan, the Athletic skipper, left the field suffering from an injured knee, and was replaced by Swade, who marked his arrival by registering Athletic s one and only try. From a scrum in the Pet>e twenty-five, H. E. Nicholls obtained the leather and sent it on to his brother, who transferred to Corner. Tho last-named made a foolish cut-in and was grassed from behind, and Sutton, picking up from the ruck, punted high. McArlie and Swade followed up and the movement resulted in the latter crossing the line. McCabe added the major points. Athletic, 5- Petone, 3. For the remainder of the spell the play . was willing, the Athletic forward division working particularly well. The Petone backs engaged in a number of passing bouts, but success did not attend their efforts. Athletic set to it with a will in the second half, and had hard luck in not scoring shortly after resumption. J.etone counter-attacked and after the ball had been handled by the back division a tussle between the two packs ensued close to the Athletic goal, H. Nicholls obtained possession and passed to M. Nicholls who sent on to Corner, the latter crossing the line—a good try. The kick at goal failed. Petone, 6; Athletic, 5. It was noiy obvious that although the Petone forwards were not tho equal of their opponents, their rearguard could be depended upon, and the win was undoubtedly due to the back division of the Petone team. After some fairly even play, Petone again scored, Thomas finishing a spectacular movement, which was initiated bv H. Nicholls. M. Nicholls converted. Petone, 11; Athletic, 5. For a period the play became exciting and on three occasions Athletic almost scored Then Petone took the offensive and a rush by Griffen. Nankivell and Parker resulted in the last-named scoring a good try. M. Nicholls made no mistake with the kick. Petone, 16; Athletic. '6. Attack and counter-at-tack ruled until Petone made a very decisive move which ended in the best trv of the dav being registered. Corner, receiving from a return by Brooks, ran well and passed to Hamilton, who put in a great sprint, and sent the bn 11 on to “Doc” Nicholls in nice time. The last-named made the opening, and passed to Parker, to H. E. Nicholls, to Love, the last-named crossing the line M. Nicholls converted with a rood kick. With two minutes and a half to go tho game became willing and Atnletic made a valiant effort to increase their tally. Play centred around the Petone half, and a colourless Athletic hack movement was in progress when Gibson, who was just about to .be tackled, surprised everybody by kicking an excellent goal from the field, thus making the scores: Petone, 21; Athletic, 9. Mr. J. Moflit was referee. ’VARSITY 10, v. SELWYN 3 A HARD-FOUGHT FIGHT From the commencement of play Jackson, the-’Varsity left-wing, broke away with the ball, and forced his way over the line. Unfortunately he must have lost the ball on the line in his endeavours to push through the Selwvn players, and a scrum five yards out resulted. Selwvn relieved the position bv a ground kick, but a little later Siddells got away. His run was stopped, however, and a free kick was given ’Varsitv for offside. Although in front of the goalposts, nothing resulted from the kick, and Selwyn again got on the attack, after a good mark by Rose. A breakaway by Siddells made things look unpleasant, but a long line kick once. more relieved. A fair amount of kicking about the field brought no advantage to either side, until a good kick bv McLay gave Selwyn an opportunity. At this stage, however, Siddells ran into a scrum and was knocked out. play, being bold up till he was able to continue. Play was brought into the. University twenty-five, McLav showing up very well in the attack. Rose was also doing a great amount of good work. A passing rush. in which Sidclclis took a prominent part, brought play nearer the Selwyn goal, and a free kick given ’Varsitv resulted in a force down. From the kick from the twenty-five Selwyn commenced a combined forward and back rush, and ’Varsity were compelled to force down. Selwyn persisted in tho attack, and wore given a free kick for offside. Mcßrearley took the kick, and Selwyn gained the first score of tho day. Some good saving work by Malfroy, who got away after relieving ’Varsity’s position, nearly resulted in a score. Wogan, with a good kick, which went out at half-way, prevented anv attempt at crossing the lino. The first half ended: Selwyn 3, 'Varsity 0. 'Varsity commenced the attacx in tho second half, and Selwyn were being pushed until' Eastgate, whoso low lino-kicking had been prominent throughout the game, sent tho ball back to about halfway. From a scrum Patching and do Clifton (both Selwyn players) collided, and the game was held up for some time. Both players had to leave the field, nnd Reeves nnd McCallum (a. fifth grade player) camo on as substitute. Aitken andi Jackson'lgot away from the half-way lino (

with a fine bout of passing, but did not score, owing to being forced put. A scrum on the goal-line then gave ’Varsity their chance, and Jackson emerged from a melee with the ball, and pushed himself over the line and scored. The kick nt goal by Aitken was successful. Both sides fought stubbornly for a time and tho last few minutes saw some very good efforts by both teams to score again. At last Murray gained the ball from a line-out, passed to Malfroy, who, with a fine burst of speed, scored -well, but in an awkward position, near the corner post. Notwithstanding the awkward angle, Thomas succeeded in adding the major points. Tho game after this did not lack spirit, and strong efforts were made by Selwyn to evenup the scores, which remained finally: ’Varsity 10, Selwyn 3. Mr. J. A. Fletcher controlled the game. berhamporel4?old BOYS 4 OLD BOYS LACK STAYING POWER Berhampore’s luck was in. in winning the toss. Old Boys kicking off with dazzling sunshine in their faces. From the commencement Berhampore assumed the offensive, and in the first ten minutes wore several times within an ace of scoring ; Old Bovs, however, somewhat luckily managed to clear. Malcolm. Old Bovs, endeavoured to pot a goal, but the hall just fell wide, and shortly afterwards Pickling gave Berhampore four points bv landing a welljudged kick from at least forty yards out. Off-side plav by Old Boy forwards on their twenty-five line gave Hester an easy shot, and he made no mistake. The bright sun now 7 waned., and for the remainder of the spell Old Boys kept their opponents McColl, the Old .Boys’ wing-forward, was always prominent, and. on the day’s play, was tho best forward on the ground. At half-time neither line had been crossed. Old Boys commenced the second spell in dashing stvle. and soon after the kick-off Malcolm’s persistency was rewarded, for he landed a beautiful goal from the field. Old Bovs, with a deficiency of only three points, now plaved with great vigour, but were unable to penetrate the sound Berhampore defence. Their effort had been too great, and from this stage the Berhampore backs completely gained the ascendency, the Old Boys’ defence going to pieces. The final quarterhour saw Hickling (2). Mouatt, Glennie, and Mclleron score tries, while Hester converted one. Tim final score was: Berhampore, 24 ; Old Boys, 4. Gibson, Hanson, and Gray (backs), and Jones, Owen, Fordham, and Barclay in the forwards wore much in evidence for Old Boys, while for Berhampore Hickling, Walters, and Matheson (backs), and Mouatt. McHeron, and Standen. of thp forwards, were all prominent. Owen, Old Boys, received a severe smack on the head towards the close of the second spell, but was able to continue. Mr. R. Evenson was referee. MARIST 22, v? WELLINGTON NIL SUPERIOR COMBINATION OF VICTORS Superior combination, together with fast following up, gained for Marist Old Bovs a decisive victory over Wellington at Newtown Park. For the first five minutes, with Marist playing unhill. the game was very even. Marist. however, soon’opened a scoring account. From a passing rush the ball was sent out to Creed, the Marist wing-three-quarter, who broke away, and got over Tancred did not convert a difficult kick. Wellington now put in some effective work, but dangerous individual efforts wore foiled through lack of sufficient support. Thev also lacked combination and finish. Before half-time Creed was given another chance, and succeeded in crossing the line again. Tancred converted. Half-time sounded with no addition to the score. Marist kept up a constant pressure throughout the second spell, and Wellington, despite sound defence, were unable to check constant onslaughts. W. Mahoney secured two tries. Murphy, and Connop each kicked a goal, while Murphv also converted a try. The game ended: Marist, 22; Selwyn, 0. For Marist, Connon, Troy, and Hopkins in the forwards, and Markham and Creed in the backs plaved good football, while de Castro, Waaka, and the Frater brothers, until both had to leave tho field through injury, were prominent. The Frater brothers were replaced. Mr. A. C. Smart was the referee.

LOWER GRADE COMPETITIONS JUNIOR. Petone secured an easy win over ’Varsity by 43 points to 3. Berhampore 9, Old Boys 0. Marist (6) defeated Selwyn (nil). THIRD GRADE. Petone (15) defeated Y.M.C.A. (10). Berhampore (24) defeated University (6). • Petone defeated Y.M.C.A. by 15 —10. Selwyn (3) defeated Marist (nil). FOURTH GRADE. Berhampore (11) beat Institute (0). Scorers, C. Menzies, S. Menzies, Charles. t Petone obtained the verdict over Old Boys by 26 points to 3. Marist defeated Wesley by 17 points to nil. INTERMEDIATE GRADE. Selwyn defeated Petone by 14 points to 5. For Selwyn, tries were scored by Ottaway (2) and' Jamison, while Guineas converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. Berhampore 8, Wesley 3. Old Boys defeated Step Out by 29 points to' nil. Tries for the winners were scored by Lamason (2), Marchbanks (2), O’Connor (2), Meaker, Paterson, and P. Edwards, one each. O'Conuor converted one try. Poneke defeated Y.M.C.A. by 36 0. Karoriti defeated Technical College Old Boys by 6 points to 3. Guthrie and Hazelwood scored for the winners. FIFTH A GRADE. Petone had an easy victory over Berhampore by 39 points to 3. For tho winners tries were scored by Bird (4), King (2), Carter; Barber, Watt, and Spence. Senior converted two tries, and Allan and Bird one apiece. FIFTH GRADE. Hutt (9) defeated Petone (3). Petone 39, Berhampore 3. Y.M.C.A. beat Upper Hutt, 9 —3. Selwyn (11) beat Oriental (3). Scorers for winners: Knight, Osmond (penalty and converted). Robertson scored for Oriental. Marist and Athletic played a drawn game, the score being three all. SIXTH GRADE. Petone defeated Y.M.C.A. by 6 points to nil. , , Petone beat Y.M.C.A. by 12 —0. SEVENTH GRADE. Y.M.C.A. beat Selwyn, 11—6. GAMES~ELSEWHERE AUCKLAND BY TELEGBAriI—PRESS ASSOCIATION; Auckland, May 14. Ponsonby beat University, 12—9; Marist Brothers beat Eden, 30—0;

Grammar Old Boys beat Newtown, 29—3; College Rifles beat North Shore, 9—o. CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch, May 14. ’Varsity (26) beat Albion (3); Linwood (14) beat Christchurch (3); Marists (30) beat Old Boys (0) ; Merivale (6) beat Sydenham-Lyttelton (5). DUNEDIN Dunedin, May 14. University (17) beat Dunedin (3); University B (11) beat Pirates (6) ; Kaikorai (12) beat Southern (9); Zingari (21) beat Port Chalmers (9); Alhambra (54) beat Union (3). WAIRARAPA By tblegbaph—Special Correspondent. Masterton, May 14. Senior. —Rea Star (14) beat Carterton (6); Masterton (12) beat Featherston (8) ; Greytown (33) beat Tinui (5). Junior. —Red Star (9) beat Pioneer (0); Opaki (43) beat Carterton (5); Mauriceville (19) beat Masterton (0); Greytown (17) beat Dalefield (9). Thirds.—Red Star (14) beat Martinborough (0). N.Z. REFEREES ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL REPORT. The report to be presented at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Referees’ Association this week, states that the balance-sheet shows a credit of £49 13s. lOd. The executive has had several requests from country associations asking that a member be sent to give lectures on the laws of the game, also desiring classification of referees. They fully recognise the difficulties that the smaller associations are up against and as far as possible this matter will receive every possible attention. The executive urge that some steps be taken to give effect to this important question. They suggest that prominent members of the metropolitan associations be sent to the country associations to give lectures on the laws of the game and their interpretations and thereby assist in bringing about the very desirable object for which they were banded together, namely, uniformity in the interpretations of the laws of the game. Referring to the new kicking into touch rule, the report says Advice has been received from the N.Z.R.U. that this rule is to be made general throughout the Dominion. Shortly it is,, that when players are in their own twenty-five they may kick directly into touch; from penalty-kicks, a similar procedure prevails; in a kick outside a player’s own twenty-five the ball must land in the field of play before going into touch. If it does not do so, the ball shall be brought back and thrown into the field of play at a spot opposite where the kicker was when he kicked the ball. Rule 12 (a) applies, but the opposite side may claim to bring the ball back into the field as in (b)—the scrummage.

COMPETITION TABLE Points Points Champ. Team. Played, Won. Lost. Drawn. for. against. points. Athletio ... 3 2 1 0 17 21 4 Oriental ..W 3 2 1 0 23 25 4 Berhampore ... 3 2 1 0 32 11 4 3 2 1 0 52 18 4 ’Varsity ... 3 2 1 0 41 14 4 Poneke .... 3 2 1 0 34 12 4 Petono 3 2 1 # 0 32 40 4 Old Boys ... .... 3 1 2 0 18 46 2 Selwyn ... 3 0 3 0 15 45 0 Wellington . ... 3 0 3 0 9 39 0