RUGBY SURPRISES

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 255, 12 July 1926, Page 8

RUGBY SURPRISES

ATHLETIC DEFEATED BY PONEKE MARIST OVERTHROW PETONE ORIENTAL JUST GET HOME FROM OLD BOYS ■ HUTT AND SELWYN WIN AGAIN With three star players away with the All Blacks in Sydney, and a number laid aside by the prevailing influenza epidemic and casualties, there was a general reshuffling of senior fifteens on Saturday, when all the games were close and several were effected. In the presence of 3000 spectators, Poneke, by virtue of more dashing work by the forwards, lowered Athletic’s colours for the first time this season, Marist, playing bright Rugby, defeated Petone on the suburban ground by two points, and Oriental prevailed over Old Boys at Newtown Park by the same narrow margin. Hutt did well to defeat Berhampore by three points, and Selwyn scored their second victory of the season by defeating Wellington by one point. The weather was ideal for Rugby, and in every instance the games were close and exciting, the widest winning margin being three points. RESULTS AT A GLANCE Poneke (14) beat Athletic (11) Marist (1.2) teat Petone (10) Oriental (8) beat Old Boys (6) Hutt (13) beat Berhampore (10) Selwyn (6) beat Wellington (5)

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE The leading teams are as follow: —

AN EXCITING TUSSLE PONEKE NARROWLY DEFEAT ATHLETIC. In a fast and highly exciting match at Athletic Park, Poncko succeeded in lowering Athletic’s colours for the first time this season. There were a number of alterations in the teams as originally chosen. On the Athletic side Guy replaced Edgar, while Le Comte and 6. Shearer were missing from the Poneke team, their places being taken by D. Algar and Peterson. Poneke had the sun behind them in the first spell, but Athletic had the advantage of the opening exchanges. Warwick net his backs going with a smart whipaway from a scrum, but the passing broke down. The blue and blacks again got going, but Cookson badly mulled a pass. Taylor went close with a great kick from a penalty, the ball falling Just a trifle short. Poneke took a hand on attack, but passing by the backs was pulled up through H. Tilyard badly mulling. Poneke, with the forwards working well, set up a hot attack. In defending the ball came out to Middleton, who attempted to cut in, but was blocked. The red and black forwards gained possession, end Pope, feinting to pass, went over to score a fine try. Middleton converted with a splendid kick, placing Poneke 5 points in the lead. An Athletic rush, with Tyree at the head, gained a lot of ground. Play was fast, but the players seemed overeager, and there was a good deal of kicking up against the opposing forwards. A bright movement by the Athletic backs spelt trouble, but the defence held. The Athletic forwards were getting the ball in the scrum, and Warwick was whipping it out smartly to the men behind him, who were seen in several concerted movements, but the red and black defence, was good. A Poneke forward got offside 1 nt the quarter-mark and Taylor opened Athletic’s scoring account with a beautiful goal. No sooner had play resumed tliqn the Poneke forwards, with J. Shearer, Wilson and Smith nt their head, hammered their way to the Athletic line, where a scrum was formed. The Poneke forwards gave Hargreaves the ball, and the half flashed over to register a clever try. Middleton’s kick flew wide. Athletic then warmed to their work, and they forced the red and blacks back to their lino, Warwick then made a nice opening and passed to Hughes, and the tall forward went over and placed the leather between the posts for Taylor to improve. Poneke at once rushed place to the blue and black ramparts and Middleton had a good chance to add to Poneke’s tally when an Athletic man was penalised close to theposts. The ehot at goal, however, passed outside the upright. Poneke continued to have the advantage for a time, and emart passing between Russell, Middleton, H. Tilyard and Algar looker! dangerous till a high lob pass to tho winger enabled the defence to rally. An exciting and amusing scramble ensued in front of the Athletic goal, the Poneke men making desperate attempts to break through, but their passing was wild. A pot by H. Tilyard rebounded from the blue and black forwards, nnd this enabled Athletic to get out of a hot corner. A bad mull by Gilbert, the Poneke fullback, nearly let Athletic in, but the blue and blacks, as was the case with Poneke, were overanxious and lost their opportunity by reckless' passing. Warwick received a knock and had to be carried off.

In the second spell, Tait came on in Warwick’s place for Athletic, taking the wing-three-quarter position, and at once made his presence felt. Securing at the quarter mark, he bent a man, and made a strong dash for the line, but was well taken by Gilbert. McKay, who was playing half-back, snapped up the leather, but was hurled on to the cornerflag. No sooner had play been resumed than I’oneko got going. Wilson, securing at the quarter mark, broke through with a clear field in front of him, and racing ahead, scored a sensational try, which Middleton failed to improve. The Athletic forwards then staged a sweeping foot rush, which carried the leather from one twenty-five to the other. The following play was fast, but was marked by too much aimless long kicking by the backs. A clever centre by Middleton let the I’oneke forwards right down on the Athletic line, but a pen-'ty-ktek allowed the defenders to clear. The red and blnck forwards were now infusing dash into their play, and they gave the Athletic men some anxious moments. They kept hammering at the lino for some minutes, ami a series ot five yards scrums followed in rapid succession. At last a defender got offside, »nd Middleton landed a gnod goal, pineing Poneke 6 points in the load. The Athletic backs were rearranged, Toylor going rip to five-eighths with wonberg. McDougall, taking a high kick, elected to run. and beat four men before being pulled down. This placed Athlon* on the attack, and they were nearly Tait gave tha badi to Pops but

the big Athletic forward was collared by two Poneke men over the line, amt a force-down was ruled. A smart movement between Tait and McKay saw tho latter stab-punt, but Gilbert marked. Play continued fast and strenuous, and there were frequent delays through casualties, B. Wilson being carried off. The dying stages were brightened^by a smart passing bout, ih which McKay, Taylor, and Tait figured. This took tho ball half the length of the ground, but Poneke at once camo back. Athletic was not done with yet, however, and they had an excellent chance of scoring when Voyce got away, closely attended by Tait, who was unmarked. Voyce, however, passed infield, and the chance was lost." Athletic, not to be denied, kept up the pressure, and a brilliant concerted movement saw Sutton flash over. Taylor failed to convert. With only three points separating the scores, enthusiasm flamed up afresh, and ihere was intense excitement, as Athletic continued to press with vigour. Poneke’s luck was in, however, and they managed to score a well-earned victory, the final scores reading: Ponekn 14 Athletic \ 11 Mr. E. Perry carried tho whistle. BERHAMPORE DEFEATED BY HUTT A NARROW WIN. The fair-sized crowd which assembled at the Hutt Recreation Ground saw a close and exciting contest between Berhampore and Hutt. The sides were very evenly matched, and the scores fluctuated in such a manner that the interest was sustained right up to the final whistle. Hutt deserved their victory, as their backs seized their opportunities better. Right at the start, Berhampore rushed play to the Hutt line, and Armodt crossed, for Biittes to convert. This early reverse appeared to rouse the Hutt players as they infused great dash into their play. An attacking movement was rounded off by Balks dropping a neat goal from the fie.d. The Hutt machine was working well, and a finished piece of passing saw Baumber score between the posts, but a ridiculously easy chance of adding two points to the score was missed. Hutt at once, came back on the attack, and Greer scored, but the kick at goal again failed. The Berhampore forwards then rot going, and only sound defence by tho Hutt backs kept them Fast pli’.V continued in the second spell. Balks the Hutt full-back, was conspicuous for sound defensive work, his fielding and gathering being clean and sure and his kicking well directed. Play was fast and exciting in the closing' stages, a good opening by Renner enabled Shanahan to cross the line for Hutt, bnt the trv was not improved. Just before the final bell. Berhampore pressed home a spirited attack. Goodall scoring a try which was improved. A fast and exciting match, in which the honours lav with Hutt, ended with the scores reading: Hutt ™ Berhampo-e - ,m M. H. P'lcher carried the whistle. ANOTHER WIN FOR SELWYN WELLINGTON BEATEN BY A POINT. Selwyn appear to have reached the end of their long lane of reverses, tor on Saturday they scored their second victory of the season at Newtown Park by defeating Wellington by a single point. The teams were well matched, anil the game was exciting throughout. The Wellington forwards started off so impetuously that three free-kicks wore given against them for offside play in the first few minutes. The Wellington pack secured the ball in tho scrums, but the Selwyn team showed more dash in the loose. Cunningham secured in the centre of the field, and handed on to Morgan, who ran Corless into position. The last-named player outpaced the opposition down the line, and ran round to score in a handy position, from which Morgan converted. A little later a Wellington forward got offside, and Mitchell made no mistake with the kick. The Wellington forwards continued to mar their good work by offside play in the second spell. While taking a mark. Ancell, the Selwyn full-back, was injured in the face, and had to leave tho field. After attacking with spirit for some time, Mitchell placed a good penalty goal for Selwyn from a difficult angle.' Hawkins, the Wellington wing-three-qunrter, received a knock, and had to retire. Selwyn continued to have the ./best of tile exchanges, and the game ended: Selwyn 6 Wellington 5 Mr. J. B. Watson controlled the game. A CLOSE GAME ORIENTAL DEFEAT OLD BOYS BY TWO POINTS. Oriental defeated Old Boys at Newtown Park by 8 points to 6 in n somewhat scraggy game. Old Boys in ’llf second spell improved their first spell showing and were rather unlucky to lo»6. Oriecial kicked off from the

south end and were soon attacking. Play hung in Old Boys’ twenty-five, and from here a forward rush headed by Moffitt brought results, Sly forcing his way over. McNicol made a good but unsuccessful attempt nt goal. Darby ran down the line nnd started another attack; Evans carried on with a nice solo run, but was well grassed by Fitzmaurice. Still the Magpies stuck at it, and at last Moffitt made an openin" which enabled Hepburn to score. Williams kicked a good goal. Halftime sounded with the scores: Oriental 8, Old Boys 0. At half-time Shannon replaced Claridge who had to retire with a sprained ankle. Old Boys from the commencement made things lively. Oriental were defending for the first twe " t F minutes, and but for over-eagerness Old Boys should have scored time and time again. McNicol set his backs m motion but the movement broke down nt McCormick. Bedell, with an excellent line kick, found the line well down, and the whites should have scored. Oriental now livened np, and with one of their characteristic forward rushes set the whites on defence, After * scramble on the line McDonald found the line with a good kick. A penalty for obstruction gare Old Boys a chance, and Taylor landed a goal This gave confidence to Old Boys and they were nearly over, Bedell making a good run. Darby was ruled offside in front of the goal, and Taylor made no mistake. Old Bovs had tlieir opponents defending again, and Taylor spoilt a good chance by working the blind side i^eadI of the open, the ball going,out. Oriental ran out victors by 8 points to fi. Mr. Paton controlled the game. PETONE v. MARIST SUBURBAN TEAM DEFEATED. About 8000 spectators watched Marist defeat Petone at Petone by 12 points to 10. Although it commenced quietly, the game was an exciting one, even if not a very brilliant exposition of tho code. A good kick by Gnffi:n hnd Petone on the defensive,. G. Nicholls affording relief by marking twice >n quick succession. Petone asserted themselves and Cummings, nearly scored. Good kicking by Manet, h^ evCr ,-. abled Marist to return to the attack, and Tohill (who was well tackled by Corner) nearly got over, while Johnson made a good attempt to pot a goal. A Thomas receiving the ball from Wilkinson at halfway, made « “ash in which he outpaced the Marist defenders and scored a brilliant try for IMone. which Spencer failed to concert. Petone 3, Marist <l. Petone repulsed a Marist attack, and profiting from a mistake by Griffin, got to within five yards of Marist’s goal line, where a scram was ordered. The ball came out to Wilkin son. who potted a neat goal. Ipto’l6 7, Marist fl. Murphy headed a Mnrist rush, and Mahoney got over. Murnhy s kick missed. Petone 7. Marist 3 Although G. Nicholls staved oil one Marist rush, they were not to bn denied, their forwards coming back again with ball nt toe. King putting the finishing touches with a good try. S. Bnrrv’s kick being successful, Marist were ahead for the first time. Again the Marist forwards, hended by Murnhv. swarmed downfield. He secured the' ball and potted a fine real just before half-time. Marist 12. Petone 7. The Petone forwards showed better combination at the beginning of .the second half and had Marist defending. Snencer had an unsuccessful pot at goal. Faulty handling of the ball lost Petone a chance of scoring, bnt shortly after Jowell was put in as centre nnd Ryan one the wing, the former dashed over tho line to score. The kick missed. Marist 12. Petone 10. Marist next tonk n turn at attacking, and from now to the end of (he gal-io play was very much un and down field. The game ended; Marist 12. Petone 10. Mr. A. Brown was the referee. SENIOR B GAMES Eastbourne tightened tlieir grip on tho Senior B championship by decisively outplaying Porirua at Athletic Park by 11 points to nil. The Eastbourne backs had pace, and handled the ball really well, many of their passing movements being superior to much of that seen in tho A division. From one of these bright combined movements L. Foley crossed the line, but could not add the extra points. Eastbourne continued to have the best of the exchanges, in the second spell, and tries were added by E Foley and Clark, E. Foley converting the latter’s try. The game, which was all in favour of Eastbourne, ended in a victory by 11 points to nil. Porirua have the material for a good team, but the forwards are too gentle; they should intjise more dash into their play. ' Athletic had a runaway victory over Old Bovs, who could only muster eleven men. The blue and blacks did as they liked, and romped home by 27 points to nil. Training College defeated ’Varsity at Kilbirnie by 11 points to 3. Training College got tho ball from the scrums, and prevented the ’Varsity backs from taking much part in the game. Training College scored three tries, Robbie, who played a good game throughout, being responsible for two, also converting one try. Cormack landed a penalty goal for ’Varsity. LOWER GRADE RESULTS JUNIOR. Oriental (23) beat St. Patrick’s Old Boys (10). Petone (33) beat ’Varsity (7). Berhampore (G) beat ’Varsity B (3). THIRD GRADE. Wellington College (52) beat Onslow , «?A ■ Berhampore played a pointless draw with Karori. Wellington B (26) beat Athletic (3). Oriental (3) beat Old Boys (0). Kaiwarra (29) beat ’Varsity A (3,. Poneke (6) drew with Hutt (6). Taita (17) beat Eastbourne (3).

St. Patrick's B won from Institute by default. St. Patrick's College A 38, Selwyn 0. Marist won by default from Porirua. St. Patrick’s College A 8, Berhampore 0. INTERMEDIATE. Oriental A (13) beat Hutt (9). Gilligan (2) and Baker scored for the winners. Davidson converting two of ths tries. Kaiwarra A (11) beat Old Boys (5). Marist (6) beat Melrose (3). Poneke (19) beat Kaiwarra (3). FOURTH CLASS. Melrose (31) beat Old Boys (ft). Wellington A (30) beat Marist (ft). Petone A (56) beat Wellington College (0). Petone B (8) beat Wellington (3). Johnsonville (10) beat Wellington College (9). FIFTH CLASS. Petone (41) beat Technical College (0). Marist (13) beat Wellington College D (11). St. Patrick’s College (ft) heat Berhampore (0). Wellington College C (9) beat Wellington B (fl). Wellington (0) drew with Athletic (0). Wellington College B (9) beat Wellington A (0). Selwyn (8) beat Johnsonville (0). Old Boys (fi) beat Oriental (3). SIXTH CLASS. Athletic (58) beat Wellington College (0). Institute (32) heat Melrose ,0). Technical College (24) beat Wellington College D (0). Petone (7) beat Wellington College C (6). Oriental (411 beat St. Patrick's College (0). SEVENTH CLASS. Selwyn 129) beat Wellington College E (0). Wellington College B (25) beat Scot’s College (0). Wellington College A (G) beat Technical College (3). St. Patrick’s College (3) beat Wellington. College C (0). Wellington (10) beat Wellington College D (5). Petoae (17) beat Technical College B Oriental (12) beat Hutt Valley High School (0). MARLBOROUGH v. NELSON SECOND HOME.AND-HOME MATCH Br Telkgiiath.—Press Association. Blenheim, July 10. Nelson defeated Marlborough by 13 points to 11 in the second home-and-home match of the season, the visitors turning the tables on the shield province. The Marlborough forwards on the whole were better than the visitors’, but their combination was ragged. The Nelson backs, particularly Snodgrass and Wallace, found the weakness, in the defence. Snodgrass scored two tries and converted one; Wallace made an opening which let Bowers in, Recd converting. For Marlborough L. O’Brien scored two penalties and converted a try by Gill. MAORI TEAM FOR FRANCE WILSON TO REPLACE MATTHEWS - Gisborne, July 10. A. F. Matthews, the Gisborne forward, who was selected in the Maori team to tour France and England, finds it impossible to make arrangements for the tour, and has withdrawn from the team. Captain Pitt, one of the selectors, states that W. Wilson (Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay) has been chosen to take Matthews’s place. . BUSH DISTRICTS Pahiatua, July 10. Matches in the Bush competition resulted: Konini IG, Hamua 9; Pahiatua 15, Mangatainoka 3. BULLER DEFEAT WEST COAST. Westport, July 10. In the first of the home-aud-home Rugby matches of the season played at Victoria Square to-day, Buller defeated the Coast by 17 to 14. The game was keenly contested all the way in the first spell. In a forward rush McNabb scored for Buller, Watson goaling. A little later the All Black, Steel, scored. Nelson goaling, levelling the scores. Passing by McCleary to Nelson, to Steel saw Steel away for another score, the tiy being unconverted. Coast, B—s. Watson broke away, and in a rebound off Goodall, Griffiths gathered in the ball and scored an unconverted try for Buller. B—B. Passing by Griffiths, Davis and Caldwell enabled Caldwell to score an unconverted try. Buller, 11 —8. In the second spell passing from Watson to Griffiths to Davis resulted in the latter scoring for Buller. Buller, 14—8. Further passing by Watson, Griffiths, nnd O’Brien enabled the latter to score. Buller, 17—8. Passing between McCleary, Thomas and Steel saw the All Black score his third try. Coast, 11—17. McCleary, working the blind side of the scrum, got well away, and passed to Reynolds, who scored an unconverted try. Coast, 11 —17. The game continued very keen with the issue in doubt until the finish, Buller winning by the narrow margin of 17 to 14. For the Coast, Steel played right up to top form, and Kinloch, Goodall, Thomas (backs) and Freitae, Hahn, Jameson, and Doherty (forwards) also were very prominent. For Buller, Watson, Davis, Griffiths (backs) and Tunnicliffe, McNeight, O’Neill, and Caldwell played outstandingly.

WAIBARAPA

"Dominion” Special. Carterton, July 10. Saturday’s Wairarapa Rugby results ere as follow:— Senior. —Gladstone 36. Red Star 11; Masterton forfeited to Featherston; Carterton 6, Greytown 6. Junior—Opaki 3, Martinborough 3; Tuhirangi 9, Masterton 8; Old Boys 24, Featherston 8; Greytown forfeited to Carterton. Third Grade.—Carterton 23, Martinborough 0; Masterton 78, Old Boys 0. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. BT TELBGttAPH.—PaBSS ASSOCIATION. Auckland, July 11. Rugby championship: Ponsonby 15, College’ Rifles 9; University 16, Marist 5; Grammar School 14, Grafton 11. NAPIER. Napier, July 11. Senior Rugby matches at Napier and Hastings on Saturday resulted: Hastings 23. M.A.C. 9; Pirates 16. Technical Old Boys 3; Marist 16, High School Old Boys 13. DUNEDIN. Dunedin, July 11. University A 25, Kaikorni 22;. Pirates 14, University B 3; Alhambra 3. Southern 0: Zingari 13, Dunedin 11; Taieri 10, Union 0. Saturday's games practically decide the fate of the banner, University A having a lead of 4 points on their nearest rival. ORDERED OFF. In tho game between Varsity A and Kaikorai McMeiking (Kaikorni and Otago forward) was ordered off for allegedly striking an opponent. NELSON. “Dominion” Special, Nelson, July 10. Senior Rugby games were postponed today in view of the representative match against Marlborough, but a seven-a-side was played at the park. Nelson winning the senior and Richmond the schools' contest. The junior game resulted: Rival 26, Pirates ft. Third grade: College B 14, Y.M.C.A. 6; Wnkatu 18, College A 3; Old Boys 8, Rival 3. CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch, July 11. The following are tho results of Rugby mutches played in Christchurch: Merivale (12) beat Old Boys (3); Albion (9) beat Varsity (G); Christchurch (45) beat Linwood (0). It’s the last quarter that tells at football. Victory demands ' untired muscles and easy-moving joints. A Mustard Bath regularly taken after violent exercise will keep you splendidly fit. —Advt.

’ey rt S « o £ "to ►3 fl £ d Q S OC £ jn %0 C5 to' E tn .2 £ Athletic Varsity 9 9 8 6 1 3 0 fl 147 14.3 59 79 1G 12 Petone 9 6 3 0 190 80 12 Oriental 9 5 3 1 100 07 11 Marist 9 5 4 0 61 7fi 10 Ponoke .... 9 5 i 0 98 99 10