EXCITING RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 190, 14 May 1928, Page 7

EXCITING RUGBY

ORIENTAL LOWER OLD BOYS’ COLOURS

PETONE HEAD MARIST BY ONE POINT

ATHLETIC OUTPOINT BERHAMPORE IN SPIRITED CONTEST

That the teams in the Senior A championship competition are very evenly matched this season was clear from the many close and exciting battles which were waged on Saturday afternoon, when further surprises were met \vith. Five thousand spectators at Athletic Park witnessed an exciting contest between the unbeaten teams, Old Boys and Oriental, which saw victory go to the latter by four points by reason of sounder defensive work. On Petone Oval the match between Marist and Petone was in doubt right up to the last minute. At Newtown Park Athletic beat Berhampore by two points. University outplayed Wellington, while Poneke proved too strong for Eastbourne. Oriental and Poneke are thus the only teams who have won all their matches. Though conditions were ideal for Rugby, much faulty andling by the backs was again in evidence, and the dearth of inside backs who can make openings by initiative was very noticeable.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE Oriental (10) beat Old Boys (6). Athletic (9) beat Berhampore (7). Petone (13) beat Marist (12). University (15) beat Wellington (3). Poneke (19) beat Eastbourne (3).

DOWNFALL OF THE CHAMPIONS

ORIENTAL DEFEAT OLD BOYS BY A POTTED GOAL.

Five thousand people ‘at Athletic Park saw Oriental defeat Old Boys by the margin of a potted goal. The deadly tackling of the Oriental team was so effective that Old Boys were so hurried and bustled that they never properly functioned, and only managed to score one try. during the afternoon. _ This was all the more surprising in view of the fact that Old Boys secured the ball with monotonous regularity from the serums. With the scores standing at 6 points all, McNicol placed Oriental ahead by dropping a beautiful goal with the left foot from midway between the centre and quarter-mark. Though Old Boys strove desperately hard during the last twenty minutes to retrieve the position, and swarmed on the Oriental line for most of that time, desperate defensive work by the White and Black team kept their line intact. The teams were constituted as under: — Oriental (black and white) : Spalding ; Townshend, Paeknatz, Walker; Davies. McNicol; Chambers; Hill; Lincoln, R. Smith. Pinkerton, Graham, Williams. H. Smith. Fox. Old Boys (white): Malcolm; Wylie, Grenfell, 11. Lamason; Wixon, McDonald; Du Chateau; J. Lnmason; Claridge, Reynolds, Emerson, Preston, Jones, Meadows, McPherson. Though Old Boys had the advantage of a light northerly breeze and a bright sun behind them, they could make little headway during the first twenty minutes against the solid work of the Orinntal vanguard and the spoiling tactics- the rearguard, who cither darted in to upset the passing movements or promptly downed the man in possession. .1. Lamason lost a good chance of opening Old Boys’ account when he failed with a penalty shot from right in front. Pinkerton shortly afterwards failed to put over an equally convertible penalty for Oriental. Fox, H. Smith and Williams were doing fine work amongst the Magpie vanguard. Emerson, the burly Ohl Boys’ lock, showed up with a couple of breakaways from line-outs, and lost a good scoring chance by trying to bump Paeknatz off instead of sending the leather on to Wylie. Play was fast, and was marked by deadly tackling by the Oriental team. At last Du Chateau, who was shooting the ball out beautifully from the scrums, managed to get his backs away, but McNicol cleverly intercepted Grenfell’s pass. Old Boys kept attacking, but Malcolm missed a penalty shot from straight in front. Shortly afterwards an Oriental mail came round the scrum too soon and this time Mai- ) colm steered the leather over the crossbar. On resuming, a splendid line-kick by Malcolm placed Old Boys in an attacking position, and a bright bit. of passing between Du Chateau, Wixon, McDonald. Grenfell and It. Lamason ended in the winger flashing over in a handy position. Malcolm could not find

the uprights. Oriental set up a hot attack in the second spell. Old Boys defended desperately, and first McNicol and then Chambers got damaged in the hot encounters. -Williams went very close witii

a penalty shot, and then a miss-kick by Wixon gave Walker a chance on the open side. The speedy ex-PalniCrston North man got way on quickly, and. cutting-in nicely past McDonald, raced oyer in handy proximity to the posts. Williams failed with an easy shot. _ On resuming Walker was nearly over in the corner. The pace increased, and some rapid fluctuations followed. There was great excitement when Walker secured and streaked for the line. Malcolm, however, coolly waited fqr his man. and grassed him most effectively. The black and white force kept attacking, and in some hot defensive work J. Lamason got offside, enabling Pinkerton to even the scores with a penalty goal. With honours easy, the crowd'became worked up, and play continued to a roar of cheering. Oriental kept Old Boys penned in their twentyfive, but they could not penetrate the sturdy defence. At last, from open play midway between the centre and quartermark, the ball came out to McNicol, and the Oriental live-eighths landed a beautiful field goal with the left foot. In the last twenty minutes Old Boys, who lasted the hot pace well, made strenuous efforts to recover the lost ground. They had bad luck, too, as several times they came within an ace of scoring. It was all Old Boys in the dying stages, but the Oriental men, defending with desperation, managed to keep" their line intact, and a hard-fought game, in which the play had been more strenuous than brilliant, ended with the scores reading: Oriental 10, Old Boys 6.

Mr. A. Brown controlled the game well,

ATHLETIC DEFEAT BERHAMPORE

•ENALTY KICK DECIDES MATCH

The result of Saturday's match at Newtown Park should serve to impress victors as well as vanquished with the absolute necessity for clean play in club

Rugby. The play on the whole was of an exciting nature, very fast and open, and being considerably more than willing at times. The teams lined out as follows: — Athletic: Heazelwood ; McFarlane, McDougall, Sutcliffe; Pelham, Cookson; Whilliam; Pope; Adams, Wallace, McNaught, Webber, Edgar, Morrow, Anderson. ;

Berhampore: Hurley; Falwasser, Pickering, Lang; Mason. Love; Ward; Glennie, Mollier, McDonald, Deere, Mount, Cameron, Kenner, Mason. Athletic kicked off into the sun, Whiuham initiating a hot attack from which Hurley was just able to clear in lime. The Berhampore forwards Lad —elightly

the better of the exchanges which followed, until Cookson broke away around the scrum, carrying the play once more into Light Blue territory. From a penalty at the half distance Heazelwood narrowly missed goaling. Straggling play saw Berhampore come down field to indulge in n lively scrimmage on the Dark Blue twenty-five, until Edgar saved the situation witii a long kick. The Light Blues came again, however, and twice in succession Hurley was afforded opportunities to dropkick, his second attempt, a magnificent effort from between mid-way and the Athletic twenty-five, proving successful. Berhampore 4, Athletic 0. Shortly after, good work in the loose by the Dark Blue vanguard gave Sutcliffe a chance to break .through and come round to score under the posts. Heazelwood’s kick missed. Berhampore 4, Athletic 3. Athletic resumed the offensive, and from a line-out Cookson secured, transferring to Pelham, who cut out his centre, passing to Sutcliffe. The latter swung the ball in-field to McDcri—” who went over. Heazelwood again failed to convert. Athletic 6, Berhampore 4. At this juncture the referee called both teams together and issued warnings. Berhampore pressed, and from a rush bv their forwards -Pickering dribbled down the line and scored. Berhampore 7, Athletic 6. After half-time nippy play by Whinham sent Athletic away, but Lang succeeded in clearing. Foul play allowed Heazel-

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

wood to notch a splendid penalty shot from just outside the half-way mark. Athletic 9, Berhampore 7. Berhampore set up a deterriiined pressure, Love making a good run before he was pulled down. From a melee on the Dark Blue twentyfive, Hurley again essayed a pot, but failed. Sutcliffe made a groat dash ddwn the line, but his centring kick was marked by Hurley, who saved. Berhampore made yet another effort to wipe out the deficiency, and took play to the Dark Blue line, where, after an exciting struggle, Pelham managed to clear, Cookson was injured, and exchanged places witii Sutcliffe on the continuation of play. A fine line kick saw the Light Blues attacking vigorously, but Athletic soon turned the tables on them, carrying play back to their twenty-five before a free kick allowed the defenders tn clear. Sutcliffe made a good opening, but the whistle called Athletic back, and a few minutes later tlie final whistle found the scores unchanged. Athletic 9, Berhampore 7. Tlie game was controlled by Mr. 11. Martin. AN EXCITING FINISH PETONE SHADE MARIST. A good crowd turned out to witness the game between Marist and Petone, on the suburban Oval. Play in the first session was ragged, but the last portion of the second spell made up for the previous poorness. If Marist had had a man who could kick goals, they would have won the match. As it was. the game really depended upon a bound of the ball. Hawkins scored I’ctone's opening try right in the corner, and Corner's kick struck the cross-bar and passed on. Had it rebounded, the game would have resulted in a Marist victory. The teams were :— Petone: Davis; Hawkins, Lambourne, Udy; Welch, Corner : Comau ; Wilkinson, Higgins, Warden. Potts, Carr, Thomas, Dickens, and Spence. Marist: Cumming: Graham. Broderick, Wallace; G. Barry, Fitzgerald; Smith. McHardy. Barber, Dennehy, McDonald, E. Barry, Griffen. Butler, Jones.

Pctone opened witii the sun in their eyes. A penalty, kick by Corner flew wide, and the Petone forwards got going, and held the opposing Greens. A chance was given to Hawkins, but he was pushed out in the corner. Marist cleared, but could not cross until Wallace caught nearly all Petone off-side, and passed, to G. Barry, who scored under the posts. Fitzgerald missed the easiest of kicks. Marist. 3; Petone, 0. This was the score at half-time. I’etone opened the final spell with a determined attack, which was marred by a mulled pass. Marist retaliated, and Smith passed to Fitzgerald: then Broderick received and crossed. Griffen missed with the kick. Marist, 6; Petone, 0. The Greens kept up the pressure, but could not score again. , A passing rush b.v the Petone backs, in which Welch, Lambourne, and Hawkins figured, ended in the latter opening Petone s account with a try well out. Corner goaled. Marist, 6; Petone. 5. The town team retaliated by sending Broderick across for his second try, and Jones was the third Marist man to show that he could not kick a goal. Pctone, was equal to the occasion. , Udy cross-kicked to Spence, who scored in a good position. Corner converted. Pctone, 10: Marist, 9. Marist were awarded a free kick, and Griffen put his team in the lead with a drop-kick. Marist, 12; Petone, 10. Off-side play by Fitzgerald gave Pctone a penalty, and once again Corner goaled and put his side ahead. Excitement . was now at fever height, and, when Thomas was caught off-side, with three minutes to go, Griffen found the distance too great. Another chance came when, with one minute to play, Thomas was again offside, and once more Griffen could not manage the extras, which would have given ’victory to his side. Petone won by 13 points to 12. Mi*. J. Bennett capably controlled the match.

’VARSITY TOO FAST FOR WELLINGTON

CORMACK IN SCORING VEIN. Only a handful of spectators assembled at the Prince of Wales’ Park to see 'Varsity meet Wellington. The game, throughout was keenly contested, and some bright Rugby was staged by both rearguards. Although beaten by a better pack, the Wellington forwards fought well, and many promising rushes were indulged in, only to be pulled up by infringements. The following were the teams: —

'Varsity.—Mason; Foden, Irwin, Brown; Leys, Mackenzie; Diederich; Rogers; Chiuds, O'Regan. Blacker, Cormack, Hart, Grant, and Blakeney. Wellington.—-Johansen; Leekie, Morgan, Corliss, Falconer, Campbell. Julian ; Voice, Giles, Hathgen, Thornton; McLean, Donnelly, Stanley, inud Batchelor. Wellington won the toss, and elected to play with a slight wind in their favour. From the kick off, Leekie took play to 'Varsity's twenty-five, where a scrum ensued. The Wellington forwards were packing well, and 'Varsity were penned in their twenty-five until Mackenzie cleared to half-way with a good line kick. From a scrum, Diederich scut the 'Varsity backs away for Brown to cross well out. No goal resulted. Shortly afterwards 'Varsity were awarded a penalty in a handy position, and Cormack found the uprights with a good kick. Diederich was sending his backs away repeatedly, but bad handling spoilt many chances. From a scrum on the Wellington line, Diederich worked the blind, and passed to Cormack, who. scored well but. The kick missed. From the kick off, 'Varsity forwards took play to half-way, where O'Rcgan was penalised. McLean kicked a fine goal from the centre of the field.' Wellington were trying hard to score, but good defensive work by Mackenzie and Leys kept play in midfield. Julian, Wellington’s half-back, broke through, but was tackled on the line. He passed to McLean from a scrum, but he was froced out in the corner. Playing with a slight wind in the second spell, 'Varsity took play to half-way, where scrums mid line-outs were frequent. Diederich sent his backs away to see Brown brought down on the line. From a scrum, Diederich passed to Brown, who transferred to Cormack, who

dived over. The kick missed. Both rearguards were throwing the ball about freely, but the passing was very wild. From a scrum, Mackenzie put in a great run. and play was centred in Wellington's territory. 'Varsity were awarded a free on the' twenty-five yard mark, Cormack- kicking another goal. Wellington set up a hot attack, but Stanley was tackled on the line. After some give and,take play, Voice put in a great run, but was well tackled by Mackenzie. 'Varsity returned the attack, and from a line-out in. Wellington’s twenty-five, Brown secured, and tried to force his way over, but an infringement ensued. Stanley put in two good runs down the side line, but could not penetrate the 'Varsity defence. Time souned shortly afterwards, leaving 'Varsity victorious by 15 points to 3. Mr. H. 11. Anslow controlled the game.

PONEKE GIVE EASTBOURNE A LESSON

BIG FORWARDS CARRY THE . DAY.

There was quite a good crowd at the Eastbourne ground, where Poneke met Eastbourne. The play was somewhat ragged in the first spell, but improved considerably in the second. Poneke's victory was due mainly to'their superior forwards, who were well supported by the backs. The teams lined out as follow :—

Poneke: Barrett; Elliott, Turner Edgar; Gilbert, Tilyard; Hartwell, Debreceny; Pearson, Shearer, Jessup, Smith, Organ, Pickrang, and Sly. Eastbourne: Clarke; E. Foley, Jowett, Murray, L. Foley, Finneinore: Martin, Price, Orr, Read, Gee, Bull, Thomson, Culimore, and Buckingham. Poneke kicked off, and with a rush came into Eastbourne's twenty-five. Clarke relieved, Eastbourne making a determined attack on the Poneke line. Martin, the Eastbourne half, transferred 'the ball to Murray, but the latter knocked on. From a scrum almost on the line the ball was kicked over the dead-

[ ball line. Play was carried to midfield, I where E. Foley missed with a good penalty kick. A determined Poneke rush was stopped by Clarke. Poneke again attacked, and Clarke made another great save with a good’ kick, which gained 50 yards. Eastbourne were attacking strongly and from a scrum near the Reds’ line L. Foley went over for a great try, which he failed to convert. Eastbourne 3, Poneke 0. With the wind in their favour in the second spell Poneke made a hot attack, and Pickrang, securing the leather, sent out to Debreccny, who scored well out. Shearer's kick failed. Eastbourne 3, Poneke 3. Debreceny picked up and carried the ball almost to the .Green line, where a scrummage ensued. He then emerged with the ball and transferred to Turner, who scored. Shearer's kick failed. Poneke G, Eastbourne 3. The play became very spectacular, and from a serum Hartwell sent the ball to Elliott, who scored. Turner succeeded with his kick. Poneke 11, Eastbourne 3. The Poneke backs were dominating the play, and after a good passing rush Gilbert crossed. The kick failed. Poneke 14, Eastbourne 3. Hartwell, who was playing a great game, made a strong run, lint was pushed out near the Greens’ line. The Reds were pressing closely when from a scrum Hartwell cleverly dummied his way across for a fine try. Shearer converted from an easy position: Poneke 19, Eastbourne 3. The game ended a few minutes later. Mr. J. Scott ably controlled the game.

SENIOR B GAMES Wellington put up a good performance by defeating the strong Johnsonville fifteen on their own ground by 14 points to 10. Play was very fast throughout, ami the Rugby up to quite a high standard. The forwards were evenly matched, and some great duels were waged by two packs. For Wellington Webb scored a try and kicked a penalty goal; Jaggers notched a try, which Webb converted; and Siverson also crossed the line. Johnsonville's points came from tries by Chaney and McLennand, both of which were improved by Moore. The game between Hutt and Oriental at the Hutt Recreation Ground on Saturday was fast and exciting. Hutt just getting home by one point. Hutt played the first spell with the sun in their eyes, and Oriental attacked from the start. Clever defence by the Hutt backs nullified their efforts. After some even play the Hutt rearguard took a hand, and a fine passing rush by McKay, Woods, and Fisher nearly resulted in a try. Hutt continued their attack, and McKay goalcd from a free kick. Hutt 3, Oriental 0. Hutt maintained' the pressure and McKay was successful with another penalty. Hutt 6, Oriental O. Oriental rallied and carried play to Hutt’s twentyfive, where Foster scored in the corner from a scramble. The kick failed. Hutt G Oriental 3. The second spell was very even. Sundgren and Woods scored tries for Hutt, both' of which were unconverted, and for Oriental- Bedingfield scored a tr.v, which Mcllraith converted, the latter player also being successful with a free kick, the game thus ending: Hutt 12, Oriental 11. Mr. T. A. Fletcher refereed. LOWER GRADE RESULTS

JUNIOR. Old Boys defeated Marist by 14 points to G. For Old Boys, tries were registered by Eagles,. Bowles, and Patrick, one of which was converted by' Bydder. Patrick added three points by kicking a penalty goal. Sexton scored a tr.v for Marist, and Kcary placed a penalty goal. Nice combination yvas shown by the Old Boys’ backs. Poneke scored a runaway victory over Porirua, to the tune of 49 points to nil. Waterhouse yvas in great form for the winners, scoring no fewer than five tries. Tries were also registered by Watkins (3). Collins (2), Crichton, Clark, and Russell. Middleton converted two tries, and Lamberg and Watkins one each. • Upper Hutt proved too good for Melrose by 25 points to 11. Tries were scored for Upper Hutt by Hughes (4). Ballinger (2). and Heazelwood. two of which were improved by McLaughlin and Avery. . Wellington (21) beat Oriental (11). Athletic B (G) beat Berhampore (3). Eastbourne (6) beat Hutt (3). THIRD.

Wellington A had a runaway victory over Eastbourne by 36 to n.t. Tries were scored for the winners by McDonald (2), Gaudin t| (2), Ryan, Whyte,

Rex, Fletcher, and Greig, Hex converting two and Whyte one, while Smith dropped a goal from a mark. Onslow (43) beat Tnita (0L Melrose (27) beat Karori (G). Kaiwarra (9) beat 'Varsity A (3). Athletic (10) beat Wellington B (5). Johnsonville (G) beat Old Boys (3).

Old Boys B (14) beat Poneke (6). The game was marked by much rough play, and Old Boys won by virtue of the fact that they devoted more time to playing the ball, than to playing the man. INTERMEDIATE. Institute (12) beat Poneke (6). McNair and Westwood scored for the winners, one of which was improved by Ilanary, while Crawford notched a field goal. Kaiwarra (21) beat Oriental B (0). Hutt (11) beat Wellington (S). Athletic (24) beat Upper Hutt (3). FOURTH. Old Boys A (31) beat Petone B (0). Tries were scored for the winners by Fick (3), Avery (2), Griffiths (2), Tapworth, and Hawker. Avery and Baldwin each converted a try. Hutt ran over Karori by GO points to nil. Wellington A piled up GO points to Karori's nil. Technical (24) beat Selwyn (3). Petone (26) beat Berhampore A (0). Melrose (8) beat Marist (3). Wellington ((>) . Veat .Qld .Bpys.B (0). FIFTH. Barhamporc (3) drew with Petone (3). Athletic (4) beat Old Boys (3). Marist (11) beat Taita (3). Selwyn (9) beat Oriental (0). Melrose (15) beat Institute (G). . Hutt (14) beat Kaiwarra (0). Petone B (3) drew with Berhampore A (3). ' ■ - Technical A (1G) beat Technical B (3). SIXTH. ' Petone (26)' beat Athletic (5). . . SEVENTH. Selwyn (12) bpaf. Eastbourne. (3).

SENIOR B The Selwyn-Porirua match was hard fought between the heavy Forirua forwards and the lighter opposing pack. After fifteen minutes’ play Forirua opened the scoring by means of a splendid passing rush, which Poihoi finished off with a fine try in a good position. No goal resulted. Shortly afterwards Selwyn registered a penalty goal, kicked by Mitchell. Ap and down play followed till Churchill secured the ball from a line-out, and passed to Hancock, who transferred to Henchcliff, Mitchell securing and passing to Kropp, who scored a good try. Mitchell goaled. At halftime the score was: Selwyn 8, Porirua 3. The second spell was practically a repetition of the first as concerned the style of play. Hancock, Selwyn’s half, was injured, and pluckily held the position of full-back until Selwyn’s backs failing to stem a rush, Churchill scored Porirua’s second try. Harris converted. The ball was taken up and down the field by hard forward play, but the Green and Black backs failed to take advantage of their chances. The game ended 8 all. Churchill, Clark, and Kropp were the pick of Selwyn’s forwards, while Hancock and Cudby gave good account of themselves in the backs. Prangley, on the wing, did some splendid tackling. Porirua’s inside backs played splendidly, Marina specially distinguishing himself, while the forwards showed vim and determination throughout.

PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, May 13. Good weather prevailed for the football matches. The Prime Minister saw the Rugby games at Eden Park. Results are as follow: University (20) beat Marist (13); Ponsonby (14) beat North Shore (5); City (13) beat Grafton (7); Manukau (11) beat College Rifles (5); Grammar Old Boys (18) beat Training College (12). CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch, May 12. Saturday’s Rugby results are as follow : ’Varsity (18) beat Merivale (14); Old Boys (13) drew with Christchurch (13); Albion (20) beat Technical (11). DUNEDIN. . Dunedin, May 12. Rugby matches resulted as follow:— 'Varsity A (54). beat Dunedin (0); Southern (14) beat Zingari (3); Kaikorai (27) beat Union (20) ; Pirates (21) beat Taieri (0); ’Varsity B (21) beat Alhambra (10). INVERCARGILL. >' Invercargill, May 13. Saturday’s Rugby matches resulted as follow':—Star (14) beat Pirates (8); Invercargill (21) beat Southern (8). NELSON. Dominion Special Service.

Nelson, May 12. Football was continued this afternoon in showery weather. In the senior competition, Waimea and Nelson played a draw, S points each. For the country team, Wells made a great run from half-way and Cross later kicker a penalty goal. Monigatti and Barton secured tries for Nelson, Reid converting one. Rivals, last year’s championship winners, were beaten by Pirates by 8 points to nil. Junior matches resulted as follow: — Nelson (S) beat Waimea (0); Old Boys (22) beat Rival (0); Wakatu (2G) beat Pirates (0). j

Oriental ... 3 W. 3 0 D. For Ag’t Pts 0 50 28 6 Poneko .... 3 0 0 54 . 15 6 University . 3 M 1 0 44 35 4 Athletic ... 3 3 1 0 36 30 4 Old Boys . 3 2 1 ’ 0 32 26 Petone .... 3 1 2 0 31 49 .> Marist .... 3 2 0 29 27 2 Bcrhampore 3 1 0 29 29 2 Eastbourne 3 0 0 12 45 0 Wellington. 3 0 3 0 11 43 0