RUGBY HONOURS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 265, 5 August 1929, Page 13

RUGBY HONOURS

’VARSITY MAINTAIN THEIR THREEPOINTS LEAD PETONE OUTPLAY OLD BOYS ATHLETIC TOO SOLID FOR WELLINGTON Ideal weather prevailed for the fifteenth series of Senior A ehampionship Rugby games on Saturday afternoon, when ground and ball were dry, and only a strong sun and a light northerly breeze had to be reckoned with. Interest centred in the meeting of Petone and Old Boys at Athletic Park, and the 5,500 spectators who assembled were treated to a stirring display of fast football. Through the superiority of their rearguard, Petone came out of the ordeal nine points to the good. University maintained their three-points’ lead for the premiership by outplaying Berhampore at Newtown Park, Mackay, the speedy winger, racing over the line three times. Athletic had to go hard at Wakefield Park to get home from Wellington, and an even game between Oriental and Poneke on Prince of Wales Park saw the former register their sixth victory of the season. A battle royal between Marist and Eastbourne on the Hutt Recreation Ground saw Marist snatch a narrow victory on time. With two games still to go, University are leading for the championship with 25 points, Petone being second with 22, and Athletic third with 21.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. University (22) beat Berhampore (5). Petone (26) beat Old Boys (17). Athletic (17) beat Wellington (11). Marist (6) beat Eastbourne (5). Oriental (10) beat Poneke (0).

PETONE IN FORM OLD BOYS SHADED BY NINE POINTS. For the second time within three weeks the Petone fifteen came it to the city, and nt headquarters on Saturday proved that they are at the present time the strongest combination in the senior A competition. A fortnight back tney convincingly outplayed University at Athletic Park by 14 points Jo 6; on Saturday, in the presence ot 5500 spectators, they down the Old Boys’ fifteen by one point more. If the work of the Petone backs was not quite as finished as it was against ’Varsity, it was a long way a bead of what Old Boys could produce. Nicholls, the Petone captain, was the genius of the side at centre-threequarter, and his dazzling side-stepping and dummying made openings for scores which practically won the match for Petone in the first spell. Nicholla rieked a weak knee in the first spell, and was replaced by Udy in the second half. The forwards were fairly evenly matched, but the Petone rearguard were much superior in finished work, and W. J. Lambourne, the Petone full-back, far outshone 0. Patrick, his vis-a-vis, who was a very weak link in the Old Boys’ defence. The teams were constituted as under: —

Petone (dark Blue) : TV. J. Lambourne ; Elvy, M. Nicholls, Peterson ; Byrne, PolJock; C’ojpan; Monigatti; Potts, A. Lambourne, Thomas, Martin, Fell, Clarke, Spence. „ , Old Boys: Patrick; Wylie, Rushbrook, Hughes; D. Dustin, McDonald; Du Chateau; Taylor; Reynolds, Mitchell, Hand, McPherson, J. R. Lamason, Emerson, Claridge. Petone, who had the advantage ot breeze and sun in the first spell, started passing from the kick-off, Peterson stabkicking to the line inside the quartermark. From the line-out, Thomas secured. and pounced through a wide gap in the Old Boys’ hacks to hurl himself over the line in a bandy position. Potts made no mistake with the kick, and Petone were five points on within four minutes of the start. The villagers were nearly over again immediately. Patrick, the Old Boys’ full-back, failed to gather a high kick by Byrne in front of the goal, and slipped when he at last did recover the leather, and then booted the ball over the dead-ball line. From the five yards scrum, Coman set his backs going, but valiant defence kept the Old Boys line intact. The Old Boys’ forwards cleared to midfield, where Dustin, Du Chateau, and Rushbrook carried on to the Petone line. From a scrum, a Petone man got offside, and J. Lamason opened the scoring for Old Boys with a neat penalty goal. Rushbrook next showed up with a determined run to the Petone line, and an infringement round a scrum gave Lamason another chance at goal, but this time the leather passed outside the uprights. Old Boys were now going well, and they came at the line in determined fashion. Du Chateau gave the leather to D. Dustin, and he went over for what appeared a fair try, but the referee ordered a five yards scrum. From this, Du Chateau again give Dustin the ball, and the diminutive five-eighths streaked through a very narrow gap in the Petone defence for a really brilliant try. Lamason ’’■-led to convert from an easy position. TV. Lambourne stopped a hot Old Boys forward rush in resolute fashion; and. shaking off a swarm of tacklers, put in a great kick, which placed Petone on the attack. From a line-out Potts secured to run fifteen yards, and hurl himself over the line for a try, jyhich he himself made a brave effort to improve from the sideline. Nicholls then came into the limelight with a corkscrew run through the Old Boys’ rearguard. He could have gone on and scored himself, but unselfishly tossed the ball to Spence, who made no race of it to score in a good position. Potts easily goaled, and Petone led by 13 to 6.' Old Boys then took a hand, nnd things looked promising when Wylie was given the leather on the open side, but Elvy took his man well. Petone then worked play towards the Old Boys citadel, where Pollock secured in a scramble, and potted a pretty goal. It was all Petone now. Nicholls made another brilliant run dqjvn the centre of the field, and, after cutting out two defenders, handed the leather to Elvy. The winger cleverly side-stepped Wylie, and, amidst great excitement, raced away to beat Patrick, and score in the corner. This brilliant piece of concerted work roused the crowd to great enthusiasm, hundreds rising to their feet and cheering lustily. Potts failed at goal, and. the half-time bell went with Petone leading by 20 points to 6. At the interval M. Nicholls called enough, as his weak knee was troubling him, and Udy came out as centre for Petone in the second spell. Old Boys opened promisingly, Rushbrook showing up with a strong run. From a scrum on the Petone line. Du Chateau gave Hughes the leather, and the winger was stopped only by numbers on the line. The Whites continued to press, and were rewarded when Rushbrook landed a neat penalty goal. Play continued at a fast clip, but the men kept going well, proving that they had paid strict attention to training. The leather flew up nnd down the field at a great pace, and great deeds were done both on attack and defence. At last a Petone man got off-side about the quarter-mark, and Lamason steered the leather over the cross-bar. Thomas then broke away, and in order to prevent a score Patrick carried back over the line. From the ensuing five-yards scrum Byrne took a clever mark, and sent the ball sailng between the uprights at the required height. Petone were now attacking hard. Elvy followed up a high kick fast, and passing by the Petone forwards near the line saw Spence go over for his second try, which Potts failed to improve. Play continued to be very fast, and the players were doing well to stick it so well. Just before time was called, Coman failed to take a high kick, and Claridge came up fast and booted the leather away from the Petone half-back. The ball bounced nicely for Claridge, and he recovered it to run up to the full-

back, and hand on to Emerson. The Old Boys’ giant had fifteen yards to go with a clear field, and he scored near the posts, Lamason goaled, and a stirring game ended with the scores reading:—Petone, 26; Old Boys, 17. Mr. R. J. Paton carried the whistle.

BERHAMPORE OVERWHELMED UNIVERSITY STILL ON TOP. There was no please and thank you in the match between University and Berhampore at Newtown Park, which ended in favour of University by 22 points to 5. University’s speedy backs set Berhampore an example they could not follow. The teams were as follow: — University : Cormack ; Mackay. Ramson, Eastwood; Irwin, Mackenzie; Foden ; Dixon; Cormack. Diederlch, Hislop, Blacker, Blakeney, Grant, Childs. Berhampore: Hurley; T. Taylor, M. Taylor, Cameron; Lang, Thompson; Hooper; Charles; Mollier, McDonald, Cameron, Dickson, Dnre, Glennie, Martin. Lively play followed the kick-off. and for a while the Berhampore vanguard had a stranglehold on the opposing backs. The first score was forthcoming when Mackenzie broke away and transferred to Mackay, who crossed wide out. Ramson could not improve. Not long afterwards Eastwood almost scored for University, and then Foden set the backs in motion for Mackay to get over in tile corner. Ramson failed with the kick. A pretty piece of combined work by Ber. hampore found University hard pressed. Taylor had a good chance, but lost it, only to make good his error by dribbling the leather over for a try. Glennie added the major points. Throwing off the pressure of University, Berhampore went away in a loose rush, and Hooper battled hard to get through, but good line-kick-ing saved the defenders. Cameron failed with a penalty kick. Play was carried back again, and several times the University backs almost succeeded in crossing. Half-time arrived with no further alteration to the score.

Eastbourne : Hull-Browne ; Murray, N. Foley, Dinniss; E. Foley, Matheson; Martin: O. Price, Orr, O’Connor, Reed, Read, Collins, J. Dellabarca, N. Dellabarca.

Upon resuming, University were quickly at work. Glennie failed to turn a penalty kick to account. Berhampore looked promising in a passing rush, but a forward pass spoiled the chance. Their further efforts were nullified by recurring infringements, and they were compelled to force. Then Mackenzie, securing possession at halfway, dummied his way through beautifully, -and passed out to Mackay, who gained his third try by beating his opponents and running round to score under the posts. Ramson converted. A left-wing attack by Berhampore placed University in danger, and Cormack forced. University were then awarded a penalty, and Ramson sent the ball over. A few minutes later Berhampore were again penalised, and Ramson kicked a goal. For a time Berhampore kept their opponents penned up, but were in turn forced to defend hard. Finally, a hot passing rush by University resulted in Eastwood crossing for Ramson to convert. The game ended :• University, 22; Berhampore. 5. Mr. Ansell controlled the match. MARIST. BEAT EASTBOURNE A LAST-MINUTE VICTORY. The only thing of interest in the match between Marist and Eastbourne on the Hutt Recreation Ground was the lastminute score, which gave the former their win. Eastbourne scored their try early in the first spell, and they led right up to a minute before tlie whistle. The backs of both teams did most of the work, but too much faulty handling was in evidence. The teams were :—

Marist: Cuming ; Broderick, McDonald, S.’ Barry; Condon, Eville; Keegan; Peterson, Otterway, Gwynue, E. Barry, Whyte, Butler, Cummings, Frost.

Eastbourne opened facing Ihe sun, and commenced a rush which ended in a scrum near the line. Then Cuming sent play back ro the half-way mark with a good kick. Eastbourne again broke away with a passing rush, but bad handling at the end of the chain brought them little advantage.. Marist came down the field, and Eastbourne had to force twice in quick succession. Eastbourne organised ' another passing rush, x which took the ball the whole length of the field, and went over the line, when they were called back for a forward pass. This allowed Marist to assert themselves once more, and they were within Eastbourne territory when Cuming was allowed a shot, but he kicked a grubber. A nice kick by Hull-Browne brought play back, and shortly afterwards a rush enabled J. Dellabarca to go over the line. E. Foley goaled. Eastbourne 5, Marist 0. A good follow-up by MacDonald resulted in E. Foley racing him in order to force. Marist were working well, but the Eastbourne tackling was deadly, and just before half-time, passing bouts among the Eastbourne backs pressed them sorely. Right at the outset of the second session, Marist commenced a series ot rearguard attacks, and G. Barry, who had been playing a good game throughout, was nearly over. In addition. Marist were scrummaging well. Eastbourne got awny again, but Marist saved, and then O. Price broke awny, but he was unsupported, and the opportunity went begging. Cuming next essayed a pot, but the ball fell short, and after an interchange of kicks, the Marist backs cnine awny to reach a good position, when McDonald sent out a foolish pass. They continued their attack, and Eastbourne were tackling briskly for some time. Both sides suffered the loss of a man. Peterson had to go off. and his place in the Marist ranks was taken by Flett, while D. Price replaced Orr among the Eastbourne forwards. Eastbourne attacked.

and from an opening by Dinniss, brought play near to the- Marist posts, but nothing came of the effort. Marist secured the ball from a scrum, sent it out to the backs, and Eastbourne were once more having to step lively. Finally Keegan secured, and dashed across. Cuming failed with the kick. Eastbourne 5. Marist 3. The closing stages of the game were marked by desperate Marist attacks, and in the sensational finish. Eville found a clear field before him, and he went over near the posts, to give Marist the lead. Cuming's kick bounced its way along the ground, and then Mr. H. Pilcher, the referee, sounded time. Marist had won by six points to five. ORIENTAL BEAT PONEKE HONOURS FAIRLY EVEN. Oriental defeated Poneke at Prince of Wales Park on Saturday after a strenuous tussle in which the honours were about even. Perhaps the Oriental backs showed a shade more combination than their opponents, and Lochore at fullback kept the defence impregnable. Tte teams lined out as follow: — Poneke: Petherick; Edgar, Barrett, Meadows; Neal, Tilyard; Julian; Shearer; McAlister, Watkins, Sly, Fraser, Quirk, Jessup, Crichton. Oriental: Lochore; Spalding. Wyman, Packnatz; Davies, Sharpe; L. Smith; Hill; Tasker, H. Smith, Cave, Ward, Taylor, Nalder, Graham. Oriental chose to play with the sun at their backs. Uneventful play followed the kick-off. an Oriental rush to the twentyfive failing to penetrate the Poneke defence. A nice passing rush put Poneke in handy position, Neal missing twice

with penalties. A good kick relieved the situation, but, led by. Jessup and Shearer, the Poneke pack again drove upfield. Au infringement, however, saved Oriental, Lochore lining at the flag with a magnificent kick. Oriental kept up the offensive until Neal broke through letting Tilyard away, but a forward pass spoilt the movement. Loose play developed on the Oriental side of half-way, but at length Oriental worked their way down to the Poneke line. From a scrummage a few yards out Smith got the ball away, and came round again on the outside to receive from Packnatz and go over in the corner. Nalder missed a difficult kick. Poneke tried hard to equalise, and time and again were all but over, Meadows and Edgar both coming elose to scoring. Then it was Oriental’s turn, and soon Poneke were penned against their line. Neal cleared, but Oriental got possession and the ball .went out to Spalding, who was taken in possession. A scrum in front of the posts gave Sharpe his chance to notch a neat field goal. Half-time found the scores: Oriental 7, Poneke 0.

On resuming, scrummaging in midfield followed until Poneke swept downfield to the twenty-five. Shearer nearljscored from a difficult penalty shot. From now on the game resolved itself into a duel between the two packs, and up and down play ensued which lacked sting and finish. At length Shearer set the I’oneke rearguard going, but inullir- spoilt the movement. Oriental retaliated and Packnatz was nearly over at the flag. Shortly after Spalding also went close, but it was a penalty shot by Lochore from just inside half-way which gave Oriental their final score. Poneke looked dangerous when Barrett initiated a brisk passing bout, which took play up the line, but an infringement spoilt the chance. A bad kick by one of the Red backs let Oriental through at half-way. A hot offensive in the Red twenty-five followed, and Oriental were still endeavouring to penetrate the defence when full time sounded with the scores: Oriental 10, Poneke 0. Mr. G. Hoare refereed. ATHLETIC BEAT WELLINGTON EVENLY-CONTESTED GAME. The game between Athletic and Wellington was a trifle scrappy and willing in tfie first half, but improved towards the finish of the second spell, when some good play was witnessed, MeNaught (Athletic) and C, Webb doing good work, the latter making a fine run three-quarters the length of the field before being forced out by Heazlewood. The teams lined out as follow: — Athletic: Heazlewood; Keenan. Huxtable, McFarlane; Pelham. Rutland; L, Cookson ; Berry, Adam, Watson, McNaught. Pope, Kearney, Fraser. Wallace. Wellington: Still: Pryde, McLaren, C. Webb. W. Webb, Johnson; Osborne; Whybourne; Stanley. Noakes, Lewis, Howatson, Ferguson, Laws, Moody. Wellington kicked off, and carried nlay to Athletic’s line, where they were within an ace of scoring, but good combination among the defenders soon relieved matters. After further attacks had been repulsed by Heazlewood McFarlane gained possession, nnd kicked into midfield, where play now centred. After a hot forward dribbling rush, in which Lewis. Ferguson, nnd Noakes figured prominently. Wellington were in an advantageous position, but the Athletic defence held. During this period Howntson failed with two easy penalty kicks. The defending backs now secured, nnd after a neat passing bout had Wellington on the defence. Huxtable eventually going over behind the posts. Heazlewood converted. Athletic 5. Wellington 0. Immediately afterwards Pelham potted n splendid goal. Athletic

9, Wellington 0. Half-time sounded with the scores unchanged. In the second spell 1 hillips, the Wellington lock was replaced by Laws. From the kick-off Athletic held the advantage. a penalty enabling Heazlewood to gqal. Athletic 12. Wellington 0. IV ellington now assumed the offensive, and some offside play in front of Athletics goal saw W. Webb successful. Athletic 12, Wellington 3. From then on play was of a desultory nature, and the wellington backs in particular playing a weak game. Tries were scored for the winners by McFarlane, with Heazlewood converting, while for the losers Stanley and Pryde scored, C. Webb doing the hiking. The final score was: Athletic 11, Wellington 11. Mr. J. A. Wilson was referee. SENIOR B GAMES • Selwvn proved too strong for Training College at Kilbirnie. The teacheis opened promisingly, and it was not long before Amadio hopped over the Hueit to opeu the scoring for the college, \V 11liams improved the try. Then Mitchell crossed the line for Selwyn, but Leggatt s attempt to goal failed. This was all the scoring done in the first half, but m the second session Selwyn came with a great rattle, and practically did as they liked. Tries were scored by Mitchell, Billings, and Booleris, all of which were improved by Leggatt. The game thus ended in an easy victory for Selwyn by IS points to ,j. University outplayed Wellington at Lyall Bay to the tune of 14 points to 6. The students played nicely together, and got in some effective passing movements. Hislop and Mahoney scored trios for University, one of which was converted by Tripe,' who also put over two penalty goals. Butterworth and Miller scored tries for Wellington, neither of which were converted. Old Boys showed improved form in defeating Melrose at Emerson Street by 1< points to 11. Tries were scored for Old Boys by Taylor (2). and Finch (2), one being improved by Fitzmaurice, who also landed a penalty goal, while for Melrose Perkins, Taylor, and Greig crossed the line, Greig improving one of the tries. The Old Boys’ backs shaped brightly in this match. A large number gathered at Petone Oval to witness the match between Hutt and Oriental. Conditions were ideal, the game was fast and very interesting, and the forwards threw the ball around in fine style. Each side displayed clever combination, particularly among the backs. The scrummages, too, were good, Hutt’s half generally securing the ball to quickly feed the backs. Outstanding in the game was Dowsett, whose sterling forward play contributed in no small measure to the success of Hutt, and his place-kicking was particularly commendable. Hutt won by 12 points to 3. For Hutt Robinson (2) and Dowsett scored. Dowsett also kicked a penalty goal. Pinkerton kicked a penalty for Oriental. Johnsonville proved their superiority over Upper Hutt by defeating them by 36 points to 10 at Kelburn Park. Had Johnsonville profited by their goal-kick-ing opportunities in the first spell their tally would have been greater still. The game was fairly even in the first spell, but in the second spell Johnsonville had things all their own way and piled up points quickly. In the last 15 minutes Hutt recovered some of their lost energy and secured their ten points. Scorers for Johnsonville were Craig, Cathcart (3), Parsloe (3, one converted by J. Moore), Barlow (2, one converted by Harris), Harris (converted by Craig). For Hutt tries were scored by Robertson and Ballinger, both being converted by Douglas. Mr. Souper controlled a difficult game. LOWER GRADE RESULTS JUNIOR. Old Boys A defeated Moera at Strand Park by 25 points to 3. Tries were scored for the winners by S. Grenfell (2), Radford, W. Dustin, and Aitcheson, three of which were converted by Hawker, who also potted a magnificent goal from the side-line about the centre of the field. Old Boys A have an unbeaten record this season in the junior competition, but have drawn three matches. This, however, does not put them level with Petone, who also have an unbeaten record, with only one draw on their list. THIRD. Melrose ran over ’Varsity C by 45 points to 3. Marist (10) beat Old Boys A (0). INTERMEDIATE. Athletic (27) beat Technical College (3). Marist (6) beat Poneke (0). Kaiwarra (7) beat Wellington A (3). FOURTH. Marist (20) beat Old Boys A (9). Berhampore (14) beat Wellington B (0). Orieutal (9) beat Melrose (4). Wellington A (6) beat Technical College A (5). Seatoun (11) beat Eastbourne (4). FIFTH. Petone A (20) beat Poneke (0). Johnsonville (15) beat Hutt (S). Athletic (13) beat Old Boys (0)Petone B (7) beat Technical College °Selwyn (12) beat Miramar (6). PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES THAMES VALLEY DEFEAT AUCKLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association.« Paonia, August 3. Thames Valley met and defeated Auckland at Paeroa by 17 points to 12. Ihe game was practically between the Auckland backs and the Valley’s forwards. Tries for Auckland were got by Bell, Kahu, Abbott and Falwasser, none ol which was converted. For Thames Valley Saunders, Walters, Mulgrew and Graham each scored a try, one of which was converted by Dillamore, and McLaren kicked a penalty goal for Auckland. AUCKLAND DEFEAT WAIKATO. Auckland, August 3. A return Rugby match between Auckland and Waikato was played at Eden Park to-day and resulted in a win for

Auckland by 30 points to nil. It was the first representative game played at Auckland this season. Ground conditions were very heavy, and a heavy shower during play made the ball greasy. Auckland was superior in all departments and at times the backs ■ executed some beautiful movements. For the winners W. Batty (2), Minns (2), Anderson, Jamieson, Lucas and Keene scored tries, three of which were converted by Bush. Lucas played” an outstanding game for Auckland, and Thomas, the Waikato finback, was conspicuous for his clever defence. HASTINGS WIN CLUB COMPETITION. Napier, August 3. The final matches in the senior Rugby competition in Napier and Hastings were played to-day with the following results: .Technical Old Boys (8) beat Celtic (0) ; High School Old Boys (33) beat Hastings H. 5.0.8. (3) ; Hastings (26) beat M.A.C. (3). Hastings win the championship by two points from High School Old Boys. OPUNAKE WIN SOUTHERN TARANAKI CHAMPIONSHIP. Hawora, August 3. In the southern division Taranaki senior Rugby championship the concluding games resulted as follow: Hawera (13) beat Opunake (9) ; Okaiawa (23) beat Elthani (9) ; Kaponga (13) beat Waimate (8) ; Athletic (17) beat Patca (6). Opunake win the divisional championship. TIE IN OTAGO CHAMPIONSHIP. Dunedin, August 4. At Rugby Kaikorai (12) beat Pirates (9) ; ’Varsity A (27) beat Southern (5) ; 'Varsity B(25) beat Union (9) : Alhambra (24) beat Dunedin (0) ; Taicri (12) beat Zingari (3). Kaikorai and ’Varsity A- will play off to decide the championship, the points for which are as follow : Kaikorai 23. 'Varsity A 23, Alham; bra 18. ’Varsity B 17, Pirates 17, Taieri 16, Southern 12, Dunedin 10, Zingari 3, Union 1. CHRISTCHURCH. Clu'istchurch, August 3. To-day’s Rugby matches were played in perfect weather. Christchurch (21) beat Sydenham (3) ; West Christchurch Old Boys (11) beat Merivale (9) ; Old Boys (22) beat ’Varsity (6) : Linwood (11) beat Technical (3). Championship points have been won as follow: Old Boys 104, Christchurch 9J, Albion 94, Merivale 9, ’Varsity 7. SOUTH CANTERBURY. Timaru, August 3. In the senior Rugby matches Star (IS) beat Old Boys (10) ; Temukn (20) beat Zingari (0) ; Waihi (19) beat Celtic (6). STIFF JOINTS LOOSEN!" ELLIMAN’S EMBROCATIONS loosens stiff joints, eases tired muscles, and defeats aches and pains.—Advt.

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

p W L D For Agt. Pts. University — 15 12 2 1 211 114 25 Petone 15 11 4 0 247 159 22 Athletic ....... 15 10 4 1 214 163 21 Old Boys .... 15 & 5 1 217 165 19 Poneke 15 8 7 0 171 164 10 Oriental 15 6 8 1 13G 150 13 15 5 10 0 134 194 10 Berhampore.. 15 5 10 0 109 207 10 I2a«tbourne... 15 4 11 0 113 177 8 Wellington.... 15 3 12 0 93 152 6