RUGBY SURPRISES

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 209, 1 June 1931, Page 6

RUGBY SURPRISES

Changes on Ladder i MARIST BEATS VARSITY Oriental and Eastbourne ALL GROUNDS SODDEN With two surprise wins in the senior club Rugby games on Saturday the championship ladder has undergone some interesting changes. By its defeat of University, 10—8, the Marist team is now equal with Poneke for third place, and Oriental s defeat of Eastbourne has entitled it to draw equal for fifth place. Hutt and Wellington still top the list, with 10 points each, and Petone is fourth with five points. Saturday’s matches were played in miserable conditions. All the grounds were sodden, with the foothold very insecure, and driving rain that fell throughout the afternoon made the position worse. It was not long before the players at Athletic Park had received a general and impartial coating of mud, and so were practically indistinguishable, and the same can be said of the forwards in nearly ah the other games. Open back play was practically impossible; most of the work had to be done by the forwards, and it was a time when weight and solidarity in the scrums were more than ever the great factors of success. Though the banks were almost deserted, there was a big crowd in the stand at Athletic Park to watch the Manst-Um-versitv game. Marist put on ten points in the first spell, two converted tries, and allowed only one try to be scored against it in the second spell. The Marist men deserved their win, for they adapted themselves better to the conditions, ana the backs gave the hard-worked forwards plenty of support. On the other hand, the Varsity rearguard was content to leave it to the forwards, who played a magnificent game, and formed really the better paek of the two. The team was weakened by the absence of Mackay, Ruru, and Deiderjch, who are with the Unversity team in Australia, but it is doubtful if their presence would have made any great difference under the conditions that prevailed. In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Oriental sprang a surprise on Eastbourne, and came out three points to the gooa. Oriental'had much the better of the second spell, when it scored all of its P° after being six down at the. end of the flr Hutt lf ‘and Wellington registered convincing wins against Miramar and Ber hampore respectively. Petone beat Athletic by 6 points to ml.

MARIST wins 10 —8 Against University By a margin two Points, Marist defeated Varsity on Athletic Park, In a stern forward game, sometimes almost a mud scramble, that aroused increasing excitement among the spectators during the second spell, as the Varsity team gradually'reduced the first spell lead against it. ■Under such conditions as prevailed, spectacular football was not to be expected, but both packs of forwards put up a great display, and toward the end of the game the crowd was frequently on its feet. Marist played with the wind In the.first spell, and after repulsing a Varsity rush that went close to the scoring line, had its opponents penned up round about the twenty-five for a long time. This was the position for most of the spell, for though Varsity made occasional breaks down the field, the long "grubber” kicks and fast following up of the Marist men, together with the excellent play of the forwards, kept play mainly in the Varsity territory. The first try was scored by' Stiver, Marist’s wing-forward, from a scrum right In the Varsity corner. Keegan, the halfback, got the ball, but was smothered before he could do anything with it, and Stiver slipped round to the back of the scrum to act as half-back. When he got the ball he was round the scrum in a flash, and just got over the line. Cuming did well to convert the try. Marist st!U kept up a consistent pressure, and Varsity could not get away from its own twenty-five for any length of time.

Th© game was almost entirely between the forwards, who maintained a solid -pace In eplte of the slippery foothold. Keegan nearly got over when he made a great solo bid for the line, but he was pulled down just in time. Near half-way another “grubber” kick saw McDonald and Robins come through quickly, and the Varsity defence was caught napping. McDonald kicked the ball over the line and scored in a good position. Cuming again converted, and Marist was ten points up. In the second spell Varsity made things willing from the start, but the Marist defence was a better one than Varsity had put up in the first spell. Varsity’s first points came from Ramson, «vhen Varsity was awarded a penalty kick down near Marist’s goal line. In a spirited reply Marist got within easy striking distance of Varsity’s line, and McDonald was pulled down inches short, and Keegan again made a great attempt to cross. Pacey and Mulvehill shifted the attack, however, and the Varsity forwards carried on with a splendid rush- that had the defence a little bustled. Griffin scored from the scramble, and Ramson converted, making the scores: Marist 10, Varsity 8. In the remaining fifteen minutes of play Varsity repulsed a likely-looking attack by the Marist towards anil backs, working in together, anc| then settled down to try and pull the match from the fire. For at least five minutes play was somewhere within the Marist twenty-five, and gradually it worked down ■to right on the line. The excitement among the spectators was Intense. Marist managed to keep the line intaet, however, nnd the game ended wliea the ball was sent into touch a few yards up from the goal-line, The referee was Mr. D. Cnlcanni.

ORIENTAL’S SECOND HALF Eastbourne Fails to Cross By a margin of three points. Oriental won against Eastbourne in a game marked by sterling forward play. The win was more decisive than the scores would indicate, as Eastbourne was not able to cross the Oriental line, its six points being scor-. ed from penalty kicks by Fuller. On the other hand, Oriental scored two unconverted tries, and also added a penalty goal. Eastbourne played with the wind In the first spell, and soon won its wny well downfield. Three times Oriental cleared from dangerous attacks in which both the Eastbourne backs and forwards were seen to advantage, and once Oriental was compelled to force. Eastbourne's first points came when Oriental was penalised not far from half-way, and Fuller landed a magnificent goal. 444 moat ed tfcs sttseth*-

Ing, though Wigga and Davies in the Oriental backline did good work in starting counter-rushes. A line-out was formed near the Eastbourne goal-line, after Clark had found touch with a rather lucky kick. Hero Oriental was penalised again, and Fuller added three more points. There was no change in the score at half-time. In the second spell the position was reversed, and it was Oriental that did most of the attacking. Davies put his side in a good position when he ;rot away down the line, and for some time Eastbourne was defending in its own twenty-five. Mills had two attempts with penalty kicks, and ■with his second one was successful. Soon afterward Dawson scored a good try when he secured in a scrummage near the Eastbourne line, but Neal missed the kick. This made the score, Eastbourne 6, Oriental 6. but it was not long before the Oriental team was ahead. Davies secured from a scrummage in the corner, and went over for what proved to be the winning try. The closing stages of the game were all In Oriental’s favour, but no further points were added. Mr. N. Sowper was the referee.

WELLINGTON IN FORM Berhampore Outclassed Wellington proved on Newtown Park that it could perform under wet weather conditions almost as well as when ground and ball were dry. Berha’mpore put up a brave showing in the first spell, and had quite as much of the play as its opponent. Its vanguard was coming through quicker, and had it not been for sure handling and powerful kicking with either foot by Irvine, the Wellington fullback, the fast-following Berhampore forwards would have been through more than once. Driving showers from the north made the ground very greasy, and it was difficult tor the players to keep their feet, let alone handle accurately or move at any pace. Some great duels were witnessed in the scrums, which frequently collapsed. Toward the close of the first spell, the Wellington forwards worked up to the Berhampore line, where a defender got

badly offside, and Kilby, with an excellent kick, sent the soggy leather over the The second spell opened at a cracking pace, and there was much excitement as play veered with rapidity from one line to the , other. ,The Wellington forwards got their second wind, and, using their feet cleverly,', kept comlftg at the line with hammering footrushes. From a scrum, Kilby whipped round, and sent a snappy pass to Burrell, who went over close to The posts. Kilby failed to convert. Wellington came at the line again, and the centre-threequarter potted a neat goal. Play continued fast and strenuous, and Wellington sustained two casualties. Ferguson retired and was replaced by Harris, and a little later McLean had to limp oft the field, Carlyon filling the vacancy. Wellington now sparked up, and a pretty burst of passing, in which Kilby, Hay, and Page figured, let Redell away for a strong run, which sent Ball over for a sterling try. Kilby failed to convert. Kilby again set his backs going, and Page hopped over between the posts. Kilby converted, and a first-class display, considering the conditions, ended with the scores standing: Wellington 18, Berhampore 0. Mr. 1. Gilchrist was the referee.

-RAGGED play Petone Defeats Athletic By six points to nil, Petone defeated Athletic on the former team’s home ground. Generally speaking, the game was of a ragged description, relieved by one or two bright flashes from the Petone backs. Anything in the nature of spectacular play, however, was not to be expected, for the wretched weather conditions made it almost impossible. Driving showers of rain swept diagonally across the Oval, and before the game was half-way through the ground had been churned up in parts into a veritable bog. Petone kicked off wltli the wind against it Play moved up and down the field, football of a dull type being temporarily brightened by Pollock, who ran straight up the field. It looked like a score for Petone, but, the pass went astray. Many passing movements were made by both sets of. backs, but usually they were broken up before they could develop far. At this stage Petone was seeing more of the ball. From a line-out Wilson managed to force himself across for a try. Niebull's shot at goal failed. Beyond the retirement of Burnett (Athletic) through injury, and the filling of his place by Howard, little worthy of record happened after Petone’s score until half-time. Early in the second half Petone added another three points. From the kick-off Petone gradually worked down the line and although Athletic temporarily cleared. Petone again attacked, and a dribbling rush, led by Nicholls, enabled Spence to score. The kick failed. For the rest of the spell Petone had the better of the territorial run of the play, while Athletic seemed unable to press home its attacks. Athletic drove dangerously elose to Petone’s line on a number of occasions, but It could not win through the stubborn defence. Mr. D. Paris was the referee. HUTT BEATS MIRAMAR The Winner’s Adaptability Although Hutt beat Miramar on the Hutt Recreation Ground by 17 points to 5, It was not until well Into the second spell that It gained a superiority. For Hutt to leave the field at the end of the first spell, trailing its opponents, was quite an unusual experience this season. Miramar's success in establishing a 5 points to 3 lead before half-time was’due to splendid work by Its forwards, and to foolish efforts among the Hutt backs to pick the ball up and try parsing rushes. Several times in the first spell Hutt compelled Miramar to force, and its only score came when Coulston followed the ball up as it was kicked over the line. This roused Miramar who, within a minute, swept downfield with thj ball at toe, one Smith scoring and another Smith converting From then to the end of the spell, because Hutt would not keep the ball at toe, the advantages were slightly with the Miramar forwards. Miramar, too, was saved by being awarded numerous free kicks. The second spell saw a change, and Hutt was getting the bail mure consistently from the line-outs, and Its policy of screwing the scrum was bearing fruit. Sadler at half-back "was brilliant, and Lilburne and Hansen were always where they were most wanted. Pomare’s handling of the ball In the first spell very bad, improved wonderfully In the second, and his tackling was sure. Miramar’s line-kicking, too, was poor, and the forward movements became less concerted and more individual*. With the Miramar forwards

tiring, the Hutt backs had more time to handle the ball, and so they were able to Indulge in passing rushes, which is their forte. ’ The Miramar backs, seeing that Hutt had the wind behind them, were playing too close up to the forwards. To allow the slippery ball to go over their heads and then have to turn round and chase it was fatal, and it oftentimes proved Miramar’s undoing. Hutt went one point in the lead when Boss, who was brilliant, kicked downfield from a bad pass, and scored in the corner. Lllburne next set. his backs going, and Wail made a brilliant run on the right wing to score. There tratf no . more untiring or determined worker in the Hutt forwards -than Roberts, and he richly deserved' the-try which Pomare converted, to make Hutt. 14. Fine thrusts were made from Sadler, when he all but scored. From a serum near the line,'' Sadler passed to Lilburne, who set his backs going for Boss to score again, the game ending, Hutt 17. Miramar 5. The referee was Mr. H. Eton.

. ■ OLD BOYS BEATEN Poneke’s Twelve-point Victory Play in the Old Boys-Poneke game at Prince of Wales Park was mainly confined to the forwards. In fact, the 1 swamplike nature of the ground made good football Impossible; and hard forward dribbling rushes were the order of the day. ■Poneke, owing to its having the heavier forward line, gained the ascendancy early in the game, but nevertheless the Old Boys’ team put up a stout resistance. When the final whistle sounded the score was Poneke 12, Old Boys 0. From the commencement Poneke attacked strongly, and by means of forward dribbling rushes had play on Old Boys’ line. A dangerous situation was relieved by Wylie, however, who, securing from a melee, kicked clear. Poneke was now on the defensive, and Old Boys was within an ace of scoring several times, but the scrummaging tactics of the Poneke men saved the situation. Jessup secured, and by means of a good touch-finder, put Poneke in an advantageous position. A hot forward rush saw play in Old Boys’ territory, and from a scrummage in the corner, Shearer went over for a neat try. Poneke 3, Old Boys 0. Soon afterward

Edgar, cutting in on Old Boys’ passing movement, passed to Quirke, who went over near the posts. Edgar kicked over. Poneke 8, Old Boys 0. Half-time went shortly afterward, with Poneke on the attack. For the first half of the second spell Poneke had Old Boys penned in its twenty-five, but the attackers were kept from scoring by the Old Boys’ clever defensive play. After some hard play in front of Old Boys’ goal, Pelham gained possession and potted a goal. Poneke 12, Old Boys 0. Play was now of a scrappy nature owing to the bad state of the ground, and when full time went, the scores were unchanged. The referee was Mr. G, Rathbone. SENIOR B GAMES With the ground under water for the St. Patrick’s College Old Boys-Upper Hutt game, good football was impossible. The College Old Boys won by five points to nil, P. McCarthy scoring and Hepburn converting. Old Boys secured a five-point margin against Selwyn in a match characterised by fine play on the part of the Old Boys’ pack. Tries were scored by Wylie and Ames for the winners and W. Hawker converted one. Toward the end of the game Selwyn played much better and gave the Old Boys’ defence plenty to dp. Hancock scored a fine try under the posts. By six points to nil Hutt defeated Onslow at Kelburn Park. The game was an even one. and neither side could cross the scoring line. Todd kicked two penalty goals for the winners. Though there was no score in the first spell. Oriental rattled on 11 points in the second half of the match against University. Tries were scored by Jaggers. Dunslea and Sinclair. Ramsay converted one. Johnsonville defeated Porlrua by 6 points to nil. The scorers were Smith and Moore, each of whom secured a try. Training College broke its “duck’’ by defeating Melrose. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Juniors.—Wellington A 11, Berhampore 5; University 6. Wellington B 0: Marist 18, Old Boys 0; Onslow 17. Porirua 3: Upper Hutt 3, St. Patrick's 0: Athletic 10. Oriental 0. Third. —Berhampore 6. St. Patrick's 0; Old Boys 3. Oriental 3; Wellington A 0. Poneke 0: Wellington B 15. University A 0: Karorl 3, Selwyn 0. . , Intermediate. —Old Boys 16. St. Patrick s 0.8. 8; Poneke 35, Wellington 0; Plimmerton 3. Hutt 0; Moera 6. Athletic 0. Fourth—Marist 3. Petone 3: Berhampore 26, Old Boys B 0: Wellington A 0, Athletic 0; Hutt 15. Poneke 3: Wellington B 5. Institute 0; Wellington C 0, Varsity B 0. Fifth.—Petone 16. Old Boys 0: Wellington 8. Seatoun 0.

Sixth.—Wellington 13, Selwyn 0, Seventh,—Onslow 14, Miramar 11; Johnsonville 3, Petone 0; Wellington won by default from Athletic. IN OTHER CENTRES By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland.—College Rifles 9, beat Technical Old Boys 6; Ponsonby 11, beat City 3; University 15. beat Grammar Old Boys 6: Marist Old Boys 21, beat Training College 8: Grafton 3, beat Manukau 0. Christchurch.—Football was played today In a heavy nor'-west wind. The ground was fast. Christchurch 17, beat Linwood 5: Sydenham 14, beat Athletic 13: Merivale 25, beat Varsity 3: Old Boys 19, beat Albion 6. , Dunedin. —Varsity A 20 beat Union 0: Kaikoral 12 beat Varsity B 6; Southern 0 0 drew with Alhambra 0; Dunedin 8 beat Taleri 6; Zlngari 14 beat Pirates 6. IN THE PROVINCES By Telegraph—Press Association. South Taranaki.—Patea 14, beat Eltham 3: Okaiawa 3, beat Opunake nil; Hawera 14, beat Walmate 6: Athletic 6. beat Kaponga 5. Wanganui.—Pirates 19, beat Marist 13; Tech. Old Boys 16. beat Old Boys 3; Kaierau 12, beat Ratana 3. Masterton. —Old Boys 10. beat Red Star 3: Carterton 9, beat Masterton 0: Greytown 11, beat Dalefield 5. .Wairarapa.—Greytown 11, Dalefleld, 5; Old Boys 10, Red Star, 3; Carterton 12, Masterton 0. Manawatu.—Kia Tea 12 beat Old Boys 11; United 10 beat Feildlng O; Fellding Old Boys 38 beat Massey College 6. COOKE PLAYS WELL Hawke’s Bay Beats Wairoa By Telegraph—Press Association. Wairoa, May 30. The annual representative football match, Napier-Hastings versus Wairoa. was played here this afternoon before a large attendance. The visitors won by 22 points to nine. Wairoa led nine to nil in the first spell, but superior condition and A. E. Cooke’s good play saw the Bay fifteen overwhelm the home side, scoring — points in the second half. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNEY A seven-a-side tournament fot juniors, third and fourth grades will be held at Wakefield Park on Wednesday. King s Birthday, starting at 9.15 a.m. The draw

for the first round to as follows:— Junior.—Athletic v. Old Boys, Berhampore v. Wellington, Eastbourne v. Oriental, Marist A v. Onslow, Athletic B v. Marist B, Miramar v. Melrose. Third.—Berhampore v. Moera A. Eastbourne v. Marist B, Moera B v. Melrose, Wellington A v. Selwyn B. Marist A v. Wellington B, Oriental v. Miramar A. Seatoun v. Old Boys, Selwyn A v. Miramar B. Fourth.—lnstitute v. Old Boys. Berhampore v. Wellington A, Eastbourne v, Seatoun. Marist v. Petone B. Miramar v. Wellington B, Melrose v. Petone A, Onslow v. Selwyn. Petone C v. Oriental. REPRESENTATIVE GAME Wairai'apa v. Hawke’s Bay Dominion Special Service Masterton, May 31. The following is the Wairarapa representative team to play Hawke’s Bay at Nanier on June 3:— Full-back. L. Roach; three-quarters. D. Oliver, ,C. Stringfellow. L. Williams: fiveeighths, W. Ford. A. V. Jury; half. I. Hart: wing-forward. M. Parker: front row, K. Reid. G. Steffert: lock. F. Smith: side row, W. Reside. K. Fairbrother; back row'. N. McGregor, J. Le Quesne. Reserves. R. Devine and B. Clarke.