UNION RUGBY PLAY IN THE MUD

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1914, Page 10

UNION RUGBY PLAY IN THE MUD

ATHLETICS STILL UNBEATEN. SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Athletic (6) v. Poneke (3). Wellington (13) v. St. James (0). Petone (22) v. University (0). * Melrose (4) y. Oriental (3). Despite the execrable weather and the almost hopeless condition of the grounds, play in the Rugby matches was not lacking a certain savour of interest, over and above that which always attaches to a fast, vigorous game in the mud. " On the No. 1 ground Athletic and Poneke fought out a close and, at times, uninteresting game, in which the issue was always in doubt. In the first spell the Poneke forwards ran things pretty much their own way, and when the call came for half-time, with the scores even, 3 points all, and the champions still defending, Poneke supporters were frankly optimistic. It was certainly an open issue, but the reversal of form shown by the Athletic forwards in the second spell was as surprising as it was effective. They held the upper hand most of the spell, and were a trifle unlucky in not registering more than the single additional score which landed them home winners by 6 points to 3. On the No. 2 ground Wellington easily disposed of St. James to the tune of 13 to 0. A close but lifeless contest took place between 'Melrose arid Oriental at Miramar, the former winning by 4 points to 3. Petone'sscore of 22 points in their game at Petone against University, who failed to score at all, was not a fair index of play, University putting up a creditable exhibition in the second spell. A NARROW MARGIN. The weather and a strong attraction elsewhere considerably thinned the nufliber of spectators at Athletic Park where, on the number one ground, Poneke ran Athletic very close for final honours. In the first spell the Poneke forwards more than held their own, playing an active untiring game in the mud, and penning Athletic in, their own quarters for the greater part of the time. Half-time saw the scores even, and , Poneke's chances of securing a win, or pulling off a draw, seemed bright, but the Athletic forwards were a changed combination. They ( played with dash, which had formerjy been lacking, and some combinatioij. They held the upper hand, except at brief intervals, but failed to register more than another three points. j The final score of 6 points to 3 in Athletics favour just about represented the trend of the game. With the whistle came the rain, heavy and cold, blowing in from the nor'-west. It was only a shower, and when it lifted, Athletic were still persevering with the attack which they had launched from the kick-off. Fisher changed the venue of play by smartly following up a high kick into Athletics twenty-five. A shot at goal' by Gardner a moment later served no purpose other than to evidence the already somewhat sodden state of the ball, which he failed to rise. Athletics return to their initial attack was not marked by any sprightliness of action, and after ineffectual scrambling on the line the pendulum swung again in favour of tho red-and -black men. Kennedy sot his backs going in striking position, but it was not the day for this form of attack, and play slowed down to a scramble in front of Athletics goal. Presently the Poneko forwards cam© away with a neat dribble, and the ball went , out to the right flank, when Gardner crossed the coveted line. He failed to convert his own try. Poneke, 3; Athletic, 0. Poneke supporters forgot the cold ,and grew doubly enthusiastic when their team attacked again with dangerous vigour. The ground hpd now becom? 1 thoroughly ploughed up, and the ball quite sodden, completely dispelling any lingering hope of a bright exhibition. Tho wholesome vigour of play was a redeeming feature, however, and the crowd, keenly expectant, watched Poneke's almost continuous attack with interest. Athletic relieved themselves for a while of the trying task of fending off the persistent enemy, and tried their hand at attack. Their efforts found culmination when Luoni beat a couple of Poneke backs for the ball as it rolled across the line, and equalised the score. Evenson failed to convert, making the score Poneke,' 3 j Athletic, 3. The spell closed without further incident. In the next spell, with the scoring even, and the odds much in their favour, if the frret half of the game were to be taken as any index, Poneke swarmed down on their opponents' lino from the 'kick-off. They kept them penned down until the Athletic forwaTd^, awakening from the lethargy which had eeemed to hamper them like a lieavy cloak, swung into midfield. From scrambling play, they came away again with short passing — pretty to see and effective. The movement found n, fit ting finish, when a Poneke forward kicked wildly out to Adams on the wing, who gathered, in the ball and streaked over the line. Evenson failed to convert. Athletic 6, Poneke 3 Again Athletic attacked desperately, but unavailingly ; , repeatedly they swarmed down to Poneke's last line of defence, and were as often held back from success, either by the strenuous defence of Poneke's backs, notaoly Algar and Tilyard, or by the impossibility of manoeuvring in the mud with any certainty. Once M'Taggart staved on disaster almost by a .miracle, when a Poneke back kicked the ball literally into the hands of a couple of Athletic forwards. With a few minutes to go, Poneke effected a swift reversal of the position, and rushed play to Athletics twenty-five, but they iailed to better their position, and the game ended : — Athletic, 6; Poneke, 3. Mr. L. Simpson made an efficient referee. MELROSE DEFEAT ORIENTAL. Rain fell heavily on the Miramar ground, where Melrose were set down to play Oriental. Play was not of a very fast or interesting character, being chiefly confined to the forwards, neither set showing any brilliancy or finish. Melrose secured a rather lucky win by four points to three. Melrose kicked off against a strong wind, defending the eastern goal. For the first ten minutes the ball was in midfield, both sides playing very ragged football. On one or two 1 occasions Oiien tal were dangerous. Little secured from a scrum, transferred to Sullivan, and on to Avery, who 'was grassed near the line. A free kick relieved for Melrqae. Pearce made a smart run on the wing for Oriental, but lost the ball when near the line. Oriental were beating their opponents in the tight, but in th» loose play was ragged, the fielding on both sides being very poor. About half way through the spell Onenta 1 . were awarded ii free kick on t the goal line, and from an easy position Cowie had no difficulty in converting. Oriental kept up a steady attack until half time, but the slippery ball did not allow of passing with any certainty. Play was not of a very interesting nature, being chiefly_confined to the forwards. Just on time Donne marked for Oriental near (CoflUaucd on page li,\

(Continued from page 10.) tho line. Cowie again took the kick, but an excellent attempt went just under the bar. Tho score at half time was three-nil in favour of Oriental. With the wind in their favoui Melrose livened ilp_ considerably, and kept Oriental well within their" territory, and compelled^ tlfem to force on moie than one occasion. After about ten minutes' plrty Houlihan secured on the twentyfive line, and di'oppfid a neat goal. With ond point to the bad, Oriental showed much greater vim, but scrappy play_ by the for 1 wards spoiled many opportunities of scoring. A few" minutes from time Church broke through the Oriental attack, and kicking high, headed a fine rush, which Was stopped on the line by Cowie. Oriental forced. Just on time Cowie took a shot at goal, but the attempt -Was a poor one. The game ended, four points to three, in favour of Melrosei Mr. A. C Kitto was referee ( A SCRAPPY GAME. After two strenuous 'games during the past two Saturday afternoons, Wellington had easy going on No. 2 ground, Athletic Park on Saturday, when they met St. James. Although the yellows were winners all the way, St. James exhibited a slight improvement in their play, and this may be judged from the fact that Wellington we're unable to score in the second spell. Rain, a heavy ground, and an elusive ball practically compelled playeTS to abandon any thoughts of brilliant play, and consequently the game for the mo3t part was scrappy. Tho yellows did nearly all the attacking, but their opponents knew how to prevent a score. From the commencement St. James set out for the opposing line, and by means of a ragged forward rush they got there, but the ball was kicked into "dead" territory. Wellington then gave a demonstration of their superiority, and although the red-and-whites attempted to prevent " the attack, the yellows prevailed, and Miller drew first blood. Drake converted. s—o.5 — 0. Again Wellington were dangerous, but off-side play prevented another score. The relief was only temporary, and St. James were again in difficulties, the ball being kicked into toUch-in-goal. For a time tho St. James forwards were aggressive, and went very near to scoring. A free-kick -to Wellington, however, sent them back, and the yellows kept play in their opponents' quarter for some minutes. A businesslike effort to score was Well saved by Griffiths. Once again the red-and-whites managed to advance, but Beard spoilt a passing rush and, securing the ball near his own line, set out strongly for the ' Other end- He made excellent progress, And was only pulled up a few feet from the reds' line. The effort was worthy of a better result. Still Wellington attacked, but St. James successfully kept them at bay. At length Milled? again managed to scramble over. Drake's kick failed. B—o. At this stage play was stopped for a time in consequence of Packer sustaining a broken nose. Cotter came on in his place. A short spell of play amidfield, and Wellington were again busy. From a ( scrum. Beard secured, and worked his way over the line, Drake converting. 13 — 0. Shortly after resuming the yellows took play into St, James's half, and there they stayed. Time and again they tried to gcOre, but without success. The red-and-whites were compelled to force on several _ occasions, but at the same time exhibited some good defence work. The yellow backs tried to open up the game, but the conditions were against them, the ball being too slippery to propel with accuracy. Now and again St. James managed to make a little headway, btit the times th'oy crossed the half-way line wer& few and far between. Wellington made rush after rush, ■ but all met with the same result— no score. Eventually the red-and-whites got within striking distance, but ihey could not getacrossi Wellington Were now having their turn at defensive work, and had a few anxious moments, but a mark eased off the pressure. . Play hovered near the half-way line for some minutes, Until the yellow forwards again broke away, St. James forcing. The red-and-whites Were advancing into yellow territory when the final whistle sounded. Wellington 13, St. James 0Mr. B. Evenson controlled the game. INTERESTING PLAY. Petone and University fought out an interesting gams at Petone. on a field sbft with the rains, and cany"a mass of mud. Petone on points had an easy win, but in tho second spell they should have had at least half A score of points against them. Apart/ from the narrow escapes they thrice ran of having their line crossed, Beard thrice also .tnissed tha goal pdsts by what appeared to be inches. Indeed, the rival kicks, Beard and M'Farlane, gave expositions on every, occasion. Petone showed greater resource under adverse conditions, and to this their win was due* When play started, Petone, Who fought with the wind, soon carried the greens back to their own territory. Indeed this was the start of a series of sorties that kept the greens penned. The spell right through, except near the fihish, favoured Petone. Not long dttter the start, ' H. Tancred (Petone), started a rapid passing rush; he cut in from halfway and passed to Hindmarsh. The latter, side-stepping beautifully corkscrewed his way here and there until, passing all his men, he touched down under the goal bar. It was a remarkably" pretty piece of work, and great applause arose from the grandstand. M'Farlane converted. 5-0. The game was dull and uninteresting, except for individual efforts, until M'Eweti, after a mud-melee near the University line, picked up the ball and fell over with it. M'Farlane failed with the ■ kicki 8-0. Towards the end of the spell, when University backs were striving valiant ly to keep out the blacks, E. Ryan, receiving the ball at quarter-way, coolly elected to pot, and placed a sure goal. 12-0. In the second spell, University soon felt the advantage of the favouring wind.^ Play at once became more interesting. ( Petone attacked, but not for long. University gave a penalty near the line, but Petone elected to punt high. Nothing came of that incident, Ryan (University) being the stumblihg block; but soon after Nunn, fetone's half, who had been playing a heady game, snapped up a mark, and M'Farlane, taking the kick, placed v a pretty goal. 15-0. Thence onward 'fjnivei'sity went out to score. They penned their opponents, but Parker and Price broke back. University with a fine passing run in which Ryan, Ongley, ahd Pi'u&sing participated, were almost over, but Prussing lost the ball, and Lindsay forced. University kept Up the pressure. Then at quarter-way Ready (University) kick' ed out of the ruck, and P. J. Ryan marked in a handy Spot. Beard carefully wiping the mud from his tee, .nade a splendid kick, but missed the poet by inches. Again University pressed. Benttett and Beard headed a' forward gallop. Play was exciting and fast, but Udy broke back, and Nunn, out on his own, went right down the field, passing to Hindmarsh, when handy to the line, whom Pmssing grasged. Again University pressed, and Faire, but for slipping, would have scored. A few minutes after Beard took another penalty kick, and again almost grazed the post. Not long afterwards, .University forwards, playiug well to»

gether, took play once more with them, and from an opening Faire had another unsuccessful try to cross. Ucly, for hanging to the ball, was penalised, and Beard had the mortification of missing an easy goal. Fetone now bore down upon University, and then, after a scrambling rush, W. Ryan touched down ; M'Farlane kicked unsuccessfully. 18-0. Later, W. Ryan worked down the line, and from a line-out Boltori secured, and neatly potted a goal. 22-0. Aftc some pi'es3uro University relieved,' but again Dent and Parker penetrated their defence. A few secolida afterwaids the game came to an end, Petone winning by< 22 to 0. Mr. T. H. Jones was referee. JUNIOR Selwyn (11) v. Petone (9). For the winners JRoberfcs afld Da Clifton scored tries. M 'Donald converted one and kicked a penalty goal. University (14) v, Poneke (5). Tries * for the Wiriners were secured by Aitken (2), Adlam, and Kerr, O'Shea convert* ing one. THIRD CLASS. Oriental (5) v. Upper Hutt (0). Wellington College (32) v. Exchange (0) FOURTH CLASS. Selwyn (6) v. Wellington A' (3). Berhampore (14) V. Athletic (3). PLAY IN WAIRARAPA (BY TELEGRAPH— SPECIAL TO *H1 POST.) MASTERTON, llth July. There "was wet < weather and a heavy ground for the match this afternoon between North and South Wattarapa. The game ended in a victory for South Wairarapa. by five points to three. W. Redmond touched down for the winners and M'Kenzie converted the try. D Rosa scored for the losers. The representative team to meet Taranaki for the Ranfurly Shield will 'be picked from the men who played to-day. IN OTHER PLACES (« tblbOiuph.— pßhss Association.) DUNEDIKT, Uth July. Rugby results: — University 15, Zingari- Richmond 10; Union 8, Pirates 3; Southern 6, Dunedin 3; Port Chalmers 4, Alhambra 3. CHRISTCHURCH, I lth July." 'Varsity 6, Albion 6; Sydenham 12, ilafiEsts 11 j Christclmrch 9, Merivale 6; Old Boys 6, Linwood 3AUCKD.AND, llth July. University 14, beat Ponsonby nil; City 16, beat College Rifles b WANGANUI, llth July. In the Rugby senior cup match, Kaieraii beat Pirates by 18 to 3 PALMERSTON N., llth July. United (6) beat Feilding (5) j Oriental (6) beat Western (nil)— the latter game was abandoned at half-time. MASTERTON, llth July. In senior football yesterday the South Wairarapa defeated the Northern Wairarapa. representative team by 5 points to 3. ' In the junior division Martihb6rough (6) defeated United (3) j Red Star (16) beat Gladstone (9); and Dalefield (3) defeated Carterton (0). Red Star 'drew with United in the third-class grade, and Carterton (5) beat Martittborough (3). NINETY-SIX TO NIL The Dunedin correspondent of The Post telegraphs: — Last week I mentioned that the Forbury School 'had not had a single point scored against them for two seasons. To-day they pave a further taste of their skill, when they piled up 96 points to- nil against, Oaversnam. THE. ALL BLACKS MATCH AGAINST N.S.W. FIRST WIN. 'By Telegraph.— Pfees Association— Copjriftht.) "SYDNEY, 12th July. The first Rugby Union "test game between New Zealand and New South Wales was playe.d on Saturday on the Sports Grounds. The weather was fine and the ground hard and fast, and therefore in favour of the horne 1 'team. New South Wales kicked 'off, and, following up, after poor defensive work on the, part of "the "All Blacks.* 1 within half a minute of starting Carr scored ■for New' South Wales, but Wogan failed with the kick. New South Wales continued pressing, when from a melee the New Zealand backs got going, R." Roberts makings brilliant run dowiifield. Play now settled ih Australian territory, and from close work near the iine Cain" scored for the visitors ; E. Roberts failed to add the major points. Fast work on both sides followed. The New Zealanderd were awarded a free kick, which was taken by E. Koberts, ,who placed a goal, notching three poiflts ?or the New^ Zealanders. Close forward work in the o&ntre was now the order of the day, neither side making any headway, when from a scrum •after a line-out Loveridge was aaid out and removed ffoih the flekL Taylor taking his place. From a scrutn 'n the MaoTilanders' country, the Welshmen started their three-quarters with a rush, but good work on the part of the 1 New Zealand backs caved the situation. <Uh' daunted, the New SoutH Wales .forwards again attacked, and -again the backs saved the Maorilanders with their fine kicking. Thfe New Zealanflers now' took the" aggressive, and the forwards worked the ball into* the Welshmen's countrj-, wiien Taylor slipped over tho line, planting the ball between the pdsts. R. Roberts took the kick, but -failed in his effort. Open work in the centre followed the kick-out, the Australians pressing took the ball mto the. New Zealanders' territory, where they were granted a free-kick, which 'aile<3 to enhance their scorn. Black found touch near the centre line, when the whistle went for half-time, New Zealand, 9; New South Wales, 3. SECOND SPELL. Resuming, the Australians, by following up a fine kick, tofc>k the play downfield, but the New Zealanders being awarded a free kick, the play returned to the centre of the field". A brilliant run by E. Hebert^ and Taylor wag repulsed by the Australian backs. Very fast forward play on both sides followed, when E. Roberts made an opening for Ryan, who scored. R. Roberts failed to increase the score. New Zealand, 12 • New South Wales', 3. The Austfalianß followed up their luck, and Ryan, with the return kick, found touch in their territory, but the Australians cleared, when Lynch, making a fine kick, the New Zealanders followed up hard, and" from a scrable near the Welshmen's line 'Bruce scored, E. Roberts failing with the kick. New Zealand, 15 ; New South Wales 3. The Australians now attacked fiercely, and from a fine kick by Lynch, Dwyer got the ball, 1 but Taylor collared him before he could get his kick in . From the scrum which followed M'Neece scored, but E. Roberts failed to convert. New Zealand, 18 ; New South Wales, 3. From loose play near the centre, Sutton, Jones, and George made a brilliant run. Ryan cleared. Yynch following up, Ryan took the pass and scored. He took the kick at goal, but failed in his attempt. New Zealand, 21 j New South Wales, 3. From a passing run by the New Zealanders, Tasker intercepted a pass, and ,put in a brilliant -run, followed by Baker, Duffy,

Wood, and O'Brien, who was illegally tackled, the Welshmen being awarded a try. Wogan failed with the kick. New Zealand, 21 ; Now South Wales, 6. The New Zealanders, undaunted by this reverse, returned to the attack, E. Roberts passing to Ryan, who again notched the points. R. Roberts failed to increase the score. New Zealanders, 24; New South Wales, 6. From loose play E. Roberts passed to Taylor, who was pulled down, and an instant later E. Roberts passed to Ryan, who tossed the ball to Black, who in turn sent it to Lynch, and the latter scored. Lynch took the kick, but failed in his attempt. Fierce forward play in Australian territory followed. After a fine kick the Welshmen followed, and were attacking when the no-side whistle was blown. The final scores were : New Zealand, 27 ; New South Wales, 6. A crowd of 15,000 watched the match. The New Zealanders' victory was a triumph of combination and skill over individual play. The All Bliclzs play a team from the Western districts at Orange on' Wednesday. , The New Zealand Rugby team has been invited to play at match in Melbourne, but owing to the fixtures already made the team will probably be Unable to accept. >