RUGBY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 126, 29 May 1915, Page 12

RUGBY

(By "Drop-kick.") TRENTHAM IMPROVING. With each succeeding Saturday an improvement in the standard of play is evident. At the beginning of the season there is always a certain amount of rough-and-ready work. The forwards have not arrived at the stage when they can obtain full value for the energy put forth ; the backs do not know the forwards or each other perfectly, and new seniors are yet playing cautiously, intent upon making no mistakes. Last Saturday one match in Athletic Park showed that two teams were rapidly getting into their stride. One team, Poneke, had been in fair form on previous days ; but the other. Trentham A, had not played as well as the individual experience and quality of the players would have led one to expect. Trentham A have material for a very fine team, and they used it to great advantage on Saturday. There was a dash and smartness among the forwards that told on the opposing team. Taylor, playing wing-forward, gave cause to be marked specially as a dangerous man. He has the build of a swift forward, and does not belie his appearance. The functions of "wanderer" he fulfils excellently,, now assisting the backs 'in attack or defence, now leading the forwards, or stopping an ugly rush from the enemy. More "than one Trentham try gained on Saturday was due in the first instance to his lively work. His example stimulated other members of the team, and the result was that blue forwards made the pace so hot that Poneke backs could not work with the same freedom as usual. Poneke forwards •were too light to do battle successfully against the soldiers, and they had not the speed which would have enabled them to balance the deficiency. Nevertheless they played well, and were not beaten because they did not try. PONEKE BACKS PLAY WELL. If the wearers of red and black possessed forwards with a little more weight the team would be a most dangerous one to .meet on a scoring day. The backs are there, and an excellent set they are. Their performance on Saturday was against odds — the odds of an opposing forward team that moved quickly and tackled surely. Tackling was remarkably clean and certain on both sides ; so certain, indeed, that there had to be an odd man waiting, or else a specially speedy wing, if a rush by the backs were to meet with success. Algar was the most brilliant member of the Poneke back combination. He played a clever game, though rather inclined to press his wings too close to the line. This was counterbalanced by the „ tendency which Morris has to cut in and hang on to the ball too long. Prenderville was not quite in his usual form at full-back; but he shaped well, when, in the second spell, he was moved up to centre three-quarter. For the position of centre three-quarter reliability is' of more importance than speed and brilliance. A man at the centre has rarely the chance of scoring on his own account ; but the chances of the wings are greatly affected by the manner in which the centre carries on the work commenced by the haft or five-eighths. Prenderville is reliable, and a good kick, so that he can do much good work. MAN IN THE BLACK JERSEY. When two sets of fifteen men wearing clothes of the same ■patterji are tearing round the field, sometimes at a distance of over a hundred yards from the spectators, a keen eye is required to distinguish a player who is not of distinctive build. Ever if he plays better than_ his fellows it is some time before he is recogpised ; but if he is distinguished by his clothing, there is very little chance of the credit for his work going to another man. Billy Wallace, before he became a New Zealand representative, used to wear a- cap in the field, and the newcomer on the bank was told : "There, that's Billy, the one with the cap." Afterwards, of course, Wallace was so well known that he could afford to discard his distinguishing badge. One Trentham man on Saturday, Lynch, wore a black jersey, and the wearer of that black jersey appeared to to be everywhere when the backs were moving. The impression of his omnipresence was not an illusion. He was unusually active, a strong runner, able to ' kick with judgment, and to follow up well the advantage gained by his kicking. He quite outshone Roberts, though the latter played a sound game and was very useful in defending. FALL OF SELWYN. It was unfortunate for Selwyn that after their two strenuous games against Oriental and Trentham A they 'should have been set down to meet Petone last Saturday. Most of the players had suffered more or less from the hard game at Trentham, some being unable to play. Among these were: — Malm, the full-back (suffering from a broken collar-bone), Fred Cooper, and Hayden The absence of these players was keeni^ felt, and resulted in disaster to the team whicb previously shone out co well in spite of the fact that they were new to senior football. However, the fall should not be taken to heart by the players, and' it is to be hoped that the miggety little fifteen will soon be lit good working ordeftv Several bright efforts were} made la*>!> 'Saturday to justify their previous performances, but the task was too great. Selwyn's game was an uphill one, and under the circumstances, well played, as Petone wero in excellent form. During the first spell, M'Phee, one of the greens' principals, received an injury to one of his ankles, and this meant a further loes. Flack and M'Donald were the pick of an even rearguard, while Roberts, Cooper, and W. King were perhaps the shining lights in the pack. THE PETONE BACKS. All who witnessed Petone's game verb well satisfied as to the capabilities of the suburban team. If they could man* age to play such a game as they_ did last Saturday in all the remaining matches, then a win on each occasion could practically be assured. Jim Ryan's presence seemed to give the team somo of its old-time dash, the backs putting in many attractive passing rushea. These were in nearly every case initiated by •Tim Ryan, who was undoubtedly the best player on the field, and every point secured was due to the fast backs. It took them some time to get going, but when they did it was an exceedingly difficult matter to stop their progress. Apart from J. Ryan, others who did particularly well were "Ody (half-back), E. Ryan, Joe Ryan, Bolton, M'Ewen, and Corson, the three first-mentioned lieing slightly in advance of the others. That was Phone's back "division, and ai rattling good one, too. Of the forwards, a solid lot. r Dent and Ready were most noticeable. A GAME FULL OF VIM. Though the Trentham C-Oriental match at Trentham was not exactly a topnotch game, it was interesting and full of vim from the first whistle. It was chiefly because of the vim that it was interesting 1 . With players less keen, and teams less 'physically fit, it could have degenerated on such a ground — too much emphasis on the " such " would perhaps be invidious — into a forward scramble. J3uL as tilings turned ouL the feature of the game was the sterling back play on both aidm. With ono or h two exceptions tho fielding and handling

of the ball among both sets of backs was pretty to watch. CAPPER'S COOLNESS. Oriental owed a debt of gratitude to Capper, their full-back, for saving them much anxiety. It was not easy to be cool with a hefty mob of New Zealand soldiers charging down after the leather, but no officer on parade could be cooler than Capper in the face of the flying avalanche, a!nd not once was he beaten, nor even hustled out of his serenity. Capper won much applause from the soldier spectators. Ihe three-quarter line and the five-eighths played an equable game, and the little southern half, Pyle, brought off one or two tricky pieces of play which stamped him as a young player of pluck and resource. In the Oriental front rank Gilchrist and Mofntt wero most prominent, though all the team worked honestly and desperately without any let-ups. Moflitt, for one of his weight, covered a tremendous lot of ground. It was he who almost averted Weston's brilliant try by honest following up, for Weston had onlj just crossed the line when he reached him. \ " GENERAL" FRENCH. The most brilliant forward among the soldiers was French, a tall, tireless battler, who became most dangerous when both, teams were wearying. Near the conclusion of the match he went through the whole ruck, ball^at foot, but did not Suite succeed in scoring. The rest of le Trentham pack were all honest triers, and very wide-awake. It was the jflay of the Trentham backs, however, that moved the soldier spectators to most applause. Weston, of representative fame, who has a great turn of speed, essayed what seemed an impossible run from his own twenty-fives, but by his speed he got through to the rear division of the Oriental defence, where he v gave the ball to Israel, who, getting into difficulties, sent it back to the donor, who snapped it up and easily crossed. It was really a sensational try, the sort of episode that makes a crowd stand up and cheer, and the thick line of khaki spectators were not behindhand in doing that. Later on in the game the same two players were several times associated in similar assaults on the Oriental defence, but they could not break it down. F. Wilson (three-quarter) and Stewart (half) were other soldiers whose work was above the averagd. Altogether the game was interesting to watch, and proved a good healthy, keen fight. WITH THE SIXTH CLASS. St. Patrick's College A team claimed that they were a better team than the B's — and proved it. Poneke were too solid for the St. James boys, but Hutt and Petone had a very close game. The meeting of Poneke and Petone in the second round Will no doubt be a very close and strenuous game, and if played at the Park should not Jbe missed by any Rugby enthusiast. "Not enough ginger !" This is Rangi Wilson's opinion of the Athletic sixthclassers, to whom he gives advice and encouragement. His interest in the team is evidently appreciated by the boys, and it _is unfortunate that many other prominent players, in this respect, do not follow the lead given. The Blue and Black boys are quite a good team, but will have to remedy certain faults and generally put more life into their play if they have any idea of being successful against teams such as Poneke and Petone. Hall, playing at five-eighths, appears to be the best allround player. He has evidently a good conception of the game, and is a player of the right stamp. This boy is in his third season as a sixth classer, and will still be under the sixth class age limit at the commencement of next season. Mills, the other five-eighths, is also a promising player; perhaps a little spasmodic, but along with Knapp, the centre, has the common fault of not running straight. The wing threequarters are young, and on the small side, and to consistently handicap them in this way is rather "hard. Knapp's attempt to drop a goal really deserved success — a smart well-directed kick. Chancy, at half, is full of play and tricks. He kept up with the forwards much better than in the previous match. This boy has evidently taken Teddy Roberts as a pattern, but Roberts could use his left, Mr. Chancy ; better learn at once. Leckie, who hooka with Dobson, is a real little trier, and will do Solway has pace, but must remember that he is selected as a forward, and must do as a forward should do. He has pV'My of good examples in his club mat*, above him. Gorton and Whisker have the makings of two very fine forwards indeed Whisker's line work is quite outstanding. Blom is cool at full-back, and kicks with judgment. Coach Dempsey has not been quite yet able to pull his Oriental boys together, but he is confident of placing a good team in the field shortly. The team on Saturday played very pluckily. Rigg, Taylor, Amoore* and Bayley are a very good quartette, and with boys of this stamp as a foundation, a good team will no doubt boon be in the field. WELL DONE, BERHAMPOREI When the sixth class games were over, the writer witnessed Berhampore third » class team playing in what will probably be its last game this season. The club was a third class one last season, but for good reasons decided that the present season would find them with a team in th-3 junior championship. Then came the war and the consequent enlistment of a large number of its members, but the officials pluckily carried out the progranime, and entered a team for the junior championship. The team is a good one, but the constant effort to maintain it has, so weakened the third team that it is practically impossible now to muster a team. Recruits for the Reinforcements are still coming from this small club, and with over twenty players answering the country's call, from members only sufficient in number to have two teams, the writer feels justified in saying; "Well done, Berhampore!" A DULL EXHIBITION. There was little to redeem the match between Trentham B and Wellington from mediocrity. Last season Wellington tied with Athletic with championship points, the competitions closing prematurely owing to the loyal manner in which footballers joined the colours. The Wellington senior fifteen suffered worse than any other team in the field in this respect, and even now, although many of the men who went to Samoa have returned, there are many fresh faces m the team. Thus, practically making a fresh start, it -will be some little time yet before the team can hope to achieve the combination that previously existed. The Trentham lads had the same shortcoming, and the result was a ragged exhibition. Now and again there was a little concerted back play, but mostly the game was dependent on the forwards. In the first half the soldiers showed superiority over their opponents, putting more pressure into the scrum and wearing down the Wellington boys in the loose work. In the second half Trentham did not have matters so much their own way. Apparently they had the tired feeling after the &pell opened, but later they rallied again, and. added three more points to their score. Generally speaking, however, the honours in the second half went to Wellington, for their play was faster, especially the loose work, although they still showed an absence of combination as far as the rearguard wero concerned. The kicking of both teams was erratic, and this fault resulted in many lost chances. One, of the most conspicuous players ni the Trentham ranks -fa* Ross, the Uulf-bavk, wiw allowed cuiieideraMc cii*

terprise in getting the ball away to feed his backs. Unfortunately for the soldiers, this advantage was sometimes not followed up. In the three-quarter line, Murray, in the centre, was the most noticeable, and De Castro, as fiveeighths, played a sound game. The pack worked hard, headed by Denize, Smart, and W. J. Anderson. To the last-named fell all the place-kicking, but he was inclined to misjudge his distances. Richardson, the well-known full-back, was only fairly safe on the defence, and once or twice he let the attack get past him. Beard, the centre three-quarter, played his usual aggressive game, and was always to the fore when it came to hard work. Francis, Maxwell, and Bishop were prominent among the forwards. SCHOOLS' COMPETITION. _ As the result of last week's competition two teams — South Wellington and the Terrace — remain undefeated. The meeting of Newtown and Terrace produced a very close and hard game, both teams playing very well. The Terrace forwards keep the play very close. Rose at wing-forward showed plenty of dash, and among the others, Wilson, Aston, and Roe worked hard. Cavill at full-back tackled well, but should make. sure of the ball. Irvine and Claphani were again the most prominent among the backs. Tyree, the Newtown wing-forward, kept the opposing half very busy, and with Anderson led most of the forward rushes. Pollock at half showed plenty of dash, and among the other backs Norris and Welsford were the most prominent. South Wellington's win was chiefly due to superior back play, the teams being very even in the forwards. Mason and Lindsay worked manfully and well, and in the back Jones was most in the limelight. The Mount Cook forwards put up a good fight against superior opposition. Westwood and Humphries kept well on the ball, and on many occasions broke away from the scrum with the ball at toe. Hanson is a very promising back. Besides being fast, he takes the ball cleanly and tackles low every time. The two Petone teams had an even game, and play was mostly confined to the forwards. Rourangi was very prominent in the West team, atid was well supported by Price, Johnson, and Warden. Nankerville again proved the mainstay of the main team, while Rogers and Parrant both showed some promise. Clyde-quay travelled to the Hutt, and a margin of three points shows the evenness of the game. Both teams played with great vim and displayed good football. Le Compte deserves special mention. He was easily the best forward on the ground and led 'all the rushes. He keeps the ball at his toe and tackles low, which is one of the elements of good football. Wright, who plays at fiveeighths had much of the back work to do, and this he did in a workmanlike manner. Baumber, the half for Eastern Hutt, comes of a' football family, and was the mainstay of his side. Normal had a victory over Newtown Junior B, and their team is improving. Nickless, at half, who shows great promise, was the best back on the field, and Cook also handled the ball well. Among the Normal forwards, Herd, ably assisted by Smith, led most of the rushes. , The game between Newtown A and Terrace was a very keen one. The Newtown forwards kept well together, and were much better than their opponents. Turner, Lawrence, and Varlow were the best of the forwards, and Davey was prominent in the backs. Terrace had better backs, and somo which show some promise, including Richardson, Clementton, and Milhvard. Of the forwards Fernandez, Ewart, and Wickes worked hard. South Wellington Juniors are a promising fifteen.- In Warwick and Tillyard they have two smart and reliable backs, and in the forwards Scott and Charles do a good deal of solid work. In the junior competition they will be a hard team to beat. Attention has been, drawn to the tackling of some of the teams. It is most necessary that a man should be tackled low on all occasions. The smallest player, provid-ed he can tackle his opponent a little above the knees, will bring his man down. This is a very important point to notice, and with a little practice any boy can soon become expert. Tackling high not only leads the side into trouble, but often causes injury to a player. Another defect very noticeable in some teams, particularly the Terrace team, ie the tendency for the backs to run straight across' the field. Not only does this, not gain any ground, but it does not make any opening. All the other backs are forced to the line, which leaves no room for massing. This is an important point in back play. Owing to the school holiday, there will be no games next Friday. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT. The Manawatu Rugby Union is holding its annual seven a-side tournament nt Pnlmerston North on the King's Birthday." In addition to the senior competition, there will be three others — junior, third-cla^s (for Mannwatu teams only), ,i^rl primary schools. Teams from Wellington, Taranaki, j Petone, Manawatu, Wanganui. Horowhenua, and Main Trunk Line will probably be competing.