THE RUGBY GAME

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1919, Page 10

THE RUGBY GAME

SATURDAY'S MATCHES

PONEKE v. 'VARSITY,

The meeting of Poneke and University on No. 2 ground, Athletic Park, was productive o£ little in the way of good football, play for the most part, being ragged. Occasional bright individual efforts were spoilt by over-eagerness and holding the ball too long. Poneke quickly assumed tho aggressive after tho start, and it was not long before a forward rush enabled Taylor to cross the line. Christopherson converted. ■ s—o. Following this Poneke kept play in their opponents' territory, but failure to pass the ball and off-side play, together with good defensive work by Chrisp, University's full-back, prevented any further score. Eventually 'Varsity broke away, but found the opposition too solid. Poneke were again attacking when the ; spell ended.

: From the outset of the second half, Poneke repeatedly endeavoured to break through the 'Varsity defence, the play of the backs being somewhat improved. A - concerted effort on the part of the 'Varsity forwards, headed by :T. Beard, took play to the, Poneke's line, when Malm, who had been playing a sound game at full-back, nearly let them through. Poneke' retaliated, and Morris, putting in a fine run, sent the ball on to Christophorson, who failed to take a difficult pass. Power, however, was handy, and managed to get over. The kick failed. B—o. Soon afterwards good play by Algar enabled Roche to score. Again the attempt at goal was unsuccessful. 11—0. A few minutes later, M'Arthur eluded the College, backs and added'another/try, which Morris failed to convert. 14—0. The next'score came about by a fine drop-kick by Algar, who'secured the ball in a handy position from a line-out. 18 —0. Up to this stage Poneke had been having matters their own way, but it was not long before 'Varsity were given an opportunity. From a scramble near Poneke's line Lowe secured and scored behind the posts, .Jackson made no mistake with the kick. 18—5. Passing bouts by the red backs kept play in the green's half, and ' after Christopherson had narrowly missed scoring, Tilyard noticed an opening and sent the ball on to Morris, the latter getting ' over. Algar converted. The game endld: Poneke 23, ' University 5. Mw H. Roberts was referee. '