RUGBY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 22

RUGBY

• » "OKOPKICIf

SENIOR CHAMPIONS

PETONE REGAIN HONOUR

CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

The senior championship tables at the. conclusion of this season's games are given below:—

'.The forty-ninth senior championship eider the auspices of the Wellington Eugby Union was concluded last Saturday, premiership honours being carried off by Petone, who arc to be congratulated upon again reaching tho top of thd ladder. This success brings Petone on; level terms with Poneke in the number. Of- times upon which the senior championship has been won. The senior championship was inaugurated in 1882, and >the records show that Petono and Ponefcehave each been champions on thirteen occasions. Athletic, the first clianxpions, have occupied top place nine times, (bracketed with Wellington in onij' season), Melroso six times, Wellifigfbn five (coupled with Grey town in one.year and with Athletic in another), Unfy.'e'tsity twice, and Greytown (equal ■with",-Wellington), Oriental, and Wellington Collego Old Boys once each. 33i« list of senior champions is as follows; 1882 Athletic, 1883 Welling-ton-.'and Greytown (equal), 1884 Athletic, 1885 Wellington, 1886 Poneke, 1887, Poneke, 1888 Poneko, 18S9 Poneke, 1890 Wellington, 1891 Athletic, 1892 Poneke, 1893 Poneke, 1894 Poneke, 1895-Petone, 1896 Melrose, 1897 Melrose, 1898 Melrose, 1899 Petone, 1900 Melrose, 1901 Wellington, 1902 Melrose, 1903 Poneke, 1904 Potone, 1905 Petone, 1906 Petone, 1907 Petone, 1908 Mclrose, 1909 Poneke, 1910 Oriental, 1911 Athletic, 1912 Athletic, 191.3 Athletic, 1914 Athletic and' Wellington, 1915 Athletic, 1916 Petone, 1917 Petone, 1918 Poneke, 1919 Poneke, 1920 Petone, 1921 Poneko, 1922 Petone, 1923 Petone, 1924 Petone; 1925 Poneke, 1926 Athletic, 1927 Wellington College Old Boys, 1938 Victoria University College, 1929 Victoria University College, 1930 Petone... > - .

Eastbourne are also to bo congratulated upon their rise to the position of runhers-up. in tho top grade. For so young a club they have done exceptionally well. When the senior B grade championship was inaugurated in 192G Eastbourne won the competition, and their success was repeated in 1927, after which they advanced to senior A status. It has taken Eastbourne only three seasons to head off all but one team in the contest for senior championship honours. Hutt also did exceedingly well to occupy a high place after a period in the B grade. The fall of University from top place in two successive seasons to the bottom rung of the ladder has been one of the most surprising features of this year's competition. The studonts, however. * still, have a chance of retaining senior Aiitatus, but it is by no means easy. They; have to play off with Wellington, who have proved conclusively that they should never have been relegated to the B grade, in which their record of success has been exceptional. The idea of a play-off at the end of a season to decide whether the leading senior B team is to take the place of the team lowest on the ladder in the senior A grade does not appeal any more than automatic promotion and relegation. The position should bo settled at the beginning of a season, as it is possible for teams to be considerably strengthened or weakened between seasons. Petone Again Champions. lit regaining the championship title after a-lapse of sis years, Petono have indicated that the club which for many years was inseparably thought of in connection with championship finals is st,ill very much alive, and a glance through the lower grade tables reveals the'fact that the junior teams include plenty of players who can bo expected to figure in future finals. lu>some respects this year's deciding match was possibly disappointing,. and there is little doubt that there has been more enthusiasm aroused on similar occasions in the past. To the supporters of the respective teams, tho exchanges woro probably exciting enough, at least until it became evident that Eastbourne '& prospects of pulling the match out of tho fire became too remote. For those, however, who went to the Park for the sake of seeing an entertaining exhibition of the code, the game fell below expectations, although little fault could be found with the play in the early stages. Once Petone had secured a grip on the game they morely concentrated on holding it, and in view of what was at stake they cau scarce-,, ly be blamed for th-> tactics adopted. The match left the impression .that, whilo full credit must bo given .0 Eastbourne for their performances throughout tho season which carried them to within a point of the leaders, and for the opposition they provided the winners, matters would have been much more; interesting had Petone been compelled' toexercise their playing talent to vthV utmost, from start to finish, in search of points. Tho comparatively quiet'periQds in tho second spell, when Coman used tho liberal share of the ball which he received from the forwards in repeatedly working tho blind side, would then probably liavo boon much more lively. •- ■ . ' '!

In coming through to the imal, Potone have not always exhibited tlio form that made them champions. In moro than one match there has been a tendency for the opposition to be taken too lightly, apart from the days wliieh come to all teams, when tlio side as a whole' ia off its game. There were some close calls, and also at least two decisive defeats, but generally the wins 3pvt'» well dfwrved. Petone finished the Reason ouaring with Berlmmpdre tho distinction o£ being the only two teams 4>; come through the series without havijig a 'J"3*n game. ■ I final figures in tho championship liable, particularly the points for and against, might be taken to indicate siny'ttiiilg, but in reality are far from l>eing a reliable guide to the characteristics of the team. For example, the,fact that Petone have had more Tipints scored against them than several of the teams lower down on the ladder might give riso to tho opinion tljat the Petone defence is weak. The final game, on tho other hand, showed conclusively that it can bo harder to gpdre points against Petone than d^ainst any other team in the competition. Apart from the games in ■wiieh Petone were defeated by Bask irimtae, University, and Hutt, the majority of the points scored against them

in some games wero scored after they had the game well in hand. Taken all through, the team, an admittedly strong combination on paper, proved to be a strong all-round sido on the field. A particularly solid set of forwards, which packed into a wellbalanced serum wit* two very efficient hookers, paved the way for tho operations of a fast and clever back lino. It is a tribute to the coach, Mr. B. Price, and to the players themselves, that there was usually displayed the team work that a club sido constant- j ly playing together may be expected j to develop, but which was often lacking in. the teams played against. The club was fortunate in possessing a useful reserve fund of senior players who could be called upon wlieu the necessity arose, so that the team fielded each Saturday remained practically at full strength. Petono were not greatly affected by injuries, however, and particularly as far as the forwards were concerned, it was not always possible to accommodate all the players seeking a game. A Much-Improved Side. The other finalists, Eastbourne, were one of the surprise teams of the competition. A defeat at tho hands of Oriental in the first match did uot promise too well, but, under the capable coaching of Mr. E. ("Teddy") Roberts, who was assisted by Mr. Jim Moffitt, the playeri later welded into a very useful combination, which made up_ for any deficiency in' the matter of weight and experience by its dash and ability to play the fast, open type of game which could be calculated to bring the greatest measure of success. With both ground and ball dry, Eastbourne were capable of worrying the best of teams, and in the course of tho season gained some very meritorious wills. On a wet day, when tho slippery leather prevented accurate handling, they were liable to bo upset by a solid pack of forwards. *A featur« of Eastbourne's game was tho sound defence which more than once saved tho day when tho opposition commanded an advantage territorially. This, and an unusual aptitudo for turning defence into attack by making capital out of mistakes by their opponents, was largely responsible for tho success gained. Eastbourne liad the whole-hearted support of the Bay residents, and also gained immediate popularity with the city patrons on appearing at Athletic Park, by virtue of the enterprising and fast game they favoured.

Eastbourne failed in their Isid for the championship title this season, but they" can be expected to come again.

The. team's many supporters wore probably very disappointed by the showing made agfinst Petone, particularly in view of the outcome x>£ the. meeting of the two teams in the first round. Where the team failed most to come up to expectations was in the backs, and in fairness to the players it must bo stated that Foley, the team's star five-eighth, was really unfit to take the field owing to an injury he received to ono of his arms in the previous week's match against Oriental. Ho could take his passes only with difficulty, and his tackling was also very much impaired. With a player of the calibre of Huxtablo, whose form on the day was remarkably good, opposing him, ho would have needed to have been right on his game to have made any headway. Thepiay of the other backs- suffered in consequence, but Chesterman and Armstrong both went well undor the circumstances. Martin played his usual hard-working game behind the scrum.

The Eastbourne forwards concentrated on getting in on tho Petone backs before tho latter could really get under way, and although they often appearod to be on tho border line of being fl> side, they were very largely successful, and were ablo to start more than one movement after Petonc had heeled the ball. A Thorough Win. University sparkled against Berhamporo in the filial game of tho senior championship series last Saturday. Though they met tho Blues with a couple of men out and Irwin nursing an injured head, the 'Varsity players showed great dash and word too fleet for the opposing side. Playing with a zest which has not always marked their work this season, the University forwards more than held the Berhanipore pack, which was by up means to be despised, and gave their backs a plentiful supply of ball which was turned to good account. Their big tbtalof 33 points was partly duo to the remarkable kicking of Eamson, who converted six tries out of seven and went very close with a couple of penalty shots as well; The manner in which his -powerful boor lifted the heavy ball was everything, for the contrast afforded by the Berhampore kickers was acute. Glennie and Lang could do nothing with the ball when they had the-chance. Team work was noticeable in the University, backs, and with Mulvihill elusive at half they .were always dangerous. Only missed passes at the end.of neat and clean passing bouts, which had opened up tho opposing lino, prevented them from scoring several more tries. The Berhampore backs, however,' were unable to get going and usually worked hard in defence. They lacked Brettis in the five-eighth lino and missed him. Both wing-three-quarters, Cookson and T. Taylor, were dangerous when they got near tho ball, but saw it too rarely. Hurley, at fullback, was nursing an injury and was alow to got across field, which fact accounted for the manner in which Hislop ran round the field for his last two sensational tries, and accomplished the hat-trick. In the University backs, Mackenzie and Mackay were both inclined to hold on to the ball too long. Berhampore's second try was directly the result of Mackay foolishly allowing himself to be caught in possession near his own twenty-five. Mackenzie did much journeyman work in defence, but is still inclined to overdo the dummy in attack and to cut in, and his dummy is now so celebrated that no one accepts it. Irwin was sound, and the three-quarter lino at top form, while Black was a clean catching and careful full-back. Tho best 'Varsity forwards wore Dixon, Dicdrich, Hart, and Cormack, whilo Bcrhamporo men who caught the eye were M' Donald, Goodall, Mason, and Charles. Athletic Finish, Well. , Two teams who have sometimes played good football and at others have come nowhere up to expectations seems to fit I'oiieko and Athletic, who have finished sixth and seventh respectively in the competition, with one point between them. They met at Wakefield Park on Saturday, and their recent performances gave no very sure guido as to who would win. It looked as though it would bo an even battle, and it was therefore somewhat surprising that Athletic should be able to win conifortr ably without Poneke scoring at all. Though "neither team showed its best form, it was a. creditable win Athletic obtained, particularly as the team w«is one man short for practically tho whole game. Within a few minutes of the start tho lock, Boyd, retired injured, and Athletic had no ono available to replace him. Athletic missed in the scrums, and held no advantago in the line-out work, but with' Porter on one side and Ward or the other side of the scrummages, and each showing plenty of energy, Poneke'a inside backs wero often dealt with effectively before they could get anything going decently. There was no bettor forward on the ground than Berry, of Athletic. Porter did not appear to be taking any undue risks, but he did his sharo and led his team most capably. The little Athletic half, Burgess, was gameucss itself on defence and several times-he saved splendidly when things did not look too bright for Athletic. , Heazlewood gave good service as Ath-

letic's full-back, gutting in somo powerful, well-directed kicks to touch, as well as converting two of tho three tries obtained by his team.

The ex-Australian League player, Sullings, with further experience, impressed as a wing three-quarter. Ho lias plenty of speed, and tackles well. Poultori, on the other wing, is tricky. Over-eagerness and faulty handling cost Poneke several good opportunities of scoring. They had a good sharo of the ball, but did not do all they should have with it. The team, except for two or three- brief periods, failed to work together, well. ,

Both Poneke and Athletic have given young players a chance this season, and with the experience they should have gained, and provided they arc given good, sound coaching and train ing when the gymnasium doors open again next year, an improvement should bo noticeable. Oriental and Hutt. Oriental gained a second spell victory over Hutt when the teams met at the Petone Recreation Ground. The first spell was very evenly contested. Oriental were going well, but it looked as if they would be no match for tho fast Hutt backs. In the second half, however, the Hutt backs wore on tho defensive, with the Oriental forwards and backs repeatedly storming their line. The Oriental forwards, on the day, did all that was required of them, and the Oriental backs excelled themselves. The ganio kept the spectators interested throughout. Ramsay played a very sound game as wing-three-quarter for Oriental, and did some fine goal-kicking. Gladding and Kelly were also conspicuous. Hill was the leader of tho Oriental forwards. Banks, Biggar, and Lang also impressed. Packnatz, as wing-for-ward, did some, useful work. ' ' Cocgte 's defensivo ability was of service to Hutt. In the second spell especially his long lino-kicks and tackling often brought his side out of danger. Ball was outstanding on attack. He scored one try after a run of seventy yards. Roberts, Skilton, and Wood wei-o the pick of the Hutt forwards. Oriental's win, of course, was surprising -to most Kugby followers. It came at. the right time, as a defeat would have placed Oriental in bottom place on tho ladder. Comment in England. Some articles appearing in Homo papers do not provide an altogether reliable guide to play "and players in New Zealand. The following contribution was.made by 0. W. Packford to "Sporting Lifo" prior to the first Test between the'touring British, team and New Zealand:— :

"It is extremely interesting to read the names of the men from, whom tho All Black 'Rugger' team will be chosen for the first Test match with tho British at Dunedin on 21st June. Included among them aro eight of that wonderful combination that in 1924 played 30 games in England, Ireland, Wales, and France, and won them all, scoring 721 points to 112—tho greatest record of any touring team in tho history of the game. Of those likely to play against our men aro several who were the 'stars'..of that team. They will not, however, be faced by such giants as Chris " and Maurice Brownlie, Mark Nicholls, J. Richardson, and John Steel, all of whom have retired from inter national engagements. An attempt was made, wtihout success, to porsuado Mau rice Brownlie to resume playing seriously, with a view to leading the team. Still, if tho eight remaining members are in anything like the fortn they displayed over here, they alone will provide a sufficiently sound foundation for a formidable side. The men in question are Goorgo Nepia, back; A. 11. Hart, 'Freddy' Lucas, and A. E. Cooko, threequarters; J. J. Mill, scrum half; and Chris Porter, W. E. Irvine, and B. F. Stewart, forwards. Of these, Nepia, Cooke, and. Irvine played in all four Test matches against England, Ireland, Wales, and France; Mill played in three, Lucas in two, and Parkor and Hart in one each, Stewart not appearing at all, an early injury affecting his playing practically throughout the tour. "The greatest personalities of them fill were Nepia, Cooko, and Irvino. Nepia, one of two Maoris in tho team, will bo remembered as a fearless athlete of magnificent physique, who, in tho opinion of. many, including W. W. Wakefield, is the greatest back that the game has ever scon. Nepia may not quite bo entitled to such an honour, but there is little doubt ho was a really superb player of wonderful stamina, which ho proved by playing in every one of tho 30 matches during tho 1924 tour. Cooko was somewhat of an enigma. A resolute, hard-running centre; with an amazing burst of speed over tho lust 10 or 15 yards, he appeared to rely almost entirely on Mark Nicholls. At any rate, Cooke in association with the .genius of the side was a 50 per cent, better player than in his absence. Originally a fivo-eighth, he developed such qualities as a centre that he played there in practically every game, scoring 19 tries. "Irvine was one of the regular front row men of the pack, whose formation was 2-3-2. He was a hooker pure and simple, for although powerfully built ho and his colleague were not expected to shove, this duty, according to the New Zealand methods, being loft to the second row and mainly to the two men on either side of the lock. Had Irvine been allowed to play as does Sam Tucker, tho English captain, ho might have rivalled the Bristol man in his allround work. Hart was a very useful player in attack, and although only playing against Iroland in the Test matches, he scored 20 tries, 15 of those coming in four successive games. Freddy : Lucas, who came with a big reputation, [was a little disappointing, and was not so outstanding as the other 'threes,' whilo Mill was undoubtedly the best of the serum halves, and was very effective in defence, although ho opened out the game cleverly. ■ "As for Chris Porter, ho was probably the most discussed man in the team, as ho still appears to bo during tho x)ros °nt tour. The methods ho adopted as a 'wing' forward were always open to question, and ho was frequently the cause of irritation. Porter did not altogether havo a happy tour, for, although captain of the team, he was displaced by J. Eichardson for all the Test matches with tho exception of that with France. Porter, however, always played as he had been allowed to do in his own tountry, and no on.o has ever alleged that ho wilfully violated the laws, written, or otherwise, of the game." The Hart referred to by the English writer has long since been lost sight of as an international, and Nicholls, of course, has been well to the fore in this sories of Tests, though not playing in all four games. Neither Cyril Brownlie nor Cliff Porter rejoices in the name of "Chris."

The best thing for New Zealand Bugby at tho present time is firm refereeingi states a southern paper. That is why Mr. J. Moffltt, of Wellington, cams the congratulations of all sportsmen for his splendid control at Auckland. Naturally a few bankers yelp when drastic measures aro taken, but that is only to show they are enjoying themselves.

.":. Senior A. Points Cli. ' : P. W. L. D. For AKSt. Pts. PetoiiB .;... 15 12 3 — 272 176 24 Eastbourne .. 15 10 4 1 221 137 21 Hutt- 15 8 6 1 195 HO 17 Marist ..... 15 8 G 1 175 110 17 OM Boys ..35 7 7 1 159 175 15 Ponelie .... 15 6 7 2 1S5 192 14 AtlUeilc .... 15 0 8 1 127 169 13 Berhamporo .. 15 5 10 — 112 23G 10 Oriental ... ir> 4 o 2 102 ios 10 Unijicrslty • ..15 4 10 1 1G5 180 9

';; Senior B. Wellington ... 14 14 — — '195 17 Johnsoriville . 14 12 2 — 194 ISO jfflramar ... 14 9 4 1 187 128 Old.Boys: ..14 9 5 — 153 127 Orlwital ... 14 S 5 1 117 129 Selwn ..... 14 6 ' 8 - 115 214 Tr»tning Col. 13 4 8 1 97 148 University .14 4 9 1 74 180 Porirua- ...; 13 2 9 2 57 225 Melrose'. .... 13 1 10 2 75 170 UpjSer'Hutt ..13 1 10 2 71 107 21 19 18 17 12 9 9 6 4 4