RUGBY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 47, 23 August 1930, Page 22

RUGBY

By "Oropkick"

STIRRING GAMES

AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON

EECOR-D OF EESULTS

Rugby representative, matches between Auckland and Wellington date ]back to 1875, and they have providec 1 Borne of the most stirring contests in the history of the game in New Zealaud. Much of the Dominion's best talent has been supplied by these provinces, both of which in the present season achieved the distinction, along With Canterbury, of defeating the touring British team. The early history of games between Auckland and Wellington shows that the local side suffered only one defoat in tho period from 1875 to 1896, but one of those early matches is down in tho official records as having been drawn. This was the ISB3 game at Wellington, when there was a dispute over a try scored by Wellington —a try which would have given Wellington a win. Prom 1897 to 1013 Auckland had a great run °£ success wanning fourteen games to Wellington's three. Wellington then turned the tables, winning ten of thirteen games in the period from 1910 to 19.^. Auckland had had a lean time, but was then coming into its own again, and won all the next five games with Wellington. In the last two seasons, however, Wellington's representatives have won well over the northerners, a very meritorious performance being registered in last year's game at Auckland. The teams last year were:—Auckland: Butler- Lucas, Bush, Minns; L. .Hook, Janiieson: Comer, Fletcher; Finlayson, Hadley, A. Knight, Wanoa, M'Williams, L. Knight, Batty. Wellington: Heazlewood, Elvy, Earn son, Mactay: Nicholls, Mackenzie, Julian, Porter; Wilson, Jessup, Taylor, M'Phcrson, Peck, Beid, and Diedeneh. On each side in to-day's game at Athletic Park there was a good sprinkling o% the players who figured in last year s engagement. . ' Besults of the officially-recognised matches between Auckland and Wellington, of which there have been forty-

Summary.—Matches played, 47 ; Auckland Won 23, Wellington won 21; drawn 3. I'olnts ior: Auckland 470, Wellington 433. Mutual Cup Challenge. In' warding off Eastbourne's challenge for the National Mutual Cup, Petone had many more anxious moments than in tho ease of the championship final. The Blue forwards were not able to call the tune for their lighter but very dashing opponents to the same extent, thus preparing the way for the backs to operate in the manner possible behind a winning set of forwards, and the result was a gamo more after the style of the meeting of these two teams in the first round of the championship competition. Tho pace was on from the start, both backs and forwards figuring in fast, open play which the spectators found attractive despite the fact that handling mistakes were frequent. The scoring was always close enough to leave the issue open, the lead of nine points which Petone held at ono stage of the game lasting only for a minute or two. It was only by the most slender of margins that Petono got home, and there were many who counted tho losers unfortunate, but it is doubtful whether the result, would have been different had all the scoring chances on either side been brought to fruition. Particularly from the Eastbourne supporters, tho referee came in for a certain amount of criticism for some of his rulings. Except for the fact that Dunnett, a junior, replaced Elvy in the backs, the Petone team was the same as that which did battle in the final, and there were only two differences in the Eastbourne side, Kittleby replacing E. Foley in the backs and Barnett taking Reed's place in the forwards. Dunnett made a very promising showing on the wing, and, although tho Eastbourne backs had to be rearranged half way through tho game as the result of Clark and Dinniss colliding and receiving injuries' which caused them to withdraw, the fact that the backline comprised physically sound men made Pctono's task of penetration much harder than when Foley was playing under difficulties. Even so, the inside Petono _ backs were generally clangorous when in possession, and at times they cut big gaps in the opposition. Byrne player another useful game ; and Huxtable again indicated that his full value could not bo realised when he was playing on tho wing. Pollock had a lot to do, and he got through it with his usual cleverness. Considering his lack of weight, ho is a remarkably hard player to bottle up, and his dc fence is very solid. Eastbourne were well fed when the opportunity offered, by Martin, but the five-eighths did not display tho confidence necessary to make their play really effective. It was when the wing! received a chance to finish off ioose attacks that tho backs were seen at theii best, Tait used his pace to advantage, and Dinniss was occasionally ir tho picture before ho had to retire but there wero times when Murray could have made better use of his speed. Kittleby shaped very well. There was not a great deal to piclt and choose between the forwards, although to Eastbourne must be giver the credit for lasting out a- gruelling game better than their opponents. Bar nett played a particularly fine game and Gibbons and J. Dcllabarca wen also prominent. Price was his usua bustling self at wing-forward. Carr performed well for Petono a: wing-forward, and some of his break aways were particularly valuable, botl on attack and defence. All the pacl men did their share, with Conlston >£ai'tin, and Reid perhaps the best ffifH flea often conspicuous in the loose

but there is still room for improvement in Ms play in the tight. Winners of the Cup.. Tho National Mutual Cup competition was inaugurated in 1921, and the ] Cup has been competed for each year since, except in 1922, when there was no contest. Prior to last year Pctono had not had a win, but their two successes place them only one win behind Pouekc, who have won the cup throe times. No other club lias yet won the cup twice. Tho list of winners is as follows: 1921, Ponekc; 1922, no competition; 1923, Poneke; 1924, Berhampore; 1925, Poneke; 1926, Athletic; 1927, Old Boys; 1925, University; 1929, Petone; 1930, Petone. Promotion and Relegation.. i Reference has been made previously to tho present system under which teams go from senior A to senior B grade, and vice versa. It was made a condition this year that the team lowest on tho ladder at the end oi tho senior A grade competition would meet the winning team in the senior' B grade, the winners of this special match to have senior A status next year. The match was played last Saturday, University and Wellington being tho participants. On form shown that day neither side should bo in the B grade, and, as in Wellington's case last year, it is a matter for regret that University aro to bo relegated. Their form certainly has been well below that shown by them in winning the A grade championship in 1928 and 1929, but there have been occasions during this year's competition when the students have played exceptionally good football. It was the same with Wellington last year. Performances during one season, however, should not .be accepted as a guide to prospects for tho next season. In Wellington's case the strength of the first fifteen was increased considerably for this season's football, and it may be tho same with University next season. It was evident before this season's -competitions were commenced that Wellington would be too hot a proposition for the B grade, and this they were. The union had the right to reelassify, but it did not do this, the reason no doubt being that by doing so after tho championship" games had • commenced both competitions would bo upset. Tho position would be made much more satisfactory by carrying out the grading just prior to the commencement of the championship competitions in each, season, when the possible strength o.' the teams would be better known than at the end of the previous season. The playing of A grade ."wood-en spooners" and B grade champions should be made one- of the early games in tho following season. In last Saturday's game two fine sets of forwards were seen in action, the University pack giving a splendid account of itself, and the Wellington vanguard showing that it had beon* moulded into excellent shape. The backs also figured in numerous movements, many of which were attractive so far as they were permitted to go. Tho spoiling work and tackling on both sides made successful penetration a difficult matter. Wellington's inside back combination battled extremely hard for success, Kilby, Johnson, and Page functioning splendidly, except for an inclination to overdo the cut-in. ThcTe is no doubt' about Pago's ability. He is a tip-top five-eighth, and it is no wonder that ho was in the runniiig for a place in Scotland's team when ho was with tho Army at Homo. One of the interesting duels of tho day was that between the wing-three-quarters, Mackay and Oliver. The honours went to Maekay, who played up to his best form. Oliver, however, was a trier all the way, and the ball did not come to him quite so well as it did to Maekay, who was helped to some extent by Eamson drawing his men. Black gave a fine display as full-back for University, and Still, until he retired, did exceedingly well considering that he was not in a fit condition to play. Ono unfortunate incident of the game was the awarding of a "potted" goal to Wellington when tho- kick was not successful. This made all tho difference to the result of the game, but, as stated in the report of the match, Wellington would have been unlucky to lose. It was also unfortunate that there were so many penalty kicks, over thirty being awarded during the game. A Difference. If one thing emerged from the trial match between the senior A and senior B.sides at Athletic Park last Saturday it was the great difference between tho two grades. The senior B's held some players who have been outstanding in their own class—Sadler, the Old Boys' half-back; Condliffe and Thompson, the Miramar five-eighths, and • Jcnner, Deere, Pinkerton, and Pcrryman in the forwards. Though the Petono and Eastbourne teams were unavailable for the senior A side and the selector had discarded a number of other men who had claims to inclusion, evidently in his anxiety to give otheis a chance to gain notice, the senior B's were outclassed. True, they lacked support from the formidable Wellington side, but if the season has shown anything it is first that the Wellington side-, never was of senior B stamp, and second that to put a senior A team amongst the lower grade players is unsatisfactory. In any case, the senior A's simply galloped away, and their backs and forwards did very much as they liked for long periods. It may. have boon because they played behind a beaten pack, or, because of the fact that they were out of their element, but the senior B backs did very little in the way of shining, and the brightest bits came from Thompson and tho Training College wing three-quarter, Bryden. Irvine and Sadler , were remarkable mostly for their defensive play, which is not surprising since defence was what they were mainly occupied with. Coming On. One of tho brightest backs in the senior A-senior B trial was Bobius, the Marist player and young five-eighth who is stated to have captained the South Island League team. Robins, who has pace and a fine pair of hands, took' part in many movements and scored ono spectacular try. His, form makes him well worth watching, for he gives the impression that he will be better still. Ho has tho essential speed and is very fast off the mark. On either side of him, Neal and Barrett played well, and Barrett showed qualities of ruggedness which were enough to win him notice. Ho suffered a good deal of- hard tackling, but still went gamely on, and was a useful link with his wings. Barrett showed, too, that ho could go in and make openings himself, and several times slipped through holes in the defence which were not very apparent to the spectators. He was well served by Robins, and with a man like Ball outside him had every chance. Ball is obviously one of the best three-quarters that Wellington has had for some time past. He has tho judgment and instincts of a centre, and if he is played on the wing, which very obviously is to be his fate, will make a dashing and dangerous companion for Cooko in the coming representative matches. Should Be Better. One of the disappointments of local football to his friends must be Ginning, the Marist full-back. Cuming has great speed and can field almost anything when on his day. ■He is also a powerful kick, and can move up to start his backs in a passing rush, for few forwards aro speedy enough to catch him. In last Saturday's trial game ho once pitiyed ns five-eighth. Yet he misses. He is apt to do the most extraordinarily reckless things the moment after some dazzling piece of1! work. Tho material is first-rato, but apparently is in need of coaching. Itwould pay Marist to give Cuming some'

attention and endeavour to season the play of their dashing full-back with more judgment. A little more soundness and Cuming's natural ability must make him a representative possibility again. A Point or Two. Julian gave the selector a point or two in tho trial match last Saturday when ho moved from half-back to play first five-eighth and showed even better form than previously. Julian as a half-back has many virtues, but will not always realise what an asset is his speed. He might bo an ideal running half, but prefers to clear the ball in orthodox fashion for most of the time. That is sound enough judgment, but tho running game happens to suit Julian best. When passing out to his five-eighths ho is apt to turn completely round, which does not help the "shock troops" to get into their stride. When he was moved -to fiveeighth, as the result of a reorganisation of the A's backs, ho behaved like a little Spong, and once sworved his way over from a scrum before the opposition knew what had happened. A Good Try. When he gathered in the ball and raced down the line from half-way to seoro a good try, Roberts, the Hutt lock showed form which helped to gain him a place in the Wellington preliminary team. Tho try was somewhat lucky, for there wore a number of men beside Roberts and the opponents were waiting for him to pass, instead of which he sprinted tor ntty yards. But there- was nothing lucky about Roberts's inclusion, for he played a sterling- game, being constantly in attendance with Perry (the fastest of the breakaways) whenever tho game opened up promisingly. Old Friends. Rugby followers who have wondered what becomes of senior, A men when they have finished their career must have been cheered at the sight of Calciuai in the trial game last Saturday Deere was another familiar name to many, and there are a goodly number of others in the B grade. Britain in Australia. • Tho first match on the Australian section of the British Rugby team's tour was to be played at Sydney this afternoon, and for it two good sides wero chosen. The British back division will be the same as that which played in the final Test with New Zealand. A notable absentee from the front row of forwards is Eew, whose place, according to tho cab Ice"1, message yesterday, is being taken by Hodgson. Front row duties will be something new for Hodgson on the tour. Ivor Jones is missing from the back row, .where Wilkinson is being given a place, as also is Prentice (captain), who played in only one Test in Nc%v Zealand. A strong team has been selected to represent New South Wales. There was some doubt as to whether Ross or Stewart would be the -full-back, but this was removed by tho announcement yesterday that Ross was to play. Malcolm was to be tho half-back, but, according to yesterday's message there was a possibility of Egan taking the position. Egan was the "baby" of the Waratahs. The personnel of the team to -represent New South Wales against Great Britain will'not meet with general approval. The selection of a representative side in any branch of sport seldom does. But a strong combination, well worthy of wearing the watarah and opposing Great Britain, has been chosen (wrote C. L. Brown in the Sydney "Sun" last week). As is invariably the case when representative teams are selected, it contains surprise inclusions, tho biggest in this respect being Duncan in the five-eighth position. While theTe, are a number of able club five-eighths in Sydney, none of them possess outstanding claims for selection in such an important match, and it may bo said of Duncan that ho is a reliable player anywhere in the rearguard and is likely to give satisfactory service in this position, which is somewhat new to him. His is the unique record of having been selected for every back position during the current season. If Ross does not play, Stewart will bo the full-back, and tho selectors were evidently of the opinion that to include Stewart and Bartley—neither of whom is noted for sound defence —would be imposing a tremendous responsibility on their team mates. Palmer should have been included in preference to cither Grossman or Carlton. Sound as a bell physically and possessing plenty of weight, on almost every hand he has been acclaimed as the season's best winger. Crossman is capable of dazzling displays, but there is doubt about .him surviving tho hard knocks which may como the little winger's way, from such vigorous and hefty opposition. Recently he "was unable to play in several club games owing to a, recurring leg injury. The selection of Judd, a great rueker and over a stone heavier than Woods, whose injury prejudiced his prospects, is a sound one. Ferguson's inclusion as hooker'surprises some critics, but it is the best choice. If Finlay is unfit, Butler, the young GlebeBalmain second-row player and lino out specialist, will go in. Though last year's St. Joseph's College captain is a most capable forward, it is considered tho Northern Suburbs man, Hackney, should have been preferred. Tho team is:—Pull-back, A. W. Ross; three-quarters, O. Crossman, C. Towers, S. King, J. Carlton; five-eighth, Duncan; half-back, S. Malcolm or J. B. Egan; forwards, L. Palfreyman, J. Ford, J. W. Breckenridge, A. N. Finlay, G. Storey, B. Judd, H. Ferguson, W. Ccrutti. Emergencies: J. Barker, W. White, M. Butler, R. Louden. Notes. The ordering off of tho Rev. N. Wanoa in the Southland-Hawkes Bay Ranfurly Shield match was a most/ regrettable occurrence, writes the "Southland Daily News," although it was undoubtedly a right decision by the referee. An even more deplorable occurrence, though, was tho booing and hooting indulged in by a portion of the crowd, as tho Maori walked off the field, with his head held high and looking up into the crowd instead of at the ground. If those who talked so much against tho rough play going on were responsible for this disgraceful attitude, then they are barefaced hypocrites. And "Maroon's" candid opinion will be endorsed by all true sportsmen. The next match for the Ranfurly Shield will, bo when Wellington meet Southland (holders) at Invercargill on Wednesday, 3rd September. By defeating Kaikorai the Alhambra senior fifteen will have its name inscribed as the winning team of the Otago Rugby Union's competition for 1930 (says the Dunedin "Star"). Ono of the oldest clubs in Dunedin, Alhambra has an excellent record, and its win this year is the tenth occasion on which the 'Bamas' team has won tho premiership. Oi! the fifteen games which Alliiimbra played this year, twelve were won ;tnd three lost. Kaikorai, which came next in the competition, won ten games, lost three, and I drew two.

Seven, arc. — Where Played. Won by Scoto. 1875—At Wellington Wellington .. lb-1 1S80—At Auckland Wellington .. 4-0 1883—At Wellington Drawn >»-» 1886—At Auckland Auckland ... 4--1889—At Wellington Wellington .. i-l 1894—At Auckland Wellington .. 13-0 1S95—At Wellington Wellington .. 9-5 1S96—At Auckland Wellington .. 3-0 1S97—At Wellington Auckland ... 11-4 1S9S—At Auckland Auckland ... 1 ■>-» 1899—At Wellington Auckland ... US 1900 —At Auckland Auckland ... l*-4 1901—At Wellington Auckland ... 9-3 1002 —At Auckland Auckland ... lS-o 1903—At WeUlngton Wellington .. 4-3 H904 — At Auckland Wellington .. 0-3 >1905—At Wellington Auckland .. 10-6 '1906—At Auckland Auckland ... 11-j> 1907—At Wellington Wellington .. J 1--> M90S—At Auckland Auckland ... -1-3 1909—At Wellington Auckland ... 8-0 '1910—At Auckland Drawn 3-3 1911—At Wellington Auckland ... 10-9 '1912—At Auckland Auckland ... 12-0 M913—At Auckland Auckland ... 6-a 1913—At Wellington Auckland ... 11-9 1914—At Auckland Drawn 3-3 1915—At Auckland Wellington .. 0-5 1915—At Wellington Wellington .. 22-8 1917—At Auckland Auckland ... 12-0 1917 —At Wellington Wellington .. 21-11 1917—At> Auckland Auckland .. 20-12 1918—At Wellington Wellington .. 23-14 1918—At Auckland Wellington .. 18-14 "1919—At Wellington Wellington .. 24-3 ►1920—At Auckland Wellington .. 23-20 ►1920—At Wellington Wellington .. 20-3 1921—At Auckland Auckland ... 13-13 •1921—At Wellington Wellington .. 27-13 1922—At Wellington Wellington .. 19-11 1923—At Auckland Auckland ... 21-15 1924—At Wellington Auckland ... 9-8 1925—At Auckland Auckland ... 23-11 1926—At Wellington Auckland .. 1G-12 1027—At Auckland Auckland .. 21-3 1928—At Wellington. .■Wellington .. 12-13 1929—At Auckland Wellington ... 22-lfi ♦Itanfiirly Shield match.