RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 59, 23 May 1932, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

PUKEKOHE'S COMPETITIONS.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

-RAMBLERS AND STAR DRAW

ANOTHER WIN FOR DRURY

OLD BOYS BEAT CLEVEDON

Results at a Glance: —

Senior: Ramblers 3, Star 3. Drury 5, Kia Ora 0. Old Boys 6, Glevedon 3.

Junior: Old Boys 1-4, Star 8. Glevedon 5, High School 0 Ramblers 6, Patumahoe 3.

Except for about the last 15 minutes when both sides threw their whole energies into the I'ray, the principal senior game at Pukekohe on Saturday, between Ramblers and White Star was, to say the least, not a very entertaining exhibition of Rugby. For the most part the play lacked that sparkle that should now be expected as the season is getting on. Ramblers took the field with 13-men (the team being completed later), and White Star players evidently thought they had an easy thing on for they went into action full of confidence. The backs opened up the play in great style but this feature was only momentarily. White Star met a solid defence, and from then on .the players gave an indifferent exhibition. The passing was erratic —the tackling ' was shocking and only once during the whole game did a player get under his man, and that was when Guise went low and brought Nathan down. Other efforts were around the neck. This went on for nearly three-quarters of the game, and then the teams realised that they were supposed to be playing Rugby. Like a meteor from the blue, the forwards took control of the game and some exhilarating Rugby was seen. One could hardly believe that such a reversal of form was possible, but it was so, and was the compensating feature of the match. It was a lively conclusion to an otherwise tame contest. White Star undoubtedly had the best of it territorially and should have won by a fair margin but faulty ' handling by the backs after the for- j wards had won the ball, cost the side j many points. Baker, Miller, Parton and Kidd worked like trojans in the colours' hard-working pack, Guise, the skipper, as usual, playing a roving game, when his services were required forward. At times he got into the thick of it and fairly barged his -w&y through revealing that he is in good form. It is obvious that he falls hack to assist his backs, some of whom are a bit "iffy." Carter played a

sterling game at full back, varying his play nicely. His line kicking and was excellent, and at times he "WSlti his backs into position, only to see his efforts go for naught. Allen

showed determination in his unaccus-

tomed place on the wing and gave a very promising display. The other liaeks can sharpen up their game somewhat.

Nathan a Brilliant Forward.

Nathan played his usual brilliant

game for Ramblers, and is the best

forward in Pukekohe this season. Under a good coach he should gain higher honours. He is just the type of forward to gain a place in the Auckland touring side. Kulton was always where the going was thickest and played a solid game. He was well supported by his other forwards. Mayes gave a sound display at full-hack and saved his side repeatedly. Some of Jiis saves were brilliant. Pleydell was the pick of the inside hacks and made many openings but he lacked support. He was solid on defence. Dix did well behind the scrum. Ramblers had three forwards playing in the backs, and sadly missed the services of Wood, Brown, Gartwright and Lang. The teams were:— Ramblers (blue) : Mayes, N. Brownlee, G. Brownlee, Kitto, Pleydell. Guritey, Dix, Branch, Fulton (capt.), McCoomb, Sullings, Nathan, Marr, Steen•son, Backhouse. White Star (red and white) : Garter, Allen, Hunt, Wright, Ward, Ellison, Wharfe, Guise (capt.), Baker, Parton, Morrison, Miller, Reynolds, McKean and Kidd. White Star had the sun at the backs and a slight breeze in their favour, pulton kicking off. Give and take play followed for a while until White Star opened up the play, faulty passing costing them a sure try. Mayes cleared for Ramblers, and Fulton headed the blues to Stars' 25. From a thrown in Baker broke away in a neat dribbling rush and when joined by Morrison the pair invaded blue territory. White Star backs were giving

a poor display of passing and lost opportunities galore. Ramblers, pilot-

ed by Nathan and McCoomh hurst, through - to Star territory and gave the colours a taste of their ahility. Star •cleared their quarters and took play to "Ramblers' 25 and attacked vigorously hut could not pierce the defence. Guise Tiad a shot from a penalty but failed. A Penalty Goal.

Nicely placed kicks by Ward and Carter, put Stars back on attack. Carter fielded a clearing kick and ran his backs into position. He sent to Ellison, to Ward, to Allen, who was recalled because the ball had been thrown forward and a golden oppor-

tunity went abegging. Ramblers cleared, but Allen sot off in a foot -'rush and looked like scoring, but fell

■over a Rambler player. The blues

! rallied and carried play to Stars' 25 where Ramblers were awarded a penalty and Nathan goaled as half time sounded. Ramblers 3 White Star 0 The Score Equalised. Stars were soon on attack after play resumed and had Ramblers defending right on their line, but the blue pack cleared and carried play to half way. Uninteresting play was seen for some time in neutral territory until Wharfe, Ellison, Ward, Hunt and Wright handled, but Hunt's pass to Wright was forward. Ramblers cleared from the scrum. Wharfe secured in neutral area and cut in, dummied the defence and sent to Wright who dashed across, but Garter could not convert. White Star . . .... 3 Ramblers . . . .. 3 Play became exciting as the blues launched a hot attack in Stars' terri- j tory but Miller and Guise cleared with j a foot rush. The blues raided again j and Nathan made a great effort to barge j across. For some time Stars' line i was in danger, but. a force saved the j situation. The last 15 minutes saw j both teams get to work in earnest, and j excitement was intense, but the score i was unaltered. The game ended: White Star 3 j Ramblers 3 j I Mr K. Brown was referee. ! OTHER RESULTS. j Old Boys' seniors journeyed to j Glevedon and met the home team, j After quite a good game Old Boys , won by six points (two tries by Mc- j Kinnon) to three (a try). Drury seniors five (a try by Golson, | converted by Stoupe) beat Kia Ora I seniors, nil. J

JUNIOR GAMES.

OLD BOYS BEAT STAR. Old Boys and White Star juniors furnished the curtain raiser on Saturday, and once again the juniors gave a better exhibition than the seniors. From start to finish the juniors were setting a fast pace and some nice bouts of passing was seen. In the first spell, Old Boys had the advantage of a westerly wind. The first score came from a forward rush at the end of which Dix snapped up the ball and sent it to Wilkinson who scored and converted. Old Boys .... .. 5 White Star 0 A little later Stars were penalised and Wilkinson increased the score. Old Boys 8 White Star 0 Stars set to work and had Old Boys in trouble, but the backing up of Old Boys' backs prevented a score. Then the ex-students unwound a nice passing bout, Taylor capping it with a try. Old Boys 11 White Star 0 The second half saw Star very aggressive and from a penalty Loughrin raised the flags. Star 3 Old Boys 11 Old Boys, playing a man short, went to'pieces for a while and during this lapse White Star made the pace a welter and it seemed as though they would pull the issue out of the fire. From an irresistible rush Loughrin scored and also converted. Star 8 Old Boys 11

Stars- still hammered away, but the defence improved. Wilkinson scored the best solo try of the day towards the end. Play was near the halfway line on the southern flank. He dribbled through the Star, forwards and then grabbed up the ball. When confronted by the full back he short punted and a great race ensued, Wilkinson winning the dash to pounce on the ba)l.i ? . ; The ; ,kick failed and the game pnded: ... r . !v ... lOld Boys . ..-, . . ii.„ 14 White Star . . . . . . 8 Wilkinson scored 11 of Old Boys' points and Loughrin the whole of the points gained by White Star. Glcvedon juniors managed to defeat High School by five points (a try by ~'. FogarTy converted by S. Hancock). FRANKLIN SUB-UNION. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. Results- at a glance:— Senior: Bombay 8, Tuakau 6. Pukekawa 11, Onewhero 6. Te Kohanga 9, Pokeno 3. Junior: Te Kohanga 20, Pokeno 12. Bombay 8, Tuakau 6. St. Stephen's 8, Tuakau 6. Third: Tuakau 8, Bombay 0. Pokeno G, St. Stephen's 0. BOMBAY V. TUAKAU. The meeting of the Bombay and Tuakau senior learns at Bombay attracted a large attendance. After a keenly contested game, Bombay emerged the winner by two points, the scores being: Bombay 8, Tuakau 0. The teams were:—

Bombay (yellow and black) : Wilson; Murray, Laurie Donovan, Strange; G Donovan, Tuohey; R. Lowrie; A. Wray (capt.) ; W. Lowrie, Woodward, S. Lowrie, Leo. Donovan; A. Lowrie, L. Best, Wiremu.

Tuakau (blue and white) : Johnson; Ross, Te Tuhi, Coster; Le P'rou, W. Barnaby (capt.) ; Winter; Bush, E. Lapwood, D. Fulton; Catterill, Jeeves; Walker, Whyte, E. Fulton. Howe replaced Johnson, who retired injured. The toss was in Bombay's favour, and Bush pet the ball rolling, Tuakiu

> I playing against the sun. When the j play had settled down, Bombay was , early on the atack, an effort being made along the wing by Murray. An injury to Johnson and a sprig inspection resulted in considerable delay. Consequent on Johnson's retirement from the field, a re-arrangement was necessary. Howe went into the pack in place of Lapwood, who was installed as full-back. Coster was appointed second five-eighth and Le Prou sent to the wing. In the visitors' 25, the yellow and blacks pushed from a line out and a j scrum followed a few yards out from the posts. Tuakau was penalised in ! the scrummage, Wray failing from a j very easy position. After some time had elapsel the blue and whites managed to gain relief, but Tuohey with j a punt found touch well downfield. j i Bouts of exchange kicking saw the i venue back at half way, from where JE Fulton and Jeeves led-a forward ! rush to the home area, Wilson being ! put into touch at the Corner. Rallyj ing, and putting in all the weight possible, the home men took play to the 1 opposite end of the field. The yellow | and blacks were pressing hard whenJ Winter found the line In the ensu- | ing melee Tuakau was penalised, and I from a difficult angle W. Lowrie raised the flags.' j j i I Bombay 3 J Tuakau 0 j Fumbling on the part of Tuohey, j when he was fed by R. Lowrie, al- ! lowed the visiting packmen, led by Cotterill and Walker, to break up the I movement and gain considerahle : ground. In a scramble Coster dived in and managed to worm his way over. not gain the accompaying points. Tuakau 3 "Bombay 3 Following a scrum in neutral territory, R. Lowrie, Tuohey and G. Donovan commenced to handle but Le Prou and Te Tuhi smothered, although not as effectively as was possible. A scrummage following an injury saw R. Lowrie and G. Donovan break off but Le Prou made no mistake with his tackle. However, the home fifteen carried in a loose thrust to the visitors' citadel, where the ball was scrummed and travelled out to Murray, who sent a wild pass. Coster drove the leather to touch.' Back in the Tuakau area, the Bombay backs again handle as far as Murray, Coster again saving. Receiving a kick by Wilson, Barnaby drove up-field and transferred to Coster. The latter short punted and Le Prou and he pushed well into home territory. After a tussle Wray found the line toward the other end of the field. Bombay was in attacking mood but Barnaby effected a good save with a long kick. Taking from the line out, S. Lowrie made a brilliant career down the line to meet the usual fate. Drop kicks by Tuohey and Donovan missed, Lapwood registering a force. As half time was about to be sounded Best and Barnaby vied for possession, and a force down was resorted to. The score board showed: Tuakau 3 Bombay .. . . .. 3 The Second Spell.

Early in the second stanza a sally was made by Tuakau. The ball was punted and landed behind Wilson, but he gathered in and cleared to touch when challenged by Barnaby who followed up fast. The visitors maintained the pressure and Wilson marked. He sent to the wing, Bush returning part of the distance. Later, the ball was scrummed at half way, and Bombay again heeling, R. Lowrie, Tuohey, G Donovan, Laurie Donovan and Murray indulged in a pretty bout, Murray making a fast dash along the sideline. He jab-kicked but the attempt was nullified by a bunch of the blue and whites, including Coster and Lapwood, who broke it up. In a penalty shot, Wray missed the uprights. Barnaby received and punted far, Wilson accepting and clearing although pressed by Ross and Bush. A lucky save was effected by Lapwood, who had the ball kicked into his arms, when the yellow and blacks were hot on the attack. The yellow men were determined, and although Coster eased temporarily, Murray came back with a solo dash lo the corner flag before being grassed by Lapwood. A keen tussle ensued, and the ball going the way of Ross he shot to midfleld. Scrummed in the centre, the ball went from the home hookers to R. Lowrie and Tuohey, but the five-eighth fumbled and Barnaby came in to set Bombay defending. Coster dribbled away on his own but he overran the oval. The teams packed around and Murray got possession to put his side on the offensive. A melee followed on the visitors' line and a force was registered. When play was resumed Lapwood took the hall to beat W. Lowrie and find the line. With the venue in the yellow and blacks' territory, Cosier seeing an opening set off at a fast clip. Tuohey and Murray pursued him hut he outdistanced them to score beneath the posts. Handling twice, Coster forfeited his kick. Tuakau .. .. .. 0 Bombay 3 Bombay Get There.

Encouraged by "barracking," Bombay made the pace a welter, and Lapwood found touch to ease temporarily The home men pushed vigorously, and after a series of melees and scrums Coster gained relief with a penalty. Catterill, Bush and Howe broke off and were supported by E. Fulton. When it came to the latter's turn he knocked on and the yellow and blacks gained an easement. At this stage heavy rain commenced to fall, the ball becoming very greasy. A punt along

the ground put Bombay in an attacking position, and in a dive L. Best went over to score. W. Lowrie raised the flags. Bombay 8 Tuakau 6 Stung somewhat, the blue and whites countered, Ross setting off with the ball at his feet. He was handled by a home man as he went over the line and was about to take up to touch down. A five-yard scrum was ordered, and from this the yellow and blacks eased. Another sally was made by Bombay and a sweeping rush followed. A force was ruled after a five yard scrum was put down. This concluded the game. Mr J: 11. R. Miller was referee. PUKEKAWA 11, ONEWHERO 6.

At Pukekawa on Saturday, the home team broke its sequence of drawn games by defeating Onewhero after a splendid, clean, hard-fought battle by a margin of five points. The teams were:—

Pukekawa (maroon) : 0. Lindberg, A. Thomas, A. Bell, K. Tonga, W. Wirth, J. Thomas, J. Tonga, J. Dromgcol, A. Sloman, C. Dromgool, E. Lee, T. Whare, G. Bell (capt.), J. Clarkson, F. McGuire.

Onewhero (blue and black) : J. Hira, J. Allen, M. Whiskey, G. Nicholson, j: Baker, B. Rikys, G. Baker (capt.), D. Williams, W. Ghristopherson, R. Mossman, T. Allen, D. Revell, G. Dyer, T. Hira, L. Gathcart.

From the kick-oi'f the game was a ding dong go, play swinging from end to end and from side to side of the field with amazing rapidity. Forward play dominated the game, the occasional flashes of back play breaking down for various reasons, when success seemed likely to attend their efforts. In the early stages of the first spell Chum Baker set his backs going in a promising movement which Rikys improved by cutting in nicely but his short punt lacked direction and A. Thomas secured to clear well. Shortly afterwards the same player fielded a high ball from J. Hira and set off in a strong effort but he was well accounted for by Nicholson. A free to the maroons gave Tonga a chance but he was not lucky. The blues came again and Chum Baker followed a short punt, secured outside the twenty-five and strongly fending two high tacklers went on to score a nice try in a handy position as Lindberg grassed him. Hira missed. Onewhero 3 Pukekawa 0 Three All. The reds set out to equalise; "a return being fielded by A. Bell, who made the best of a clear field before sending out a long pass to K. Tonga but the last-named had hard luck to knock oh when he was in a good position. He was soon in the limelight again however for a mistake by Hira was followed up by a melee near the blues' line, K. Tonga securing to go over well out. Lindberg's kick fell short. Pukekawa 3 Onewhero 3 It was now Onewhero's turn to score and they made great efforts but fheir doughty opponents were equally determined to retain and improve their position and up and down play co :> tinued for the rest of the spell.

The Second Half.

Within two minutes oi' the kick-off p.. Baker suffered an injury to his right knee which was sufficiently serious to prevent his returning to the field for the remainder of the game. PukeAawa came down the field in a great offensive which had Hira in difficulties. G. Bell grassed him safely inside the twenty-five hut M. Whiskey (who had gone to the wing) came over to relieve in a difficult situation. From a five-yards scrum the reds hooked the ball and their tough little half-back tore his way through and managed to gel down on the leather in a handy position, but he failed to add the major points. Pukekawa 6 Onewhero 3

Encouraged, the reds came again in a combined attack in which both forwards and backs participated but the

ball went too far. Onewhere were still on the defensive till Rikys cut in nicely and cross-kicked but Whiskey mulled. It was his last mistake of the day. From this stage onward he was probably as good as any back on the field. Continuing to press the blues were soon on their opponents' line. G. Dyer dived over for a welldeserved try well out. • Mossman made an excellent attempt at goal, the ball dropping just in front of the crossbar.

Pukekawa <j Onewhero 6 A Fast Pace. The pace was momentarily increasing, the maroons being determined to regain the lead and Lindberg found the line with a beautiful long punt well clown in Onewhero's territory. From the line out a tussle in front ensued but the blues cleared with a spinning kick along the ground which had Lindberg in trouble. For an infringemi nl Pukekawa were penalised and Mossman was again a little short. The

maroons came again with G. Bell and the Dromgool brothers in the lead. Rikys was caught in possession but Whiskey dashed into the fray to save brilliantly. Shortly after, Rikys redeemed himself by averting a certain try when Hira was otherwise engaged. The reds were not to be denied howover and with the last two or three minutes ticking out A. Bell picked up. from the loose, ten yards out and with a tricky run beat several would-be taoklers to score a fine try near the

posts. J. Tonga made no error with the kick as the whistle sounded the end. Pukekawa 11 Onewhero 6 Mr Woods refereed. THE CASUALTY LIST. A fracture of the right thumb was sustained by L. Johnson, the Tuakau full-back, immediately after the commencement of the Bombay-Tuakau senior match. The injured man was taken to Pukekohe for medical attention, and later he returned to Bombay to witness the match. While playing at Pukekawa, G. ColeBaker, captain of the Onewhero senior team, received an injury to the knee and had to retire. . , THIRD GRADE GAMES. In the Tuakau-Bombay third grade match, Tuakau, playing with only 13, won by B—o. The scoring was accounted for by G. Gathcart, who secured two tries, one being converted. | Pokeno defeated St. Stephen's by C —o. Tries were obtained by Little- ' wood and McKenzie. WAIUKU SUB-UNION. PLAY ON SATURDAY. Saturday's matches resulted: — * Senior: Otaua 23, United G. Waipipi 11, Aka Aka 8. Junior: Waipipi 18, Otaua 0. City 6, Aka Aka 3. SOUTH AUCKLAND UNION. MEETING OF DELEGATES. A meeting of the South Auckland Rugby Union was held at Pukekohe on Wednesday evening, Mr J. Dean presiding. Delegates present were: 1 Messrs S. P. Day (Pukekohe), J. Mill, j J. R. Evans (Franklin), ~D. R. Ander- j son (Waiuku), together with Messrs i W. J. Short (secretary), and W. G. Patterson (assistant secretary).

The Clevedon school committee wrote regarding the supplying of;footballs for schools. It was decided to grant two balls to each sub-union and to recommend that one of those allotted to Pukekohe - be granted to GleVedon. Advice was received from the Auckland union that six school balls were being forwarded.

The Auckland union in connection wiTh the selection of players for the Auckland representative teams, intimated that South Auckland's request had been referred to the selector, and it was hoped that some players would find places in this year's teams.

The action of the secretary in confirming July 2 and August 6 for Auckland B —South Auckland matches at Pukekohe and Auckland respectively, was approved. The Taranaki union wrote stating that it could not visit South Auckland this year owing to the difficulties of finance and obtaining players available for touring. The WaiuEu sub-union asked why Kidd had been permitted to play for White Star on April 30. —It was agreed to remind the Pukekohe sub-union that players must comply with residential qualifications. The Clevedon club entered a protest against the decision regarding J. Dunn and M. Stephens. "To take our players to Pukekohe and let players snap their fingers when told they must not play in town is most unfair to our club," stated the letter. It was felt that the club should have been consented before finality was reached, and that discipline was necessary.—The president reported the result of the visit of Mr Day and he to Clevedon,

and it was resolved to inform the club of the steps taken.

A protest was" lodged, and the full penalty asked by the Rambler club, against the playing by Old Boys of M. Stephens, a registered player of Clevedon who had not obtained a clearance.

The club stated a protest had been lodged with the Pukekohe sub-union, but it was ruled out of order.—After discussion, the union agreed to reprimand Pukekohe for permitting Stephens to be played without a clearance; that the match be replayed and Stephens apply to Clevedon for a clearance.

The application of G. Steele, Buckland, for a clearance from Franklin to Pukekohe was referred to the Franklin sub-union. In connection with the telephone application of Marist club, Auckland, for a clearance in respect of J. Dunn, it was decided to point out that the union had decided not to grant clearances to a player to play outside its territory.

The action of the Franklin subunion in regard to the Maramarua area was endorsed. Nominations received for the selection committee were: Messrs A. J. Maiden (Franklin) and A. Naysmith (Waiuku).