LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 July 1927, Page 6

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

BLACKBALL 5; RUNANGA 0. Blackball met Runanga this weekend at Blackball, in what one might term the final for the Competition Cup. The weather was all that could be desired, and a record crowd of spectators saw Dando start the game on Blackball’s behalf. Finn returned his kick, and fast following up by Hands saw Kinsella grassed in possession at his own 25 flag. However, on the ball being played, Rogers, Long and Parsonage came through with the ball at their toes, and Griffiths, failing to pick up, saw play carried in close proximity to the Runanga line. A penalty kick against Blackball for a scrum infringement drove them back again to half way. Kells tried to open out the game, but Dodds failed to hold a pass and let Hands right through, Mac Smith bringing off a timely tackle at the opportune moment. ( The visitors, by strong forward play/ in which O’Brien. Hands, and Timlin were prominent, carried play near the home line, but Dando shook off two would-be tacklers, and came away with the ball, and sending out to MacDonald at the right moment, saw the speedy winger short punt and tackle Stevens in possession past the half-way line. Purnell Was here penalised for putting the ball amongst his own forwards’ feet, but Dando failed to land a goal from the resultant kick. Pinn ran the ball out and passed to Connolley but a hefty tackle by Rogers brought him to earth. Immediately afterwards, Runanga had a glorious chance of opening the scoring, but several players failed to pick up the ball in front of the posts, the chance of a lifetime. A free-kick brought Blackball relief. Kells and Dodds put Blackball in a strong position again, but Cutbush spoilt a good opening by throwing out a forward pass. Both sets of forwards were working hard to a man, both in the tight and loose work. Purnell was continually giving his forwards an unfair advantage by putting the ball right into their feet, this breach of the rules more often than not escaping the eye of the official in charge. However, the interval arrived with a blank score sheet.

Resuming, Dodds caught the leather from the centre kick and tried to set his backs in motion, but too much kicking of the ball was indulged in for football, both sides being sinners in this respect. Eventually Griffiths tried to get clear for Runanga, but hung on to the ball when a timely pass to Stevens would have threatened danger to the Blackball line. Back again came the home forwards ably led by Rogers, Parsonage and Hansen, who were using their feet to advantage on the heavy ground, and play settled down near the visitors’ line. A penalty kick sent the homesters back to half way. Dodds received and cut through, sending out to Cutbush, who punted up the wing for Haisty to come along at top speed, boot over the line and beat two or three Runanga players for the touch and open the score for Blackball. Cutbush hit the post in his attempt to add the goal points. This reverse seemed to liven up the proceedings somewhat, but Blackball were the more aggressive side, being almost over on one or two occasions, but deadly tackling by the visitors’ kept them at bay. However a penalty kick against the “Magpies” saw Dando land a beautiful goal from well out. Blackball 5; Runanga 0. Blackball hereabouts were frequently penalised for off-side and scrum infringements, but Runanga never became really dangerous. Their back play left much tc be desired; the same can also be said about the Blackball back division, the game being mostly confined to the forwards and both packs were making it very willing at this period. Parsonage was getting the ball fairly regularly from thfe scrum, but Kells was handicapped by an injury sustained to his leg, and could not get away quick enough. Runanga came again for a few minutes before the final whistle sounded with Blackball full value for their 5 points win. MiFielding (Greymouth) officiated as referee.

Of the players participating Finn was safe at full back for Runanga, extricating his side from many difficultsituations. Cust was the best of a moderate set of backs, whilst Hands and O’Brien were their most outstanding forwards. Of the Blackball side. Dando, Long, and Rogers were ever in the thick of the fray, while Parsonage, on the day’s play, secured the ball more often than’ his vis-a-vis (Tallentyre). Dodds and Cutbush were the best backs, xyhile Smith at back did not by any means let his side down, his hefty kicking of the ball coming in useful on "umerour -'ccasions.

MARIST II (17) V. BRUNNER II (7)

At Omoto yesterday, Marist juniors defeated Brunner by 17 points to 7. Brunner did not field a full team, and Malloy and Moore changed over and played for Brunner in the second spell. Marists’ tries were scored by Duncan, O’Loughlon (2), Moore and Griffin, the last named converting his try. For Brunner, Moore scored, Hunt converting, and also kicking a penalty' goal. NELSON CREEK (20); KOTUKU (3) Playing at Kotuku yesterday, Nelson Creek defeated the home team by 17 points, after a hard fought game, which was mostly of a forward nature. GREY 111 (30) V. KOTUKU 111 (3). Grey thirds journeyed to Kotuku, and ran out .easy winners by 30 points to 7. MARIST IV (23) V. BRUNNER IV (5) At Brunner yesterday, Marist fourth grade easily defeated Brunner fourths. Marist gave a good exhibition in the first spell, but eased up somewhat in the second. RUNANGA IV (15) V. GREY IV (0). Runanga fourths proved too good for Grey at Dunollie yesterday, and won by 15 points to nil. Runanga were the heavier team and they were better suited to the heavy ground. B.BALL V (15) V. RUNANGA V (11). Tn a fifth grade game at Blackball the home team defeated Runanga by four points. B.BALL V (3) V. RUNANGA V (3). At Blackball, Runanga and Blackball second fifth grades fought a drawn game. CHCTI. MATCHES. (Special to “Star.") CHRISTCHURCH. July 10. Saturday was observed by the Canterbury Rugby League as Charity Day, the gate proceeds being given to help

the unemployed. The attendance was about the best of the season. Mr J. K. Archer and several of the City Councillors were present, the Mayor kicking off. The match was the outcome of a challenge by Addington to Marist to play for their respective clubs’ flag. These were handed over by C. E. Robins at the end of the game amid great cheering. The game was set going at a great pace, with both teams opening up on all occasions. Addington took a long while to get going properly, and the backs gave Marist many good chances early in the game, but when they did settle down there was a battle royal between two very fast sets of backs. Right to the interval the game was tremendously fast, and really brilliant to watch. Gerraghty played a good game. The result was: Mari sts 28, Addington 17. Playing on the second ground, Sydenham defeated West Coasters by 8 points to 3in the first half; a forward scored a try for Sydenham. West Coasters were awarded a penalty try in the second halt. G. Fraser scored, and converted for Sydenham. A schoolboys’ trial game before the senior grade match was for the selection of the Canterbury representative team to meet the West Coast at Christchurch in the August holidays. The boys played fast, clever football. Many gave promise of developing into first-class players. The “A” team which generally held the upper hand won by 20 points to nil. AUCKLAND RESULT. AUCKLAND, July 10. Newton 14, Ponsonby 3. DUNEDIN RESULT. DUNEDIN, July 10. Christian Brothers 12, City 7.