RUGBY FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1928, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

HONOURS EVEN. AFTER HARD, CLOSE GAME

Over one thousand people saw the representative game at the Park on Saturday between West Coast and the touring Southland B Unions’ team. Weather conditions were ideal, and the ground was in perfect order. The game was perhaps the best representative one seen here this season, the scores, eleven points each, being a good indication of the powers of both fifteens. The points chased each other in both spells, reading 5-all, 8-all and 11-all in succession. Southland seemed to predominate in the forwards during the first forty minutes’ play, but towards the end of the game both Coast departments came to light with some exciting work, several electrifying back dashes bringing the crowd up with a roar of applause. Southland excelled in short passing thrusts in forwards and backs, making the game surprisingly open. Prominent in these were Townsend, Muir, Lee

and Laing. Coast forwards battled together well against a formidable pack. Prominent in Southland’s front lines were Galt, Purdie and Shrimpton. Laing was the best back on the ground being in. almost every movement to effect, and was ably backed up by Muir, Townsend and Crosbie. Lee, j the half, was conspicuous, and had a lot to do with the open nature of the game. Freitas, the Coast forward and South Island representative, gave glimpses of brilliant form. Fell went into Robinson’s place in the Coast pack and played a sterling game. McIntosh, Hagar and C. Pfahlert were handy in the forward work. Jenkins, the Coast half, was not as stound as

he might have been, and was often hard-pressed by the quick opposing forwards. His kicking, however, was good, several times earning applause with judicious lining. Nicholson, the Coast full-back, played too far back, losing the effect of his good work. He was not; overworked, and defended soundly when called upon. In the latter part of the game, Jenkins fed his men continually, and Fong, J. King, Tainui and E. Pfahlert indulged in several spectacular and exciting attacks, generally failed by mis-handling. The teams lined out as follow: —

Southland (Maroon): Dempster, Walker, Crosbie, Muir, Laing, Townsend, Lee, Scott, Mills, Horner, Galt, Ashby, Purdie, Shrimpton, Fleming. West Coast (Red and White): Nicholson, R. King, Tainui, E. .Pfahlert, Fong, J. King, Jenkins, Hagar, C. Pfahlert, Patterson, Freitas, Bannister, Mclntosh, A. King, Fell.

Referee: Mr W. Williams. Coast won the toss and played with the sun behind them: Mills found the line with the kick-off. J. King secured from the line and transferred to Fong, whose kick took play well into Southland territory. Townsend instituted a great Southland forward rush, the crowd applauding the effort, but J. King sent them back with a fine line. Coast then secured from the line-out, but a back was penalised. Fong, securing, punted high, but Dempster saved in excellent style. Wild speculating on Coast’s part allowed play to come back to the halfway line, where effective bustling work in the heavier Southland forwards took them back further into Coast’s ground. The visitors secured a lineout, but Coast took the following scrum, only to be held up by a South forward coming around off-side. Jenkins’ kick took play- down to the opposing 25 line. Both teams were making the pace hot. J. King’s mark stopped a bright Southland offensive, but not to be held, Townsend secured and brought off a fine solo effort, R. King saving with a grubber to his line. Southland secured a scrum and Lee sent his backs to half-way. Freitas then secured the leather from a lineout in the homo team’s 25, and, sending out, J. King and Fqng, got in a determined run, fine tackling stopping them. The next scrum went to Coast Jenkins, J. King and Fong all handling, for the latter to work a pretty dummy before sending to Tainui, who missed. Coast attacked, hut Dempster returned the play, and Nicholson, rushing up, missed a great chance to pot an easy goal. E. Pfahlert then spoilt a sparkling Coast manoeuvre by rushing into the ruck with the ball. Shortly after Fong, chasing R. King’s punt, over-ran the ball, and had hard luck in not registering a try. Southland backs had been indulging in some very effective intercepting in the backs.. Townsend was prominent in

a short rush, but Jenkins stopped him, and transferred to Fong, but Laing rushed in and intercepted the pass nicely, starting a movement that soon had play down in Coast’s lines. The visitors looked a certainty for a try, but an infringement called for a scrum on the line, and forwards clear-

ed with a strong rush. A local man was penalised, however, an,d Dempster missed the kick in a difficult position,

Tainui securing. Muir and Laing immediately rushed play into dangerous quarters again, a scrum following. Up to this stage Coast had certainly not been playing up to expectations. Jen-

kins took an off-side penalty and relieved with one of his magnificent lines. Play at half-way saw Coast secure a line-out; from which Fell broke away for a short dash. Southland then attacked with Walker prominent on their wing in a hot thrust. Kicks were exchanged by the full backs, followed by a line to Southland, Ashby instituting an open rush only to be stopped by sound defence on the part of J. King. Southland forwards were showing superiority. Fong, in Coast’s rearguard, was playing excellent foothall. Shortly after Nicholson was called on, saving well, Jenkins, coming into the limelight a minute later with a couple of lines which earned applause Then camo the first try of the game. Coast were attacking well down the visitors’ 25, when A. King snatched the leather from a scramble, and Fell dived over for an easy try. * The try came after 33 minutes’ play. J. King converted, and tiie scores read Coast 5, Southland 0. Freitas was away from the kick, but Bannister lost possession in backing him up, and a scrum following saw Jenkins get possession, only for Crosbie, who was playing well in the centre position for Southland, to dash in and intercept nicely. lie rushed away, with only Nicholson to pass, but the Coast full brought off a timely tackle, and securing, rushed up-field, made a wild attempt to pot, and sent the leather over the dead line. Coast play improved. Muir was penalised for hanging on, and play went to 60

yards up, Jenkins gaining ground with a nice line. C. Pfahlert was injured ' slightly, but soon resumed play. Coast took a scrum, and Pfahlert cross-kick-

ed hard, but Crombie was there to force. Good open play in the forwards followed. Shortly after, Purdie was penalised in the scrum, J. King lining, only to be followed by an infringement against Bannister. ■ Southland’s chances looked promising when fast following up took them near the Coast line, but a visitor off-side spoilt things, and Jenkins cleared. After a couple of line-outs, Freitas being prominent, Jenkins got his backs away but Southland retaliated, Townsend,

Laing and Muir handling in a nippy passing bout. Then from a scrum in Coast territory, Galt secured and passed to Muir, who finalised a great effort with a nice try, the movement bringing a roar of applause from an impartial crowd. Laing convert to equalise the scoring, 5-all. Play re-commenced briskly, Purdie and Muir, then Lee and Muir, getting in two effective rushes, Townsend including a great dash in the latter, which Fell stopped with a timely interception. Dempster, the full-back, was then given some hot work, Coast bringing off several promising offensives. Half-time was called with the

points still even. Coast attacked from the kick-off, Freitas opening play with some brilliant work, backed up by Bannister, but Southland forced back, and Crosbie and Muir soon got in a certain scoring thrust, Pfahlert saving by kicking into touch. From the ensuing scrum, Lee grabbed the ball, and - got over far out. Laing’s effort to convert went under. Southland S, Coast 5. Crosbie took a hand in swift play to Coast’s territory, with Southland dominating the open game. A. Kingstalled off one great attack with a fine line kick, giving Jenkins the c'hance to get his men in motion. Pfahlert was out of position, and the movement was spoilt. Spectacular rushes by the visitors, with backs and forwards combining; took play again to

Coast’s line, but Hagar followed up Fong’s kick and Coast once more wdre on the offensive. Attacks were countered on both sides, till Horner was injured, and had to .retire, being replaced by Greer. The next try went to Coast. J. King charged down a kick, and got in his transfer to McIntosh, who had no difficulty in registering a try, which was not converted. Coast 8, Southland 8. Southland attacked fro mthe kick, but Fell countered at the head of a great dribbling rush. Dempster was then injured, Richardson replacing him. Soon after Jenkins sent a quick pass to Fong, who cut in nicely and then passed to Tainui, the latter scoring amid a roar of applause from the spectators. Jenkihs’ kick missed. Coast 11, Southland 8.

After a short offensive, the visitors were penalised, and scraggy ’play folloAved the kick until Laing got the backs moving, Pfahlert stopping a spectacular movement with solid tackling. The Southerners again got in a brilliant run, Townsend, Crosbie. Shrimpton and Walker all combining, for the latter to score a pretty try. The kick failed, and left the scores 11-all. The game increased in interest, and Coast pleased the crowd with improved passing thrusts. In the visiting team changes saAV Richardson go to fialf and Lee first five-eight. J. King, Fong, Tainui, and Pfahlert figured in repeated 'and bright attacks, which more than once had the spectators thrilled. Play was fast. Southland maintained their fast open Avork, making the finish of the game a great struggle for the lead. Hagar began to shine in the local pack, and attained brilliance in open play. The ball travelled rapidly from end to end of the field, but tjme Avas soon called, and left the game a draw.

NEWMAN SHIELD GAME.

TECH. 17— WESTPORT 5.

Playing on Victoria Park on Saturday before a large croAvd of spectators, Greymouth Technical High School defeated Westport Technical in the NeAvmau Shield final, and retained the Shield. The crowd shoAved appreciation of the bright, dashing display of both teams. Tech. Avere a superior combination, and, especially in the backs played spectacular football.

Westport opened with a stirring haka. Tech, won the toss and opened the game with a flashy back movement, repeating the performance a little later, only to be driven back to half-way with a free-kick. Tech, defended for a short spell and then Scott opened up an attack which took them into a handy position. Westport were penalised and Finch missed with a good kick. Immediately after the kick Shaw snapped up, beat his man, and then shot out to Tarrant who rushed away to open Tech’s, account with a fine try. Lindbom’s attempt to convert was unsuccessful. Tech. 3; Westport 0. The local team were reaping the advantage hi weight and speed, only a solid defence by Westport keeping them away from the scoring line. Superior forward play kept Technical on the attack. Soon Tarrant ran up to take a cross kick and beating several men in good style, scored his second try, the same player missing with his kick. Tech. 6; Westport 0. Bowes and Tindall were playing well in the forwards. The Tech, backs were all in the. limelight in fast, dashing play, Scott, the half, opening up the game in good style. Shaw, Tennent, and Shuttle worth backed him well, the latter two spoiling many fine pieces of play with faulty handling. Shaw made a handy defensive man. Westport staged a spasmodic offensive, but Lindbom cleared. Larsen brought Westport back again, but. a good line returned play to their twenty-five. A spectacular Tech, rush followed, and the visitors forced. Wilson, in Tech, forwards, was one of the best men on his side, working like a Trojan all the game. Finch missed shortly with another penalty. McHerron, for Westport, shone- consistently. When the second half opened, the ball went out after a great dash by Wilson. A combined Tech, attack opened the second spell. Westport then broke away, but with Wilson again at the head of the pack, were forced back. Then came a beautiful piece of play. Scott sent iiis backs into action, and running round, took Shuttleworth’s pass in a. good position, and brought off a pretty try. Lindbom missed with the kick. Tech 9; Westport 0. West port were playing improved football for a spell, in the forwards, and the teams shared offensives. Lind bom had a. fair bit of work to do, and acquitted himself well. A series of scrums followed, with honours even, until Westport backs secured, and, after a player cutting in nicely, obtained their first try. The score was converted. Tech. 9; West port 5. After the kick, Shuttleworth was instrumental in clearing another Westport offensive. Then Tech, opened out, and a great dash saw Ten-

nent, Shuttleworth and Tarrant in a scoring movement, the latter finalising the prettiest piece of work during the game. Tarrant missed the kick. Tech. 12; Westport 5.

Play fluctuated after the kick, Tech, having most of the game. Bad passing and handling, as in former games foiled much good work. Westport were hemmed in to near time, when Lindbom .fielded a punt, and racing up, set Tec. forwards in action, Wilson finally scoring the last try. Lindbom converted, and the final score read, Tech 17; Westport 5. Mr W. Bring was an efficient referee.

RANFURLY SHIELD.

WAIRARAPA’S EASY WIN

MASTERTON, August 11. The return Rugby match to-day be-

ween Wairarapa and Bush, although

for the Ranfurly Shield was not taken seriously, as the Bush Sub-Union themselves put ft, when applying for the challenge, that it was not in the

hope of winning the Trophy, but to swell the gate takings that the challenge was made. The first spell which ended 17 to 8 in favour of Wairarapa, was

somewhat ragged although the Bush forwards broke through occasionally and it was mainly the result of their efforts that the visitors’ points were scored in spite of the large number of points rattled on by Wairarapa in the second spell. The game ended 57 to 11. The play in this half was bright, natural and the correct inference from the result of the game was

fiat Bush were hopelessly outclassed

The first try came from an opening made by Cooke, Yates crossing in the corner. Gundy’s kick was charged

down, and five minutes latei’ M. Parker kicked through from a scrum, sidestepped the Bush full-back and scored well out. Gundy narrowly missed. Uninteresting play followed until Bush broke away in a loose forward rush,

from' which Harris (three-quarer) scored. Udy goaled with a splendid kick. The Bush forwards impelled by their success, maintained loose tactics, and eventually Bartash crossed, to place his side in the lead. Udy missed the goal. Bush eight, Wairarapa six. Not long after Cundy kicked a penalty goal, and three minutes later added three more points in a. similar way. The efforts of the visitors’ forwards were transferred to home territory, but the backs failed to profit by the chances presented. Parker dashed through to intercept a pass and raced for the line. At the right moment he delivered to Cooke who had - a straight run to the posts. Cundy goaled, and half time was sounded soon after, Wairarapa 17, Bush S. On the commencement of the second spell, both sets of backs put in more finished play and the game was much more interesting. Stringfellow’ booted through and beat the full-back, and grounded under the posts. Cundy added the major points. Wairarapa forwards now’ dominated play. The next score camo from Hart, Cundy goaling. Reid, initiated a spectacular back movement in which Yates scored and Cundy goaled, Wairarapa 32, Bush 8. Parker then wriggled across and after repeated attempts from a series of line out and scrums, Cundy again found the goal. From the loose Bush had a forward rush, and Harris scored his second try for the visitors, which was a gift, the home team looking on. Udy's kick failed. From then on the game was a merry succession of scores for the Shield holders. # Tries were scored by Reid, McGregor, Cooke and Willoughby all being converted by Cundy.

TARANAKI V. HAWKE’S .BAY.

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 12

By five points to three, the Taranaki reps, defeated Hawke’s Bay, before an attendance of six thousand. It was a poor display of Rugby. Hawke’s Bay should have Avon, having a territorial advantage throughout, but they were unable to finish off their movements. There was only the conversion of a try between them. The scrummaging Avas the Avorst seen this season. On only one occasion did the scrum pack properly. Usually, Hawke’s Bay got the ball, but could not make much use of it, their passing movement always breaking down. The Taranaki tackling was deplorable, and that of Hawke’s Bay was little better. The first half Avas dull, and ended without a score. Early in the second spell, from scrambling play in Taranaki’s twenty-five, a Hawke’s Bay player took the ball, apparently offside, and passed to Dennis, who dashed over near the corner. Yates’s kick failed. Then the first real football of the match commenced, to be continued at a terrific pace to the end. Taranaki made a lightning attack, and almost scored, the last man to handle being pushed out near the corner. HaAvke’s Bay AVoke up too, and put even more sting into their work than they did, being iioav thoroughly serious. It became a. desperate struggle, in Avhich no quarter Avas given. W. Hohaia scored a spectacular try for Taranaki. He secured and overran a pass at halfway, tore himself from Huxtable’s tackle, and raced down the line, evading several Hawke’s Bay men, to score a try that brought the croAvd to their feet. Some thought that he had run out. Collins added a magnificent goal. From then on both sides fought a grim struggle, but though Hawke’s Bay usually had the advantage, they could not score. On one occasion Dennis Avas almost over, but he Avas pushed out at the corner flag.

CANTERBURY V. MANAWHENUA

CHRISTCHURCH, August 11

Canterbury beat Manawhenua at Lancaster Park to-day by 25 points to 19.

The ground Avas in a. fast condition with bright sunshine, am! the game whs fast and open, but there Avas much ineffective and faulty play by both sides. The Canterbury backs Avere definitely superior, and this turned the scale in favour of Hie local side, Canterbury’s score comprised five tries, tAvo being converted, and two penalty goals. Manawhenua, scored four tries, two being converted, and one goal from a mark.

WANGANUI V. MARLBORO.’

WANGANUI. August II

Wanganui defeated Hie Marlborough touring team here to-day by 19 to 14. The home team was changed a good deal from that which defeated Manawhenua. on Saturday last, owing to some players being unavailable. Despite the alterations, Wanganui played well, especially in the first spell. Their backs were superior to the visitors. The Marlborough forwards Avere the better pack on the day, but they failed at hooking. Their footwork Avas

good, but in the loose Wanganui were the better side. In the second spell, Wanganui were i a trifle lifeless, and Marlborough played up, and the scores became: Wanganui 14; Marlborough 13. The home side woke up and scored another try, which was converted. For the winners tries were scored by McLean (2), Stewart, Shanley and Tilley. Tilley converted one, and Vangioni another. Washington kicked a penalty for the visitors. Gill was awarded a penalty try for obstruction, and Botham scored a try, while Hodson converted both tries. NELSON’S NARROW DEFEAT.

NELSON, August 12. After leading by nine to nil in the first, half, the Otago Sub-Union notched a victory from Nelson by 17 to 16. The weather was perfect, and the attendance about 2,000. It was a tame first spell, but the second was full of incident, and it was anyone’s game right, up to the last moment. The visitors had better combination than the local team, and got off several pretty movements. In the loose Nelson more than held their own. Otago’s score comprised a penalty by Niven and tries by .Waldren, D. Donnelly. Davies and Oliver, one being converted. Snodgrass gave a great display, scoring two tries, and kicking a magnificent penalty; also converting a try well out. Wells also scored a try, which was converted by Reid. OTAGO v. AUCKLAND DUNEDIN, August 11. Auckland met and defeated the Otago team to-day by 26 points to 9, the match was played in perfect weather, before an attendance of about 10,000. The visitors were too clever and too fast for the home team,

who only managed to cross the Auckland line once, and the rest of the score was secured by means of penalty goals. The scorers for the visitors were: Minnis (2), Linton, Falwasser, B. Hooks, and L. Hook. Jenkins converting three tries and Butler one. For the losers, Holden scored and Stevenson kicked two penalty goals SCHOOLS MATCH. WAIPUKURAU, August 11.

In the presence of a record Central Hawke’s Bay crowd, Wanganui Technical College defeated Te Aute College by eleven points to six. The game Avas evenly contested. Thackabau kicked a penalty goal for Wanganui in the first spell, and Gemmell kicked two penalties for Te Aute, while Welsh and Thackabau scored in the second half for Wanganui, the latter converting his own try.

WELLINGTON SENIOR CHAMPIONS

WELLINGTON, August 11

Varsity beat Poneke by 16 points to 12, after a hard game Avith plenty of incident, in the presence of about 15,000 spectators, thereby winning the senior championship. The conditions Avere ideal. Other senior results Avere: — Old Boys 14, Oriental 10. Athletic 3, Marist 3. Berhampore 17, Eastbourne 11. Wellington 6, Petone 3. SOUTHLAND PREMIERS. INVERCARGILL, August 12. Southland Rugby Union’s senior competition Avas concluded on Saturday, Avhen the tAvo leading teams, the Star and Pirates, fought out .an exciting contest, Avhich resulted in each side scoring thirteen points. Star are the premiers Avith 20 points Pirates being next Avith IS. TOUCH JUDGE’S LEG BROKEN.

INVERCARGILL, August 12. An unusual type of accident occurred during the Rugby football final on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Thos. Finnerty (32), married, residing at Bluff, was acting as line umpire, and he Avas running up the line to signal “touch,” when the opposing Aving three-quar-ters, diving for the ball near the line, collided at the 25 flag, knocking the flag and Finnerty over. There was a crack Avhich could be heard all over the ground, and it Avas thought that the flag Avas smashed. It Avas ascertained, however, that Finnery had suffered most in the collision, receiving a fracture of both bones of the lower left. leg. He Avas removed to the hospital. NORTH ISLAND TEAM.

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 12. The North Island selectors have chosen the folloAving North Island team to play the South at Christchurch next Saturday.— L. PaeAvai (Auckland) ; W. H. Sarlson (Wanganui). L. Hook (Auckland), M. Anderson (Waikato); A. E. Cooke (Wairarapa), W. Langlands (Poverty Bay); G. Bramwell (Poverty Bay); Rover, C. G. Porter (Wellington); forwards, front row, Palmer (Auckland), Finlayson (Auckland); side row, M. Willoughby (Wairarapa), W. Batty (Auckland); lock, R. Steere (Hawke’s Bay); back roAV, Knight (Auckland),

S. Willoughy (Wairarapa). Reserves: forward, K. Reid (Wairarapa); back, P. Kemp (Waikato). GREY JUNIORS v. HOKITIKA. The following have been selected 16 represent Greymouth juniors against Hokitika next Saturday: — Full-back: Negri. Three-quarters: Martyn. Lemin, Hannam. Five-eighths: Kennedy, Bunt. Half: L. Cooper. Wing-forward: McEnaney. Forwards: Gordon, Dimond, Preston, Jones, Harper, Wilson, Eggelton. Emergencies: Backs, Coleman and Nash; forwards, Scott and Saunders.