RUGBY FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 June 1932, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

ALL BLACKS WIN 9 KEEN STRUGGLE WITH N.S.W. [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYBIGHT.] SYDNEY, June 26. The New Zealand Rugby team yesterday snatched victory in the last two minutes of their opening match against New South Wales. The All Blacks ony rarely succeeded in thrilling the crowd of 26,730 present. Though the better side, particularly in attack, they failed to impress the onlookers as being as strong as most of their predecessors, and they must improve vastly before the tests. The most promising feature of the game was the All Blacks’ infusion of more life into it in the second spell, due to the visitors gaining a greater share of the possession of the ball from the set scrums. Their scrum formation in the first spell was three-tliree-two. Thereafter, in consequence of a change to three-four-one, the All Blacks allowed New South Wales to win possession of the ball only in two scrummages of the second half. Moreover the All Blacks were regularly beaten for the ball in the line-out, though occasionally breaking through to check the New South Wales back movements. One of the counteracting tactics in the second half was a longer throwin to the tall forwards, who congre-

gated well inside the five yards line. Collins, the N.Z. full-back, was sound but was not brilliant Ball and Bul-lock-Douglas were impressive. Caughey had limited opportunities. Pollock was enterprising in the face of the incessent spoiling of the home breakaways, but the ball come too slowly to Caughey, resulting in few concerted back rushes. . Kilby was superb in handling, anticipation, and accurate line kicking. He was responsible for many of New Zealand’s inroads. McLean was easily the outstanding forward. All the front row men were capable specialists and ruckers. The main All Black weakness lay in a lack of combination, though the first impressions indicate a lack or virtually and of typical All Black pugnacity. There was, however, no comparison between the visitors’ form in the first and second spells. Mr. H. B. Mayne was referee, and the State Governor, Sir P. Game, was present.

The weather was fine, with a light south-west wind. The teams were: —

New Zealand: Full-back, A. Collins; three-quarters, N. Ball, T. C. Caughey, F. Bullock-Douglas; five-eighths, H. T. Lilburne and H. R. Pollock; half-back, F. D. Kilby (captain); forwards, F. Solomon, H. F. McLean, E. R. Steere, G. W. Purdue, T, C. Metcalfe, A. I. Cottrell, R. Palmer and E. A. Jessep. New South Wales: Full-back, A. W. Ross; three-quarters, W. White, C. H. Towers, T. Pauling, and Kennedy; half-backs, S. C. King and S. J. Malcolm (captain); forwards, C. Hodgson, A. Martel, R. B. London, B. Judd, G. Band, E. Love, M. F. Morton and W. H. Cerutti.

The opening play was uninspiring and ragged. The teams left the field at the interval. Thereafter it was obvious that there had been a team talk. Speed and variation of method were more noticeably

New Zealand had the wind in the first spell, but the ony advantage taken of it was by Kilby with his line kicking.

• THE FIRST SCORE

It was half-an-hour before the only

score of the first spell was registered, being a try for New South Wales by Campbell. The try followed a penetration, when he passed inside, break-

ing the New Zealand forwards off their balance. They had anticipated a flanking 1 movement. Previously, Bul-lock-Douglas was unlucky with a short punt ovei* the N.S.W. full-back, Ross, the ball rolling into touch-in-goal only a yard past the corner flag. Malcolm bad a feast from the line-out scrummages. The New South Wales backs were stereotyped in their play, and were unable to outflank the visitors. The lighter New South Wales forwards held their own in rucking and in opportunism, while the tackling of both sides was excellent. Solomon showed great anticipation. Once, when Ross was coming up among his backs, he scissor-passed to Malcelm. Several of the defenders were caught by this change of direction, but Solomon envisaged the whole movement.

Thrills began immediately on the resumption. Metcalfe and Purdue led a forward advance towards the N.S.W. goal, Purdue losing the ball when he was tackled from behind. Soon after this a lapse, which might have cost the game, ended a fine movement that was initiated by Pollock, Ball letting the ball slip from his grasp when he was clear of the N.S.W. defenders, with an open goal line in front of him. There was, however, a reward for the sustained pressure, a try being scored by Cottrell, who touched down after a scramble on the New South Wales line. A solitary New South Wales raid at this period led to New South Wales securing a try. Pollock misjudged a bounce, and Loudon seized the ball. He gathered it again from Towers, who sent a wild inpass, and crossed under the bar. Boss converted. N.S.W. 8; N.Z. 3.

An equalising score that followed was the result of brilliant sustained work, the N.Z. forwards winning the ball in three successive scrums, including a five yards scrum, after Martel had run back to force. Here Kilby’s and Lilburne’s passes out to Bul-lock-Douglas were the snappiest of the match, and the winger crossed at the corner to score. Pollock converted with a magnificent kick.

Ross then kicked a penalty goal for N.S.W., following a dangerous forward rush, giving New South Wales the lead again ten minutes before the final whistle.

The New Zealanders’ closing efforts roused intense excitement. The play was opened up at every available chance. The winning try came as the result of a weak drop out. No New South Wales forwards were near, and King fumbled, and .Cottrell, being on hand, scooped up a rolling ball and had an open passage to score in a nice position. Pollock converted, making the scores: N.Z. 13; N.S.W. 11. A feature of the match was that of the sixteen penalties given in the first spell, they were evenly split. None was of kickable distance. Kilby, interviewed, said: “We might easily have lost. Combination I will come wtih match practice. The forwards lacked the understanding for successful scrummaging with the three-three-two formation. The New South Wales defence was grand.”

AUSTRALIANS’ “TEST” TEAM. SYDNEY, June 26. The team to represent Australia against the All Blacks in the first Test match next Saturday is as follows: — Full-back: Ross. Three-quarters: Cowper, King, Sturtridge, Steggart. Halves: Law'taon (captain), Malcolm. Forwards: Clarke, White, Brindle, Bland, Cock, Love, Bonis, Cerutti. The team includes six Queenslanders, two Victorians, and the remainder belong to New South Wales. j WELLINGTON v. TARANAKI. I WELLINGTON, June 25. The following team has selected to represent Wellington against Taranaki in the match at Hawera on Wednesday: — Full-back, Masters; three-quarters, Hamilton, Killeen, McDonald; five-eighths, Griffiths, Neal, half-back, Tindill; forwards, Quaid, Lambourne, Diedrich, Stone, J. Wilson, Reid, Peck and Stiven, Emergencies: Back, Hislop; forward, Rydder. WELLINGTON RESULTS. WELLINGTON, June 25. Ponek© 11, Hutt 6; Petone 11, Old Boys 9; Wellington 6, Eastbourne 5; Marist 9, Oriental 6; Athletic 9, Miramar 8; Varsity 4, Berhampore nil. Senior B: Old Boys 8, University 3; St. Pat’s. Old Boys 16, Oriental 0.

AT DUNEDIN.. DUNEDIN, June 25. Alhambra 11, Pirates 11; Zirigari 3, University A 22; Taieri 6, Dunedin 6; Southern 19; Union 6. AUCKLAND MATCHES. AUCKLAND, June 25. Ponsonby 9, Technical 9; Grammar 9, Marist nil. In the annual match, King’s College 8 beat Auckland Grammar 3. Varsity 18, College Rifles 6. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. I CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. Sydenham 8, Albion 6; Merivale 15, Old Boys nil; Linwood 21, Varsity 12; Christchurch 23, Athletic 11. Representative game: Malvern 8, North Canterbury 3. Junior representative game: North Canterbruy 10, Malvern 7.

DI I MAN SHIELD MATCH. GREY DEFEAT HOKITIKA Owing to the extremely unfavourable weather conditions, the attendance of the public at this match was greatly affected. The ground was sodden, and heavy rain fell during portion of the game. The teams lined up as follow: — Greymouth.—A. Lindbom (fullback), L. Martyn, M. Jamieson, G. Gilbert (three-quarters), A. Fong, J. King (five-eighths), B. Scandrett (half), J. Bell, H. G. Wilson, H. M. Petrie, E. Jones, M. Scandrett, J.. Keith, W. Deere and J. Mahoney (forwards). Hokitika.—F. Carter (full back), C. Schroder, H. Staines, R, King (three-quarters), D. Diedrfcii, W Hughes (five-eighths), M. Dafadsoii (half), B. Kelly, K. Martin, C. Wright M. Kelly, L. Hughes, E. Cook, H. j Jones and F. Freitas (forwards). Grey kicked off and the ball was

returned into touch by W. Hughes. Close forward play ensued, the ball going into touch again. On the throw in, R. King took possession and piiht-

ed the ball to the Grey line where Lindbom saved by kicking into touch. A series of scrums then took place, the ball becoming very greasy. Davidson broke through but was soon stopped. Schroder, on the Hokitika right wing, then secured and gained some ground by finding the line. A free kick against Freitas did not secure any great advantage for Grey. W. Hughes attempted to cut in, but Grey saved, and their forwards carried the play to the Hokitika 25 yards line. From a scrum Grey obtained the possession, but their back rush was spoiled by Jamieson, who knocked on. A free kick was awarded Hokitika, but Schroeder knocked on from the ensuing rush. Play travelled across field where Hokitika were awarded a free kick, Freitas finding touch well inside Grey territory. Hokitika followed up the line-out, to the Grey line, where Lindbom saved. Play kept in the Grey 25, and a line out followed right on the Grey line, but play was taken back to half-way. Hokitika forwards led by L. Hughes, and C. Wright returned play to the Grey line, where, following a scrum on the line, the Grey forwards cleared. Again Hokitika rushed to the Grey line, but Scandrett saved. A Grey back rush ended with a scrum from a knock on by Jamieson on the Hokitika 25. Freitas found touch, and from the throw in play was carried to the HoI kitika line. A free kick relieved them. ' Fast play ensued, the Grey forwards attcking. Forward play travelled across field, to go into touch again. Hard play by both backs and forwards made it necessary for Carter to save. Grey kept pressing, but Staines saved by kicking out in the Hokitika 25. Mar-

tyn then carried play to Hokitika line, where Hokitika were awarded a free kick, which Freitas sent to the Grey half. Several promising rushes by the Grey backs were spoilt by good tackling. Close forward play by Hokitika kept the. ball in the Grey half. Davidson broke away but the movement was spoiled by Freitas knocking on. Grey saved with a kick, but B. Kelly found the Grey touch inside their 25. A forward rush from the throw in let C. Wright over for a fine try. F. Hughes failed with the kick. Hokitika 3, Grey 0. From the kick off the ball went back to Lindbom, who found touch as half-time was called.

Grey attacked immediately on re- [ sinning, and the ball went over the i Hokitika line, M. Scandrett just beating Staines to it, thus equalising the 'score. Martyn failed with the long i kick. Grey 3, Hokitika 3. Play gradually worked to the Hokitika 25, where more scrums followed, and from a line out L. Hughes broke I away, and found the line at the Grey 25. Play then worked back ti the Hokitika 25 where Grey were awarded a free kick, Martyn’s attempt hitting the post, but the ball went over the bar, placing Grey in the lead. Grey 6, Hokitika 3. Play went back to the Hokitika 25, and then to the scoring line, where the defenders were awarded a free kick. Two scrums followed about 10 yards from the Hokitika line and the defenders were again awarded a free kick. L. Hughes had to retire owing to injuries to his eye. He was replaced by J. Gugich. Lindbom saved for Grey from a fast rush by the Hokitika forwards and found touch just

inside his 25. Jamieson obtained possession and took play to the Hokitika 25. From a five yards scrum B. Scandrett crossed to add another three points to Grey’s total. Martyn failed with the kick at goal. Grey 9, Hqkitika 3.

Grey attacked the Hdkitika line where Davidson secured from a Scrum and forced. From a series of scrhms on the line Davidson cleared to his 25. But a moment later Carter was again obliged to force down. Grey pushed the opposing forwards to their touch. From the scrum Grey had a free kick for off-side play, Martyn’s attempt at goal failing, and Davidson relieving to the 25. A series of scruihs and line-outs brought play to and fro from the 25 to the half-way. More scrums and line-outs followed and the Hokitika backs’ promising rush broke down with a knock on. Final Grey. 9, JHokitika 3. JUNIOR REP. MATCH. LAKE BRUNNER (6) v. GREY (3). In wretched weather conditions, the Lake Brunner Sub-Division representatives defeated the Greymouth junior representatives on Saturday at Rugby Park by six points to three. There was heavy rain practically throughout the first spell, and the ground was in a bad state. Play was of a forward natures practically I throughout, and the visitors were superior in this department, more par-

ticularly in the first spell, for the greater part of which, the Grey team were on the defensive. The defence of the local team, however, was OLund, and the only points scored came from an unconverted try by W. Bell shortly before the close of the spell. In the first half the Greymouth team made the mistake of trying to I open up the game, and as their backs were totally unable to handle the greasy ball, their efforts invariably fell flat. Profiting by their experience in the first spell, the local team confined play more to their forwards j in the second half, with better results, play being more even. Lake Bru,nner increased their lead soon after the resumption, when, following a strong forward offensive, Birchfield snapped up near the line to cap a grand effort with a try. The kick at goal failed.! The homesters now returned to the I attack, and from a melee near the I visitors’.line, Adams secured, and! transferred to Scott, who went over for a nice try. Though each side subsequently attacked strongly, in turn, J there was no further score, and Lake I Brunner thus won by 6 points to 3. I

The teams were:—Lake Brunner (green and white): D. Roigard; T. Southorn, J. Pfahlert, Butcher; G. Croft (captain), T. Hibbs; F. Delore; B. Birchfield, W. Bell, J. Hibbs, J. Malloy, J. Maughan, Davidson, B. Rapley, Cowan.

Greymouth (red and white): F. Shaw; P. Gilbert, O. Scott (captain); D. Calwell; Quinn, B. Rochford; R. Adams; H. Spencer, Louden, Brailsford, Hewlett, Wallace, Gelardie; Flannery, Shuttleworth. In the second spell Davidson (Lake Brunner) tired with an injured shoulder, and he was replaced by Anthony.

The best of the Lake Brunner forwards were Bell, Birchfield, and J. Hibbs, while Croft, Pfahlert, and T. Tiibbs were the most prominent of the backs. Flannery and Hewlett were Outstanding among the local forwards', Scott, Rochford and Gilbert, among the backs, made the most of what opportunities came their way. Mr B. Charteris controlled the game.

The Main School v. Boy Scouts’ hiatch, set as a curtain-raiser, was postponed.

IKAMATUA v. KIWIS.

Ikaihatqa Seniors defeated Kiwi A. yesterday at Ikamatua, after an even game, by six points to nil. The weather was showery and the ball greasy, making the game a forward one. Faulty handling and a lot of off-side play by both sets of backs lost several chances. The game was very clean throughout, the absence of any rough play made the game more interesting from a spectator’s point of view. For Ikamatua, G. Dudley scored a try and B. Bannan kicked a penalty goal. Mr A. Bradley was referee.

Blacks’ Point Juniors failed to travel to Ikamatua for the junior seven-a side match with Ikamatua Schoolboys.

Playing at Ikamatua on Saturday in

the rain, Ikamatua School defeated Reefton State School by eleven points to five. This game was one of the best witnessed at Ikamatua, being very fast and clean throughout. Despite the wet ball the handling by both sides was very good, and a lesson could be learned by the seniors if they took the trouble to watch the schoolboys play. Arrangements are being made to have friendly matches between the various schools and keen j interest is being taken in these games. For Ikamatua, R. Leggoe scored three tries, R. Bradley converting one. For

Reefton State, Hislop scored a try, Cntbush converting. Mr A. Bradley was referee.

After the match .the visitors were entertained to afternoon tea by Mrs W. O’Malley and the local residents. Mr T. C. Hepburn, who was in charge of the team, thanked Mrs O’Malley and those who assisted for the kindness shown to his boys, and stated that his boys were very keen to come to Ikamatua for the match. Though they were defeated they were not downhearted. Mr Cullen, head teacher, Ikamatua, thanked Mr Hepburn and his team for giving the Ikamatua boys a game, and promised to give a return match in the near future.