LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1934, Page 12

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

DISTR ICT CO HPET IT lON S. MARIST REMAIN UNBEATEN. Favoured with splendid weather conditions, the Rugby League matches yesterday attracted large attendances. Play was of a better standard than at other games this season, and League officials were happy. There was a surprise in the senior division, Pirates unexpectedly.defeating Runanga. This was the first success of pirates since they became a team, and yesterday’s victory was well deserved. Marist seniors continued along their winning way, and won over Blackball, but they had to give of their best. Marist now lead in the senior division, having scored eight, points. Blackball are next with four points, then come Runanga and Pirates with two points each. Interesting play was also witnessed in lower grade competitions, and taken generally it was a happy thirteenth, for the code on the West Coast. The results of matches were:

SENIOR; Marist 17, Blackball 8. Pirates 22, Runanga 1.7. JUNIOR: Ngahere 16, Pirates 0. Marist A 17., Runanga 10. Marist B 14, Brunner S. FOURTH GRADE: Marist 16, Brunner 6. Runanga 12, Pirates 6. FIFTH GRADE: Runanga 28, Blackball 6. SIXTH GRADE: Runanga 16, Blackball 6. BLACKBALL EXTEND MARIST.

Conditions could, not have been better for the Marist-Blackball senior match, played at Cobden Domain. The attendance was double that at any other League match this season. An ideal day, and an ideal ground gave the players every assistance, and the result was a Stirling game of fast, rugged and clean League. The public are hard to please, but yesterday’s match left few fault-finders. It could have been better, but it would have had to reach a very high standard to attain that, and, as everybody was satisfied, it must have been a good game to witness. The first half provided fair to medium football, but the second half had that snappiness, and thrust and parry, that the football public seek. Marist won, and deserved their win, but there was not nine points between the teams, although the scores, 17 to 8 made it so. Territorially Blackball had the advantage. It was the speedy and sure work of the Marist backs that thrust home the deciding point. The match did much to bring the game “back to if s .own.” There is no denying the fact that till yesterday enthusiasm in the code was on the wane. The standard of earlier play had made it difficult to work up enthusiasm. It took a first round of the competitions to get the players into pitch. Yesterday they were fit men, and as such, put vim and pace into their efforts to provide the. desired standard in a senior division. Blackball forwards, and Marist backs, were magnificent. Blackball backs were shaded by the opposing speedy rearguard, and Marist forwards were overwhelmed by a heavier, and equally dashing pack. Speed and excellent team work won i for Marist. Had Blackball had similar understanding between the players, they would have swept aside their light opponents, and smashed their way to victory. Blackball forwards could no! he faulted, but the backs, principally Dodds, were individualists. Dodds is a smart player, but his trouble is that he is too fully aware of it. He attempts too much against the opposition, and then, when he does strike trouble, he passes the ball to a team mate who is surrounded by the opposition, and the public, or some of them, say of the latter, “that fellow’s useless.” Had Dodds useless backs in his team, he could not be accused of selfishness, but with a young player such as Ware next to him, he should never be afraid of entrusting Ware with the ball, for Ware uses his head more than Dodds uses Dodds’ head. Blackball are a strong team, but they are as yet a tear-a-way type, and lack the polish of the Marist thirteen. Outstanding in the Marist team yesterday was O’Brien ,at first five-eighth. He was brilliant, both on attack and defence, and he had dependable backs with him. O’Brien did everything right, and he engineered two of the four Marist tries. The other Marist

backs were in good form, especially Kennedy, and the absence of Roberts was not as noticeable as was expected, for Gilbert substituted admirably. Beban was the outstanding forward in the Marist pack, he toiling unceasingly throughout a hard game. The other five packmen did their share, and did it well. Ware was the star performer in the Blackball rearguard, with Clarke, as centre three-quarter, next. Dodds was outstanding on defence, but as stated, he was selfish on attack. The forwards were a fine pack, tall, speedy, and weighty. None was outstanding, but each played splendidly. The game, which was hard, yet clean,

was controlled by Mr. C. Currie, who, in this, his-first season as a referee, is rapidly reaching the forefront. His interpretation of the rules, and the excellent manner in which he kept up

with the play, early won the confidence of both players and public.

THE PLAY. Marist won the toss, and sent Blackball to face a bright sun. The teams took a few minutes to settle down, and then a. free-kick to Blackball was awarded for Anderson being offside. Dodds found the line at half-way. Another penalty against Marist, and Dodds lined live yards out from the Marist goal. From the scrum Walsbe kicked through, and raced away to half-way. There was a mix-up between the forwards, and O’Brien snapped up the ball to beat his man, then sent on to Costello, to Gilbert, to Kennedy, on the wing. Clapping on his speed, Kennedy outpaced the defence, and ran from half- way to score a great try, three minutes after the commencement. Scott failed to goal, from a long distance back, and MarisJ led. three points to nil. Play was resumed at a fast pace, with Marist holding the advantage and launching attack after attack. Scott was then penalised for holding the man playing the ball, and Dodds lined at the Marist 25. Now within striking distance, Blackball set up a

forward .attack that. swept Marist back, but Behan secured possession, and strode through the Blackball in-' side backs before sending Walshe down the, line. Walshe. gathered speed quickly; and heal two opponents before being upended by Ritchie, close to the Blackball line. Using their weight, Blackball forwards threaded through the opposing pack, and play camo to half way. ft then underwent quick changes, the ball being thrown about, with freedom by both sides, and spectators were thrilled with anticipation. The Marist backs swung into line lime and again, but the defence held. Snappy passing heartened the onlookers, and low tackling brought, forth applause. A stern struggle between the opposing packs then took place, and Blackball were penalised. Mathews essayed a shot at goal from about half-way. Iml it was a weak effort. Although play eon-1 tinned to bo interesting, nothing sensational occurred until O’Connor paved the way for a try. A scrum was formed about, thirty yards from Ihc

Blackball line, ami JMarist. hooked the ball. O’Connor gathered it in. and left Dodds standing, to break clean through the inside backs. He then sent a. swift pass to Costello, who closed on the leather, and speeded in under the posts. O’Connor converted. —Marist 8. Blackball 0. It was a smart, piece of work,' and typical of O’Connor’s play.

Dodds kicked off, and Walshe was slow to gather in the ball, so he found relief by booting it over the side line, near his goal. From the scrum the ball was sent to Mathews, who kicked back 1o Ware. Ware cut in beautifully, before sending to Dodds, who used his full speed, then handed to Clarke, and the latter had onlv to touch down. The kick at goal failed.—Blackball 3, Marist 8. There was plenty of action in the play that followed, but noth teams appeared to be afraid of what each might do. The handling by the players was of a high standard. Blackball increased their forward energy, and swept the Marist pack aside. Smith kicked too hard, however, giving Mathews time to concede a force down. From this stage onwards. Blackball livened their play, and made attack their principal weapon. Proniiennt in the forwards was Osborne, this player being equal to any forward seen out this season. He and Calder were always bustling Marist, by their fast following-up. Blackball again pressed, and Mathews again found relief by forcing the ball. From now till half-time, Blackball were attacking. and Marist had to concede a third force-down, to extricate themselves, from difficulties.

SECOND HALF. On changing over, Blackball inimediately attacked, and worked their way to near the Marist line. With the whole Blackball pack bearing down on him, Mathews picked up brilliantly from itheir feet, and found the line with a beautiful kick, near half-way. It was his best, piece of work, up to that stage, for previously he had shown timidity when the opposing pack were racing up to him. Costello then secured and kicked through to Ritchie,

the Blackball full-back, who mulled the ball, and had to kick oufl at his own 25. The pace was now at its best, Calder being iprominent in following up for Blackball, and Costello and O’Connor and O’Brien doing splendidly on defence for Marist. A fast passing movement by the Marist backs looked promising till Clarke intercepted, and raced through. He kicked past Mathews, but the latter beat him to the ball, and lined at half-way, with a great kick. An exchange of kicks followed, then Marist were penalised. Calder followed through Dodds’s kick, and caught Costello in possession. Williams then infringed, and Dodds, with a splendid effort placed a fine goal. —Blackball 5. Marist 8. Hunting in close formation, the Blackball forwards had Marist fully tested, and Kennedy had to save by kicking over his line. The tackling by both teams was good, and men came into prominence only to be quickly pulled to the ground. O’Brien, who was playing at his best, then broke through and sent to Costello, to Gilbert, to Kennedy. The latter came infield and attempted to break through Ritchie’s tackle. He succeeded, but in doing so overbalanced, and a try went begging. Blackball cleared their line, and the forwards had Mathews in

difficulties, but he managed to get clear of the ball. The Blackball back line then set off in a passing movement. They were too slow, and the speedy Marist rearguard quickly dealt with them. Both sides now threw the ball about, and the pace was full on. rist backs raced away, and a try looked likely till Gilbert missed his pass. The players were now tiring. Marist worked their way to within fifteen yards of the Blackball line, then, from a scrum, O’Connor whipped the ball to Walshe, who threw it to Gilbert. Walshe raced around and received it again, then sent Kennedy speeding across for a lightning-like try. O’Connor missed an easy chance to goal.—Marist 11, Blackball 5. The pace was telling on the big Blackball forwards, and they did not now harass the Marist backs as previously. The latter broke clear, and 1 swift passing put them within striking distance. O'Brien received the second time, but Ware overhauled him, and saved Blackball from another score. Across field the play travelled, and Neilson intercepted a lob pass from Gilbert. I-le had a big start, with only Mathews in front, of him, and Clarke following' up. He threw to Clarke who accepted beautifully, hut was then overtaken. The Blackball forwards now swarmed about the man in possession. and a hot attack on the Marist line, ended in Clarke scoring his second try. Dodds failed with the easiest of kicks. —Blackball S, Marist 11, and fifteen minutes to go. The scores were too close to be satisfying to the Marist team, and they speeded up the attack. Only a solid defence held them out, the Marist backs launching fast passing movements time and again. For a time Blackball were hard put to it, but eventually the forwards broke away, and stormed the Marist defence. O'Connor held them up with the first “mark” in the game. Blackball returned, and hammered at the Marist men, forwards and backs combining Io break through, but to no avail. Then followed the sternest piece of play seen this season. Blackball hemmed Marist near their corner flag, and by a continued thrust of forwards, and fast, snappy passes, almost, broke through. It. was an exciting few minutes, and the crowd roared its excitement. The play did not move five yards cither way for three minute:-'., for the ball was in command of the forwards, who were using every ounce of energy against each other, to win the lest. The struggle came io an eml when Blackball forwards were awarded a free kick. Dodds sent the ball “up and under,” and the Blackball forwards were there, beneath I he Marist goal, waiting for it, along with Marist. It was tossed from hand to hand, without touching the ground, and within I tho space of the two posts, till Cos-]

tollo, behind the goal, received, and forced down. Eight minutes were left for play, when O'Connor kicked off, and the ball bounced out- at the Blackball 25. From the scrum O’Connor received, and raced through in brilliant, style, to beat, the defence, then handed’to Kennedy, who had a clear run in. Again O’Connor failed to goal.—Marist 14, Blackball 8In the closing stages. Marist. had Blackball beaten. The fast, pace had left its mark more on the heavy, than the light men, ami Marist forwards were advancing. O’Connor again broke through from a scrum, and kicked past Ritchie, who ran behind his line to touch down. From the live-yan s scrum, the ball kept, in, and then Scott snapped up to force his way across, ioi a great, try. O’Connor tailed to goal, •uni the game ended a minute later with the scores, Marist. 17, Blackba 8.

PIRATES HAVE FIRST WIN Runanga. seniors are not taking their football as seriously this season as they have in the past The.' are without the following ot then townsmen. Yesterdaiy. at , Cobden, there were many of Runanga s stiongest supporters, and the senior team was plaving at. Wingham Park. There is a .something lacking in the team s play, and without, a. big improvement, it is going to be hard for this onetime champion team to win anothei match. Pirates are by no means a strong side, but they were equal to subduing Runanga, at Wingham Park yesterday. There was no a large attendance, principal interest centreing in the match at Cobden. Play was keen, and fast, and on the run of it, Pirates deserved their win of 22 points to 17. G. Newton returned to the field, and his presence made an improvement in the Runanga pack. He will be needed in the representative team. The teams were: — Runanga: Glynn (2). Medlin, Tailentire, Newton, Brown, Marris, Pattinson, Johnston, Broom, Henderson, Kennedy and Crowe. Pirates: Martyn, Hopkins, Wooster, Devonport, Farmer, Coombes, Preston, Tobin, Hunt, Dowling, Bourke, Corry and Fisher. Even play marked the opening, then Pirates attacked. The ball was handled by Hopkins, who transferred to Coombes, to Devonport, and the latter clapped on his speed to run half the length of the field for a grand try at the corner. Martyn failed to goal. Pirates 3, Runanga 0. The early success was heartening to Pirates, and they pressed hard for another score, but the defence held. Runanga worked back within striking distance, and Pirates infringed. Jack Tailentire attempted a. shot at goal, the kick falling short. Runanga. kept up the attack, W. Glynn being prominent for hard forward play. Then Tailentire picked up from the ruck, and threw himself across the line for a try, which he converted. Runanga 5, Pirates 3.

For a time it looked as though Runanga were going to overwhelm Pirates, for they kept up a steady attack, and repeatedly had Pirates hard

on defence. Then, from a forward attack, J. Glynn scored. Tailentire failed to goal. Runanga 8, Pirates 3. Putting more vim into their work, Pirates thrust deeply into the Runanga defence, and secured the upper hand. From a scrum near the line, Preston sent to Wooster and the latter ran in for a try, which Martyn failed to convert. Pirates 6, Runanga 8. Runanga backs then showed up, Morris, Pattinson, and Broome handling smartly, but the defence was sound. Martyn and Coombes then raced into Runanga territory, and Johnston conceded a force down. Runanga immediately attacked from the kick-off, and had Pirates in difficulties. Newton was prominent in heading the Runanga forward rushes, but his handling was not the best. W. Glynn then showed out in a fast movement, which ended in Medlin scoring in a handy position. Tailentire’s kick at goal struck the upright, and re-bounded infield. Half time arrived with the scores, Runanga 11, Pirates 6. Play in the first part of the second spell was confined mostly to midfield, and nothing of note occurred. Runanga then attacked, the forwards racing away in close formation. Fisher saved for Pirates, however, and Joined by Hopkins and Martyn, he transferred play to Runanga territory. Martyn then had a shot at

goal from a penalty, but was unsuccessful. A fast, and unexpected move by Bourke and Wooster caught Runanga unawares, and Preston went across for a try. Devonport failed lo goal. Pirates 9, Runanga 11. The next try came from a. fast and spectacular back movement by Pirates; Preston, Bourke, Devonport. Wooster and Fisher handling to break through

the defence. Martyn goaled and placed Pirates in the lead. Pirates 14, Runanga 11. Play continued at a fast pace, with Pirates doing their work well, and placing Runanga on the defensive. Fisher shot a swift pass across. Martyn failed with the kick. Pirates 17, Runanga 11. Being six points down quickened Runanga to greater efforts, and they launched an attack with their rearguard, Kennedy and Crowe handling for Johnston to score. Newton failed to goal. Runanga 14, Pirates 17. Almost immediately, Tallentire picked up from the ruck, and evened the scores with a

good try. He failed to convert. Runanga 17, Pirates 17. Play was now exciting tor all, and both teams went to it, with a will. The hall was thrown about and handled quickly by both sides, but the defence held. ’ Then Pattinson kicked to Devonport who gathered in the ball and streaked across for the winning try, which Martyn converted, and the game ended Pirates 22, Runanga 17. Mr. S. Smith was referee.

JUNIOR GRADE MATCHES MARIST DEFEAT RUNANGA In a fast game, brimful of interest, Marist juniors defeated Runanga juniors at. Cobden Domain yesterday' afternoon, Then l was little difference between the play of the teams but Marist had the advantage of speed The score was 17 to 10, and Marist deserved their win. From the play off Marist attacked strongly, and Behan, following up last, kicked across the dead line. From the drop out, play went to half way. Runanga. fielded only eleven men for the first fifteen minutes, but two late arrivals made up the full strength. For an infringement between. half way and the Runanga 25 Marist were awarded a free ’ kick Ureaney made no mistake, and Marist. led by two to nil.

Runanga. then attacked, and went close to scoring. Sweetman, who had been playing indifferently at, full-back [or Marist, then saved his team with it good line kick. Runanga, with only

four forwards, were severely handicapped, but they made a sortie on the Marist stronghold, and the forwards attacked to send Marist. back to their 25. Here O’Connell, an opportunist, secured possession, and ran in just, outside, the posts. Speakman converted. Runanga 5, Marist 2. Mishandling by the Marist. backs lost, several opportunities to score. Marist were definitely superior, and pressed the attack, but. Runanga. were strong on defence. Pollock then received, and after a tricky run. he sent to Casey who scored near the posts. Greaney converted. Marist. 7, Runanga 5. Beban was prominent in speedy straight running, and on several occasions he placed Marist. in a good position for attack. Runanga were at a big disadvantage, with only eleven men. and had to rely chiefly on defence. Marist. gave th'em a worrying time, and Burger shot -across lor a try, but was recalled for being offside. From the scrum following, S. Anisy secured, and ran through the opposition to score under the posts. It was a brilliant try. Greaney converted. Marist 12, Runanga 5. At this stage, Runanga was strengthened by the arrival of its two absent players, and Marist. were weakened when Power received a painful injury through receiving the full force of the ball from the kickoff on his face. He retired for ten minutes. Another misfortune followed, when Casey, the Marist half-back, sustained a. ricked ankle, and he left the field. Marist now had eleven men and were hard put to it to keep Runanga out. Hyndman, for Runanga, was playing a. great game, and he was the best forward on the ground. From a. free kick Beban essayed a shot at goal, but the ball was touched in its flight, by the man on the mark. Play was continued at a fast pace, both sides throwing the ball about with snappy passing. Power then returned. There was no further score in the first spell. On changing over, Runanga kicked off and the Marist backs set out on attack, the ball travelled the line to Pollock, who outpaced the opposition to score near the posts. Greaney converted. Marist 17, Runanga 5. It looked as though Marist were going to rob the game of interest by piiing up a heavy score, but anishandling robbed them of three tries. O’Connell again intercepted, and went close to breaking through the opposition. but Pollock ''overhauled him. Then, from a, free kick, Runanga came up to the Marist 25. The ball came back to Marist and Beban received, but dallied with the ball, then sent a lob pass to Power. O’Connell anticipated, however, and intercepted to run in for a try, which Speakman converted. Runanga 10, Marist 17. Both teams speeded up their play, and there were several bright passing movements, but the defence held. Runanga went close to increasing their score when Williams, at first fiveeighth, broke through, leaving Greaney and Beban standing, but in swerving to beat Sweetman, he overbalanced and fell within a yard of the line. From then on till full time, Runanga had the advantage. Mr. A. Fielding was referee.

NGAHERE BEAT PIRATES In a fast and keen match, Pirates juniors were defeated at Ngahere, by the home team. The score was, Ngahere 16, and Pirates nil. Mr. D. Faris was referee. MARIST B. DEFEAT BRUNNER Brunner juniors faced their first defeat this season, when Marist B downed them at Wingham Park, by 14 points to 8, after a keen match. Speed won the match for Marist, their light, fast team being too much for the■ heavy Brunner pack. It was the first win for Marist. and the first defeat for Brunner. For the winners, tries were scored by Grogan (2), Crase, and Dargan, the latter converting one. Brunner’s points were secured by Moth and McCormack with a try each, and Hunt converted one. Mr. R. Armstrong was referee.

FOURTH GRADE MARIST DEFEAT BRUNNER At Wingham Park yesterday. Marist defeated Brunner in a fourth grade competition, by 16 points to 6. It. was not an interesting match, as play was confined mostly to the forwards. The backs on either side were without initiative. For Marist, tries were scored by Fox (2), Turner, and Keating, Fox converting both his tries. Buckman and Wicks each scored a try for Brunner. Mr. F. Bernard was referee.

RUNANGA BEAT PIRATES In a keen and fast match at Wingham Park yesterday, Pirates met their first defeat, Runanga beating them by 12 points to 6. It. was one of the sternest struggles seen this season, but Runanga were always on top. Tries for the winning side were scored by Mundy (2), Masters, and Higson, while for Pirates, Morrish and Goodall scored. All kicks at goal failed. Mr. M. Hall was referee.

SCHOOLBOY MATCHES. The Runanga fifth grade team defeated the Blackball boys, at Wingham Park, on Saturday, by 2S points to 6. In the sixth grade, Runanga was also successful. Blackball being beaten by 16 points to 6. AUCKLAND RESULTS AUCKLAND, May 12. Newton IS, Devonport 8; City 18, Marist 0; Richmond 16, Ponsonby 4. AT DUNEDIN DUNEDIN, May 12. Christian Brothers 12, Pacific 5. FRENCH DECISION. (Recd. May 14. 11 a.m.) PARIS, May 13. The French Rugby Federation rejected the proposals to establish Rugby League, and decided to ignore professional Rugby, and disqualify such teams on the grounds of receiving payment.