RUGBY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10392, 9 May 1927, Page 7

RUGBY.

COMPETITION MATCHES. OLI> BOYS’ WALK OVER. CELTIC’S NARROW WIN. .Bleak weather dogged the second series of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union’s competition matches on Saturday, but the prospect of keen and interesting games was no doubt an incentive which induced a fairly large crowd to assemble at the Oval. The meeting of Old Boys and Y.M.P., last year’s senior champions, however, provided a walk-over for the former, and was a striking condemnation of the Maoris’ lack of fitness and combination. The play was patchy and was largely . confined to the forwards, with occasional bouts of delightful back play/ principally from Old Boys. After the kick-off play swung from one end of the field to the other until from a mid-field scrum Bramwell sent the leather to Langlands, who set Old Boys attacking by finding the line near Y.M.P ’s corner. The pressure was relieved by a long kick by Pere, fast following up by theMaori forwards hustling Preston, Old Boys’ full-back, and just when Y.M.P. were dangerously near breaking through, Thomas checked them with a timely mark. A long returning kick from the Maoris and fast following up muddled Preston who wildly punted high, and, although Langlands made a desperate effort to save, Leach gathered the leather and scored between the peyrs. Turcia converted easily.—Y.M.P. 5, Old Boys 0. Stimulated by this success Hie Maori forwards, among whom Dennis and Whaitiri were always prominent, pir.-vsel hotly, confining play to Old Boys' territory. A smart movement by' Piki Smith, who cut -onml the scrum, stab punted under Old Boys’ goal posts, nearly came off, L.anglands having to make a desperate effort in fielding to find the line. The turning point of the Maori’s oflensive came a few minutes later v hen Langlands thrilled the crowd with a dazzling try. A nnd-field scrum saw Bramwell -whip, the hall out to Langlands, w,ho ‘•dummied” beautifully, cutting in in a dazzling run, swerving past the full-back, and sped for the line, but was tackled by Leach a fev r inches off, but managed to reach out and touch down. Morrison failed to convert.—Y.M.P. 5, Uid Boys 3.

A minute later Langlands initiated another smart movement by stabpunting, following through, beating Tureia badly for the ball, backed up by several Old Boys’ forwards, but when a try seemed assured lie knocked on a few yards from the line. From the ensuing scrum Bramwell cut round the “blind”, but was held up on the line. Hot scrumming ensued on the line, until Piki Smith relieved with a good line kick. Again the Maori forwards strive desperately to penetrate Old Boys’ defence, and a mark gave Tureia a shot at goal, but the kick went wide. A tine passing movement among Old Boys’ backs saw Sutcliffe, Gregory and Charles participate, the latter throwing away an easy try by a wild pass, Horsfall relieving. Again the Y.M.P. pack swept hack to 0:d Bovs’ territory, and a wildly directed‘kick by Preston saw Smith send Loach racing for the line, but ho was smothered in the Whites’ 25, where from a scrum 'Whaitiri went, hying down the touch to be forced out in the corner. Several scrummages on Old Boys’ line caused them to force to save. Just before the spell ended Dennis and Whaitiri loci a lino rush from a scrum on their line, McKay making a fine run before sending to Tureia, to Whaitiri, who reversed again to Tureia. the latter being dragged down on the line just in time, and the spell ended—Y.M.P. 5, Old- Boys 3. Old Boys opened the game up more, throwing the ball round more freely when the second spell opened. Bramwell sent Langlands away clown the line, to Sutcliffe, who centred neatly and Thomas, following up, gathered the leather in, dived over the line, but lost the ball. A little Intel' Bramwell again sent the leather out 'to Langlands, who nonplussed the opposition by changing the direction or his run, cutting through beautifully, passing to Matthews, to TV oodwarct, who scored near the posts. Morrison converted. —Old Boys 8, Y.M.P. 5. Old Boys dominated the game from then on, scores coming rapidly. From a scrum Langlands cut through the whole of tnc- opposition with a beautiful swerving run and sent. to Thomas, who went over, scoring a delightful trv. Morrison failed to convert.—Old'Boys 11, Y.M.P. 5. A long kick saw Old Boys’ forwards bustle the Maori backs a few> minutes later, and a wildly directed kick to flic line by Whaitiri went over his own goal line, Hansen winning in a groat race for the touch. Morrison bindM a beautiful' goal. Old Boys KS, Y.M.P. 5. A long kick gave Allen a good chance just after the resumption oi play, and he ran blindly through the opposition almost to the line, and sent the leather to diaries, who scored easily. Morrison converted. — Old Boys 21, Y.M.P. 5. Just before time Matthews scored, but the try was unconverted, the game ending— Old Bovs 24, Y.M.P 5. Mr Lundon was referee.

CELTIC DEFEAT 1T.5.0.13. CLOSE, INTERESTING GAME. LOSERS’ SOLID DEFENCE. Celtic defeated H. 5.0.8. by the narrow margin of two points, winning by two tries, one converted, to a penalty goal and an unconverted try. H.5.0.8.’s solid defence was a feature of the' game, especially m the second half, when Celtic were aided by the wind. Taking the game throughout, Celtic had the better oi it and fully deserved to win. Celtic (green) kicked off against the wind and up and down play followed for a time. Caulton nearly goalcd from a frce-kick and then, two minutes later, .was successful from straight in front of the posts, but outside the 2. H. 5.0.8. 3, Celtic 0. Celtic tr.en took a turn on attack, Spence passing out to Euan, to Bennett and then to tbe forwards, but a knock-on stopped the movement. From the scrum Bennett secured and a good attempt at a “pot” fell short. Immediately after the same player was held tin right on the H. 5.0.8. (maroon) lino and a keen struggle followed. When a score seemed in. evitable Pit far “marked” well and lined near half-way. Bustling play by the Green forwards, witlv Grotty prominent, carried, r w to the Maroon line .and Bair_. capped oft the work with a try right in the corner. Carrington eoiivc* t S i In - beautiful kick,- judging th- trend of the wind perfectly— f Hu- 5,. H EO.fi. 3. ■. ■- , ■ : > ' - . Following tin* ro.-yrt Malone had his shoulder r>ft and was Vfe placed by a i” ' 0 ’ - : 't"'r. Plank secuiv '>> Lockett to. .J. Martin, V /’ • ■ ” a great run from half-wav ashed out a vard..-'from i t'v : :• .'-bop/ Solif. plav .by-tlm-C : c’-ds “ mime-; grtiuncL'c ri . phyms' followed. in : . thekMiir/r . ' '\k / /stryiirg -hairdito' senA'“v V L”'' ”'v : ;away,kl3ut meeting (<-•*' . k V •-/ v : "'mg. .(MRe; dually- the ;M ".r ■ <;••?■Hiyrl- back - a nd; AVallis crops ’■ .■ -“V Tn.it a:'miss-'

kick by a Celtic back sent the ball 1 behind the Green line, where it wav, a forced. Half-time followed shortly after with the scores: Celtic 5, H. 5.0.8. 3. With the wind behind them Celtic opened the second half with. a strong attack and Berry centred nicely, but Jordan gathered in the leather about five yards from Ins own line and found touch from the midst of six seven Celtic men. At this stage Plank had to leave the field with ai. ! injured shoulder. Maroons, by close j forward play, worked to mid-field, ' but Spence (Green full-back) mado a i great run along touch to five yard* , from the Maroon line, when his pasa - I out was fumbled, land H. 5.0.8. 1 cleared to half-way. Again Celtic atI tacked and Webb kicked through to . the Maroon full-back, but, atteinptj iug to pick up, knocked on over the line for the Maroons to force. Wallis i then shone out with a great run light through the Celtic team to the Green line, where he sent to Jordan for the latter to score. Caulton missed the kick.—H.S.O.B. 6, Celtic 5. Spence again showed up with a beautiful kick along touch, which I went out near the Maroon goal line. ! Exciting forward struggles occurred ! right on the lino and finally the Maroons forced. Bennett narrowly missed with an attempt to “pot” and the ball went “dead.” A further ! rush by the Celtic forwards and j H. 5.0.8. again forced. Celtic pressed again, but the Maroon defence was sound and play worked hack to midfield. The Maroons took a turn on attack and Wallis made another determined rush, being hauled down just short of the lino. Play then settled for a time into tight forward struggles about mid-field. Hogan put in a good run, but the Maroons worked back again. Spence made another solid dash for thirty yards, hut his pass was forward. From a scrum two yards from the Maroon line, Celtic secured, but Lockett intercepted a pass sweetly and ran fo half-way. Webb and Grotty then combined in a fine dribble for half the- length of the field, but a force saved H. 5.0.8. Another force followed immediately. A Green passing rush promised well, but a pass was missed at the 25 line. The ball lay in the open and Fitzmaurice, coming up at full gallop, made a great pickup and dashed over for a try well out. Carrington missed the kick. — Celtic 8, H. 5.0.8. 6. " Celtic kept up the pressure and the Maroons were continually on the defensive. Fromm saved the situation twice with good line-kicks and thou the Maroons invaded Celtic territory momentarily, hut Bennett sent them back with a beautiful Icicle which bounced into touch near H. 5.0.8. goal line. A scrum followed and the ball Went into touch, the, game then ending with the scores: Celtic 8, H. 5.0.8. 6. Mr Corbett was the referee..

JUNIOR GAMES. High School defeated Celtic A by 19—3. The winners ran un their total with the aid of the wind in the first half, hut were fortunate to keep Celtic’s score down to one trv in the second. For fjehool, Christie (2), Aislabic, Collett and Poeock scored tries, Poeock converting two of them. Poeock's try was a fine one in which the player ran practically the length of the field after a brilliant breakaway from near his own line. Celtic’s score came from a forward rush several men throwing themselves on the ball at the same moment. Mr To Hau was referee. The Rovers’ fitness and combination was much supeiior to Y.M.l'.who went down to the tun,' oi' 2'l points to 3. Mr C'. Somervell was referee. The Old Boy.s-H.S.U.B. contest provided an interesting game, both teams making the play fast and open, but Old Boys’ combination proved better and they wort by If points to C. Mi Sharpe was referee. THIRD GRADE. Rovers 5 defeated H. 5.0.8. :’> alter a very close game. PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON. FEW OUTSIDE VISITS PROBABLE RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH AT NAPIER ON JUNE IE Poverty Bay was unfortunately unable to secure - a.Hv representative fixtures this season as a result of the N.Z.R.U. delegates conference, said Mr A. S. Parker, chairman of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union, who attended the conference, in an interview with a Times representative.

All the delegates lie approached, «he said, did not favor their unions sending teams here. This district apparently was too isolated and too costly to arrange representative' fixtures with. Visiting teams would come as far as Napier, but would not budge further, preferring to go to Auckland. He had tried Canterbury, South Canterbury, and Otago, but could persuade- none, while ilorowhenua, who really owe Poverty Bay a visit did not seem to recognise the obligation oi the old Mi-mwatu Union now that the Manawatu-Horowheuua Unions had amalgamated. Mr Parker said lie went so far as to offer Manawhenua to pick them up at Napier, provide free board Here, and transport them to the railhead at Motuhora free, as the team is going to play Auckland, but there was nothing doing. Similarly] lie continued,. Auckland is not touring this season, intending to stay at home to fight the inroads of League, and the N.Z.R.U. is assisting the Auckland Union all it possibly can. The only outside representative team likely to visit Poverty Bay is Wairarapa, and Mr Parker thinks this visit is highly probable, for the reason that Mr Ted McKen/yie promised'to make' a recommendation i.o his union to tour to this district.

The match between Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay for the Ranfurly Shield lias been fixed for June 11, much earlier than anticipated, owing to races being held in the southern province later in the month. I lie only alternative was to wait for a date later in the season. In return Hawke’s Bay have undertaken to send a representative team here on August 27 to play Poverty Bay, but on the same date Hawke’s Bay win meet Auckland at Auckland. Mr Parker said that Hawke’s Bay made a big bid for the North v. South Island match, but wore just beaten for it by Wellington. He made a strong appeal for the hohling of the. Poverty Bay-East CoastBay of Plenty vf Hawke’s Bay and Bush Unions All Black trials at Gisborne, and a recommendation actually has gone to the- management com-, rnittee, but ho did not think there was much prospect of securing this game, as Hawke’s Bay, now that they have lost the iiYter-Islancl game, intend to secure the trials. There, was a prospect, ho said, of the N.Z.R.U. organising .the N.Z. Maori, team to tour the minor unions, but he did not think it would eventuate owing to Hawke’s Bay protest-, ing against the 'Maori player,-? being required for the tour.

BA OF PLENTY RUGBY UNION (Special to the Times.) ... ... , y .pPOTIKI, -May 7.;-' , • A . my V ' offHiqjfekqcwtiyefof - the < aUIr •; a. - ikby;J/nibhy ivas'l helrTLast fkeckfk rib : -fha •..'ajS'rinnTNmceting Ndf f ’ from 'fiy,ey.clUbs.-,.- i.t ■' -M carry .on as . clubs-hot . y: IV.nyers. niaykjoin kaiiy '-ri. - : -■ •- J.ltli'.inst: ' After .tliilf .v.-fill Ho allocated by

the Union. The .season is to open on the 14th. First- round: To liuia v. Country ; City v. Kutarero. OPOTIKI 'RUGBY UNION. ! ANNUAL MELTING. : HANDSOME SHIELI> DONATED. (Special to the Times.) | OPOTIKI, May (j. | The annual meeting oi’ the Opotiki ! Rugby Union was held this evening, J -Mr. G. Shalloon, president, otctipy- ! ing the chair. There was a very | largo attendance of members and supporters of the game. The minutes ; of I lie last annual meeting were read 1 and confirmed. i The president's report stated that, during the past year, the Opotiid Rugby Union had maintained its preeminent position among the Unions of the Day of Plenty. The standard ' of play exhibited was a, distinct credit to the Union Coaching by enthusiasts ! had contributed greatly towards the ■ line success obtained. Opotiki won ; the Xusa'bs Cup for the third time in succession and it had now become I their permanent possession. Finaa- ' cos, however, were not as satisfactory 1 as the play itself, the credit balance | standing at onlv 7s lOd, whereas outstanding: liabilities were £S 6s 6d. : Mr. G. S. Moody, Alayor of Opotiki. had presented sets of scarves for the | winners of both competitions, these i being won by City seniors and Kutnrere juniors. The thanks of the Union were due to Mr. Moody for Ins practical interest. The good work by the 1 referees during the season was com--1 men ted on. the report concluding ; with tlie hope that the present sca- ! son may be as successful as the last.- { The balance sheet was then read by ; the treasurer and showed a loss on the season’s operations of £633, but I tin's was considered to be olf-set by | the winning of the Kusabs Cup. j Eixcoiptiori was taken to an amount of £lB for badges, but a satisfactory I explanation was given by the presicl- ; ent. j Mr. P. Burton moved the adoption of the- report and balance sheet and t!iis was carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr. G. S. Moody; president, Mr. G. Shalfoon declined nomination again and proposed Mr. P. Burton who was elected with acclamation. I Hon. secretary, Mr. C. Morris; lion, treasurer, Mr! W. A. Barrett; vicepresidents, Messrs P. C. R. Parcel 1, Mio, Yovke, W. A. Smith, Braae, A. Davies,' T. W. Hendry. G. Shalfoon, S. M. Jenhson and C. Shove. Hon. auditor, .Air. C. Fleming, lion, surgeons, Drs. Budd, and Forbes. Delegates to Bav of Plenty Riurbv Union. Messrs P. Burton. G. Shalfoon, W. Burrett and C. .Morns. I A vote was taken as to whether the .selectors should be appointed at tlie or left" for the Union to choose. It was, decided that the meeting should appoint them and/ the following were appointed for the .season: Messrs. CTeagh, J. D. Clark j and' W. Burrett. I It was decided that, in future, the j annual meeting shall be held in tlie ! second week of April. Tho question of playing the competitions. under a club or district scheme came un. but vtts left to the Union for decision. A classification committee -js to he

established in order to classify junior pi avers, A junior advisory hoard .will also be set un'and will include renrosentntivrs of the Union,; j., -It was decided that.) if; possible. the •reason’s:'•nfatcliss-shall; start -oii: May. •;#lU!y wU'y-'yT.y U- k'uNry UA jiUTtlsuvance was fixed';;at 2s 6kl per [;ann(iihkfQr;;e{idi 'plnveiv , ; ;.N, [T'Tt ''wasr.'jamno'ijrvced (that : the" estate '.of Hurimiu Aoamii had offered a shield, valued at £SO, for

competition under the same conditions as had governed the Kusabs Lap matches. Whakatane are to be the first holders of the shield w.h’.ch will be for perpetual competition. The president's concluding remarks were a strong plea tor punctuality in starting games and that teams should always turn out in full strength, in order to keep the public interested in tlie sport. Air. J. D. Clark moved a hearty vote of thanks to the- retiring president winch was duly acknowledged by Air. Shalfoon. the meeting then concluding. \YK LLIXGTON CO A 1 EXIT!ON S. AYELLINCTUN, May 8. In the second matches in the first round of the senior Rugby competition, Poneke 20 points heat Old Bovs 15; Oriental 18 beat Berhampore_ 8; Retone 11 boat Wellington 10; Varsity 17 beat Hutt 3.—P.A.