RUGBY FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1929, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

COMPETITION MATCHES Saturday’s Results SENIOR TEAMS’ LADDER.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. SENIOR. Blaketown 22, Brunner 6. Excelsior 20. Magpie 0. United 35. Stars 17. JUNIOR. United 23. Blaketown 6. Brunner 6, Cobden 3. S.ars 9, Kumara 9. THIRD GRADE. United 3 Cobden 0. FOURTH GRADE. Tech A 24, Blaketown 3. The Rugby club championships in all grades were advanced a further stage on Saturday afternoon when beautiful weather attracted a record crowd to witness the play. At Vic toria Park patrons were provided With two senior matches, Blaketown and Brunner ,and United and Stars. The majority preferred to witness the former game and were rewarded with a b.ight display. The game was open and fast, the Blaketown backs showing. good combination, and handling in capable manner. The Brunner forwards outshone the home pack, and w*ith a little strengthening in the back line this team would fully test any of the other fifteens on the coast. The outstanding performance

was the display given by Spiers the Brunner full back, who was called QJUQa for a great amount of work, Wy bit of which he accomplished credit This playe'r is undoubtedly a big asset to the Brv n ucr combination. Mason played his usual heady game for Bkiiketown and was the pick of their back line. Pascoe after failing in his first three attempts at goal kicking, came into his own lynd compiled another 10 points through the agency of his boot. Bell and Mclntosh weto the pick of the Brunner forwards, while Cutbush played solidly at centre until he wa»compelled to retire hurt. Mr Win Chester handled tho game to the satisfaction of all present. United outpaced and outplayed Sta k -’eniors on No 1 ground at the Par*, flic former team g’iving a bright display njgainst weak opposition Cobden juniors went under to Brunndr thus tasting defeat for the first time this season. United had little difficulty in winning from Blaketown, while Stars and Kumara played a drawn game.

BLAKETOWN WIN AGAIN. BACKS TOO SPEEDY FOR BRUNNER. Blaketown won the toss, and playi*&a with the sun at their backs. Brimmer quickly stepped into their stride and the blue-and-black forwards came down to the home 25, and continuing on looked like opening their account when Cooper effected a good lave by snapping up the ball f.om the feet of the Brunner pack, to find, the line well up. Blaketown pushed play to the opposing territory, where an infringement gave Pascoe a chance to goal, but he missed with the kick. On resuming tho Brunner pack again t<( It he 'homq 25, canning all before them until a penalty was given against Blaketown from which “Jock” Bell placed a nice goal. Brunner 3, Blaketown G. The reverse was sufficient to set. the home teami on their mettle and « strong forward movement took them well into the Brunner 25. A forward tussle resulted in a visiting player being caught off-side, and Pascoe took any easy kick, but again failed to turn it to advaneage. Brunner were now having all the best of play in the forward division, but their backs were not reliable »n their movements letting Blip likely opportunities through dropped passes, and hanging on. The play was now mostly in Blaketown’s territory, the determined efforts of the visiting pack being

difficult to counter. The game developed into a contest between the Brunner forwards and the Blaketown backs the former pressing ’heir claim’to the home area, only to be sent back by tho latter’s backs. Pascoe was given another handy shot a., goal but a good effort saw the ball iust pass outside th c posts. Tho ‘game see-sawed, then for the fourth time Pascoe essayed to collect from penalty and on this occasion sue ceeded with a splendid kick. Blake town 3, Brunner 3. The visitors resumed m tleicrnnneft manner, play being surried on at a pace, and travelling quickly up and down field. The ' Blaketown hiajeks were seen in a number of swift back movements, but as yet had been unable to finalise them wi'h a score. As a means of prevent.ng a strong attack by the Brunner forwards from resulting in a score Hnnham resorted to a force down, the first of the match. A minute later <<Watty” Bell made a good effort to send the ball over from a free kick awarded Brunner, but the distance ® beyond him. The home backs X moved away in. a swift attack fhe ball finally going to Hanham who sood up thc ‘ iD6 ’ g ’Attempts at a tackle by opposing '* Len only to be upset at the corv '/nag A few minutes before the "„11 of half-time Cooper received, and backs away ’ a Hne handling to Hanham whoso speed .cried him across well out. Pasco-, failed' to goal. Blaketown 6, Brunner 3 ‘ The visitors rushed play to tlm home line immediately, but were sent back to half way where Negri ohMed possession to put 'in w success-

ful run, but failed to sena out to McEnaney after drawing the fullback. He was grounded, and lost possession of the ball. The visitors swariu'ed round, but the leather travelled quickly along a row of Blaketown forwards to Bunt, who cork-screwed his way across to touch down near tho posts. Pascoe made no mistake with the kick, and half time came with thc store Blaketown 11, Brunner 3.

On changing over Blaketown immediately set up au attack but Keir brought off a splendid save, nansfering play to half-way. fep.Krs, the Brunner full-back played a splendid game, his defence being something above th c ordinary. Both in fielding the ball and in his tackling he w;n pure, but was weak in his efforts to find the line. A- temporary rally by the visiting forwards carried them to within striking distance, end a free kick was awarded them, but- the attempt to goal failed, MeEnaney receiving to clear with a good line. Brunner came back again, and Pascoe forced. Not to be denied, the blue-and-black van again attacked and in this occasion “Jock” Bell bullocked hfis way over to touch down midway between the posts and the line. Ilis attempt to add the major points was not successful. Brunner 6, Blaketown 11.

Play continued to be fast, with Brunner do ; ng the attacK, but after n. short spell the black forwards broke away and Caulton looked like doing it, but was held up near the Ifae, when Scott appealed and snapping up the leather scrambled over. Pascoe’s kick was not successful. Blaketown 14. Brunner 6.

The -Tun of platy uow favoured Blaketown and their backs were seen in numerous good movements, but over eagerness spoilt a score. Cutbusb the Brunner centre was i’riured and retired from play. The nome team pressed to the opposing 25, where an infringement gave Pascoe a shot right in front of thc goal, lie nrndo no mistake, and the scora read Blaketown 17, Brunner 6.

Playing with confidence Blakctowu now had thc upper hand, Brunner rallied temporarily bui. Bunt then secured aud sendung to Mason tu Negri and on to McEnaney, the last named outpaced the opposition, easily beat Spiers and raced across near the corner. Pascoe added the major points with a splendid kick. Bkiketown continued tho attack, and immediately play resumed stormed to the visitor’s line where McDonald received from a line out to throw himself over but the whistle had sounded for the ball not being thrown in straight. Brunncv cleared and received to attempt a “pot”, the ball failing to rise sufficiently. Time was now at hand and arrived with no addition to the scores, which finished Blaketown 22, Brunner 6.

UNITED BEAT STAR. OPEN TACTICS WIN GAME. The gamn between Star and JUnited seniors on Victoria Park, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, could not have been called brilliant by the keenest supporters of either side, but the open tactics adopted by Uniteds made some pret y play among the backs, and caused consternation in the Star ranks. Forward play throughout was strong and although Star had sl'ghtly the better of it in the loose, the blues heeled ihe ball well in the scrums. Among the Unite 1 players Jaggers, Walton and Jenkins shone, while Homes and Fong were invaluable to the amber and blacks. If the United tactics of throwing the ball about are adopted, by the other teams, Rugby on the West Coast should show a great improvement. On both snles the handling was weak, and the Star tackling was deplorable. After Star kicked off there was some uncertain handling by United men, but tho play gradually came back to mid field, where it remained unt'l weak ack’: ng l<»t Martin and Kennedy through, the latter scoring under the post Jenkins converted. UNITED 5, STAR 0. At this period, and later, United were infringing considerably, several free keks beng allowed against thepi. From one of those Jenkins recovered and booted well into the Star 25. Bad handling among the following backs, however, gave S ar another free kick, which enabled them to clear. After a few minutes up and down the field, the ball settled nea r United’s goal, and Kennedy, seizing chance, snapped thc ball from thc loose, to score bet tween the posts. Fong equalised the totals wi h a good kick. Star 5, United 5.

It was not long before United began to press again, throwing the ball about in fine style, but it was by fine hook ing and combination that Jenkins was able to add three points. Walton found the goal posts, putting United ahead again. United 10, Star 5. Marking the ball at half way, Homes booted strongly, putting ihe blues on the defensive. One of the bright spots in the game was when A. Wilson for United made a lone dash from thc 25. losing the leather by a misjudged punt. Ragged play followed a snappy passing rush in the Uni tied rearguard, but this was atoned for by Jenkins, who took a successful pot at the sticks. United 14. Star 5.

More ragged play occurred before Rodgers scored from the ruck, for Wai ton to convert, the scores at the first whistle being— UNITED 19, STAR 5.

On resumption, United continued their policy of throwing the ball about and although they recommenced the attack. Star had slightly the better of the play. Nevertheless the blues were the first to draw blood. After a minutes’ hovering on the line, the leaders were rewarded. Jamieson secured, but the kick failed. United 22, Star 5.

From one 25 to the other the game shifted, ea- h team in turn attacking and defending. It was by clean hook ing in the scrum and a good combin« d passing dash that United scored again a few minu es later. The ball passed through the hands of the backs to Jenkin?. wh 0 dubbed it in a favourable position, for Walton to add the major points. United 27, Star 5.

The amber and black rearguard showed lamentable lack of combination, and it was mainly by individual work that they held their own. Their second try came that way, Fong intercepting an uncertain pass and racing I through on his own to score and convert.

Star 10, United 27. Desultory play in midfield caused many of the spectators to lose interest, but a brilliant pick-up by Kennedy and some snappy passing raised a cheer; but, a’ before, the movement was spoiled by faulty handling, and a

knock-on occurred within easy scoring distance of the Star line. Star immediately retaliated by attacking and constantly pressing o n their opponents’ goal. No score came until Homes put a nice drop over the bar.

Star 14, United 27. A short time after, Star were awarded a free kick for offside play right under the blue posts. The kick could not have missed Star 17, United 27

But United were to have their turn again, and the Star boys were evidently tired. A free kick for obstruction gave Walton a great chance at goai. He took it. United 30, Star 17. Thc game was rapidly nearing the end, and Star had to work hard to keep the other side from invading them. Within two minutes two close saves were made by Stevens and Reynolds respectively, and two scrums held near the line. Right on time Walton made the United victory more secure by scoring another try, which was easily converted. The game ended with the scores standing— UNITED 35. STAR 17. Mr W. Williams was referee. EXCELSIORS v. MAGPIES.

An ascendancy in back play saw Excelsiors secure their second victory on Saturday when they beat Magpies by 20 to nil at Cass Square before a good attendance. The teams were: — Excelsiors: Nightingale, R. King, Staines, Stevenson, J. King, Houston, Davidson, Alex King, Amuri King, Kelly, Bannister, Freitas, Perryman, Hughes and Robertson. Magpies: Ogilvie, Dalkie, Nash, Gibbons, Waddell, King; Seebeck, Ferguson, Dow, Mayo, Wilson, Birss 1 , Flaherty, Hibbs and Upjohn. In the opening stages, a noticeable thing was that thc visitors incurred the first five penalties, from one of which Stevenson made a fair attempt at goal from well out. Freitas took a big hand in opening Up the game, one of his passes' being knocked on by Houston when in a. likely position. Excelsiors heeled from a scrum and Davidson sent out the ball, but another knock on stopped the movement. The visiting pack, who were about equal to the homesters, brought play back to midfield, Dow and Bins showing out, while Waddell and King goin useful defensive kicks. Kelly broke through, Gibbons’ mark not being whistled. Davidson sent J. King away with a pass, and from a. melee in front of goal, Freitas snapped up and passed back to Houston, who transferred to J. King, and he ran in from twenty yards out to score a good try, which Stevenson failed to convert with an easy kick. The visitors were kept defending for a long time. Dow was heeling for them often, but their hacks kicked the ball into opposing hands. From a penalty J. King failed to goal. Another Magpie mark was not whistled, and Freitas then made a "v-uple of rums along the side. From a scrum Davidson sent the ball out, but Houston headed into the ruck. Magpies then got a free kick, bu were soon defending again. Thou ful back, Ogilvie, proved a sure catcher, and saved his side repeatedly. Staines ms de a fast dodgy run tHI g raB^ ed the Magpie line. Seebcck, who trie to start passing runs, was eventually obliged to go in for Nash got in several useful kicks whe intercepting, but Nightingale missed nothing, and ti’C kicking / backs the bail very often Seebeck tackled J. King well when he a dash. Waddell was very useful on defence. Freitas got a pass from Davidson and sent -I. King awav, the hall going out to Stevenson who in the corner. useful kick by N< relieved, but J. King cut in ,, bemg collared. He later passed to Staines whose transfer R. King tried to get one-hand and failed. Excelsior backs were doing as they pleased now, but their next score wa s got by the wing forward, Alee King, who secured the ball beside a scrum, and, while the op position halted, he ran in near the rusts, Stevenson again failing to convert the try. Before the spell, several back movements by Excelsiors were seen, while Davidson cut through once nearly to the line. A free kick in a handy place saw Stevenson goal, making the score at half time nine to ml., Changing over, Excelsiors attacked, but a run by Gibbons saw Dow, Birss and Wilson take the ball on, the rusn forcing the home team. Then a nice trv came when Houston passed to J. King, who transferred to R. King, to score far out, no goal being kicked. Houston, King, Staines and Stevenson were together in several passing runs, (in one occasion when the las.-namec missed, Staines regained the ball, and nearly scored. A ruck followed m the corner, from which Kelly scored, making his side 15 to nil. Some even play followed for a while, with ping-pong features, while tho visiting pack got on several rushes. After a run by - King aud Staines, Houston made a rood burst and sent on to J. King, who gave a pass to Stevenson, the last-named scoring. Nightingale converted. Freitas sent the backs away again with a- pass back, but the winger aid not accept a pass, and there was no further score, Excelsiors winning bv 20 to nil. J. King was again the spearhead of the Excelsior, attaex, while the other inside men were all good, Houston improving in the second half. Staines was fast off the mark. Nightingale was very safe, but the Excelsior wingers were not at their best, especially Stevenson. Freitas, the Kings, and Kelly were the best of an even pack. Ogilvie, the full back, defended well for Magpies, while Waduell, Nash, and Seebeck were the best of the other backs. In a hardworking pack, Dow, Birss and Wilson were about the most prominent. Dow is a good hooker. Mr E. Heenan controlled the game.

WESTLAND JUNIOR GAMES. At Cass Square, Ross defeated Kiwi iuniors bv 18 to nil, scoring nine m each snell, and proving too strong tor their lighter opponents in every department. There i s one Ross forward, Wright, whom the rep selectors might take into consideration. . _ At Kokatahi the Excelsior juniors were beaten bv fi to 5 by Kokatahi. Arahura and Rimu played a drawn game, each side scoring eight points. Hokitika School foam ran oyer the lighter Arahura thirds, scoring 30 points -to 3. JUNIOR GRADE. UNITED (23). BLAKETOWN (6). At Victoria Park the United and Blaketown juniors met, when after an interesting name the United fifteen left the field winners bv 23 points to fi For United, F. Baldwin (3), A. Baldwin (2), Johnston and Ferguson notched tries, while the latter also oon-

verted one. Sparks and McMinn ■ each secured a try for Blaketown. STAR AND KUMARA DRAW. The Star junior team travelled to Kumara on Saturday, and there met the home fifteen. Star could muster only .hirteen players, but managed to Fave the field with honours even, each side scoring nine points. O’Donnell secured a try. and kicked tw 0 penalty goals for Stars, while Aldridge scored ami Loud< n kicked two penalty goals fo r Kumara. COBD'EN DEFEATED. Brunner inflicted defeat on Cobden at Brunner on Saturday, when they won by six points to . hree. Whalen secured a try for Brunnc-, and Nimmo kicked a penalty goal. THIRD GRADE. UNITED DEFEAT COBDEN. At Victoria Park on Saturday United secured a win over Cobden by three points to nil, after a very even game. Ellis was the try-getter for United. FOURTH GRADE. At the Technical echool Ground on Saturday, Tech A defeated Blaketown | in the fourth grade competition by 24 points to 3. AT OTHER PLACES. (Per Press Association!. WELLINGTON, May 12. Yesterday’s senior Rugby results were: Athletic 23 beat Oriental 11, Varsity 11 beat Wellington 3; 011 Boys 32 beat Berliampore 8; Poneko 24 beat Eastborne 3; Petono 17 beat Alarist 12. NEW PLYMOUTH, May 11. South Division Taranaki senior Rugby results to-day were:—Hawera 18 beat Athletic nil; Okaiawa 12 beat Waimate 6; Opunake 9 beat Kaponga 5; Patea 13 beat Eltham 3. VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN VARSITY

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received May 12 at 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 12. The Australian University Rugby Union team to visit New Zealand is announced to leave Sydney in the Marama on May 17th. Several stars, including Ross, Gibson, Hemingway and Mann are not available, but the side is said to be a good one. The backs are: MeMullan, Danger, J. Kennedy, Barker, Kennedy, Nicholas, and Lamport (captain). The forwards are: Ramsden, Wiseman, Morton, Clay, Neild, Dezarnaulds, Morey and Cunningham, while the reserves are:— Nairn, Flynn, McLean, Beveridge, Ahern, Robertson, and Joyce.

INTERNATIONAL VISITS. (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 6. According to tho N.Z. Rugby Union’s annual report, a fresh agreement has been made With N.S.W., providing for a visit by a N.Z. side to Australia this year and 1932, with return visits from Australia in 1931 and 1933. The Union supports this on the ground of the necessity of helping the game to get on its feet, especially in Queensland and Victoria. The Union’s profit last year was only £348, and as its funds are all lent to district iniior.s at low rate of interest, it will be unable to commit itself to any heavy outlay. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON. April 2.

At a meeting of the Selection Committee for the Rugby Union tour in New Zealand and Australia in 1930. the members, Messrs J. Baxter. A. D. Sloop. J. Daniell, E. Gwyn, Nicholls, and G. V. Stephenson, talked of the players for the tour. Ample notice is being given the candidates. Among matters discussed by the International Board was the proposal to invite the South African Rugby Union to send a team to tour England, Scothind, Ireland, anil Wales in the season 1931-32. Mr Paul Roos, the captain of the South African touring team of 1906-7, was present, and put before, the Board the views held by the dominions on the subject of their greater share in the government of the game. Among matters wnich the board diS" cussed were the ever-present problem of getting the bull into the scrummage and the less usual one of the way to stand when the ball is to be. thrown in from touch. In order to have a I. miform rule, it was decided that .1 J p’ayer must have both feet in touch.

P. W. D. L. Points. Ch. Pts For Ag. Blaketown 4 4 — 57 25 8 United 3 3 — 84 26 6 Excelsior 3 * — 1 49 19 4 Kiwis 3 1 — 2 16 28 2 Brunner 4 0 .1 29 60 2 Magpie 3 0 1 14 59 1 Star .. 4 0 1 3 25 57 1