RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 July 1924, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS. HAWEDA AND TUKAPA STILL ' LEAD. The matches on Saturday were specially interesting in group 11. because Hawera had a lead only of two points on Stratford, and a loss to the former meant level pegging for the two teams. Both scored wins and are therefore jstill in ithje team’e itelative position Tuliapa made their -position m group I. quite sound, while Eltham were displaced bv Kaponga, who now occupy second place. The results were as follow: Hawera 6 v. Inglewood 0. Stratford 16 v. Clifton 6. Tukapa 28 v. Old Boys 3. Okaiawa. 6 v. Star 3. The teams stand now in the following order: — Group 1.

HAWERA (6) v. INGLEWOOD (0). A hard, keenly contested match, full of interest but not very classy play, was that between these teams 'at Hawera. Hawera against the wind had a stern struggle to keep Inglewood out in the first spell, but when they tusned had much the better of the game, and should actually have scored more points: From the outset Inglewood attacked, Coutts leading a good dash, but Sinclair by fine play sent them hack. In a fairly good position Coutts had a shot at goal, and failed. Then Hawera went upfiekl, McGregor being noticeable for a-great dash. He was stopped, and play was'even for a time till Osborne took a good mark and gained ground by lining well up. • His forwards following up the advantage took play to Inglewood quarters, but a long 'kick by on© of the backs went over the line, and Hawera forced. From the kick-out Cameron secured, and after a dash passed to McGregor, jvho went across field and the backs were jammed on the line, and a good chance lost. Again as the result of long kicking Hawera. were forced. Sinclair tool* the ball, shortly after, and made a great run upheld, and his backs securing went upheld, but again the movement ended at the line. They kept up the pressure, and Inglewood forced 1 . Following up the kickout Hawera line was in danger until Sinclair made a fine save, and lined well upheld. From a scrum A. Paterson tried, the blind side and dashed up, hut was taken well. Again the hacks got away, and Cameron and Lay were associated in a good passing movement. Away the hacks went again, hut faulty passing spoilt a promising opening. From a penalty Sinclair made a great attempt to goal. They kept up the pressure until the Inglewood full-hack with a fine kick sent them hack, and Lay and Thomas showed good defence in keeping them out. Play went up and. downfield, each side alternately having the advantage. A nice bright piece of play by Cameron, McGregor, and Thomas looked very interesting un- I til Lay’s failure to take spoilt the effort. A good interception by Ross put Hawera on the defensive, and he pnt in a good, run, which looked dangerous, but a pass forward spoilt the play. In the second spell Hawera made, the pace hot, and a vigorous rush headed by Robinson was well stopped by Ross. L. Hunt got away, and' looked likelv to get through. The ball came out to McGregor, who sent it on to Lay, and' a score was averted by'the good defence of Inglewood backs. * Twice in succession Inglewood were obliged to force, but at length they relieved and took play to Hawera quarters, where Malcolm effected a useful save. Spratt took and kicked well down, and Inglewood mulling a penalty for offside gave Sinclair a shot at goal, which was almost successful. L. Ross initiated a great attack, and’ play was very keen and strenuous. Hawera got on* a fine loose forward rush, and the backs securing the ball Cameron, McGregor, and Thomas were associated in a nice passing movement, which almost succeeded. The play went across field, and Jarvie by a fine run took the ball almost to the line. Keeping up the pressure, Sinclair had another fine attempt at goaling, and Inglewood forced. Shortly after Jarvie, securing, tried to pot, and following up well spoilt the return. The forwards rushed down, and Robinson took the ball and scored a good try. The kick failed. Keeping up the pressure, Inglewood were on the defence most of the time.. At length they got on a good forward rush, and Hawera defence was tested. They repelled the attack and went downfield, where hard kicking spoilt a good chance. From the kick-out they were right on the Inglewood line time and again, but could not score. Spratt following up a good kick by Sinclair had the hacks in trouble, Then just on call of time A. Paterson secured from a scrum, passed to Cameron, who after a nice cut in sent it to McGregor. From him the ball went to Thomas, who with Lay in close attendance galloped for the line. He feinted cleverly, and heating the opposition scored a very nice try. The kick failed. Just after the whistle blew for no side, leaving Hawera winners after an interesting game. Mr J. Kiley was referee. OKAIAWA (6) v. STAR (3). After a fairly even game, in which Star with the wind slightly in their favour had the host of play in the first spell, and Okaiawa had the advantage in the second, the home team succeeded in defeating Star by sis points, to three. From the kick-off Ike found the line ten yards from the corner, but Star got the ball from the line-out. The Okaiawa backs were throwing the ball about well until fast following up saw * Star kick across the line, where the • home team forced. Lambert and Jenkins were prominent in a passing rush, but Okaiawa’s tackling accounted for j them. Dunford found the line about {five yards from the corner, but Purvis cleared from the line-out. Star continued to press, hut Ramsay started a promising movement, and Phillips, who took a difficult pass, transferred to Griffin, to Johnston, who was ' forced out in fhe corner. Ramsay marked, hut the kick failed. Purvis and Johnston exchanged passes on the wing, hut subsequent overkicking allowed Star to force. Okaiawa came again, and from the tight the ball rolled out a few feet r from the line, hut Griffin could not •pick it up in time, and Star forced.

Star came down lie id. and offside play gave Jenkine a chance at goal, but the ball rebounded, from the crossbar. Star still pressed, and half-time sounded after Dunford had attemnted to pot a goal. When play resumed Star forced, but a few minutes later Lambert intercepted a pass from Tuki, and' with a clear run from Star’s 25 scored beside the posts. Jenkins’ kick failed. Okaiawa pressed, and from forward play Star forced. Tight play near Star’s line saw Clark make a good attempt to get acrdss, but shortly afterwards Tuki kicked a goal from a penalty. J. Johnstone broke away from a scrum, and Clark and Thomas were prominent in a forward dribbling rush, but Linn knocked on. D. Johnston marked;, and kicked a goal from a difficult position. Okaiawa still pressed, D. Johnston finding the line well down and tight.play following in the corner. Julian cleared. A rebound off a Star player gave the visitors a chance, and' they carried play to a handy position, hut Okaiawa forced. Okaiawa came round the scrum and were down in the corner again, hut Star forced. Ike marked, hut his kick failed, and the game concluded with the home team still pressing. Mr R. St.. George was referee. KAPONGA (14) v. ELTHAM (3). At Kaponga the home fifteen gave a spectacular exhibition of fast open play, in which they outclassed Eltliam and proved victorious by 14 points (two tries, one converted, and two penalty goals) to 3 (a penalty goal). A cross wind gave no advantage to either side. The ground was sticky, but except for a few moments during the ! second spell no rain fell. 1 Eltliam made the first offensive, play remaining in the home quarter till Kis--1 sick took the black pack to the oppol site half, where from a scrum Lynskey > set his backs going, but Paterson was spoiled by Taylor. The Kaponga half again started a smart passing rush, blit a dropped pass enabled Pliilpotts to save with a lucky speculator. The lome backs continued to press, throwing the ball about in front of the goal. Briggs made a fine effort, but when stopped by Foster dropped the ball forward. In the break up following a scrum Burnett was penalised in a dangerous position and Paterson opened Kaponga’s score ‘■with a good kick. The White forwards replied with a quick rush, and Guy effected a clever save, the. same player stopping an Eliliam attack following the throw in. El-1 ham were again dangerous when Corkliill led a forward attack, which got through the home backs and in a scrimmage in front of the goal Hammersley infringed. Philpotts goaled and the score read three all. Lynskey made a good opening in Eltliam’s 25, sending Briggs away, the latter being again stopped by Foster, -who from the throw in led tiie visitors in a rapid counter. Kissick showed up in a fine dribble for half the length of the field, but was robbed by Gush. The home forwards dominated, sending the ball out from the majority of the scrums, but Foster and liis five-eighths were spoiling well, and the home backs wore unable to make use of the opportunities afforded.

The second spell opened with a clever dribbed by Scott, who, with Boyle aiul Hammersley, took the ball from halfway and finished with a brilliant try, which Paterson converted. Page put Eltham on the attack with a pretty run, but found Malone in position. The latter’s kick was followed up by Kissiek and Scott, who led the Black pack to the assault. The backs continued, and near the goal McGuinness was ruled off-side, the penalty converted by Guy. Kilpatrick showed in some heady play, which allowed Lynskev to benefit, but Briggs dropped the pass right on the line and Eltham forced. Another force followed the kick out. From a halfway scrum Lynskey came round- unopposed and at the twenty-five cross-kicked. A score seemed imminent, but Taylor cut in and intercepted smartly. Following play_beeame very exciting, the home side showing up in a series of dashing attacks, Eltham being twice forced. Eventually the Black forwards swarmed over the line and Tlioumine touched, down for an unconverted try. Though play remained mainly in the home team’s favour, the Eltham forwards twice essayed the attack, but were unable to get past Malone, who also returned the long kicks by Eltham’s backs with unfailing precision. The latter’s passing attempts were consistently spoiled by the untiring Kaponga vanguard, who, well supported by their backs, held the advantage till the call of time, which, however, came without alteration to the scores. Mr J. Christie was referee. STRATFORD (16) v. CLIFTON (G). Clifton had a weak team in the field against Stratford and suffered defeat by 16 points (4 tries, 2 converted) to 6 (2 penalty goals). Owing to the sodden state of Stratford’s new ground the match was played on the Show Grounds, where conditions were good under foot, though the field was swept by a cold southerly. The game itself was not brilliant, but it had its exciting moments andsprovided plenty of enjoyment for a large crowd of spectators. Play was ragged from the beginning and Clifton’s weakness in the back divisions was early apparent. After the game had been in progress some time Stratford opened the scoring with a try which came to them in an unexpected Planner. Following a promising rush in which Walter, Coulton and E. Meuli took part, Young received the ball under Clifton’s goal and kicked for touch. The kick did not rise, however, but struck J. Walter’s boot and rebounded back over the line, where Walter was quickly on it. Sharrock failed to goal. Clifton forwards rushed play to the other end, where Telfar goaled when Stratford started a passing rush under their own goal and Walter accepted a forward pass. —3 all. Clifton continued the pressure, and soon after Telfar kicked, a grand goal from a penalty at quarter way on the left wing.—Clifton 6, Stratford 3. Though playing with the wind, which was blowing srronglj r in their favour, Clifton were hard put to it defending in the next few minutes-. The young Waitara backs were easily rattled when defending and did the most extraordinary things at times. Bvuc-e was outstanding on defence, and it. was only through his efforts, supported by Young and Henderson, that a larger score was not. registered against them. Just before half-time a fine movement, between Walter and Frydav led to McCullough scoring near the posts, and Sharroek goaled.—Stratford S, Clifton C. On resuming Stratford had the advantage of the wind and a down grade, making fullest use of both. Frydav and Walter were again associated in another movement, from the serum, which culminated in E. Meuli flying over at the corner. Sharroek failed to goal.— Stratford 11, C'ilfton 6. The Clifton forwards, led by Bayly, Soff'e and McGregor, were now showing great, dash and dominating play. Several scrums and looser nshes found them on Stratford’s line, but. a mighty kick by Frvday sent them back to halfway. Again they worked back, but again they were

sent back, this time by a brilliant run through the backs by Vaughan, who passed all but Young, the full-back. Soon after Vaughan got across, but was recalled, Walter having thrown forward inside the twenty-five. Clifton •relieved by. touching down. The forwards of both sides were responsible for most of the attacking movements. Towards the end Stratford set up a sustained attack, and it was only the backs’ faulty work which prevented them scoring, K. Meuli knocking on under the posts when he had only to take the ball to score. Finally Kivell secured from the loose and with a fine run cut clean through the defence and scored. Sharrock converted and the game ended with the score: Stratford 16, Clifton 6. Mr F. Julian was referee. TUKAPA (28) v. OLD BOYS (3). Tukapa and Old Boys met at Pukekura Park, where there was a good attendance, of spectators. The game was last and open, both teams playing the same style of game' but the superiority of Tukapa asserted itseli throughout. The- opening stages ot the game were decidedly dull, but notwithstanding this scoring commenced early. A somewnat loose movement carried the blues to their opponents’ goal line, where Ennis dashed in, picked up and dived over the line. He converted his own try. After the kick off Collins broke away and led the whites right to the corner, where he was tackled by Priar and forced into touch. From the throw in a force down resulted, but shortly after the drop out Tukapa were xienalised and bewail kicked a goal. Strong attacks were made by both sides, but the whites were unable to penetrate the defence of their opponents, though the ball frequently travelled through all the backs, and some splendid work was done by Boon, Bullard, Nasmith and Newell. Two tries were added by Tukapa before half-time sounded, both being registered by Stohr as the culmination of nice passing bouts between the blue backs. Old Boys responded with a bright attacking movement just before the interval, in which all the backs participated, and Newell went dose to scoring, being forced out at the corner flag. On resuming play hung in neutral territory for a time until the blile backs got moving again. Jeffries was serving his side well, and Oliver, Ennis and Stohr were associated in a bout which ended in the latter scoring, but the try was not converted. Tukaipa were .now having matters pretty much their own way. Loveridge got in some good runs and Ennis was making plenty of openings. The latter scored and converted a try, and 1 in close succession three more tries | were added; before ,the> e,ml of the j game, none of which were converted, 1 On one or two> occasions the whites ’ went- , within, an ace of scoring, biit > they were unable to put the finishing | touches on their efforts, and the game 1 ended wit-li the scores : Tukapa. 28, Old > Boys 3. 'Mr. F. Webb was referee-. ■ OPUNAKFi V. PATEA. Being unable to get a team away, , Opium ke advised Patea that they ; would forfeit the match. [ JUNIORS. r. HAAVERA (14) v. WAIMATE (5). ; AVaimate and Hawera juniors met on the Manaia Domain on Saturday, and : the game resulted in a win for fiawera , by 14 points to 5. AVaimate commenced 3 with the sun in their face. From the - line-out Snowdon marked. A good cross i kick by Sutton relieved AVaimate. A - good forward rush by Hawera was ; spoilt by Brown getting offside. From L play near the line A\ 7 atkins picked up ; and passed to Barron, who cut in nicely - and scored between the posts. The kick } at goal failed. Hawera* 3, AVaimate 0. . From a free kick Hobin narrowly . missed a goal from a free kick. From . a free kick Hawera lined. AVaimate ? forwards getting the ball relieved. The . Hawera backs took possession, and • finished up by scoring a good try. . The kick at goal failed. Hawera 6, 1 Waimate 0. A AA’aimate forward rush, led by Hunger and Green, took nlay to • Hawera’s goal line, but offside play res’ li ev ed. The ball came out from a scrum . to Early and then to Sutton, who with a dodgy run scored a good try. Steven--3 mu colive, “ted. Hawera 6, AVaimate 5. > lhe second spell opened with the AA’ai- ; mate forwards taking play to Hawera line, but offside play gave Hawera relief. Hawera took play to AVaimate . line, and from loose play scored between the pqsts. Simnson added the major points. Hawera *ll, AVaimate d Hawera again carried play to AVaimate line, and from a loose scrum Simpson scored. The kick at goal failed, and the g ‘Tr e °V ded : Hawera 14, AVaimate .'3. I Mr G. Ryan was referee. > THIRDS. I ELTHAAf (17) V. HA AVER A (16). r A T ery keen interest was evinced in I the meeting of the Eltham and Hut wera Thin is, in view of thei fact that - the former had not been beaten this - season. In the first spell, Hawera had 1 • ail the best of the pray, and put on - 10 points, while Eltham scored only - one try. Playing np well in the se--1 cond spell, Eltham piled up 14 points. . and won tije match in exciting fashion ) just on the call of time, a fine eon- . verting kick by Cooper iust putting i them ahead. For ' fiawefra, Hulbeirt i had a great performance in scoring a . try and kicking three penalty goals. . In addition- Busing potted a goal. The [ scores for Eltham were tries by Velom : (2), Burrows (2), and Wilmhurst one. > Cooper converted the last tiry. Mr AV. Grant was referee. y _ ’ NORTH OTAGO BEAT SOUTH , CANTERBURY. | (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) OAMARU, July IV). A representative Rugby match, North ; Ota go v. South Canterbury,, was played . here to-day in dull weather, and resulted in a win fop North Otago by 20 to 9. Fop the winners. Sinclair, Carn- ; eron, Zimmerman, Ruine and Sumpter (2) scored tries, while Grainger con vert- ’ e<:( one. For the visitors Crornmer, ‘ Alathe son and Fraser scored. “ PLAY T>t THE CITIES. 1 Auckland.—Grammar 19 v. Ponsonby • 6; University 6 v. Marists 3; College - Rifles 39 v. Grafton 8; King’s College 1 20 v Suburbs 0; North Shore 3 v. Newi ton 0. I AA’ellington.—Athletic 12 v. ’A'arsitv r 0; Petone 13 v. Marist 6; Poneke 17 - v. AVellington 6; Old Boys 16 v. Selwvn 8; Borharnpore 20 v. Oriental 14. Dunedin.—Pirates 22 v. University . A 9; Kaikorai 20 v. Union 3; Alhambra { 0 v. Southern 0; Zingari Id v. Dunedin -0; University B 8 v. Taieri 3. i Christchurch.—Alerivale 9v. Limvood t 3; Old Boys 8 v. Albion 0j ’A'arsity 8 - v. North Canterbury 3.

u 4-> <y j= 0 Cfl & p CS ■5 O £ ct C 40 if 5 O ►J Pts. *cs to < 3 5 Tukapa ... .. 12 10 0 2 174 63 20 Kaponga .. 11 7 1 3 ■ 81 41 15 Elthami .. .. 11 7 0 3 70 52 14 Qpunake .. 11 4 0 7 36 63 8 Patea ... 10 4 0 6 44 70. 8 Waimate .. 11 3 1 7 60 94 7 OUT Boys ... 10 2 0 8 60 127 4 Group IT. Hawera .. ... 13 10 2 1 132 53 22 Stratford ... 13 0 2 2 104 50 20 Inglewood .. 12 5 1 0 83 103 11 Okaiawa ... 13 4 1 8 63 S7 9 Star ... 13 4 0 9 63 102 8 Clifton .. ... 12 2 2 s 56 100 6 SENIORS.