RUGBY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 4 May 1925, Page 8

RUGBY

THE SEASON OPENS. FIRST SERIES. IN COMPETITION. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. GROUP I. ‘Old Boys 14'v. Eltham 3. Opunake 10 v. Kaponga 9. Stratford 12 v. Athletic 9. Star a bye. GROUP 11. Tukapa 16 v. Hauer a 3. Paten 8 v. Clifton 3. Okaiawa 9 v. Inglewood 3. FIRST JUNIORS. Northern Division. Urenui 6 v. Clifton 3. Tukapa. 9 v. Star 13 3. Lepperton a bye. Western Division. High School first fifteen 32 v. Old Boys 8. Star A* 6 v. Okato 0. Rahotu a bye. SECOND JUNIORS. Old Bovs 15 v. Star 6. High School 36 v. Okato 0. Tukapa 9 v. Urenui 0. Clifton a bye. THIRD JUNIORS. School A 3 v. Clifton 0. Star 9 v. Technical College 8. Old Boys 14 v. Tukapa 0. School 13 a bye. SOUTHERN DIVISION. FIRST JUNIOR. Paten 9 v. Athletic 0. Opunake 3 v. Waimate 3. P.W.D. 10 v. Kaponga 8. Hawera 11 v. Okaiawa 8. THIRD GRADE. Eltham 24 v. Patea 3. Okaiawa forfeited to Hawera. FOURTH GRADE. Waimate won* from Hawera by default. Okaiawa 37 v. H.T.H.S. B 0. 11.T.H.5. A 9 v. 'Kaponga 6.

Saturday saw the inauguration oi Rugby ior the season in Taranaki, for tlie first series ,of matches for the championship were played on the various grounds of the province and the season clnD set on its way. Play, at vas perhaps to he expected general y, was not of a very high order, but it was good to notice that players in most cases appeared to be fairly well trained. 1 Hawera town teams both suffered reverses. Several results in the other fixtures were to a certain degree unexpected. though the strength of the various teams could only he conjectured before the matches’ were played. At Hawera the Al> Blacks West and Hart were both playing, and as each came on the field he was enthusiastically greeted by the spectators. There was. it should be added, a large number present, and they watched the play with keen attention.

THE MATCHES. TUKAPA (16) V. HAWERA (3). . Ennis captained the visitors and West the Hawera team. Hawera winning the toss. West kicked off from the south end. The ball was returned we I , and Tukapa. set up an attack. Hawera forwards, however, spoilt the movement, and Loader sent hack the attackers with a good kick. Just after in quick succession Tukapa. were awarded two free kicks, hut Ennis just failed to convert. One was a particularly fine shot at goal. Keeping up the pressure. Tukapa set up a nice passing movement, and McKean securing, ran and passed to Hooker, who, after a short dash, sent on a good pass to Hart, and th- All Black flier gal’oped over and scored behind the post. Ennis had no trouble in converting. Tukapa 5, Hawera 0.

Scrums in midfield marked the play, until Malcolm broke away and headed a line Hawera forward rush, which tested Ttikapa’s defence severe'y. Hart saved with a useful kick and Loader returned. The ball was takent by Petty, and after a nice tun that certain little player .kicked hard,, and following un recovered again and got almost to the Hawera line. A pena’ty saved Hawera, and jiist after West, with a magnificent kick, sent the hall out close to Tukapa line and Hawera attacked vigorously from the throw-in, and in a good position were awarded a free kick. Halbert made a splendid attempt, hut the wind just beat him. Hawera maintained the pressure, and had hard luck in not scoring. Tukapa relieved, but Hawera returned to the attack and kept the opposing defence busy. Then Petty, securing, kicked we l up, and West, hesitating aboutaking the kick, was collared with the ball. McLean secured, passed to Hammersley, and he to Johnston, who finished a nice run by scoring in a good position. The kick failed. TuJipa 8, Hawera 0. From the kick out Hawera set up an attack. 11. Paterson leading the for wards in a good nisli. Tukapa retali ated, and their hacks set up a nice attacking movement. Paterson and West spoi't the attack, and securing the bal' went down the line with a good rush, and S. Cameron, taking in the imposing territory, dashed across .and scored. No goal resulted. Tukapa 8. Hawera 3.

For a time after the kick-out plaj was even, till Robinson headed a great Hawera rush which kept Tukapa backs busy. Spralt was also prominent in a dash, but Tukapa backs, from a nice pass by Jeffries, got on a good passing rush, which was only checked in the corner close to the Hawera line. Hawera c’eared, but back came Tukapa and Hawera backs had an anxious time defending. .Half-time was called as the ball went into touch. Hawera opened up well in the second spell, tire forwards taking play we'l donnfie'd. Hammond secured and kicked well down, and West, smothering the return, had a good opening. He missed it. and the opposing hacks getting to work made a capital passing null, which ended in Hart securing an'other good try. Ennis goaled, .and t h(V score was Tukapa 13, Hawera 3. undaunted, the Hawera forwards forced their wav upheld, WilMams and Paterson heading a great rush. They kept up the attack, and West just failed to score in the corner. Tukapa cleared, and a fine rush by their backs took plnv downficld and enabled Hart to score once more. The kick failed. Tukapa Hi, ■ Hawera 3. The rain which threatened began to fall henvi'.v, ajid play was very difficult. Undismayed by the heavy score against thorn, Ha worn forwards niacio the pace right, to the end of the game, Williams. Robinson and Malcolm being most prominent, and they had again hard luck in not scoring. Tukapa. however, managed to repel each as suuit, and the game ended as above, Tukapa 16. Hawera 3. Mr A. F. Nei' sou was referee.

PATEA (8) v. CLIFTON (3). Patea kicked oft against a fairly strong wind, and immediately set up a strong attack. Tight play in front of the visitors’ goal was followed bv Hurley sending out a long pass to Jackson, who was brought down in the corner bv T. Bavlv. Patea came again, and Clifton forced. Briggs, a Clifton wing three-cpiarter, got in a good kick across Ibe field, which was followed up bv a passing rush by two of the visit-inn- backs. Hurley. however, saved liv good tackling. Clifton kept up the attack, and a good shot at goal from a penalty just failed. A dribbling rush by' the home men saw the Patea forwards pressing hard on the line, Cornwall almost getting across. Clifton forced. McKenna put in a good run, but he hung on to the ball too long, and he was brotight down with it in the corner. Clifton forwards came down the field with a dribbling rush, hut Thompson, the Patea full-back, stopped with a clewer mark. Clifton continued to attack, but faulty handling in front of the nome team’s goal lost them a good phanee. From a mark Klenner put the leather between the' posts, first honours thereby resting with Clifton. Clifton 3, Patea nil. Patea attacked again, McKenna being prominent, but nothing eventuated" Clifton retaliated, but Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to goal. A dribbling rush by the Patea forwards saw Clifton again force. The tome team still pressed, and after some bright play Jackson made an opening and McKenna got across. Baldwin failed to convert. Clifton 3, Patea 3.

Clifton attacked, but when matters looked dangerous for the home team Thorburn saved, by finding the touchline. Just before half-time Patea again came within an ace of scoring, Murphy being tackled about five yards from the line, and Clifton then kicking behind. The second half opened with a determined attack by the Clifton backs, iiiit- McKenna saved with a mark. Patea attacked, and Hurley picked up from a scramble and dived over. Huriev then converted. Patea 8, Clifton 3."

Crow and Hellier, two Clifton players, retired injured, and Tanner went nn. Play continued for some time without incident, the Patea men tak-, rug advantage of the wind and keeping the visitors busy on the defensive. In a promising movement amongst the Clifton backs Jones put in a good run. For the home team Fitsigibbons ■darted a forward passing rush, but if ter some distance had been covered Rower was forced out about 15 yards from the corner. With about 15 minites to go driving rain came on, but after the field and the ball had been made slippery it ceased, and the wind dropped. Offside play gave the visitors a chance, but Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to pot. Clifton continued to* press, but Briggs, who came ip fast on the wing, could not reach x pass. Except for a Clifton forward attack, which resulted in Patea forcing, there was no outstanding incident in. the remainder of the plrfv. Air H. hittington was referee.

OPUNAKE (10) v KAPONGA (9). At Kaponga the home fifteen wore defeated in a keenly-fought game In Opunake, who compiled 10 points (two converted tries) to the former’s 9 (two tries and a goal from a mark). Opening exchanges were followed by i miclfield line-out, from which the Opunake pack broke away. The rushe was checked by an infringement, and with the penalty Malone found touch three yards from Opunake’s line. After five minutes' play Guy claimed a mark In a good position, and with a welljudged plane kick secured Kaponga’s .first goal of the season. The coast earn retaliated with a rush headed by Norgate J. Paterson checked and play returned to. midfield. From ten yards inside half-way C. Paterson assayed, the goal with a penalty, but railed narrowly. In the following play Kaponga pressed to Opunake’s line, W. Hohaia eventually relieving with a pretty run to half-way, where C. Paterson again failed by a small margin to convert a penalty. Play veered* towards Kaponga’s end, owing to the combination of the green forwards, who were also successful in the scrum work; but the half (Mason) found it difficult to get the ball away before he was pounced upon by J. Paterson, the Kaponga rover. In Opunake’s quarter Guy initiated a likely passing bout by the Kaponga rearguard. C. Hohaia intercepted cleverly, but was ■hecked, and G. Paterson sent paly back to Opunake’s line. A throw-in close to the black’s objective gave possession to Malone, who made a powerful dash and, with three defenders striving to bring him down, went across, for a splendid try. The kick failed. Kaponga sustained the pressure until, in Opunake’s 25, Brooker raced away with a clever dribble to the opposite end, where G. Lusk and O’Rourke joined in the move and C. Hohaia cut in to score between the posts. AY. Hohaia converted, making the score 6 —5 in favour of the home side. Heading another Kaponga attack. Malone went over with the ball at bis foot, but AV. Hohaia forced. I'hen C. AVhalen made a great bid, but Avas not supported, and \Y. Evans marked tlie pass. A moment later Hammersley was collared right in front of Kaponga’s objective. Opunake defended valiantly, blit Malone and Ernie Scott eventually found a weak spot in a line-out and thrust their v ay over, Malone again touching down. (J. Paterson’s (kick was a “poster,” and half-time sounded with the scores: Kaponga 9. Opunake 5. On resuming Kaponga made a sudden onslaught, and the Opunake ‘hack found th? dead ball line. A moment 'ater AY. Evans made a sensational opening for Opunake and sent a pass to AA r . Hohaia. who punted over the Kaponga full back and, after an exciting race, touched down for Opunake’s first try, which he converted, making the score Opunake 10 Kaponga 9. Following un a punt by C. Paterson, J. Paterson blocked C. Hohaia’s clearanoe, and things looked critical for Opunake until Hawke lined with a lucky speculator. Then in Opunake’s 25 Lynskey started a passing bout, from which results seemed imminent, but Elaison, just as he was going over, was thrown into touch bv A\’. Hohaia. Kaponga continued to dominate the position till Evans found touch in home territory, and for some tense moments Kaponga’s defence was severely tested by the .vigorous onslaughts of the powerful coast fonvaids. After a trying period Lynskey relieved and, supported bv Guy, transferecl action to Opunake’s ground. Kaponga again made a prolonged offensive, only to he foiled by the green’s stubborn opposition. The final stages were played in a heavy downpour of rain, which made accurate handling difficult, but a hot pace was maintained. Twice C. Paterson missed goaljng by a fraction, and though Kaponga made de:ermined bids to secure the try which would decide the issue in their favour, Opunake’s defence proved sound, and full time found the scores unaltered. Mr. A. H. Guy was referee.

OLD BOYS V. DOTH AM. \t Pukoknra Park, New Plymouth, Old Boys dictated Eltham by 14 points to 3 (two converted tries and a field goal to a try). The game was not a interesting one, though 'for the first of the season the form shown was quite promising, lhe pace set at the beginning was fast, and this was maintained throughout the first half. The effect of. this was seen in the second spell, when toward t-he end the game became somewhat ragged, and both teams showed signs of tiring. Both packs of forwards worked strenuously, and while there was merit and sometimes briUianee in the work ot the rear divisions, Eltham lacked the cohesion which was shown by their opponents, and to this the Old Boys may attribute their victory. The amount of finish on their work was distinctly promising, and while there was often failure to give or take a pass cleanly, the element of co-ordina-tion was there, and with further development may become an effective force against their opponents. Eltham back's showed distinct ahi'itv, but their efforts lacked the character of team work. The tackling was good on both sides, and this kept the Eltham side from scoring on several of the occasions when thev were knocking hard on Old Boys’ line. They also appeared weak in kicking, as a number of ‘comparatively easv shots at goal were fruitless, which with better skil' in this department of the game might have brought their score close up to the Old Boys. The scoring movements in the game, were, however, bright ones. Old Boys drew first blood, and added the next four points almost immediately. After several assaults on Eltham’s line, Karl, who had ouickly come into prominence in the game, made an (polling for Brown, who made a. good run, and then transferred to E. Me ul i, who raced in at the corner and touched down just in time. Brown converted from a difficult angle, the ball striking the post and faking over the bar. The game had only just resumed when Eltham were penalised, but Brown’s shot missed. The ball, however, was returned to an open space in the field in a very handy position, and Earl, .who secured possession, had very little manoeuvring to do in order to face the posts and place a dropkick beautififlv over the bar.

Eltham’s best effort m the first half was a nice movement in which Kirk, Attrill. Roy Penniall and Cooper were associated, Penriia'L going near to scoring. It was nlain when the second sped 'ommenced that the pace had told its ta‘e. Old Boys’ combination went to pieces, and both sides had players who at times could palinly not keep up with the game. Brown scored right behind die posts with a splendid aver/mg fun, after receiving the .ball from Earl, and he again easily converted. Eltham made an effective -vply very soon after this. They pressed die game to their opponents’ line, where seme tight scrummaging took place, and eventually Bob Penniall forced his way over, but the try Was not-converted. The game ended with Old Boys on the attack again, but there was no further score. Mr E. Giimour was referee. STRATFORD 12 v. ATHLETIC 9.

Athletic, Hiawera's new senior club, made its debut at Stratford, and if the splendid performance it put up against the home side can be taken as a criterion, the newcomers should by no means be the wooden epoonholders of their division at. the end of the season. They proved .a hard nut for Stratford to crack, arid with the score at 9 ail (Athletic two tries and a penalty goal to Stratford’s one try and two penalty goals) a few minutes before time, the matrix looked like a draw, when Stratford, whose greater weight in the back division was telling against the lighter Athletic rearguard, who were playing into the wind, wore down the defence and seen,red a win with an unconverted try right in the left-hand corner. For a “season opener” the game could not be regarded as an inferior display, though there were faults on both sides which, no doubt will be corrected with practice. Stratford’s passing was atrocious, while the tackling on both nicies, with one or two exceptions, was of- the high kind giving rise to much play of a scrambling nature. Apart from, this it was a close, clean and willing game of the type that appeals to the spectators, of whom the,re was a large.crowd present. Stratford liad the disadvantage of a moderately strong wind blowing -staight down the. ground-.when play started, but they did most of the attacking in the earlier part. Walter and Fryday were very conspicuous in leading Stratford’s forwards, while Wood, Cbulton and Doissett made good openings in the backs, openings that were frequently spoiled by infringement,.?. In the loose, as the game wore on. Athletic’s fine pack of forwards began to show out, their fast foil lowing 'nip becoming a. source of danger to Stratford. Bad passing and poor tackling in the backs, however, robbed both sides of chances when the forwards had worked into a iscornilg position, while it became obvious that Athletic’s young and less experienced backs, with the exception of McGregor, who wn,s on Saturday, the miianstay of the team, were going to have a busy time if they were to keep old hands like Fossett. Wood, Coulton and Jan® from crossing their line. Athletic, however, were’out to make good, and any lack of experience was amply compensated with determination,' and after the visitors had pressed for a while, Blundell, who played splendidly, hitoke away. tanid though lie lost possession later, he made an opening for supporting forwards to rush play 10 Stratford’s line, where iti a. trice Herbert and Hall dashed over, the latter plunging on the ball to the left of the posts for a try, which McGregor failed to eonve'nt. Athletic 3, Stratford 0. Athletic played the right kind of football and, throwing the ball about freely, were soon knocking at the door again. McGregor made a line run through the defence, and in a flash was across, for what appeared to lie a try. He had, however, been tackled as' lie grounded the ball and the referee awarded . a five yards scrum. Undaunted, Athletic came again and had all the host of the game for quite a while. Stratford defended .solidly, and though they made several breaks into their opponents’ territory, the !

visitors always tame back. They were threatening to (score again wheii Fryday, whipping around a scrum under Stratford’s goal too quickly, was caught offside, and McGregor added three more points for Athletic, his kick istriki.n.g the bar and bouncing over. Athletic 6, Stratford. 0. At this stage things did not look bright for Stratford, .and it appeared as though they had been over-confident of success. However, .they backed up and gave Athletic’s defence a sound try-out. Being awarded a penalty for offside play by the visitor®, Fryday had an unsuccessful shot at goal, while in the next instant Stratford hacks came away in a line. The ball flashed out to Ooulton on -the wing and .Dossett, conning up behind took a, pass and dived in at the right corner. Fryday made a pour, attempt at conversion. Athletic 6, Stratford 3. Stratford could not maintain the offensive and the fast, visiting forwards again pressed their line, where McGregor .led a fine chance of adding points from two penalties in front of the posts, but his kicks were wide: Fryday had just missed another shot at goal for Stratford when the breather arrived with Athletic 3 points in the lead.

The change-over brought the visitors facing the wind, which was a decided advantage to their opponents, though they did not make the' best use of it by kicking high. Aggressive play by Bassett and Wood forced the visitors to touch down soon after play started; McGregor’s speed and useful boot, time and again got Athletic put of tight corners, while he was well isuportecl behind by Forbes and Thomas, who were fairly sound defensive players. Both sides continued to miss points by poor goal kicking. After some moments of strenuous scrummaging mear lralf-way, Wood broke away and passed to J. Young, who dived for the line. He was mixed up with the Athletic pack, and a five yards scrum was awarded. Athletic* were penalised and Sa.ng.ster equalised the scores with a fine kick. Play continued to fluctuate over the whole length of the field, neither side being in the ascendant. Athletic’s loose rushes continued to look dangerous, but McGregor got his side into difficulties when he indulged in a series, of .speculations in a tight corner, and it was pure luck for Athletic that Stratford did not score from the following rush which McCullough a.nd Walter initiated, E, Young taking a forward pass when lie was waiting to fall over. . McGregor, Thomas and Forbes were instrumental in returning play to Stratford’s territory, where L*. Hunt booted hard over the line. There was an exciting race for the ball between L. Hunt and Boyle. Both dived for it together, but the bounce dodged both, and Forbes, whocame in behind, forced for the try, Thomas failing to convert. Athletic 9, iStrajtifordi G. Boyle injured his shoulder in his attempt to save the try, and had to be replaced by Thomas.

Hard play followed, and Athletic were hard put to it defending when a. forward got offside in front of the posts and Songster again levelled the scores with his kick. —9 all.

Play continued evenly for a while, then Herbert led a fine rush into Strafford’s territory, where McGregor started a bright parsing rush which nearly bore fruit. J. Walter cleared and Stratford attacked, but their bacK.s were inclined to run too far before passing, a defect which had. spoiled many of their efforts throughout. It was not long before Forbes, with a useful - run and a good kick, put his side on the attack again., and when Stratford was penalised Grant made a really fine attempt at goal against the wind, the ball going straight for the uprights only to be blown wide bv a sudden powerful gust. Stratford now began to make determined efforts to .score, and for a long time they pressed their oppotitents’ line. They were all but over in the right corner when the hall was shot out from a. scrum by Songster right through the backs to Dos,sett, who finally .sent Frvday over for the try. Songster's kick failed. Strafford T2, Athletic 9. Play was willing during the few minutes that remained, but Athletic were

not able to get near to their opponents’ goal, and the game ended without further score. Mr. F. Julian was referee. OKAIAAYA (9) fr. INGLEWOOD (3). Okaiawa met Inglewood on the new ground at Inglewood on Saturday, the match resulting in a win for the visitors by 9 points to 3. The weather was dull, but the ground was in good condition. The match was keenly fought, but though the Inglewood forwards : held their own they were not equal to the combination of the visitors’ hacks. Several players were injured during the course of the game. Okaiawa kicked off with a slight breeze in their favour. Play remained in about the middle of the field for some time till a free kick to Inglewood carried play into Okaiawa’s territory. Inglewood essayed a passing bout, but Lumsden mulled, and Okaiawa, breaking away, swept down into Inglewood’s quarter. A passing rush by Okaiawa was spoilt by Griffin, who, transferred badly to Crawford. Inglewood forced Okaiawa hack into their own quarter, where the local team were awarded a penalty, hut it availed them nothing. Play went back to half-way, where give and take play ensued till Coutts kicked the ball. into the hands of an Okaiawa- hack, who initiated a dangerous passing movement. A lucky kick by an Inglewood forward retrieved an awkward position, and play was again transferred to the half-way line. Tuki, the Okaiawa- full-hack, tried to evade his tackier, but was caught in possession. The advantage offered the local team was, however, of no consequence. Scrums followed in Okaiawa’s quarter, but whenever the Inglewood backs got the ball from the scrum they failed to finish • the movement. Okaiawa gradully forced Inglewood back to their own quarter, where L. Ross picked up offside. Tuki was given a fine opportunity to goal, hut he failed to turn it to account. Chard was injured at this stage and compelled to retire, being replaced by Fisher. The Inglewood forwards rallied, and took play right to Okaiawa’s line. Here Tuki again tried to evade his taeklers when he could easily have cleared, and a try for Inglewood looked certain, when a forward picked the ball out of the scrum, for which the local team were penalised. Play then 'went to Inglewood’s quarter, where a scrum was given on the goal line. Okaiawa secured, and the ball travelled via Gerhoeffer and Johnston to Griffin, who drew the opposition and passed out to Crawford, the- latter going across for a try in the corner. Johnston failed to convert. Okaiawa 3, ■lnglewood 0. Hard forward play ensued in the centre of the field till N. Ross secured and ran right through to Okaiawa’s line, where he lost possession and Tuki saved the situation by kicking the* ball dead. Shortly afterwards Coutts secured from the ruck and, evadihg several opponents, started a great, passing movement in which both backs and forwards participated. The bill went from Coutts to McKay, and thence via Lumsden and L. "Ross to N. Ross, who dashed across in the corner. His try was not; converted, and half-time sounded with the scoreOkaiawa 3, Inglewood 3. Coutts went out to centre threequarter,, and L. Ross took his plaeeAfter the resumption play became slower, and it was evident both teams were tiring. Play hovered in the centre of the field till Johnston broke away in a brilliant solo effort, but miskicked to X. Ross, who lined.. Okaiawa infringed, and Coutts took the free kick awarded to Inglewood, but without result. Play then livened up, and Peta, breaking away from the scrum beautifully, was almost over the Inglewood line- before he was collared. Here an infringement by Inglewood gave Okaiawa a good opportunity to goal, and Johnston made no mistake, putting the ball squarely between theuprights. Okaiawa 6, Inglewood 3. Johnston, » who was playing, a great game, again broke away, 'supported by. Peta, and Inglewood were hard put to it to prevent the visitors from increasing their score. Shortly afterwardsMcKay was caught offside, and Johrvston again goaled with a fine kick. Okaiawa 9, Inglewood 3.

Johnston put in a good run along tbe side line, and play was carried right to Inglewood’s line before thev cleared. Inglewood pushed Okaiawa back, and a free, kick for obstruction afforded the local team temporarv relief. Give and take play ensued for some time, and “when th'e final hell sounded with the score Okaiawa 9, Inwood 3, the local team was being hard pressed. Mr F. Goodacre was referee. JUNIORS. PATEA (9) V. ATHLETIC (0). Although Patea beat Athletic by a fair margin, the score does hot by any means indicate the relative merits of the play, for the match was closely contested throughout, arid the visiting team had to do their very best bosecure the win. While the teams were well matched forward,. Patea backs were better. Tries, were scored by Cunningham (2) hnd Cameron. THIRDS. L R rom Okaiawa by de-