RUGBY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 3 August 1925, Page 6

RUGBY

TARANAKI COMPETITIONS. CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL. Stratford (ii) v. titkapa (5). a great game. There has probably never, been keener interest and enthusiasm shown over a championship final' than was 1 shown in the play-off between Tukapa and Stratford, the. leaders in the two groups into which the senior teams were divided under the Malone scheme. Tukapa had' come, through not only without a reverse, but with a most pronounced lead over the next best team, whereas Stratford had only a moderate $ lead and had suffered defeat twice. The. latter, however, had been improving all the time, and while they had a very, reliable, set of backs had got together a set of forwards, which was far superior to anything else iii the competition, and was certainly the best club pack seen in Taranaki for many years. It. was to it largely that Stratford l owed! their victory on Saturday, for.though the backs were very solid on defence the forwards, by their dash and keenness, had practically the upper hand all through, and towards the middle of the second spell wore down their opponents altogether and had! them penned on, their own line for a large portion of the spell. Tukapa backs had little opportunity to get to work at any part of the game, and when they did get away the deadly tackling of the opposing backs spoilt their best efforts, in addition tire. Tukapa passing broke down on the few occasions when a score looked likely. THE TEAMS. The teams took the field as below: — Tukapa: Full-back, Prior; three-quar-ters, .Stohr, Hooker, Lovcridge; fiveeighths, Ennis (eapt.), Petty; half, Jeffries; wing forward, G. Taylor; forwards, Johnston, Evans, A. Taylor, IT. Olliver, McGuire, Fanning and Iliimm ersley. Stratford: Full-back, A. Collins; three-quarters, C. Coulton,, F. Pcissctt, Brooking; five-eighths, A. Walter, J. Henry; half, J. Sangster; wing forward, R. Fryday (capt.), forwards, S. Ilniton, J. Young, R. O’Keefe, A. Kivell, E. Young, J. Walter, A. Bond. THE PLAY. Stratford kicked off, the kick being returned to half-way. For several minutes play remained there, until Coulton, with a good dash, took it to the ■twenty-five, where a Stratford rush headed by Bond and J. Young went right to the line. Ennis and Jeffries put in good defensive work and play was centred. Tukapa for the first time gelt past, half-way, and a kick bv Priar went out at the twenty-five. Back came •Stratford, but Petty with a good run jthd kick removed play once more to the opposing twenty-five. There a

free kick gave Ennis a shot, which failed and Stratford forced. The ball was kicked out. Tukapa forwards went down the field, and the Stratford fullback misfieldin.g, G. Taylor secured and scored. Ennis goaled with a remarkably fine kick. Tukapa 5; Stratford 0.

Spurred on by this reverse, Stratford attacked' hotly and went clean through to the quarter distance. Petty relieved, and Collins marking set his men on the attack once more. E. Young and J. Young headed a. forward rush, and the latter went through to score, a good try. Collins made a fine effort to goal, but the ball turned just before- reaching the posts. Tukapa 5; Stratford 3.

From the. kick out Priar, failing to take the kick, gave Stratford ait opening and down the field they went in a loose rush. Walter secured and put in. a fine kick, and the forwards went over the line, but lost the ball. Once more they attacked, but Priar, playing a great game, sent them back. So far there had not been one passing rush, the keenness of the forwards giving the backs no opening. Tukapa came up field, but off-side play spoilt a good opening, and once more Stratford set up a hot. attack. Dossett marked 1 in a good position and had a shot at goal. The kick was poor and Tukapa backs returned play to centre. Then Jeffries. securing from the serum, set his backs in motion, and the ball went -from Ennis lo Hooker and to Stohr on the wing, but_the last named failed •to, take, and the opening was lost. Back went Stratford forwards, playing with, an elan that overwhelmed the opposition. Stratford backs took a hand, the ball going out to Dossett, and from him after a good dash to Coulton, who kicked and followed up. Upoker mulled and. his side. were, pressed for a time. At length the Blues cleared their line with a. brilliaiit rash, and Taylor took play up field almost to the line, where from a. mark Lovcridge had a shot at goal. Back went the. Stratford pack with a rush, but Priar was equal to the occasion. Play went up and down the field, both sides playing vigorously. Stratford forwards, keeping tlio ball at toe, went down field, but the opposing backs, taking from them, Jeffries sent it out to Petty and from him it went across to Ennis, to Loveridge and back to Ennis, but the latter was collared, and a promising movement proved abortive. Just after Brooking marked and his kick missed the- goal by a fraction. Tukapa forced and half-time was called.

On resuming the Blues got away, but Stratford stopped the rush and took play to the opposing twe.nty-fivp. where Petty secured and lined with i clever kick. Shortly after Petty broke through the whole pack aild put in a pretty run and setlt the ball on to Ennis, to Hooker and to Stohr, who was collared, and J. Walter returned with a great dash. Tukapa forwards responded with a loose rush, but Collins sent them back, and Bond and Walter headed a forward rush. Petty saved again, and sending the ball out to Loveridge the Avinger nearly scored. Shots at goal made Stratford force twice in succession. Then tile Bed forwards crashed through the defence, but off-side play twice gave Priar a chance, to line well down, and he gained nearly half the length of the field on each occasion. It Avas great placing. Then Tukapa backs goti away, but the tackling was too good, and the move-

ment failed l in its objective. Back Avent Stratford forwards and took play almost to the opposing line. From a throAvn-in they made desperate efforts to score, and only stubborn defence prevented; a try, Tlie ball came out to their backs, and went across to Brooking, Avho sailed for the line, but Avas Avell taken by Stohr. Just after a knock-on spoilt a good effort. Play returned to cfentre, and then Y'oung, Kivell and Walter participated in a passing rush, Kivell just failing to get across. It Avas a very neat, piece of Avork. Keeping up the pressure, Stratford had their opponents oh the line for a tinie, Print and Hooker saving in great style. But not to be denied, the Red forAvards rushed to the line. Heiiry secured alid kicked along the grouiid, and Btookiilg following up fast Avent o/ver and scored. The kick failed. Stratford 6; Tukapa 5.

Stratford attacked from the kick out and kept their, Opponents on their line until Johnston, intercepting, Avent dOAvn field to the tAventy-five, but passed badly and a great chance Avas lost. Just in front of the goal Petty marked, but his kick failed. Then, Tukapa backs opened up play, and the ball travelled aerdss field. It Avas resultless, and Stratford again attacked. Coulter dashed for the line, but Fryday made a good save. Then a rush headed by G. Y'oung add Bond brought spectators to their feet, but a knock-on saved Tukapa. A scrum Avas> formed just on the line,.and Stratford hammered at the defence. Priar saved Avith a goad kick, but back once more came E. Young and Walter in. a fierce rush, and fdr sOlne minutes the Bluer Avere; defending desperately. Tukapa at length cleat fed and got on a passing rush, which, hOAvever, broke doAvii, and once more 'Stratford fonvards SAvarmcd doAvu on the Tukapa lyie. Hinton secured and sailed for the line. He Avas blocked, and just on time the Stratford forAvards got on a last fierce rush and swarmed through. Kivell, taking just before they reached the line, dashed across to score under the posts. Fryday made no mistake Avitli the kick, and the whistle Avent, leaving Stratford victors after a. struggle Aviiich will be long remembered by the great crowd of specatotors. The final score was: Stratford 1.1; Tukapa 5. Mr 11. G. Whittington Avas referee. ST 111 ATFO'R. D’ S PREVIOUS SUCCESS CHAMPIONS IN 190(>. It, wilL be oti interest, to recall that UXX> Avaw the last occasion on which Sttlratforcl) won the championship. Amongst those Aviib Avere in that team are Messrs. J 3 ., Fcaron,.cx-pi trident of the T.R.U., R. F. Harknesis (now president of the Stratford Football Oh lb), E. H. Young (still a. member of the Stratford Cllulb and treasurer to the union), R. Masters, M.P., and bis brother Haro'ld, and E. Kivell (now coach of the Cardiff teahi). Other members of the Strait ford team avllo have since helped to make football history in the province Avere Messrs. J. Stohr, D. Cameron, E. Mia reliant, J. Young, T. James, R, Fearon, A. Osborne, W. C. Dollar, T. Larson, L. Todcer and L. Bui lot. SOUTHERN DI P ISI ON.

First Junior. Athletic (9) v. P.W.D. (8). Bltham, (20) v. Opunake (0). Hawera forfeited to Wa ini ate Third Grade. Hawera (6) v. Ellthiam (6).

NORTHERN DIV LS LON

JUNIOR RESULTS

Tukapa (15) v. Lepperton (10). Star 11. AA-on by default from Rahotu High School 111. (22) v. Old Boys (8)

STAR. v. ATHLETIC

This game Avas played iii poor Aveatlier conditions on the Hawera ground on Saturday, Star securing a victory by one point, the scores being’Star 9 (tAA'b penalty goals and an unconverted try), Athletic S (two. tries, one converted). ’ Although line' during the Opening stages, -Wait earn© on and the ball became greasy. The play, Aviiich wits mainly among the backs, Avas open and falsi lintid near the end of the .second Spell, when it seemed to lose .its sting. There, was little between the teams, Star showing a Slight superiority in size arid speed. The yisiitonsi shone out in the serum, usually managing to hook the ball, Ayhich was quickly passed across the. field. During the first .sipetl the honours Avere with Athletic, but Star began to dominate after changing over. Shortly after the opening of the game Lay intercepted in a Star rush about centre way and passed to Plank, avlio made a good .sprint and .scored an excellent try. The kick failed. FolioAving a five-yards scrum in Athletic’s territory, tlie referee awarded Star a free kick, and Stroud kicked a splendid goal. Wolfe made a brilliant run from centre. Avay across the field, a.Amiding ailll tackle until Hunt finally brought him down and over the line within five yards of the goal-line. Foil owing the throw-in Star neatly passed the ball over tire field, but Grant saved by finding the fine. The ball was then carried down the field, and after a good run by Lay Grantdashed across and fell on the ball in agood position. His kick Avent oA r er. I liu 11-time Ay aw .then called, the .score being Athletic 8, Star 9. Go resuming- Star attacked and Aicre .shortly awarded a free kick. Stroud took the kick and sent it- over neatly. 'The game settled down and Abas Mot marked by any interesting play until ■Colo dashed over from- a. scrummage and brought Star into, the lead. The kick failed. Athletic's attempts at re-1 (.ablation all. failed to break the de-i fence, ami l the game ended Avitli t lie| scope Star 9, Athletic 8. Mr. J. Munno Avas the referee.

tAR A.NAK i. Pi? IMA RY SCHOOLS

REP. TRIAL GAME

The trial game played at Kaponga oil Saturday resulted in favour of the southern boy,s by 11 points (three tries, oil© converted) to nil. For the purpose df the selection game, the HaAvcra Main School Avas included Avith the .Stratford group. The teams were as follow :

South (red and black). —Full-hack, Bickford (Kaponga); three-quarters, Jackson (Okaiawa), Ngaia (Okaiawa), Hnhoia (Opunake) ; five-eighths, Murdoch (Okaiawa.), Malcolm (Opunake); liailf, Cleaver (Normanby); -rover, Ru (OkaiaAva) ; forwards, Preston (Normanby). Refiter (Okaiiawa), Noonan (Kaponga), Morehu (Okaiawa), Harvey (Okaiawa), Kebely (Kaponga), Thomas (Kapuni).

■Stratford (yellow aiid black). —Fullback, Nicholas (.H'awera); threequarters, ..Roiinyfonfc (M.idluirst), Ferguson (Midh.ir.st), OuMen (Fitham); fiveeighths, Drummond (HaSweta), Crafts (Stratford); half, Brown (HaAvera); rover, Smith (Whiarehuia); forwards,

Young (Stratford), Adiani (Midihirst), Nelson (Stratford), Wlritfcington (±Ol- - Egiion (Norman by), AVailker (ElLfcliaim), Gracia. (Stratford). During the progress bif tlib game tihe diislpositipii of the teams was altered slightly as other players were .sent oil lor tridl.

The match, provided a phasing exhilbiti'bh, showing a standfircl of play which -augurs well for the future of Rugby iii the province and reflecting credit upon those who are. fostering the development of the game in the schoohs. The backs of both teams .showed in some good movements in which, they combined weii. and evinced appreciation of the value of team work. In this phase, however, the southern boys were faster and showed more initiative than their opponents. Clearer, the half, played with distinction,. AVhen his hookers sent him the hall ha 'lost, no time in is tar,ting his supports, and when defending he stemmed forward rushes in the approved manner. Murdoch, and Malcolm, the five-eighths, handled .smartly, effected s-ome pretty openings and were conimenclalbly unselfish, while the three-quarters, Jackson, JSgaia and Holiaia, were quick in developing attacks.

The Stratford niickile backs also attempted sOme good mbvements, hut their fielding and tackling did not compare favourably. Brown, behind the scntaii, was the best of the Stratford rearguard, and was one of the best backs on the ground. In forward pl'ay honours were very evenly divided, the difference if any being slightly in favour of the Straitford pack, whose concerted rushes gave the south a lot of trouble. NORTH V. SOUTH. Oil Saturday next; the curtain-raiser to the rep. match Taranaki v. Wanganui, at New Plymouth, will be the trial match between primary school teams, North v. South, played in order to ■ select a Taranki team to play at Wanganui the following week. Tim South team will be as follows: — Full-back, Malcolm (Opumike); threequarters, Jackson (Okaiawa), Ngaia (Opumike), lioliiiia. (Opumike); fiveeighths, Mimiotrli (Okaiawa), Brown /(Hawera); half, Cleaver (Noiniahby); rover, Ru (Opiimike); forwards, Eynoii, Preston (Normaiiby), Better (Okaimva), Gracia (Stratford), Walker (Elthain), Young (Stratford), Adlani (Midliii'st). Emergencies. Backs: Nicholas (Hawera), McDonald (Miinaia). Forward: Noonan (Kaponga).

THE REPRESfcNTATIVif TEAM. CHOSEN ON SATURDAY. A GOOD SELECTION. After the match at Inglewood, the se’ector s (Messrs, W. A. Guy, H. Good, and J. AlcLeod) met and cjfb.se the renresentative team to play AFhhgaiiiii at New Plymouth on Saturday, and some more players to complete the touring team. The form shown oil Saturday will decide which of the team chosen for that match wilt be included in the touring team. Aliy player unable to make the tour is requested to advise the secretary of the union, befofe Wednesday. The team is a s follows:—• Ful'-haek—Priaf (Tukapa). Three-quarters C. Paterson (Kano nga), H. AY. Brown (Old Boys), AY. Hohaia (Opunake). Five-eighths.— D. Johnstofl (Okaiivva), R. Oliver (Tukapa). ,

Half—M. Lynskey (Kaponga). AA’ing forward— G, Taylor (Tukapa). Front row, —J. Johnson (Tukapa), AY Robinson (Hawera). Lock —R. Paterson (Hawera).

Supports—P. AYard (Clifton), j. AA r alter (Stratford). Back row.—Bond (Stratford), A. Kivell (Stratford). Emergencies (to go op, tour) —Backs : H. Eiiliis (Tukapa), A. Gtiy (Kaponga), B. Roberts (Okaiawa). Forwards: R. O’Rorke (Opiihake), L. Pepperell (EJthain), aiid C. S. McKay (Inglewod). H. AA'. Blown will not go bn tour. FIFTH GRADE. FINAL. The final for the. fifth grade was contested by New Plymouth and Stratford High Schools, and resulted in a wiii for. New Plyiiibuth. by eight points to three. , Saiigstef. kicked a penalty goal for Stratford, while Brown and Rogers scored tries for New Plymouth, the former being converted by Clarke. WAIRARAPA DEFEATS WAIKATO MAsSkrON, Aug. 2. . 1 The A\ r aikato touring team was defeated by AA r airarapa by 10 points to 9, though the honours of the game rested with the visitors. The game produced good forward play,, and though the backs on both sides threw the ball about consistently, play Jacked finish. The score at half-time was 6 to 5 in the visitors’ favour, Thompson and Stoiipe scdrihg unconverted tries for Waikato and Stringfeliow scored for Wairfirapa, Booth coiivfertiitg. In the second session Donald, scored for AA airarapa, Booth converting. Daff scored for the visitors near the posts, but the kick, which would have woh tlie game for Waikato, Went wide. Though frill of incident the match was below representative standard.

AVBDNBSDA Y TEAMS

AYEDNESD A Y COM PETIT! ON. FINAL THIS WEEK. ~ i'iife Eraser Road team , to play Oliniigai in the final for the Wednesday competition, on tlie -sth anst. at Hawora, ,wiill he selected from the following: H. Zimmerman, T. AATraraitu, J. Thompson,, N. Hunt, F. Sangster, N. •Jolinsoii, H. AVharaitu, A. Campbell, P. Rangi. A. Notnian, Dan AATmi, A. Newell, J* Bourke, E. Bourke, J-. Pullin, Davidson, G. Broughton, and T. Tutaulia.

Ohangai, to play. Fria«er Road, will be selected from the following:—G. Hsuwlcen, A. Millie,. Gardner, Kogan, AVialsh, H’. Hunt, Magcln, L., Garrett, Tidisvelll (2,) AV. Oiwen, AA'ards, J. Hinga.,’ Spice, P. McOantliy, B. Taniaraipa, K.. Hinga, G. Landef, Canterbury. Players are I'equested to be on the grounds fit 2 p.m. sharp. The following will represent AA rainiate juniors' against a team from Otakeho on AVednesday afternoon in the Manaia. Domain, commencing at 1.45 p.m.: Broomfield, Nuku. Hughes, Parata, A. Snowdon. Rei, King, Sutton, Long, Milner, Murray, Langford, E. Snowdon, AV. Sutton, Adamson,Griffin, Hanseii. ,/ The Otakeho team will he composed of the following: Eaves, McAnty (2), Kimberley, Putt, Levings, AATlkinson, Siirgenor, Verry, McCook, Mari-iner, Cate, Duggan, , Sandford, Spaekmau, W. Herbert, J. Hansen, J. Dill, b

AYANGANUI REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. Th e . Wanganui team to meet Taranaki at New Plymouth on Saturday is • as follows;. Full-back, Darby;, threequarters, Collier, Potaka, Hartley; • Delves, McAuliffe; halfback, . King!; wing-forward, .Hurley; : hookers, O’Connell and Nicholls;. lock, 1 L, Stewart; .sides, Murie and Beilis; ■ back, Johnston and Healey; reserves, ' Head (hack) and D. Ross (forward). BARRY CUP. AVAIROA, Aug. 1. The Wadroa isiuib-Un.ion successfully defended the. Barry'. Cup in a, match today against the Poverty Bay Union, winning by 12 to S after a. fine is-pec- ■ taeulair game. SCHOOL M ATCHES. ! MOASCAR. CUP. RETAINED BY TE ALTE. NAPIER., Aug. 2. . Te Aute College (iholders) defeated Wivngan ni Technical School iii a MoaJscar Cup match at Waipawa yesterday By 34 points to 3. . C. Ghiesley (3), Runt (2), Seynidiir, Ho-rbwai and L. Grkce sedred tries for Te Ante and C. ChesLey converted five of thie«ft. The best -try of the day was scoired by Ra.Uh.iita, for AYahgaulii, after a fine passing bout. Te Aiite’s weight averaged 13.2 find AVangiinui's only 11 stone. CANTERBURY DEFEATS SOUTHLAND. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 1. In a Rugby match to-day Canterbury beat Southland by i 3 iioints to 11. It was a fast- arid - open game. The visitors lmd‘ the advantage, territorially, but tlieii- backs, with the exception of Kilby, lacked finish. A aVeST COAST MATCH. AYEiSIIPOR.t, AUg. i. A Newmfin -SiiieUl lingtf\- matcli was played in the A’jc.toria Square to-day in. \\-©t weiatlier between teams representing the Reeftom District High S-ehioUl (hoklers) and the .Westport TeciinicaJ, High School (clta.llengem), the matfiii heiiig won by ‘Reefton by 12 points to nil. NORTH OTAGO GAMES. OAMARU, Aug. 2. Eaistern distriwts (Gore) defeated North Otago, by 16 points to 11. The Waimiate represent, at, ive team was defeated by a country team by 29 points 'to' 4, MATCHES ELSEWHERE. AUCKLAND, Aug. 2. ~ Saturday’s Rugby resulted: College Rifles 11 beat North Shore 3; King’s Old Boys 8 beat University 3; Mfirist 55 beat Newton 5; Ponsonby 25 beat Suburbs 3; Gfahimfir 21 beat Mfihukau 14. AYELLINGTON, Aug. 2. Saturday’s RUgby matches resulted: Poiieke 15 v. ’A r arsity 15; Petone 14 V. Marist 4; Berhampoi-e 11 v. Selwyn 0 : : AYelliiigton 5 v. Oriental 0; Athletic 8 v. Hutt 3.

DUNEDIN, Aug. 2. Rugby matches resulted: Pirates 16 v. University A 5; Kaikorai 0 v. Alhanibra 0; Zingaii 9 v. University B 6; Taieri 14 v. Uhion 8; Southern 15 v. Dunedin 8.