RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 212, 22 August 1927, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY COMPETITIONS PIRATES THE 1927 CHAMPIONS EASY WIN OVER M. 8.0.8. By defeating M. 8.0.8. on Saturday Pirates head the senior championship table for 1927 in the Hawke’s Bay competitions. Hastings came next, then Celtic and H. 5.0.8. CELTIC v. T.C.0.8, UNINTERESTING GAME. Quite a fair-sized crowd rolled up to Nelson Park, Hastings, on Saturday expecting to see Celtic 10 another bright display v in the match between T.C.0.8. 3 Celtic and T.C.0.8. However, the fans were doomed to disappointment as the game had but one or two thrills, the remainder of the play weie uninteresting and rather poor football. The arena was soft, while a varying wind affected the play, which concluded with Celtic gaining another rung on the championship ladder by winning 10—3. After the ball had been set in motion the Celts, made good use of the wind and within a lew minutes Old Boys were in dire distress, the flag being lowered after Eddie had made a pretty opening for Priestly to score between the uprights. J. Blake made sure of the extra two points. The play in the next ten minutes was certainly in favour of the Old Boys, but they were never within striking distance of a score. Then the best thrill of the day was given by Priestly and J. Blake. The heavy live-eighths gained possession of the ball from the ruck on his own 25 and bursting through the Greys he covered somed sixty yards before transferring to J. Blake, who outpaced the opposition to run round and touch down behind the sticks. He took the kick himself and increased the score to ten—nil. After this reverse the Greys rallied, Manning making a great effort to land a penalty goal but failed. Keeping up the pressure Old Boys were playing desperately, but just before the interval J. BJake started a tango and gracefully walzed his way through the Greys, but the effort went uncrowned.

After the change-over, the wind had died away altogether and the Celts attacked strongly, the backs going well, but it was noticeable that Priestly and Jack Blake were well “marked.’’ This resulted in a very non-spirited display and they had to fall back before the dribbling rushes ol the Grey forwards, who had cvideutjy been well advised during the lenlou-sucking proceedings. The Old Boy heavyweights were showing more dash and hail their backs possessed the same qualities tile result might have been different. Gaining the goal line there was a series of lineouts in the corner, then Brodie threw the ball well into midfield for Williams to gain possession and pass to Kelly, who raced over near the corner. Manning failed to increase the score. For some time the play was oven, then Celtic took a turn at the attack for a while but the deadly tackling by the Greys forced them to retire, the game ending with the score reading: Celtic 10. T.C.0.8. 3. Mr. W. O’Neill refereed. A GOOD EXHIBITION. The H.5.0.8.-M.A.C. match on McLean Park, Napier, was a much better game to watch H. 5.0.8. 20 than the other senior

V. tussle, some bright M.A.C. 11. football being witnessed. Old Boys, with the advantage of the wind in the first half, made matters interesting, and had M.A.C. defending hard. From a scramble Wishart secured the ball and sent it out to Chetwin, the winger getting across at the corner. Johnson’s kick failed. A few minutes later Johnson kicked ‘a neat penalty, increasing the Whites’ score to 6. Chetwin put in a nice run from near half-way, and when near the line passed to Heffernan, who scored near the posts. Johnson goaled. Another score came the way of Old Boys before the interval, Kirk opening up from half-way for Chetwin to dive across under the posts. The kick was an easy one for Johnson. On the change-over, M.A.C. made determined efforts to score and at last Williams got across. Watene missed the kick. Old Boys then vent to the attack and near the 25 line Neal dropped a beautiful goal. M.A.C. returned with a will and made things lively, Williams again getting across, and Watene converting. Just before the final whistle M.A.C. added further to their score with an unconverted try. The final figures read: H. 5.0.8. 20, M.A.C. 11. Mr. K. Croft refereed. JUNIOR Hastings Section. Waimarama did not prove much of a hurdle to H. 5.0.8. 's A team, who had things practically their own wav to win 21-0. For Old Boys the scorers were Crawford (three tries). Cushing, Cooper and Von Stunner (one trv apiece). Foster (penalty goal). Mr T. Mitchell refereed. It is to be featid that the game between Hastings and HS.O.B.’s B. on Nelson Park was more exciting than the senior fixture. At anv rate, the teams played with more dash, Hastings being sorely pressed to maintain their unbeaten record. Hastings scored first. Hannah landing a. penalty goal, but just after the interval Kemp scored a trv in the corner and Stubbs, with a great effort. gave Old Boys the lead. It was not until well into the speH that Galbriath scored a trv to give the Y'ellows the lead. Mr T. Milne refereed. Havelock North defaulted to Celtics. Napier Section.

Pirates always had a little in hand when they met Marists. and with the wind in the first half they put on nine points. Hepburn and Boyle scoring tries, and Coutt’s placing a penalty goal In the second half Robin, son added another trv. which Coutts converted, bringing the Blacks’ total to 14. Marist failed to score. Mr H. Fergusson refereed. Owing to several players being injured in the inter-schools match on Thursda- High School had fo forfeit their engagement against H. 5.0.8., leaving that team the winners of the Napier section. Owing to the condition of the gaoimd on Nelson Park, the CliveTechnical 0.8 B match could not he played

THIRD GRADE. Hastings Section. Hastings (11W v. Parkvale (nil). Hastings H. 5.0.8 (8) v. Celtic (3) Napier Section Taradale (35) v. H. 5.0.8. B (ml). H. 5.0.8. A (3) v. Technical 08. (3). FOURTH GRADE. Hastings Section. Hastings High School A (11) v . Hastings (nil). Celtic (11) v. High School B (nil). Napier Section H. 5.0.8 (5) v. Pirates (3). High School A (win) v. Taradale. M. 8.0.8. (9) v. Technical School (5) Technical 0.8. (9) v. High School B (3). FIFTH GRADE. Napier Section. Technical School A (8) v. Technical School B (3). MANAWHENUA DEFEATED. Auckland, Aug. 20. , The sloppy state of the ground at Eden Park to-day greatly detracted from the interest in the Rugby match beween Manawhenua and Auckland which was played in frequent showers. Auckland won by 17 points to nothing. Tries were scored by Fletcher, Hook. Lucas, Berridge, and Wanoa, one try being converted by Berridge. The visiting team, mainly owing to good work by the forwards, ueld Auckland fairly well in the first half, Which ended with Auckland leading three points to nil. However, in the second spell Auckland were more fortunate in finishing off attacking movements, the game ending 17 to nil.

CANTERBURY v. SOUTHLAND

Christchurch, Aug. 20. The Canterbury Rugby representatives beat Southland to-day by 11 points to nil, in a hard fought game played in rain on a ground so greasy as to afford the players a very insecure foothold.

The Southland forwards controlled the game in the early stages by keeping the ball at their toe. but they appeared to tire. The Canterbury forwards improved, and fiieir backs were always superior. The scores ■a ere three tries, scored by Scrimshaw. Steel and White, one of which Lilbune converted. AN EXCITING GAME. Wairoa, Aug. 20. Wairoa Sub-union defeated Poverty Bay here to-day by five points to three, after a good exciting game. Brownlie scored for the winners, Smith converting, while Harrison secured an unconverted try for the visitors. The play was fairly even, the Wairoa forwards counteracting the fine play of the Bay backs TARANAKI (3) v. OTAGO (0). Dunedin, Aug. 20. The Otago-Taranaki match was played at Carisbrook to-day in drenching rain, the ground being in the world possible condition, making spectacular play out of the question. The first spell was evenly contested, neither side scoring. Tn the second spell nice passing by the Taranaki nacks enabled Dennis to score a good try, which Brown failed to convert There was no further score, Taranaki winning by three to nil BULLER COLTS DO WELL. Westport, Aug. 20. In the presence of a large gathering under summerlike conditions, the Ashburton touring team this afternoon defeated Buller by 25 points to 19. The teams were very evenly match. The Buller selectors Died out some younger players, who* shaped very well JAPANESE ’VARSITY TEAM. FIRST GAME LOST. Sydney, Aug. 21. The Waseda University Japanese Rugby Union team played the first match in New South Wales against a State team. New South Wales won by 31 to six RESULTS ELSEWHERE. Wellington.—Outdoor games were played on Saturday in fine weather. For the first time in 29 years Old Boys have won the senior Rugby championship. Their defeat of Poneke by 24 points to nine and Marists’ defeat of Athletic by 19 points to 16 gave Old Boys the championship by three points. Both games were played on Athletic Park at the same time and occasioned great enthusiasm among the 9000 spectators. Old Boys’ win was very popular and thoroughly deserved. They played through the season a high grade football in the best college traditions, with great dash and consistency. Marists’ defeat of Athletie, who till then were but one point behind Old Boys in the championship, was a great effort. Marist never looked like getting beaten, their forwards playing as though inspired. Other results in senior Rugby were: Oriental (16) beat Perhampore (nil), Wellington (24) heat Petono (nil), Varsity (17) beat Hutt (7). Masterton.—Gladstone won the Wairarapa Rugby premiership to-day, defeating Carterton in the play-off by three to nil. Wairarapa juniors defeated Bush by 15 to 11 in a poor display on a heavy ground. ROSS SHIELD. NAPIER SCHOOLS WIN SEMI-FINAL. The Napier and Hastings primary school representatives tried conclusions on Nelson Park, Hastings, on Saturday, when the midgets gave quite a fair display. The home team, however, were outclassed particularly when it came to weight and Napier finished up the victors by 17 points to 9. Mclnnis. Sutherland. Reid, McLean and Watson each scored a try, Reid converting one for Napier. T’or Hastings Ryan scored a try, while Le Quesne kicked two goals—a penalty and a mark. Mr. C. Williamson refereed.

PIRATES’ RUNAWAY VICTORY Although matters did not look well for them the first round' of the competition, Pirates S 3 Pirates steadily unit proved their position M 8.0.8. nil. during the second round and had onlv to defeat M. 8.0.8. on Saturday at Napier to win the competition, and this they did, having a runaway victory by 53 points to nil. Pirates commenced with the wind behind them, and although Marists started off with a dash, the Blacks in ouick time had them defending their line. At first a few opportunities for Pirates went astray. However. Taylor soon paved the wav for the first score, sending Ellis and Huxtable awav. the winger scoring an unconverted try in the corner. A minute later McLea added a penalty goal. The Blacks had now got into their stride, their backs coming back with a splendid rush to again let Huxtable through, McLea converting. The next try was the result of a centre by Russell to Huxtable, and just before half-time Huxtable, for the fourth time, got across. From the kick-off Pirates were on the job to make a certainty of the result, and in a few minutes some beautiful combined plav ended in Ellis scoring, McLea converting. Two minutes later Tankard, from a forward movement, across. Further tries were then scored bv Huxtable (2) Bailey (2). Russell and Yates. while McLea converted three and Yates and Russell one each, making Pirates’ score 53 points. Although Marists were given a few opportunities towards the end. their efforts were of no avail. Mr A. E. Mcßryde refereed, CENTRAL HAWKE S BAY. WAIPUKURAU SUCCESSES. Special interest was centred in the championship fixtures plaj’ed on Saturday under the auspices of the Central "Hawke’s Bay Rugby Subunion, when two senior games were played, and junior, also school honours were determined on Russell Park, Waipukurau The Waipukurau team met the Onga Onga fifteen in a senior contest that was notable for open play and many interesting if not always scientific features. There was a large attendance of the public. Smales and Joe King were prominent early in the game, instituting a sttong attack upon the Onga citadel, and Waipukurau looked like scoring when Jim King sent the ball out to Scherf, who, however, missed the pass. Woodward gave a forceful kick and sent the ball in “no man’s land,” thus spoiling a good opportunity for registering a try. A passing rush soon followed, Joe King, Rangi and Jim King figuring in the movement, but the latter got in front of the pass from Rangi. Joe King a few minutes later kicked a penalty. Onga attacked, but Geenty came up from his position as full-back and opened up the play with a good run, passing to Woodward, who sent the leather on to Smith. A try resulted. Joe King was unable to goal. Dinnan centred well but Smales returned. Joe King was responsible for a good run but his brother was unable to make good owing to knocking on. Smales opened up the play and passed to Rangi, but the latter sought the pack instead of utilising the open side of the field. Ropia initiated a well directed attack, but the defence was sound. His second similar effort was, however, fruitful, a good run being followed by a pass to Grace, who scored a fine try. Parker failed to goal. Waipukurau t), Onga Onga 3.

Lp and down play followed, then Taylor availed himself of an opening near the Onga goal line and scored. Joe King converted. Rangi opened up the game with a high kick and eventually, on the call of half-time, Jim King dashed across the goalline. Joe was unable to add the major points. Waipukurau 14, Onga Onga 3. After a few minutes of even play Joe King kicked a penalty goal and brought the total to: Waipukurau 17, Onga Onga 3, Neilson was responsible for gaining much ground for the Blue and Blacks, but passed wildly and the attack was in consequence to little purpose. Dinnan headed a determined forward rush, and five minutes before the call of time Jim King outpaced his opponents and scored. Joe converted. Waipukurau 22, Onga Onga 3. McLeod centred to good purpose and Rangi broke through the opposition, closely followed by Dinnan, Spencer and Scherf, but the defence held good for a brief moment. Jim King capped his creditable scoring record by crossing near the corner, and touching down behind the goalposts. Joe goaled and the game ended: Waipukurau 27, Onga Onga 3. Mr. Colin Scott refereed. OLD BOYS DEFEAT TAKAPAU. After a very evenly contested came the Old Boys (Waipukurau) defeated Takapau on Russell Park. Waipukurau, bv the narrow margin of 3 points to nil. B, Nickalls was responsible for the decisive score in the form of a penalty goal in the first spell. Mr F Bayliss refereed. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP The Waipukurau junior team succeeded in defeating Tikokino and winning the championship. A keen contest for supremacy ensued, ind there was little to choose between the respective sides. Waipukurau scored a try in he first half. McKenzie making a good opening and passing to Welk, who sent the ball back to McKenzie, the latter forwarding it on to Wasson. C. White was unsuccessful with the kick. In the second half Stabler added to the total. White being_ again unable to convert. Mr A. E. Nicholson refereed SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES. The Central Hawke’s Bay primary schoolboys met a team from Dannevirke on Saturday, and the glime was followed with considerable interest bv a fairly large number of the spectators who assembled on Russell Park early in the afternoon Mr J O’Connor capably controlled rhe game, which was wn bv the Dannevirkians by 9 points to nil.

BASKETBALL.

FIRST HAWKE’S BAY REP. TEAM. SEND-OFF ON TUESDAY. Since the formation of the Hawke’s Bay Basket Ball Association scarcely three month ago basketball has boon securely established as a game for women and girls in Hawke’s Bav.

The division of teams into A and B. grades has been responsible for a big improvement in the standard of play. This improvement has been apparent to those who have followed the Wednesday and Saturday fixtures since the beginning of the season. The matter of selecting a representative team to take part i» the New Zealand tournament in Wellington provided some difficulty but a very good team has been selected, and for the past fortnight has been training for the tournament. The executive have arranged a function for Tuesday night at the Ritz, at 7.30 p.m.. to farewell the first representative Hawke’s Bav basketball team. The representative badges will be presented to the team during the evening, and She rest of the programme will consist of social items. Those who are interested in the progress of basket ball are invited to attend the farewell. An admission fee of one shilling will be charged. It is pleasing to note that Mrs Nesbitt one of the Hawke’s Bav selectors, has been appointed selector of the North Island representative team by the New Zealand Standing Committee.

GOLF.

HASTINGS CLUB. The following is the result of the fourth round of the President’s Shield played on Saturday last:— R. C. Somervell, 93—21 —72; P. G. Ballantyne, 87—10—77 ; G. H. Clark, 90—11—79; H. A. Fannin. 88_8—80; J. L. Foster, 91—11—80; D McCorkindale. £103—23—80; F. S. Candy, 93—12—81; F. S. Budd, 92—11 —81; H. de Denne, 102—20— 82—E. J. W. Hallett, 100—18-82; R. M. Egan. 99—17—82; E. A. Murley, 85—2—83; A. E. Day, 99—1683; W. M. Will. 99—16—83; G. McLeod, 104—20—84; E. L. Commin, 101-17-84; W. H. Wood. 98—13— 85; N. V. Greager, 99—14—85; J. Campbell. 91-6-8-5; W. R. Clark. 109—21—85; L. J. Mackersey, 100— 13-87; C. A. Pope, 102—14—88: A. Murky, 95—7—88; S. Baird. 108 -20—88; G. W. Estaugh, 107—18— 89.