Rugby Football

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 163, 25 June 1928, Page 7

Rugby Football

Good Games In Hawke’s Bay

Pirates Now Have Good Lead

Hastings Defeat H. 5.0.8. Three good games eventuated in the ninth series of the Hawke’s Bay Union’s Cup competition played on Saturday at Hastings and Napier. Conditions were good, and the play was open and fast. The game between Hastings and H. 5.0.8. was a spectacular one, Hastings coming out of the fray with a margin of two points. The fans were given a great game in the Pirates-M.A.C. fixture, the Collegians being defeated by 14 points to 9. The poorest game of the three was that between Celtic and Technical Old Boys. Celtic won by 10 points to 8.

HASTINGS v. H. 5.0.8. The second meeting of Hastings and High School Old Boys took place at Nelson Park, Hastings, on Saturday before a fair attendance of Rugby fans. Interest was maintained from the initial kick-off to the final whistle, for the eighty minutes’ play was pro ductive of good Rugby by both sides. The home team ran out tne victors by 13 points to 11. Hastings set the ball rolling, and the forwards placed them on the attack by a series of short rushes. From a line-out the ball passed through the hands or the inside backs to Bramwell, who kicked across the line, with Kingston following up fast to beat Johnson for possession and score. Fisher failed to raise tire ball with the kick. With but three minutes gone and as many points against them, Old Boys followed up the kick-out. The forwards gained the twenty-five, from where Rolls made a futile pot at goal. Graham fumbled his catch, and the White pack swarmed over him. A desperate forward scramble ensued on the Hastings line, but the Yellows prevailed to reach the halfway. Again Old Boys, led by Steere, Heffernan and McNeill attacked, but Campbell and Fisher drove them back to past half-way. Still the Whites were not to be denied, and pressed the Yellows back into the quarterway. Here Couper was offside, and Johnson evened up the score with a penalty goal. A series of thrusts were made by the Whites but the Yellows were defending hard. Still another rush was undertaken, the White forwards carrying all before them, and with three of them in a line, with only Graham to beat, a try looked a certainty. However, the pass was drops ped and Hastings brought off a lucky save. The Yellows sent play into Old Boys’ territory, but not for long. Neal and McNeill broke away with the ball at their feet, and in a wonderful dribbling rush that covered sixty yards, McNeill picked up the hall to send his comrade flying across the line between the ]>osts. Johnston had no difficulty in adding the extra two points. 'it was now the home team’s turn to score, and they set about it in earnest. The pack forced play to Old Boys' twenty-five, where Fisher narrowly missed a penalty goal. Keeping up the attack, the Hastings backs came into action. Twice they launched attacks on the left wing, but they could not pierce the defence. The right wing was then tried, and after every back had handled the ball in a passing bout, Kingston crossed near the corner. With a great effort Fisher made the score eight all. Following on this reverse, the Old Boys’ forwards took up the offensive and gained the twenty-five. Cooke, as the result if a blind side attack, gained another ten yards, and from the line-out the ball went to Rolls, who hullocked his way to the goal-line, but was held up when under the bar. Hastings bad to force to clear. Play hung in neutral territory for some time. Old Boys were slowly gaining a territorial advantage when the home forwards broke away and then sent the ball out to their backs. Bramwell kicked up-field and Johnson fumbled to allow* Kirton to gather in with full steam and score in the corner. Fisher, placing the ball a few inches from the side-line, kicked and the ball struck the post to bounce over the bar. Old Boys then altered their tactics and utilised the rearguard more than thev had been doing. South made a beautifl opening and short-punted to Heffernan, who was tackled by Kingston, but the exit ellingtonian regained possession only to be held up on the line. Graham executed a hasty save Old Boys again attacked and Cooke made an unsuccessful kick at goal from the field. Keeping up the pressure, Cooke and Cashmore found in opening, but the ex-Aueklander lost possession in the act nf touching down. On the call of the interval Kingston, with a dash down the '■ideline, brought play to halfway. The change over was effected with the score reading 13-8 in favour of Hastings who were not long in Assuming the attack. Beuth, Wilson and Roach were in a promising passing bout that was nullified by a wild pass to Kirton from Roach. Hastings kept play on the quarterway for a while, then Kirton and Fisher broke away the bounce of the ball just beating the former when on the goal-line. A few minutes later Johnson also beat Roach by the bounce of the ball on the line. Then Campbell and Botherway in turn essayed individual attempts to pierce the defending line of backs. Both were grassed when near the line. Botherway and Bramwell, with well-judged kicks into touch, assisted in repelling efforts 10 raise the siege. However, the defence could not be penetrated, and thanks to Rolls and South, Old Boys finally gained the home quarter-way after twenty-minutes of strenuous defence. A brief 'struggle ensued in Hastings territory; then, from the ruck, Cashmore gained possession ’.O send Chetwin across near the cornoi for a good try. Johnson failed to even up the score. Old Boys set out to overtake the margin, and the White rearguard were given plenty of the ball. Twice Johnson made futile kicks at the sticks from the field. Heffernan broke away from a scrum and transferred the ball to his backs, but they were well marked Thanks to a well-directed kick no touch by Graham, Hastings were able to clear to midway. Then ensued a clashing of the packs in midfield. This was followed by Chetwin finding 1 be line near the corner flag, but ’he Hastings forwards repulsed the Whites. However. it was only a short respite, lor Old Boys gathered

up their forces and a combined effon saw them once more battling hard tn front of the posts, Twice Rolls hung on too long after piercing the defence, and this enabled the Yellows to clear. It was then their turn to attack Campbell, Roach. Beuth, and Botherway essayed thrusts, but McNeill. Heffernan and Strachan worked overtime on defence to keep the Yellows at bay. Campbell essayed a kick at goal, but failed: then South made n spectacular opening to send Chetwin streaking un-field. However, Graham took a flying dive and upset the winger, and Hastings cleared to midfield. Shortly afterwards time was called with the score reading:—Hastings 13, H. 5.0.8. 11. Mr W. O’Neill refereed. PIRATES (14) v. M.A.C. (9) The championship leaders succeeded in defeating M.A.C. by 14 points to 9 after an interesting game at Napier. Neither side scored in the first spell, but shortly after resuming Pirates piled up their 14 points in quick time, and it looked as though they would put up a cricket score, but such was not the case. The Collegians rallied and, although playing against a strong wind, crossed Pirates’ line three times, and it was only by sheer ill-luck that they were deprived of victory. The winners' calculations were frequently upset by the tactics of the visitors who handled the ball with great precision. Frequently the Black forwards broke through, but the drastic tackling and lightning-like manoeuvres of the M.A.C, backs completely upset repealed attacks. There was very little to relate of interest during the first spell, neither side being able to finish off r.nj of their movements. On changing over Pirates soon got to work, carrying play to the visitors’ twenty-five. They opened their scoring account with what looked a doubtful try. The ball, from a lineout, went through the backs to Huxtable, who lost possession when but a yard off the line. McDonald gained possession and dived over in the corner when the line umpire’s flag went- up. but the referee ruled otherwise The crowd showed that their sympathies were with M.A.C. The next try by Pirates was of a very different nature. The visitors mulled a high kick on the line, which let McDonald,_ who had followed up, secure to dive over and score a surprisingly easy try. McLea converted. Two minutes later from a scramble S. Russell scored an unconverted try. The Collegians were by no means dismayed and for a time some hot play ensued, resulting in a player from each side being ordered off the field. Pirates, after some further hammering, were able to let Huxtablee over. McLea’s kick was a failure. Flinging the ball about in a manner which delighted the crowd, the Collegians swept through the defence, M. Purcell being sent in by Leti to score well out. The kick failed. A few minutes later M.A.C., as a result of several hard rushes, were within easy distance of the line and Purcell again scored, scrambling over the line with a number of opponents hanging to him. The kick was not allowed. Working with great heart the Collegians, by means of several sweeping rushes, were soon back into Pirates’ twentyfive, and from a line out Leti secured and dashed over to score a fine try. The kick was a poster. Time was then sounded with the score 14 points to 9 in Pirates’ favour. Mr. L. Jago refereed. CELTIC (10) v. T.C.0.8. (8) There was very little to arouse the spectators in the clash between Celtic and T.C.0.8. at Napier,, in which the former won by 10 points to 8. With the wind in their favour during the first spell Celtic secured two converted tries, giving them a lead of 10 points. On changing over the Greys made play willing and it looked as though they would pull the game out of the fire. Celtic opened the game vigorously and in a moment were on their opponents’ line. After two or three sorties Eddy broke away, and on being tackled was thrown against the posts, but was given a try. Larkin added the extra points. The visitors continued to be dangerous, but good linekicking and tackling helped the defenders. Following a lull of dull play J. Blake livened matters up by securing well out and in a fine run beat a number of opponents to touch down between the posts. Larkin easily converted. The spell ended shortly afterwards. It was not long after resuming that Technical showed what they could do with the wind, and following up a strong attacking movement Yarwood gained possession to cross well out. Manning found the angle too difficult. A long period of lineouts and kickinn followed, play being of a very drab nature. Nearing the closing stages the margin of points between the teams, was further reduced when Evans, with a clever run, got over near the posts, giving Manning an easy shot at goal. The Greys now made desperate efforts to score, the last few minutes of the game being quite exciting, but Celtic’s defence rose to the occasion and the game ended without further score. Mr. 11. Fergusson ably controlled the game. JUNIOR GRADE. Hastings Section. Waimarama v. . Hastings.— This proved a hard-fought and interesting gniiic. the country team causing a surprise by drawing with the .Yellow

and Blacks. 14 all. At times there was some unnecessarily rough play, two Hastings lads being carried off and one warned. Waimarama’s account was opened by Thomas, then K. West kicked a penalty goal and Thomas scored a try for Hastings. The Waimarama Thomas evend up matters for the interval by again scoring. After the interval Taupo scored for the country team, but West kicked another penalty goal in return. Hastings then went to the front as the result of a try by Galbraith and a conversion by West. Just before time J'homas scored his third try for Waimarama, and Collier evened up the scores. Mr G. A. Maddison refereed. Tamatea v. H. 5.0.8, (B).— The steadily improving Maori team recorded another success bv defeating the Old Coys B team hy 16 to 6. Though playing two short, Old Boys held a 6-3 advantage at the interval, thanks 10 two tries by Johnston. For Tamatea, Thomas scored a try. After the change over, the Maoris had no difficulty in reducing the margin, and then piling up the points. Jury scored a try, which Harvey converted, to give Tamatea the lead. This was followed hy Wamona scoring an unconverted try, and Nnku a try, which Tomoana converted. Mr W. Thurlow refereed.

Celtic v. Havelock North,— This game was played at the Village, and resulted in a win for the Celts. The Villagers were three short on the opening spell but they managed to keep the visitors down to a 6-5 score. Fitzgerald and Duigan each scored for Celtic, while Ross-Griffith scored a converted try for Havelock North. After the change over the Villagers found one recruit, but they broke down in condition. The Celts managed to add eight points by way of a try and a converted try before the final whistle blew. Mr C. Foster refereed. Napier Section. H. 5.0.8. v. High School.— This was a spectatcular and fast game, both sides utilising the back formation whenever possible. School opened is account with a try by Findlay. However, the scores were evened up by Martin getting a try before the interval. After the change over Old Boys had the better of the game. Brathwaite was given a grand opening, and scored. Towards the end of the spell, Old Boys finalised matters by Martin scoring a try and converting it to make the total 11-3. Mr W. Forrest refereed.

Pirates v. M.B.O.B.—The Blacks had no difficulty in accounting for Marists. Thanks to Coutts and H. Cohen, they lead 6-0 at the interval, but after the “lemons” Marists went to pieces. Grey, Nairn, H. Cohen, Simpson and Hayes all scored a try apiece, three of them being converted bv Coutts to make the final score 21-0. Mr C. Lonergan refereed. Technical College Old Boys won by default from Clive. THIRD GRADE. , Hastings Section. High School Old Boys defeated Celtic, 11-6. Hastings defeated Havelock North, 16-0. Napier Section. High School Old Boys defeated Pirates 9-3. Technical Old Boys defeated Marists Old Boys 8-0. FOURTH GRADE. Hastings Section, High School B defeated Hastings, 19-6. Celtic defeated High School Old Boys, 27-0. Napier Section. High School A defeated Marist Bros. Old Boys 30-0. High School Old Boys defeated Taradale 30. Technical College defeated Pirates. 11-9. Technical Old Boys defeated Clive, 9-0. High School B and C drew, no score. FIFTH GRADE. Napier Section, Technical College A defeated High School B, 52-0. High School A defeated School D, 45-0. Pirates defeated Schoo’ C, 32-0. IN CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY Rugby competitions were continued at Waipukurau on Saturday. The results were as follow:— Senior Competition. Onga Onga (16) beat Waipukurau (9). Mr. C. Scott refereed. Junior Competition, Waipukurau (6) drew with Tikokino (6). Mr. Nicholson refereed. Te Aute (6) defeated Old Boys (3). Mr. T. Geenty refereed. Third Grade. Waipukurau (14) defeated Old Boys (6). Mr. W. Wilton refereed. Primary School Games. Porangahau (27) defeated Takapau (0). IN OTHER CENTRES. Wellingtcn. — Senior A: Petone 3v. Welllington 8. Athlete 9 v. University 9, Old Boys 14 v. Poneke 21, Berhampore 27 v. Marist 8, Eastbourne 22 v. Oriental 12. Senior B: Hutt 8 v. Wellington 3, Selwyn 3, University 14. Manawatu.— Boys’ High School 12 v. Wairarapa Boys’ High School nil. Auckland.— Old Boys 11 v. Manakau 3, Ponsonby 28 v. City 6, Varity 14 v. College Rilles 0, Marists 15 v. North Shore 3, Grafton 8 v. Training College 0, King's College 11 v. Grammar 5. Bush.—Hukanui 11 v. Pahiatua 0, Konine 9 v. Mangatainoka 3. Taranaki.— Star 11 v. Eltham 0, Clifton 6 v. Old Boys 6, Inglewood 10 v. Tuukapa 7, Stratford 40 v. Okato 0. Christchurch.— Varsity 25 v. Merivale 6, Old Hoys 20 v. Linwood 0, Christchurch 33 v. Albion 15. Dunedin.— University A v Southern 3, Zingari 3 v. Taierj 3, pirates 23 v. Dunedin 8. Alhamba 22 v. Union 11, Kaikorai 14 v. Varsity B 3. Timaru.— Old Boys 36 v. Star 3, Zingari 0 v. Wuihi 6, Celtic 7 V. Temuka ®