RUGBY FOOTBALL

Horowhenua Chronicle, 5 September 1927, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MANAWHENUA STILL HOLD RANFURLY SHIELD.

DECISIVE VICTORY OVER

WANGANUI.

GREAT DISPLAY BY

VICTORIOUS

VANGUARD

HAWKE’S BAY DEFEAT

CANTERBURY

In their second Shield challenge match within four days Manawhenua defeated Wanganui by the substantial margin of 25 points to 6. The conditions wore ideal, the ground having practically recovered from the inundation of Wednesday. Manawhenua forwards were again the deciding factor, their fast and solid game disorganising and wearing down the def.ence. Wanganui also fielded a tine set of forwards who gave Manawhenua many anxious moments during the first spell, but condition told, and towards the cud of the game the challengers were overwhelmed by the dashing Manawhenua forward line.

The play was fast and exciting- from start to finish the roar of applause and encouragement scarcely dying down during the whole course of the game. A large number of Wanganui supporters were present and they considerably stimulated the hairacking. It is estimated that notwithstanding the counter-attraction of the Marton races the crowd was almost equal to that which watched Wednesday's game hgainst Taranaki. Although Manawhenua emerged the victors by a margin of nineteen points the game provided the crowd with plenty of thrills. The greater part of the exchanges were between the forwards altl\pugh the backs on a nunn her of occasions treated the crowd to some exciting play. Both sides were unlucky on one or two occasions in not getting across.

Beilis, the veteran “All Black” caused a lot of trouble to Manawhenua in the first spell, his experience plainly proving very useful to his side. He gave his backs many opportunities from the scrum and on the wlrole played one of the best games on the field, but faded away badly in the second spell. Leahy, Johnston and Jackson also played very sound games in the Wanganui frontal division. Jacob again was everywhere and where the fight was thickest, Galpin. Parsons, and Tremewan were generally in the van of a splendid pack for the champions.

As a back display, considering the state of the ground, the match was disappointing. Although there were frequent flashes of bright open play and many exciting moments that brought the crowd to its feet wifh a roar the general standard in both rear divisions showed considerable room for improvement. Both sides demonstrated that they possessed backs of undoubted individual ability but there appeared to be a lack of co-operation which in too i#any instances spelt disaster. The methods of the rearguards appeared to be somewhat haphazard and on few occasions did the ball travel right out without some break down. Manawhenua undoubtedly felt the loss of Brophy. There were frequent good movements in which two or three backs were associated but on the whole there appeared to be too much individualism apd too little cooperation. The work of Darby, the Wanganui full-back, delighted the crowd. He gave a splendid display, his kicking and anticipation being very fine. He saved his side on many occasions. Vangioni also gave the crowd a . lot of thrills andf is a player who should go far. Blythe, Ball, Wakeling and Jones also played good games for the blues.

Among the Manawhenua backs, Mullins, Parata and McDonald were very sound. Williamson, at full-back, wap not often tested and was rather shaky on occasion, while Roberts and Mete were decidedly disappointing. The concluding stages of the game showed a distinct improvement in the Manawhenua rearguard and the last twenty minutes were full of exciting and spectacular bursts of play.

The Game. For the' second time within four days thunderous applause greeted the wearers of the red, white and blue as they filed out first on to the/ficldil Skipper Jacob carrying “Teddy/’ the mascot of the team, who has already more than justified his inclusion. The Wanganui team, who met with fully as hearty a reception followed immediately, in their uniform of blue jersey and black shorts. Jacob kicked off with The sun slightly behind him and in a moment the home pack was hard on the leather, driving the blues to their line until Beilis cleared wuth a powerful

kick. Still Manawhenua continued the offensive, Parata transferring to Mete who hung on too long and was smothered. Play remained in Wanganui territory, the home pack making things willing until offside play by Leahy gave Manawhenua a penalty. Amid tense silence Jacob took the kick and a wild roar from the crowd announced that Manawhenua had opened their account within the first minutes of the game: Manawhenua 3, Wanganui 0.

Stirred by this early reverse, Wanganui came hard down field but good forward work on the part of Manawhenua broke up their back attack, the ball going out. From the resulting line out Parata got the leather away and Mullins kicked well up field with the home forwards coming up well under the ball. The Manawhenua backs, however, proved loss being very slow in getting off the mark. The ball went out to Roberts who failed to collect the pass and Wanganui took the leather with them through the home rearguard. A penalty. to Wanganui within good range saw Leahy miss a difficult kick and Hunt found the lino. Manawhenua drove back the invasion in a series of tight rucks in which Galpin did some very solid work until Blythe from a mark put the ball out of harm’s way. Wanganui gained f a. slight territorial advantage by screwing the scrum and an exchange of kicks followed between the backs. Williamson and Mullins both seemed to be unable to find the line at a time when the ball should have been put out of play and Manawhenua lost ground. The home backs were giving a very indifferent display, the inside men standing while taking the bail and, in losing ground every time it came out.

Taking the bail from halfway, Ball (Wanganui) dashed downfield but was effectually dealt with, Beilis however gaining ground with a good kick. Ball was again prominent in a loose rush but McDonald, Anderson and Jacob secured and brought the leather well back again. The home pack were having slightly the better of matters in the tight and pressed Wanganui back, but Beilis was restricting Parata’s activities and the backs did see rau ch of the ball. An' exchange of marks saw Manawhenua gain ground until Vangioni, who was ever a dangerous back, cut through the home defence amid wild excitement from the Wanganui supporters and raced almost to the line, only to lose the ball to Hunt. A scraxnble resulted, and a free kick to Wanganui for offside play saw Leahy equalise the scores vrtth a gbod penalty goal:

Manawhenua 3, Wanganui 3

Back swept the Manawhenua pack only to have Darby snap the ball from their toes and clear with a fine kick. Manawhenua returned to the charge ) but bad tackling on their part saw Heatlcy get in his kick and gain ground. A period of forward rallies followed until Darby stemmed a Manawhenua rush with a good mark. The rod, white and blues returned with a high kick and Darby, with the sun in his eyes, waited for the bounce giving Jacob, who was close on the ball, a good opportunity but Wanganui jus t managed to clear. Following a fine attempt to drop a goal from a free kick, Jacob led the attack again but Ball cleared. The Manawhenua backs gave their first exhibition as a combined force, gaining ground with a fast rush in which Parata was prominent, v Blythe attempted to work the blind hut Jacob and Parsons- dealt firmly with the outbreak. Wanganui continued to attack, slovenly handling however marring an attempted passing bout. Vangioni carried on the good work and had the crowd on its feet but just at the critical moment the fast five-eighth tripped and Ios t a promising chance. The Manawhenua rearguard was not utilising its opportunities at this stage and in both frontal and rear divisions Wanganui were having the better of matters. The home pack, however, soon asserted themselves and in a battle drove Wanganui fo their defences where McDonald, breaking through weak Wanganui tackling, fell over with a man clinging round his ankles Jacob’s kick was a “poster." Manawhenua 6 Wanganui 3.

Wanganui made a determined effort to pull up and Jones broke through only to bo pulled down. Leahy attempted to kick a penalty, but bis shot fell short. Wanganui forwards, however, continued to hammer at. the defence and their backs got going in a dangerous movement, the ball travelling right out to the wing, only for Jones to bo thrown out. Wanganui were fighting right on the Manawhenua lino and drove the ball over where Williamson elected to find the line instead of forcing. Still the battle raged in the Manawhenua twenty-five,

the blues testing every line of the defence until* with a slashing rush, theManawhenua pack broke the siege and harried Wanganui to their line where the struggle continued with unabated energy. The home pack were fighting hard for that last ten yards of territory but Wanganui relieved with a free kick. The Manawhenua backs essayed an attack, but once again faulty handling broke it upv Wanganui in their turn attempted to* open things up but here again a lack, of co-operation spoilt their chances; Breaking up a weak Wanganui passing rush Hunt snapped up and transferring to Mullins to Jacob who took the ball well into Wanganui territory. The home pack were getting among the defence and Jacob. leading a fierceloose rush, picked up and dashed over shortly afterwards converting, his own try. whistle sounded almost immediately afterwards: Manawhenua 11, Wanganui 3. I Second Half. Wanganui’s kick went out and following the halfway scrum. Darby gained a lot of ground with a powerful free kick, Wanganui backs opened things up. but Vangioni showed too great a tendency to cut in and was severely dealt with. Darby brought a roar of acclaim from the crOwtt with a spectacular run from full-back, tricking the home defence and gaining a lot of ground. Mullins, with theball at his toe. led Manawhenua back past halfway. Jackson and Johnston proved formidable in the line-outs and led Wanganui to the charge. Mullins and Jacob back and Darby cleared brilliantly with Mullins almost on top of him. Manawhenua’s shock battalion led by Parsons broke the defence, but once again the übiquitous Darby snatched the ball out of danger and’ cleared. The relief was merfely temporary, however, and Manawhenua. penned Wanganui to their line fighting to keep intact. From a scrum, in the corner, Jr’ai-ata worked the blind’ and McDonald punted short to follow it fast and beat the opposition to score in the corner. Jacob was successful with a fine; kick: Manawhenua 16, Wanganui 3. i Nothing deterred by the reverse, Wanganui brought all their forces Into action, and with a fast passing rush* came right upfield led by Watt. Vangioni beat Moses for the ball and sent lit out to Hartley for Johnston to ‘ secure a long pass from Beilis and score a well-earned try. The kick' failed: Manawhenua Wanganui 6. The Game Opens Up. From an exchange of high kicksVangioni put the ball out and from the resulting line-out Parata snapped* the ball out to Mullins who, amid wild excitement cut in beautifully almost to the line, McDonald was hard on his heels and carried on only to begrassed when a few. yards short.

Led by Parsons Galpin the pack crumpled up the opposition, but Darby as usual was wher e he was. wanted and cleared with a fine kickJohnston secured from the line-out' and bui'st upheld, but Parata intercepted his pass beautifully and put Manawhenua on the attack again, Wakcling however clearing well down-, the line.

Home Forwards Dominate. The homo forwards were now playing a slashing game which disorganised the Wanganui baclcs and opened up many opportunities. Jacob andGalpin fought through almost to thoWangamii line but a s always, Darby was amongst those present, and put the ball well out. Play was quickly changing and Beilis, intercepting a. pas s from Parata, gained considerableground. The home, pack retaliated sharply and from a loose rush Parsons* secured and dashed over. Jacob’s kick failed: Manawhenua 19, Wanganui C. Both teams were working hard, but the tireless Manawhenua forwards had. not broken the back of the opposition. Parata and Jacob were gettingamongst the Wanganui backs to somepurpose. Following a high kick from Jacob Hartley was nearly caught in possession but Watt put in some solid work and Parata was hard put to it to clear. At this stage. Mete who had received an injury to his knee, had to go off and was replaced by T. Parata. ,

Crawford put in a good solo effort down the line, but was effectually dealt with by Hartley. Parsons and Jacob led back a storming party and, following a good \ clearing kick bjr Darby, the ball went out to Mullins who transferred to Hunt who was pulled down, but McDonald was close in attendance and snapping up the ball crossed to score his third try near the posts. Jacob’s kick struck the upright: '

Manawhenua 22. Wanganui G. Manawhenna forwards wor G hammering the opposition mercilessly at this stage. bn t Vangioni cut through with a tricky run and gained a lot of ground. Crawford gave Wangjuiuf some strenuous work but he was pushed out. Right on the line, ManaW'honna worked like men possessed and Pnrata tried to bullock through only to be smothered in the press, Wanganui fought clear, following a

ball badly missed by Roberts. Williamson just managed to clear. Excitement In Closing Stages.

McDonald secured and with a fine 'solo run came right down the iine, bd'at Darby, and in a long pass to Hunt, who went over to touch down under the posts, only to be called back for a knock-on.' The Manawhenua .backs displayed improved combination In a faSf passing 'bout which gained ground. A free kick gave Wanganui a respite but good kicking by Roberts 'put Manawhenua up again. Roberts ‘ cut through nicely and Jacob carried ; on, but Darby came to the aid' of the party with a nice kick. Still Mana-

'whenua battered the hard-pressed blues and Parata, selling the dummy to a couple of bidders, cut through , prettily with Jacob close in attendance, but the ball went out at the corner.' From the line-out almost on the enemy line Tremewan secured and •bu Hocked over. Jacob missed as the whistle soupded; Manawhenua 25 Wanganui ........ .. 6 Mr. E. G. Clark, of Canterbury, controlled the game. Manawatu Juniors Victorious '' ( DEFEAT WANGANUI' 6—5. WANGANUI, Last Night! There was ideal weather for the match at Spriggen’s Park on Satur- / day.afternoon between Wanganui and * Manawatu juniors. The attendance was small. The home team opened with plenty of dash and went near scoring in the first few minutes. Rayner had a pot and missed. Page for the visitors cut in nicely at mid-field and only for tripping in f the twenty- ‘ five had a, fair chance. From a scrum opposite Wanganui's goal the ball came to Fletcher from a pass and he got ■over at the flag. Mills for Wanganui had a long' distance shot from a free kick, failed. Wanganui set up a solid attack . the visitors forcing. Wanganui continued to hold the visitors under pressure, but were unable to score. During a Manawatu attack Dixon in the twenty-five kicked into the arm s of a Manawatu player, who was within an ace of getting over, A few minutes later Dixon made up 4 for,this mistake by bringing off a fine tackle, i . At half time the scor e stood three nil in favour of the visitors. Manawatu were fortunate in getting a free kick in the opening of the Second spell and Benge sent it over. •• Play continued colourless. After a nice bit of in-passing in the twenty-five Ball passed to McGregor who scored near the posts. He converted his own. try: Manawatu 6, Wanganui 5. No further score resulted. . DOUBTFUL TRY DECIDES FAST GAME. "VISITING BACKS IN GOOD FORM.

‘ BUT DON’T REL-ISH FORWARD ' RUSHES. Napier, sept. 3. A splendid exhibition of Rugby was provided here this afternoon by the Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay repre- « sentativos when a, good contest resulted in a victory for the latter by 11 points -to eight. Notwithstanding the "fact that the Bay’s victory in points was due to what sgme considered a doubtful try they certainly were the best side on the play though ’ "by only a few degrees. The visitors won the toss and Bay : kicked, off against a very slight breeze Bmart clearing by the Canterbury inside backs proved effective against the home side's opening attacks which Tsopf play for the first few minutes in *the visitors' half. Then a long kick sent.the ball out at the Bay twentyrfive. From, a scrum Dailey set Stye I going round the blind side and he suc•cossfhlly pushed past the defence to score in the corner. LAlburtie concerted. ' f Canterbury ......... 5 Bay . . .. y 0 The home' side returned to the atI tack immediately and found the line at tho visitors’ twenty-five. A couple of scrums and an exchange of kicks ' took play into the Bay half. Steel got i vaway again, but Maurice ' Brownlie arrested his flight. A free kick let i the visitors dangerously close. Dailey secured from the scrum and handed to Scrimshaw who was brought do\yn near the line. Bay cleared from the scrum and a i good passing bout >by the backs '■changed defence into attack. Exciting play on the line made Canterbury supporters nervous, relief was ' gained by a timely force down. Ed- , wards worked the blind side for ■ Orcnside to make a good rim and then transfer to Corkill who finished a fine movement with a try in the I corner. Grenside missed the kick: I Canterbury .. < 5 •j Bay 3

' . ’ . Play continued for quite a time in neutral territory- Once or twice Harris electrified the crowd with ♦ wonderful line hides at times when most needed. • Cyril Brownlie dribbled from the I scrum, beat two red backs and Huxtv. able rushed in to gcore .well out. Grenside missed the kick: . Bay :. .. .. 6 Canterbury .. .. .. .. . . 5 From a scrum midway Dailey sent r 'the backs away and Robilliard’s speed s' /,■; V

let him over in the corner. Lilburne missed the kick:

Canterbury 8 Bay . i • 6 Twice. Maurice Brownlie put in great runs and as a result the visitors’ line was in danger, Huxtable lost a good chance by short kicking when he might have run in. Then the reds sought relief by a force- A mark by Dailey saved .the situation when the Bay were again attacking strongly. Th e Canterbury rearguard were very reticent about going up to meet the ball, otherwise their defence might have been more formidable. Half time came with play in midfield: Canterbury .. 8 ' Bay 6

■ Corkill was replaced by Rolls in the second spell and soon after the start Clarke went off with ankle trouble and was replaced by Gray. . Canterbury did the attacking at the opening, but the Bay forwards soon took command and Conrad dribbled away. Harris fell over the ball and certainly appeared to force down, but the referee gave the try to Conrad who touched after Harris had rolled away. Grenside'"converted: Bay .. .. .. 11 Canterbury 8 Both sides were now opening up the play and the ball travelled rapidly up and down, making the game interesting to watch. Dailey gave his inside backs of chances but they in turn did not do as much for their wings, their movements generally breaking down before getting far, Canterbury forwards, however, were doing better in the loose than in the first half and frequently had the Bay on the defence.

Barclay at wing forward was mainly responsible for smothering the red inside backs. Lilburne here had to retire with an old knee trouble and Payne came on. Leg trouble aiao drove off the Bay full-back Yato<s and Neal came on.

A breakaway from the Bay twentyfive saw the ball travel right to the (Canterbury line where Payne forced down. Bay kept up great speed which silenced the visitors but the reds contrived to keep the attackers and repeatedly return the play to midfield. Eventually the before the position became serious Bay again changed th e venue. Dailey got his side out of an awkward position by a smart clearance from the scrum to Robilliard. Time sounded with the scores: Bay 11 Canterbury . . ... 8

Auckland’s Eighth Win WAIRARAPA WELL BEATEN. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Auckland Rugby representatives had theirs eighth successive victory by defeating'Wairarapa at Eden Park on Saturday by 12 points to 3. The weather was fine and the ground in good order. The match was watched by 25,000 spectators. There was no score at half-time. Early in tire second spell the referee awarded Cooke (Wairarapa) a try for obstruction. Berridge equalised ten minutes later with a penalty goal. In the final stages Auckland scored three tries in quick succession, Hook, Woods and McWilliams touching down. Wellington Defeats Otago WELLINGTON, Last Night. Wellington defeated Otago on Saturday at Athletic Park in the presence of a very large attendance of spectators by 24 points to 16, after a very fast, sometimes spectacular and always interesting game. Wellington won because they were better able last the great pace that was set. Manawatu Junior Heps. The following will represent Manawatu juniors against Wellington juniors on Wednesday Sept. 7th: Full-back; Three-quarters: Sutherland (L.) Fletcher (H.S.), Morgan (K.T.). • Five-eighths: Page (H.S.), Benge (P.). * • : Half: Waugh (O.B.). Rover: Sutherland (L.). Hookers: Flowers (W.), -Scott (F.). Lock: Rae (K.T.). Supports; Powell (B.), Wiison (H.S.). Back row**: Kerrigan (St. P.), Lancaster (O.B.). Emergencies, backs: McKenzie (St. P.). Gibbs (B.), Norris (H.S.); forwards: Hepburn (F.), Clcvely (H.S.). Players are requested to be at the Sh6wground gates at 1 sharp.