RUGBY NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1075, 23 July 1924, Page 11

RUGBY NOTES.

SENIOR CONTEST. ' AN INTERESTING POSITION. THREE TEAMS IN RUNNING. SATURDAY’S GAMES REVIEWED. (By “Cross-Bar.”) The continuation of the senior games on Saturday did little to determine the 1924 champions. Kia- Tor certainly made their position better and the double blues now seem to have an excellent prospect, of gaming the honours. However, both Woodvi 11c, who closely follow them, and Foikkiig are liable.to ujrset the present order, bedding on their home ground on Saturday proved no mean opposition and, until the second half hud advanced considerably, they promised to ruin the prospects of Old Roys. The visitors then asserted their superiority in the rear division and were somewhat unlucky not to snatch an eleventh hour victory. The sharing of the 22 points scored, however, still gives Old Boys a chance to make good, but the meeting with Kia Too. on Saturday week will make or mar their prospects. In the junior grade the upsetting of Burinythorpo in their forward march by Old Boys had tho effect of evening up matters in, this division and Bunnythorpe (18) and Old Boys, High School and Western (16) are all in the firing line. Old Boys and High School are a match in arrears, and us they will oppose each other the two points will be eagerly sought after.

FEILDING’S BIG EFFORT. Following on their defeat by V estern United Feeding did not promise to be very formidable as Old Boys were, for the first occasion for some Saturdays, fielding a full team, both Brophy and Galpin being included. The homo team, however, also regained Bailey, who has likewise, been an absentee owing to injuries, and with tho inclusion of some new material were a rejuvenated side. 'lho polo ground was in a wretched condition and Old Boys foolishly attempted to play their opponents at their own game and it was not till defeat stared them in the face that they endeavoured to make the game open. Stvainson’s penalty goal and conversion from difficult angles played a big part in the issue. A simple try by Bramwell from an opening made by Darragh raised the score to 11 —3 in the home team’s favour shortly after recommencement in tho second half, but thereafter Old Boys rame into their own and, save for one dangerous onslaught right on the line, held the upper hand. Old Boys, despite their number of good kickers, have been singularly unfortunate on occasions. At Woodville, Akuira missed a gift goal from a try between the posts, while on Saturday Law repeated the performance. Tho next kick was taken by Brophy, who made no mistake, hut, with the final try —an almost equally simple kick —he failetl to get the heavy ball to rise. The scoring points were distributed thus: Feilding, two tries, quo goal, one penalty goal to three tries, one goal. Brophy, despite his long absence, showed that he hud lost none of his dash. His try which opened Did Boys’ scoring account was the outcome of a beautiful cut in. His greatest triumph was, however, tho try presented IC. G. Seeker. Obtaining in mkllield from an opening by Purcell, he elocted to cut back infield and, side-stepping several opponents, sent, on a final pass to Seeker for the latter to run in. Ilis play was, however, marred in the closing moments by two lost opportunities. Seeker endeavoured to return the compliment by a brilliant solo effort which left his centre the way clear to run in. but his pass out. was knocked on. A few seconds later he gave Law an impossible pass when a score appeared certain. Galpin proved very useful on the lineouts and stood the heavy test well. Carroll and Glendinning were frequently prominent in the loose, the latlor’s pace enabling him to get hack and save repeatedly. Stewart played from bell to bell anti he was unfortunate in not being rewarded with a try on one occasion. Akuiru’s services were lost early with the result that Rose moved up to half and McKenzie came out of the pack to five-eighths. The change worked surprisingly well, although at times McKenzie showed an inclination to kick. I’urcell, who partnered him, was responsible for some very niefcly executed movements. In the home side, Swainson got through some heavy work in commendable style, but Bailey, despite the fact that he played with his wrist in a splint, and Earl were the outstanding figures. Drummond and Darragh, however, put in some solid defensive work. Lawrence, at wing forward, played at great game, and was closely attended by Bowler. Fortune has not smiled over kindly on last season’s runners-up, hut they have still to be contended with.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. TEAMS’ SCORED ANALYSED. Saturday witnessed the conclusion of the second round of tho championship series and the following analysis of the scoring of the competing teams may be of interest to readers:

Kia Toa. —For 25 tries. 3 penalties, 6 goals from tries, 96. Against: 12 tries, 2 penalties, 3 goals from marks, 4 goals from tries 59.

Woodville. —For: 15 tries, 2 penalties, 5 goals from tries, 61. Against: 18 tries, 2 penalties, one goal from mark. 4 goals from tries, 71.

Old Boys.—For: 27 tries, 3 penalties, 4 goals from marks, 9 goals from tries, 120. Against: 14 tries, 2 penalties, 4 goals from tries, 59.

Feilding.—For: 17 tries, 3 penalties, one “potted” goal, 6 gouls from trios, 76. Against: 26 tries, one penalty, one “potted” goal, 7 goals from tries 99. Western United. —For 17 tries, one penalty, one “potted” goal, 3 goals from tries, 64. Against: 30 tries, 5 penalties, one “potted” goal, 10 goals from tries, 129. Note. —The annulment of the Old BoysWestern United game in tho first round, however, reduces Old Boys’ points for to the extent of two tries and three penalties, thus bringing their total down to 105. Western lost four tries and one goal from a try, reducing their total to 50. A corresponding reduction is thus made in the total of points against each club. INDIVIDUAL HONOURS.

Kia Toa. —Mullins, 5 tries, 3 penalty goals, 5 goals from tries, 34 points; Lecder, 5 tries, 15 points; McDonald, Aitchison and Weir, 3 tries, 9 points each; Wasley ami Weston, 2 tries, 6 points each; Doherty and Callender, one try, 3 points each; Dustin, one goal from try, 2 points. Woodville.—Wade 2 tries. 3 penalties, 5 goals from tries, 25 points; Cowie and W. .Jones, 2 tries, 6 points each; Oxenhnin, McC'onaehy, Dobbyn, Wigzell, Mail', Harding. Peebles, Gleeson, one try each, 3 points.

Old Boys.—Akuira, 3 penalties, 2 goals from marks, 3 goals from tries, 21 points; Carroll, 6 trios, one goal from try, 20 points; Seeker, 6 tries, 18 points; Glendinning, 4 trios, 12 points; Brophy, 3 tries, one goal from try, 11 points; Law, 2 tries, one goal from mark, one goal from try, 11 points; Rose, one try, one goal from mark, 6 points; Hope, 2 tries, 6 points; Johnstone 3 goals from tries. 6 points; Beban, Anderson and E. G. Seeker, one try, 3 points each. Feilding.—Swainson, one try, 3 penalties, 6 goals from tries, 24 points; Bailey, 5 tries, 15 points; Lawrence, 3 tries, 9 points; Earl, one try, one potted goal, 7 points; Reid and Bramwell, 2 tries, 6 points each; -Mason, Russell and Bowler, one try each, 3 points. Western United. —Pycroft, 2 tries, one potted goal, 2 goals from tries, 14 points; Stvan, 3 tries, one goal from try, 11 points; Cockroft, 3 tries, 9 points; Sly,. 2 tries, one penalty, 9 points; O'Reilly and Neill, 2 tries, 6 points; FI. Algar, Crawford and Evans, one try each, 3 points. By the annulment of the Old BoysWestern United game, Akuira loses 9 points, Seeker and Hope 3 points each. Sly 6 points, Swan 5 points and E. Algar 3 points.

THE ALL BLACKS IN SYDNEY. A local resident who is in Sydney writes as follows regarding the recent visit of the All Blacks to that city: Nopia has been a failure so far (up to ond of second test) and the other members of the team are disappointed over his play. They think his

failure is due to nervousness. Cooke h • made a good reputation for him sell am still greater things are predicted ot Ur™ on the liomo tour. The latter remarks a. apply to Porter who is in the pmK o condition. The All Blacks’ conduct, and general appearance have brought them inio great favour and New Zealand should be proud of their representatives. JOTTINGS.

Members of the Canterbury Referees -Association on Monday night presented Mr S. P. Wilson, president oi the Canterbury Rugby Union, who will leave with the All Blacks to represent New Zealand at the Imperial Rugby Conference, with a pair ol gold sleeve-links and a set of studs and an attache case. Many tributes were paid to Mr Wilson for his long years of hard work in the cause of the Rugby game.