RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 176, 29 June 1925, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

OLD BOYS DEPOSE LEADERS. GREAT BATTLE IN MUD. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. Seniors. Old Boys 6 v. Kia Toa 0. Feilding 0 v. Woodvillo 0. J uniors. Sigh School 6 v. Kia Toa 5. Jockey town 3 v. Feilding 0. Western United 6 v. ,\Voodville 3. Linton 14 v. Bunnythorpe 3. Third Grade. < • Feilding 0.8. 34 v. Technical 0.8. 9. Jackeytown 19 v. Western United 0. Kia Toa 42 v. Old Boys B 0. Fourth Grade. Jackeytown 19 v. Western United —? Kia Toa won by default from Feilding. Feilding H.S. won by default from Woodville, Fifth Crade. Albion 15 v. Gordon 3. Phoenix 9 v. 'J technical B 0. Technical A 14 v. Kia Ora 0. Sixth Grade. Albion 11 v. Phoenix 0. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES.

64 23 23 8 543 543 64 The promise in tho early morning of favourable conditions for outdoor sport cm Saturday did not hold good, light rain setting in before noon which in the late afternoon became a steady downpour. As a result the playing areas were rapidly converted into seas of mud and play was confined practically to forward struggles. Of the programme presented at the Showgrounds, chief interest naturally centred in the meeting of Kia Toa and Old Bovs in their fight for leadership. The conditions Were expected to favour the Kia Toa packmen, but, despite the fact that the activities of the Old Boys’ sewing division Wet* curtailed, tho black forwards put up a surprising display and carried the figiit in tho second spell practically throughout. Tile inclusion of Reid, the former Wairarapa representative, did much to stiffen Old Boys’ frontal division, lie signalling his entry by figuring prominently throughout, and it is quite probable that lie will be found in the representative team when it next takes (lie field. The contest contained many exciting incidents, tho forward work on both sides being excellent, yet strangely enough the first score of the mnteh tvas forthcoming / from a pretty rearguard movement on the part of Old Boys. The interval found Old Boys three points up, after having had a shade the worst of matters, but on resumption they carried tho fight, to the , blues and tho spell was a direct reversal of the first as far as territorial advantage was concerned. The blncks added a further try—one which carried with it an elemetit, of luck —but on the day they fully deserved their victory, and the team met with a great reception as the members filed off the field. The heavy going upset the even tenor of Feilding, who opposed Woodvillo on tho latter’s ground, the call of time finding the score-sheet a blank. The outcome of file matches places Old Boys in the lead, the blacks holding a point advantage over their opponents of Saturday, but Kia loa are a match in arrears. Feilding, a 3 a result of their draw, occupy tho same rung as tho double blues, but like Old Boys nro a match in advance. Western United, who had drawn tile bye, filled in the day usefully by playing a friendly game with Pahiatua. They were, however, unable to field a full team and suffered defeat by 14 points to 3. , In the junior grade Higli School and Kia Toa had a close struggle, the schoolboys winning in tho closing moments by a bare point. Jackeytown were instrumental in lowering the colours of Feilding and thus materially improved Old Boys chances Tile other positions on tho ladder underwent little change, Western United accounting for Woodvillo after a keen and close contest, while Linton obtained their first victory at the expense of Bunnythorpe, who are making a further effort to carry on.

a ! titanic struggle. OLD BOYS DEFEAT KIA TOA. Despite the wretched conditions there was an excellent attendance to witness the senior clash between Kia Toa and Old Boys, and onlookers were rewarded with a slashing display in which there were many electrical incidents which brought.the crowd on the stand to their feet. Play commenced at 2 45 p.ui., and when the teams hied out on to the area it was noticed that. McArthur, who is nursing uli injured ankle, was an absentee, McSweeny replacing him on the left wing, while Retd the newcomer from Wairarapa, was partnering Anderson in the front row. Kin loa iielded their full team, the unhappy incident which threatened to cause a disruption in local circles having been successful.y over come. The sides which lined out were as under: Old Boys (black): Barling, McSweeny, Brophv Palmer, Evans, McKenzie Akuna, Glendlnning, Stewart Reid, Anderson, Hope Galpm, omith, uuy. Toa: Weston, Deeder. Mullins, Strange, Chadwick; Wnflley, Eyre, -McDonald Boldt, Mardon, Jackson, Bryce, Dohei‘ssr&srci southern goal with the. slight breeze and S'„ .4-5 stor. “ pLwd To Mullins, «lio made tf '"'-|' - vi l h down to Weston, the_ Kia, (lndjng stemming blu^a worked downfield, and McKenzie coming to earth ss&rsi*. “>su«w‘ and Mullins was presented hjs tunity to open Km j front. Brophv shot passed acrOHs thc g al The lining out beyond the twenty their blues continued to j,’yre launched e. opponents territory, . M passing along rearguard movetneh , ej d strange, tlio to Chadwick, to Me (or SUCC ess, but winger making a hold c o(re The kick the attack culminated in *- j nmediately tiio out passed into touch but mun nnJ blues were back on the at e n i„g danger. Bryce in close sucoessi contesting The black forwards, who f a . every inch, transferred the **r jsssd , st£~, & js tszstirxtf&sz AKUIRA’S LOST TRY. ■a. s-«r" “d”"?"' s:k tained by the b, ack , Scored possession defenCe ‘ Whe "

right on the line he was tackled and lost possession of the ball, which slipped from his grasp, Weston saving by diving in to force. Play returned to the black zone, a fast follow up by Pragnoll catching Evans, who was finding’ difficulty in bundling tho treacherous oval, in possession, but .a spectacular dribble by McKenzie transferred play in a (lash. The forwards joined in and swept right to the corner, but when a score seemed certain, to follow the rush was halted opportunely by Leader. Off-side play by Jackson saw Akuira make a big effort to turn the opportunity to account, the heavy ball passing just outside the post. The scene of hostilities gradually changed, tho blues, aided by short forward rushes and two fine runs by Strange on the left wing, carrying the attack back into foreign territory. Their efforts appeared to bear fruit when Ey/e, working tho blind side, opened up a short passing bout with Strnlige, and the winger giving the half a reverse pass, tho latter ran in amidst freat excitement in the Kia Toa ranks. lowever, the hail was recalled, Strange having passed into touch en route. Barling at this stage was being frequently called upon, but was proving vory sound, and play was fluctuating between the two zones, with the blues having the longer periods on the attack. From olio invasion by the blacks, Akuira opened up to McKenzie, Who sent oil to Brophy. atid the centre, drawing the defence, gave Palmer an open field, and the winger dashed over wide out. Akuira made u good, but fruitless effort to goal. Old Boys 3, Kia Toa 0. Directly following the kick out, a flee kick against the blacks enabled Mullins to line out well down in black territory, and a second breuch provided Feeder with a long range shot at goal, but he failed to find the posts, Brophy kicking to touch. Tito blues made great efforts to even up the scores before the spell closed. Feeder made a dash along tho touch line, Akuira stemming his passago with disastrous results. For a moment it appeared as though the half-back had beeh rendered hors de combat, but he recovered and carried on. From the lino out, the blue forwards rushed over the line, but Barling kicked into touch in goal just as McDonald throw himself at the leather. An over-hard kick compelled Akuira to seek refuge in a force, and under the force of the continuous assaults the black line threatened to buckle, but it held sound, and half-time found play still in their territory, but with their line intact. A DIRECT REVERSAL. Although Kia. Toa gained tho initial advantage on resumption, the tide gradually turned, and it was evident, that the blacks were instilled with (lie thoughts of victory. for by sheer dash in. their frontal division they forced their way into foreign territory and, save only at brief intervals, confined play to that zone. For quite a period play hung just within Kia Toa’s twenty-live, line out succeeding line out without any material benefit to either side. Finally, failure to field by Evans let the blues work tree, but back worked the black forwards. Reid. Anderson and Galpin heading the rush. The onrushing packmen swept right down to the line, but a blue player stepped in to bring off a timely save by forcing in the teeth of the rush. The blues were hot, however, done with, a strong rush carving them well down into the danger quarter, the manner in which rush and counter rush succeeded one another raising the crowd to a higli pilch of excitement. Back swept, the blacks, blue after blue player endeavouring to stein their path, but. on they went right down into the corner where, from the succeeding line out, Gleridiiniing knocked down and fell on the leather to score the eecond try. Again Akuira just failed to pilot the heavy bull between the posts. Old Boys 6, Kia Toa 0.

The blacks were now playing in winning vein and Kia Toa were early culled upon to hotly defend their lino. The blues made one invasion over the half-lino, IjTil Barling sent them hurrying hack, and from a loose kick past the goal front, Gicndiiilltiig fell inches short, play Sweeping over him into the corner, where Chadwick forced. It was found that, the Old Boys’ rover hail sustained a head injury necessitating his retiring. Dalgety came on. McKenzie moving tip to the side of the scrum, ami the newcomer to the five-eighth line. Lcedcr, on the right wing for Kia Toa, was seeking opportunities and kicking to that wing was giving ''him plenty of work, but they were practically solo efforts, and little benefit was derived. On one occasion this player, as the result of a kick through the centre, threatened danger, but Palmer, displaying a great turn of speed, outpaced him and saved a ticklish position. The same player was culled on to effect a save shortly after, a smart mark alongside the post, halting a strong blue rush; However, the tide had definitely set in against tho blues,.and the blacks carried I lie greater portion of the play right to t lie close, although they could not add to their total, and so the game, which contained much of an exciting nature, ended in a well-merited victory for the blacks, the scores being: Old Boys 6, Kia Toa 0. Mr A. W. Thompson refereed. THE CURTAIN-ItAISER. HIGH SCHOOL’S NARROW WIN. Higli School and Kia Toa furnished 'the junior curtain-raiser, the game being contested on No. 4 area at the rear o tTlio stand. The blues held a decided advantage in weight in the frontal division, and were the first to open their account, Freeman finishing off a forward rush by grounding in a good position for Gallichan to add the major points. Shortly after School replied in similar manner, McDonald crossing, but Picard failed with the kick, tile interval finding the scores Unaltered, although Kia 'loa had on several occasions threatened serious danger. On resumption, (lie buttle waged fiercely, tile condition of the bail compelling the adoption of the loose kick methods, and in this department Kia Toa held the advantage. .‘With defeat staring them in the face, School worked into their opponents’ territory, where an infringement by u defender enabled Picard to snatch the game from the fire by goaling with a good kick, the game ending: Higli School 6, Kia Tou 5. Air W. MeSweenj refereed. FEILDING v. WOODVILLE. A POINTLESS CONTEST. Woodville, the present holders of the bottom rung of tlie championship ladder, were at home to Feilding on Saturday, the visitors being greeted with a heavy ground, and as a result the contest was mainly confined to a butcle between the frontul divisions. The opening of the game .was signalled by a duel of exchange kicking which left play in tho yellows’ territory, hut their forwards worked back to tho neutral zone. From ft scrum Single brolte away, but when down to the line endeavoured to pick up the leather and knocked on. From the resulting serum Feilding cleared, but tiio home backs essayed a passing bout, and when looking dangerous Darragh broke up the movement by intercepting. Back swept the blue forwards, Bailey stepping in to save, and bursting downfield was halted in turn by Oxenham. Play swept to and fro, it being a contest between the blue forwards and tho yellow back-, but..the greasy nature of the ball was curtailing the activities of tho latter brigade. . ... Botii sides went close to scoring on occasions, but the rival full backs, Cowie and Morris, wore proving very sound, aiid tiro interval was sounded with the score sheet a blank. On resumption, Cowie and Oxenham Were associated in a passing bout, a dropped pass halting the movement and Bailey cleared with a speculator. The relief was only momentary for Wigzcll and D. Peebles led the blues back, Morris bringing off a good save. Darragh gained a stretch of territory with a kick, and Bailey following up obtained possession and sent on to Ryan, but the. forward failed to field and play gradually returned to midfield. Woodville had been in the ascendant but in the closing stages Feilding turned the tables and play was practically in home territory. Back and forward they Btrove to penetrate, but

Gowio was proving an insurmountable obstacle in their path. In one final effort D. Peebles arfd Oxenham rushed tho ball into yellow territory, and when a score seemed certain, Bramwell came across to kick into touch in goal. The final whistle sounded directly following with the two championship points divided. Mr I. D. Parsons refereed.

PAIIIATUA 14 v. WESTERN 3. Pahiatua, who had tho bye on Saturday in tho Bush competitions, journeyed to Palmerston North to meet Western United in a friendly game, the latter team having tho bye in tho homo series. Western found difficulty in raising a full team, they taking the field with ten men. However, during tho interval of the junior contest, Western United v. Woodville, some of the lower grade players caino to their assistance. Tho task proved all too much for tho red and blacks and the victory went to the visitors by 14 points to 3. Scorer.s for the winners were: O’Connor, Hume, Tyree and B. Udy. the lastnamed player’s try being converted by C. Wright. Butler secured Western’s one score. Mr A. Gordon was in control.

THE KIA TOA INCIDENT. APOLOGY TENDERED. Prior to the commencement of the Kia Tou-Old Boys game at the Showgrounds on Saturday, the unhappy incident resulting from the Kia Toa-Feilding contest of June 5 was satisfactorily settled. Air J. McDonald, caplain of file Kia Toas, approached Mr F. C. Campbell, the official who had held control in the earlier’match when a certain statement was alleged to have been made by a member of the double blues, and invited him into the dressing room where Chadwick, the player concerned in the incident, tendered him an apology. Mr Campbell accepted the apology in tho spirit in which it was offered urid file incident was closed by tho player and referee exchanging a hearty handclasp. Tho happy outcome of a disturbing incident was greeted .with satisfaction by all enthusiasts. TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. CONTESTS IN THE MUD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A senior and a junior match were the only games played in the sub-union on Saturday, at Kaimatarau, on a wet ground, the llui Alai arfd Central senior fixtures were the contesting sides, a very even and hard forward tussle ending in u pointless draw. Although on botii sides opportunities were lost through the difficult handling of the leather, a draw was a fair indication of the game. , Under the sarno conditions at Awaliuri the home team secured a one-point win over United in tho junior contest, tire scores being 5 —4. The senior game at Kaimatarau provided tlie spectators with a good exhibition. Under adverse conditions botii teams played excellently, the forwards being called upon to do the major portion of the work and in this respect the heavier visiting pack had the advantage in the tight, but in tho loose work the green vanguard proved superior. From the blue (Ilnia Alai) kick oil’ green (Central) assumed the offensive and fast forward work by greens put Lines’ line in immediate danger, but they saved the situation b - -fofeing. For the first fifteen minutes greens maintained the pressure, blue eventually clearing and bringing play to midfield 'where it remained for the major portion of tho spell. The second half was a repetition of the first, each side making alternate incursions into their opponents territory but without result. For tho blues Btarte, D. Cameron, P. Richardson and Bailey and Poniare all worked Weil, hor the greens Howell led the vanguard and played a sterling game throughout, both in the tight and loose work. This player was penalised several times for off-side play and lie should remedy this defect. Of the other .-players M. Hunt, Woodgate and Vile were the most prominent, while White at full-back saved his team on many occasions by his sure fielding of tho ball." Mr G. Fitzgerald was referee.

RESULTS ELSEWHERE. Oroua. —Senior: Kiwitea 9 v. Kimbolton 0; Apiti 5 v. Rangiwahia 3; Waituna 9 v. Cheltenham 5. Junior: Colyton 9 v. Rangiwahia 3: Apiti 6 v. Kiwitea 0. Primary Schools: Kimbolton 12 v. Cheltenhani-Ki-witea 3. Honowhenua. —Hui Alai 10 v. Shannon 3; Foxton 3 v. Levin Wanderers 0, Foxton. —Junior: Foxton 6 v. Shannon 5. Third grade: Foxton 5 v. Kuku 3. Fourth grade: Foxton 9 v. Linton D.H.S. 8. Ratigitikei.—Hunterville 6 v. Alartoti 0; Rata 11 v. Athletic 0. Bush. Hnmtia 9 v. _ Mangatuinoka 3 (played at Pahiatua); Konini 3 v. Eketahuna 3. Wairarapa. —Gladstone 8 v. Red Stars 0; Grey town 9 v. Featlierstoh 0; Aiasterton 11 v. Carterton 6. Wanganui.—Kaieiuau 14 v. Technical 0.8. 5; Wanganui 0.8. 8 v. Pirates 0; Aiarist 8 v. Ratuna 3. Taranaki. —Tukapa 8 v. Clifton 6: Okaiuwa 19 v. Hawefa 11; Star 3 v. Kapoliga 0. Taihape.—Old Boys 14 v. Pirates 3; Hautapil 10 v. Utiku i). Wellington.—Pmieke 10 v. Bcrlmnipole 3; ’Varsity 14 v. Aiarist 8: Petofle 16 v. s’elwyii 7; Oriental 12 v. Old Boys 3; Hull 6 v. Wellington 6. Auckland. Ponsonby 15 v. Grafton 3; King’s 0.8. 24 v. Mamikau 12; Surburbntis 16 v. Newton 0. > Otago.—Pirates 9 v. Alhambra 6; Dunedin 11 v. Taieri 0; ’Varsity A 22 v. Union 3; Kuikorai 12 v. ’Varsity B 9; Southern 11 v. Zingari 3. Canterbury. —Christchurch 22 v. Linwood 0; ’Varsity 3 v, Albion 0; Old Boys 17 v. North Canterbury 3. AIOASCAR CUP FINAL. TE AUTE 3 v. NEW PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL 0. On Saturday, at New Plymouth, tlie Te Ante Collegians wrested the Moascar Cup from the High School, who has held the trophy for two years. It proved a wcllcontcsted game considering the conditions (hat prevailed, rain falling all morning and practically throughout the match, making the ground very heavy. It was a bright and attractive display. Tlie mutch was fast and strenuous, being keenly contested throughout. It was crowded with incident, play moving from end to end of tlie field with a rapidity that kept tlie spectators thoroughly interested. Te Ante was the heavier team, averaging 12st 31b as against School’s lOst 2U>. The only score was a penalty goal obtained by Te Aute.

WIN FOR ALL BLACKS. GOOD GAME AT NEWCASTLE. SYDNEY, June 28. Afier a lnpse of many years, a New Zoalnnd Rugby Union team was again seen In action at Newcastle, when it played a New South Wales fifteen which contained several local stars. The game was witnessed by seven thousand enthusiastic spectators and resulted in a win for the All Blacks by 20 points to 13. Generally, tlie play of the New Zealanders showed a decided improvement oyer their previous matches. They were quite up to Now- Zealand’s best standards. Doubtless, tlie beautiful weather had much to do with this, though the ground was bumpy and rough in places, witli slush in some parts. New Zealand, for the greater part, bad tho better of the game, but they were at times sorely pressed. Thanks, however, to the fine play of Wise, Harris, Johnson and Blake in tho back division, and Walters, Finiayson, Knight, Dickson and Lomas-ill the forwards. New Zealand managed to retain tlie lead. Donald was not up to his usual form. Watson replaced.Elvey in the New Zealand team. Towards the close of tho second spell Donald received a kick on the leg and had to leave the field. He was replaced by Thomas. Shortly afterwards Nothling took Smith’s place in the New South Wales team. The first half was mainly in favour of

tlie victors, who gained a majority of the scrums and line-outs. Tho backs also combined in some splendid passing movements, while the New South Wales attacks lacked finish. Play was mostly in their half, and their backs showed a marked disinclination to go down to the bail before the bluck forward rushes. A pleasing feature of this spell was tho absence of penalties against the blacks. Their play was scrupulously fair, and off-side proclivities, which were so prominent feature of earlier matches, were entirely absent. Walters was tlie best player on the ground. The score at half-time was 17 —5. The game in tlie second spell was more even, though marked by moro illegalities On both sides than in tho first half. New South Wales worked several good passing movements by the forwards gaining the ball from the lino-outs and passing to their backs, but Anderson proved the weak spot. Tlie full-backs, Harris and Ross, were again towers of strength to their respective sides. Their sure handling and excellent line kicking several times extricated their sides from difficulties. In the filial stages New South Wales, playing with great dash and determination, somewhat disorganised tlie New Zealand backs’ cohesion. The game also became very willing- . , ~ The most sonsntional try of tho day was one scored by Reid. Smith intercepted a black pass in his own tweney-five and transferred to Reid, who ran fifty yards, closely pursued by Lomas, and scored under tlie posts. Trips for New Zealand were obtained by Knight (2), Walters, Blake, Wright and Wise, one of which was converted by Dickson. For New South Wales, Erby and Reid scored tries, both being converted by Ross, while Morrissey kicked a goal from a penalty.—Press Association. BROWNLIE INCIDENT CLOSED. LONDON, June 27. At a mealing of the Rugby Union arcport from New Zealand was read expressing regret for tlie Brownlie incident on January 3. Tlie matter is now officially closed.—A. and N.Z. cable.

Seniors. P. W. L. Pts. PH. D. For Ag. Oh. Pts. Old Roys „„ ... 7 4 2 1 125 41 9 Kia Toa ... 6 4 2 — 70 29 8 Feilding 3 2 2 98 64 8 Western U. . ... 6 2 4 - 43 153 4 Woodville 6 . 1 4 1 38 87 3 32 14 14 4 374 374 32

Juniors. P. W. L. Pts. D. For Pts. C'h. Ag. Pts. Old Hoys 7 5 2 140 32 12 High School .. 8 5 1 2 70 5 b 12 Feeding , 7 5 2 — 60 53 10 Kia Toa . 7 4 2 1 70 38 9 Western U. 7 4 2 1 68 45 9 Jockey town ... 7 2 3 2 40 39 6 Buimythorpe , , 7 1 6 — 26 79 2 VVoo'dvJlle , 7 1 (j 21 85 2 Lintoh , 7 1 6 42 119 2