THE RUGBY CODE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 187, 13 July 1925, Page 4

THE RUGBY CODE.

SECOND ROUND TERMINATED, KIA TOA’S POINT ADVANTAGE. AN INTERESTING COMPETITION. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. Seniors. Kia Toa 7 v. Woodville 0. Feilding 8 v. Western United 3. Juniors. ~, Feilding 15 v. High Scliool 11. Old Boys 14 v. Kia 'Toa 0. Western U. 17 v. Linton 3. Woodville defaulted to Jackeytown, Thirds. Feilding 0.8. 19 v. Kia Toa 6. Technical 0.8. 8 v. Old Boys A 6. Western U. 35 v, Old Boys B 3. Fourths. Jackeytown 12 v. High School 3. / Fifths. Technical A 5 v. Albion 3. Phoenix 16 v. Gordon 0. Kia Ora 17 v. Technical B 6. SIXTH GRADE. Albion 30 v. Kia Ora 5. Gordon defaulted to Phoenix. Climatic conditions showed a marked improvement on Saturday and the Rugby competitions were continued without the discomforts which the players had been called to face for the past few weeks. Although the playing areas were still somewhat heavy, there was an almost entire absence of surface water, with the direct result that the ball could be handled with considerable certainty, thus improving the rearguard play. Saturday marked the termination of the second round of the senior competition, and the win over Woodville by Kia Toa enables last year’s premiers to resume their position at the head of the table with bare points separating Old Boys and Feilding, the last named club having added two championship points on Saturday at the expense of Western. Both the senior struggle at Woodville and at the Showgrounds were keenly .contested and the margins of seven and five points somewhat flattered the respective winners. In the junior serjes a similar interesting outcome is promised, for with the second round entered, the ultimate winner is not yet revealed, five points only separating the first and sixth team. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES.

KIA TOA 7 v. WOODVILLE 0. A HARO FORWARD STRUGGLE. The Recreation ground, Woodville. was in very fail- order on Saturday, when Kia Toa, journeyed there to meet the home team, the thick sole of grass covering to a largo extent the heavy under soil. There was almost an entire absence of breeze, but Woodville (dark blue), winning the toss, elected to play with a bright sun at. their backs at commencement, and McDonald opened hostilities for Kia Ton, (light blue). Ilia kick cut passed to Dobbyn, who returned up held, where the waiting homo forwards came into action rather suddenly and a free kick enabled tho visitors to obtain the early advantage. It was, however. short-lived, for the dark bine for wards burst through and McLean, slipping, was caught in possession, enabling Ibc home side to invade. Using their weight to advantage, the dark blues were controlling the serums, and Wigzell early brought his backs into action, Wad tty temporarily halting them. From an attempt directly following, Gifford was held up on the line. Tho siege was finally lifted, but the Woodville.backs were.opening up at every opportunity, and Wigzell, Dunning ami Gifford were keeping the visitors very active, while McLean at full-back was tested fully, but was coming through his ordeal very satisfactorily. A fast follow up by Chadwick prevented Rovcil getting in his kick, which enabled tho light blues to lake a (urn on tho assault. Playing tho hall on tile ground cost a homo forward a )>enalty, but Mullins's kick fell underneath the bar. Dunning lining out at the twenty-live flag. From a resulting scrum Wigzell worked the blind, hut Eyre eainc across and halted ltiiih A free kick against Prngnell for coming round the scrum too quickly aided Woodville to work back into foreign territory, but McDonald burst away with the ball at his toe, Rovell coming across to save when a seoro seemed likely. From the clearance Strange gathered up tho leather and burst past Glee .von, hut with only Cowie to beat threw a wild pass infield to McDonald, who had ranged up in support. Play swept up and down field, the rival full-backs, Cowie and McLean, botli saving their sides from awkward positions repeatedly. Finally a dribblo by McDonald and hand on to Chadwick saw the winger dash down tho centre, hut in attempting to side-step Revell tho runner earn©. to earth. He, however, recovered his feet and sent, on to Wasley, and the five-eighths dashed over. Mullins kicked a poster. Kia Ton 3, Woodville 0. Although tho rival packs were fighting out the honours, tho backs were being actively employed, and play worked between tile two zones in spectacular fashion, first one side flattering its supporters and then tho other. The home team had a shade tho better of the exchanges for a period, and Wigzell and McHerron both put in bold bids for the line, but the visitors’ defence was proving sound, and a passage could not be forced, McLean and Mullins showing up prominently in their clean taking and kicking. A break away by Mair, who was showing improved form, sef. tho dark blues in an attacking position, the assault terminating in a force from a pot by Oxenhani. Following the kick out McDonald led his scrummagers pell incll to the opposite end, but Dobbyn and Mair replied in kind, and half-time found play in Kia Toa territory with the score unaltered. McLEAN’S SMART GOAL. A scries of marks signified the re-open-ing of hostilities, but Chadwick, accepting a high cross kick from Gilford, set tile visitors on the’ attack. Kia Toa were trying' hard to penetrate, but. although they were confining play in their opponents' territory, they could not find a weak link in the defence. Jackson endeavoured to force his way through without avail, but clearance from a,resulting melee passed to McLean, who secured and had a snap shot at goal ,the ball sailing over the bar, making the scores: Kia Toa 7, Woodville 0. A nice liner by Mullins set tho light lues aizam on the attack, only for an in-

fringement to nullify the effort, and Mailwas instrumental in carrying play further down field, Eyre bringing off a timely save by lining. A good deal of indiscriminate kicking followed, the backs failing to make any attempt to open up tho game. Kia Toa were, however, carrying the major portion of the attack, and a solo dribble by McDonald saw the rover go right to the line before being hailed. Stuart dashed up to his assistance and appeared unlucky not- to have a score granted to him. Dobbyn headed a counter-rush by tho home forwards, but McLean jinked his way through the advancing line and returned tho hall to the centre, where from a scrum Eyre dashed round the blind side, only to spoil ttie chanco by kicking too hard. 'The Woodville fifteen were by no means finished with, for, lighting their way back with Dobbvn in the van, they launched an assault which Kia Toa had some difficulty in repulsing. Following a strenuous few minutes, the visitors opened up from their own twenty-five, and Mullins had worked into a promising position when ho kicked over Cowio’s head, Rcvell, however, boating Strange in the race for the ball. Tho relief to tho light blues was but momentary, for Woodville, urged on by their supporters, quickly resumed the offensive, and assault, followed assault, but strive as they would the necessary finish was lacking, and a game full of incident terminated with Kia Toa defending with might and main, and with their line intact. Kia Toa 7, Woodville 0. Mr A. W. Thompson refereed with a firm hand, and as a result a hard but ploasant game resulted. AN EVENLY-CONTESTED GAME. FEILDING v. WESTERN UNITED.

Western United, with a strengthened team, provided unexpected resistance for Feilding. and the final margin in favour of the visitors hardly represented the difference between the two teams, for a draw would have been a better indication of the play. The game was below the standard of senior Rugby and was characterised by much ragged play. The forwards did not dominate the game, for. fhc visiting rearguard made many efforts to open up play, but their work was colourless and many fine chances were spoilt. Feilding kicked olf and the ball was fielded by McKay, who initiated a forward rush that terminated in the visitors forcing. Play for the next ten minutes was at, mid-field, with soveral incursions into Western United’s twenty-five. The home, team was penalised thirty yards out and Benge attempted to goal, but missed hv the narrowest of margins. The Feilding aggression continued for some time, and finally Western were compelled to force. Obtaining possession at half-way, Sutherland, the ex-junior representative, made a good opening and transferred to Anderson, who showed great dash in a. fortyyard run, scoring after being tackled at the corner. Butler failed to goal from the difficult angle. Western United 3, Feilding nil. Western continued the offensive, and play remained within a few yards of the visitors’ goal-line for some considerable while, a penalty against the red and blacks eventually relieving the situation. McKay, from a penalty, attempted to goal from halfway and tho ball struck the upright beneath the, cross-bar. Fcilding’s rearguard was now showing to better advantage and was attempting to open up play wherever possible, but erratic handling and men out of position spoilt several likely movements. One loose rush saw Coekroft, Western’s last man, tackle the man with tho ball, but McLean accepted a transfer and scored in a handy position. Benge had no difficulty in converting.

Feilding, 5, Western United 3. A little later Coekroft had iio kick behind when matters did not look too promising for the. red and blacks. Algar got clean away in mid field, but was caught by superior speed and passed to McArlcy, who, unfortunately for Western, lost his balance with lnd, twenty yards to go. Half-time sounded shortly afterwards.

Two minutes after the resumption of play, "Western wore compelled to force. A lit.tlo later a passing rush by the Feilding rearguard saw the hall go out to Bailey, on the wing, who, losing the leather at the goal-line, did wot regain possession until it had gone into touch-in goal. After a period of play in ncufral territory, We-t----ern attneked and Ebbolt, obtaining possession, made a determined bid to score, blit was well grassed by the full-back five yards from the line. Feilding backs took play to the other end of the ground, where Darragli, with two men in attendance. threw away a golden opportunity by selfishly hanging on. Western forwards worked their way back to within ten yards of their opponents’ goal-line, blit the effort was short-lived, and the visiting rearguard took play to the red and blacks’ twenty-five, where Darragli again came in for some criticism for hanging on. Higlit set tho yellow bucks in motion in midfield and a good bout of passing saw Darragh. the final receiver, score in close proximity to the posts. Benge failed with the kick. Feilding 8, Western United 3. Feilding continued to play aggressively, and five minutes Inter tile home team was compelled to force. With the game drawing to a conclusion, Western made a determined effort to avoid defeat, and Bratnwell marked ten yards from the visitors’ Inst line to save a dangerous-looking rush. Feilding rallied and Western had to force. A minute later Boddy miijycd a fine chance of scoring by dropping the ball -with no one in front: of him. Tho call of time satve a. scrum under Feilding's goalposts. The hall wont over tho line, but the defenders managed to touch down, tho game thus ending in the visitors’ favour by eight points to three. Mr W. H. Seward refereed.

NORTH v. SOUTH ISLAND. MANAWATU’S NOMINEES. Mr W. Dustin, sole selector to tho Manawatu Rugby Union, has nominated the following five players for inclusion in the North Island team to meet the South Island in the annual inter-island match to bo played at Invercargill on Saturday, July 25: —Wing three-quarter, A. Law (Manawatu); centre (or wing), D. Bropliy (Manawatu); wing forward (or forward), J. McDonald (Manawatu); hooker, K. Reid (Manawatu); forward, 11. Russell (Oroua). F. C. Bennett, the. former Palmerston North High School and Manawatu representative, and Ponekc (Wellington) player, who is now in Poverty Bay, has been nominated by the East Coast Union for inclusion in the North Island team. Bennett has apparently been playing brilliant football this season, and against the Bush Union on Saturday he contributed three of the winner’s tries.

waLdegrave cup. SCHOOL HOUSE MATCHES. In the intcr-hous© series for the Waldograve Cup annually conducted by tho Palmorston North High School, two rounds have been contested, the results being as under : First round, Kia Ora 6 v. Phoenix 0, Albion 20 v. Gordon 0; second round, Phoenix 5 v. Albion 3.' Kia Ora 30 v. Gordon 3. Tho third round will be contested on Thursday next, alien Kia Ora opjposo Albion and Phoenix meet Gordon. Kia Ora have at present: two victories to their credit, as against one win by Albion (tho holders) and Phoenix, and as the first two named teams will be opposing one another, the necessity for a further round will bo determined by the outcome.

TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. Seniors: Central 3 v. United 3 (played at Rongolea). The junior game between Central and United wus not played owing to no referee turning up to control the fixture. Hui Mai juniors journeyed to Awahuri, and in the second spell five of the visitors walked off the field aft a protest aguinst alleged rough play on tho part of some of the Awahuri players. The game was keenly contested, and when the Hui Mai players walked off the score was 16 to 8 in favour of Awahuri.

Hui Mai played a friendly game on Satinday at Sanson with Old Boys (Palmerston North), the latter winning by 16 points to 13. For Old Boys tries were scored by Anderson, Brophy, Evans and Law, of which Brophy and Akuira converted one each. For Hui Mai tries were obtained by Staite, Simpson and Humble of which Tohu and Humble converted one each. , OROUA. Seniors: Kimbolton 3 v. Kiwitca 3; Apiti 13 v. Waituna 3; Rangiwaiiia 27 v. Cheltenham 6. Juniors: Colyton 9 v. Waituna 3; Apiti won from Kiwitca by default. TE KAWAU v. RANGITIKEI. TEAM FOR NEXHT SATURDAY. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr A. K. Drew (sole selector) has chosen tho following To Kawau team to meet Rangitikei at Bulls on Saturday next, July 18 : Backs: J. Cameron, Griffin (United), J. Pomare, A. N. Sanson, G. Goldfinch, Rowlands (United), L. Tattle. Forwards: L. Staite (winger), P. Richardson, J. Balohelar (hookers), W. Tohu (lock), Osborne (United), W. Gust (supports), G. Hill. T. Lawton (back row). Reserves: Back, Aniadio (Central), H. Howell.

The team is requested to assemble at Sanson at one o’clock sharp. Any player nbt available should ring, the secretary, No 1, Sanson, immediately. HAWKE’S BAY v. WAIRARAPA. The following team has been selected lo represent Hawke's Bay against Wairarapa at Masterton next Saturday: Full-back, Nepia; three-quarters, Grcnside, Blake, Falwasser; five-eighths, Mill, Paewai: half, Corkill; wing-forward. Walker; forwards, Gemniell, Ormond, M. Brownlie (captain), O, Bro vniie, Mahoney. Irvine, Kirkpatrick. Wairarapa’3 team will ho: Backs, Candy, R. Booth, Jury, Stringfellow, F. Booth, Flaws, Nunn; forwards J. Donald (wing, capla'n), Ronaldson, Desmond, S. Willoughby, Fnirbrother, Gray, Wyber, O’Dowd; emergencies, forwards, Garland, M. Willoughby; backs, Parker, Neighbours, G. Booth. RESULTS ELSEWHF.RE. Foxlon: Junior championship: Foxton 6 v. Tokoinaru 0. ITorowhenua: County 12 v. Olaki 3: Shannon 9 v. Weraroa 3; ‘the Foxton-Hni Mai game was not played owing lo tho former not being able to travel; Wanderers had the bye; Mouloa 5 v. Miranui 0. Wanganui: ltatana 8 v. W. and 0.8. 3; T. 0.8. 12 v. Marist 6; Kaierau 13 v. Pirates 3. Kaierau are now leading by one point for the cup. Rangitikei: .Marten 21 v. Bulls 0: Marton Junction 27 v. Rata 6; Mavton High School 6 v. Turakiim 5. Wairarapa: Gladstone 12 v. Carterton 0; Red Stars 34 v Martinborough 0; Greytown 27 v. Masterlon 0.

Taranaki: Star 5 v. Opunakc 5; Clefton 9 v. Okawi 6; Tukapa 8 v. Old Boys 6: llawera 10 v. Patoa 6; Stratford 9 v. Eithnm 3; Kaponga 12 v. Athletic- 8. Hawke’s Bay: Hastings 24 v. Celtic 17; M.A.C. 11 v. Havelock North 3; Pirates 3 v. Marists 3.

Poverty Bay: Poverty Bay 50 v. Bush Union 12. West Coast : West Coast 9 v. Buller 6.

Wellington: Oriental 6 v. ’Varsity 3; Wellington 19 v. Athletic 4: Poneke 15 v.; Marist 9; Old Boys 8 v, Hutt 0; Berhaniliorc 9 v. I’etono 9. Canterbury: Merivale 13 v. Linwood 3: Christchurch 17 v. Albion 0; ’Varsity 15 v." North Canterbury 5. Otago: ’Varsity A 17 v. Southern- 5: Pirates 9 v. Kaikorai 3; Dunedin 6 v. Union 3; Zingari 9 v. Taicri 5; Alhambra 3 v. 'Varsity B 3.

Auckland: College Rifles 3 v. Grammar 0.8. 0: North Shore 18 v. King's 0.8. 16; Suburbs 14 v. Manukau 8; Mari_-l 3 v. Ton-onby 3.

Seniors. I’oints Ch. 1’. W. L. 1). For Ag L’ts Kia To a .. 8 h 2 — 86 37 12 01.1 Bovs .. 8 5 2 1 137 44 11 Feilding .. 8 4 2 2 106 67 10 Western U. .. .. 8 2 . 6 — 54 170 4 Woodvillc .... .. 8 1 6 1 41 108 3 40 18 18 4 426 426 40 J unio I’oints ( h. 1’. W. L. U. For Ag I’ls Old Bo'S .... ... 0 6 1 2 162 .42 14 Feilding ... 0 7 2 - 86 67 14 Western U. .. .. 9 6 2 1 95 54 13 High School .. 9 5 2 2 81 70 12 Jackcvlown .. ... 9 4 3 2 52 45 10 Kia Ton ... 9 4 4 1 73 57 9 Woodyille .... . 9 2 7 — 21 85 4 Bunnythorpc ... 8 1 7 — 26 79 2 Linton ... 9 1 8 - 51 148 2 80 36 36 8 647 647 80