RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

FEILDING SEASON’S CHAMPIONS

TIE FOR SECOND PLACE. AN INTERESTING COMPETITION

While Rugby enthusiasts have experienced. an excellent season, so far as weather conditions are concerned, they were fated to receive indifferent underfoot conditions on Saturday when the all important final of the interclub series was contested. Palmerston North did not have the fortune of staging the game, the draw having decreed that Old Boys should travel to Feilding to meet the yellow and blacks, the outcome of the series with their fluctuating fortunes* having found Old Boys enter upon the final holding a point advantage. On their home ground Feilding gained the day in a close struggle by a margin of three points and thus took the honours for the 1927- season, it being their first success since 1922.

Although the other four competing clubs were matched, the result of their meeting, did not .have any. diredt bearing on the championship save that the success- of Kia Toa in their meeting with Feilding Old Boys enabled the double blues to share the second rung of the championship ladder with Old Boys. The two local games, while the losing sides both took a fair share of the play, resulted in free scoring, Kia Toa accounting for Feilding Old Boys by 22 points to nil, while Woodville ran up 21 points against WesternUnited without a reply being forthcoming. Positions did not undergo any alteration in the junior series, High School, Kia Toa and Old Boys, all of whom are in the firing line, adding a further two championship points. In the third grade, West End Old Boys improved their position as the result of the reverso suffered by Bunnythorpe at the hands of Feilding, while High School continued their winning career in the fourth grade. Play was terminated in the fifth and sixth grade series, Albion (High School) being the winners in each instance, that club team not having suffered a reverse in either competition. THE SCORE BOARD. SENIOR FINALS. Feilding 6 v. Old Boys 3. Kia Toa 22 v. Feilding 0.8. 0. Woodville 20 v. Western-United 0. JUNIORS. Kia Toa 21 v. Western-United 5. High School 17 v. Linton 0. Feilding 9 v. St. Patricks 5. Old Boys won by default from Bunnythorpe. THIRD GRADE. West End 0.8. 32 v. Tia Toa 0. Feilding 18 v. Feilding 0.8. 0. Woodville 8 v. Old Boys 0. Feilding H.S. 8 v. Bunnythorpe 6. FOURTH GRADE. Technical 62 v. Western-United 0. High School 17 v. West End 0.8. 0. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES. SENIOR.

OLD BOYS BEATEN IN A HARD GAME.

By the narrow margin of three points gained in the colsing minutes of the game, Feilding wrested the supremacy of the Manawatu Rugby Union championship from Old Boys on Saturday on the Pologrounds at Feilding after a stern forward struggle under unfavourable ground conditions. The game was full of the vagaries of Rugby from start to finish and so unexpected were the things that happened owing to the greasy ball and water-logged ground that any termination to the game could have been expected. As it was Feilding won and deserved their win and the same could be said of Old Boys if the fortunes of football had ruled the result otherwise. It was a fight to a finish between fast and eager forwards and the result was in doubt until the final whistle.

A. Waldin brought the teams into action, but his initial kick failed to go the necessary distance and a scrum was ordered. The Feilding (yellow and black) hookers 6hot the leather through to Stevens-who promptly got his line on the move only to see H. Darragh’s pass to Boston go astray on account of the winger not having the speed of the inner man. Play rested about the centre line for a period, the forwards of either side finding themselves evenly matched and much headway was impossible. Old Boys (black) gradually pressed the opposition back on their inner defences and on the yellow twenty-five mark Palmer tried to find the posts from a penalty but the leather fell short. Hight return kicked to McKenzie who, in fielding the ball, slipped and the yellow vanguard were on him. The attack broke down, however, without any dangerous developments and Old Boys launched an offensive which, but for the intervention of Stevens, looked to have a fair chance of succeeding. A. Waldin broke through the resultant melee and by short punting and following fast, secured possession of the leather and made a hid for the line but succumbed to Seeker. The threatening danger was driven out and following an exchange of kicks Boston burst into prominence by catching McKenzie in possession, the upshot of the movement being G. Darragh despatched under full sail for the line. Cornered, the yellow skipper handed out to J. Walden who fumbled the pass when he had no one in front of him. Galpin rallied his men to the breach, but Roach launched the yellow scrummagers on another offensive and a miskick by Collins landed into Hight’s arms for that player to transfer to H. Darragh, the yellow speed merchant wasting no time in getting away. J3y a great sprint Seeker and Kells came across and caught the flier on the corner, the three of them and the post going down in. a heap. The referee’s decision of a touch-in-goal seemed unquestionable. From then on to the end of the first spell Old Boys gradually assumed the offensive and play rarely came back to their territory. The greasy leather was upsetting the play of both teams, hut in the following stages of the game the black backs

cost themselves probable points by kicking too hard when within striking distance. Galpin and McKenzie led the black vangard into the yellow danger zone, where the latter snapped the oval up to pass to Williamson, who put in a good run to. the corner, where he was grassed, leaving it too late, unforfortunately, before he handed on to Palmer, who was crowded out. Anxious moments for Feilding set in, but a score was not to be. The valuable ground gained by Old Boys was lost before a strong yellow drive, which spent its strength, however, shortly after'for play to again occupy its former position. A penalty just short of the 25 line gave Palmer the chance to open Old Boys’ account, and the winger made no mistake with his kick.— Old Boys 3, Feilding 0. Flushed with the result, the black frontal division swept down en masse on the undaunted yellows and a hard struggle set in without, however, tangible result to 'either side, the spell ending with the score unaltered. Following the interval, the opening play found the home team very aggressive, Boddy and G. Darragh leading the yellows into ' a determined onslaught, which was blocked by Palmer marking at an opportune time.' Old Boys were now suffering the disadvantage of having to face a bright sun, which was particularly troublesome to the backs. Kells was the next to' fill the breach in stopping the now vigorously attacking challengers, but despite' the stubborn black defence the yellows continued to advance and an infringement in front of Old Boys’ posts gave Roach his chance to equalise.—Feilding 3, Old Boys 3.

From then the pace became a cracker and the game swept up and down the field in front of the tireless forwards rvith bewildering rapidity. Slowly but surely the supremacy in attack passed to Feilding, although the blacks contested every yard of the ground. With time but a few minutes distant a draw seemed certain, for although G. Darragh vacated the back ranks and joined his forwards in the desperate struggle the defence could not be pierced. The unexpected was to happen, however, for from a scrum in the blacks’ 25, Boston accepted the leather froni Stevens, and supported by Brook, Boddy and Simpson, they hurled their way across the intervening space for Brook to gain the referee’s decision right on the call of time. Roach failed with a difficult kick. — Feilding 6, Old Boys 3. Mr J. B. Proud controlled the game.

KIA TOA v. FEILDING OLD BOYS

Kia Toa and Feilding Old Boys furnished the main attraction at the Showgrounds, but the state of the ground and ball prevented the display attaining a very high level, although there were flashes of bright play on occasions. Kia Toa early assumed the aggressive and the visitors had to submit to two force-downs. Twice in close succession Heatley got away in 6010 efforts, but lacked support on both occasions and his good personal efforts thus passed unrewardod. Finally Griffin accepted a clearance to sidestep his way through the opposition prior to sending on to Wasley, to Strange for the winger to cross at the corner. Th#> distance proved too much for Mullins. Kia Toa 3-0. A brilliant run by Griffin was instrumental in setting tho blues again on the attack and from a scrum Shapleski whipped out the ball to Wasley for the five-eighth to go over. Mullins goaled. Kia Toa 8-0. In halting the onslaught Dewe, who had been performing good service for the greens, was compelled to retire and thereafter the visitors laboured under a handicap, a replacement not being available. Before the interval a rearguard movement along the right wing saw Shapleski, Wasley and Strange handle, the winger cutting infield very effectively to go clean through. Mullins goaled with a good effort and ‘‘demons” found the scores reading: Kia Toa 13, Feilding 0.8. nil. . ; ... Despite their handicap, Feilding Old Boys took quite a of the play for a time on recommencement,but there was not a great deal of spirit being evidenced by the blues. From one aggressive movement by the blues a defender was guilty of “rabbiting” directly in front of .his own goal and Mullins had little difficulty in turning it to account. Kia Toa 16—0. In the closing moments Heatley was able to add a further six points from two crossings, he following through on a ground kick by Walker, while on the second occasion he secured on the line-out from a long throw-in by the opposition and burst over. Neither kick was successful and the final scores were: Kia Toa 22, Feilding Old Boys nil. Mr H. McGregor refereed.

WOODVILLE v. WESTERN,

A weak Western-United side proved no match for Woodville in a, corniest staged on No. 3 area, although the red and blacks threatened danger on occasions. The struggle was mainly a loose forward one although the back line proved to be the contributors for the blues. J. McNicol ran in three times, Smyth© twice, while Gifford added a penalty goal and converted one of the tries, making the final scores: Woodville 20, Western-United 0. Mr McCulloch carried the whistle. THE CURTAIN-RAISER.

In the curtain-raiser game between High School, the leading team in the junior series, and Linton, the schoolboys triumphed over the conditions which confronted them and furnished the crowd with some splendid rearguard handling bouts. They were able to effect but the one crossing in the first spell per medium of Page, but in the second half tries were contributed by Fletcher, Rose, Bryden and Seymour. Bryden’s try was given the major points by Espiner and Hie final scores were: High School 17, Linton 0. “MIDGETS” COMPETITION. In the midgets competition Central and College Street B tried conclusions, victory resting with the former school by one try to nil. The game was contested with spirit, the tackling being of a very high order, but College Street proved to be a shade the stronger and well might have had a further try right on call of time, their right winger slipping and sliding into touch in goal just before he attained his objective. RANFURLY SHIELD. PROVISIONAL CHALLENGES. At a meeting of the Horowhe-.ua Rugby Council held over the week-end, Mr A. M. Ongley presiding, provisional challenges for the Ranfurly Shield were received from the Taranaki and Wanganui Unions. Taranaki had been duo to visit Palmerston North on August 31 and Wanganui on September 3 and it was agreed to make both matches Ranfurly Shield games. A request from Poverty Bay for a Ranfurly Shield fixture was declined, there not being an available date. The question of Canterbury’s challenge which had been announced through the Press was briefly- considered, but there not having been any official notification received from the southern body it could not be dqalt with. NORTHERN TOUR. Final arrangements were medo :in

connection with’ the northern tour which opens versus King Country on Wednesday. Mr Robinson will manage the team, while Mr Martin Winiatia was appointed assistant manager. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES During the absence of the Manawheua team on tour, Manawatu will engage in two matches, one fifteen meeting Oroua at Kimbolton on Wednesday, while an amended side will oppose Southern Hawke’s Bay at Palmerston North next Saturday. The Kimbolton match will be tho fulfilment of Manawatu’e challenge for- the Wallace Cup. The teams are as follow :

Versus Oroua. —Full-back, Ormond; three-quarters, Griffen, Bramwell, Palmer; five-eighths, Smythe (Woodville), G. Darragh (captain); half, Stevons; wing, McKay; hookers, Bowler, McLeod; lock. Cowdrey, supports, M. Waldin, Eades (Woodville); back row, Hutchins, Hight. Emergencies: Forwards, Boldt. Linklater, Tait; backs. R. Kells, Strange, Pawson. Mr H. Hands has been appointed manager, and tho team will leave tho Bank of New Zealand corner at 1.15 p.m. Versus Southern Hawke’s Bay.— Full-back, Ormond; three-quarters, H. Darragh, Amadio, Griffen; five-eighths, Goldfinch and G. Darragh (captain); half, Stevens; wing, A. Waldin; hookers, Bowler and McLeod; lock, Cowdrey; supports, Stratford, Eades; back row, M. Waldin and Miles. Emergencies : Backs, Palmer, Bramwell, Smythe; forwards, Hight, Hutchins, Boldt. BEBBINGTON SHIELD MATCH. LEVIN, Aug. 14. _ Horowhenua wore again successful in withstanding a challenge for tho Bebbington Shield, and, as no more challenges have been received the shield will remain in Levin for another season. The challengers, Oroua, lacked combination and suffered a substantial defeat at the hands of the holders by 47 points to 21. Horowhenua early piled up a lead of 21 points by good combined movements before Oroua opened their account with an unconverted try. Just before half-time Horowhenua got another try, to lead by 24 points to 3. Upon resuming the home team further increased their lead making it 44 points to 3. For a time Oroua temporarily took charge of the game and in quick succession scored three converted tries. Another try apiece closed tho score, and Horowhenua emerged victors by 11 tries, seven of which were converted to five tries, three of which were converted. Mr Calcinai, of Wellington, controlled the game.

AUCKLAND BEAT TARANAKI

NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 13,

The Auckland Rugby tourists completely outplayed Taranaki before a crowd of about seven thousand. The score was 23 points ito nil and was no exaggeration of the difference between the teams on the day’s play. In view of Taranaki’s recent matches an even contest was anticipated, but Auckland was superior to every department Taranaki obviously played below form, lacked combination and rihe bright passing tactics in which Auckland excelled, while the tackling of the home team was deplorable. The day was fine but the ground still heavy from recent rain.

Early Taranaki looked like making the pace hot, but soon Lucas, Sheen, Anderson and Hook handled for the latter to score. Berridge missed an easy kick. Sheen dummied his way through and 6ent Hook away to score. Berridge easily converted, making the half-time score 8 points to 0. Presently Sheen, who was playing brilliantly, potted a fine field goal. Hook broke away and passed to Meyer, who scored in the comer and Berridge could not convert. A loose sweeping rush by Auckland ended in McWilliam scoring in the" corner and again Berridgo failed. Wood went on in place of Sheen and immediately made a great run and sent out for Lucas to score. Berridge easily converted. * Every man in the Auckland team played well, handling the ball with delightful precision. Taranaki would not go down to their rushes and seldom got going in effective offensive movements, but that can hardly be relied upon as their true form on the tour starting next week. '

SOUTHLAND DEFEAT WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, Aug. 13. In a hard, fast game to-day. the Southland touring Rugby team defeated Wanganui by 19 points to 14. The visiting forwards were excellent and secured 80 per cent, of the ball from the scrums and line-outs, but the rearguard was not so efficient and Wanganui’s tackling smothered many attacks. In the second half the visitors brightened up considerably and nearly always had Wanganui on the defence, the local team cracking up in the final stages. TOLAGA BAY DEFEAT WAIROA. WAIROA, Aug. 13. Tolaga Bay Sub-union represnetatives defeated a Wairoa team minus half its best players to-day a.nd won the Barry Cup, after an exciting finish by 13 points to 11. Superior condition told its tale. ‘ RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES. Wellington.—Old Boys 5 v. Athletic 5, Poneke 17 v. Petone 8, Marist 7 v. University 3, Wellington 12 v. Oriental 5. Old Boys now are one point ahead' of Athletic for the cham-, pionship. Auckland. —’Varsity 5 v. Marist 3, City 6 v. North Shore 5, Manukau 19 v. Grammar 8, Grafton 9 v. Otahuhu 5, King’s Colelge 6 v. Grammar School 3. . . Hawke’s Bay.—Celtic 21 v. Hastings 12, Pirates 8 v. H. 5.0.8. 5, Technical 0.8. 14 v. M.A.C. 0. Greymouth.—West Coast 15 v. Ashburton 14. Christchurch. —Otago University 13 v. Christchurch 3.

Nelson (Seddon Shield match). — Nelson 18 v. Buller 11. Wairarapa.—Carterton 6 v. Gladstone 3, Old Boys 12 v. Red Star 11, Featherston defaulted to Masterton. Tni’marunui. l —Taumarunui 9 v. Ka r kahi 3. Invercargill.—Maori touring team 21 v. Southland 6.

Points Ch. P. W. D. L. F. A.Pts. Feilding 10 7 1 2 82 00 15 Old Boys 10 7 0 3 165 58 14 Kia Toa 10 •6 2 2 122 56 14 Feilding O.B. 10 3 1 6 65 117 7 Western-U. 10 3 0 7 56 125 6 Woodville 10 2 0 8 73 147 4 JUNIOR. • . Points Ch. P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. High School 12 9 0 3 189 63 18 Kia Toa 12 8 0 4 121 91 16 Old Boys 12 8 0 4 130 100 16 Feilding 12 7 0 5 106 102 14 St. Patricks 12 6 1 5 123 83 13 Linton 12 3 1 8 69 113 7 Western-U. 12 3 0 9 60' 162 6 Bunnythorpe 12 3 0 9 38 122 6