THE NATIONAL GAME

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 222, 19 August 1929, Page 2

THE NATIONAL GAME

WAIRARAPA BEAT MANAWHENUA IN RANFURLY SHIELD ’ CONTEST. MANAWATITSVIN AT HOME. Manawhenua faced’ Wairarapa in the Ranfurly Shield challenge game at Masterton on Saturday, but after maintaining a scoring advantage in the first spell when they had the assistance or a nigh wind, they failed under continuous pressure in the second half, to emerge well beaten by 37 points to 16. In Wairarapa they were (encountering a formidable foe and, while beaten by a substantial margin. they were by no means disgraced. 'Enthusiasts were catered for at home by a fixture between Southern Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu, the local fifteen, despite the fact that it was somewhat of a skeleton side—backs filling positions in the forwards to cope with the situa-tion-playing surprisingly well, their handling ” bouts on occasions being excellent. The forwards, with Carrington a 9 an excellent leader, likewise performed well against a heavier set and the superior speed of the Manawatu side enabled them to run up a scoring total of 28 points to eight. However, on the run of the play, the margin was somewhat flattering to the homesters. Although the lower grade competitions were proceeded with, there was little actual play, only one game being carried through in the junior grade. Id Boys, who held a one point advantage over Kia Toa A. had to be content with a draw in the curtainraiser match when in opposition to Kia Toa B, neither side proving capable of registering a score. THE SCORE BOARD. RANFURLY SHIELD. Wairarapa 37 v. Manawhenua 16. INTER-PROVINCIAL. Auckland 32 v. Hawke’s Bay 6. Southland 9 v. Otago 9. Marlborough 8 v. Golden Bay 8. Manawatu B 28 v. South Hawk’s Bay 8. INTER-CLUB. Junior Grade. Old Boys 0 v. Kia'Toa B. 0. Feilding won by default from West End Old Boys. United Valley wpn from Feilding Old Boys by default. Kia Toa A-High School fixture postponed. Third Grade. Old Boys A 20 v. Kia Toa 0. St. Patrick’s 30 v. Old Boys B 0. Fourths. West End 0.8. 9 v. Feilding H.S. 0. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE. JUNIOR.

CHALLENGE FAILS

WAIRARAPA’S EASY WIN

AFTER EARLY CLOSE SCORING.

Per Press Association. MASTERTON, Aug. 17,

Wairarapa and Manawhenua teams met in their Ranfurly Shield engagement at Masterton, this afternoon, in fine weather, though for several hours up till noon heavy rain had fallen, making the ground heavy and promising to spoil the play altogether. A stiff breeze was blowing from the north. Following were the teams: — Wairarapa. - Full-back: Roach; three-quarters Cundy, Stringfellow, F. Fuller; five-eights, Cooke (captain), Corkill; half, Mill; rover x J. Donald; forwards, McGregor Reside, S. Willoughby, M. Willoughby, Harvey, Reid, Olhver.

Manawhenua. —Full-back: Johnston; three-quarters, Strange, Fletcher, Page; five-eighths, Riddell, Bevan; half, W. Parata; rover, T. Parata; forwards. Summers, Crawford, Tatana. Parsons, Conrad, Miles, Dalzell.

FIRST SCORE TO CHALLENGERS. Wairarapa kicked off against the wind. T. Parata broke away to be grassed. Later, a dangerous forward rush was stopped by Corkill; then J. Donald got offside and Fletcher raised Manawhenua three points. ° Manawhenua 3, Wairarapa 0. The stiff wind was seriously interfering with the play. The Manawhenua forwards, headed by Parsons and Conrad, were making things merry and play was soon in the Wairarapa’s twenty-five, the greens forcing. The Manawhenua backs came away in a passing rush, but hanging on spoilt the effort. Assisted by the wind, the Manawhenua forwards pressed again, but two free kicks relieved the pressure. Cooke took a pass from Donald and found the line past the twentyfive. Reside carried the play well jap and, from a forward rush, M. Willoughby just missed a score. WIND AIDS MANAWHENU. With the aid of the wind, Manawhenua were doing all the attacking but Wairarapa’s defence was solid. Mill sent the ball to Corkill, who handed it to Cooke, who went right through to be grassed by Johnston. Then Corkill “dummied” and kicked to the side, line, gaining a lot of ground. The Wairarapa forwards came away and subsequently Mill smartly snapped up the ball and got across. Fuller failed with the kick though it was a good effort. Wairarapa 3, Manawhenua 3. From a scramble, Parsons scored for Fletcher to convert and Manawhenua led. Good play was right out of the question owing to the wind, while a glaring sun was affecting the Wairarapa backs. The wind resulted in Wairarapa again forcing. Strange broke away with a splendid run, but Roach downed him. The wind again blew the ball over the line and Wairarapa forced. COOKE’S BRILLIANCE. A great run by Cundy saw play removed to near the Manawhenua line. Then a tricky piece of play was witnessed. The ball went from Cooke to Corkill and back to Cooke who brilliantly dashed through for forty yards to score under the goal. Fuller converted and made the scores equal. Manawhenua now came away to attack for some time and then, from a scramble Miles grounded the ball for Fletcher to convert. Manawhenua 13, Wairarapa 8. This was the score at half-time. RAGGED PLAY. When the teams lined out in the second spell Bramwell replaced Parata at half. After desultory play the Wairarapa backs broke away but Stringfellow lost a certain score through

hanging on to the ball too long. Then Reid passed to Cundy who ran over in a good position. The kick failed. The next scoro went to Manawhenua. Parata bustled his way through to score, but the kick at goal failed. Manawhenua 16, Wairarapa 11.

The play continued to be ragged and uninteresting. Wairarapa were playing much below their usual form. Wairarapa were missing many chances. Then Mill passed to Cooke, the ball going to Stnngfellow to Fuller who scored near the corner. Fuller’s kick went under the bar. Manawhenua 16, Wairarapa 14. WAIRARAPA SCORE FREELY. Mill sent the ball to J. Donald who went right through to score near the goal. The kick raised the flags. Wairarapa kept up the pressure and Corkill dived over under the posts for Cundy to convert.. . The Wairarapa backs and forwards were now playing better and Cundy goaled from a free kick forty yards out.

Wairarapa 27, Manawhenua 16.

Then Cooke dribbled through the whole Manawhenua team for fortyyards to score. Cundy goaled with a magnificent kick from near the side line. Manawhenua rallied for a brief space but Mill went away again, passing to Cooke, to StringfelJow ivho scored near the side line. Again Cundy goaled with a magnificent kick and the game ended:— Wairarapa 37, Manawhenua 16.

AUCKLAND DEFEAT HAWKE’S BAY.

THIRTY-TWO POINTS TO SIX,

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Aug. 17.

A Rugby match was played here today between Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, resulting in a win for Auckland by 32 points to six. Hawke’s Bay had the better of the opening exchanges, their hefty forwards putting a lot of pep into thenplay, sweeping into the Auckland territory. A penalty was awarded in a handy position and Mills kicked a goal. Hawke’s Bay 3, Auckland 0. The Auckland backs made an effort to break through, but Hawke’s Bay again turned the attack and a score looked certain when Campbell passed to McKay, who was thrown out at the corner.

Auckland cleared from a penalty and tight play followed, until Hawke’s Bay returned, throwing the ball about. This enabled L. Hook to intercept and a score seemed likely after he had made a great run, Anderson, however, dropping his pass. Corner got his backs going nicely and a brilliant movement enabled Auckland to equalise. On resuming Hawke’s Bay compelled Auckland to force. The relief was only temporary, a fumble by Corner letting the big Bay pack right to the Auckland line, where Butler made a lucky save. Auckland had a torrid few minutes, until A. Knight and Jamieson removed play to half-way. An outstanding feature of the subsequent play was the mediocre quality of Auckland’s line-kicking. The Hawke’s Bay backs were engaged in a passing bout when Lucas intercepted and scored a great try. Corner converted. Within two minutes L. Hook scored from a line-out. Auckland led at the interval by 11 to 3. Auckland soon increased the lead in the second spell. Minns shortpunted and secured the ball on the bounce. On reaching - Hickling he passed to Batty, who scored, for Bush to add the major points with a great kick. Auckland 16, Hawke’s Bay 3. The Auckland rearguard now began to make things merry and had the defence beaten. With another great kick from a penalty Bush made the score: Auckland 19, Hawke’s Bay 3. Hawke’s Bay took a turn on the attack and Setford looked dangerous. Shortly afterwards Jamieson made an opening for Hook to score on the corner. After Jamieson had scored for Auckland, Setford got over for Hawke’s Bay. Then Jamieson scored again for Auckland, the try being converted by Corner, making the score:— Auckland 32 Hawke’s Bay 6

OTAGO DRAW WITH SOUTHLAND

GREAT BATTLE IN CLOSING STAGES. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Aug. 17. Ideal weather conditions prevailed for the match between Otago and Southland at Carisbrooke Park today. There were 14,000 present. The match was drawn, nine points being scored on each side. In the opening stages Otago pressed hard, but a breakaway rush saw the Southland forwards sweep the play to Otago’s line, where a score was narrowly averted. The Southland pack continued the offensive. Twelve minutes after the start Otago were penalised for a scrum infringement a'few yards outside the twenty-five. Diack accepted the opportunity and kicked a goal. Southland 3 Otago 0

Otago retaliated and a few minutes later Stevenson, with a fine line kick, put Otago deep in Southland’s territory. From a line-out McLean sent Bathgate and Fookes off, the latter cutting in nicely to pass to McClymont and Webb, who ran over in the corner without opposition. Stevenson failed with the kick. Southland ,3. Otago ... 7 3 A period of even play followed, until Otago were penalised again inside their own terirtory, and Diack kicked another goal. Southland -6 Otago 3 The Otago backs took the upper hand in a series of lively passing rushes, but the Southland defence was solid. McLymont initiated an Otago attack with a fine dash deep into the Southland territory, and when the forwards carried on in a fast loose rush to the line, Collett snapped up the ball and dived across in the corner. Stevenson failed with the kick. Otago 6 Southland 6 The Southland pack set up a hot attack on the Otago line, where play was confined for several minutes. From a scrum Bell worked the blind side to Stubbs, wlio streaked across in the corner. Diack’s kick failed. Southland 9 Otago 6 Half time sounded "with the score unaltered. On resuming Southland were penalised twice in theii* own twenty-five, but Stevenson’s kicks failed. Play swept up and downfield at a great speed. Webb put in an electrifying dash down the line to the Southland corner, but lie was beaten in the race for the ball. Neither side gained any material advantage for a long spell, both attacking and defending alternately. The Otago backs handled in a movement to the Southland twenty-five, where Otago were penalised for off-side play. Collett failed with the kick. Southland came back again with a dangerous rush, but two free kicks on the Otago line relieved Southland. The Otago backs handled in several movements in the Southland territory, but their pass-

ing broke down. Then Southland were penalised for off-side play in their own territory. Amid tremendous excitement Stevenson kicked a goal, the scores being equalised: Southland 9 Otago ... ... ... 9 A great battle took place in the closing stages. The issue was in doubt until the final whistle, but the score remained unaltered. A draw was the fairest indication of the game. MARLBOROUGH v. GOLDEN BAY. DRAWN MATCH. Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Aug. 17. Marlborough and Golden Bay (Motueka) both of whom play within the next three weeks for the Seddon Shield, played a draw on the Showgrounds to-day, eight points being scored on both sides. The weather was fine but windy, necessitating the playing of four spells. It was the first time Golden Bay had ,been together. The display was promising, the heavy forwards showing plenty of speed and the backs throwing the ball about willingly. The tackling of the whole team was a feature of the match. Marlborough were disappointing, the forwards playing much below par, while the defence was weak. INTER-SCHOOLS MATCH. NEW PLYMOUTH HIGH 3 v. TE AUTE 0. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 17. An inter-schools match was played here to-day, the New Plymouth High School defeating Te Aute College by three points to nil. SOUTH HAWKE’S BAY v. MANAWATU. VISITORS WELL BEATEN. A TWENTY ' POINT MARGIN. It was a somewhat meagre attendance of the public which attended at the Showgrounds to witness the meeting of Southern Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu 8., the wretched conditions having promised little other than a dour forward struggle. With a large number of their players included in the ranks of the Manawhenua side at Masterton, the home fifteen had some difficulty in filling the gaps in their ranks and the following sides took the field:—

South Hawke’s Bay (yellow and black): Rossiter, C. Crooks, Simmonds, Harvey, Peti, Brogan, Cooke, W. Ellingham, R. Eltingham, Piper, French, Charmley, McKenzie, Robertson, O. Crooks. Maijawatu (green and white) : Dewe, Dais, Moffatt, Cochrane, 6. Darragh, Goldfinch, Shapleski, Griffin, Ormond, Sutherland, Baker, Neild, Carrington, Fitzgerald, Heatley. Manawatu elected to defend the southern goal with the wind at their backs and Brogan kicked off, Carrington accepting, but his kick went erratically to touch, the advantage passing to the visitors. A ground kick passed to Brogan, who dashed across field to find touch at the green twenty-five line. The Manawatu forwards, with Sutherland in the van, swept downfield, a scrum on the line resulting. However, the danger was averted and, although Carrington burst through the ruck, he was penalised for holding on. A subsequent clearance from Peti passed to Cochrane, who sent on to Moffatt, who had raced round the outside of the winger, but he was thrown into touch-in-goal. The greens came back and a free kick down in the corner gave Carrington a long shot at goal and he found the uprights with a nicely judged kick.

Manawatu 3, South Hawke’s Bay 0. Immediately following the kick out, the greens attempted to open up the game, but Goldfinch cut in prettily, only to fall on the treacherous surface. Griffin and Sutherland, however, broke away to go right down and over the line, but illegal charging cost them a penalty. A pass out was intercepted by Fitzgerald, who sent on to Cochrane to Sutherland and, although the hooker failed to hold the ball, he kicked over the line to be awarded a try. Carrington failed with the kick.

Manawatu 6, South Hawke’s Bay 0. A free kick assisted the greens to return to the attack, Baker’s kick working into touch at the corner. Play went across the goal front where Peti, to avoid danger, threw the ball into touch and was penalised, but Baker’s kick went well astray. Coming through from a lineout, the yellows wont beyond the centre line before being halted by Dewe, the home full-back, kicking to touch. Danger threatened when the visitors opened up, but with the ball out to C. Crooks he was collared. Back across field the leather sped, but the defence held, and Baker finally cleared and Carrington went away with the ball at his toe, only to be beaten to the force by Rossiter.

The Manawatu rearguard were enterprising when they went into action, Goldfinch cutting in very effectively prior to handing on to Moffart and, although the centre dropped the ball, Dais kicked over only to lose in the race to the force. However, offside by a visiting forward within striking distance • enabled Carrington to add another three points.

Manawatu 9, South Hawke’s Bay 0. Another score came quickly when Nield went away only to overrun the leather just short of the line. However, G. Darragh was handy and he had only to pick the leather up and go over. Carrington goaled. Manawatu 14, South Hawke’s Bay 0. A, smart kick out almost caught Manawatu napping, but Cochrane snapped up a smart mark. However, from an ensuing scrum Cooke worked the blind side to Brogan to Harvey, but the winger was forced into touch when in full tilt for the line. Halftime found them on the attack, but with the home line still intact.

On resumption, Shapleski set his line going and a pretty handling bout was stemmed in the corner. However, a cross kick went over the goal line where the ball bounced erratically and Carrington snapped it out of Rossiter’s hands to. run round behind the posts. He took the shot too easily and failed. Manawatu 17, South Hawke’s Bay 0. Carrington burst clear from a lineout to fend off the opposition and go right down to Rossiter, but the fullback accounted for him. Peti was instrumental in transferring play for the yellows and they took a turn on the attack. Shapleski momentarily halted them, but they came back and, from a melee on the line, Piper got over. Peti failed.

A series of free kicks assisted the visitors to work to the attack, the final kick sending them down into the corner. Shapleski ' opened up in his own twenty-five, but with the ball out to Cochrane the winger failed to retain his pass and the yellows piled over the line only to be ruled offside. The yellow forwards were lasting the better and they were carrying all the attack, Dewe saving nicely twice in succession. A fast break-away by Carrington carried the big forward down past Rossiter and a race between the pair with Griffin also in hot pursuit saw the two

local men go over for Griffin to be granted a try. Ormond failed. Manawatu 20, South Hawke’s Bay 3. Unperturbed by the sudden reverse, the visitors fought their away back and they were giving the greens some hot moments. A cross kick set them en route for tho line and only a smart mark by Dewe kept them at bay. The advantage was lost when Heatley was caught in front and a series of saeks-on-the-mill closed when a visiting forward was caught offside in turn. However, they were not to be denied and a loose forward rush carried them to the goal front for W. Ellingliam to go over. Peti goaled. The centre of activities was seldom outside green territory, the visitors doing everything but score. However, an effort by the greens gave them yet another try, Heatley going over in a forward melee. Carrington’s hick passed outside the posts. Another surprise score came the way of the greens when, from a defensive position, Cochrane secured the ball to outpace the opposition and race the length of the ground to score behind the posts. Taking tho kick himself, he goaled and time was immediately called. Manawatu 28, South Hawke’s Bay 8. ■Mr A. McKegg refereed.

JUNIOR GRADE COMPETITION. OLD BOYS DRAW WITH KIA TOA B. The lower grade inter-club competitions were proceeded with on Saturday Old Boys and Kia Toa B juniors being drawn to supply the curtain-raiser at the Showgrounds, the. contest haying an important bearing on the championship, for a reverse to the former would have placed them below Kia Toa A. However, Kia Toa B did the next best thing to make a drawn and scoreless battle which will give their A team another opportunity to oppose Old Boys for the season’s honours. The conditions favoured the Kia Toa team, who rely for the main part cn their frontal division, whereas their opponents endeavour to operate their rearguard as their scoring medium. The latter tactics were out of the question and the struggle lay fertile main part between the rival forward divisions, although in the early stages the blacks made a big effort to penetrate down in the blue corner per medium of their rearguard, but were held at bay and a free kick brought relief to the blues. Kia Toa went to the opposite end with a rush, but the play swayed to and fro, Old Boys losing a great chance when Seymour was too deep to receive a final pass when the blacks rvere aimost through A long kick which found touch set the blues on the attack in turn, but an overhard kick enabled the opposition of escape with a force. Employing their forwards and aided by good accepting and kicking by O’Keefe and Dixon, Kia Toa continued to keep their opponents busy despite the fact that they were playing against the wind, and it was only opportune backing up of the full-back which kept the blues out. A fast follow up on a kick through saw O’Keefe caught in possession right under his own goal, but playing the man when not in possession cost the blacks, a penalty and Kia Toa worked free from the danger zone. Half-time found the score sheet a blank.

A long kick out by McKay found touch deep in Old Boys’ territory and attempting to pick tho leather up kept them in their own territory. Later, the blacks had to submit to a force. The kick out failed to bring relief, for the blue scrummagers were quickly back and the competition leaders had to defend vigorously to keep them out, Clausen and Clarke being prominent for the attackers on two occasions. Following a long period on the defence, Old Boys gained the centre line and they slowly fought their way into foreign territory, but the all important score was not forthcoming, and the teams left the field with the honours even. Mr E. W. Low carried the whistle.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS MATCH

WIN FOR TECHNICAL,

Giving a good display of the Rugby code in spite of the wet nature of the ground, the Palmerston North Technical and Levin District High School fifteens met in a match at Levin on Saturday, the former winning by four points to nil. The game was very even, and, although each side threatened to score on occasions, the resistance proved too stubborn, and they were unable to cross the line. Eventually, however, Clayton drop-kicked a neat field goal and" this was the deciding factor in giving Technical the victory. In three previous games the teams had drawn on the first occasion, Levin prevailing by a narrow margin in the other two encounters. The Rugby team was accompanied by the A. and B. basket ball teams, but immediately on their arrival heavy rain fell and the fixtures had to be abandoned. Subsequently, the visitors were entertained at morning tea. HOROWHENUA UNION. Senior.—Nash Cup: Wanderers 14 v. Huia Mai 11; Foxton forfeited to Shannon. Junior Final.—Otakr 13 v. Foxton 3. Paeroa.—Waikato 12 v. Thames Yalley 11. Hawke’s Bay.—Semi-finals of knockout competition: High School Old Boys 8 v. Hastings (senior champions) 0; M.A.C. 31 v. Celtic 0. TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. ‘ Junior Final. —Huia 8 v. Rongotea 5. Friendly Match.—Hui Mai 6 v. Halcombe 0. GAME AT FEILDING. POWER BOARD DEFEAT OROUA COUNTY. (Special to “Standard.”-) FEILDING, Aug. 17. Johnston Park, Feilding, this afternoon was occupied by the Rugby team of the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board employees and one representing the Oroua County Council in their annual match. The Power Board men proved that running out wires made for better training than forming roads and carried off the honours of the day by 19 points to nil. The following were the teams: — ‘ Power Board.—Powell, Walker, W. F. Seeker, Donaldson, Ancell, Akuira, Hurndell, Brice, Bowler, Edwards, Ruthven, Powell, Jenkins, Whittaker and Cleveley. County.—Butler, Sowerby, Hounscll, Tagg, Jensen, Low, Hockett, Guard, Williams, Jefferies, Coudery, Seigel, Bulford, Anderson, Groombridge. County won the toss and with the wind in their favour pressed but were unable to turn the advantage to account. Power Board drove them out and in a rally in the corner Akuira picked up to dive over. His own kick failed. Play remained in the county twenty-five from where Seeker later found the uprights from a penalty, the spell ending 6—o in favour of Power Board. The linesmen. went off with a rush in the second spell, Seeker launching a rearguard movement in midfield which ended in Donaldson and Akuira staging a neat passing bout for Akuira

to get over. Seeker converted. County tried hard to get trough but could not finish the drives and Power Board piled them back on their, last line, Ancell getting over for Donaldson to convert. Just on the can of time a forward struggle m the county twenty-five saw the opposition get the upper hand for Whitaker to cross. Donaldson failed to find the upright and the game ended 19—U i n favour of,Power Board. Mr L. Hickmott controlled the game. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES. Wellington.—Senior A: Poneke 20 v Old Boys 3: Oriental 13 v. Berhampnro 11; Wellington 14 v. Marist 5; University 7 v. Athletic 0. University win-the championship. Q Wanganui.—Technical Old Boys 8 vMarist 3; Country 9 v. Ratana U; Ivaierau 6v. Pirates 6. The latter game decided the championship, Kaierau winning. Q ~ Auckland. —Auckland B 18 v. South Auckland 11. n Timaru.—Star 11 v. Waiti 0: lemuka 17 v. Old Boys 16; Celtic 11 v. Zingari 3.

F. W. D. L. Points. For. Agst. Ch. Fts Old Bovs 15 12 2 1 208 55 26 Kia Toa A. 14 12 0 2 204 47 24 High School 14 8 2 4 147 83 18 Feilding 15 9 0 6 103 109 18 West End 15 8 1 6 73 81 17 Kia Toa B. 15 7 1 7 121 89 15 Massoy C.A. 14 6 1 7 155 110 13 United Val. 15 3 0 12 42 172 6 Feild’g O.B. 15 2 1 12 37 201 5 Massey C'.B. 14 2 0 12 39 162 4 146 69 8 69 1109 1109 146