RUGBY SEASON OPENS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 127, 28 April 1930, Page 4

RUGBY SEASON OPENS

OLD BOYS BEAT FEILDING 0.8. KIA TOA’S NARROW WIN. Notwithstanding tit© visit of tlio English touring team looming up — Manawlienua being required to meet them on May 28—the lengthy spell of dry weather threatened to bring with it a reluctance on the part of players to get into training. However, the standard of play in Saturday’s games was surprisingly good and bodes well for future ..vities. In the senior grade last year’s champions, Old Boys carried too many guns for Feilding Old Boys in a game which was brfimful of interest, while at Johnston Park, Feilding, Kia Toa won a closely contested game by the narrow margin of two points. THE SCORE BOARD. Senior Grade. Kia Toa 8 v. Feilding 6. Old Boys 26 v. Feilding Old Boys n. Junior A. Ivia Toa A 6 v. Feilding 0. Old Boys A 12 v. United 0. Woodvillo won by default from Massey College A. Junior B. Kia Toa B 24 v. Old Boys B 3. High School 20 v. Buunythorpe 8. Feilding Old Boys won by default from Massey College B. OLD BOYS v. FEILDING 0.8. BRIGHT, SPARKLING GAME. In bright sunshine the entry upon the winter activities for the Rugby season of 1930 was heralded locally today, and, although atmospheric conditions were perhaps hardly conducive to fast, rugged football, spectators at the Showgrounds were rewarded by the witnessing of some stirring incidents in the clash of the Old Boys—last year’s champions —and Feilding Old Boys. Starting time had been arranged for three o’clock, but it was some few minutes after the appointed hour that the rivals filed out on to the arena to do duty for their clubs. The opposing forces which lined out fronting the stand were as under: — Feilding Old Boys (green).—McLeod, Salter, N. Bramweli, Cochrane, S. Bramwell, Dewe, Gibbs, Amadio, Campbell, Tait, Wells, Heard, Waugh, Farmer, McKay. Old Boys (black). —Barling, Page, Fletcher, Palmer, Akuira, Riddell, Waugh, Williamson, Linklater, McKenzie, Guy, Henry, Neild, Fraser, Wood. Old Boys elected to play with the wind at their backs and Dewe brought the sides into action by kicking off • towards the northern end, the termination of the initial sortie leaving the centre of activities at midfield, the introduction of the kick-to-touch direct making its effect early apparent. A loose movement by the greens set Tait en route for the line, but Fletcher came across to save. However, Waugh was handy and he secured to go over for a simple try within three minutes of opening. Amadio’s 6hot fell under the bar. Feilding 0.8. 3, Old Boys 0. Old Boys came back with a rush, McLeod attempting to run round only to drop the ball and a scrum at the point where the ball passed over the lino was ruled. Lifting prematurely cost the homesters the advantage, but they returned and, from a succeeding scrum, Akuira secured to cut through and go over. His kick was swept wide. , Old Boys S, Feilding 0.8. 3. The blacks’ rearguard gave a taste of their quality when Akuira snapped up in the loose to send on to Fletcher, to Page, for the winger to race over. Riddell’s kick failed. Old Boys 6, Feilding 0.8. 3. Henry was instrumental in setting Page under way again, but the defence rallied in time to throw him out at the corner and the scene changed. The black winger was prominent in yet another burst inside his own half, his foot knocking over the corner flag as

he was tackled. The visitors replied in kind, Dewe, Cochrane and N. Bramwell spelling danger until Fletcher and Williamson halted the final receiver. Lifting in the scrum cost the defenders a penalty, but Amadio found the range too great, Akuira lining out. Tho pace was surprisingly fast, the greens keeping their opponents on the qui vivo throughout. A burst by Linklater carried the blacks to tho opposing citadel, but tho attack culminated in a force when Palmer essayed a drop shot from a free kick. With play at tho twenty-five lino, Waugh sent out to Akuira, to Riddell, who cut in and then tnrew off a would-be tackier to go over. Akuira found the uprights with a nicely iudged kick. Old Boys 11, Feilding 0.8. 3. The blacks returned to the attack and, although repelled in the right hand corner. Waugh, the homo half, cut diagonally across the field prior to sending on to Page for the winger to dash over and run round behind the posts. Fletcher goaled. Old Boys 16, Feilding 0.8. 3. Half-time was called with the blacks continuing to carry the territorial advantage, but with the score unaltered. On resumption the blacks went to the attack, but a sparkling passing bout was spoiled by a man getting in front -when tho objective was practically attained. Old Boys, forwards and backs, were going great guns and tliev were keeping the greens very busy, although they could not actually penetrate. For the first occasion since the re-entry upon the game tho visitors invaded when Gibbs brought off a lucky speculator and, with a free kick immediately following, Amadio had a shot at goal from the twenty-five line, a good attempt going a shade wide. With Cochrane hot foot for tho lino, Amadio being in support, a score promised for the visitors, but Palmer nipped off the return pass. A rush with Guy at the head relieved, but Cochrane set the greens beyond the half-way line where Amadio came in to accept a pass and, with the defence out of position, the rover lasted just long enough to reach, tho line. McLeod goaled. Feilding 0.8. 8, Old Boys 16. Play swept from end to end in a flash, one assault by tho greens, with McKay in the van, being timely halted by Waugh right down in the corner. S. Bramwell snapped up a mark within easy range, but his attempt to goal failed. A handling bout by Guy, Wood and Pago saw the winger fail to accept right on tho line, while a second essay saw Palmer, on the opposite wing, likewise fail to handle cleanly when he was through. A free kick for lifting brought relief to the greens, but it was only momentary for Guy broke clear again to hand on to Neild to complete. Akuira goaled. Old Boys 21, Feilding 0.8. 8. Tho greens came with a last minute effort and from a five-yards scrum Gibbs secured possession from the ruck to dance his way over. McLeod failed. Feilding 0.8. 11, Old Boys 21. Tho end, however, was not yet for the ball was whipped out by Linklater to Riddell, to Fletcher, who dashed over and round behind the posts to convert Iris own try, and a fast, interesting game terminated with the scores reading: Old Boys 26, Feilding 0.8. 11. Mr A. Gordon refereed. KIA TOA DEFEAT FEILDING. A FORWARD GAME. The season was ushered in on Saturday at Feilding in delightful weather and with the ground in ]>erfect order. _ The meeting of Feilding and Kia Toa in 1 tho initial match of tho season attracted a large attendance, but it was regrettable that the teams could not take the field at the appointed hour, it being nearly ten minutes past tho appointed time when the teams filed out. For the greater part the game was .a hard struggle between tho forwards, in which honours were even. For an opening match the pace was hot and either team was deserving of a win. The following were the teams r Feilding.—Walden, O. Hight, Bowler, Pike, C. Hight, Hare, 3. Fitzgerald, K. Fitzgerald, Shapleski, Moore,

Benge, H. Darragh, R. Darragh, Amadio Brown. Ivia Toa.—Gleeson, Rae, Crawford, Webber, McKenzie, Conrad, Argyle, Doherty, Spratt, McKay, Weston, Wasley, Griffen, Grace, O’Keefe. Feilding set the leather in motion, facing tho sun, tho blues piling down on the ball for Doherty to hold up matters by getting in front of tho ball. C. Hight just failed to find the line, Grace returning the leather to midfield from whence the yellows rushed through to the blues’- twentyfive. A line-out a few yards short of the lino saw Gleeson mark after Amadio had centred, but tho blues got no relief from tho kick. K. Fitzgerald endeavoured to burst through the blue pack with tho leather, but was upended, Wasley relieving. The blue drive was halted just short of tho half-way lino by an infringement from which Amadio piloted the leather across the bar with a strong kick. Feilding 3, Kia Toa 0. The blues were handling badly, the rear line missing tho hand-ons frequently, but Gruco eventually secured possession to make a burst to bo halted by R. Darragh, play returning to midfield. Spratt and Grace staged a dual effort down the side line from a scrum, but met disaster at tho hands of It. Darragh and Shapleski, the yellows returning the rush per medium of a kick to the corner where Benge and C. Hight were within an ace of getting over. In tho melee that ensued Kia Toa were penalised, but Amadio’s kick lacked direction. O’Keefe was prominent in stemming several hard yellow drives in the succeeding play, the hard-press-ed blue forwards gaining relief from his kicking. Conrad led the blue forwards in a series of rushes down tho side lino and a kick to tho centre saw danger to the yellows when Weston secured to break away with Grace in support. The former, however, elected to kick for C. Hight to secure, his short return coming out to Gleeson who punted for the corner flag, but the leather rolled infield and in an exciting scramble Brown just secured the force from the blues. Twice in tho succeeding play the now I aggressive blues compelled Feilding to force down, but a third raid was repulsed by the yellows to the twenty-five line. The blues refused to accept tho reverse, however, and a quick followup by Weston off his own kick saw the defence penetrated Spratt coming up in support to secure the force. McKay failed with an easy kick. Kia Toa 3, Feilding 3. Conrad and Crawford came down on the yellow rearguard from the kickin, but tho danger was cleared and, following a scrum, Shapleski broke away to hand on to Benge, to Moore, to Amadio for the winger to streak for the lino, but ho was unable to shake off Griffen who hauled him down. An infield pass came through to Benge who burst past Spratt and Weston and sent on to R. Darragh. The Last-named shook off several tacklers, but finally went down to a flying tackle from O’Keefe for the blues to relieve. Fast play saw the game centre in the yellow twenty-five where a scrum was ordered, Gleeson securing to break through and score near the posts. Wasley converted. Kia Toa 8, Feilding 3. Half-time found the scores unaltered. A minute after the resumption of play McKenzie marked a short kick from Moore that spelt danger, but the shot went astray. A few seconds later Mooro retrieved his laurels by neatly stemming a strong rush, a snap kick to the side lino removing the Winger. A period of quiet play follqf.ved, the yellows finally taking tho upper hand, Bike leading the serummagers on a foray which Conrad blocked. The blues piled back, Grace cutting up the side lino to centre to McKay when blocked, the ball rolling out at tho corner flag. A penalty here in the scrummage saw Amadio gain valuable ground with a good line kick. K. Fitzgerald was in the van of the yellow attack down the line, but the blues rallied to regain the ground. Tho respite was but temporary, however, Shapleski coming round the’scrum to set the rear line moving, but Amadio’s kick to the corner flag fell into the hands of O’Keefo whoso relief punt sent the yellows back. Moore set the other wing moving, but good territory gained by A. . Waldin and H. Darragh was lost through lack of support, Spratt relieving. The following play was exciting. Benge and Mooro wero associated in a movement

which placed the opposition at a disadvantage, the last-named handling on to Amadio who burst through the defence with the field clear before him. Griffen came up fast behind to overhaul his vis-a-vis and grass him, but not before a well played try had been gained. The scorer’s own kick went a triflo wide. Feilding 6, Ivia Toa 8. Spurred by the success, Feilding set out at a hot pace to increase their tally, but an equally determined defence held them up, a fiercely contested midfield struggle setting in. Yard by yard the yellows worked down toward their objective and Kia Toa had a “life” when a lucky speculator by Grace robbed 11. Darragli of the leather. Shortly after Amadio failed to find the posts from a penalty and again the forward battle was resumed, McKay finally sending the yellows back nearly half the field by a powerful left footer to the line. The visitors could make nothing of the advantage gained, however, the game ending shortly after with the scores unchanged. Mr I. C. llobinson controlled tlie game. Prior to taking the field the Feilding team met and elected M. Bowlor captain and A. Waldin vice-captain. JUNIOR A GAMES. OLD BOYS A v. UNITED. To the junior A teams of Old Boys and United fell the honour of actually lifting the curtain on local football, these two teams supplying the curtainraiser at the Showgrounds. The amalgamated combination experienced difficulty in fielding a full team at the commencement, but two further recruits were enlisted a few minutes after play had been entered upon with Old Boys (blacks) having advantage of the breeze at their backs. Play, as was naturally to bo expected,, was somewhat ragged, the rival frontal divisions making the play, but the scene of activities changed quickly, neither side securing any material advantage, although Kells made a good effort to find the uprights from a shot at goal as the result of United (white) getting offside. Later another opportunity was presented the Old Boys full-back and he contributed the first three points of the season from a long range. Old Boys 3, United 0. Encouraged by their success, the blacks set their rearguard operating, Cameron delaying his pass just a shade too long, Scorgie accepting the final handon offside. Old Boys had their opponents on the run for a period, but the defence of the whites proved very sound, J. Anderson and Broughton being prominent. However, a high kick by Norris saw Phiips collared in possession and, the ball working free, Sandman snapped it up to go over wide out. Kolls’s kick struck the post to rebound outwards. Old Boys 6, United 0. Half-time found play at the centre line, the blacks having made a dangerous sortie immediately preceding which was, however, nullified by lifting in the scrum. 'On resumption following “lemons,” Old Boys worked to the attack and, after Greville being recalled, Norris secured from the ensuing scrum to hand on to Turner, who cut through and over the line. Bradley failed with the kick. Old Boys 9, United 0. A dash by J. Anderson set the whites on the attack, but Scorgie came away in reply and, although floored, Dawick secured to dash the final 30 yards. Kells “duffed” his kick. Old Boys 12, United 0. Shearman was furnished with an opportunity to open United’s account from a shot at goal, but the ball failed to rise, although a handling bout was opened from the rebound and the blacks had .to hurriedly race to the defence. There were bellows to mend long before the end and, as a result, the pace slowed up. but, although the whites continued to take a share of the play, their movements seldom carried any real danger. Time was called without further score. Mr R. E. Hatch carried the whistle. OTHER JUNIOR MATCHES. KIA TOA a V. FEILDING.

Playing attractive football Kia Toa A defeated Feilding juniors by 6 points

to nil at the Showgrounds. The visiting forwards were the heavier, but the double blues made an attractive showing and more than held their own in this department. There was little between the backs,* and the struggle was a close one throughout. Feilding (yellow and black) had the heavier pack and turned this advantage to account early in the game when the double- blues were kept penned in their ' own twenty-five. A series of back movements, in which the three-quarter line took a useful part, reversed play, and for a period it was give and take in neutral territoi j ■ Taking advantage of the wind, the double blues put Feilding in a defensive position, the yellows being compelled to force twice. Holden marked in front of the posts, his kick missing 113- inches. Another blue sortie had Feilding in difficulties, the ball going out at the corner. Kia Toa’s persistence was rewarded shortly afterwards, Finley securing and scrambling over at the corner. Coomber failed to convert from a difficult angle. Half-time sounded with the score 3—o in Kia Toa’s favour.

Honours were evenly divided in the opening exchanges of the second spell. Feilding were given two opportunities at goal, both of which were unsuccessful. Pike made a good run to be soundly tackled five yards from the line, suffering an injury that necessitated his leaving the field. Kia Toa then teok the offensive and reached the three-quarter line, where J. Weston landed a fine g;oal from a penalty. Kia Toa 6, Feilding 0. The game ended shortly afterwards without any alteration in the score. Mr E. Dudson was referee. JUNIOR B. KIA TOA B v. OLD BOYS B. The match between the junior B teams, Kia Toa and Old Boys, played on the No. 4 field at the Showgrounds was a typical first-of-the-season match, and was not productive of brilliant play. Kia Toa won a ragged match by 24 points to 3. Playing with a strong wind behind them, Kia Toa were in an attacking position during the greater part of the first spell. Taking the lead from the outset, the double blues piled up fourteen points before the change, the chief centre of attack being the forwards. Cowling was the first to score, struggling over in a ruck in front of the posts. Pock missed an easj kick, but later landed a good penalty from the field. Securing from a serum, Riley dropped the leather, but regained to brush aside two weak tackles and cross in a handy position for Peck to convert, the latter landing another free kick shortly before the spell ended to bring the score to 14—0 in Kia Toa’s favour. The double blues were early on the attack after the change over. McKubre taking advantage of a. misunderstanding between two opposing backs to pick up at the 25 line and score. Peck improved. Old Boys looked dangerous when Puklowski broke away in a solo run that was checked only at the line. A scrum wa6 awarded and an infringement gave Matthews a chance to open the blacks’ scoring account with a good kick. Old Boys 3, Kia Toa 19. Shortly before the final whistle Peck secured another try and converted, making the final score Kia Toa B 24, Old Boys B 3. Mr L. Berry was referee. OROUA SUB-UNION. Senior.—Kimbolton 8 v. Rangiwahia 3, Apiti 14 v. Waituna 3. Junior: Kimbolton 16 v. Rangiwahia 8, Apiti 33 v. Waituna 0. HOROWHENUA UNION. Seniors. —Foxton 67 v. County 0; Wanderers 17 v. Shannon 0. Junior.—Foxton 22 v. Koputaroa 0; Tokomai-u 19 v. Shannon 11; Hui Mai 3 v. Wanderers 0. Thirds.—Wanderers 8 v. Foxton 0 (played at Foxton). RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES. Dannevirke.—Pirates 6 v. Excelsior 3, Old Boys 13 v. Rangers 8. Hawke’s Bay.—H.S.O.B. 6 v. Celtic

3 T.C.0.8. v. Pirates 0. Christchurch.—Old Boys 17 v. Merivale 3, Albion 28 v. Technical 0, Llll- - 18 v. Christchurch 11, Varsity 14 v. Sydenham 3. Taranaki. —Old Bo3'S 3i v. Okato 0; Star 14 v. Celtic 9; Stratford 3v. Inglewood 0: Tukapa 6v. Clifton 0. . Wanganui.—Pirates 11 v. Kaierau 11; Tech. Old Boys 29 v. Old Boys 6; llatana 9 v. Aotca 6-, Southland.—Senior: Star 41 v. Southern 0, Invercargill 31 y. Pirates first fifteen 13 ; Pirates second fitteen 21 v. Waikiwi 9. Auckland Technical O.IL 14 v. V arsity 6: Grammar 0.8. 11 v. Training College 8; Manukau 13 v. College Rifles 10; Ponsonb.v 30 v. Grafton 3; Marist 14 v. City 8. . Dunedin. —Alhambra 8 v. University A 5; University B 9 v. Zingari 6; Pirates 9 v. Dunedin 8; Taieri 11 v. Union 9; Southern 5 v. Kaikorai 5. Wairarapa.—Grey town 19 v. Masterton 0; Carterton 3v. Old Boys 0; Gladstone 15 v. Red Star 10. South Canterbury.-—Celtic 10 \. Star 9; Teniuka 19 v. Waihi 3; Old Boys 25 v. Zingari 3. W ellington.—Senior A : Old Boys 16 v University 10; Petone 15 v. Athletic 10 • Marist i 9 v. Hutt 14; Poneke 24 v. Berhampore 9; Oriental 9 v. Eastbourne 6. Senior B: Wellington 79 v. Porirua 0; Oriental 9 v. Selwvn 6- University 11 v. Training College 6 ; Johnsonville" 22 v. Miramar 13; Melrose 6 v. Upper Hutt 6; Onslow 6 v. Hutt A 5.