RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 199, 22 July 1935, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

STANDARD OF PLAY SLUMPS BALL DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. Although the rain of overnight had left the playing areas at tlio Showgrounds slightly heavy on Saturday, they offered a good footing, but the players apparently found the ball difficult to handle, for the passing of the rearguard members did not attain the standard expected and there was a lot of desultory football as a result. While the leading teams in the senior section retained their positions, Kin Toa offered Massey College strong opposition. In the lower half of the table Rongotea brought off a surprise win over Woodville on the latter’s ground. In the junior competition Old Boys continued their unbeaten although their victory over Kelvin Springboks was a narrow one. Bunnythorpe, last year’s champions, lost further ground by having to share the championship points with Massey College. THE SCORE BOARD. Senior. St. Patrick's 17 v. Oroua Downs 9. Old Boys 11 v. Feilding G. Rongoten 9 v. Woodville 6. Massey College 3 v. Kia Toa 0. Eeilding 0.8. won by default from United. J uniors. Kia Toa 11 v. St. Patrick’s 0. Old Boys 6 v. Kelvin Springboks 3. United 4 v. To Arakura 3 Bunnythorpe 3 v. Massey College 3. High School won by default irom Feilding. Thirds. Woodville A 35 v. Feilding H.S. 6. St. Patrick's 12 v. High School 0. / Feilding 0.8. 23 v. Woodville B 6. Feilding 17 v. Ivia Toa 7. Ashhurst won from United by. default. Fifths. High School A 20 v. St. Patrick’s 0. Technical 9 v. Feilding H.S. 3. _ Midgets. Convent B 3 v. Russell Street 0. ; CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES. SENIOR GRADE.

♦Were on vacation for the first two matches. JUNIOR GRADE.

LOST OPPORTUNITIES. ST. PATRICK’S THE VICTORS. In a game which did not attain the standard expected, both sides being apt to mishandle, St. Patrick’s ran out clear-cut winners in their match with Oroua Downs. The teams were : St. Patrick’s (green).— McKewen, Findlay, M. Gillespie, Dawick, R. Gillespie, Spelmnn, Edlin, Sears, Nesbit, Madgwick, McKay, Ross, Smith, Fitzpatrick, Powell. Oroua Downs (grevV—T. D. Scott, L. Moffatt, M. Moffatt, Hancock, Chrvstall, .Howard, Jarvis, Davey, R. Algar, PL Algar, L. Scott. Millard, C. Hancock, K. Beard, L. Beard. On winning the toss, Oroua Downs elected to play into the light cross wind and within a few moments they were three points tin. A fast iol-low-up bv M. Moffatt prevented tv. Gillespie 'from getting in bis clearance ancl Jarvis carried on for L. Moiiatt to get his foot to the ball'. Matters were dangerous when a defender came into action offside, and K. Beard go a led nicely. A strong dash by Dawick, after R. Gillespie bad whipped the leather out, set St. Patrick s down in the corner and from a succeeding scrum Edlin sent the hall out to Spelman, who dived through a gap to score. Powell failed from easy range. Although the greens continued to carry the territorial advantage, the next score came to Oroua Downs in sensational stylei when Davey burst through after Snelman had failed to take the leather cleanly and lie sent on a pass to Chrvstall who evaded a high tackle by Powell to race the remaining distance to score. Beard’s kick fiiilcd to rise. A quick reply came from the greens which Dawick dashed up at top speed and, although tackled just short of the line, lie got a pass away to R. Gillespie, who took it at his finger tips to complete a spectacular erfort. The kick failed and the teams were on terms at the interval. Immediately upon the resumption, St Patrick’s launched an attack along the right wing where Spelman crosskicked for Dawick and M. Gillespie to follow through. Hancock failed to take a rolling hall and the referee granted a try to Gillespie. McKay failed to convert. A moment later the referee awarded the greens another ot the innumerable penalties which were coming their way and R. Gillespie s shot struck the cross-bar to rebound, but the greys escaped from a ticklish position. However, a later opportunity at close range saw Edlin make no mistake. The standard of play steadily deteriorated. The greens lost the services of Findlay. Eerguson going into the pack and Madgwick on to the wing. A weak luck by Hancock which went infield enabled Spelman to open up ,nncl the ball went along to Dawick who raced for the corner. Although tackled, he turned over to ground the leather over the chalk line. Mcß"v coaled with a great kick. In following up a kick Scott, the grey full-back, collided heavily with. McKay and was compelled to retire. The greys, v were losing golden opportunities, added to their account when Ghrystall secured to dash over, having to wend through several opponents. ! 5e failed from short range and the game closed : n St Patrick’s 17, Oroua Downs Mr G. Hoarc was the referee. A HARD STRUGGLE. COLLEGIANS’ CLOSE CALL.

Although Massey College entered upon their game with Kia Toa with marked dash, they failed to maintain the effort, their struggle of Wednesday against Victoria College apparently making its evidence felt. Kia Toa showed enterprise in the back line and it nearly enabled them to snatch

the game out of the fire, what would have been the equalising try being disallowed. The teams were:

Massey College (blues). —Wishart, Early, Sherratt, Thurston, Ball, Harper, Blythe, Lyall, Boswill, Bishop, Barker, Rees, Lewes, Lloyd, Waller.

Kia Toa (dark blue and black).; — Carr, Barnao, O’Keefe, Clark, Kitchen, Riley, Simpson, Williams, Kingsbeer, Kerrigan, Farmer, Latham, H. Crawford, I. Crawford, Hynes. The Collegians were unfortunate, for a moment or two after the opening they lost Ball. Coles, who had replaced Ball to take up a position on the wing, burst into tho picture by going off with the ball at his toe to pick it up when down to Carr _ and dive over. Two good marks by O’Keefe held up assaults by the Collegians. A nice piece of work bv Clark and Carr, the full-back dashing up to give a return pass, let the dark blues pile through, the assault closing when Simpson had a fruitless shot at goal from the field. Right on the halftime bell Lyall was caught picking the ball out of tho scrum and Carr essayed a long shot at goal, but the distance was too great and the teams retired with the light blues three points up. The second spell opened in sensational manner, Kerrigan accepting tho kick out to open up to his backs, Simpson, Kitchen, O’Keefe and Barnao handling in turn, O’Keefe going deep before handing on to his winger. However, Rees got back to halt tho winger. A melee ensued until an over-hard kick enabled Blythe to force. Waller, Shorratt, Early and a return pass to Sherratt carried the. Collegians into the corner, but they could not press their advantage home. The superior condition of the Massey College forwards was now commencing to tell and they should have added to their account when first Early and then Thurston were almost in after spirited bouts. With hut a couple of minutes to go, Kia Toa nearly snatched the game out of the fire when a handling bout saw Barnao away to cross wide out, but he bad gone into touch en route, and the final whistle found the issue being waged, in neutral territory Massey College 3, Kia Toa 0. Mr G. Cooksley was the reieree.

OLD BOYS WIN. FEILDING’S LOST CHANCES

Playing on the No. 2 area at the Showgrounds, Old Boys beat Feilding by 11 points to 3 in a very ordinary game. The teams were : Old Boys.—Betteridge, Bradley, Olliver, Hadfield, Fletcher, Plank, Evans, Thomas, Fleming, O’Dea, Kingsheer, Henry, R. Cutler, Louisson, Yortt. Feilding.—Brown, G. McGorkindale, W. McGorkindale, Bary, Thompson, H. Dewe, R. Dewe ; Hight, Newman, Hare, Nicholson, Fitzgerald, Spelman, Rosser, Sullivan. Feilding attacked strongly with vigorous forward rushes, but Evans secured to send the Old Boys backs racing away for Hadfield to complete the movement by scoring in the corner. The try was not converted. Feilding resumed the offensive and Thompson broke through to transfer to W. McCorkindale right in front of the posts, but the centre failed to accept, and a splendid opportunity was lost. The Feilding backs attempted to open up play again, but Brown was caught in possession. Right on the Old Boys’ line W. McCorkindale passed to Hight for the latter to cross, but the transfer was ruled forward. Bary got away smartly on the wing and handed on to Nicholson. The latter fumbled the ball with an open line in front, and the leather was dropped at the critical moment. Immediately after the interval Old Boys swept through to the Feilding line, where Evans caught the opposition napping and dived over. Betteridge failed. Feilding launched a heavy attack and when Old Boys were penalised for an infringement W. McCorkindale goaled. Bradley was hard pressed to save in the corner a few minutes later and Feilding were awarded another penalty for obstruction, but the kick failed. Fletcher cut through prettily to make a long run. Yortt came up fast in support and took tho hall beautifully in his stride to race over under the T>osts. Fletcher converted. W. McCorkindale missed another penalty kick later for Feilding and Old Boys were seriously threatening Feilding’s line just before time was called with the score : Old Boys 11, Feilding 3. Mr 13. Holdswortli refereed.

AN EVEN ENCOUNTER. RONGOTEA BEAT WOODVILLE. In a game which wap practically devoid of spectacular incident, Rongotea. beat Woodville on their home ground by 9 points to 6. The teams were: Woodville. —McNeil. Beale, A. Burlace, C. Hays, Southey, McDougal, Brandon, J. Burlnoe. Dunn, Walker, Kennerley, W. McKinlay, Flowers, Hutchison, J. McKinlay. Rongotea.—Pedersen, Gust. Gloyn, Sherlock, McKenzie, Ryan, Wood, Saxton, Jones, Heene.v, Cocker, George, Pene, Robinson, Gardner. Woodville opened their scoring account, after securing an early advantage, when Flowers crossed as the result of a forward rush. A. Burlace attempted to add the extra points, but failed. A. Burlace picked up when a Rongotea pa6S was dropped and put in a good solo run and lor a time Rongotea were steadily on the defensive. Gloyn, at full-back, was caught with the ball, but Sherlock eventually cleared. Gloyn placed his forwards in a lrandv position with a line kick and Robinson went over from the loose, Gloyn’s kick at goal failing. Play speeded up somewhat in a series of kicking exchanges, Saxton securing about tho half-way line to race upheld and pass to Scott on the wing. Scott attempted to reverse pass to Saxton. Tho latter failed to handle tlio hall, but Pedersen picked up and dived over near the posts. Pedersen took the kick, which was unsuccessful. Halftime followed. Shortly after the resumption blowers picked up in the ruck in the Woodville twenty-five and scored. Burlace failed to convert. Woodville had the 1 letter of the game for a period until Gust was again seen in a good dash until he met McNeil, who made an excellent tackle. Heenev capped the attack when ho crossed from a passing bout set going by Cocker. Gloyn was unsuccessful with the kick and time sounded with the scores: Bongotea 9, Woodville fi. Tho referee was Mr H. Hughes.

COMMENTS ONTHE GAMES. ST. PATRICK’S v. OROUA DOWNS

Although St. Patrick’s did not flatter their supporters to any great extent, they always appeared to be the superior side. Oroua Downs made a good fight of it, but their rearguard did not operate at all well. Tlio greens appeared to have a mortgage on the penalties, and they must have received fivo out of every six awarded. In some instances it was certainly difficult to determine why somo wore awarded. However, there

was a lot of offside work by both sets of forwards.

While not impressive, tho full-backs, McKewen (St. Patrick’s) and T. D. Scott (Oroua Downs), got through a lot of work in satisfactorily style. Although Jarvis did quite well behind the Oroua Downs scrum, Ito was overshadowed on the day by Edlin, the youthful green “donkeyman,” who handled.nicely and was always game to go down on the ball. He is a representative half-back in the making. The St. Patrick’s rearguard handled the ball quite nicely on occasion, although in orthodox movements they never really got far, possibly as a result of Spelman displaying a tendency to run across the field too much. This member has a good pair of hands and it is a pity he does not run straight. R. Gillespie is a very useful member in tho ranks of the greens, both on defence and attack, and he and Spelman were superior to the opposing pair, Howard being rather a weak link for the greys. Ghrystall, the Oroua Downs outer five-eighth, showed that he can score when given the opportunity bv contributing six of his side’s nine points. Tlio Moffatt. Bros, continue to be tile strong members in tho ranks of Oroua Downs. L. Moffatt had a great duel with Findlay, tho green right winger. Powell, Kilpatrick and Sears were a hard-working trio for the greens. McKav made his reappearance and showed a flash of his old kicking ability by landing a goal from the sideline after one or two indifferent efforts. K. Beard was a useful loader for the Oroua Downs pack, his line-out work being good throughout, although his pass hack to his rearguard went unaccepted all too often. Davey, although lacking in poundage, proved himself to be a very useful member, his effort which brought Ghrystall liis first try being one of the best.

MASSEY COLLEGE v. KIA TOA. While somewhat drab on tho whole, the game between Massey College and Ivia Toa was not without its exciting moments and the scoring should really have been greater. Kia Toa were optimistic of the outcome, and, while disappointed, fought tlie whole way. Tlieir rearguard work was of high standard on occasion. Carr and Wis hart, the full-backs, gave sound displays, although the iormer appeared to he a little uncertain when confronted by the opposition. His linefinding was good, while he displayed enterprise by coming up to feed his backs—quite a refreshing feature. Although Waters and Sutton failed to- take the field at the start for the Collegians, the former figured as a late replacement. While the light blues packed quite well, they appeared to miss their two rugged members, and Bishop had a heavier role to play in consequence. While Massey College secured the major portion of the ball in the set scrums, their rearguard made little real use of it, Blythe and Harper being an unhappy combination particularly in the first spell. Simpson, the Kia Toa half-back, had a strenuous afternoon standing up to the vigorous College forwards, but while he experienced some heavy falls, he was always ready to carry on. Riley and Kitchen made a useful pair of five-eighths, the former displaying a fund of dash when in possession. Unfortunately his _ handling was not always good. O’Keefe was the star in the ranks of the city team. The former Manawhenua representative, Williams, retains his form well. In the closing stages he was almost invariably at the head of the Kia Toa scrummagers, while in the tight work he was always ready to mix it. The Crawford Bros, were in the picture on occasion, while Farmer is a useful scrummager. Barnao, the Kia Toa right winger, is now putting more vim into his work, and with his weight and pace he should make quite a useful threequarter. It was unfortunate for tho player and his side that his try in the closing stages should ‘ have been disallowed, for it was well worthy of a reward.

EEJLDING’S LOST TRIES. Inability to handle the ball when there was practically an open line in front cost Feilding the game against Old Boys. The shocking way in which the ball was fumbled and tries thrown away must have been very disheartening to their supporters. Old Boys lacked their customary sting and dash, Bradley being guilty of several bad mistakes. Betteridge acquitted himself very well as full-back for Old Boys, and Olliver was very sound at centre, while Fletcher produced several of his characteristic runs. Thomas, Yortt and Henry were the pick of the forwards. Brown kicked powerfully as full-back for Eeilding, and Bary, on the wing, showed dash when the leather came his way, but the other backs will have to improve their handling after Saturday’s inglorious display.

"WOODVILLE AND RONGOTEA. In neither team in tho match at Woodville was there much cohesion, and there was little outstanding solo work to lift the game above tho standard of mediocre. Both sets of forwards worked hard; much of tlieir work was in the tight. The Woodville backs were fed well from the scrums, but the visitors secured the ball on the majority of occasions from the line-outs. Tlio Woodville hacks were rarely successful in handling the ball as a line, and, on the other hand, the ball was too slow in travelling through tho Rongotea rearguard to make the attack decisive. Playing conditions were good, there being only a very slight breeze. The ground was in good order. As it was harity Day for Woodville, it was a pity that the attendance was below the average. For Woodville, Brandon played tho best game. McDougal also did a great amount of useful work. Flowers was impressive in the open and was always handy when the ball was near the Rongotea line. Other forwards who battled hard were Burlace and Hutchison. Bobinson, Ileeney and Gardner played a solid ganfo for Rongotea. Cocker, a promoted junior, also went very well. McKenzie made a good showing in tho backs on a number of occasions. When Gush secured possession he made inroads on the Woodville territory. Gloyn, at full-back, put in some useful defensive kicks, but he could not secure success in attempting to goal. Tho goal kicking of both teams was not up to standard and many points were lost through failures in that direction.

THE MIDGETS. _ CONVENT B. v. RUSSELL STREET. Staged at the interval between the two senior games on the oval at the Showgrounds, the game between Convent B and Russell Street did not reach the usual heights. Short time was played, but Convent B were able to register a try early, J. Carmine being the contributor, to carry the day.

MATCHES. The following is the draw for Wednesday’s matches in the mid-week Rugby competitions:—St. Patrick’s v. Kowhai, Johnston Park, Feilding, 2.30 p.m., Mr J. Holman; Unite<l v. Pirates, oval, Showgrounds, 2.30 p.m., Mr 0. Woodham; Kia Toa a bye. FORMER MANAWATU PLAYER. E. Fletcher, the former Manawatu and Manawhenua Rugby representative, who is now playing League football in Auckland, was a member of the Richmond Rovers, the champion club team of the Queen City, which met and easily defeated a combined Wellington team at Wellington on Saturday. Fletcher took the opportunity at the week-end to visit his parents in Palmerston North. TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. HUIA JUNIOR CHAMPIONS.

(From Our Own Correspondent .) SAN DON. July 20. Junior. —Huia 6 v. Sandon b. Third grade.—Oroua Downs 3v. Sandon 0. HUIA DRAW WITH SAN DON. At feandon on Saturday the Huia football team were successful in winning the McKclvic Shiold for the 1935 season. The game which ended in a draw enabled IJuia to head S.andon by the bare one point and so hring 1 to a conclusion a very even and interesting competition. As a preliminary to this match Sandon thirds met the Oroua Downs team and after a spiritless display were beaten by an unconverted try to nil. Late starting made tho game short and neither side was able to show form. In the junior game Sandon attacked from the outset and carried play deep into Huia territory where a breach of the rules gave Larkin a ehanco to goal, but his kick dropped short. Huia took a turn at attacking and carried piay to the Sandon twenty-live, but a breach spoilt the movement and Sandon cleared. Sandon were lucky when the Huia forwards broke clear and a knpek-on spoilt a certain try. Sandon were again in trouble, but O’Brien saved the situation by taking an excellent mark. K. Donaldson put Huia in a good position with a kick which found the Sandon barks out of position, but ovorcagerness caused a knock-on. From tho scrum tho Sandon backs broke thrugh, but Matai was safe. Tong put Sandon on the attack with a great line kick and almost immediately Grace put in a good run up the line only to be pushed out at the critical moment. The Sandon forwards broke through from the line-out and from the ruck Sutherland dived over in a bandy position. Larkin missed. After the ki'-k-off the Huia forwards battled through to the Sandon line and from a scramble Rankin secured and got over in the corner Gilmour missed. The kick-off went deep into Huia territory and the blue forwards led by H. Henson carried play to the line where Huia forced. Half-time sounded with Huia on the attack. After the interval Huia attacked strongly in short rushc* and only good tackling kept them out. Sandon forwards worked their way through the line, but the defence held in spite of repeated efforts by Sandon to get over. Huia cleared and had Sandon on th*» defensive and from a centring kick Potu secured and broke through to score a good try. Tho kicked missed. Stung by this reverse Sandon attacked strongly. Eventually Tong carried play to the Huia lino where K. Henson picked up and bullooked his way over for a score. The kick missed. Sandon 6, Huia 6. The final whistle found the ecorcs unchanged and Huia the winners of tin' IMoKelvie Junior Shield for 1935. They are to be congratulated on their consistent performances: The runners-up (Sandon) are also to be congratulated on their effort. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES.

Wellington.—Senior A: Old Boys 11 v. Eastbourne 4 ; Alarist 10 v. Johnsonville 3; Athletic 14 v. Oriental 0; 'Wellington 11 v. Poneke 8; Petone 10 v. Hntt S. Second Division: St. Patrick’s 13 v. Miramar 0; Melroee-Sel-wyn 7 v. Wellington 3; University 17 v. Berliampore 0; Old Boys 9 v. Petone 8. Auckland. —Otaliulm 15 v. Mankuau 6; University 13 v. Grammar Old Boys 11; Grafton 25 v. Ponsonby 11; Marist 14 v. College Rifles 8. Christchurch. —Town 32 v. Country 14, Dunedin.—Varsity A 15 v. Pirates 8; Southern 0 v. Zingari 3; Taieri 13 v. Varsity B 3; Dunedin 9 v. Alhambra 5; Union 9 v. Kaikorai 9.

Taranaki. —Tukapa 14 v. Stratford Old Boys 5; Stratford 20 v. Hawera G; Waimate 6 v. Pntea 3; Opunake 14 v. Inglewood 9; Clifton 0 v. Elthnm 0; Okaiawa 22 y. New Plymouth Old Boys 12; Ivaponga 25 v. Star 11. Invercargill. —By defeating Old Bovs by 21 points to 12 Pirates won the senior Rugby championship, carrying with it the Galbraith Shield. Bush Union. —Seniors: Hamua 9 v. Nireaha 3, Ivonini 13 v. Balianc-e 5, Mangatainoka 3 v. Eketalnina 3. Juniors: Ivonini 10 v. Mangatainoka 6 (Cowan Cup), United 17 v. Hukanui 3. Wairarapa..—Gladstone 9 v. Carterton 5; Red Star 14 v. Dalefield 9; Martinborough 17 v. Old Boys 6. Wanganui.—Kaierau 9 v. Marist 6; Pirates 17 v. Tech. 0.8. 9; Old Boys 13 v. Ratana 3.

Taihape.—Taihape 15 v. Rangitikei

Hastings.—Hastings 22 v. Southern Hawke’s Bay 8.

Points Ch. p. \v. D. L. For Ajrst. Pts. Feilding O.B. h 9 1 1 172 73 19 St. Patrick’s . 11 8 1 2 109 55 17 n 6 2 3 89 69 14 Massey Col.* . ii ii 6 5 1 4 6 107 83 65 13 72 10 n 5 — 6 73 115 10 Feilding ii 4 — 7 97 95 8 Oroua Downs n 3 2 0 . 85 95 8 Rongotca United ii ii 5 1 1 7 9 34 53 121 8 144 3 110 51 8 51 902 902 110

Points Ch. P. W. D. U. For Agst. Pts. . 12 12 — — 138 46 24 Bunnvthorpo Kia To a . 11 . 12 7 8 2 2 4 67 118 45 38 16 16 High School . 12 7 — 5 73 51 14 . 12 5 1 6 76 74 11 . 12 4 3 5 57 56 11 . 12 4 1 7 52 89 9 . 11 3 1 7 77 96 7 Fei'.ding — United .. 12 .. 12 3 2 - 9 10 28 3390 136 6 4 11(3 55 8 55 719 719 118 'Were on vacation for first three matches.