RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 159, 7 June 1937, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

GAMES IN HAIL AND RAIN. KIA TOA’S WINNING WAY. Several driving falls of liail and rain, and a persistent wind, made weather conditions bitterly eold and most unpleasant for the continuation of the Manawatu Rugby Union’s club competitions on Saturday. The grounds soon became greasy and the games were marked by an absence of the clear-cut, open play. On tlie Showgrounds oval, Kia Toa continued their winning way in their contest with Feilding, and at the rear of the main grandstand Massey College drew with Old Roys. bedding Old Boys were to have been at home to Woodville, but the latter side defaulted. St. Patrick’s had the bye. In the junior division, United, equal on the championship ladder with Old Boys, had to strike their colours to Bunnythorpe. Old Boys beat St. Patrick’s and thus took the lead tor the championship by two points. In the third grade games Feilding Old Boys came from third position to first for the championship. St. Patrick’s were defeated by Feilding, lying filth on the ladder, the former tlnis losing their honour of being coleaders with Old Boys. St. Patrick’s, Old Boys, Feilding and Kia Toa now share the honours of the second position all being only one point below the leaders. THE SCORE BOARD. SENIORS. Kia Toa 14 v. Feilding 3. Old Bovs 3 v. Massey College 3. Feilding Old Boys win by default from Woodville. JUNIORS. Bunnythorpe 13 v. United 7. Feilding Old Boys 11 v. Massey College 3. Kia Toa 3 v. Jackeytown 3. Old Boys 11 v. St. Patrick’s 0. THIRD GRADE. Feilding 9 v. St. Patrick’s 5. Kia Toa U v. Palmerston North High School 3. Feilding Old Boys 11 v. I'eilding High School 3. FOURTH GRADE. Kia Toa 14 v. Palmerston North High School 3. United 11 v. Technical School 3. FIFTH GRADE. Palmerston North High School B 17 v. Feilding High School 17. Kia'Toa ,25 v. Technical School. 3. SIXTH GRADE. Albion 15 v. Kia Ora 5. Gordon 32 v. Kia Toa (i. Technical C v. Phoenix 3. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES. SENIORS.

KIA TOA BEAT FEIEDING. FEW HIGHLIGHTS SEEN. Though the contestants made a dour struggle of it, little play of a very interesting, character was seen in the meeting of Kia Toa and Feilding. A greasy turf and a heavy ball restricted the passing bouts, and most of the attacking was done with footwork. The final score was 14—3 in favour of the home side. The teams were:— Kia Toa. —1?. Wasiey, Barnao, Simpson, G. Wasiey, Jarvis, Thomas, Winiata, Latham, Crawford, Thorne, Greatorex, McKenzie, Beard, Whyte, Carr. Feilding.—Stuckey, Sutherland, Bowyer, McKenzie, Waldin, Nicol, 11. Brown, Kitchen, Rosser, Henson, Morrison, Nicholson, Sullivan, Newman, Hight. Flay hung in mid-field in the opening stages until Waldin sent the ball well into the Kia Toa twenty-five with a long kick. Kia Toa opened the game up again when awarded a penalty luck, and a forward rush took them to a dangerous position. Waldin again changed the complexion of events with a strong punt. A little later Kia Toa secured the ball from a scrum and it passed through the line of backs foi Jarvis to go round to the end. Tic centred when pressed and the attack carried on through the other wing, Wasiey colliding with the coinei flag. Feilding steadily worked away from danger and Nicol landed the ball well down the field with a long kick that had the ultimate result of forcing Kia Toa to touch down. From a scrum the Feilding backs went away, hut Waldin was caught in possession and from another scrum again secured to go through the opposition backs only to be brought down when his effort apneared to be about to bear fnnt. McKenzie (Feilding) tried for a field goal from about the twenty-five yards line but his effort failed. Simpson went well away with a bright run, but Barnao was not with him and play swung to the other end, where Feilding were awarded a penalty kick for obstruction, about the twenty-five line. Waldiii could do little with the ball. Feddino were on the attack with their backs again, the leather earning through the line to McKenzie, who leaded off two defenders and passed to Bowler. I lie visitors lost control of the ball ami Jarvis saved the situation for Kia lon with a beautiful kick. Hie Kia loa backs next had their turn and Simpson came round the wing man again but the pass, given with one hand, went forward when the attackers «eie going well R. McKenzie took a penalty kick awarded Kia Toa for a Feilding man | holding an opposition plnvcr, but the wind took the ball outside the posts and ■Waldin line-kicked. Waklin made an opening for the Feilding hacks when „] av ,vns between half-wav and the Kia Ton twent.v-five. and Bowver was sent away with the hall in his possession R. Waskv brought him down, blit Waldin was up in time to secure +i,„ ball and dive over the line for the first try of the match. I Sutherland failed with the kick. Half-time followed. Kia Toa showed a superiority at the outset of the second spell. Feilding staged a good rush, hut a penalty kick against them sent the ball back to within five yards of their line. A second

line-out a couple of yards closer followed, but an infringement in a scrum gave Kia Toa the opportunity of taking three points with a penalty kick. Carr was entrusted with the kick and was successful. Another penalty for obstruction, to Kia Toa, sent play to the half-way line, but the Fending players pushed it back again. Jarvis , .secured possession and the ball went to Simpson, to G. Wesley, to Simpson again and eventually to JMcKcnzie, who dived over the line for a second try , for Kia Toa. Carr’s kick missed. Again . the Kia Toa side found passing profit- : able, the ball going through the line of backs to Barnao, Thomas scoring the try. McKenzie took the kick and despite a heavy ball and a great distance goaled beautifully. Carr had trouble with a leg. but was able to continue. Spasmodic passing resulted in the ball again travelling through the Kia Toa backs and a wild pass by Simpson saw the play transferred to the other side of the half-way, but Waldin again secured the ball and cleared well down the line. Kia Toa worked the play back close enough lor Latham to score from the loose. McKenzie took the kick but the effort failed. There was no' further score before the close of the game, although the Feilding players were full of dash in a final desperate effort to change the scores. The result was: Kia Toa 14, Feilding 3. The referee was Mr A. Weston. A DRAWN GAME. OLD BOYS AND MASSEY COLLEGE. Played in frequent hail showers, the game between Old Boys and Massey College resolved itself lor the most, part into a forward scramble, with the teams evenly matched. Old Boys scored in the first spell when they were playing with the wind, and Massey College equalised in the second session, making the result a draw, three-all. 'The teams were • Old Boys. Betteridge, Bradley, Lines. Buick, Plank, Todd, Irvine, Lewes, Louisson, R. Cutler, Fleming, O’Dea, Powell, H. Lang, Thomas. Massey College.—Campbell, Robin- . sou, Ball, Pierce, Francis, Stewart, McTagget, Sutton, Dixon, McKee, i Green. Irving, Terry, Thurston. College kicked oil into the wind, but the ball went out on the full and i from tho resultant scrum Old Boys went to the attack. Play was of a hard, rucking nature, with Old Boys trying to open it up. The forwards r made an onslaught, and Fleming pounced over. Betteridge’s kick tailed. College settled down to it and Francis made a good opening and passed to Ball, who put in a good dash, only to be tackled near flic line. The Old Boys backs tried to swing into action, and lrom a lice kick Betteridge made an unsuccessful attempt to goal. Then College were the aggressors, with Sutton leading the forwards. Movements could _ not be completed, however, and there tollowcd a series of hard forward duels, i College had to force down, but Old Old Boys came again. The match was resolving itself into a forward scramble on account of the heavy ground and slippery ball, and tho College van, once warmed up, was clapping on the pace, with Irving playing a particularly hard game. Half-time came with play in midlield i and Old Boys leading 3—o. in very uninteresting play in the second half, Old Boys had tlm advantage but Lang knocked on near die line. There was a scrum, and College forced down. College followed up the drop-out and the lonvards took the halt to the line, where Sutton went across lor a nice try, but Terry’s kick missed. With the score even, both sides played with renewed vigour. College had a turn on the attack and tnon Old Boys made an onslaught cm the College citadel, a force-down being necessary to save trouble. There was a second force and Old Boys still went for it. Then Blyt.h sent his backs away and the best—in fact., the only—passing movefeiit of the day was witnessed. Ball made a particularly dashing run bid Ihe misjudged a stab kick and the ball went “dead.” College kept up the pressure. Ball esayed a drop kick at goal, but tho ball shot oil the side of his foot, and Bradley gathered it in to make a dash., lie was pulled down and in a melee Culler was injured and had to retire, being replaced by Waters. College retained the upper hand yntil the final whistle went with the score: Old Boys 3. Massey College 3. COMMENTS ON THE PLAY. By no means could Saturday be described as a spectators’ day for Manawatu Rugby. The keen followers met with execrable conditions. Though the hail was cold it could be borne; when rain followed, it put a touch of rawness in the atmosphere which made the cold biting. When the hands oil the clock face moved toward the end of the second spell many spectators commenced their pilgrimage to warmth without waiting to witness tho close of the contest. The high wind which prevailed for tho greater part of the first spell assisted Feilding to a considerable degree, and kicking into the teeth of it with a heavy ball, which had become somewhat tricky as a result of the rain and hail, presented a problem to tho Kia Toa men. When the latter went on the field for the second spell they counted on a continuation of the wind, but it did not maintain its vigour for tlie whole of the time. Of the play itself the spectators found varying fortunes, but there was no quick change which provides that thrill of first-class Rugby. The passing was of the short type and the ground, in such a condition that open work was out of the question. Much of the game passed in kicking, although it must be said that, both teams made .determined efforts to throw the ball about. The scrummaging was more or less equal as faias possession of the ball was concerned, but the Kia Toa forwards, even though they have built up a strong reputation, found that, they did not have matters all their own way. All the same, their loose play many times saw the hall tab u intu opposition territory at the toe. One of the most pleasing incidents of tlie match was a very tine place kick by R. McKenzie when the ball was thoroughly sodden. He had to lift it a long way and from near the side-line, but a powerful kick sent it true, with height and direction all that could be desired. Of all the scoring movements there was not one which was clear-cut and definite. They were of tlie scrambling type which, while they gain points, do not typify definite superiority. HARD FORWARD TUSSLE. LITTLE BRILLIANT PLAY. A slippery ground and a greasy ball made bright Rugby out of the question in the Old Boys-Massey College clash, and the game . resolved itself 'into a duel between the forwards. Tlie packs wore well matched and at no stage did they let up. Play was always hard,

and at times a little too willing, necessitating warnings from the referee. In the early- stages Old Boys tried to open np the play, but they soon gave up the idea as hopeless. College were seen in only one passing movement, but it was sufficient to give the impression that under good conditions their back machine will be dangerous. Blyth was a tricky half and varied his play nicely, while Francis and Ball stood out as clover backs. The College custodian was given a great deal of work and he came through with flying colours. His handling of the slippery ball was at times uncanny. No fault could bo found with the Old Boys full-back, • however. Betteridge’s hands were safe and had he been available the previous week it would have made all the difference to the first round final. v Both tries were the result of fast following up and quick action near the line. Fleming and Sutton were the scorers and proved themselves dangerous forwards. There was a somewhat unusual incident when Betteridge was taking the kick following Old Boys’ store. The line umpire faised the flag to indicate that the kick was successful, but the j referee ruled out the conversion on the grounds that the hall passed outside the post. THE CURTAIN-RAISER.'

OLD BOYS BEAT ST. PATRICK’S. Playing conditions were much more pleasant during the staging of the initial match, tne junior encounter, on the oval than those experienced lor the main match, although there was a strong wind blowing. Old Boys had the advantage of the wind in too first half of the game' and piled on 11 points, showing a decided superiority. In the second spell, with the St Patrick’s forwards giving a much better display, tlie greens altered the style of game and Old Boys did not have matters so much.their own way. the play being so materially changed that they did not score, although the St. Patrick’s side also could not break through the defence. The tries were scored by Bradley (Ward converting) and Sutton, while Waters kicked an excellent penalty goal. The relerec was Mr J. Burgess. BUNNYTHOItPE v. UNITED. In the second junior game at the Showgrounds, Bunnythorpe beat United by 13 points to 7. Burton scored a try and D'lithie was successful with a penalty kick for Bunnythorpe in the first half, and Ala bey kicked a field goal for United. United had the advantage of the wind in that spell, but the game was very even. Alabey again took points for bis sr.de, on this occasion with it penalty kick, in the second portion of the game, and a try by Burton and a field goal from Diithie advanced the Bunnythorpe score further. United won most of the serums and gave their backs excellent chances, but the opportunities were not carried through to- a conclusion.

EEILDING U. 13. v. MASSEV COLLEGE. At Johnston Park, on Saturday afternoon, when 3 o’clock came •and still there was no sign of the “Woodville senior team, which was set down to meet Eeilding Old Boys. Rugby enthusiasts reconciled themselves to witnessing the less important junior match between Eeilding Old Boys and Massey College. The ground was heavy and slippery. Eeilding Old Boys played downfield in the first spell, and piled up 11 points. Their opponents were lighter in stature, but what they lacked in weight they made up for by thenplucky tackling. The visitors were unable to penetrate the defence, and their onlv three points were secured from a. penalty kick taken by Herbert. In the second spell Masse,}’ College kept their opponents defending most of the time, play being confined to Eeilding Old Bovs territory. Wheeler scored the opening try, while Du mi added the extra points. N. Bramwcll added another three points later when he crossed his opponents’ goal-line wide out, and Dunn’s attempt to convert failed. The other three points for the homesters were secured by Edhouse, whose try was not converted. Mr C. Eade controlled the game. MAMAWATU’S LOSS. H. CRAWFORD LEAVING. H. Crawford, picked originally for the representative team for iVlanawatu, and nominated for the All Black trials, is lea.ving the district this week for Paekakariki, and on Saturday played his last game for Kia Toa, the club he ; lias been with since attending High School. Crawford, who is now 23 years of age, went 'straight into the Kia Toa senior side on leaving school, a.nd in his first season he attained representative honours. From 1933 onward lie has not missed a season as a Manawatu representative. Although not playing in all the matches in which Alanawatu put forward their premier side, he has taken part in the majority of them. In the first place he was picked to play against “Wanganui on Wednesday, hut it was then found that he was not available. departure is ,a distinct loss to Alanawatu Rugby, for he lias been a stalwart in the front row of the scrum. It is to he hoped that his 'residence in Paekarariki will not mean liis discarding the football jersey altogether, although he lias made no plans as yet for his Rugby future. Players, executive members and spectators alike will regret his departure from this district, but he will be wished the best of good fortune.in his new sphere. RANGITIKEI BEAT OROUA. The annual representative Rugby match betweep the Oroua Sub-Union and the Rangitikei Sub-Union took place at Kimbolton on Saturday afternoon, when the visitors won by 11 points to 8 in a fairly even game played in very wintry conditions. Soon after the match commenced heavy rain fell ami later this gave way to a fall of snoiv. Although the heavier team Oroua lacked combination in the hacks, a weakness which was exploited by tlm visitors soon after “starting, ltangitikei had more combination in the Ijuck line as well as some very fast men. Old hands in the forward ranks employed their experience to advantage in the line-outs and scrums and the game was keenly contested throughout. Rangitikci opened the score early in the game with two tries, one of which was comcrted, while Oroua notched three points per medium of a penalty goal kicked by Amadio. The score at the interval stood at B—3 in favour of the visitors. In the second spell Oroua showed improved foi u> and took a more serious interest in the matter of marking their I opponents, more than holding their own I in the gruelling contesi. About midway j through the final spell Amadio made an | opening which enabled Gibbs, a promts- : mg forward, to register a try which was; converted. As the game drew to a close i Rangitikei added another try and were | putting up a hot pace as the game elox-1 eel with snow falling. I Mr N. J. Short was the referee. I

REPRESENTATIVE SIDES. SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED. Following the completion of Saturday’s matches the sole selector, Mr J. A. Colquhoun, announced the personnel of the Manawatu A and B teams to play Wanganui (at Wanganui) and Horowhenua (on Uie home ground), respectively, on Wednesday next. The teams are as follow : TO PLAY WANGANUI. Full-hack.—M. Waiclin (Feilding). Three-quarters.—ll. Waugh (Feilding Old Boys), S. Brannvell (Feilding Old Boys), D. Buick (Old Boys). Five-eighths.—W. McCormick (St. Patrick’s), second, J. Nicol (Feilding) first.

Half-back.—J. Blyth (Massey College). Front row. —Jack Finlay (Feilding Old Boys), P. Louisson (Old Boys;, W. .Sullivan (Feilding). Side row.—F. Fleming (Old Boys), R. McKenzie (Kia Toa), captain. Locks.—W. Powell (St. Patrick’s), A. Williams (Kia Toa). Back row. —L. Findlay (St. Patrick’s). Emergencies.—Forwards : B. O’Dea (Old Boys), T. Newman (Feilding). Backs: R. Gillespie (St. Patrick’s), C. Edlin (St. Patrick’s). TO MEET HOIIOWHENUA.

Full-back. —C. Francis (Massey College). ' , r'liree-quarters. ■ — J. McKenzie (Feilding;, S. Aniadio (Oroua), G. Wasley (.ivia Toa). Five-eiglitlis.—Stevenson (Oroua), second; J. Thomas (Kia Toa), first. Half-back. —Winiata (Kia Toa). Front row. —Bielski (Oroua), R. Ewart (Feilding Old Boys), J. Powell (Old Boys). Locks. —M. Irving (Massey College), H. Anderson (St. Patrick’s). Side row. —0. H. Terry (Massey College), H. Knyvett (Feilding Old Boys). Back row. —H. Whyte (Kia Toa).

Emergencies.—Forwards : M. Button (Massey College), L. Beard (Kia Toa). Backs: L. Bradley (Old Boys), 11. Wasley (Kia Toa). The Palmerston North members ot tlie team to travel to Wanganui arc to assemble at the Chief Post Office on Tuesday evening, when they will leave by motor bus at 7.30 p.m. The bus will proceed by way of Bunnythorpe and Feilding, and the I* eliding members of the side are to be at the Post Office there at 7.45 p.m. lhe team to meet Horowhenua is to assemble at the Showgrounds at 2 p.m. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES.

Wellington.—Senior A (first division) : Athletic G v. Johnsonvillc 3; Petone 14 v. Wellington 3; Poneke 19 v. Hutt 0; Eastbourne 17 v. University 3; Wellington College 0.13. 14 v. Mnrist Bros. 0.8. 3. Senior A (second division) : Oriental 3 v. Poneke 0; Petone 11 v. Miramar 0; Pirates 11 v. Athletic 3; Wellington 7v. St. Patrick’s 0.8. 5. Senior B: Wellington College 0.8. 30 v. Eastbourne 0; Hutt B 9 v. University 3; Onsjow 10 v. Marist 8; Wellington 9 v. Porirua 3; Hutt A a bye. As the result of Saturday’s games, the points in the senior A first division championship now stands as follow: Athletic IG, Wellington College Old Boys 14, Johnsonville 14, Poneke 12, University 8, Wellington 8, Eastbourne G, Hutt 4, Petone 4, Marist Brothers’ Old Boys 2. In the senior A second division the championship points now stand : Petone 10, Wellington 10, St. Patrick’s College Old Boys 8, Poneke 8, Pirates G, Oriental G, Miramar 4, Athletic 4.

Auckland. —The Rugby championship was continued oil sodden grounds with occasional heavy showers. Results : Ponsonby 9 v. Grafton G; Otahuliu 12 v. University 8; Grammar 28 v. Training College 8; Technical 14 v. College Rifles 8; Manukau 9 v. North Shore 8. Christchurch.—Albion .10 v. Christchurch G; Merivalc 16 v. Athletic 12; Sunnyside 10 v. Technical Old Boys 13; Sydenham 3 v. University U; Llll- - 11 v. High-School Old Boys 9. Taranaki. —North division: Stratford 22 v. Star 0, Inglewood 14 v. Old Boys G, United 8 v. Clifton 0. South division: Kaponga 15 v. Wainiate 0, Athiectic 14 v. J.-atea 12, Opunake 9 v. Eltham 3, Hawera 8 v. Okaiawa 3. Tailiape.—Pownall Trophy: Wanganui 1G v. Tailiape 3. Napier.—M.B.O.B. 16 v. Hastings G; Technical 0.8. 22 v. Pirates 5. Oumaru.—Athletic 10 v. Malicno 10, Old Boys 13 v. Excelsior 10. Timani.—Teimika 12 v. Star G, Old Boys 10 v. Celtic 3, Geraldine 13 v. Zmgari 5. Invercargill.--Star 9 v. Marist 3, Invercargill 28 v. Old Boys IG, Pirates 26 v. Bluif 3. This series completes the second round of the Galbraith Shield, for which Invercargill are leading with 19 points from Star (12). Masterton.—Old Boys 10 v. Masterton 8.

Second Round. Points. Cli. ]>. W. D. L. For A Pts Massey Col. . ’ 2 1 1 0 19 5 3 Feilding 0.13. 2 1 1 0 11 11 3 1 1 0 0 14 6 2 St. Patrick’s . 1 0 1 0 11 li 1 Old Boys 1 0 1 0 3 1 Feuding 1 0 0 1 3 14 0 Woodvillc 2 0 0 2 0 16 0 JUNIORS. ✓ Points Cl). P. w. D. L. ForAgst. Pts 7 6 0 1 78 26 12 United 7 5 0 2 48 30 10 St. Pal rick’s . 7 4 1 2 50 39 9 Bunnviiiorpe . 7 3 2 2 45 45 8 7 3 0 4 57 42 6 Kin, Xoa 7 2 1 4 27 71 5. .lackey town .. 7 1 2 4 41 73 4 Massey Col. . 7 0 2 5 18 3o 2 THIRDS. Points Ch P. w. 1>. r.. For A ;st. Pts Feilding O.B. 6 3 1 2 28 50 7 St. Patrick’s . 5 3 0 2 47 32 6 Old Boys 5 2 2 1 15 15 6 Feilding 6 3 0 3 32 42 6 Kiu 'i'oa 5 3 0 2 39 23 6 United 4 2 1 1 29 26 5 High School . ■ 3 i 0 2 27 9 2 Fciidng 11.S. 4 0 0 4 11 31 0