RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 May 1941, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OPENING OF SEASON. The initial games in the Manawatu Rugby Union's competitions were played on Saturday on the Sportsground as the Showgrounds are occupied by the military authorities. The majority of the players were last year’s juniors, but, with the completion of their Territorial training shortly, a large number of last year’s senior players will again be available. THE SCOREBOARD. Senior.—Eeilding and Eeilding Old Boys 19 v. United 12; St. Patrick's 1G v. Old Boys S; Kia Toa won by default from University. Junior.—Eeilding Old Boys 14 v. Halcombe G; United 3 v. Kia Toa 3; Bunnythorpe 17 v. St. Patrick’s 0; High School IS v. Old Boys G. ST. PATRICK’S BEAT OLD BOYS. In a game in which they had the play all their own way in the concluding stages, St. Patrick’s beat Old Boys by 1G points to 8. Muir, who played a good game at second liveeighths, nearly opened the greens’ account when he dribbled the ball through the Old Boys line, but Ryan saved with an excellent kick. This fullback outshone his opposing lullback, Stuart, on numerous occasions in all departments. Buiek missed with a penalty shot, but shortly afterwards, following a scissors passing movement I by Muir and Cuff, the former scored tor the greens and Edlin converted, i Manderson next scored and Ryan converted the try ior Old Boys, and Gillespie added three more points to the greens’ total with a try. Following the interval Edlin, who had retired earlyi in the first spell through coming into | collision with another player, and who came back later, kicked a penalty goal for St. Patrick’s. Edlin was instrumental in his side gaining their next try when he kicked a high ball over the Old Boys line and in the] scramble for it Millar got there first.. Edlin added the extra points. The blacks went away in a forward rush just before time which resulted in J.j I’owell scoring an unconverted try in j the corner. The rcicree was Air E. Jackson.

COMPOSITE TEAM'S AY IN. MATCH AT EEILDING. At Johnston Park, Eeilding, on Saturday the Eeilding and Old Boys senior team beat United, by 19 points to 12. United faced the wind and had to make the grade of the field in the first spell, this compelling them to adopt defensive tactics fairly olten and Downes, their guardian, was frequently in action early in the game. The home side pressed to within the United twenty-five and Thompson, who took a penalty kick, succeeded in registering the lirst points in the new season’s competition. Shortly alter Downes had saved from another attack, the hall came out to Dermer from a scrum on the near side and then to Fowler who penetrated to score in the corner. Eeilding and Old Boys eagerly maintained their offensive and on several occasions threatened the visitors’ goalline, but failed to complete the thrusts chiefly through faulty handling and consequent penalties. United got upheld and the defenders were penalised for obstruction. Downes succeeded with the kick. Near the halt-way line the home side secured a penalty kick, I’ye's great effort succeeding. Shortly before the spell ended United had worn down the resistance offered by their opponents and crossed twice for tries which were not converted by Downes. Temperton's (the second) try was a particularly good one and ho touched down behind the goalposts, having snapped up the ball in the corner when Thompson was hindered by a solid forward attack and failed to get away. After the changeover the Eeilding team swept forward to menace the defenders’ line where in a scramble Garlick broke through to touch down. Thompson added the extra points. A patch of ragged but successful passing movements succeeded when the ball came to Pye who got over for a try which Thompson converted. In the last 20 minutes United pressed and a penalty kick saw Downes succeed. The final scores were: Eeilding and Old Bovs 19, United 12. Air J. Holman was the referee.

TRIBUTE TO HAROLD REEVE. The lower ground at Johnston Park will he fit for play next Saturday, a decision to that effect having been reached alter an inspection was made on Saturday. It has also been resolved that the Rugby Union be requested to allow Feilding Old Boys to field a fourth grade team instead of a third grade as previously intended. Prior to the main match on Satururday, Mr J. G. Eliott addressed the teams and referred to the news of the death of Harold Reeve, who had been a member of the Feilding Old Boys Club. The late Mr Reeve had made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the British Empire. Ho referred to his career in the boxing ring and recalled a thrilling match lie iouglit against Jacobs, it was unfortunate that the football season should start on a note of regret, but the game had to go on, and as the season advanced no doubt other players would be called upon to give military service, and the speaker knew that when their call came they too would he prepared to make sacrifices for the freedom of the world from aggression by our enemies. As a mark of respect and sympathy with the relatives, a moment’s silence was observed.

Wellington competition. Wellington 11 v. St. Pat.'6 Coll. 0.8. S; Athletic 24 v. University 3; Petone 23 v. Poneke 8; Marist Bros. 0.8. 22 v. Hutt 6; Eastbourne 3-4 v. Oriental 3; Joluisonville 8 v. College Old Boys 6.-