Out In The Open.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3336, 3 May 1926, Page 8

Out In The Open.

Four Rugby Championships

Commenced.

Old Boys and KiaToa Victorious.

„ne Manawatu Rugby Council started four of its grade competitions on Saturday, ■when good conditions prevailed for all matches.

There were no surprises in the senior grade games, last year’s champions and runners-up, Kia Toa and Old Boys respectively, commencing the season on the winning list.

A mild suprise in the junior grade was the defeat of Jaekeytown at the hands of Feilding Old Boys, who, after taking second place in the third grade competition last year, have come up one step this season.

OLD BOAS (13), v. WESTERN UNITED (C).

line was relieved by Rangi passing out to Palmer for a well-judged line kick and the tide was turned. A promising black passing rush was neatly terminated by Ormond intercepting and play went to half-way. After intercepting a red pass, Kells raced for the corner but Grinstead held him up. A series of short passes saw the blacks on the verge of scoring, but again Grinstead came to light .and cleared, giving his forwards a start for a Anal forward rush which culminated in Cockrott rising his weight and scoring about 15 ■ yards from the corner. He took the kick, which missed by inches. —Western United 6, Old Boys 13. With the sun in the eyes of the blacks and consequent misjudgment of the flight, the rod forwards came again, and but for over-eagerness might have repeated the performance. Prom a free kick just on half-way, Brophy attempted a drop kick, which fell a few yards short and the reds found the line. Just before the bell rang, the blacks looked like scoring but good defence by the reds saved the situation and time was called with the ball in neutral territory. Mr. P. O. Skoglund was referee. RUGBY IN J'UHjOING. VICTORY POR KIA TOA. The first senior fixture of the season was played on the polo ground on Saturday afternoon between Kia Toa and Pcilding, and resulted in victory for the visitors by 14 points lo nil. The home team was by no means as ready as their opponents, who had the best of a hard-fought match in which the yellow fifteen offered a strenuous defence. Pcilding non the toss and elected to play with tho strong northerly wind, which was a factor in the game. The blues went to work immediately and Held the yellows in their twenty-five and dangerously near tho goal line for some minutes, when Pcilding broke through. Both Darraghs played conspicuously in the next few moments, but tho defence of the blues averted an imminent try. I.eedor opened tho game for a moment and got away solo, until he was checked and tho play remained in the centre of the field for some time. A little later offside play gave yellows a free kick, which Parsons sent along nicely but under the bar. A rally by tho blues changed the venue of play to Feilding’s twenty-five, when tho yellows had a strenuous fight to slave off a try. Tho blues got possession from the scramble and they were awarded a mark off their own kick, but the leather went wide and was forced. The visitors’ backs got possession a moment later, but Bailey and W. Bramwcll accounted for them and then Howse got possession from a scrum and sent tbc leather well beyond touch. Yellows were not using the, wind and were rather inclined to keep tho ball down instead of lotting it free. With such a high wind it was certainly to their advantage to keep the leather moving. Twenty-live minutes of the spell had gone before the yellows got any benefit Horn tbc wind and lire leather went out in the corner. A moment later Hare got away and was collared on tho lino. In lire scrum which followed blues (got a free kick but gained nothing.

AKUIEA’S BOOT AT WORK,

The Western United v, Old Boys’ game teas played on the Oval with only a fair attendance of spectators. The result, 13 to 6 in favour of Ola Boys, was plainly accounted for by 'the kicking of Rangl Akuira, who struck his old form In place-kicking. Each side scored two tries, but the <old Boys champion footballer brought '(Off three kicks, . two of which were judged. Therein lay the defeat of the reds.

Old Boys won the toss and elected io have the wind behind them, but the play centred round the forwards, Who were fairly evenly matched. Old Boys took up the attack by dribbling rushes, but the reds cleared to neutral territory, where Old Boys were awarded a free kick, Akuira placed the ball on the 10 yard line and with a beautiful kick drew first blood. —Old Boys 3, Western United 0. The blacks did not rest on their laurels, and attacked with all theil forces. The backs made repeated passing rushes, only to be held up at the corner, but when the play was on the twenty-five line, Brophy broke through to side-step three reds and then pass wildly to Kells, who missed, but Brophy cut round, recovered and ecored a good try under the bar. J&kulra had no difficulty in adding the extra two points.—Old Boys 8. Western United 0. Ensuing play was ragged. lona kicks keeping the forwards running up and down field, while a series of penalties, mainly in favour of the reds, gave Akuira and McKay (Western) Chances for goals, but all kicks failed. From the ruck on the blacks twenty-five, McKay broke away with the ball and passed to Uysaght, who was held up by Mick Seeker on the Corner. Grinstead, however, gained possession, and dived over to open the scoring account for the hypenatods. McKay, being temporarily "laid out.” Williamson took the kick, but failed. >—Western United 3, Old Boys 8. ' For a while the game was loft mainly to the forwards, the tactics adopted being dribbling rushes, hut the defence on both sides was solid and it was not until tho Old Boys’ rearguard took to passing that the play became exciting. Tho reds kept their line intact, but this was mainly due to Grinstead and Ormond, who were guarding every weak point in great style. A bout of long kicks found the play half-way, where, from a scrummage, Rang! passed out to Evans, who heat his man and handed over to Brophy, to Palmer on the wing, for a well-deserved try. Akuira’s from fen yards inside flu touchlinc was a masterpiece of judgment and shortly afterwards tho interval was signalled, tho scoring being: Old Boys 13 Western United .. »■. »..i 3 Following the breather, the rods attacked with vigour and Old Boys experienced a hard time keeping their lino safe. McKay was given a fairly easy penalty kick for Evans "shepherding.” but ho missed. The red forwards kept up tho attack, but brilliant individual breaks by the blacks kept the attackers at bay, whilst a determined fight on the blacks’ goal-

The blue back lino got away and Mason failed to chock a short punt, with the result that Walker picked up nicely and raced away to score, with Bailey and W. Bramwcll on his tail. Boeder failed with a good kick.—3-0. The yellows held play in the blues’ twenty-five for some moments after this try, when the visitors broke away and again Mason failed to check. Mullins dribbled along well and was robbed of the try by the smart work by Harold Darragh. The yellows took play back again and the whole back lins missed a great chance of evening up the score. The next moment the leather shot nut to Bailey, who returned to W. Bramwcll and then it went to Howso, who was collared under the goal before ho could do anything. Walker made another bid when the scramble finished, and Haro saved. The interval came a moment later with play on the centre line. Using the wind the blues went to it with combination at the opening of the second spell, and Mullins looked very sure until “Jimmie" Mason took him low and made a truly great save. The yellows bunched up and took play up the field to the blues’ half, where Strange returned. Darragh forced to defeat tire try. The blues maintained a strenuous pressure, but found the yellows equal to (he task even when Mullins* and Strang were in possession. Two or three scrums on the line ended in the blues scoring, the leather bouncing out of reach of the yellow men. Doughty's reach was longest, but Mullins failed with the kick.—S-0. Blues snatched possession again from a scramble on the line and the. leather went out to Boeder, who tossed a final pass and robbed the visitors of a try. Mason chocked the next onslaught of Mullins, although there wore others handy who could have shared in the work. Hight brought the game away from the home team’s goal and the yellow's w'orked the touch lino 0.1 l the way up. with (ho assistance of smothering tactics. The visitors’ backs got away again, when Harold Darragh took Mullins’ punt t forward. Play then veered back to the yellow's ’far corner and from the following play the leather bounced over the line and was forced down. Again the blue backs got away and fine passing along the- lino in Strange ended in Darragh throwing him out in the corner. Hopeless tackling tactics by the yellows enabled Wasley to score witli ease and Mullins converted.—ll-0. Shortly after the spectators were treated to a great effort by Harold Darragh, who made a supreme run for the blues’ goal and was only pulled down within an ace of scoring. The effort was worthy of a better fate—the throe points looked easy. The last few minutes of the game found the homo team battling hard to exploit the excellent position H. Darragh had brought the team to. It w’as a vigorous battle against both the wind and a heavier team. The blues, however, put forward their best and the struggle which ensued was a contest of brawn. Bender made a dash and "rabbited” the leather between the posts. A scrum followed and yellows brought play to the centre of the field, where the going was most willing. On the tick of time the visitors’ backs took possession and Strange broke through and scored. The kick failed and the game ended 14-nil in favour of the visitors. Mr I,owe controlled the match. On Thursday evening next, a farewell musical evening is to be tendered to Mr. Geo. Bundle by followers of all sport in Feilding. nOB OWHENUA RESULTS. Shannon 17 v. Foxton 12. This game was played at Shannon, and Foxton had hard luck in losing, as Hakaria was knocked out after a few minutes’ play. Shannon had the better of the first spoil an ( ] Jed 17—3 at half time. The score remained unchanged (ill within 15 minutes of time, when Foxton woke up and scored three trios. Other Results. Wanderers 14 v. Woraroa 3. County A. 17 v. Otaki 5. Hui Mai 27 v. County B. 11. Juniors. Awahou Ifi v. Tokomaru 6. Woraroa G v. Miranul G. Wanderers 12 v. Hui Mai 3. Foxton won from Otaki by default. Thirds. Foxton 33 v. Shannon 0. * Woraroa, 16 v. Wanderers 0. Otaki JIG 11 v. Otaki 3. Kuku 14 v. Southern 10. Fourths. Shannon 12 v. Foxton D.H.S. 0. JUNIOR GRADE. RUNNERS-UP DEFEATED. Bast season's runners-up, Western United, wore defeated by High School on the Oval after a good game. The schoolboys used to advantage the wind in the first spell and ran up eleven points. Beet, as a result of a splendid passing bout, scored near the corner and Ilidgcly gained the extra two points. Shortly afterwards, O’Keefe landed a penalty goal, while just before half-time, Scorgle scored a “dandy" try under the posts, but O’Keefe's kick was charged down. The spell ended 11 nil in favour of High School. Play after the interval was fairly even and only one score was recorded, that being a try by Mount from a line-out on the goal-line. Hogg converted. No further points were | added and the game ended. —High | School IB Western United 5.

Initial Success lor rcilding Old Boys,

The new junior grade team was Fiulding Old Boys (last year’s third grade runners-up), who inet Jackojtewn behind the grandstand in a good game which ended in favour of the visitors by t 9 to G. In the first spelt Wills, Hoard and Tail had each scored a try apiece while McLean had kicked a penalty and gained one conversion, making the. score 14 against Jackey* town’s nil.

After the interval the blues had slightly tiic belter of the game and added two unconverted tries to a goal.

Hills and Jewell gained the points for Jaekeytown, while McLean converted Heard’s second try of the game. Champions Victorious. The cup holders, Old Boys, met Feilding at Palmerston North and ran out the victors by 14 points to 8. Pickering opened the scoring for the blacks with a try, which Gallichar. converted, while later Nicholson added another try. Before the interval, Bongo (Feilding) and Gallichan each kicked a penalty goal and the spell ended 11—3 in favour of the champions. The play in the second half of the game was fast, both sides attacking in turn, but only one try was added to the scores on each side. Cresswet brought Old Boys’ tally to 14, while Sauer, aided by Benge’s boot, mad* Feilding’s quota eight. IJunnythorpc’s Narrow AVin. By the narrow margin of one point, Bunnythorpe secured a win over Kia *Toa. The game was played on the Terrace End Park and the scores represent the play fairly accurately. Kia Toa, playing with the slight wind pressed during the first spoil, but the Bunnythorpe brigade more than held their own in the second half. For the winners, Sutherland and Heggie crossed the line. Beard converting each try. Weston, Heatloy and Parfitt produced three points each for Kia Toa. The game was a forward |scramble, neither side displaying good football. Enthusiasm was keen, however, and the players put a great deal of energy into the match. The blues made a strenuous effort to gain the load towards the close of the gam* but wore unsuccessful, although they kept their opponents busy in theit own quarter for a long time. Mr Eade (Feilding) controlled the gama TRIED GRADE, Kia Toa defeated Old Boys, 12 —3. TurnbuU scored twice while Bamberj and Comber each added a try. Th» blacks’ only score was a penalty goal, kicked by Littlejohn. The Woodville-Wcst End Old Boys match was a very hard-fought gam* and at the interval, the Woodvilleites led by three points to nil, A. Murray having scored a try. In the second spell, the new club had the wind in its favour and equalised the scores by Schlerieke registering a try. Jaekeytown defaulted to Bunny, thorpe. On the polo ground St. Patrick’s defeated Feilding thirds by 1G to nil after a one-sided contest. Kelly, Cope, Kerrigan and Shearman each registered a try, whilst McKenzie converted two. FOURTH GRADE. Feilding High School journeyed t* Palmerston North and defeated Technical School by the good margin of 27 points to 3. AVoods (2), Salter (2), Campbell, Ball and Bridge ah Scored tries, while Bramwcll converted three into five-pointers. Jackson scored the only try for the loca\ team. The first showing of iho newly-or-ganised team of the St. Patrick’s Club was quite successful, for the greens defeated Kia Toa 19 to 5. Quigan kicked two good field goals, while Greer, Stevens and Madgwick all scored a. try and Norris gained tw« points with a conversion. Towler gained the five points for the Kias. Jaekeytown was supposed to meet Western United but neither team put in an appearance. High School defaulted to Woodvillo, The schoolboys were to have gone over the range, but as several of them are train hoys, it was impossible for them to make the trip. Feilding fourths were successful against Feilding High School Old P.oys’ fourths by 17 points to 9. For the winners Adams. Bishop (2), Bentley and Hewitt registered tries, and Hewitt converted one. Cochrane and Dutbie each scored a try for school and Whitehead kicked a penalty goal. RESULTS FROM AFAR. Hawke’s Bay. T.C.0.8. 14 v. Pirates S. Old Boys 12 v. Marist J. Hastings 32 v. M.A.C. G. Celtic 32 v. Rovers 3. [Pirates wore last season’s champions.] Wellington. Athletic 25 v. Borhaniporc 9. Old Boys 23 v. Ponokc 9. University 34 v. Hutt 3. Petone 48 v. Sehvyn 3. Oriental 25 v. Wellington G. Porirua S v. Johnsonvillc C. Eastbourne IS v. ’Varsity 14. Christchurch. Old Boys 11 v. Christchurch C. Albion 14 v. Binwood 5. Mcrrivalo 24 v. ’Varsity 9. Taranaki. Tukapa 19 v. Inglewood 0. Eltham 14 v. Stratford G. Star 13 v. Clifton 3. Wanganui, Kaicrau 4C v. Marists nil: Pirates 14 v. Tech. 0.8. ti. AVairarapa. Carterton 11 v. Red Stars 3. Greytown 37 v. Masterton G. Gladstone 14 v. Martin bo rough S. RangiUkcl Bulls 10 v. Huntorvihe S. Rata 14 v. Marists 11.

THE STATE OF THE POLL. SENIORS. P. W. L. D. F. Agt. Chrap Old Boys 1 1 — — 13 6 2 Kia Toa 1 1 — — 14 0 2 Feilding 1 — 1 — 0 14 — Western 1 — 1 — 6 13 — Woodville — — — — — — — 4 2 2 0 33 33 4 JUNIORS. P. W. L. D. F. Agt. Chmp, Old Boys 1 1 — — 14 8 2 High School 1 1 — — 11 5 2 Feilding O.B. 1 1 — 19 6 2 Bunnythorpo 1 1 _ 10 9 2 Kia Toa 1 — 1 — 9 10 ••— Feilding 1 — 1 — 8 14 — Jackeytown 1 — 1 — 6 19 — Western 1 — 1 — 5 11 8 4 4 — 82 82 8