BRIGHTER RUGBY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 15 June 1936, Page 9

BRIGHTER RUGBY

SATURDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES NELSON, RIVAL AND OLD BOYS WIN RESULTS AT A GLANCE Senior Nelson 15, Waimea 8. Rival 13, Pirate 10. Old Boys 17, Rover 6. Junior Regiment 16, Nelson 3. College 14, Pirate 6. Rival 10, Old Boys 0. Third Grade Nelson 6, College B 0. College A 9, Rover 8. Fourth Grade Waimea 37, Nelson 0. If the Nelson Rugby Union can continue to stage matches as good as that between Nelson and Waimea on Saturday at Trafalgar Park its financial worries would soon be overcome. It was the brightest club Rugby seen on the ground for several seasons and reminded one of the matches in the days when the game was booming in Nelson. The play of both packs of forwards gave the impression that the representative forwards will be the best to take the field for the province for four or five years. It was the type of play which would always draw followers of the game; it was , hard and fast with clever scrum work and spectacular play in the open; and the spectators could not have left the ground without the thought that at last there was an indication that the standard of former years would again be reached. The back play of both teams fell short of a high standard in combination but it was of a determined nature and the defence of individuals was at times magnificent. The crowd was kept in a high pitch of excitement throughout. In a bantamweight schools’ seven-a-side match played at half-time Convent beat Hampden street by 8 points to nil. Pirate and Rival had a closely fought game on No. 2 ground, Rival winning by 13 points to 10. At Wakefield, Old Boys gained a margin of 11 points over Rover. BRIGHT GAME AT PARK NELSON DEFEAT WAIMEA SPECTACULAR FORWARD PLAY The science of the Nelson Club’s forwards was mainly responsible for the town team’s victory of 15 points to 8 over Waimea in the chief fixture at the Park. Waimea were quick to seize any opportunity made by any weak play on the part of their opponents and this was demonstrated in the first minute of the game when the country team scored a converted try at the end of a movement over threequarters of the length of the field as I the result of a dropped pass by the * Nelson inside backs. A penalty goal and an unconverted try gave Nelson ■ the lead, but by half-time Waimea had j an advantage of two points as the j result of a fine penalty goal by I Rogers. In the second spell the Nel- j son forwards hooked the ball from | nearly every set scrum and they frequently attacked solidly but the Waimea defence, particularly that of Brooks at full-back kept them out. Brooks played an outstanding game and was frequently given an ovation by the crowd. F. Fowler played a fine game behind the Waimea scrum, his passes being perfect. His display was marred only by three passes delivered from over his head when he ran from the scrum. He is now “favourite” for that position in the representatives. Scoltock gave another impressive display as full-back for Nelson, and Blair improved his chances of filling a wing three-quarter position in the provincial side. McLean lived up to his reputation as a fine loose forward and with him H. McKegney and Hawthorne made up the best trio of Nelson forwards. Lovell (Waimea) was the best forward on the ground and Craig was only a shade behind him. When the score was 12 to 8 with only two or three minutes left, it is hard to understand why the Waimea captain allowed his place kicker to make an attempt to goal from the sideline at the 25 yard line when a high up-and-under kick landing in front of the posts would have given his side a chance of scoring a converted try. The teams were as follows: Nelson: Scoltock; Chapman, McLaren, Blair; Cooke, Phillips; Turley; Hawthorne, McLean, Martin, Drummond, Russell, H. McKegney, Fleet, K. McKegney. Waimea: Brooks; P. Fowler, Brown, T. P. Williams; Hardy, W. Williams; F. Fowler; Craig, Lovell, McHarg; Bird, Gomez, Hart, Adams, Rogers. Turley kicked off the ball going to Lovell who ran into the forwards. A Nelson player attempted to open the play to his backs, the pass going astray. Hardy raced through to accept the opportunity and went to the full-back before transferring to Brown at half-way, the country team’s centre turning on the speed in his run to the line for a try behind the posts. Rogers converted. Waimea thus had 5 points within one minute. The Nelson forwards attacked strongly and the Waimea defence was fully tested. A scrum near Nelson’s 25 saw Turley go away on the “blind” side with McLaren and Blair, the movement taking play into Waimea’s 25. McLean was given his second chance with a penalty kick and he piloted the ball over the bar with a great kick. Nelson 3, Waimea 5. The Nelson forwards were hooking the ball consistently but their backs showed little ability to penetrate. Nelson were attacking on Waimea’s line, but the defenders forwards cleared a little and then Lovell picked up the ball and passed to Hardy on his own 25 yard line. Then ensued a spectacular passing rush in which Craig took a pass to go 25 yards before sending Brown away. The centre dived for the line as he was tackled by Blair and it looked as if he had scored a well earned try but it was not awarded. Waimea attacked again and they had a good chance to make up for their bad luck with an easy penalty kick, but Rogers missed. The Nelson forwards were breaking from the scrums in such a smart manner that the opposing half had no chance

whatever, and when near the line Hawthorne kicked through and won a race with Brooks for the ball to gain a try. McLean’s kick missed. Nelson 6, Waimea 5. Fowler made one of his old time characteristic dashes from a scrum on Nelson’s 25, but he was not supported and a Waimea forward threw away the attackers’ chances by kicking too hard, making it easy for Nelson to force down. Adams had to retire owing to an injury and his place was taken by Day. There was some exhilarating football with the ball moving up and down the field at a great rate. Nelson were penalised and Rogers raised the flags with a magnificent kick from 45 yards out. Waimea 8, Nelson 6. On commencing after half-time Turley was penalised for a late tackle and his side nearly paid the full penalty when a great kick by Rogers just grazed the outside of the posts. The Nelson forwards, magnificently led in the loose by McLean, forced the play to Waimea’s line where Brooks made a wonderful save from a line of Nelson forwards. The Nelson forwards continued to give the backs the ball but they could do little with it. Craig and Lovell were leading the Waimea forwards and once they went away in a passing movement only a dropped pass losing their, chance of a try. There was some hard, fast forward work which had the spectators worked up to a high pitch of excitement. Nelson broke away with Hawthorne leading and the play was opened to the backs who carried it to the corner where Blair crossed for a try. McLean’s kick just missed. Nelson 9, Waimea 8. Brooks brought off three more magnificent saves from the Nelson forwards, the crowd giving him an ovation which he thoroughly deserved. Nelson were giving of their best and several times they went back to Waimea’s 25. From a penalty Nelson kicked to the posts where Lovell was penalised for holding on right in front of the posts and Turley had no trouble in scoring three points with a neat little kick. Nelson 12, Waimea 8. Turley was warned for again playing an opponent after the whistle. One of the best loose forward rushes seen on the Park for a long time was given by Waimea when they routed the Nelson defence in a great effort from their own 25 to within 10 yards of Nelson’s line where Scoltock was lucky to hold them up. Waimea had a penalty kick on the 25 yard line near touch, Rogers unsuccessfully attempting a goal. Nelson’s final points cme just before the final whistle when the ball rebounded off the Waimea winger for Blair to take it in his stride and race in unopposed for a try in the corner. Nelson 15, Waimea 8. Nelson were penalised 15 times (three for playing opponents after the whistle) and Waimea on eight occasions. Mr A.’ E. Scadden controlled the game. OLD BOYS DEFEAT ROVER BRIGHT SECOND HALF In the match between Old Boys and Rover, played at Wakefield, Old Boys defeated Rover by 17 points to 6. Old Boys gained their first points from a penalty goal, and three tries, and one converted try. Rover’s points were obtained from two tries. Play in the first half was patchy but the second spell provided bright passing movements with the forwards putting more sting into their play. Most of the tries were from movements characterised by sound handling with the inside backs ready to receive in-passes from their wing three-quarters. Gray’s try for Rover was a good solo effort. However, Rover’s back line never looked particularly dangerous opposed to the speedy Old Boy line. The teams were as follows: Old Boys: Gilbert; Vass, Busch, Rowe; Morris, Richards; McArthur; O’Connor, McKay, Wood, Mabin, Dobbie, Craighead, Cannington, Grant, Rover: Best; T. Baigent, O’Donnell, Rose; N. Wratt, A. Baigent; Gray; B. Baigenfj Snook, G. Griffiths, D. Wratt, White, Fitzsimmons, Bint, Hawkes. From the kick off Rover put Old Boys on the defence but a free-kick relieved the situation for the city team. A ruck on the Old Boy 25 saw Gray gain possession and thread his way past several players before being held up. However, he picked up the ball again and finished off a good solo movement with a try. Best failed with his kick. Rovers 3, Old Boys 0. A number of penalty kicks were given which frustrated good forward movements. McArthur sent his backs away in a movement in which the ball travelled to the winger Vass who was grounded near the line. Rover were repeatedly in Old Boys’ territory with B. Baigent very prominent among the forwards. When Old Boys had taken the ball up to Rover’s 25 N. Wratt broke through with O’Donnell but both were grassed near Old Boys’ 25. A serum near half-way saw McArthur send the ball to Richards, Morris, Busch to Vass who was tackled near the line. Rowe dribbled the ball on but was obstructed when he raced to press down and a penalty was awarded Old Boys. Dobbie found the uprights with a good kick. Old Boys 3, Rovers 3. Rover took another turn at attacking and a great rush with Snook, White and B. Baigent prominent terminated with a free-kick being awarded to Rover. Best’s kick from near the touch line, although unsuccessful, was a good one. The Old Boy forwards took a rush to the Rover 25 where the ball travelled from McArthur along the backs to Vass who scored. Dobbie made a poor attempt to convert. Old Boys 6, Rover 3. There was an alteration in Rovers team at half-time, R. Griffiths replacing G. Griffiths who had received an injury. The second spell opened with Old Boys forwards going away in a fast passing attack with Wood, Mabin and Dobbie standing out well. A second rush, in which the backs took part, saw the ball go out to Vass who passed infield to Busch who scored. This try was also unconverted. Old Boys 9, Rover 3. Grant opened up another attack but a knock on spoilt a good movement. After Old Boys had been pressing for a considerable time Rovers set up a very determined forward onslaught from which B. Baigent was successful in crossing the line. A. Baigent missed an easy kick. Rover 6, Old Boys 9. Play became very keen with Old Boys winning a greater majority of the scrums thus allowing the backs to display their skill. Vass scored another try when he received the ball from a good passing movement. Again

Dobbie was unsuccessful with his kick. Old Boys 12, Rover 6. j A dangerous Old Boy movement ■ was ended when Best put in a fine I 30-yard kick. Rover penned Old Boys ! in their 25 for a short period when 1 a penalty brought relief once more to | Old Boys. Again the town hacks | went away with the whole line, handling to Rowe who passed infield to O’Connor. However it went astray until McKay came through with the ball at toe. When the ball was kicked over the Rover line McKay rushed through, beat two players, and scored. Morris converted with a good kick. Old Boys 17, Rover 6. Rovers made a bold bid to add to their score when T. Baigent was forced into touch right on the corner flag. The Old Boy pack took the ball back to half-way but it was immediately returned to the Old Boy line where Old Boys had to force. Best was playing well at full-back, putting in some good kicks. When the final whistle sounded Rovers were again in Old Boy territory. During the game there were a good number of free-kicks awarded; Old Boys being penalised on 8 occasions and Rovers on 11. Mr A. Croucher controlled the game. RIVAL DEFEAT PIRATE 13 POINTS TO 8 The Rival v. Pirate game played on No. 2 ground, though willing, was not a high-class display and attracted only a modicum of attention. In the first half Pirates established a useful lead of ten points—a potted goal and two penalties by Newman —but in the second half Rival backs found the weak spots in Pirates’ defence and ran up 13 points while the country team were unable to increase their score. The teams were as follows: — Rival —Cooper, Thompson, Mclsaac, Wishart, Mayers, Currow, McKay, Pike, Carey, Phillips, Vass, Watson, McKenzie, Masters, Biggs. Pirates —Newman, Brown, Kearns, Falconer, Hahn, Stewart, McKane, Gibbons, Bashford, Ryan, Max, Roughton, Chailies, Irvine, Piper. The game opened quietly with Rival attacking, but L. Max led a clearing rush and helped by a penalty reachea tne Rival line. A long clearing Kick failing to reach the line was taken by Newman who potted a fine goal from outside the 25. Shortly afterwards Pirates were awarded a penalty and Newman landed a splendid goal from ten yards inside half way. Pirate 7, Rival 0. Rival forwards led by Thompson and Curnow rushed to Pirate 25, but McKane cleared. Newman kicked high to Rival’s goal and Rival being penalised for a scrum infringement Nelson landed another goal. Pirate 10, Rival 0. Rival livened up, Wishart and Mclsaac being prominent. Mayers made a good attempt to convert a penalty from near half way. Rival kept up the pressure and Mayers just n.issed ariotner penalty. Pirate forwards took a hand, Gibbons and Chailies being prominent, but McKenzie made a good clearing run and centred for his norwards who carried on to Pirate 25. Carey opened to his backs, the ball going out to McKenzie who made a determined run but Newman was safe. Rival were awarded a free kick just inside half way but again Mayers just missed. Rival kept up a hot attack, but a smart mark oy McKane nulliiield their efforts and half-time was coded. On resuming Pirate forwards became aggressive with Chailies leading, but Carey sent his oacks away, and Vass cutting in nicely sent on to Watson who galloped for the line but a wild pass spoilt a good movement. Rivai came again, Thompson and Curnow taking play to the line, but Newman forced. Rival backs now began to assert themselves, Watson running hard and straight but he hung on too long and sent a forward pass. Hard play among the forwards followed till Carey opened up again, but again Watson allowed himself to be caught in possession. Wishart made a determined dash but Pirate defence I held. Vass made a good run but he was unsupported. However Watson took a hand with a strong run and passed to McKenzie who was grassed when attempting to jump over New- | man. However Curnow lying handy picked up and scored well out, Mayers kicking a beautiful goal. Rival 5, Pirate 10. Phillips punted to a gap and Newman waiting for the bounce nearly let Rival through, but McKane came to light with a good line-kick. Soon after Curnow picked up in the loose and ran over near the posts, Mayers making the score 10 all. | Rival backs took a hand but WatI son dropping a pass let Pirates through, Biggs effecting a fine save. Roughton running through kicked well down, but Rival forwards headed by Mclsaac rushed back and Pirates paid the full penalty for an infringement in front of the goal, Mayers kicking an easy one. Rivals 13, Pirates 10. Pirates made a great effort, Gibbons, Bashford and Ryan being to the fore, but Rivals cleared and set up a hot attack, only a mark by McKane stopping a score. Carey sent his backs away, and Watson beating Stewart who had gone to full back, a score looked certain, but Kearns came with a rush and overhauled him. Time was called soon after. Mr H. M. McGirr controlled the game. JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES TWENTY PLAYERS SELECTED TO TRAIN The junior selector (Mr D. Glover) has chosen the following 20 players to train with a view to inclusion in the representative team to play the Marlborough junior representatives at Blenheim on 27th June:— Backs: Carpenter, O’Connor, Cox, Hurley, McMorland, Dee, Stallard, Young, F. Biggs, Winter. Forwai'ds: Kempthorne, Jones, PyeSmith, Withers, Bonnington, Schwass, Hanson, Niven, Sinclair, Woodward.