FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17801, 7 June 1921, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

NEW ZEALAND -'VARSITY TOUR.

VICTORY IN SECOND TEST.

SYDNEY DEFEATED BY 8 POINTS.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. CRecd. 12.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 6-

Before a small attendance, after a. hard, fast game the New Zealand University Rugby Union team defeated Sydney University by 19 points to 11. > From the kick-off the visitors' loroed the game, and after a fine rush, Wiseman crossed the line, but his try was not conOpen play in niidfield followed, from, which. -Nothling (Sydney) kicked a penalty goal, thus equalising the scores. More forceful play by the visitors enabled Perry to cross the line, but again his try was not converted. At half-time the scores were -j New Zealand, 6 points; Sydney, 3. On resuming Sydney attacked Btrongly and frequently had the New Zcalanders in '-rouble. Some fine passing resulted in Black (Sydney) scoring a try and converting it. making the scores: Sidney, 8, New Zealand. 6. The visitors' superior combination now commenced to tell, and they again brought their scoro ahead, a. try by Maxwell being converted by Harty. Shortly afterwards Ward crossed the' line and Harty again kicked a goal . A. few niinutea before time Ward got another try, bringing the visitors' score to 19. Sheehan then made a fine run and crossed for the home team. The game ended without any further scoring.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Due mainly to tho heavy state oi the ground, ai&o in somo measure to want oi combination, the match between tunes and Marist Brothers Old Boys was not quiie up to the usual lorin ql eituec team. Iho game was a hard ono without rnueli brilliancy until tne last spoil, wnen there were several timeiy interludes that nearteneu the spectators to a Keen pitch of excitement. In the heavy worK there was Uttie between the two packs, neither pair ot hooners showing suj/eriority, the Dall more often coming out of the side of the scrum. In loose torward play the Mari3ts' forwards were slightly superior, and were inclined to use their foot to better advantage. College Rifles owed their victory to tne dash displayed by their backs, wno at times made the .Marist UroS. deienoe look very cheap, tor College Bines Unerson was the most outstanding player. He has improved in physique since last year, and 6howod great dasn , and j determination m racing for the line. Muir. at hve-eighths, was conspicuous for good defence, while Liuxon, on the wing, carried out any worK that was demanded of him in a finished manner. He look tho ball- beautifully at times. Seagar, Mclnness, and McLean were probably the best of a good pack. Lang, at half for Marists. played a particularly fine game, being sound on both attack and defence. He made many good openings during the game, but these were not taken full advantage of. The tackling of the fiveeighths was weak, and this contributed largely toward their defeat. Thomas, wing threeouartor, was not fed sufficiently, but when the ball came his way he made the most use of it, putting in some fine sprints down the line. The forwards seemed slower than usual, and did not play up to recent form. In close loose work when their opponents broke through they did not come round nearly quickly enough to assist their backs in stemming the attack. The 'University-Newton match, although the former won by 11 points to 0. was a most interesting game. University apparently were under the impression that their opponents were easy to defeat, and in consequence they got a surprise when tboy found they had to do their best to beat the Newton van. The first quarter was in tavour of the Newton team, though no score resulted, and University were leading only by 3 to 0 at half-time. The third quarter saw University gain the upper hand, though they were presented with 5 points through one of tlie Newton backs looking at the ball instead of touching down. Newton came again in the concluding stages, but their efforts were spoiled by want of combination on the part of the backs. The University team indulged in some fine combined work during the game, and passed splendidly despite the greasy nature of the ball. Lucas was at his best, and put in a lot of good work both in attack and defence. He was ail over the field, and was unfortunate in not scoring a try after intercepting a pass from Earl to Longville. Hopkins, the half, was also in good form, whue Park, at five-eighths, showed up prominently. Pdcher, an exWellington player, who was included in the threequarter line, also played well. He has plenty of pace and ■ handles the ball accurately, and altogether should be seen to freater advantage as the season progresses, n the forwards Thomas scored two fine tries, and played a good game throughout, while Milliken, Keegan, Brooker and Clark put in a lot of hard work. The Newton forwards played excellently, and were unlucky in not scoring. It would perhaps be a little unfair to individualise, except to say to Clark that the "dummy" can be often worked successfully once, but-one cannot expect it to come off three times in succession in a few seconds against a team like University. After making his first opening he should ha»e dived for the line, or given the men supporting him a chance—a try was certain* Anyhow, he played a very good game, and that was his only mistake. Booker, the fullback, was very sound, while Earl, Smith, GasEarich and Longeville were also prominent. The first-named made several fine openings during the match. The game between Grammar School and North Shore, played at Devonport, was well contested, arid though Grammar School won by 15 points to 0. they succeeded in crossing North Shore's line'on one occasion only, the other points coming from penalty goale kicked by liwersen. The North Shore forwards played a fine game, but their backs lacked combination. The Grammar School backs were far too expert for their opponents, Ifwersen and the Badeley brothers showing to most advantage. The first-named made some very fine openings during the game, while he waß in his best form at goal-kicking. Of the forwards, Lintott. Taylor, and McCullough, were the most conspicuous. Godick, Fairgray, and Stewart, were the most pro-' minent for North Shore. One could not understand why C. Badeley was not included in tho list of nominations for the North Islarßl team, and on making inquiries it was found that .his name had been inadvertently omitted. It is. pleasing to know that the mistake has been rectified, for followers of Rugby in Auckland this season failed to see how this fine little fiveeighths could have been passed over. One wonderß how C. Fletcher came to be nominated. If the selector is going on last year's form in the case of Fletcher, what is wrong with M. Hayward, Thames? He was easily one of the best forwards seen in Auckland representative matches last season, and supporters of the game are disappointed to find his name missing. Tho Grafton Club, assisted by some members of the University Club, got together a team to play King Country at Taumarunui last Friday. , The game was very fast throughout, the Auckland backs eventually proving too good for the local team. The King Country forwards are stated to be a fine hard working lot, but their backs lacked combination. Heise. among the forwards, and Neileon, in the backs, were the most prominent. The visit will do a great deal of good for football in the district, and periodical visits by Auckland senior teams would be j greatly appreciated. The Grafton team were most hospitably entertained, and had a most enjoyable trip.

The Auckland Rugby Union's annual was published last Saturday and as usual it is replete with information concerning the game. It contains the rules of the New Zealand and Auckland Unions, and the Auckland Referees' _ Association, and those governing sub-unions, secondary schools, senior cadets' sports association and the Ranfuxly Shield. The laws of the game, with recent amendments, are also included. In a note the compiler. Mr. T. Buchanan, states that the New Zealand Union, at, its last annual granted Auckland authority to continue to play the local modified rules that have been in operation for some time. This applied mainly to the kick into touch, and both referees and players should carefully peruse nil© 12. The authority was subject to confirmation by the English Union. In addition, the English Union _ had made several amendments and alterations, the main ones being as follows:—Law 5. Sub-section (a) now reads: "After a goal or unsuccessful try by the side losing such goal or try, and fb) after Quarter and half-time." Law 8 regarding an offside player is subject to Law 19. Law 9 now compels the .player claiming a mark W take the kick himself. Law 10 now interprets a free kick logically, while Laws 12, 15 and 16 have had minor revision. Law 19 is a now law regarding a scrummage.

The College Rifles team will play the Kaipara team at Helensvillc on Saturday. It is stated that Grammai School will follow a week later.

Tho standard of > play in the second grade competition this season is said to be h ; gher than it has been since 1914, and some very good gameß have resulted. The contest is still very open, at least six teams showing that they will be close up when it comes to the final. Despite the fact that Ponsonby were defeated in - the first glume by Grammar School by 3 points! to 0, they are looked upon as the best team in this grade. The of the teams are:— Ponsonby, Grammar School. 8 points; Suburbs, 6; College Rifles, Training College. 4: Grafton A, 3; North Shore A, North Shore B, 2: University, 1; Grafton B, 0. Ponsonby, Suburbs and North Shore A have clayed 5 matches. Grammar School. College Rifles. North S,hore B, Grafton_B. 4; Grafton*A, 8; Training College and University, 2. Ponsonby are also the outstanding- team in the fiftn gTade, but both. Ellershe and Grafton have fifteens who are quite capable of upsetting the leaders. The positions of the teams a T e:—Ponsonbv. 8: Grafton. 6j Baraell, 4; Marist 'Bros_ 2; Telegraph Messengers, 0. The Marist Bros, and Telegraph Messengers have played S games and the remaining teams 4.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

NEW ZEALAND V. QUEENSLAND.

EAST WIN FOR DOMINION TEAM. { i l McCLYMONT SHOWS FINE FORM. | Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. I t (Reed. 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 6. , In the .presence of 25,000 spectators the x New Zealand League footballers defeated £ Queensland to-day by 05 points to 12. The New Zealand team was the same as 1 on Saturday, except that McClymont replaced < Nunn. The Queensland team was:—Full- i back, Fewin; threequarters. Thorougngood, i Flynn, Paton, Gorman; halves, Bath, Flana- < ghan; forwards. Potter, o'Donn.edL Bennett, < Stanley, Cavanagh, Johnson. < The blacks fully redeemed .their promises of Saturday. The back division worked with i clockwork precision with the vanguard effectually paving the way for 6pening9. , Tancred, McClymcmt, and Woolley were the pick of the New Zealanders, McClymont par' ticularly displaying good form. Davidson diew first blood, crossing the line and con- ' verting his try, afUr which the blacks overrun Queensland, tries being registered in ] quick succession by Walters, Avery, McCly- . mont and Wilson, one of which Davidson , converted. Meanwhile Paton kicked a goal j from a penalty for Queensland. The half-time scores were: New Zealand 19; Queensland, 2. In the second spell Queensland, for a period, threw the blacks on to the defensive, , Gorman completing a fine passing burst | with a try which Paton converted The Maroons immediately returned to the attack, , play hovering in New Zealand's territory for ] a lengthy period. Stanley added a try i which Paton converted, and Woolley and I Williams crossed the line for New Zealand. SATURDAY'S DEFEAT. ■ i AN UNACCOUNTABLE FAILURE. ] A. and N.Z. SYDNEY, June 5. i The Sydney Sun, commenting upon the '' defeat of the New Zealanders on Saturday, declares that on Saturday's play there was not a single New Zealander who could secure j a place in the team for England without doing injustice to many who.would be left behind in Australia. The New Zealanders' failure was unaccountable, and was too bad to be true. . NEW. SOUTH WALES TEAMS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. • (Heed 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June S. : The Mew South Wales first team defeated the New South Wale 3 second team by 34 points to 20. NOTES AND COMMENTS. ; The defeat of the New Zealand League representatives by the New South Wales first team on Saturday caused no surprise in Auckland. The report of the match indicates that the Australian combination is a much more efficient scoring machine than anything that can be produced in New Zealand at present. Australian football writers are agreed that the form displayed this season by the New South Wales League players is better than that of last season. Considering that New South Wales was capable of beating the English Northern Union touring team last year, and that the form of the Englishmen was then superior to that of the Dominion League players, there was little ground for expecting the New Eealanders on Saturday ba prevail against their doughty opponents. Apparently the New Zealand forwards put up a good showing, and certainly the weakness of the team is not among the front rankersThey are fast and weighty, and their tackling apparently held up the attack of the speedy opposing backs ■at times. The superiority of the Australians in the League game i.« in the back division. Every back in the team is fast; and great pains have been taken to develop team work and combination in attack. This is just what the New Zealand players lack, and apparently it will bo' several seasons before really firstclass back form is developed. The League game is essentially one that offers inducement for the development of speed. The success of every movement depends upott the speed with which it, is executed, from the giving and taking. of passes to flcctness of foot when the way has been opened for a try. With only 13 men in the field openings to attack come more frequently 'in League than in ordinary Rugby, and to the development of pace in passing and running the Australians have devoted much attention. There is no reason why systematic concentration on that phase of the game should not result in New Zealand producing a back combination that will equal its forwards in all-round playing ability. At present the strength of the New Zealand League players lies in the forwards. Last Saturday's club games \vcre not productive of high-class football, though the contest between City and Ponsonby was much better than the scores would indicate. Ponsonby were unfortunate in losing the services of their half-back early in the game, thus disorganising the back combination! The side also severely ielt the loss of McClymont from the five-eighth line, and a capable substitute for Delgrosso at fullback has. notjyet been*produced. The for- ' wards played doggedly and fought out the game to the bittep end. A McGregor was tne hardest worked back on the side, but lack of support nullified., many of his efforts. The City backs showed better all-round form than their opponents. Wetherail, jn particular, made many openings, and was • always in the right place to take advantage of an opportunity to open up the game. His work in defence also was excellent, and in setting back smartly to stiffen up the defence when danger threatened he saved his side on several occasions. B. Davidson also showed good form, and used his pace to advantage when opportunity offered. He is" 1 playing very consistently this season, and both he arfd Wetherail will have to be . considered when an Auckland representative team is being selected later in the season. Pckham, at halfback, and Minogue played good games, but the team work of the backs can still be improved considerably. Harley, at fullback, again did his work well. The City forwards are an even lot, and saw the arame out in good style. They handled the ball well on occasion, and followed up better than their opponents. Mackie's try was the outcome of a nice, piece of concerted play. Maritime had an easy task on Saturday in defeating Devonport, and as tho season advances it will be no .surprise t" «ee last season's champ'-ons making a bold bid for the club premiership. The question of sending an Auckland representative' team to tour tho South this, season is being freely discussed by supporters of the League game in Auckland. The opinion has been expressed trial notwithstanding the absence of many players in, Australia, and the forthcoming New Zealand 'tour of the Queensland League players. Auckland siiouid send a team to tour the South. It is argued that a'team chosen from the players at present in Auckland would capably represent this centre on a Southern tour. The suggestion has much to recommend it as far as the players are concerned. There are a number of young aspirants for representative honours who would probably be benefited by such a tour, and interest in the game in the Southern centres would be quickened. Auckland is the home of the League game in the Dominion, and only by stimulating interest in th« game in. other centres, v and promoting inter-provincial, contests, can the calibre of the players be improved. On the other hand, the Auckland League is faced with the problem of maintaining interest in the local competitions, and of carrying out a heavy programme m connection with tbe forthcoming tour of the Queensland players. Already many of the clubs have been weakened by the absence of the leading players in Australia, and by the time these men return the club championship will probably have been decided The Koope Rooster competition, which follows, ia . always highly popular with both players *nd public, but it is doubtful if this interest .will be maintained if the leading players in tbe various clubs are absent in the. South. The League officials thoroughly realise the benefits to be derived from encouraging the game in the South. They are also.' clothed with the responsibility of maintaining .interest in the game locally and of promoting the best interests of Jhe players. These, matters no doubt will be very thoroughly discussed when the proposal to send a team South conies up for final decision. Commenting on this season's club competitions in Sydneyj the latest issue of tbe Referee states that it is interesing to find that top place in the race for the premiership ia hold by North Sydney, a club fresh to the honour. The rise of this team since the middle of last season has proved one of the most inspiring events since the Rugby League game oame into existence in 1908. The breejrinesg of their football must have shown even to the.hard-headed members of the League Council that there aro unexpected possibilities iu their gam© if it be exploited as thoroughly as its virtues demand. Second place .in the competition is jointly held by Balmain and Glebe, whom North Sydney have defeated. They are only one point behind the Shoremen, .Next on the list are Eastern Suburbs with ? points. They drew* with North Sydney. South- Sydney and Western Suburbs comes next. As North havo defeated South it w:ll be seen that they have met all the more powerful teams, and that unless Western Suburbs or .St. George can spring a huge surprise, by either/ downing them or playing a drawn game, the premiership is likely to. fall to a club new to such eminence in. the League Rugby. If it so tarns out it will be one of the most popular rises made in the game—Quite as popular as the first success of that nature won by Balmain, who fcnrerly. like North met with a very small measure of success. It is good to know that these successful clubs are ones which have not neglected the basic idea that local * district club football depends for its life on local i interest, and should therefore be played on local grounds within reason. Both clubs have fine home grounds, in strikina contradistinctidn to .some of their livalls...

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Association footballers were unfortunate in having such bad weather for their gala on the King's Birthday. Given a fine day the principal match, H.M.S. Philomel v. Auckland, must have provided a splendid contest, as the standard of ilay attained, in spite of the adverse conditions, was very good indeed. Judging by the number of enthusiasts who turned out in the rain to witness tho games, the attendance, too, would have been a record had more favourable weather prevailed.

Without exception the Auckland backs played • well, each man justifying his inclusion in the team. Individually the forwards showed themselves possessed of speed and capable of clever footwork, but as it was their first game together, they lacked combination and the finishing touches which crown the attack with success. Coltman, y.M.C.A. Old Boys left fullback, chosen as a reserve back, was at the last moment included in the team as 'inside right. He did very well in the circumstances, but it must be very discouraging to the selectors when tho reserve forwards picked do not show sufficient interest to attend.

The Navy team put up a splendid fight and thoroughly deserved their win. They were without the services of their brilliant right winger, Heatley, who had not recovered, from injuries received on the previous Saturday. Sexton went out to the wing, and Kernick. a new player in -the ship's team, was inside right. Both played well, Kernick's goal, scored just on time, being a very fine effort. The work of the half line was splendid, and Bailey and Doree, the fullbacks, cleared consistently, placing the ball well. Batty was very sate in goal.

The Philomel's side are a very strong combination, and are unfortunate that they have toot gained more championship points in the competition matches. Several of their players merit inclusion in the Auckland

representatives if any intefprovincial games are played this year.

Rain poured down during the junior game, and tho greasy ball and slippery ground made passing and kicking with any degree of certainty almost impossible. The game was more remarkable for amusing incidents than good football, but occasionally both sides showed glimpses of good form. For the PhUomel reserves, Harper, Margison and Hayne played well in the forwards, while Calvert, Gill and Thompson were prominent in defence Of the Auckland forwards. Button, Yates and Spinley were most conspicuous, while Catlow and Craig perlormed well in the backs.

The result of the match between the two leading teams, Y..M.C.A. Old Boys and Northcote, came as a great surprise to' followers of the game. It was generally anticipated that Old Boys would continue their victorious career, although critics admitted that tho Northcote side was a good one- The latter team's decisive victory by 6 goals to 0 was totally unexpected. Early m the game it could be seen that without *}» services of Fairgay ana Entwistle, the Y.M.C.A. forwards were quite ' disorganised. It is doubtful, too, whether the attacking line was used to best advantage. Those who saw the gamo are of opinion that a better Plan than that adopted on Saturday would have been the playing of Woods in the centre, with O'Malley and Millar on either side of him. and the two reserves "as outBides. On the Old Boys' side the honours of the day go to Henderson, in goal. His consistent clearing was a treat to watch, and saved many goals against his side. The fullbacks played well, but none of the backs were up to form previously shown this season.

Northcote fully deserved their win, the whole team playing splendidly from start to finish. The forwards showed fine combination and clever footwork. Wilson, the inside right, put up th& beat performance on Saturday his game being that of a finished footballer. In the backs, Calvin. Metgc. Corrin and Cadness are worthy of special mention. The luck of the game went against Y.M.C.A.. in that three of their men were forced to retire through muiries, but the general opinion is that Northcote would have gained the victory m sny case.