FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17819, 28 June 1921, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

THE " SPRINGBOKS' " TOUR.

- N.S.W AGAIN DEFEATED.

A MORE EVEN GAME. ' Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. JBecd. 10.40 p.m.) SYDNEY. June 27. The weather was ideal for the second Rugby contest between the "Springboks" and Now South Wales. There was an attendance of 15,000. McKay and Raymond replaced Pox and Lane in the New South Wales side, and the "Springboks' " team was follows:—De Villiers, Van Heerden, Harry Morkel, Clarkson, Meyer, P. Michau, Dekock, Kxiiger, Van Rouyen, J. Michau, "J®?®® 3 " Wacker, Scholtz, Pienar, Oliver. The blues delved into aggressive movements with considerably more confidence ui? P re 'i°ualy. The "Springboks," with half their team changed, encountered stiffened opposition and tackling, which effectively blocked the initiative of the visitors, .. ew South Wales drew first blood. De Vilmisjudged the flight of the ball, and •fcloldsworth. following up fast, scored a try, which was not converted. The "Springboks" retrieved their position as the result of Morkel bustling past several tacklerß. De Villiers converted. Prior to the interval a rtfsh ■ u 3 ;? i ■ rom a'line-out in the "Springboks territory, Carr sprinting across and scoring a try, which Nothling converted, making the scores: New South Wales, 8: Springboks " 5. The greens, with their backs to the wall, were unable to open i t / or - a Period, but ultimately they dominated the game and Morkel equalized tho scores with an unconverted try. The game resolved itself into a. stalemaid for a time till Van; Heerden buetled Carr, who transferred to ? Nothling. The latter failed to throw the baU out of touch and Meyer, swooping down, got the ball near .tho line and scored. No troa 1 resulted : Springboks" 11; New South "Wales, 8. Before the blues recovered from this Jrevereo ° visitors broke away with only rsothlmg to boat, and Meyer crossed the line, De Villiers adding the extra points. A nn© dodgy run by Mingay, supplemented by a strong spnnt by Raymond, turned the tables, and Davis, picking up near tho line, got a try which wae unconverted, making the final scores: — "Springboks" .. . . w 16 New South Wales . , . . . . 11

A POWERFUL COMBINATION. [B1 TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Monday. On« of tlie New Zealand delegates to the ex-solakrs' conference in South Africa. Mr. E. J. Anight,' has returned to Now Zealand. He travelled part of the way with the members of the South African Rugby team who about to visit this country. He states thaii the Springboks are a fine sporting lot of men who will take a good deal of beating on the football field. One of their outstanding players in the back division is Van Heerden, who represented South Africa in jumping events at the last Olympic Games. He is a powerful runner with a tricky swerve ana has proved a prolific scorer in South. African Rugby. The forwards go up to 16st. J n weight. Mr. Knight states that the South Africans are confident thev can give a New Zealand team a good game.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. The _ first round of the Auckland Rugby Union's senior competition, which was concluded on Saturday, resulted in some of the finest football that has been seen in Auckland for many years. At one stage Grammar School seemed to have a mortgage on the cup, and it looked only a question _ of who would fill the other places. Marist Brothers, however, beat them by a margin of five points, and the following week Grammar School went down to College Rifles. In consequence. Grammar School, Grafton.• and College Rifles commence the second round next Saturday with 12 points each, while University, Ponsonby, and Marists are only two points behind. One of the best competitions that has ever been decided in Auckland should result. The South Africans have won their first match in Sydney, and, judging by the manner in which they defeated New South Wales on Saturday, they should make a really good showing in New Zealand. The New Zealand University team defeated Wei-, lington before they left, and were beaten by Metropolitan, which is really a New South Wales representative team In consequence, it was thought on that performance that the New South Welshmen would more" than hold their own. However, the "Springboks" seemed to fcave won fairly comfortably. Their combination was a great deal better than that of New South Wales, and their backs appear to include a couple of fine scoring threequarters _in Van Heerden and Meypr. It is pleasing to know that we are retting a team which will make the matches fast and interesting, and one that will try out the New Zealanders. Ponsonby-College Rifles Game. The Ponsonby-College Rifles gam© at Eden Park on Saturday was a particularly exciting one, and the issue was in doubt until the final whistle went. Ponsonby were the first to score, and then each side led alternately, College Rifles eventually winning by 11 points to 9. At no stage of the game was theije more than three points between the teams, and when the last quarter was entered upon it looked as though Ponsonby would win. However, College Rifles seemed, to take 2:.,?. ew lease of life, and from a penalty Pilling put over a long shot which saved the situation. On the. play lionojirs must go to Ponsonby, and one is_ inclined to the opinion that they were unlucky to lose. They were unable to get their regular team together, and had to play two juniors in place of Gillespiei and otretton. Compared with College Rifles, they were much the lighter team, but they played a splendid game, handling the ball well and tackling with certainty. The conditions—a heavy ground and greasy ball—were quite ■ unsuited to their style of play, and in the circumstances they did remarkably well. The Coiiege Kifles team played well, and their backs appeared to be faster than those of their opponents. They more frequently got the ball from the scrum, and this gave them a great advantage. However, their forwards were not as good in the loose as the Ponsonby van, and it was fine to see the latter bunch together and go through their more ° p P OI f . There is no doubt that Ponsonby played fine football. For College Rifles, Laion, Pilling. Griorson, and Hirst were tho most prominent backs, while Grant also played well. Seager Watson, and McLean were the pick of the forwards. Ponsonby were handicapped by the absence of Strettoa, wing threeouart-nr but Mateon, "who filled the vacancy, showed to advantage Lucas was the best of the backs, and played a really fine game both on attack and defence Hobaon™' R XI whil© Donovan and Pitman put in a lot of useful work. In the forwards, Pardington, Prentice, and Aitken were probably the best of a fine, hard-working lot.

Marist Brothers' Good Game. The game between Marist Brothers and University at the Domain on Saturday was ft, par{^ula rly good one and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators. In th 0 first quarter it looked as though TJniwere going to win for they threw pvat- II a o r t , to bet . to r advantage. However, they did. not have much luck for their fino passing rushes were stopped by their SOll | cklmK of . Marist Brothers and their efforts were without result. Marist Brothers, on .the other hand, played a rd same - a ?d gave Thomas, fiveeighths, an opportunity to score a very hne try. 'fina was converted, and Marist Brothers led by 5 points to 0 when the teams changed over. From then onward the Manst Brothers forwards showed to better advantage than _ the opposing . van ®™~,E rcvont T ed A he , University backs from operating. In the last quarter the ground was very heavy and the ball and despite these facts University attempted nL ° P i en j ", P i pa^m e rushes, which, with splendid tackling of tho opposing side, lur ?:,. Their tactics were unsuited to the conditions, and if they had only made moro use of their feet the scores probably would have been closor at the finish. Marist Brothers were much better with their footwork, and their policy repaid 6 them. &t their to * 3 *** For Marists P. Courtney, Casey, and Culpau were the pick of the forwards. Courtney played a particularly good game, both in colse work and in the loose. Sixnms scored, a very fino try and showed great dash in goins for tho coal line. Peters Hie rover, was also good. Malloy and lliomas were tho outstanding backs, their work being very clean and solid. The former tackled very well. O'Connor, at fullback, played his best game this season. as also did Docherty. Murray, threequarter for University, played a particularly bright game, and was the best of the University backs. Hopkins, at; half, did not cet many opportunities through his forwards being overwhelmed. Park. at five-eighths, was conspicuous in the early stages, when the bnll was dry. and was responsible • for some very fine work. Millikon was easily tho best forward, both in attack and defence, while Keene was also prominent. J. Thomas, rover, was good. Eddowe3 received an injury to his head and had to retire at halftime, his place being taken by Pilcher. A Decisive Victory. Grafton proved too strong a combination in ail departments for North Shore, and registered a decisive victory. AJmost from tho commencement Grafton had their opponents' in difficulties, their superiority in the bocks being soon evident. North Shore played an. up-hill game, but more tha,p mot their match. The Grafton backs handled the greasy ball wel', and were responsible for some fast work, their speed seriously troubling the opposing rearguard Despite too wet weather the pace was fiat and tho

game at times exciting play travelling up and down field at a great rate. Tho North btiore backs worked hard, especially in the early stages, but the defence was too sound. Xheir only score was toward the end of the game, and was the result of a fine piece of work. . Nixon, the Grafton rover, was the outstanding placer of the match. He played a fast, sound game, while his kicking was really fine. The fullback, Finlay, made no mistakes, taking the ball well. Hughes also proved invaluable. The Lamb and G»aparich brothers were also conspicuous, being responsible for excellent work. The outstanding ' players for North Shore were Stewart, White, Fairgray, Champion, Carruth, and Martin. The latter Bcored the losers' pnly try after-a fine run. Superiority in the backs was the principal factor in Newton's victory—the. first of the season—over Parnell, but the latter tea<m ■waa greatly handicapped by commencing the match with only 12 men. Though the Parnell forwards worked hard and frequently broke through the opposing pack their backs were not a match for Newton's rearguard, who were responsible for many fine passing rashes, despite the heavy ground and greasy ball. At times, however, the Parnell backs handled the ball well and "'had Newton in difficulties. The play was patchy, continued infringements necessitating frequent use of the whistle. Though outclassed, Parnell continued to press, and in the closing stages of the game secured two well-deserved tries. For Newton Earl played a sterling game, handling the ball cleanly and making good openings. He was well supported by Wilkin, at five-eighths, and Halliday, Booker, and Smith, threequarters. In the forwards Dixon, Murroll, and Clark were always prominent. Kelly's services would be much more valuable if they were not nullified by his tendency to infringe the off-side rule. He spoiled many chances. Ajmong the rarnell team it would be difficult to pick out any outstanding player. O'Brien, Smith, Jerratt, McDowell, Law, Richardson, and McClure all performed good work McLean, ex-College Rifles and Auckland representative, and now of the Bay of Plenty Union, is in town on holiday. He leaves in a day or two for Christchurch to play for the Island on Saturday. McLean is looked upon as one of the best forwards I turned out in Auckland for years, and it i P^ e , a3lfl g see him selected for the inter- • island contest. Regarding Rugby in his district, he .states that the standard of play is very high and mentions that there are several really good players around Whakatane and Opotiki. , A. Wetherilt. chairman of th« Auckland Referees Association, is to referee the ? t-? e ' Kusabs Cup between -Tauranga and Rotorua at Rotorua on Saturday. The .Bay of Plenty referees wish some advice regarding the amended rules, and what Mr. Wetherilt cannot tell them is not worth knowing It is 20 years ago since Grafton won the Auckland championship. They are well in tne running this season, so that history may repeat itself. •I? 1 ® king's College-Grammar School match will take place at Eden Park on Saturday, and as usual it is sure to attract a large number of spectators. Both teams handle the ball well and if the weather is fine a really good game should result. Buck)and, captain of the King's College senior team, who had the misfortune to break a small bone in his leg when playing against Sacre-d Heart on Saturday. is in a private hospital. He is progressing favourably.

INTER-ISLAND MATCH. The North v. South Island matoh will be played at Christchurch on Saturday C Badeley and Griereon. the Auckland members or the North Island team, will leave for Wellington to-morrow. Lucas, who was also r eelected, 13 still incapacitated as the result of the injury he received in Ihe North bhore-University match last Saturday week and in consequence cannot play. Hie place has been filled by J. Donald, Wairarapa- The North Island selectors will proceed to Christchurch to seo the match, and afterwards the teams for the Possibles and Probables match to be played at Wellington on Wednesday. July 6, will b© selected. [BX TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Monday. Owing to injury. Lucas (Auckland) will not be available for the inter-island Rugby match. J. Donald (Wairarapa) replaces him in the Northern team. Jacobs (Horowhenua) ia included as emergency.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

N.S.W. V. COMBINED TEAM.

FORMER WIN BY 12 POINTS.

Australian and N-Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10-10 pan.) SYDNEY. June 27. About 25,000 people witnessed the Le»"ue football match, .New South-Wales v. a. 00mbined Queensland and New Zealand team which was piayed on the Cricket Ground to-day New South Wales won by 36 points The New South Wales team forced the game, and a few minutes after the commencement Craig scored a try which was not converted. Shortly afterwards Brown was injured and was replaced by Gorman The home team continued their forceful tactics, Vest and Peters scoring tries in quick 6uccession» which. N. Burge converted* Gray was injured and was replaced by L. Buree With New South Wales leading by 13 pointi to 0, the combined team showed more dash A passing rush by Davidson. Laing and Avery ended in the last-named scoring a try which Davidson converted; The spores now mounted quickly, Vest and Thompson getmg tries for New South Wales, which N. Burge converted. Davidson scored a try for the combined team which he converted besides kicking two penalty goals, making the half-time figures: New South- Walec 23; Combined Team, 14. In the second spell the combined team forced the pace, keeping the ball in the home team s twenty-five, but the pressure was relieved, by Horder, who, after a great run, crossed the line. No goal resulted. The combined team continued to attack and Flanagan and Broadfoot scored tries. Davidson converting one, and also kicking a penalty goal. Although they played a hard, fast game, the combined team failed to increase their score, while Craig and Horder secured, tries for the home team, Horder converting both, making the final scores: New South Wales ... . .86 Combined Team . * .. .. 24 NOTES AND COMMENTS. . The opening of Carlaw Park on Saturday is the most important event connected with League football in Auckland this season. Unfortunately, the heavy rain experienced last week, rendered the ground very greasy, and one or two soft spots were found in it' Everything considered, however, the playing area stood the test remarkably well, and there is iittle doubt that No. 1 ground will be fit for play during the remainder of the season. , A pleasing feature of the opening ceremony was -the presentation by the Auckland League to Mr. J. Carlaw and Mrs. Carlaw of ground membership certificates. The great work accomplished by Mr. Carlaw in acquiring the ground, and later, in supervising the improvements to it, thoroughly deserves recognition. Pew men would be capable of carrying through such an undertaking and the League is fortunate in having as its executive head such a devoted worker in the interests of clean sport. The game between City and Maritime on Saturday in many respects, was a fitting contest for the opening game at the now park. Had the ground been dry fewer mistakes would ,have boen made and better team work would have been witnessed, but it is doubtful if the struggle would have provided any more excitement than it did. Both sides were eager for the fray at all times, and notwithstanding the unfortunate conditions, there was not an idle moment in the game. In the first spell tho Maritime backs showed somo effective work in attack, and the tries obtained by Lunn and Littlewood were well deserved. Lunn had bad luck in just failing* to score a second try through losing the ball as he went over tho line. Of the other individual players for Maritime, Flynn, at fullback, was not well suited by the heavy going. He played a' fairly good game and extricated himself fiom difficulties 011 several occasions. He should not have attempted to juggle with the ball near his own line when the City forwards were coining down on him. That mistake gave a try to City and turned the tide of the game against Maritime. _ G. Davidson made his first appearance m club football this season on Saturdav, when be donned the jersey to assist his old club, Maritime, against City. He appears to have put on weight since he last played for Maritime the season before last. The heavy state of the.ground and thfe greasy ball were against tho crack spnnter showing to advantage. He got few chances, but once or twice made brilliant dashes that just failed to take him through the opposing backs. He is worth' a place in anv team for his speed alone, and possesses much more football ability than many people imagine. McGregor, at centre threequarter. defended sturdily, and Grey and Yardley, at five-eighths, both put in good work, tho former, as usual, keeping particularly busy. .Of the City backs. Harley. at full, played his usual safe game. He fielded the greasy ball well and made few mistakes. The freequarters had few opportunities for mbined play. Each of them did well, and Minogue's place-kicking was excellent considering the sodden state of the ball. Wetherall and Mitchell at five-eighths were both safe. The former, as usual, appeared to be always in the right place, either to attack or defend., and he vied with Grey in being' tho busiest back on the ground. Peckham at halfback gave a good exhibition, and was unfortunate in receiving a nasty knock toward the finish of thegame.

Both sets of forwards battled hard from start to finish. There was little between them, but the City pack seemed to last out the game better than their Opponents. The fast following up of the City forwards was a noticeable feature ■of the game Never has the value of this style of play been better exemplified than it was on Saturday, When (a long kick by City sent the ball well beyond the Man'ti'm. fullback and the latter ran back to retrieve it there did not appear to be much chance of the City forwards' giving trouble. They raced up the field in an apparently futile pursuit and cornered. Flynn with the ball Instead of .kicking it over the heads of the advancing forwards. Flynn attempted t dodge, and then tried to pass to Grey who. had run back to support

was easy for a pass to go astray with a wet ball, and the City men. gettine possession when Grev slipped. and fell had no difficulty in scoring. This try. proved to be the deciding factor in the game, as without it City would have finished the came a point behind their opponents.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. .By far the best exhibition of the Association . code Been in Auckland this year was provided by Huntly and Ponsonby at Victoria. Park on Saturday afternoon. The game, which was remarkable for clever footwork and fast, exciting play, was keenly contested throughout in a most friendly manner. Ciean. skilful games of Association football are worth going a long way to Bee, and if the standard reached in the match can be maintained, it will not be long before the game ranks high in public favour in Auckland. As usual, when playing away from home, Huntly took some time to settle down to new conditions, and aided by a powerful wind Ponsonby attacked smartly from the outset. The goal that plus scored for the city team in the first tew minutes of the game was the outcome of an excellent piece of play. The judgment displayed in meeting the ball just as it. reached the ground to send in a shot which tave Allsop no chance at all, was of a very lg.n order. It was unfortunate that his me men were not shooting so well. Ponsonby had the best of matters during' the nrst twenty minutee, and should have increased the score. Huntly asserted themselves during the final stages of the spell and did so well against the high wind that it looked as though Ponsonby would be outplayed when they changed ends. Such was not the case, however, and ,though the visitors had perhaps the best Of it towards the close °f the game the spe>ll was evenly contested. In the Huntly forwards the honours of baturday s game must go to Hayes. Besides scoring a brilliant goal he worked like a trojan throughout, being in the - thick o; the play all the time and leading most of the attacks. This player is perhaps the i mpst consistent forward playing m Auckland i this season, and should be certain of a : place m the representative team. The two : wings, Liddis. and Tait, were also on their game. Porteous and Easton did not show! up so "well as they have done on previous i occasions.. Dean was the pick of a good j 5\ while Green, Steele and Allsop defended goal well. As already mentioned, Ponsonby's inside men, .Mclvor and Pealing, displayed weakness in front of the goal, their shooting being frequently poor. Another mistake made was that of neglecting the wing men who. especially in the second half, rarely got the ball. In Simm and E. Innes. Ponsonby have two outside men playin«* well g? to representative form, and the wa"y that Simm in particular, was starved during the 13 h 7i° t ° account for. Martin tfek were the best of the halfbacks, while Alpe and .Roberts were very safe in the back line. Booth m goal acquitted himself well.