FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17872, 29 August 1921, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

NEW SOUTH WALES WINS.

DEFEAT OF BULLER.

TWENTY-FIVE TO ELEVEN

[BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WESTPORT. Saturday.

Under perfect, weather conditions, and before a record gathering, New South Wales today defeated Bullor by 25 points to 11. The game was fast and open. The Buller forwards, in the first spell, more than held their own with the visitors, but the New South Wales backs, coming away in the second spell with good passing runs, won the game.

Buller were tne first to score. Sohadick kicking a goal from a free kick. A minute later Griffiths, after a pretty passing bout by Palmer and Sevenson, mado a dash for the line, but was held up. Borlase kicked hard up the field, the ball going over the visitors' line. Nothling went to side-step Grogan, let the ball fall out of his hand, and Grogan scored. Schadick goaled.

Fast open play followed, both sides having a turn at attack and defence. Then Walker got away with the leather, passed to Mingay, to Humphreys, to Stanley, to Pym, who outpaced the opposition and scored for the visitors. Dick failed with the kick. The first spell ended: Buller 8 ; New South Wales 3.

When the teams took the. field again New South Wales tried hard to even the scores, but were driven back, and several times were severely on the defence. The visitors' backs then got away, and ended by a very pronounced forward pass, which allowed Walker to get well away and score. Mingay converted, making the score eight all.

Buller came away with another strong attack, and O'Neill got the ball over the line and scored. The kick failed.

Fine work by Humphreys, Mingay, and Walker gave the New South Wales backs a good scoring opening, but the Buller tackling was too sound. Pym, in open play, potted a nice left foot goal, giving the visitors for the first time the lead : New South Wales, 12; Buller 11.

Schadick had two long shots at ' goal from free kicks, both falling short. Then near the Buller line Walker passed :n from touch to Mingay, and back to Walker, who evaded tho opposition and scored. Nothling's kick failed: New South Wales, 15; Buller. 11.

Play had been going a few minutes and then Casey, Buller's fullback, failing to take the ball properly, Pym raced up, gathered well, and running strongly scored a good try. Walker converted: New South Wales, 20; Buller, 11.

•In the final stages the visiting hacks got well away again, and Thorn scored, Walker converting. The game ended : New South Wales, 25; Buller, 11. *

The visitors were fortunate in at least tfwo of their tries, which were scored while Buller were waiting for the referee's decision, in one case for a very pronounced pass forward, and in the other when a player with the ball went out on the side line but was not called back. Buller also appeared to gain a good score which was disallowed. The visitors having the command of the ball in the scrums, were able to use their backs to advantage.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

GRAFTON V. GRAMMAR OLD BOYS.

A DRAWN GAME.

The final match to decide the senior club championship in the Rugby game was played on Saturday at Eden Park between the Grafton and Grammar Old Boys, as a preliminary to the second test match. The game was" evenly contested and resulted in a, draw, each side scoring 3 points.

Grammar Old Boys forwards broke away from the first line out, but Finlay picked up and found the line with a good kick. Immediately afterwards McCtdlough, following up fast, smothered G. Gasparich with the bail and hot work ensued in the Grafton twenty-five. Goodwin took the ball from a long throw in and dashing through to the fullback passed to McCuOough, who was strongly tackled by Finlay close to the line. Grafton hooked the ball from the scrum and a judicious line kick gave relief. Another rush by the Grammar Old Boys saw Lintott almost get across, but the Grafton forwards again cleared. The Grammar Old Boys were throwing the ball about in good style and a bout by Wright and Ifwerson made gTound. Grafton were penalised near the twenty-five flag and Ifwerson had a fruitless shot at goal. From the drop out the Grafton forwards set up a- rush and W. Lamb kicking past the full back the Grammar Old Boys' line was in danger. From a scrum the ball came out to the Grafton backs and Lamb drop-kicked at goal, but the shot was low. The Grammar forwards cleared their line with a rush and by fast following up reached the Grafton line. After scrambling work the ball was kicked across the line, a force resulting. The Grafton , forwards, by a series of short rushes, invaded their opponents' territory. After some tight work near the line Hansen dashed over and scored after 16 minutes of play. Nixon failed to convert. Grafton 3, Grammar Old Boys 0. Play remained in midfield for the remainder of the Quarter.

Grammar Opens Up Hot Attack. Early in the second quarter Goodwin broke away for Grafton, but was tackled at the Grammar twenty-five Immediately afterwards M. Lamb had a pot at goal, but the ball fell short and Grammar forced down. The next piece of open play was a nice passing bout between Wright. Smith and Goodwin, but the latler kicked into at centre. Grammar then set up a hot attack. Knight, breaking through with the ball in the centre, sent it out to the backs and it was taken to the corner flag where, in a scrambling rush, it was sent over the line, a force resulting. Grammar continued to press, but good kicking by the Grafton backs repelled them. Heather broke away for Grammar and panted, sending the Grammar forwards in full cry for the line. A timely mark by Lamb stopped the rush. A good kick, well followed up by thei Grafton forwards, forced the Grammar fullback to find the line at his own twentyfive. An exchange of kicks resulted in Grafton s favour and a scrum ensued at the Grammar twenty-five. The defenders broke away, but the ball was sent into touch at midfield just as the spell ended. Immediately on resuming Goodwin intercepted a pass and dashed down the line hotly pursued by Nixon. He passed to McCuJJough, but the ball was not taken cleanly and Gasparich nipped in and saved near the line. From a scrum tho Grammar forwards Bent the ball over the line, but a Grafton man reached it first and saved. After a period of give and take play G 'aft on were penalised near half-way. and McL lllough had a fruitless shot at goal. Grammar continued to press, and Wright picking up in the loose transferred to Ifwerson. The latter made a good swerving run and sent the ball well out to Goodwin, vflho scored near the corner. Peebles failed to convert.

Grafton • . . .. 3 Grammar Old Boys 3 After a bout of kicking Grammar got the ball from the scrum, and a promising passing bout was started. A Grafton man intercepted, and Nixon. Nicholas, and Gasnarich broke away with a rush. Peebles proved a Btuniblinsr block, and sent the ball well down the field. The Grafton forwards again broke away with a rush, but Heather saved iu the nick of time. Another passing bout between Hughes. Lamb and Hansch looked dangerous, but the last-named was well tackled. In a scrum near the line Grafton were penalised, and the pressure on the Grammar line was relieved. The situation was further improved for the whites by a good run by Williams. He was tackled and the ball was swept to the Grafton fullback, whose return was smothered. A penalty cave relief, but Smith took a good mark near the twenty-five, and had an unsuccessful shot at coal iust as the bell rtug to change ends.

Game Ends with Scores Equal. Grammar invaded the Grafton twenty-five at the opening of the last quarter, but E. Gasparich saved with a good line kick. The respite was brief, as the Grammar backs sending the ball out well, came b*ck to the fctUck. The Grafton forwards clewed thi

danger, and a good kick found the touchline at the Grammar twenty-five. W. Gasparich took a mark, but his shot at coal fell short. A strenuous attack was maintained for a time by Grafton, but all attempts to pierce the defence failed. A cross kick sent the ball over the Grammar line, and Helander diving for the ball just failed to reach it. and Wright saved. Just after the dropout Nixon had a shot at goal from half-way. but failed to lift the ball over the opposing forwards. The Grammar backs endeavoured to open up the game, but Thompson intercepted a pass and turned defence into attack. He was well tackled, and a free kick gave relief to Grammar. Good work by the Grafton forwards took the ball to the Grammar line. Finlay had a shot at coal from a penalty. which went wide. and Ifwerson dashing through set the backs in motion. and Wright and McOullough joining in. took the ball right to the Grafton line. A scrum was carried by the Grafton forwards. Hansch and Thompson breaking through to the twenty-five flag. A sweeping Grafton rush carried the ball right to tho Grammar line, but [fwerson saved in time to avert a, score. Tight work ensued and the defenders were penalised, Finlay taking a shot at goal, which went outside the posts. The game ended immediately altcrwiuds with the scores: Grafton 3 Grammar Old Boys 3 Mr. W. Meredith was referee. TEST 'MATCH PRELIMINARIES.

NEWMARKET V. PETONE

The preliminary games to the test match at Eden Park on Saturday were started at 10 a.m., when the representatives of the Newmarket and Petone railway workshops met in their annual game. . The first spell was fairly even, though Newmarket showed better combination than their opponents. In the second spell the Newmarket representatives outplayed Petone, and eventually won by 19 points to 3.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATCH.

AUCKLAND V. WAIKATO.

The annua! game between the representatives of the Auckland and Waikato primary schools provided a fino exhibition of the Rugby game by the youthful players. Waikato registered the first score, Madill placing a fine goal from a penalty. Good combined back-play by the Auckland boys resulted in Pickering scoring- two tries before the spell ended with the scores: Auckland, 6; Waikato, 3. The second spell was fought out at a great pace. Waikato evened the scores with another penalty goal, but thereafter the Auckland backs put in some fino work, resulting in Pickering scoring two more tries. The game thus ended with the scores:

Auckland ..13 Waikato 6

GRAMMAR V. 'VARSITY JUNIORSThe third preliminary game, between the Gimmar School first fifteen and the University Juniors, provided a fast and even game. In the first spell Keegan scored a try for University, which was not converted. In the second half the Grammar School backs, combining well, kept their opponents busy. Badeley scored a try, making the scores equal, and a very even game resulted in a draw.

COMBINED TEAM CHOSEN.

MEN TO MEET SPRINGBOKS. [BY TELEGBAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NAPIER, Saturday. The combined Hawke's Bay-Poverty Bay team to jalay the Springboks on Saturday next is as follows:—Fullback, Langlands (Poverty Bay); threequarters, Kirwan (Hawke's Bay), Blake (Hawke's Bay); Grsnside (Hawke'B Bay); five-eighths, Kivell (Hawke's Bay), Tureia (Poverty Bay); Halfback. Mills (Poverty Bay); wing forward. Batcheior (Hawke's Bay); forwards. Kiikpatrick (Hawke's Bay), Torrey (Poverty Bay). M. Brownlie (Hawke's Bay). Heeney (Poverty Bay). McNab (Hawke's Bay), Te Whaata (Poverty Bay). and Gemmell (Hawke's Bay). Reserves:—Backs. Barclay (Hawke's Bay), Hundleby (Poverty Bay); forwards. Higgs (Poverty Bay), Swain (Hawke's Bay). JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES. [BT TEXEGSAPH—PBESS ASSOCIATION.] PALMERSTON NORTH, Saturday. Wellington juniors,' 22. defeated Manawatu juniors, 9. JORDAN CUP CONTEST. [bt telegraph.—own cobbespondent ] TAURANGA. Saturday. The Jordan Cup football competition was continued to-day when Tauranga defeated Rangataua after a hard and fast game by 6 points to 0. G. lies and H. McGougan scored for the winners.

In the junior grade Rangataua beat Te Puna by 9 to 3. Cadets defeated Tauran"& by 11 to 5.

ROTORUA V. TE PUKE.

TE PUKE, Saturday. The football match today between the Rotorua and Te Puke teams resulted in favour cf Rotorua by 14 points to 8.

HAWKE'S BAT V. POVERTY BAY. [BY TEXEGRATH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NAPIER, Saturday. Hawke's Bay defeated Poverty Bay by 12 points to 3. In the first spell the teams were fairly well matched, the losers Quite holding their own. The score at half-time wa9 3. all. Hawke's Bay scored three more tries in the second half.

WELLINGTON BEAT TARAXAKI. [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

, NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. The match between Taranaki and Wellington was played to-day under fine weather conditions and m the presence of about 5000 spectators The game proved fast and interesting, Wellington in particular handlin» the ball very cleverly. The visitors prcved too good for the local men, whom tley defeated by 17 points to 0.

WELLINGTON B V. MARLBOROUGH.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Wellington B team defeated Marlborough by 20 points to 13. The game was fast and full of incident.

OTAGO V. SOUTH CANTERBURY.

[BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] TIMARU, Saturday. The Inter-provincial match between Otago and South Canterbury was played on the Caledonian grounds to-day. The weather was perfect and the ground dry. There was a fair attendance. Play was rather dull in the first tew minute's, but thereafter was fast and fairly open. Otago won by 14 points to 8.

INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH

AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON.

The following players have been chosen by. the selector for the Auckland Rugby Union. Mi. G. Mcholson. to go into trainIRS,,.* o *, tQ B interprovincial match against Wellington on Saturday next:— Backs.—Smith, Finlay. Hughes. Grierson, V. Badeley, Miur. C. Badeley. Earl. Lucas, Williams, Lamb. Forwards.—Milliken, N - McLean. McHugh. McGinley. Knight, Tresize. McCullough, Nicholas Mclnnes. Arnold. Helander The players will attend for training at Victoria Park each evening at 4.45 p.m. and °, D Th^? day night at the Ponsonby Club's shed, Thames players will not be available for the Auckland team on Saturday

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

POSSIBLES V. PROBABLES.

Despite the counter attraction of the Rugby testa fair number of Association football enthusiasts were present at Victoria Park on Saturday to witness the match between the Auckland Touring team and the Kest of Auckland. The came was very evenly contested, and productive of some good football. _ The opening stages were fast and interesting, but no score was registered until ten minutes before half time, when Hooper scored for the Touring team and Neesham for the Rest of Auckland, the latters goal being from a penalty against Roberts. The selectors changed several of the players round in the second spell, but the interest was maintained till the end. with another coal added by each side. Williams scored for the touring team, and Neesham shot another penalty for the Rest of Auckland. A fine came ended in a draw, the scores being:—

Auckland Touring Team ... ... 2 Rest of Auckland ... .., ._ % Hi- 3. B*U ra referee.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

AUCKLAND V. CANTERBURY.

WIN FOR NORTHERNERS. THIRTY-NINE TO FOURTEEN. I [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWK CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHCRCH. Saturday. The third interprovinciai match of the | Auckland League touring team, between ; Auckland and Canterbury, was played a* j I Sydenham Park this afternoon. There i was a large attendance. The weather ; was fine, and the ground hard and fast. I To-dav was the first time thajt a reprej sentative League team from the Northern : Province has played in Christchurch. Canterbury kicked off from the southern end with the wind and sun against them. ! Soon after Smith and F. Sanders were I associated in a good piece of work, which carried play right into the visitors' territory. The ball crossed the line, but McGregor (Auckland) beat Smith for it. Fast open back play followed, and the j ball travelled up and down the field in ] great style. Then tf. Young secured, and I after a great run transferred to J. SanI ders, who scored far out for Canterbury. Smith was unsuccessful with the shot :it goal: Canterbury. 3: Auckland, 0. After the kick-off the Canterbury backs again tried passing rushes, but the visitors' defence was sound, and the home team did not gain much ground. The Auckland backs tried several passing rushes, but these were spoilt by knockson, and by hanging on too long. About the Canterbury twenty-five Weatherell, the Auckland "skipper, secured the ball, and after a good run, in which he beat the

Canterbury fullback badly, scored. Flynn converted: Auckland, 5: Canterbury, 3. From the kick-off Auckland came away with a rush. The baJl was kicked over the Canterbury goal-line, and Yardley, following up fast, secured it on the bounce and scored. Flynn again converted : Auckland, 10; Canterbury, 3. Canterbury were compelled to force soon , after the kick-off, but then they retaliated with a great rush. The ball went over the goal-line, but Eustace saved for , the visitors with a great kick. Canteri bury returned to the attack, Young, Shadbolt, and Watts being associated in a great attacking movement. The lastmentioned was thrown out near the line, but from loose scrambling play which foUowed, he crossed the line and scored Canterbury's second try, which was not converted : Auckland, 10; Canterbm-y, 6. , Fast and exciting play followed. Canterbury came away with a fine sweeping movement, which ended in HeaJey scoring. J. Sanders converted with a great kick, thus putting Canterbury one in the lead: Canterbury, 11; Auckland. 10. Play continued bright and open, the Canterbury backs playing up in great style. Watts, who was playing halfback for Canterbury, made a great opening. The ball travelled among the home backs, and the rush ended in Green scoring. J. Sanders missed a rather easy kick. Haiftime was called immediately afterwards, with the score : Canterbury, 14; Auckland, 10. On _ resuming, Auckland assumed the offensive. Play was carried into the home team's territory, where Hawkes secured and scored. Flynn converted with a magnificent kick: Auckland, 15; Canterbury, 14. The Auckland backs initiated several passing rushes, and at last one in which all the backs took part ended in David- • son scoring. Flynn failed to convert: > Auckland 18; Canterbury 14. | After the kick-off play hovered about half-way for a while, neither side being i able to gain much advantage. Eventually the Auckland forwards set up a strong rush which swept through Canterbury's defence and ended in James scoring. Flynn added the major points: Auckland 23; Canterbury 14. Scrambling play followed on the home team's goal-line, and it ended in Stori mont scoring a try, which was not converted. Auckland, 26; Canterbury, 14. Canterbury set up another attack, and they were rather unfortunate in not scoring. Then James (Auckland) secured, and after a good run, in which he beat several men, he passed to Townsend, who transferred to Hawkes. The last^mentioned j raced for the line and scored. Flynn I converted: Auckland, 31; Canterbury,

Immediately afterwards McGregor scored another try for the visitors. Stormont failed with the kick: Auckland, 34; Canterbury, 14. The Canterbury team was evidently played out, and was not putting any " ginger" into the game. Just before time Davidson scored for Auckland, and Peckham added the major points. This made the final score: Auckland, 39; Canterbury, 14.

HAWKE'S BAY V. AUCKLAND.

A CLOSE CONTEST.

[BT TELEGRAPH—PBESS ASSOCIATION. ] NAPIER. Saturday. A representative League match, Hawke's Bay v. Auckland, was played to-day. After a close contest, in which play -was open and bright, Hawke's Bay won by 18 points to

Gallagher (Auckland) secured the first score of the match, but the try was not converted. McCarthy, and then Gibson, touched down for Hawke's Bay. With a penalty. Dufty increased the visitors' score to five points Penalties were added for Hawke's Bay by Exeter and McCarthy, and Gibson scored another try, Exeter converting. On resuming. Auckland attacked, and a. try by Delaney was converted by Dufty This was followed by a penalty goal by Dufty. Then McCarthy equalised the scores by scoring a try for Hawke's Bay. and subsequently Douglas secured the winning try.