The Game.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17890, 19 September 1921, Page 7

The Game.

The weather was threatening before the game started, and when Graiton kicked off a heavy shower fell, making the ball greasy, but it did not affect the play. Wright, the Grammar half, secured the ball and with a good kick found the half-way flag. The Graiton forwards, with Nixon, McLeod ajid Nicholas in the van, broke away, and set up an attack tn Grammar's twenty-five, where the backs were put in motion, but W. Gasparich missed a pass and the attack broke down. Wright got the ball from a scrum and a passing rush by the Grammar bacKß let Williams away, but the speedy wing threeq'uaiter was tackled in midfield. Grafton counter-attacked with a dashing rush into Grammar's twenty-five. Hughes secured a mark, but his kick fell short, and Grammar forwards, with Cleal at the head, took play to midfield. The game at this stage was fast and open, both teamß fighting hard for supremacy. With play in the Grafton twenty-five the ball came out to V. Badeley, who attempted a pot at goal, but the ball went wide and* Graiton forced. From tne drop-out Grafton worked play back to the Grammar twenty-five where, in a passing rush, the ball went out to Austin, the Grafton wing making *. dangerous run before being pushed out at the corner. Grammar stemmed the attack, but Grafton came again with renewed vigour. The baoks opened out and W. Gasparich made a great dash, t\ I?", when near the line. Following up fast Nicholas picked up the ball and dashed over, scoring a try which Austin failed to convert. Grafton, 3 points; Grammar, 0. Flay was resumed in a heavy shower, Grafton forwards taking charge and dominating the game. From a line out in Grammar territory. Hughes secured, but V. Badeley cleared with a, fine defensive kick to which J?lndlay replied with a kick to the half-way line. At this stag* J. Gasparich was forcod to retire through an uvjury and was replaced m the forward ranks by Wakeley.. On resumption of play V. Badeley line-kicked to Otraftons twenty-five, where E. Gasparich opened up » fine attack which ended in Orrammar territory, A counter-attack by (grammar let Williams away to Grafton's twenty-five. Grafton came away again with & l ttßo loose ruan which threatened danger, when V. Badeley intercepted a pass and sent PJ? r? Goodw "» to Cleal. who was tackled tn ™;?l^?2 8 twenty-five. Play swung back tc Ly id - fi6l<i ,* I 2 d V - Badeley again found a good line at Grafton's twenty-five. From * j out the Grammar backs broke away and Smith out in cleverly, hut spoilt the at.ack by hanging on too long, and with the i^iLf ol^ ** P 1 * centreflie first quarter n« - v * change over. Grammar set np a hot attack on the Graftcn line. From a scrum the ball came out to Kronfeld, who S^J?I3 r scor^ d *&K vhich V. Badeley converted with a fine kick from a difficult ™; ? „f; Grammar. 5 points: Grafton. 3 SSwj w fp j Grammar attacked, but Grafton with a fine break-away t»SSPe the » Bcene of aotion to Grammar's twenty-five. A counter-attack by the Grammar forwards, ui which Knight and Cleal were prominent saw the whites fighting fc&lS th 6 Glaft i )n "»• wl»"« McCuflougn fejft led ?T J an . d Bc<>red a tr y which VSf£t ey £a^. ed to convert. Grammar, 8 pomts: Grafton, 3 points. Short! vTf tor'the ™Tl™««3 f", f Ol i^™ 1 Passing rush which ul. ? ttlr ? llc!l W. Gasparich failing to K %„*%*■ m * good Position. A penalty «Im by j l ? on a -t half-way, saw Goodwin t\riU M!d =r Q takme kick was iniuredin a r,w:i - k V™,*, carne < l off the field and replaced by Peebles on the wing. Grafton it Cle»l 7 nH G T ?mn^ r fQl 7«d.s with Esther! «.. }\r, ,♦ I f c Mt ,n 4 ho Tan - to °k play to the line at half-way. From the hne out Graf kicW Vo makmff *i 18°* "» oefore inciting to the Grammar fullback, who TO \2?hL& nudfi , eld - Wh P* the beU sounded with The l frrJ >iay r Was in Grafto ° territor^ Sfca^MS™* 1 8 Points; Graf!

The Secoad Spell. On resumption after half-time a nagaur rush m which C. Badeley, Smith and V Badeley participated. was cut off '£" \V Gaspanch, who s ent on to Hughes the rel turn w, going to the line. F?orL\ scrum Ijmjtctt broke away, and the Grammar backs pass to Wilbama went into touch A nentwen v flS' T#° f ° Und tfie llnc at Grammar's rush, and Tanner nad a shot at goal from a penalty, but (he kick failed, /ast open attack T' ed> U ''t h , ra £ ld atta * k »d counterattack. A cross-kick by Austin let Hughes fhL r^n, the le l W *i *J ew » tackled net? tae Grammar line, and from a pass infield Nixon secured and dashed oxer, scoring a try. which Austin converted: Grammar 8 points; Grafton. 8 points. With the scores W Grammar set up a ho>, attack, which Urafton checked, and a fine kick found play m Grammar twenty-6vo. The packs of both teams were fighting hard for supremacy at this stage. The attack on the Grammar line was relieved by V Barley, who sot the line at the half-way flag. After an exchange of kicks the Grafton backs broke awav »md Austin was racing for the Grammar line when he was brought back for a penaJty. Grafton set up another dangerous attack. Dut V. £Sa.deley cleared with a good run and a. line kick. Play swung to the centre, and Luntott was prominent in a fast follow up. Or, changing over for the final quarter the Irramrnar backs, broke away, but the attack broke down at tne wmgs. Another strenuous attack by Grammar, in which Cleal was prominent, looker) dangerous, but. fine defence on the part of Grafton lipid up the movement. Again Grammar opened up, and C. Badeley ran through, finishing up with a good kick, which Austin fielded and returned with interest, play wag fast and open, and another passing rush by Grammar, which ended with a kick to centre, was well stopped by Fradiay with a fine return Grammar liept hammering hard on Grafton's line, but from a line-out Grafton, with Nixon and Nicholas in the van, cleatred with a breakaway to the centre. From play in midfield W. Oa«rparich opened up a. fine attack, which culminated in a. dribbling rush over the line, Helander scoring a try, which Austin converted: Grafton, 13 points; Grammar. 8 points. Grammar made desperate efforts to get on terms, and a good passing rush by the backs let Williams away, but he was well tackier! in Grafton's tw°nty-five. A deep pass by Grammar was intercepted by Colston, who s*>» Grafton on the atta-rk but Smith relieved with a good kirk. Rapid exchanges be'ween the backs saw play at Graften twenty-five, where Grammar made a final attack, but the game ended without further score, leaving Grafton winners of the cup championship of 19.') Grafton 13 Grammar Old Boys . ..8 Mr W. .1. Meredith was an efficient referee.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL The match between Grafton fifth grade and the Primary Schools representative team, played as a. curiam raiser to the senior cup championship, wa.< not an inspiring game. The schoolboys' combination was. somewhat disorganised by tho absence of several of its best players, and the 'ueam conceded a ileal of weight to the opposition On the run of the play Grafton was the superior team, and ran out winners at the finish by 14 points to 5 points

OTAOO BEAT TARANAKI. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PREsS ASSOCIATION.) NEW PLYMOUTH. Saturday. The match between Otago and Taranaki was played here to-day in the presence of about 2000 spectators- In spite of heavy ra:n all night, the ground was in fair condition, but a light rain during the match ma.de the handling of the ball difficult. The game was mostly confined to the forwards, though at times both sides essayed p.i.ssmg bouts. The Otago forwards were superior to Taranaki. particularly in the ioo-ae. and to that they largely owe their victory. The game ended: Otago, 13 points, Taranaki, 6.

N. OTAGO V. S. CANTERBURY. [BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] TIMARO, Saturday. The match, between North Otago and South Canterbury was played under unfaiou;ibl« londitione. Heavy ram fell all the morning and during the progress of the match. The final s'-ore was: South Canterbury. 3; JXoitb. Otago. a

RANFURLY SHIELD CHALLENGE.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES. The Auckland touring team -which is to Play a match at Wellington on Wednesday tor the Ranfurly Shield, left by the express for the South last evening. The team is the same as that originally selected, with the exception of Arnold and Righton, who are unable to make the trin and whose places have been filled by Heather and Gallaugher.

HOUSE MATCH. .The house match between Auckland National Electric and combined teams of Hamilton National Electric and Bycroit Bros., Cambridge, played at Claudelands racecourse on Saturday, was won by the latter by 12 points to 6 points. THAMES CUP FINAL. fBY. TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES. Saturday. The final match for the cup was played on the Parawai ground' on Saturday between Returned Soldiers and City, in the presence of a. fair attendance of spectators, and resulted, after an even and interesting game, in a win for the former by 17 points to 16. Three " curtain-raisers were played: — Maoris defeating Tapu by 6 to 0, while Paeroa and Thames South Public Schools had a win and a loss each.

SOUTHLAND V. CANTERBURY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHTJRGH. Saturday. The Southland-Canterbury match waa played in steady rain. There was a small attendance. On the whole Southland had the better of the game, handling the greasy ball very effectively. The game ended: — Southland. 12: Canterbury. 3.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

AUCKLAND V. SOUTH AUCKLAND

VICTORY FOR LOCAL TEAM.

FAST SPECTACULAR PLAY.

The match under League rules on Saturday at Carlaw Park, between the Auckland and South Auckland League representatives, resulted in Auckland wincing by 55 points to 13. Much interest ■was manifested in the game, and, notwithstanding the rather threatening weather, a crowd of between 5000 and 6000 assembled to witness it. The South Auckland' players had proved invincible on the Hamilton ground this season, and were confident of victory against Auckland. The local side was the best that could have been chosen, and the result indicated that scoring ability was a strong feature of the side. Unfortunately the game was marred by the rain, which commenced to fall steadily about half-way through the first speLL In the second spell tie ball became very greasy, and the slippery nature of the ground made good football impossible. The difference between the teams was not nearly so great as the martrin of points would indicate. In fact, with one or two positions strengthened the South Auckland team would) be fit to meet any League combination in the Dominion. The visitors were particularly strong in the forwards, who appeared to advantage. If there was any weakness it was that the players were inclined to bunch together rather much, and were sometimes beaten in a body by a sudden a>nd unexpected change of tact-ics on the part of their opponents. The chief weakness of the visiting team was in the fullback, who was altogether too slow in attempting to get to the ball when it was kicked through to him. Owing to this weakness ayt least 15 points were scored by Auckland that would have been saved £>y a fullback showing a little daah. The Auckland players on several occasions showed great pace in attack, and to superiority over their opponents in this respect may be attributed the victory. Details ol the PlAy. The first offensive movement was a rush by the South Auckland forwards, led by Bass, that took play to the Auckland twenty-five, where Avery B ent the ball into touch. Another similar rush was held up by an inmngement, and play was sent to midfield. A South Auckmd passiagKbout on their own aide of halfway gave an opening to the local men. A long pass to the wing tkreequarter was snapped up by B. Davidson, who outpaced the opposition and scored -near the corner. ,W• Davidson converted : Auoklead, 5; South Auckland, 0. The visitors again got going, and threw the ball about in good Btyie, but failed to make much impression on the defence. The ball was kicked through to Dufty, and Woolley. following fast, smothered the return. Stormont, following fast, snapped up the ball and sent it on to Hawkes. who scored. Flynn failed with the kick at goal: Auckland, 8; South Auckland, 0. Almost immediately afterwards W. Davidson picked up in the loose and broke through to Dvfty. He was supported by B. Davidson, who took a nice pass and scored behind the poets. W. Davidson converted: Auckland, 13; South Auckland, 0. The visitors then took a hand, and scored a nice try. Stewart picked up in the loose and cut clean through the opposition grounding the ball near the posts. 'Wilson-Hal! converted: Auckland. 13; South 5. Immediately afterwards W. Davidson intercepted a pass in midfield, and outpacing: the opposing fullback scored noar the corner. The same player converted : Auckland, 18: South Auckland, 5. The game was being play at a remarkably fast pace, and another score went to Auckland within a few minutes. B. David&on broke away, supported by Stormont and Avery. Neat and timely passing between the trio enabled Avery to score. W. Davidson failed with the shot at goal: Auckland, 21; South Auckland. 5. The visitors struggled hard to retrieve the position, and the forwards with a sweeping rush took the ball over the Auckland line, Manning scoring. Dufty failed to convert: Auckland. 21; South Auckland, 8. The rain then began to fall heavily, and made the ball difficult to handle. The visiting forwards, keeping the ball on the ground, kept the local men busy defending for some time, Woolley juat saving a scoro at the corner. An Auckland rush to midfield relieved, but the visitors came back in good style, and swept the ball down field and over the line. Flynn just savrng in time, Dufty had a shot at goal from a penalty, but the ball went wide. Soon afterwards B. Paki. for the visitors. kicked to Flynn, and following fast, smothered the latter with the ball. A South Auckland rush looked dangerous, but Lans nipped in and saved. Seeping up the pressure, the visitors threw the ball well out, and a scoro seemed a certainty, but a forward pasß spoilt the chance. An in frineement cave the visitors a shot at goal, but Wilson-Hall's shot went wide. The locul men then got moving, and Dang, breaking through the forward?, reached the South Auckland twenty-five. Woolley made a swerving run, and almost got over. Then fhc visiting forwards cleared with a. rush, but B. Davidson returned the ball into touch near the line. The visitors ag;iin cleared with a rush, and swept down the field to their opponents' line. Wilson-HaJl was tackled on the line, ard from the en_ suing scrum the Auckland forwards got possession, and Lang found the line just at half-time. Auckland .. .. .. ..21 South Auckland 8 The Second Spell.

The sPcond spell was commenced in drenching ruin, and the players were unable to handle the ball. The visitors took the ball to the Auckland line, with a rush, but a kick to Dnfty was misfielded. W. r>jvidson. following fast, kicked hard, and Hawkeß racing up sent the ball on over the visitors' line. Tn the race for possession B. Davidson got there first, and scqred. W. Davidson converted. Auckland, 26) South Auckland, B. The visiting forwards, undaunted by the reverse, ,%ga.in invaded the Auckland twenty-five. Defence turned into attack by Woolle?, who kicked bard and beating Dufty for pace, sent the ball on and over the line. B. Davidson again won the Taoe for possession a.nd scored near the corner. W. Davidson failed with the shot at goal. Auckland. 29; South Auckland, 8. The South Auckland forwards continued to play with dash, and a good combined rush swept the the ball up the field. Ln a scramble near the line Neill dived over and scored. Wilson-Hall failed to convert. Auckland, 29; South Auckland, 11. The game continued to be remarkably fast, and open, considering the greasy state ci the ground and ball. Keeping the ball on the ground, the South Auckland forwards had their opponents busy, but a couple of free kicks sent play to midfield. Here Basa accepted a pas 3 from Woolley and raced for the hue. He sent, the ball out to the wiucthreequarter. but the pass was missed and a certain score was lost. Keeping up the ■ pressure, the visitors made strenuous efforts to score. B. Paki. with a good kick well followed up, almost got through, but was tackled bv bis brother. A fik k by W Davidson save relief to Auckland, and the forwards following up the ball was sent over the visitors' line to the dead-ball line. After a. period of forward play in the centre the visitors again tackled and took plav \ 0 the Auckland twenty-five. The local men were penalised, and Wilson-Hall kioked a goal: Auckland. 29; South Auckland. 13. The South Auckland forwards continued to p:es.s. *nd Wilson-Hall was 'llnust over the line, but lost possession, and from a scramble the ball was forced. Good kicking and I fast .following up by the Auckland forwards | carried play to the visitors' quarters, where I a hnt struggle took place. A penalty gave relief, and the visiting forward?, led by Wilson, Ba?s. and Keill. rushed the ball to the Auckland twenty-five. Here B. Paki snapped up in the loose and da-shed for the line, but Woolley tackled him just in tune. Defence was turned into attack by I Hawkes breaking through with the ball at toe. He kicked hard, and, beating his | nppenents for pace, scored- W. Davidson j failed to concert: Auckland. 3-2; South Anckj land, 13, Rush and couutex-rush followed.

the visitors having rather the better of matters, but in the fast work the local men were superior. A nice passing bout started by Lang from a scrum saw the ball travel in a chain of passes ont to Paki at wingthreequarter. and he ran over unopposed Flynn failed to convert. The bell rang to cease play immediately afterwards with the scores:— Auckland . . . ~ .. 35 South Auckland .. .. » . 13

PRELIMINARY GAME. A match between the Waikato juniors and the Maritme second-grade team resulted in a win for Maritime by ]7 points to 8.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

FALCON CUP FINAL.

NORTHCOTE V. H.M.Si PHILOMEL.

NEITHER SIDE SCORES. Northcote and H.M.S. Philomel met in the final of the Falcon Cup knock-cut competition at the Devonport Domain on Saturday afternoon, the game ending in a pointless draw. There was a large attendance, and although play was to a large extent spoiled by a high wind and drenching showers, the game was full of incident and at times excitement ran high. A curtain-raiser to the principal match, played between teams representing H.iLS. Veronica and R.M.S. Ruapehu, was a skilful and evenly-contested game, the Rua pehu '.earn winning by 1 goal to 0. Lambourne scored an excellent goal lof the winners.

NORTHCOTE V. H.M.S. PHILOMEL. Northcote won the toss and took advantage of a high wind. Hooper setting the ball roiling for the sailors. The opening f.tages saw Northcote carry play quickly to their opponents' goal, where a corner kick was forced without result. Play continued in Philomel's twenty-five, nnd a fast shot by Baker was cleared to the wing by Batty in goal for the navy team. A smart wing run by the Philomel's outside right, Heatley, carried play to the other end, where a fine centre had Northcote's defence in difficulties. The ball eventually went behind, and aided by the high wind Northcote forced • the play, compelling the sailors to concede several corners in quick succession. Shortly after this the game was delayed for a time by heavy rain. When it was resumed a spell of give-and-take play ensued. In the latter stages of the first half Northcote had considerably the better of matters, and but for the solid defence of Corbett, Bailey, and Batty for the sailors, must have scored. No score had been registered when halftime arrived. Opening play in the second half saw Philomel quick to take advantage of the wind, and Hopkins prominent in a fast run down the left wing. The balLwent behind, and Hooper secured from the kick out, making » splendid individual dash, which was nicely blocked by Metge just as the Philomel's centre was about to shoot. 1>»spite the greasy condition of the ball and ground Northcote's forwards retaliated with a fine passing bout in which Baker, Tremain. and Wilson were prominent, brilliant saving wdrk by Batty preventing a goal. Although the wet conditions were all against accurate football, the latter stages of the game were fast and full of incident, both sides striving valiantly to score. Play travelled quickly from end to end, but the defence proved sound. Just before the final whistle blew Hooper, for the Philomel, made one o£ his characteristic dashes and sent in a stinging shot, trat Craxton saved in, great stylo, and the game ended in a pointleßs draw. Mr. Guest was referee.