RUGBY COMPETITIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 3

RUGBY COMPETITIONS.

THIED GRADE. if • • »Sacred Heart 14, beat Mount Albert 3,

fH " SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS, PONSONBY WIN DIVISION. GRAMMAR IN SECOND PLACE. The club championship matches under the aaspices of , the Auckland Rugby Fnion were continued on Saturday afternoon. -Che senior first division matches were the concluding ones, The weather conditions were ideal, and the ground at Eden Park had dried splendidly, considering its very heavy state after the All Black match on Wednesday. Iu these circumstances, some good exhibition* of drjy weather football resulted. The easily-handliei ball gave good opportunities to the back divisions, while a solid pace was set in all .the matches.

Ponsonby had a fairly even match with College Rifles, and ,it was only in the last quarter that an unconverted try gave them the lead, which they maintained to the close of the game. The match, however, was not an inspiring one. Ponsonby's victory makes them winners of the first division. Grammar Old Boys and University fought out a strenuous ms.tch to decide second place on ,the (championship list. Grammar won by a narrow margin. Marist Old Boys had a fairly easy win over Grafton. In. the second division, King' 3 Old Boys ! continued in winning form and defeated North Shore, this still further improving their position in the second division. At Avondale, Suburbs beat Newton, after a close game. The results of the senior games were:— Ponsonby, 9, beat College Rifles, 6. Grammar Old Boys, 10, beat University, 7. Marist Old Boys, 16, beat Grafton, 3. King's Old Boys, 23, beat North Shore, 9. Suburbs, 11, beat Newton, 8. The positions of the teams in the first division' of tho senior grade are:— . ■ Ch. P. Wn. Lost. Dn. Pts. Ponsonby ~ 10 . 8 1 1 17 Grammar 0.8, .. 10 7 3 0 14 University ~ 10 6 4 0 12 Marist 0.8. ..JO 5 5 0 30 College Rifles . . 10 3 6 1.7 Grafton .... 10 0 10 0 0

A Spectaculai Struggle, The Grammar Old Boys-University game, on No. 2 ground at Eden Park, provided by far the most spectacular game of the day, tho play being very ovon, fast and open. University nad most of the attacking, their forwards hooking the oaU consistently and their outside backs playing brilliant football. There was, however, a weakness among the inside backs, partly on account of the sound Gramma* defence and partly because of lack of speed and of straight running. The Grammar team was solid throughout, but their backs saw less of the ball, and their forwards showed hp mainly in loose dribbling rushes. Doth sidea were ploying several junior players. In the first quarter play was confined mostly to fast dribbling orushies. University, playing six men in the scrum and two rovers, getting somewhat the worst of it. In one of the scrambles near University's line Taylor picked up and dived over. The kick was not successful. After this reverse the Blues changed their tactics, and. hooking the ball, their forwards kept play on Grammar's line for the rest of "tie quarter. In the second quarter play was very open, both sides throwing the ball about with abandon.. Grammar were defending time after time, only the successful dribbling of their forwards keeping the Blues out On resuming Grammar attacked for a while until play centred at midfield. Here Williams figured in a dash down the line, only to be grassed finely b7 Olsen. From the tackle fine White forwards hustled the hall. over tho line and Gould succeeded in scoring.. Immediately from 'the kick-off University forwards took tho ball to the White line, and from a resulting passing rush. Sinclair scored. Early in the third, quarter Grammar rushed play to University's twenty-five, where Williams succeeded in potting a goal. For the remainder of tho game University were on the attack; but faults by their inside backs nullified their chances of success, , The feature of tho play was a fino dropkick by Hopkins. Despite strong Univorsity attacks, there was no further score. Ponsonby's Narrow Win. Tho match between College Rifles and Ponsonby at Eden Park was free from excitement. A win for Ponsonby made this team winners of the A division. College Rifles showed to advantage at the opening and Todd kicked a penalty goal. Play moved to midfield and then into Ponaonby'a twenty-five. Ponsonby eucccedod in carrying tho ball into their opponents' quarter, but it agiiin return©d to the half-way. A dribbling irush took Ponsonb.v well into Rifles' territory," and ended in Stewart kicking a penalty goal. After some good work by the College Rifles' backs, Wilson passed to Gunson,, who scored. Todd failed to convert, a:nd half-time came with the scores. College Rifles, 6: Ponsonby, 8. The opening of the second half was slow. After some oven play Pelham passed to Hughes, who made a good run but was collared near the line. College Rifles wore penalised. From Stewart's kick the ball hit tho post and bounced between the goals. , placing the scores at College Rifles. 6: Ponsonby, 6. The play then brightened up. the ball passed up and down the field several times, givii>'-\ the backs of both teams opportunities for good defensive work. Ponsonby eventually carried play into College Rifles' territory and Pelham scored a try. Brisk play continued, but no further score was registered and the game ended with College attacking. Marists Win Easily. Marist Old Boys met Grafton on No. 8 ground. Neither team was at full strength. Most of the scoring was done in tie first spell, when Marists obtained a load of 11 points. Both the Marists forward and the baok divisions 1 had good chances, till Peters hiid an opportunity and soorod. Ho also converted. Good work, by the Grafton backs nearly brought a try. but Marists camo back, and a good movement ended in a try by MoDonald. Tho kick failed.. Although Grafton showed up nicely a couplo of times, they failed to score. Ihe Marist forwards rushed play to favourable territory, and the ball came to McDonald, who scored _ Marists' third try. After half-time both sides tried bard, though no scsire '.-o,suited. _In the last quarter. Herring scored for Marißts, and EarlJy converted. Grafton scored shortly before time. Lamb touching down in tho corner King's Defeat North Shore. / King's Old Boys had no difficulty in disposing of North" Shore on the latter's ground. Nevertheless, tho first half was evenly contested. Kings were first to' score, Swanson touching down and Heard converting. North Shore replied with a try by Millar, though the kick failed. Ea,ch side lost chances through misdireoted kioking from penalties, and the. spell ended without further score. Interest in the game was greatly increased through Davies scaring a try for North Shore. King's made desperate efforts to take the lead again, but the defence held for a while. Evontually, howevor, tries were scored for King's by Charter. Hoard and Swanson (2). while Rykers ecorod for North Shore. A Close Struggle. No special incidents marked the match between Suburbs and Newton, played at Avondale. ' Newton, scored early in the gamo. Dickson touching down between the posts, and Moororaft converted. Newton maintained the load till the close of the third quarter, when from a Suburbs' forward rash, Lincoln scored an unconverted try. Then Hookor Bcored for Suburbs, and Gray converted. Newton were not to bo denied, however, and from a penalty Moorcraft was successful, the scores thus being sight each. Just afterwards, however, Newton infringed, and a kick by Gray gave Suburbs the match. ~

JUNIOR GRADE RESULTS. The results of Rugby matches in the junior grades were:—

SECOND GRADE.

University A, 14, beat Swanson, 0. Training College, 24, beat College Rifles 8.. 0. '■ Grammar Old Boys, 8. beat University 8.. 3. Suburbs. 16, beat City Council, 3. Marist Old Boys, 11, beat Ponsonby, 0. College Rifles A, 20, beat King's Old Boys, 0.

THIRD OPEN GRADE. Hobsonville, 15, beat Henderson, 0. Marist Old Boys, 8, beat Marathon 8., 6. North Shore, 16, beat Eden 0. United 21. beat St. David's 0. Gordon 21, beat Howick 3. D.R.Y.M.I. 15, beat University 6. Onehunga 8. beat St. Stephen'a 6.

THIRD INTERMEDIATE GRADE. Kingsland 11, beat College Rifles 3. Grammar Old Boys 17, beat Gordon 10.

FOURTH GRADE. Marist Old Boys 5. beat Newton 3. Grey Lynn 8. beat Grafton 3.

FIFTH GRADE. Ponßonby 8. beat Grey Lynn 0. Onohunga. 19. beat Grafton 8,

HOUSE MATCH. Electric Construction Company 6. boat Titrnbull and Jones 3.

FOURTH GRADE. Sacred Heart 12. beat Technical College 11. THRILLING SEMI-FINAL. KDSABS CUP CONTEST. fBY TELEGRAPH. —OWN COEHE3PONDEKT.] TAUEANGA. Saturday. Brilliant weather prevailed for the Kusabs Cup semi-final, Eugby. played here this afternoon between Tauranga and Whakatune. The gamo was fast, open and ilipeotacular, and waa one of the finest that has been witnessed on tlia local ground for many years. The teams were evenly matched; Nine minutes after tho commencement Keepa landed a penalty goal for Whakatane. Just before the end of tho first quarter C. Faulkner scored for Taurancia. and JD. Borell converted. Shortly before half 1 ' time a fine passing movement culminated in ■Tu Tangitu, for Tauranga, scoring. Tho ifiokj failed. In the third quarter Keepa landed another goal from a penalty. Ten minutes before the end of the game an effective handling; movement by the Whaksutane backs ended in Lawson scoring in & good position but the kick failed. The Bcore was now, Whakatane 9, Tauranga 8. Just on call of time "Whakatane was penalised and D. Borell kicked a goal from 50 yards out at a spot, olose to the northern sideline, giving Tauranga the victory by 11 points to 9. Mr. M. Wihapi, of Te Puke was referee. Tauranga will meet Rotorua m the final of the Kusabs Cup. It is understood Mr. V. Meredith, of Auckland, will referee thia match, which is to he played on August 9.

THAMES CHAMPIONSHIP-

COLLEGE. OLD BOYS' WIN. fBT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES. Saturday. The Thames senior Rugby club competition was decided to-day, College Old Boys defeating Pirates by 13 to 6. .This win gives the College Old Boys the senior champion cup for the season. Second Grade.—Physical Training. 15, College Old Boys, 6. Third Grade.—Physical Training, 89, High Sohool, 0. Fourth Grade.—Physical Training. 17. South School, 5.

CHRISTCHURCH FINAL*

OLD BOYS WIN THE BANNER.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION/

'•] CHBISTCHUECH. Saturday. The . deciding match in the Canterbury Eugby- Union's senior competition was played to-day at Lancaster Park, when Old Boys beat Christohurch by 12 to 8. By their win Old Boys have won the championship for 1924; The last ocoasion on which Old Boys won the championship was in 1914. Merivale are runners-up. with Christchurch third. Other results are:— Merivale 17, North Canterbury 0; Linwood 11. Albion 9.

DUNEDIN PREMIERSHIP* UNIVERSITY ALMOST CERTAIN. * fBT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN. Saturday. Busby results are:—University A 16. v. Kaikorai 14; Pirates 17, v. Alhambrn, 8; Zingari 12, v. Southern 9; Dunodin 25, y. University B 14: Taleri 9. v. Union 6. University A and Kaikorai are now equal in points for tho championship. but the former is one same behind having: yet to play Union, in which a victory for the Blues is almost a certainty. The competition will close next Saturday, and as it is very improbable that the position of th& leading teams will be altered University is practically assured of the premiership. The attendance at the pame -was estimated to exceed 9000, and the gate receipts totalled £242.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES.

f ' WHANGAREI V. BAY OP ISLAND! [BIT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ; i WHANGAREI, Saturday. In ideal weather at Kensington Park this afternoon. Whangarei, defeated Bay of Islands in an inter-unior. challenge matoh by 22 points to 0. Early in the game the losers had the misfortune to lose the services of Kingdon, who was oarried off suffering from concussion. Most of the play was of a medioore character, although both sides livened up in the last quarter. The Bay of Islands playera at that stage showed to advantage. Otherwise, it was a lazy, disjointed display. Tries were secured for Whansarei by Nelson (2) and Collins, while Hamilton, who played consistently well with Meyer for the winning backs, converted a try and kicked a penalty goal. On the Buy side Ludbrook, Amos and Smeath were the outstanding players. WAIRARAPA AND HAWKE'S BAY. [by telegraph.—press association.] MASTERTON. Sunday. The Rugby representative teams of "Waira* ran a and Hawke's Bay met yesterday and after an interesting game, which produced brilliant flashes, honours ■ were equal, each aide scoring 15 points The weather waa beautifully fine but the ground sticky _in patches. Hawke's Bay opened with terrific pace, their forwards playing a magnificent .game and the backs handling fairly well. Their combined play was too sound for the homo team, who were fortunate in keeping the half-time score at 10 to 5. The second spell saw the visitors paying the penalty for the great pace they set up in the early stages and Wairarapu, who worked with mor o freedom and certainty, brilliantly rose to the occasion. Hawke's Bay would have been unlucky to have lost on the run of play, but Wairarapa asserted themselves at the finish and only the time bell saved the visitors.' NAPIER. Saturday. .Hawke's Bay Rugby juniors defeated Wairarapa juniors yesterday by* 22 to 13 after a bright, and open exhibition. At one stage the home team led by 14 to 0. Then the visitors put on a ppurt and scored 13 before Hawke's Bay again started adding to their account. Wanganui Technical College beat Napier Technical by 83 to 4. MARLBOROUGH BEATS NELSON. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM, Saturday. At Rugby to-day Marlborough defeated Nelson by 18 to 13. The Nelson team, which contained a number of young players new to representative .honours, turned out to be a fast nippy combination which took the Marlborough side completely , by surprise in the earlier stages. The first spell ended 10—6 ?in • Nelson's favour. _ _In the BCiond spoil, the weight and oondition of Marlborough told and they pulled off a victory more by individual brilliancy than by scientific team football. For Nelson Croucher potted a goal and "Wildes scored two tries, and Kins&tt kicked a penalty. For Marlborough Swanwick potted a goal and Fewoett NobleAdams and Washington each scored a try, Noble-Adams converted one and also kicked a penalty goal.

KAIERAU WIN WANGANUI. CUP. {"BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WANGANUI. Saturday. The main contest in Rugby to-day was to decide whether Kaierau or Pirates should hold the oup until next year. Last week's ♦draw necessitated another game being staged to-day. Pirates had several casualties last week and during the week, with the result that they were obliged to draw on the junior grade for several players. On the other hand Kaier&u'a play to-day was a vast improvement on that of last week and th&y won by 24 points to 6. Technical College Old Boys defeated Ratana by 6 to 3.

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH. faY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] , NELSON, Saturday. A Rugby match for the Seddon Shield between Golden Bay and "West Coast (challengers) was played at Motuelta this afternoon. Golden Bay retained the shield by 13 points to 3.

TE AWAMUTU GAME. fl>X TBLEGBAPH. — OW.V COBrtESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU. Saturday. At Rugby to-day Methodist Juniors beat Puahue, 4to 3. Puahue Seniors forfeited to Pirongia. WELLINGTON RESULTS. fIJY TEr.EGB.APH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Sunday. Rugby results were:—Old Boye 16, v. Varsity 3; Poneke 19, v. Oriental 8: Selwyn 7, v. Hutt 3; Petone 9. v. Athletic 6; Berhampore 10. v. Marist 0.

FALCON CUP CONTESTS.

THE ASSOC! ATTON GAME.

HARBOUR BOARD WIN AGAIN.

•Y.M.C.A* DEFEATS NORTHCOTE.

There was a large attendance at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, when two important j contests in the Falcon Cup knockout competition were decided. Hesults are as follow:—

Harbour Board 2, Thistle 0. Y.M.C.A. 1, Northcote 4. Y.M.C.A. by their victory die. much to retrieve their defeat in the championship final on- the previous Saturday. They played great football and thoroughly deserved to win. When time called the score stood at I goals all. This necessitated the playing of two extra spalls, during which Y-M.C.A.'a better condition told, enabling them to score three further goals. Great interest will -be taken in the semifinals, to be contested by the following Vaaiinar;—.Ponsonb®-, Tramways, Harbour Board and Y.M.C.A. THISTLE'S GOOD SHOWING. Both Harbour Board and Thistle were at full strength for their contest on No. 1 ground. - - Defending the oity end Tlustle were quick to settle down and a well-judged centre Hy Williams soon had the Harbour Board goal in danger. Corbett effected a timely clearance, but his forwards could not get moving and Thistla were soon back. A free kick helped them. Ferguson placed j the ball well and Dodda shot with precision, but Dickson scot in the way. Mitchell, for Harbour Board, eventually got the ba.ll away to Tocker. Tho outside right put, il> a great run down the line and piloted the leather to Thistle's goal. Anderson cleared in great style from throe shotß. Tho ball went back to Bell in Harbour Board's halfline. He sent in a high dropping shot. The sun handioapped Anderson and the shot went home. Bright, nippy play with honours even then became the order. Accepting a pass from Humphreys, Dunsmore_ of Thistlo, tricked' Brittam and forced a corner. Dodds, Humphreys and Dickson had shots without success, Tho Thistle forwards were showing <rreat combination and having most of the play, well supported by Hamill at centre half. For Harbour Board. Mitchell and the three halfbacks were playing great football. The forwards were not playing together as well as usual, but when they Rot the chance werq far more dangerous in front of goal than their opponents were. | The ball was carried from end to end at a lively pace, and there was not a dull moment. A miskick by Mitchell let Dodds in again, but the inner right's shot went wide once more. A little later Dickson sent in a. splendid shot from Thistle's left. Batty just managed to turn it over and from the ensuing corner Harbour Board survived a confident appeal for "hands" against Jones in the penalty area. Toward the end of the spell Karboux Board began to have more of the play, which up to this stage had been distinctly in Thistle's favour. Tocker, on the right wing, beat R_ Ritchie badly and centred. Anderson saved well from Margison at close range, and Corbett came through to drive for goal but without direction. _ Just before the intorval Thistle were again hotly attacking. and Dodds sent over when well placed. Half time arrived with Harbour Board one up. On resuming Thistle attacked brightly and in the first few minutes Dodds got an opening, but his shot was well stooped by Batty. Mitchell cleared to the other end. Here Harbour Board were awarded a free kick that was well placed by Bell. Dickson cleared cleverly, but Harbour Board continued to press until Hamill beat Corbett and sent the Thistle front line away. An infringement by Brittain gave J. Ritchie a chance with a free kick, but he showed poor judgment. The game rattled on even faster than in the first spell,_ and both goals came in for a severe testing within a few moments. Play was_ strenuous with hard knocks given and received, while free kicks for infringements were frequent. "Williams and Humphreys for Thistle, both got excellent chances, but failed through over-en,cemcsa. Eventually, set going by Bell, the Harbour Board forwards swept through tho defence, and Margison shot with precision at the right moment, to beat Anderson from close range and put Harbour Board two up. There was much excitement and several regrettable incidents iu the closing stages. Dodds, for Thistle, was orderod off the field by the referee, after the game had been stopped -following a scene between two othor players, Despite being a man short, Tbistle held their own right to the final whistle, and had the winners fully' extended. "When tho final halt w»3 called. Thistle supporters shouted loudly that there was still seven minutes of play to go. An excellent game with a very unsatisfactory ending closed with the scores: Harbour Board, 2; Thistle, 0.

GO DOWN. Although most of the spectators at Victoria Park assembled Hit No. 1 ground, there was a good deal of interest in the Y.M.C.A.Northcote /natch on No. 4. Neither team was at full strength on account of injuries to players, but the juniors who acted as substitutes fully justified their inclusion. Northcote gained the first advantage. A rousing forward rush ended in a scramble in front of Y.M.C.A.'s goal, with the city team's backs hard at it defending. Knott eventually got an opening and put in a great shot that beat Miller all the way. and gave Northcote the first goal. The pressure by the suburban team continued. Burford on the left wing swung aorosß a perfect " centre. Bell waß in position to trap neatly and score Northcote's second point. Y.M.C.A. made strenuous efforts to reduce the lead. ■ Led by Marshall, the forwards rallied superbly aa the spell drew to a close, and McMioken scored a good goal from a centre. Just before halftime was reached, Lewis got another, equalising the_ scores. Immediately on resuming play became fast and strenuous. Carey added another for Y.M.C.A., with a iimart header, and then, after a counter-attack by Northcote. Knott secured his second goal. Bright, even play followed, in which neither side could score, until Bell accepted a pass from Knott to find the net with a good grounder. The next incident of note was a spectacular solo effort by McMicken, of Y.M.C.A. He finished off a great run with a beautiful shot that curled into the back of the net and made the scores 4 all. As there was no alteration when full time had expired, the referee ordered two extra spells. Y.M.C.A. were obviously the fresher side and then 1 superior training stood them in good stead. Marshall scored twice and Lewis got another goal, which gave Y.M.C.A. a well-deserved win by 7 to 4.

THE JUNIOR MATCHES.

SECOND DIVISION.

Onehunga Athletics, 5, beat Northcote, 2. Y.M.C.A., 8, beat Metropolitan. 1. Y.M.C.A., 3, drew with Hellaby's, 2. Ponsonby, 2, beat "Watersiders, 1.

THIRD DIVISION. Metropolitan, 4, beat Grey Lynn, 0. North Shore, 1, beat Onehunga Athletics. a.

FOURTH DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. B, 2. beat Kiwi. 1. Northcote, 4, beat Metropolitan, I. Tamaki, 3, beat Ponsonby, 1.

FIFTH DIVISION. ■Northcote, 2, beat Mount Albert Grammar, 0. • "

SIXTH DIVISION. Belmont, 3, beat Comrades A, 1. North Shore, 2. beat Brotherhood, 0. Northcote. 3, beat W.Y.M.1., 0. Mount Albert Grammar. 3, beat Comrades,

SEVENTH DIVISION. Comrades C, 0, drew with North Shore, 0. Belmont, 3, beat W.Y.M.1., 0. Belmont C, 5, beat Northcote, 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. St. Heliers, 2, beat Parnell, 0. Napier Street, 2, beat Vauxhall, 0. Y.M.C.A. BOYS' LEAGUE. \ Seniors!"— Swifts, 1, drew with Spurs, 1; Rovers, 2. beat Celts, C; Rivals, 0, drew with Rangers, 0. Juniors.—Swifts, 5, beat Spurs, 1: Celts, 1, beat Rovers, 0; Rivals, 5, beat Rangers, 0. SOUTHERN COMPETITIONS. : |"BY TELEGBAPH. —PP.ESa ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Sunday. Soccer matches resulted:—Marist 1. v. Diamonds 0; Y.M.C.A. 2, v. Hospital 1; Thistle 4. v. Watersidors 2: Institute 2. v. Karori 1. , , CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. To-day's Soccer matches resulted:—Kaia?oi 3, v. Rangers 3; Sunnysido 4. v. '.M.C.A. 0: Western 2, v. Lyttelton 2: Thistle won by default from Nomads. DUNEDIN, Saturday. Soccer results are:—Seaclifi 5, v. IMaori Hill 2; K.aitantjata 1, v. Old Boys o:.Southern o. v. Taiori 2; Northern 1. v. Mornington. 1. •

HATCH AGAINST CANADIANS.

AUCKLAND TEAM SELECTED.

The* Canadian Association football team, which has been touring Australia, will play a match against Auckland at Caxlaw Park next Monday. The team arrives hero by the (Makura from Sydney on the day of ths match. The following have been chosen to represent Auckland:— . Batty, Thompson, Bralthwaito, Neeeham, Corbett, Jones, Innea, Caere, Marshall, Humphries, Willi ama. Beserves: Ferguson, Meager, Palmer. The Auckland players will continue their training at Victoria Park to-morrov; and Thursday together with the probables for the matches against the Chinese touring team.