RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19032, 1 June 1925, Page 12

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP.

FIRST ROUND GOMPLETi'D. MARISTS BEAT UNIVERSITY. GRAMMAR'S THIRD SUCCESS. The Rugby championship' competitions were continued on Saturday afternoon in dull but fine weather on grounds that had been softened by Friday's rain. 'lhero wero many exciting incidents and bright interludes in the two senior matches at Eden Park. Both were fast and keenly con.tcst.ed. . There was a fair attendance. University suffered their third defeat this season, going down to Marist Old Boys, by a narrow margin in spite of a belated recovery that raised the interest of the '.spectator;, to concert pitch. At one stag# in tho final quarter it seemed as if University would pull tho game out of the fire, but the took proved beyond them. Grammar .Old Boys scored a hardearned victory over Grafton, mainly through tho inability of tho Grafton backs to md;o the most of their opportunities. A. E. Cooko made his reappearance for Grafton and was a great asset to his side. At Ellerslie Ponsosby had a runaway victory over College Tulles, thus going through the first round without a loss. • .Detailed results are as follow: — Marists 12, beat University 8. Grammar 12, beat Grafkri 6. Ponsonby 24, beat College Rifles 6. Suburbs 19, beat King's Old Boys 3. North Shore .15, beat Newton 8. HAPJSTS V. UNIVERSITY. Tho Marist. Old Boys-University game was started at a great Throwing tho bull about freely, tut somewhat wildly. University attacked strongly and reached Marists' h.ue. There, however, thoy were checked and Manste became aggressive, solid play taking them ; to University's twenty-five. Lolt luado a clever ojfeiung and, after beating several opponents, sent the ball on to Rhodes. Foley and Macdonald handled .is in turn, and the ,last-mentioned scored, Peters failing to convert. University, who were showing more'dash than on tho previous Saturday, assumed the offensive and launched several dangerous attacks,'to'.bo, held'up by Marists' solid ttckling and sound "line -kicking by O'Brien. Then the Marist forwards got going with the ball at .their feet and rushed through to University's twenty-fivo. Peters obtained possession and forced his way over tho line. His kick was unsucceafnl. lu. the second : quarter tho Marist backs opened up play, but' tho movements wero stopped in time and University reversed the position. lilarists had a narrow escape when Loft was caught in possession just in front of the goat, TJmversite- failing to seiie their opportunity. Two jwnr. attempts to pot a goal wero made, tho ball going dead on tho second occasion. University returned with a combined handling bout in which Keene was prominent, but the movement was held up on the line. Stichbury {Marists) had to retire, being replaced by Marshall. Keeping up the pressure University gavo Marists a strenuous timo, tho latter backs being- bustled by loose rushei by tho University forwards. The students' rearguard . nullified _ some good opportunities by erratic passing, and nalftimo came with the scores:— Marists , 6 University .. .. ■•' 0 Although University started briskly _on restunine, it was not long before Marists were on the attack, being assisted by the mistaken •of the opposing backs. A penalty against Mc.ri.sta brought University needed relief, but-} Marists were noon in their 'twenty-five' Jigzun, lioft marked a clearing kick and landed a goaL University held ihoir own for tho rest of tho quarter, r In tho finsul spell University attacked ■vigorously. A ! bright handling bout fol- " ' lowed by a 10-osie rush broke through tho defence. Tho nail went over tho lino and Sinclair beat O'Brien for tho touch-down. Millar converted. ' Maristn attacked but woro driven back and, amid great excitement. University opened out again. A. high kick and-a forward rush had Marists in difficulties. Millar kicked a penalty gaaJ, the ball touching one ol tho posts in ite flight, but gemg over the bar, - With Marists' lead rod,need to only one point excitement ran high as the um- ' vbrsity backs g-t going in a dangerous at■iack. ' Mylar had an unsuccessful shot .at goal from a penalty, but University maintained tho pressure until a breakaway by the Marists* bucks took play to tho other end of tho field, and University were hard Ipreasod to keop their line intact. A few minutes later Brodie marked a knock-on by an opponent and had no difficulty in kicking a goal that put Marists four points in th« lead. 1 (•: University made a last effort to get through, but the game ended without further- score. GRAMMAR BEAT GRAFTON. ■ Play in tho early stages of the Grammar Old game was very even. Grammar "iyere the first to get into their stride, but Grafton' soon worked their way into thoii; opponents' twenty-five and wero nec/rly over t&P, lme« After J3, iieary ha-ci an unijiujsacsfui a£ goal Grammar cleared and put .Grafton on the defence. Or. Goodacro opened, Grammar's scoring account with a penalty goal. . " A. E. 'Cooko, who wan generally, m the limelight, started a bright passing bout that almost brought «uccess. Boor tackling hy the Grammar backf," let Hughes through, and Cooko, joining in again, wa3 stopped just short of tho lino. " A moment later, however, Menzien got over. K.oary s kick Grafton forwards wero getting moat of the ball and their backs gavo a better display than thoir opponents, bunt OrramTntfr woro tho next--to score. A lo'flg kick lot them mifeGraftcn'a twenty-five and thov preswidvigorously. •A. knignt was held up neiir; .IhV lino .but when tho Groinmar forwarciS 1 - healed'.- the ball Wright boat the opposition cleverly and forced his way over. Goodacre failed to convert. Grafton pressed hard whon the teama turned round for the second quarter and Grammar had difficulty in repelling their onslaughts. Goodacre at last ieved and Grafton were sent back to _ their own twenty-fivo. Good work by tho forwards and. weak tackling "by-Grammar let Grafton through to Imldfleld Wright set his backs going, but a pass went astray and Hughe, •broke E. Cooke in close attendance.« TW had, the defenco beaten but a forward,lfiass pmled them up. However, Grafton were not to be domed and Lynch started!# ;§§»#' from which Shaw . fisored unopposed?. J Co6ke's kick was umucC6 Grn-mmar in regaining tho lead, a solid attack- taking them to Grafton's line where Wright secured the ball mnd sent Gould over. Goodacro failed with tho kick, ancl the scored wore:— Grammar f Grafton ' . . . • • • • • 6 Grammar had the better of tha third quarter. In tho early part they kept play at Grafton's end of the field, where, however, infringements nullified their efiorts to score. Gram,mar were pressing hard when an infringement gave Grafton roll of, and a sudden breakaway headed by Cooke tinned tha tables. However, tho Grafton backs could not get through and hand work by the Grammar forwards tho situation. Conway improved the position by intercepting a pass and breaking through, but spoiled a chanoo by kicking out. A littlo later Singleton kicked through and. took tho ball past, Finlay who was beaten by Ifwmon for the touch-down. The kick failed. For tho. remainder of the gamo play was .fast and interesting, although ragged. Cooke stood out among the Grafton backs, and had he received bettor support Grafton rnii'ht easily have averted defeat. The last quarter was in Grafton's favour but they lacked tho necessary finish, NORTH SHORE V. NEWTON. After a good even game at North Shore Newton wero beaten by the homo team by a margin of seven points. Newton wore the first to score. After vigorous work by thoir forwards had caused tho home team considcrjiblo anxiety Pickering broko through and ecoicd a good try that was not converted. North Shoro drew level n few minutes later. Solomon landing a penalty goal. There was littlo between the teams in tho Becond quarter, but a mistake by a Nowton back when defending proved costly, Stokeo obtaining BJi unconverted try lor the home side. At hal.-tuco tho scores wero: North Shoro. 0; Newton. 3. Nowton pjessed persistently on resuming, but the forwards laci'.ed autjport. The North Shore backs started several promising handling bouts but thoy foU short oi thoir objective. "no ;Newton forwards worked through to North Shore a line and Price got 'over, Converting his try. In tho last quarter North Shoro set about reducing tho deficit, and profiting from an opening by Solomon •Rickard touched down. Tno kick failed. A little If*cr Solomon kicked a penalty goal, ■player:, c/orO,. handicapped, in the concluding «tages« W rain and tho failing light. Campborf paved the way for Rickard to score his second try, North Shoro a. lead of 'aoven points,,

AN EASY WIN FOR PONSONBY. A one-sided contest was witnessed between Ponsonby and Co I lose Kitlcs at Jmlerslie, the latter being outplayed after the tirst Quarter, during which tiiey managed to hold their own fairly well. . Ponsonby pressed at the outset, but Collego Kifled retaliated with a. palms ' move, merit that took them 1o Ponsonby s tiventyfive. Ponsonby returned to the attack and although College Biflea kept them out tor a time a passing bout ended in . Lucas . concg an unconverted try. Assuming the attack. College ilitles were awarded a *ree kick, from which Gillespie evened the scores. College Hitles kept Ponsonby at bay 111 the second quarter until Lucas ran through and passed to Hook who scored an unconverted try. A smart passing movement by College Rifles was frustrated; and a little later Pelham got across, bymo adding the goal points. Ponsonby were pressing at half-time, the scores being:— Ponsonby 11 College llifles' On resuming Ponsonby held the advantage, their backs showing up in smart passing bouts. Pelham seized another opportunity and scored an easy try that Synio convened. A rally by College Hi lies placed Ponsonby on the defensive, until Pelham took advantage .of an unsuccessful passing movement and carried the ball down field, passing to Lucas, who scored. Synio converted. College Ilitles made an effort, and when Ponsonby infringed in their own twenty-five Gillespie landed a penalty goal. j Immediately alter the change ever ileal anus got across almost under the goal, but the kick failed. ■ Flat open play then ensued, both sides setting opportunities on attack, although Ponsenby continued to hold the advantage. The garuo ended with the scores: Ponsonby. 24: College .Rifles, G. SUBURBS V. KING'S OLD BOYS. Suburbs had a comfortable win over King's Old Boys at Avondals, although it was only in the second half.that they really demonstrated their superiority. There was only one score in the first half, Considine notching ail unconverted try in the first quarter after a looso rush by Suburbs had broken through the defence. King's made great efforts in the second quarter, during which they had the better of play, but they could not get through. ■ . , , When play was resumed after the interval Suburbs attacked strongly and Baker got over the line, Vallance just failing with the kick from a difficult angle. It was not long before Suburbs increased their lead, Lincoln capping a passing bout by cleverly beating the opposition and scoring. Baker converted. King's then made a determined effort and kept Suburbs on tho defence. Though they could not get over the line Sheen kicked a. penalty goal. . Suburbs retaliated with a strong rush which onded in Sly getting an unconverted trv. In the last quarter King's assumed the offensive, and on several occasions narrowly missed scoring, but shortly before the end Grant notched another try for Suburbs, Gray converting. JUNIOR COMPETITIONS. SECOND GRADE. I North Shore A, IS, beat University A, 3. Telegraph, 13. boat Swii»son,, 3. Training College, 23. beat North Shore. B, 5. College Rifles A. 17. beat City Council, 12. Marist B, 14. beat University B; 0. Grammar, It, beat Ponsonby, 0. Marist A. 17, beat King's Old Boys, 3. - College Rifles B, 3. beat Suburbs, 0. THIRD OPEN GRADE. University A, S, beat United B, 0. North Shore, 11. beat St. George's, G. .Ponsonby, 66. beat College Rifles A, 0. Eden, 20, beat Grammar, 5. United A, 31, beat Henderson, 3. THIRD INTERMEDIATE GRADE. ' College Rifles, 9, beat Gordon, 0. Kingsland A, S, beat North Shore. 0. Grammar A, .24, 'beat Marathon, 0. King's Old Boys, 3, beat Glen .Eden, 0. Loco, 9, beat Ellerslie, 3. 1 United 'A, 37, beat Grammar B, 5. - Ponsonby, 17, beat Manukau Rovers, 0. Suburbs, 3,, beat Eden, 0. FOURTH GRADE. Farn'elJ, 28, beat Kohimarama, 0. Ponsonby, 9, beat Grey Lynn, 3. Suburbs, 5, beat Telegraph. 0. Grafton, 33, beat Kingsland, 0. FIFTH GRADE. Telegraph, 6, beat Parnell, 0. Grafton. 10, beat Ponsonby. Manukau Rovers, 8, beat Green Lane, 0. GAMES. AT TAKAPUNA. Results of Rugby matches at Takapuna on Saturday are:— Central, 7, beat Takapuna, 0; S. Crutcher dropped a goal from tho field and kicked a penalty goal for the winners. Logan's. 12, beat Black Rock. 3. For the winners Withey, King, McCormack and Finnerty each scored a try. Hcape scored for Black Rock. RESULTS AT TE PUKE. [EX TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] TE PUKE. Saturday. " Tho Rugby matches played hero to-day resulted : Seniors. —Pongakawa, 9, beat United, 3. Rovers, 3, drew with Rangiuru, 3. Juniors.—Papamoa, £>, beat United, 0. Eovors beat Rangiuru by default. GIFT TO AN ALL BLACK. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WHANGAREI, Saturday. All Rugby fixtures to-day were postponed on account of bad weather in the morning but a number of footballors assembled and presented B. Finlayson with a travelling rug and bag as an appreciation of the fact that he is the first North Aucklandcr to attain New Zealand representative status. THE THAMES UNION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Saturday. Tho Thames Rugby football competitions wero continued to-day, although several matches were postponed. In the senior grade, Ramblers, 5, beat College Old Boys, 3; and City, 11, beat Physical Training, 0. In the second grade Physical Training, 21. beat Ramblers, G. TE AROHA CHAMPIONSHIPS. [Ei TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA. Saturday. Tho Rugby football matches to-day re- ' Seniors: City 16, v. Waihou 0. Walls. Morgan and Hall scored for City, and J. McLaren converted a try. Terrors G, v. Manawaru 3. Porter and Mulgrew scored for Terriers, and J. Magill for Manawaru. Juniors: City 3, v. Waihou 0. Roach scored the try, and Campi failed to convert. Terriers v. Manawaru went to Terriers by default. Third grade: Terriers 3. v. Waihou 3. Burke scored the try for Waihou and Ken Munro scored for Terriers. CAMBRIDGE COMPETITIONS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE. Saturday. 1 The Cambridge Rugby competitions were continued to-day in showery. weather. At Victoria Square, before a fair attendance. Leamington seniors defeated Horahora by 15 to 0. On the same ground Karapiro ■juniors beat Leamington by 6 to 0. At Leamington, Tauwhare juniors 12, beat City 9; while City third grade, 12, defeated. High School. 3. WELLINGTON AND DUNEDIN. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Saturday. Ponoke. 19. teat Petone,' 3. . This was,an exciting struggle between old rivals. During the game "Uoc" NichoUs . had hia ieg broken. For rough play during the game Smith, of Poneke. was ordered off. Old Boys 3-4, beat Selwyn. 6. Athletic, 14, beat Hutt 12. University. IS. beat Berhamporc. 10, Marist, 15, beat Wellington, 8. DUNEDIN, Saturday. University A, 19, beat Zingari, 8; Kaikorai drew with Alhambra. neither si-ic scoring: Southern, 25, beat Union, 3: Dunedin, 25. beat University B, 6; Pirates, 18. beat Taieri, 14. grammar and marist old boys MATCH ON KING'S BIRTHDAY. A match between Grammar Old Bov3 and Marist Old Boys will be played at Eden Park on Wednesday, the King's Birthday. Given favourablo weather an attractive game should be provided, for tho teams, which are level in the senior Rugby championship competition, have steadily improved, since the opening of tho season.' and in view of the nature of tho contest may bo depended on to give a fast, open display. The two clubs have, in hand, a scheme for the provision of a joint training shed, and tho proceeds from tho gamo will go to tho shed fund.