RUGBY COMPETITIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19092, 10 August 1925, Page 12

RUGBY COMPETITIONS.

THE CHARITY CUP MATCH.

PONSONBY DEFEAT MARISTS.

A DAY OF CLOSE CONTESTS

Ponsouby won tho Charity Cup again by defeating Marist Old Boys by 9 points to 3 at Eden Park ou Saturday after a strenuous contest on a wot, greasy ground. Conditions were against opon back play and made accurate handling difficult, but Ponsonby brought off a number of surprisingly good passing movements, and although tho gamo on the whole was net a high-class exposition of Rugby there was plenty of excitoment. Marists held their own until halftime, at which stage tho score was 3 all, but in the second half the dash of tho Ponsonby forwards and the superiority of their backs kept Marists mainly on the defensive, and in spite of tho [jitter's stubborn stand, Ponsonby added another six points. Marists lost opportunities on attack through lack of combination and finish. Considering t.ho adverse circumstances tho Ponsonby backs handled tho ball very cleanly. There were somo close finishes among the other Pollard Cup games. Tho B section winners, North" Shore, were narrowly beaten by Grammar Old Boys, while Grafton had to do their best to beat King's Old Boys by six points. Five points separated University and Manukau Rovers. College Rifles decisively defeated Suburbs. Detailed results are:— Ponsonby, 9, boat Marist Old Boys, 3. Grafton, 11, beat King's Old Boys, 5. Grammar Old Boys, 6, beat North Shore, 3. College Rifles, 19, beat Suburbs, 3. University, 13, beat Manukau, 8. PONSONBY AND MARISTS. Marists had rathor the better of the first Quarter oi their game with ir'oußonby, altaough the latter were the first to attack, a handling bout from the kick-ofi taking them well into their opponents' twenty-five. .Ueau was injured unci was replaced by Stewart. Tackling soundly and working Marists drove Ponsonby back to holt-way, and then a weak speculator by McGregor lot Marists through, Macclooald, lolloping tip fast bustled Hook, who fumbled the ball and was penalised. H. Peter 3 made no mistake with tho kick.

A hard, loose rush headed by Webber threatened danger, but an infringement brought relief, and 'hen a breakaway by Loft transferred play to the other end. Ponsonby worked back and were in u gi.od position, when an interception by Brodie enabled the Marist backs to roach Ponsonby's twenty-fivo. From play in midfield Ponsonby got a chanco when Brodio dropped a pass and Footer, gathering up the ball, set the backs going. Matson gained a lot ct ground, but his pass went astrUv and Marist cleared.

When the Kecond Quarter commenced the Ponsonby backs opened out in bright style, Matron finishing of! the movement by beating the Marist fullback and scoring a good try, which Hook failed to convert. O'Brien stopped a Ponsonby rush by taking a good mark, but Mateon fisldod the ball smartly and. racing across, set his backs going. When solid tackling broke down the movement, the Ponsonby forwards worked through to Marists' _ line, whore they wore penalised, and O'Brien found the lino well down. Play was hard and erciting as cash side attacked in turn, and on soveral occasions a bcovo was averted at the last moment. Half-time camo with tho scores': Marias 3 Ponsonby . , y

Ponsonby's defence was tested when play wa3 resumed, but, Marists lost a flood chanco by infringing right on the lino. After a period of indecisive, play a good looso rush took Ponsonby to Marits' twenty-five, where Mooro and O'Brion pulled them up. McWilliams was injured at this stage and was replaced. Marists wore penned in their twenty-five, and only strenuous efforts kept their line intact until O'Brien, intercepting a pass, outpaced Lucas and got to Ponson's twenty-five, whore Hook, who was playing fullback, brought him down. With another 10030 rush Ponsonby returned to the attack. Synio snapped up the ball and sent it on to Palmer. .Tust on tho line the latter passed to Stitchbury, who got over at the corner, making the score 6-3 in Ponsonby' 3 favour. Bym© failed to convert. Anothor successful movement by tho Ponsonby backs marked the opening of tho final quartor. Sytno capped a smart handling bout by racing down the side line and scoring in trio corner. Righton's kick failed. Ponsonby, 9; Marists. 8. Mnrists wore kent strenuously defending until Loft broko clean away with tho ball and got well past halfway before Hook tackled him. However. Ponsonby renewed tho pressure a moment later, and although they mad© occasional rallies, Marists were hard pressed to keop their opponents out until the bell rangGRAFTON V. KING'S OLD BOYS. King's Old Boys gave Grafton s. hard game on No. 3 ground, which was in a bad condition. Back play to any extent and sure handling of tho ball were impossible. King's wero somewhat handicapped for this reason, &3 their backs when onco on the move aro hard to stop. Grafton's forwards had the advantage both in tho looso and in tho Ecrums, and. led by G. Stewart and Sorrenson, did not give the opposiAg pack much chanco. Stewart was tho best forward on the ground on tho day's play and nevor slackened a strong pace. Thomas played an active game in tho back line, and Hargraves, at fullback, handled vrell under adverse circumstances. A. E. Cooke was rather off form and phono erratically. King's Old Boys played well on tho whole, and cleared themselves from several tight corners. Heard was not given much chanco by his forwards, although ho was responsible for tome good play. For tho first few minutes King's wero confined to their own twenty-five. However, they worked down field nnd a penalty gave sheen a shot at goal, but tho kick wont wide. A penalty to Grafton found them near tho King's goal, and from a scramble Stewart dived over. A. Cooko converted. Maxwell gave King's a chanco, but Stewart saved. Tho King's forwards prossed until a rush enabled L. Sheen to score, It. Sheon converting. Grafton. 5; King's, 5. King's mado tho pace fast until half-timo, but wero unable to score again, mainly through failure to follow up. On resumption tho game was confined mostly to tho' forwards. Grafton, with tho exception 01 ono or two incidonts, had tho belter of play, and King's had to forco twice. A try almost oame from a rush by Grafton whon the ball wont past Swanson at fullback, but it was doad when Hughes reached it. Tho pressure was maintained by Grafton, and R. Cooko secured a try near the corner. Tho last quarter found King's attacking strongly, but toward the end Stewart lod the Grafton pack ond kept King's in their own twenty-five. From close piny Stewart scored a good try by dribbling the ball past Swanson, and beating two others. A. Cooko failed with the kick and tho game ended 11—5 in Grafton's favour. GRAMMAR AND NORTH SHORE. Thoro was little between Grammar Old Boys and North Shore on tho lattor's home ground, and although tho condition of the field was against .pjjiajtn ir, onen to.'lhini. the game was very keenly contested. North Shore wero the first to got going, but Goodacre drove them back, and after a spell of indecisive play tho Grammar forwards severely tried tho North Shore defence, being hold up just on the lino. Ifwersnn narrowly missod a goal from a ponalty, tho ball striking tho cross-bar. When the teams changed round for tho second quartet tho North Shore forwards again attacked, but Goodacre countored by starting a handling bout, which broke down in North Shore's twenty-five. Good footwork by the local forwards gained ground, but the Grammar pack returned and broke through the defence, McLean scoring an unconverted try. Following an attack by the North Shore forwards. M. Reid landed a fino penalty goal, making the scores even. Although racrged tho play was fast. The Grammar forwards worked into their opponents' twenty-five, and »ftor a munle oi movo. mmits by tho backs hnd broken down E. Singleton secured tho bull near tho line and forced his way over. In the final quarter, Batty was ordered off for questioning the refereo's decision. A little later the North Shore fullback hnd to retire owing to an- injury. Although Grammar had rather the uppor hand they could not improve their position and the gamo ended with tho scores 6~3 in their favour. UNIVERSITY V. MANUKAU. Manukau Rovers made a determined effort to avert defeat at tho hands of Unix-crsity at Onehunga, and there was only ono score in tho second half. Honours wero even at 'bo interval Passing bouts by the University backs had the homo team in difficulties 'll the first quartot but the visitors failed to score. After a period of scrambling •ilav in the second quarter, Hopkins made, a good opening, and Keegan finished off » handling bout by getting ovex. Miller added tho goal points.

Then the homo forwards asserted themselves and worked into their opponents territory. There Austin raved the way for Rousham to notch a try, which Austin converted. Hopkins put University itKiin in the lend by beating the opposition badly and registering an unconverted try after a run from half-way. However, Manukau made up the deficit before half-time. Austin lauding a penalty goal, making the hcoi s nH A vigorous attack by the University backs when play was resumed ended in Hamilton crossing the lino. Miller converted, putting University 5 points in the lend AlutoiiccJl Manukau exerted evpry effort \6 reduce tie lead in the final quarter they could make no impression on University's defence, good work bv the winning harlr.s rnt a-vin<r in© home side a chance of getting: through. The same ended with the scores: University, 13; Manukau, 8, COLLEGE RIFLES'' GOOD WIN. College Rifles compiled a, substantial scoro against Suburbs, who did not cross their opponents' lino once. Vallanco was responsible for tho losers' threo points, when ho kicked a goal from a mark early in the game, suburbs played a hard game at tho start, and after Vallance's offort set out to add surther points. Tho first quarter was in favour of Suburbs, but College Rifles then livened up considerably. Frequent attacks, however, were spoiled by the faulty handling of the backs. Tho Suburbs forwards were holding their own in the opon, and prevented any score until aftor half-time. College went to tho attack oarly in tho third quarter, and Souter scored, Gillespie converting. Collego Rifles continued to hayo the better of the gomo. Kirk, at halfback, sent his backs away for McGregor to score. Gillospio airnin converted. Colloge. 10; Suburbs. 3. Tho Suburbs team was now hatd put to defend its line, and had to forco twice in quick succession. Blythe was responsible for a good try for Collego Rifles, crossing noar tho corner flag. Harbutt addod a furthor three points when ho kicked a goal from a mark, and just before the call of time Gunson scored an unconverted try, cho gamo ending: College Rifles, 19; Suburbs. 3. THE JUNIOR MATCHES. SECOND GRADE. College Rifles A, 20, boat City Council, 0. Training Collego, 32, beat North Shore B, 0. Collego Rifles B, 8, drew with University, g ' Marists, 23. boat King's Old Boys, O. THIRD OPEN GRADE. Ponsonby. 0, boat Unitod, 3. Marists, 5, beat Kohimarama, 3. St. Stephen's. G. beat Loco, 0. Grammar (Mount Albert), 6, beat Henderson, 3. , Marathon, 39, beat St. Georgo s, 0. THIRD INTERMEDIATE GRADE. Ponsonby, 25, beat Kingaalnd A, 0. FOURTH GRADE. Grafton, 8, beat Marathon, 0. North Shore. 11, beat Suburbs, 3. Ponsonby won from Parnell by default. SELECTING AUCKLAND " REPS." PLAYERS CHOSEN TO TRAIN. The following playors aro requested to train at the Ponsonby shed on Thursday at 8 pm. with a view to their inclusion in tho Auckland Rugby teams to play Canterbury noxt Saturday and King Country on Wednesday, August 19:— _,, T , ~ . „ Forwards. —Keane, Batty, Knight, oorrenson. Finlayson, J, Keary. Palmer. Righton. McWilliams, Webber. Gould, McDonald. G Bacis e —Wright. McManus . Matson, McGregor. Hook. Carter. O'Brien, Olson, Broderick. Goodacre, Lucas, Cooko, ohcon

INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH. WELLINGTON BEATS CANTERBURY. A NARROW VICTORY. [BY telegraph.—press association.] WELLINGTON, Sunday. The Wellington Rugby representatives met Canterbury yesterday and after u close interesting jjaiuo the locui team secured victory by h points (2 tries 1 converted) to ti points (1 try, i penalty goal). Wellington kicked otf against a. strong wind. Canterbury became aggressive and Wellington wub bard put to relievo the pressure. Tho local men then took the upper hand. Porter was off-sido and a free kick was awarded to Canterbury. Porter did not force and tho visitors kept up the pressure, ford eocured and darted over. The kick missed. Canterbury, 3; Wellington, 0. Canterbury were getting tho ball, the backs and forwards working in unison. Wellington wore kept on the defensive. Wellington forwards now showed a splendid piece of combined play making a determined attack on tho Canterbury line but the defence of the visitors waa sound. Canterbury next made an advance ugainst tho Wellington stronghold and were awarded a free kick in a handy position. Nixon goaled. Canterbury, 6; Wellington, 0. Throughout tho rest of tho spell Canterbury had the best of tha play. Porter was prominent but his play was marred by several offside breaches. DalJey %vas playing a preat game and got down to several determined rusheti. Ho received an injury during Btrenuous play and in the second spell Canterbury wcro without bis services. Canterbury came away again and had Wellington on the defensive. Nicholls, Love, Maifroy and Walters were playing well at times. Porter' was occasionally brilliant but his play was spoiled by frequent breaches of the offside rule. Later on in the spell he indulged in fiomo attractive solo. work and showed his versatility by stopping several determined attacks. Love started the nost scoring movement. Ho sent the ball to Nicholls who dummied when tackled and passed to Malfroy who scored in the corner. Nicholls missed tho kick. Canterbury, fi; Wellington, 3. Nicholls next came intc, tho limelight, launching attack after attack, setting Wellington's backs in motion but tho defence was excellent. Porter made a brilliant dash, but was held up on tho lino. Immediately after he succeeded in grounding tho ball. Mark Nicholls with a splendid kick goaled. Wellington. 8; Canterbury, 6. Porter was playing orilliantly at this stage but toward tho end Canterbury became aggreaaivo and wero determinedly attacking when tho game ended. On the run of play tho visitors should havo won by a email margin. The junior representative game between Wellington and Canterbury was won by Wellington by 16 points to 5. CLARKE CUP CONTEST. WIN FOR FRANKTON. fur TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Saturday. Tho final match of tho Clarke Cup knockout competition of the Hamilton Rugby Union was played at Rugby Park this afternoon, between Frunkton and City, and resulted in a win for the former team by i points to 3. after a disappointing game. The afternoon was fine but tho recont noavy rains had made tho ground a quagmiro, and consequently handling was difficult. Tho teams wero ,ovcnly matched. City being Blightly superior in the backs. Neither side scored until within ten minutes of time, when Buckingham (City) got across from the best bit of play of tho match. Frankton's score was made by Bailey who seourcd a lucky pot from the field. This is the first occasion on which Frankton havo won tho cup. WAIKATO TOURISTS WIN. DEFEAT OF WANGANUI B. [by telegraph.—-own correspondents.] WANGANUI. Saturday. Tho Waikato touring Rugby team defeated tho Wanganui B team yesterday by 20 points to 1(5. The visitors lost tho oervicos of three players who were injured this most serious being tho half back Buckingham, who toward the end of tho first ho,lf had his left leg broken just above the ankle as a result of a collision with Cox. Tho game waa vigorous from tho outset. The Wanganui team playing together for tho first tinio lacked combination. Tho visitors won through tho superiity of their forwards, but their backs played with spirit and dash and combined nicely. The first try camo from a concerted Waikato movement which Johnston initiatod passing to Kemp who icut in »windy and cjeverly. Tho latter transferred to Howard to Stoupo, who crossed tho local lino. Tho kick failed. Soon after Buckingham came through with speed and paused to Stoupo to Thompson, who had no difficulty in galloping over tlio lino to score. Tho kick ikgain failed. Wanganui's full back played badly and kopt his fiido in a state of anxiety. A weak kick by him sent tho ball right into Stoupe's hands. The Waikato centre was out near the touch lino but without being harassed ho took his time and landed a beautiful field goal bringing tho score to 10-0. Buckingham was replaced by Clement* The second half opened with Wanganui making a hot attack. Cox boating several men bent to Collier who raced over to scoro Wauganui's first try. No goal resulted Soon afterwards when play was again in Wanganui's territory Stoupo secured the leather and for a second time landod a nice goal, bringing Waikato's total to 14. Wanganui rallied and with plenty of dash nut on eight additional points, quickly. Howard next scored for tho visitors and shortly afterwards Clement added another threo points. With the Bcoro standing at Waikato 20, Wanganui 11. Wanganui opened out properly and Ross raced over, Bennett adding the extra points. Anderson. Wallls, Charlsson and Howard were the pick of the Waikato forwards, and Thompson, Johnston, Clement and Thomas did excellent aorvico in tho back division as did also Buckingham until "ho met with his accident.

THAMES CHAMPIONSHIP.

RAMBLERS WIN FINAL.

(S7 TELEGRAPH.—OWN COURE'TPOvm-v

THAMES. Saturday. Ramblers, the only country team in the union, won the senior championship this altornoon, by defeating College Old boys On 1j points to 3. Both teams wore well trained but tho men from the country wore cloveror and piayed betler Itugby. College had tho heavier forwards, who. frequently gave trouble, but the Old Boys' backs were .amentably weak and made a poor showing. Within two minutes of play they tumbled a short kick allowing Ramblers to ocoro. Old Boys immediately sent Ram biers to the right-about and they were glad to force. Tho game was "willing," even at this stage, tho play traversing the field at a great pace. Old Boys set up a vigorous attack for a while but safo fielding and fast following soon had Ramblorß out of danger. They were awarded a penalty near the side-hue from which Green directed a neat goal with a low kick that just got over. A few minutes later Old Boys again infringed and Winder made a splendid attempt at goal from near half-way. Tho ball appeared to fall just short of tho bar but a goal was a.lowed. Pratt raised tho hopes of trie locals with a goal from a quick mark, Winder lator brought his side b total to 13 points by potting a fino goal 38 yards out. Old Boys tired aftor this and did most of the defending. Physical Training defeated City by 22 points to 3. A LONG-DRAWN GAME. TAURANGA V. TE PUKE. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] TAURANGA, Saturday. Ideal weather provailed for the Kusabs' Cup match which was piaye<l this afternoon between representatives of Tauranga and Te Puko Rugby Unions. The game was mainly a test of strength between the forwards, with occasional brilliant passing by tho baok divisions. G. lies captained Tau* rangra and C. Heather the Te Puke team. The first scoro was a penalty goal kicked by N. Boucher. Eight minutes later D. Boroll landed a penalty goal from 35 yards and equalised tho scores. Just before the end of tho first quarter G. lies picked up from the loose and, after a long run. passed to D. Borell, who outpaced the opposition and scored. The kick failed, making the scores: —Tauranga, C; To Puke, 3. Play was oven in tho second quarter and the thtrd quarter was well spent before the next audition was made to the scores, Boucher landing another penalty goal, making tho tally even. Tho game was fairly even in the final Quarter and the whistle sounded time with the scores equal. It was then agreed to play for a further 20 minutes in tho hope of reaching a decision. Aftor a fev; minutes a Tauranga player was ordered off for rough play. To Puke attacked in determined style but Tauranga valiantly counter-attacked, and when time waß finally called the scores wero still even. Mr. D. A. Dinneen, of Rotorua. was referee. ' Tauranga District High School and tho Cadets, third grade, played a curtain-raiser which was won by Cadets by 0 to 3. TE AWAMUTU MATCHES. LOCAL SCHOOLS CAPTURE SHIELD. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU, Saturday. Playing here to-day for the Toddy Shield the To Awamutu schools' representatives defeated To Kuiti schools, holders for the past four years, by six points to five, after an interesting camo , Ohaupo won the seven-aside schoolooys championship, defeating Kihikihi in r.he final. Thirteen teams competed. Methodist Juniors drow with Gordon (Auckland), after a splendid exhibition of fast, clean football, tho scoro being 11 points each. Last year tho samo team* also drew with threo points a In the Waipu Union's senior cup contest, Pirongia defeated To Awamutu by 13 to,B. Te Awamutu still lead for tho championship.

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH. THRILLING GAME AT BLENHEIM. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM. Saturday. Tho second Seddon Shield match of the season between Golden Bay-Motuoka ana Marlborough (tho holders), was played today in good weather on a heavy ground before a record attendance. Iho teams were very evenly matched until the last 20 minutes whon Marlborough assumed the ascendancy. The game was full of excitement throughout, first one side leading then the other. Phillips opened tho scoring account by kicking a penalty for Marlborough but a few minutes later I' oskett scored for the Bays and Bowers converted. Just on interval Foskett again scored but the kick missed. Ten minutes after resuming Connolly scored for Marlborough and Hodson converted, making the scores level. Ten minutes later J. Holyoako potted a beautiful goal for the Bays and Hodson scored for Marlborough making the scores 12 to 11 in the visitors' favour. Marlborough strained every nervo to overtake tho hanai; cap made and repeated assaults on the Bays' lino but tho defence held until just on tne j call of time. Tim Smith with a wonderful run sot Byrne and Phillips in action the latter scoring the winning try in a perfect pundemonium of excitement. Tho kick failed leaving Marlborough tho winners by j 14 to 12. HARDING SHIELD RETAINED. WHANG AREI DEFEAT RODNEY, [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN rORUERPOVnRVT WHANG AREI, Saturday. To-day tho Rodney representatives tried conclusions with Whangarei, tho jpresent holders of tho Harding Shield. Notwithstanding the recont rain tho ground at Kensington Park was in splendid order. This I v.-ns the first occasion Rodney had competed for tho shield. The game itself was not a good exhibition of the code except in I the last, quarter when tho visitors gathered themselves together and played with cohesion. Whangarei retained the shield by 19 points to 9. The visitor's best players were Dunning. E. Brown and Carter. Whangarei's foremost players were Sowrcan, Emerson, Hamilton, 80.-ghan and Meyer. The Whangarei scorers were Hnmilton. who scored two tries and Meyer, who scored one try and converted two. McDonald kicked two pennlties. For Rodney Carter scored, Clark converting and Dunnine,' dropped a eoal. COLLEGE COMPETITION. SEMI-FINALS PLAYED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —P'tESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Saturday. Tho Rugby College semi-finals resulted ■ Wanganui, 18, v. Chriatchurch, 3; Wellington. 11, v. Nelson, 8. PUKEKOHE COMPETITION. The Pukckoho Rugby Union's senior competition was continued on Saturday, when Ramblers and City mot on tho Pukekoho ground.. Much interest centred in the Fame as a win by City would havo decided tho competition. City quickly cumpiled six a try from loose play by Yates under tho bar being followed soon after by ono by Lucas on the wing. Neither wa.s converted In the second quarter. Ramblers evened tho register with two unconverted tries by L. Wood, tho result of open play and good crops-kicking. In the second half, City wore given a free-kiok well out but straight in front of the posts, and Potier sent the ball over the bar, giving City a lead of nine points to six. Ramblers attacked, and when they wore well up, tho ball shot out toward the wing. J. Blake picked up and raced across, making the scoro nino all. In tho last few minutes a good rush by -the Ramblers took the ball over the goal line, MePherson securing a try and making the final scoreRamblers, 12: City, 9. The game was very fast and keen. City lead in tho competition now by ontv one point In tho junior grade. High School, winners of the junior competition, played a combined tenrn from the other junior clubs. Combined won by six points to three. TARANKI BEATS WANGANUI. [BY TELEGRAPH. -PPESS A«N-mATION.} NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. A return match between Taranaki and Wanganui was played to-day in tho presence of 4000 spectators. Tho weathor was fine but the ground heavy. The match proved fast and interesting, being mainly confined to tho forwards though occrsionally there wero flashes of back play. Wanganui had the best of the first spell, in which there backs handled bettor. Early in tho game O'Connoll scored for Wanganui from a forward rush. Later Kingi, tho Wanganui half, mado a fine opening and Stewart, the centre threequarter, scored. Delves converted both tries. Near the end of tho first spell Walters, Taranaki, started a forward rush from which Robinson scored and Johnson converted, the spell ending.—Wanganui, '10; Taranaki, 5. Taranaki showed improved form in tho second spoil, their backs handling better. They forced Wanganui several times but could not score. Infringements, however, enabled Brown to kick two penalties, Taranaki winning by 11 to 10.