THE RUGBY GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19391, 28 July 1926, Page 16

THE RUGBY GAME.

DEFEAT OF PONSONBY. UNIVERSITY'S FINE VICTORY. KEENE'S WONDERFUL FORM. There was just cause for rejoicing in the University camp after the defeat of Ponsonby on Saturday. To conquer a team which had como to be regarded as something in the nature of a super-combin-ation in club football was in itself a feat, of no small merit, but more impressive still was the manner in which the victory was gained.

Before taking the field the University players spoke of meeting the milkman on his round as they wended their way home from the Law Ball that morning, but their play in no way suggested loss of sleep. Every member gave of his best, but it was Keene who mainly contributed to Ponsonby's downfall. The University captain gave a display of wingforward play comparable with that (>i Porter for the All Blacks against New South Wales at Eden Park last season.

Kcene's Shoulder Injured. Keene allowed the brilli&..it Ponsonby attacking backs no quarter. He came round the scrums just at the right moment, and nine times out o? ten frustrated the passing bouts which, had they been given a fraction more time to materialise, would have reversed the final result.

No player has been more consistent during the season than Keene, but undoubtedly he reached the pinnacle of excellence on Saturday. "You cannot realise what a wonderful game Keene -s playing unless you are on the field vri'h him," said a player whom an injury had relegated to the post of a spectator. It was discovered during the week-end that Keene had sustained a broken bone in his shoulder when he tripped and fell at the commencement of the third quarter, thus losing a certain try. As the result of his misfortune ho will be unable to play for about a month.

It would be unfair to individualise in referring to the meritorious work of the University pack. Cashmore played with remarkable grit behind the scrum. He has a quick and safe pair of hands and is a splendid tackier. He is deserving of consideration for representative football. Butler improved as the game progressed and was in great form in the last quarter when Ponsonby made their last great effort.

The University Backs. Hamilton and Freeman were the most prominent threequarters, and each scored a spectacular try. O'Halloran, who has improved a great deal, played his best game of the season. at five-eighths, and Macken, who replaced Freeman, acquitted himself well.

In fairness to Ponsonby, it should be said they were without their usual fifteen. However, the have done batter thaii the

was absent, but Hogg partnered Righton ably in hooking the ball, of which they got the bigger share. McWilliams was the outstanding forward.

Replacing his brother, E. McManus impressed very favourably behind the scrum. When the opportunity arose—the occasions were somewhat rare owing to the grim defence and Krone's aggressiveness—the Ponsonby backs were prominent in strong running. Lucas was unusually quiescent.

The' Pollard Cup competition appears to signify disaster for the club champions lor they were beaten by Grammar Old Boys in last year's competition.

North Shore's Promotion, Even North Shore were surprised by their wide-margin victory over Grafton in the match to decide which team should play in the senior A grade next season. Gral'ton, although at the bottom of the senior A ladder, had shown improved form in the concluding stages of the competition matches, and it was thought they would be difficult to displace. This is the second time North Shore has sought promotion, and the team is to be congratulated on its advancement. They have had a particularly fine season, being undefeated. Training College fought North Shore to a nine-point draw in the first round and were narrowly beaten by 6 to 3 in . the second round. Bearing in mind that Training College this year played their first season of senior Rugby, that team is also deserving of commendation for its excellent showing. A Brighter Competition. Tfye senior competition might be made more interesting next year by admitting more teams. An A grade competition comprising the six teams which played this year, in addition to North Shore and "Training College, should ensure a saries of bright games. With only six teams engaged interest is inclined to flag. If a scheme on" these lines could be devised without unduly weakening . the lower grades, the Management Committee of the Rugby Union might give it favourable consideration. This would mean reducing the B grade teams to four, but the deficiency might bfe made up by promoting the two best junior, teams. Departure of Maori Team.

All good sportsmen, will rejoice in the fact that the Maori Rugby team's tour of Franco and Britain was not abandoned as seemed vary probable. For a whole week the Maoris did not know whether their destination would be Home or home. No other team that has left New Zealand has had its fate hanging in the balance as did the Maoris, for definite news that the tour would take place was not received until an hour before sailing time. The Maoris may be expected to win a fair percentage of their matches, although they will probably be hard-pressed in the more important games. Once they have had an opportunity to work up combination among the backs they will be a much more formidable side. There are several men of first-class standing in the backs, and after a few matches they will be an attacking force to be reckoned with. The forwards are of a good stamp , and should he capable of holding their own in most of the games.

RUGBY EXTRAORDINARY. REFEREE'S STRANGE RULING. It is only in recent years that Rugby football referees in the country districts of New South Wales have been made to pass the examinations before they are allowed to officiate. Only two seasons ago a visiting Sydney team met with a referee in the country whose interpretation of the rules was rather comic. A visiting player manhandled the opposing fullback* and the referee, not wishing to send the offending player off the field, ordered two free kicks. He gave the fir.it, arid from where the ball landed the second was taken. After the second free-~iek a visiting player said to the referee, " You can't do that." "Ans free-kick for giving cheek,' 1 was >!f T^'" e ''' 8 decision, and the country tide kicked a goal. sß!SiaS£;ii,.Ci( i ' .