RUGBY FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20259, 20 May 1929, Page 15

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

'SOME INTERESTING CONTESTS TRAINING COLLEGE WINS. SURPRISE EFFORT BY CITY. The fourth series of matches in (lie 'Auckland Rugby Union's senior competition was played on Saturday when some interesting games were witnessed. The principal surprise of the day was the great light* put up by City against PotiMinbv, "lie former jusl going down by three points. A feature of the game was tl e splendid place-kicking of K. Ifwerson, who landed two great goals. Training College defeated Manukau in tlie principal fixture, its combination in I lie rearguard being tl.o deciding factor. Grammar Old Boys and Universityplayed an even game as the curtain■laiser, the-former being badly let down by its backs. Marist notched its first win of the season at the expense of Grafton liv a single. point, while at the Show Crounds Technical Old Boys proved too Mvong for College Rifles. Conditions were jigii'.n ideal and there was an attendance of 10,000 at Eden Park. Fallowing are the results of Saturday's matches: — Training College. 25; Manukau, 11. University, 11; Grammar Old Boys, 3. Ponsonbv, 11; City, 8. .Marist, 12; Grafton, 11. Technical Old Boys, 21; College Rifles, 13. The following table shows the present positions of the senior teams: —

BETTER COMBINATION WINS. Training College registered another win by defeating Manukau in a same which was ■thrilling in stages.' The better combination and understanding cf the winning team tarried the day. The game opened at a t*;:si pare, Manukau setting up the first attack, but Laurie saved well. Then FalwasM:r made a fine opening, Butler saving. Training College was using its backs to advantage. but sure tackling held it out. Manukau was penalised just outside the twenty-five, and Abbott opened the score for his side with a good kick. The same I.layer came into prominence a little later i y scoring a fine try from a passing bout :ifter a determined run to the corner from halfway. He failed to convert. The Training College backs were getting plenty of Iho ball, but Mackay was inclined to overdo tho cut in and spoiled some rushes. _ The • I'lsurtc'r ended with the score:—Training C ollege. H; Manukau, 0. - Falwasser made a splendid run and left Butlef standing with a side-step, but was Vrtught from behind. F. Brimble was handy, however, and dashed over. Turei failed with the kick. Manukau was penalised in an easy position and Abbott kicked ;i goal. Bryes was showing up well behind (lie Manukau scrum, saving cleverly on several occasions. Lipscombe was weak at fullback and Turei changed places with him. 1 Satrierley once had an opportunity from a 3>en.ilty, but- his kick went wide. _ Lips-«-nnibe a little later had a shot which fell short. At half-time the 3cores were:—Training College. 9: Manukau, 3. Training College attacked immediately mid Turei was badly beaten* by the bounce of the ball, Laurie following up. gaining .■possession and racing over unopposed. Abbott easily converted. Manukau, led by Laird, set up a strong'altack, but had Passing spoiled the effort. The Training College backs were always dangerous, but F"U )d tackling held them in check while at other times the passing was rathei' wild. Manukau went close to scoring several times, lack of finish spoiling promising movements. Bryes once made a solo dash to lie held up on the line, l'lay swung back and Abbott landed a fine goal from ri penalty wide out. The spel! ended with Ihe scores:—Training College, 17; Manukau, Immediately on changing over Abbott stored a clever try by regaining the ball from his own kick. Butler made a good nt- . icnipt to convert. Manukau retaliated with ' » penalty goal by Dykes. Ferguson retired hurt and Gregson replaced hint. Mnnu3*nu kept at it and was rewarded 'viien F. Jiiimble dashed over near the posta. lJy'o'3 converted. Immediately it was unlucky y hen Linden ]iit- the corner flag i-i touching down at the *'id of a passiu" rush. After some fast exchanges Abbott notched another fine try behind the posts. JTe ovni pried the try. 'J'he game ended with the .scores Training College. '25; Manukau, 11. Mr. G. Peace was referee.

GRAMMAR UNLUCKY. After a rather 'lull opening in the first <Umrler the match between Grammar Old Bjys and University brightened up considerably. The final scores by no means represented the difference in the play. Grammar lining most unlucky at times. Play hoveied lit halfway for a time until W. Bally broke away. Grammar maintained the attack but poor passing by the bucks spoiled a couple of movements. Jenkin, playing half for University, made a good opening on the blind side, whicli Goodwin further improved. «\ti in-pass, however, went astray. The Grammar forwards were packing much better than in the two previous mulches, and using the backs to advantage. From one rush I'. Skelton cut in well and the forv. irds joined in; Although W. Batly missed bis pass and a certain try, A. Knight followed through to pick up and dash over. I'. fv-reltjii missed at goal from an easy position. Just before the spell ended Goodwin intercepted in a passing bout and broke clfmrr away. Gardiner, however, lowered liirn with a fine tackle. The scoa'9 were:— Grammar Old Boys, ,'i: University, 0. On changing ,over play livened up considerably. Stotter cut in wci! when the T nivcrsity backs attacked. Carter 'lashed up to take a pass and score beIveeii the posts. Bush easily converted. University had settled down better, only poor handling robbing it of some great chances. After several attempts by the Uni"versify backs Jenkiii made a pice opening ■winch Carter further improved, Goodwin ♦'ventually racing over ujiopposed. Bush failed to convert. Olsen and Bell were associated in a bright rush iust o'n half-time v. liich carried play to the University twentyfive. The scores at the interval were:— University, R ; Grammar Old Boys, 3. T university had a narrow escape when ilsoii broke away and kicked over Bush's bead. Goodwin saving. Grammar kept University penned in its twenty-five, but couM not, get over. Grammar bad the better of the remainder of the snell. but its hicks V"r? combining badly. The scores remained unaltered when the teams changed over for the final spell. Grammar kept up the altick until a rc.od kick by Bush transferred play to the other '■mi. Here from a free kick Bush kicked •" fine goal. University whs penalised ti'.'H Under its posts, but P. Skelton's kick hit the upright and rebounded. The game ended with the scores:—University. 11; Grammar Old Boys, -Mr. h (iunify was referee. DEFEAT OF COLLEGE RIFLES. College Hides kicked off against Technical Old Boys and immediately set up an attack. Faulty handling by the backs, howover, lost, around for the side. A fruitless 3'Ul by Gillespie forced Technical. A College Iliflea passing rush broke down and Hogg picked up the ball and passed to R. Couper, "who raced over near the corner. Hogg missed the shot. Technical attacked as soon ns the teams changed for the second quarter, Wilson being prominent for good defensive work. A loose rush went through tlie College Hides backs and a short bout of passing ended in I;. Couper scoring near the corner. Hogg failed to convert. College }!:lles rallied and a well-sustained effort ended in X. Williams crossing near the corn-*, AVilson converted with a fine kick. i. ice piece of dribbling by Fogarty threatened danger, but he was not well supported. Technical attacked again and ■Kcone drijbbled through and scared. Hogg converted, making the scores at half-time: Technical Old Boys, 13: College Rifles, 5. College Rifles got busy immediately on re'fining and a good bout of passing saw Ij. "Wjlliaros cross the lino ivide out. Wilson smsreJ the shot. In another College Rifles bark movement the wing-threenuarter centred, and a certain try was through f" ilt.v passing. Hogg was injured, being replaced by D. Keane. Technical took a turn *t attacking, and a rush in which both backs and forwards took part, saw Haslam

score. D. Iveane converted. Wilson missed a penalty shot in ail.easy position. A fine bout of passing by the College Rifles backs sent L. Williams over near the corner. Wilson converted, and (lie teams changed for the final quarter with but three points separating them. Technical, crossed its opponents' line, but was recalled for a forward pass. Both teams made great efforts to score l.ut the tackling was sound. Porteous fielded a short kick and scored well out. D. Kenne converted, making the final scores:—Technical Old Boys. 21: College Rifles, IG. Mr. D. V. Moore was referee. PONSONBY HARD PRESSED. Ponsonby was fully extended to beat City in a close and exciting match. From the kick-oil Ponsonby rushed to the attack and was soon battling on. City's line. McManus almost got over oil the blind side, ami then L. Ilook dodged through for Cammick to score. The kick failed. Up to this stage Ponsonby was having all the belter of the game, bill the City forwards, following a high kick, penetrated the defence. Following strenuous work in the Ponsonby quarter the ball was sent back, and again City found itself on defence. R. Hook had two attempts at goal, but the distance was too great. Relief came to City when Berridge broke through. Obtaining from a scrum, tho City backs moved jjito action, but Cammick intercepted l.riUi.'inf ly and gained much ground. Rerridge shone in a splendid dash which looked promising for City, but his pass was not accepted. K. Ifwerson had a shot from near 'hallway and Ponsonby forced. City was forced hack by a series of Ponsonby back rushes, hut the defence was solid. Play went tip and down field before City could gain the advantage. Ponsonby was defending stubbornly when half-time sounded, with the scorePonsonby, 3: City, 0. Play was distinctly brighter in the second spell both teams warming to tbe work. City's efforts were characterised by great determination and (he forwards swept down luc field with the ball at toe. At this stage Holt., the City rover, was injured. The forwards kept- to it and Ponsonby had more than one close call. Eventually Solomou relieved with a great dash to halfway. The movement broke down just at its most promising moment. The Ponsonby backs were not lo be denied and Cammick scored under the posts shortly afterwards. R. Hook had no difficulty in converting. Stung to greater efforts the City backs replied with a great dash, I\. Ifwerson scoring near the corner and kicking a great goal. The gam • speeded up and Canyiiick got over again, tho kick failing. Kicking a penalty, K. Ifwerson reduced the difference iD points to three. The final stages of the game saw all players making great_ efforts. City was eager to even matters, while Ponsonby fought desperately. The City forwards forced their way through and strenuous tussles followed in the shadow of the Ponsonby goalposts.. Cammick was hurt in stopping a rush, and his retirement caused Ponsonby some concern. Ponsonby obtained relief, which was short-lived, and the City forwards broke through repeatedly. I\. Ifwerson bad a shot, and (he crowd gasped when the ball sailed slightly wide. Ponsonby was on defence right up to the last, when a brilliant rally put it on the attack. The game ended:—Ponsonby, 11: City, S. Mr. R. C. Johnston was referee.

AN UNINTERESTING GAME. Marist won from Grafton by one point after a game that was close, Lilt ragged and uninteresting. I'lay began with u series of scrummages and the Marist pair, Hadley and Carroll, early showed their superiority. Kuru kicked well down but Marist came back and Marshall kicked through. Following up fast ho gained possession and dived over. .The kick failed. Sluggish play in midfield was changed by Walshe, who dashed down the line with Stuart in support. Grafton relieved, and its forwards, with Crompton and Finlayson in the van, carried play to the Marist twenty-five. From a penalty Wanoa • evened the score. Dull play saw the Marist pack work downfield. Ruru stemmed but Walshe caught him in possession. 'A free-kick relieved and Grafton returned play to neutral, territory.' A moment later Grafton was penalised in its own twenty-five and Stuart kicked a goal, placing Marist' again in the lead. The spell ended with play in midfield, the scores being: l —Marist, G; Grafton, 3. Crompton marked in the face of a Marist rush and tight play followed. The Grafton forwards were not displaying the form of the previous Saturday,, when they held University. Molloy headed a Marist rush but Liddle cleared. A Grafton back attack gave Ruru a slim opportunity. Evading several tackles and showing rare\ speed he ran to Stevenson and then passed to Fennel! who scored. ■ Wanoa converted. Locke struggled over from a melee in front of the Grafton goal, but was recalled. Dunn marked a clearing kick and had a shot at goal. The ball hit the upright, bounced on the crossbar, .and then fell over. The spell ended with the scores:—Marist, 9: Grafton, 8. Hadley and Carroll were giving the Marist back line every opportunity but fumbling apd running across field gave the wings few chances. The Grafton forwards attacked but co lid not get over. A rrosskick found Grafton out of position and Johnson, received again and scored. The kick missed. Ruru changed play with a fine run but the Marist dpfence was sound. Marist was penalised well out and Wanoa landed his second goal. The spell ended with the scores:—Marist, 12: Grafton, 11. The final quarter was marked by willing play among the forwards, with Grafton speeding the game up. Marist was almost over from a loose rush but fumbling spoilt the movementGrafton returned play, a seres of willing scrummages ensuing in Marist territory. The game ended with G>7l fton still attacking. The final ?i ores v.-ere:—Marist, 12; Grafton. 11. Mr. F. Patill was referee.

RESULTS IN LOWER GRADES. Senior Grade- B.—Parnell, ' 28, v. Kinjrslaini, II; University. 21. v. Otahuhu. (i: JJunedin. 22. v. Manukau. 0; Marathon. 35. v. Suburbs, 0; North Shore, 14, v. Tramways, 3. Second' Grade.—Grafton. 14...v. C'ity. 0: Ponsonby, 11'. v. Public Works, 9; University ,13. 3, v. Hauruki, 0; Grammar A, IS, v. Technical Old Boys. 0. Third Grade Open.—North Shore, IS. v. Y.M.C.A., 0; Public Works, 8, drew with University, S. Third Grade Intermediate.—North Shore. '2!). v. City. 3; Public Works. 5, v. Northcote. 3: 'Otahuhu. 14. v. Parnell, 3: Eden. 8 v. Grammar A. 0: Grafton, 6, v. Y.M.C.A.. 3: Grammar B," 31, v. University. 3: Suburbs, 43, v. KoHhcote. 0; Technical Oi l Boys. 17. v. Mnnurev.a. 11. Fourth Grade.—Grafton. 43. v. Panmure. 0: Otahuhu. 33, v. Kinssland, 3: Technical Ol'd Boys, 9, v. Marathon. 3. Fifth Grade.—Ellerslie. 11. v. 'Manukau. 3: Grafton. 5, v. Technical Old Boys, 0: Eden, li. v. Marathon, 0. Sixth Grade.— Ponsonby. lfi, v. Parnell. 3. Seventh Grade.—Suburbs. 7. v. Marist. 0; Xortli Shore, 19, v. Kingsland.'o.

Points. Ch. P. W. L. D. For. Vs. Pts. Training Col. , 1 •5 — — 71 at 8 ] V'liMmby 1 1 — 77 47 0 I'nivejsiiy 4 1 — 81 :i-2 6 >i.ruiiikau 4 2 — 07 G9 4 firutton J 'J — 41 41 4 Technical O.B. 4 2 o — 4S G:J 4 (irninrnar O-B, 4 1 ;i — ;n 48 2 ( ..liege liiflcs . 4 t :> — ■v; 8(j 2 ( i;y '. . ■1 1 3 — :« 57 2 M;u'ist .. 1 1 3 ~ 2i 45 2