RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21479, 1 May 1933, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OPENING OF THE SEASON grammar defeats manukau FAST GAME AT EDEN PARK Tho 1933' Rugby season opened in [Auckland on Saturday under idcali weather and ground conditions. There was a good attendance at Eden Park; end the spectators wcro treated to a, splendid exhibition in the main game on tho oval between Grammar and Jlanukau. The play was fast and interesting all the way through and tho crowd was truly thrilled when Manukau made a great effort in the closing stages of the game. Grammar won by a margin of three points and, while gome may consider Manukau to have teen unlucky, it must be remembered that Grammar scored fivo tries to its opponents' two, Tho curtain-raiser game was between University and Training College, the former winning comfortably. Tho University backs were much too speedy and clever for the opposition, and, as tho forwards are a dashing set, tho team is likely to develop into a solid combination. Contrary to general expectations Poiigonbv was, .fully extended by Grafton, eventually prevailing by a margin of fivo points after an interesting match on No. 3 ground'at Eden Park. Technical Old Boys and Marist played a close game at tho Show Grounds, the latter winning by six points to three. One point only separated the Otahuhu and College Rifles teams at Sturges Park, the homo team being successful. Following were tho results of the games: — University, 26; Training College, 3,. Grammar, 17; Manukau, 14. Ponsonby, 20; Grafton, 15. 2£arist, 6; Technical, 3. i; Otahuhu, 14; College Rifles, 13. Strong Combination Tie match between Grammar and Alanukau provided one of the brightest opening games seen lor some seasons!. Grammar was the much heavier side, more than one of the forwards carrying surplus condition. However, in tine course of the next two or three weeks, the team is certain to develop into a Btrong combination. There is plenty of .weight in the pack, while the backs possess pace, handling ability and knowledge of the finer points of the game. ' A promoted junior, Anderson, was tried at fullback and he gave a sound exhibition. Ke handled the ball and tackled well, and his kicking was excellent. The backs from Corner outwards will be a dangerous attacking combination when they havo played a few games together. Newcomers in the forwards, Pollock and Lockington, showed up well, the first-named being particularly prominent in the loose, while Lockington did nice work on the line-out. There were several new faces in the Manukau side. Spencer, the fullback, did all his work in attractive manner and showed distinct promise. Carrington, on the left wing, displayed a good deal of pace when he received the ball a few times in the first spell. Berridge, Stuart and Brimble all showed head work, while an auspicious debut was made by Hunter, the half-back. Ho played a very fine all-round game. The forwards all worked willingly, being fast? in the loose and supporting one another well. Kereopa, Johnson, W.iklund and Pepper were the most prominent. Caughey Outstanding University proved much too good for Training College. Caughey was outstanding at centre for University, his handling of v the ball and general judgnient being very fine. His speed and dash had his opponents bewildered on numerous occasions. The other backs all played well, Milliken displaying much dash on the right wing. Green, a new five-eighths, was very sound on defenco and McKearney, who replaces Carter at half, did good all-round work. ■Busk was very safe at fullback. Thomas, a new forward, was particularly prominent in the loose, following up untiringly to the very end. There is some good material in the ■training College team. The forwards work willingly and the backs handle the ball well. Inglis, behind the scrum, displayed a good knowledge of what is required of a player in this position. Pargeter showed up well on tho wing, uibson and Carnachan were the pick of a hard-working pack. Ponsonby and Grafton were neck and neck throughout the game, and it was ®nly strenuous work by Ponsonby in *5 f, a ?k en minutes, culminating in a brilliant try by Ramsay, which secured the team its victory. On the general run of play, a draw would have been a fair indication of the relative merits of the teams. Although ragged, the game was played at a fast pace, the • j c l liai^er °f an hour being characterised by some splendid movements. Among the new members seen in both -earns were several who made very promising showings. For Grafton, Mitchell proved that he had a good turn of speed, and plenty of keenness. Roberts and Finlayson also showed up prominently. In the Ponsonby team, Campbell, fullback, Hook, threequarters Pearman, five-eighths, and Gillott, a former King's College player, gave Ver >' good exhibitions. Although in tho first half, and in part of the second, Grafton maintained territorial honours, the Ponsonby defence was strong, while, on the ofFenB ' ve > Ponsonby had great penetrative strength. The threequarter line, including Ramsay, who played a dashing game, Hook, and Carter, was of great T ?'ue, while Solomon, as usual, displayed his pace and uncanny anticipation.

Couper's Good Display Maris 1 ; dominated the play until tho '■last stages of its came with Technical, Vben the latter rallied and played with Jnoro cohesion. The game, however, lacked smarkie. The Marist backs were raster than their opponents, who at times were sluggish. Marist was also superior in the forwards, tho pack doing +v. 'r w . or ' c ' n the tight play. "When the Technical rearguard did receive the ba ", the attacking movements _ were generally spoiled by careless passing. Couper, the Technical winger, was one of the fastest backs on the field, ®nd played an outstanding game. He scored his side's only points with a splendid try. I). Keane, the fullback, secured the ball in his own twenty-five, and he and Couper traversed the whole length of the field in a passing bout, youper finishing tho movement with a fast sprint to touch down. The Marist live-eighths, Muller and Cooney, were always a thorn in the side of the opposition. Their anticipation was excellent find their attacking n >vements incisive.

I lay in the openii e stages of tho gamo between Otahrhu and College Rifles was characterise ic of early season football, tho players being obviously strange to the feel of tho ball and studded boot. There were bright individual flashes, but tho cohesive team Voi 'k fore and aft which marks mid*cason play was only seen occasionally ui the later moments of the game when Doth sides strired hard for points. Honours wero fairly even arid Ota- « iu mer 'ted its one-p>"int win. w>th aides showed changed from last

season, Ot&huhu's back division indueled Gladding, from Whangarei, in place of Pearson, who was injured in training. Both teams fielded promoted juniors, who acquitted themselves creditably. White, at fullback, played safely throughout for Otahuhu, and Clarke and Pater:son showed up well. .Inglis, tho half, was clean in his work and opened up play finely. Of the forwards Ross, Jones and Jury were hard workers.

Vear was probably the most prominent College Rifles player from tho spectators' view. In' the early stages his interception and fast cutting in spelled danger on many occasions. Frankham, Wales, S. Kirk and Stone frequently took tho eye. Good combined play was shown by the College Rifles back-line, particularly in the closing stages.

FIRST TRY OF SEASON

UNIVERSITY'S VICTORY Tho honour of flooring the first try of the season fell to Townsend, the Training College five-eighths,, who crossed the University line shortly after tho start of the curtain-raiser gamo at Eden Park. He scored wide out after a fine swerving run. 11ns proved to be tho only points scored by his side. University was not long ill replying, Caughey making a nice opening for Kedgley to score. Bush failed at goal. A splendid bout of passing by the University backs let Milliken over in the corner. Tho angle was again too much for Bush. The next try came as the result of a loose forward rush, Stacey scoring behind the posts. Bush missed the easy shot. Another forward rush beat the opposition and the ball was kicked over the Training Collego line, Mulvihill falling on it and scoring. Bush converted from a wide angle. .Bush ran up from inside his own twentyfive and started a passing rush. Caughey and Milliken gained a lot of ground, tho last-named being pushed into touch in his opponents' twenty-five. The score at halftime was:—University, 14; Training College. Training College attacked early in tho second spell, Pargeier making a good run. Then Inglis was pulled down a few yard 3 short of tho line. Passing between backs and forwards cleared University's line A great run by Caughey took him to within a yard of Training College's line. Another dashing run by Caughey carried him across with two opponents holding on to him. Bush converted with a fine kick. Dare marked in a handy position, but missed the shot at goal and University cleared with a passing rush. Caughey secured the ball directly in front beyond tho twentyfive and dropped a nice goal. After a period of fast up and down play Stacey broke away and passed to Thomas, who scored near the corner. Bush missed the shot, the ball rolling before he kicked it. Training College attacked and passing among the forwards took the ball right to University's lino. Townsend secured possession and dropped at goal, but the ball went wide and time was called with the score:—University, J2G• Training College. 3. Mr. C. P. Paull was referee

SCORING ALTERNATES PONSONBY BEATS GRAFTON _ The scores alternated in regular succession in the game :in which Ponsonby beat Grafton by !20 points to 15. and both teams were forced to extend themselves throughout. Grafton attacked vigorously at the outset and for some minutes Ponsonby was kept within its twenty-five yards line. Jackson opened up an attack and Dick raced down the side-line, only to be forced out. Grafton kept up the pressure and eventually, when Campbell fumbled the ball. Dick got control and went straight through to score between the posts. Paton converted. Play drifted to tha other end, and from a scrum Hook got the ball and broke through cleverly to scare. Pearman converted. From a line-out near Ponsonby'a twenty-five, Roberts made a great opening and passed to Finlayson, who crossed the line. Paton converted. Mitchell and Finlayson broke away again for Grafton, but a dangerous-looking situation was averted by Campbell. Just before half-time. Frankham and Jnmieson advanced for_ Ponsonby and. when the ball was passed infield, Solomon secured and raced through. Pearman converted, making tho half-time score:—Ponsonby. 10; Grafton. 10. Grafton again took the initiative at the opening of the (second half and. at the conclusion of a combined rush. Finlayson just missed scoring. Davis secured the ball from a scrum and dashed across the line. Paton converted. For a period, Ponsonby kept Grafton on this defensive. A nice movement was seen when Ramsay cleverly intercepted in a Grafton passing movement, and sent to Hook, who was blocked just on the rear line. Frankham passed to Solomon, who forced his way down the side-line and ran right round to score behind the posts. Hook converted, again evening the score. The pace was now very fast, with Ponsonby doing most of the attacking. Just before time, the spectacular winning try was obtained bv Ponsonby when Paton momentarily fumbled the I all. Ramsay immediately seized his opportunity, kicked the ball out of Pfcton's control and followed up to score unchallenged. Hook converted, the game ending with the score:— Ponsonby, 90; Grafton. 15. Mr. M. Kronfeld. was referee.

VICTORY FOR MARIST SCORING IN SECOND HALF A rather uninteresting game, which brightened somewhat in the latter stages, was provided at the Show Grounds, where> Marist defeated Technical Old Boys._ An attempt by the Technical halfback to initiate a passing movement was smothered by the fast-breaking Marist forwards. A well-judged, kick by Muller, followed tip by S. Hadlejr. put Technical on the defensive. A free kick brought temporary relief, but Marist waa prominent in a clever passing movement, which was spoiled when Muller knocked on. Trigg almost scored a try, being collared on the line by D. Keane. Faulty handling spoiled several Marist movements, but an accurate line-kick by Trigg spelt danger for Technical ahd Judd scrambled over, only to be called back for an infringement. The Technical rearguard showed spasmodic glimpses of combination, a promising movement being nullified when Couper dropped a pass. Bowling put Technical on attack and' D. Keano essayed a penalty kick which fell short. Half-time camo with no score. On the resumption, Marist attacked, and from a penalty kick in front of the posts. S. Hadley opened Marist's seore. W. Hadley caught the Technical defence out of position with a long pass across the field, and a passing movement by the Marist rearguard culminated in Cooney being pushed out at the corner. A cleverly-con-ceived counter-attack by ths Technical rearguard was stemmed by tho Manst pack, and a passing movement by the Marist backs resulted in a try by S. Hadley. His kick failed. Technical replied, when D. Keane and Couper were seen in a clever passing movement, which began in their own twenty-five find culminated in a try by Couper. D. Keane failed to convert, and the game ended with the score:—Marist. 6; Technical, 3. Mr. A. A. Lucas was referee.

MARGIN OF ONE POINT FORTUNE FAVOURS OTAHUHU An early score by Oiahuhu against Collego Rifles at Sturses Park, Otahuhu, put the large crowd in good humour and its expectations of a stirring game were realised. From a scrum near■tho lino India received and, feinting a pass out, ho cut in and transferred to Himm, who scon:a. White converted. In a quick rally the Collego Rifles forwards bustled through and from a loose run Vear touched down. Wales converted. The College Rifles forwards settled down and secured from repeated line-outs. A fine run by Brown was stonwed near the line by F. Clarke with a great tackle. The College Rifles backs again returned, Brown and Vear leading strongly. Otahuhu came hack and from a penalty Mason goaled from an acute angle. At halftime tho score was:—Otahuhu, 8; College Rifles, 5. College Rifles opened with a strong back movement which was stopped when Brown was pushed over tho side-line. S. Kirk opened up play and Wales ran well down to hand to Stewart, who made it easy for Bell to cross. Wales missed with the kick. S. Kirk then miaßed with a penalty shot. Play swung back and Inglis received from a scrum near the line. Dummying finely he cut inside and scored. White missed the easy shot. Otahuhu scored again when Peterson burst through brilliantly and. kicking ahead, smothered J. Kirk's attempt to clear. Gladding, who followed fast, picked up and went aver. Mason failed to convert. The College Rifles, forwards had their reward when a high pant was taken by White, who was caught in possession by Wales. Frankham. collected the ball and went over unopposed. Vear converted. The concluding minutes were strenuously fought out and tho whistle sounded with the score:—Otahuhu, 14; College Rifle 3, 13. Mr. J. Gr. C. Wales was x*fy:e#.

GRAMMAR SCORES EARLY

KEEN GAME WITH MANUKAU

Grammar scored three minutes after tho start or us game against Manukau. Failure to tackle Macindoe enabled the backs to get going projierly and Savory crossed the lino wide out. Sly field, failed at goal. Manukau took a turn on attack, the backs throwing the ball about Ireely. Grammar was soon back and Macindoo found an opening, but his pass went astray. A great loose rush by the Manukau forwards roused the crowd and it took play beyond half-way. A good line kick by Berridge found touch near the Grammar line, but a penalty gave relief to the deleniling side. A bad pass by Brnuble spoiled n passing rush and then Berridge kicked too hard, his opponents forcing. A loose rush by the Manukau forwards took the ball over the line. Anderson forcing just in time. Merridge was nearly over after a passing rush, but ho was unlucky in throwing the bail forward. A scrum breach by Grammar enabled Berridge to eoualise with a penalty goal. The score at half-time was:—Grainmar. 3; Manukau. 3.

Manukau narrowly missed a try upon resuming. Four or five players swooped down toward Anderson, who was beaten by tho bounco of the ball. It rolled from Stuart into touch, however. The Manukau backs were now troubled by the sun and, failure to field the ball, let Macindoe away. Ho passed in to Pollock, who scored well out. Slyfield missed the shot. Manukau replied almost immediately. Passing among the forwards took play to Grammar's line, where Pepper threw tho ball forward. Webster then picked up in a scramble and dived over the line. Berridge's shot waß wide. Manukau took tho lead when a bout of in-and-out passing between Stuart, Carrington. Pepper and Brimblo ended in the lastnamed scoring. Berridge converted, and the crowd was obviously pleased with Manukau's lead of five points. Corner found touch near the flag with a well-judged kick and then sent tho backs away from tho line out. Savory spoiled the movement by passing wildly. Currington failed to tackle Currey. who dashed strongly for the line. Ho was hauled down a yard short, but Savory was at hand and picked up to ecoto near the corner. Slyfield converted with a fine kick and the teams were again level. Grammar assumed the lead when a bout of passing, in which seven or eight handled the ball, ended in Pollock ecoring. Slyfield failed at goal. A passing rush, started by Morgan, enabled Buckley to cross wide out. Slyfield missed tho shot. Macindoe was offsido in front of his own goal and Berridge added three more points for his side. A final effort by Manukau thrilled tho crowd, but there was no further score, the game ending:—Grammar. 17; Manukau, 14. Mr. A. E. Austin.was refei'ec. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grade B.—University, 12, Eden, 3; Grammar Colts, 37, Eastern Suburbs, 3; Parnell, 5, Manukau, 3; North Shore, 17, Technical Old Boys, 9.