RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21509, 5 June 1933, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SIXTH SERIES OF MATCHES LEADING TEAMS DEFEATED ponsonby'in TOP POSITION The sixth series of matches in tho [Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition, played on Saturday in ideal football weather, brought nbout tho defeat of Grammar and Marist, the two leading teams. Ponsonby boat Grammar, and Grafton accounted for Marist, with tho result that Pontouby has now assumed a position, at the top of the ladder. Its margin, however, 'is a slight one, as it is but one point in advance of four other teams, Marist, Grammar, University and Grafton. Considering the counter-attractions, there was quito a good attendance at Eden Park. The curtain-raiser was productive of rather ragged play, and Grafton's margin over Marist in an even contest was a penalty goal. Ponsonby had all tho better of the first spell against Grammar, which, however, assumed the lead at one stage of the second spell and looked like having a comfortable win until Ponsonby rallied and eventually succeeded by seven points. Training College had a day out at the expense of Otahuhu, which failed to score a single point. Although considerably weakened, University proved too good for Technical Old Boys at tho Show Grounds, while College Rifles obtained a substantial victory over Manukau at Onehunga, Following wero the results of the matches: — Ponsonby, 20; Grammar, 13. Grafton, 6; Marist, 3. Training College. 21; Otahuhu, 0. University. 16; Technical, 6. College "Rides, 17; Manukau, 0. The following tablo shows the present positions of the teams: — Poinfs Oh. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Ponsonby •.. 6 4 1 1 SC> 53 9 Marist .. ■. . 6 4 2 Grammar . .. 6 4 2 107 107 81 8 University . f> 4 283 B3 48 8 Grafton .. .. 6 4 2- 89 68 8 Otahuhu . . . . C> 2 3 1 47 89 5 Oolleee Bifles . . G 2 3 1 59 53 5 Training College 6 2 3 1 50 53 5 Technical 0.8. . . 6 1 5 llanukau j . . . 6 1 525 77-~ - Good Half-Time Lead

Playing witla the wind in the first spell, Ponsonby had established a very useful lead of nine points oyer Grammar at half-time. When this was increased to twelve points shortly after the resumption of play, the game looked a certainty for Ponsonby. Grammar then rallied and put on thirteen points in. less than that many minutes, and, with but one point separating the teams, the spectators became very excited. Grammar died away again after obtaining the lead and a couple of good tries by Ponsonby .gave the side a welldeserved victory. Tonsonby's success can be attributed primarily to the splendid work of the forwards, who were more than a match for the opposition. The marked superiority of the Ponsonby forwards on tho liue-out enabled them to feed the backs consistently from this quarter. In the scrums, too, the Ponsonby pack obtamed its full share of the ball. Solomon played a more or less roving game and he had a hand in most of the tries scored. Ho was always prominent on attack and also did some good rush stopping. Every one of the forwards did his share toward gaining a meritorious victory. Frankham's Fine Display

A good deal of credit for his team's win can go to Frankliam, who gave a high-class exhibition of halfback play. He varied his tactics so well that when he chose to run. irom the base of the scrum he invariably found a gap in the defence. Besides scoring two tries himself he initiated movements which led up to other tries. Jamieson also played a fino allround game and his heady the opposition, constantly on the qui vive. By clever placements he found gaps with his short kicks over the heads of defenders and gained yards of valuable ground. The reverse passing movement, worked in conjunction with Solomon, which led up to a "try, was a clever one. Pearman was solid without doing the brilliant work which characterised the play of tho first, five-eighths. The threequarter line was fast and dashy, while Kerr-laylor nade few mistakes at fullbAck. Without the assistance of W. Batty, their captain and leader, the Grammar forwards played well, Morgan, Lockington and Wilson being especially prominent, the two last-named doing great work on the line-out. McCarthy, who came on after the interval, was continually in tho picturOj one of his solo dribbling efforts leading up to a try. I Cutting in Overdone

Corner is not quite in his best form ret, having met misfortune in the way of illness and injury. Macindoo cut in successfully at times, but ho overdid the practice. -He was caught in possession on innumerable occasions, with the result that tho other backs suffered from lack of the ball. Slvfield was very solid, and Lendrum did some brilliant things at centre. Tho wings did not get many opportunities, while Anderson, at fullback, was a little in and out in his play.

The curtain-raiser, between Marist 6iid Grafton, was for the most part a struggle between two evenly-matched packs of forwards. The banks of both tides failed to combine effectively, although the ball was not very greasy, i'or Grafton Paton played a splendid defensive game, his line-kicking saving tis side on several occasions. His pen®lty goal from long range won the game for his side. Halls and Stuart both did h°od work on defence, while Finlavson fi nd Bfinting were perhaps the pick of 11 hard-working pack. For Marist S. Hadlev, Poland, Jackson and Eville were the outstanding forwards. Connolly, the half, was the piok of the backs, doing some fine work hoth 011 attack and defence. Otherwise the Marist backs were not impresE '. re i. being much below the form they displayed when the team defeated University. The game on No. 2 ground at Eden Park was a somewhat straggling affair and Otahuhu had only bad teamwork blame for its defeat by Training College. Otahuhu was much the heavier team and held a territorial advantage lor the greater part of the game. Howcver, there was a general lack of understanding among both backs and forwards, and countless scoring chances Vent begging. Training-College, on the other hand, was quick to seize on opportunities and, although there was little in the w,\y of polished football, at % pla y. vvas always more aggressive. The/' light Training College pack Itvorked. wonders. It held the heavier opposition in scrum and line-out and jn the loose was definitely superior. Gibson, Pountney and Webber wore always prominent, and the smothering 'rut ,9 f . the entire pack was excellent. -• he Training College backs could never quite overcome the scrambling nature ®f the play, but Townsend and Dare forked well together at five-eighths, Mule Francis showed flashes of speed

and elusive running on the wing. The defence of the entire back line was flawless, with Lewis, at fullback, fielding perfectly and kicking accurately. The veteran Arnold 6tood out head and shoulders above the other Otahuhu players. He worked unflaggi ngly, both on attack and defence, but he could not perform the duties of a whole back line. Ho made play for his forwards as much as possible, and for long periods kept them storming the Training College lino. But the forwards lacked finish, and, whenever the Training College pack broke away, it found plenty of weaknesses in the defence. Both White, centre, and Mason, fullback, made costly mistakes.

Lively movements and spectacular dashes on both sides were features of the game between University and Technical College, Avon by tho former by 16 points to 6. The University attack was too strong for Technical, however, and the successful rushes of tho backs, coupled with fine forward work in the loose, was responsible for the lead. When play started, University had the sun and wind to advantage, and before long Mulvihill, Bracewell and Garlick were prominent among tho backs. McKearney, playing his first game as fullback, was fairly sure of himself, although he displayed a tendency to reverb to his former position in the backs. Among the University forwards those who played well were Colgan, McVeagh, Sherwood and Sutherland. Jagusch was quick at times in getting the ball out to the backs.

Technical College made a determined effort just after half-time, and Couper, Harris and Common figured largely in the onslaughts made. Mackenzie, at halfback, showed superiority over his opponent in the University team, repeatedly getting the ball well out to tho line of backs, and he was himself responsible for one of Technical's tries. McMiken and Hardley were the most prominent in tho pack. Playing excellent football in the second spell, College Rifles trounced Manukau by 17 points to 0 after leading by six points at half-time in the game at Onehunga. In the first half Manukau conceded very little and was unlucky not to have scored. However, when the teams changed over College Rifles improved out of all recognition and piled on another 11 points. Tho passing of the winning team was admirable. Although all the backs wero sound, Stewart, on the wing, was frequently brilliant. Ho ran with determination and passed judiciously. His two tries were the result of running strongly for tho corner. Brown, on tho other wing, saw less of the ball, but he was never found wanting. Wales, centrethreequarter, also played with resource. Tho forwards all worked well, with Stone frequently prominent. For Manukau, Berridge, first fiveeighths, was always in the picture, but ho failed to produce tangible results. Brimble, the diminutive second fiveeighths, displayed his usual nippiness and was always on the alert. After an excellent start, Poulton, wing-three-quarter, did some foolish things in the second half. Of the forwards, Constable, Benjamin and Pepper wero probably the most deserving of mention. A common fault, among both sets of backs was over-eagerness to get rid of the ball. On at least one occasion a certain try was lost by a player failing to draw his man before sending the ball on.

AN EXCITING GAME PONSONBY'S VICTORY Grammar won the toss, but played against tho wind and sun. Ponsonby attacked early. Newdick heading a rush. A penalty gave Grammar relief. Good work by Lendrum sent play to Ponsonby's twenty-five. Macindoe beat the defence badly, gaining forty yards of ground before passing to Savory, whose infield pass was smothered. Grammar made every effort to open up play, and Lendrum and Savory gained ground on the right wing. Then Corner ran round on the blind side, and, when near the line,. he passed to Buckley, who was pushed into touch a yard short of the corner flag. Lendrum dropped at soal and -went close, KerrTaylor forcing down. From a scrum the ball wont from Corner to Macindoe, who ran into the Ponsonby forwards, and a loose rush sent play to halfway. Hero Bond dribbled clear, attended by Solomon, who pushed Corner away from the ball. Carter picked it up and passed out to Ramsay. The ball bounced off the wing-threequarter's chest, but ho recovered it and crossed wide out. Pearman failed to goal. Ponsonby added to its total a few moments later. The ball was heeled from a scrum near halfway to Frankham, and the halfback fooled the opposition, getting almost to the fullback before passing to Solomon, who evaded a tackle and scored well out. Pearman was unable to convert. Ponsonby continued to have the better of the play territorially until Macindoe made a fine jinky run well into Ponsonby s territory. Here he passed to Lockmgton, whose hesitation in looking for someone to pass to cost. Grammar a certain try. Ihe game was being keenly contested and penalties were fairly frequent. Jamieson and Solomon worked the reverse pass splendidly, enabling the last-named to reach -the fullback. He then passed to Pearman and Campbell, who scored wide out. Pearman missed the snot nt goal, and the score at half-time was: — Ponsonby, 9; Grammar, 0. Pollock, one of the Grammar forwards, did not resume after the interval, McCarthy replacing him. Grammar set up attacks, but Macindoe cut in too much and was continually smothered. A loose rush took the ball over the line and Savory knocked it back in. attempting to force down. Williams fell on it. and appeared to score a try, but tho referee ordered ft dr f °P-°"J at the twenty-five. Ponsonby again aUacked strongly, and, securing from a s C runi P C'K. a knock on the head and retired, Dav s replacing him. Ponsonby w , a %r e fi n "/o Se o d „ e ne!} beyond the twenty-five and Sbfield Grammar's score with a goal from a iai 1. difficult angle. Grammar its total when a great piece of individual by McCarthy took the ball , fTO ]l I n^ uS i T ' halfway Tight to Ponsonby s line. He vas well supported and Gillett picked up «£ ball and fell over the Vne. S yfield was again accurate with a difficult If ' cl{ ;, . . (Grammar was now having much the net ter of the exchanges. Macindoe failed .with a drop at goal. Gillett was again Prom.nen in a Grammar passing rush nnd he fiGnt on to Wilson, who set the backs m motion. Lendrum secured and ran round jenramposts. Sly field easily converted, and Gram iThirown Lendrum was penalised for holdin, to '^irk Fearman was unsuccessful with the■ Frankham once again beat. he Gramma banks badly when he side of a scrum and scored near the pos . Jamieson converted. The spectators rose to their feet in the exciting moments characterised the closing stages. The ball went out to Savorv in a "nssing rush, but he was well tackled by Kerr-Baylor a few vnrds short. Slyfield misF-d with a density from near the touchlino. The Ponsonhy forwards took play to the other end jvhrre from a loose scrnm Solomon obtained th ball from Frankham end . Jamieson and forced his way over. Jamieson failed at coal, and the final score was Ponsonby, 20: Grammar, 13 Mr. M. Kronfeld was referee.

MARGIN OF THREE POINTS GRAFTON DEFEATS MARIST In the curtain-raiser at Eden Park Grafton kicked off and loose play followed unhl Grafton was awarded a free Ij lo * onsifl • Paton took tlio shot and the ball nit a. post. Marist carried play back to halfway, but (he game continued scrappy, with Ulfjlton holding a slight advantage. Paton missed with another free kick, and play continued in the forwards. Moore, Grafton s second five-eights, went off hurt, and Fraser was taken out of the scrum to replace him. Jackson going into the forwards. Paton missed with another free kick from the twenty-five. The first half was very scrappy, the backs being unable to handle, the ball, and there wts no score at the interval. Upon resumption Fraser went through yY 5 defence, but spoiled ft great chance by holding on about ten yards from Marist s line. Marist also lost a chance when Loombe knocked on with an open field ahead. A lons kiok was followed up fast by the Grafton forwards, and Bunting scored wide out. Paton missed the shot. The Marist forwards attacked from the kick-off and a scrum infringement gave Cooney a chance at goal, which he missed. The Grafton forwards carried play back. From a passing rush Stuart appeared well away, but bo

was brought down. Marist's backs were lobpassing and were smothered by the fastbreaking Grafton forwards. Play continued even until S. Hadley dribbled through from halfway. Cooney carried on to near Grafton's line, where Muller followed up fast, secured, and scored in a handy position. Cooney failed at goal. Marist was now putting mora vigour into its play and Paton was called on to save several times. Then S. Hadley was offside round a scrum and Paton kicked a great gorjl from ten yards inside halfway and near the sideline. Marist came with a last rush, but Grafton forced down, and the game ended:—Grafton, G; Marist, 3. Mr. C. F. Paull was referee.

LOST OPPORTUNITIES OTAHUHU FAILS TO SCORE Although Otahuhu held a territorial advantage for the greater part of its game against Training College, the latter team was far more proficient at turning opportunities to advantage, and won easily. After an early attack by Otahuhu, Francis made a good run for Training College and kicked well for a gap. The forwards carried on and a few minutes after tho start Pountney scored between tho posts. Townsend goaled. Fine individual work by Arnold, placed Otahuhu on tho offensive, but openings which ho frequently made wero not turned to account. For a lengthy period Training College was kept forced back on its own line, but the forwards managed to break through as a result of faulty handling by "White. There was littlo combined play on either side and tho next points camo when Otahuhu was penalised in its own twenty-five and Townsend kicked a good goal. Otahuhu made another fruitless attack before halftime came with tho score:—Training College, 8; Otnhuhu, 0. Brilliant dashes by Francis and Townsend opened tho second spell, Arnold clearing and the Otahuhu forwards, led by Jury and Ross, took play downtield. Although fighting against superior weight. Training Collego possessed tho greater mobility. < and (juickly returned to the attack for Gibson to score from a forward rush. The kick failed. Then Francis made another good , individual dash before sending Townsend ; and Dare away, Pountney rounding off the ; movement with a try. Townsend converted. Otahuhu continued to take its turn on attack. but its play was invariably ragged. Wea,k and hesitant play by_ Mason let Training College through again, and from a scramble on the Otahuhu line "Webber scored. Townsend goaled, and tho game ended with tho score:—Training College, 21; Otahuhu, 0. Mr. J. G. C. Wales was referee. UNIVERSITY'S WIN TOO GOOD FOR TECHNICAL University kicked off and tho forwards took the ball into Technical's territory. The ball got into the hands of the University backs, but Mulvihill was tackiest in possession. A fino passing rush resulted from Jagusch getting the ball out well, and it travelled to Bracewell, who scored. Sherwood failed with tho kick. A spectacular run was made by Mulvihill. who passed to* Anderson, stopping tho movement. Lewis nearly went over later, McKenzie clearing with a good kick. dashed up tho wing with tho ball, but was brought down. A passing rush by the University backs saw Sutherland get possession and he broke away with Sherwood in attendance, and the last-named took the ball to score between the posts. McKearney converted. Couper and Evans broke through for Technical, but failed to 6<:ore. Colgan started a fine rush, the ball going between Armitage, Sherwood. Sutherland, Anderson, back to Sutherland and Sherwood, who scored. McKearney converting. The score at half-time was:—University, 13: Technical College, 0. On the resumption of play Mackenzie started a rush and tho ball went out to (Couper. who scored. Manning failing with the kick. Soon afterwards, from a five yards' scrum, Harris nearly went over, Lewis tackling effectively. The Technical backs were getting well supplied with the ball by Mackenzie. From another scrum. Mackenzie went round on the blind side and scored, Manning failing with the kick. University returned to the attack and Bracewell scored after receiving from Jagusch. McKearney failed with the kick. Harris went through and passed to Evans, who was brought down. Technical forced University back to its twenty-five, McMiken being prominent in a rush. The University forwards, headed by McVeagh, Sherwood, Colgan and Sutherland, hrought the ball into Technical's twenty-five. Steel went on to replace Garlick, the University wing. Common made a good run across field, but was tackled by McKearney. At the call of time the score was:—University, 1G; Technical College, G. Mr. C. F. Stratford was referee.

CONVINCING VICTORY SUCCESS OF COLLEGE RIFLES ' College Rifles experienced no difficulty.in defeating Manukau in the match at Onehunga. The College Rifles backs, aided, by a strong breeze, were tho first to get going. It was not long before Stewart, on the wing, fielded the ball from a high kick and beat three Manukau players to score a splendid try near the corner. The angle was too acute for Stone to convert the try. Manukau took up the attack, Poulton just failing to score on two occasions. Afte.r a period of somewhat aimless kicking, S. Kirk, halfback, sent tho College Rifles backs away. Every man handled and. a fine movement resulted in Stewart getting over again at the corner. Stone's shot at goal missed. At half-time the score was:—Collego Rifles, 6; Manukau, 0. In the second spell McDonald, the Collego Rifles forward, was replaced by Lawrence. Soon it became apparent that College Rifles definitely held tho whip hand, tho forwards hooking cleanly and the backs passing with a precision which was a. delight to watch. From a melee on the Manukau line Bell dived across for a try. Stone added the extra points. Then came the finest concerted effort of the day, half a dozen College Rifles men handling the ball before Wales, centrethreequarter, ran round and scored behind the posts. Stone failed to goal. Next Wales and Brown, wing-threequarter, were associated in some flawless in-and-out passing, which ended in a. well-deserved score by Brown. Vear's attempt to goal failed. Manukau rallied, but its desperate efforts were in vain, the game ending with the score:— Collego Rifles, 17; Manukau, 0. Mr. A. E. Austin was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grado B.—Parnell won from North Shore A by default;"Manukau, 17, University, 0; North Shore, 9, Grammar Colts, 6. Second Grade.—GrammarrA, 11, Technical Old Boys, 0; Grafton A, 16, University, 3; Marist, 14, Grammar B, 9; College Rifles, 21, Training College, 5; University, 11, Waitemata, 6; Suburbs. 12, Grafton Colts, 3; Tamaki, 13, Northcote B, 0. Third Grade Open.—Newton, 36, College Rifles, 3: Eden, 14, Oratia, 6. Third Grade Intermediate.—Technical Old Boys, 26, Training College, 14; Eden, 27, Y.M.C.A., 3; Collego Rifles, 9, Marist, 3; Manukau A, 5, Otahuhu, 5; University, 9. Manukau B, 5, Suburbs. 16, Grammar, 14; Waitomatft, 13, Eden, 6; Dilworth Old Boys, 17, Northcote, 0. Fourth Grade.—Norlhcoto, 14, Grammar, 3; Point Chevalier, 40, Northcoto, 0; Grammar Old Boys, 11, Otahuhu, 0; Suburbs, 6, Grafton, 0. Fifth Grade. —Marist, 13, Parnell, 6; Technical Old Boys, 16, Grammar, 6; City, 5, Point Chevalier, 0; Suburbs, 6, Ponsonby, 5. „

Sixth Grade.—Eden, 43, Northcote. 0; Grafton, 9, Marist, 0; -Technical Old Boys, 15, Ponsonby, 0; Manukau, G, Suburbs, 3. Junior Boys.—lntermediate grade: Suburbs, 15, Parncll, 3; Manukau, 18, Northcote, 3. Junior grade: Waitemata, 9, Northcote, G; Newton, 38, Y.M.C.A.. 0; Eden, 3, Otaliuhu, 3: PZastern Suburbs, 22, Good Shepherd Convent, 0; Manukau A, G, Manukau B, 0; Suburbs, 38, Parncll, 0.