RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21533, 3 July 1933, Page 12

RUGBY FOOTBALL

LEADING TEAM DEFEATED PONSONBY DOWN TO GRAFTON UNIVERSITY ASSUMES LEAD The defeat of Ponsonby by Grafton in the opening series of matches in the second round of tho Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition 'was responsible for the relegation of tho first-named team from leading position to second. Tho game was played at Eden Park, where there was a good attendance of spectators. Gm.fton's success was popular with the crowd, as well as the officials who looked at it from a gate point of view. University's success over Training College on No. 3 ground at Eden Park places it in the lead for tho championship, one point ahead of Grafton and Grammar. Tho latter team had a close game with Manukau at the Show Grounds. Marist, which hitherto was equal in third place with Grammar and Grafton, lost its position through being defeated by Technical in a keen contest on No. 2 ground. College Rifles accounted for Otahuhu in the second match on No. 3 ground at Eden Park. Following arc the results of the matches: — Grafton, 9; Ponsonby, S. Technical, S; Marist, 5. University, 14; Training College, 8. College Rifles, 8; Otahuhu, 3. Grammar, 5; Manukau, 0. University in Lead The following table shows the present positions of tho teams: — Points Ch. P. AV. L. D. F. A. .Pts. University.. 10 8 2 15-1 15-1 7S 10 Ponsonby . . 10 7 2 1 117 90 15 Grammar ..10 7 Grafton .. 10 7 ;S Marist . . 10 6 4 Otahuhu . . 10 3 G 1 72 129 7 Training Col. 10 3 6 1 00 105 7 ..-College Riiies 10 3 6 I 92 113 7 Technical . . 10 2 S Manukau . . 10 2 S Grafton o»ed its success over the leading team to the very fine play of its forwards, more especially in tho second :-pall, when the winning pack was definitely on top all tho way. The loose forward rushes of the Grafton pack, together with their following up and backing up, were much superior to those of the opposition. Ponsonby tried to hold Grafton with seven forwards, Solomon playing a roving game almost throughout. Fraser also played a semi-wing-forward game for Grafton, but he was seen assisting his pack far more often than Solomon. Ponsonby would have had a hard task in holding the lively Grafton forwards with a full pack of eight, and, therefore., it appeared to be faulty tactics to take one man out of the pack. Grafton's success was well earned, and the team would have been unlucky to have lost. From a territorial point of view the winning team had much the better of the second spell and only overanxiousness lost it several good opportunities. As each side scored a try, it was Paton who won the game for Grafton with a couple of penalty goals, the second one, on which the fate of the game depended, being an excellent effort. Exciting Finish This score made but one point difference between the teams, and the last five minutes or so were brimful of exciting moments for those spectators who were anxious to see Grafton successful. Ponsonby made a valiant effort to pull the game out of the fire, and it was unfortunate on one occasion 'when Jamieson had side-stepped a way past the opposition only to lose possession of the ball with a whole line of backs in support. No praise is too much for the great work- of the Grafton forwards, but special mention must be made of Finlayson, who led his men untiringly throughout the afternoon. The manner in which' the veteran followed up and invariably got to his opponent was an object lesson to younger forwards. Hardie also played a splendid game, being particularly prominent on tho line-out. Davis played consistently well, especially after sustaining a hard knock on the nose. Fraser was always conspicuous, being a source of continual annoyance in the loose. Seeing that Grafton secured possession of the ball in the scrums so frequently in tho second spell, all the forwards must share in the credit for a well-earned victory. * The Grafton backs have improved out of all knowledge, their passing and handling of the ball being very good on Saturday. Mistakes were made, of course, and errors of judgment committed occasionally bv the five-eighths, but-they certainly showed improvement upon previous displays and tho back line will have to be reckoned with in future games. Dashing Wing Ryall made one or two brilliant openings, but then did tho wrong thing and lost the opportunity. Currey displayed the dash of a high-elass wing when he scored his try in the corner. Paton's sound defence and good anticipation Raved his side time and again, while his line kicking gained much valuable ground for his forwards. The Ponsonby forwards obtained possession in tho majority of scrums in the first spell, hut they could nob sustain the pace set by the opposing pack. Cooper and Williams both did fine work on the line-out .and in the loose, Bond being also very prominent in tho latter respect. Solomon assisted tho backs a good d&d, scoring the side's only try in this connection. Frankham was not nearly so prominent as usual behind the Ponsonby pack, this being due to the fast-breaking methods of the Grafton forwards, who frequently smothered him before he could part with the ball. Jamieson was again the stnr back. He made the open-ing-which led up to Solomon's try and played a bendy game all through. The three-quarter lino did not see a great deal of tho ball. Kerr-Taylor mado few mistakes at fullback. - /> Referee Heckled

In a hard. exciting and willing ganie, with the issue always in doubt, and consequently a most interesting spectacle, Grammar narrowly defeated Manukau. Botli teams received a fair share of the ball front the scrums and line-outs, hut lack of scoring ability was Manukau's main weakness. Grammar was superior in the initial half, but after the change-over Manukau played such a relentless game that only the resolute Grammar defence stopped them from scoring. Manukau was the unlucky team on the day. As a combination, Grammar played well. Corner, who worked heroically, was as sound as ever, ofton starting dangerous attacks, while his rush-stop-ping was grand. Lendrum, Savory and Fletcher were ever prominent, while jviatheson,, at fullback, cleared many threatening rushes, and kicked a considerable length. The Grammar forwards were good, with W. Batty, Lockington, Scarborough and Morgan the best of them. Berridge, easily the best back on the field, combined" splendidly with the elusive Brimble, who made many fine openings. HncMleld was in great form • vehind the Manukau scrum, giving his L*ido many opportunities, while Carring-

ton and Flclt were dashing and showed determination ou tho wings. Heazlewood was sound at fullback, kicking well, and even combining in passing rushes. Forward, Manukau played a great open game, especially in the spoil, with Constable, Pepper and Kereopa continually in tie thick of the fray. Some of the referee's rulings caused a section of the spectators to voice disapproval in no uncertain manner, and at the conclusior. of the gaine ho was the object of a mild demonstration and a little pushing by Manukau's supporters, who ha I swarmed on to tho field.

Although University was never in serious straits, the lighter Training College team played courageously against a superi >r combination in tho early match o;n So. 3 ground at Eden Park. The University backs over-ran the opposition in tho first half, but the defence improved' out of all recognition in tho second spell, and the five-eighths particularly wore frequently tackled in possession. The most impressive University backs were .lagusch, hdfback, and Kedglev, wing-threequarter. Tho half was unfailingly reliable, and consistently sent out passes which were both swift and accurate. Kedgloy, favoured by tho trend of play, gave of his very best. Ho was fleet, determined and resourceful in everything he did. On the other wing Milliken played his usual depondablo game, although his opportunities were somewhat limited. Caughey, at ceiitrn-threoquartcr, was content to feed his wings. His performance on the da\ was below what has cnino to be expected of him. McKearuey, first five-eighths, and Mulvihill, second, both played well, although they had to contend with eager opponents. Bush played his customary effortless game at fullback. All the forwards worked tirelessly—• they had to. Probably the most outstanding were Drake, McVeagh and Sutherland. ' It was Townseml who held tho Training College backs together. At second five-eighths, ho was frequently prominent. All the others performed creditably, tlio tackling; being notably commendable. Fuller, fullback, had a heavy day's work and, although his kicking lacked any great range, he camo through well. The pack, which conceded a good deal to its opponents both in height and weight, deserves the highest praise. Superiority of Backs

The success of College Rifles over Otahuhu in the match on No. 3 ground at Eden Park can be attributed to the superiority of the backs in the first spell. The loseri improved to a considerable extent in the second half but could gain only three points. Brown, College Rifles wing-three-quarter, scored ;wo nice tries in the early stages, but failed to maintain his brilliant form. However, that docs not detract from th) merit of his two scores. In both instances he showed remarkable speed and easily shook off would-be tackier!'. All tho other backs were sound without being brilliant. Of the forwards, Stone and, Stewart wero the most vigorous. Both the Otahuhu five-eighths, Hdl and White, gave good exhibitions, but none of the thrcequarters was impressive. Playing his first game this season, Pearson appeared still to be nursing his ankle, which he injured at practice before the competition opened. Clark, on the other wing, bad scarcely got going when he had to leave the field through injury. Apart from some judicious centring, Stovvell, who replaced him. was only fair. Gladding, at centre, was not very conspicuous. Mason, fullback, was disappointing after his recent fine exhibitions, and Inglis, halfback, was also below his initial form.

Heath and Jury were the pick of the forwards, their work in the tight standing their team in good stead. Pilcher played a good roving game, his backing up of the renrguard being particularly noticeable. Technical Improves

The Technical Old Boys' team put up easily its best performance this season in beating the strong Marist combination. The game was seldom brilliant, but was interesting throughout, the last quarter of an hour being very exciting, and on the run of play Technical fully deserved its victorv.

Tho Technical forwards played a fine bustling game, keeping together well and following up fast. Ashley, who was the best of them, played an excellent game, and he was ably assisted by Savory and A. Keane, who were often prominent. Nelson did great work on the line-out. ' Gribble, a promoted junior, playing his first senior game, was easily the bust of Technical backs, and he looks like being a distinct acquisition with a little more experience. He ran and kicked powerfully and his try was a very good effort. The Technical hacks combined more effectively than previously, and all defended well. D. Keane was very sound at fullback,

Marist had an off day, for, although its forwards, lei by S. Hadlov, who played a good game, C. Hndlcy and Eville, played up to form, the backs, who were minus Cooney, lacked cohesion and were seldom dangerous, Loombe and Connolly being tho best. Colebrook was not as accurate as usual, and tho defence of the other backs was patchy.

GRAFTON'S SUCCESS SUPERIORITY IN SECOND SPELL Following Ponionby'a kick-off Moore sent the ball well down and Kerr-Taylor was compelled to find touch at his own tv.v ".ty-five. Then in a Grafton passing rush Ryail was brought down a few yards short. Tho first score came to Ponsonby. Jamieson received from tlio ball from Frankham on his own side of half-way and ran straight through the Grafton backs to Paton, where he in-passed to Solomon, who ran round behind the posts. Jamieflon converted.

With backs and forwards combining in passing rushes, Ponsonby kept play in tho vicinity of Grafton's twenty-five. From a penalty just ins'id') the twenty-five line Jamieson increased Ponsonby'a lead. A loose Graftd'n forward rush threatened danger until Hooli fielded well and saved. Giafton maintained ils attack, and Moore was unfortunate in slipping after he bad 'ide-stepped two tpponents. Ponsonby was kepi strictly on the defensive for the next ten minutes. Ryad dummied the opposition cleverly, but i.hrew r.way a certain try by passing wildly near the line. Grafton was awarded a penalty right in front of the posts and Paton kicked a goal.

Hack at the other end Jamieson missed wit! 1 a penalty whot just beyond the twenty-five near the side line. Pearmun, Ponrsenby's second five-eighths, retired with a 11 ii> injury and was replaced by Tetley. Ponsonby was av. aided another penalty just beyond the twenty-fivo, .Tarnicson sending the ball a little wide. Half-time sounded with the score:—Ponsonby. ft; Grafton, .'}. Grafton attacked immediately upon refcuminK. Kerr-Taylor being bustled into touch a cor pic, of /aids from the corner. A Oruflon passing rrsh broke down and Solomon kicked clear. Bond followed fast, but was ruled ofTside and Paton narrowly missed with a, penalty from long range. Ue was also unsuccessful -,vitb n shot from a foot inside, the touch line. Passing between Cnrlec. Bo:id, Fr.-iser, Tetley nv.d IJook took play 'o Grafton's twenty-five Gcod work by the forwards placed Grafton on attack once, riore.

Currey twice received the ball at tho end of passing rushes i.nd got within a. yard or two of the goal line on each occasion. A scrim- penalty mi>o I'onsonby relief, but the Grafton forwards were Boon hack again. Moore secui ed tho ball in the loose and just missed ivith a. drop nt goal. Pyall short-punted over the heads of the Ponsonby backs aj.d. following fitst, Stuart beat Hook for possession and passed to Currey, who dashed over, grounding the ball a fraction before bo waß howled against tho corner flag. Pnton's .kick was just a little, wide. Urged on by the crowd, the Grnfton forwards were t=een in sorr.e great loose rushes, Fmlo.yson heing repeatedly pro minent. A long kick by Solomon, followed tip by Carter, saw Ponsonby at, Grafton's

twenty-five. Tho Grafton forwards were responsible for again placing the sido on attack. Italia kicked high and followed fust, Kerr-Taylor being compelled to find touch well inside his twenty-five. With eight minutes to go Grafton was awarded a penalty well beyond the twenty-five and Pa ton placed Ins side in the lead with a fine goal. Tho filial five minutes were ex citing, with Ponsonby making frantic efforts to score again and Grafton defending desperately. The final whistle blew with the score:—Grafton. 9; Ponsonby, 8. Mr. J. A. Malcolm was referee. UNIVERSITY WINS AGAIN TRAINING COLLEGE BEATEN In the early match againet Training College 011 .No. 3 ground at l.deu Park, Lniversit.v immediately took lit) tho offensive. Soon Milliken and Caughey were away, but. the centre was well tackled. Then J3 ua I i made a fruitless attempt to pot. a goal. The University backs were not to be denied, however. Caughey making considerable ground before passing to .Milliken. In his reverse pass. Milliken omitted Caughey, the ball going to Mulvihill and then to Caughey, who sent Sutherland over for a well-deserved try. Bush had no difficulty with tho extra points. ''"l tia reverse put Training College on its mettle, and Francis. Lewis and Townsend were away in a

splendid rush, but Townscnd just failed t" score. Piny returned to midfield, where Jagusch sent hi* hacks off in a lively movement. The hall travelled alone tho line to Caughey. ami Kedgley, and, with a terrific hurst of speed, the winger scored a splendid try. Bush's shot at gonl missed. Again Training College got within striking distance. Inglis shol out « swift pass, for Dare to cut in without, anyone endeavouring to tackle him. Ho gave tho hall to Sayers. who scored the easiest try of the day. Townsend failed to convert from a comfortable angle. Af'.er Mulvihill had gained a lot of ground with a line kick, Krdglejr secured from tho resultant line-out and battled his way through the opposing forwards for another good try. Bush was unlucky with his kick, the score at half-time heing:—University, 11; Training College, 3. Training College began tho second spell determined at least to make up wine of its leeway. Inplis gained possession near tho University line, and after a determined run was solidly tackled by Bush right at. tho corner. Then University returned to the attack and. after a promising hack movement. Kedgley failed to t:iko a pass. Again the University backs were away, but this time Townsend intercepted beautifully on his own twenty-five, rim as far as Bush and sent, the bull on fo Lewis, who scored between the posts with three players in support. The kick was a gift for Townsend. Any hopes the Training College supporters may havo begun to entertain were speedily dashed, however. when University was awarded a penalty. Bush making no mistake with the kick from a central position between half-way and tho Training College twenty-five. The final score was:— University. 14: Training College, 8. Mr C. K. Paull was referee. CONVERTED TRY TO NIL GRAMMAR'S NAB HOW VICTORY By a converted try obtained in tho first half, and tho only score of the match, Grammar was lucky to defeat Manukau in a. thrilling, game at tho -Show Grounds. Play opened sensationally. Anderson kicked over tlie Mnuukau line, and Heazlewood was lucky in a desperate race for the ball with Corner. A splendid Grammar forward rush was nullified by Flett, and, when Manukau pressed, Lendrnm and Savory both found touch with good kicks. A crosskick by Lendrtun gave Grammar an opportunity, but Carrington found relief. Berridge was conspicuous in a good Manukau back movement, but Lockington regained lost territory for Grammar with a strong run When Scarborough made a dash for the line, Berridge saved smartly, but an exchange of long kicks between Heazlewood and Matlieson saw Grammar ffain Kiound.

Grammar continued to attack, and Corner launched a spectacular passing bout, Londrurn passing to Fletcher, who, after a good cut-in. passed to Savory. Tlio return pass to Lendrum, who scored, appeared to bo knocked on. A try was awarded. Corner ccnverting. Regarding this incident the referee stated subsequently that it was Bemdgo who knocked the ball hack toward his own line. Manukau next made a splendid effort, when Brimble, beating several opponents, passed to Berridge and Cnrrington, only to see Carrington tackled on the line. In the face of Manukau's bustling tactics, Matlieson cleared, but Carrington mado another spirited dash for the line. After further Grammar attacks, Berridge brought relief with a dazzling run before passing to Heazlewood. who. however, was pushed into touch. Tho hnlf-tiino score was:—Grammar, 5; Manukau, 0.

The second half opened with Manukau attacking, but Matlieson relieved with splendid line-kicking, which placed Grammar on the offensive. Good kicks to touch by Heazlewood cleared Manukau territory, until Corner initiated a good movement, which sent Savory dashing down the left flank. With a spectacular high tackle Heazlewood stopped a. likely movement. The Manukau fullback continued to place his team in _ advantageous positions with excellent kicking, Corner responding with a crisp run to past halfway. Manukau now controlled tlio game, and Brimble, Berridge, Flett and Carrington were noticeable in thrustfnl passing rushes, which, however, met with resolute defence. Sturdy tackling stopped forward rushes led by Pepper and Constable, and Lendrum just saved with a timely kick. Play now became desperately exciting. Heazlewood joining in with the other backs in a final unavailing effort, and a thrilling game ended with tho score:—Grammar, 5: Manukau, 0. Mr. M. Kronfeld was referee. MARGIN OP FIVE POINTS • OTAHUHU TEAM DEFEATED Play in the game between Otahuhu and College iiifics on the No. 3 ground at Eden Park had not been in progress very long when Clark, the Otahuhu winger, had to eo of! owing to an injury. He was later replaced by Stowell. Tho first score of tiie match came when the College Pities backs got going at half-way. They all run fast, the ball travelling to Brown on the wing. He. put in a splendid run, fended off Maton, tho Otahuhu fullback, and scored a fine try well out. Stone converted with a good kick. Almost immediately Brown scored again. Securing pofisevsion near halfway he flashed down the field, shook off Mason, outdistanced three forwards and gained another excellent try. Stono just aliased with his attempt at goal. Then the Otahuhu forwards carried play to their opponents' territory and were unfortunate r.ot to score. Dnrinfr a movement bv tho Otahul iii hacks the attackers were awarded a penalty, but the kick was unsuccessful. The half-timo 3core was:—College Rifles, S; Otahulni, 0.

Qtahuhit was firat. to take up the offensive. in (lie second spell. After lii'jlia had gained considerable ground, Heath found an open space in tho defence :m<l dived over fnr a try. Mason failed to convert. OJalnilm continued to hatter at the College T'ifles line, Stowell centering several times to take the forwards within nn are of scoring. Then the Otahuhu backs pot moving and maintained the pressure, hut without success. First White and then Stowell failed (o turn penalties to account, the camv ending:—College Hi ties, 8: Otahuhu, 3. Mr. ('. W. Henderson was referee. SURPRISE BY TECHNICAL DEFEAT OF i\iA"R I.ST FIFTEEN Technical attacked briskly from the start °L . S ,f :u ", c , wil ir "»d <ive minutes after the kick-oft A. J\enno capped n forward rush by touching down. D. lveane missed the kick. Boih sides indulged pi much indiscriminate kicking wilh Technica.l still holding a territorial advantage. J lad Joy was projniiiunfc loading the Maris! forwards in several rushes, which tho backs nullified by bad passing. Maris!, was awarded a free kick on the twenty-five for offside but Loombe missed. Gribble picked up with only the fullback to beat, but a scrum was called for a knock-on by Maris!. Then ioye started a Marist passing rush thai ended in Holland scoring. Loombe converted with a good kick. From a Technical passing rush Gribble heat the Marist backs to go through on his own for a good try. I). Kcano converted. Technical went back to the attack and Marist, had In force after a passing rush. Half-timo came with the score Technical, 8; Marist, 5. Technical instituted a series of back atlacka ii.'ter the interval and Gribble attempted a pot in a good position with Conner outside liini. Friend and Loombe gained a lot of ground by passing and a Technical forward was caught offside, hut Loombe's kick missed. Shortly afterwards Loombe missed with another attempt from near half-way. Technical came hack and Gribble got well awnv, but Couper knocked on his pass in a handy position. Tho Marist forwards made a great. efTort to even score, hut Technicals pack held them while the backs defended well, although penned to their own half. Play was very willing and a warning for fighting was issued. Friend. S. Hadley and Loombe nil made determined bids for the line in quick «wf Sa r r kw b f held u " a few vards short. Gribble cleared to Marist's twentyfive with a long kick and the Technical forwards rallied, although very tired and compelled Marist to force. Marist made a filial attack that was pulled up on tho twenty-five, and flu- same ended:—Technical. 8; Uarißt. 5. Mr. R. Leathnrfc was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grado B.—Eden, 20, Eastern Suburbs, 5. Second Grade.—Northcote A, 27, Manukuu, 0; Ponsonby, 41. Grammar B. 0: Grafton A, 20, Y.M.G.A., 16; Technical Old Boys, 11, North Shore, 3; Tamaki, 13, Technical Colts, 0; Grafton Colts, 10, Training College, 0: Grammar A, 11, University A, 6: Marist. *.), University B, 9; Northcote B, 11, Suburbs, 0. Third Grade Open.—University. 3, Eden, 0; North Shore, 11. Newton. 6. Third Grade Intermediate.—Manukuu B, 13, Eden B, 6; Technical, 18, Northcote, 3; Mil l ist, 15, R.N.V.K.. 0; Eden A. 19, Pnpatoetoe, 0; College Rifles, 41. Y.M.C.A., 0; Grammar, 17. Wnitemata. 0; Parnell, 11, Dilworlh Old Boys, 0; North Shore, 10, Suburbs, (i. Fourth Grade.—Ponsonby, 52, Eastern Suburbs, 0; Otnhuhu, 3, Suburbs, 0; Gram-mar,-20, Oralia. 6; Nortlicote» 8, Grafton, 0. Fifth Grade.--Suburbs, 14, Technical Old Rovs, 13; Marist, 12, Maiiuknu, 5; Ponsonby, 7, Eden, 3; Grammar won from Parnell by default. Sixth Grade.—Eden, 27, Ponsonby, 0; Technical Old Boys. 8, Manuknu, 5; Suburbs. ;s, Marist, 3'; Grafton, 0, Northcote. 0.

Secondary Schools' Gaines. —Third grade: Sacred Ilcnrt, It, Auckland Grammar ft, 0; Auckland Grammar A. 42. Otulnihu High School. 0.

Fourth Grade.—Sacred Heart. 2G, Auckland Grammar B, 0; Mount Albert Grammar A, 32, Otahiihu Technical, 3. Firth Grade.—Sacred Heart, 17, Takapuna Grammar. 0: Auckland Grammar, 15, King's College, 0; Ot' - . bu Technical D, 14, Auckland Grammar 3. Sixth Grade.—Sacred Heart, 23, Takapuna Grammar, 0. Seventh Grade.—Technical College. f>. Sacred Heart, 3; Auckland Grammar A. 39, Mount Albert Grammar B, 0: Mount Albert Grammar, A. 23, Auckland Grammar C, 0; Otaluihu Technical, 0, Takapuna. 0. Junior Boys.—•lntermediate: Eastern Suburbs. 11. Eden. 5; Parnell. 11. Suburbs, 5; Northcote. 7. Manukau, O. Junior: Olahtiliu, 53. Eastern Suburbs B. 0; Snbnibs. 24, Wnitemata, 0; Newton won from Northcote by default.