RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21545, 17 July 1933, Page 12

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MATCHES PLAYED IN MUD GRAMMAR DEFEATS GRAFTON LEADING TEAM HARD PRESSED The second round of matches in the 'Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition was continued on Saturday afternoon under wet and muddy conditions. Tlio grounds were very heavy and sloppy and the greasy ball was all against spectacular play. There was only a small attendance at Eden Park where the principal attraction was the meeting between the Grammar and Grafton teams. The game was almost entirely a forward one, and Grammar, coming with a lato run, claimed a margin of two points when the final whistle blew. University, the leading team, was fully extended by Manukau on No. 2 ground, scoring two tries against a penalty goal. A keen contest resulted on No. 3 ground, where Technical Old Boys prevailed over Collego Rifles by the narrow margin of one point. Marist proved too good for Training Collego in their match at the Show Grounds, while Ponsonby did not have matters all its own way against Otahuhu at Sturges Park, although its margin of points was a comfortable one. Following woro tlio results of tho matches: — Grammar, 8; Grafton, 6. University, 6; Manukau, 3. Technical, 6; College Rifles, 5. Marist, 13; Training College, 5. Ponsonby, 11; t Otahuhu, 4. Three Teams Third Equal The following table shows the present positions of the teams: — PointS. Clip. P. W. L. D. P. A. Pts. "University ~ 12 10 2 Ponsonb/ ~ 12 9 2 1 173 94 19 Grafton ' .. 12 8 4 Grammar p . 12 8 4 Marist . . 12 8 4 Training College 12 3 7 2 101 124 8 Otahuhu ..12 8 8 1 82 156 7 Collego Rifles 12 3 8 1 97 134 7 Technical . . 12 3 9 Manukau 12 2 9 I 56 119 5 Grafton had a good deal tho better of the first spell against Grammar, although the score-board at the interval showed 3 all. With the advantage of tho breeze, however, Grafton was expected to do better still in the second ppell, but the Grammar forwards exerted themselves and were having much the better of the exchanges toward the end. The Grafton backs made the fatal mis- ; take of trying to pass the greasy ball, with the result that they invariably lost much valuable ground that had been gained by the forwards. Had Grafton stuck to it with its forwards it may have eventually succeeded._ Mishandling was excusable under the circumstances, but the speedy Grammar backs wero able to take advantage of the errors to frequently turn defence into attack. A wet day invariably brings a' fullback into the limelight and Saturday's game was no exception to tho rule. Both Matheson, Grammar, and Paton, Grafton, did some brilliant work on defence, the last-named being the better of the two, Matheson committed tho unpardonable sin for a fullback of speculating in the face of a loose rush, with the result that Grafton was enabled to score its second try: Most prominent of the other backs were tho two halves, Corner and Ryall. Both played fine games and did a great deal of rush stopping in the face of vigorous forwards. Suited by Conditions The conditions seemed to suit W. Batty, who played his best game of the \ season. Scarborough was another frequently prominent in the loose, although all the forwards did their share toward victory in the second spell, when A. Knight made his first appearance for the season on the oval. The Grammar forwards were freely penalised, suffering on fourteen occasions against six free kicks given against Grafton. The Grafton pack can take- credit for "an excellent performance, bowing only _to a little superior weight in the closing stages. All played well and would have been wise to have kept control of the ball all day. In a game that was surprisingly bright and fast considering tho state of the ground. University scored a wellmeritecl win over Manukau. Manukau played the conventional wet-dav gaino throughout, keeping the ball in the forwards and kicking for the lino, whereas University opened up play, and took the risk of back passing wherever possible—a policy that won the side the game. The handling Of the backs was excellent, and it would be hard to single out any of them for particular mention, the three<juarters especially playing well. The University forwards had a hard day against a heavy pack and acquitted themselves creditably, Anderson and Drake being always prominent. Both fullbacks played _ first-class names, handling and kicking excellently. Bush had an off day at goalkicking, but his lino kicking was good, while Heazlowood was always safe and accurate. Manukau's forwards were a shade the better pack especially in the loose, with Wiklund and Kercopa outstanding, but the backs, although they defended well, could not handle the ball, Brimble being the exception. Brimble was easily the best of them, his defence being of great value to his side. One-point Margin A slight all-round superiority gained Technical its one-point victory over College Rifles. Its forwards combined better in tho tight, and the handling of its backs was surer than that of Collego Rifles. D. Keane played an excellent gamo at fullback, his handling being sure and his kicking very powerful.

Couper, on the wing, and Gribble, centre, adapted themselves well to the conditions, and combined effectively with tho forwards in dribbling rushes at time. Gribble was probably the best back on the ground. McKenzie, at half, was the best of the other bncks. All the forwards worked hard, Nelson doing great work in tho tight and on the linoout. A. Keane was outstanding in the loose, and McMiken, Savoury and Bowling played splendid games and seemed to revel in the heavy going. Kirk, the College Riilos fullback, had a particularly hard day, and came through with credit, frequently saving in front of tho whole Technical pack. McCormick and Frankham, fiveoigliths, played well, but tho other backs, with the exception of Stewart, who did not got his share of the ball, were uncertain in their handling. The pack played very well at intervals, and was usually suporior in the loose. Stone, Bell and Lawrence wero always prominent Superiority in Forwards

Marist nevor looked like being defeated in its match with Training College, having a distinct territorial advantage in the first spell. In spite of the unfavourable playing conditions the game was always interesting. Although continually beaten for possession in the scrums and line-outs, the Training College forwards played valiantly in the open. Their backs, too, did well on defence, and hacked up their forwards throughout. rho heavier Marist pack kept together splendidly, aud made much ground with clever and determined dribbling, while the Marist rearguard, handling the greasy ball with remarkable precision, executed several fine at-

tackling movements. A feature of the match was the accurate place-kicking of Cooney, the Marist second liveeighths. For Marist. all tho forwards ployed finely, with Judd, Poland and Eville, who* dribbled effectively, and Toye always prominent. W. Hadley, whose hooking gavo Marist almost -uninterrupted possession, also played well, and among tho backs Connolly, Muller and Cooney wcro solid defenders. Liddle and Friend both showed good pace and Colebrook was sound. The Training Collego backs played gallantly on defence, and in this con-' nection Inglis, Dare and Townsqnd were prominent. Lewis, whoso handling was faultless, was a paragon of steadiness at fullback, and the outstanding defensive player in his team. All the forwards, though lacking in weight, played excellently. Gibson, Wobber and Gunn, a trio of solid hard workers, who showed cleverness and pace at times, were ever prominent, and rallied their colleagues continually. Dashing forward play and a solid defence that remained unpassed enabled Ponsonby to defeat Otahuhu. Reliable handling was impossible, and both teams exploited kick and rush tactics. Ponsonby's greater success was revealed in speedy breaking and following through. Although outpaced and outWeighed by the opposition, tho Otahuhu forwards could claim a territorial advantage. They fought hard, but could not apply the vital finish. Ponsonby was fortunate that Otahuhu did not convert three consecutive penalties in the early stages. All were within goaling reach, but Otahuhu lacked a reliable kicker. Ponsonby, on the other hand, made the most of the two awards falling its way. A fatal hesitancy to kick cloar spoilod Mason's fine display. Two scores resulted from his being too easy going. Gladding was the most resourceful Otahuhu back, but Pearson and Hill, at five-eighths, and Inglis, at half, were frequently smothered in possession. Jones and Williams were particularly good in the forwards. ' Kerr-Taylor, was shaky under pressure, but received fine support from Hook, Jamieson and Poarman. Jamieson was, well attended by - the opposition. Frankham played finely, getting many balls from the scrum base cleanly to his supports in spite of adverse handling conditions. All the forwards entered willingly into their work and earned full honours. Bond and Newdick broke fast and worried the defence repeatedly.

GRAMMAR'S NARROW WIN TWO POINTS OVER GRAFTON Grammar attacked early., but a penalty cost the sido some ground. The Grafton forwards quickly found their feet and kept the opposition busy checking their loose rushes. Securing the ball from a scrum Ryall worked the blind side cleverly, passing to Halls, who beat his man and raced up to Matheson, where he passed to Finlayeon, who scored wide out. Paton failed with the kick. Grafton continued to havo the better _ of the exchanges. The backs were getting plenty of tfcp ball, but mishandling lost them numerous opportunities. Good kicking -by Paton and Stuart stemmed Grammar rushes. Corner centred nicely, but tho ball bounced correctly for Paton, who repulsed the attack. A loose rush by the Grafton forwards eaw tho sido once moro on attack. Fraser followed up fast and got to Matheson, but ho was ruled offside and a scrum back near half-way relieved Grammar. A loose rush by the Grammar forwards looked dangerous, a force down resulting. A long kick compelled Grafton to force again. A penalty near half-way gave Slyfield a shot, and ho kicked a fine goal with tho heavy ball. Half-time arrived with the score:—Grammar, 3: Grafton, 3. Wilson, one of the Grammar fonvardß. did not resume after half-tiqie. A. Knight, who replaced him, receiving a cheer from the crowd. A second cheer greeted the fact that Knight had his jersey torn in the first melee in which he participated, and a third when he was then caught offside. Grafton ottacked early, ATatheson saving by fielding tho ball splendidly kicking to touch. Offside forward play checked two Grammar rushes and a loose counter rurfli swept down toward Matheson. The fullback speculated weakly and the ball bounced off Ryall, who ran on after it and scored an easy try. Paton took tho kick, but the ball hit the left upright. A penalty against Knight for offside on the line-out gave Paton a shot from a wide angle, the ball falling under tho bar. Grafton maintained its attack, Jackson making a bid for tho line. The Grafton backs lost ground, however, by trying to handle the ball. Corner made ground with a run from a scrum and W. Batty dribbled the ball on, Grafton being fortunate in getting out of difficulties with a forco down. Matheson then earned applause for stopping a forward rush in good stylo. W. Batty and Potter led the Grammar forwards back, a penally pulling them up when within striking distance. A penalty to Grammar near half-way saw Slyfield fail at, goal. Stuart spoiled a Grammar passing rush when ho intercepted. Ho knorked on. unobserved. and kicked to past half-way. Lendrum sent, play back again to Grafton s twenty-five. Here Corner passed to Anderson who was pulled down a yard short. W. Baity was handy and he picked up the hall and dived over Slyfield converted. Grammar had all the better of the next five minutes' play. A Grafton rush developed and Lendrum was penalised for holding the ball, but Paton missed from well beyond the twenty-five Tho game endea Grammar, 8: Grafton. 6. Mr. C. F. Paull was referee. SCORING IN SECOND SPELL UNIVERSITY DEFEATS MANUKAU Bush early placed University on attack with a good line kick and Jaguscli cot the ball to Milliken, who made a determined bid for the corner. University was using its backs as much as possible before the ball became too greasy and Caughey made a good opening for Kedgeley, wno knocked on when close to the line. A penalty came to University fcr a scrum breach,.but laijsh missed. University was making all tho play and Jagusch came round the scrum and passed to Ivedgeley. who failed to connect and lost a good chance. Bush missed another free kick from well out and then Milliken started a passing rusli and Caughey put in a great burst, but Alulvihill missed his pass. Flett made a good break down the sideline and Brimble carried on. University saving with a forco down. Manukau now put in its first period on attack and Heazlewood missed with a penalty from a good position. Then Bush failed with another nttempt from a penalty and half-time was called with no score. Wiklund broko away from a scrum and dribbled over the line, where the ball rolled into touch. From a penalty Hoazlewood hoisted tho flags with a Rood kick from an angle. University opened up play again and in a movement started from a scrum at half-wav Caughey ran Milliken into position for the winger to score an excellent try. Bush could not convert. Manukau s forwards came back in a great rush that beat Bush, but they were held up by Kedgeley on the line. Bush attempted another penalty from near half-way, but his kick was short. The University backs continued to handle the ball as though it was dry and Kedgeley was pushed °" l ' few yards short after another rush. Green bent his man, but lost the ball, which was kicked hard' over the lino, and Kedgeley won the race to fall on it. Buiih failed with an easy kick. Then Bush set his backs going and Milliken kicked infield the forwards rushing back to the attack. The Manukau forwards swept right down to University's line, but Caughey got back in time to savo. The game continued among the forwards with Manukau endeavouring to equalise, but the end came with the score: —University, G; Manukau, 3. Mr. A. E. Austin was referee.

MARGIN OP ONE POINT TECHNICAL TEAM'S SUCCESS Technical's victory ovor Collego Riflcß by one point was a fair indication of the run of play. Under the conditions, play was confined mainly to the forwards, but at the beginning the Technical backs tried hard to open up play. Couper nearly scored after the ball had been handlod by all the backs. College Rifles relieved, but a good line-kick by D, Keane Returned play to the College Rifles twenty-five. Technical maintained a hot attack, with Noale, A. Keane and Gribble prominent. Bowling, Couper and Gribble combined in a dribbling rush which nearly succeeded, but they had not quite the finish to cap the movement. Toward the end of the spell tho College Rifles pack, with Stewart, Stone and Lawrence prominent, gained the upper hand, and play went to the other end, but a vigorous forward movement by Technical relieved the pressure. There was no score at halftime.

McCormick led several attacking movements upon resuming, but the handling of the other backs was faulty. A. Koano broke through for Technical, and a moment later a brilliant dribbling rush by GribblO and McMiken wont the whole length of the field, Gribble scoring for Technical in the corner. D. Keane's kick failed. The Technical pack took the bull to tho other end of the field without letting it come out of the scrum. Kirk was doing great work on defence, but the Technical attack was too strong, and McKenzie, the hnlf, dashed over from a line-out in tho twenty-five. I>. Keano failed with tlio kick. College Kifles responded vigorously, and wrb awarded a penalty riftht in front of the Technical goal, but Wales' kick mißHod. 1h« attack continued, and just before time Bell scored from a melee nenr tho line. Stone converted, making tho final score: Technical, 0; Collego Rifles. 5. Mr. G. Peace was referee.

VICTORY FOR PONSONBY FORWARDS BEAT OTAHUHU . Ihe Ponsonby forwards were too solid for Otnluihu. and their great work made for ft deeisivo victory. Jamieson led tho first raid, but back came Otahuhu, and a penalty awarded near the twenty-five was missed by Maaon. Inglis set his back lino off, and an infringement gave Mason another shot at goal, but again tho heavy ball would not carry the distanco. A Ponsonby attack developed when Fraser dribbled through. Carter missed a pass from Jamieson and Pearson saved on tho lino Mason effected a fine save when ho went down at Bond'a feet. Raising the siege, Otahuhu backs mado ground, and Pearson was diving across when he was collared. Clarke caught Kerr-laylor in possession, and a melee in front of tho posts saw Ponsonby defending desperately. Solomon and Fraser gavo relief by dribbling downficld. and a penalty to lonsonoy was converted by Poarman. A third Penalty was missed by Otahuhu from a good position, and at half-timo tho scoro was:— Ponsonby. 3; Otahuhu, 0. Ponsonby went further ahead from tho kick-off, Bond charging down Mason s kick and scoring easily, Pearman goaled with a great efTort. From a line-out at the twentyfivo Otahuhu ecored. Inglis sent to Peareon, whose pass wns partly smothered. Gladding picked up in front of the gor.l and, seeing His path blocked, ho dropped a quick goal in fine style. Ponsonby again scored through smart following rip. I'rasor caught Mason when fielding a long punt from Solomon and, in a tight scrum on tho line, a penalty goal was kicked by Pearman. Carter, the Ponsonby wing, retired injured. Solomon put Ponsonby on the attack f gain with a kick to midfield. Hook gathered and passed to Bond, who raced for tho lino. Clarke cut across field at a grcxat pace and mado a spectacular tackle nnd grassed Hook a yard from the line. Play ended in midfield with tho score:— Ponsonby, 11; Otahuhu, 4. Mr. J. G. [Wales was referee.

FORWARDS TOO GOOD WIN FOR MARIST TEAM Possessing a territorial advantago for the greater part of the game, Marist decisively defeated Training College in an interesting forward struggle at the Show Grounds. The Marist players adapted themselves to the conditions early, and, starting off at a great pace, soon had Training College defending desperately. Muller, Cooney and S. Hadley were prominent in a good rush, but excellent footwork by the Training College forwards brought relief. After a dash down the wing, Trigg was pushed into touch, and later Toye and Friend went near to scoring. Then Gudd made a good dash, and Cooney had a good, but unsuccessful penalty kick. Liddle and Friend both made determined dashes for, the line, and Colebrook promptly essayed an unsuccessful pot at goal. Dashing down the right flank Toye cross-kicked judiciously, and, obtaining possession, Muller dived across for a neat try. Cooney converted with a good kick, and half-time was called with the score: Marist, 5; Training College, 0. . . Early pressure by Training College compelled Marist to forge, but Judd and S. Hadley led a rusA back to mid-field. Training College, however, retaliated with an excellent forward rush and fast following up by Townsend enabled him to score a try, which he converted. Marist responded with a well-controlled forward rush, following •which Cooney landed a fino penalty goal. By strong forward play Training College gained considerable ground, Trigg going down pluckily to save, and Muller took play back. Then followed an onslaught by S. Hadley, Toye and Muller, Lewis, who was playing a fine game, cleaving brilliantly. A passing bout between Trigg and Cooney wan nullified by a delayed pans. In the closing stages Lewis was colled upon to clear his territory repeatedly and. after a Training College movement had broken down, J. Judd,made ground before kicking ahead. Friend raced for the ball and scored a good try, which Cooney converted Jhe game ended shortly afterwards with the score: Marist, 13; Training College, o. Mr. J. Finlayson was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grade B.— University, 20, Farnell, 11: Grammar Colts, 40, Eastern Suburbs, 0; Technical Old Boys. G. North Shoro, d; Eden. 3, Manukau, 0. Second Grade.—Grafton Colts. 13. Grammar B, 3; Northcote A, 11, Otahuhu._ 3: Grafton A. 2fi. North Shore, 3; technical Colts fi. Northcote B. 0; University A 31. Y M C A.. 3: University B, 0. Suburbs, 8; College Rifles. G. Marist. 3; Trinity College, 5. Manukau, 3; Technical Old Boys, 5, Papatoetoe, 3. . Third Grado Open.—Newton, 9 University. 3: Eden,' 21, Howick, 0; Suburbs, 9. Northcote. 3. Third Grade Intermediate.—Manukau A. 8. Eastern Suburbs. 0; Waitomata won from Training College by default; Pjrnoll. 27. Eden B, 0; Eden A. 25, R.N.V.Tt.. 3; Otahnhu, 8. Marist, 0; College Rifles. 28, Papatoetoe, 0: Technical Old Boys. J, Dilworth Old Boys, 0; Grammar A, 3, Manukau B, .t. Fourth Grade. —Oratiu, C, Oratia, 3; Technical. 0, Northcote. 0. Fifth Grade.— Ponsonby won from Manukau by default; Suburbs. 14, Grammar. 0; Technical Old Boys, 3, Eden. 0; Northcote, G, Marist, 3. Sixth Grade.—Technical Old Boys, 11, Grafton. 3; Eden. 3. Manukau, 0; Suburbs, 8, Ponsonby, 8. •Tunior Boys.—lntermediate grade: Suburbs, 3, Northcote, 3: Suburbs, 41, Northcote. 0. iii Secondary Schools. —Third grade: Auckland Grammar A. 50. Mount Albert Grammar B, 0: Mount Albert Grammar A. 8, Auckland Grammar B. 3; Sacred Heart. 0. Technical A. 3. Fourth grade: Sacred Heart, 27 Technical B, 0. Fifth grade: technical, ll! Takapuna Grammar, 0; Sacred Heart, 57, Auckland Grammar B, 0. Sixth grade; Sacred Heart, 9. Takapuna Grammar, 0. Seventh grade: Takapuna Grammar, 11, Sacred Heart, 3.