RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21853, 16 July 1934, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

CHARITY DAY MATCHES INTER-COLLEGIATE CONTESTS GRAFTON'S LEAD INCREASED Saturday last was the Auckland Rugby Union's annual Charity Day, and, according to custom, the senior championship matches gave way to secondary schools' contests on the principal grbuiul at Eden Park. There was not a very large attendance, however, the public evidently sensing the fact that the main attraction—the game between Grammar and King's—would be one-sided'. And so it proved, Grammar winning by 33 points to 0. The curtainraiser, between Sacred Heart College and Mount Albert Grammar School, was won by the former after an interesting game.

By its victory over University by five points to nil, Grafton increased its lead for the senior championship, this team now being two points ahead of Manukau and Otahuhu, which are level for second place. Manukau and Technical had a forward struggle at the Show Grounds, the result being a draw with no score. Otahuhu pleased its supporters immensely by its success over Ponsonby at Sturges Park.

In the senior B division Grammar defeated Eden by 14 points to 3, North ffhore beat Grammar B after a -wellcontested game, while Marist claimed the narrow margin of one point over College Kifles. Following were the results of the senior matches:— /; A DIVISION Grafton, 5; University, 0. Manukau, 0; Technical, 0. Otahuhu, 13; Ponsonby, 9. B DIVISION Grammar, 14; Eden, 3. North Shore, 16; Grammar B, 11. Marist, 12; College Rifles, 11. ONE TRY REGISTERED VICTORY FOR GRAFTON Both Grafton and University, which met on No. 2 ground at Eden Park, settled down immediately, and, although the game was lacking in any spectacular incidents, it was full of excitement from start to finish. The first half was dominated by the Grafton forwards. but h stiff opposition was raised by the University pack, which, although playing well, was outclassed. Grafton's ability to gain control of the ball from line-outs and scrums gave the backs frequent opportunities, but they were not clever enough to penetrate the solid University defence. Caughey was on top of Dick as soon as the last-named had the ball, and consequently neither wing had opportunities for scoring. Grafton opened the second half by again attacking vigorously, but University retaliated. Superior forward play by the Grafton pack deprived the University backs of tba opportunity they required, and it was not long before a Grafton player. Mills, broke awar from a scrum, and passed to Smith, who managed to keep ahead of McVeagh to score between the posts. Paton converted easily. In the Grafton pack, the All Black forward, McLean, was always prominent, and proved particularly dangerous whenever his side was near the line. On several occasion* during the second half he broke away suddenly from the tight, and was unlucky not to battle his way over. Finlayson was another Grafton forward who played standingly and he was always to be found where play was hardest. For University McVeagh played the hardest forward game, while Bush was a tower of strength to the defence. /His line kicking, especially, relieved University from many tense situations.

Caughey had few opportunities to utilise Jiis powerful run. but his skilful generalship of the back-line defence, saved University on many occasions. Jenkin played solidly at five-eighth's but marred his work by a tendency to, hang on too long at times. Inglis, the Grafton halfback, played ft brilliant game and engineered many openings for Ibis side. He was ably supported by Stuart, but the Grafton backs as a whole lacked the speed and dash necessary to break through a defence such as was offered by University. ' The last quarter of an hour devolved into a hard fought struggle for supremacy by both sides, and Inglis tried hard to get ' Savoury over on the blind side. McLean endeavoured to bullock his way over several times, but he was also unsuccessful. Then University rallied for a time, but Grafton continued to press and, when the final ■whistle blew, the score remained unaltered : Grafton, 5: University, 0. > Mr. 4. E. Austin was referee. OTAHUHU TEAM'S WIN PONSONBVS STRONG FINISH In a hard game, relieved by flashes of brilliant individual play, Otahuhu defeated Ponsonby by 13 points to 9 at Sturges Park. The better team won.on the day's play, although- a great rally by Ponsonby in the last minutes came close to turning the scales. Against wind and sun, Ponsonby set up a fast pace, the backs combining well in several runs. ... Ponsonby failed to maintain the promise of its opening, and was shaded by the home team for the greater portion of the game. The forwards failed to hold the sprightly Otahuhu pack in the open. Knight and Fraser were prominent throughout. Frankham made many openings for his backs, but sterling defence nullified al efforts. Pearman impressed with his goatlucking and Jamieson with dodging runs. Carter was the best back. Moses did. no field too .well , , For Otahuhu. Solomon, at scrum ha f, was the most outstanding player. Strong in defence, he excelled at attacking, althoug his sol® efforts tended to starve his backs. Hedge and Hill showed fine understanding at five-eighths, their reverse passing being' well done. Pearson did not receive much ot ' the ball, but he nnd Gladding defended well. Forward,, Jury, Jones and Williams played . well. Otahuhu led at half-time by 10 points For Otahuhu tries were scored by Hedge nnd Solomon, who also converted ope and kicked a penalty goal. White converted the other try. Ponsonby's try. was scored by Jamieson, and Pearman kicked two p ties. Mr. G. Peace was referee. / TECHNICAL MAKES DRAW MANUKAU'S SOLID DEFENCE 'With a, fast ground and backs of undoubted talent it was surprising that the game between Manukau and £ eciln ' ca J Old Boys at the Show Grounds on Saturday should have developed into such a solid | forward struggle. The Technical backs must > certainly'be given credit for s°' nc . . K 'j.j Passing rushes, but they lacked finish and several openings were lost. The Manu aii backs seldom passed the ball, being con t;> gain their ground by kicking for the For forward play the game was one of the hc-t seen for a considerable time, both locking <ve!l and Technical going through extremely well in the loose. Infringement in -the scrum on both sides were numeiou* and Technical failed to score with three tree kicks well within range. „ Technical 'was at a disadvantage 1 into the sun in the first spell and Mann till attacked Rigorously. It was m strong attUCKing positions on numerous occasions through off-side play and good line kickingby Technical, lost its advantage. Manu tea. attempted tn open up back play, but solii "tackling by the opposition prevented likely movements. ~ Murdoch and Haslarn. Technical s m'jiu'o harks, made some bright passing r,lß^r 8 Hnalani dummying his way past several in fcpfore being brought down by /V'rl!n\r who was , playing very safel7 at Manukau had a turn at the attack and P I just failed to teach the line with a deter mined run. Technical was awarded a tree kick just outside Manuka" 0 twerrty-llive yards' line, but Murdoch failed to turti to any account. . , ~ The resumption of play saw both P , of forwards sgain engaged in ■ struggle. ' Technical was hooking the * ban from most of the set scrums and Very well in the loose, giving its backs eorne fraud opportunities. Heazlewood . Manukau time and time again. taWing v.-01l and clearing from some . deterfnine" forward rushes In masterly fashion, i fullback for Technical, always appeared

safe and, although he did not have the work that Heazlewood encountered, he found the line with some very fine kicks. The tackling on both sides was deadly and Technical was unfortunate not to score. Play was very strenuous in the last few minutes, but the game ended without any score being registered. Mr. C. W. Henderson was referee.

SENIOR B DIVISION SURPRISE BY MARIST GRAMMAR A BEATS EDEN Marist, Grammar Old Boys and North Shore were the successful teams on Saturday afternoon in the Auckland Rugby Union's senior B competition, which was productive of bright, exciting play. - Marist surprised by defeating College Rifles, which, like itself, was relegated from the A division three weeks ago, by 12 points to 11, but on the run of play Marist deserved a more decisive victory. Grammar inflicted upon Eden its first defeat this season, the score being 14 points to 3. This was a truo indication of Grammar's superiority, yet Eden made a fine showing. and was frequently daugerous to Grammar, which won because of its greater experience and better polish. Grammar Old Bovs B went down to North Shore by 16 points to 11. This game was full of incident and marked by good work on both sides.

MARGIN OF ONE PO/NT MARIST BEATS COLLEGE RIFLES A much-improved team. Marist defeated College Rifles by 12 points to 11. in a Came in which play, although fairly fast, was hard and willing. rather than spectacular. College Rifles had slightly tho better of play in the first spell. and at the end of this led bv 11 points to 6. The second spell, however, saw Marist attack-* ing almost continuously, the forwards obtaining the ball from most of the Bcrums and line-outa. and the backs making telling rushes. Marist's success was due chiefly to the forwards. Hadley's skill at hooking was a strong aid. and he was also usually well to the fore in the loose. Other hard-working forwards were Judd. Toye alad M9Grory. The backs had been reorganised. Logan, a promoted junior, who played last year in the Auckland Grammar School's first fifteen, added sharpness to the attack, and. since the backs supporting him were keen to take advantage of any opportunity he gave them, his kicking often had College Rifles in trouble. Curtayne, usually the halfback, played as first five-eighths, and made several good openings for his supports, Clark fulfilled his duties as the halfback well, and Bell-Booth, who was centre in the second spell, made forceful runs. The. best College Rifles forwards were Batty and Watson, who received good support from Stewart and du Temple. The second spell was the testing t'nio for the defence of the backs, and in this respectWales played splendidly, pulling his side out of many an awkward position. He and McCormick. second five-eighths, made useful runs at times, as also did the winger, Brown. The fullback. Kirk, came through a strenuous task with credit. For Marist. Locke. Irvine and Bell-Booth scored tries, and Elliot kicked a penalty goal. Watson and Albrecht scored for College Riflpß. Wales converting one try and kicking a penalty goal. Mr. J. Finlayson was referee. EDEN'S FIRST 'DEFEAT GRAMMAR A TOO STRONG

Grammar Old Boys A defeated Eden by 14 points to 3. the victory being due to the Grammar forwards, who were too strong for Eden. While play was frequently relieved by bright passing movements on the part of the Grammar backs, it was mainly concentrated among the forwards. Eden offered strong resistance, and. owing to its solid defence. the score against it at half-time was only. 3—o. Grammar started the game with seven forwards. Knight being absent, and after he came on the field about 20 minutes later his influence upon the other Grammar forwards was reflected in their improved play. In the second spell Grammar continued ta have the better of play, but Eden was certainly not outclassed. Indeed, at one stage, encouraged by its success in scoring a try. , it strove hard to keen play in Grammar territory. , Apart from Knieht. Morgan and Mcßeth played exceptionally well among the Grammar forwards, and Corner and Jessup, who varied his tactics l'udiciously. we ; re the best of the backs. For dribbling wag done by Julian, and he was well supported by Brown. Purdy and Anderson. Cowan was impressive as halfback, and the second five-eighths. Chambers, was often thrustfnl. Tries for Grammar were scored by Kellv and Hammon, Slyfield converting one and kicking two penalty, goals. Lyons scored for Eden. Mr. C. F. Stratford —as referee. WELL-MATCHED TEAMS ? NORTH SHORE'S NARROW WIN An interesting contest between two wellmatched teams resulted in North Shore being victorious over Grammar Old Boys B by 16 points to 11. The North Shore forwards played a solid came, and the eli.ght superiority they held was maintained in the play of the backs. Buckley. Sidford and Speight caught the eve most for theii hard rucking and forceful loose nlay, and among the backs Eood work was done by Brinsden. who was splendid as halfback, and Crump, who showed great, dash and determination on the wing. Of the Grammar forwards. Trewheela, Brown and French were very noticeable. The firet five-eighths. Gooch. was quick to make use of on opening, and the fullback, McGowan. proved himself a fine defensive player bv checking numerous strong North Shore attacks. Hay (2) and Buckley scored for IMorth Shore. Hav converting two tries and kicking a penalty goal. Spittal and Stubbs scored for Grammar. Gooch converting one try and kicking a penalty goal. Mr. J. Malcolm was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Junior Grade.—Waitemata, 11. University h. 9; Otahuhu. 13, Grafton Colts, 0; ManuH.au, 9, Suburbs, 6; Grafton, 14, College Ftifles, 14; Marist, 13. Technical Old Boys, 8: liden, 22, Oratia, 0; Pons-onby. 34. Grammar, 3; University B, G, Tukapuna. 0: Northcote, 13, Kftipara, 11: Eddn, 23. Manuka Third Grade.—Eastern Suburbs, 11, Eden. Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs, 10. College Rifles, 15: University. 13, Tamaki. 3:, Technical Old Boy?, 16, Northcote, 6; Ponsonby, 12. Y.M.C A., 0. Fouirth Grade.—Marist. 11, Ponsonby, 0; Eden. 13 Northcote, 3, Fift'li Grade.—Suburbs, 14, Manukau. 3: Grammar Old Boys. 14. Takapuna. 3; Ponsonby., Vi, Marist, 6; Technical Old Boys, 11, Grafton, 0, , Sixtlb Grade.—Suburbs from Otahuhu by default; Northcote, 13, Parnell, 0. Junior Bov»* Games.—Senior grade: Suburbs, GO. Takapuna, 0;. Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs. 2b. Gonrl Shepherd. 0; Eden. 34. Y.M.C.A. 0. Northcote. it, Otahuhu, 3; Manukau, 14. St. Bar'"'.Tunior Grade.—Suburbs, 12, Good Shepherd, 0; Takapuna. 0, Eastern Suburbs. 0; Newton,' 17, Parnell. Secondary Schools' Games.--Third grade; Auckland Grammar. 11, Sacred Heart. 0 Fourth Grade.—Grammar A. C lechnical. 3- Sai'red Heart A, 0. Mount Albert Grammar, il: Auckland Grammar C, 20. Sacred TJ&irt B, 0. .il/-' a 14 Fifi-fk Grtifl<*.—AucUlftwl i«rnmrrKir A, 74, Snored Heart. 0. Technical College A. 7, Dilwo-rtli. 0; Ornrnronr C. 8. Jrcnnicrl Js, 0. Si*tb Griidc.-Sacred Heart A. If, Howfcni Junior High, 0; Auckland Grammar 11, 20, S,, slvj!nt^ Clir Gn!de.—Sacred Heart A. 12. Mount Albert Grammar A. 0- Auckland Grammar B. U, S*«mi TKirf J*. 8: A nekl„nd 5. T»lcanuna Grammar, ~ TTotlfe Mntr-h:—Hydra Bacon Company. s»"d Ovcrintflon, C,. CrHHIiP ißHeld,~Nor'b Shore. » Suburbs. 0; Viljtorin Park, 0. Northcote. 0.

buller beats west coast fnv TBf-KOBXi'ff —PHBHH AWOCIATfON'I ' 4 WR ST PORT, Saturday \ Ti'turn horiie-and-lioirio match between Buller and (lift Wnst Const wa» played (bin aftcrni'ion. Tbo weather was firm, but Ibo c r oU r.d v/an heavy from ovofniuht and early morn'mit rairl. Showing more imtiativo Buller' floored nine poirifß (trien by .Marin »„d Bill ft peiriHy goal by Holder). Went (,'caßt, replied with a tino try by r«n<j after I a Pretty pasalnn movement and later trorri n forward scramble. B, Kelly f cored' andl Gilbert, convflrt?;!, fh« (!»nm ended in a victory for Buller by 5t pom Ik to 8 Thfl garlic was always hut »nd interest' <t)G tio forwards playinrf bard football and back* cowbittiuir well '« passniK tnoreril