RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21873, 8 August 1934, Page 17

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TIME AND ILLEGAL PLAY MATCH WITH NORTH AUCKLAND ATTRACTION FOR SATURDAY The Auckland Rugby Union has experienced misfortune regarding the weather conditions under which some of its most interesting club games have been played of late. After having postponed its matches the previous week, it was compelled, owing to lack of time, to go on with its programme last Saturday. The weather and grounds conditions could scarcely have been worse, and the result was a small attendance at a match which, on a fine day, would have drawn a very large crowd. Those who attended Eden Park, however, were well rewarded with a most strenuous and exciting forward encounter. Manukau just won, but would have been unlucky to lose for more reasons than one. In the first place the term claimed a territorial advantage, and with a little luck would have increased its margin. Not that Grafton did not also meet with misfortune, as this side missed tries by the narrowest margin. The last few moments were anxious ones for Manukau. The ball went into touch a yard or so from Manukau's line, and yells from the grandstand and terraces drew the attention of the referee that the indicator on the time clock was already past the forty-minute mark. The referee consulted the touch judge, who also looked at the clock. Then the ball was thrown in for the line-out. The Right oi Appeal It would have been hard luck for Manukau had its opponents scored at this stage, as it was clear from the indicator that time was up. The irony of the situation would have been that Manukau would have had no right of appeal, as the referee is sole timekeeper and judge of fact. Under the rules he may consult the touch judge regarding time in case of the failure of his watch.

But supposing the referee does not carry a watch, as is almost universally the case at Eden Park! The clock is much appreciated by the spectators, and, no doubt, by many players of a team in the lead, by a point or so with the time nearly up. How about the referee? If he does not wear a watch and ignores the hands of the clock, what use is the latter article? Neither use nor ornament.

The match was one of the hardest forward tussles of the season. In fact it was a little too "hard at times, and at least one of the backs did not escape the warnings that were administered to forwards during the progress of play. The player who kicked Manukau's right wing on the back of the head, compelling retirement, was very fortunate that he did not view the remainder of the game from the sideline. Yet he was not even cautioned for this serious offence. It would bo as well for both referees and players to know that a man is entitled to go down to stop a rush without risking the danger of an indiscriminate boot connecting with his head. If he does not immediately get up off the ball he should be penalised. Point Overlooked On the other hand, if an attacker falls upon him and prevents him getting up, it is the attacker who should be penalised. This is an important point all too frequently overlooked by referees. Cases of kicking such as that quoted must be dealt with in the firmest possible manner, otherwise one of the features of the game —rush stopping—will disappear.

According to schedule, there remains one more round of matches to be played in the senior A division of the Auckland Rugby Union's championship. The only vacant date between now and September 22 is August 25, so that if th© round is completed on the latter date, it will mean Manukau and Grafton playing off for the championship on September 22. It will be a long time'for the teams to wait, but it appears unavoidable. The only alternative would be to play tHem off on August 25 and eliminate the last series of matches. Great interest is always taken in the representative match between Auckland and Wellington. This year's contest will take place at Athletic Park and the Railway Department is arranging for a special train from Auckland to convey northern supporters to the capital city. The Eden senior team will journey to Waiuku on Saturday next to meet the Waiuku sub-union representative team. Auckland Representatives The Auckland representatives will play their annual match against North Auckland at Eden Park next Saturday. The northerners invariably field a fine pack of forwards, and this year's team, under the selectorship of Mr. 1. H. Finlayson, the former All Black, is said to be no exception to the rule. Patrons of Eden Park will recollect the excellent showing of North Auckland at Eden Park two seasons ago, when a comfortable win was scored over Auckland. On that occasion Campbell, centre-threequarter, was one of the star backs, and he will bo seen in action again on Saturday next. There j is some promising material in the North and the match should be most interesting. Mr. V. R. Meredith has chosen a strong Auckland side. His selection of Matheson in preference to Heazlewood has created a surprise, but, knowing the lastnamed's ability, the selector is evidently desirous of giving Matheson a chance. The two young five-eighths, Murdoch and Hedge, have an excellent opportunity of distinguishing themselves and, if they play up to the standard they have been displaying in club football, they will not disappoint the selector. Lively Pack The forwards are a lively pack. Bond is hooker and, although on the small side, he has ability and is good in the loose. Most of the forwards are young and are just coming to the forefront. Smith and Hardie, of Grafton, Lockington, of Grammar, and Pearce, of Manukau, are 'all players capable of improvement with experience. Bush retains his place in the pack, and patrons of Eden Park will be keen to sec him in action in his new position. The return of Ross is welcome, as he is a fine forward. Ho has been working in the country for some ueeks. Jn consequence of its victory over Takapuna Grammar on Saturday Auckland Grammar is now in an unassailable position for the current season's secondary schools championship honours. while Sacred Heart is assured of the position of runner-up. Championship points now are: —Auckland Grammar, 13; Sacred Heart, 11; Mount Albert Grammar, 6; King's, 4; Takapuna Grammar, 0. Takapuna and Mount Albert have yet two games to play a'nd King's and, Auckland Grammar one each.