RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22101, 6 May 1935, Page 16

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OPENING OF CHAMPIONSHIP UNIVERSITY BEATS PONSONBY MANUKAU-TECHNICAL DRAW The Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition was commenced on Saturday afternoon in fine weather and on, grounds in excellent order. There was a good attendance at Eden Park, where the patronage was fairly evenly divided between -the match on the oval and that on No. 2 ground. University and Ponsonby met in front of the stands and terraces. The game was expected to produce some bright and interesting football, but the play on the whole was disappointing. University won chiefly through the brilliant efforts of Caughey. Marist held the strong Grafton team well until the later stages of the game, when Grafton rattled on a couple of tries and finished up with a handy margin. Technical Old Boys surprised by playing a drawn game with Manukau at the Show Grounds.' Otahuhu had a bye, and played a practice game with Eden at Sturges Park. Two of the B division games were won with ridiculous ease. In the curtainraiser on No. 1 ground College Rifles defeated Manukau B by 49 points to 3, while on No. 3 ground Grammar overwhelmed Parnell to the extent of 61 points to 3. Playing at Devonport, University B defeated North Shore by 0 points to 3. Following were the results of the matches: — A DIVISION University, 10; Ponsonby, 3. Grafton, 17; Marist, 6. Manukau, 11; Technical Old Boys, 11. B DIVISION College Rifles, 48; Manukau B, 3. Grammar, 61; Parnell, 3. University B, 6; North Shore, 3. WING-FORWARDS PRESENT FINE DISPLAY BY CAUGHEY There was not a great deal between the University and Ponsonby teams, and, but for the two outstar;ding efforts by Caughey, Pon6onby would have been successful. Another thing which did not assist Ponsonby was the action of its captain, F. Solomon, in electing to play against the sun and wind after winning the toss. The wind had died down considerably in the second spell, while the sun was not so troublesome.

The teams were expected to give a bright, open'exhibition, but. while there was a lot. of good forward work done, the backs did not play with enough combination to make their work really successful. There were three tries scored during the game. Although Macfarlane scored University's second try, the credit for both must go to Caughey. Play had been in progress only two minutes when Caughey received tho ball on his own side of half-way. By clever changing of pace he raced through between Jamieson and Lendrum, then swerved right round the fullback, to ground the ball a yard from the corner flag. Bush converted the try with a very fine kick. Half an hour, had elapsed before Ponsonby scored. Carter followed up a centring kick, and, after Bush had been pushed away from the ball, Carter kicked it on and fell on it for a try. The board showed until five minutes before time, and this fact alone sustained the interest of the public. Play moved from end to end. and it appeared to be only a matter of which team scored first for it to be successful. It was left to Caughey to place the issue beyond doubt. He obtained possession of the ball in his own twenty-five and made another fine run past the opposition to the other twenty-five. Here a perfect infield pass enabled Macfarlane to run over unopposed beside the posts. Bush easily converted., and Ponsonby's task was then hopeless. Both sides missed many opportunities of adding to their score. Jamieson was unfortunate with a penalty kick ten minutes before time. He took a shot from near "the sideline about the twenty-five, and the ball hit the near upright and rebounded infield. But for the fact that Mulviliill hung on to the ball too long, and too much, University would no doubt have done better. The brilliance of Caughey suggests this. The game was' responsible for the reintioduction of practically the old-time type of wing-forward p'iay, as both Solomon and McVeagh occupied that position for their respective teams. The consequenoe was that there was a good deal of obstruction and shepherding in evidence. Both teams played a 2-3-2 scrum formation in the _ first, spell, but University changed to 3-4 in the second. There were numerous stoppages for injuries, and Kedgley. University, wingthreequarter, and Johnson, Ponsonby frontranker, left the field with a shoulder and foot injury respectively Mr. C. F. Paull was referee. SUCCESS FOR GRAFTON MARIST'S FORWARD STRUGGLE Although Marist dominated play m a fast-moving forward battle, its rearguard ■was unable to check the forceful' thrusts of the Grafton inside backs or the determined running of the threequarters. Time and again the heavy Marist pack stormed the opposing line, but met with stern defence in the form of fine play by Paton at fullback, and neat screw-kicking to touch by Ryall, the first five-eighths. When Grafton had a turn on attack jt was invariably Killeen or Ellis who cleverly paved the way for the fast men outside them j. The Grafton back team, with Killeen an the brains, is one of the most brilliant club combinations seen in Auckland for some time. In spite of the fact that he was closely watched by both Logan and BellBooth, Killeen paved the way for two tries and had a hand' in two more, while his backing up on defence was at times superb.

The vanguard was well led by McLean, who repeatedly broke away from the ruck to open up forward skirmishes. Storey, nn ex-Waikato representative, and Kelp both played good games, the last-named beinc unlucky twice when th<i ball beat him after he had crossed the line with solo dribbling rushes.

Led by the Hartley brothers, the Marist forwards worked .more as a pack than did Grafton, and it was a common sight to see the entire combination racing down the field with the ball at toe. Fitzgibbon, who last year captained the North Auckland fifteen, and McGrory were always in the thick and worked tirelessly. Curtayne was the pick of the backs, and he played a splendid game, being responsible for one particularly bright effort when he cut in on the blind side to beat three men and go across the line with the fullback and wing on his back. Tho backs were given a feast of the ball bv hooker W. Hadley From practically every set scrum tho ball shot cleanly into the hands of Porteous, the Marist halfback, but,. although he always opened up tho play, the movements never went to the threequarter line, owing: to prompt smothering by the Grafton inside men. Bell-Booth, who was given few opportunities, played a sound game at centre, while Barry impressed as fullback, although his kicking has yet «o be improved. Tries for Grafton were scored by Dick. Byall, Ellis and Storey. Roddick converted one try and kicked a penalty "goal. For Marist Loombe and Curtayne scored tries, neither of which was converted. ilr. A. A. Lucas was referee. • DRAW OF ELEVEN POINTS MANUKAU . AND TECHNICAL f Splendid form displayed-by the Technical Old Boys' back . line made a draw of 11 points of their match against Manukau at the Show Grounds. The Technical backs had a heavy day's defence, and few chance? of attack, but their good work was rewarded by an equalising try a minute before time. Manukau played chiefly a forward game. Until McCormick and Brimble, in tha five-eighths line. changed positions, Brimble coming in close, the backs combined poorly, apd they found the line resolutely defended. McCormick. however, played a tricky game, using to effect 11 disconcerting* change of direction. A scissors pass between himself and Brimble was one of the prettiest movements of the match. Heazlewood's kicking was beyond reproach, bnt his tackling was not as sure as usual. Although unbalanced in the set scrums by ■ the absence of Pearce, the forwards formed » compact and vigorous set which carried out dangerous passing movements. Pepper.

Trott and Skipper were the leading trio, and Constable and Ivereopa were best on tho line-out. The Technical pack was only spasmodically useful, and contained few real workers other than Mulvihill, Bryden and McKcnzie. A pleasing contrast was provided by the backs, who tackled and cleared valiantly, especially the inside men, Aro and Murdoch, Oldbury, Turbott and Lash enve promise of being a highly penetrative threequarter line. Given a scrum which could feed them regularly, the Technical hacks should test any team's defence this see,son. Manukau's points comprised tries by McCormick and Pepper, and a penalty goal and conversion by Heazlewood. The Technical tries were scored by Lash (2) and McKenzie, one being converted by Murdoch Mr. J. A. Malcolm was referee. DEFEAT OF MANUKAU B COLLEGE RIFLES' EASY WIN In the curtain-raiser at Eden Park on Saturday College Rifles overwhelmed Manukau B. the score being 49—3. Against weak opposition the College Rifles backs indulged in an orgy of scoring and fully emphasised the superiority of the relegated senior A teams. From tho start the result of the game was never in doubt, as the College Rifles fifteen was obviously superior in ull departments. Wales. Vear, Pedrotti and Barker were the outstanding players for College Rifles. Lyons and Way showed up well in the Manukau team. Manukau's three points came from a penalty kick. Scorers for College Rifles were:—Wales (4). Barker (2), Vear (3), Pedrotti (2), Richardson p.nd Martin. Wales converted three tries a.nd Vear two. Mr. J. Finlayson was referee. GRAMMAR'S BIG SCORE PARNELL TEAM OUTCLASSED

On Eden Park No. 3 Grammar met Parnell and scored a run-away victory. Heavier in the pack, and with much more thrust among the backs Grammar clearly dominated the play and, in winning by 61 points to 3, demonstratei the vast difference between senior A and senior B football. A. Knight and M. Corner showed that they have lost none of their All Black form and Spittal on the wing proved himself a straight-running and determined threequarter. Grammar's margin might easily have been much larger but for the fact that Jesaup was inclined to hold possession of the ball too long. McCowan, at fullback, had little to do, and of the others Lockington, Don, Morgan. Brown and Kelly played sterling games. Hearling wan the mainstay of the Parnell fifteen, and he scored his side's only try. Slyfield had a dny off with his kicking and failed to convert one try. The scores for Grammar were:—R. Spittal (4). A. Slyfield <3), A. Knight (2), A. Brown M. Kelly, A. Don. H. Slyfield, E. Claphapi, M. Corner and C. Jessup. Corner converted five tries. Mr. V. Keefe was referee. WIN FOR UNIVERSITY B NORTH SHORE TEAM BEATEN weakness in the' inside backs of the North Shore team pave University B the advantage to gain the match played at the Devonport ground on Saturday afternoon. Even football throughout the game made the play willing, and bright bnck movements were witnessed on both sides. The North Shore forwards dominated the game in the first half and Akersley (Navy) crossed University's line to score an unconverted try. In the second half University was superior and Charlton, on the wing, scored a welldeserved try. well oui while W. Bloodworth kicked a penalty goal. The gams ended: University. 6: North Shore, 3, Mr. J. G. C. Wales was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior B Grade.—University B, 6, North Shore 3. Junior Grade.—Waitemata. 25, University, 0; Otahuhu, 12, Southern United, 3: Grafton. 11, Manukau. 3; Suburbs, 13. Trinity College, 3: Technical Old Boys, 30, North Shore, 0: Northcote won from College Rifles by default; Oratia, 6, Grammar Colts, 3: Takapuna won from University by default. Third Grade Intermediate.—Takapuna, 11. Northcote, 3; Manukau, (>,_ Technical Old Boys, 6; Ponsonby, 27, "Waitemata. 3. Intermediate Grade.—Grammar Old Boys. 11, Suburbs. 6; Grafton, 40. University, 0; Technical Old Boys, 52, North Shore, 3; Parnell. 46. Tamaki, 0. Fourth Grade;— Eden A. 24, Takapuna. 0; Eden B, 31. Marist, 0: Grammar, 65. Parnell. 0. Fifth Grade.—Manukau, 29, Takapuna. 3Suburbs, 27, Ponsonby, 17; Technical Old Boys. 17, Marist, 3; Panmure. 17. Grammar. 3. Sixth Grade.—Manukao. 20, Marist. 3: Suburbs, 13, Trinity College. 0; Parnell. 16. Newton. 0; Eden, 31, Takapuna. 0. CONTESTS IN COUNTRY FIRST GAMES AT HAMILTON FINAL FOR STOCKDALE CUP Rugby football competitions were commenced in several country centres of the Auckland province on Saturday afternoon, and in other places were continued. The following results were forwarded by correspondents of the Herald: — Hamilton.—The Hamilton Rugby Union'B senior competition opened with two closelycontested games. Except for a shower toward the end of the afternoon the weather was fine, and the fields were in excellent condition. Technical and Old Boys fielded two very even teams and an exciting match resulted. After ten minutes of midfield play the Technical half. Smart, obtained possession from a set Bcrum and passed to St. George, who transferred to Allen. After being tackled and brought to the ground Allen got up again and scored. His kick failed. Just before half-time Lissette kicked a penalty goal and evened the score. At the beginning of the second spell a penalty for off-side play gave Lissette another chance and he increased Old Boys' score to 6. Shortly afterwards • Allen kicked a penalty for Technical end the points were again even, and thus they finished. The second gjime, played between Marist and Frankton, resulted in a win for Frankton by 14 points to 11. Tries wore scored for Frafakton by Denz, Paget. Wilson and Shaw. Snodgrass converted one try. The Marist scorers were Kilpatrick (2) and Dempsey. Lewis converted a try. Tn the junior grade curtain- i Taiser Old Boys defeated Marist by 14 points to 3.

Morrinsvllle. —Senior matches for the Marshall Cup were continued, the main attraction being the meeting of Old Boys and Terriers. A. J. Aitkeh. was the outstanding player, scoring two tries himself and making openings for two other tries. The final score was:—Old Boys, 19, Terriers, 3, tries being scored for the winners by Aitken (2). Hall and Smith, Polwart converting two and kicking a penalty. Robison scored for Terriers. In the other senior game, Kereone defeated United by 19 points to nil. J. Leeson. the 1934 All Black, played a sound forward game and was rewarded with a try. Other points came from tries by Russell "(2) and Vowels (2). two of which W. Cameron converted. Junior games resulted: Motumnoho, 28. Eastern 3; Kereone, 6, Terriers. 3; Tainui, 9, United. 3: Old Boys, 14, Tahuna, 0. Third grade: Eastern. 23. Terriers, 0.

Matamata.—Perfect weather again favoured the Rugby tame, and there was a good attendance at Bedford Park. Chief interest centred in the final for the Stockdale Cup (knock-out) between Matamata and Paletere. The former won by 10 points to 7. In the first spell, with the wind, Patetere did not show up quite as much as Matamata. Fitzgerald scored for Matamata after a forward rush, and Carlson converted with a good kick. Strong replied with a fine try for Patetere, following a perfect dummy. Small failed to convert. In the second half Patetere had the better of the game, but lacked finish. Delaney scored for Matamata from the line-out. and Carlson kicked a great goal from the touch-line. For Patetere, G. Brown dropped a goal, and Patetere were attacking at the call of time. In the othc-r senior game Wardville bent Hinuera in a close match by s—o. W. Carroll scored early in the first Half and Wilson converted. Juniors: Matamata, 13, Ward ville. 0; Himiera, 14. Waircre. 0; Walton, P. Old Boys, fi: Waharon, 0, Raungaiti, 0. Third grade: .Walton, 8, Old Boys, 3; Patetere, 30. Hinuera, 0; Wardville, f>. Matamata, 6. Te Awainutu.—Conditions were good for the continuation of the Waipa Rugby Union's championship competition, six games being played at Albert Park headquarters and one at Pirongia. In the senior grade Rovers had a comfortable win over Waikeria. ending up with 27 points to 3. Tries for Rovers were scored by Young, R. Jackson (21. H. Bennett (2) and A. Thompson, two being converted by Young and Jackson, while Young kicked a penalty goal. Waikeria's score was a penalty goal. Te Awamutu rather luckily defeated Tokanui Maoris in the last few minutes. The Maoris secured

a penalty goal by Hughes and a try by J. Muraahi. but Te Awamutu rallied, and a try by J. Dnlton, converted by Quin, and a try by W. Tombs won the? same, the score being B—6. Juniors: Suburbs, G, Old Boys, 3: Te Mawhai, 33, Tokanui Maoris, 0; Te Awamutu, 10, Rovers, 0. Third grade: Te Awamutu, 17, Suburbs, 12; High School, 0, Old Boys, 3.

Te Aroha.—ln an evenly-contested pme Wqjliou seniors defeated Old Boys by 11 points to 10. For the winners, Worrnl! kicked n penalty gonl and scored a try, while King crossed the line and Worrnll converted. For Old Boys, Davies scored and Maloney converted in the first spell, and in the second Rowe crossed the line, and Maloney successfully goalcd. Juniors: Old Boys, 27. City, 0; Elstow, 17, Waihou, 11.

Paeroa.—Seniors: West, 3 (penalty goal by Handley), United. 3 (try by Johnston): Old Boys. 25. Karnngiihalce, 11. Mr. A. E. Austin, of Auckland, refereed the game between West and United. Juniors: Netherton, 3. IJikutain, 3: West. 21, Old Boys. 8. Huntly —Seniors: Te Akau, 3, Huntly. 0. Juniors: Huntly, 3, Te Akau. 0. Third grade: Ngnrtiawnhifi, 11, Huntly. 0; Huntly High School Old Boys, 20. Gordonton, 0.

Opotlki.—The official opening of the 1935. Rugby season took place in fine weather. J.uniors: Country. 6, Old Boys. 0: 0.M.P., 0, Oitv. 0. Seniors: Country, 0, Old Boys, 0; 0.M.P., 24. City, b. Tauranga.-- Fine weather prevailed for the opening of the Rugby season. An innovation this year is a competition between the Tauranga and Te Puke senior tennis,, which will mean a game at each centre every alternate Saturday. It is hoped by mentis of this competition to increase interest in football in each district. The first meeting wna at Tauranga between Rnngataua (Tauranga) and United Papumon (Te Pukeh The game was well contested and was won by United Papamoa by f- to 0. 11. Pile scored for the winners and Davies converted. In the Tauranga senior competition for the Jordan Cup Matnka'ia defeated Te Puna Uy 14 to 5. Juniors (Olivo Cup competition) : Matapihi, 8, Country, 3; Judea, 21. Omokoroa, 3: Cudets Old Boys, f>, Athletics. 0; Rangataua defaulted to Matakana.

Whakatano. —Rugby romretiUons were commenced ia fine weather. Seßiors: Poro Poro, 9, City, 0. Juniors: Poro Poro. 12, Ruatoki, 6: City won by default from Ruatoki B.

Oargavllls.—The Northern Woiroa Rugby Union's matches were opened in showery weather and on heavy grounds. Only senior games were played, the results being:— Kaihu. 9, Northern Star. 8; Durgaville, 1,1, Ruawai, 6. Rotorua.—Seniors: Utahina, 16, KahuIkura, 3: Waikite, 9, Rotoiti, 8. Juniors: Okere, 8, High School. 5; Utahina, <i, Kaliukura, 3: Waikite. 6. Old Boys. 3. Whangarei.—The second series of games in Whangarei Rugby football competitions were ployed in showery weather with a cold wind prevailing. The chief attraction at Rugby Park. Whangarei, was the senior match. Old Boys against Maungakaramea, and. contrary to general expectation*, Old Boys won by 8 points to 3. To within n few minutes of the call of time the score was 3 —all, when Mullins smartly secured the ball and scored a good try which E. Collins converted. The other score for Old Boys was ft well-merited try by E. Collins, threequarter, whose play uiis season has been of a high standard. For Maungakaramea S. Alison scored a good try. The other senior game played at Rugby Park resulted in a win for Hora Hora, which defeated Pipiwai by 6 points to nil. At Maromaku Hikurnngi beat Maromakvi 6—3, after a very exciting game. Juniors: Hikurangi, 11. Old Boys. 8; High School. 3. Waiotira, 3. Third grade: High School, 3, Wniotira, 3.

Warkworth The 1935 season opened in Rodney in cold and showery weather, the grounds being heavy. Several teams were unable to take the field at full strength, injuries sustained in practice matches and the fact that a number of players were away in the military camps, being the reason; Results were as follows: —Wellsford, 23. Kaitoa. 0; United. 14, Matakana, 6; Puhoi. 5. Pakiri. 3; Port Albert, a bye.

Pukekohe-Franklin—Matches were played under the amalgnmtod Pukekohe-Franklin Unions. Seniors: Tuakau, 19, Old Boys. 11; White Star. 13. Te Kohanga. 0; Onewhero. 20, Patumahoe, 3; Bombay. 9. Pukekaiva, 6. Juniors: Tuakau, 6. Old Boys. 0: Onewhero, 9 Pntumahoe. 3: White Star, 0, Te Kohanga, o'; Bombay, 45. Pukekawa. 3. Third grade: Drury, 12. Bombay, 5.

Waikare. —Matches conducted by the Ws.ikare Union resulted as follows: —Ranginn, 12. Woodleigh, 3: Waitevimu, 10, Taniwha. 5; Ohinewai. 5, Waercnga, 0.

Watuku.—lmproved football was a feature of the second day's matches in the Waiuku Rugby Union's competition, played on Rugby Park, "Waiuku. Seniors: City, 14, Otaua, 5: Waipipi, 14, Aka Aka, 0. Juniors: City, 9, Otaua, 3; Waipipi, 6. Aka Aka, 5. Mangatawhlri.—Seniors: Pokeno. 12. Valley. 3; Mangatangi. 12, Mercer. 3. Juniors: Valley won from Pokeno by default. WAIKATO SUB-UNIONS ARRANGEMENT OF MATCHES [from our own correspondent] CAMBRIDGE, Saturday. A meeting of representatives from the Hamilton, Waipa and Cambridge Rugby sub-unions was held in Cambridge last evening with a view to preventing the clashing of dates of matches, and to remove, as far as possible, the difficulty of arranging friendly inter-sub-union representative games. After considerable discussion the following games were arranged-.—June I, Waipa A v. Hamilton; June 2!), Cambridge A v. Waipa: July 27, Hamilton A v. Cambridge. On the same dates B teams will be engaged against the sub unions' representatives in the order set down. It was agreed that where a sub-union had to travel twice this reason, it would receive two visits next season. The schedule arranged will be subject to approval of the Waipa and Cambridge Sub-Unions management committees. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS [by telegraph—press association] Masterton.—The Wairarapa Rugbv Union's matches resulted Gladstone, 14, 3: Carterton. 14. Red Stars, 3: Old Boys, 13. Dalefield, 0. Wellington.—Athletic, 12, Poneke, 12; Petone. 21, Eastbourne, 6. Christchurch. —Rugby matches were played in fine weather and on dry grounds. Scores: Old Boys, 8, Merivale, 0; Sydenham, 10. University, 0; Christchurch, 13, Athletic. 3; Albion, 6, Sunnyeide, 5. Dunedin. —Southern 18 Taieri, 0; Kaikorai, 26. University B, 3: Zingan, 8, Union. 0; University A, 18, Dunedin, 6; Pirates. 22, Alhambra 3 SPORTS GATHERINGS TE PUKE CLUB'S MEETING HANDICAPS FOR WOODCHOPPING The following handicaps have been declared hy Mr. C. L. Hardy for woodchopping events to be decided at the Te Tuke sports on Wednesday next: — 12in Standing Chop.—D. Hoey r 3s; W. J. Costello, F. Sullivan. W. M. Johnston, 4s; L. Grundy, Reg. Grundy, ss; W. A. Baker, 8s; W. Avaki, J. Cameron, 10s; R. E. Honey, T Noble, T Yates, F. M. Stephens, W. Douglas, T. Robinson, 325; H. Nicholas, T. Thompson, R. Broad, E. Vance, A. J, Simpson. F. 8. Broad, 1. Tungitu, R. W Stephens, F. Hubbard, 14s. ]4in Standing Chop.—D. Hoey, W. J. Costello, W. M. Johnston, F. Sullivan, ss; L. Grundy, Cs; Reg. Grundy, 7s; W. A. Baker, 12s; W. Avaki, J. Cameron, 10s; F. M. Stephens, lis; R. E. Honey, T. Noble, W. Douglas, T. Hobinson, 20s; R. Broad, E. Vfincc, H. Nicholas, F. S. Broad, A. J. Simpson, T. Yates, F. Hubbard, J. Tnngitu, 11. W. Stephens, T. Thompson, A. H. Knap, 225. 14in Te Puke Underhand Chop.—W. M. Johnßton, 8s; F. Sullivan, D. Iloey, W. A. Baker, 12s; L. Grundy, 10s; W. Douglas, 17s; W. J. Costello, F. M. Stephens, 18s; I»'eg. Grundy, R. C. Honey, 20s; R. Broad, E. Vance, H Nicholas, F. S. Broad, T. Noble, T. Yat-cs, T. Hobinson, T. Thompson. J. Camcrrn, A H. Knap, 22s PROFIT SHOWN AT FRANKLIN [from our own correspondent] PUKEKOIIE, Saturday A statement of receipts and expenditure in connection with the annual sports meeting held by the Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Society on March 23 was submitted by the secretary. Mr. G. R. Basham, to o meeting of the executive of the society last evening. It showed a profit of £97. A sum of £l2 from this amount wns voted to Mr. D. Silva, of Puni, as a measure of practical appreciation of his action in providing the blocks to make it possible to hold the chopping contests.