RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22131, 10 June 1935, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP OTAHUHU'S FIRST DEFEAT SUCCESS OF UNIVERSITY The Auckland Rugby "Union's senior championship competition was advanced a further stage on Saturday afternoon when matches were played in fine weather and on grounds slightly heavy as the result of rain on the previous few days. The main attraction at Eden Park was the meeting of University and Otahuhu, the former team bring about the first defeat suffered by Otahuhu this season. There was a large crowd at Eden Park to watch the match, which Mas disappointing in the first spell, but which brightened considerably in the second half. University eventually prevailed by a margin of five points. This was Otahuhu's first defeat of the season.

The curtain-raiser was between College Kifles and Manukau, and the former team registered a narrow win over & weakened opposition. Technical Old Boys created a surprise by defeating Grafton on No. 2 ground at Eden Park by a comfortable margin. The remaining game was between Ponsonby and Marist at the Show Grounds, and a keenly contested match resulted in a draw. Grammar Old Boys had a bye. Following were the results of the Batches: — ' -

University, 16, Otahuhn, 11. College Rifles, 6: Manukau, 3. Technical, 18; Grafton, 5. Ponsonby, S; Marist, 8.

UNIVERSITY'S VICTORY INTERESTING SECOND SPELL . The first spell of the match between University and Otahuhu was productive of s good deal of straggling play and from a spectator's point of view it was not very interesting. However, when the teams changed round the standard improved very considerably, and there was a lot of sparkl® in the play, more particularly in the later stages when Otahuhu was making every effort to catch up its leeway and" so retain its unbeaten record. University had the assistance of a strong wind in the first spell and play was almost continually in Otahuhu's half, if not actually in the twenty-five. _ University secured possession of the ball in the majority of the scrums, and the aide should have scored many more points. That it did not do so was attributable to the fact that the defence was solid throughout and that the fiveeighths did. far too much kicking and were also caught in possession of the ball on numerous occasions. It was twenty-five minutes before University scored. Kirkland finishing off a passing movement with a try on the left wing. In the interval between then and half-time University .had scored two more fries. Caughey crossing on each occasion. Bush converting the centre's first t.ry. This gave University a lead of eleven points at halftime. With the wind in their favour the Otahuhu players commenced the second spell in earnest, and within five minutes Brown had scored a try after a fine Fwerving run past the opposing winger and fullback. When Beyer converted the prospects of the suburban team looked considerably brighter. Just aftet, this try was scored Otahuhu lost the services of Solomon, its halfback, who retired with an injured shoulder. Hedge, who had been standing down on account of a leg injury, then went on in his customary position of first five-eighths, Moyle going to halfback. Otahuhu's support ers greeted Hedge's appearance with applause, hut his presence dia not make the big improvement expected. University had been having a greater *hare of the ball from the scrums in the first half, but Otahuhu was better served in the second However, the close attention paia io Hedge, combined with the speed of the Pniverrity threequarter line, did not permit of much headway being made by Otahuhu s passing rushes. _ University improved its position through another try "by Caughey twenty-seven minutes after the commencement of the second spell. At this stage Otahuhu's prospects looked remote, but within a space of five minutes Bever had kicked two penalty goals, which brought Otahuhu within distance of at least a draw. There were only five minutes remaining, however, and. although Otahxinn made great efforts and gave the crowdma<ny thrills during that time. University* defence held to the end. . . The forwards of both sides worked with a will, but, if special mention should be made of any particular individual, that honour should be conferred upon Sherwood, whose work in all departments was outstanding. Of the Oiabuhu backs it could be aaid that there was not sufficient penetration. Up till the time he went off, Solomon was slow in getting the ball away, and this enabled the attacks to be quickly smothered. Brown, on the left wing, played a fine game, and Beyer made few mistakes at fullback. apart from the fact that he was slow on his feet' and sometimes was unable to get near enough to attackers to effect even a diving tackle when the University centre scored his three tries.

One of the most impressive backs on the University side wag Inglis, who played a very fine game behind the scrum. He got the ball away smartly and, had the fiveeighths not- kicked so much or held on so long, the team's score wo-ald probably have been considerably higher. Caughey was in his best form at centre and Grant, on the right wing, displayed great pace and did some effective tackling of Brown. Bush made a few mistakes at fullback, but effected some Terr nne recoveries. Mr.. C. W. Henderson was referee.

DRAWN CONTEST

PONSONBY AND MARIST Thpre was a steady breeze at the Show Grounds, where Marist and Ponsonby played a drawn game. Thanks tD tbe hooking of W Hadley and the line-out work of McGrory and'Fitrgibbon. Marist was soon dominating the forward play, and its backs were sriven jrenerous "use of the ball. The backs, hoxrerer, met stouter opposition than the forwards, and they bad all their efforts checked by resolute tackling. Bell-Booth marred the combination somewhat by tryins to do too much on his own. The Ponsonby backs had a lean day in respect to possession, and it was only their speed and full use of fhe wind for kicking that kept the game even. Jamieson in particular was prominent, playing a _ spirit and elusive game. He had the misfort.irie on one occasion, after having cut tbr ~ . of slipping within a few feet of the line. Half-time came with Ponsonby five points ahead, a try by Lendrum converted from wide out by Peamisvn The second spell saw a marked improvement in the Plar of the Manst backs and hut for several knock-ona. they would c r tainlv have scored. Porteons crossed ihe lire and Elliott .convertedI from a difficult angle. Marist used the blind;aide frequently in search of * weak point in the defence, and Curtayne and J " needed close watching. Ponsonby was confined to its own twenty-five for a long spell, but its backs, bended by D. everv opportunity to attack. S. Hadl y • played a valuable roving game for his side, and he was rewarded with a try. which wns not converted. . . . Ponsonby retaliated vigorously. and Knight. Wilkinson and W. Fraserledplay into Marist's territory. The bsll „ came back to Ponsonby, and a , pre^, pn l p ing movement among the backs sent t wing, Gooch, over for the equalising try. The kick missed and a last-minute strugje ended without further socre. Mr J. G. C. Wales was referee.

LOST OPPORTUNITIES COLLEGE RIFLES SURPRISE %- In an interesting curtain-raiser tame Manukau and College Rifle*. t*ro even!v-niatched fifteens, fought outthe o cision right to the final Mannkau iff. had been expected to vrin without H>uc S§ ; , difficulty, but College Rifles left the field Saj victorious by 6 point* to 3. ST. The Manukau forwards were without the valuable services of Wiklund and 1 earte. £&s>. who were unable to appear on account o injuries, hut they pave their bucks a most '" , generous supply of the_ ball. The renrEuaid, '&?.■ however, failed to drive home this fluvantage, fof it* attacking movements lacked daf>h and penetration, and were mvariahly Kit., marred bv faulty handling. To tin* indifferent attacking play, of the Mnniikan iccks. and to fine individual efforte o> Kicliardfion, and TVales, College Rifles owed |§l§!.i> its success. . , ; Play opened at a plow paccw with neither team holding an advantage, until Ricbnrdson. the fast College Rifles wine, snapped ■.up a dropped, pass, swerved pant Berridge yj at fullback and raced 40yds. for a ,X~ «>lo try. Early in the second spell Wales .i, further increased this lead by fackint *

fine T>enaltr goal from syds. inside halfway.' In the second half the Manukau pack dominated play and repeatedly took the ball to within striking dieinnc© of its opponents' line.

At every opportunity Hatfield opened tip the play for his backs, but they encountered solid tackling and were unable to penetrate. With ten minutes to go Poulton revived hopes with a powerful scoring dash fro:m near midfield. Receiving from a loose melee, he broke Jinst several tackier*, eluded Kirk: with a clever change of pace and dived across in the corner. At this stage Manukau wbs decidedly unlucky. Berridge missed two penalties from handy positions, and then McCormick cut throngh the entire defence near his own goal line and raced to within a few yards of scorinc, only to be tackled from behind by Richardson. The game ended with Manukau attacking desperately. The best forwards were the Manukau stalwarts. Constable and Pepper, who were always prominent. Hatfield gave a sound exhibition behind the Manukau scrum nnd combined well with Brimble. McCormick was the best player on attack, but marred a good display by erratic handling. He was very much hampered by his opposing fiveeig htlis Martin, who frequently tackled him bei'ore the ball reached him. In the College Rifles pcrum Barker, who retired in the second spell with a head injury. Batty and T. Stewart were outstanding. Wale* at centre-threequarter flayed a gTeat game, and revealed a fine defence which saved his team on numerous occasions, vhile Richardson and Pedrotti on the wi:ags both showed exceptional pace nnd determination. At fullback Kirk gave a sound display, but was too often caught in possession by the fast-following Manuka" forwards.

Richardson scored a try for College Rifles and Wales kickt-a n pena'ty goal. For Manukau Poulton scored an unconverted try. Mr. J. G. Gasparich was referee.

SURPRISE BY TECHNICAL GRAFTON'S POOR EXHIBITION The fast and bustling forwards of Technical Old Boys -were responsible for the team scoring a comfortable win by 18 points to a over Grafton in a ragged .game on No. 2 ground at Eden Park. At no time did Grafton produce the form which won it the championship Inßt year and, unless the entire team can show more dash and rim, it villi, find it difficult to avoid relegation at the end of the round. The side possesses a» much talent as it did last season, but its displays this year bare been most disappointing. Chiefly to bliume are the forwards, who prefer to shine in the loose than to put their weight, which they undoubtedly hare, into the scrams. Added to this lack of honest work by the forward* is the sluggish and unenterprising play of the backs. There is a lack of cohesion in the back line which must be corrected, and several of the backs must learn that it is almost impossible to stop a loose forward rush and still remain on thisir feet. The entire team has fallen away badly, but it can do very much better. list marked contrast to the inert Grafton pack, the lighter Technical vanguard played witli admirable spirit from start to finish. Combining well among themselves and with thtfir backs, they dominated the entire sra,rr.ie. Winning the ball from the Bet scrums and heeling smartly from the loose, the forwards gave their backs a feast of the ball and, hjtd the latter played witb combination inutpad of as individuals, the game would have turned into a veritable rout. Many other points were lost through the absence of a reliable goal-ticker. Aro piayed a sound game and made good use of the line to nave his forwards. Or. the wing Oldbury showed speed and determination and plflyed a dashing: game. Rayment gave a solid fullback display, and his field goal wit* a brilliant one. Of the forwards Weber played an outstanding game, but it would be unfair to individualise among such an untiring set of workers. There was absolutely no combination in the Grafton rearguard. I'yall was safe and showed a brilliant cut-in for Gratfon's only try. Killeen initiated many attacks, but looked support. Fraser. a promoted junior, was not a success at centre. Neither of the wings had any opportunities. but Dick showed to belter advantage when he was shifted to centre in the second half. Paton •was sound, but could have made better use of the wind to gain more distance" in his line kicks. Tries for Technical were scored by McKenzie, Oldbury, Aro and Haslaro. McKenlie converted one and Rayment dropped a goal. For Grafton Ryall scored and Patou converted.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grade B.—Training College A, 18. Eden. 13; Manukau. 6. North Shore. 6. Junior Grade.—Suburbs, 11, Marist., 8; College Rifles, 11. Panmure. 3: Waitemata, J2. Oratia. 0; Otahuhu. 26. Manukau, 0: Grammar Calts. 19. Trinity College. 3; Ponaonbv, 29. University. 8; Grammar A, 13, Southern United. 6: Takapuna. 17, Eden. 0. Third Grade.—College Rifles. 15. Manukau, 8; Ponsonby. 48, Training College, 5; Grarnmn 0.8.. 42. Y.M.C.A.. 0. Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs. 19. College Rifles. 11; Ponsonby. 3. Pamell, 3; North Shore, 11, Takapuna, 9. Fourth Grade.—Eden B. 9, Suburbs. 7; Mimukau, 12, Pamell. 8: Eden A, 17, Manat, 3: Northcote. 7, Takapuna, 3. Fifth Grade.—Suburbs. 21. Grammar 0.8.. 0; Manukau. 6. Technical 0.8., 6; puna, 21. Howick, 9; Ponsonby, IG, Marist, 5 'Sixth Grade.—Parnell. 22. Technical 0.8.. 6; Suburbs. 3. Eden. 0: Newton. 2G. Manuknti. 5; Takapuna. 29, Eastern Suburbs, 0. Junior Boys.—Senior Grade: Manukau, 20, North cote, 0. „ , „ , T . Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs. S. JNewton, 0: Parnell. 14, Manukau, 14; Ponsonby, 2?, Takapuna, 6- _ . Junior Grade. —Suburbs -won by default; Newton, 5, Eden, 3; Takapuna, 6, >orthSecondnry Schools. —Fourth Grade: Auckland Grammar A. 35, Sacred Heart A. 13; Mount Albert. 13, Technical College, 0. Fifth Grade.—Auckland Grammar A. 13, Snored Heart A. 8; Technical College A. 18, Takapuna, 0; Sacred Heart B. 10. -technical College B, 0. _ , Sixth Grade.—Mount Albert Grammar A, 14, Otahuhu A. 3; Auckland Grammar A. 14, Takapuna A. 3; Technical _ College A, 15. Sacred Heart A. 0: Technical College B. 8, Sacred Heart B, 0. Seventh Grade.—Grammar A, 6 Jakapana. 0; Sncred Heart. 3 14. Mount Albert Grammar B. 0: Auckland Grammar a, 11. Sacred Heart C, 12.