RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22143, 24 June 1935, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP OTAHUHU DEFEATS MARIST MANUKAU AND GRAMMAR DRAW The Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition was continued on Saturday afternoon when for the first time this season the grounds were really wet and slippery. Under the circumstances spectacular football was missing, except on a few occasions. The ball was hard to handle and it was a day for forward plav. There was only a moderate attendance at Eden Park, where the principal game was that between Otahuhu and Marist. The suburban team had the better of the forward exchanges and won by three points to nil. The curtain-raiser, between Ponsonby and Technical Old Boys, was keenly contested, and the result was a draw, 6-all. Playing on No. 2 ground at Eden Park, Grafton just prevailed over College Rifles by 9 points to. 6. There was another stern struggle at the Show Grounds, where Manukau and Grammar played a draw of 6-all. University had a bye. Following were the results of the matches:— Otahuhu, 3;" Marist, 0. Ponsonbv, 6; Technical, 6. Grafton, 9; College Rifles, 6. Manukau/6; Grammar, 6.

GRAFTON* CLOSELY PRESSED COLLEGE RIFLES' LATE STAND _ After maintaining the considerable lead during most of its match against College Rifles Grafton was hard pressed in the last few minutes, winning eventually by 9 points to 6. Wales having been unlucky in missing with a drop-kick which would have given College. Rifles a one-point lead just on time. Grafton, however, deserved its win. Owing to the nature of the conditions, it was a forward game, and the Grafton pack had greater solidity and combination. Tho handling of both teams was, as might have been expected, poor. It was a typical wet-weather match.

The game was undoubtedly won by the tactics adopted by the Grafton pack in the first half. By keeping the ball down and I following up kicks the team bustled the College Rifles defence. In marked contrast were the attempts of the College Rifles backs to handle, a greasy and elusive ball. The forwards, also, were inclined to play as individuals and only in the second epell did. they work as a pack and suc- . ceed in keeping the heavier Grafton for- ' wards at bay. The Grafton pack, which has inclined to lack trim and dash in recent games, played much better, although it did not possess the cohesion and strong backing up shown against Grammar Old Boys the previous Saturday. Its dribbling rushes were splendid and McLean, Ferguson and Henderson were at the head of every one. Inglis, at halfback, was particularly sound on defence, going down in fine style to forward rushes. Killeen showed, several brilliant flashes, but he seldom had an opportun- „ ity. Currey played with determination and his two tries were well merited. The College Rifles forwards worked hard and the most prominent were Hurt, in spite of an injured knee. Bunting and Barker. "Wales was tb» outstanding back on the field and his line-kicks saved the forwards / a lot of work. Bis kicking was splendid and he was rather unfortunate with his drop-kick. For Grafton Currey scored twice and Paton kicked a penalty goal. "Wales kicked two penalty goals for College Rifles. Mr. J. Finlayson was referee,.. ; VIGOROUS DISPLAY MANUKAU AND GRAMMAR _____ i Surprisingly good handling, considering the heavy nature of the ground, was shown in the game between. Manukau and Grammar Old Boys at the Sho%v Grounds. Each side took every opportunity of handling the ball, and an open, if not spectacular, game resulted. The forward play, however, was not all it might have been, a good deal of energy being wasted in the swinging of fists, and a vigorous but unscientific display was the outcome. Grammhr won the ball from most of the scrums, but. the backs were faced with ft much improved defence. Manukati was first to score when Wells, after putting in a pretty burst down the side-line, handed on to Fulton, thence to Skipper, who followed up fast to score. _ _ Grammar replied with a series of attacks launched on Mamikau's line, but the defence held, and it was left to Slyfield to equalise the score with a fine penalty kick. Manukau opened the second spell with a dangerous assault on Grammar's line, which ended with a repulse by Grammar covering ■ the length of the field. Manukau was caught off its guard, and Mcßeath fell on the ball for a try. Manukau was still seeing little of the ball but, after pressing down _ to Grammar's territory, it cs.me back just when required, and McCormick slipped through an opening to score. The ball was now greasy and hard ttf handle, and the rest of the game was a forward struggle, no further score resulting. Berridge. fullback _ for Manukau, was safe. Although conditions were against him, he handled the ball faultlessly, nnd was not slow to attack when the opportunity occurred. His kicking also was of a high standard. Poulton was responsible for some tricky runs, and depended for his chances entirely on himself. McCormick was at his best on attack, when his speed and determination made him a dangerous player. His defence also was greatly improved. Hadfield had a difficult task in face of the Grammar forwards, but his passes were well directed, and his clearing kirks saved his side repeatedly. Skipper arid Constable were the pick of the forwards, with Pearce •and Bonham the next best. McCbwan gave an exhibition Utile inferior to that of Berridge. Bis handling was sound throughout, and he rarely failed to find the line. He had to stop several dangerous rushes, but came through fairly creditably. Fletcher was prominent for strong and determined running, and in this department Slyfield also shone. Jessup proved a good substitute for Corner, his passing and kicking from behind the scrum being sure and clean. Lockington was (he best forward, Mcßeath and A. Brown also :showing up well toward the end of the Same. ; Mr. C. F. Paull was referee. HARD-WORKING FORWARDS OTAriUHU TEAM'S SUCCESS Otahuhu owed its success over Marist to a hard-working and fast following set of forwards. Excitement ran high during the closing stages of the contest, when Marist. from a series of set scrums in Otahuhu territory, made d'sperate efforts to at least equalise. Its heavy, rugged forwards forced play to within five yards of its opponents' goal-line, but from there it was unable to proceed further. Otahuhu's stern defence withstanding every test. Two minutes after time was actually up Marist was awarded a penalty kick ten yards inside halfway, but Elliott failed to make the heavy ball lise, Otahuhu quickly kicl.ed into touch and the game ended. The first tpell was evenly contested, both packs working with a will and infusing their play with any amount of vigour. However, there was little bright football, although both sets 'of backs handled the muddy ball with a fair measure of success. A' few minutes before half-time Otahuhu drew first blood, and then proceedings livened considerably. The only points of 'P the game were secured seven minutes before the conclusion ot the first spell. From near halfway the Otahuhu vanguard broke away in a concerted forward skirmish which was blocked twenty yards from Marist's line. Both packs rucked hard until an Otahuhu forward kicked hard past the Marist backs, and Breed, following fast through the opposition, scored with a spectacular dive. Beyer narrowly missed with a great effort from the sideline, the ball going high above and a fraction outside the upright. The spell ended .with a period of sparkling movements, during which excitement was intense as play moved quickly from end to tnd of the field. When the. tame recommenced. Otahuhu, exerting itself to the full, took definite comn:t»nd and its forwards, toiling determinedly against a heavier but slower pack, gave a nrst-class exhibition of wet day football. When they broke away they invariably kept in a bunch and followed hard; when the • ball was locked in the tight every man lent his whole honest weight, and they

rucked together. This cannot be said of the Marist forwards, who failed to combine as effectively as their opponents, their rushes being more in the form of individual efforts, with the rest of the pack trailing: in support. The outstanding forward in the Otahuhu vanguard was. Breed, who, working tirelessly, was always on the ball, setting his team a fine example. His reward came with a splendid try. Special mention must also be made of O'Neill, who was repeatedly conspicuous for his fast breaking from the side of the scrum and his solid dribbling rushes. G. Solomon, seen in a new role as a wing-threequarter, played a dashing game, displaying on several occasions real eiusiveness. His handling of the alippery ball was never at fault, and he was responsible for a pretty piece of play in the first spell when, after sending a speculator kick through the opposition, he charged Elliott's return down, snapped up the ball anrl very nearly dropped a field goal. He retired with a shoulder injury in the second spell, being replaced by Taylor, a promoted third grade player, who received few chances on attack, but Tevealed a sound defence. Although Hedge was not as fast from the mark as usual, owing no doubt to the holding nature of the ground, he made many clevfft and effective attacking moves which completely berild »red the defence. Beyer made few mistakes at fullback, his handling and kicking under the difficult conditions being of the highest order. Marist's most r-ron inent forward wag Fitzgibbon, whose work in all departments was outstanding. S. Hndley and Julian also Played excellent games, while McGrory, whose height was a great asset, proved a ■valuable line-out man. Porteous was tricky behind the scrum, but often went too far or did too much on his own. Curtayne varied his play well, but was inclined to overdo the short pnnt. Bell-Booth and Lo.san were sound on defence, while Barry, on. the left wing, revealed determination on the few occasions that he was in possession. Elliott at fullback was very steady and effected some fine saves, the manner in which he snatched the slippery ball from the mud in the very teeth of Otahuhu forward onslaughts three times earning deserved applause from the crowd. Mr. J. A. Malcolm was referee.

EVENLY-CONTESTED DRAW PONSONBY AND TECHNICAL An evenly-contested curtain-raiser game between Ponsonby and Technical Old Boys, tho result of which was undecided until the final whistle, ended in a draw after a somewhat ragged exhibition. Technical held a clear-cut territorial advantage in the first spell, but failed to press home several promising opportunities, half-time arriving with the score 3-all. "When play recommenced there was little to choose between this two teams, play hovering for the most part around midfield, with each side attacking and defending alternately. Ponsonby took the lead five minutes after this kick-off. .Pearman, who was playing on the wing, and not in his customary position as an inside back, landing a splendid penalty goal from ten yards inside the half-way mark Technical drew level shortly afterwards when Aro slipped round the blind side of a set scrum in Ponsonby territory and dummied his way over for an easy try. Play was almost entirely confined to tVie forwards and, although both rearguards made several attempts to combine, their movements seldom gained much ground, the greasy ball being too difficult to handle. Both packs were evenly matched in the tight, but- the fast Technical forwards held a definite superiority in the loose and repatedly rushed play-to within striking distance of the, Ponsonby line. On the resumption of play Technical swept to the attack, but fortune was against ihe side. First a lucky touch-down brought Ponsonby temporary relief and then, after Haslain had picked up smartly and flung himself across the line, he lost possession of the wet ball. The highlight of the contest followed when Bond and Knight, combining together in a fine dribbling rush, took the ball over half the length of the field. Success would have been theirs but for a great save by Turbott, who raced across, snatched the ball from almost under their feet. and cleared safely. Technical took: the lead when Lash, reeeivinjr the ball fifteen yards from Ponsoriby's line, brushed aside a weak tackle and flung himself over Lendrum's low dive for a try. Four minutes before time Ponsonby had a tuui on attack and excitement ran high when Richardson crossed from a loose melee to equalise. A no-charge was ruled against Technical but. although Pearman had all the time he wanted, he missed an easy shot. The game ended shortly afterwards without further score. Outstanding among the "Ponsonby forwards were Bond, Knight and M. Fraser, who. especially in the loose, gave dashing displays. Although given few chances on attack, D. Solomon played a very sound defensive game, his backing up being particularly fine. Prankham gave one of his soundest halfback exhibitions to date, and. in spite of the> bad < conditions, sent out long accurate passes. Among the Technical forwards Weber deserves special mention for good line-out work and solid, tireless rucking. Haslam and Oldbury were outstanding among the backs, but Rayment. at fullback, found the slippery ball difficult to handle and made several costly mistakes. Tries for Technical were scored by Aro and Lash, while Richardson crossed for Ponsonby and Pearman kicked a penalty goal. Mr. C. W. Henderson was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grade B.—University, 8, Manukati, 3: Parnell, 9, Eden. 3. Junior Grad<».—Waitemata, 8, University. 6: Grammar Colts, 14. Ojatia, 0: Suburbs, 27, Trinity College. 5: Suburbs, 6, Takapuna. 3; Takapuna, 0. Northcote, 0_: Grafton, 19, Manukau, 3; Eden. 12. North Shore, 3. Third Grade.—Manukau won from Otahuhu by default; College Rifles, 31, Waitemnta, 9. Intermediate Grade.—Grammar Old Boys. 14, Suburbs, 3: Technical Old Boys, 38, Training College, 3; Ponsonby, 37, Parnell. 6; University, 5, Manukau, 5; Takapuna, 8, Northcote, 0 Fourth Grade.—Eden. 6, Suburbs, 3; Northcote. 3. Marist. 0: Takapuna, 9, Manukau. 0; Eden B, 6. Technical Old Boys. 3. Fifth Graf]e.— Takapuna. 19. North Shore. Jl; Technical Old Boys. 21. Grammar Old Boys, 0; Suburbs. 18, Marist. 3. Sixth Grade.—Newton. 15, Technical Old Boys, G: Suburbs. 23. Manukau. 0: "Parnell, 22. Eastern Suburbs, 3; Eden, 29. Marist. 0. Junior Boys.—Senior grade: Suburbs won from Y.M C A. by default; Eden, 8, Manukau, 3. Intermediate Grade. Manukau, 8, Suburbs, 3: Parnell, 14, Ponsonby, 0; Marist, 8 Takapuna, 6. Junior Grade.—Suburbs, 6, Takapuna, 3. SECONDARY SCHOOLS SUCCESS OF MOUNT' ALBERT The heavy field and greasy ball did not prevent some fast and bright play in the game between King's College and Mount Albert Grammar School at Mount Albert, 'i he home side owed its victory to all-round superiority, winning most of the scrums and showing pleasing understanding among the backs. Mount Albert was first to score. Long, on the wing, securing the ball and racing over. C. A. Kinsrstone's kick failed. Mount Albert Was -securing most of the boll, but its chances were checked by the spoiling play of the Kind's forwards. Half-time came with the scor>:—Mount Albert Grammar School, 3; King's College, 0. The points were soon levelled when Archdall goaled 'rom a penalty. Mount Albert then resorted to some well-judged kicking whi;h took play well downfield, and, after some brisk passing. Martin scored in a handy position. Another three points Were Stewart kicked a penalty goal. The King's College line was saved Ky fine clearing kicks by Abbott, at fullback. The final score w*sMount Albert Grammar School. 9; King's College. 3. Mr. J. G. Gnsparich was referee, SURPRISE BY GRAMMAR SACRED HEART DEFEATED <A surprise wns caused on Saturday when the Auckland Grammar School fifteen defeated Sacred Heart College at the Grammar School by 11 points to fi. The ground was on th* heavy side, but both teams threw the ball about whenever possible, keeping the game open. Sacred Heart established a lead in the first spell, when Hare kicked two penalty goals, and the team displayed more initiative in attacking. The second opell snw Grammar take charge, its lacks handling the ball with confidence. Jones opened Grammar's account. but with time nearly up. Sacred Heart was still three points ahead. Massey equalised the score, and Sacred Heart replied with a fine forward movement which took the ball right down to Grammar's line. Grammar was defending desperately when Coughlan put in a run which ended in a try by Massey, the conversion making the score:—Grammar, 11: Sacred Heart, 6. Mr. A. E. Austin was referee.