RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22179, 5 August 1935, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP defeat of leading teams grammar and otahuhu The third series of matches in the Auckland Kugby Union's senior championship cotiipotition, played in fine weather oil/ Saturday afternoon, brought about the downfall of the two leading teams,. Grammar Old Boys and Otahuhu. Grafton has now assuned tho lead, having an advantage of one point over Grammar, Otahuhu, Technical Old Boys and University. Grafton and University, however, Lave played one match more than the o';her three teams. Tho competition is now in a very interesting state. The chief attraction at Eden P;irk, where there was a fair attendance of spectators, was the meeting of Otahuhu and Grafton. The former team's chances were favoured, but sterling play by the Grafton forwards enabled the latter team to gain a victory in a fast contest. In a curtain-raiser Mcunt Albert Grammar School proved too strong for Hamilton High' School. University proved too strong for Manukau on y No. 2 ground, while Technical Old Boys ran up a very high total against College Rifles on No. 3 ground. Coming with a rattle over the clcsing stages Marist surprised Grnmmar, snatching a victory by two points. Following were the results of the .. matches: — Grafton, 14; Otahuhu, 6. University, 31; Manukau, 6. Technical, 41; College Rifles, «5. Marat, 19; Grammar, 17. SPLENDID FORWARD PLAY CAUSE OF OTAHUHU'S DOWNFALL The SD.cces;» of Grafton over Otahuhu was due almost entirely to the superb pla;? of its forwards, coupled with the fact that one or two of Grafton's tries could be considered rath«r lucky. From the very beginning the Grafton forwards worked as a pack ar.d their rushes were always well supported. They overshadowed the opposition in all departments of the game. Their scrummaging was solid, they were good in the loose, and were definitely on top regarding iine-out„ play. The outstanding forward on the ground was Anderson, who put his share into the tight play and was always prominent in the loose, handling the ball as safely as the best back. He was ably seconded by Lilley, who also played a fine all-round game. Roddick and Hardy were two others who were ever in the picture. Combined with this solid work was the excellent loose game played by Kolk, who appeared at the head of almost all the loose rushes. He harried the defence from the kick-off and was just as prominent at the close as at the beginning of the game Inglis played his usual bright gam# at the base of the scrum and his tricky running and change of tactics had the opposition guessing throughout. Neale, the exWellington representative, gave a fine allround e-.chibition of five-eighths play. Apart from Neale. Currey was the best Grafton back, although Paton was "responsible for some good work at fullback. The Otahuhu forwards stood up gamely to a heavier pack, but they were unable to secure their full share of the ball. Frequently when they did the halfback fumbled badly or wad'slow in getting the ball Hedge still displayed a tendency to run across the field and also to pass too soon instead of running up and drawing nis man. He was ecen at his best in the later sUgrea, when he made valiant efforts to open up th« pley. . Solomon played a solid type of game, both on attack and defence, but ho spoiled his exliibitio l to a great extent by holding on to the ball too long and being caught in possession. The threequarter line was not happy and Pearson appeared to be nil at go a in the iirst spell on the wing, tleyer did some excellent kicking, although he was often t(>o slow to get into position to field 'the ball. With a little less selfishness on the part of one or two backs Otahuhu would undoubtedly have done better, but Grafton s Tin was we'l deserved. More genuine play than was shown by some of the _ forwards has not been seen at Eden Pork this season. Grafton onened the scoring when Dick, chasing a high .kick which Beyer failed to sieht, was iavonred by the bounce, and, after a thrilling dash from near halfway, scored in She corner. Otahuhu equalised three- minutes* later when Roddick was caught offride, Beyer kicking a simple penalty goal. A splendid solo effort by Neale placed Grafton again in the lead. Receiving on his awn side of half-way, the fiveeighths cleverly swerved inside two men and raced dovnfield with Hedge and Beyer in pursuit. With ' three yards' lead Neale displayed Tihre determination to maintain his advantasie and cross at the flag. When Rogers sent a neat kick through Otahuhu's defence Currey followed- at top, and once more the bounce was in Grafton's favour, the winger racing ahead for a try which Paton converted. Otahuhu decreased the lead when, after a loose forward rush in Grafton's territory, Lazarus snapped up smartly and dived across, making the score at half-timeGrafton. 11; Otahuhu. fi. Only one try was scored in the second spell, when Ferguson, a Grafton forward, forced his way over from a forward melee near Otahuhu's line. Mr. C. F. Paull was referee. TECHNICAL'S EASY WIN COLLEGE RIFLES WELL BEATEN That, Technical Old Boys would have little difficulty in disposing of a greatly weakened College Rifles side was evident early in the match ,on No. 3 ground at Eden Park, and the latter team, with several of its usual players absent through sickness and injury, proved an • easy prey to to one of the strongest sides Technical has fielded this season. Early in» r.he first spell. Oldbury opened Technical's r,coring with a try converted by Lash, and by'half-time the tenm wan 19 points in the lead. Consequently, although the ball wns thrown about well in the second half and trieß were frequent, Technical's play lacked the splendid vitality •which marked its game in the early stages, and the in particular was disappointing. The Technical forwards played with a vigour and cohesion that completely overwhelmed their opponents. With Weber end August dominating the line-outs, and with the advantage of weight in the scrums, they had practically a monopoly ot the hall. Tho hacks rose to the occasion nnd indulged in pawsing rushes which took_ the heart completely out of the College Rifles' defence. Murdoch was the brightest back pn the field, but there were no weak links in the Technical combination. Oldbury. on the wing, and naslarn, at centre, were both very sound, while Aro. iilthoueh still showing a tendency to hold on to the ball too long, gave consistent service from behind the scrum. The College Rifles' forwards toiled asuidnou.nly throughout, with Batty. I. Stewart and Barker prominent, but they were op- -• posed by a better and heavier pack, and from the beginning their task was hopeless. Barker, especially, played a sound game, and it was he who scored the side's °nly try in the closing stages of the game. Of the backs. Wales was perhaps the best, but Vear did some good work in the fiveeighths line. Tries for Technical were scored by Murdoch (3). Oldbury (2). Aro, Lash, McKenPoland, Rayment and Haslam. Murdoch converted two tries and Aro and Lash one each. Barker scored for College Rifles, "r. C. Fowler was referee. NICE PASSING RUSHES UNIVERSITY'S BIG MARGIN / Credit for University's overwhelming defeat of Manukau on No. 2 ground at Eden , ar *,.was due mainly to the clever understanding shown between all mrmbers of the team. Both bncks and forwnrds frequently combined in beautiful bouts of passing. The winning team was superior throughout and the rush score is a fair indication of the run of play. Bush was in form and converted five of his team's seven tries. A feature of University's play was its unusual powers of recovery. Time and time again, when Manukau reached this line, the University backs cleared easily with delightful passing rusheo,

sweeping their way right up the field. Mulvihill figured prominently in a number of attractive runs, while Grant and Kirkland showed pacts and determination. The fine performance of Lewis made up for the absence of Caughey. The Manukau backs inclined more toward individualistic play and lacked the penetration and enterprise of their opponents. Ponlton shone with some clever interceptions and was often too good for Kirkland. A ,wettl:ness in the team's defence was the fullback, Carrington, who, although kicking well, was often bustled. A good place-kick would have improved Manukau's score, a number of penalties proving too difficult for Brimble and Berridge, both of whom were otherwise outstanding. The forwards were more evenly matched than the. backs, although the University players secured most of the ball. They also appeared to be fitter and combined better with the backs. The Manukau forwards were responsible fov most of their team's attacks, and were often dangerous in concerted action, led by Kereopa and Pearce. Tries for University were scored by Mnlvihill. Miles, Lewis, Kirkland. Drake, Grant and Bush, the lnstnamed converting five. Poulton scored a try for Manukau and Brimble kicked a penalty goal. M::. J. G. C. Wales was referee. FINE RECOVERY MAR IST DEFEATS GRAMMAR An exciting finish was provided in the gamo between Marist and Grammar Old Boysi at the Show Grounds, where Grammar had a lead of eight points at halftime and increased it to 17—8 during the second spell. Marist then made a fine re. covery and, after a try by Smith had finally equalised the score. Elliott converted to give his side the victory. The game opened with a series of attacks by the Grammar backs, who, with the advantage of the wind, crossed the Tine twice, to be recalled for knocking-on. Each v/ing. Spittal and Kelly, then scored a try, and Grammar already looked sure of victory. Marist was holding the Grammar pack nobly, but its backs were outclassed, and it was therefore all the more surprising that Grammar attacked chiefly with its forwards. They revealed fine combination but relied little on their backs, who in turn were rather prone to using the blind side. The Marist backs were unimpressive, save for the inside men, Portions and. Curtayne. Marist opened its account after the spell with a penalty goal by Porteous, and then Gra;mmar replied with tries by Spittil and Brown. Curtayne scored for Marist and Smith converted, while Grammar increased its lead with another try to Brown. Play was fast and keen, but Marist. with a deficit of nine points, seemed a beaten toam. However, a fine forward rush ended in a try to Speight, and Curtayne crossed shortly' afterwards. Marist :now seemed to have a chance of victory, find there was great excitement when Smith followed up fast and, after several players dived for the ball, a try was awarded him. Elliott made no mistake with the deciding kick. Credit for Marist's win was due to the forwards, without exception, and to Porteous and Curtayne. The pack was opposed to a Bet of worthy opponents and, after a period of hard defence, it showed fine spirit in taking the offensive. Every man was a trier, but Fitzgibbon, Bailey and S. Hadley were outstanding. Hadley also proved & capable hooker in place of his brother. Porteous and Curtayne kept the ball much to themselves on attack, but they followed up consistently and supplied the necessary sting in the Marist attack. The beaten team played good football and was superior until the last quarter. The backs were an even lot and showed rare speed and penetration. Swain, in particular, giving a fine exhibition from the base of the scrum. Of the forwards Mcßeath and Don were a bustling pair, .while Lockington was invaluable on the line-out. Mr. A. E. Austin was referee. LONGER GRADE RESULTS Junior Grade.—Panmure, 3, College Rifles, 0; Ponsonby, 21, University, 14; Southern United, <l. Grammar A, 3; Suburbs, 13, Marist. 3;; Technical Old Boys, 19, University B, G. Third Grade.—Ponsonby, 3, Grammar Old Boys, 0. Intermediate Grade.—Ponsonby, 8. Parnell, 3; Manukau, 16, University, 3; Technical Old Boys. 7, Grammar Old Boys, 6; Suburbs, 17, Cpllege Rifleß. 3. Fourth Grade.—Technical Old Boys, 14. Suburbs, 13. Filfth Grade.—Ponsonby, 11, Grammar Old E'oyn, 6; Manukau. 11. Suburbs, 6: Takapunai. 11, Panmure. 5. Sixth Grade.—Newton, 13, Eden, 13; Parnell, 6, Manukau, 3. Junior Boys.—Senior grade; Suburbs, 15, Eden, 11. Intermediate Grade. Takapuna, 12, Marist, 3; Subtirbs. 12, Newton, 0; Ponsonby, 5, Parneli, 3 Junior Grade.—Newton. 9. Takapuna. 3: Manukau, 15, Panmure, 0; Eden, 64. North Shore, 0. Secondary Schools. — Senior grade: Rotorua High School, 8, Takapuna Grammar School, 0. Third Grade A.—Sacred Heart, 17, Otahuhu, 0.

Fourth Grade A.—Auckland Grammar, 22. Mount Albert Grammar, 3; Sacred Heart, 15, Takapuna, 0. Fillth Grade B.—Otabuhu High School 9, Sacred Heajrt, 3. ■' Sixth Grrade A.—Auckland Grammar, 32, Sacred Heart, 0. ' Sixth Grade B.—Auckland Grammar B, 40. £lacre«l Heart B. 0; Auckland Grammar, 11, Mount Albert, 3. Seventh Grade A.—Sacred Heart won from Technical by default. Seventh Grade B.—Sacred Auckland Grammar. 0: Sacred Heart, 19, Mount Albert, 0. SECONDARY SCHOOLS WIN FOR MOUNT ALBERT In a spirited curtain-raiser contest at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon Mount Albert Grammar experienced little difficulty in overwhelming Hnmilton High School by 3(5 points to 9. Mount Albert registered the initial points when, awarded a penalty for offside forward play. C. Kingstone landed a good goal. Cleanly penetrating the Hamilton defence, Gribble raced from his own twenty-fire, outwitted the fullback, and scori;d a line try which Kingstone converted. Another individual effort further established 'Mount Alßert's advantage. Receiving at top speed. Stewart burst through a bewildered defence, caught the fullback off balance and touched down between the posts. Kingstone converted. From this stage Mount Albert maintained a definite superiority, two tries being registered in rapid After'several players had handled, Gribble flashed through an opening to score in a handy position, and in quick time, after the vanguard had rushed play to Hajnilton s line, Mills forced bis way over, making the half-time score:—Mount Albert, 19; Hamilton High,. 0. Hamilton opened its account soon after the resumption when Overington kicked a penalty goal. Mount Albert promptly returned to the offensive. and its total entered the twenties when Needham, blocked at the corner, veered- infield and potted a first-class field goal. Hamilton had a spell on attack, being rewarded when Oveiringtcm landed another penalty goal. Moiiint Albert swept play downfield. where Gribblo made a capital opening for Martin, who scored, Kingstone adding the extra points. Hamilton, defending continually, was unable to cope with the speedy Mount Albert back line, Martin again crossing at the corner, and Gribble beating the entire defence in a powerful scoring dash from halfway. Kingstone converted the last try. In a final willing attempt, Hamilton reached Mount Albert's line, where Bremer battled his way across, making the result:— Mount Albert. 36: Hamilton, 9. Mr. W. Gasparich was referee. MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] Nbw Plymouth.—The Taranaki Rugby : Union's senior championship matches rc- ' suited:—Star. 9, Waimate, 8: Clifton, 24, New Plymouth Old Boys, 8; Stratford. 15, Ingiewood, 3; Kaponga, 11, Stratford United Old Boys. 8; Opunake. 3, Hawern, 0; Okaiawa, 17, Patea, 8. Stratford must win the competition. Masterton.—Wairarapa Rugby Union games: «01d Boys. 24, Greytown, 10: Maryborough, 23, Red Star, 3; Carterton, 12, Dukficld, 9. Wellinj;t6n,—Hutt, 20. Old Boys, 13: Petone, 27, Oriental, 7; Eastbourne, 22, Poneke, 11; Johnsonville, 12, Athletic, 6; Marist, 19, Wellington, 9. Clirlstchurch.—ln the annual Payne trophy match Old Boys defeated Southern (Dunedin) by 13 points to 6. Dunedin.—Otago Sub-unions, 8; Southland Sub-unions, 3.