RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22427, 25 May 1936, Page 15

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP thrilling PLAY witnessed PONSONBY STILL UNBEATEN Easily the most thrilling football of the season was witnessed in the chief ffjune in the fourth series of matches in the Auckland Rugby Union's senior rhampionship competition which was decided on Saturday. This was the out0f the meeting of Ponsonby and TTniversitv," the latter team making a valiant effort to check the unbeaten career of its opponent and having a large attendance at Eden Park thoroughly roused. University actually trained a single point lead in the second spell, was una M e to ma i n tain this advantage and eventually was beaten by a margin of ten points. "A keenly-contested curtain-raiser, in which Grafton displayed better combination and thrust than Manukau, resulted in a comfortable win for the former team. On the No. 2 ground College Rifles produced unexpectedly good form to make Grammar fight all the W)l y, and especially hard in the closing stages, to stave off defeat. The Marist back line showed a reversal of its recent poor form and its better support of the strong pack gave the team a win over Otahuhu at Sturges Park. At North Shore the home side registered its first points in the competition by inflicting defeat on Training College. Technical Jiad the bye. following were the results of the matches:—;/, Ponsonby, 26; University, 16. Grafton, 525; Manukau, 8. Grammar, 18; College Rifles, 15. Marist, 19; Otahuhu. 3. North Shore, 20; Training College, 11? A SPECTACULAR CONTEST UNIVERSITY THRILLS CROWD jUthonah Ponsonby deserved its victory over University, there was not a difference of ten points between the teams on the general run of the play. Ponsonby obtained the bill from the majority of the scrums in the first spell, but there was too much bad pauing and mishandling by the backs for much headway to be made. University also misled opportunities, but it was first to score. Inglis, the halfback, running round on the blind side of a scrum near Ponsonby's line. Bush narrowly missed converthad some narrow escapes. Inglis being prominent for good r.ush-stopping. His try was obtained at the end of 25 minutes play, gnd between that time and the end of the spell Ponsonby had gained two converted tries, F. Solomon and Ramsay picking up in the loose and scoring. In _ the cue of the latter try the Ponsonby winger appeared to be two or three yards in front of the last man on his own side to play the ball. Hook converted both tries and the teams changed round with Ponsonby lending by 10 points to 3. Early in the second spell Bush missed with a drop at goal and then with a penalty. At the end of twelve minutes play Ponsonby added a further try. Jamieson made a strong run and D. Solomon scored bntwetn the posts. The conversion by Hook ■ade Ponsonby's lead 15—3. and the game looked all over. , . „ . It was then, however., that the University team turned on some real football firework*. A penalty goal kicked by Bush put . fresh heart into the side, and Mulvihill. "'"'■jfoglir and brought" the'(irowd to its ' fott with successive dashes for the line. Bush went up from fullback to join in a passing rush, enabling Kirkland to make a great run down the line. Hook stopping him a few yards short. Thomas was following up. but he was pushed into touch a yard from the'corner flag. A scrum followed the lineotifr, and Inglis passed to Mulvihill. who side-stepped his way brilliantly past Jamieson and Hook to score near the-posts. Bush converting and making the score 15—11. University was now playing inspired football, whereas'the Ponsonby men were for the time being demoralised. A thrilling loose rush, in which Mulvihill joined in with the ■ forwards, took play from over half-way ;to Paftsonby's line, where a defender forced down just in time. It was an effort whiob had the crowd in a frenzy of delight. University did not relax its efforts.' Bush agnin joined in a passing rush and he broke past Dow before sending Kirkland off 02 a dash down the line. He was checked a few yards short, but Thomas was following up, and he picked r.p the ball and scored a great try within a foot of the corner flag. The applause which followed continued for some seconds, and loud and ■ prolonged cheering was heard all round the Kround when Bush placed his side a point in the lead with a magnificent goal almost from the touch-line. Overeagerness cost University penalties and! two minutes later Ponsonby regained the joad when Hook kicked a penalty goal. A series of further penalties gave Ponsonby much-needed relief, but also cost University valuable ground. B. Solomon steadied himself for a drop at goal, but the ball went wide. Dow, on the right wing, had anticipated what Bolomon was going to do, and, although he looked to be in front of the kicker, he raced up and was awarded -• try when he fell on the ball before any defender could get there. A minute ,before time Bush was up in the threequarter line once more, but the passing rush broke down in the five-eighths line. p. Solomon gathered in the ball and raced unopposed across by the posts. Hook converted, giving Ponsonby a win by 26 Points to 16. The spectators were delighted with the •xhibitions given by both teams. For brightness and thrills the second spell would indeed be hard to beat. The forwards of both sides deserve praise Jor their dashing displays. Every man in each pack was a genuine -trier, and it is therefore scarcely meet to individualise. However. Thomas, of university, 'is worthy of special mention *? r ;his positive brilliance in the loose in ?ne second spell, when his speed in following up was surprising. ♦i, tt'* an excellent game behind the University scrum, varying his tactics ■ 111 * manner which was puzzling to his opponents. Mulvihill was at the top gf his jona, his straight running and cutting-in Being a source of worry to the opposition. m? 1 v ~o m the fact that his handling of L ? f®" w as vnot so safe as usual. Bush got, through a heavy afternoon's work in -, good style. ■ t , was perhaps the best of the PonaC i " T-,® 8 he gave a sound display »• fullback. Ramsay was again impressive Wn f. while Jamieson and D. Solo'nowed good understanding and com-five-eighths. However, the passj Ponsonby backs was not nearly J oo ® in its earlier games. Peace was referee.

GRAFTON'S EASY WIN

STOPPAGES FOR INJURIES

Positional play by the backs and the iiUQie of its pack, mainly because of injuries, to reproduce its match-winning form lim. 5 previous week, contributed largely oward Manukau s defeat by Grafton in a iV^ii lln I ralße X punctuated by thrilling incidents. Credit, is due to the winning «iiSL I " rouch-improved and very steady display and especially for the hn»i 1 i crucial moments by wVV'i and .fOTWtITdB- - in Grafton's success were °f Killeen. whose penetration I.W'y left the Mnnuknu backs liooeiLi ? 1 nnd the adept halfback play i* whose runs from the base of the tini t °"en carried play well into opposin«tL» 41? ' Arkle scored one try and Lr the way for a second, while Killeen. of 1 -runs ofer half the length olViw •' m , ade the registering of two q Uart " rg a B,m P'e matter for his three- ? u ' s kack line was seldom happy on ' 6™« L • 5 OT . attack, and, in contrast to »Ui.vj?s ß .cohesion, showefi little underfHwvwlUn tacMing by the five-eighths fstif'i. team in trouble, while armfi■ n * on attack caused many to collapse, teni,™™llback. Grant displayed the bad fmi T ait * or t ' ie bounoe and this .^, apart /To™ losing much ground on Oni£ ri egfM'W". was the .cause of at least scrnJ? n try. McLaren, behind the hU WBB ' 3est Manukau back, but . were very limited by the in-b.u-.V f* his forwards to win the ball. b_ °n the wing, threw away a try ' take a bnll 'with one iV" fault he frequently revealed. ca f?alty list sorely affected the toainrift H • display, and it loßt a big wV ,5' Of scrums and line-outs. Pepper with « ?• a leg injury and ran (Dell -rrr?P tfotil he retired in the second Wiklund. with influenza, was well

below his best, Pearce retired with a shoulder injury, and Skipper also went off near the finish with a bad cut above the eye. Evidence of the hard play in the final stages was borne by the large number of injuries sustained by players on bpth sides Apart from the already-mentioned Manukau retirements, Arkle. Killeen and Morley. all of Grafton, were compelled to leave the field. Grafton fielded a rearranged set of backs whose combination proved very effective. Pearman, of Ponsonby last year, was at first five-eighths, while Mackie. a promoted junior, replaced Rutherford at centre three-quarter. The steadiness of both these newcomers gave the entire line an almost perfect combination and it now appears that the backs have finally settled down. Pearman failed to kick well and converted only one try. The G raf ton pack deserves praise for the consistent manner in which it won possession for its backs. In the loose, as well as in the tight, it gave a very solid display. Gable, who wag on the ball from start to finish, scored one try and had a hand in two others. McLean was also conspicuous in the loose and was quick to seize opportunities, but could have lent more weight in the tight. Bunting, who displayed great speed for a forward, was also prominent for some clever work on attack. Grafton's tries were scored by Dick. Gable, McLean, Arkle, Bunting, Mackie and Praser. McLean and ""Pearman each converted one try. For Manukau. Pepper and Brimble scored tries, one of which was converted by Grant. Mr. J. Gasparich was referee.

MARGIN OF THREE POINTS GRAMMAR TEAM EXTENDED When it scored 10 points in as many minutes against College Rifles, Grammar appeared set for a walk-over victory, but the former team rallied strongly and at the interval had succeeded in reducing Grammar's lead by half. Staging a magnificent recovery in the second spell, the College Rifles forwards further surprised the Grammar pack, and it was their untiring efforts, together -with the brilliant play of Thompson behind the scrum, that were instrumental in almost giving their side the decision. Twenty minutes before time the smaller College Rifles forwards appeared likely to tire against their heavy opposition, but, when they suddenly renewed vigour, and even excelled their previous fine efforts. Grammar experienced many anxious moments A Grammar clearance kick that went astray gave Kirk the opportunity to place his team within striking distance, the College Rifles fullback gathering the ball on Grammar's twenty-five and sending a dropkick_ between the posts to bring the score to within three points of Grammar's total.

Although a try by Kelly, on Grammar's wing, followed almost immedately. it failed to dampen the ardour of the College Rifles pack, which continued to break and follow faster than the opposition. Its reward came with a try right on time, MacCormick crossing at the corner after a combined movement. The Grammar five-eights made full use of the team's speedy wingers, Spittal and Kelly, and frequent kicks across field and a little in front of these players, who followed through fast, often had the opposition at sixes and sevens. It was in this manner fehat Kelly secured the last points for his side, his pace enabling him to beat Tilly and Kirk in the race for the ball Good combination was_ihown by the Grammar five-eighths, McKay and A. J. Slyfield, who, with pretty inter-passing, frequently gained much ground. One of these movements terminated with a try by Slyfield between the posts. ,The Grammar fullback, Stott, played a steady game, his one fault being an occasional faulty kick which went infield instead of finding the line. It was from one of these miskicks, a ball which rose in the air behind the fullback, that Clapham, College Rif.es centre-threequarter scored his aide's opening try. At centre Fletcher was very elusive, his speed and straight running often placing his team on dangerous attack. On the wing Bpittal was given few real opportunities, but his opening try, a solo dribbling rush from the twenty-five, was a neat piece of work. • Corner, behind the scrum, did not play as well as his opposing number, Thompson, whose brilliant solo dashes o? both sides of the scrum were features of the game. Thompson's ileverness relieved College Rifles on defence time after time, while his flawleas passing and steady line-kicking added the finishing touch to his splendid display. The Grammar forwards did not appear as mobile as their opponents, and. alttnaugh they : easily'.held vl -their own in the tight, they were jeenerally beaten in the loose. A. Brown, Buckley and Don all played excellent games. It was unfortunate that in the first spell H. Slyfield was ordered to leave the field. The outstanding members of a dashing College Rifles forward division were Barker. Passmore, Stewart and McDonald. ~ Grammar's tries were scored by Spittal, Slyfield, Fletcher and Kejly. Slyfield converted two tries and Corner converted one. For College Rifles. Clapham. Tilly and MacCormick scored tries, one of which was converted by Passmore, while Kirk potted a goal. Mr. J. Malcolm was referee; NORTH SHORE SURPRISES DEFFEAT OF TRAINING COLLEGE Justifying its reintroduction to senior status, North Shore defeated Training College on the former's home ground by 20 points to 11. The win came as a surprise, since North Shore had gone down in the former three matches. It was not until well on in the second half that Training College had to give way to the superior back play which developed toward the conclusion. With this the defence was unable to cope and it turned out to be a deciding factor in the winning team's favour. Until just before half-time there was little between the teams and play was rather ragged. Then the home team opened the scoring with ft penalty goal kicked by the fullback. Woodhnm, from about half-way. Small, but nevertheless the best back on the field, Silcock was trying to break through the North Shore defence, his quickness of movement frequently deceiving th,e opposition. Had he been better supported his efforts must have been more fruitful. Waters »ud Finlayson. two North Shore backs, were continually flashing into the picture and between them they time and again took play to within a few yards of the line. North Shore's pack, with four Army and Navy representatives, proved formidable on attack. They were responsible for three tries when Fulton, Burgess and Castaign scored, 'the two last-mentioned being heavy Army men. Adams, a dashing threequarter, showed a fine turn of speed. A pass from Somerville saw him take the ball and race on his own from midfield to score in the corner. . . Shaw played at fullback for Training Col lege in the first half, but was more at home in the threequarter line when Hare went back to his old position. Hamilton s handling of the ball was a treat to watch. Takinc his passes well and sending* them on with accuracy, be provided a valuable link in the chain. On the whole, both sets of backs were good, but the Training College pack was inferior in weignt» For North Shore. Burgess, McKean. Fulton. Castaign and McNeill scored tries, and Woodham kicked a penalty goal and converted . one try. Training College s points came from a try by Rogers, Sutton _ converting, and Hare and Sutton each kicked a penalty goal. Mr. J B. Finlayson was referee.

OTAHUHU'S FIRST LOSS

MARIST TEAM IMPRESSIVE Marist gave an impressive display at Sturges Park, where it roundly defeated Otahuhu by 19 points to 3. Tlie win was fully merited, the Marist teamwork having a sparkle and dash that led to relentless onslaughts, on Otahuhu's line and yielded five tries. Otahuhu's sole reply wan a penalty goal. The ball did not, however, run kindly for Otahuhu and several likely movements were frustrated at times more by the bounce of the ball than the skill of the opposing defence. Securing from the loose, Logan made n determined run down the line, stalling off two tackles to score for Marist at the corner, Bell-Booth failed to convert. Witjiin a few minutes Logan repeated his feat, turning a pass from Curtayne to profit. Hadley converted. A penalty for illegal tackling saw-Beyer open Otahuhu's account with a fine kick, and half-time arrived with the score:—Marist, 8; Otahuhu, 3.

Otnhuhu'o All Black, Brown, received u chance, which he threw away by trying to change direction in his run. The. Marist forwards then took Ajntrol, handling the ball like backs. A great run bv Bell-Booth from midfield increased Marist s score, but his effort at goaling misßed. Rallies by Otahuhu were repulsed and Marist forwards and backs joined in a strong attack. Sullivan received in front of the posts and cleverly dummied a way through. Hadley missed an easy kick. The Marist forwards again dominated play in clever handling, and McGrory, who had replaced Irvine (injured), scored between the posts. Cooney added the points, making the final score:— Marist, 19; Otahuhu, 3. Hndley'a superb hooking and the brilliant work of the Marist forwards paved the way for a solid win. Otahuhu's lighter pack rucked well, but lacked the height and weight to counter an inspired opposition. Marist's five-eighths, Cooney and Curtayne, cut through repeatedly. Logan, at centre, was powerful throughout and was well supported by his wings. Dalbeth,, at fullback, handled and kicked cleanly.

Otahuhu's backß were undir a cloud and their few combined movements were sluggish and aimless. Beyer, at fullback, was frequently caught in possession and his kick-, ing was below standard. Moyle saw little of the ball from the serums, but was always a source of danger. Hedge and Pearson were the only other backs to impress. The wings. Brown and Hayden. were weak, the first-named being listless and lacking his customary dnsh. Williams, O'Neill ana Jury were prominent in the forwards. Mr. J. G. C. Wales was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior B Grade.—-Suburbs, '22, University. 0; Manukau, 11, Eden. 8; Parnell, 6, Takapuna, 3. ~ Second Grade.—Ponßonby, 25, College Rifles, 0; Otahuhu, JG, Northcote, 8; Grammar Old Boys won from North Shore by default: Manukau. 9, University, 0. Third Grade.—Grafton, 16. Manukau A, 6; Technical won from Tamaki by default: Manukau, 11, Ponsonby, 3; Takapuna, 12, St. George's, 12. Third Grade Intermediate.—Grammar A, 14, Grafton, 3; Suburbs, 11, Philomel, 8: Marist, 42, College Rifles, 0; Parnell, 8, Eden, 5: Manukau, 3, Otahuhu, 3; Suburbs B, 9, North Shore. 8 fourth Grade.—Marist, 10, Otahuhu, 3; North Shore, 46. Parnell, 3; Panmure, 9, Technical, 0; Northcote, 30, Ponsonby, 13: Suburbs, 22. Grammar, 8; Takapuna, 11, Newton, 8. , . , Fifth Grade.—North Shore, 17, Technical, 11; 'F.den, 02. Northcote, 3: Manukau, 8, St. George's, 5; Takapuna. 55, Grammar, 8; Suburbs, 3. Marist, 3; Parnell, 23, Tamaki, °" Sixth Grade.—St. George's, 8, Manukau, 6; Suburbs, 14, Eden, 0. Junior Boys.—Senior grade: Takapuna, 19, Ponsonby, 17; Manukau, 8, Suburbs, 3. Intermediate Grade.—Newton, 9, North Shore, 6: Suburbs, 9, Takapuna, 3: Eden, 9, Marist. 3: Manukau. 29. St. George. 0; Parnell. 11, Manukau, 0. Junior Grade.—Newton, 60, North Shore, 0; Takapuna, 29. Eden, Oj Suburbs, 41, Parnell, 0. COUNTRY CONTESTS MARSHALL CUP COMPETITION CHAMPION TEAM EXTENDED Rugby football competitions were continued in country centres of the Auckland Province on Saturday afternoon. Kereone, champion team in the Waikato, was surprised by Old Boys and was fully extended to win its Marshall Cup match by a margin of three points. The following results of matches were forwarded by correspondents of the Herat,i»: — Hamilton.—Further progress was made with the Hamilton district competition, the 1 third series of games being played. Two matches were decided at Hamilton and one each at Ngaruawahia and Te Awamutu. On No. 1 ground at Itugby Park the visiting Taupiri East team drew with Frankton, 13"» all, after a spectacular, even contest. There was no score until play had been in progress 20 minutes, when Frankton was rewarded for a prolonged period of pressure on the visitors' line. Good handling by Snodgrasß, Griffiths and Jones allowed a forward, Steere. to score Dene converted. Just before half-time the Taupiri forwards broke through and Taylor scored between the posts. Karl converted. Good combined work on tilie wing saw Karl score for Taupiri, but his converting kick fell short. Frankton Boon stimulated the crowd by evening the score. Heeps crossing the line after good handling by Pearson and Snodgrass. Denr failed to convert. A loose rush toward the home team's line saw L. Davis pick up smartly and dive over to secure Taupiri's third try. Karl converted. A minute from the call of time Griffiths slipped past several tackier* and scored between the posts. Denz converted. making the final score 13—all. In the second game at Rugby Park Marist defeated Rovers by 21 points to 5. Although Marist crossed the visiting team's line seven times not one of these tries was converted. The scorers were Broderick (2), Ryan, W. Cassidy, Mills, Kilpatrick, F. Cassidy For Rovers Irwin scored a try, which Young converted. Juniors: Rovers, 24, High School. 5; Old Boys, 17, Marist, 0; Technical Old Boys. 23. City, 0; Karamu. a bye. Third grade: Technical Old Boys. 22, Old Boys, G-, Frankton, 27, Technical School. 0; Bombay Juniors. 24, City, 3. Fourth grade* Frankton. 11, Technical Old Boys, 3.

MOrrinsville.—The final of the Marshall Cup competition provided one of the keenest club matcheß that has been seen in Morrinsvilie for many years. Kereone. holder of the Binnie Cup, is the champion club team of the Waikato, and not the most sanguine follower of Rugby football expected it to be extended, but it staved off defeat narrowly. A. J. Aitken, playing centre-threequarter for Old Boys, the losing team, put himself right on side for representative honours this season. This game concluded the Marshall Cup competition, Kereone beins the winner. The championship competition will commence next Saturday, and everything points to a brightening of club football. Results were:—Kereone, 6. Old Boys. 3; Terriers, 0, Kiwitahi, 0 Juniors: Terriers, 12, Old Boys, 9; United, 18, Easteni, 3: Motumaoho, 8, Kereone. 6: Tahuna, 6. Rovers. 6. Third grade: Old Boys. 11. Terriers. 0- Eastern. 12. Kere one. 3. Matamata.—The Matamata Kugby Union's senior championship competition -was continued in perfect weather Matamata met Patetere on No. 1 ground at Bedford Park, an interesting game resulting in favour of Matamata by 14 points to 6. For the winners tries were scored by Barnett (2). Kneebone and Cole, Fitzgerald converting one. G. Brown kicked two penalty goals for Patetere. Stanaway and M. Strong, in the backs, and Mitchell and A. Simpson, in the forwards, were prominent for Patetere, while Cole, Kneebone, Fussey (backs), and Sharp, Fitzgerald and Burke played well for Matamata. On No. 2 ground Binuara had an easy victory over Wardville by ; 17 points to 0. F. Germann, R. Johns and A. Lowry scored tries, P. Hawke converting one and kicking two penalty goaU. i''or Wardville A. Hughes. Hayward, P. Munro and Blackett were most prominent Juniors: Wairere. 9. Matatnata. fi- Walton. 3, Patetere, 0. Paeroa. —The Paeroa Kugby Union's competitions were continued. At Hikutaia the home team defeated Convent Old Boys by 11 points to 0. West and Netherton played an even game at Paeroa, West. winning by 3 points, n penalty goal kicked by Alp, to 0. Helensville.—The Kaipara Union's competition matches were very interesting. Parakai secured a one-point mnrgin over Kaukapakapa by two penalty goals to a converted try. This match was keenly contested, being very willing in the tight, although territorially the advantage was with Parakai. This is Kaukapaknpa's first defeat this season. At Waimaukn the home team held Silverdale to a three-point margin, the latter team scoring a try through Skillanders. Play in this game was nwstly between the twenty-fives, with a considerable number of scrummages, due to the ball being kicked into touch on the full. The game was fairly fast, with good, work by both sets of backs. Junior grade: Kumeu. 8, Woodhill, 3; Kaukapakapa. 9, Helensville. 5: Parnkni won bv default, from ail verdale.

Whitianga. -A match under the control of the Mercury Bny Rugby Union resulted:— Whitianga, 13, United. 6. Dargaville.—The weather was unsettled and there was a light wind when the Northern Waiion Rugby Union's Barnes were played. Seniors: Southern, 8, Rainu V alley, f»: Northern Star. 18, Ruawai, 3. Juniors: Tangowahine. 9. Dargaville, 9; Kaihu Valley. 24, Old Boys, 0: Northern Star, 6, Ruawai, 0. Third grade: High School, 10, Ruawai, 8; Northern Star, 11, Dargaville, 0. Tauranga.—The Tauranga Rugby Union's Jordan Cup competition for senior teams was commenced in fine weather. Mntakonft defeated Te Puna by 1G to 3. Matakanaled at half-time by 3 to 0, but was definitely superior in the second half. Tries for Matakana were gained by M. Murray (2), W. Ngahoe and V. Dickson, a try each being converted by D. Ainsley and M. Murray. For Te Puna the only try was scored by U. Orrasby Rangataua deieatcd Cadets Ulci Boys by 13 to 9. Oliver Cufc junior games resulted: Matapihi, 3, Rangataua. 0; Athletics, 11. Judea. 10: Cadets Old Boys, 4. Omokoro*. 0.

Whakatane. —The Rugby toot ball competitions were continued in good weather There was a good attendance of the. public the big match on th-s Domain being that between Paroa nnd City. The final score was H 3 in favour of Paroa, there being no iicore at half-time. J. Pile scored for Paroa and Harawera converted. The last-named also kicked a pennlty goal. <T. Stewart scored for City. J. Pile, n young plnyer. was outBtpnding and very elusive. K. Waho, for Paroa, also played a sound «ame in the buck division, while C. 1. lie, W. Reneti, B. Harewera and It. Waho wore the Pick of the forward division, fc. Hollis, for City, played a really fine game at first five-eighths. L. Dnlahunty, half, and .1 Stewart olf-u played fine back gam«s Poroporo beat Taneatua by 14 to 6, and Ruatoki beat Wairaka by 17 to 6. Juniors: Waimana. 11, Wairaka. 0; Ruatoki. 13, City, 6; 11, Taneatua, G The Rangitniki I.ugby Union's senior result* were:—Ldgecumbe, 3 Awakeri, 0; Matata. 15, le leko, 5. Juniors: Awakeri, 13, 'Edgecumbe, 9. Thames,—Seniors: Old Boys, 26, Hui Mai, 8. Juniors: Ramblers, 9, Physical Training. 0. Third grade: High School. 12, Old .Boys, G.

Waikare.—Seniors: Waerenga, 24, Te Kanwhota Maoris. 3; Glen Murray, 34, l amwha, 0; Obinewai, 23, Ranginri, 6. Juniors: Waerenga, 19, Woodleigh, 0.

Waluku.—-Seniors: City. 33, Aka Aka, 15; Otaua, 8, Bombay, 0 (friendly match). Juniors: Aka Aka, 9. City. 3; Otaua. 25, Waipipi. 0.

Mangatawhlrl.—Games under the Mangatawhiri Union's control resultedPokeno, >2O, Kaiaua. 0; Mangatangi, 16, Valley, 3.

Puk«koh«"Franklin.—Further matclie« in the competitions conducted by the amalgamated Pukekohe and Franklin Unions were played. Senior results: Onewhero 48 (A. Cathcart 8 tries, D. Revell, C. Nicholson and L. Wright each 2 tries, C. McKmney, J. Hira, W. Swanson, A, Passau and yf. Standish each one try, and one conversion each by A. Cathcart, D. Revell and E. Moore), Te Kohanga, 8 (one converted try by Duncan, who also kicked a penalty goal); White Star, 13 (one try each by Moran, Breach and Lauer, a conversion each by Sandin and Loughrin). Old Boys. 5 (A. Hewitt a try, converted by Harvey); Tuakau, 8 (tries by Martic and McGuire, one converted by Cathcart), Patumahoe, 3 (try by Mclsaac). Juniors: White Star. 10. Old Boys, 3; Onewhero, 13. Te Kohanga. 4: Patumahoe. 6, Pukekawa, 6. Third grade: Drury 6, Onewhero, 8; White Star, 5» Old Boys, a ; Bombay won by default from Panumahoe.

Putaruru. —Playing in the Ibbetsoa Shield competition, Putaruru defeated Arohena by 10 points to nil after a ragged game. Arapuhi-Waotu defeated Tokoroa by 5 point# to 3. In the junior competition Tokoroa defeated Arapuhi-Waotu by 9 points to nil. whangarel.—The championship competition of the Whangarei Rugby Union was continued in cold and showery weather. The principal senior fixture was at Hikurangi, where the home aide defeated City by 8 points to 3. Neither team had hitherto been defeated. Play was mostly confined to the forwards, although T. Conway, at halfback for Hikurangi, played an outstanding game. J. Campbell, at wing-three-quarter, also impressed. Holmwood, fullback, and Rarity, second five-eighths, gave good displays, the try by Rarity being a particularly fine effort. Among the forwards S. and ,T. Brydon, Mclnnes, B. and M. McConnell and Redwood stood out. _ The City backs did not get many opportunities, but Birch, fullback, and Robins and Roos, five-eighths, did well. Shepherd, on the wing, made the most of his few opportunities. The forwards appeared short of training and did not show up to advantage. J. and R. MoKenzie and Reed being the best. For Hikurangi, J. Rarity scored and kicked a penalty goal, while Conway converted Rarity's try. Shepherd scored for City just before time. The principal game at 'Kensington Park. Whangarei. was the senior match between Old , Boys and Maungakaramea, the former winning by b points to nil. Although che ground was. in first-class condition, the game was lacking in attractiveness, being confined chiefly to the forwards. G. L. Weir, halfback for Maungakaramea, was the outstanding back, and his efforts were responsible for the winner's small score. For Old Boys, lapper kicked a penalty goal and Symes scored a try. Kia Toa had a bye. Juniors: Hikurangi. 17, Old Boys, 3; High School, 11, Waitoa. 11; Hora Hora. 21, Whaknpara, 8. Third grade: High School, 12, Old Boys. 8; Oncrahi. 27. High School. 3; Hora Hora. 35. Old Boys. 3. • Manukau. —Four matches were played in the Manukau Sub-union's competitions on Saturday. Results:—Senior grade: Manurewa, 12, Clevedon, 11; Karaka, 22, Drury, 3; Hunua, a bye. Junior grade: Clevedon, 21, Karaka, 0; Ararimu, 21, Papakura, 8. Te Awamutu.—Rugby competitions, which were postponed the previous week on account of the Waipa Racing Club's winter meeting, were resumed in excellent weather. In the senior grade Te Awamutu defeated Hamilton Technical Old Boys by 16 points to 9 after a fast and exciting game. For the winning team Turney, Hannah and Tombs scored tries, two of which were converted, while Bell kicked a penalty goal. Technical Old Boys' points comprised an unconverted try by Porteoua and two penalty goals by Pardington. Juniors: Ngutunui, 12, Waikeria B, 11; Te Mawhai. 36, Te Awamutu, 5; Waikeria A, 44. Old Boys, 6. Third grade: High School, 18, Suburbs. 3; Te Awamutu, 12, Old Boys, 9.

Taupirl.—Playing at Ngaruawahia Old Boys had a runaway victory over Taupiri West, winning by 47 points to 0. In every department the home team was outclassed, both backs and forwards failing to stop the fine passing movements of the visitors. Tries were scored by Heeps (3), Carroll (2), Hoiloway (2), Jones, Whittaker, Gudsell and McLauglilan. Carroll converted three and Chitty, Dovi, 'Heeps and Coombridge one sach. Results in the Vancouver Cup competition were:—Te Akau, 6. Te Hoe, 3; Ngaruawahia, 15, Kainui, 6; Huntly won from Whitikahu by default; Huntly Old Boys beat Gordonton. Te Puke.—Results of senior matches p|ayed at Jubilee Park: Papamoa, 8, Pukehina, 5; United. 15. Maketu, 3. Juniors: Paengaroa, 9, Papamoa, 6; United, a bye. Huntly.—Senior grade: Huntly High School Old Boys, 33, Te Akau, 0. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS SURPRISE IN ChRISTCHURCH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] New Plymouth.—Matches played under the control of the Taranaki Rugby Union resulted: Stratford. 12. Star, 3; Inglewood. 12, New Plymouth Old Boys. 11; Clifton. 17, Stratford United Old Boys, 8; Kaponga. 8, Hawera. 3: Pafcea, 14. Eltham. O: Waimate. 21, Athletic, 9. Wellington.—Wellington College Old Boys, 13. Athletic. 7; Wellington. 17, Marist. 6; Poneke, 19, Hutt. 9: Eastbourne. 24. Petone, 13. Chrlstchurch.—The surprise of the Rugby competition games was the defeat of Christchurch by Linwood by 11 points to 10. Other results were: Sunnyside, 12, Athletic, 3; Merivale, 36. University. 5: Albion, 11, Sydenham, 0. Dunedin.—Kaikovai, 12, Union, 12; Alhambra, 10. Taieri, 3; Southern. 15. Zinfjtari, 3; Pirates, 18, Dunedin, 3. The University teams were on vacation. Masterton. —The Wairarapa Rugby Union results were: Old Boys. 12, Carterton, 8: Gladstone, 20. Grcytosvn, 5; Red Star, 22. Dalefield, 9; Martinborough, 13, Feather. 9 ton. 10.

WIN FOR NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND DEFEATED (Received Mav 24, 5.5 p.m.) BRISBANE, May 24 A Rugby Union match between New South Waleß and Queensland resulted in the defeat of Queensland, 27—18. The half-time score was 14—13 in New South Wales' favour. The match was not brilliant, although in the second half some bright movements' were witnessed THAMES REPRESENTATIVES [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] THAMES, Sunday The following team has been chosen to represent Thames against Te Aroha in a challenge for the Poland Cup to' be played at Thames next Saturday:—P. Ray. E. Murray, S. Goodwin, W. Savage, R. Shaw, C, Hamilton, J. Grey, M. Watene, A. Storey, A. Howard, G. Burgess, E. Russek, W. Sanderson, C. Abraham, P. Barbalich. Emergencies: Billing, Davis. Maxwell. Darrah, Poland, Wilton. The following junior team has been selected to represent Thames against Te Aroha. at Te Aroha, for the Shnrebrokers' Cup:—-J. McGregor, D. Watson. J. Hoßkin, N. McMillan, A. McMillan, J. Courtney. A. Cleave, 0. Price. D. Courtney, P. Wright, P. Doherty, K. Fitzpatrick, P. Fleming. B. Watene, L. Coward. Emergencies: P. Currie. R. Reed. D. Ensor. Reihnna.