RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22487, 3 August 1936, Page 13

RUGBY FOOTBALL

annual college day SECONDARY SCHOOLS' GAMES WIN FOR AUCKLAND GRAMMAR The Auckland Rujiby 1 nion's annual charity day was hold at Kden Park on Saturday, when good weather and ground conditions were conducive to last ope" I'oothall. Moth matches or. the y (K 1 field were between secondary schools * teams, hut. although they were keenly contested, the standard of football was liclow tli.it of recent years. In the principal contest Auckland Grammar maintained its unbeaten record by comfortably accounting for Sacred Heart College, (iraniinar was faster all round, but its speedy line of backs did not combine as effectively as usual, and tho thrills that were expected of it were not forthcoming. In ,a keen curtain-raiser Kind's College, .fitter leading at half-time, finally went down to Mount' Albert Grammar by eight points. Senior clubs played tho first series of matches in the subsidiary competition arranged for them, while tho representative team is away. On the Kden I'ark No. - fi£ld Grafton boat Technical bv moans of a last-minute try. while in an early game on tho same ground Marist defeated Train inn College in a similar manner. Grammar prevailed fairly comfortably over College Rifles on the No. ii field. Giving a sound all-round display University took the honours from Manukau at Onohtinga,' also by a try in the closing stages. The surprise of the day was tiTe defeat of Otahuhu at the hands of North Shore at St urges Park, tho winning team showing a big improvement. . Following are the results of tho matches: — Grafton, 15; Technical. .13. Marist, 19; Training College, 16. University, Manukau. 6. Grammar. -6, College Rifles, 10. North Shore, 8, Otahuhu, 6. SUPERIOR COMBINATION GRAMMAR SCHOOL UNBEATEN Displaying superior speed and dash in all departments, Auckland Grammar played sound football to defeat Sacred Heart Collece but the standard was disappointing, and definitely below that witnessed in recent years. Both sets of forwards accomplished a great amount of work, but there was a scarcity of the combined backs attacks which have characterised secondary schools' matches for several seasons. Grammar attacked in the early stages, but rerv sound work bv Curry, Sacred Heart fullback, saved several difficult situations. It was Hot long before Grammar opened the scoring. Jackson cut through after taking a pass from Jones. The centre was well tackled, but Jones canto round on the outside to take a pass and cross for an easy try. Garrett converted. For a lengthy period play was confined to tiie forwards. A Grammar forward rush carried plav the length of the field, but Sacred Heart cleared in good style. Just before the halftime whistle sounded, Garrett took a clearing kick neatly ami missed narrowly with a dropkick from beyond the twenty-five. Half-time arrived with the :?core: —Grammar, 5; Sacred Heart, 0. The brightest movement of the game occurred shortly after the resumption. Jones cut through on the halfway mark before sending to his centre, Jackson, who made ground and then passed back to Jones. The second five-eighths inpassed to Marriott for the winger to swerve round the fullback and run round between the posts for a good try. Garrett easily converted. Inaccurate passing and poor handling on both sides spoiled many promising movements in the next ten minutes, but finally Jones again cut through, this time for a clever solo try. Garrett again converted from right in front. Once more Jones, who was playing an excellent game, pierced the defence, but his pass to Jackson was not accepted. Sacred Heart, with ten minutes to go. made determined efforts to score, and for a time Grammar was penned in its own territory. It was the winning team's forwards who finally broke clear, and right on the call of time White, after a fine solo dribbling rush, scored at the corner. Garrett missed the difficult kick, and th>- game ended: —Grammar, IS; Sacred Hea.rt, 0. Mr. A. A. Lucas wa3 referee. TWO POTTED GOALS SUCCESS OF MOUNT ALBERT Although weakened by the absence of several regular members, King's College played stout football against Mount Albert Grammar in the curtain-raiser. King's led at the interval and, commencing the second spell with the sun, looked likely to win. Two fine dropped goals by Mount Albert players, however, changed the complexion of the game and once in front, Mount Albert was not troubled. Wild passing by both teams made the opening stages somewhat ragged. A King's bark attack across the front of Mount Albert's posts looked dangerous until Kingstone cleared with a lone: kick. Play was mostly among the forwards, the handling of both back lines being poor. Caughey sent Lewis away twice and the five-eighths was almost over on each occasion.

King's attacked strongly, its pack working with a, will. The backs handled smartly and Kelsall went through an opening, only to lie well stopped right on the line. A forward melee in front of Mount Albert's posts Rave Earl the opportunity to dive across for R well-deserved try, which Kelsall converted. The score at half-time was:—King's College, 0; Mount Albert <>. Oddy took the ball from the kick-off and ran strongly to place Mount Albert on attack. The Mount Albert forwards swarmed into King's twenty-five, where McLeod opened tlip winner's account with a neat potted goal. Kinz's attacked and a movement down Hie sideline looked dangerous until Kingstono cleared nicely. Johnstone was almost over for Mount Albert, but was penalised right on King's line. The clearing kick failed to find touch and Kingstone, the Mount Albert fullbuck, snapped up the ball on the twenty-five yards line, almost on the sideline, and dropped a fine goal. Mount /Albert now had the upper hand and attacked with renewed vigour, Johnstone making a-'strong run down the sideline lo score at the corner Once again Kingstone displayed his kicking ability by converting the }. r >' with a splendid kick right from (he sideline The final score was:—Mount Albert, Hi; "'hit's College, r, Mr. F. Berroft was referee. SENIOR COMPETITION GRAFTON WINS NARROWLY FINAL RALLY BY TECHNICAL Like the early match on No. 2 ground 'he main senior grade attraction, between ■ rafton and Technical Old Hoys, provided a thrilling climax to a bright second half I'aen Johnson, centre-threequnrter, went over n tlip last two minutes (if the game to give •rafton a-'two-points' lead, which was inain'ained to the finish. Grafton won by 15 Points to Certainly Oration had the t V' 1 ". exchanges in (he first half —- Jechincal's poor defence to begin with let •j carman cross in the first minute. Arkle j'j"ight his, markers unawares and scored near hosts. Then the defence improved and ■rafton scored no furthei tries until its spectacular 'last-miiiuto winning effort. * ragged first half, in which Grafton's attacking and strong defensive tactics con"?ti Technical to its own territory, ended | J*'tli Grafton Ipoints up. Johnson liav- s j"g potted .i goal. Technical rallied after 'he change-over and, with constant attacking, the team found itself in the lead in Jhe closing stages. However. Grafton pulled ' game out of flic fire. Montgomery led the Technical pack, whose efforts to make openings were soon stemmed a low-tackling Grafton defence. Rut f'lt 80 second spell. Either Grafton H'lt over-confident or was tiring. Teclini- *?! * .d mo/e opportunities, with the result itiat it combined better, and was nearly successful. When the rearguard got into it" 1 !.-'' wus always dangerous. •McKenzie saved a difficult situation for ti i! 1 """ a ' Hie end with a fine clearing iik l|,, „ np a |, vavs 0M (1,,, look-out for ('filings. Lash, on tlie wing, made several ■Upy dashes, was sound on defence and

made a great run to score his try. Alexander proved a thorn in Grafton's side, with his defensive play and support on attack. Grafton's backs showed up well. Morley, Johnson, Pearman and Arkle all being prominent, particularly tbe last-named three. There was little between the two packs, Roddick and Bunting showing up well in the loose for Grafton, while Apps, Mulvihi 11 and Montgomery, three sound Technical men, did good work in both loose and tight. For Grafton tries were scored by l'earnian, Arkle and Johnson. Roddick converting one. while Johnson also potted a goal. Technical's tries were scored by Alexander, Lash and Montgomery, Lash converting two. Mr. F. It. Itoulton was referee. TRAINING COLLEGE UNLUCKY MARIST'S LAST-MINUTE WIN The curtain-raiser on No. 2 ground, Eden Park, was always interesting on account of the closeness of the scoring. Although Marist won by l!> points to 111, Training College was superior in practically all departments and was very unlucky to have a seemingly certain victory snatched from its grasp right on time. The score was li>—ll hi the teachers' favour when Hclllioot h scored a try which Cooney converted to give Marist a three-point win. Territorially Training College held an advantage throughout the whole game, but not until the second spell was the team able to touch down, all its first lo points coining from Hare's boot. Hare kicked two penalties one a fine kick from just beyond half-way—and a fairly difficult field goal from the side-line. Marist was on (he defensive from the outset and, had it not been for a penalty kick being smartly followed up. enabling llardy to score. Marist would not have got anywhere near the line until it added to its account fairly quickly after the interval. Silcock, as usual, showed up, and did a good deal of useful work behind the Training College scrum, while Kodgers, on the left wing, displayed speed and an ability to field cleanly. Mathieson and Grant played good games, their handling being faultless. Hare gave n great display of kicking and fielding at fullback. Marist felt the loss of Iladle.v. Those who showed up were Hammond, Spittall and W'addell. The latter played a good game until he unfortunately had to be re placed by Whim p. Dangerous on attack the Marist backs combined to advantage. Hardy, Logan. Bell-Booth and Cooney were always iu the picture, and Hardy's three tries were all the result of swift passing rushes, the final thrust being left to the winger. Bailey, Mcllugh and McGror.v played good football in the forwards. For Marist Hardy (3). Bailey and BellBooth scored tries and Cooney converted two. Hammond and Rodgers scored for Training College and Hare kicked two penalty goals and a field goal. Mr. B. Leathart was referee.

UNINTERESTING GAME COLLEGE RIFLES DEFEATED In an orthodox game, in which neither side showed much brilliance. Grammar Old Hoys easily defeated College Itifles on No. :? ground by 'if! points to 10. Although the play was willing, it was uninteresting to watch, and the territorial advantage maintained almost throughout by Grammar was accurately reflected in the margin of It! points. The Grammar forwards had a decided advantage in the scrums and lineouts, with the result that the opposing backs had little opportunity. Behind Grammar's scrum Corner played a sound game and initiated several movements which were often nullified, in the early stages of the play, by careless passing. However; in the second half, the passing was more accurate, and the standard of play slightly improved. Cato. at first fiveeighths, played a useful game for Grammar, and King. the centre-threequarter, shone on occasions, exploiting the dummy nicely to score Grammar's third try. Stott, the fullback, was steady, and his kicking was accurate. Don and Buckley were the pick of the forwards. McCormick's play at second five-eighths for College Itifles, was a welcome contrast to the general dullness of the team. He bandied well and his running was. incisive. The halfback, Thompson gave a good display and Barker played solidly in the forwards. , . n . For Grammar tries were scored by ljncklev, Flett, King, Mcßeath CJ) and Spitta , four tieing converted by Corner. Met orrmck and Barker crossed for College Rifles lassmore converting each time. Mr. N. Lipscombe was referee. VICTORY FOR UNIVERSITY KEEN CONTEST AT ONEHUNGA

Hard, clean football was played at the Onshunga ground on Saturday, when University defeated Manukau by 9 points to <!. Excitement was high toward the end of the game, when the score was (i-all and it was not until the last minute or two that the I niversity w ing-threequarter, Hnyinan, put in a spectacular run to place his side ahead. The University forwards began brightly, showing pace and determination, and they kept the home team well inside their own half. A sudden sally by Anderson, Schubert and Rrimble took play to the other end of the fit-id and the last-named crossed. Schubert was again prominent when he showed a nice turn of speed to put Manukau further ahead. A forward rush by the University pack altered the situation, however, Newman securing a try. University made a sustained attack and 'Mnlvihill took advantage of a penalty to equalise. Lively play followed the resumption with Manukau pressing University retaliated, the ball getting to the backs, who were responsible for a pretty piece of work, each handling to send llaynian racing over the iinr. University had all the chances, the Manukau backs being poorly fed Irom the scrums. Given the opportunity, however, they showed thrust and pace. University owed its success largely to its pack, which was enterprising and energetic. Thomas outclassed his opposing hooker and played valiantly in tight and loose, with New man also well to the fore. Mulvihill was tricky on attack, his side-stepping being deceptive. Haymin needed close watching and Pattison, at fullback, .-bowed promise. Brimble was Manukau's most valuable man, his defence being sound and his penetrating runs troubling University. Anderson showed determination and Longley made the. most of the few opportunities he had. Skipper, \\ lklund and Moir were anting the more prominent forwards. Mr. H. D. Craig was leferee. SURPRISE FOR OTAIIUIIU

NORTH SHORE'S SUCCESS

North Shore sprang a surprise on Otahuhu :it Sturges Park when it defeated the home team by 8 points to 0 in a bright, open game. Both sides were keen and. especially toward the end, the players were striving hard and the exchanges became fast and vigorous. While combination was perhaps not so well rounded off in their division the North Shore backs were good individually, and their tenacious defence and resolute tackling blunted the edge of many Otahuhu attacks. It was that feature, plus a faultiness in handling at vital moments by the Otahuhu backs, that cave North Shore its victory. No small share of the honours also falls to the excellent rucking work ot the forwards. Facing a bright sun at the start Otahuhu opened strongly. From a scrum the ball went to lirown, who reversed Ins pass to Sinrl Williams over. Almost immediately North Shore equalised. Jessup cut through from five-eighths, and the ball was received by McKean, who dived over. Waters converted Again Jessup was instrumental in making an opening for a score, lie inlercepted, and with two forwards in support was able to send McNeill over unopposed. Half-time arrived with the score: North Shore, S; Otahuhu, .'5.

Otahuhu gradually gained the ascendancy and a series of attacks and a penalty in a good position failed to produtv points. Hedge sent his supports off repeatedly, but passes went istray at th-; vital stage. Reward came when Hedge whipped a pass to Pearson, who dived over. The kick missed and time arrived with the score: North Shore, .S; Otahuhu. (1.

Jessup was the outstanding back for North Shore, lie was well supported by Finlayson at centre and Waters, while Mcfnnes, the fullback, gave a good display. Alt the forwards rucked well, with McKean, McNeill and Masscy prominent in raids. Hedge, who played scrum half in the first spell, showed iiis best form after reverting to his usual position at five-eighths. His side-stepping and jinky running were impressive, and he cut deeply (h rough the defence. Rrown ran well and tackled resolutely. Lilbiirne and O'Neill were fine leading forwards and Jury, Meredith and Johns did good work in the tight. Mr. L. Bay was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Grade B.—Suburbs, U, Parnell, 3: Manukau, 8, University, 8. Third Grade. —Ponsonby, 25, St. George's, !>; Grammar A, 11, Takapuna, 3; Papakura. 13, Point Chevalier, 7; Auckland. 28, Manukau junior representatives, U; Suburbs, 5, Manukau, 0. Third Grade Intermediate.—Ponsonby. 22. College Rifles. O; Suburbs, Manukau. (»; Hden, !», Marists, 0; Technical, 14, University, O; Grammar, It, Parnell, 3.

Fourth Grade. —Grammar, 17, I'onsonby, 8; Xorthcote, 11, Manukau, 3. Fifth Grade. —North Shore. 10, Technical, 9; Suburbs, £O, Takapuna, 3; Parnell, 35, Tamaki, St. George's, i>, Manukau, 0; Marist, 20, Northcote, 3; Eden, 17, Foilsou by, l-j. Sixth Grade.—Otahuhu, 21, St. George's, 3; Eden, !), Manukau, 3; Suburbs, 42, Panmure, 3; City, 21, Pnpakura, I. Secondary Schools.--Sixth grade: Mount Albert Grammar A, <i, Takapuna A, 3. Junior Roys.—lntermediate grade: Manukau, 31, Takapuna, 0; Marist, 0. Eden, 3, Parnell, 12, Manukau Colts, 3; Suburbs, (i, Newton, <!; North Shore, 2(i, St. George's, 0 .luninr Grade.—Newton, 25, Panmure, O; Manukau, Takapuna, 3; Monte Cecelia, 21, Parnell, i»; Suburbs, Eden, 0; Northcote I 1, North Shore, 0.