RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 14

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MATCHES ON SATURDAY PONSONBY BEATS GRAMMAR ONLY ONE TRY OBTAINED GRAFTON MAINTAINS RECORD Fonsonby's defeat of Grammar in the main attraction of tho Auckland Rugby Union's senior competition at Edtui Park on Saturday leaves only one team, Grafton, undefeated, with four series of games decided. Formerly, Grammar had not been beaten this senson, whilo Ponsonby, winner of tho championship last year, suffered defeat at the hands of the present leader, in the first series. The Governor-General, Viscount Galway, and tho Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, were spectators at tho park. Tho main factors in Grammar's loss wero riie poor display by tho backs and weakness in goal-kicking. Although it had the bettor of the play territorially Grammar was unable to score and the one converted try obtained by Ponsonby decided tho issue. In tho curtain-raiser Marist was not troubled to boat University "bv a satisfactory margin. Both sides were hampered by their five-eighths, who tried to do too much on their own when it would have been more advantageous to pass out to the wings. This was University's main weakness and prevented the side from adding to its total. The same may bo said for Marist, which should have been able to increase its tally. An exciting match at the Show Grounds between North Shore and Manukau resulted in an eight-points draw. All the scores were registered before half-time, a great struggle after the interval giving neither side the advantage. It was only half-way through the second spell in the match at Sturges Park that Grafton asserted its superiority over Otahuhu, after being down at the interval. The results were as follows: — Ponsonby, 5, Grammar, 0. Marist, 17, University, 9. North Shore, 8, Manukau, 8. Grafton, 30, Otahuhu, 15. GRAMMAR BACKS FAIL POOR HANDLING AND PASSING The match between Ponsonby and Grammar was very closely contested, there being only one try scored and this at the end of 1U minutes' play. P. Solomon obtained possession of the ball in Grammar's twenty-five and, after breaking past several defenders, he threw the ball out to the backs, and Hudson, the centre, scored near the posts. Carson converted the try, giving Ponsonby a five-points lead which was maintained to the end.

Grammar had much the belter of the exchanges from a territorial point of view, this being in a great measure due to the fact that the forwards obtained possession of the ball from a large majority of tho scrums. The inside backs, however, gavo a very poor display. Their handling of the ball was faulty, while their passing was badly timed and wrongly directed. Wagstaff, first five-eighths, was often standing nearly flat-footed when the ball went to him and very frequently he had to turn round to take and give his passes. This waste of time enabled the opposing backs to race up and smother attacks in their earliest stages. In Spittal and Flett the Grammar team possesses a pair of very fleet-footed wingers, but not once during the game did the ball pass along the line to either of them. Turner gave Finlayson, the centre, some shocking passes, sometimes throwing the ball over his head. With the amount of ball they had Grammar should have scored several tries. Swain got the ball away smartly from the base of the scrum and was also sound on defence. King, at fullback, gave another solid exhibition, his handling of the ball and kicking with either foot being good. Capably led by Lockington, the Grammar forwards were too strong for the opposition in scrum work and on the line-out. It must have been as heart-breaking for members of the pack as it was for their supporters round the ground to see their excellent work leading the side nowhere through faulty play by the backs.

Bond was greatly missed from his position 88 hooker in the Ponsonby pack, apart from his ability in other respects, especially in following up. He was standing down on account of an injury to his hand. Carson and P. Solomon worked hard in the tight, whilo the latter was well supported in the loose by Evans and Knight. Frankham made his reappearance behind the Ponsonby pack, but he was not up to last year's standard, which could scarcely be expected under the circumstances. The Ponsonby halfback was also hampered on account of the inatfHity of the forwards to feed him with the ball. D. Solomon and Donaldson, the five-eighths, were always looking for openings, but were closely marked. Solomon's defence was as sound as usual. The wing-threequarters had few opportunities. Hudson, at centre, played with plenty of dash and looks to be an acquisition to this year's side. Nelson played a safe fullback game. A good place kick would have won the match easily for Grammar. Three times in the first spell Turner had shots from angles that were not particularly difficult; in fact, one was directly in front. Then in the second spell Wagstaff and Finlayson both missed with drop-kicka right in front of Ponsonby's gonl. : Mr E. G. Cichero was referee.

FIVE-EIGHTHS AT FAULT MARIST BEATS UNIVERSITY Superior finish to its movements in the back line played an important part in the success of Marist over University in the curtain-raiser on No. 1 ground at Eden Park. The game was comparatively quiet in the first spell, but play brightened atter the interval and both sides were seen more in open tactics. The failure of the five-eighths on both sides to appreciate their three-nuarters acted as a deterrent to scoring. Williams, second five-eighths for Marist, repeatedly attempted t;> break through on his own when he could have transferred to advantage, while in the opposing rearguard, Macßac persisted in charging into the defence, nullifying any possible chance of touching down. Macßae was not a good individualist, but his handling was reasonably sound and he could have provided an effective link in combined attack He was changed from first to second five-eighths about half-way through the second spell. From the base of the scrum, F. C'ooriey, Marist, played a sound game except for the fact that a few of his passes went astrav. The first five-eighths position was capably filled by L Cooney, who executed some fine movements to send the rearguard into action. Ee received a shoulder injury in the second spell which may keep him out of the gamo for a while. The threequarters line, which moved with machine-like precision, provided the necessary thrust to the attack. Molloy, in the pivot position, lacked opportunities in the early stages of the match, but, with better service Inter, showed speed and sound initiative. Bell-Booth was responsible for a go-jd display of backing-up on one wing, while on the other Hardy was well tip to form. Although lie played a good defensive ganif, Hare did not kick as well as usual. Martin was the mainstay of the University backs. He showed a fine turn of speed, combined with brilliance of movement, but he did not. receive the support necessary to carry his efforts to fruition. Kirkland showed ability worthy of his place on the wing. Paterson defended well at fullback and invariably extricated his side from difficulties bv running down the sideline before centring. Hamilton, at first five-eighths, handled well, while Edwards, at half, got the ball away W 611 • Carroll and Barry, who retired with an arm injury toward the finish, were prominent in the loose Marist forward rushes, while Mo Hugh was excellent in the tight, Of tho University vanguard Armitage and Caldwell were prominent. Desborough was a willing worker both in the loose and the tight, while Drake played a good all-round game, and followed up in sterling fashion. Tries for Marist were scored by P. Cooney. Williams and Molloy. Hare converted one and kicked two penalty goals. Kirkland scored two tries for University, while Martin kicked a penalty goal. Mr. A. A. Lucas was referee. KEENLY-CONTESTED GAME NORTH SHORE AND MANUKAU

A keenly-contested match between North Shore and Manukau at the Show Grounds oval resulted in a draw each team scoring eight points. Ideal weather, a hard ground, and a dry ball aided the teams, and fast, open play, ranging from one end of the field to the other, was the order of the day. The weight, physical strength nnd stamina of the Manukau forwards was the main reason for North Shore's being unable to score more points. The latter team played better football than Manukau and for tho most part showed good handling ability and combination. On the other hand, Manukau's players showed poor understanding. When their backs did get moving their efforts were spoiled either by bad handling, poor passes, or by. holding on to the ball 100 long. Anderson, at centre, was noticeably at fault in that respect, with the result that the wings seldom obtained opportunities. In many instances Anderson was too well marked to . get rid of the ball, but there wero times

when ho could have cleared, instead of' attempting to bullock his way past his opponents. Fearce, in the forwards, often retained possession too long, although in other ways, such as following up and . using his weight, lie was outstanding, scoring a good try from the ruck near the line. I arris, Manukau's halfback, did some good work, but was often too bustled to be able _to clear the hall with a clean pass from behind the scrums. The outstanding back on the field was North Shore's fullback, Cocks, .who played a fine defensive game, using either foot with pqubl ability in his. strong, accurate kicking. He handled the ball well and found the Tine repeatedly. Manukau spoiled many dribbling rushes by a tendency to kick the ball too far, and, with Cocks defending the line, such attacks were repulsed time and again. Nor,h bliore s pack played well nnil possession in set scrums and line-outs was fairly even, although neither side appoared capablo of clean hooking, the ball almost invariably hanging at the second or back-row men. The packs were fair y equal in weight and it was often some little lime before ' the halfback could gain possession. On most occasions that the backs received tho ball quickly it came out from the side of the scrum. ....... > . „ C'ato. North Shores played a good game and frequently set his backs In motion. The back line played good football, Kcllv, on the wing, and Spratt, centre-three' quarter, being noticeable for their performances Kellv retired injured in tho final stages of tho game. The play was fast and open, and. although at the beginning North Shore gave every indication of running up a big score, the team tired more quickly than Manukau. The second half was particularly exciting, as neither team added to its scoro. Tries for North Shore wore scored by Mclvinlev and Slyfield. Cocks converted one trv. For Manukau. I'enrce scored the only try which Wav converted and he also added three points with a penalty goal. Mr. J. B. Finlayson was referee.

GRAFTON WELL HELD OTAHUHU TEAM UNLUCKY A try scored at a vital period of the game as the result of what looked like shepherding was tho turning point in the match between Otahuhu and Grafton at Sturges Park. This occurred midway through the second spell, when Otahuhu was leading by 15 points to 11. Two other decisions raised the iro of the crowd and gave Grafton a substantial lead. From this stage onward Otahuhu faded and Grafton scored freely, to win by 30 points to 15. The score did not reflect the run of play. Otahuhu gave a greatly improved showing and the forwards played splendidly. Weakness in the back line was partly responsible for tho defeat. Halliwell played soundly at fullback, his line kicking being outstanding. Tho five-eighths, Lawson and Hedge, gave uprightly displays against heavy opposition. Bennett's only fault was low passing from behind the scrum. Tho brothers Grace. Priest and "Rellis were prominent in the pack. Killeeji's strength as .i fullback was his abilitv to run his supports into action, lie was frequently bustled in defence. Prentice was the outstanding back. Ills speed and penetration were responsible for numerous openings. Next in merit was Moore, tno half, whose service was excellent. I earman was most prominent when teamed with Mlleen at five-eighths. Passmore, McLean and Tannahill were the best forwards, several others spoiling play by over-robust tactics. Grafton's points came from tries by l>n\ls CM Prentice (2). Passmore and Mills. Passmore and McLean t2) converted tries, and penalty proa Is were kicked by T carman and Passmore. Tries for Otahuhu were scored by "W. Apps, R. Grace and A\ epa. Halliwell converting one and kicking a field sroal. Mr. M. "\V. Thompson was referee. RESULTS IN LOWER GRADES Senior Reserve Grade.—Leandcr, 22. North Shore, O; Achilles, 5, Marist, 0; Suburbs, 11, Northcote, G. Second Grade.—Grammar A, 41), Parnell, i- University Colts, 4(5. Panmure, 3; Grafton (J College Rifles, U; Otahuhu, 25. Manukau. 3; University A, It, Suburbs. 11. Third Grade.—Northcote, 14, Grammar. 0; Technical, '_'S, College Rifles, 0; North Shore, 17, Training College, 3; Manukau A. 11. Ponsonby, 13; Suburbs, 4S, lamaki. 0. Intermediate Grade. —lakapuna Colts, 13, North Shore, 0; Manukau Colts, 0, Otahuhu. 5; Manukau A, 30. Suburbs, 30; Technical, 8, Takapuna, 3; Grammar, 11, Eden. 3; Ponsonby, 12, University, «. Fourth Grade.—Grammar, 14,; Parnell, 3: Technical, 12, Takapuna, 3; North Shore. 8. Northcote, 6; Manukau, 11, lamaki. 3; Marist 17, Cruiser Colts, 5; Ponsonby, It. Eden. 11; Suburbs, 27. St. Georges. 3. Fifth Grade. —Manukau, 3H, North Shore. 3- Newton, 0, Suburbs, 0; Parnell, 15. Eden. 3; Manukau, 32, Takapuna, 3. Sixth Grade.—Manukau, 33, Takapuna, 0: Otahuhu, 27, Northcote, 3; Eden, 43. Panmure, O; Suburbs. 17, Marist, 3. Junior Boys.—Senior grade: Suburbs. -0. Manukau, 0. Intermediate grade: Newton, i«. Parnell, 0; Eden, ICS, Manukau, 12; Marist. 13, Takapuna, 0; Suburbs, 20, St. Georges. 0. Junior grade: Eden, P, Marist 0; Newton 12, Ponsonby, 3; Takapuna, 32. Northcote. 0; Otahuhu, 21, Suburbs, 0.

FRIENDLY GAME \ Rugby football match played during the week-end between teams [epresenUng the New Zealand Herald and the. Auckland, Transport Board resulted in a win for the former by 3t» points to 6. Tries for the win* nerT were scored by Brainsby (3), Curley (J), Coughlin, Culpin. Burke. Mace and Cato Coughlin (2) nnd Cato converting. Vomers scored a try and kicked a penalty goal for the Transport team. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS WELLINGTON DEFEATS PONEKE [BY TELEGRAPH —FRESS ASSOCIATION] Wellington.—The defeat of the leading team, Foneke, was the outstanding feature of the senior first division Hucrby matches. Conditions were ideal for football of a good standard, Results: Wellington. -JO. I 1, r ,; Petone, 0, College Old Boys, 8; Athletic, 22, Hutt, 3; Marist, 0, Johnsonville, 8. Christchurch. —The fourth round of matches In the Canterbury Rugby Union's competition was played in fine weather. Results: Air Force, 18, Technical, G; University, .i, Albion, 3; Linwood, 14. Merivale, 12: Athletic, 11, Sydenham, U; Sunnyside, (J. Old Boys, 5. Dunedin. —Otago Rugby Union: Southern, fi, Kaikorai, 0; Dunedin, 0, Zingari. 0; Pirates, 33, Union, 3; Alhambra, 7, laieri, o. New Plymouth.—Xaranakl Rugby Union: Tukapa, 21, Star, 14; Stratford, 10, Olil Boys, 0; Clifton, 12, Elthain, 3; Hawcra, l), Opunake, 8; Okaiawa, 1 si, Athletic, 11. Wanganui.—Karerau, 24, Marist. 3; Old Boys, 24, Wavcrley, 8; Technical Old Boys, 25, Pirates, 3. Palmeriton North. Manawa.lu . Rugby Union: Massey College 6, St. Patrick's. H; Kia Toa, 22. Feilding, 5; Palmerston Old Boys, 10, Feilding Old Boys, 5. (nvercarglll.—Southland Rugby Union: Old Roys, 17, Pirates, fl, Marist, 13, Star, U; Invercargill, 10, BlufT, 0. Timaru. —South Canterbury Rugby Union: Old Boys, 11, Zingari, 3; Star, 25, Celtic, 3; Temuka, 0, Gcraldinc, 0.

Oamaru.—North Otago Rugby Union! Athletic, 12, Old Boys, 11; Maheno, 11, Excelsior, 0. s

BAY OF PLENTY TRIALS TEAMS FOR SATURDAY NEXT [j-ROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHAKATANE, Sunday The first trials to select a Bay of Plenty representative Rugly team to tour the Soutli Island next month were held in Whakntanu yesterday. The eight sub-unions had nominated players of a sufficiently high standard to merit selection. Whakatarie-Rangitaiki combined. 17. beat Rotorna-Oalatea, <), and Tan-ranga-'i'o Puke, 23. beat Opotiki-Apanui, 12. Plashes of good football were seen in spite of lack of combination in tho teams, and it is certain that the Bay of Plenty will be aide to field fast and heavy forwards and backs of average provincial standard. The Bay of Plenty selectors later chose tho following players lo take part <n a • final trial at Matata next. Saturday:— Possibles. —Fullback. It. Swann ( \\ haka* tane); threequarters, Dunn (Rotorua), M. Murray (Tauranga). K. Goldsmith (Galatea); five-eighths. Spr.itt (Te Puke), Culvert (Roto, rua), captain; halfback, Kaipara (ltotorua); forwards, Takiki (Galatea), Itushberg (Tauranga). Ilayward (Whakatane). Dougias (Rotorua), tlauraki (Rotorua), Dodd (Whakatane), Hunter- (Te Puke), R. Howell (Rangilal probables.—Fullback. Raymond (Tauranga); threequarters, M. Howell (Rangltaiki), R. 'Lees (Rangltaiki), E. Hohapata (Rangitaiki); five-eighths, E, Howell (Rangitaiki), Kohu (Apanui); halfback, Jones (Opoiiki); forwards P. Tama (Rangitaiki), V. Moore (Rangitaiki). Kahßii (Tauranga), Poihihi (Opoiiki). P. Murray (Tauranga), T. Whiteby (Rangitaiki). .1. Best (Whakatane), captain; W. Emery (Rotorua). Emergencies.—Harks: Riini ("Galatea), J. Kopu (Apanui), M. Lees ( Rangitaiki). Forwaids: .Tones (Whakatane). Gibson (Tauranga), Whitehead (Whakatane), T. Lcnnard (Rotorua). WHANGAREI REPRESENTATIVES [from our own correspondent] WHANG AREI, Sunday The sole selector, Mr. P. Cowan, has chosen the following team lo represent Whangarei in a match against Northern Wairoa to lie played at Dargavjlle next Saturday:—Pull* back R. Masters (Old Boys), caplnin; threequarters, Cunningham (Hikurangi), W. Alison (Old Boys), Connaghan (City); fivocighths, Corbin (Kamo), Gibson (Hikurangi); half* back D. Codling (Hikurangi); forwards, Scarborough (Old Boys), P. Morrison (Maungakaramea), Brydon (Kamo), 1?. Wilson. Whiteman (Old Boys), Kelk (Maungakaramea), Callannn (City), A. Fletcher (Kamo). Reserves—Backs. K. Rika (Old Boys). Taylor (City).