SURPRISE IN RUGBY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23050, 30 May 1938, Page 13

SURPRISE IN RUGBY

LEADER BEATEN

geafton outplayed SUCCESS OF NORTH SHORE PONSONBY DEFEATS MARIST REAPPEARANCE OF R. G. BUSH Tho surprise of tho fifth series of matches in the Auckland Rugby Union's tenior competition on Saturday was tho defeat of tho leading team, Grafton, at the hands of tho greatly-improved North Shore fifteen in tho curtainraiser at Eden Park. Tho latter ran up a 22-points lead in tho first spell, which, owing to sound defensivo play, Grafton was unable to equal after the interval, was unable to equal after the interval. This leaves Grafton, Grammar and Ponsonby level on the championship ladder. North Shore's win was well deserved on the day's play. The team's backs played superior football both on defence and attack, while the forwards outplayed their opponents in the loose. Grafton was responsible for better combination in tho second spell, but only on three occasions was the team able to cross the lino. The main attraction between Marist and Ponsonby fell a little flat after tho early match. Ponsonby was not troubled to win by a margin of 14 points. Marist brightened play toward the finish, and managed to score two tries in the last quarter of an hour. The former Auckland and New Zealand representative fullback, 11. G. Bush, turned out in his old position to assist University after a short retirenient from the game. University held its. own well against Manukau at the Show Grounds, but was beaten by 8 points to 3. Tho half-time score was 3all and, with University obtaining possession from most of the scrums, the issue seemed to favour the team until the Manukau forwards livened up the game in the last few minutes io score a converted try.

In the first spell of the game at Sturges Park, where Otahuhu met Grammar, the former team was supplied with many opportunities, but failed to carry them to fruition. After being on terms at the interval, Grammar scored two tries to Otahuhu's one, and took the decision by five points. Results were as follows: Ponsonby, 27; Marist, 13. North Shore, 22; Grafton, 13. Grammar, 11; Otahuhu, 6. Manukau, 8; University, 3. ABSENCE OF BACKS MARIST TEAM WEAKENED Marist took the field greatly weakened in its match against Ponsonby on the Eden Park oval. Hare, tho fullback, was absent on account of influenza, while both five-eighths, Cooney and'- Curtayne, were prevented from playing because of injuries. Their defections from such important positions made a big difference to the side. Good work by the Marist forwards gave the side a slight territorial advantage in the first spell, but neither tho forwards nor th'e backs were able to turn their opportunities to advantage. In both spells the losing side failed to finish off movements which looked like resulting in certain tries. It was not until midway through the first spell that Ponsonby scored its first try, and before the interval it had added three more. Only one was converted, and this gave the iide a lead of 14-nii at half-time. Three further tries, two of which wore converted, were by Ponsonby Ju the second- spell. TSjJqA .came with a late run to obtain two conmtrt tries and a penalty goal. Ponsonby owed its success to the ability of its backs and forwards to take advantage of mistakes made by their opponents. D. Solomoo played a particularly fine game, and he started many of the movements which led to tries. In some of them he bandied the ball twice, and gave passes which his team-mates were able to accept with the greatest ease. Both backs and forwards handled tho ball and passed more accurately than did the Marist players.

The Ponsonby forwards gave their usual dashin? display. Carson was a great worker In the tight and on the line-out, while Bond and Knight were continually on the ball in the loose rushes. Bond's fast following up was a fine feature of his play, and led to bis scoring a try late in the second spell. Frankham did good work behind the scram and is gradually reaching his best form. The fine all-round work of J>. Solomon brought the other backs well into the picture, with .- y the resnlt that they were given many opportunities to show their worth. Ramsay played splendidly on the left wing, and Nelson gave a sound display at fullback. The Marist forwards worked hard all through, Bailey playing a particularly fine game. McHugh, Barry and McGrory all did their share in the rucks, and Moffitt also repeatedly caught the eye. Well served with the ball by Cooney from behind the scrum, the backs were seen more in individual efforts than in combined movements. The rearrangement no doubt accounted for this to a certain extent.

Williams 'and Molloy, the five-eighths, both made several good runs, but the wingers seldom got a reasonable opportunity. Logan filled the fallback position fairly well, although mishandling got his sido into difficulties more than once. Ramsay (2), Grant, D. Solomon, Knight. F. Solomon and Bond scored tries for Ponsonby, | Carson converting three. Barry and Bailey scored for Marist, Williams converting both and also kicking a penalty goal. Mi. J. G. C. Wales was referee. FINE DEFENSIVE PLAY EARLY LEAD MAINTAINED The confidence expressed early in the season of the North Shore team's ability was fully conflrmed by the fifteen's decisive victory over'Grafton, which suffered its first defeat of the - year. The gamo was characterised by spectacular, open play, and-the interest of the onlookers was maintained, tnrongho'jt. The North Shore players revived an ovation from the crowd on leaving the field. North Shore was the aggressor from the start and ran up 22 points by half-time, but failed to score in the second spell. Grafton Scored all of its 13 points after the interval. The North Shore backs proved themselves &* ea t.jMcticians, and provided speed, while toe forwards outplayed the opposing vanWard in the loose. Holding a territorial advantage in the second spell, Grafton _ then had the better of the exchanges. Brighter P'ay hy the Grafton backs, who handled well, in-passed and backed-up soundly, brought "Tee tries: One was scored soon after the 'commencement of play, but it was only Mter repeated exploitation of the wings that defence was again penetrated. A fault displayed by both sides was frnitleSß kicking l upfield into the hands of opponents. North Shore sometimes used the pTiDber kick to advantage, but a few players •ailed to appreciate its value. A feature was the clean, low tackling of tho North Shore pack, while Grafton also pleased in this respect, although somo high collaring was seen. Outstanding in tho North Shore forwards Massey, who was always in the picture, kicking was strong and well-directed, and side-stepping runs were a treat to watch, showed handling ability in short passing "Jnes, in which he shone. Whillans was another who gave a pjcasing display. He was smart on defence and tackled soundly, while oe played an excellent loose game.. Cossill snowed up wc n j n fl hard-working pack, as ti. J !er 1 Hartnett and Holt. the Worth Shore hacks gave a good demonyation of positional play. McKinley, on the *' n K. was given plenty of opportunities, and 'merged with honours. Marshall, at centre, wowed plenty of speed and kicking ability, * nlle th.j five-eighths, Slyfield and Jessup, prominent on attack. Cato sent out good Ifin 68 ' ancJ wns nippy round the scrum, finis, at centre, perhaps tried to do too roucn tin his own, but played a steady tame.

.lenders, at fullback for Grafton, was infli L hold on to the ball too lonpr, alf"°ugh once or twico he brilliantly ran down ® side line boforo clearing. Dick was not Pen many chances in the first spell. ™ the second ho was fed moro often, -fi.i i If Instrumental in takinpr play well up?i, «Bvis, a stockv, well-built player, on - "if opposite winsr to Dick, handled with snre- ««!? £ nd r P n hard and straight. Both Killeen Pearman, rivc-ei«h<hs, played well up to standard, the latter being outv al , s!f for his excellent handling of the renl ice, at centre, showed ability to 8 iner a rolling ball when on the run.

■ McLean was the mainstay of the Grafton forwards, and nnder his leadership the pack accomplished much useful work in the tight. Gable penetrated when opportunity offered and was good in the ruck. Itoddick, Hull, Anderson and Tannahill did generally honest work. Iries for North Shore were scored by Jessnp, Marshall, Exler and Cossill, Slyfield and ?• cac 'i kickin K i penalty goal and concerting a try. Grafton's tries were scored ; 1 ""entice, Tannahill and Davis, Pearman converting two. Mr. G. Peace was referee. PLAY BELOW STANDARD ANOTHER LOSS TO OTAHUHU nt A '!»n i p S^i) a PO j" ti L ff exhibition was witnessed Otahuhii hv 11 ' " ;h ? ro Grammar defeated Otahuhu by 11 points to (i. Play seldom both high standard and the backs on Prin.f.! . . to roveal penetration. The rncnn.V# ' re . at fau 't most in this resput, as. with thoir forwards dominating ninn?!; 8 ol . I 'ne-outs, thoy had chances in nf £T. alr L' , at halfback, received a feast Shi £ i 'j ut tllo h 3o * 4 movements invari-w-r. f do ? n short of the goal line. A llou * a championship point to its credit, and threatened with relegation, the Otahuhu TnrrW S n »?JV? por & rS i. e . x P ecte d a special effort, territorially Otahuhu could claim a fuli snare of honours, but tho team-work lacked tne necessary vim and cohesion. The pack did not roveal its usual liveliness in the I?- licked speed in following np. .bollis was the most prominent forward in that phase of play, witn the Grace brothers and Apps best in the tight. Moyle, who reappeared behind the scrum, was not up to form, his knee injury obviously hampering ll'/LPhiy. Ho saw very little of tho ball. Williams, at centro, was the only back to show up consistently on defence and attack, til- —.H IO ed well, but was weak in tackling The wingers, Stott and Scanlon, were both below standard, and failed to hold their opponents. Until ho retired with a head injury, Lockjngton was a power for Grammar in the line-outs. Mcßeath and Don played robust games, with A_. and C. Brown also Bhowing up. Swain varied his play finely behind tho scrum and was well supported by Cato, whose fast following up resulted in two tries. Finlayson. at fullback, gave a solid display. Grammar's points were scored from tries • v !?]- 'll ai, d Cato. who also converted Grace scored a try for Otahuhu and Halliwell kicked a penalty goal. Mr. It. K. Hayhow was referee. MANUKAU SUCCESSFUL

DEFEAT OF UNIVERSITY A fast, even same at the Showgrounds oval, resulted in Manukau graining: a victory over University by 8 points to 3. Manukau opened scoring fairly early in the match, when Hetherington kicked a penalty goal. University equalised shortly afterward with an unconverted try by Kirkland. Manukau secured a converted try about 10 minutes before the final whistle. An added interest to the game was the first appearance this season of R. G. Bush, fullback for University. He played a good, safe Same, repulsing Manukau's attacks with sure handling and strong, accurate kicking. In tho early part of the match he was caught in possession but he soon settled down, getting rid of tho ball quickly but refusing to be bustled. Neither team carried passengers in its forwards, none standing oat individually, but all using their weight and following up well. The scrums were fairly even with regard to weight, but University gained possession more than Manukau. Hodge hooked well for University, but the ball hung several times. A similar fault was noticeable with Manukau. Manukau's form was an improvement on the previous Saturday, but the side again showed- lack of team work and understandingl. Lund, five-eighths for Manukau, played a good game and featured prominently in many attacking movoments. Littlejohn, fullback, also did well and saved his team repeatedly. Hetherington, on the wing, showed good form and proved himself a good kicker by converting one try and kicking a penalty goal. Neither shot was in an easy position. Kirkland and Martin were outstanding in University's back line, the former showing speed on the wing, while Martin was prominent at centre threeqnarter. Paterson, who usually plays fullback, made a good showing at five-eighths. Hayman did well on the other wing, breaking away frequently only to find support often lacking. Neither team showed really good tackling ability, there being high tackles instead of low diving. Bush was able to keep his feet and clear because ot that tendency in Manukau's players. The game was fast, open and clean, the final result being in doubt until a few minutes from time, when, after Manukau scored, University seemed to tire and did not rally. Kirkland retired injured shortly before the end of the match and was replaced by Day. Manukau's points comprised a try scored by Skipper and converted by Hetherington, and a penalty goal kicked by Hetherington. Kirkland scored University's only try. Mr. J. Molcolm was referee.

SECOND DIVISION GAMES TECHNICAL LEADING TEAM Training College decisively beat Northcote by 37 points to 3 in the second division game played on Eden Park No. 3 ground. Tries for Training College were scored by Hoskins (2). Ekdahl (2), Tuohy, Brown, Allison, Jordan and Belgrave. Clarke (3), Tuohy and Coady converted. Rae, who played a good game for Northcote, scoicd the only try for his side. In the game between Technical and College Rifles on Eden Park No. 2 ground the former won by 32 points to G. The score was even at half-time, but Technical proved vastly superior in the second spell. Montgomery (2), R. Byerley, Amos, K. Byerley and H. Manning scored tries for Technical. Amos converted three tries and kicked two penalty goals, while Montgomery converted a try. Baker scored a try for College Rifles and Kirk kicked a penalty goal. Parnell defeated Suburbs by 15 points to 0 at Avondale. Bieleski (2) and Hunter scored tries for Parnell. and Silva kicked two penalty goals. Green and Ladbrook each scored a try for Suburbs, Thorne kicking a penalty goal. . , , „ . .. By its defeat by 16 points to 6 at the hands of Eden at Gribble-Hirst Park Taliapuna lost its position at the top of the championship ladder in. the second division, and Technical now leads. Takapuna was without the services of the former All Black, M. Corner. Eden's points came from tries by Strachan, Bennett, Docherty and Murfitt and two conversions by Strachan. Neal scored a try for Takapuna and Hook kicked a penalty goal.

RESULTS IN LOWER GRADES Senior Reserve Grade.—Leander, 9, Achilles, 4; North Shore, 9, Army, 0; Manukau, 12, Marist, 6. Second Grade.—'University Colts, 11, Otahuhu, 11; Training College, 13, Technical, 5; Manukau, 11, Training College Colts, 0; Grammar A, 66, Panmure, 0; Waitemata, 29, Achilles, 0; College Rifles, 18, Eden, 11; Grafton, 46, Parnell, 0; Grammar Colts, 8, A.M.C., 0; University, 3, Ponsonby, 3. Third Grade. —Northcote, 14, Marist, 3; University,-9, North Shore, 3; Manukau, 0, College "Rifles, 0; Technical, 43, Tamaki, 3. Intermediate Grade.—Otahuhu, 11, Training College, 0; Manukau A, 6, College Rifles, 0; Technical, 3, Manukau, 0; Takapuna A, 9, Ponsonby, 0; Suburbs, 6, North Shora 6; Eden, 22, University, 0; Grafton, 9, Marist, 9; Technical, 3, Manukau, 0. Fourth Grade. —Technical, 8, North Shore, 3; Otahuhu, 11, Manukau, 0; Tamaki. 29, Training College, 3; Grammar, 15, Takapuna, 5; Suburbs, 31, Marist, 0; St. George's, 3, Cruiser Colts, 3; Ponsonby, 6, Northcote, 3; Parnell, 13, Eden, 13; Manukau, 14, Waitemata, 8. Fifth Grade. —Parnell, 15, North Shore, 3; Manukau, 14, Marist, 0; Eden, 6, Suburbs, 5 ; Newton, 11, Technical, 0. Sixth Grade. —Manukau, 12, Northcote, 3; .Eden, 6, Newton, 3; Suburbs, 14, Tamaki, 3. Junior Boys.—Senior grade: North Shore, Parnell, 0; Manukau, 9, Waitemata, ♦»; Suburbs,' 21, Marist, 0. Intermediate grade: Parnell won from North Shore by default; Otahuhu, 15, Newton, 3; Mannkau, 0. 6t. George's, 6; Suburbs, 21, Panmure, 0; Takapuna, 11, Newton, 6. Junior grade: Ponsonby, 0, Manukau, 3; Newton, 9, Suburbs, 0. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS CHRISTCHURCH LEADER BEATEN [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] Chrlstohurch. —The surprise of the latest series of matches in tho Canterbury Rugby Union's championship was the defeat of the leading team, Sunnyside, by Results were: Linwood, 17. Sydenham, 10; University, 12, Merivale, 6; Air Force, 13, Albion 6; Christchurch, 31, 1 Technical, 8; Athletic, 13, Sunnyside, 5. Wellington.—Athletic, 21, College Old Boys. 1(>; Poneke, 0, Johnsonville, 6: Petone, 21, Marist, 3; Wellington, 10, Hutt, 16. Dunedin. —Otago Rugby Union: Southern, 10. Pirates, 3: UniVorsity A, 11, Kaikorai, o- Dunedin, 22, Alhambra, 3; Zingari, 8, Union, 5; Taieri, 25, University B. 18. Wanganui.—Kaierau, 6, Pirates, 5; Old Boys, 8. Technical, 6. Masterton. —Wairarapa Rugby Union: Old Boys, 31, Martinborough, 3; Red Star, 3, Gladstone, 3. Palmerston North. Manawatu Rugby Union: Feilding Old Boys, 9, Massey College. 5; Kia Toa. 3, United, 0; St. Patrick's, 3, Palmerston North Old Boys, 3. Timaru. —South Canterbury Rugby Union: Old-Boys, 0, Star, 0; Celtic, .12, Geraldine, 5; Waimate, 22, Zingari, 4. Invercargill.—Southland Rugby Union: Star, 14, Pirates, 11; Invercargill, 8. Old Boys, 0; Bluff, 8, Marist, 3.