AUCKLAND GAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23382, 26 June 1939, Page 15

AUCKLAND GAMES

TWO BIG SURPRISES OTAHUHU DEFEATS MARIST SUCCESS FOR NORTH SHORE SUBURBS AMONG THE LEADERS The dofent of the loader, .Marist. hy Otaliiihii, ojie of the promoted sides, flip victory of North Shore over Grafton, and the fact that the other promoted team. Suhiirhs. drew in its eontest with Ponsonhy, made for an ex-

citing day's plav on Saturday, when the senior championship competition under the control .of tlie Aucldnnd Rugbv Union was continued. With only four more series' of games to he decided, Marist. Otaliuliu and Suburbs now ]ead with 16 points each, and all three have prospects of winning the championship. The remaining contests should prove intensely interesting.

As a tribute to the memory of tlio secretary of. tlie Auckland Rugby Union. Mr. T. W. Million, who died last Monday, phuers, spectators and referees stood in silence for lialf a minute before the contests. The plavers in the principal match and the referee wore crepe arm bands.

The main game on the Kden Park oval, between Suburbs and l'onsonby, last year's champion side, was played at a fast pace throughout and a draw was a good indication of the run of the exchanges, l'onsonby had slightly the better of the. play in the first spell, but Suburbs had a territorial advantage in the second half. and. although down g— 3 for most of the spell, the side managed to equalise with a converted try toward the finish. Grammar had little difficulty in taking the honours at the oxponsj of Training College on the Xo. 2 fie d at Eden Park, the winner being superior both back and forward.

Beaton for the ball in the set iKTiims, Marist was down o—o to OtaJiuhti at half-time in the game at St urges Park and was unable to make 'itp the leeway later. .Mmlist's final efforts to gain the advantage were of no avail, although a try was secured jilmost on time.

Playing on its home ground at Devonport. North Shore surprisingly defeated the strong Grafton fifteen by 1;lie decisive margin (if seven points. North Shore's tackling prevented Grafton from making much of its opportunities.

Following were the scores:— Ponsonhy, S: Suburbs, S. Grammar, IS; Training College, 3 Otahuhu. 13; Mnrist, 10. North Shore, 16; Grafton, 9.

PLEASING DISPLAY

WELL-TRAINED SUBURBS TEAM

The manner in which the Suburbs team threw the ball about and backed one another up pleased the crowd immensely. Con Filtering that it was constantly beaten for the ball in the set scrums the side did splendidly to finish on even terms with Ponsonby. The Suburbs team is well coached ami the players are all fit. as was demonstrated by the way in which they performed dnrintr the closijig stages of the match.

Suburbs gained an early lead when Thorn kicked a penalty goal after play had been in progress for about five minutes. Ponsonby was in front at the end of twenty-five minutes. A forward rush in which Knight. Fra«er, Bond and Evans participated ended in the last-named scoring near the posts and -Hallitvell converted. This made the halftime score —3 in favour of f'onsonb.v.

Ten minutes after the resumption of play a Ponsonby passing rush caught the opposing hacks well put of position and Grant sc.ired. Play swung backwards and forwards with pood work being done in the loose by both sets of barks. Urged on by the crowd <!ic Suburbs team made strenuous efforts to scare and the play was brimful of excitement and incident. The minutes were parsing rapidly and it' appeared as if Ponsanby would succeed. Five minutes before time, however. a well-sustained rush, in which C. B'ad.v figured prominently, ended in Le Long fciring and Underwood evened the scores with a conversion.

The promoted Suburbs fifteen certainly provided plenty of thrills for the onlookers during the second spell and their future appearances on the oval will be eagerly looked forward to. They play the type of fooiball which followers like to see and they proved on Saturday that their win over Grammar the previous week was no fluke. The Suburbs forwards are light but they po«e.«s speed and combine well in loose rushes. Their line-out work was good, ospedally in the first spell. C. Brady and D. Brady were outstanding in the hacks, with Green making an excellent connecting link between (he brothers. C. Brady was seen to jrreat advantage behind the scrums and rurks. He sent out splendid passes and participated in most of the rushes by backing op. His defensive work was also of a high order.

D. Brady was everywhere, no matter wither it was on attack or defence. It was a.«'!oni«hincr lo ,«ee him appear from "nowtere" to check passing or loose rushes, while his speed and ability to seize fhe slightest opening made him ever prominent on attack. His was a clever all-round exhibition. The threeqnarters all handled the ball well anrl were sound on defence. Underwood gave a good display at fullback, felding the ball accurately and kicking with good direction. The Ponsonbv forwards worked toge"her well. Bond t.as' too quick a hooker for his opponent. Carson and Solomon were always conspicuous on the line-out, while .Tohrson Played a splendid all-round game, following np in tireless fashon. The backs did not funrtion v.erv smoothly owing chiefly to erratic passing and fanlty handling. Hallifell gave a much improved exhibition at fullback, hi« work in all departments being lonnrl, Mr. G. Peace was referee.

GRAMMAR SUPERIOR

training collegia suppressed

Obtaining a monopoly of t hp ball from thf scrums, in spite of the fact that the was without tlio services of its regular hooker, Mcßoath, Grammar ruaile the most of its opportunities in the match against Training College on the Kdcn Park No. 2 field and ran out a winner with 15 points to spare. The Grammar hacks possessed more torn hi nation than Training College rearguard ;uid the bustling tactics of the latter *erp effort ivptv suppressed by Grammars ■onnrj t«ck linsr. Ihp omm mar forwards dominated the play throughout ami tticir sound methods of back'"2 up trreatly Aided their barks. I'irst Points came" to Grammar with a try a few minutes after the kick-off and b.v the interT *l the team led I.'!—o. Grammar sained all 2' it* 18 points from tries and conversions Jwire Training Colleire opened its account toward 11io finish with a penalty goal. Highlights of ,thc contest were the fine line-kicks of the Training College fullback. Clarke, who. ;i 11hoilcrh beaten b.v the grammar winger. Spitlal, for the first try or the flay, played a soliil defensive game, grammar tried a new fullback in Tapper, "IJ kicked well and tackled effectively. The Gramninr wingers were given many opnrtimitipq to display speed Mansill gained ■ fond deal of ground with his hard, ""aight running, hut on defence he was not * *».Vs di"jend:ible. Spitta! showed determint"in anil enternrise in his efforts, follow* B "P fast. Wothorspoon handled well at " n 're. but was inclined to retain posses* on ofttip h n || n id tie too long. »ki '"''"'Ore and Wagstaff made an admir* ™'e nvo.fi, r|,n ls | inf , }tll( | while they al- ,'■* approriated tlioir wiriginen. they took of any openings that were prerp> ii ~,f|r e scored two tries, both as the Y«',. , 0 ' ''i s incisive ability Swain was hn l- " ' ,-V r' linil/tho scrum ami sometimes />„ , through the defence before handing on »o .his supports. th« !n • n ! Pile's good work at the base of rott i» r iV n " l? College scrum was lost v on the in ''he harks. who were slow and indecisire \ n "ihinpd .itta'ck. Tt was individual n„,', 'hat made headwav for (he side tom.'Lr - Williams the five-eighths at* wp r l • ' lnis ing movements, but their effort"; toe Mi "'Pl"* l ' 'n the bud early by the swift 'l'e Crammar backs 1,1 'he Grammar forwards, was limo v fnr ! lis following up and many a Cnll#t*« f frustrated loose Training »t« in ! 0r . n ' ;,r d attacks. TTe was unforturithe l!r 'linred toward the end of on *' although he was carried off stretcher, ho suffered nothing worise

Wc"2ht folJv,n l i" ,SCd - Cye .-, Lnn -° 11S «I hiS wis in iho »?\ lnlaßfi (1 1,1 "id titrht and ho mhos V\ 50,1,0 ,IS(!ful rtribhlintr n-i'r. .kinston, (.ilinoro ami Evans also were Cri r l - , Fra,,l ' is am" Siilcy College pack. "\ working Training ('J)! 'Sl.il(•n C 'u,!i U wcrc sforoil hy Gilniore Hirer Dchmnm l'l' U | S ' converting Traini„Col lejre. » anally ,-oal for Mr. K. D. Croft was referee

OTAHUIIU SUPERIOR FIJv'E win over marist f "" display, and their ruck"U and lollowing-up hustled the Marist pack and defence into many mistakes. It was a creditable performance. A foatnn« of 'be same, which was fast and il ni leui"i hv' W "i S !} w sportsmanship and e'edi. b • 'r' h »«»"S earned fw itf' 1 <lisj,ln.\, iid the comparatively [. mfrinseinents were the result of overkeenness in scrums ami breaking. The ln° highlight's ~f the Siuiie were the rie> m 11 red by I rars-in ami Masse v. fidlowlen 1 , | 1,,0, r f. l " vl; "" l;lr runs fur over half tho nine 'nt ~ VV -:n s effort was mas . , ' huuMitu m.M.s it.side his own half ' '7 V 7! risht thronsh the backs and si.le"'l'; "y; !'" llh;ilk - and ran over o.vds «nh the Marist defenders vainlv enI h roi'nvli' "i* him - A similar break > t , Malay, a forward, enabled him o pass to Massey. who crossed between the posts.

Ota huh n started off with a light wind and sun advantage, and inside five minutes took , "c 'f" I '. Crant scoring after a centre kick !iif !>,a - v uas mostly in Marisl's Half until I lie interval, but no further score resulted.

Marist played better lor the first ten minlitcs of thi* second spell, ami equalised when Uailey gathered a lone pass from Coonev to score. Hare <onvortiiig In quirk succession 1 Parson and Massey scored for Olahnhu. winch then had an eight points lead. Hare missed an easy penalty in front of the posts. Desperate attacks b.\ M-irist and tenacious tackling hy Otahuhu ensued in a period when the clashes between the two packs rose to sreat heights. '1 he ball travelled up and down Held at a fast pace, but the Otahuhu forwards continued to dominate the exchanges. In a last Marisl rally. Moffitt scored a try which Mare converted.

Roth in set scrums aml line-outs the Otaliiihii pack held die upper hand. and in the loose was distinctly superior. Hunting as a park and always on the ball, every forward toiled grandly. Priest deserves ineiilion for his fine line-out work. Bennett, at half, fed his narks well, ami defended! soundly. All the becks were sound 011 defence, with Hedge and I 'parson shilling in tactical play. Cochrane was sound at fullback.

But for the line play of Hare, the score would haw been bigger. His fielding ami kicking were superb. Occasionally he made an extra back in attempts to break through. Cooney strove hard to find gups in the defence, and was well supported by Curtayne, Molloy and_ Bell.Booth. In the forwards. Bailey. Moffitt aud Snrddeii were impressive. Tries for Otahuhu were scored by (Irani. Pearson and Massey, Pearson anil Hedge each converting one. Bailey and Moffitt scored for Marist, Hare converting both. Mr. M. W. Thompson was referee.

INSPIRED EXHIBITION

BRILLIANT FORWARD PLAY

Spurred on by the enthusiasm of its supporters, who turned out in force, the North Shore side played inspired football on its home ground, to defeat Grafton, which is much higher up the championship ladder, by 1(i points to 1). Although the Grafton backs pioduced flashes of brilliant individual play, the team's downfall was largely due to lack of combined effort. Xorth Shore functioned as a team, and both forwards and backs contributed to a well-deserved win. Early in 'he game Galloway and Massey set up a dribbling rush, which had the Grafton defence worried, anil Jessup, who hail followed up fast, finished off the movement with an unconverted try Grafton never appeared to recover from this reverse, and the home side held a territorial advantage for the remainder of the spell, which ended B—(i in favour of Xorth Shore. The best forward for North Shore, and the outstanding player of the match, was Massey. whose displays in recent games have attracted attention. He dominated the line-outs, and was continually at the head of the attack. His dribbling ability was a revelation, and often, with Sheriian and Galloway in support, he swept down the field in sustained rushes. Jessup. at first five-eighths for North Shore, played intelligently Several times he changed the direction of the attack by short punts which caught the defence napping. Sl.vfiefcl took advantage of any opening, and Arkle. behind the scrum, showed a return to form.

Another impressive player on the home side was the wins, Hurilon. of H.M.S. Leander, who was unlucky not to succeed with a brilliant unorthodox movement. From a scrum, he raced in. intercepted Arkle's pass to .Tessup, and penetrated to the line, where a tackle in coal robbed him of a try. A moment later he was almost over again after receiving a pass from Jessnp, being brought down within reach of the line. Paton. the North Shore fullback, was uncomfortable at first, but settled down in the second spell, when his nicely-judged line kicks kept his side on the attack. There were several notable absentees from the Grafton back line. Both Blue ro'd Mantiers were out with injuries, while Dick was also standing down. The spearhead of Grafton's attack was Pearman, who often took advantage of a short punt to make an opening. Ho was well served by long and accurate passes from Sherlock, the halfback, who has completely mastered the dive-pass. Moore, who was playing at second fiveeighths, crossed the line when a try was badly needed by Grafton, but he failed to ground the hall properly. Bunting, usually a forward, occupied Blue's place at fullback, and he seemed quite at home. In the final stages, the Grafton forwards, led by Pearce, Hull and McLean. made desperate efforts to bridge the gap, only to meet with stubborn resistance from the North Shore pack. McLean was also called ui>on to do a lot of defensive work.

North Shore's points came from tries by Jessup, Sheehan and Goodacre, Sly field and Paton each converling one. Slyfield also kicked a penalty goal. Tries for Grafton were scored by Anderson and Pearman, while McLean kicked a penalty goal. Mr. J. A. Malcolm was refereo

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Division. —Manukau, S. Eden, U; University. IS, Takapuna, 0; Technical, 19, College Rifles, T; Parnell, 7, Northcote. 0. Senior Reserve Grade. —Marist, l». Manukau. I. „ Junior Grade. —Tarnaki Colts, (i, Panmure, O; Waitemata, 17. University Colts, 0; Manukau, 17, Tamaki A, 1J ; Grafton. M, College Rifles. (J; University A, 11. Technical, 11; Ponsoilby, 13. Otal-uhu, <i; Eden, 10, Training College A, 0. Third Grade. —Grafton, 11, Takapuna, :i; Northcote, 32. University. Ponsonby, 32. Epsom. 3; Grammar, 3'-'. Cruiser Colts, •">; Air Force. 20. College Rifles, o; Marist. 21, Manukau Colts, 0. Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs, 8. Parnell, 8; Training College A, 10. Xorthcote, 8; Technical. Ml, University. Takapuna, 3, College Rifles, 3; Manukau. 1J». Ponsonby, II; Grafton. 1!>, Marist, 3; Eden. <>.">, A.M.C., 0; Grammar Old Boys. 11. Technical Old Boys, 11.

Fourth Grade.—Tninaki, 2">, F.psoin, 11; North Shore. IHK Grammar, .'i; Mamikan, i* 1, Marist Colts. f»; Marist, 30, Technical. 15; Newton, 'i. Ponsonby. fi. Fifth Grade.— Technical. Hi. North Shore, 12: Manukaii A, l'_'. Mari>(. 11: Eden. Maniikau Colls <»; Newton (I. Northcote. I); Ota huh ii, 27, Tainaki. 10; Suhurhs. Takapuna, ((.

Sixth Grade.—Suburbs, 11, Marist, 0; Xorthcote, 11, "Waitcmata, G. PALMER MEMOHIAL CUP Senior Grade.—Eden, 8, Olahiihn, 8. Intermediate Grade. —Grafton, y, Marist, .1; I'onsonhy, S, North Shore, 0; Otaliuhu, 7, Xorthcote, :i; Manukait, 3, Suburbs, 0; I'akapima, o, Eden, 0; Newton, I - -', Vv'aitemata, 0. Junior Grade. —Mnnukau, !•">, Epsom, 0; Takapuna, I">, Ponsonby, 0; Marist, U, Otaliuhu. (>. Colts' Grade.—Panimire, S, Ponsonby, 0; Suburbs, G, Otaliuhu, 6.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES

PRACTICE THIS EVENING Practices for (be Auckland representative Rushy team the Colts side have been arranged for to-night at the Ponsonby Club's training sheds. The sole selector to the Auckland Kughy Union, Mr. F. W. Lucas, will probably announce to-njorrow the teams to meet Waikato at Eden Park next Saturday.

INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS TRAINING TO-MORROW NIGHT The following players have boon selected to train for the Auckland intermediate grade Kugby representative team:—Crabb, W'ehb. J. Lakui (Grafton), Kidd. Henins, Torrance ((! rannnar), J)e Vere, Brindsen (Takapuna), -Matthews, Lcmpriere (College Rifles), Upsham ('rechnical Colts), Klliol (Ponsonhy), Ljison (Parnell),' C. .\iason, J). Stubbing ('technical A), Chegwiddcn (Kden), J. I'latl, 1. I'ohinson (Suburbs), Thorburn (Training College).

Players are requested to assemble at the Parnell Club's training shed for practice to morrow at 8 p.m.

WAIKATO JUNIOR TEAM

MATCH AGAINST AUCKLAND [l-'ltOM orit OWN CORRFSPOXIIKXt] HAMILTON*. Sunday The selectors. Messrs. L. H. Partington and M. Wakefield, have chosen the following team to represent the Waikato juniors against Auckland juniors in the return match to be played at Kden Park. Auckland, nevt Saturday at l.:sn p.m.:—Fullback. W. Higtrinson (Old Roys); three-quarters, L. McXamara (Colts). <:. Fraser (Colts), !•'. Bolton ( I cchnical); five-eighths, J. Terry ('Juakura), R. Sykes (Technical); halfback, A. Crozier (Old Roys); forwards, W. Coombridge (Rototuna). A. Herbert (Technical). (■. Booth (Hototuna), W. Keen f'l'c Kowhai), 11. Morgan (Colts), L. Wright (Technical), <>. Wallis (Ifnakura). J. Belcher (High School). Reserves: 1). Young (Ci(v). \ Burgess (Unakura), A. Blunt (Old' Boys), T. bllis (Battery), J. McKenzie (Old Hoys).

TARANAKI FIFTEEN

OMISSION OF B. KILLEEN

[n\" TELKGHAI'Il — IMIKSS ASSOCIATION"] NEW PLYMOUTH. Sunday

Much surprise has been caused b.v the action of the Tarauaki sole selector, Mr C Brown, in omitting B. Kilieen from the I aranaki representative team to plav Wellington at Hnwera on Wednesday in the first tfann- of the season Kilieen was injured and did not commence playing until about three wreks ago. Since then he has played fine football in his three games, displaying all his old skill on attack. When Kilieen's team, Old Boys, played Tukapa. which is coached and selected by Brown, J. L. Sullivan was moved in from centre to outside five-eighths to mark Kilieen. while Wetere, the usual outside five-eighths, was sent to centre. There appeared little between Sullivan and Kilieen in that game. Sullivan was not available for Wednesday's game, but Wetere, who was not trusted by his own club to mark Kilieen, has been preferred to the latter for the outside five-eighths position. Kilieen. who is a capable centre, was also passed over for that position and is only an emergency. The action of the selector has come in for a good deal of comment and has caused almost a sensation in .Rugby circles.

WIN FOR MARLBOROUGH

MATCH AT WAIPUKURAU

[I»Y TKI.KGIt.VPK —l' It i:<s association] HASTINGS, Sunday

A representative game played at Waipnkurau between Marlborough and Central Hawke's Bay resulted in a narrow victory for the tourists by points to nil. Very even and hard play saw excellent movements by the backs of both sides break down under determined defence. Several penalties were missed. The visiting backs showed excellent form and pressed hard, but splendid line-kicking saved Central Hawke's Bay. No try was scored until the closing stages of the game and the crowd grew wildly excited as each side in turn attacked vigorously. Marlborough resisted several thrusts and then the backs swung into action and stormed the line. O. Ireland, the Marlborough halfback, was a constant source of danger with quick movements from the scrum. Central Hawke's Hay was gradually forced back to its own twenty-five and in the last few minutes Ireland secured the ball and sent the backs away. Melluisli scoring for the visitors. Jackson converted. Centra! Hawke's Bay made a desperate attempt to even and, amid great evciiement, Harvey broke a»av but was pushed into touch on the Marlborough's corner nag on the call of time

SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

SURPRISE IN WELLINGTON £ijy TELiccßArrr —pukss association] Wellington.-—University provided a .surprise 1 11 Wellington .senior Rugby by defeating the co-leader in the championship. I etone. \Vclhnjrton now loads by two points from Petone. with Athletic and Jolmsonviljp orpin) third. Results: University 8, IVtone. 7; Wellington, \:\, Eastbourne, J); Poneke. M Marist, a ; Athletic, 20. Hutt, G: JohnsonviHe, !>, Wellington College Old Bo.vs, Oriental, {), St. Patrick's College Old Boys, <). Christchurch.—Canterbury Rugby Union: Christchurch, J.*{. Sunuysidc, 'A: Athletic. 11) Southern, 1U; Technical, I!), Air Force, 12; Lin wood, 15, Mcrivnle. 10; University. 12, Old Boys. 3. University and Athletic are now equal at the top of the ladder, half a point ahead of Sunnysidp.

Duneoin.—Otago Rugby Union: Kaikorai now leads in the Rugby competition. Southern being second, with Pirates and Union Ihird equal. Trevalhan. the Southern five-eighths, has now scored !tS points for the season. Results: Kaikorai, 10, University A, Union. !', Pirates. N; Southern. IT, Alhauihra, ">: Dunedin, M. Taieri, 8: University B. 1 r>. Zingari, 7.

Masterton.-—AVairarapn Rugby Union: Old Boys, I!t, Masterton, <i; Red Star, (J. Carterton, 0; Gladstone, 8, Oreytown, 3. Invercargill.-—Southland Rugby Union: Jnvercargill, 17, Old Boys, 11; Pirates. 11. Star, s; HlutT, 10, Marist. 3.

Hastings.— Hawke's Bay Rugby Union: Celtic, 1,. Xapier High School Old Boys, II; Pirates, 12, Technical Old Boys. O; Marist, !», flavelock North. 3; Maori Agricultural College. I I, Hastings High School Old Boys, !) Onniaru. - North Otago Rugby Union: Athletic, 2"). Excelsior, O; Maheno, it. Old Boys, a. Athletic wins the championship. Wanganui. Wanganui Old Boys. 21. Wuvcrley-Wuiololara, Technical Old Bo.vs, it, Marist, 0; Kaielau, 21, Taihape Old Boys, (i.

New Plymouth.—Taranaki Hughy Union: Tukapa, •_! I Old Hoys, !{; Inglcwood. S, I'tifton, a; Stratford. 11. Okato, I; Star. ]■'. 11 ha in. it; Okaiawa, •>. Opnnake. Athletic, i:t, Patea, 0: Kaponsa, 0. AVaimatc.