RUGBY LEADERS DRAW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23400, 17 July 1939, Page 16

RUGBY LEADERS DRAW

EXCITING GAME SUBUEBS AND MARIST OTAHUHU ONE POINT AWAY GRAFTON'S CHANCES LESSENED DEFEAT BY PONSONBY SIDE When the two leading teams in tho Auckland Rugby Union's senior chnm- ' pionship competition for the Gallnher Shield, Suburbs and Marist, met in the principal attraction at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon, a draw was registered, making the final result for tho honours still very doubtful. Grafton's defeat by Ponsonby has greatly lessened any chance tho side had of winning, unless something unexpected happens. Otahuhu, with a win over Training College, is now only one point behind Marist and Suburbs. The team again pleased with its bright passing movements. Tho promoted fifteen on the day Was unlucky not to have won. The side led at one stage by 11 points to 3, but Marist made up tho leeway late in tho second spell. Hare was responsible for eight of Mnrint's points, kicking two penalty goals and converting a try. The attendance was tho largest at Eden Park this season. Tho ground conditions were holding. Pousonbv was rather fortunate in taking the honours against Grafton in the curtain-raiser. W. N. Carson gained all 12 of Ponsonby's points—a try and three penalty goal';. Ono of the goals gained by Carson was the result of a penalty kick awarded against Grafton for wasting time. North Shore led 5—3 at half-time against Grammar in the match played at Dcvonport, but the latter team was superior throughout, with Mcßeath gaining a monopoly of the ball from the set scrums, and Grammar finished with five points to spare. After leading at half-time by 8 points to 3, Training College was beaten by Otahuhu in tho match at Sturges Park. A feature of the contest was a try scored by the Training College fullback, A"E Clarke.

The results were as follows:—s

Suburbs, 11 ;• Marist, 11. Ponsonby, 12; Grafton, 11. Grammar, 10; North Shore, 5. Otahuhu, 11; Training College, 8

PLEASING EXHIBITION BRILLIANCE OF D. BRADY Thanks to the methods pursued by the Suburbs team, its match against Marist provided the crowd with plenty of thrills. Beaten for the ball in the set scrams, where they were deficient in weight, the Suburbs forwards had to feed their backs q»s best they could by knocking the ball back on the line-outs and by forcing tho opposing backs into errors by fast following up. Suburbs had the better of the first spell territorially and would probably have met with greater success had the backs refrained from kicking the ball too far. They not only gave the forwards a lot of unnecessary running abont. hut afforded Hare plenty of time to field the hall and get in his kick. Apart from this the Suburbs players gave a sparkling display. Their backing up and anticipation werfe excellent, D. Brady giving an outstanding display in both respects. They kept their opponents continually guessing as to what their next move would be. "Whrther the Suburbs team wins the championship or not, it will have achieved the distinction of being the most popular combination of tho season—in fact, for several seasons. This team will be hard to defent on a dry ground, as its players are so fit and well trained that they would run heavier opponents practically to a standstill. D. Brady was the outstanding back on tho field, his play both on attack and defence hein? brilliant. He paved the way for both tries scored by Suburbs. In the first speK he centred the ball cleverly and three forwards were there to take adtantajro nf the situation. A.passing rush developed and tho ball went to La' Long, who scored near the posts. Thorn converted. This gave Suburbs a lead at ha'f-time of B—3,8 —3, penalty goals having previously been kicked by Thorn and Hare. Five minutes after resuming Brady started off a loose rush about balf-'.vay. The ball was kicked to an open space and Brady tackled Hardy as soon as the latter picked it np. Brady .'tot possession again and sent the ball ont smartly, three men handling it before Thorn raced over wide out. This was a really brilliant try, made possible by Brady's anticipation, fast following up and oleverness. The, spectators applauded tho movement for some time.

Marist drew up to 11—0 when Hare kicked a penalty goal after another eight minutes' play. Marist was now holding a territorial advantage and it looked as though its bigger and heavier forwards would wear down tho opposition. Suburbs defendejt stoutly, however, and frequently gained ground with passing rushes started at any position. Ten minute-? before time a loose rush headed by Barry, Sullivan and Hogan ended in the last-named scoring near the corner. ITaro kicked a great goal to make the score 11 -all. The excitement was now intense. Suburbs made a big effort in the last five minutes, but, although the side looked dangerous with passing bouts, it was unable to regain a lead. The crowd left the ground delighted with a spectacular exhibition. Although they were not up to D. Brady's class the other Suburbs backs alt played well. There was no delay once a man had possession and lie always had tho support of one or more players, cither forwards or backa. C. Brady, the diminutive halfback, Green, first five-eighths, the threequarler line, Do Long, Margison and Thorn, and Underwood. the fullback, were all in the picture at various stages. Underwood's display was very enterprising-, as he frequently moved up to assist in passing rushes; The forwards all deserve credit for a fino exhibition against such strong opposition.

The Marist forwards should have performed better with the advantages they had, and they did not impress nearly so much as they did in somo earlier matches. One or two of them were guilty of obstruction and jersey holding. Likewise, (he backs should have accomi lished better things with tho amount of ball they received. There was too much kicking and holding on. Curta.vne was again the most impressive back, being sound on defence and being the only one with penetrative powers. The side would have sadly missed Haro. who was responsible for eight of the team's 11 points. He played well in all departments and extricated his side from some difficult situations. Mr. G. Peace was referee.

CARSON'S FINE DISPLAY

IMPROVEMENT OF HALLIWELL Grafton's chances of success in the Auckland senior championship were diminished by the side's defeat at the hands of the champion last Sanson, Ponsonby, all ol whose points were scored by the All Black, "W. N. Carson. The contest was played as a curtain-raiser to the principal attraction on the Eden Park oval. Carson put Ponsonby in tho lead early with a penalty goal, hut a fry by Moore, converted by McLean, gave Grafton the advantage some minutes later. Passmore scored an unconverted try t> gain a five points' lead, but another penalty goal by Carson almost on half-time reduced the margin. Grafton led B—o at this stage. Not until tho second spell was well advanced did Ponsonby regain the lead, when Carson outpaced the opposition in a strong -10 yards run to score. With ten minutes to go Carson scored another threo points from a penalty goal. Ponsonby had (hi* better of the exchanges after the interval. Grafton's bustling tactics ;n the final few minutes, however, resulted in Schubert scoring an unconverted trv on the call of time, tho team losing by'onlv ono point. J J

nri 9 ar l s p n star Performer of the dav tor his 3 'Kt <,Cn ? ilely wnn ll »o nmtcii ior nm side. Honest work iji the t itrht Sclorised an h brilli!lnt running clmr'ucieriseu his performance. He also kirl-n,i abl? ra the y bIII s r" iSp,a> ; ''i'n «s prob.

McLean was conspicuous in the looso work for Grafton. Passmore, Hull and Anderson followed the ball well at all times. Pearco was injured toward the finish and retired. Hnlliwell showed Improvement as fullback for Ponsonby, his kicking finding the touch lino- with more accuracy than usual. His tackling also was sound and he pleased the spectators with his running. Ramsey saved difficult .situations with his kicking, while lie was also seen in some good runs. Logan was safe and Carter gave a good display of handling. Coughlan and Grant, the fivceighllis, were brilliant at times on attack, but tho defence of the former was not wilhout flaw. Chishol'n, at halfback, was sound without being brilliant.

The substitute fullback in the place of Blue for Grafton, A. F. Tate, made few mistakes with his kicking. He did not send the ball 100 far np the field out of tho range of his forwards—a fault that has been evident in Auckland Rugby this season. J. Dick gave another polished performance al centre. He hacked up usefully and handled with confidence, floskins ian determinedly and Schubert was seen in one or t«c line runs. Willoughby and Pearson combined well at five-eight lis. Moore played a magnificent gainj at halfback. Tlo mado many good openings, and was very smart in getting his backs on the move. Mr. M. G. Parris was referee.

DEFEAT OF NORTH SHORE FINE HOOKING BY McBEATH Although Grammar defeated North Shoro at Dcvonport by only five points, the final score being 10 —the winning team claimed a definite advantage throughout, and a wider margin would have been a fairer indication of the general run of play. Playing with a slightly following wind in tho first spell tho home team was kept mostly on defence, ■although it led by 5 points to 3 at halftime. Grammar was the first to score, after a passing rush in which all the backs handled for Spittal to cross at the corner. North Shore was awarded a try a few minutes later when Galloway and Mansill dived for the ball between the posts. The benefit of the doubt was given to North Shore, and PatoA converted. In tho second spell Mansill scored Grammar's second try and, toward the end of tho game. Tapper kicked a field goal. North Shore attacked strongly in the last few minutes and, when Whillans had a clear run in, a try seemed certain, but Mansill, coming round fast, tackled Whillans on the line. The outstanding player on the field was easily A!cHeath, (he Grammar hooker, who secured tho ball from all but three of the set scrums. Besides giving a fine exhibition of hooking. Mcßeath was always on the hall, and look part in several passing rushes. His task was made easier, however, through Sheenn, North Shore's regular hooker, being absent with injuries. Bjanchfield played a sate, although not brilliant, game at fullback for Grammar, handling and clearing well. The two wings. Spittal and Mansill, showed plenty of speed and made full use of their limited opporlunities. Mansill was inclined to be weak on defence. Tapper, a former North Auckland player, was sound at centre-threequarter, although a trifle slow. Wagstaff and Swain were always safe on defence, while their attacking play was really brilliant at times. Wagstaff made several fine openings, hut spoiled his display by holding on too long, and attempting to do too much on his own. Swain received a lot of attention from the North Shore forwards, hut he played a plucky game, and was never afraid to go down on the ball in front of a forward rush. He saved his side several times in this manner. Apart from Mcßeath, Evans and C. Brown were the most conspicuous among the forwards. Paton did not play up to his usual standard at fullback for North Shore. His handling -was not as safe as usual, while he allowed himself to be caught in possession on more than one occasion. As a result of the forwards failing to hook the ball from the scrums the home team's backs had very few opportunities on attack. Their defence was for the most part sound. Slyfiehl was forced to retire at half-time with an injurv. Galloway and Whillans were prominent in the forwards. Air. M. W. Thompson was referee. OTAHUHU'S NARROW WIN HEDGE IN SPLENDID FORM In a game that was notable for opportunist tries, Otahuhu defeated Training College by 11 points to S at Sturges Park. The" local side was fortunate to win, as Training College showed the better team work and several fine open passing movements just failed to bring scores. A further measure of misfortune Ha s found early in the game when \V«liams, the Training College halfback, who had been showing fine form, was carried off suffering from concussion. Familton dropped back from the forwards to fill the gap and Marsdcn joined the pack. "While the team continued to function as a combination, it lacked the snap and sparkle that had marked earlier hack movements. Playing against a stiff breeze, Otahuhu was on the defensive for a time and Training College took the lead through a fine move by Clarke, the fullback. Following up an attacking rush he received the ball on the twenty-five and ran through the Otahuhu defence to score between the posts Delamore converted. Otahuhu was rattled at this stage and after a forward rush, Delaniorc secured from a scrum, and, dummying beautifully, lie cut through to score a fine try. Clark failed to convert. Following Williams' retirement, Otahuhu showed improved form and Massey scored afler receiving from Hedge, who left three defenders standing. Doherty's kick missed. Just before half-time Apps almost scored for Otahuhu. (Hp lion nee of the ball beating him as he dived over.

The Training College backs impressed with fine handling. Runs by Kingstone. Delamore and Clarke almost yielded results. Pearson gave Otahuhu relief and fast following up by Hedge enabled him to gather a rebound and beat, the defence to score. A few minutes later Hedge was again responsible for a fine movement, resulting in Raines scoring. Gathering the ball in his own half, Hedge ran to the twenty-five yards mark and passed to Massey, who threw a long pass infield for Raines to go over. Doherty converted. Colmore-Williams, Kingstone and Delamore were seen in spectacular runs during the last 10 minutes of play, and only determined tackling by Doherty and Finlay averted scores.

Clarke, at fullback, gave an outstanding display for Training College. His kicking was accurate and his positional play was impressive. Delamore, at second five-eighths, played a fine penetrative game, and was the best inside back. Sound games were played by the other backs. The Training College pack held the npper hand in the set scrums and prominent in the loose were Sisley; Geddrs and Belgrave. . Dohertv. a promoted junior, gave a pleasing display at fullback for Otahuhu, his tackling being sound. Hedge's play was reminiscent of his fine form of three seasons ago. All Otahuhu's tries were the result of his brilliant openings, and his tricky running often gained yards of ground. Raines, a newcomer at second five-eiehtlis, gave a good display, showing penetration and speed. At times the barks were rather easily beaten. Bennett, behind the scrum, gave his hacks good service and defended well. The pack was below standard. Ihe best players being Gilfillan. Apns and Grant. Tries for Training College were scored by Delamore and Clarke, the former converting one. Otahuhu's points came Trom Iries by Massey, Hedge and Raines. Doherty converting one. Mr. C. W. Henderson was referee.

RESULTS IN LOWER GRADES Second Division.—Technical, 11, Manukau, 3; Eden, 11, Takapnna, 6: Parnell, 315, College Rifles. il. Senior Reserve Grade. —Marist Old Boys, 5, Manukau, 0. Junior Grade. —Wnitemnta, 0, Grammar, 0; Manukau, University Colts, 0; Grammar Colts. It). Ofahtihn, 3; Trainintr College A, 20, Tamaki Colts, 3; College Rifles, 21, Tamaki A, 0; Eden, 0, Training College. 8. Third Grade. —Grammar, IS, Manukau Colts. 0; Training College, 18, College Rifles, 7: Ofaluihn, 10, Air Force, 8; Marist, 13, Grafton, r>. Intermediate Grade.—Grammar, 15, Takapnna. 0; Eden, 12, Otahuhu, f>; Ponsonbv, 33, Traininar Cotlege. 0; Mnrist. 3, Technical. 0; Technical Colts,. 0, Parnell, 3; Maunkau, 13, Suburbs, 10. Fourth Grade.—Technical, 12. Grammar, 5; Eden, 15. Otahuhu, 3; Manukau, 10, Panmure. 3; Suburbs, 19, Tarnaki, 3; Epsom, in, Marist Colls. 3. Fifth Grade.—Manukau A, 6, Norlhcote, 3; Technical, 21, Takapuna, 0; Marist. 30, Otahuhu, 0; Newton, 6, Suburbs, 0; Eden, I 0, North Shore 0. Sixth Grade.—Suburbs, 50, Takapnna, 3. PALMER MEMORIAL CUP Senior Grade.—Manukau, 3, Otahuhu, 3; Tamaki won by default from Parnell. Intermediate Grade.—Suburbs, 8, Grafton, 3; North Shore, 0, Otahuhu, 8. Colts Grade.—Otahuhu, 11, Panmure, 3. PRIMARY SCHOOL GAMES Ten matches in the Auckland primary schools' group championships were derided at the Domain on Saturday morning, five each in (he intermediate and junior competitions. The respective trophies are the Frost and Calixtus Shields. Results were as follows: Frost Shield.—Victoria Park, 15, Pcncarrow, 0; Northcote, 8, Farm, 3; Domain, 25, Outer Suburbs, 0; North Shore, 5, Eden Park, 0; Western Springs, 9, Western Suburbs, 3. Calixtus Shield.—North Shoro, 0, Domain, 0; Western Springs, Outer Suburb*. 0; Eden Park. 3, Farm, 0; Western Suburbs, 10 Show Grounds, 0; Peacurrow, 0, Northcote, U. \ REPRESENTATIVE PRACTICE A practice for. the Auckland junior {Rugby f?P£f« 8 ,? n i} v 2® ho held in the P()nsonby k clock -this - evening.