RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23744, 26 August 1940, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

REPRESENTATIVE GAME AUCKLAND BEATS TARANAKI TWENTY-FOUR POINTS TO 12 The Auckland representative Rugby team maintained its unbeaten record for the season when it defeated Taranaki at Eden Park 011 Saturday afternoon by 24 points to 12. Taranaki led at the interval, 6—3, these points being comprised of two penalty goals to one. Auckland gained the ascendancy in the second spell, scoring five tries, three converted, to Taranaki's try and penalty goal. The weather was fine and there was a large attendance, among those present being the Hons. J. McJ,(>od and 11. Masters, both former Taranaki representatives, the latter being manager of the visiting team. Playing with the advantage of tho wind and sun, Taranaki had much the better of the first spell territorially. This was keenly contested between the two packs of forwards, there being little back play of any consequence. After the interval, however, the game was much more open and spectacular, and back movements followed iu rapid succession, much to tho delight of the crowd. The manner in which Taranaki started the second spell, after having had the better of the first, suggested that the visitors were going to be responsible for Auckland's first defeat. A try was scored within three minutes of the recommencement of play, giving the visitors a 'lead of six points. Ten minutes later, however, Auckland obtained a try, which altered tho whole complexion of the | game. Taranaki was attacking strongly when i tho Auckland forwards started a passing rush, in which the ball was handled by several men before the movement ended in a try, which was converted. This was a stroke of luck for the home team, as the ball was passed forward on a couple of occasions during the progress of the rush. Spectacular Second Spell Only on odd occasions after this did Taranaki look like scoring. C. Sullivan actually crossed the line with the ball in his possession, but tho try was disallowed. On the other hand, Auckland played like a winning team. Tho forwards played grand football 111 tho open and continually harassed the defence, while the backs displayed plenty of initiative. It was thus a peculiar match, in that the first spell was dourly contested with very little open play, while the second spell was just the opposite, play being of a spectacular nature, with movements which provided real thrills. . Great credit must be given to the Auckland forwards. They had a difficult task in holding their own against strong opposition in the first spell, but they gradually gained the upper hand and were definitely on top half-way through the second spell. Apart from beiug beaten for possession of the ball in a majority of the set scrums, their work all round was very good. Some of them, notably Mills, excelled in the loose in the second half. This fine young player was in every movement, and he started the one which led to Barry's first try. Barry, Smith and Johnson wore all prominent in the loose, while Hull, Gilmour, Ryan and Priest did great work in the rucks. Tetzlaff again gave a sound performance behind the scrum, getting the ball away smartly. Pearman played a heady game at first five-eighths. His quickening of pace enabled him to draw three opponents to make the opening for Auckland's second try. It was a clover piece of work. Barlow made a good link between Pearman and the threequarter line. Wiles once more demonstrated that ho possesses undoubted ability, his allround play being excellent. Molloy had more chances than Schubert, who was well marked and was given no latitude. Hare was as safe as over at fullback and he had plenty to do. Taranaki fielded a very even pack, some of the forwards showing surprising speed. They worked splendidly as a pack throughout the first spell and during the early stages of the second Lille.v was unfortunate in receiving a cut over the eye in tackling an opponent in the second spell, and he was replaced by O'Bryne. Capable Halfback Gladding proved himself a capable halfback. He varied his tactics well, and this kept the opposition guessing. He made a great opening for Taranaki's try. Running round the blind side of a scrum, he passed out to the left wing, who sent the ball infield to an unopposed forward. Gladding made several other openings, but he was too fast off the mark and had no one to support him. The five-eighths played solid rather than brilliant football. Both tried to find gaps in the defence, but met with sound tackling. Much interest was taken in J. Sullivan, the Taranaki centre and captain. He did not receive the ball quickly enough, however, and was well marked when it did reach him. In one or two dashes, Sullivan revealed his great speed. Ho made one run, in which he drew a couple of opponents, only to see Hayman drop the pass and miss a scoring opportunity. C. Sullivan was the more impressive of the wingers. Like his elder brother ho possesses speed and generally plays heady football. . An excellent display was given by Johns, the fullback, whose place-kicking and accurate and lengthy line kicking wore one of the features of the match. He kicked three penalty goals, and others missed narrowly. One was from just inside half-way and near the touchline, the ball striking the near upright well above the height of the bar. This demonstrated the power which this player, small of stature, gets in his place-kicking. Tries for Auckland were scored by Molloy (2), Barry (2) and Johnson. Hare converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. Richards scored for Taranaki and Johns kicked three penalty goals. Mr. G. Peace was referee. GAMES IN OTHER CENTRES £by telegraph—press association] Christchurch. —Fast and open play marked the Rugby match between Ashburton and South Canterbury at Ashburton. After leading 9 —,<s at half-time. Ashburton won by 20 points to 10. Both sets of forwards played solidlv, and the backs displayed good combination. The result was in doubt right to the end. A feature was the number of penalties lost by poor kicking. Wanganui.—The Trcntham Array Rugby team defeated the Wanganui representatives by 15 points to 0. Wanganui B beat Territorials by 10 points to 0. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND BEGUN TWO SURPRISE WINS SCORED There wero two surprise results in the first series of matches in the second round of the Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship competition played on various grounds in the suburbs on Saturday. The promoted Univervcrsity side beat Ponsonby, 6 —3, at the Ellerslie Domain, while tho North Shore team played well in defeating Grafton, 25 —t), in the contest at Devonport. Both the defeated sides, however, had players in tho Auckland tepresentative fifteen which met Taranaki. Both Marist and Training College, which wero matched on tho Eden Park No. 2 field, wero depleted. Marist had Hare, Molloy and Barry in the representatives, and Training I College had to fill a number of gaps with lower grade players owing to tho holidays. Marist won, 10—11. Although the other promoted team, Takapuua r was beaten by Suburbs by 15 points, it was by no means disgraced in its fixture at the Show Grounds, giving a good exhibition for the most part. Technical was too strong for Otahuhu at Sturges Park. Following were the ,results: —Marist, 1(1, Training College, 11; Suburbs, 15, Takapuna, 0: North Shore, 25, Grafton, 9; University, 6, Ponsonby, 3; Technical, 21, Otahuhu, 6. | DETAILS OF THE GAMES Marist v. Training College.—Training Collogo had difficulty in fielding a team owing to the absence of about lialf its members on holiday and the side went on with only seven forwards. Apart from bright movements by the Training College backs in the second spell the match was uninteresting and Marist won by reason of its superior strength. It was a 'tribute to the Training College defence that Marist did not score more often. Mis- ' takes in positional play, however, were re- ! sponsible partly for Marist's success. Showiriff pood form in tho fullback position for j Marist was Sorrenson, who was relieving Hare His kicking was well directed and ! his defensive tactics often saved his side. The five-eighths, Neary and Rae, combined well and gained much useful ground between (hem. Flashes of brilliance were shown by the Training College players Thurston, second five-eighths, and Day. centro who were associated in their side s first try. Stevenson, first, five-eighths, was seen m one or two dangerous movements. Although up against a heavier back Laney, the Training College hooker, had a measure of success. Tries for Marist wore scored by Rao (2) and Hogan, Sorrenson converting two and kicking a penalty goal. Day and Stevenson scored tries for Training College, Beard converting ono and kicking a penalty goal. Mr. M. G Parris was referee. Suburbs v. Takapuna.—Takapuna made a good showing in its first match in the first, division, although outplayed by the swift handling methods of tho Suburbs fifteen, which was successful by 15 points, i no Takapuna defence was unable to cope with iho "varied tactics employed by the opposition, but displayed dash and initiative on attack. The mainstay of the Suburbs backs was D. Brady, former Auckland representative, at second five-eighths. He was given plenty of opportunities to show his speed and incisive ability. Green supported Brady well. Tiie unselfishness of tho five-elghtha

'enabled the wingers to do eome uueful work and Suburbs' scoring movement near the finish of tho game was started Joy Underwood. Lad brook. showed skill in* hooking against the .former All Black forward, \V. Badley. Suburbs' points came :from tries by Ladbrook and Coxhead, a conversion by Green, who also kicked a field goal, and a penalty goal by D. Brady. Mr. \V. R. Ellison was releree. North Shore v. Grafton. —After a drab start, in which both sides made numerous mistakes, North Shore handsomely defeated a disorganised Grafton team belore a good attendance at Devonport. Apart lroni the Auckland representatives, .null, Pearnian and Schubert, Uratton had several other absentees, notably Clark, its promising first five-eighths. The Isorth Shore rivu-eighths, Stancich and Sly field, revealed excellent form, especially the latter, who showed flashes of the brilliance which earned him 'a high reputation a few years ago. Kaynes was exceptionally fast on tho wing arid bacjted up splendidly. Sweetinan at tialfback spoiled several good openings by holding on too long. Martin, a 17-year-old forward, who last year played for Takapuna Grammar, accomplished fine work on tho lineouts and opened up play to the backs with well-timed passes. Massey and Speight also played well. Roddick was the mainstay or the Grafton vanguard, which lacked weight and experience. Of the backs, Witheridge played pluckily behind a beaten pack, while F. Dick was quick off the mark and ran hard and straight. For North Shore, tries were scored by Raynes (2), Sly field and Graham, Slyfield converting two and Goodacro one. The last-named kicked a penalty goal and Stancich a field goal. F. Dick scored a try and liarry kicked two penalty goals for Grafton. Mr. H. D. Craig was referee. University v. Ponsonby.—Flaying its initial match in the first division, University had much tho better of a rather ragged game against Ponsonby, due mainly to its superiority in the forwards. Both sides displayed rather poor handling among the backs. With the exception of the opening stages of the second half, the heavier University forwards were always on top, hunting well as a pack. The University backs took a long time to settle down, but when they did_ a nice try was scored by Kirkland,, after all the backs had handled. Determined runs were made by Minogue, second five-eighths, and ilackie, centre but the movements broke down through lack of support. Rout played a very sound game at half-back. The Fonsonby backs did riot see much of the ball. Booklass was very consistent among tho forwards, and Heifernan, at second five-eighths, did some useful work 011 defence. Sellars ran solidly at centre. Tries for the winners were scored by Kout and Kirkland, while Booklass crossed for Ponsonby. Mr. J. A. Malcolm was referee. Technical v. Otahuhu. —Technical had little difficulty in defeating a weak Otahuhu side, which had to call upon juniors to fill vacancies in the backs. While the team made a fairly good showing in the first half when facing a stiff breeze, it faded badly in the latter stages. Play was interesting for the first quarter, both sides scoring within the first two minutes. The half-time score was 13—6. Throwing the ball about freely, Technical completely outplayed the home side in the second spell. Technical was definitely superior in all departments, even after having to rearrange its back line .when McLean retired injured. Tho fullback. Rosenfeldt, gave a fine display. Perry and MoAdam were prominent in a clever back line. Dore, Montgomery and Jarvis were outstanding in a virile pack. Few of Otahuhu's backs came up to standard, but two juniors, Curry, fullback, and McNeil, five-eighth, gave promising displays. The forwards failed to last the pace. Grant, Crowley and Moore were hard toilers. Tcchnical's points came from tries by Ferry, McKenzie, Butt and Rosenfeldt, the latter converting three and kicking a penalty BOfUDoherty kicked two penalty goals for Otahuhu. Mr. L. H. Briggs was referee. LOWER GRADE MATCHES Second Division. —Garrison Artillery. 15, Parnell, S; Grammar, 8, Manukau, 6. Junior Grade. —Grammar, 10, Manukan 6. Intermediate Grade.—Final: North Shoje, 12, Grammar, 3. _ Fourth Grade. —Eden, 15. Grammar, o; Mar.ukau, 0, Otahuhu, 5; Takapuna 13, North Shore, 10; Marist. 26, Northcote, 3; N6wton. 9, Marist, 3; Epsom, 18. ISorthcote, 12 Fifth Grade.—Marist A, 25, Eden, 3; Marist Colts, S. Epsom, 3; Manukau, 6, Takapuna, 0; Technical, 13, Northcote, S; Suburbs, 11, Waitemata, 0. .TUN lOR ' BOYS MATCHES Senior Grade. —Epsom, 9. Manukau, 5; Suburbs, 11, Ponsonby, 3. Intermediate Grade. —Marist, 9, Takapuna, 3. _ „ ' Junior Grade.—Newton, 23, Parnell, 0; Manukau. 8, Otahuhu, 6; Epsom, 9. Takapuna. 0; Ponsonby, 19, Waitemata, 3 Colts' Grade.—North Shore, 15, Suburbs, 0; Epsom, 0, Takapuna, 0. ROLLER MILLS ' SHIELD AUCKLAND NORTH WINS FINAL Auckland North became 1940 holder of the Roller Mills Shield, when the team decisively beat Auckland Central by 25 points to 3 at Eden Park on Saturday in the final of the annual tournament, conducted by the Auckland Primary Schools' Rugby Union. This was the third occasion on which North has won the trophy since it was presented by the Northern Roller Milling Company in 1925. The winning team, comprised mainly of players drawn from the North Shore, Victoria Park and Domain groups in the ftrimary schools' competition, is considered to be one of the most formidable combinations ever to participate in ' the tournament, • and did not have its line crossed during, the week. Auckland Central, representing the Western Suburbs, Western Springs and Eden Park groups, ■ also was runner-up last year to Waikato. ' ■ • The forwards of both sides were evenly matched, but Auckland Central's rearguard could not cope with the brilliance of the opposing inside backs, and the speed of the threequarters. Central was somewhat disorganised by the absence of key players, including its captain. Tries for Auckland North were scored by Bowden (2), McCarthy (2), Gardiner and Corlett, Coleman converting two and kicking a penalty goal. Central's only points came from a penalty goal by Yates. Mr. A. M. Matheson was referee. Mr. J. W. Watson, a member of the executive of the Auckland Primary Schools' Rugby Union, was manager of the winning team, while the secretary, Mr. J. Box, was in charge of Auckland Central. The presentation of the shield to K. McCarthy, captain of Auckland North, was made by Mr. H. Frost, president of the Auckland Rugby Union, who congratulated the team on its fine performances. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS Ijby telegraph —PRESS association] Wellington.—By defeating Wellington, the Athletic team won the senior Rugby championship, the results being:—Athletic, 12. Wellington, 7; Petone, 16, Poneke, 3; Johnson ville, 13, Eastbourne, 6; St. Patrick's College Old Boys, 17, College Old Boys, 8; Marist, 14, Oriental, 5; Hutt, 15, University. 13. Dunedin. —Southern, 20, Union, 0: University A 32, Alhambra, 9; Pirates, 20, University B. 0; Kaikorai, 13, Dunedin, 7; Zingari, 9, Taieri, 3. Christchurch. —Albion, 8, Air Forco, 3; Technical, 16, Linwood. 14; University, 25, Christchurch. 9; Army, 25, Sunnyside, 16; Southern, 15, Athletic, 9; New Brighton, 13, Old Boys, 6. Palmerston North.—The Hanawatu Rugby Union's senior championship final was won by the Old - Boys team, which defeated United, 5 —3. Napier.—Hawke's Bay Rugby Union: Maori Agricultural College, 40, Marist, -3; Hastings. 14, Technical, 3. Maori Agricultural College and Technical are the joint champion teams. MATCHES IN COUNTRY [PROM HEItALD CORRESPONDENTS] Pukelkohe. —The Mangatawhiri senior representatives maintained their unbeaten record this season by winning the Massey Challenge Cup from the Pukekohe senior representatives by a margin of one point, the final score being 11 to 10. A bright exhibition of tho code was given. The Mflngatawhiri forwards showed splendid penetrative ability, but Pukekohe had rather the better of the scrums and also had a back division which combined well. A field goal by Wright, for Pukekohe, opened the score. Branch put Mangatawhiri two points , ahead with two penalty goals, while a try by Kewish. that was converted by Branch, had increased their lead to seven points by half-time. Harris c«pped a good Pukekohe movement by scoring wide out. A penalty goal by Wright from fairly far out and on a fairly difficult angle added Pukekohe's other throe points. In a third grade match Waiuku beat Wanderers (Pukekohe) by 10 points to 6. Waiuku. —The Mangatawhiri A junior representatives beat the Waiuku junior representatives by 9 points to 5. Tuakau.—Tho Pukekohe junior representatives beat the B junior representatives by 11 points to 5. Hamilton. —In a closely-contested game, the Morrinsville Rugby representatives defeated Hamilton by 15 points to 10 in an elimination match for the Peace Cup at Rugby Park. The Hamilton backs showed a definite superiority in the first spell, the score at halftime being 10 to 3 in Hamilton s favour. Tho Morrinsville forwards were on top m the second spell, however, and they deserved their five-point margin. D. G. Ensor, fullback, and L. Chase, halfback, played well for Morrinsville, and in the forwards Hart. V Ensor and Marshall were outstanding. All the Hamilton backs, with tho exception of tho wingor, Ahern, who dropped many passes, played good games. Dick, Elliott and Satherley were prominent, in the forwards. Morrinsville's points came from tries by Savage. ' ITowio and Chaso, and Aitken kicked two penalty goals. Dick and Perkins scored for Hamilton, Satherlcy converting both tries. In a curtain-raiser, Morrinsville juniors beat Hamilton juniors by 14 points to 12. Rotorua. —Defending a challenge from Te Puke Old Bovs, Knhukura, champion Rotorua junior team, retained the Mcintosh Shield by 8 points to nil. The Rotorua team was stronger all round than Te Puke, but the difference was most marked in the inside backs. N. Robinson and. S. Price -scored tries, E. Andrews converting. Manukau Sub-Union. —Drury, 14, Karaka, 8.