RUGBY SURPRISE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23774, 30 September 1940, Page 3

RUGBY SURPRISE

CHAMPIONSHIP WIN TAKAPUNA TEAM'S SUCCESS VICTORY OVER MARIST SIDE By defeating Marist, last year's champion team, in a fast and exciting match at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon by 13 points to 8, Takapima won tho Auckland .Rugby Union's senior championship for the 1940 season. Talcapifna's win was a surprise, but it was a meritorious and popular one. Supporters of the team rushed on to the ground at the., final whistle and carried off tho field shoulder high the -two former All Blacks, M. Corner and W. E. Hadley, the captain, also D. Ewert, who played a splendid game at first fiveeighths. Tho season will close on Saturday next, when Takapuna will meet a challenge for the Jubilee Trophy, which it won on Saturday last in conjunction with the Gallaher Shield. There was a good attendance at Eden Park and, apart from a light drizzling raiu which set in half-way through the first spell, hut .eased off later, the conditions were ideal for fast football. Training College beat Ponsonby in a bright curtain-raiser, the winning team's backs giving a good display.; Grafton beat University by a single point in their match at the Show Grounds. There was no score in the game between Suburbs and Technical, played at Avondale, while Otahuhu prevailed over North Shore in an evenly-contested match at Sturges Park. Following were the results: —Takapuna, 13, Marist, S; Training College, 11, Ponsonby, 6; Grafton, 9, University, 8; Suburbs, 0. Technical, 0; Otahuhu, 19, North Shore, IG.

HADLEY'S BRILLIANT HOOKING Marist was a warm favourite for the championship final, but it did not produce the teamwork which had enabled it to maintain its position at the head of the championship table throughout the season. There wero too many loose forwards, who refrained from putting their "weight into the scrums, while some of tha backs, notably Molloy, at centre, were off their game. Both Molloy and Hare mad> mistakes in fielding tho ball, and the fast-following Takapuna forwards were able to ptofit from such errors. A bad feature of tho Marist team's display was the manner in which some of its members persistently questioned the decisions of the referee. One or two of them became rattled in the second spell when Takapuna gained the lead and started to pay more attention to tho man than to the ball. "Warnings were issued, and it appeared likely more than once that someone would be ordered oil. Marist would have been much better served had the forwards concentrated on solid scrum work.

On the other hand, the' lighter Takapuna pack scrummed well and hunted splendidly together in the open. Hadley's hooking was one of the features of the game. He obtained possession so frequently that he called for scrums instead of line-outs. It was a brilliant exhibition of hooking, but, in addition to this, Hadley played a very fine all-round game, setting a splendid example to his younger colleagues. Every one of the Takapuna forwards deserves credit. That they had trained for the occasion was - evident from the fact that they were playing just as strongly at the finish as at the start—and this in spite of a strenuous first spell against a strong wind. There was not a great, deal of back play in the whole game, the ball seldom getting out to the wing-threequarters on either side. Although naturally not so nippy as when in his prime. Corner demonstrated that he is still a class halfback. There was brainwork in everything he ;lid, whether in attempts to open up tho play or in checking movements of the opposing forwards or backs. It was he who put Ewert in position for the latter's dropped goal Ewert played magnificently, his covering up on defence being most praiseworthy. He kicked with great judgment in the second spell, often gaining 40yds or 50yds of ground when finding the line. This not only saved his forwards, but took a lot of sting out of the play of the Marist pack. Ewert'a was a most promising all-round exhibition. Tries for Takapuna were scored by Brady and Anderson; Ewert kicked a penalty goal and a field goal. Langford scored for Marist, Hare converting and kicking a penalty goal. Mr. G. Peace was referee. Training College v. Ponsonby.—ln a bright and enterprising game, with both sides showingt plenty of initiative, Training College beat Ponsonby by three tries, one converted, to a try and a penalty goal. The Training College baqks repeated their performance of ,the previous Saturday, and with Butler, at second five-eighths, showing particularly good form, generally had an advantage over their opponents. This was most apparent in the first spell, when Training College was favoured with a strong wind, and when the side scored all its points. The forwards worked well, withHowells, Tucker and Beard prominent, and Barsdell gave an admirable servico from the base of the scrum. Thurston was injured in scoring Training College's first try, but Faire, who replaced him, still made an excellent pivot for a fine threequarter line. Kingston again gave a notable exhibition at fullback, although his only mistake led to Ponsonby's try. The Ponsonby forwards played a sterling game, but" the backs lacked the precision of their opponents. Tetzlaff was industrious, but slow and, although Barlow and Heffernen did their best to sharpen up the attack, they found Wiles, at centre, well marked and somewhat below form. Tries for Training College were scored by Thurston and Butler (2), one being converted by Beard. Ttichards scored for Ponsonby, and "Wiles drop-kicked a long-range goal from a mark. Mr. W. Allen was referee. Grafton v. University.—Drizzling rain which fell practically throughout the game made the ball- difficult to handle at the Show Grounds, play consequently being of a ragged nature, there being few bright spots to arouse interest. When opportunities did como for opening up the game, the players attempted to do too much individually, and play was of a scrambling nature. Grafton was perhaps fortunate to win by 9 points to S, although it held a slight advantage in tho backs. Pearson, at fullback for Grafton, did not come up to expectations, ■ and he would have been of more use to his side had he been further up. This was his fu;st game in Auckland this season, he having recently been transferred from Wellington. The remainder of the backs had very few opportunities, Pearman and J. Dick doing useful work on defence. Of the forwards, the most conspicuous were Don, Tannahill and Hull. In the second spell the University forwards helped to liven tho interest by going close to scoring from dribbling rushes, some of which were carried for over half the length of the field, but for the most part they did not hunt as a pack. For Grafton, Meharry and F. Dick scored tries, and Pearman kicked a penalty goal. "University's points came from tries by "Ront and McCrae, one being converted by Warner with a good kick from the side-line. Mr. M. G. Parris was referee.

Otahuhu v. North Shore.—A strong finish by North Shore came close to robbing Otahuhu of victory. Play was lively throughout, with Otahuhu superior for the greater part of the game. During the second half O-tahuhu eased up when leading by 19 points to 3, and North Shore was quick to take advantage and run up 13 points in less than 10 minutes. Otahuhu successfully resisted further attempts to score. At ho.lf-timc the 6core was Otahuhu, 6, North Shore. 3. The two packs were fairly evenly matched, but the North Shore • forwards wore oil t-op in the second half. The visitors' backs were also better than those of Otahuhu and showed more penetration. Otahuhu's best backs were Kelly, at fullback, and R. Bennett, half, and Cochrane, second five-eighths. The latter was inclined to play too deep and hamper Kelly's movements McNeill, a junior at centre, was tho soundest tackier and ran well on the offensive. Neighbour, Baker, Grant and Priest were outstanding in the pack, the last-named being prominent in llne-outs. For North Shorej Laing, Wynyard, Slylield and Stancich were most impressive in the back division. Laing had to retire through injuries late in the game. Stancich was often seen breaking through on his own but lacked support. Sheeham and Edwards hunted tirelessly in the pack and were well supported by Cameron and Goodacre. Otahuhu's points came from tries by McNeil,' Doherty, K. Bennett (2) and Flood. Kelly converting two. For Shore. Edwards, Slyfield and Cameron scored tries, Slyfield converting two and Goodacre kicked a penalty goal. Mr. R. D. Craig was referee.

Suburbs v. Technical.—ln spite of determined last-minute assaults on Technical's line. Suburbs was held to a scoreless draw before a good attendance at tho Avondale racecourse. Both sides played patchily and signs of staleness were in ev.'dence. Tempers became frayed at one stai?e, when m;iny penalties were awarded for illegal tactics. D. Green, Suburbs first five-eighths, received a head injury in a scuffle and later had to leave the field. A firm attitude was adopted by the refree, Mr. Ellison, And after ho had issued warnings, the game was continued in a much better spirit. While Suburb's characteristically tried to set its bucks in action at every opportunity. Technical was content to confine play to the forwards, a method that met with more success owing to the greasiness of the ball. Spectacular jumping in the line-outs by Ryan and Dore for Technical and Nelson and the Ladbrook brothers for Suburbs was a feature. Technical's scrumwork was of a high standard and Johnson, the Auckland representative hooker, secured a feast- of the ball. Both fullbacks, Underwood (Suburbs) and Rosenfeldt (Technical) were applauded for safe handling and welljudged clearances. Of the inside backs. McLean (Technical) and thfi Brady brothers (Suburbs) showed flashes of brilliance, but as a rule the two last-mentioned were allowed little latitude by their opponents. Mr. W. R. Ellison was referee.

THRILLING SERVICES GAME

[I)Y TELKGHAPH —PItKSS ASSOCIATION"] WELLINGTON, Sunday

As a. fitting climax to the wartime season of Rugby football, teams representing the Services, designated as North Island and South Island, yesterday provided a crowd ol

12,000 with one of the most exhilarating,, displays of JRugby seen at Athletic Park formally years. Sixty-one points were scored after some dazzling football. South Island won by 38 points to L' 3. The conditions were" ideal and the match was brimful with incident. The game was the only one of the season playeu under the auspices of the New Zealand Kugby Union, being a .substitute for the annual North-South fixture. It waa also a benefit for the patriotic fund. Spectacular scenes were witnessed prior to and during the game. The teams marched round the ground, headed by the Central Band of the JRoyal New Zealand Air Force, which took a prominent place in the proceedings. Among the guests were the Gover-nor-Ceneral, Lord Galway, the Prime Minister tho Hon. P. Fraser, and members of theCabinet. • South's victory was largely due to the superlative play of the forwards, who.were vastly more enterprising collectively than their opponents and received excellent sup-; port from the backs, of whom McAuliffe (Canterbury) was an outstanding performer. .'Ho' scored a try and converted seven of his side's-, eight tries. Finlay (Mnnawatu), who had previously demonstrated his claim to be regarded as one of the best loose forwards in the country, was in magnificent being ideally .suited by the open game and taking a prominent part in most of South's .scoring movements. Metcalfe, although much more burly than in his palmy days as a Southland representative and All Black, played no small part in his team's success, and. Canterbury was worthily represented by Ithind and McPhail. For North Island, Bowman was tho outstanding forward; indeed, for all-round, play he had no superior on the field, although." for spectacular football the palm would go to Finlay. Barton was the king-pin of tho North rearguard, which did not have as many • opportunities on attack as the opposition, whose backs and forwards seemed to link up from almost anywhere with uncanny precision. . The high scoring docs not signify: weak tackling. Both teams set out with the purpose of throwing the ball about, and succeeded admirably. South led 2.'s—-10 at halftime. Tries were scored for South, by r niton, Metcalfe, McAuliffe, Donovan and Finlav, McAuliffe converting four. For North, McAneney and Sarprisson scored, Barton- converting both. In the second spell Jackson, llhind and Donovan scored for South, .-McAuliffe converting all three tries. Gunmen, Barton and Gibson scored for North. Barton converting two tries. Christchurch. —Air Force, Christchurch, 0; Technical, 11, Albion, 7; bunnyside, 14, Merivale 12; Athletic, 11. ew Erighton, 3; Armv, IS, Old Boys, 8; University, 22, Linwood", 12. University has won the senior championship. Linwood and Technical tied for second place. - Westport. : —After one of the finest and most snectacular games of the season, Buller defeated the Wigram Air Force, team yesterday at Victoria Square by S points to 6. Tv.o tries were scored for Air Foi.ce by Scruen and two for Buller by W. Wcenink A. Dunn converting one try. The field was beavy a record rainfall, but both sides threw the ball about in great style, tor Air Force* Scriven, Rothwell and Jesson (forwards) and Kerr, O'Dea, Nelson, Abbott and Smith (backs). and for Buller, Weenink, Bolitho, Porter and Dunn (tacks), and Fox, McHerron ( Coyne, Corrie and Phipps (forwards) wero the pick of two good sides. .- PLAY IN THE COUNTRY [from herald correspondents] Hamilton. —A team representingOlie Hob-. sonville Air- Base visited Hamilton on Saturday and played Hamilton Technical Old the home team winning by 15 points to 8.