THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8191, 5 August 1912, Page 10

THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

CONTINUATION OF THE SENIOR MATCHES PETONE MEET THEIR WATERLOO COUNTRY TEAMS INTER-ISLAND MATCH

from Competition May 15th.

iB/ default. , -n this table, those teams which have taken a bye where they should have met Old Boys had tho latter still been in the competition, are regarded as having beaten them.

Heavy, continuous rain, hard driven by a bitterly cold southerly breeze rudely dispelled on Saturday afternoon the fond hopes and cheerful anticipations with which the preceding few days had packed the dreams of Wellington football enthusiasts. The grounds, both in the city and ip tho suburbs, were a /slippery, clinging quag, making decent forward play a matter of extreme difficulty, and .bright back work au utter impossibility. At tho Athletic Park a few hundred spectators, immersed in the thickest of overcoats, congregated in the stand, stared at the rain and tho slush, watched the ; struggles of the players, and maintained a regular stamping to encourage a circulation that* the cold and the wet nnd tho wind threatened to freeze into sullen and misanthropic sluggishness, in keeping with tho external prospect. Despite the heart-breaking ground and disgusting weather, thirty boys—Wellington and i Wairarapa schools representatives—play-, ed through a full time match as a preliminary to the big game that had prompted the onlookers to disregard the weather’s morning frown. The North and South Island couutry teams took tho field after these boys had stirred it up well, to play four twenty minute spells. They struggled through two and then succumbed. The third quarter was barely eutered upon before the men left the field, an action which Mr N. Galbraith (chairman of the New Zealand Kugby Union), in addressing the schoolboys in the evening, denrecated. Supposing (though not admitting) that it was not the best of sportsmanship, the fact remains that it was certainly the best of common-sense. The futility of struggling further could only have prolonged the agony, and North's victory was already assured. The local championships tourney was continued, and the positions of the leading teams have undergone a change in consequence. Petone, playing on a ground that was all against them, pi el (■heir Waterloo at the hands of the hustling Athletice pack, and have dropped from the top rung of the ladder. Orien-

tal, successful against Melrose, have succeeded them, but the margin of point which places them on top is very small. Athletic, formerly third on the list, have advanced a step, and share second place with Petone. Between these three teams there is only one point, so that there is no danger of a monotonous tail to the contents. The positions of the lower teams are practically the same as before. Wellington proved too good for Victoria College, while Poneke. who were pitted against Southern, found that the latter had struck for better conditions, and tad remained at home to read '“The Laws of the Game!" Details of Saturday’s matches are as Follow; ATHLETIC v. PETONE. One of the ‘’star" games of the season was played at the Petone Recreation I Ground before an enthusiastic crowd of over one thousand spectators. The ground, at commencement of play, in spite of the weather, was in tip-top order for football. It goes without saying that the oval at Petone is at present miles ahead of any other ground in or about Wellington. Too much praise can hardly be givfn.the groundsman for its excellent condition. The game began with the Petone team slightly favourites, although those in the "know" had an idea that Athletic, who were trained to the minute, would fully extend the Petone boys. Sudh indeed proved to be the case, and the result of the game showed that the blue and blacks were, on the day, a slightly better team. Taking the game as a whole the scores just about indicate the relative strength of the teams, raid if one was allowed to prophecy in football matters, it could be said, without much hesitation, that when these same teams meet in the final, in a few weeks’ time, a great game will result. As previously stated tho ground was good at the beginning and continued good throughout the game, except, as was to be expected, it was somewhat slippery towards the end. What spoilt the game, however, was the greasy ball. It was absolutely impossible to pass. In this respect, the Petone team had the worst of it, as their redoubtable backs did not have very much chance of showing to advantage. The result of tho game has placed the championship in a very interesting position, and there will be much speculation as to the final result before the end of the season. At tho start Athletic attacked strongly and were only kejit out by splendid defensive work, combined with a slice of luck, on _ the part of the Petone team. Arrowsmith and Mcl'arlane relieved the pressure by splendid dribbling rushes, but Roberts, at half, was generally equal to the occasion. Nunn, obtaining the ball from a scramble, attempted a pot which went veiy close. It was a fine effort, and the Petone forwards at this stage kept Athletic very busy defending. Shortly afterwards. Ready, who was i playing a great game, came through and j scored although it was a very question- j able try. McFarlane made an excellent ; attempt, but failed. Petone 3, Athletic 0.. The finish of the first spell was maiulv in favor of Petone, who should ; have scored on at least one occasion. The second half started in favor of i Petone, and they ought to have got 1 home, but for a certain element of luck which is inevitable on wot grounds with greasy balls. Forward rushes on each side were the chief points to be noticed. Wilson headed most of the Athletic charges and Arrowsmith was the brilliant star in the Petone vangn~rd. In one of the Athletic rushes. Miller made a lamentable attempt to force and Osborne scored, the major points being added. This was the beginning of the end. It was a game of hercnleati efforts on either side. "Rangi" Wilson and Roberts were worth any four men, for Athletic, while Arrowsmith, Ramadan, McKenzie, McEarlane, James Ryan and Eeadv, did yeoman Service for Petone. Mr Simpson controlled the game. ORIENTAL v. MELROSE. This match was ployed on No. 2 ground, Petone. and from a spectacular mint of view was uninteresting. The field of piny was in a slippery condition, with the result that most of the play was confined to the forwards, and consisted mostly of mud scrambles, with here and there a bright interlude of passing among the Oriental backs. During the first half of the game Melrose only invaded Oriental quarters on four occasions, and then only for a few moments. In tho second half Melrose were more aggressive, and narrowly missed scoring on three separate occasions. Roberts was tbe mainstay of Oriental, and the four tries scored were the outcome of his seizing an opening and bringing his backs into action. Carrad at full played a good game for Oriental, and was well supported by Roberts, Hah and Kinvig. Among the Melrose backs the Marshall brothers were the most con spicuous, especially W. Marshall at full, who succeeded in getting bis team out of difficulties time after lime. There was not much to choose between the forwards of both teams. Oriental appear ed to bo much the heavier, but then weight did not assist their side to any extent on the muddy ground. From the kick-off Melrose rushed the ball to Oriental Quarters, but a kick from a mark by Kinvig relieved the

pressure. Concerted play by Robert* Kinvig and Uale carried the leather tMelrose twenty-five, where, from a scrum, Roberts secured, passed to McLeod, who in turn passed to Hale, the latter scoring. Raton took the kick but failed to increase the score. Oriental 3. Melrose 0. From the kick out Robert* Secured and placed Melrose on the tic fonsive, who were hemmed on the lino until relief came per medium of a free kick. Melrose wore working hard to relievo the pressure!, Church eventually finding the line at Oriental twenty-five. Bick came the ball at Roberts toe, aud W Marshall just managed to save a score. Oriental forwards, who were getting tho ball in the scrums, heeledout to Roberts, and a nice passing bout was initiated, a score being prevented by Collins marking from a knock-on under the Melrose goal posts. The ball was difficult to handle, ami knock-ons were frequent. From a pnssing II 1 , that was started from half way Mali mulled a pass when a score was almost a certainty, a force-down resulting. Good following up, from a kick by AV, Marshall, enabled Melrose to put Oriental on the defensive. From a free kick Murphy centred, and J. H, Marshall carried the leather to within three yards of the coveted line, then passed to Collins, who failed to accept the leather, Oriental forcing. In tho second half the ball travelled up and down the field for some time, until Melrose, by hard kicking and bad fielding of their opponents, had Oriental hemmed on their goal lino. From a penalty W. Marshall kicked at goal, but the ball went wide. From a scrum in Mol rose twenty-five Roberts went off on a.dribbling run and succeeded in eluding his opponents, a score being averted by Molroso forcing. Soon nfter Roberts started a passing rush among his backs, the ball travelling to Murray, to Kinv;g, to Hole, who scored. This was the best piece of concerted back play during the game, and the score was deserved. Paton s kick at goal was a failure. Oriental G, Melrose 0. Immediately after play was started again Kinvig had a shot from a penalty, the return being mulled, Paton dribbled over the line and secured Oriental’s third try. No goal resulted. Oriental 9, Melrose 0. Oriental’s fourth score was the result of a forward rush, tho Melrose full-back in the act of forcing slipped, and Pntt'.son fell on the leather. Aberhardt was jmablo to add tho major points, and tho game ended Oriental 12, Melrose 0. Mr Card was referee. WELLINGTON v. VICTORIA COLLEGE.

Playing at Miramar Wellington defeated Victoria College by 13 points to 9. Conditions were disagreeable from the start and no one was happier than the players, and perhaps tho referee (Mr J. E. Russell), when the match was over. The game opened favourably for Victoria College, who carried play right to Wellington’s line. By degrees Wellington worked their way down field and McKenzie crossed over at the corner. Ho converted the try himself. Heavy rain made matters decidedly unpleasant for the next few minutes, during which a penalty goal -was kicked by Ryan for College. Play was confined to the leeward side of the field, Wellington having tho better of mutters. Tho forwards forced their opponents steadily before them, and little time had elapsed before the yellows’ total was brought up to 8 through Miller scoring a try. No goal resulted. College livened up and led Wellington a merry dance.. An infringement gave an opportunity to College, and Ryan kicked a fine goal against the wind. Wellington 8, College Gd. The scales now turned in favour of the greens, for after putting up a keen fight, they placed themselves ahead of Wellington, per medium of Curtayne, who crossed over subsequent to a short scramble on the line.

The teams simply changed ends at half-time and continued the play. A few minutes later, Wellington were again on the attack. The College defence was a trifle weak, and Cotter, beating a mar for the ball, touched down. - McKenzie 'onverted- Wellington 13. College 9. O two occasions Wellington were unlucky in not scoring, each time a College mar forcing down in the nick of time. The 'rame closed without further addition to the scores. SOUTHERN DEFAULTS TO PONEKE. Southern defaulted to Poneke. 'The game was to have taken place at Miramar, but Southern could not get a full team together. OTHER GRADES JUNIOR. Athletic beat Wellington by 6 points to 0. Adams scored two tries for the winners. Victoria College (10) defeated Melrose (0). THIRD CLASS. The game Selwyn v. Petone ended in a draw, each team scoring three points. FIFTH CLASS. Petone defeated Waiwetu by 20 point* to 3. SIXTH CLASS. Petone A defeated Petone B by 41 points to nil. COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVES. SOUTH DECISIVELY BEATEN. The southerners, in their white jerseys, looked bigger and heavier than their dark clad opponents and opinion favoured their chances as the teams filed into the field. South, too. had already given Wellington a taste of their quality, and that quality had been voted good. North were practically an unknown quantity. North faced the rain and the wind, ana. following the kick off, rushed the ball straight down the field, over the South lino and on into dead ground. A few minutes later play had returned to halfway, whore a forward move on tho part of South was strenuously opposed. Two or three scrums and a number of desultory skirmishes served to give the men a breather, and introduce the white uniforms to the park. Then South pressed in, their forwards fighting hard, and North, finding themselves eventually on their own line, stopped further trouble by forcing. Immediately afterwards the blacks assumed the upper hand, and three times in quick succession whites found trouble close at hand. Over eagerness and impetuous scrambling among themselves lost one certain try for North. Four black players learned that they could not nil carry tho ball and score simultaneously, a lesson which South impressed by forcing. From the drop out the blacks enme back again at full gallop, with the ball at toe. They were right on the white lino when Nicholas picked up the leather, skidded over the line and drew first blood. The kick at goal went astray. North Island 3, South Island 0. The whites set up a determined attack from the restart, and a general rough and tumble, with players slipping everywhere, occurred on tho Northerners' side of tho half-way line. South succeeded in covering with mud those portions of their costumes which had thus far retained their original colour, and. incidentally, gained some ground. They gained a mark in-

side the blacks’ twenty-five, but the heavy ball fell short of the posts. Then they pre-ssod in again, the forwards putting up a groat battle against the sturdy defence offered. Tho pace grew fast and merry. Tho attack told at last, and during a scramble near the line Macintosh picked up and shot across. The kick failed. South Island 3, North Island 3. North wore not long in again taking the lead. A lorward sally hem the drop out carried tho ball right to the Southerners’ lino, and here, during a scramble, Desmond got across. The try was not converted. North Island G. South Island 3. The first spell ended immediately afterwards ami tho teams turned round without leaving the held. The blacks again forced the pace, and South were compelled to force in the first few minutes. Blacks were having all the best of things at this stage, and tho relief sought by South's force was very short. Within a couple of minutes afterwards, as a result of another galloping sortie. Nicholas touched down. I.ennard converted tho try. North Island It. South Island 3. For a considerable time afterwards play remained in tho whites’ territory, where a lot of close but not particularly interesting work occurred. South finally broke away in a forward attack and North did sonic great tackling in their own ground before thov succeeded in breaking it. While tho teams were engaged in the half-way line Manning picked up the ball and, running fast, passed nearly all tho opposing side. Darkness was handy when trouble overtook Manning, and culminated the effort by scoring after a short run. The kick at goal went astray. North Island U, South Island 3. Hero the hell wont for the end of the second spell, and, ns things turned out, for the end of the match. Tho teams returned to the field after tho interval, but, after kicking off, turned and made back for tho dressing-sln'd. Tho spectators did not appear to regret tho action, and n largo percentage had already left the ground with the termination of tho second quarter. The superiority of the North Island team, though not ns great as tho scores would indicate, was marked all through. The forwards wore fairly evenly matched, and the balance of power lay in the black backs, who, notwithstanding the greasy nature of the bald, handled it well throughout. THE ABANDONMENT. Mr J. D. Avery (secretary of tho New Zealand Rugby Union) states that the union regrets any disappointment that tho public may have suffered as a consequence of tho match being abandoned. Somo of the public seemed to think they were had. That was tho last thing the nnion would tolerate. Tho possibility of abandonment was not thought of when tho game began, but in fairness to the players it must bo admitted that it soon became apparent that football worth tho name was out of tho question. Somo consideration was due to the players, and it was at the wish of both captains that the referee doc 1 a red the ground unfit for play. SCHOOLS MATCH WELLINGTON AND WAIRAEAPA DRAW. Tho match between the Wellington and Wairarapa schoolboys resulted in a draw after a good match that was stubbornly fought all the way. Wellington played against tho wind in tho first spell, which terminated without either side having scored. When the ground and the weather ore taken into consideration, the match must bo written down as a good exhibition, and there were indications that, had tho day been .good, the boys would have shown somo good passing work. Wairarapa were the first to score, Dickenson getting across as the result of some clover dribbling. The try was not converted. Wellington, after many fruitless attempts, scored just before the end, McCarlie getting over neai the posts. Ho took the kick himself, but failed, and the game ended: Wairarapa 3. Wellington 3. TEAMS ENTERTAINED. In the evening the teams were entertained by the Wellington Public Schools rtugby Union. Mr F. A. Hempleman (president of the union) presided, ana cnere was a representative attendance ol adults, among whom were: Hon. F. M. B. Fisher (Minister of Internal affairs;, Messrs N. Galbraith (chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union), E. U. Hales (chairman of tho Wellington Rugby Union), besides a number of local and visiting schoolmasters.

MATCHES ELSEWHERE CANTERBURY DEFEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY. PBZB3 ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, August 3. Canterbury beat South Canterbury fairly comfortably by 17 points to b. Snow was falling thicufy when the teams took the field. From the first scrum Canterbury heeled aud started passing, which was charged down. Payne mane a tine dodgy run along the line aud, beating three men, passed to Morgan, who threw out W Parsons, who scored near the posts. Doell kicked a goaf. Canterbury 5, South 0. . South were twice forced in the next few minutes, and then a Canterbury passing rush ended in Cade going over on tho corner Canterbury 8, South 0. Snow was now failing heavily, and it was hard to distinguish tho players, while the ground began to whiten, despite the play. South Canterbury were forced again, and then a strong rush by their forwards took play right to tho Canterbury lino, and a dangerous situation was relieved by a mark. Coming back strongly, a fine rush by tho South Canterbury vanguard swept over the line and Langford scored beside the posts. Canterbux-y 8, South 3. Canterbury retaliated with a strong forward rush, and taking play to tho South line, Cade scored in the corner.' Canterbury 11. South 3. After more forward play in South Canterbury territory the ball came out bo Howison, who attempted a pot, and South forced. Half-time went just afterwards, and the teams turned over and played straight on without n spell. The weather conditions improved a little, and on the slushy ground the Canterbury forwards held the upper hand. Tries were scored by Pav-ne and Gray for Canterbury. Darrock scored for South, Spillane converting. AUCKLAND. August 4. Auckland beat Thames Rugby representatives by 13 (three tries 2 converted) to 3 (one try). The game was fast and exciting. King’s College and Grammar School are old rivals on the football field. The first match between them in the secondary schools competition resulted in a draw, and yesterday they met again, tho game creating great interest. Grammar School led by 8 points at half-time, but King’s drew level in tho last few minutes, the match ending—B points all. HAWERA, August 3 In tho final of the senior champion ship Waima-to beat Clifton by 5 to nil in a good game. NELSON, August 3.

Senior —Nelson College 3, Old Boys nil. College gave a fine display of scientific football. . _ ,

College and Waimeas will play off foi the championship. PALMERSTON. .August 3

Southern forfeited to Feildmg; and Eastern to Northern. WANGANUI. August 3.

The senior Rugby cup mulch to-day resulted :—Pirates 9 points, Wanganui G. It iwas a very fine game, each side

scoring two tries, which were unconverted, and Pirates adding a goal from a mark. DUNEDIN, August 3. Owing to the heavy snow and showers all Itugby and "soccer" games are off. SPECIAL TO THE "TIMES." MASTERTON. August 4. The annual football match between North and South Wairarapa was played at Caiterton on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in a win for North by 14 points to 6. At a meeting of the 'VVaixarapa Rugby Union on Saturday evening the following tour was mapped out: —August 22nd, at New Plymoutn, v. Taranaki; August24th, at Palmerston, v. Manawatu.; August 28th, at Levin, v. Horowheuua; August 31st, at Wellington, v. Wellington. U was also decided to agree to the Waira-rapa-Wellington junior match being played at Wellington on August 10th, and to play the Bush seniors at Masterton on August 10th. FETLDING, August 4. Possession of the Oroua sub-union's cup was determined yesterday afternoon, when Cheltenham and Stanway met at Stanway. The latter had to win in order to have a final test of strength, but the teams were so evenly matched that they went through both spells without a score being registered. The game thus ended in a draw, thereby giving Cheltenham the cup.

'I ho Feilding senior cadets journeyed to Marten and reversed tho previous week’s defeat, Feilding winning by three (a try by Hewitt) to nil.

Feilding juniors defeated Western juniors by 11 to 3. The senior contests did not eventuate, though Western team travelled to Rongotea and Feilding to Palmerston. This fact shows how little interest is being taken by the executive of the Manawatu Union, when visiting clubs are not notified of the inability of the opposing team to fulfil its engagement. This is not the first time that Feilding players have been subjected to similar treatment this season, the juniors having travelled to Awahuri only a few weeks ago. The union’s apparent indifference is causing great dissatisfaction in Rugby circles.

HO HOWE RNUA. RUGBY UNION.

The question of a Taranaki v. Horo-whenua-Manawatu combined match in August in Taranaki was discussed at length at a meeting of tho management committee of tho Horowheuua Rugby Union held in Levin. The misuhderstanding which arose through a meeting at Palmerston North a few Saturdays ago was further gone into. Mr Mann (Otaki) said that ho did not know who was on tho committee for Horowheuua; he was "pulled in" by Mr Manning (who is a member of the combined committee) and Mr McKenzie (secretary of the Manawatu Union). Messrs Hankins and Smith (Horowheuua) wore at the meeting before him. and none of the business was done while he was present; in fact, the meeting was just over when ho got there. Mr McMillan said that when he got to Palmerston ho made inquiries about the meeting, but could got no information.

Mr Proctor explained that ho had rung up Mr McKenzie on the telephone and asked him if he had received a message on the day of the representative match from Mr Nepia Winiata. At first Mr McKenzie said'"No, but when questiontioned by Mr Proctor admitted that he had received a message that Mr Proctor was laid up ami could not attend the meeting. Mr White (Shannon): Let us stick up for our rights. We can hold our end up! Mr Proctor: I’m not against the Taranaki match; in fact, wo ought to play it. Tho following motion was agreed to: That this union takes no further steps in regard to the Taranaki match until a meeting is held in Levin. NEW SOUTH WALES v. QUEENSLAND. By Te'ecraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received August 4. 3.5 p.m.) SYDNEY'. August 4. The New South Wales Rugby Union

representatives yesterday defeated Queensland by. 12 points to 3. THE LEAGUE GAME TEAM TO VISIT AUCKLAND. Messrs S. Brice aqd M. J. Reardon have selected the following team to play Auckland on August 10th, Rotorua Angus! 14th, and at Wanganui on August 17tb; Backs: G. Spencer, J. Gilmour, Brad ley, Harnett, W. Kelly, W. Wilson, J Barber, G. Baskiville. Forwards: C. King, B. King, J. Ashton, Irvine, JSpencer, Chapman, McGill. These players are requested to mee! the manager, Mr Stan. Brice, at the Trocadero at 7.30 this evening. If the; fail to do so the selectors reserve the right to replace them. rBEIS ASSOCIATION. WANGANUI, August 4. Hawke’s Bay and AVanganni met on Saturday in a league representativi match. Despite the showers which fell in the morning the ground was in gone order. Intermittent showers fell during the afternoon. Tho game was of an indifferent nature, victory resting with the visitors by 12 to 8. AUCKLAND, August 3. In League football to-day Lower Waikato defeated an Auckland B team by 21 points to 13. The visitors were more at home on the grounds than the locals, and had much the best of matters. Included in the Auckland team were Dunning, Rukutai, Curran and Keneally— New Zealand representatives. ROTORUA, August 8.

The League -football mateh, resulted Auckland 10 to try converted and a penAuckland 10, Rotorua 9- (

5 Peton 12 Melro 13 Victoi FAN D—RES 3 Oriental Wellington HOW THE CLUBS S ia College . ULTS TO DATE. 9 < St -1 a o | o * c 3 O i Wellington s % Os &.S ¥ o Petono 3 +8 +• +8 .. +8 +20 +20 +44 2nd Round -3 +20 +27 + 12 11 207 23 Oriental u ♦ 10 +• -6 tl 7 +9 + 13 +12 +17 2nd Round + 12 +6 +32 +0 12 153 24 Athletic +3 +• -0 3 +9 +17 + 13 +13 +22 2nd Round +5 +io +24 +ii n 140 23 -0 +34 -0 +18 +9 +14 + 12 +u 2nd Round -0 +14 l +U 8 131 16 -6 -3 +29 —5 -0 +Q +9 +2') 0 2ml Round -3 -8 5 09 n Poneko -3 -11 + • -0 -3 -3 +24 >11 2nd Round -11 -0 -C +t 4 8 Wellington .. -8 -6 +* -0 -n 0 +5 6 / 2nd Round -5 -6 -0 T13 50 8 Vic College ,, -6 -8 -3 -3 -0 -0 -3 +18 -0 2nd Rou id -0 -5 -9 1 60 3 Southern •3 -0 +27 -3 -9 -0 -0 -3 -3 2nd Round -3 -11 -+ 1 08 2 Old Boysf _• -5 _• _* _* -0 -0 +5 -* 2nd Round 1 2 Games drawn.. 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 — — — Games lost .. i 4 8 1 1 9 0 10 10 7 — — — Points against 44 63 03 44 43 104; 114 I 172 162 i 128 — — —