RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9075, 21 June 1915, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WAIRARAPA RESULTS

SENIOR COMPETITION ATHLETIC CLUB NOW IN THE LEAD. RESULTS OF THE GAMES. Athletic 14 Oriental 0 Petone 23 Wellington 0 Trent ham C 9 Trentham A 6 Poueko 0 Trentham B 0 I University 8 Selwyu 3 There were several attractions for the .uiblio on Saturday afternoon in connection with the Queen Carnival, and it was only the ardent supporter of a club and the most enthusiastic follower of Rugby football that ventured as far as the playing grounds on Saturday afternoon to watch the games for senior champion honours. . The morning was fine, but soon after midday heavy rain fell. Before the commencement of play the sky cleared and the eun came out, but the afternoon was bitterly cold. At Athletic Park, where Athletic and Oriental tried conclusions the players had all the best of the weather conditions that prevailed. Tno field of play was somewhat on the slippery side, but the conditions were not adverse to good football- During the afternoon there was a light fall of snow, and the sprinkling of spectators in the stand huddled: closely together for warmth. Oriental played a stubborn game against Athletic, but their combination was sadly at fault, and when an advantage was gained and a chance to score presented itself, it was lost through overeagerness or the lack of sufficient support. Athletic, on the other hand, showed superiority in the back division, took tlie ball better on the full, and had considerably more dash than their opponents. A marked difference was noticeable in the teams in contrast to last year, duo' to the ranks being depleted By the men who have gone away to do battle for the Empire. Kinvig, who has been absent in Australia for some time, has returned fo Wellington,' and strengthened the Oriental team. University and Selwyn. who played on No. 3 ground, gave the best exhibition of football. The teams were evenly matched, and considerable vim was introduced into the game which was very exhilarating. At Petone, where Wellington and Petone met, the icy blast from the south blow right across the ground, and the few spectators present had a freezing time watching the progress of the game. At lower Hutt the weather was slightly better. Here Poneke and Trentham B struggled for mastery, and a very oven contest resulted in neither side scoring. The soldiers’ representatives, Trentham A and C. fought out conclusions at Trentham. There were changes iu both teams, and there was little to choose as regards play between either. Trentham _ C played with the greater vigour, which resulted in their beating Trentham. A by a. narrow margin of points. ■ The teams* 1 positions m the championship are a® follow:

ATHLETIC v. ORIENTAL. The match between Athletic and Oriental, at. Athletic Park, did not have much to commend, it. Outside the sure taking of the ball by Athletic backs, especially Robinson at full, and a few snappy passes, the struggle was mainly confined to the forwards. Oriental started off, by taking the offensive, but a Gmely kick to half way by S. Wilson lelieved the pressure. Putting dash into the attack the “magpie” forwards reached striking distance of the blue and blacks' line, where Cunningham came . to ‘ the rescue. Oriental struggled on, but overeagerness on thci part of a forward enabled Athletic to relieve by a kick from a penalty. Another dash by Oriental was spoiled in a similar manner. Sullivan received the, ball from the re-

sultant tick, ajid after making ground potted, the ball just missing the crossbar. Athletic now warmed to their work. S. Wilson ended up a dodgy run by finding touch beyond half-way. Then “fianji” Wilson sailed down the field with the' tudi, and when a score seemed certain hr <cnocked on." Athletic was now having ail the best of the deal, and play hovered in Oriental twenty-five for a time. Gilchrist marked a few yards from Oriental goal line, and the kick centred play. A miss-kick by an Athletic back gave Oriental an advantage, the ball going into touch well in Athletic territory. A series of determined Athletic rushes placed Oriental in difficulties, and on one occasion S. Wilson was almost over. The pressure was continued and eventually Mctlarlie grounded the bail over the line. "Ranji” Wilson took the kick, but failed to enhance the score. Athletic 3, Oriental 0. When play ‘was 'resumed Athletic was soon hammering at their opponents’ defence, until Kinvig relieved to half-way by a strong kick. Oriental now had a look m for a space. Sullivan gained possession, and made the best opening of the match. When tackled he passed well in field, where two Oriental backs were waiting. The pass was badly accepted, and before a recovery could be made Shaw was smothered, a lucky ‘‘specula tor” by S. Wilson averting a certain try. "Ranji” Wilson essayed a* kick at goal from a mark in Oriental twenty-five, but there was no further score in the first half of the game. As at the commencement of play Oriental opened the second half by attacking from the kick-off, but play was soon back at half way. A forward rush by Athletic placed Oriental on the defensive, Avery cutting in and finding touch outside the danger .zone. A high kick by Madden, for Athletic, was badly fielded by Capper, and “Kanji” Wilson swooping down, gathered the ball, but lost it again on the goal-line, the effort resulting in Oriental being forced. Showing more pronounced combination Athletic got away. S. Wilson made o serviceable run down field, passed to Cunningham, and |he latter crossed the line but knocked the ball on when grounding it, Kinvig saving the score. Oriental continued to-be hard pressed, and were gaining ground nicely when off-side play called a, halt. S. Wilson was given charge of the kick and he made no mistake. Athletic 6. Oriental 0. At this reverse Oriental went to work with a will, and kept their opponents busily defending their line for ten minutes. Capper had a shot at goal, and missed the uprights. Then Athletic took a turn at attack. Oriental , being forced down twice in succession. ' A dash by Athletic forwards was resultless; Capper returning well up field', where a race for Athletic lino took place, but Church proved to have too much pace, 'secured the bounding oval in his own twenty-five, and returned it to .Oriental territory. S. Wilson gained possession and made tracks for the coveted line. Passing to L. Wilson when' tackled, the latter drew the. defence: and handed the ball to ‘'Ranji” Wilson, who scored an easy "Wilson" try. S. Wilson’s kick at goal enhanced the score. Athletic 11, Oriental •0. * Oriental made a sally or two, but wore unable to‘sustain the efforts, the final score to. Athletic being obtained by a kick by S. Wilson from an infringement. The game ended with play close to Athletic goal-line, with the score —Athletic 11, Oriental 0. Mr G. H. Perkinsoa was referee. UNIVERSITY v. SELWYN. Athletic Park No. 2 was the scene of this fixture, and. a very .willing go resulted in ’Varsity leaving the field victors by 8 points to 3. It was some time after the commencement of the game that the players got their blood in circulation, but the second half of the game was productive of some fast play, chief of which were concerted’.forward rushes by the front rankers of each team University had the better of the struggle in the final stages and should have scored more points had all the chances been taken advantage of. Solwyn .also had several fine openings to score, but the necessary final touches were absent Selwyn were the first to; find their feet, and,at once.set up an attack. A struggle on ’Varsity line’ended in Selwyn being penalised’ for offside play. Beard sending the ball well down the field to touch with a kick.- Selwyn were soon hack again, but the defence of the greens proved equal -to the occasion, and the line was again cleared- Forward scrambles near half-way occupied a considerable portion, of the first half, until Selwyn backs gained possession, a final kick sending the ball, out near University’s goal line. From, the throw-in the ball came into Williamson’s hands, and he slipped through , the and scored. The angle was a difficult on®, and McPhee, who took tho kick at goal, failed in his object. Selwyn 3, University 0. Both sides were putting a lot of vim into, their play,'the ball travelling up and down the,field in quick succession. University reached their opponents’ line. only to be driven back a minute or two later to defend their own territory from being conquered. Beard and Churchill were instrumental in removing the scene of action further down the field, where the former had a kick at goal from a penalty, without result. Selwyn made strenuous effort to increase their. score, but the defence was sound. Once their hopes were near realisation, and an infringement on ’Varsity’s goal .ine saved the situation for the greens. Until the whistle, went for half-time play was very even, and, no further score was recorded. In the second half University put up a creditable performance from the word "go.” and they put every ounce in and made things very interesting- • Selwyn were hemmed to their line by concerted onslaughts. ’Varsity missed many chances to score, which was probably due to the vim they put into the attack. The forwards dashed down the field in great style, but the backs did not furnish the support required of them. Sullivan was playing a 'very-hard game and took part in the majority of the aggressive movements. A. Thomas, at fall-back for Sea wyn, saved a score on several occasions, but the determination of the University men was bound to bear fruit if maintained. After Selwyn • had made a "sally” into the green's’ territory, the ’Varsity men came away with the ball at toe. and Sullivan, picking up from a loose scramble, was over in a twinkling. Beard failed with the kick. Selwyn 3. University 3. With the score equal play became extremely merry. • Selwyn had University in difficulties until Beard got a kick iu, which alteiad the aspect, of the play. Sullivan made a dash from the line-out, but was grassed a few feet from the goal line, and shortly alter wards a passing bont by University backs endwi in Kerr grounding the ball over the line. Beard sent the ball over tne cross-bar- University 8. Selwyn 3. Selwyn made desperate efforts to get even, and although they were almost in an more than one occasion they were unable to score, the game ending with: University 8. Selwyn 3. Mr I. 11. Hunt controlled the game. PON EKE v. TRENTHAM. There was very little to choose between these ,teams on their play at Lower Hutt -and a desperate fight for supremacy ensued, but at ,tho conclusion no score had been: registered by either side. Poneke kicked off and a series of long kicks followed, tho ball going from end to end ‘in quicn succession. An invasion by tho Poneke forwards was successfully frustrated by a long line kick, which took play to the other end. The soldiers strove t.efjerately to force down, but the opposing backs were too sound. A penalty kick brought relief to Poneke. who now took another turn at attacking, but good work’ by the green forwards kept the ball in neutral territory. So tho game went on, each attack meeting with ci en-ter-attack and no score resulting. Poneke were awarded a penalty kick, but tho attempt at goal by K ; ng went just under the bar. Half-time sounded with play in mid-field.

On resuming, the soldiers immediately became aggressive and carried plar into their opponents’ danger zone, hut a. free kick t-avod Uio situation for Poneke. The relief was only temporary, however, for the green* forwards came again with renewed vigour and Poneke were compelled to force down. A determined effort by the Poneke forwards carried the hall into the soldiers’ twenty-five and some hard play followed. At last the reds dashed over Ho line with the ball at toe, but a irontham back fell on it in time and a. force .resulted. Play in the last five minutes was fast and furious, but the whistle sounded without either side securing the verdict. Mir E. B. L. Reade was the referee. PETONE r. WELLINGTON.

This match, played at Petone, was of an uninteresting nature and resulted in 1 an easy win for the I owe team. Wellington kicked off with thirteen men against fourteen and immediately as- ! sumed the aggressive, but it was only a momentary flicker and their tactics' were soon changed. A solid rush by the Petone forwards, in which Tancred reached the line, resulted, in a scrum being held five yards out and from it B. Ryan scrambled over. Corson failed with the kick. Play hovered in mid-, 1 field until Nichols, the Petone hau.i seeing an openirg, shot the ball cut to Davis, (who had a clear run in. J. .Ryan’s attempt at goal was fruitless. Wellington tried to rally, but ’he opposition. was too strong and they weroj kept penned up in their twenty-five, j A passing rush, instigated by Bolton, was brought to a successful issue per' medium of Davis- J. Ryan goalcd. Pc- 1 tone 11, Wellington 0. Brilliant linekicking by Beard changed the venue l of taction and though Francis, Beard and Scott made strong endeavours to cross the lid®, their attempts were futile. 1

The second half was a repetition of the first, though the visitors’ defy ace was strengthened by Francis playing five-eighths. J. By an converted a try secured by Dent, making the score X 6-0. Almost immediately another score vas notched through some tricky dodging by E. Eyan. Give-and-take play followed with the yellows more than holding their own. Potiono being compelled to'force down three times in quick succession. X combined rush by the locjl forwards resulted {n Parker scoring. The kick failed. Petone 22, Wellington 0. The whistle sounded, with the visitors attacking gamely. Air E. N. Tregear refereed. TRENT HAM A v. TRENT 3AM C This, being an “at home’’ match, was responsible for a large muster of st Idler spectators. The C’s made the pace firm the start, but the slippery state of the ground counteracted anything like gcod play and the game became a scramble among the forwards. Determined rasaes. compelled the A’s to force down. They rallied, however, and an onslaught on their opponents’ line resulted in Thomas scoring. Roberts failed with the kick. Several attempts by C’s to equalise were nullified and half-time sounded with the scores : A’e 3—o,

scores i a 6 ■ The C’a opened the second half in a determined manner, but their cpyonents proved more than equal to the occasion, and Lynch scored. With six points against them, the reds sparkled up and after several attempts French registered their first try. Tho kick by Wilson failed. A spell of even play followed until a free kick taken by Weston resulted in C'a equalising. With a few minutes to go play became fast and a final effort by the reds resulted tin Wilson, scrambling over. Weston failed with tho kick. Trentham V i>, Trentham A 6. Mr Larway refereed.

Special to the ’'Times.”

MASTERTON, ;June £0

The Wairarapa Rugby Union’s championship fixtures were continued on Saturday afternoon in wet weather. At Carterton the Carterton and Gladstone seniors met, and a closely contested game, in which, very little good football •was witnessed, resulted in a win for Carterton by 9 points to 8. The Dalefield seniors'had no, difficulty in defeating TeHuia seniors by 25 points to 6The first round of the senior championship has been completed, and the position of the teams is as follows:

The second round of senior fixtures will commence next Saturday. All the matches will bg played at Carterton. Bed Star will meet Carterton, and Gladstone will play Te Hnia. The entire gate takings ate to be handed over to the ladies’ patriotic knitting fund. The Bed Star juniors on Saturday defeated Dalefield by 29 points to nil. MATCHES ELSEWHERE Frew Association AUCKLAND. June 20The results of Saturday’s football matches were as follows: Rugby Union—College Rifles beat Ponsohby by 20 points to 3; City beat University S 3 points to nil; Marists Old Boys beat Parnell 21 points to 6. Rugby League—City beat Grafton 10 points to 10; Ponsonby beat North Shore 18 points’ to nil; Newton boat Otahuhu 18 points to 6. Association—Tabernacle beat Y.hl.C Jl. 1 goal to nil; Brotherhood beat Adult School 2 goals to 1; Everton beat North Shore 2 goals to nil. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, June 20. Epgby results:—Merivale 13 v. Christchurch 8; Old Boys 3 v. Idnwood nil; Albion 5 v. Sydenham nil; llarists a bye. DUNEDIN, Juno 20.. Football results:—Union 6 v. Alhambra 6; Zingari 49 v. Dunedin nil; Southern 5 v. Kaikorai 3; University 11 v. Port Chalmers 9. LEAGUE GAMES POSTPONED The League games fell through on Saturday owing to the rain. The Hutt and Suburbs senior teams were to have met at Newtown Park, and the country team, put in an appearance in full strength. But some of the Suburbs men had decided that play was impossible owing to the rain in’ the early afternoon, and Hutt won by default. The match Athletic v-.Petone. at Hutt Park, was declared offIn the junior competition Central won by default from Suburbs.

M. W. D. Pts. Ch. L. For Ag. Pt« Attletio 5 5' • — 54 12 10 ■Potone 1. — 1 80 31 8 Tvontham C i. .. 4 3 — 1 49 34 6 .. 5 2 1 2 20 29 5 2 1 2 89 38 5 Trentham'-A . .. 5 2 , 3 ' 44 47. 4 Oriental .. 6 2 • • 3 42 69 4 ■Wellington .. .. 5 i — ,4 33 94 . 2 Dlniversity' .... i — 3 : 41- 83. 2

'iL' Cu . a •s -fi2 ' £■••• £ |'i ■ e -o 3 ,l£ Dalcfield ..... i 0 59 , 27 ; 8 Carterton .... 3 X 78 25 . 6 Gladstone .... , 3 45 2B 1 '4. •. Red Star .... X 3 30 36 2 Te Huia .... ..... 0 1 17 115 . 0