RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11875, 8 July 1924, Page 10

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

MARIST VICTORS AGAINST PONEKE WELLINGTON TOO GOOD FOR ’VARSITY PETONE WIN FROM OLB BOYS ATHLETIC AND ORIENTAL SUCCESSFUL For the second time this season Wellington’s footballers played under ideal conditions, and large crowds turned out to witness the various matches. ■ At the Park Marist defeated Poneke by a penalty goal and a pot to a converted try, wlyle at Kilbirnie Wellington overran ’Varsity and scored 31 points to their oppo-* nents’ 10. Athletic had an easy victory over Selwyn, winning by 26 points to 8, while Oriental were successful against Hutt, Scoring i<s points to the suburban team’s Q. At Petone the leaders again had a win, beating Old Boys by 17 points to 8. REBULTS AT A GLANCE MARIST 7 v. PONEKE ; $ WELLINGTON 31 v. ’VARSITY ’lO PETONE 17 v. OLD BOYS 8 ORIENTAL 16 v. HUTT p ATHLETIC- 26 v. SELWYN tf BERHAMPORE, a bye. HOW THE TEAMS STAND CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

THE CAMESJEVIEWED MARIST’S LUCKY COAL A DESERVED WIN. The match between Poneke and Marist on Saturday provided a decidedly more interesting contest than most of tne Park matches this season. The game was alwayß vigorous, though ragged, and the solid tackling of both sides made matters very hard for the attackers of the moment. ■ The second spell contained 6ome hard play. , COSTLY MISTAKES. Once onjy did the Marist defence make an error, Dout it almost cost them -the match. This was when three of their team waited for S. Shearer to pass instead of grassing him, and from this momentary hesitation Poneke gained the only try of the day. Once only did the Poneke forward®* fail to get their man, and that was when from before the goal was made the kick that won the match. FORWARD® AT IT. In the main it was a battle between two sets of forwards very evenly matched; with a Poneke backline which did not handle with the customary accuracy and a Marist ’ rearguard that showed more speed than skill. Both teams set out to feed on the other fellow’s mistakes, and mistakes were numerous enough. But Marist, if anything, were the better team, though not by much. Their forwards lasted better and spent long (periods in or about Poneke territory. They lacked the cleverness and control of the ball which some of the Poneke pack displayed; they had not Calcinai’s aptitude to work his way through the ruck with the leather at toe, or S. Shearer’s skill in the loose. LOST POINTS. Twice, had they been a little smarter or a little more experienced, the Marist forwards would have scored; indeed, once three men had no one to beat and yet lost a try. Yet the green and white pack was more vigorous and heavier, and its speed and fitness gave the final turn to the fluctuating fortunes of the game. The Marist backs, individually, were probably faster and better than their markers, but they could not show a vestige of combination unless Murphy had a hand in it, so two good and enterprising wingers, who narrowly missed ( scores as it was, were not overburdened, with chances. The Poneke rearguard, too, lacking Hall and Hickey, was not at best, and its attacks often broke down in the centre. DESERVED THE GAME.

Taking it all round, then, Marist would have been decidedly unlucky to lose, but were certainly fortunate in securing the much-needed points in the way they did. Of no one in the match can it be said that he shone. Consistent work was done by F. Tilyard and Algar for Poneke, by Bidet, Dosset, Connop and Mahoney for the winners. Both halves had » hard time, and H. Tilyard did not do badly. The outstanding Ponoke forwards were S. Shearer, Fisher and Slater, and the Marist men who caught the eye were HoJz and O’Sullivan. ’VARSITY v. WELLINGTON AMBLER’S GREAT GOAL-KICKING. The match at Kilbirnie on Saturday merely served to show what an inconsistent team ’Varsity are. In view of their recent good showing they were strong favourites, but they were hopelessly beaten and outclassed. Both back and forward Wellington held the upper hand, and they made full use of their opportunity, adding 24 points In the second spell. 'Varsity went to pieces,' and the difference in the scores almost, represents the differenoe in the merits of the two teams. Tile occasion was a triumph for Ambler, the Wellington goal kick. Of the 31 points scored by Wellington he notched no fewer than 16, thirteen df these by goal kicking. Ho showed himself to te a very fine kick, using excellent judgment in all his efforts. One kick, taken from half-way, struck the cross-bar. OLD BOYS v. PETONE SUBURBAN TEAM SHOWS BETTER COMBINATION. The game 'between Old Boys and' Petone on Saturday saw the suburban team maintain their unbeaten record. • Old Boys put up a good fight and in the first spell had the better of the -game, but the Petono team, with the superior weight in the forwards, especially after

ORIENTAL v. HUTT

ATHLETIC V. SELWYN

FORMER CARRY TOO MANY GUNS.

Hum was injured, had the hast of things in the long run. They also showed better team combination.

Maloolm again filled the full-back position splendidly and) saved his side time and again. -He was also responsible for two good goals. Tait, who wqs taken up from the junior ranks, again did not get many opportunities. He has’ yet to find his fleet in senior, but if he uses his speerFand weight, and above all, his fend, he should rise to greater levels than club football. -

Underhill retired hurt, but Faber proved a good substitute. He put plenty of dash into, his wprk and scored a fine try. Old Bows have n6w three wingere, Underhill, Tait and Faber, and this will give, their selectors something to think about.

Hum was playing a great game before be had to go off, while Menzies, Jones, and Loe wore also prominent. The keynote of the Old Boys’ attack. Barling behind the scrum, stood up to the heavy work well, but- was far too slow on the attack. Now that Tait has been given ia trial senior- it would be a good experiment to give diu Chateau a chance. He passes well from the scrum and combines well with Tait on the blind side. "Doc"' and Hi E. Nioholls were the pick of the Petone- backs. Both played their usual heady games and knew too much for their opponents. King seems to ho improving with every match. It is doubtful whether there is a faster forward in Wellington, and on Saturday he handled the ball like a back. His ’ try was a great effort. Thomas f is another hard-working forward, and with King was the pick of the Petone pack.

GOOD DISPLAY OF FOOTBALL. The match between Oriental and Hutt oh Saturday was fast and exciting. Both teams showed dash and enterprise, and the spectators were treated to a fine display of football. The ball travelled up and down the field at a fast rate, and passing bouts amongst the backs were fairly frequent. There is no doubt that the euburban team are on the improve and are now capable of giving any team in the competition a hard, battle. King, the Oriental full-back, played a heady game, and his goal kicking was up to his eld form. Evans put plenty of dash into his work. Trewell. Hume, and Smith were also prominent, while Chambers gave hie backs plenty of hall. Pringle, Simmons, and Watts were the pick of the Oriental forwards, who played a fine garnet Powfcr, the Hutt full-back, excelled himself, and he saved his side time and again. He had a great deal of hard work to do, hut was always reliable. R. Hickling and McKay oombined well, and Fisher showed good form behind the. scrum before he had to go off. Grierson. Hurrell, and Silver were conspicuous in the Hutt vanguard.

The game between Athletic and Selwyn did not, from an onlookers point of view, appear to be of a serious nature. In the first half passing rushes between the hacks were not frequent, and speculator kicks were indulged in to an unusual degree on a ground that favoure baok play. Athletio forwards dominated- in the tight work, and Warwick was repeatedly given possession from the scrums, but the advantage was not made the most of. There was a decided tendency on the part of Athletio backs to crowd on to the touoh-line instead of running straight. Warwick made good openings, and cn several occasions was allowed to cut in from behind scrums without any serious attempts being made to stop him. It is stated that the quality of a team’s play depends on how good, or bad, that the opposing fifteen permit it to be. This was the case on Saturday. Athletic, although they had willing opponents, had too many guns, and the result was practically a foregone conclusion. In 'the loose Swain was the most prominent forward on the ground, and demonstrated conclusively the great rdvantages to be obtained by fast following up. Athletio hacks were not really tested, and are capable of much better efforts than they gave on Saturday. There was not a great deal of difference between the forwards in the loose, but each pack has much to learn in legazd 4* c--*— 1 - *—■ ll during;

dribbling rushes. Hard kicks were Sequent, and the ground gained thereby was nullified by the return kicks by the backs.

Of the two rear divisions Athletic fielded the ball more accurately, but there was little to choose in respect to tackling, and if a distinction were made it would probably be slightly in Selwyn’s favour.

SATURDAYS GAMES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES FIXTURES, GROUNDS, AND REFEREES. SENIOR, Hutt v. Berhampore. Hutt Recreation, No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; R. Heron. Marist v. Oriental, Basin Reserve, 2.15 p.m.; E. S. Hylton. Old Boys v. Poneke, Kilbirnie, No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; T. A. Fletcher. 'Varsity v. Petone, Athletic Park, 2.45 p.m.; A. C. Kitto. Selwyn v. Wellington, Wakefield Park. No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; J. Moffitt. Athletic, a bye. JUNIOR. Marist v. Athletic, Newtown Park, 2.45 p.m.; J. B. Benson. Oriental v. Johnsonville, Johnsonville, 2.45 p.m.; R. E. J. Martin. Old Boys v. Selwyn, Wakefield Park, No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; H. Anslow. Petone v. Berhampore, Petone, No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; H. Pilcher. 'Varsity B v. 'Varsity A, Polo, No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; W. McMahon. Poneke v. Porirua, Porirua, 8 p.m.; R. McCulloch. Hutt v. Training College, Hutt Recreation, No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; R. T. Bailey. Eastbourne v. Wellington, Eastbourne, 2.45 p.m.; J. B. Watson. THIRD GRADE. Athletic v. Wellington College, Wellington College, No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; A. Brown. ~ „ Oriental v. Upper Hntt, Upper Hutt, 2.45 p.m.; G. E. Bradley. Petone v. Berhampore, Petone, No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; A. Francis. , _ . St Patrick’s v. Technical Old Boys A, Lyall Bay, No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; G. K. Wilson. _ „ Karori v. Marist, Eyall Bay, No. 2, -,I J p.m.; J. Wilson. Hutt v. Poneke, Hutt Park, 2.45 p.m.; C. Lamberg. _ . Porirua v. Old Boys B, Porirua, 3 p.m.; G. Katene. Old Boys A v. Technical Old Boys J 4, Wakefield Park, No. 3,.2.45 p.m.; B. T. Edwards. . Wellington v. Training College A, Eelburn, 2.45 p.m.; L. A Tracy. Selwyn v. Wellesley College,- Kilbirnie, No. 2. 2.45 p.m.; H. Elliott. „ 'Varsity v. Training College B, EyalJ Bay, No. 3. 2.45 p.m.; D. Calcinai. INTERMEDIATE. Tsdta v. Berhampore, Taita, 2.45 p.m.; Orientid et v rS Upper Hutt. WaUaceville, 2.45 p.m.; J. Goodwin. „ Ponoke v. Petone, Petone, No. 3, p.m.; G. J. Williams. Marist v. Johnsonville, Johnsonville, 3. w p.m.; W. T. Christensen. Eastbourne v. Scots College, Scots College, No. 1, 2.45 o-m.; G. Tierney. Stop-Out B v. Wellington A, Polo, No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; R. Cross. Stou-Out A v. Athletic, Polo, No. 3, 2.45 p.m.; E. R. Foster. Community v. Wellington Ground 2.45 p.m.; M. P. Sheehan. FOURTH GRADE. Petone v. 'Wellington "A,” Athletic Park, 1.15 p.m.; J. Scott. . Oriental "A” v Old Boys, Basin Reserve, 1.15 p.m.; S. Leith. Hutt v. Berhampore, Strand Park. 2.45 p.m.: J. GoodcH. _ Taita v. Institute, Taita, 115 p.m.; J.

Peterson. Johnsonville v Manst, Kilbirnie, No. 3, 2.45 p.m.; W. E. Clarke. Athletio v. Karwarra, Wakefield, No. 4, 2.45 p.m.; J. O’S'illivan. , , Eastbourne v. Wellington “B. Day s Bay, 2.45 p.m.; Ei. McCarlie. Poneke v. Wellington College, Wellington College, No. 1, 2.46 p.m.; C. Wan-

Selwyn v. Oriental "B,” Lyall Bay, No. 2.45 p.m.; W. J. Carson. FIFTH GRADES. Petone “A” v. Wellington College “B," Wellington College, No. 3, 2.45 p.m.; R. P. Srnythe. , . .. Petono “B” v. Oriental, Petone, No. 1, 1.15 p.m.; S. J. Standen. Wellington College "A v. Poneke, Weilinffton College, No. 2* I*ls p.m.; B. Wellington College "C” ▼. Institute, Wellington College, No. 1, 1.15 P-ni. ; It. N. Wilkinson. _ , Old Boys v. Athletic, Prince Wales Park, 2.45 p.m ; G. Fairbnrn. Wellesley College v. Wellington, Polo, No. 1, 1.45 p.m.; G. J. Clark. St. Patrick’s v. Hntt, Hntt Recreation, No. I, 1.15'p.m.; J. Cave. Selwyn v. Upper Hutt, Wallacevillo, 12.45 p.m.; W. Francis. Barham pore v. Technical, Wakefield, No. 1, 1.15 p.m.; W. Boswell. Marist, a bye. SIXTH GRADE. Wellington College "A" v. Scots College, Scots, No. 2, 2.45 pan.; E. AV. Adams. Wellington College "B" v. Berhampore, Wellington College, No. 3, 1.15 p.m.; R. J. Paton. Wellington College "C" Technical. • Newtown Park, 1.15 p.m.; \V. F. Gill. AVellington College "IP v. St. Patrick s “A," Kelburn. 1.15 p.m.; A. J. ParSt. Patrick's "B" v. Marist, Prince AVales Park. 1.15 p.m.; L. A. Swift. Petone v- Athletic, Petone, No. 2, 1.15 p.m.; A Francis. Poneke v. Wellington, Kilbimie, No. 1, 1.15 p.m.; J. A. McGregor. Selwyn v. Hutt, Hutt Rcreation, No. 2, 1.15 p.m.; C. Dickens. SEVENTH GRADE. Berhampore v. Soots College, Soots, No 1, 1.15 p.m-; F. M. Ryan. Eastbourne v. Marist, Eastbourne, 1.15 p.m.; W. Wilson. * Wellington v. Technical, Lyall Bay, No. 1.1.15 p.m.; AV. McCarthy. Wellington College "C" v. Selwyn, KilIbirnie, No. 2, 1.15 p.m.; C. B. G. Chapman. Wellington College "A” v. Wellington Collage “B," Wellington College, No. 3, 12.0 p.m ; F. W. Dewhurst. St. Patrick’s "B’’ v. Wellington College "D," Lyall Bay, No. 2, 1.15 p.m.; R. H. Knight. St. Patrick’s “A" ▼. Institute, Lyall Bay, No. 3, 1.15 p.m.; D. C. Donovan. Petone, a bye. REFEREES TO MEET TEAM FOR WAIRARAPA. A team representing the Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association will journey to Carterton on AVednesday, July 16th, to meet a Wairarapa referees’ fifteen. The match will be played as a curtainraiser to the Wellington - W'airairepa senior representative fixture. WAIRARAPA_RESULTS FEATHERSTON DEFEAT MASTERTON. (Special to “Times.”) MASTEfRTON, July 5. The AA T airarapa championship matches were continued Miis afternoon in fine weather, the grounds being heavy. At Masterton, ihe Masterton and Featberston senior teams met, and an interesting game resulted, with flashes of good play on Loth sides. In the first spell a passing rush from Elliott to Cundy, to J Donald, saw the latter score in a good position. Cundy converted and Featherston led five to nil. This was the only score of the first siell. EXCITING EECOND HALF.

In the second spell Masterton opened up their 'scoring account with a try by McKenzie, as the result of poor work J>y the Featherstou backs. Yates failed.

with the kick. The next ecore cam* from a "ood run by Nairn, who bed two or three of the opposition and scon ed, but was injured when tackled, being badly cut on the head, and had to ba carried off. Yates converted, and terton led by ft to 5. .Feather* ston livened up, and Flutey scored. Coin dy converted, putting Fec.therston ahead by 10 points to 8. Just on the call of time a passing rush from Elliott to Cundy, to Bolton, sew the latter score in the corner. No i,cal resulted, and Feathereton left the field victors by 13 points to 8.

At Carterton, ihe Gladstone seniors secured a lucky win over Red Star by 8 points to 5, after Stars had all the best of ihe play. Bob and Frank Booth scored tries for Gladstone, one being converted, while Clayton touched down for Stars and Bishop converted. At Greytown, the Carterton seniors beat Greytown by 8 points to 3. CHAMPIONSHIP TABUS. The following is the position of tho senior teams;— Pfcs. Pts. Cbp.

NELSON MATCHES CHARITY CUP CONTESTS NELSON DEFEAT WAIMEA. (Special to “N.Z. Times.’*) NELSON. July 5. The first round of the Charity Cup nraß plaved at Trafalgar Park to-day. Nelson defeated Waimea by 19 points to 7. Jn the first spell Garvin and Eric Snow scored for Nelson and Byrne converted both tries, the first half ending: Nelson 10, Waimea 0. In the second half Walls (Waimea) dropkicked a goal from a mark near the twenty-five line, and E* Snow scored for Nelson but failed to convert. -''Young was next to get over, G. Bennett missing the goal. Kinzett scored from a scramble near Waimea'a line, Taylor failing at goal. Just on time Woods received in Nelson’s twentyfive and beat the full-back. The kick was a failure, the game ending: Nelson 19 AVaimea 6 Waimea were playing seven juniors, and Nelson were minus Reed . Byrne. White and Garvin were best of the Nelson backs, and Eric Snow, Young and Bennett the pick of the forwards. F eft Waimea, Robin and Croucher (backs) and Woods and Drydon (forwards) were prominent. RIVALS DRAW WITH OLD BOYS. Rivals and Old Boys fought out a keenly contested game on No. 2 ground, and honours were even at the close. For Old Boys, Max kicked a penalty, Irwin scored a try, and Snodgrass converted from near the touchline. For Rivals, Brownlie scored a neat try which was not converted, and Lewis obtained a try which Monigatti converted. Snodgrass played at full-back, and started several passing rushes. Patterson made several strong runs, and Zangbeen and Peart were also prominent. For Rivals, Priest, Brownlie, Foskett and Wallace were the pick.

JUNIOR. College A 3, Rivals 3. Both 6cores were penalties.

BUSH TEAM ON TOUR BEATEN BY MARLBOROUGH. Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, July 3. Marlborough defeated Bush by 26 point* to 9. . MANAWATU COMPETITION POSITIONS UNCHANGED. (By Telegraph.—Special to “Times.—) PALMERSTON NORTH, July 6. The Manawatn senior competition was nnchanged as the result of Saturday’s matches. Old Boys (29) defeated Western United (0), Woodville (8) defeated Feildinm School (8) sras beaten by Feilding (18) in the junior competition. Although the mnch lighter team the school fifteen fought desperately to the finish. IN OTHER'CENTRES GAMES AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 8. The results of' Saturday’s Rugby matches are as under:—Ponsonby 8, Marist 5; University 8, Grafton 6; Grammar Old Boys 6, College Rifles 0; Suburbs 8, Newton 3. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, July 5. To-day’s Rugby games resulted as fok low:—Christchurch 18, Warsity 6; Old Boys 27, North Canterbury 0; Merivak 33, Albion 6. RESULTS FROM DUNEDIN. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, July Rugby results;—University A 17, .Alhambra 7; Kaikorai 8, Dunedin 3; Pirates 36, University B 3; Southern 11, Union 0; Zingari 13, Taieri 12. LOWER CRADE RESULTB JUNIOR. Oriental 22, Selwyn 3. Porirua 11, Athletic 3. Eastbourne 19, Hutt 11. Poneke 15, Training College 6. For Poneke, Foley (2), Harris, Le Compte and Sparkes scored tries, and for Training College, McMurray and Lewis scored. Marist 11, Johnsonville 3. Tries -were scored by Griffen and Ward, Griffon con, verting one and kicking a penalty. Myen ■kicked a goal for Johnsonville.

THIRD. Oriental 13, Petone 6. Tries for th« winners were scored by Harris, Quinn and Clementsoh, Pinkerton converting two. For the losers, Henwood kicked a penalty and Rogers scored a try. Wellington 14. Wellesley 5. Tries were scored for Wellington by Tennant, Voyce and Hines, while Ivory oonvorted one and kicked a penalty. Marist 6. Hutt 0. For Marist, D. Burns kicked a goal and Purcell secured a try. Technical Old Boys 6, Wellington College 0. Selwyn 11 (try by Archer converted by Baigent, who also kicked two penalties). Old Boys B 3 (try by Grady). FOURTH. Berhampore 10, Wellington College 3. For the winners, Carmly and Ayres scored, and Kecry potted a goal. Wellington B 3, Oriental 3. Wellington A 22, Taita 0. Oriental 9. Hutt 0. Johnsonville defeated Selwyn. FIFTH. Wellington College 6, Hutt 8L St. Patrick’s 3, Selwyn 0. SIXTH.

Technical 41, Wellington College B & ’Varsity 17, Karori 6. . Athletic 13, Wellington 0. St. Patrick’s 3, Berhampore 0. Wellington College C 14. Poneke 0. Wellington College A 35, Hutt 3. SEVENTH A. St. Patrick’s 36, Wellington College B b Wellington College A 18, Marist 0. SEVENTH B. at, Rsixiokie X, Wellington. Cnllnna x.

P. W. L. D. Pts for Pts Agst Ch. Pts PETONE 8 o I 98 40 , 17 ORIENTAL 7 2 o 96 76 14 ATHLETIC 6 4 o 126 9i 12 PONEKE 4 3 i 92 5/ 11 BERHAMPORE 9 5 4 o 7 2 54 10 MARIST 4 3 2 60 3 10 WELLINGTON 5 4 o 86 8 ’VARSITY 9 5 4 o 95 98 8 OLD BOYS 9 2 7 o 5* 97 4 HUTT 2 7 o 57 102 4 SELWYN 9 I 8 o 50 12 7 2

w. I,. D. for. agst. pts Masterton ..... ... 5 2 4 64 74 14 Gladstone ..... ... 6 3 2 88 69 14 Red Star ... 6 4 1 113 65 13 Featherston . ... 'j 4 i 121 103 13 Grevtovrn ... 3 7 i S3 82 7 Carterton ... 3 8 1 57 93 i