FOOTBALL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16226, 10 September 1923, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

NEW SOUTH WALES DEFEATED

(per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, last night

The Now South Wales Rugby team were easily defeated by Auckland, the homo team winning by 27 points to 1.1. In the first spell Auckland, playing against a strong wind, led by eight: points to six. In the second half, however, the Aucklanders, whose forwards were getting the ball, came away and should have won by a larger margin.

HAWKE’S BAY RETAINS SHIELD

I Per Press Association.i NAPIER, last night

Jlawko’s Bay successfuly defended the Ranfurly Shield against Horowlienua, in a match played in splendid weather, winning by 38 points to 11. Opening against a moderate wind, the defenders invaded the visitors’ territory. From a scrum Mill set the backs moving, hut Taliiw) cleverly intercepted a pass, and it looked as though the challengers were to make an early start to score. However, the pace of the defenders forced Taliiwi to risk a short kick, and an exciting scramble ended with a. scrum on the line. Hawke’s Bay again attacked, and from tho loose M. Brownlee secured and fell across, but. was offside. Several open movements by Hawke’s Bay followed, and one saw the ball reach Grenside, who scored in the corner. Nepia converted.

Very soon after a similar movement to tho other side of* the field enabled Falwasser to touch down. Nepia converted with another beautiful kick. Hawke’s Bay continued to make the game open, and kept the challengers puzzled. From a scrum Daly followed up, and, fumbling by an opponent, allowed him to score. Nepia’s kick failed.

A free kick gave llorowlicmta an opportunity. Jacobs took the kick and the ball hit the bar and' bounced over amidst applause. For a time Horowhenua endeavored to make impression on the Hawke’s Bay defence, getting the ball often from the scrum. The backs were, given chances, hut- the visitors lacked method, and the onslaughts really were not dangerous. When Hawke’s Bay attacked, mistakes on their part or intercepting, often let the visitors, momentarily change the complexion: of the game, but the venue was as quickly changed again. One of these breakaways of the visitors saw the Hawke's Bay full-back beaten by a ball, and Kelly’s opportune advent, resulted in a try in a handy position. Jacobs converted.

The Ilawke’s Bay attacks, were frequently nullified by clever defensive moves by individuals in tho Horpwhenua team. From the loose Nepia. got away alone and scored under the posts. He converted his own try. At half-time the score was: 11.8. 18 points, Horowhenua 8. On resuming Hawke’s Bay attacked immediately. Nepia failed at two attempts, at goal from free kicks. M. Brown less scored from a loose forward rush. Nepia failed with the kick. Gemmell fended Half of the opposing side and scored. Nepia, again failed to convert.

Moses secured during a movement by the Horowhenua hacks and reached the line, hut lost the ball in a tackle. Moynihan, however, rushed in smartly and touched down. The kick was unsuccessful. A Hawke’s Bay advance was spoiled by Grenside fumbling, and then a free kick relieved. From the line out. McNab got away and passed to Grenside, who made no mistake, this time, scoring in the corner. M. Brownlee missed with the kick.

Some passing by the Horowhenua forwards took! play right into Hawke’s Bay territory/ but a line kick to halfway by Kirwan relieved. From another advance Hawke’s Bay were sent hack by a good mark by Johnstone. The pressure continued and through Tahiwi missing a catch, the Hawke’s Bay forwards broke away, and Irvine, scored. M. Brtfwnlee converted. Almost immediately, a passing bout was finished by Grenside with a good run to tho corner. M. Brownlee failed with tho kick.

Then followed a splendid individual effort into Hawke’s Bay territory. The defenders were soon attacking again, and passing between the forwards saw Walker score. Nepia failed to convert, lime sounded with the Hawke’s forwards attacking. Mr. G. Maddison (Hastings) was referee.

OTHER MATCHES.

(Per Press Association.!

WELLINGTON, last night.

Wellington defeated Otago by 26 points to 6. In tho first spell Svenson potted a goal and the latter player also scored a. try. For Otago, Scott kicked a penalty goal and Stewart scored a tiy. In the second spell, Otago attacked strongly, but the effort was not sustained. A fine passing bout between Nieholls brothers, Tilyard, and Svenson saw the last-named score. M, Nieholls missed a difficult luck■ Otago came again and made a brilliant effort, but Svenson raced down the field, passed wlien in danger, got. the ball again and scored under the posts. M. Nieholls kicked a goal. For a. period the visitors had the better of the play. From a scramble Wise got over, but was brought back for an infringement. Scott had an unsuccessful attempt at goal. Otago again became aggressive, but Malcolm, the Wellington full-back, defended valiantly. Then Wellington had a look-in and made more of its opportunities than its opponents. Svenson, Nieholls, Porter and Pringle were prominent, and the ball eventually went tu Moffit, who pushed his way over the ltne. No goal resulted. Wellington maintained their superiority until the end, the backs playing brilliantly at times and the passing being exceptionally good. Moffit sent the ball to Gibson, who transferred to Porter, who scored the final try, M. Nieholls kicking a. goal. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night.

In tho last representative match of the season Taranaki defeated Wanganui by 23 points to 13. Taranaki’s win was in a large measure due to the forwards, who took charge of the game in the concluding stages. Wanganui led by 1C points to 7 in tho first spell, but after adding another try, faded away. Tlie back play on both sides lacked polish, though Wanganui, largely owing to Peina and Potalca, held the advantage in this department throughout. DARGAVILLE. last night.

The last match fop the Harding shield was played, when, I Northern Wairoa (holders) met Hokiangn. Northern Wairoa always had the upper hand and won by .10 points to nil. TTMARU, last night. South Canterbury beat Manawntu on a drv ground bv i 7 to 14. PALMERSTON N., Inst night.

Manwatu B defeated Wanganui. B yesterday by 15 (five tries) points to 12 (four tries), after a somewhat patchy game. WESTPORT, las,t night.

The first match for the . Newman shield between teams chosen from Ruller. Inangahua, Greymouth, and Hokitika was played between Westport Technical School, High School, and Reefton School, and was wop by Westport by 6 points 't o nil. The representative match, Buller v. Westland, was won by the former by 11 points to nil. CHRISTCHURCH, last night.

Canterbury beat Wairarapa by 15 points to nil at Lancaster Park, befoie

mi attendance of about 4000. (t was mostly a, scrambling game, with the advantage mostly in lavor of Ciinlerbuvy, who scored four tries and kicked a penalty goal. OAMARL, last night. North Otago defeated fit ago hv 10 points to seven.

WELLINGTON TOURING TEAM

per Press Association

WELLINGTON, last night

The Wellington team for its northern tour includes : Malcolm, Svcnson, Johnson. Faalier. .Mahoney, McGregor, Bruhst 11. M. Nicholls, Frater, Cahiiini, Hepburn, Osborne, MoiVitt. J. Shearer, MeNaught, O. B* Thomas, A. Thomas, Booker, Brown, and Fitzgerald. Several eligible players cannot make* He trip.

POVERTY BAY DEFEATS WAIROA 21 POINTS TO 3.

EXCITING AND SPECTACULAR

PLAY

The big crowd that turned out to see the return match between W a iron and Poverty Bay representatives, on Saturday, anticipated a keenly exciting, struggle, and this anticipation was realised to the full. The home team scored a signal victory, downing th n V •" fifteen by 21 points to three, but the game was not by any means one-sided. The Poverty Bay side was the strongest that has represented the Bay since the war, and the conditions could not have been more in accord with those under which the local men have played during this season. The ground was dry, and remained so throughout, though rain threatened more than once. What most contributed to the homo team’s victory was the splendid work of the forward division, who, as predicted in these columns on Friday, broke through and round the opposing pack and swamped tho Wairoa backs almost every time tho latter got the ball. The Wairoa. back division was generally slow in getting away, and this was their downfall. In their match against Waikohu on Thursday, their work was machine-like. Un Saturday, the machine proved to be geared too low. Their handling was quite as sure, and their system of support was quite as good, but there was a lack of snap, and the home forwards were constantly intercepting. There were two weak spots in the Poverty Bay side, one in the forwards and one in the back division, but the rest were uniformly good- C. Pollock, who filled tho vacancy in the team caused by the injury of Woods (in the N.S.W. v. East Coast match at Napier), come out of his shell and gave his best exhibition of the season, fully justifying i his inclusion in a tip-top fifteen. To treat the performance of each man separately would not bo wise, where the standard was so uniform. It is a great pity that Poverty Bay’s challenge for Ihe Ranfurly Shield was not championed by just this team. Wairoa suffered no 'disgrace by the defeat, and indeed played a really creditable game. Under conditions to which they ai’e apparently well accustomed they roundly defeated Poverty Bay on a former occasion, and had the ground been wet on Saturday, might have repeated the victory, by virtue of their passing and support of tho player in possession. It was the foi’tune of war that Poverty Bay had conditions undei which they proved irresistible. As an indication of how the general public viewed the prospect of the match, it may be mentioned that Wairoa was favored to the extent of three to six points “in.” Ormond, tho big Wairoa wing-fonvard. was outstanding in the visitors’ forward division, and his brother was very safe in the full-back position. Gillespie and Kingston, the wing three-quarters, both required a lot of watching, and made some grand runs on either line. The other backs seemed to lack initiative, and had probably learned to depond upon tho wings since they frequently passed practically from a stationary position. When they did run, they showed a disposition to hamper tho wings by crowding them on the line. Tho writer does not recollect a single application of the “cut-in.” On tho day. Poverty Bay was a little too fast. The tackling on both sides was very effective, and the defence generally very sound. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY.

The description of the play, continued from Saturday’s issue, is as follows: — On the resumption after Honey’s first score, the green forwards came with a rush, led by Ormond, and gained to the Poverty Bay 25, but Tureia cleared with a splendid lino kick. The Wairoa backs got moving in a nice rush ’from a scrum at midfield, but McGregor was pulled down by Langlands, who cleared down the line. After a succession of lineouts and scrums at midfield, in the course of which Gillespie made a fine run through the black pack, to fall to Williams’ tackle, Tureia intercepted a pass from the green first five-eighth and ran through to score, fending and sidestepping throe tackles. He converted the score, and the game was now 10 to nil in favor of Poverty Bay. The greens seemed to be a bit bustled, and were slow in getting passes away, with the result that tho Poverty Bay pack was running them down time after time. They rallied shortly, however, and showed plenty of speed. Pollock stopped a couple of following rushes by marking high punts. Tate made a great run from midfield that threatened a score, but a knock-on five yards from the goalline spoiled the chance. Tho greens carried out a fine sortie, with Carroll in the advance, and were soon up on the black 25 line, but Carroll was pulled down by J. Heeney, and play see-sawed backwards and forwards for a spell, before a penalty gave Wairoa a chance of a score. F. Ormond attempted the goal, but the kick pitched just short, and Mardon forced. The blacks pushed downfield again, with good forward work, and tho Heeney brothers were seen in a good charge. F. Ormond made a splendid catch, and cleared to the line, Kingi and Tapper were prominent in tho green rush that brought play hack to the black territory, and Tate and Pollock blocked. Matthews broke through the scrum a/few minutes later at midfield, but was declared offside, and K. Whaitiri was effective in defensive play. A long spelt of play in midfield gave both divisions a chance to display their abilities, and excitement ran very high as first one side and then the other had possession, only to lose it. to heavy tackling. J. Ormond, the green winger, was very dangerous in a fast run from the loose, and Turoia was on the ball the whole time. F. Ormond and LangJands were given plenty of Work at the respective full-’ back positions, and both proved very reliable, Langlands showing fine speed in following up. Gillespie, the green threequartcr, was speedy, and always required watching. R. Whaitiri, his, opposite number, had a great chance at one stage, but was run out. The blades got going | froih midfield, when Piki Smith rnadfc a good recovery, and dodged through the opposing pack. Ho passed in to Matthews, and the latter, with T. Heeney and Whaitiri in support, wont to the line, and scored. The try was unconverted; Half-tim'o score, 13—nil.

Poverty Bay opened the second half with the pack massed, on the right wing, but their rush was late, and Meimei cleared down the line. From a scrum near midfield, Tureia broke through to the 25, backed by Heeney and Matthews, and tho rush was blocked by a knock-on. Langlands made a good save against a rush by Corkill and Meimei, and following his kick, almost landed a score. Scott and Torrie were prominent in a couple of forward episodes, and Hingston and McGregor were instrumental in stopping Tate in a fast run which tho Poverty Bay back instituted. Tate was unlucky not to score, Ormond forcing. A penalty to tho greens relieved a tense situation, but tho blacks were pushing hard again in a minute. From a scrum near the 25 lino, Kcil (green), ' camo through with the ball, but could not get away fast

enough, and Smith got possession. Tin* bull ’went out through the five-eighths to R. Whaitiri, who ran round the opposition and scored brilliantly. The try was in a difficult- position, and was not convened, Poverty Bay .16. Wairoa nil. The greens came lo light with a fine rally, and Hingston was seen in a rim down the wing, and Cooper was prominent in the scrum. .A penalty Kick near midfield was narrowly missed by F. Ormond, and within a minute Gillespie and MeinieT threatened to score with another passing run. The black tackling was 100 sure, however, and the rushes were blocked. Honey was working like a heaver in the. black pack, and there was no lack of energy in his team mates. Off-side play near the 25 line gave green a penalty, which should have yielded points, but Ormond just failed again with the goal. The greens were now playing strongly, and their forward rushes were having more success. They spent some time- in the black territory, where scrums and lineouts were frequent. Still another penalty was given to Wairoa, and once again the Wairoa man missed the opportunity. McGregor and Cooper were prominent in the green attacks, and the winger (Ormond), was not wanting in energy. The fourth Wairoa attempt from penalties at goal in ten minutes failed, and Matthews cleared from in front of a charge led by Ormond and Pouri. From the line-out, Smith (black) secured and kicked short, F. Ormond clearing across field into Tate’s hands. The hitter was dragged down by two of the green backs, but from the line-out, Tureia and .Matthews carried on. A penalty was given to the greens at their own 25, and they carried the game downfield by passing runs. Mardon was effective in defence, and backed up Whaitiri and Matthews well in a dribbling rush upheld. Tate was also here, and had just got possession, when lie was run out, and greens came back in the wake of a. penalty kick given a. moment later. A black player was pulled tip at. his own 25 for playing the ball on the ground, and the penalty was goaled by Ormond. Poverty Bay 16, Wairoa 3. An interchange of kiclcs resulted in favor of greens, and Hingston mad© a fine run down the wing. The green backs were unlucky not to score when they got moving with the ball. Gillespie, who finally got the ball, misjudged Langlands’ pace, and tried to pass him with disastrous results, for the Poverty Bay full-back forced him out. Had he passed in, his mates might have scored. Hingston got possession a few moments later, but could not penetrate the. black defence. He was run straight .across the field, and forced out on the other side. . Keeney aijd Williams wore supporting Matthews well in a forward rush, hut F. Ormond cleared. The blacks pressed on, and shortly were fighting under the Wairoa goal. The green full-back cleared again, but Smith intercepted, and broke through the rushing green pack, passing out to R. Whaitiri. The latter fended two tackles, and got over, scoring between the posts, Turein converting. Poverty Bay 21, Wairoa 3. The game closed shortly afteV, with Wairoa momentarily in attack.

Mr. 0. E. Olsen refereed the mafic!, with general satisfaction to all.

AFTER THE MATCH

The Wairoa team was entertained on Saturday evening by the Poverty Bay Rugby Union at, a dinner at the Coronation Hotel. There was a large attendance, among those present being the Mayor (Mr. G. Wildish), and the district member (Mr. W. D. Lysnar). The toast of “the Visitors’’ was proposed by Mr. .Wildish, who, on behalf of jfcho citizens of Gisbqrne, expressed the hope that the Wairoa men had had a pleasant stay in Gisborne. Such interchanges of visits and friendly trials of strength did more than anything else to cement the good feeling between neighboring districts, and the mutual respect of the- players. Replying for the Wairoa team, Mr. F. Single thanked the Mayor for the very hospitable- treatment they had received during their visit from the people of Poverty Bay. They had hoped, he said, to gain another victory, but had now no doubt that the victory had gone to the better team. The play of the Poverty Bay men had greatly impressed them, and he personally was of the opinion that with good coaching and condition, there was material in Poverty Bay that would capture the Ranfurly Shield,

Mr. W. D. Lysnar did justice to the toast of the “Wairoa Rugby Sub-Union.” Ho congratulated the representatives 61 that body upon tho energy shown in fostering the gome in its district. The luck of easy communication on this coast greatly hampered the free competition that- was desirable between the respective districts, but with tho gradual improvement of, the roads, it was to he hoped that eventually Wairoa would be united with Gisborne under one Rugby Union, which (could direct with duo discretion the advancement of football.

A series of toasts were honored, the respective teams _ and tho referee (Mr. Olsen) coming in for congratulatory remarks upon their respective performances.

SOCCER. MATCHES.

CHINESE- PLAY DRAWN GAME WITH QUEENSLAND.

Elec. Tel. Copyright—United prc ss Assn BRISBANE, Sept. 8. if he Chinese Soccer team played Queensland before 15,000 spectators. The game was drawn, the score being 2—2. The visitors, who were leading by one to nil at half time, had the better of the exchanges until the last twenty minutes, \\ lien Queensland made a wonderful rally and equalised tho score. The Chinese outshone the home team in trickiness and combination.

STRUGGLE FOR SUPREMACY

RESULT STILL IN THE BALANCE

In consequence of the Roll Rovers and Mercantile being on equal terms as a result of their match on* September Ist, the Poverty Bay Football Association lecided a replay between them las! Saturday on tho Childers Road Reserve. Both teams weiret strongly represented. The result, in spite of extension of time to decide the winner ended in a draw. Tho matter will ho fully dealt with at a mooting of tho management committee of the P.B.F.A. this evening. Tho game itsolf was full of interest, and bright football was witnessed from the beginning of the match to the very end. Two more oven ly ha la need teams would bo hard to find. Fine football weather prevailed. .Mercantile, under tlie captaincy of F. Sharp, opened the proceedings from Hi© south-eastern area, while Weir controlled the fortunes of Red Rovers from the south-western half. Tho Eied Rovers, led by I’. Hill, quickly invaded the Mercantile area, hut Sharpies cleared in great style. The respite was only temporary. Harrison centred to Weir, who passed to T, Hill, the latter again penetrated ilio Mercantile territory and Sharpies was called on) to clear in time. Sharp sent his forwards with lightning tricky movements right into the Beil Rovers’ quarters ivheire ft corner for Mercantile! was forced ami Tempertoij placing it nicely was well blocked and then cleared by Morgan. Temperton shortly after crossed to Woodrow who in turn passed to Sharp, whose- shot- was wide of tliemark. Another corner for Mercantile was result-less. Red Rover# got going and a long cross,* shot to Wells, who made a- bold bid to force- the game into tho Mercantile penalty area, was instantly pulled up hv thei referee, as Wells was offside 1 . During the. ensuing play, Harrison kicked well down and Sutcliffe cleared with a fine centre to Turnbull who passed to Temperton, but the latter’s shot into goal was well cleared by IT. Hill. Soon afterwards Forster 1 passed to Sharp, who manoeuvred for position and shot straight into goal, but Morgan saved. Mercantile leapt- Red

Rovers busy' defending, but Harrison cleared towards H. Hill who eventually kicked out. Front the shy, Sutclitm drove- well down with Mercantile forwards in puVsuit, and a pass was sent to .Monk, who shot in a beautiful rigid cross, which Morgan just, managed to stop and then dear. Mercantile, how ever, kept pressing- and a great opening to score was lost by Sharp who was smartiy overpowered by the Rod Rovers’ forwards, ( rooks, who was playing a line, game for Mercantile, coolly tricked Waiv and sent a. beauty of a. pas?: to Turnbull, who crossed to Forster, lmi. the latter’s shot was weak and did not . trouble Morgan. From now on mini ' within two minutes of half-time the play was of a. give and takoi nature. Ihe backs and forwards of both teams ■displayed fine football. Monk, Temperton and Foster sent in' shots for Mercantile which failed to count. Wells and T. Hill (twice) shot for Red Rovers; the second one from T. Hill found the net. Bed Rovers 1, Mercantile 0. The halftime whistle sounded shortly after.

On- resumption of play I’. Hill kicked off. Mercantile forced the pace 1 and t!. Hill cleared. Mercantile monopolised play for quite a while and Sharpies' shot was cleared by Harrison. Woodrow attempted. liigi shot being wide. Mon': shot, twice- hut both missed. Woodrow centred to Crooks, who passed to Sharp, hut his shot was a trifle high. Red Rovers tried to shake off the pressure, and to a- certain degree! succeeded, T. Hill’s shot int-o gcai was wide. A corner for Mercantile- was resultless. T. Hill passed to Weils and his shot missed by a, foot. Mercantile- pressed Red Rovers and Tcrnperlon’s shot was fouled in the penalty area by Turbitt. Turnbull was entrusted with the. kick, which lie executed in a. manner that gave Morgan no ehancet to- defied.. Red Rovers 1, Mercantile 1. The scores being equal both trains made herculean ellorts t-> increase, hut was of no avail at the end of tlm game.

The referee, who had plenary powers, then decided to extend time* which both teams agreed t.o play on. Four shortspells were played but- the result- of avery interesting and hard fought game remained even. Mr. Baker was referee.