RUGBY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16317, 18 April 1927, Page 3

RUGBY

CELTS AT NAPIER. M. 8.0.8. BEATEN 20-14. The Gisborne Celtic Club sent a. fifteen to Napier to meet Marist Brothers’ Old Boys, the match resulting in a win for Celtic to the tune of 20 points to 14. The home side was superior in forward play, especially in the second half, but was out-classed in the work of the rear-guard. The M. 8.0.8. hookers were well supported _in all l the scrums and got the hall with regularity, many fine rushes being made by the Napier pack. The passing showed a degree of uncertainty, however, and the dash with which the Celtic backs met the raids generally effected a save. Ono of the 81.8.0.8 tries was- the outcome of a forward pass, which escaped the notice of the referee, who, however, gave a firstclass demonstration otherwise. The visitors did well in the first half, giving their backs some opportunities-, but as the game proceeded the weight of the opposition told on them, and a series of fruitless struggles found them four points in arrears with a quarter of an hour to go. A sudden brightening of the forwards, in line-outs near midfield, turned the tide in their favor, however, for twice in succession they gained possession, and sent the leather out to Dm second live-eighths. On the first occasion lie carried on the transfer to the centre, who after a good run, gave Die ball to- the flying winger, Berry, who ran roilhd the opposition. In the second instance Marlin punted to the M. 8.0.8. right wing, profiting by the home side’s practice of leaving this quarter unprotected. Bennett got up to take the ball on the bounce, and ran over for another easy try. Both were converted by Carrington,*, the Gisborne team thus running out the winners by a good margin. Celtic's exhibition augurs well for their chances in the senior competition this season. Carrington and Bergelman were Die best of the forwards, and Bennett stood out anions the backs, as usual. The. half, a promoted junior, showed soundness in attack and defence, while J. Martin was in good form, and Berry made the most- of his chances. Spenpe, at full-back, was a bit green, bpt sparkled at times. (Much interest was taken in the match, the attendance being good, in spite of the many counter-attractions.

MATCHES AT OVAIr interesting contests Four interesting Rugby matches were played at the Oval on Saturday afternoon, as an unofficial opening to the Rugby sehson in Poverty (Bay. A senior and a junior team came from Waima, Tokomarp Bay, and a junior and a third-grade team from Wairoa, In consequence of these attractions the ground was attended by a large crowd of football enthusiasts, who certainly found up disappointment i« the day’s play. The principal attrac : Don, the match between Rovers seniors and Waima, resulted in Rovers defeating the Coast team by 12 points to 5, while Celtic A beat Wairoa Old Boys juniors 3—o, and Waima juniors defeated Celtic B by 12 to nil. In the third-grade game Celtic defeated Wairoa Old Boys by 8 points to 3. Considering the earliness of the start, and the fact that no matches had previously bepu played tihis season, the teams Ayere in finp condition. The ■ players displayed commendable fitness,/ and the games were played through to the end without any appearing to tire. Some good exhibitions of Rugby were witnessed, the most outstanding display' being that given by Walters and Turnbull in the senior gamo.

The game in the Bovers-Waiina contest was confined mainly to the forward divisions, and iu the first spell Walters kicked a fine goal from a sideline angle. Later Binney added a further three points by picking up from a scramble and dashing over unopposed. Waima forwards made several determined efforts, but were repulsed on each occasion. Play was slow towards the end. Mr. Luudon was the referee. In the Celtic A v,. Wairoa match My. Sharp was referee, Mr. Hunter controlling the Celtic B v. Waima game, and Mr. Somervell the thirdgrade match; N.S.W. FRENCH TOUR (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Pness Assn.) SYDNEY, April 17. The New South Wales Rugby fixtures iu France next year are os follows: Bordeaux, January 12; Toulous, January 15; Paris, January 22. All the matches are against representative French sides.