Sports and Sportsmen

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18723, 4 June 1935, Page 8

Sports and Sportsmen

SEASON’S BEST RUGBY

ALL BLACK PRELIMINARY WIN FOR PROBABLES 19—9 NEPIA'S BRILLIANT GOAL. Developing a high standard of play in his own position only in the later j stages of the match, the former All j Black fullback George Ncpia led his side to victory in yestedray's preliminary Rugby fool ball match for the selection of a. team from the Poverty Bay. blast Coast, and Bay of Plenty union j districts to meet the combined llawko'sj Bay and Bush unions' representatives: at Napier on Thursday. The match provided the Lest Rugby football seen in Gisborne this season, by a long way, and the form shown by the players in both teams gave promise that in the game at Napier-, the northern combined team will not )><• overshadowed by their opponents. Most, brilliant of all the features of the plav was the Held goal registered by Ncpia in the lasl seconds of the] match, when from an extremely difli-j cult position he scut the ball across the bar with a right-foot kick, bring-j ing the score to 19-9 in favor of the Probables. There was in that exploit! the real genius that invested Nepia's i play in the days when his fame was at its height. Pie had just previously taken a placekick at goai. this kick falling short and being lidded bv M. Davies, the I fullback of the Possibles' team, who made an effort to find touch just short of niidfickl. Davies made the error of going for too much length, and Nepia gathered in the return kick a foot or two from the boundary. A FITTING FINAL Taking three strides infield, he swerved and drop-kicked for the goal as the opposing forwards rushed him. While the ball was in the air a fewspectators laughed in ridicijlo of a seemingly impossible attempt, but Nepia's kick, high and end-over-end. dropped almost vertically behind the bar amidst a storm of applause, the referee signalling his success and then immediately blowing the no-side whistle. It was a fitting end to a game which brought out some wonderfully good play, under conditions which were anything but conducive to the production of the best Rugby form. During the first half of the game, the Possibles, playing from the seaward .■lid, had a good deal the better of the play, their forwards being well supported by a back division in which the inside men all worked well, with .airly good understanding. T. Wi Repa and T. Reedy, the Coast five-cjighths, in the Possibles team, naturally know each other's play well and together they made many penetrating runs, Polaka, their halfback, giving them plenty of the ball from the base of the scrums or behind the line-outs. The forwards frequently made good • use of the opportunities created by the breaking-through of their five-eighths, and they bad their opponents badly worried many times, Rogers showing up well in the open play, while M. Wright, vV. Matheson, and T. McClutchie also gave good performances. After the change-over, however, the Possibles' dash seemed to desert them a little, and superior stamina on the part of the Probables carried them to victory. GREAT DRIBBLING FORWARD It is a long time since any forward .•avo a bcter performance on the Gisuorno Oval than that given by Pohipi, .he Bay of Plenty man who went down m the. back row of the Probables' scrum, and led all their loose rushes. Men dashing away in spectacular dribJcs which taxed the defence of the Possibles to the last degree. Pohipi demonstrated onco again the supremo value of a good dribbler in gaining ground, especially under conditions such as those ruling yesterday, when the backs had difficulty 'in gathering in the ball and clearing before the forward rushes. Cue of the bright spots of the second half, so far as the Possibles were concerned, was the work of L. Martin in the blue scrum, this player developing really good form in emulation of Po : nipi's, and working like a Trojan to bring his side, to "the front. Martin's work was not so well supported, however, and whereas two of Pohipi's dribbling runs were finalised by other players, Martin's were generally stopped by the solid defence offered by the Probables. CHANGE OF FORTUNES. At the interval, the scores favored the Possibles by six points to five, but it was not long after the resumption that the Probables went ahead. A factor hearing greatly on the increased vigor of the Probables' attack was the change in Nepia's tactics, the fullback showing much more confidence than in the firs! half, and taking more ground with ids line-kicks. he had (ailed to Held the ball in the first hall. he seemed to take it without trouble in the second, and his kicking was sure and certain to bring results." Overshadowed by Davies, his opposite number, in the first spell, Nepia came to the front in the second and his improvement inspired his side with a new confidence, besides making it easier for them to get within striking distance of I heir opponents' goal-line. The Probables took the lead when from a scrum on the Possibles' 25yds. line, Pohipi dribbled fust over the blue goal-line and Reedy,' following lasl, grounded I hi' ball for Ihe second try scored by his (cam. Nepia bad no difficulty in adding Hie extra points, and the Probables led bv 10 to 6.

Davics, the Possibles' fullback, was injured in n clash with Reedy sliorlK afterwards, anrl was out of commission for a time, but resumed and played oul the game without noticeable loss of form. The Probables were on lop most of the time, and he had a 10l of work to do, lull occasionally the tide tinned for n while, sufficiently to give Ncpia a chance to display his remarkable tack ling and kicking powers. His shoulder' charge was decidedly disconcerting to his opponents, and on one occasion he bowled two heavy forward:; over by cannoning one into the other, while be kepi his feet and carried on in defence of his line. ANOTHER DRIBBLER'S TRY After a further 20 minutes of play. in the course of which the Probables' forwards bad a little the better of matters, and the blue backs were almost constantly on the defensive, pohipi re pealed his dribbling exploit and tool; the ball over the line at his toe. Steel following up this time and getting tin-

ii .i M r .- , f* M^ ' try earned by the .Maori player. Nepia again had a kick from right in front of tiie goal, and it gave him no trouble, the score mounting to 15—6 in favor of Probables. By this time most of the players were carrying the signs of a game in which no beg-pardons were offered, and the last of the reserves was thrown in when C. McKinloy retired with an injury to his eye. Ross replaced McKiuley," and he was not long in play before lie got his chance to distinguish himself. For a change the blues were pressing, and within 15yds. of the lino Potaka, the Possibles' captain, snapped up the ball from the heels of his forwards and shot d out to Ross, on the blind side of a loose scrum. The Maori flyer took the ball in his stride, and was over before the Probables bad awakened to their danger. lie might have grounded the ball nearer the posts than he did, bid he played safe and scored his try when threatened with a tackle behind the line, Davies having to take the kick from an awkward angle, and missing the con-version.--Probables 15, Possibles 9. Prom this stage on to the finish, (lie Probables dominated the play, and with the light, quickly failing," it became difficult to follow the ball in the close play. The details of Nepia's spectacnlai kicking effort at the close were, however, .lear lo e\ely eye, and as he took the ball and made his drop-kick effort, few could have missed either his sudden decision or the remarkable ease with which he sent the ball flying for the goal. The position from which he scored the field goal was about syds. from his right-hand boundary, arid about. 10yds. inside the Possibles' territory. If the kick had missed the goal, it would still have been a remarkable demonstration of sheer kicking power. SELECTION FOR NAPIER COMBINED DISTRICT TEAM , Tim players selected by t lie com bined district committee to represent Poverty liny, Bay of Plenty and' East ('oast in the official All Black trial match ai Napier on Thursday have been named as under:— Pull-back, G. Nepia (Last Coast); three-quarters, 0. MeKinlcy (Poverty May i, P. Lees (Bay of Plenty), ami P. Goldsmith (Ensl Coast); live eighths, E. Howell (Bay of Plenty}, and A. Webb (Poverty Bay); hall' back, R. Polaka (liny of Plenty)-, forwards, (i. Reedy (Last Coast), W. Matheson (Poverty Bay), C. Newt!. (Pay of Plenty), B. Rodgers (Poverty Pay), L. Joyce (Bay of Plenty), ,1 Kershaw (Last Coast;, L. Martin (Poverty Bay), ami Pohipi (Bay ni Plenty); reserves, M. Davies (Pay ol Plentv), and M. Wright (Pov-cm Bay. i PLAY IN TOLAGA BAY HAUrTI BEATS COUNTRY (Herald Correspondent.) The senior Rugby match at Tolagf Pay on Saturday was between Uanii. .and Country. It .was one of the mos: willing games seen in Tolaga Bay f'o. some time. Stern bnl impartial ruling by the referee succeeded in male ing the game t'asl and exciting, Nick Crawford, a youngster of more thai, usual promise, suffered facial injurie: which necessitated his removal to bos pital. Within a few minutes of beginning Amaru potted a penalty goal. Play then ranged throughout the field. Tin Country backs showed merit in defend ing. If the forwards had been of tin same calibre the score would have been much different. Kutia made a goo. run from the loose and secured a lr\ without any bother, I his being con verted by Amaru, making the scon Hauiti S, Country nil. Brown (Hauiti) returned play into Country's end, from where McNei. again got going, his rush enabling Tuheka to score first blood for Conn try. There was no alteration at half-

Boon after the whistle Country began to take the offensive and tin Hauiti backs were called into piny It was during a splendid passing nisi that Crawford was hurt. It was : pity as the boy was playing a great game. soon after play had been re sinned Api Crawford secured a Irj for Country, making the score B—h\

W. Amaru bonded the next move ment and came within an ace of an easy try. However, Burns came u| at t.lio critical moment and lackleu him. Both packs were playing 'well, and the ball ran over Country's line, where lvutia scored for Hauiti. Country later narrowly missed a penally. Rodgors and Kutia staged a great rush, to be again stopped by Burns, who passed to M. Rodgcrs, who ran out near tne end. Morri.thon made a valiant, attempt to increase Hauiti's lead) but the do fending backs were on the alert. Mr. C. G. Calvert was a most efficient referee. HARD AND EVEN CONTEST CANTERBURY BEAT COAST (Per Pros* Association.) GRBYMOUTH, last night. The Canterbury Rugby represenlalives defeated West Coast by .1(5 to II! in the presence id' over 2000 people. There were ideal conditions for play which was bard and even. The score at half-time was 11 —9 in favor of the visitors, for wh.oni Oliver (2), Unit and Rankin scored tries. Deavoll converting one. for Coast. I Mann scored two tries and Gilbert kicked' two penalty goals. The Canterbury backs wen' markedly superior, Oliver originating all the scoring movements and Hart and Brown co-operating. Nolan was a good custodian. The outstanding Coast backs were .Mann and Gilbert. The Coast forwards prevailed in the loose, while the tight play was even. King, M'cNcight and Freitas were in excellent form, while the best Canterbury forwards wen/ Rankin, Howell land Deavoll.

COAST REP. MATCH JUNIOR PLAYERS TOKOMARU BEAT TOLAGA (Herald Correspondent.) The lirst representative match in Tokornaru Bay for the. present season was contested on Saturday, when the Tolaga Bay juniors journeyed to Tokomaru Bay to try conclusions .with the local juniors. It was a friendly game, and bright football was witnessed by a fair attendance of spectators. Tokomaru won by, 11 to nil. the teams were : Tolaga Pay (red). —Noanoa, W. Maurireie, A. Callaghan, X. Jones, W. Reedy. 0. Marino, .Jones, P. Oerrard, Bronghtou, Dixon. K. Crawford, McNeil,'Goodall. C. Kingi, and Sayers. Tokomaru Pav (blue). — R. Jackson, I'. Mud, H. Edwards. J. Tankard. P. Moat, Hikutapn, W. MeOulloeh, 0. Henry, D. Manuel. .1. Coleman, M. lvani, J. ißatapu, S. Matthews, .1. Taylor, and K To Puna.

Tokomaru Pay kicked off and Tolaga held them in then territory for 10 minutes, until Moat received the ball and gained ground. Shortly afterwards this player seemed like scoring, but was forced out at the corner flag. Within 20 minutes of the start Tokomaru were awarded a free kick in a handy position and Jackson drew first blood.—-Tokomaru 3, Tolaga. 0. Tolaga kept the blues at b')y for a short while, but Tokomaru forced their way to their opponents' line. From a ruck- Hikutapn crossed near the posts. Jackson again found the uprights.— Tokomaru 8, Tolaga 0.

Mi Culloch went down to a red forward rush, and Tolagia were awarded a free kick at the blues' twenty-live, but Tokomaru cleared. The handling on either side could have been greatly improved. From a serum the visitors started a passing bonl which broke down. Tokomaru iusl missed scoring again when Kani lost possession in a passing rush and Tolaga forced. DEFENCE UNBROKEN Tlie reds pressed hard, but could not break the defence. Tankard took a mark to gain ground, and Tolaga were caught off-side in front of the posts. Jackson's boot proved true, adding three more points.- Tokomaru 11. Tolaga Bay 0. Jackson centred and Tolaga were awarded three free kicks in quick succession, but. they did not- avail them much. Edmonds and Mua combined in passing, with Moat in support. The latter missed a pass and Tolaga forced. The 'Reds were awarded another free kick, through handling in the scrum soon afterwards. Moat short-punted and a. knock-on found play in the visitors' territory at half-time. MORE WILLING SECOND HALF. The game was more, willing on icsmning, Tolaga doing their best to score. A free kick to both sides saw Tokiga i'orcot their way through to their opponents' line, where Marino was unlucky, and the blues forced. Jackson fielded a punt by Callaghan and gained 10yds. before passing to Tankard, who lost possession, llikutapu, playing a good game, gave the ball to McCulloch, who missed scoring oy inches, and reds cleared from Xhe scrum, to Jackson, who found touch. Tokomaru infringed at the line-out, but the reds gained no ground and from a scrum carried play to Jackson. The lattei was safe, however, and once more found the line.

Reedy sent Jones off, but he was caught near tho line. The blue forwards dribbled to Noanoa, who cleared with a soccer kick. Time and again Tokomaru infringed the off-side rule, but from a scrum they forcod Tolaga to ti touch down.

Moat .shone in a dribbling rush, but kuoeked-on and Tolaga. cleared from the scrum. Tokomaru carne back, and were awarded a free kick in a difficult position. From the place kick, Tolaga changed the position, Callaghan giving the ball to Jones, who made a good run down the line. Hikutapu grassed him in blues' twenty-five. Jackson infringed the rules; Marino's kick fell short and lc Ruua kept, the ball in play. Tolaga held their ground, and got riear their opponents' line, but a punt was kicked too hard and Rafapu forced. Marino was playing good football, and stopped rushes time and again. I'okomarn gradually ploughed their way to half-way. where Moat received the ball from Hikutapu, to be forced' out at the. corner flag. Tolaga Bay forced twice in succession, but were awarded a free kick for off-side plav nid Marino found touch on time. The final score was Tokomaru Bay 11, Tolaga Bay nil. Mr 11. A. Jensen was the referee. BRIGHT OPEN PLAY MATCH AT ASHBURTON (Per Press Association.) ASHBURTON, this day. In an interesting annual Rugby match, Asbburton drew with a Canterbury B team, 19-all. There was bright, open play throughout, with tho toarnsi scoring alternately, the half-time score being 10-11 in favor of Asbburton.

The homo forwards were superior, and tho backs gave a good display, while tho Canterbury backs throw the ball about, but not always to the best advantage. Canterbury were attacking strenuously at the final whistle.

FASTEST GAME FOR YEARS WANaANUI BEAT TAEANAKI (Pit I'rens Association.) WANTIANUI, last nighl. In the annual Rugby inateh Wan-, fj.unii beat Taranald by 21 to 20. The .game was ihe fastest ami brightest played for many years.

HAWKE'S BAY WIN AGAIN DEFEAT OF WAIRARAPA MARGIN OF 29 POINTS TO 14 AN INTERESTING DISPLAY (Per Tress Association.) HASTINGS, lust ui«ht. Iji their second outing this season, the Hawke's Bay Rugby representative* .scored' another win when they defeated Wairarapa by 29 points to li to-dny at McLean Park, Napier, bet'oro a'gathering of well over 4000 .spectators. ■ The, game was interesting throughout, Hawke's Bay having easily the best of play in the first spell, but after the interval, Wairarapa showed unproved form and more than held their own. The home backs showed superior combination and ability t,o grasp the •opportunities., . • Therein lay t hi' big difference between ' tlie teams, Hawke's Bay turning the mistakes of the visitors into scoring points. The early stages were very even, neither side being dangerous until Clothier paved the way for Mataira to score near the posts after nine minutes' play. Bradley missed an easy kick. —Hawke's Bay ."', Wairarapa 0. * . .

Within a couple of minutes the whole of the Hawke's Bay rearguard handled in a delightful movement, Smith sending Bolls over for a great try. Bradley converted. —Hawke's Bay 8, Wairarapa nil. Following Puller narrowly missing a penalty, Hawke's Bay returned to the attack and twice came within an ace of scoring. After 20 minutes' play Powdrell replaced Mataira, who retired injured'. A brilliant solo run by Nunn placed Wairarapa in a. dangerous position, but mainly due to the fine defensive work .of Hutchinson, the visitors were driven back. Once again they returned to the attack ami Hutchinson kicked a penalty goal. — Hawke's Bay 11, Wairarapa. 0. 16—0 AT HALF-TIME. Up and down piny ensued for a time, after Hawke's Bay had thrown away two chances of scoring as a result of poor handling. A crosslield kick gave Smith a chance to show his speed' and h-e raced over for a sensational try. Bradley converted and the score at the interval was: Hawke's Bay Hi, Wairarapa 0. After the interval, Wairarapa lost no time in reducing the margin, their forwards playing with great dash and Trass crossed near the posts for Puller to convert. —Wairarapa 5, Hawke's Bav Hi.

A little later Fuller put over a penalty goal, making the score S —lo. Even play ensued for a time and then a brilliant solo run from near halfway preceded Apsey piercing the defence, to score a brilliant try at the cdrner.—Hawke's Bav 10, Wairarapa 8.

The Hawke's Bay forwards returned promptly, and' Boils set tlw Bay backs going, Apsey again putting in a good run before passing to Le Quesiio who scored and Hutchinson converted.—Hawke's Bay 24, Wairarapa 8. Another infringement by Hawke's Bay enabled Fuller to kick a lino goal from long range, making the score 11 to 24.

Both teams were now going full out, and following a thrilling attack by Wairarapa Hawke's Bay retaliated for Rolls to score a great try. Bradley converting.—Hawke's Bay 29,. Wairarapa 11. The visitors had the final say in the scoring when Fuller put across his third penalty goal, bringing his contribution to 11 points for the game.

JUNIOR CONTEST H.B. BEAT WAIRARAPA (Per .Press Association.) CARTERTON, this day. In a .junior representative Rugby match played at Mnrtinborough yesterday, Hawke's Bay defeated Wairarapa by 29 to 3, The visiting backs were far too speedy for their opponents, who were outclassed, while the visiting forwards also more than held their own. (Pthcr Rugby on Page 10)