RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 21073, 3 May 1930, Page 18

RUGBY

NEWS AND NOTES.

(By

“Onlooker.”)

Pirates’ blunder —Blues’ plunder! Auspicious opening to 1930 season. Galbraith Shield games give faps plenty of thrills. Remarkably high standard of Rugby set in opening games. Rugby Park was a tribute to the custodian, Mr Rodgers—it has never been in better condition. The result of Blues-Pirates A game was confidently anticipated in the Blues’ camp. But they are led by an arch-optimist in the President, “Bill” Robison. The Blacks were firm favourites before the game. With 10 Southland representatives (including two All Blacks and several “near” All Blacks) in the side, they had every reason to be. Forty-four points were scored in the big game, 31 by Blues, and 13 by Pirates. Twelve tries were registered, but only four goals were kicked. As the result of the decision of the Rugby Union on Monday night wing-forwards will again be asked to put the ball in the scrum. Players are reminded that in future marks must be attended by a heel mark in the ground. “Tubby” Holden (Star) had the honour of scoring the first try of the season. He did not give any other player much chance to head him off, his try being scored within one minute of the kick-off. The veteran Jack Lilley kicked the first goal, the conversion of Holden's try. Lilley completed the “hat trick” in goals, then missed one and finished up with the best goaling performance (four conversions) of the afternoon. Broughton (Pirates B) dropped the first field goal of the season. This player took a very prominent part in Pirates B’s win over Waikiwi. He scored two tries, besides dropping a field goal, a total of 10 points. In the matter of points-scoring, Rugby Park patrons got plenty of value for their money in Saturday's games. The three senior fixtures produced no fewer than 115 points, made up as follows: —28 tries, 9 conversions, 1 field goal, 1 penalty goal and 2 marked goals. Several “sitters” were missed by reputed goal-kickers in Saturday’s senior games. This is a deplorable state of affairs, even taking into consideration that first-of-sea-son feeling. The easy ones can be missed just as easily as the more difficult shots, but it is not too much to say that “sitters” should NEVER be missed. Any senior (not necessarily the team’s goal-getter) who cannot lift one over from in front should be fined £1 for every offence. Two many of our local goal-kickers, in fact all of them, run at the shorter ones. The standing “stab” is just as simple, and safer. Practice makes perfect. Star were without the services of Galt and Sinclair against Southern. It is understood that Purdue will definitely be playing for Star shortly. George Dustin, exSouthland lock, has stated his intention of again turning out with Star, so with the addition of Galt, Sinclair, Purdue and Dustin, the Star pack should just about, rival that of Pirates for size and weight. It will be a question of who to drop when this quartette lines up for inspection. Jack Lilley says he is only marking time (and kicking goals) until someone else is ready. That makes one place easy, and as there is a suggestion of playing Don Agnew at wing-threequarter and Stubbs full-back, the second vacancy is found. But who of the z rest of the scrum is to be dropped? Donnelly cannot be displaced from the front row; O'Toole is too handy to leave out; Clarkson, Mattingly and Aitken all justified their inclusion last week, and Mahoney is the only wing-forward of the bunch! Star’s selectors have a knotty problem before them, but they also have the satisfaction of knowing that thej- will be able to field a great pack. It has just been brought before my notice that a resolution was passed by the Rugby Union to the effect that new representative players will be required to play three games for the province before becoming entitled to a cap. If this is really so, the sooner it is expunged from the records of the union the better. A player earns his cap as soon as he is selected and plays his first game for the Maroons. Perhaps the finance bogey will be advanced as the reason for this latest “scheme.” There‘are other ways of conserving the union’s funds than removing the well-earned and honoured perks of the keen player. Once upon a time (but times have changed!) a rep. player could look upon a Maroon jersey, a cap and a photograph as mementoes of his rise from club to provincial football. Some were fortunate enough to land blazers at the union's expense. . Last year the Ranfurly Shield winners were promised all sorts of things—blazers, photographs, etc. Some of the team got them—at their - own expense! What have past representative players got to say about this new idea of “three games or no cap” for the enthusiastic youth who may rightly earn the honour but is not able to play in three games through injury or other reason ? K. F. S. Cox, who played wing-forward for Pirates B against Waikiwi on Saturday, has been transferred to Dunedin and will leave to take up his new duties in the course of a week or two. Cox is a youthful type of footballer and shapes well for a light forward. He is better known in the cricket world, having represented Southland on several occasions. Ray Nichol, a Western District forward, and well-known as New Zealand amateur middle-weight boxing champion, is reported to be coming to Invercargill to reside in the near future. Nichol was selected totour with the Southland team last year, but was not available. He will be a handy man for any town club. “It is a long time since there was an Oughton not taking part in a club game on the Park,” was a remark passed within earshot of the Press table last Saturday afternoon. The remark was challenged and the fact pointed out that an Oughton (John) was refereeing the Blues-Pirates A game. That was so, but the fact still remained that the Oughton family have finished their playing days—for the time being anyway. The name Oughton, called “Orton” by some and “Ooton” by others, has been a household name in the Southland Rugby world for many years past. Time was when Jack (present-day referee) and “Checker” held sway as two champion backs—“ Checker” being one of Southland’s best donkeymen. Then in later years Bobby, who met such a tragic end in an accident last year, and Guy carried the Oughton banner in both the Star and . Southland ranks. Guy is the last of the present generation of Oughton Rugbyites, and although he is off the scene just now, it would not surprise to see him out again before he finally puts his jersey aside. Bill Hazlett intends to leave nothing to chance in the matter of getting thoroughly fit for games ahead. The popular All Black was noticed purchasing a man’s size Rugby ball on Saturday evening for private practice. Bill’s punting was at fault on Saturday, but now he has got a ball of his own, we may expect to see some of those long liners with which he characterizes his general play. , ~ , For the past two years the Blues Club has threatened to come good, and towards the close, of last season it was mentioned

in these columns that provided they stuck together the same team would take all sorts of beating in 1930. That prediction was partly borne out on Saturday when, playing a game- out of the box. the Blues staggered the crowd at the Park by decisively defeating the strongest team Pirates have fielded for years. The result was a pleasant surprise and a popular victorypleasant because it thrust aside at the outset of the competition any possibility of the season being a one-horse affair. On [taper it certainly looked like the Pirates’ first string routing all and sundry, with Blues and Star tailing off in second and third places, but now, after Saturday’s exhibition, there is every reason to prophesy one of the most interesting seasons on record. It was the same old story over again of a good little team packing correctly and playing with some semblance of cohesion, as against a team of stars who elected to go solo in nearly every move. Combination prevailed and demonstrated convincingly that this type of play pays. Blues’ forwards were responsible for the damage. They hung on like leeches in the scrums and rucks and went through with the ball as though the opposition did not exist. Their fast breaking in the early stages, when Pirates were, getting some of the ball, was a revelation. McKenzie and L. George (sides) did their work excellently, so much so that the Blacks’ half and insides were harried and bustled into mistakes. The Blacks’ failure lay in their poor packing of the scrum. They played as an uncoached side and preferred to go down head-up instead of head-down. The lesson has'becn taught, painfully perhaps, and it is .not expected that Hazlett and his men will be caught that way again. For a first-of-season game the standard of Rugby was an eye-opener, and provided the display was not a flash in the pan, some brilliant club Rugby may be looked for. Although Pirates won by 21 points to 9 there was not this difference between the teams. - The first spell was much in favour of Pirates, the second in favour of Waikiwi. The Red forwards showed in the second spell that they were a force'to be reckoned with. Both in scrumming and in the loose they put it well over the Blacks after the interval. Most of the Reds are youngsters, but they are youngsters of promise. Their backs were not a happy lot, however. ■ Individually they seem to be fair enough, ! but they have a poor idea of concerted play. Montague, Smith, Mitchell, McDonald and Co. should get together and formulate a lilan of attack instead of leaving it all to chance. Waikiwi were not as fit as Pirates and this accounted for the last two tries by the Blacks almost on time. The Blacks'were by no means at full strength and will have’ to fill a few gaps if they are to make a good showing against Invercargill to-day. Nevertheless they are the makings of a solid team. A feature of the first spell was the surprising goal-kicking abilities of the Pirates men. Broughton potted a goal from a long way out. Mclntosh took a mark and seemed very doubtful whether to have a shot at goal or listen to the advice up-and-under.” Finally he decided to have a dropkick and the ball sailed, over gracefully. Not to be outdone Gilson marked and’ had a shot which proved equally successful. These ten points quite probably made all the difference to the result of the game, for it has a moral effect on the other side. 'Mclntosh is not as effective at fiveeighths as at half but, as the same applies to G. Thomas, it cuts both ways. Broughton has a side-step that makes him a very dangerous opponent. He scored a fine try by his foot-work near the end of the game. O’Neill has a good pair of hands and kicks fairly well. What is he like in a tight pinch? Boyd is patchy, sometimes very smart, sometimes bringing trouble to his side. ! Craig should learn to give a decent pass. I He is a strong runner when he gets going. Todd proved a valuable addition to Waikiwi’s ranks. There were very few players who used the line kick to advantage. Both packs should give a lot more attention to packing a good scrum. The Red forwards should then be able to stand up to most packs. Montague is still a great grafter, but he wants to whip the ball out more cleanly. Savs “Dark Blue,” a Dunedin writer, of Webb, the Pirates’ wing:—“The familiar figure of Dick Webb will be greatly missed on the local field this year. He was one of the most prolific try-getters ’Varsity and Otago had for many years.” The appeal which Rugby makes to our youth may be indicated by the fact that in and around Dunedin this season it is estimated that about 1500 players, exclusive of hundreds of schoolboys, will be taking part,, writes “Dark Blue.” in the Evening Star. There is no need to stress the point of the great physical benefit and hardening derived from the game, which it is hoped will continue to prosper and be played in the right spirit. Referrnig to the coming visit of the British Rugby team, Mark Nicholls says: “The only players whose names I remember as meeting in England are D. Parker and Wakefield. The men whom we met there were mostly the products of post-war football. Three or four were dropped and new men introduced. Kittermaster was a new man; so were Gibbs and A. T. Young. The backs in the coming team are all new. Thus in ten years,this is the second completely new set of backs that Britain has had. Why have we in New Zealand not been able to produce new backs also? On the selection of last year’s All Black team Mill, Cooke, and Lucas are still our best inside men.” Playing again in Wanganui this season will be Pat Potaka, who was a five-eighth in the 1923 All Blacks, and who has frequently played in Maori combinations, including the Maori tour of Great Britain in 1925. Doug. Fairbrother, veteran South Canterbury full-back, is turning out for the Celtic Club, Timaru, this year. Fairbrother gave the game a spell last year after internal dissension in- the Zingari Club. He is training solidly and Timaru supporters are looking forward to a reproduction of the form he displayed during the 1924 trials. Fairbrother should stand a good chance of securing the position of full-back for the combined Mid-Canterbury-North OtagoSouth Canterbury team to meet the Englishmen al Timaru. For the first time for about three seasons the coriling of the football season has not; been heralded with reixirts that A. E. Cooke, the wizardly Wairarapa and New Zealand five-eighths, is giving up the game (says a Christchurch paper). Usually it is broadcast at the commencement of a season that Cooke has definitely retired. The number of times this has been published could not be counted on one hand, and it is probable that sometimes the statements have gone out on Cooke’s own authority. This year, however, everyone seems to be secure in the expectation that Cooke will certainly play in order to meet the Britishers in the tests. The writer was in the Wairarapa district a few days ago, and people there seem of the opinion that the world is more likely to come to an end than is the famous five-eighths to throw in his jersey before this season is past. Cooke will captain Old Boys in club games in i Masterton.

T. E. Jones-Davies, who has been selected as a three-quarter in the British Rugby team to tour New Zealand, was educated at St. George’s School, Harpenden, and Caius College. He narrowly missed his Cambridge Blue, through excess of talent rather than anything else. At present he is a student at St. George’s Hospital, and captain of the London Welsh. He was an international reserve all through last season and a Welsh international this season. A Sydney correspondent states that not only will Rugby be strong in New South Wales this season, but. Queensland will show a big revival in the code. In addition to strong teams in Brisbane, both Warwick and Toowoomba will play Rugby. “It is a strange but true fact that our friends oversea have not only shown that Jack is as good as his master, but that he is better,” writes Mr Frank Mitchell on ‘Rugby Football’ in the Empire Review. “When we consider the population of these countries —New Zealand 1,500,000} New South Wales, 2,500,000; and South Africa, 1,500,000 —we are more than ever inclined to wonder that they can cope with us on even terms. These three countries, in their tours to England, have won in all 161 matches, losing only 16! This is an exceptional record, providing much matter for thought.”

The impending visit of the British team is filling the Rugby perspective nearly everywhere this year, so that even the Ranfurlv Shield may be more or less forgotten. Up'in Hawkes Bay, however, they still have covetous eyes on the trophy that reposed in Napier from 1922 to 1927, and it is known that Wairarapa would not be a bit averse to regaining possession of the Rugby bauble. As both these unions tour south this year, Southland may be faced with challenges from both old North Island holders.

Two North Island footballers who are reported to be returning" to the game this year after a period of retirement are J. M. Blake (Hawkes Bay) and Q. Donald (Wairarapa). Blake was centre three-quarter in 1925 and 1926 All Black teams in Australia, and served Hawkes Bay well for many years in Ranfurly Shield engagements. When the Bay lost the tropny to Wairarapa in 1927 he retired. Donald toured Great Britain with the Invincibles in 1924-25, and hooked for many years for Wairarapa, finally giving the game up after assisting the province to win the Ranfurly Shield. Both these players are coming back this year in an effort to win a place in test games against the Britisher?. According to Paris correspondents, intense interest was taken in the Rugby international at Twickenham in February. The match was broadcast, with the result that, besides the crowds which waited outside every newspaper office, there were small groups in various parts of the city listening to the wireless story from loud speakers in the windows of private houses and outside the wireless shops. France’s initial success caused intense enthusiasm, and disappointment with the final result was very bitter, for French sportsmen, despite the warnings of well-informed critics, had counted on a Gallic victory. “The better team won,” says L’Echo des Sports, commenting on England’s victory. “The Frenchmen were beaten by opponents who were physically stronger, faster, and, above all, better players. The Matin considers that the French lost two good opportunities when they were in front of the English goal in the first half by getting excited. The French defence also blundered badly, says that paper, in letting Robson run right through from beyond the halfway line. PLAY AND PLAYERS On Saturday’s form, Southern are not up to senior standard. Mr J. Oughton gave a good exhibition of refereeing in the Blues-Pirates game. Will the S.R.F.U. ask the schoolboys to play under the English rulest? Good as Bird is as a rover, he plays much better as a breakaway forward. The fullbacks seen out last. Saturday are not up to Southland standard. Porter goes well at centre. This appears to be his best position. Alongside a set of champions, King went as well as any of the Pirates’ pack. Niven is solid and Grant displays brilliance. The pair make the ideal inside combination. Lorimer, ex-Christchurch, is a straight runner, but is inclined to hang on to the ball after drawing or beating his marker. It is reported that George Dustin will be seen out with Star again shortly. R. Donnelly ■ just missed the northern tour last season. He has both built up and speeded up this year, and, barring accidents, should just about find the Shield team later. Hunter McKenzie threatens to rival Bill Hazlett for best forward honours. With Charlie Johnson and Tubby Holden both showing top form, a battle royal is promised for the representative scrum-half | position. The Star-Southern game was a poor tryout for Star, but what was seen of lhe blue and whites, there is every reason to expect them to develop into a good side. Riddell displays much nippiness at second five, but will require to think more of the I men outside him. Henderson was the best of the wings out on Saturday. He is going to make such proved men as Geddes, Webb and Stubbs go for their places in the Southland side. Giller gave a good display on the wing for Star. He is a promoted junior and should improve with each game. A number of spectators at the PiratesBlues game say that when Charlie Johnson scored his try, he crawled into the scrum and took the ball from under the hookers’ feet. Pirates were badly lashed by Blues, but make no error, they will come again with a vengeance. Charlie Diack’s long-range kicking at goal was very good. He did not succeed in putting any over, but made a “bird” of the “sitters.” Metcalfe appeared to be buried at the back of Pirates’ scrum. He made one or two bursts, but did not appear able to get in to the thick of the play at all. Nine senior players scored two tries apiece on Saturday—Broughton, Holden, Stubbs, Bell, Giller, Bird, Grant, McKenzie and Burnett. Uniformity of referees’ signals would be appreciated. On Saturday, one referee had the spectators guessing when signalling penalties by inclining his signalling arm two ways. Wampy Bell demonstrated the value of j following up in the Southern game. He I supported Giller and Donnelly on two dif- | ferent try-getting excursions and was rewarded each time. There was plenty of talking in the StarSouthern game. Two captains and a referee should be capable of doing all the.talking in any match. The gate takings for last Saturday havei not been announced, but it is understood that the Rugby Union was very pleased.with the -results. The Blues’ club had a veritable field day last Saturday. All five teams secured victories. . Compact and solid, the Blues’ pack is going to set a stiff problem for any of the other senior teams,

Now that the Southland team selectors have been chosen, it is to be hoped that thev will endeavour to have certain players in ‘the variors club teams played in the positions they will probably be asked to occupy in the rep. team. As long as the Pirates' inside backs continue to take their passes from the scrum flat-footed, the speed kings on the wings will be useless. Webb got only one real opportunity on Saturday and he turned it to full account. This player needs to be played tb that is if results are wanted. Geddes suffered the same fate as Webb. He got very little ball to play with. Owing to some trouble over transfers, the Southern-Star game was 20 minutes late in starting. This sort of thing does not encourage the Rugby follower to go early to the Park. Fourteen school teachers were granted free double passes at the R.U. meeting on Monday evening. Is this in keeping with the Union’s proposed economic policy ? Mr Torrance, chairman of the Unions Flag Committee, asks that it be made known to senior clubs that every effort will be made to ensure an even distribution of early and late games on the Park. A popular trio mentioned as likely selectors for the Southland team were Messrs Baird, Lopdell and Stobo. Messrs Baird and Lopdell were on the selection committee last year. CRITICAL COMMENTS (By “Whawhai.”) The three 1929 selectors have been given a rest anti Messrs Geddes, Stead and Rice will choose the representative teams for 1930. A good healthy list of names went to the ballot: and the result makes it appear that the executive desired new blood. Why this should be so is a difficult matter to say, but- it was a very poor compliment to those whose discrimination sent away a team that returned with the Ranfurly Shield. I have no fault to find with the three gentlemen who have to scratch their heads this year. Mr Geddes ought io have had enough experience selecting teams to keep them from making bad blunders. Mr Stead should, if anyone can, have an eye for a rep. player. Mr Rice is as fair-minded as anyone, has a level head and a good knowledge of the game. But it’s queer psychology that causes executive members to cross out the names of Messrs Lopdell and Baird. Was there some skilful pre-arrangement by some astute members of the union ? There’s one thing that is to be greatly hoped—that the three new men will not keep their eyes always glued on town players. Mr Rice won't I imagine, for ns manager of the sub-unions’ team he saw-, what good stuff there is in the country. It was to the credit of last year’s selectors, particularly Mr Lopdell, that they saw a good deal of country football with the result that the touring side had a very fair sprinkling of sub-union men who played no small part in winning the shield. There are still good men in the country, despite the union’s policy of bringing them into town. It will be interesting to see how many sub-union men are considered by Messrs Rice, Stead and Geddes when the team to play the Britishers is selected. JUNIOR JOTTINGS AROUND THE GRADES. (By “Scribe.”) Four defaults. Blues win all their matches. No second grade for Pirates. Marist lacking in, numbers. Old Boys in the ascendant, The football was a little raw on Saturday. but it should quickly improve. Although Waikiwi were beaten by Rimu, they seem to be a greatly improved team. Except, where there was a disparity in the size of the teams, closely-contested games were the order of the day. Often it is the first few matches of the season that count most, as a weak team may spring a surprise victory over what are usually considered stronger opponents. Therefore it. behoves those who are out. for premiership to look to their laurels. A lack of support seemed to be indicated in the case of the Marist Club. In the second grade thirteen men turned out, in the fourth grade ten, and in the fifth a defaidt was recorded! Hardly an auspicious commencement to the season. However, those who did turn out gave it a go, and made a brave showing against their opponents. Blues were just the opposite. There must have been some rejoicing in the club when it was found that, with a team entered in each grade, all of the five teams had emerged in the ascendant. Keep it up, Blues! The decision of the Pirates Club not to enter a second grade team was caused by a lack of players. The entry of two senior teams seems to have resulted in a paucity of junior players. This is, in some respects, very much to be regretted, as a strong junior contingent is invaluable to any club. A generous offer was made to equip all fourth grade players with jerseys, but this did not result in the entry of a fourth i grade team. As it is, however, the thirds should be able to field a fairly strong combination. The Star Old Boys’ game (second grade) was a hard-tussle, but it produced little in the way of spectacular play. Old Boys never looked like losing, while towards the end of the second spell their backs were throwing the ball about, in great style. There seemed to be very .little between the forwards. Lynch, a useful player in last year’s Fligh School team, is now making his presence felt in the Old Boys’ scrum. Gardiner is another good forward. In the forwards Blues have a handy man in Clode, while Bruce was doing good work at first, five. Maher was solid as a rock in his position of fullback for Marist. Lee proved on Saturday that he can kick. Hfi converted five tries for Blues besides crossing the line —a total of 13 points. Rimu as usual played a ‘steady, solid game when pitted against Waikiwi, and deserved their 20-nil win. Lyall was top scorer, with three tries. Considering the number of triksi scored on Saturday, conversions were not plentiful. In fact the number of “sitters” missed was truly astonishing. Although a strong combination, the redoubtable Borstalites should not prove such hard nuts to crack this year as they did i last season. • I Pirates have unearthed a player in the I person of Wood, who ought to be very hard ito beat for the ball in the lineouts. Heis I over sijc feet tall, and will probably lock the Black scrum. High School gained most of their points by runaway tries. Otherwise their play was not outstanding. Scores were: five tries, three conversions and a penalty goal. * It is scarcely the thing to ask footballers to play on the two eastern areas at Biggar street. It must be extremely discouraging for a player to have to watch his step as he is racing awav in an endeavour to score: he cannot watch.his feet, and opposing players at the same time. In any ca£e- a poor playing area takes all the heart out of a true footballer at the very start of a game.

In the junior matches very little use was made of the new kick-into-touch rule. Players would be well advised to take advantage of it at every opportunity. A point that cropped up at this week’s meeting of the Rugby Union executive was the matter of putting the ball into the scrums. In future all teams must adhere to the rule that players, not the referee, are to put the ball into the.scrum. At present the entries in the various competitions are as follow: Second Grade— Bluff, Waikiwi, Rimu, Marist, Invercargill, Star and Old Boys. Third Grade—High School, Pirates, Southern, Borstal (2), Bluff, Old Boys and Invercargill. Fourth Grade —Waikiwi, 'Marist, High School, Invercargill, Southern, Technical, Old Boys and Star. Fifth Grade-—Marist, Invercargill, High School (2) and Technical College.