Rugby

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 409, 18 July 1928, Page 11

Rugby

The Game and its* Players*.

Another Half Another representative player shortly to take up residence in Auckland is L. Thompson, half-back for the Star Club in Timaru, and also half-back for South Canterbury. Thompson is a very useful type, and if he decides to continue the game should prove a handy man for some Auckland senior team. * * * Grounds Improving Good drying winds during the week made a world of difference to No. 1 ground at Eden Park Saturday. With the exception of the cricket pitch which was still a trifle heavy, th€> paddock provided good holding. Given reasonable intervals of fine weather the ground should be in good order for the forthcoming representative fixtures. * * * A Tragic Loss The sympathy of all footballers and followers of the game will be extended to Arnold Berridge, the Ponsonby and Auckland representative footballer, whose father, Captain A. Berridgs, was master of the ill-fated vessel the Isabella De. Fraine, which was lost with all hands while crossing the Hokianga Bar on Saturday afternoon last. * * * Wanganui to Play King’s Wednesday afternoon next will see Wanganui Collegiate School play King’s College, at Auckland. King’s players have been in fine fettle this season, but they will have a tough proposition in the southerners, who have had some very decisive victories lately. Wanganui backs who will need watching are Pomare, a nephew of Sir Maui Pomare, Ramsay, Taylor and Mackenzie. Bethell, Barron and Ballin are a trio of sturdy forwards. * * * Hard-Working Forwards Two Manukau forwards who frequently caught the eye on Saturday were Kahu and Satherley, both of whom have been rewarded by being selected as lock and emergency forward respectively in the B representative team to play South Auckland. In

additon to grafting solidly in the tight, Kahu also figured a good deal in the open. He handles well and for all his bulk is surprisingly fast. He is not very well equipped, however, in regard to a swerve or a side step, preferring rather to run right into his opponents and trust to his weight to clear the path. On several occasions it proved effective, and also rather amusing, although probably not*to the man most concerned. Solid Solomon If anyone impressed in the College Rifles-North Shore game on Saturday, it was Solomon, Shore’s captain. He played a great game as wing- forward and it was not his fault that his team was beaten badly. * * *. Kirk’s Keenness While compelled to flight every inch of the way in the forwards, Rifles had a decided pull in the backs. Kirk, their donkeyman, was the personification of vim and set his backs, notably McGregor and Wilso.n, in action to good effect. Shore could not cope with the determined rushes of its opponents. Rifles’ win raised the team above “wooden-spoon” level.

Saturday was a day of surprises in Auckland Rugby. Not only were the two leading teams defeated on adjoining grounds, but at Victoria Park, Marist rather unexpectedly went down to Training College, which team is now twice removed from bottom place on the ladder. Ponsonby and University still lead with 17 points, with City, 12 points, next. Then follow a bracket of four teams with 11 points each, Marist, Grafton, Manukau and Grammar Old Boys. Manukau, however, has still a match to play with Training College and a win would put them in second place. The final between University and Ponsonby will be played on Saturday week, after which the Pollard Cup games will be played.

Representative Changes In the representative team to meet Thames at Eden Park on Saturday are two interesting additons, namely, R. Hook at wing-three-quarter, and N. Jenkin at second-five-eighth. This has necessitated further changes in position, Falwasser coming in from the wing to play first five-eighth and Paewai, going back to full-back. After due consideration, Mr. V. R. Meredith has evidently decided that Jenkin has earned the opportunity of proving himself as a representative five-eight. The University player has given a number of good displays this season, capping it off with a sound defensive game against Grammar last Saturday. R. Hook has also justified his inclusion by constant play in club football. There is no alteration to the forwards with the exception that Keene, who has recovered from injuries, again takes up the roving commission.

Not First Class H. Lilburne did not particularly Impress me, writes F. M. Howard, of the “Cape Times,” concerning the opening match of the All Black tour of South Africa. He neither played nor even shaped like a high-class fullback. But he may well improve; in fact, he must do so if the All Blacks are to feel safe in their last line of defence.

Two Good Hookers

It will be unfortunate if a result of injuries received last Saturday, Noakes. the Grafton forward, will be

unable to take his place in the B representative team to play South Auckland on Satday. Noakes is one of the most consistent hardworking forwards in Auckland, and it would have been very unfair if he had been overlooked in favour of

bigger men, which is very often the case with this present-day fetish for big men. Hindenach, the University hooker, who is set down to partner Noakes, is a very useful man in the loose as well as being an exceptionally efficient front-row man. A Marist Loss In losing Howard, who has returned to Morrinsville, the Marist senior fifteen has lost a valuable man. As a wing- forward Howard was a man showing considerable promise, having played several very good games for his side this season. In the opinion of many he was unfortunate in missing rep. honours, particularly when Keene was laid aside through injuries. If he continues playing he should npt be wanting for an opportunity in the Waikato side.

The following is the position of the various teams in the Auckland Rugby Union’s senior championship.

A Freak Game Although naturally jubilant over the Springboks’ victory, South African newspapers are somewhat apprehensive regarding the measures adopted. After having built up a reputation by brilliant back play they consider it an admission of inferiority to have to resort to thte touchline and tight-play tactics. They would prefer the Springboks to beat New Zealand at their own game. This is practically an admission that in many respects it was a “freak” game. Nevertheless it is extremely unlikely that they will discontinue their policy of working their way up the line until they bring Benny Osier within kicking distance. 3-2-3

Team W Ti D Points For Agst. Ch. Pts Ponsonby . . 8 2 1 193 109 17 University • . 8 2 1 162 73 17 City .... 6 5 101 111 12 Marist . . . 5 1 157 75 11 Grafton ... 5 1 97 116 11 Manukau . . 5 4 1 107 106 11 Grammar O.B. 1 108 123 11 Training Col. 2 5 3 53 106 7 College Rifles 2 7 2 64 136 6 North Shore 2 S 1 65 132 5