PLAY IN THE NORTH

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1929, Page 4

PLAY IN THE NORTH

STAR’S LAST-MINUTE WIN OLD BOYS BETTER ON DAY'S PLAY. ©RIM AND EXCITING STRUGGLE. Star had the fright of their lives at Pukekura Park, where they scored a last minute victory against Old Boys by eleven points to nine. On the day’s play, the better team lost. Old Boys had tho advantage for the greater part of the game, their forwards standing up splendidly to the doughty Star pack. The first spell was a grim rather than a spectacular' struggle, but the second spell was charged, with excitement, which reached a climax towards the end. Seven minutes before time Old. Boys took the lead by nine points to eight — the second time in the match that they led, but Star gained the verdict shortly afterwards with what appeared from the Press stand to be a try of doubtful merit. Old Boys attacked from the start, and hemmed Star in the latter’s 25 for five minutes, after which Morey sustained injuries necessitating his retirement. He Was replaced by MacPherson, who went to first five-eighths, Olsen coming in to half. Star consistently hooked the ball, and within the space of a few minutes, _ably fed by Kilby, they burst away in half a dozen dangerous passing rushes. Old Boys were not getting down to it at all, the tackling being wretched, and they soon paid the penalty. Kinsella with a quick dart brushed aside three would-be tacklers, and handed on to F. Wolfe for the latter to trot across an ©pen field for a simple try. Harvey converted. In spite of the fact that the Star forwards were tumbling through them like an avalanche time and again, the Old Boys backs began to operate with great dash. Three or lour times, although both Olsen and MacPherson were not getting the ball away quickly enough, the speedy outside backs gave the spectators some great thrills, coming within an ace of scoring on a couple of occasions before they were hauled down near the line. The Old Boys hookers, despite the general superiority of their opposition, served Olsen with the ball very creditably from tho scrums, and 8. Fookes as the opportunist rover was showing his best form of the season, harrying Clegg unmercifully whenever Bvar attempted to open up a passing rush, and coming in with marked success on one occasion as an extra 'centre-threequarter. Medley’s tackling was poor, and Kinsella found him comparatively easy to get past. The Star burst of tho opening stages having spent itself, Old Boys proceeded to have decidedly tho better of the game, and except in points the honours of the first spell were with them. In attempting to extricate his team from a hot defence Billing took the ball off-side in front of his goal, and Crawford opened Old Boys’ account with a good kick. Again Old Boys backs burst away in a thrilling passing rush, which' broke up when a forward pass was given, and half time, came with the Star 5, Old Boys 3. Half time was rather a protracted business, Kilby having to be bandaged up. it was reported that Morey had injured a rib cartilage. Star opened tho play with a duplication of their first spell opening thrust, and right from the Jump camo within an ace of a try, Irown kicking the ball out of a Star player’s goal as the latter was falling over tho lino to score. For five minutes Star hemmed Old Boys in the corner with a terrific offensive, and after relief had como from a free kick, they were at it again when Webster mulled tho ball badly to let them through. Excitement grew to fever heat when Old Boys suddenly drove to tho corner with a magnificent passing rush, kicked through and Medley shot down tho touch lino to take tho ball on the bounce in his stride, and cross in the corner to ground tho ball over the line with a couple of Star players hanging round his neck. The terraces rose as one man with a tremendous shout of applause, which quickly changed to a demonstration of surprise when tho referee ordered a five

yards scrum, apparently on tho ground that one of the Star players had his hand on the ball when it was touched down. Old Boys were not to be denied, however, and after an electric five minutes of penetrating thrusts Crawford crossed in. the corner for an unconverted try which gave Old Boys the lead by six points to five. Tho triumph was shortlived, for the Star forwards immediately lushed Old Boys off their feet to the other end, and from off-side play Harvey had no difficulty in front of the posts. Kilby’s injury was too much for him, and he had to retire. Josephs replaced him, going on to the wing, and Kinsella came in to half back. Twice Old Boys were away in full sail for the line, but the Star backs, showing a remarkable turn of speed, were absolutely sound in their tackling. Down the field came the Old Boys forwards, ball at toe, and for a devastating few moments had Star scrambling on the goal line. Tense silence reigned when Star were penalised, but Crawford’s kick was just wide. Playing magnificently fore and aft, Old Boys raked the opposition on both sides of the field, and. triumph came to them a second time when the ball was whipped out to the backs from the ruck. Brown gathered up the ball to make a lot of ground, passing on to Webster for the latter to score a magnificent try in the corner. Once again Old Boys’ triumph was short-lived. History repeated itself. Star rushed play to the other end and from a fierce scramble Clarke dashed over to ground the ball in the corner amidst a struggling mass of black and white humanity. From the Press stand his elbow appeared to be well over the touch-in-goal line ae he fell, but the referee awarded him a try. Old Boys made a final burst, and twice Crawford had shots at goal from penalties, but it was his off day, and the game ended with the score:— Star 11 Old Boys 0 Mr. F. Julian refereed. STRATFORD DOWN CLIFTON SCORES EQUAL AT THE INTERVAL. VISITORS GAIN IN SECOND SPELL. Exciting incidents had the crowd on its feet a good many times at Waitara where Stratford defeated Clifton by 11 points to five. With Ward in the van the local players were just as good as their opponents in the first spell and the game had not gone far before Clifton had opened their account with a converted try. A few minutes later Stratford retaliated in a similar manner and with the scores even excitement ran high for the rest of the spell. At that stage it was anybody’s game, but after the interval the more machine-like work of the visiting forwards, in collaboration with their backs, had a wearing effect on the other side. This was Stratford’s spell. Having kicked off, Stratford took play past Clifton’s 25 line, where Hinton went through in the centre only to be well collared by Carey. Then Collins started Wynyard on a dash along the side that ended when he sent in to Carey, who was in front. Walter, Young and Smith gained territory for Stratford and Clifton were obliged to force. Next, Ward and his men rushed the ball to the other end, where Carey fielded and threw to Watson, en route to Jonas, who was stopped by Collins some yards from his objective. Clifton continued to attack and Carey was interrupted none too soon on his way to the goal line. Then Watson carried on the good work until ho lost the ball. Very soon, however, it was picked up by Ward, who carried Collins over the line and scored in a good position for Watson to add the extra points. Spurred on by their success the Clifton forwards again charged towards the posts, Ward proving a valiant leader. Successive ruches were checked by Wynyard and Hinton. Collins essayed a goal kick from a penalty, but failed. His forwards carried on, however, and a great rush finished in a line-out well up the field. From this Coleman obtained to burst, through the defence and ground the ball ; over the line. Collins placed a fine kick over the bar to make the scores five all. Determined to regain the lead, Clifton, once

more launched an attack, hut Jonas, who was having difficulty in fielding the ball, again dropped a pass. Then Owen secured from a scrum and went straight through in the middle, only to be stopped within ten yards of the line. He repeated the performance a minute or so later, when J. Walter sent him away, the completion of the movement being prevented by an accidental knock-on by Wynyard. A further Stratford assault was broken up for Clifton to take up the running. Collins was forced out on the corner and his colleagues were hard pressed for some time. A scrum gave relief, following which J. Sangster secured from a line-out and, passing several men, sent on to Wynyard, who was stopped ten yards from the line. Both sides took their turns at attack, but there was no further score when tho interval arrived. The second spell was opened with a determined attack by Stratford, who forced their way well into Clifton s teintory. E. Walter ran through and sent on to W ynyard, who was held up on tho side-line. Ward led a fine forward movement, but Stratford returned play to their opponents’ corner. Here Taylor snapped up and grounded the. ball just short of tho line. During an ensuing melee the wing repeated his effort, only to be pushed out. McFarlane was responsible for some good defensive work. Stratford, however, were not to be gainsaid and finally Sangster picked up from a scramble near the goal line and sent on to Taylor, via Owen. Taylor made the best of a clear run down the side, but Collins could not convert tho try. Collins and Young were called upon in turn to defend their goals. Fryday took the ball upfield and Clifton were obliged to force when Wynyard finished near the line after a passing rush. Pressure continued until Early relieved with a mark. Sangster* secured and sent all his backs away in a fine movement, but Wynyard was tackled. Ward forced to prevent a score before the Clifton forwards went to Stratford’s 25 line. During ensuing play in Clifton’s territory there appeared, from the stand, to be a series of knocks-on in which both sides were concerned. Some players for both teams seemed to expect the sound of the whistle. It did not come, however, and Lehmann, with the ball under his arm, was able practically to stroll along and score under the posts. Young realised too-late that the game v.as not to be held up. Collins’ kick was charged down. From this stage Stratford were in the ascendancy most of • the time. Owen passed to Taylor, who was stopped by Collins in the corner. Collins was injured and was replaced by A. Sangster. McFarlane followed up and launched a determined attack on Stratford’s goal, but the tables were soon turned and the rest of the match was fought in Clifton’s territory. Lehmann secured the final unconverted try, making the position:— Stratford 14 Clifton 5 Mr. J. O’Grady was the referee. INGLEWOOD COMBINE BETTER VICTORY BY TEN POINTS. FINE WORK BY OKATO FORWARDS. Lack of concerted play cost Okato the game against Inglewood, a team that seems to contain some of the most promising material in the province, Ihe final score was 13-3, but until the last live minutes when the Okato foiwaids were visibly tired the game was in anyone’s hands. In the second . half . the Okato forwards were several times in a scoring position, but the final movements lacked finish and over-eagerness nullified the prospects of almost certain scores. Tiplady and Sullivan played well for Okato, while the forwards played a great game. Of the visiting forwards Corney and Clegg played well, and Galbraith and Brown' tfere solid backs on tho attacK. With the wind at their backs, Okato returned the kick-off smartly. Galbraith failed to hold the ball and the home forwards carried play to the corner Hag, where the ball went out. Maingay was caught picking the ball out of the scium and John Goodwin hoisted Okato’s colours with a good kick, from twenty yards lip the side line. Both sides went into the game at a torrid pace and for the next ten minutes the ball travelled from end to end of the field. Noel Ross, took a pass and gained a good stretch of ground before he stab-punted, but the ball rolled just too far and Okato were able to force, Not to be denied, Inglewood came back and when after an infringement near the posts the scrum broke up quickly, Chard, diving on the ball, scored. 11. Brown had no difficulty in putting Inglewood in the lead. Maingay and Galbraith were associated in a good passing movement, but Bright caught Galbraith in possession and the Okato forwards carried the game down-field. Picking up in the loose, B. Goodwin missed an opportunity to “pot ’ and the ball went across to Galbraith, who transferred to N. Ross. Ross kicked but Tiplady beat him to force down. Bad passing robbed both sides of. points in the next few minutes and twice Okato were in a scoring position to lose almost certain tries by overeagerness. A home forward was caught handling in the scrum and the kick took Inglewood out of trouble. Half-time came with play in neutral area. Inglewood set up a hot attack. Brown Kicked across the field and followed up quickly to bustle tho home custodian, who was penalised for shepherding. Brown could not find the posts and Goodwin and Tiplady returned play to the Inglewood quarter. A fine kick by Galbraith saved the situation. In another Okato attack Goodwin and Roberts were prominent. Tho visiting backs wore solidly defending, however. Sullivan left tho field with cramp. He was replaced by Hislop. Play gradually worked into Inglewood’s territory and A. Gudgeon kicked into a dangerous position, but Clegg raced up to save. For allegedly swearing at the referee, Gordon Roebuck was ordered off the field. An infringement gave Jack Goodwin a chance to kick, but tho ball went .just outside. Okato seemed to have a great chance, but the referee missed one of the visiting forwards bustling Goodwin and tho play went upfield. Kicking high in a good wind, Inglewood gained much ground and N. Ross scored a simple try when Okato looked on to watch the ball go out. Snapping up the ball on the line, Hoss ran in behind the posts. Brown added another deuce to the score. Give and take play followed in tho failing light at the conclusion of the game, but Inglewood were coming into their Jwn and were on the attack. The filial score was the best of the <day,-- Clegg intercepting just on the call of time and passing the ball on to J. Ross, who ran

past Hislop and Goodwin to score well out. L. Ross did not add to the score and the game ended:-— Inglewood 1" Okato 3 Mr. M. I. Clarko was referee. TUKAPA SOUNDLY THRASHED CELTIC JUSTIFY SENIOR STATUS. SUPERIOR FORWARDS WIN GAME. Proving that their defeat of Inglewood was no chance victory, Celtic defeated Tukapa by 22 points to 11 at Stratford in a match which, though full of incibright play from the spectator’s pcint dent, was not productive of particularly of view. The game opened sensationally, three tries being scored at alternate ends of the field in twice as many minutes. Celtic continued to increase their lead until a minute before time the score was 22 to six. The winners’.improvement in the forwards, who showed greater cohesion in the scrum and in the loose and whose rawness is being polished by experience, was the chief factor in the decision of the game, Tukapa being completely out of the picture during the greater part of the second spell. Neither rearguard impressed, though one excellent movement in which all tin Tukapa backs handled the ball resulted in a try, while Baunton’s second try for Celtic was the result of a clever dummy with which he fooled the opposing fiveeighths. Hard after the ball from the kick-off, Celtic pushed Tukapa to their line, where from a scrum Bublitz shot the ball to Eaunton, .who was over before the visitors had realised the game was started. Dodd converted from well out. Tukapa retaliated quickly and an attempt at a pot by Brittenden from the wing came into O’Dowda’s hands when in a position from which he could not help scoring. Boswell’s kick missed. It was Celtic’s turn according to the order of things, and they fulfilled expectations when Beardmore made an opening for Pryce to hand to Hurton, who crossed far out, Dodd missing with the kick. Eleven points had been scored in just over half as many minutes and Celtic were five points up, but when the teams settled down to business Tukapa held the advantage territorially, their forwards giving the backs possession of the ball more often until one of the passing rushes tney indulged in ended in Sullivan crossing after all the backs had handled. Hill failed to convert. Play swung rapidly from one end of the field to the other, both teams making strenuous if not particularly brilliant efforts to score until the spell ended with Celtic still two points in the lead. The second half was begun with great dash by Celtic, who were not to be denied. They kept pegging away at the line, and after clean handling by the forwards, which completely beat their opponents, Baunton dummied his way I through the Tukapa backs and touched down under the posts. A well deserved try was converted by Dodd without difficulty. The Celtic forwards were combining better than in the first spell and their efforts in the scrum and in the loose kept Tukapa penned in their half until the last minute of play. Their hard grafting bore fruit when O’Keefe dived through a line to score and Dodd converted with a splendid kick across the wind from the side line. Richardson just failed to reach the ball in time when he kicked it over the goal line, and Dodd came very close with a penalty from the side-line at half-way, but Young put the issue beyond doubt by dropping a goal high over the cross-bar. A minute before time McGuire scored in the dark for Tukapa and Evans piloted the ball between scarcely visible posts, making the final score: Celtic Tukapa H Mr. A. O’Sullivan refereed.