COMPETITIONS NEAR CLOSE

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1929, Page 4

COMPETITIONS NEAR CLOSE

STRATFORD AND INGLEWOOD BEATEN

STAR HAVE CLEAR LEAD IN NORTH

THE LEADERS UNCHANGED IN SOUTH

The fifth series of second round matches in the Taranaki senior Rugby competition was decided on Saturday, conditions generally being favourable for football. The grounds, though heavy after the recent rains, were in most centres not holding, permitting fast, open football. As the weather was warm and at times sunny there were good and the spectators were rewarded with gome fine games. As the result of the day’s play the position regarding the Championship in the Northern division has been clarified. Three of the matches showed a reversal of form as compared with the first round. Stratford were defeated by the leaders (Star), and Inglewood, the only other team in the running, were defeated by Old Boys. Star now have a commanding lead of three pomts.and, with only two more matches to play, are practically in an unassailable position. In the Southern division the three leaders all repeated their success of the first round, so that there is no alteration as yet in that division, but next Saturday’s match between Opunake and Okaiawa may throw some light on the ultimate result. Kaponga defeated Eltham, thus turning the tables on their neighbours. Results at a glance are NORTHERN DIVISION. SOUTHERN DIVISION. Star 10 v. Stratford 9. Opunake 25 v. Waimate 6. Old Boys sv. Inglewood nil. Okaiawa 24 v. Athletic 3. Celtic 11 v. Clifton 6. . Hawera 9v. Patea nil. Tukapa 31 v. Okato nil.' Kaponga 14 v. Eltham 5.

NORTH TARANAKI RUGBY STAR NORTHERN LEADERS STRATFORD BEATEN BY POINT. VICTORY DUE TJ SPLENDID BACKS. A great game was played, at Stratford when- the supremacy of the northern division was fought out between Star and Stratford before a large crowd, of spectators. By the margin of one point (10 to 9) Star emerged the winners, but many people including some who rushed to stand behind the posts, thought Collins’ attempt at conversion of Stratford’s last try had been successful. Star owed the victory to the splendid line of backs, who gave a convincing exhibition of football at its best. Star’s efforts in this division were in marked contrast to the rather blundering ’ tactics of the Stratford rearguard. in attack, but the home pack left nothing to be desired. In fact they were dominating play during the last few minutes. Collins took the field to the surprise of many supporters, but limped noticeably throughout the game and was obviously handicapped in his play. Otherwise, every man was playing at the top of his form and the game that resulted, was, in every way, worthy of the occasion. Tackling on both sides was very deadly and the game was marked by continuous hard play.- The number of stoppages through injury were remarkably few and all occurred during the second half. Star kicked off and eager Stratford forwards at once packed into an attack which Kinsella temporarily frustrated, ibut Collins sent a well-judged grounder to the line. E. Walter and Wynyard were then associated in an attractive passing rush which finished with Stratford BWMrming round Star’s goal. At a critical moment McLean cleared brilliantly, . but an infringement gave Collins a chance to goal. The kick, however, failed to rise. Kinsella was responsible for a brief invasion of Stratford’s territory, but Fryday broke back. Over-keenness spoiled a promising Star back movement, but the public were treated to a fine bout of passing a minute later. Star’s attack continued until. Taylor broke through and an interchange of kicks finished with play on the half-way line. By working the line, Star advanced but Fryday took advantage of a dropped pass to race over a quarter of the field, kick on and secure again, thus reversing the order of attack. A hot scrimmage in front of Star’s goal let Jack Walter dive over to score a .splendid try. Before Collins could kick the ball it rolled over and the attempt at conversion failed miserably. Exciting play followed the kick-off. Fryday took a pass on the full and broke clear racing for the line. He passed to Wynyard, who gained many yards and then Fryday almost secured the ball again close to the goal line. In the scramble Hunt forced just in time. Back to the other end of the field flashed play and Shaw, McDonald, Clegg, Harvey and Moorhead were associated in a sparkling bout of passing that ended on Stratford’s line. Star again secured from the scrum and Pepperill set his rearguard away. H. Wolfe Jiad only to take his pass to run in and score, but the ball rolled over his shoulder. Strenuous play fallowed with Star still attacking and the crowd at fever point with excitement. Clegg and then Clark awept down with the ball at their feet And Ford got up in time to score. Harvey added the major points with an accurate kick. The next incident of note was a splendid dash up the line by H. Wolfe, who transferred to McDonald and the Star backs threi ed again. Fryday worked another of his sensational breakaways and effectively removed his team from danger. Star now wae called upon to defend but a free kick relieved the tension. Half-time sounded with play In mid-field and 'tar two points up. Stratford gained the advantage from the kick offhand the forwards literally sushed the Star pack back to their own line, Fryday being particularly prominent. In fact he played a magnificent game all through the match. Owen cut in round the scrum, shook off Clegg and

Billing and shot the ball out to Taylor, who was grounded when almost over. Star worked back but a dropped kick allowed Bond to reach within striking distance and Collins tried a pot when a Star “speculator” sneaked past the busy forwards. Star scored a spectacular try when Billing’s kick confused both Wynyard and E. Walter and Ford kicked on. McDonald rushed up to take part in the movement, dropped the ball secured again and sent Kinsella on to score unopposed beneath the post. Harvey again made no mistake with the kick, making Star’s score 10 to Stratford’s 3.

Almost immediately Stratford increased its scoring tally when Collins kicked a neat goal from a penalty. Twice Star saved awkward situations by intercepting passes and Hunt was called upon to do some quick thinking. Then Kinsella and Billing combined to centre play about half-way. Pepperill at half was doing splendid service for his team at this stage and was being well supported by his rearguard, who flumr in rush after rush. There was gootl tackling on the part of the Stratford backs. Fryday, Hinton, Young and Lehmann were responsible for a combined forward rush but a long kick sent them back. Stratford had a “life” when E. Walter tripped near the line and Star fought hard in a series of scrummages to win the last.few yards. They were sent back but Stratford’s defences were sorely tried when forwards and backs came again. With ten minutes to go Billing (Star) retired with a hurt shoulder, Blincoe taking his place. A determined Stratford assault ended in Kinsella’s forcing. Almost on time Wynyard scored a great try right out. A large section of the crowd left their seats to stand behind the goal and went delirious with delight as Collins’ kick sailed in the right’ direction. The ball, however, was signalled a no goal, the umpires recording it as passing just outside. The last few minutes were extremely fast but Star’s defences withstood several determined attacks, the home team spending its efforts in splendid style. The game ended without further score. Star 10 Stratford 9 Mr. J. O’Grady refereed. BRIGHT DISPLAY OF RUGBY OLD BOYS DEFEAT INGLEWOOD. NARROW MARGIN IN KEEN GAME. After a bright display in which interest was maintained till the close, Old Boys defeated Inglewood by a converted try to nil at Pukekura Park, thus exactly reversing the scores in the first round match. The teams were evenly matched both back and forward and, as the backs threw the ball about on every possible occasion, the public were given plenty of' excitement. Each side took their turn at attack' but sound defence, combined with faulty handling at times by both sets of backs, a tendency on the part of the Ingle wood ..backs to kick and failure of the old Boys inside men to run straight spoilt opportunities. Only once was the defence of either side pierced by a score and that was by Old Boys within Io minutes of the close. On numerous occasions each line was very seriously menaced. Inglewood had the better of the first half and Old Boys of the second. The game was hard fought but clean. Inglewood opened with the disadvantage°of the sun/Inglewood secured from the first scrum and Maingay shot the ball to Brown on the blind, but Webster brought him down. Old Boys tried to set their machinery moving but Harris at half was not judging his passes well. However, Brown lined near the twentyfive, placing Old Boys on the attack till Inglewood backs cleared with a passing bout. A high kick by Brown (Old Boys) saw Galbraith gather up and step into touch right on the corner. Old Boys kept up the pressure but their inside men missed opportunities and finally Brown and Mcßoberts were associated in a move that took play to neutral territory. Old Boys gave a taste of their best form, all handling beautifully and running straight for Webster, when blocked, to kick upfield, but Galbraith was just able to line at the corner. Hesitation by two of the Inglewood backs let Old Boys attack again, th® ball re-

bounding from K. Fookes. From a penalty Crawford had a great chance (! to goal but failed. Old Boys were back again, giving Inglewood a solid period of defence. Finally Drader, Brown and Webster charged down over the line for the latter to De beaten by a fraction by three red men, who forced. Crawford was just beaten by the bounce as he dashed over the line. Old Boys tried hard to get the ball out and S. Fookes and Brown attempted field goals that failed. Inglewood backs tried hard to break away but Old Boys kept them penned in. Maingay, badly beating Ilarr’x and McPherson, kicked over the fullback’s head and Mcßoberts, using his pace, smothered Fookes’ return right on the old Boys’ line. From a scrum L. Ross kicked across to N. Ross, who was just beaten, the ball going to touch near the corner. Inglewood worked hard for a try but Harris forced. A heady kick by ,K. Fookes had Old Boys again attacking, and when K. Fookes broke through a try looked likely till he passed forward to Crawford, the resultant penalty kick finding touch at half-way. Galbraith made a spectacular break through but his kick was well fielded by Brown, whose pass was taken offside by Perry. Snappy play by both sets of backs kept the crowd on the tip-toe of expectation. Suddenly L. Ross flashed the ball to N. Ross, who was taken by Priar but two Inglewood men carried on over the line and dived on the ball to be recalled for a knock-on. Tight play followed on Old Boys’ line, and then Harris cleared. Inglewood were securing from the scrum and Maingay, using the blind, sent N. Ross galloping to be upended by Medley. Play then swung infield, but L. Ross spoilt a great chance by kicking instead of passing and Old Boys forced. H. W. Brown was injured and retired, Bellringer ’going out on the wing while Webster moved in. At half-time there was no score.

On the resumption, Old Boys’ forwards attacked, getting within 10 yards of the line, where their backs opened out, but a dropped pass let Inglewood reach neutral territory. Galbraith, having gone in to centre, sent Brown streaking for the line but Bellringer was able to haul him down. Clegg led his pack on but Priar snapped the ball from their feet and lined near half-way. Priar checked solid Inglewood attacks, the visitors having the better of the game. Each side was trying to make the game as open as possible but gave the other side little quarter. However, the visiting backs, showing more dash and snap, drove their opponents right to the line and held them penned for a while. The Old Boys returned to the twenty-five, where the visitors overran the ball which Fookes picked up and sent out to Medley, who had a chance to use his pace but failed to gather in the ball. Old Boys, however, carried on and, hooking cleanly, sent K. Fookes through with two men in support, but they failed to reach bis pass and Galbraith was able to start Inglewood attacking again. Failure by the inside men to run straight spoilt an Old Boys’ chance. L. Ross kicked when he had his men with him. A lengthy interchange of kicks ended when Palmer and Priar collided, the former being slightly injured. Inglewood assumed the upper hand, Mcßoberts bursting through to be held up. Galbraith followed up and a swarm went over the line, Inglewood going very near scoring. A scrum was ordered. L. Rossessayed a pot but the kick was wide and the ball swung to midfield where J. Ross essayed another pot, the ball going just wide. Inglewood kept moving but S. Fookes checked them with a useful mark. Using the blind Maingay sent Brown away but he could not pass Bellringer whilst Priar proved safe when tested twice. Inglewood kept moving, as many as seven handling the ball in a pretty bout that saw Brown send the ball infield again when checked. Old Boys could not get out of their own twenty-five for a long time; neither could Inglewood penetrate their defence. Old Boys at last made a sortie, Webster and Bellringer sprinting when the visitors dropped a pass, but they were beaten by the bounce. When Medley on the other wing got moving N. Ross promptly collared him. Old Boys kept moving. K. Fookes dashed through and was well tackled, but the forwards swept to the line for Palmer to dive over and score a good try which Crawford converted. With 15 minutes to go play became willing as Inglewood made desperate attempts to equalise the scores. N. Ross centred for L. Ross to dash through well into Old Boys’ twenty-five, but Galbraith was well taken by Priar. Palmer roused Old Boys with another great dash which took play to the visitors’ territory. A long kick uy K. Fookes went to the dead ball line. Old Boys attacked solidly and swept the ball over the line, but Luxton missed in his dive. K. Fookes had a pot which went wide. Ross kicked into the arms of Crawford, who marked, his drop at goal just missing. Failure by Mcßoberts to hold the ball spoilt a chance, but Clegg carried on with the ball at foot to the twenty-five, where Maingay again sent it along his backs but Brown could not pass Bellringer. Play ended soon afterwards in neutral territory with the score: Old Boys' 5 Inglewood 0 Mr. G. Hooker was referee.

CELTIC PIPED TO VICTORY DEFEAT OF CLIFTON TEAM. FORTUNES QUICKLY FLUCTUATE. The fast, light Celtic team again showed they are a force to be contended with when they defeated Clifton by 11 to G at Waitara. To the inspiring strains of the bagpipes played by Piper Old, Celtic clapped on eight points in the first ten minutes, but when the effect of the music had worn off the Clifton team came to the fore and dominated the game until the last ten minutes of the second spell. Clifton kicked off into the sun and Dodd, who throughout the game did not take his high kicks well, was caught in possession. The Clifton forwards heeled to their backs but just as they were in a good attacking position Jonas, the winger, missed his pass. Clifton again received the ball but Skelton sent a high pass which Richardson neatly intercepted. Swerving from side to side he left his opponents in his wake, and after covering three-quarters of the length of the field, he scored. Dodd failed to convert. With Celtic in the lead the Clifton forwards strove hard to make an openin'’-. From a scrum Celtic hooked and Richardson short-punted over Watson’s head and raced past, but the Clifton centre caught him as he tried .to pick up. However, the movement was not spoiled for Pryce and Young followed up and the latter scored after dribbling the ball o the line. Dodd converted with a neat kick. By this-time Celtic were hooking the ball from the set

scrums, and many an opportunity was given their fast backs. From a line-out Thomas broke through and transferred to Fowler, but Celtic stemmed the rush. Beardmore initiated a forward rush which put Celtic in a position to use their backs. However, the Clifton backs crowded them to the line and the ball went out of play. In a solo effort Watson dashed across the field and down the line until the ball was knocked from, his hands. Utilising their superior . weight the Clifton forwards drove Celtic back to their line, where they had to foice. After a series of long kicks Clifton were awarded a free kick which Young marked as the Clifton pack were on him. His kick gained much ground. Immediately play brightened and Clifton and Celtic alternately set their backs in motion. Both sides were kicking and following up but Celtic were getting the better of the exchanges. Finally Young kicked hard and Watson received. He had plenty of room to work and used it to advantage by dodging two opponents, but he failed to elude Dodd, who tackled him on the line. Ward sent away the wing, Sutton, but he also was well collared. Playing magnificiently, M atson drew his man and passed to button, who was downed by Richardson as no was nearing the line, but lie was up immediately and hurled himself oxer y corner post. Jonas failed to goa . by Ward the Clifton forwards dribbled the ball to the line again, but the sound kicking of the Celtic backs caused them to retreat. Grubb dashed round the line-out and short-punted. Pryce and Richardson followed up and Clifton were in danger as the whistle blew for halttime with scores: Celtic 8, Clifton 3. Soon after the spell Hinton broke away from a tight scrum with the ball at his toe but the rush came to nothing. Clifton hooked and Rowe worked the blind side by passing to Jonas, who sped down the line and kicked. . Do picked up and turned the attack in Celtic’s favour. Seiwood dribbled the ball to Celtic’s line, but Richardson, using his pace, picked up just in the nick of tinie and found touch with a fine kick. From the line-out Skelton received and crashed into Watson, who was temporarily incapacitated. Although the game was fast there were no co-ordinated back movements by either side. Watson kicked hard and witn a great run just managed to tackle Dodd as Im fielded the ball. Following up, Clifton forced their way to the line where Celtic were penalised. Watson’s ki :k just failed. At this period Clifton were having much the better oi the game and Celtic were compelled to force. Dodd kicked high and hard and immediately the game brightened up. Howell attacked brilliantly. Then play veered back as Richardson replied with a similar run that was checked by Carey. The ball came out of the Celtic scrum like a cannon shot and Grubb sent his backs away, but they were penalised and drifted back to half-way. From there Richardson cut in and when he had drawn his man passed to Hinton, who had a clear run in. Dodd could not goal. Clifton forwards fought their way to Celtic’s line where they were awarded a free kick which did not benefit them. However, they soon had another, opportunity to goal from a good position but again did not avail themselves of the chance, and were driven back to halfway. Jonas made a dash down the line but was not backed up. Clifton were awarded a penalty and Watson landed a fine goal as the game finished. — Celtic Clifton • • b TUKAPA WIN EASILY THIRTY-ONE POINTS TO NIL. OKATO FIELD A WEAK TEAM. Tukapa had little difficulty in disposing of Okato in the first match played at°Pukekura Park, the final score being 31 points to nil. The ranks of the coastal team were severely depleted by influenza, and it was only with considerable difficulty that they were able to "et a team together at all. Eventually they took the field with 14 men, and though outclassed in the rear division, they fought very gamely, and the torwards were on the ball until the fina bell. . , Okato caught Tukapa napping from the kick-off, and nearly scored through the members of the latter team leaving the fielding of the ball to everyone else. Thomson effected relief with a good breakaway. After a few piercing thrusts Tukapa were at last successful. The ball was whipped out to Evans on the wing, who made a fine dash down the touch line and in-passed to Dickson for the latter to hand on to Sleep, and the forward was able to cross unopposed. Boswell converted. After a long pen od of unscientific play, in which Tukapa were mostly on the attack, the Tukapa forwards embarked on a passing ius i near the Okato goal line, and 0 Dowda secured to sell the dummy very nea y and cut in over line to score under the bar. Boswell could not goal, and half time came with Tukapa leading by eight to nil. , Tukapa opened the second spell with a pretty run by the backs. Thomson secured to make a lot of ground with a dashing run, and Evans finished oft the movement with a burst down 10 touch line. He grounded the ball over the goal line, but was recalled for stepping into touch. Points were not long m coming, however. Evans was gA en tle ball again, and outstripped the opposition to score an unconverted try m the comer. Within a few minutes the score was added to by another try. Halt a dozen Tukapa players figured in an impromptu passing rush which ended in O’Dowda handing on to Evans for the winger to score in the corner.. Hill, converted from near the touch line, with a magnificent kick. Tukapa were in ing mood, and Sullivan took the ball near the touch line to dodge Okeioa, at full-back and score by the upright. Hill converted. The next try came to Tukapa as a result of a neat piece of centung by Brittenden.- Brown figured twice in a passing movement that ended .when Brittenden secured near the touch line. When on the point of being eiowded out he punted neatly infield, and rhomso>i had a clear run to the posts. Hill converted. Tukapa completed their scoring in the last few minutes when Evans took the ball at top speed on the wing from Thomson, who had made a good opening, and ran round the field to score under the bar. Hill converted, making the final score:— Tukapa 31 Okato 0 Mr. Harrison refenVd.