RUGBY SEASON BEGINS

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1930, Page 4

RUGBY SEASON BEGINS

OPENING GAMES IN WARM WEATHER

START OF SENIOR COMPETITION

ELTHAM SEVERELY SHAKE OPUNAKE

In warm weather, more appropriate to summer games than to football, the 1930 McMaster’s Shield Rugby competition was opened throughout Taranaki on Saturday, and for such an early opening good form was displayed by players, whilst keen interest was taken in the various games by the public. There is no question that the forthcoming visit of the British team has created a revival oi interest and has given an incentive to players to endeavour to strike form early so as to'catch the eyes of the selector. In many of the games on Saturday there was little between the opposing teams, indicating some close, struggles during the season. Perhaps the greatest surprise was in South Taranaki, where Eltham ran Opunake very close, last year’s champions winning only by a try< Hawera have made a good start, defeating Okaiawa by 11 points to 3. Waimate had a win over Kaponga by 9 points to 6 whilst Patea proved too good for Athletic. In North Taranaki Stratford prevailed over Inglewood by a penalty goal, Tukapa defeated Clifton by two unconverted tries to nil and at Stratford Star defeated Celtic by 14 points to 9. At New Plymouth Old Boys overwhelmed Okato. Results at a-glance:—. • ■ NORTHERN DIVISION. ; SOUTHERN DIVISION. ' Old Boys 37 v. Okato nil. / . Waimate 9v. Kaponga 6. Star 14 v. . Celtic 9., Batea 16 v. Athletic 3. Stratford 3 v. Inglewood-nil. Opunake 3 v. Eltham ml. Tukapa 6 v. Clifton nil. Hawera 11 v. Okaiawa .3.

OLD BOYS EASY VICTORY REARGUARD OUTCLASSES OKATO THIRTY-SEVEN POINTS TO NIL. ■ ✓ Old Boys’ backs monopolised the game light from the start at Pukekura Paik, where they defeated Okato by 37 points to nil. From the kick-off Old Boys’ backs secured and within a few minutes they were twice within an ace of scoring. Olson was feeding the. rearguard well. The inside backs were a little uncertain but K. Fookes and Brown here a tower of strength and with their powerful running were a. source-of great.-. danger to ' • the opposing side. ■ The speed of this rearguard could not long be withstood. First Medley scored in the corner, after a stirring run by the backs. ■ Brown could not goal. Then away sped the backs in the other direction, and an in-pass to Mace from Bellringer resulted in the former trotting over to score a simple try near’ the posts. Crawford converted.. Mace was proving a very useful connecting link, and executed two brilliant cuts-in. As a result of one of these K. Fookes and Brown secured to put in a powerful run and tho latter passed with nice judgment to Medley who outstripped the opposi- '■ lion to score an unconverted try in the i corner. Within a few moments Brown burst through the whole of the opposition and had a clear field of only a few yards to go to the goal line when ho dropped the ball. Within a moment or two he scored from a passing rush. Crawford had no difficulty in converting, and after a quarter of gn hour’s play Old Boys were leading by 16 to nil. Old Boys continued to have practically all the territorial advantage. Brown sent a tremendous kick to the corner where 8. Fookes galloped up fast. Before anyone else had , arrived Medley quickly , threw the. ball in to Fookes and the latter fell over the line, to score,. Crawford could not convert. The last score 'of the gpeir came as the result of a spectacular piece of in and out passing by the Old Boys’ backs. .'At the end " , of a fast run Mace cut in and the run ended with a score by Brown. Crawford converted with a good kick and tho bell sounded with tho score: Old Boys 24, Okato 0, Okato forwards had — more than held their own, but the backs had been sadly outclassed. Only twice in tho whole spell had they penetrated into Old Boys’ territory with anything like a . sustained attack. In each instance Carter was the brains and driving force of the movement.' Old Boys did not have anything like the same superiority in the early stages of the second spell, and several times Okato came closb to scoring. Old Boys’ narrowest escape occurred when determined efforts by Okato let Carter and Taylor through and nearly . resulted in one or other of these ; players ■ scoring. For a long period of loose play Old : Roys were penned in a strenuous defence. Old Boys sparkled up, and rusln. ed play to tho other end where Plum-, tree crossed from a melee, but a fiveyards serum was ordered. Okato were penalised and Crawford goaled from a handy position. From tho loose Brown secured and swerved round and through tho opposition to score under the bar. Crawford converted. Brown sent Medley away on the wing and the latter scored. Priar converting from the side-line with a magnificent kick. The final score was: Old Boys 37 Okato 0 Mr, 11. C. Johnson refereed.

GAOLS PREDOMINATE

STAR’S DEFEAT OF CELTIC SIDE.

HARVEY AND DODD KICK WELL.

Tho match between Celtic and Star at Stratford did not give rise to optimism as to the success of the old rules as a means of raising the standard of football in Taranaki. 'The game was dull from start to finish. Practically all tho play was among the forwards and the first half was merely a succession of line-outs from which neither team secured any advantage. Star won

by five points, their score , of 14 being made up of three penalty goals and a converting kick, all secured by Harvey, and a try (the only good piece of work in tho match) by Meuli. Celtic were similarly fortunate in the possession of an accurate kick, .foi” Dodd’s goaimg of three out of four penalty kicks gave them their pine points. It was a strange fact that, with the exception of Meuli’s try, neither goal-line was ever seri-. onsly endangered during the whole game. The crowd was only fair in numbers and was very apathetic. Play ranged about half way from the kick off, but gradually worked into Star’s territory. Sampson tried to line in safety but Dodd took tho ball in his stride '.and a moment:, later Ansley lined beyond the quarter flag. After an attack that was mainly confined to the ‘forwards,’ Celtic Was ■ awarded ''a free kick and Dodd placed a beautiful goal from ten yards inside half way. Harvey evened the score with an equally splendid kick which covered practically the same distance as Dodd’s. At midway Walshe broke through Celtic’s inner backs, but Richardson intercepted his pass and raced in the opposite direction to send Pryce away on a solo run, but Pryce wasted his opportunity by looking behind for support. It was an occasion for a quick run and a short punt. Star executed a good run when Sampson, Billing and Lealand were associated in a passing bout which broke down when Kinsella on the wing knocked forward.. After half-an-hour’s indifferent play Celtic increased their score when Dodd put another fine penaty kick exactly between the posts. Celtic forwards set up an attack that developed in intensity, but Walshe snapped up quickly at the side of a serum and sent Meuli racing down the line to kick over Dodd’s head. Tobart got across in time to line. The visitors were now in foreign ground and a good run by Kinsella considerably improved their position. Star were still attacking at half-time.

The game had scarcely been resumed when Harvey placed a-neat goal from a mid-field penalty, thus evening the scores. The first force in the game came immediately afterwards when Kinsella broke away and kicked on, Richardson, who came across fast, just beating him in the run for the ball. The play that followed was singularly lacking in incident, but Sampson livened things by an enterprising run and kick which enabled Lealand to catch Dodd with the ball. Back to mid-field came the ball, and Richardson, Grubb and Pryce combined in a Clever bout of passing. Star backs came to light for a brief moment, but arising from the movement Harvey was given another chance with the ball and added three points to Star’s total with his third fine kick. Star backs were responsible for an unexpected and successful attack. Billing started the rush and passed to Samp&pn, who raced away with Tiplady and Walshe in attendance. The ball travelled via these two to ■ Meuli, who streaked over and scored behind the posts, giving Harvey an .easy task to convert the try. The concluding stages were marked by anthree points to Celtic when Dodd placed an easy, goal from a free kick for obstruction close -to the posts. The final scores were: Star ..... 14 Celtic p Mr. N. Frost refereed. STRATFORD JUST HOLDS OWN GREAT FORWARD STRUGGLE. INGLEWOOD'S STRENUOUS FIGHT. Stratford prevailed over Inglewood by a penalty goal to nil after a stern struggle at Inglewood. Play throughout was of a hard and willing nature, the forwards toiling ceaselessly. It was spoilt from the spectators’ viewpoint by overmuch kicking and many lineouts and scrums. As is the case at the start of the season the infringements were many and this, together with a determination shown by both teams to ■‘work the line” and take advantage of the adoption of the old kick into touch rule, was the cause of proeesisions of' scrums and line-outs. Although these were invested with keen rivalry gave the really fine forwards in

both packs the chance-, to show what hard work'they could get through in an afternoon, it lent the game a tiring and uninteresting aspect, for many of those present, ' The two packs were evenly matched with Stratford gaining the advantage as the game pre weeded. In the early l .ages and often for three and foui scrums in succession the Ingle wot < hookers, Gudgeon and Corncy, raked the ball. In the line-outs Stratford were superior, Kivell, Walter and Bond being in specially good form. The tight play that predominated was evenly fought for the greater part of the game, with Stratford showing up better .in the last half. Clegg and O'Keefe were in everything, but the whole Inglewood pack’worked smoothly and well. Neither back division indulged in much passing, Stratford preferring to kick and Inglewood finding the attentive Fryday a tough proposition. The play of Coilins was outstanding. Time and again he would send the Inglewood men back with long, . powerful kicks. . His defence was superb. Owen and . Grace played sound games, the former almost getting over on several occasions. Hunt and. Maingay were the star Inglewood backs. The latter found plenty to do at the rear of his pack and was always in danger of the fast Stratford breakaways. Hunt, seemingly slow, was ever handy when Stratford pressed and, on the few occasions the backs opened out,. was the most dangerous man there. Inglewood won the toss but the overcast conditions ' gave little advantage. ■Penalties to both sides for infringements in forward play were holding up .wood hooking well, allowing Maingay had a run but Fryday broke it up. Coles injured his knee and L. Rose tookhis place. Many scrums saw Inglethe game. Coles, Maingay and Corkill to clear when Stratford pressed. Stratford drove down in a great forward rally but Hunt kicked to touch. The Stratford backs swung into line, for Owen to fall to L. Ross. The Inglewood forwards came away and Collins coolly sent them back with a magnificent kick, Inglewood were penalised for handling in the scrum and Collins, from well out, landed, a great goal. L. Ross burst through but fell to Collins’ fine tackle. McDonald missed a rolling ball and only a penalty against the eager Fryday brought relief. Collins took a penalty from well out, but his kick missed. Fryday marked in handy position, his attempt at goal- failing to rise. Half-time sounded with play in midfield and the score unchanged.

Inglewood ‘ attacked from the bell, rushing play to the Stratford line, where Collins dived in and found touch.. O’Keefe, Clegg and Devereux led the home team into Stratford territory and play' suddenly opened out, Maingay and L. Ross sending the ball to Hunt, who cut almost through to send on to J. Ro<?s. Collins and Taylor worked Ross towards the sideline and eaught him. Kivell shot out of a loose scramble with ball in hand anil sent Owen awa*. L. Ross and - Hunt cleared. Clegg came through but Owen tricked him and carried on until three Inglewood men tackled him. This play was exciting and the best of the match, Fryday , came round a scrum too fast and Hunt missed ■ a, long; kick. Maingay gamely went down at the feet of Young and Bond and more tight play ensued. Owen ducked through but was held up for a knock-on when the field wae clear. Grace broke up an Inglewood attack and the forwards carried on. Time was called with Inglewood on the attack and the score unchanged:

Stratford ......... 3 Inglewood Mr. T. King was referee. SIX POINT WIN FOR TUKAPA CLIFTON FIGHT ALL THE WAY. COMBINATION IMPROVES IN GAME. Tukapa beat Clifton at Waitaia by six points (two unconverted tries) to nil. In the first half there was little between the teams, play generally being dominated by the forwards with an occasional flash of action by the backs. In, the second half both sets of backs combined much better, the Tukapa men working together a little better than their opponents. For the home team Watson was outstanding, and tho speed of the other two three-quarters, Tate and Jonas, stood them in good stead. Ward, Belwood and Fowler■ were, the outstanding men in a hard-working pack which tired slightly towards the end. For the visitors A. Petty on the wing signalised his return to club football by' scoring two good tries, L. Petty did his work well at full-back, the remainder of the backs being' better as a combination than singly. A. Guy was useful, at wing-forward, and McNeill earned distinction in the forwards. Clifton held an advantage in the scrums. Play remained in mid-field until the Clifton forwards pressed, a force-down resulting. . The Tukapa backs were throwing the ball around well but failed to gain ground. New rules caused play to swing up and down tho line, with tho tukapa men. gradually working their way into home territory, where Watson and Carey cleared. The Clifton back line swung into action and Jonas, with a man waiting, was tackled with the ball yards, from the line. Fortunes were continually changing. Although presented with many opportunities. neither team’s backs were able to penetrate tho other’s defence. Sutton (Clifton) was caught with the ball near his own line but the forwards, led by Ward and Fowler, transferred play down the field. Watson failed to goal from a handy position. A. Petty broke away but was well tackled, as was Tate (Clifton) a moment later. Guy failed to open Tukapa’s account when he was given a shot at goal. Boswell crosskicked into Watson’s hands and the winger was nearly away. Watson was again prominent, and good following up by the forwards was nearly productive. A free kick was awarded but Watson failed. The spell had been fast and interesting. A. Petty gained applause by marking in the face of a determined forward attack. His kick returned play to the other end, and from a line-out he scored a well-deserved try, . Boswell’s kick lacked elevation. Clifton attacked eagerly and had a chance to equalise when Bithell was off-side on Tukapa’s twentyfive but Tate failed. Tukapa’s back play was improving but was not superior to Clifton’s. Watson again made a good .run; transferring to Jonas when tackled. Tukapa forwards were handy and play returned to Clifton’s end. The

home team was feeling the effects of the pace but Tukapa had some anxious moments, Jonas racing up tho field with Tato in attendance. A glorious chance was lost when a weak pass went astray. ’Clifton tried again on the other side, Watson just failing to get over. Tukapa’s rearguard combined once more, good tackling felling the backs one by one until Evans was pushed out inches short. Ward and company dribbled back to half way, and Tate carried on till L. Petty stopped him. Sullivan picked up at half-way, brushed away a couple oi lackles and kicked low to Skelton who atrp >ipt.?d to line with a “speculator.” A. Petty, however, was in the offing and scored as Watson tackled him. Boswell missed. Tukapa was content to hold its .x point' lead. Cli’.ton tried hurl bin was unable to penetrate. 'J be gajio en k-.’. v .'Jr the sc-to — Tukapa . 6 Clifton ............ . 0 Mr. L. Divant refcre,/