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Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1930, Page 4

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RU®Y MATCH DRAWN’. POSSIBLES AND PROBABLES TEAM TO PLAY BRITAIN NINETEEN MEN SELECTED The Rugby trial match Probables v. Possibles, played at Stratford yesterday to give the Taranaki ®le selector (Mr. A. Guy) an opportunity of selecting the team to play against Britain on May 24 was drawn, each side securing 16 points. After the match Mr. Guy chose the following nineteen players to-go into training for the British match. The final fifteen will not be selected until the day before the match. P. Ward (Clifton) was appointed by the Rugby Union captain of the team, and H.W. Brown (Old Boys) vice-captain. BACKS. C. Hunt (Inglewood). N. Hunter (Hawera). H. W. Brown (Old Boys). R. Watson (Clifton). , K. Fookes (Old Boys). D. Johnston (Okaiawa). T. Robinson (Opunake). E. Owen (Stratford). C. Brown (Tukapa). ROVER. A. Guy (Tukapa). FORWARDS. C. Wills (Patea). J. Walter (Stratford). . W. Baldwin. (Patea). P. Ward (Clifton). ; : A-.Kivell (Stratford). J. Young (Stratford). W. Robinson (Hawera). R. Clarke (Okaiawa). R. Bond (Stratford).

At a meeting of the management committee of the Rugby Union it was decided that the Taranaki team assemble at New Plymouth next Tuesday evening and that Mr. Cliff Porter, of Wellington/ be invited to visit New Plymouth for the purpose of coaching them. The High School ground and gymnasium have been placed at the disposal of the union for training purposes. Some discussion took place over a suggestion that the captain and vice-captain of the team be sent to Wanganui to view the British team in action there. It was pointed out that both the selector and the coach would see the match at Wanganui, and it was considered more advisable for the captain and vice-cap-tain to remain with the Taranaki team in New Plymouth. It was also decided that no leave be given to players selected... In view of the fact that no replacements will be allowed during the British match it was resolved to have the members selected ' medically examined on Thursday morning. / — — { FLASHES OF BRIGHT PLAY INTEREST WITHOUT BRILLIANCE. SEARCH FOR THREE-QUARTERS. The trial match was played on Victoria /Ark before about 1500 spectators, the. weather remaining fine throughout. - The teams took the field as follows:--Probables.—Collins; J. Crawford, Hunter, H. W. Brown; Johnston, Owen; C. Brown; S. Fookes; Wills, Richards, Me-. Neill, Ward/Heneri; G argan, W. Robinson. . , z Possibles.—Hunt; Watson, Wmiera, K. Fookes; T. Robinson, Grant; Hurley;. Twist; Bond, R. Guy; R. Clark, Williams, Bremer, Young, Crawford. Walter, Kivell and Baldwin were not asked to take the field. As most trial games are, the play was interesting and at times spectacular without being brilliant. From the start it was apparent that a misake had been made in playing Hunter in the centre and H. Brown on the wing. Happily this arrangement was amended in the .second spell. At the close, of the day’s play there was no doubt in the minds of most people that the four inside backs for the representative team should be C. Brown, Owen, Johnston and H. W. Brown. No one envied the selector his task in having to choose between Hunt and Collins for the full-back, for they were both exceedingly reliable. Hunt’s kicking was a shade longer, more accurate and more cleverly executed, and in view of his usefulness in other capacities, particularly as centre (no replacements being permitted in the British match in case of injury) the choice of Hunt will meet with general approval. It is hard luck for Collins all the same. WINGTHREEQUARTER PROBLEM. The difficulty in the backs is undoubtedly the wing-threequarters. In choosing Hunter, K. Fookes and Watson the selector has done the best thing possible. Hunter showed a pretty turn of speed and scored, a fine try with it oh one occasion, but his passing was lamentably ill-timed and illdirected. On yesterday’s form it was almost weak enough to disqualify him from being a possibility for the Taranaki team, at least one. try being lost to his side by this fault and at least one try given to the other side through the same thing. It was a pity, for his tackling was sound. Watson was rather disappointing, perhaps on account of his recent injury, and twice let the opposition through to score a try. K. Fookes was starved am) did not have a chance to show what he could do. In the second spell, when Galbraith took the field inside him as centre, good opportunities went begging. Galbraith cut in several limes to make brilliant openings; but always he held on too long. Taking everything into consideration one would be inclined to select K. Fookes definitely as one of the wings, especially owing to his ability to go in five-eighths should one <’f the latter be injured, and choose between Watson and Hunter for the other side according to the form shown during the next week. Spectators would like to have seen Medley given a trial. THE FIVE-EIGHTHS POSITIONS. Tui Robinson is a lucky man to be included in the nineteen. Brilliant at times he is rather unorthodox and a- danger spot in the defence. Owen and Johnston are both playing splendidly, particularly Owen, who seems to be taking his football -seriously. Grant was very sound but a trifle lethargic. Many will wonder why 8. Fookes has

■been passed over after his rattling display yesterday. He was a mountain of energy and strength with only one weakness—that of mishandling a ball at a. critical moment. Were he able to overcome this he could not with justification be kept out of the. Taranaki team. The packs of forwards .were both good and the final selection is a judicious and ■ commendable one. Bond is the only one who is perhaps a little fortunate. Several of those not included, such as McNeill and Richards, will make rattling forwards in a year or two’s time. Regarded frpm every angle the selector has performed’ his task very, well in view' of yesterday’s form. At half-time the teams were amended as follows Probables. —Hunt} Wateon, H. W. Brown, Hunter; Johnson, Owen; C. Brown; S. Fookes; Richards, Wills, Heneri, Ward, Walter, Young, Robinson. Possibles—Collins; K. Fookes, Galbraith, Winiera; T. Robinson, Grant; . Hohaia; Twist; Bond, R. Guy, McNeill, Bremer, R. Clarke, Gargan, Murphy. THE PLAY DESCRIBED. :. ■ * . • • .• • ' Grant opened up play from a loose rush and Watson made a dash for the corner. The Possibles were hooking the ball. It went right through the backs and Winiera broke through with a halfcircling swerve as he came to his man. Crawford had a shot at goal from well out and" just missed. There was a lively spell of in-and-out passing between C. Brown, Johnston and K. Fookes, but H. Brown seemed wasted on the wing. W- Robinson lifted his foot too soon in the scrum and Crawford, from between half and quarter-way, kicked a fine goal. Possibles 3 Probables 0 C. Brown opened but and Johnston used his favourite short punt. There was a rush of men down on Hunt, who skated through a tiny gap and kicked nicely to the line. C. Brown fed hisbacks again and Owen slid through, ■S. Fookes. joining in with Johnston. Hunter spurted well but threw out,poorly. ' W. Robinson and Gargari dribbled' .down, fast. The Possibles began to get the ball from the scrum, for a ti.ine, the h'ook;ih<r being very keen and everi. All the backs went away again. Hunter broke' through and H. Brown, with no t one in front of'him, ran' behind' the posts. He converted his own try. Probables 5 i ■ Possibles 3 Twist stumbled out from a scrum and I went off with the ball. Johnston intercepted the pass and threaded his way prettily through all the players. W.IN binson. hooked the ball too early in the scrum and was penalised. K. Fookes cross-kicked and running at top speed Johnston picked up the ball with the tips of his fingers. He passed out and H. Brown c ut diagonally in to link up with W. Robinson and McNeill. It had been a pretty combined movement. The Probables’ hookers. Young and Crawford,; beat the eager-W. Robinson for the ball. Grant came in neatly for Hurley’s pass and threw over Tui. Robinson’s head to Winiera. But Winiera, apparently taken with the idea, continued and passed the ball right over K. Fookes’ head.. Three forwards came down on Collins, who, with very little time to spare, put a shrewd kick to the line. K. Fookes lined back right to the corner. Johnston, with his clever personal, art of turning defence into attack, darted through the pack into the open again. Hunter threw one wide pa&s and shortly afterwards .a second.. Half-time camo .with the scores:— Probables 5 Possibles 3 THE BACKS CHANGED ROUND. The selector changed the teams round a great deal for. the second spell. The Probables’ backs were C. Brown, Owen, Johnston and H. Brown, with Hunter and Watson on the wings. The other back line . was Hohaia, Tui Robinson, Grant and Galbraith, with Winiera and K. Fookes on the wings. The Probables’ hookers were Young and Robinson and the Possibles’ Murphy and Crawford.

Hohaia and Tui Robinson joined well together. Owen, who was playing a safe, sturdy game, lined well. The ecrum got into a temporary tangle and play was rather at a loose end until Johnston snapped up again, drew his man ever so cleverly, and let H. Brown and Watson away down the line. Watson in-passed again to Brown and W. Robinson was waiting in the centre to score. Brown failed with the kick. Probables . 8 1 Possibles ................ 3■■ A minute later H. Brown came out of a crowd again, but Winiera threw him from behind. The Probables’ backs were playing with a better vigour.’ R. Guy and Twist went off in a.jsmart dribbling rush. Then there was a shocked pause when Walter walked off the field. The doctor announced a compound fracture of the finger. Smith went on in his place. In a fast rush McNeill and Bond went through. Tui- Robinson picked up but threw a poor pass. Galbraith twisted round and drop-kicked just under the bar. Tui Robinson ran out to his backs but crammed them too close to the line. All of a sudden Grant went through. Crawford came in with him and scored and Collins converted. Probables 8 ..8 The Possibles came to life with a second- score a minute later.- Owen opened up the game from the loose and Hunter rolled the ball along the ground to Johnston. In a moment Tui Robinson came right through and passed to Grant... who stretched his legs to race Johnston and score. Collins converted. Possibles. ............... 13 Probables •• • 3 ROT SETS IN FOR PROBABLES. A rot set in for the Probables. Hohaia threw the ball out to Winiera,. who dashed through in an amazing run and passed to McNeill, who planted the ball comfortably between the posts. Collins missed an easy one Possibles 15 Probables 3 The Probables’ backs saw the ball again at last after a long interval and S. Fookes capped, off a back movement with a good run down the line. Heneri leapt high for the ball in the line-out. C. Brown threw a low .pass and Grant, in his handy, adaptable way, picked it up before Owen and dummied through. But he passed badly and the movement collapsed. The Probables’ backs went running until H. Brown mishandled. Ward and Richards' were doing some solid work in the forwards. From a vertical kick by Watson, S. Fookes opened up the play and all the backs handled .for Hunter in a fast, swerving run,..to : scope. . H., Brow#, converjtqd.' Possibles - Probables • ‘l3

After a lively back movement in which Hunter spoiled a good run of his own by a wild pass, a Probables’ forward put his hand on the ball in the scrum. From between half and quarter way H. Brown equalled, the scores with a'fine goal.’, Play became exciting with the'scores: — Possibles ■ « Id Probables Both in taking the ball and kicking for the line Hunt was’ perfectly safe and accurate. A moment later Collins pulled his side from a tight corner with a quick kick. In a sudden change Galbraith swerved cleanly between H. Brown and Watson, but went too far, wiving K. Fookes no chance. The play switched to the other end. C. Brown dummied the forwards and Owen, was close to the line. A long passing rush crumpled up and. after a dribbling rush by Young, the’match ended in a draw. Possibles Id Probables ............... 16 TEAMS FOR TO-MORROW. Tukapa seniors v. Celtic, at 2.45 p.m.—Petty (2), Evans, Wyatt, Dickson, Boswell, Brown, Sullivan, Hill, Spedding, McNeill, O’Dowda (2), Collins, Southcombe, Gay ton, Brittenden. ■ Tukapa first juniors v. Star B, at Racecourse at 3 p.m.—Stewart, Haskell, Dickie, Read, Thomson, Lewer, McDonald, Papps, McLean, Morris, Handley. Aroa, Lobb,. Ninkie, Knott, Sleep, Gilbert, Pope,-. Meredith. Tukapa fourth grade v. Star, at Racecourse at 1.15 p.m.—Bradford, Murdoch, Florence, Greenlees, Koti, Hall, Johnston, Lobb; Brien, Gardiner, Martin, Neville, Gunson; Ballot, Sanger, Bailey. Tukapa fifth grade v. Star, at Racecourse 1 at I.ls.—McCoy, Gruszning, Newell, Iniies, 1 Lobb, McKinney, Roebuck, Walker,'Cattley, Lobb, Fox, Rea, Powell, George; Hutton. Old Boys seniors against Star at the Park at 1.15 p.m.—Priar, Medley, Brown, Bellringer, Fookes, Galbraith, Mice, Olson, Beck, Plum tree, SlyfieldJ' Luxton, Frethey, Perry, Crawford, Clark, Si Fookes. . Old Boys'first juniors to play thirds 'at Racecourse at 3 p.m. —Hutchen, .Brown, 11.. H. Billing,. Slyfield, Rodgers, Sheehy, Aubrey, McLean, Robertson, J. Knapman, Joe Thomas, Jim Thomas, Pankhurst, J. Puhi, S. Olson, R. Harris, T; Knapman, E. Goodwin, Chisholm and Evans. Old Boys thirds to play first juniors at Racecourse at 3 p.m. —Scoble, Allen, Smith, .Westwood, Gorri-nge, Vestie, McKay, Watkins, Veale, McLean, Rutherford, Hetherington, Morton, Thomson, Shaw, White, Rea, Mace. Star seniors v. Old Boys, at 1.15. Brewster, Harvey, Tiplady, Clarke, Shaw, O’Byrne, Wall, Taylor, Ford, McLeod, Godfrey, Meuli, Rothery, Clegg, Sampson, Billing, Lealand, Kinsella, Jenkins.

Star junior A v. Okato at Okato. Pui, Smith, Way, Beere, Sullivan, McLeod, Utiger, Payne, Falkner, Hoskin, Crapper, Harvey, O’Byrne, Wilkins, McLeod, Thurston. Star junior B.—Murray, Julian (2), Crawford, Ferry, Brooks, Bland, McDonald, Walsh, McWhirter, Hoskin, McMillan, Skipper, Rothery, Baker, Jones, Burless. . , . ; Star third grade to play Cliftrin at Racecourse at 3 p.m. —A. Riley, J. Burr, Kerr, Plumtree, Hagerty, Webber, Simpson, Early, Kinsella, Neale, Page, Webber, Sampson, Robinson, McLean; emergencies, Bland, Gooday and Robb. ° Star fourths to play Tukapa (friendly match at Racecourse at 1.30 p.m.).— South, Parkin, Nuttall, Baker, Hardgraves, White, Ruilwrford, Stroud, -Bowen, McCauley, Cropp, Cursons, Lulir, O’Donnell, Cook, McFarlane, Gore (2), Craw, Hopkinson, Lynch. Star fifths v. Tukapa at Racecourse No. 1 at 1.15 p.m.— J Bi'uce, Suhr, Hookham, Black, ’Rennie, Avery, MdLean, Clegg, Utiger, Glengarry, Erb, Gardiner, Sisson, Mackay, Elder, Millman, Coleman, Robb, Millham, Richards, Okato seniors.—L. Goodwin, John Goodwin, Mcßoberts, Kennedy. Carter, A. Goodwin, Taylor, E. Roebuck, Moorehead, Lawn, G. Roebuck, W'henare, Okeroa, F. Goodwin, G. Thomas, McLean, Jones, Joe Goodwin. e Okato first juniors—Andrews, Corbett, Hickford (2), Ashby (3), Putt (2)-, Moorby (2), Hoskin, Goodwin, Hcnui, Batten (2), Honeyfield, Telford (2), E. Julian. Stratford seniors against Clifton.— Collins, Bonner, E. Walter, Taylor, Grace, Owen, Bublitz, Fryday, Young, Smith, Kivell, Huckstep, J. Walter, Bond, Lehmann; emergencies, Were and P. Collins. WESTERN DIVISION GAMES. THIRD GRADE COMPETITION. The following fixtures have been drawn for a third grade competition among clubs in the Opunake Club’s district: — May 28—High School v. Rahotu, at Opunake; Opunake v. Pihama, at Pihama. June 4. —Pihama v. Rahotu, at Rahotu; High School v. Opunake, at Opunake. June 11—Pihama v. High School, at Pihama; Opunake v. Rahotu, at Opunake. The second and third matches will be reversed.