JUNIOR RUGBY MATCHES

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1933, Page 8

JUNIOR RUGBY MATCHES

CENTRAL DIVISION POSITION. SCRAMBLE FOR SECOND PLACE. After displaying form on Thursday that indicated that Celtic might meet its first reverse, Midhirst permitted Celtic to play an open game and retrieve its fortunes. Celtic therefore has a clear lead of four points over any other team in the central division unior Rugby competition. Toko has now assumed second place but Stratford and Inglewood (five each) and Tariki and Midhirst (four each) are liable to extend Toko when they meet. Unless Celtic collapses it is apparent that in future interest will be centred more on the contest for second place, and many of those who saw Celtic beat Midhiist would not have been sorry to have seen the opposite occur. Celtic was not a happy team during its first spell against Midhirst, which scored its only try early in the game and was still leading by 3 to nil at half-time. Thereafter Celtic backs showed cohesion and energy that had been sadly lacking previously, and while they did not have things all their own way by any means the issue was not in doubt after they had gained their first try. Carryer, Lash and McCluggage were the best Celtic backs, for they worked well throughout the game. McCready, McGrath and Jones played poorly until the second half. Stephens and Pettigrew were the hardest working forwards. Midhirst needed only a little more penetrative ability among the backs to have compiled a greater lead in the first spell. Jenson at half was erratic with his throw-outs and the inside men were handicapped in consequence, but when they did get clean, fast passes they were unable to make much progress. Half their trouble lay in the fact that they were standing up with the idea of quashing Celtic’s essays and had no room in which to get up speed or to manoeuvre. Adlam was sound at full back and made several excellent saves. The forwards worked solidly and the pack was made up of good, all-round men. Nobody outshone the others to any extent.

What caught the eye most in the Stratford Pukengahu game was the keenness of both forward packs, and particularly Pukengahu. In the first spell the Pukengahu pack attacked in great style, breaking through in the line-outs and winning the scrums.

Pukengahu certainly appeared to have better material in the fifteen than Stratford, but the players showed lack of experience. Thus when Stratford commenced to throw the ball around in the second spell, having secured more possession from the scrums, Pukengahu was at a loss for a while, and in spite of its first spell advantage it was soon six points behind. Stratford at present is in the process of building up a team. The seniors, handicapped by the absence of two injured backs, are drawing on the team, which is consequently disarranged. Nevertheless with senior experience the back line should soon show itself an excellent combination.

OAKURA DISTRICT NEWS. On last Tuesday week a working bee was held at the tennis court. The wire netting was mended and the weeds cleared away, making a great improvement to the court. Owing to counter attractions the long-night dance which was held on May 19 was not so well attended as expected. The second of the series of euchre parties was held on Tuesday night. Though a miserable night the euchre was well patronised, 25 tables being in play. The ladies’ prizes were won by Mrs. Rae, while Mrs. H. Julian, Miss M. Johnson and Miss L. Knight played off for second and third places. The men’s prizes were won by Mr. D. Harvey, Mr. H. Staveley being second and Mr. A. Hoffman and Mr. Spence sharing the third prize. The music was supplied b Mr. P. Meredith, Mr. I. Jans acting as master of ceremonies keeping the dance moving merrily. Mrs. T. Sefton is on holiday at Auckland. Mrs. Frank Mace, who was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Julian, ras returned to Huirangi. CONTESTS FOR NORDON CUP. TRIAL GAMES ARRANGED. At a meeting of the Taranaki Hockey Association’s management committee at Eltham on Thursday it was decided to take no,further action in regard to the insurance of players. The first Nordon Cup match is to be played at Hawera on July 5 and further challenges weekly thereafter at Eltham and Stratford. Challenges have been received from Horowhenua, Dannevirke and Hastings, and the order of play will be decided by the New Zealand Hockey Association. Trial matches are to be played at New Plymouth on June 15 between the Saturday and the Thursday B division and at Hawera on the same date between the Wednesday and the Thursday A divisions. The final trial will be held at Stratford on June 22. Mr. L. Page was appointed a Saturday selector to act with two others to be nominated. Mr. M. Priest was appointed chairman of the Northern Division selectors and Mr. C. J. McFadyen chairman of those in the Southern Division. It was stated that new clubs were being formed at Whakamara and Urenui land these were invited to compete at the June 3 tournament at a reduced affiliation fee. It was decided to seek information with regard to a challenge for the junior challenge cup now held by Auckland.

Positions of the teams are:— First Junior. P. W. L. D. Ch. Pts. Celtic ... 5 5 —— — 10 Toko 5 3 2 6 Stratford 5 2 2 1 5 Inglewood 4 2 1 1 5 Tariki 5 2 3 — 4' • Midhirst 5 2 3 — 4 Cardiff 5 1 4 0 2 Pukengahu .... 4 1 3 ‘— 2 Toko Third Grade. 5 3 1 1 • 7 Eltham .. 5 3 2 —» 6 Stratford 5 2 2 1 5 School 3 2 1 — 4 Celtic 4 1 2 1 3 Inglewood ..... 4 — 3 1 1