FOOTBALL

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 28 May 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL

FIRST ROUND OF CHAMPIONSHIP ENDS.

ZINGARI AND OLD BOYS EVEN. The'first round of the premiership competition was concluded on Saturday, when Zingari, Waihi, and Celtic were returned winners of the final series of matches. The victory of Zingari over Old Boys brought them level in the championship table with the Blues, each team having eight points to its credit. Celtic and Waihi follow two points behind the joint leaders. A summary of the results of first round games is given below:—

SATURDAY’S GAMES. RESULTS AT A GLANCE Zingari 12, Old Boys 9 Waihi 3, Star 0. Celtic 22, Temuka S

The prediction that the meeting of Zingari and Old Boys would attract a record attendance lor an ordinary competition game was justified by events, v and a very large crowd of spectators lined the touchlines and filled the newly-erected seating accommodation on Saturday. The total receipts from gates anu stand amounted to over £7O, easily a record for a club match at which ladies and schoolboys are on the “free list.” The weather was good from a players’ viewpoint, there being little sun or wind to bother them, and though a few drops of rain fell during the match these were not sufficient to wet the ball. As had been anticipated the play was of the fast and exciting order. The Old Boys’ rearguard did not come into the picture so prominently as in their other engagements this season, but this was accounted for by the dashing work of the Zingari pack, who succeeded where other teams had failed and prevented the opposing rearguard from often getting into their stride. The turning point of the game was a goal potted by Storey, and it was some compensation for the winners that they achieved victory over the leaders for the competition in the same manner as they suffered their own one defeat during the first round. The arrangements made by the Union for dealing with the crowd were good in every respect exdfept one—the failure to have the big gate on Church Street opened as an exit after the game. This was caused by the official who had charge of the key being called away on urgent business. The Union regrets any inconvenience caused to its patrons, and already has taken measures to guard against a repetition of it. The grounds were in excellent order, riu amply repaid the expense of having them rolled for the games. No. 2 area was specially improved by this attention, and was in unusually good playing order for the meeting of Star and Waihi. Another defeat was recorded against the town club, but dul n °t disgrace themselves in homing their much heavier opponents to a score of three points. Temuka, though playing on their home ground, had some difficulty in mustering, a full team to oppose Celtic and the Greens won by the good margin of fourteen points. SENIOR.

ZINGARI (12) BEAT OLD BOYS (9)

deSfe "'° ll the toss and decided to off P w e ?, ste , r ! 1 £ oa -\ Zmgari kicked tiie BhieVV* S ck -g 0 be hind, and the Iriri r‘ ced '-, teller up returned the kick out, and the Yellow forwards threatened danger, but Won and P J Ward a i et V l '!'° ,n a flee t 0 Zingari hall fell l i iac V a dro k at Seal, but the the Si„f h °/' fc * and 110,11 'ban lined at Stewart broke away f om the Ime, but was driven back by , ley aiul Astiton, and plav settled w ?^ tral territory. Offside play ■■■ be 1 airbrother spoilt a Yellow rush, and the Blues carried play into Zingari twenty-live. A Blue passing rush terminated in Matheson dropping his pass, and the Zingari custodian, Fairbrotlier, round touch at the twenty-five. The Blues secured from a .scrum, and D. Lawson sent the ball out smartly; but storey smothered the attempt, and both packs were hard at it until D. Lawson kicked out at half way. A high kick by Doull was marked by Skellerup, and G' Ol T a good passing rush bv the Blues Billies kicked through, but"McWhirter drove the invaders back to half way with a well-judged, kick. Close forward play followed, and from a free to Zingavi McWhirter drove the Blues in. A good run by Doull put the Blues on the offensive, but Makheson’s pass went astray, and Herdman cleared. A good kick by P. "Ward carried play back to midfield. A f ree to the Blues was charged down, but from a further infringement by the Yellow forwards Doull lined at the follow twenty-five. Gerard broke away from the ruck and passed to Goxhead, who transferred to Doull. who passed back to Coxhead, and the latter opened Old Boys’ scoring account with a nice try well out. Doull made a good though unsuccessful attempt at goal. Old Boys 3 Zin&ari ... ... 0 . P. Ward’s kick went out on the full, and a scrum ensued. A good Yellow rush was checked by Doull, and a passing bout amongst the Blue forwards gained ground. Zmgari vanguard, headed by Ward brothers, Ritchie, and Campbell, swept down into tiie Blues’ twenty-five, and from a free against the Blues for hanging on McWhirter evened matters witn a good luck. Old Boys 3 ' Zingari 3 Play was now very fast and exciting, the Blues taking the initiative, but deadly tackling ny the Zingari backs saved. A Blue rush, in which Parker was prominent, was chocked by JJerdman and Storey, and Gibb carried play back to the Blues twenty-five, where Gillies cleared. A Blue, rush was cheeked by a knock on, and the Yellows securing from the scrum, Ashton passed out smartly to Storey, who worked quickie into position and dropped a ‘ood goal, making the score— Zingari 7 Old Boys 3 Almost immediately Doull, by a ■.tro'm run. had the hcllows defending, and from a scrum in front of Zingari goal the Blues booked, and .1). Lawson working the blind. Parker scored in a handy position. G. Lawson failed with ; lie kick. . Zingari 7 j Old Boys 6 l

Simmers’ kick-out was charged down, hut Doull brought relief, and sound tackling by the Zingari forwards had Old Boys hemmed in. A good kick by Mason shifted play to half way, where K. Stewart broke through, and playranged on Zingari’s • goal line until from a free to the Yellows P. Ward cleared. A Yellow rush gained ground, and P. Wark, breaking away from the scrum, kicked through, and in a great race for the ball the Blue full back wou, and a force resulted. A mark to Storey and fast following up by the Yellow pack had the Blues in difficulties and Storey had another drop at goal, the ball just going wide. The Blues returned to the attack, but met a determined defence, and Gibb and Herdman sent the leather back. Offside play -by the Blues. McWhirter’s kick went outside, and Parker and Doull '-leaved to midfield. A dangerous Blue rush was checked by Storey, who lined at the twenty-five, and the halftime whistle blew.

Zingari ••• ‘ Old Boys ° The second half opened vigorously, the Yellow forwards attacking strongly. Alatlieson repulsed a Yellow rush headed by Campbell, ami strenuous play followed in the Blue twenty-five, until j)oufl brought respite with a hefty kick. Zingari were showing superiority in scrum work, and Ashton kept Ins backs moving, but effective tackling by the Blues nullified their efforts. A passing movement by the Blue backs, and G Lawson was tackled in possession, and the Yellows swarmed down on the Blue goal line. The Yellows-kept hammering away at the defence, and Ritchie, charging down D. Ljuvson s kick, scored a nice try, which McWiuiter enhanced.

Zingari Old Boys o A passing rush by the Blues broke down, and Mason kicked through, but Me Whir ter saveu, and found tno line at half way. The Blues made aesperate attempts to make up the leeway, and a dangerous rush was spoiled ny knocking on. A great tussle ensued right in front of the Yellow goat, until t. Ward and Storey cleared A mark to Parker and a judicious centre by Doull, and the Blue forwards made another determined onslaught, and Stewart crossed. Douil’s lack failed.

Zingari ... Ola Boys Ziimari replied with a forward sally and a nee to Zingari. Herdman’s kick tell short. The Blue backs continued to force matters and threw the ball about freely, but the ball seldom vent past the inside backs owing to tlm deadly tackling of the lehow reaieuam. The nines worked their tray mto the opposition tw e iity;five,aiid; from a scramoie Fair brotliei kicke the line, but the ball tell slioit, and Matheson missed a golcien oppovudu y through falling to take the ball. iVLason SKbroug , FairtooSelf stopped l Blue rushjg tinued fast and exciting, nis SingMKe 'loilo’fcd’ but offside li'aj lined at the halt way n<ig. tlnull cleared. D. Lawson stopped a bS*,.,.lKid just * full time .» called, with the final scoie Zingari 9 Old Boys- V-pfpree" Mr J- O’Leary was leleiee.

W \THI (3) BEAT STAB (Q)\ shortest route. A fonvaid rush carried play to the Blues goal line but a force resulted. Slat with a loose forward rush but a lmoci on spoiled and play settled do ™ ,\ n 0 wed Greens 26. Close forward play followed in which the Blues held then- own _ and a promising rush ended m the Gieens foK”. Scott’s kick out was returned bv Logau and play .centred in midfield until a. high kick by Mcßude placed the Greens on the attaeK and Henderson scored, out bco }[ failed with the kick. \Vaihi 3, S Liu From the kick out the Green vanguaid carried play into the Blues territory, but Logan cleared and good work by Stewart, Scott and Mcßride had the Blues busily defending. An attempt at passing by the visitors was smothered by Faster, who cleared to neutral ground. Henderson and Deehan started a promising movement, but clever play by Cullimore extricated lus side, and the Blue vanguard returned to the attack. AYailii had the best of a senes of scrums and a Green passing rush was checked by Logan, who kicked through and' fast following by the Blues compelled Quirke to force. A free to Scott and a mark to M. Quirke , drove the Blues in until Home brought 1 relief with a nice kick. The play so ' far was. mostly of. a forward nature, the few attempts at passing by the I Greens being effectively dealt with by the Star hacks. A. in ark by Mcßride was returned with interest by Logan, and a bright passing rush b.v the Blue rearguard gained ground. Stewart and Mcßride headed a rush into the Blues 25, and Henderson kicking over the line Home forced. Shortly afterwards Star were compelled to force again and in an exchange of kicks a mull by Cullimore, the Greens looked dangov- ' ous, but good tackling saved and a ' Blue rush transferred play to the Greens 25. Star kept: up a spirited attack and looked like scoring unlil O. Quirke brought relief with a good line kick. Smart work by Deehan and a . nice line kick by Quirke further enhanced matters, and a .strong run by j Scott looked like* a certain try, but a : good tackle on the goal lino saved and Logan cleared. \ igormix play followed ; both sides indulging in passing, and Star worked their wav in to..the Greens .territory. he Blues leapt up the pressure and I oneyclifle had an unsuccessful attempt from a mark. Play hovered in I bo Greens 25, until a combined forward rush Ip- the Greens cleared, and flic half-time whistle sounded with the score— Y aihi 3. Star 0. On resuming the Greens commenced to force malic, s and strenuous forward piay in Star's domain kept the Blues husy. On several occasions the Greens went very close i.o scoring, but tho Blue defence withstood all attacks, and the. forwards saved. Henderson, Stewart and Deoium were prominent, and again drove the Blues in, hut tho Greens lacked, finish in their efforts, and Logon found the line well down. 0. Quirke chocked a strong Blue rush and rfcott set his backs going from the ruck, but the movement broke down through bad handling. A brilliant. solo eifocl by Scott I raiisferred play to Star's goal line, but ho was unsupported, and Bogan and Robinson drove the invader., mil. The Blues set up a determined a! lack and from a mark Cnißt.ioiv lmd a good though Irmiles.x drop it goal. Play continued last ami exciting, the hall travelling rapidly up and down the field. At this stage Robinum (Star) retired injured having received a severe hum;) on the head. ' The Blues made desperate efforts to even matters, but the Green backs staved them off and Deehan

cleared to half way. Bad handling by Lbe Blue backs let Waihi in and the Blues had an anxious time defending, but Glengarry effected a timely save and with Logan cleared to neutral ground. The Greens kept up the “up and under” tactics and frequently had the Blue defence hustled. Logan was conspicuous in several spoiling efforts and off-side play by the Greens Logan’s kick brought relief. Waihi were having the better of the play, their forwards using their weight to advantage, but Star bung on gamely and by good tackling saved. The light was now failing, and rain threatened, and conditions .were made worse through someone in the vicinity of the grounds lighting rubbish, the smoke coming nowii very thick over the grounds, making things most unpleasant for players and spectators alike. A Green 1 ush, headed by Stewart, looked dangerous. but over eagerness and kickJI'S i'-T® hard spoiled, and Star forced, the Greens returned to the attack, and worked their way to the Blue goal hue when full time was signalled with the score unchanged. Waihi 3, Star 0. Mr J. Harley was referee.

CELTIC (22), BEAT TEMUKA (8).

, 1 kicked off and attacked for the first few minutes, but Celtic forced them back and were nearly over, a toice saving. Celtic forced the pace, but the Edgeler Bros, and Hawke were conspicuous iu flue defensive work. Celtic were persistent, but were again brought up with a fine mark by J. fudge ler, who kicked high and put Temuka in a fine attacking position, fritz, however, cleared finely. Then good work by Bennett put Temuka on the o(tensive, and a dodgy run by Larcombe and J. Edgeler took piay to Cueitie 25, and a laugh was raised when the bah was, in error, passed into the' hands of a Celtic player. Celtic were now under pressure, a force finally bringing' relief. Following up the kick forwards swept down to the other-end vdiere Temuka were penalised ; or on-side and Kane kicked a goal Iran an easy position. Celtic 3; Temuka 0. Play now sw-ung between the two twenty-fives, both sets of forwards working hard. Celtic secured control and broke through and play ranged in Temuka’s cornea-. Finally the ball was passed back to TV. Angl an m w ' lo P°^ e d a fine goal. Celtic 7; Jemuka 0. This second score bucked Temuka up, and they attacked the ball travelling up the field in fine style with J. Edgeler right 011 it. He kicked it oyer the line, but at the moment Angland galloped across and kicked the ball into the dead ball area. This was thought lucky for Celtic. Temuka continued to press' but offside on the Otitic line robbed them of another fine chance. Following up the kick, Celtic attacked and W. Angland scored a fine try. Kane’s kick failed. Celtic 10; Temuka- 0. Celtic again pressed and Crannitch broke through but A. Edgeler took him low beautifully. Half tune was called with the scores— Celtic ... 10 Temuka 0

The second half opened quietly, and good following up by Temuka forwards saw them get down to Celtic’s line, and Larcombe darted across, Bennett’s kick at goal being awarded the major points. Celtic 10; Temuka 5. Play for some time afterwards was in midfield, loose, and rather scrambling attacks by both sides ending undecisively. A free for Celtic just outside the 25 line just fall short, but a minute later M. Angland drop-kicked a fine goal from the same point from a free. Celtic 13; Temuka 5. A nice run in which the Edgeler Bros., Larcombe and Hawke were prominent, raised a cheer and Celtic were penalised for off-side, Larcombe’s kick at goal just missing. Play changed swiftly to the Temuka end, and two line outs at the corner looked dangerous. Celtic kept at it, and A. Edgeler and Hawke were repeatedly.. cheered for . fine defensive work. -Celtic were penalised for picking out of the scrum and McKenna skied the ball Crannitch marking and just missing the goal with a fine shot. A. Edgeler again raised a cheer by getting his kick in with two Celtic men hanging on to him. A minute later however Celtic came again and Hawke got over. .Cranniteh’s kick went astray. Celtic 16; Temuka 5. Good passing by Hi# Edgeler Bros. Carried the play to the other end but Crannitch saved by kicking out. The first successful passing rush saw the Celtic backs in action Crannitch culminating the effort b.v scoring a fine try. M. 'Angland’s kick failed. Celtic 19 ; Temuka 5. .Barker, Bennett and Watson were conspicuous in a Temuka forward rush, but Celtic were relieved through fine work by M. Angland. A few minutes • later the same player topped a nice passing rush by getting over at the corner. A. Edgelev’s tackle' coming a second too late. The kick at goal went wide. Celtic 22; Temuka 5. Temuka were still fighting hard and J. Edgeler made a dashing run and then passed to Lamb who scored a fine try. Bennett’s kick at goal was disallowed for handling. Celtic 22; Temuka 8. The Temuka forwards were standing up to the strain well with McKenna'always in the lead. Tlio subsequent play was unproductive, and the game ended— Celtic ... 22 Temuka ... ..< ... ... 8 Mr W. Cummings was referee. JUNIOR. At Victoria Park, Winchester, Old Boys beat Waihi by 21 to 3. 011 the Racecourse ground Star ran up 52 points against Pirates, who were unable to place a full complement in the field. On Temuka No. 2 ground, Pleasant Point notched another win over Temuka juniors by .3 to 0. Playing on Anzac Square, Geraldine defeated-Southern after an even tussle by 8 to 6. Pareora won by default from Zin-g-ark THIRD GRADE. At the Geraldine Domain, the home team beat Zingari by 14 to 3. Y.M.C.A. travelled to Pareora and defeated the Pareora second fifteen by 23 to 0. In the early game on Athletic No. 1, Celtic and Old Boys played a draw, neither side registering a score. FOURTH GRADE. At the Pleasant Point Domain Point wou from Temuka B by 14 to 10. Pirates (Waslulyke) journeyed to Temuka to meet Temuka A in - a match on the oval. All evenlycontested match ended Waslulyke 8, Temuka fi. Old Boys met Celtic in the curtainraiser on Athletic No. 2, and won by 31 to 0. IN OTHER CENTRES. Bt Teleer.ipli—i’.-pis .a-Koe’-itlon. WE LI.IEG TON, Sa (. 11 r d ay. Senior Rugby matches to-day resulted as follows: Poneke 4 (a goal potted by Hall) beat Marisls 3 (t.rv by O’Callaglutn t. Eight thousand people were present. Old Boys 20 beat Oriental 0. Petone 3 2 beat Mutt 0. Wellington 19 beat Selwyn 3. Berhampore 7 beat Varsity G.

a 2 M CM o p* fl o s' Is u 3 4-> 3 O 8 <4 £ i-t « k fit u OLD BOYS . .. 4 1 0 88 23 8 ZINCrARI .. .. 4 1 0 78 35 8 CELTIC .. . . 3 2 0 45 48 (i WAIHI 3 2 0 41 45 0 TEMUKA .... 1 4 0 28 75 2 STAR 0 5 0 14 58 0