FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18583, 2 June 1930, Page 13

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. SOME THRILLING GAMES. Saturday’s football fixtures in Timaru attracted only fair attendances of the public. What was considered the chief attraction of the day was the contest on number one ground, at Fraser Park, between Star and Celtic. It was not anticipated that this engagement would provide the thrills that are to be looked for from contests in which Old Boys, Star or Temuka are opponents, but it is the unexpected that usually happens, and the meeting of Star and Celtic on Saturday proved the exception rather than the rule. That the match would be a hard one, in view of the stalwart forwards packed by Celtic, was expected, but it is doubtful if anyone who visited the Park on Saturday afternoon had any hopes of the game developing into the titanic struggle it proved to be. Play was fast and furious throughout, with intermittent flashes of first-class play on the part of individual members on either side, and from start to finish a great demonstration of team work was witnessed. From the time that Celtic drew first blood with a potted goal, excitement ran high, and as first one side, and then the other, were in the ascendant from the point of view of a scoring total, interest in the match rose to a pitch of fever heat. When Celtic led at half-time to the tune of nine points to three, there were not lacking those who considered that the Greens were masters of the situation for the day, it being argued that if Celtic could establish a six-points lead when playing with the sun in their faces, there would be little hope of Star making up their leeway when they changed ends after the interval. Again a surprise was in store for the crowd, for Star, by a more finished exposition of football, not only made up their leeway in the second spell, but were in the lead by 22 points to 19 within a few seconds of the conclusion of the game. A mark was secured by Celtic as the final bell sounded, and Roper, who marked, kicked a goal amid great excitement, thus equalising Star’s total. It was a great finish to a match fraught with many thrilling episodes. Old Boys put up a big score against Zingari on No. 2 ground. The tricoloured jersey wearers are experiencing a very lean season, and being without the services of Ives, their versatile pivot, they were sadly hampered on Saturday. Consequently, Old Boys’ task was made easy, and they had ample opportunity for displaying their initiative and resourcefulness. Temuka, who had a comfortable win over Waihi, will now be Old Boys’ most dangerous opposition in the senior competition. STAR (22); CELTIC (22). Shortly after the commencement of this game, Celtic attacked strongly, and Fairbrother secured possession of the ball from a Star dribbling rush. He cross-kicked to Dwan, and the latter passed to Stephens, who lost possession, and the ball went out. A scrum followed, and the Celtic pack heeled the leather, which reached Dwan, who took a pot, landing a good goal. Celtic 4; Star 0. On resuming, Celtic were penalised through Seaton being obstructed. Celtic came away with a forward rush, which was stemmed through an infringement. The Celtic forwards were dominating the situation, and hooking the ball cleanly, gave Roper a chance to set his backs in motion. Kelly took the pass nicely, and transferred to Delury, who, in turn, cross-kicked to Mason. The last-named put in a jinky run, and when tackled by L. Stewart, passed infield, the ball being accepted by D. O’Sullivan, who streaked for the line, being just short of the coveted goal when successfully tackled. A moment or two of desultory play followed, and from the ensuing scrum, Seaton broke away and carried hostilities to within ten yards of Celtic line. Here Provan gained possession, and threw out to Seaton, but the latter failed to hold the ball. Fairbrother secured a brilliant mark in the face of opposition, thus relieving the pressure. A fine piece of passing, in which all the backs participated, saw Stewart hand in-field to Murray, who dived over and scored the first try of the day. Seaton failed to add the major points. Celtic 4; Star 3. Provan retired at this stage, owing to an injury, and Rodgers went up behind the pack. Provan’s defection disorganised the Star backs, Murray coming in to first five-eighth, Seaton going temporarily to centre, and Brown to second five-eighth. Wilkes also was injured, but continued. Chalker, who was playing a great game, was instrumental in giving Celtic their first try. He whipped up the leather from the loose, and passed to Roper, and the latter transferred to Dwan, who in turn sent on to Hassett, who scored well out. Fairbrother sent the ball over the crossbar. Celtic 9; Star 3.

Although both sides fought hard to improve their positions, the half-time bell rang with no alteration in the total.

On resuming after the interval, Star attacked with great determination, and within a few minutes of the opening of the spell, Rodgers gave his backs a chance. He whipped the ball out to Brown, and the latter beat several players and passed to Murray, who scored close to the posts. Meikle missed with the kick. Celtic 9; Star 6. After a brief spell of attacking by Celtic, chiefly through the agency of Fairbrother, Star swept down-field with a fine piece of passing initiated by Murray. The ball went to Brown, who sent on to Stewart. The latter passed infield to Brown again, but the last-named missed. L. Stewart, following up fast, secured and scored. Meikle converted. Star 11; Celtic 9. No sooner was the ball set in motion again than Celtic, with great determination, worked down the field, and from a forward rush, Baxter scored. The kick was a difficult one, but Fairbrother, with a great effort, added the additional points. Celtic 14; Star 11. When play was resumed, it was noticed that J. Murray had come on in place of Provan, Seaton going back into the pack. The backs were now working better than they had done since Provan’s removal. Several good passing bouts were witnessed, and from one, Murray scored in a good position. Meikle converted. Star 16; Celtic 14. Stung by this reverse, Celtic attacked with a vengeance, and from the ruck, Roper caught Star napping, and dived over the line and scored. Fairbrother again converted. Celtic 19; Star 14.

At this stage, Kelly retired from the Celtic team, being replaced by Dickel. Star attacked, and from a scrum close to Celtic’s line, Ramage scored. Meikle failed with the kick. Star 19; Celtic 19. It was generally anticipated that both sides would be unable to muster up the extra effort to bring about a clear cut victory, but again expectations went aglee, for from a line-out within striking distance, Seaton broke away, and scored close to the posts. Meikle failed with the kick. Star 22; Celtic 19. In the dying minutes of the game,

Celtic put in their last ounce of energy, but Star’s defence was sound. Roper had a pot, but it struck an opposing player. It looked as if Celtic must be beaten, when Roper marked just as the bell went. He dropped a goal, and the game ended amid a scene of excitement. Celtic 22; Star 22. Mr W. Direen controlled the game.

OLD BOYS (35), ZINGARI (0). Old Boys had their backs in operation before many minutes had passed, G. Lawson opening up smartly from half-way, and setting the line in motion. When A. Lawson secured, he kicked infield, the Yellows managing to keep their line intact, however. A line-out in the 25 gave Aitken a chance to score a few yards srom the posts. G. Lawson converted. Old Boys 5; Zingari 0. The Blue backs were making many promising rushes, due mainly to the initiative of G. Lawson behind the pack. A great run by Neutze was spoilt by a knock-on by Trotter, when a try looked certain. .The Yellow forwards, with Cunnold and Wilkinson prominent, made their way up-field, and had Old Boys defending solidly- near the line. After an unsuccessful pot by Brown, Zingari held an advantage in forward play, and Old Boys were penned on the line. Overeagerness by Cunnold in coming round the scrum, gave Old Boys a free kick, the line* being found near half-way. Fielding a Zingari kick, Bassett put in a great dash from half-way, dodging two oponents to score near the posts. G. Lawson again converted. Old Boys 10; Zingari 0. A precarious position on Zingari's line was smartly relieved by Dore, but Old Boys received a gift try a minute later, when Trotter kicked high, allowing Aitken to follow up. to score unopposed. G. Lawson again put the ball between the posts. Old Boys 15; Zinzari 0. The game was now divulging into a one-sided affair, and lack of field placement on the part of Zingari saw Coxhead, Black ad Simipers cross the line, with Zingari opposition yards away, the first-named touching down. G. Lawson put over another easy kick. Old Boys 20; Zingari 0. Zingari’s tackling was practically useless against the open tactics of the elusive Blue rearguard. Neutze had a clear passage as a result of a back movement, touching down behind the posts for G. Lawson to convert. Old Boys 25; Zingari 0. With a heady kick to the line, Brown placed Zingari on the attack, but the ball went out behind and spoilt one of the few opportunities the Yellows had during the spell. The second half opened with a Yellow attack, Munro on the wing, piloting the team to the 25. The stay was a short one, however, A. Lawson on the wing tossing the ball to the backs, who returned play to half-way. Zingari forwards showed signs of their old doggedness for some minutes, and had Old Boys giving of their best on defence, until a scrum under the posts saw the ball go out of play. Zingari more than held their own in the tight, and for the first fifteen minutes of the spell, did not allow Old Boys very far past half-way. G. Lawson accelerated the Blue backs w r hen he gave them possession from a scrum at halfway, A. Lawson nearly scoring in the corner. Trotter livened up play with a good dash up the line, the ball travelling in-field to Neutze, who scored under the posts, with Bassett in attendance. G. Lawson converted for the sixth successive time. Old Boys 30; Zingari 0. Throwing infield nicely, A. Lawson sent the ball to the opposite side of the field, Trotter being pushed out in the corner. Zingari made strong efforts to open their account, and a promising attack on the line lacked finish, and Old Boys relieved. The next Blue try came as a result of a smart pass from Lawson, behind the scrum, to A. Lawson, who touched down wide out. G. Uawson continued a good day’s kicking by piloting the ball through the posts as time sounded. Old Boys 35 Zingari o Mr N. Phillips was referee. TEMUKA 9 v. WAIHI 0. Stewart set the ball in motion Tor Waihi, facing the sun, and rebounds from two low kicks immediately put Temuka on attack, Duke being prominent. A penalty for obstructions, however, to Waihi, was instrumental in a line-out being formed at halfway. Here P. Columb broke through and tackled the Waihi custodian in possession, but again a penalty lost the ground gained. Stewart and D. Callanan carried on the advantage, and play was staged in the home 25. A. Gaffaney was hurt, but carried on. The home backs opened up, but solid tackling was met. Things looked dangerous for Temuka when the Waihi forwards swarmed to the line. The home backs were out of position, and fumbling lost a golden opportunity for Waihi. Again Temuka were penalised, but Earl’s kick fell short. Then Gaffaney received from Arnold and beat several men. A resulting pass went to an opposing player, who kicked to safety near his own line. Strang had a shot, near the touchline, at halfway, but the ball fell short, and in ensuing play Waihi were awarded their eighth penalty, enabling them to save. After a spell of play in the visitors’ half, Temuka were given a free kick, and this time Strang hoisted the flags with a splendid kick. Temuka 3, Waihi 0. A few moments after resuming Temuka were penalised, and the visitors gave the kick good support, penetrating to the home territory. Blyth, Duke and Phillips headed a retaliating rush, and eased matters somewhat. L. Connolly saved well in the face of a strong rush, but there was much interest when Angland potted, narrowly missing the uprights. Gaffaney intercepted a dangerous rush, but was hauled down before he could get under way. An exchange of kicks ended when Strang lined well downfield, gaining about 40 yards. Going at top, L. Connolly fielded a high kick. He streaked infield and gave to Gaffaney, who beat a man and gave to J. Connolly, who was hauled down near the corner. For some minutes bright play was seen, the ball travelling about at a great pace. Half-time sounded with the score—Temuka 3, Waihi 0. A good return from Strang’s kick-off centred play at the dividing line. Andrews put Waihi on attack, going to the home 25. Earl went round the blind side, but was crowded out. A succession of scrums followed, Gaffaney and Blyth bringing relief. Then there was danger for. Temuka, Spillane having to kick out in a hurry near the corner. Waihi gained possession, but the backs ran across-field and gained nothing. The visitors, however, remained in the ascendancy, until Gaffaney secured and gave to J. Connolly, who raced up the line for thirty yards. L. Connolly made a typically fine save, and following up, tackled his man beautifully, and Temuka were given a penalty near half-way, Strang’s effort falling short. Play was now fairly willing, and Temuka’s first try, which came from a good movement, was received with enthusiasm. Ferguson broke through. He was hauled down, but managed to get' the ball to his backs. Strang, Gaffaney and Spillane handled, the latter going over wide out. Strang’s kick missed. Temuka 6, Waihi 0. D. Callanan led Waihi from a line-out, but L. Connolly was safe. A moment later fie was again pressed, but he lined from behind his posts. The advantage was

taken further by a penalty to the home team. The Temuka backs spelled danger when they broke away, but 1 Stewart came to the rescue. Then for a time Waihi went on the attack, Priest almost scoring at the corner. Three Temuka forwards bore down on the Green custodian, who made a hurried save downfield. Here it was, after a succession of scrums, that the Temuka backs received from Blyth. Short, accurate passing was seen between Arnold, Strang, Gaffaney and Spillane, and the latter raced over near the corner. Strang’s kick failed to find the distance. Temuka 9, Waihi 0. Play was now very exciting, with Waihi by no means a beaten side. The Columb brothers, Duke and Phillips took play right to the Waihi line, and Temuka’s hopes were further raised when a free kick was awarded, but again Strang missed from an easy position. Temuka were narrowly beaten out of a try when Strang burst through from his own 25. When opposed, he transferred to Gaffaney, who was tackled near the line. The ball trickled over, and in a race Stewart was first on the scene. Time then sounded, with the scores unchanged. Temuka 9 Waihi 0 Mr G. F. Doyle was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS. JUNIOR. Star A. 8 beat High School 5. Pleasant Point 19 beat Zingari 6. Old Boys 20 beat Celtic 0. Temuka 11 beat Star B. 10. THIRD GRADE. Geraldine 6 beat Star 3. FOURTH GRADE. Star A. 14 beat Star B. 3. Temuka 20 beat Celtic 0. Zingari 32 beat High School B. 0. High School A. 41 beat Technical 3. Pareora 15 beat Geraldine 12 FIFTH GRADE. Geraldine 13 beat Zingari 3. Temuka 3 drew with High School A. 3. Pareora 15 beat High School B. 0. Star 34 beat Technical 3. ANNUAL SEVEN-A-SIDE. What is perhaps the most popular annual Rugby fixture of the year—the seven-a-side tournament —will be played on the various grounds to-mor-row, the King’s Birthday. Entries this year are well up to those of previous fixtures, and the seventyfive teams competing will provide seventy games in the different grades. Seven-a-side football is notable for fast open play, and it is to be hoped that weather conditions will be propitious for the event. The eliminating rounds of the tournament will be played on Fraser Park, Anzac Reserve, and the Caledonian Grounds, all the finals being contested at Fraser Park. Given a fine day, the attraction should prove as successful as any yet held. The following teams have been selected to represent the clubs mentioned:— WAIHI. Seniors—Callanan (2). Priest, Earl, Angland, Neutze, Higginbottom. Reserves—W. South, Opie. Thirds will be picked from the following:—Johnson, Scott, Hewson, Patrick, South, Townley, Millar, Moore, Earl, Payne. . 0 ._ Bus leaves Langfords Corner at 8.45 sharp. CELTIC. Fourth Grade A.—Daly, Campbell, O’Brien, Richardson, Seaman, Smith, Mulcahy. Fourth Grade B.—Laws, Gunderson, Laws, W. Murphy, Callaghan, Davey, Crowe. OLD BOYS. Junior.—E. McDonald, Ellis, McAuliffe, Stowell, Palmer, Robertson, Renton. REFEREES FOR TO-MORROW. The South Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Appointment Board has made the following appointments for the seven-a-side tournament, to be held to-morrow: — Anzac Square, at 9.45 a.m.:—Messrs B. Lawson, S. G. Robinson, B. Aldridge. Fraser Park, 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.: —Messrs F. Newton, P. F. Cosgrove, W. L. Richards, J. Armstrong, A. G. Pratt, C. Triggs. 12.30 to final games: —Messrs G F. Doyle, J. Feeley, A. B. Rowlands, W. Direen and N. Phillips. GAMES IN CITY COMPETITIONS. GAMES IN AUCKLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND. May 31. Rugby matches played to-day resulted, as follows:

Ponsonby 6 drew with Grammar 6. Technical Old Boys 14 beat Marist 8. Manukau 13 beat University 3. Grafton 6 beat College Rifles 5. Training College 11 beat City 6. WELLINGTON RESULTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON. May 31. Saturday’s Rugby matches resulted:— Petone 28 beat Oriental 3. Hutt 27 beat Berhampore 0. Athletic 15 beat ’Varsity 8. Old Boys 16 drew with Poneke 16. Eastbourne 8 beat Marist 6. CHRISTCHURCH RESULTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. To-day’s football matches were played in bright sunshine, without wind, and on grounds which were in perfect condition. Christchurch 5 beat Albion 3; Old Boys 27 beat ’Varsity 8; Linwood 8 beat Sydenham 3; West Christchurch Old Boys 8 drew with Technical 8. PLAY IN DUNEDIN. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 31. Fine weather favoured all fixtures to-day. Results: Alhambra 16 beat Pirates 6; ’Varsity A. 11 beat Taieri 3; Southern 12 beat ’Varsity B. 11; Union 6 beat Zingari 0; Kaikorai 11 beat Dunedin 3. PRINCE OF WALES CUP. SOUTH ISLAND MAORI TEAM. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 31. 1 The following players have been chosen to represent the South Island Maoris at Rugby, against the North Island, for the Prince of Wales’ Cup, at Christchurch, on June 3: —R. Bell, G. Purdue (Southland); E. Wilson, J. Stewart, T. Liddle, R. Ellison (Otago); J. Leonard (South Canterbury); V. Tainui (Ashburton); Toby and Tom Robinson, J. Manihera, G. Huria, T. Manning (Canterbury); H. Phillip, M. and J. McDonald (Marlboorugh); and D. Park (Golden Bay).

N.S.W. V. QUEENSLAND. (Unite* Press Association— By Sle<r u ne Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received June 1. 5.5 p.m.) BRISBANE. June 1. The match, New South Wales versus Queensland, ended six points all. The match was played in mud, after heavy rain. THE LEAGUE GAME. NORTH v. SOUTH MATCH. (United Press Association—By Blectrle Telegraph—Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. The following League team will represent the South Island against the North at Auckland on June 14:—Palamountain, Bond. McKenzie, Pearce (Otago), Dodds. Griffiths (West Coast), Amos, Townshend, Eckoff (Otago), C/Brien (West Coast), Dobbs. Emergencies—Doogan (West Coast), Hicks (Otago). Where not stated, the players are Canterbury men. Cyclists.—To relieve tired muscles, rub in ELLIMAN'S EMBROCATION. A prominent rider writes: ‘ELLIMAN’S is ideal for cyclists.’ Try a bottle