FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18627, 24 July 1930, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. WANGANUI DEFEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY. The Wanganui Rugby team opened their South Island tour against South Canterbury yesterday, teeuving a win by .13 points to 8, after a rather uninteresting display, fhe weather was dull, but fine, and there was an entire absence of wind. The ground was a trifle soft, but did not militate against fast play. It being an mi-day the attendance was only moderate, about 1500 people being present. B°th teams comprised comparatively young players, but few of them showed representative form. The standard of play in fact, was poor. The visitors appeared to have an advantage in weight in the forwards, and while ihev had slightly the better of the tight plav. me borne side were superior in the 1- ose and in the line-outs. While freon, the visitors made the pace fast, but lien her side was in condition to see out a send eighty minutes. The home forwards did not go too well in -he io v.e m the early stages, but their clay nr proved considerably later, and i:iey gave the visiting backs no respite. Ine latter handled fairly well, but trey lacked thrust. The tackling ;-f the frj.uh Canterbury players was, for the m« st part, sound, the fast forwards nipping many promising movements at tr>o:r source. More would probably have been seen of the home backs had they been better served by Roper. The Celtic half gave a weak display. His handling was uncertain, and the transfers he did get in were generally poorly directed. Blyth, at first five-eighth, was anothn who quite failed to justify his inclusion in the side. His handling was as weak as that of Roper's, and his tackling about on a par with his handling. Gaffaney made one or two good runs, but wandered out of position too muen. Neutze went well at centre, and little fault could be found with Wilkes s display on the left wing, the Star man’s tackling being very souru. Mahan was the best back on the ground. He made several clever runs, and was like a rock on defence His kicking to touch was a feature of the play. Connolly had a very busy day, and taken all round, his display was «.« good one. He got his man almost every time, and while his fielding was not as sound as usual, he usually managed to keep the ball within range. The forwards justified their places to a man, toiling hard throughout the game Had the inside backs given as eood a display, the result might have been different. The visiting backs were well served by Duncan, but the line was never sufficiently certain in handling to be reallv dangerous. Thompson, at fullback. had a'good deal of work to do, but did not inspire confidence. The forwards were honest workers, but no effort was made in the loose to back up The weight was in their favour, but they did not make the best use of it. The visiting forwards also srot away with a fair amount of off-side plav. Neither Union was represented bv fis strength, notable absentees from the home team being Strang. Trotter, Giddings and Coxhead, but the play rarelv reached the representative standard THE TEAMS. The teams lined out as follows: — Wanganui. (Blue and Black.) D. Thompson. W. McLennan S. Ambrose W. Collier J. Morgan K. Gibbons. J. Duncan R. Walden F. Leahy J. Preston F. Heise L. Stewart (capt.) Pairama A. Kilkolly E. Fromont South Canterbury. (Green and Black) L. Connolly (captain) L. Mahan W. Neutze E. Wilkes K. Blyth A. Gaffaney P. Roper. H. Simmers J. Connolly G. Adkins J. Callanan Phillips F. Stevenson D. Callanan F. Shewan The Play. South Canterbury defended the western end, Blyth setting the ball in motion. Leahy failed to gather in cleanly, and the Greens attacked strongly, play going to the visitors’ 25. A long kick by Leahy put the visitors on attack, and Morgan opened up a pretty piece of passing which had South Canterbury defending hard. The Greens broke through, however, and Gaffaney keeping the ball at his feet, led the forwards to the balf-way mark. It was a fine recovery. Play remained in mid-field for a period, when, following a weak centre by Wilkes, the Blues broke through, only to be once more sent back by the Green forwards. South Canterbury were hard pressed a moment later, but Connolly picked up well to dive through the ruck and get in his clearance. Bad handling by Green backs let Wanganui through on a solid rush, but the leather went behind, Connolly forcing. Gaffaney was caught in possession after the Greens had heeletjl from a ruck, but Wanganui failed to take full advantage of the opportunity. The South Canterbury forwards were not infusing much dash into their play, and in consequence the Blue pack were showing out in all departments. Neutze attempted to open up play in his own 25, but Gaffaney was again caught in possession. A scrum was ordered, and from this the Greens broke away too smartly, Adkins being penalised for off-side. Collier’s kick went wide. From the drop out, D. Callanan and J. Callanan went through to the visitors’ custodian, but Thompson managed to get in a clearing kick. From a line-out the Blue forwards opened out, eventually sending the leather to the backs, Morgan, Gibbons and Ambrose handling, and the last named finding touch at the home 25. Another penalty went against the home side wide out, and this time Collier put over a nice kick. Wanganui 3 South Canterbury 0

From tight play in mid-field. D. Ca lanan broke through with the ball g bis feet, but he was not supportec Duncan then went away on the blin

side with Morgan Gibbons and Collier, but the last named was upended by Wilkes. Play then swung back to mid-field, where the Greens opened up in a rush which led to a brilliant try. D. Callanan first secured and sent on to Roper, to Simmers to Shewan, to Phillips who left the opposition behind to score under the posts. Mahan converted. South Canterbury 5 Wanganui 3 During the next few minutes, the visitors were in the ascendancy, making several unsuccessful attempts to cross. Then Walden picked up on the blind side of the scrum and sent out a long pass to Gibbons, \ ho set sail for the line supported by Ambrose and McLennan. Ambrose drew C.’molly nicely and then gave McLennan a clear run over wide out. Collier converted with a fine kick. Wanganui 8 South Canterbury 5 The home backs then got away on their first good rush. Roper opened up from a scrum and the leather was handled in turn by Blyth, Gaffaney. Neutze and Wilkes. Wilkes shook off a. tackle and handed to Nc-utze on the outside, but the Green man was brought down before going far. Soutn Canterbury were now going better, and were handling with more certainty. Picking up in the loose. Mahan put in a clever run, beating three men badly. He then sent out to Blyth, who was tackled the moment he gained nossession. Play swung into mid-field where Wanganui were penalised, and Mahan hoisted the flags with a good kick. South Canterbury 8 Wanganui 8 Play slackened off for a time, neither side staging any movement of interest. Thompson eventually put Wanganui in a good position with a good kick to touch, and they held the advantage for a few minufes. Tight play ensued in the corner, Collier making a bold attempt to cross. When bottled up. he sent in to Duncan, who swerved past two Green men to score a well-deservcu try. Colder again larded a fine goal from well out. Half-time sounded a minute or so later with the scores:— Wanganui 13 South Canterbury 8 Second Half. Following a nice Blue back rush. Neuize cut through with the ball at his feet, transferring play to mid-field again. Wilkes raced through fast following a high kick by Neutze, and ht managed to catch Thompson in possession. Callanan attempted to kick through, but Collier claimed a good mark, finding touch well down. Bad play by Roper let the Blue forwards away, Leahy and Preston carrying play to the home territory, where it remained for quite a period. The Greens eventually got clear following good work by Gaffaney. He picked up and handed to Wilkes, who carried on until grassed by Thompson. The Blues again got clear, but D. Callanan transferred plav to the visitors’ territory with a hefty kick. For coming round a scrum too smartly. Lhe Blues were penalised, but Mahan’s kick went wide Roper attempted to open up from a ruck, but found his way blocked. He handed back to Neutze. who made play for Gaffaney, the centre finding touch inside the 25. The home backs again opened up from a line-out. but Wilkes was well bottled up. and the leather rolled into touch. Wanganui were now living a turn on defence and they 1 their line well At this stage Heise (Wanganui), reu.ea injured, being re-* placed by A. Appleton. The Greens continued to press, play being confined to the visitors’ territory. The forwarut got the ball out to the backs, Blyth, Neutze and Gaffaney handling. The last named got as far as Thompson, but in endeavouring to swerve past the full-back, lost possession, the leather rolling out near the corner. From the line-out. Roper sent his backs away, but Blyth failed to hold his pass, and a good chance was lost. From a lineout, Walden secured and sent to Morgan to Gibbons, who cut in and sent to Ambrose to Collier. The latter was tackled by Connolly, but managed to get in a pass to Walden on the inside, \vho in turn sent to Preston, but the latter’s long pass across field was forward. Mahan then put in a fine run down the centre, handing to Gaffaney. who found touch. The Greens were now playing with more dash, the outer backs in particular, throwing the ball about freely, but somewhat uncertainly. The South Cantrbury forwards, with Adkins. Simmers and Stevenson prominent, set up a hot attack, which ended a few yards from the Blue line. A scrum was formed, and from this Wanganui secured. Duncan handed back to Morgan, who cleared with «> good kick. Neutze regained the lost territory a few minutes later with an equally good kirk, but the local side failed to push their advantage home. Play was hard, but uninteresting at this stage. Mahan got awav on the blind side and gave to Roper, who crossed, but the linesman’s flag was hoisted. The Green forwards were playing better in the loose, but were not finishing their movements off. Wanganui improved their position following good work by the forwards, but Gaffaney extricated his side from trouble. Even play followed in midfield. the efforts of both sides to find touch being weak. Dhncan opened up on the blind side, Gibbons, Ambrose and Collier handling, the latter being forced into touch at the corner Arp:. The Blues pressed hard, but South Canterbury managed to force, thus easing position. With five minutes to go, Wanganui made solid efforts to increase their score, keeping South Canterbury hard on the defensive. Gaffaney. Neutze and Wilkes broke clear, but the latter was greyed in possession. A moment later Neutze got away with the ball at his feet, carrying play to mid-field The Wanganui backs opened out. Gibbons kicking for the gap. but Mahan fielded and found touch. Then Roper went a" ay » n the blind side, gaining further ground. Wanganui returned to the attack, but Gaffaney and Neutze participated i:: a passing bout which "emoved all hup.? of the visitors pushing iheir advantage home. Time was called a "cmenl later with the scores: Wanganui 13 South Canterbury 8 Mr A. B. Rowlands was n feiee. Teams Entertained Last evening both teams were entertained at dinner at the Dominion Hotel, when a short toast list was honoured. Following the toast of the King, the president of the South Canterbury Union (Mr H. H. Fraser) proposed the toast of “The Wanganui Rugby Union and Team.” After extending a welcome to the team, Mr Fraser congratulated them on their win, and expressed the hope that it was but the forerunner of a very successful tour. All in South Canterbury hoped that the visitors would be successful in their quest for the Ranfurly Shield, and if they won it then South Canterbury would be the first to congratulate them. “Tours such f )'e o"p el ways strengthened the bonds of friendship, said Mr Fraser, “and we always look forward to a visit from Wanganui, because we recognise that you are u. toe same category as ourselves, in that we cannot get the big teams to con a along and give us the games they should.” (Anplaii'c.)) Responding on behalf of the visitors, Mr J. Crowdey (manager), thankee the gathering for having honoured the toast and also extended thanks for the great amount of kindness and courtesy which had been extended to +berr> while in Timaru. The sneaker particularly mentioned the secretary (Mr J. V. McKeaeue), for his unfailing kindness Referring to he game. Mr Crowlev said there was not much between the teams. “In fact,” be said, “Waneanui were a bit. lucky to win, but after all. as Mr Baxter says, ‘the game’s the thing.” (Laughter.) Mr Crowley congratulated South Canterbury on their fine srame, and considered that when at full strength, they

would be a hard side to beat. (Applause.) • The toast of the “South Canterbury Union and team” was proposed by Mr L. Stewart (captain of the Wanganui team) and responded to by Mr D. Hertnop and Mr L. Connolly. Mr Crowley proposed the toast of “the Referee,” Mr A B. Rowlands responding. TIIE THIRD TEST. BRITISH TEAM. With the exception that Poole replaces Murray, the British team for the Third Test is the same at that which played in the First Test at Dunedin. Full-back: J. Bassett Three-quarters: J. Morley C. D. Aarvold <capt.) H. M. Bowcott J. S. R. Reeve Fly Half: R. S. Spong Scrum Half: H. Poole Forw’ards: H. Rew D. Parker H. O’H. O'Neill B. H. Black J. L. Farrell G. R. Beamish J. M’D. Hodgson Ivor Jones Mr S. H. Hollander, of Christchurch, will be referee. This is the third Test that Mr Hollander has refereed. Murray will be playing either at Whangarei or Hamilton, and if his shoulder stands the strain of match play, he will be available for the Fourth Test. THE FOURTH TEST. DISCUSSION ON RULINGS. By Telegraph—Press Asuwsc’U.tlorx WELLINGTON, July 23. Arrangements for the fourth test match between the New Zealand and British teams in Wellington on August 9th, were further advanced at a meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union last evening. Prices for additional seating accommodation at Athletic Park were fixed at is 6d and os oa + or seats within the enclosure, both including tax. The Wellington Savage Club's invitation to the manager of the New Zealand team and officials of the New Zealand Union to attend a korero at the Masonic Hall on .he night of the test was accepted. An invitation had also been accepted by Mr Baxter on behalf of the British team. Mr A. C. Kitto brought up the nuestion of different rulings being given in local matches and games against the British team. He considered the rulings should be uniform. Mr S. S. Dean explained that it had been decided at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union that all matches against the British team should be under the English Rugby Union’s and the International Board's rules. It was pointed out that some referees in matches against the British team gave a free kick against a player who took a forward pass, whereas the rule.-, of the International Board laid down that a scrum should be oidered for a forward pass. It was decided to instruct all referees who control matches played by the British team that the International Board rules must apply. A request from the Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association of New W°ips to s«’-d n Pififh School team to tour the North Island during ne spring vacation was referred to the Secondary Schools Association. INTER-VARSITY MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH. July 23. In a hard even game, with a heavy ground hindering brilliant play, Otago University defeated Canterbury College in the annual match to-day by 13 points to 8.

SCHOOLS’ MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Assoolation CHRISTCHURCH. July 23. Christchurch High School beat Waitaki High School at Lancaster Park to-day by 9 points to nil. « In the second fifteens’ match, Christchurch won by 43 points to 3. OTAGO B.H.S. DEFEAT CHRIST S COLLEGE. (Special to the '‘Herald.”) DUNEDIN. July 23. In the annual match, played on Carisbrook, to-day, Otago Boys’ High School decisively defeated Christ’s College by 23 points to 5. The game was a ragged one. in which the Otago forwards dominated the play.