RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 44, 10 July 1915, Page 10

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

The Auckland Rugby Union opened with a match between the combined secondary school and junior reps. A win by 20 points to 5 went to the credit of the college boys. The Collegian/a proved the _ better team, especially in the rear division, and it was quite a treat to witness their handling of the ball. The junior reps, relied mainly upon their forwards, and although testing the college defence severely upon many occasions only succeeded in breaking through once.

The first spell was fairly even, but the second decidedly in the College favour.

Coakley (3), Badeley (1), Gibbons (1) scored tries (one of which was converted) for the Avinners, while Bevins scored for junior reps.

The senior game, composed of players from City, University and Mar-'st Brothers, met the chosen of College Rifles, Ponsonby and' Parnell, and the first named combination gained l a win by 17 points to 8.

The players worked 1 well together, and a very good exhibition of the game resulted. The pace was merry throughout, and the rear divisions bandied the ball and kicked judiciously.

The fortunes of each team changed rapidly, and although a wide margin of points rested in the winners' favour it hardly gives a criterion of play.

The winners' scoring account was made up of five tries (one converted, gained by D. Stewart (2), Sainsbury (2), Barclay (1), while for the losers Laxon scored and Baker added the major points. The College Rifleee three-quarter also kicked a penalty goal.

An exhibition from the juniors icas entrusted to the Parnell and Grafton third grade teams. Unfortunately four playeres, two from each team, did not appreciate fine

compliment paid them. Their indulgence in tactics not provided! by the Rugby code earned 1 for them the distinction of being ordered, to the side line by the referee. What promised a fast game was thus robbed of .its prospects, -r.ed when time was called the cere stood level, three points each.