LAST SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11093, 2 June 1914, Page 3

LAST SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL

*_ SYlffifS BULLY FORWARDS. ■ . WHAT-K-HERIVALE'S'WEAK SPOT?. MISGIVING BY OLD BOYS BACKS. * ALEIONS' FEEBLE TACKLING. 'VARSITY'S STUBBORN FIGHT WITH UHWOODI

That Merrrale should just scrape homo aeain&b Sydenham by the barest of maiyins was surprise enough on a dav of football surprises. It was.q\nto expected that their forwards would promutlv crumble up tho opposing pack, leaving the backs to work their wicked will. AVitli this object iuivimv Merivale started t'ronv tho kick-oil with headlong precipitancy as if in a hurry to place the issue of the match beyond doubt, but tbov struck trouble -very oarlv; for their opponents soon gavo thrm to understand by plain, unvarnished stubbornness that all was not to be plain summer sailing. And when tho whistle sounded " no-side Sydenham had proved that, on their day, there -are few forward teams in tho competition who can carry enough sail to leave them hull down without some carefully studied and painstaking tactics over mul above a display of spirited -efforts. Other teams who set out to hustle them had better take warning and be sure of their return fare before starting. Moriralo attempted it and now tliev are authorities on the subject. At* no stage in the game did the Sydenham forwards relax their sturdy, reliable efforts, which kept their opponents strained to the highest pitch to' overcome.

ered up, but, that lost him th/> yard or two that, would in all probability have carried him over. ' • . » * » # The bull-dog tenacity shown by the Sydenham forwards won them tho admiration of ait. Chief cruoug them was Batlmi'st, who proved that size below the average ifor forwards i=> no insuperable bar to one whose hourt is in th>.' right place. If ever lie plays a better game than lie djd on Saturday last, the. wilrer hopes to see it. Gunn was another of the top-notcbors for his side, and ha thoroughly deserved the try he scored. R. Kennedy. Sustius and Booth wore always in tho thick of it. and the rest, though not so conspicuous, must havo dona a full share in holding up such a formidable set of forwards as Merivale. • • » * » While exception has been taken to unsportsmanlike 'play iu some of the previous matches this season, it is only fair to. say that this match between Sydenham and Merivale, though vigorous, and at times almost intense in its vehemence, never once descended to the

There was a. decided limn in .Merivale's game, yet it is somewhat difficult to detect the lame spot with any depree of certainty. The > unreserved dash and aggressive tactics of their forwards, though they filled the eye and impressed the onlooker were straugely abortive in results. Taking their forwards separately it is very probable that no other club team hi Xew Zealand could shew fire players of 'higher, individual calibre than Maxwell, Hasell, Monzies. Carnegie and Richards; yet their efforts against a pack of undeniably weaker- hi.ptpri.il produced but poverty-stricken• additions to the general score.

to whom much is jrriven, n.uch is expected. Merivale. with such an excellent set of forwards, should be able to develop a game far above the machinemade, stereotyped pattern'poured into and shaped by a mould. ..Their rushes are straight, with mathematical precision, and:for covering the distance between two points are 'admirable, but when'..within: striking distance of. an opponent's line some variation of tactics is absolutely essential. Their continual failure to finish, off-most promising dribbling movements should .surely : provide:'them with abundant food, for thOusht> ..' 'Fhti! .spm® .definite . .tactics. are-adonted in this department of their game the opposition can concentrate the- whole o ! ,ftheir defence directly- in front of the rush., with a sure-and certain hope that no deviation will he made even by a hair's breadth from that straightest of straight lines, ,

The above is not meant to be criticism for criticism's sake; but'a genuine attempt to make an excellent set of foryvards live right up to their possibilities. In the match against Sydenham no fault could be found with their display of energy; for they held the upper hand for the greater part of the match. They laboured vigorously and perseverinclv, and their occasional flashes of inspired play, strangely intermittent .on" Saturday last, did not make up for the great number of opportunities they neglected to turn to profitable account.

The match was. in a war, interesting to watch, but it.lacked the. relief thai copies by contrast. There- was little bad play, rind just as little play th'H could be labelled excellent. At_ times it was fast arid exciting, but. it was always orthodox. Rushes fmm one end of the ground to the other were common, but they invariably cpclcd in disappointment. Back play, in its full moaning, was seen only a_s many -times as could be counted on the fin aers of one hand. Yet with all these weaknesses the outstanding feature of the match was Sydenham's stubborn refusal to be considered the under dog- Thev put up a brave fight, and bhousrh the insistence of the Merivalo attack told its fale in a score of 6 to 6\ yet the tenacity and grit cf the. " little fellow" vrr>n the admiration, of friends and foes alike. '.'•.«-'*' » ». • ' '

M»rivale.'s b°ck division is a curious vn' ':-,vcrk: and. valuable hi:l-; criul, .represented by Cleary and Fuller, is found side by side with varieties of • texture grading down to samples that it would be impossible to mark low enough' at a bankrupt sale. _ Sandman. «ho is -allowing his studies for an-.'examination to interfere, with Ids football, .is. still an absentee, but when he takes his place in the team again he. with the two named above, will complete a trio that will need more than ordinary watching by their opponents. ClearyV game was full-charged with high-grade football. Ho has grit ououorh for a whole team, and the more difficult and hazardous the position the better he played. He was fast in action, quick-eyed in seeing the openings, alertin following the play, and übiquitous in defence. If this game is a sample of his 1914 stock, it will be'impossible to keep him out of Canterbury's representative team. Fuller's opportunities were not so numerous, but his dexterity got. his side out of numberless difficulties. * - . • # ' # * Maxwell again proved a tower of strength to his side, and Hasoll is; rapidly approaching his best form. For wide range of effort, this fine forward's showing against Sydenham was his best this season. Menzies showed wonderful activity ami pace for one of his weight, and. Richards, an acquisition from the iSorih Island, looked as if he must _''o classified among the best. The remainder were characterised by honesty of chert and splendid condition., but the ccllectivc pky of the forwards is still dkcotnrtod by tho reservation made above. • » * * ■ » Among th-? Sydenham backs, H?.vr v "Wal.noiTVas :■>. ho:-.b'in hinv/vlf. With Dneii ab;.--;it on account of a sprain-:.! foot., ho look upr.n himself tha bur.->:i of the defence and succeeded admirably Hamilton at full-back made. fe,w mistakes in a busy ■afternoon, and Clemens fielded excellently as well as made some dashy runs, opportunities for which might be given him more often with profit to his side. A. Hutch'ings was safe 'in defence, and he made one beautiful opening that nearly finished in a score. -His own carefulness probably robbed his side, for, following on the opening mentioned above, the ball came to the backs and was handled perfectly. He was on the outside wing and anxious not- to drop the pass, lie slack*

objectionable ,level that calls for reproof. Fairness to opponents characterised'. the play of'both sides, and if all teams-lived up to the high standard set in-tin's match, illegal and dirty play would soon be as. extinct as the dodo. * *.,*..»■ * The unexpected developments on -the. Oval, 'where Sydenham, were putting up. a strenuous'fight.agains the leaders in the competition—Merivale—drew most of tho spectators'from .the westground, the consequence being that Old Boys and Albion played 'thenmatch before about a dozen spectators. The first spell was nerve-racking. Good openings came regularly to Old Boysbacks, but the three-quarter line, consisting of Down, Otley and Guthrie., was badly relaxed and dropped chance after .chance.' This vacillating trio actually treated the Albion becks respectfully, although the tackling _was always- apologetic and usually misdirected. Much that the Taylors and Boag did was nullified, and at the end of the first spell, with no score all, it looked useless to hand out any more chances. Up to this stage there had been an even amount of back and forward play. Albion started with some vigour, and got. within striking distance twice, but the backs were at sixes and sevens, and lacked the man who could pick up and clash over.

The game at one stage was a series of misfires by Old Boys, and, as is usual, they at last spent themselves. The other sida then, took a hand, and Jordan nearly landed a penalty goa,l, the ball striking the posts. This forward is-a good kick, arid demonstrated it, later by landing the ball over tho bar while kicking off. The ball, hoAvcver, has a lor/ trajectory and might be charged unless kicked well back froiii the mark. To resume, Albion had another good chance from a line-out, and were again attacking in scrums on the line, but failed to hook the ball. The second sped was more creditable thau the first., the Old Boys' backs going better, and tho team got home comfortably with a margin of ten points.

Against a weak team like Albion, who have had live, consecutive losses, there were few points on which Old Boys could bo praised for combined work. Crawshaw's absence disclosed the lack of a decent emergency, if Otley was the best. He was not keyed up to the position, and not resolute enough to score when he had easy openings. Guthrie was fumbhng and indecisive. He is "off'' more regularly than "on." About twice in the game he had a stroke of thought, but for the rest he required to have the ball put into his hands, and neglected his speed. Dow-, was a failure, too, on the day. The biggest trier was E. Taylor, who has a fast sidelong run that gets him quickly cut of trouble, and makes him very elusive. Boag is a player who has won his spurs, aud never lets his side flown. H. Taylor, and Bain, at full-back, played an luuest game. • » f: * *

The work of the Old Boys' forwards was an eye-opener, the writer thinks, for Crawshaw, who viewed it from tho touchline. In tho loose it was frequently a case of Simpson first and the rest, nowhere Ho is a fine forward, not a mere bootcr, or one who reserves himself for an opening. Sitae "tore into it ,: all day, and there should never {>■■> a doubt as. to his inclusion. On tho day the hookers went well, _ perhaps without very strong opposition. T. Crawshaw, the veteran of the team, can still give points away to younger players in the matter of conscientious Ecrumming- A question for Old Boys' forwards: xiow. can a loose rush succeed unless it is supported, by three or four men' at least* a couple of yards behind the ball?

The most feeble thing-, about Albion was their tackling. , Notwithstanding that they were constantly advised to go for the man with the ball, they did a little mind-reading on their own, and went for the man they thought was going to cot the pass, usually v.nh disastrous "fcsuHs. Barring Mebmns

and Henry, there was hardly a decent back in the- team. Henry iu playing better every Saturday, and Ins lino kicking was quite tlio best. Ho also lias a.good head for getting into position, and on Saturday he was fast in defence, and forced once or twice quite masterfully. The forwards were not brilliant, and rarely led a.. promising attack. Hill-, showed out onco or twice, and seems to bo a; player with an o.yo for an opening. When_ will forwards loam to -pass properly? Hills found himself in possession, with 'Wilson by hi« side and only the full-back to boat. A t :ood pass to Wilson might have meant a. try, but it, missed fire. The Albion lorwards were, too eager, and Luke notabiv no, i" getting round the scrum, and they suffered penalties for it. « « • » *

Limvond mu&t h:tvo been surprised on Saturday with the tough opposition they met in the 'Varsity forwards, and further surprise was occasioned to all when the students' backs, in their last quarter of au hour, got to work in great stylo and evened up tho scores. The game was always fast, hub m the first spell, which ended pointless, tho chief fea.tures were the spirited duel between tlio two packs, the poor and ineffective passing of both sets of hacks and tho tine play of tho two full-backs. The second spell was full of iucident. for fully half 01 it 'Varsity were, never out of their own twenty-five, and Lin wood, through good forward work and aided by splendid line-kicking by Piorcy, not only scored eight points, but looked like, keeping them there. It was tlu-.n that the College backs woke up. Hitherto the passing on both sides had been poor and futile, hut what suddenly came over the students will probably never bo known. Suffice it to say that they started a. passing rush right in their own twpnty-nvo, and before the spectators realised what was in progress M'Lecd had scored on the corner. It was a grand piece of work, and, coming on top of a lot of mpctiocre previous attempts, it was startling. V/heu Dorret landed a, great goal from touch, the students began to play like demons. The ball travelled about like lightning, and then obstruction lost Jermyn a try. However, from the penalty Dorret kicked a goal and eoualised the scores. In the final few mintit.es 'Varsity were .getting all over Linwood, but they failed to score again. * * ■* j. »

best of tho Chrrfcohitrch backs. I am pleased to notice this player taking ' .e game more seriously than formerly. Ec. did all that was asked of him in a - ost satisfactory manner. W. P. Guinoy made a few opciiinG,s, but ho wants tliiuga to bo going his side's way before ho is fifoii-at his hast. /\ fast r dek game with plenty to do all the time, and with .some active colleagues to assist, and "W. P. Guirry can "do the work.'' "Wallace, the half-hack, is ono of the worst passers T know. He hampers tho rearguard bv his inahilitv ro set them going oir'cklv enough. Flo is a fine determined tackier, however, ind an untiring worker, with apnarenfly a. strong liking for the name. If ho • .mid only loam to pass properly and at the right ti'ue. he would develop into one of the best of half-backs. As it is. he Ins not made any improvement ~n his last year'.s form. He is quite a young player, and could cisily he taught to pass, as he. seems willing, but does not know how to do the work. He is one of the pluckiest players in the competition. The forward work was unreliable, and was not. sustained Lug enoiich to prove effective. Potter >vfiidts could have been achieved, too, if tho ball had been thrown further in the field of plav.

Midline; was tlio Last of Mnrists' back 5 !, -"id did ,1 lot of clever work at centre throe-quarter. He executed some f'.-.ni-tn.l runs, showing judgment all the game, kicked accurately, and in add I. ; on his place-kicking was really good lie received no assistance from the relief his backs, whose play was far below Senior form, with the exception of-Sea-born at full-hack. As usual, he did his work soundly and well, and tackled every opponent solidly. Ido not thinA lu's kicking was quite so powerful as ;n other games, but be and MnHms carried the rest of tho backs, although at times Amodco was prominent "nil his potted goal was a neat piece of wfk. Amodco', however, is an "individual ist," being chieflv concerned in taking tho ball and kicking it, and he invariably does that well, but on Saturday he did not field too accurately The forwards kept at it all the time and were " busy bees" in the open play. They are an even lot, with no stars. The chief thing that I should li to know about the game is how Marists came to be hypnotised during the time their opponents scored the three tries in tho second spell. Of one thing I am certain, it was not the brilliancy oi Ohristchurch play that produced the result. 0 » • # »

The forward duel between these two teams was worth going a Jong way to see, and the 'Varsity men surprised everyone by the way they stood up to the Linwood pack. They seemed to lost longer and wore going well at the finish, but a good deal of their superiority at this stage Was due to the poor play of t'~3 Linwood backs, and had not Piercy been in such good, form as custodian, 'Varsity would have won rather easily. • Both packs deserve great credit for a fine game. Harvey, Peterson, Edmonds and the Cuminings brothers played well for Linwocd all through. Harvey wns off-side a good deal, and gave penalties, -but he worked hard, and the Linwood tackling was good, albeit a. trifle too severe soinetinies. Dobson and Parr, in fact all the 'Varsity forwards, are to ho -complimented on their stubborn fight. Dob-son's tackling was very good. * * * * •

One or two referees have on occasion complained to me that those lower down on the list do not get auy chance of refereeing Senior games. The remedy lies with the Referees' Association, which probably has a aood idea of its members' capacities. While on the subject of Senior referees, might I suggest that the fourth Senior eame, which is now played on a suburban ground, should always Ik>, provided with a good and firm officialP In making this suggestion, I wish it to be known that I am not casting any reflection whatever upon those who have controlled such games hitherto. * ' # * • 9

The Canterbury Rugby Union's "Guide" was conspicuous bv its absence at Linwood Park .on Saturday. Mr J. F. Pcake, the- well-known referee, had the misfortune last Wednesday to slip on the greasy surface in Cashel Street and dislocate his left shoulder. Everyone will wish him a speedy. r?covi-v and return, to his duties with the whistle.

Neither lot- of backs did well, although the 'Varsity men at the finish made up n lot of leeway. Previously, however, they were poor, except at kicking. The 'Varsity passing was of the across-thc-ground variety for the grr>ji(-.pi' part, while Linwood hardly had a real passing msh all day. Simmers bucked no at the finish, but, ho spoilt quite a - few ■charces by hanging -on. Caldwr''. behind- the- Linwood pack, had a busy d,i'\ and Derrft, Long and Livingstone for 'Varsity also had a strenuous time.

I ?nust again draw the attention of the rrroundsman at Lancaster Park fo the fact that the dead ball line is not marked on tho west ground.

■ Piercy and Jcrnya, the respective full-backs, are to bo complimented upon fine, cames. Jermyn. towards the end. was joining iu the onslaughts on the Linwood-line, and had hard luck in not scoring. ■ : --- ' •--.•- -

Derret's two goals we.ro fine kicks, the converted try being a great effort right from the touch liue.

Tt is about time that all games ordered to he commenced at_ 2.45 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. The Marists-Chri-t----cburch game was finished in semi-darlc-uess.

I should like to he informed as to the length of intervals between spells. On SatiP-dav Old Marists-Christchmch exhausted twenty minutes in the " spell-oh."

Christchureh must be accounted very lucky in having scored a win against Marists. The younger club, chiefly by forward work, had the better of the

play practically throuehont the game, except for a period of about six minutes, when it appeared.as though the side'did not want to play. The forwards were fairly evenly matched, Marlsts being a little hotter in the open, and plavhig a. more determined game. The Christchureh backs should have proved the superior, but on the day could not claim any advantage. This was duo to two reasons: The. old club'.rearguard has no system of attack. The combined play is invariably of the same old stereotyped style, which is very "easilv stopped by decent defence. Now the Marists' backs have had plenty of practice at defence, and do it pretty well, consequently the rear division found no difficulty in combating the feeble attack. "Within a quarter of an hour of the end of the game Marists were leading by 12 points to 3 and hav ing all the better of the play, the forwards plugging into their work souiidly and receivin-r assistance from -he backs bv accurate line kicking. .t hegame looked all over. Then for a brief space Marists lost all grip of the play. I have never seen such a complete ''letup" by a team in ail my years of footbail experience. The whole side seemed temporarily paralysed, and Christchurch ran in with throe tries, converting one, ami having a margin in their favour or two noinU. The most curious part of the affair was the fact that after this snasni of torpor Marists went on playing as though nothing unusual had'occurred, and immediately assumed control of the gnmo as before, 1 do not for a moment think that one member of the Chrntehurch team imagined the side had any possible chance < tory, even when tho first of the J ' "ce tries was scored. The team just played along, no bettor nor worse than it . ad beendoing just previously. » * * ■' *

A. M 5 Donald, the. Chri-itehurck wing tliree-qucrter, made a fev,-good dashes, but failed in any way to do any del'ensiro work. A. H. Guiuey, who lias plenty of pace, and can side-step also, is totally Licking iu aggressiveness, being content to kick, kick, lack. Lik«; M'T)or.ald. bo showed n decided distntc for iletonsire work, llobinson wovkc-d bard all througlij and wn-s easily the