School and Playground

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17905, 22 July 1926, Page 11

School and Playground

BY “ DEMONI ”

RUGBY FOOTBALL. Through Hie continued unsettled weather and the prevalence of influenza amongst the boys, no games were played last week in the secondary schools Competition which, however will be resumed this week. Play was continued in the canterbury Rugby Union competitions, in which School 1. by defeating Merivale have now drawn to the head of the under twenty grade. St Andrews J., last Saturday, won by default from ’Varsity whilst' St Bedes 1. had the bye. Bast Saturday considerable interest centred around the second game between School I. and Merivale. The match took place at Lancaster I>a, ’k and School 1., by securing a win b.v 14 points to nil. are now level with Merivale who defeated them by 13 points to 5 in their previous game. Both teams have thus lost one game. But School 1. are still a match behind, this game being against St. Andrews 1., whom School I. have already defealed by 20 points to s. I,ast week School I. showed really good form, their backs frequently opening the game by way of passing rushes whilst the forwards worked well throughout. Soanes, as usual, was verv sound behind the scrum, getting the'hall away in good style, whilst the five-eighths. Tnnes and Mortlock, combined well together. The latter was particularly prominent at times, cutting out his man and making valuable openings for the centre three-quarters, Merritt and Urcgg (who has replaced Dickson), both showed plenty of dash whilst Thorne played a very sound game at full back. Thorne has shown considerable improvement of late and, last Saturday, gave a very good exhibition. The School forwards went well throughout and. although rather lighter than the Merivale pack, played a fine “break-away” game, completely smothering the Merivale rearguard. Smith and Pease were the best in this respect, whilst Foley was conspicuous for good play in the line-outs. School I. attacked from the kick-off and soon had Merivale penned in their twenty-five. Kicks to the line relieved, but, from a scrum. Soanes bot his backs into motion and a passing movement followed by a fine run by Merritt resulted in the latter fending the Merivale winger and dashing over near the corner. Merj ritt converted his own try with a nice kick. 5-nil. A period of give and take play followed, in which Merivale twice looked like scoring, but faulty handling spoiled their chances and School I. c.ame back. Play settled in the Merivale quarters and. securing from a scrum, Oregg dashed over. The kick was unsuccessful and the spell ended soon afterwards with the score 8-nil in favour of School 1- On resuming, School again attacked strongly and a snappy piece ••f passing by their backs brought play to the Merivale territory where an inpass by Oregg enabled Jnnes to score, 11-nil. PI a y continued fast and exciting with School T. having slightly the better of the exchanges. About, midway through the spell a nice piece of dribbling by Merritt enabled him to notch his second try and although Merivale from then on made great efforts to open their account, time sounded without any addition to the total. Refer„ Mr E. K. Empson. In the under nineteen grade, West Uhristehurch Old Boys defeated School 11. by 27 points to 3. For the losers, Sowden scored a try. Referee—Mr Pickens. College IT., last Saturday, played a friendly match against the Christchurch under nineteen team and although the Whites won by the substantial margin of 49 points to nil the game was closer than the score would indicate. The College centre three-quarter, Douglas, had a "field-day” scoring three tries and adding the major points to seven whilst Roberts (2), P. H. M. Williams,’ Sergei, Appleby, Woods, Batchelor and Hilgendorf also scored. Referee—Rev E. C. Cross. College 111. met Rangiora I. last. Saturday at the College ground and scored a win by 17 points to 8 after a close and interesting game. Play throughout was evenly contested, Rangiora notching a converted try and a penaltv goal, whilst for College TII., who had a decided advantage both in weight and in speed, Dawson (2), Maling. M'Hardy and Murray scored tries, one of which was Converted by Kerr. Rel feree—Mr <3. M. M»yfi*ld. X a « SCHOOL-BOY REFEREES. In the past, on several occasions, there has been some discussion concerning the appointment of hoys to referee games in the secondary schools competition and. during the last season, it school boys should not official* * ''‘in matches higher than the colts' grade.

T, therefore, was somewhat surprised recently when I heard of a school boy refereeing; a game in one of the higher grades. My informant, in the course of his remarks stated that, although he iiad no desire to question the fairness of the referee's decisions, he, nevertheless, disagreed with several of the rulings and rather severely criticised the hoy's capability to control the particular game. On making inquiries, I find, | however, that an official referee was appointed to the match but that, owing to an tin fortunate chain of circumstances, ; he did not arrive in time for the game, the boy, who eventu a riy took charge, only, doing so in order that the game might be played. A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE. A team is practically useless unless it combines in its work and combination is only obtained by practice. Never wait for the ball to bounce. Take it on the full or it may beat you. I When passing make certain that the , player to whom you are transferring is ' in a better position than yourself. i When you are in your own twenty-five I it is wisest to kick to the line. If you do so, make certain that the ball goes out on the full and thus prevent opponents gaining possession. However, if you are so blgoked that you cannot easily find the line, do not hesitate to pass to any player on your own side , who is in a better position than yourself. Make yourself acquainted with the rules and observe them. You will enjoy the game better. So will the referee. Time spent in practising kicking at goal or at the line is never wasted. Now that each player has to take the kick when he marks the ball, it is essential that each member of the team should I at least be able to find the line. I Get fit at the commencement of the | season and keep fit. You will not be . able to play good football throughout a 1 hard match if you are not in proper J condition. I Forwards, always follow up the ball, but do not enter the ten yards limit or I interfere with a player until you have been put on side. Backs, do not stand still after kickI ing. Your first ' duty is to put your • team on-side. To do this run straight up field. Don't follow the flight of the ball as this will in ninety-nine cases j out of a hundred be more or Jess across the field. Never call “all on” until you are cerI tain that all your players are behind I you. If any of them are still off-side, you will be liable to be penalised and it will serve you right.. When a penalty is awarded against you, make no delay in getting back into your correct position. Taking too long in returning to your place will often give your opponents an opening. Also when standing on the mark for a. penally, never jump or raise your hands in the air. These actions give your opponents the option of another kick. Learn to kick with either foot. You may find it difficult, at first but, with practice, you will soon become efficient. Remember, a. weak kick in front of your own goal may easily throw a game away. Make Sure of your tackling. Plenty of practice and a little “grit” will soon make you a sound tackier. However, always remember to steady yourself before attempting to tackle a man who is either running slowly or standing still. If you go 100 fast at him he will probably evade you. Always Pla>' to win, but never use questionable tactics to secure a victory. Play the game in the proper spirit, that is, make the game as hard as you like, but never .under any circumstances introduce roughness into your game. The game is not lost until ihe final whistle and therefore don't slacken off your efforts because your opponents have a lead on you. Don’t talk when you are playing, you will need all your wind for other purposes, and, n.oreove,, the on]y , nan who is entitled to talk on the field is the captain. You have elected him to lead your side and so leave any remarks you have to make until after the game. Also, do not be Perpetually appealing for it annoys a to have a side continually "squealing for minor infringements which have no effect, on the game. Above all, *l e ® r dispute the referee's decision. . "V.* n if -you think he has made a mistake, it win pay you better to keep a * tUl tongue in your head. Don’t temper. Even if you have provocation, remember that two wrongs uni never make a right.” If you are unsnje t 0 control your temper, the l I are out of the game the better for '’’l concerned. Practically every team, no matter how good, has a vveak spot. Always be on the look-out ror weaknesses in the opposing team »"d when von have found ;i weak SP" 1 ' I>lay to it for all you know.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Every player, particularly if one of the rearguard, should learn to swerve without checking his speed. The swerve without, loss of pace is much more deadly' than the side-step which always involves a certain element of hesitation. Don't, knock the ball back from the line-out. It. is much safer to take it cleanly- and throw it back. Some players, no doubt, are very expert in knocking the ball back, but remember that a game may he very easily lost by one mistake in the line-out. When dribbling, always propel the ball with the inside of the fool. The slight Joss in pace will be well repaid by- the control of the ball. Lastly, if you happen to be playing for your school’s first fifteen don’t be too proud to take an interest in the younger players. A word of praise from you may mean much to them, whilst it will cost you very little effort to utter it. Always encourage the younger players. Remember that it is from them that, your ”eolours” of the future will have to come and so never be short-sighted and neglect the junior footbath