School and Playground

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18189, 23 June 1927, Page 13

School and Playground

BY

“DEMONI.”

RUGBY FOOTBALL. Last Saturday College I. made their debut in the under 20 grade and, striking a strong Old Boys combination, went down by 3 4 points to 6. The conditions were far from ideal, the ground being tricky underfoot, whilst the greasy ball proved elusive to the College rearguard, who did not adapt themselves well to t lie conditions and only struck their true form in the second spell, when it too late to pull the game out of the tire. The College forwards also played below form and, although they frequently secured in the line-outs, promising openings were lost through the pack not working as a whole. In the defensi play their packing also was not entirely satisfactory, and Old Boys frequent broke through with the ball at their toes. Although their pack went weii, it was mainly due to the superiority of their rearguard that Old Boys owe their victory. Considering the state ot the ball, their handling was very sound indeed, whilst in the defensive Elay their tackling was very sure, keeping College out in the closing stages, when the losers were showing much improv e< form. On the whole, the College defence was not particularly safe, tnei e being a tendency to go high in som instances. During the first spell yi Bovs notched three tries (one of whicn was converted), and but for reliable tackling bv T. G. Denniston and welljudged line-kicks by E. T. Newton the score would have been higher. D. ai. Douglas, at centre, also showed judgment in his kicking, whilst C. B 1 1" gendorf made one or two good runs, iowards half-time 11. B. Johnstone opened the College total with a nice penalty goal, and the spell ended with the score 3 1-3 in favour of Old Boys. The opening stages of the second ball were au o In favour of the Old Boys, but bling by P. If. T. Williams, P. C. Whyte and W. D. Orbell put College on tne attack. J. R. Murray then secured ana cut in, sending the ball on to G. T. Roberts, who after a good run passed to P. C. Whyte, who dashed over the line for a nice try. College now commenced to wake up in earnest, ana a. good run by J. R. Murray almost Pierced the defence. Another run 3?y D. M. Douglas put College on the attack, and solid forward play, in which Williams, Whvte and Roberts were again prominent, had Old Boys in trouble. A nippy piece of play then saw N. B. Appleby dodge through an opening. After a good run he was tackled in possession, and Old Boys, launching a counter-offensive amongst their backs, found the defence wanting and scored at the corner. H-b-College continued to attack, but the tackling was too good, and the final whistle sounded without any change m the scores. Of the College forwards, F. J-T. T. Williams, P. C. Whyte, 11. B. Johnstone and G. T. Roberts were the most conspicuous, whilst amongst their backs H. M. S. Dawson, J. R. Murray and N. B. Appleby showed b?st form. Mr R. J. G. Collins was referee. College I. also played their annual match against College House last week, and, after being six points behind at the end of the first spell, came to light .n the second half and eventually proved the winners by 18-9. First blood came to College, for whom D. M. Douglas, right wing, scored a try as the result of a kick through and fast following up. College House then took a hand in. trie attacking, and had the better of the play for the rest of the spell. Aided by faulty passing amongst the College backs, the Maroons launched several attacks on the College line, and before half-time arrived had notched three tries, all of which came as the result of movements amongst their backs. As none of these tries were converted, the toams crossed over with the score 9-3 in favour of the House. On resuming the College forwards commenced to shake things up, and from a scrum on the Maroon line N. B. Appleby cut in and scored a nice try. W. B. Johnstone converted. 9-8. College continued to keep up the pressure, and a fine piece of solo dribbling saw H. B. Johnstone f-arrv the ball from halfway to Gie College House territory, where he kicked past the full-back and by a fast dash scored between the posts. The same plnver converted, and College led by 13-9. At this stage play was very fast and even, the Maroons making every effort to regain the lead. The tackling, however. was sound, and then H. M. S. Dawson, by a determined sprint down the line, transferred operations to the College House line, where "W- D. Orbell picked up and dived over. W. B. Johnstone again converted. 18-9. Another good dash bv H. M. S. Dawson looked like adding to the total, but he ivas tackled when just on the line, and the final whistle went without addition to the total. Mr T. W. Tothill was referee. Playing in the under 20 grade last Saturday, School I. had another easy win in their match against Varsity A, whom they defeated by 36-nil. Play throughout the first spell was evenly contested and ended 12-nil in favour of the School. The first try came as the result of a nice piece of individual play by K. Mortlock, second five-eighth, who kicked to the Varsity full-back, secured possession again and ran over. 3-nil. The next try was the result of a passing rush by the School backs who, considering the state' of the ball, handled very fairly on the whole. The movement was initiated by Vincent from a scrum, stnd travelled out to E. Greig, who, failing to take his pass, kicked over the line sind fell on the ball. 6-nil. A penalty by TV. Pease added to the School total, and shortly before half-time a nice bout of short passing by the School forwards saw the same player make a good run home and score. 12-nil. In the opening stages of the second spell, Varsity made great efforts to wipe out their deficiency, but hard play by the School forwards wore down the opposition, and E. Gregg <2>, D. S. Kelman, F. J. Foley, IC. Mortlock, and W. Pease secured tries, G. D. Innes converting two and W. Pease one. The School backs, as a whole, did not go too well together, over-running the ball and faulty handling being their worst faults. Vincent, behind the scrum, again proved a tower of strength on defence, whilst H. Escott acquitted himself well at full-back, playing his best game to date. The School forwards showed fine form throughout and led well by their captain, D. S. Smith, and with F. T. Foley and D. M’Kenzie to second his efforts, proved too strong for the Maroon vanguard. Mr E. E. Hayes was referee. The first of the annual fixtures between the Christchurch secondary schools was played last week, when St. Redes I. and 'St. Andrew’s I. met at Northcote. Play throughout was most interesting, St. Andrew's having the better of the first spell, which ended 8-nil in their favour. After half-time, however, St. Bede's showed vastly Improved form and ran out the winners by 17-8. During the opening stages of the game, the St. Andrew’s backs showed very nice form, bringing off some spectacular passing rushes. The first try came as the result of one of these, the ball starting from J. 11. March (half), and travelling through the whole rearguard to the right wing, where T. K. Coop finished off a pretty movement with a determined dash, going over the line with V. Cahill hanging on to him. TV. T. S. Johnstone converted. 5-nil. Sr. Andrew’s continued to attack by way r.f passing rushes, whilst the St. Bede's forwards frequently gained ground by good dribbling rushes, in which their players worked well together, L». Carmody being conspicuous for his fine footwork. St. Andrew’s, however, were obtaining from the scrums and, from a clean hook. March again got the ball away. A fine tackle by T. Anisy stemmed the movement but, from a ruck which developed near the Black line, D. MacDonald broke through and dived over. S-nil. The fit. Bede’s forwards now attacked determinedly, but solid defence by the St. Andrew's full-back. J. A. Shano, kept them out and the spell ended without any addition to the -total. At the beginning of the second half, play was even, but the St. Bede's forwards soon got Into their stride and, by loose rushes, commenced to dominate the game. The St. Andrew’s forwards, led by R. B. Hamilton, battled hard, but were rather slow in breaking up from the scrums, and the St. Bede’s vanguard by spoiling tactics harassed the St. Andrew’s backs and interfered with the concerted movements that they had so successfully launched in the first spell. St. Bede’s first two tries came as the result of combined dribbling amongst their forwards, R. Johnson, by fast following up, crossing the line twice. The second try was converted by R. Driscoll, and at half-way through the spell the score stood 8-8. The play of the St. Bede's backs now improved and it was not long before another try was notched by the Blacks. T. Anisy kicked to the centre, regained possession by fast following up, and scored close to the posts. R. Driscoll again added the major points. 3 3-8. The St. Bede’s backs now commenced to dominate the play, throwing the ball about In fine style. L. M’Kinnon, second five-eighths, was prominent in fast swerving runs, and it was only due to yeoman service by the fit. Andrew’s rearguard that the defence was not pierced. J. A. Shane] (full-hack), E. I>. Gibb (first five-eighths), and PC. Haw-J-ins (second) tackled very well indeed, and no further score was registered until just on the call of time. T. Anisy found himself blocked, and drop-kicked a, fine goal from the twenty-five mark.

The final whistle sounded with the scoi * 17-S in favour of St. Bede’s, for whom F. Foster and K. J. M’Menamin were the most prominent forwards, whilst J • Anisy, R. Driscoll and L. M’Kinnon showed best attacking form amongst their backs, G. Gaffaney and V. Cahill >eing very so.und on defence. For fit. Andrew’s, K. Hawkins was conspicuous 'or good attacking play, whilst J. H. March worked well behind the 'scrum, lespite the harrying tactics of the fit. Bede’s forwards. On defence,. J. A. Shand, who replaced E. TV. Pawsey at full-back, was a tower of strength to his side, whilst E. L. Gibb was also a very solid tackier. Of the Blue forwards, the pick were R. B. Hamilton and O. MacDonald. Mr E. Cockroft was referee. St Bedes T. also scored a win in their game against Sydenham in the under nineteen grade last Saturday. The game was played at Northcote and, owing to the heavy rain during the morning, the ground was very wet and the ball soon became very greasy. As might be expected, the handling on both sides was rather poor, the play being mainly waged among the forwards, where St Bedes were considerably superior in the tight play, although they showed a tendency to over-run the bal in the loose dribbling rushes. Although the score was low, St Bedes winning by 11 to 3, tne issue was never in doubt, Sydenham seldom looking like scoring, although their tackling was very sound, whilst their backs used good judgment in kicking to the line. In the first spell. D. Gaffney, left wing, notched a couple of tries for fit Bedes. Both scores were the result of passing amongst the college rearguard and, neither being converted, the teams crossed over with the total 6-nil in favour of the Blacks. O.i resuming, a penalty for off-side play enabled Sydenham to bring the score to 6-3, but, towards the end of the game, F. Orosbie, wing forward, clinched the matter for St Bedes by breaking away from a forward rush and diving over near the posts. R. Driscol converted and, there being no further score, the game ended 3 1 to 3 in favour to the, home team. Mr E. Empson was referee.' St Andrews I. met Technical Old Boys in the under nineteen grade and, although short time was played, ran up the big total of 37-nil before the final whistle sounded. As was the case with the previous game, the ground was wet and the ball greasy, but, considering the conditions, the handling of the St Andrews’ rearguard was most creditable. With the exception of their full-back, who played a very sound gome, the Technical tackling was rather weak, whilst the fit Andrews forwards were stronger and much faster than their opponents. Of the St Andrews rearguard, .T. H. March, E. B. Gibb and W. T. S. Johnstone showed best form, whilst T>. MacDonald, F. O. Royds and R. B. Hamilton were the pick of their forwards. For the winners, tries were 1 scored by P. Ensor (3), D. MacDonald ] (2) E. R. Gibb, C. R. Wilson. J. H. I March, and R. B. Hamilton. E. D. Gibb, W. T. S. Johnstone and F. C. Esson each converted one try, whilst Gibb also dropped a field goal. Mr J. Bradshaw was referee. College IT. have not yet commenced operations in the under nineteen grade hut, last week, they' met a Varsity team and, after a fast game, scored a win by 16-6. The first spell was rather in favour of College who, at half-time, were leading 8-3. Lumgden and TJpham having notched tries from a couple of nice dribbling rushes. Wilson also being largely responsible for the latter one, which was converted by Lumsden. Tn the second spell, good footwork by' the College forwards enabled Lumsden and Wilson to notch further tries, whilst Varsity crossed the line from a back movement. As Lumsden converted his own try. the final score was 16-6 in favour of College IT. Mr Hamilton was referee. « k SECOND GRADE. Playing at Ensor’s Road, Technical T. proved too strong for College IV.. whom they defeated by 2F» points to nil. G. N. Blackaby (3), J. Johansen (2), H. Bennetts and J. Wain secured tries, P. Johansen and D. .T. Quaid each converting one. Mr A. TV. G. Lipscombe was referee. A closer game resulted when College TIT. met School IV. at Straven Road, the visitors winning by 22 points to 10 after a fine, vigorous game. For College, Coop (3). Sutherland and Allen scored tries, Symes converting two and also kicking a penalty goal. Poison and Archbold scored for School. Poison adding the majoi- points to both tries. Mr O. Tj. Ridgen was referee. Another interesting game was played when St Andrews TT. met West Christchurch T. at St rowan and scored a win by' 9 points to 3. For the winners P. fi. East, Gresham and P. Ensor scored tries, none of which were converted. Mr F. B. J. Murray was referee. a THIRD GRADE. Playing at the College cricket ground. School V. showed good form and defeated College V. by 18 points to 6. Stevens (3) Smith, Brewer and Herriott notched tries for the winners, none being converted, whilst, for College. Cameron and Cox were the scorers. Mr J. 11. D. Buchanan was referee. A close game resulted when College VI. defeated Technical IT. by G points to 3. For the winners. Kilian scored a try and Hitching** drop-kicked a nice goal from a penalty, whilst M. Bee scored for Technical. Mr 11. P, Wise was referee. St Bedes TI. proved a good deal too strong for School VI., whom they defeated bv 27 points to 3. George, on ß of the St Bedes forwards, was in good form and notched four tries, DUnne, Duncan, Josephs, O’Reilly. Comar, Power and Oourlev also scoring. Comar and Power each converted one try. Mr A. E. Caddlck was referee. FOURTH GRADE. School VII. met College VII. at Straven Road and scored an easy win by 40 points to 3. Peddle (3), Tileman (2). Sowden (2), Kemp (2), Bowman, Rickard and Wilson scored tries for School VIT., the last mentioned player adding the major points to a couple. Brydges-Jones scored for the losers. Mr IT. Henderson was referee. A much closer game was that in which St Andrews TIT. defeated College VTT. by 3 1 points to 3. For St Andrews. Grimmer, Cowper and Smith secured tries, Adair converting one. Wilford scored for the losers. The Rev O. W. Williams was referee. St Bedes 111. had the bye. FIFTH *GKADE. Cathedral Grammar T. continued their victorious progress last week by defeating School X. by’ the large total of 51 points to nil. Rongmore (second fiveeighth) and Restieaux (left wing) had a field day’, the former scoring no less tfyan seven tries, whilst Restieaux was a good second with four tries and three conversions to his credit. Bradshaw and TVakely also scored tries for Grammar. the former converting three. Mr li. R. Gibson was referee. College IX. proved too good for Technical IV., winning by 18 points to nil. Seymour (2), Graham and Black secured tries for College, Graham converting one, whilst Black drop-kicked a field goal. Mr C. J. Kennedy* was referee. The game between West Christchurch TT. and St Andrews IV. was played at South Park and resulted in West Christchurch winning by 9 points to nil. air A. Thompson was referee. Another fairly’ close match occurred when Technical TIT. met School IX. ana won by 14 points to nil. For Technical tries were scored by Rinaldi, Bightfoot, McKane and O’Callaghan, Eden converting one. Mr J. Struthers was referee. COLTS’ GRADE. Bast week. School met Technical at Straven Road, and poor play by the visitors saw School win fairly easily by 15 points to nil. Cannon (2), Thacker (2) and Dawson secured tries, none of which were converted. Mr J. B. McBride was referee. St Bedes won by default from fit Andrews. The former team, therefore, have got through the first scries without a defeat. College had the bye. ii «*• ii HEAVYWEIGHT GRADE. A close and exciting game was played between the two leading teams, Technial A. and School A. and, after a good exhibition. Technical carried off the victory by 6 points to 3 and now lead in ibis competition. For the winners, Fife and Urquhart secured tries, whilst, for -chool A, Cook was the scorer. Mr L. 13. Quartermain was referee. St Andrews had little difficulty in accounting for Technical B at Elmwood Park, victory going to the .Blues by 17 points to nil. S. Wilson and B. Johns each scored two tries for the winners. Walker converting one and also kicking a penalty' goal. Mr J. D. Baybuit was referee. The match between School B. and Technical C was more evenly’ contested, the former team winning by 3 points to

nil. Renaut scored for the winners. Mr W. E. Harris was referee. * LIGHTWEIGHT UPPER GRADE. School A. by defeating Technical A by 3 2 points to nil, have gone through the first series without defeat and are now one point ahead of "West Christchurch A. For School A, "Williams and C.obden secured tries, Arnott. and Cobden also kicking penalty goals. Mr It. M. Bruce was referee. St Bedes A continued to show improved form, and Inst week defeated winners, Blanchfleld (2), Doherty and Nee snored tries, three of which wore converted by Nee. Barnett kicked a penalty goal for the losers. Mr Hayes A much closer game resulted wh n n West Christchurch A met Technical B. victory going to the former team l«v 3 points to nil. For the winners, Edwards scored, a try. Mr A. A. Bender * J* 'A LIGHTWEIGHT MIDDLE GRADE. When the two leading teams met last week. School C had little difficulty In accounting for Technical C by 20 points to nil. For the winners, Grant (2), Milne (2), Shafford and Absalom secured tries, one being converted by the first mentipned player. For Technical C, Bull notched a try. Mr C. Harper was referee. School D proved too good for Cathedral Grammar and won by 23 points to 3. Jamieson was the ‘‘star’ player for School D, notching no less than six tries, whilst Jacobs also crossed the line. Kimberley scored for the losers. The Rev S. Parr was referee. Technical D had the bye. LIGHTWEIGHT ROWER GRADE. West Christchurch B v, ’ e^ e the winning mood and defeated School F by 32 points to nil. (3)> More and Schofield gained tries for the winners, me being converted by Jones. Mr A. O. Stanley was referee. A much closer game resulted w ten School E met and defeated -technical C try “fo””’school B- *«?"«• Sinclair at A £aner a ter ir park,°yt ‘KSU'g {«'«£ Kfvan^ e ßh, n p?eston and Bradley scored tries for the winners. Mr J. Quinn was. referee.