SYDENHAM TEAM MAKING HEADWAY IN COMPETITION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 134, 8 June 1931, Page 9

SYDENHAM TEAM MAKING HEADWAY IN COMPETITION.

Old Boys, down Twelve Points at Half-time, Recover to defeat Varsity. BY THEIR LAST-MINUTE DEFEAT of Albion on Saturday, Sydenham have raised themselves into third place on the senior Rugby competition ladder. Ahead of them are Merivale, who defeated them in convincing manner the previous week, and Christchurch. From the scoring point of view, the Old Boys’-Varsity match, played on the Oval at Lancaster Park, provided thrills for the 3000 or more spectators who braved the bitter cold of the strong southerly wind. Old Boys, after being 12 points down at half-time, staged their usual recovery and, using the wind to advantage, ran out winners by 14 points to 12.

POSITION OF TEAMS. # The following table shows the relative positions of the teams in the senior A grade competition:—■ Points. Ch.

USED ADVANTAGES. Old Boys won their match by using to the full the advantages at their disposal. They had the strong wind in tfceir favour in the second half, and they possessed a man who could goal from almost any angle when within a reasonable distance of the posts. Varsity had much the better of the first half, mainly through their heavy forwards being in great trim and giving the backs plenty of leather from the scrums. However, their goal-kicking was very poor, and gave on c the impression of not being taken seriously. None .of the four tries was converted, although most of the shots were easy enough. Vincent, the Old Boys’ half, set himself to right matters in the

second spell, and two penalty goals and a conversion went to his credit. Varsity were frequently penalised in the scrums, and this led to the Old Boys’ lead on points. Old Boys used the line to the greatest advantage with the wind behind them, although even against the southerly blast Hencjerson, Varsity's fullback, did well in lining. He was the only one of that team who went out to find the line well down. His opponent at the other end, Hall, was surer than usual in his kicking, and his defence and smart clearances were an improvement on recent form.

Varsity had heavy five-eighths in D. M'Cormack and B. Moorhouse, who played solidly and passed well. Their backs came round to take their turn again in a passing rush, and their forwards covered them oq attack. Yet in defence they did not show the same mobility, although their tackling was sound. They allowed Old Boys to outnumber them on the flanks, where Old Boys had the speed, and as a result two tries were notched against them in the second spell. M’Phail and Paterson scored one each, M’Phail through a burst of speed and Paterson through being unmarked, Mortlock and Spicer, who opposed M’Cormack and Moorhouse, were clever on attack, but M'Phail, although he made some great runs, was inclined to hang on too long when hemmed in. Watts, the Varsity man who played opposite him, was fast and resourceful, but his passing could stand improvement. The Old Boys’ forwards, after being overshadowed by Varsity in the first spell, took on a new aggressiveness after half-time. A. Bowes led the van on attaek in determined style, but his pack still lacked the thrust that such men as Pease, Bryden, Thomson and Wikiriwhi put into the Varsity vanguard. « « :: SYDENHAM WIN. A very tame game, from the spectators’ point of view, was played at the Lancaster Park south ground, between Sydenham and Albion. After holding the advantage for the greater part of the game, Sydenham just managed to score the winning try within the last few minutes. Sydenham’s line was not crossed during the match On a score of occasions Sydenham had Albion bottled up in their twentyfive, but could not succeed in getting through. It was generally a scrambling forward tussle that provided the spectators with few thrills. Sydenham’s scrum packed badly, but, in spite of this, they held their own, and their backs, on the day, went better than those of their opponents. The forwards, however, again expended a lot of energy in fruitless chasing up and down the field. Crockett could have saved himself a lot in this way, but he stood up to it well and was still going strong at time. He played a prominent part in several dribbling rushes from which, had he had more support, tries might have resulted. As it was, he was left to fight it out alone on these occasions. He was the most outstanding forward for Sydenham, although Thomas ran him a close second until he tired on it. Britt played a fine game as halfback in the first spell, and showed up just as well when, in the second half, he went to centre and gave place to R. Brown as half. W. Brown again played a sound game on the wing, together with Haworth on the other. R. Brown worked well as half. Wallburton, at full-back, was not as reliable as he could have been. Ansell and Feeney were the most prominent among the Albion backs, who got under way too infrequently and then without a great deal of success. Polaschek, as wing forward, did not trouble Crockett over much. AN EASY VICTORY. There was not a great deal of good football in the Christchurch-Athletic encounter, which was won by Christchurch by 17 points to 5. The high wind did not help Christchurch in the first spell, but their forwards made things very hard for their lighter opponents. The heavy pack rushed down to Athletic’s goal line in quick succession, but the solid defence of the opposing ranks kept them out. Christchurch should have won by a greater margin. They got the bail from the scrums, but there was no cohesion in their passing movements, the backs throwing the ball about without looking to see if they were supported. The same fault was evident in the forwards, there being good ihdiJfidual play, but no combination.

Athletic, on the other hand, although they never looked like winning, worked together much better, both in the forwards and backs. With G. Brittenden and W. Gaeley on tha.Jnjured list, Athletic were considerably weakened, whilst G. F. Hart, J. C. Pawson and B. W. Marshall were absent from the Christchurch team. R. A. Fulton was sound at full-back for Christchurch, and his line-kicking in the second half was good. The two wingers, H. L. Stephenson and P. G. Loader, gave a fairly good display, and A. M’Kenzie, centre, was strong on attack. L. Shirtcliffe, a newcomer for Christchurch, is a strong runner, and uses his head well. He combined well with Mullan in the first half, and, in the second, he changed places with the latter. Mullan played soundly at half in the first spell, although he was inclined to stand still when passing. He put in some strong runs, and was sound on defence. G. Scrimshaw, A I. Cottrell, J. B. Taylor and E. Wilders were a solid forward quartet, and their weight told against the opposition. S. Bamford played his usual sound game at full-back for Athletic, kicking and fielding the ball cleanly. R. Poff and T. Kotlowski did all that was required of them, I. Scully, at five-eighth, keeping them on the move. Scully is a fine worker, and is always on the ball. G. Morris and M. O’Reilly were always on the alert, and, on many occasions, broke up the opposing solid and heavy forward loose rushes. The forwards were up against a heavy pack, but, nevertheless, their work was good, A. Malcolm, E. Flood and J. Egden being prominent. :: « mertvale triumph. Merivale outclassed Linwood in every department, and won by the big margin of 33 points to 3. Linwood opened the game boldly, bqt their advantage was short-lived and, for more than three-quarters of the game, play was seldom out of their territory. The Merivale forwards, who gave the best display seen so far this season, dominated the game, ably seconded by their backs. In swift passing rtisheg they swept Linwood off their feet, tries coming surely in culmination of sparkling play. Linwood put up a good fight, but they met more than their masters for Merivale were not to be kept out for all Linwood’s determined resistance. In the thick of everything was Berry, who gave a dashing display. Suckling was also a tower of strength to Merivale until an injury caused his retirement in the second half. Kirkland and Francis were others deserving of special mention in the Merivale pack, all of whom deserve credit for a fine showing. J. Dawson, for Linwood, was good in the loose, when occasional rushes broke through. Wilson, Thompson and | Loader were others in the pack who | served their side well. | The Merivale half-back, O’Connor, marred his showing by a tendency to hold on too long when there were opportunities of getting his backs into motion. Day, at first five-eighth, played cleverly. A keen sense of anticipation kept him well up with play, and he made many opportunities for Oliver, who played next to him. Pay and Oliver were too clever for the opposing inside backs, breaking through their defence with short punts and clever in and out passing. Dunshea was the best of the Linwood backs.

A dashing game was played by Rowe on Merivale’s wing. With his powerful running, Rowe was the right man to finish off the Merivale rushes and he made the most of his opportunities. Collier was also in good form, showing a determination that many times helped Merivale. Edmonds, the Linwood full-back, had a hard day on the defensive, and, despite an injured leg, played gamely until no side was called. THE LOWER GRADES Senior B. Sunnyside 3, Christchurch 0. Training College 37, Old Boys 0. Merivale 53, Varsity 0. St Andrew’s 0.8. 6, West 0.8. 5. Kaiapoi 24, Albion 3. North Canterbury 19, Linwood 5. Second. Old Boys B 11, Varsity B 3. Papanul S, Old Boys A 0. Technical 0.8. 32, Varsity A 6. Albion 11. Athletic C. Merivale 9. Old Collegians S. Ohristchurch 0, Sydenham 3. Linwood 19, Training College 6. Third. A Section. St Bede’s 13, St Andrew’s 3. Boys' High School 63, Varsity 0 Christchurch 6, Technical 0.8. 6. Christ’s College 32, St Andrew’s 0.8 0. Old Boys 9, Riccarton 3. B Section. Richmond 14, Athletic 5. New Brighton 8, Sumner 3. Sydenham 6, Spreydon 3. Linwood 3, Merivale 0. Marshland 16, Kaiapoi 9. Fourth. West Old Boys 28, Old Bovs 0. North Canterbury 9. Y.M.C.A. G. Technical 0.8. beat Varsity by default Athletic 17, Christchurch G. Fifth. Section A. Linwood 12, Christchurch 8. Technical 0.8. 28. Christ’s College 3. Merivale 34. Richmond A 3. Albion 22, Kaiapoi 0. B.H.S. 31, Old Collegians 0. Sydenham A 20, Old Boys 3. B Section. West 0.8. 15, Sumner 0 Riccarton 12, Aranui 0. Marshland 36, Kaiapoi 9. Linwood U 12, Richmond T 3 3 1 Papanui 14, Sydenham II 9. Under Seventeen. Christchurch 26. Old Boys S West 0.8. 20, Aranui 0. Technical Old Boys IS, Riccarton 3 Sydenham 12, Bromley 3. North Canterbury beat Athletic by default. Technical Old Boys A 3. Merivale 0. Under Sixteen. Technical 0.8. 28, KaiapoiO. Linwood 3, Sydenham 0. Merivale beat Sumner by default. Under Fifteen. Sydenham 10, Technical Old Boys B G AN e.st Old J Joys 0, Athletic 0. lw n iiili Ul « P oy , s . A 45, Spreydon 3. Boys ingh School beat Merivale by FRIENDLY MATCH. , A friendly game .plav*d at Dmiut* £srk, Ranglora, on Saturday bet wltn the Haftßiora High School Shd the NortS Canterbury third grade teams resulted to 3. Wl " f ° r tl,e "»• 13 joints

MAYFIELD SUFFER FIRST REVERSE AT ASHBURTON. The weather was fine but bitterly colil for the series of Rugby matches played in the Ashburton Union’s competition on Saturday afternoon. The principal attraction was the meeting of Mayfield and Allenton cn the Show Grounds, Mayfield suffering- their first defeat, by the narrow margin of 7 points to 6. As a result of Saturday’s play, Allenton and Mayfield are now level with 5 points each, in the senior competition, Methven being next with 3J points, Hampstead and Rakaia 2 each, and Old Boys hFor Allenton Pennal kicked a penalty goal and Cartwright kicked a goal from the field. Whiting and Polhill scored tries for Mayfield. Mr G. Brown was referee. Methven v. Hampstead. This match, played on the Show Grounds, resulted in a win for the visitors by 15 points to 4. At half-time the score was S points to nil. For the winners, tries were secured by Lilley and Marsh, one of which was converted by Gillespie; while Lilley was successful with a drop-kick. Kelly drop-kicked a goal for Hampstead. Mr C. Wellman was referee. Rakaia v. Old Boys. Playing at Itakaia, Old Boys were defeated by ll points to nil. Tries for the winners were scored by Harrison (2) and Davidson (1), one of which Davidson converted. Mr E. Burgess was referee. Junior Orade. The match between Lowcliffe and Springburn. played on the Show Grounds, was a hard, fast one, and ended In a draw, neither side scoring. Mr A. H. Guiney was referee. Playing at Mayfield, Mount Somers defeated Mayfield by 16 points to nil. Mr P. Herron was referee. Playing at home, Methven defeated Hampstead by 41 to nil. Those who scored tries were: Dolan (2), Regan (2>, Petrie (2), Tait, Cain, Crooks and Cleave ope each. Dolan converted two and kicked a penalty. Wine and Regan converted one each. Mr E. Brophy was referee. Jn a good game at the Show Grounds Old Boys defeated Hinds by 9 points to 3. For Old Boys, Bowden and Bonifant sec-red tries and Fowke kicked a penalty. Davidson scored a try for Hinds. Mr J. M’Millan was referee. Third Grade. Technical Old Boys S, Hi&h School 6; Allenton 3, Old Boys 0; Methven 14, Hampstead 0. Pourth Grade. High School A J 7, Technical B 0; Technical A C, High School B 0. IN OTHER PLACES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 7. Ponsonby 9, Grammar School 6; College Rifles 11, Grafton S; Technical Old Boys 6, City 6: Marist 3, Manukau 3; Training College S, University 3. NAPIER, June 6. M.8.0.E. 5, Hastings 0; Napier H. 5.0.8. 19, Pirates S; Napier T.C.0.8. IS, Tamatea 9; Hastings H. 5.0.8. 8, Celtic 5. WANGANUI, June 6. Pirates 9, Technical Old Boys 9; Marist 6, Kaierau 3; Old Boys 5, Ratana 3. Technical Old Boys win the first round by a point. Pirates are next. DANNEVIRJvB, June 6. The first representative match of the season for the Bebbington Shield resulted in a win for Bush, challengers, who defeated Dannevjrke, holders, by S points to 3. HAWERA, June 6. Kaponga 23, Waimate 3; Opunake 19, Eltham C; Okaiawa 15, Hawera 3; Ath* letic 11, Patea 3. MASTERTON, Juno 6. Old Boys 9, Dalefield 6: Carterton 8, Grey town 5; Gladstone 2-r, Red Star 9. PALMERSTON N., June 6. Kia Toa 11, Massey College 6; Old Boys 23, Feilding 19; Feilding Old Boys 11, United 6. _ WELLINGTON, June 6. Eastbourne 17, Varsity S; Hutt 16, Berhampore 3; Oriental 14, Miramar 14; Athletic 11, Wellington 6; Old Boys 20, Marist 0; Poneke 16, Peton© 13. _ OAMARU, June 6, Old Boys 11, Excelsior 3; Athletic 6, Maheno 3. , DUNEDIN, June 6. Southern 3, Pirates 3; Kaikorai 18, Zingari 13; Alhambra 26, Dunedin o; Taieri 3, Union 0.

N.Z. VARSITY TEAM DRAWS WITH SYDNEY.

BUSH OUTSTANDING AS VISITORS' FULL-BACK, . T „ , SYDNEY, June 7. New Zealand Varsity drew with Sydney University in the test match, the score being 11 all. ft was a very fine game. The ground was dry and fast apd bc-th sides played open Rugby. The home backs were in better individual form and showed more enterprise and clash than in the previous tests. King replaced Stephenson-Wright, who was hurt in the firpt half. King, who suffered a minor injury in the second half, was replaced by Peacock. The captains had agreed beforehand as to replacements. Throughout the first half the game was fairly even, due to the improved form of the Sydney forwards and the better defence of the backs. Bush opened the scoring wjth a long penalty goal, and Ruru was responsible for a brilliant try shortly before the interval. After the resumption Gibson and Booth gained tries for Sydney, Hemmingway converting the latter. The first w&s the consummation of a threequarter rush, the New Zealand defenders being outflanked. Booth's try was the result of a cross-kick leaving the goal-line open. Peacock obtained a try from a forward scramble, which Bush converted, regaining the lead for New ZealandJoyce equalised at the end of a passing rush by the forwards and backs. Sydney was still attacking in the last five minBush was again the outstanding figure. Ruru, who was well marked throughout, was again resourceful. The teams were:— New Zealand—Bush, Mackay, Thomas, Williams, Ruru, Ewart, Pryde, Stephen-son-Wright, Edwards, Barker, M’Veagh, Dixon, Hodge, Perkins, Deidrich. Sydney—Bobane, Kennedy, Gibson, M’Mahon, Hemmingway, Simpson, M’Shane, Page, Joyce, Morey, Booth, Elias, Lcve, Barry, Murfitt. QUEENSLAND AND N.S.W. DRAW. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph-—Copyright.) BRISBANE, June 7. An interstate Rugby Union match between New South Wales and Queensland resulted in a draw, 18 points eachELLESMERE GAMES. The following were the results of Saturday’s matches in the Ellesmere competitions:— First Grade—Waihora 18 v. Dunsandel 0; College 22 v. Southbridge 0; Leeston 9 v. Lincoln 8; United 18 v. Irwell 15. Second Grade—Dunsandel 9 v. Waihora 3; Southbridge 6 v. College A S; Leeston 25 v. Lincoln 3; United 12 v.’ College B 0. Third Grade—Southbridge S v. Wai-hora-Lincoln 0; Southbridge High School 14 v. Leeston S. The shield points to the credit of each team in the first and second grade competitions are as follows: First Grade—College 12, United 8 Waihora 8, Dunsandel 6, Southbridge 4* Lincoln 4, Irwell 3, Leeston 3. Second Grade—United 10, Southbridge 10. College A 6, Irwell 5, Dunsandel 5, College U 4, Leeston 4, Lincoln 2, Wai-

W. L,. D. F. A. PS. Merivale 7 1 0 168 46 7 Christchurch . . 6 2 0 124 59 6 Sydenham 5 3 0 62 114 5 Varsity 4 4 0 86 99 4 Old Boys 4 4 0 82 69 4 Linwood 3 5 0 4i 85 3 Albion 3 5 0 74 65 3 Athletic 0 S 0 27 126 0