FOOTBALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19007, 7 May 1924, Page 6

FOOTBALL

THE RUGBY UNION GAME. LAST SATURDAY’S FORM. NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “The Observer.”) The weather last Saturday was once more against good football, and the three senior games played on the Rec were nothing more or less than hard forward struggles. * • • • When Pirates meet Old Boys next Saturday they will be faced with a diffirMt proposition to what Waverley and Tech. Old Boys met in their games with the blues. Cox and Willacey are said to be turning out for Old Boys, and with Baddeley behind the pack they may be dangerous. • « * • The meeting of Kaierau and Pirates on the Rec. last Saturday meant the meeting of the two strongest teams —at least the two teams that appear the strongest, and although the reds were generally the favourites, the Pirate supporters were quite confident. Katerau tried to overwhelm their opponents by forward play, but the Pirate vanguard played them at their own game, and the result was one of the hardest struggles ever seen on a local ground. Under the circumstances there was » • « • no prospect of spectacular football, and the game was mostly hard ruck play with the backs of both sides kicking whenever the chance came. When the Kaierau van did break through they were faced with dour defence and resolute rush stopping. On the other > \ hand the defence of the Kaierau backs j was not convincing, and some of them | * showed a marked disinclination to get j * down to the ball. • ♦ • • Had W. Collier been in the goal kicking form that he was on the. previous » Saturday, the result might have been £ different. He missed three shots, one in easy range, and two from well out. Truly it is a hard thing to live up to a reputation of being a phenomenal goal kicker. • w • • It is only fair to mention that PirBtes were without B. Delves, who could kg not get in from Kakatahi. Still in ™ the main he could have only improved * Pirates defences, and on the day it scarcely needed any improving. • • • • There were occasions during the game when both sides could with advantage have endeavoured to get their backs going in concerted attack, but passing was seldom attempted, and on both sides there was far too much indiscriminate kicking and aimless booting of the ball up the field, which brought nothing in the way of results. Head was the best of the Pirate backs, and had a big hand in both tries, cleverly centring the first one, and running J. Delves perfectly into position on the occasion of the ot<er one. In addition Head’s fine defensive kicking was a feature of the game. Bowen had a busy time at full back, ’ and gave a faultless display of defensive work. Young in the centre tackled in deadly fashion, while Robson, behind the scrum, went down to everything. Whakarua, the ex-Te Aute boy, did some nippy work in the intermediate line, and probably will do better still later on.

The Pirate pack were an even solid lot, and everyone played all out. George Ross and Healey were always in the picture, while Persson made a very good impression. On the wing Hurley, who is a bit on the light side, infused great dash into his work, and was always prominent. ♦ • ♦ • Of the Kaierau forwards W. Ross again was the best, and was alwavs in the thick of the play. Lloyd Stewart was much better than on the previous Saturday, and worked hard throughout. It was a good pack, and it was not their fault that their side did not come out on top. With the collective quality that the Kaierau backs possess, they should have made a better showing, despite the limited opportunities that came. McFarlane, behind the scrum, although he had no liking for rush stopping. did at times get the ball away cleanly, but not once did it reach the three-quarter line. McAuliffe and H. Stewart individually at times showed up, but as a combination and the vital connecting link with the rest of the backs, they got nowhere. * * * • In the three-quarter line F. Collier played a heady game, while Fromont, on the wing, had any amount of dash. He gives the impression of being a good scoring win, but so far he has not had a chance. Corliss at fullback was below the form he has shown in previous seasons. No doubt before the two teams meet again both will improve considerably in team work and forward combination, and this second meeting will be looked to with interest. •> The tnatch between Technical and Wanganui Old Boys’ senior fifteens was more evenly contested than the final score, 14 to 3, in gavour of the latter would indicate. The game wa» strenuously fought, and the continual fluctuations of fortunes had the effect of sustaining interest in the fixture throughout. The blue and whites gave a good account of themselves, but although they were repeatedly knocking at their opponents’ door, they always faded out at the crucial moment. • • * • Their only score was a penalty goal secured by E. Reid. Their opponents at all times possessed the necessary finish, and their back play, what little t£cre was, was a pleasing relief from tie rather tiresome forward play, and ihimerous kicking exchanges witnessed. Had the light blues fielded their full complement, the spectators would no doubt have been treated to a sparkling exhibition of back play. • • • • Both occasions that the Technical Oold Boys have turned out in the senior division this season, they have been defeated by substantial margins. However, they have by no means been disgraced, and each time they have been defeated by sub-

stantial margins. However, they have by no means been disgraced, and each time they have been vanquished, have fought like Trojans to the end. With a little more practice together, they will yet prove a hard proposition for some of the older combinations.

As wing forward, M. Heise played a solid game for Tech. Old Boys. When the blue and whites met Pirates the previous week, he was played as fullbackhand did not distinguish himself. There is no doubt about it; he should remain in the forward division. H. Dyke was again Tech Old Boys’ out* standing forward, while E. Reid was the most prominent of the backs. The latter played with more confidence than the previous week, and was a tower of strength both on the attack and defence.

Owing to several of their regular players failing to turn out on Saturday, Wanganui and Old Boys found it necessary to re-arrange their team. Baddeley was missed from the position of half, but a splendid substitute was found in Blythe, who played probably the best back game on the-field. He was ably supported by Marsden and Strachan, who captained the side. The light blues’ first try was the result of the trio’s concerted and brilliant movements. The forwards played exceptionally well and Murie, Wright and Rowe were the most conspicuous when there was work to be done.

The Waverley team justified the good things said of them after their defeat of Old Boys by drawing with Ratana in a game which was entirely devoid of incident. Both sides missed chances of scoring per the medium of penalty goals, but a general lack of finish to movements that opened promisingly successfully stifled all their attempts. Ratana gave a very disappointing display after showing up so well against Kaierau the previous week. Their main supports were Hartley and Raukawa, who time and again exhibited sound defence. On the Waverley side Cameron again gave a splendid display both on attack and defence, and he was easily the best player on the ground. The Waverley forwards are a promising lot. Verry being the pick. As yet they do not appear to have grasped the difference between dribbling and speculating.

The following players have so far been nominated by Taranaki club delegates to be submitted to the selector for inclusion in the trial match at Wanganui:—M. Malone and J. Kissick (Kaponga), A. West, Dick Paterson, H. W. Brown, R. G. B. Sinclair (Hawera), L. Sheahan, H. Philpott, R. Penniall (Eltham).

Thus the Taihape Daily Times on one of last Saturday’s matches: There was an unpleasant incident during this game, which ended in two players— Roberts and Strachan —being ordered off for indulging in a bout of fisticuffs. The trouble threatened to develop immediately the two players left the field, but what promised to be a general mixup was stopped by players and officials. The following is taken from the Manawatu Times: —“Messrs. Martin Winiata and R. Wehipeihana, of Horowhenua, were present at the Showground in connection with the selection of the Maori teams for the Te Mori Rose Bowl at Auckland on Monday, May 12, and the opposing group to Manawatu’s in the “Southern” North Island trial at Wanganui on Friday, May 16. It is rather remarkable that none of the other group selectors besides Messrs. Jas. Ryan and R. Wehipeihana (Manawatu and Horowhenua) respectively, were in attendance. What was the use of giving Wellington two selectors (Rangi Wilson and W. J. Wallace) and where was E. McKenzie, the Wairarapa group selector, who is supposed to be free to attend all trials? Even Dr. G. J. Adams, Manawatu neighbour’s representative, would not appear to have been in attendance.” The Times writer may be interested to know that Wanganui’s selector, Dr. Adams, was up at Utiku watching the Taihape players.

REFEREES FOR SATURDAY SENIORS. Ratana v. Tech. Old Boys, on Rec. No. 1, at 1.15 p.m., Dr. Hutchison. Old Boys v. Pirates, on Rec. No. 1, at 2.45 p.m., Mr C. Spillane. Kaierau v. Waverley, at Waverley, at 3 p.m., Mr C. Fromont. Line Umpires for Rec. —Messrs Price and Greenwood. JUNIORS. Old Boys v. Tech. College, on Racecourse No. 1, at 1.15 p.m., Mr J. Rowe. Rapanui v. Tech. Old Boys, at Rapanui, at 2.15 p.m., Mr J. O’Grady. Pirates v. Kaierau, on Rec. No. 2, at 1.15 p.m., Mr Millard. Aramoho v. Ratana, on Rec. No. 2, at 2.45 p.m., Mr G. Parsons. Fordell v. Marists, on Racecourse No. 1, at 2.45 p.m., Mr W. Eade . THIRDS. Old Boys v. College, on College No. 1, at 2.45 p.m., Mr A. W. Brown. Aramoho v. Kaierau, on Racecourse No. 2, at 1.15 p.m., Mr J. Richardson. Marists v. Pirates, on Racecourse No. 2, at 2.45 p.m., Mr Hodges. FOURTHS. Tech. College “B” v. Tech. College on Tech, ground at 2.45 p.m., Mr A. J. Williams. Aramoho v. Marists, on Racecourse No. 3, at 2.45 p.m., Mr J. Pauling. Old Boys v. College, on College No. 2, at 2.45 p.m., Mr M. Hogan. Kaierau v. Pirates, on Racecourse No. 3, at 1.15 p.m., Mr Kidson. The practice night for all Wanganui and Old Boys’ players is this evening in the Rec. shed, at 7.30 o’clock. In view of the attendance of coaches, a full muster is essential. All senior players are particularly expected to attend. ALL BLACK SELECTORS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 6. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union has added Mr. W. A. Guy (Taranaki) and Mr. H. E. Davis (Canterbury) to the Island and New Zealand selection committees. Mr. A. L. Geddes (Southland) has been reappointed in place of Mr. D. Stuart (Otago).

METROPOLITAN SUB-UNION

MEETING OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The Management Committee of the Metropolitan Rugby Sub-Union met last evening. There were present: Messrs G. Hurst (in the chair), Burton, Faber, Weekes, Atkinson, Thompson, Shear man, Takarangi, Fromont, Blennerhassett, and Warden. A welcome was extended to Mr Blennerhaassett. primary schools’ representative. Westmere School’s application for a football was granted. The Fordell Club applied for some of the Junior Cup matches to be played at Fordell. —It was decided to refer the matter to the Fixtures Committee. Ratana Club lodged a protest against Waverley, stating that the captain of the latter team failed to hand in his team slip.—After considerable discussion, it was decided to refer the letter back to the Ratana Club, pointing out that under the special circumstances, they did not consider a protest should have been made, and asking the club to re consider it. Advice was received from the N.S. Rugby Union that the prices for the All Black trial match will be as follows:—Ground, Is 6d; stand, Is 6d, plus tax. Tickets will be sold at the secretary’s office prior to the match. The game will commence at 2.45 p.m.

RUGBY TRIAL MATCH THE NORTHERN TEAM. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 6. The following will represent Auckland, North Auckland, Waikato and Thames Valley in the Rugby trial match against Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, East Coast and Bay of Plenty on Saturday:— Full-back, R. Malloy (Waipa); three-quarters, Lucas (Ponsonby), V. Badeley- (Grammar), Kirwan (Marists); five-eighths, C. Badeley (Grammar), Cooke (Grafton); half, Wright (Grammar); rover, Clarkin (Hamilton); forwards, Peters (Marists), Lomas (Thomas), McLean (Grammar), Emerson (Whangarei), R. Lighton (Ponsonby), Knight (Grammar), Gray (Hamilton). Emergency: Thompson (Hamilton).