EYES ON THE RUGBY FIELD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 139, 15 June 1932, Page 4

EYES ON THE RUGBY FIELD

(By

"CROSS-BAK").

Wanganui and Old Boys and Kaiprau provided the most exciting Rugby match played in Wanganui this year. In fact it might be said that it was the keenest played for some seasons.

It would not have mattered a great deal which side won if judgment were based on merit. The game was evenly contested and honours rested quite as favourably on the one side as the other. Old Boys’ victory, however, was tho more popular, largely because this team played the more attractive game.

Territorially Old Boys probably had the better of the match. This was due reallv to the surprising force with which their forwards played. For a great portion of tho game Kaierau’s pack were disappointing, were inclined to lumber about the paddock and be unwieldly rather than effective.

Towards the closing stages they gave a much better exhibition and followed the ball closely, pressing Old Boys to defence. The try scored by Osman was really a clever move and the participants must be given full credit for catching the defence napping.

Burgess paved the way for tho move by a strong run. Bullock-Douglas, however, displayed cleverness in compelling the maroon winger to hang on to tho ball instead of passing infield to Osman in support. Old Boys had to thank their crack player for saving their line on that occasion.

The strong attacking position gained for Kaierau was not allowed to slip and the forwards, doing their duty well, gave Duncan, half-back, the ball very cleanly. Morgan and Osman then participated in a move which was favourable to their build. The passes were flung low and when Osman took the ball he was really bending at an angle of 45 degrees. It is doubtful whether Burgess could have executed an attack of that type. Osman had to dive “underneath” the defence.

Close scoring made the match interesting right through. First one team led and then tho other. The scores were so managed that the crowd were kept in a period of tense excitement. Towards the end that tension began to relax on account of Kaierau’s display of tenacity when holding to a two-point lead and it was thought that Old Boys had mighty little chance of winning.

There were not many prepared for the last dramatic move which was to send Bullock-JZmglas over for the winning try. Enough has been written about that effort and the central figure has received his due praise for a meritorious accomplishment. He deserved it all, but there is a measure of honour due to the Old Boys’ inside backs for that try and the one scored in the opening stages of the match. Good and all as a winger may be, he has to rely upon those inside him for possession. The test of his ability comes when he has a man to beat, as Bullock-Douglas had on* .Saturday.

AU the Old Boys’ backs handled in the move under review. White, Blyth, Shaw, Gibson and Bullock-Douglas. Gibson gained the most ground on the inside men, running up well to draw the Kaierau defence and he let his winger away with Simpson to beat.

Simpson has a good record in club football. He has filled several gaps for his team and has come through as an all-round reliable player. He has rarely let the team down in tackling and this goes to show that BullockDouglas was well tested when he had Simpson to beat. North made a strenuous effort to stop that last try and almost overtook the Old Boys’ attack. If he had dived at Bullock-bouglas he would have succeeded.

Bullock-Douglas’ try has been compared with another famous effort made by a New Zealander in an international match—All Blacks v. Scotland, at Edinburgh on November 18, 1905. Credit has been given to Jimmie Hunter for that try, whereas the scorer was G. W. Smith, three-quarter. Though the match in Scotland was of far greater importance than that played between Kaierau and Old Boys on Saturday, the circumstances were very much the same. Scotland were leading by seven to six when Smith was let away to beat Scoullar, the Scottish full-back. He did it and gave New Zealand a two points lead. Reports of the match state that nobody worried much about the kick at goal, which was not successful.

That was not the last score in the match, however, and in that respect the effort differed from that of last Saturday. New Zealand scored again and won by 12 points to 7. It was a mistake to play Mitchell on the last line of defence for Old Boys. A full-back needs to be a seasoned player, or one who has the qualifications for the job. Mitchell did well considering he was new to the game. He took the ball on the full better than was anticipated. Kaierau appreciated the weakness of this change, however, and kept playing to the last line repeatedly. No team that has a weakness in defence in the middle of its chain of backs can afford to treat the full-back position lightly.

Play of the Old Boys’ forwards was better than usual. They gave their backs a fair share of the ball and responded well generally. There was pleasing combination between Blyth (half; and Egan (first five-eighth). Blyth's passes were crisp and Egan was invariably on the move when he took them- Shaw, the next player in tho chain of backs, was off his game. He repeatedly dropped tho ball. Gibson, in consequence, was handicapped a good deal. Even so, he plays a remarkably good game and his participation in the move which gave BullockDouglas his chance was well worthy of mention.

Both Evan and Shaw must watch their passing. Egan was in better form in this regard on Saturday, but ho is inclined to badly misdirect the ball. This fault reflects none too well so far as Shaw is concerned. Shaw himself also gives a very poor pass at times and Gibson has to bear the brunt. Spriggens played as wing three quarter in the first spell and went back fo Ihp last Top of defence in the

second. He came through rairiy well, bu. was inclined to dally too long over a bouncing ball. This fault let Kaiurau through to Old Boys’ line on one occasion. Line-finding by both teams was remarkably weak. There were occasions when the ball was kicked from one player .to another in the respective sides three or four times and the line was found after both sets of forwards had been nearly run off their legs. This fault is common in Wanganui Rugby and should be guarded against.

Harry Cox returned to the game for Old Boys on Saturday and although he was obviously raw and lacking in condition. Kaierau knew tie was on the field. Ho paved the way for.a try in typical Cox fashion—got the ball out of tho ruck “mysteriously’ and was on the goal-line before anybody but himself and Curtayno knew anything about it. Curtayno played a useful game in Old Boys’ forwards. The whole pack went well until the (lying stages, when Kaierau’s traditional finishing powers bad them at bay— Nicholls, Harding, Tremewan, Powell, Brooker and Wilson. Watson’s ability at rush sapping was noticeable and is worthy of emulation. Despite the two occasions on which he missed Bullock-Douglas Simpson played reliably on Kaierau’s last line of defence and it should be the policy of the club to keep him there in future. Despite defections from the maroon ranks on account of injuries, a better team of backs took the field in this match than in any other played so far this season- They certainly made a far better showing than was expected. Jack Morgan’s correct place is first five-eighth. His knowledge of the game assists his club better there than further out. North, too, was inclined to go better at second. Morgan still retains that nasty habit of bumping players in the opposition instead of tackling them. He would bo well ad- | vised to forget that type of play and concentrate on the better method. He played a good game on Saturday and Kaierau owed a great deal to his ability on attack and defence. It was a pity that he allowed one incident to overshadow a good display.

Burgess is a winger who has improved to almost representative standard. He is fast and game. Given chances he will prove himself still better. Osman showed promise in the centre position, though it must be admitted that his standard is not the equal of Mutimer’s. Fennell made one good run and was unlucky in that he had no romo in which to move. At half-back W. Duncan was still inclined to lob his passes instead of letting there go with a bit of life.

There was something wrong with tho Kaierau pack. It had the vim, but did not seem to settle itself to proper team work. Byres and Tasker were out in the open a good deal, but the outstanding player of the forwards was George Glenn. Clark and Pleasants appeared to go well in the tight.

The match pleased the public, first because of the opportunity it afforded Bullock-Douglas to display good form and, secondly, because tho scores were so close and fluctuated to keep the excitement on the move. Old Boys were a popular team, but all who recognise the sporting principles of the game, will accord Kaierau full merit for setting a stern test. The maroons may not play attractive football, but every team that meets them know in kaierau there is always something that will demand their best. That is much better for Rugby than prospects of a one-sided issue.

“A game of lost chances,” aptly describes the effort of Pirates against Marist. The greens played a better game than usual and Pirates a poorer. That entitled victory to lie where.it finally rested —with Marist by nine points to six.

Upston played a good game for Marist, but was never tested out in a tackle. Two black attackers had chances of trying him. In one instance —that when Williams had the ball find was supported by Francis—the better policy would have been to have definitely drawn Upston. With the black forwards in support there was quite a good chance of a score resulting even if the Marist full-back had taken Williams. Upston played a good game, however, and must have impressed the two selectors present.

It was remarkable in this match that both full-backs should display form above the average. McMinn, the Pirate custodian, was very coo] and could field the ball splendidly. He was overshadowed by Upston in line finding and in quickness in picking the ball up when it rolled along the field. Both these players will be watched with interest as the second round is played out.

Marist really owed victory to their forwards. Buckley, Phillips, Kenny and Reynolds played well and never let up except for a portion of the second spell. Hooking the ball from the scrums gave Marist a very fair advantage. Adams kept his backs moving, but there was a weakness beyond Bourke. This side really needs a good all-round second five-eighths to connect the scrum with Narbey and keep oppositions on the alert. Leo Fromont played the winging forward game well and had Duncan bustled at the base of the Pirate pack yOn occasions. With hard forwards bustling at them the Pirate backs fell badly at handling. Lowe seemed to be the worst offender. Duncan, too, often had difficulty in picking the ball. up off the ground, a phase of play he is usually adept in. Wakeling was a weak link in the chain of black backs. There was very little improvement when he and Lowe changed places.

Williams saw more of the ball than Rusden, but the one good chance Williams had was lost when Francis could not gather in the pass. Williams de-

served credit for the manner in which he played himself into position, but cannot be commended for not appro (dating Francis’ inability to take a nass. As stated earlier, drawing the full-back into a tackle would have been a better move. To have shortpunted the ball over the line to let Francis fall on it would have been better still. T.owe had a similar task to Williams later irt Ihc match He clear

and had Harrison, then playing full back, to pass. Instead of trying the short over-head punt, he flung the bal wide and the chance was thrown away

The. Pirate back line did not seem to appreciate the need for correct positioning in this match. Wide gaps were allowed to glare at Marist nearly the whole game through and it is certain that much of the erratic handling of the black backs was due to the various players being too far apart.

The first round of the senior competition is over and has left the two teams which play open Rugby on top —Technical Old Boys leading Wanganui and Old Boys by a point. Kaierau lie two points behind Old Boys and three behind the championship loaders. The outstanding feature of the round has been the display of Technical Old Boys. This club began the season doubtfully, succeeding against Marist by a try to nil. In subsequent matches, however, the team responded even better than their most ardent supporters expected. Youth and fitness, particularly in the forwards, have stood them in good stead.

An impression is left at the end of the round that tho championship will be fought out between the three leading teams, with Pirates and Marist tilling roles as spoilers. There is a fairly wide margin of difference between the three teams at the top this year and the three underneath. This mav be narrowed in the second round, of course, but the indications are that Technical Old Boys, Old Boys and Kaierau will be in at the finish. Old Boys, with Bullock-Douglas away in Australia, and Egan on the injured list for two Saturdays, will be hard put to to hold tho backs up to tho high standard set in the first round. The club is tackling the obstacle with a great spirit of determination, however, and a special room is being rented for tho purpose of indulging in more consistent training. It is to be the endeavour of the club to adequately maintain its reputation while the fast-finishing winger is away.

A great deal of interest will centre on the forthcoming tour of the All Blacks in Australia, largely because, there is a substantial quantity of new blood in the side. Youth and speed were sought, after by the selectors and good wishes will be extended to the team on an important mission. The task ahead of them is a heavy one. Recent tours to Australia and teams from across the Tasman that have toured New Zealand lately have proved that beyond any shadow of doubt.

Australia plays a type of game very different from the average played m the Dominion. “Possession” is the watchword and hacks and forwards work towards that find. Even in its own twenty-five, hemmed down on the line, the Australian Rnqby spirit is ever keen for attack. Tn consequence, passing rushes are often initiated when the side is almost surrounded on defence and end up either in a score nr right on the opposing team’s line. When Malcolm brought bis team to Wanganui in 1928 these tactics were demonstrated to the full. one occasion the ball was handled 12 times before the visitors scored and the rush travelled right from Australia’s line.

< ‘ Bullock-Douglas probably played himself into the All Blacks by his great try-scoring effort. Five tries by one wing three-quarter must benearlj a record in any inter-island game. The Wanganui man played against Southland last year and in the NorthSouth match also. He is not heavily built, but is fast and very tricky on his feet. He scored a try against the Southland tourists but did not appear to measure up to the Hart, Steele or Grenside class. His defence is not too strong.” , This is from a Southland critic, and indicates quite clearly that the writer knows mighty little about the Wan ganui player. To say that his defence is not too strong is all bunkum.

A conspicuous absentee in the AH Black representation to travel to Australia is tho Wairarapa union, says the Southland Times. When it is considered that just two or three years ago tho greens could field no fewer than 12 All Blacks in their representative side, tho absence of at least one Wairarapa player is all the more surprising- In 1929, when Southland lifted the Ranfurly Shield at Carterton the following team, which includes 11 All Blacks, constituted the Wairarapa team: L. Roache, R. Cundy, C. Stringfellow, F. Fuller, A. E. Cooke, T. G. Corkhill, J. J. Mill, J. D. Donald, W. R. Irvine, K. Reid, S. Willoughby, J. H. Harvey, W. Willough by, N. McGregor, and W. Reside. From a Southland viewpoint local players -who appear to have been unlucky not to have been accorded some recognition are D. Grant, A. McKay and R. Donnelly, says the Times, iho last-named, of course, was nominated for the South Island team. Once again, the system of choosing island 1 teams is anything but a sound or fair one,, and it is time that something was done to bring about a change.

In the Christchurch-Merivale match on Saturday both teams and the referee loft, the field at half-time. There was no hesitancy and little commentThere has been a good deal ot speculation as to who would bo likely to fill Hart’s place in the All Black team to Australia in the event of medical opinion prohibiting him from making the trip on account of the injury ho received on Saturday. Logical choice should fall on N. Ball (Wellington), who played for Wanganui and Old Boys some three seasons back. He is playing against the All Black team at Wellington to-day. Fuller, the other Wellington winger, has claims to inclusion, particularly m view of tho report that Ball is not fit Fuller represented Wairarapa for some seasons and has played against Wan ganui. Ho is fast, sound on attack and is a good kick.