RUGBY NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 178, 31 July 1933, Page 5

RUGBY NEWS

POLICE AND PRESS PRESS TEAM’S NARROW WIN CLIFF PORTER TAKES A HAND. A HARD, FAST MATCH. (By “Cross-bar.”) For the fifth time since the annual match was institute* 1 policemen and pressmen of Wanganui have met on the Rugby field. Before of over 6000 (including children), the two sides played a hard, even game on Saturday, the Press winning in the end by eight points to six. As a matter of fact, the Police team was unlucky, in that at least two tries were lost to them as the result of the bounce of the ball being unfavourable. Glorious sunshine favoured the promoters of this annual Rugby fixture, which is staged to raise funds for the relief of distress. No better day coulr have been ordered Tor such an event. The Press team, captained by H. “Spike” Lowe, of the “Chronicle.” were a younger side than their opponents, and what they lost in weight they made up for in quickness. The Police side, captained by Constable H. Smith, were heavier, and more solid perhaps, and did most of the attacking in consequence. What proved a handicap to them, however, was the lack or ball coming from the scrums, the Press having an advantage in Joe Watson, their hooker. Remembering that 90 per cent, of the players on the field arc not playing Rugby regularly, the way the sides stood up to the rigours of hard game was commendable in the extreme. It indicated the true spirit that underlies the meeting of these teams every year. Men who had not run for years, except a week or so before the match, were able to enter into the play like club players. In some instances they were better, from the kick-off to the final whistle the players on both sides kept the pace going. There was only one incident whitfi tended to mar the match and the day. Constable Gordon Howes, after getting the ball from a pleasing passing rush, ran with determination to score, and when tackled as he was diving to the ground the ball, hit the hard ground with the point of one shoulder. The result was a cracked shoulder blade which will Jay him aside for some weeks. A Famous Player. Cliff Porter, the famous New Zealand Rugby leader, who captained the All Blacks of 1924 and 1930 was the referee. He received a great reception from the crowd and was cheered by both teams as he came on the field. As was expected, however, the job of refereeing, to one of Cliff’s energy, was a little too slow. He was unable to resist the temptation to be the Cliff Porter Now Zealand remembered so well when the Britishers were here in 1930. In the second spell the police were attacking hotly just outside the Press twenty-five. Suddenly the ball came out of the scrum, and before anybody was aware of it Porter had it and was off like a streak for the Press line. Quickly appreciating the position, Owen Rogers (Police second fiveeighths) and George Powell (wing three-quarter) gave the All Black captain the support he would have got from his own All Blacks. Porter passed to Rogers, to Powell, back to Rogers, to Powell again, and the Press line had been crossed. That was near (ho close of the game, and the incident left the spirit of the day in proper place. It gave Wanganui a glimpse of the Cliff Porter of old, and it brought the Police, a little nearer the place their play on the day entitled them to. In the first spell Mowat, of the Herald, scored for the Press and Spike Lowe converted from a difficult angle —Press 5, Police 0. That was the score at half-time. The second spell went definitely in favour of the police, but they could not finish off properly, but Granville, of the Herald, broke away from a forward rush, and nobody was more surprised than he was to find himself on 1 the line and able to run round behind the posts and score. Ron McEntee, of the “Chronicle,” took the kick, but could not goal.—Press 8, Police 0. From that out the Police made strenuous efforts to reap reward due to determined play. Rogers actually got across the Press line behind a rolling ball once, and w’hen he dived he saw it bounce out of his reach. He had been within an inch of scoring. Late, the ball came out to Traffic Cop Wilson’s wing. He made a neat sidestep, and with the crowd yelling encouragement was off for the line. He was ably supported and a neat passing rush let Constable “Rusty” Howes away with the goal ahead. He made the distance, scored, and had to retire with the injury already referred to It, was a fine finish to n nice bit of plav. The kick failed.—Police 3, Press 8. Then followed a hard battle on the Press side of half-wa”. At last Porter got the chance to take a hand and he diil so true to form, the move ending when Powell scored. The Police then had a chance to make a draw of it. but the kick failed.—Police 6, Press 8. Play continued for another five or eight minutes. Powell had a shot at ro;iI for the Police, but, failed to get the ball over and the game ended with Iho scores of 8 to G in favour of the Press. Both teams joined hands on the field in<l sang “Auld Lang Sync.” The teams were:— Press (green and white): H. Lowe ('captain'): N. Barlow. Falconer, L. Barlow; W Waktding, Ditchfield (1st); A. Lowe; Mowat; Humphries. Delves, Granville’ McEntee; Pring Watson. Sheridan. Police (blue and black'): H. Smith (captain'): Wilson. Batchelor, Powell; Rogers, Kennedy (1st); Walsh. Alexander, Howes; Bissett. Trask, Fleming; /Dashwood. Croxford, McDonnell. An amusing happening at the start of the match occurred when a miniature constable, on touch-line duty, saw that the, Press had 17 men. He frantically blew his whistle and a squad of four, including a “sergeant,” responded. They fell in and ran across the field bringing Gay Lockett, the Wanganui representative captain, and W. Thompson. the representative hooker • ff the field. An examination of the i’-jnry suffered bv Constable G. Howes in the match on Saturday revealed that it was 1 ■* as serious as was thought to be at Hr * It is probable that no hones ha' <> bcm broken.

A CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT INCIDENTS DURING THE DAY ALL HANDS ASSISTING Co-operation of many hands was the keynote of the success of the Police and Press gala day on Spriggens Park on Saturday. As was predicted the match in fancy dress, between the Queen’s Own Band and and the Wanganui Highland Pipers, played as a curtain-raiser to the PolicePress game, proved to be a scream. Even the referee was “a lady.” Highlanders were dressed up as the Young Wanganui League team and the Queen’s Own as “girl” midgets. Long (or short) skirts looked attractive enough, but for playing Rugby in they certainly do not lend themselves to the dignity of shorts and jerseys. The player who had to place the ball for the kick-off found that was so, and the way he brushed his skirt aside set the match off on a really humourous note. Later, one “bright lass” tried to prevent the Young League side from kicking a goal, and climbed up the goal posts and swung out on the bar. Evidently she knew the rules that if a player touches the ball in its flight no goal can be allowed. But it takes two hands to balance on the cross-bar, and the fair defender did not risk trying to touch anything. She hung on grimly. It was a hard job to keep track of the scoring in this game, but the referee is understood to have reported that the “Girl Midgets” (Queen’s Own Band) won by 16 points to 15. It was a humourous effort, well staged and helped to add to the fun of the day. The Garrison Band, under Mr. Tom Gray, assisted the cause by playing music. They had a strenuous afternoon’s work, which was got through with Garrison efficiency. The Police and Press teams were, played m by Mr. Gray’s specially composed march, “Police and Press.” This band also played “A Policeman’s Life is Not 1 Happy One,” when four diminutive “sergeants,” of the city’s miniature force, came in for “orders” from Father Time, and also “Auld Lang Syne” when the teams of 1905 and 1924 were led on to the field. One of the most pleasing items on the programme was the stage of an acrobatic display by small boys of the Wanganui Y.M.C.A. These lads performed remarkably well and justly earned the applause they received. The Harriers’ Parade. A very imposing scene was made by the Wanganui, Marton and Main Trunk harriers, who were played to a starting post on the field by Pipe-Major Thomson of the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band. A punctual start was made with the Wanganui club cross-country championships, senior and junior, the runners getting away at 2.15 p.m. Senior and junior titles were decided and a teams’ race. The club also used the race as a basis for selecting a team to run at New Plymouth on August 12, where the team to represent the West Coast Centre at the New Zealand championship at Wanganui on August 26 will be chosen. Weller (Wanganui) won the senior title on Saturday, and G. Johnston (Wanganui) the junior. Marton A were successful in the teams’ race, Wanganui C coming second. Officials of the Wanganui Harrier Club, under the president (Mr. C. R. White) and the painstaking secretary (Mr. S. Dustin) so co-operated with the committee that the race was run and finished strictly to time-table, and proved to be a great event. One can now imagine what a feature the New Zealand championship race will be when it is staged in conjunction with a representative Rugby match on Spriggens Park on August 26. Miniature Police Force. Boys of Queen’s Park School formed the Wanganui Miniature Police Force which paraded so well on the Friday night and drilled nicely on the ground at the interval of the Press-Police* fix ture. They carried out their task of setting the stage for the marching on of the All Black teams of the past, and did it with precision. Captain D. T. Maxwell, adjutant of the Wellington West Coast Regiment, acted as a judge of drilling, and awarded a prize to the squad commanded by “Sergeant” Whakarau. The others, he said, were all very close. Teams of Old. Kaierau fourths and Pirates fourths paraded as the teams of .1924 and 1905, respectively. They played for a few minutes only, and neither side scored. Childs, as Porter, led the 1924 team and Thomas, as Gallagher, captained the 1905. Cliff Porter himself was referee, and at least once, caught his own name offside. Mr. Paul Latham acted as Father Time, and in addition to parading the teams, introduced the Mayor. A gallery of “press reporters” were in attendance and caused a great deal of amusement, particularly the boy representing the New Y'ork paper. The miniature police force was under the command of “Inspector” McElwain, of the Wanganui Technical College, and comprised:—No. 1 Squad: •‘Senior-Sergeant” Les. Weathcrley, ‘Constables” Bill Hardy, James BuL 'f»’k, John Cant and Mervin Springer. No. 2 Squad: “Sergeant” Whakarau, ‘Constables” Jack Earle, John Buller. Ken Dunlop and Allen Watty. No. 3 Squad; “ Sergeant ” Kcnningst >n, “Constables” Cleary, Darby, Cox and Witty. No. 4 Squad: “Sergeant” F. Hooker, “Constables” A. Paul, E. Metckingi, Capp and E. Carter. The boys entered into the spirit of the day with right goodwill and were a credit to their school and to the force they represented. Thanks to the fine weather and the admirable ground arrangements made by the Metropolitan Rugby. Union everything worked smoothly. Mr. Clem Swan, secretary of the Metropolitan Rugby Union, is deserving of special praise for the manner in which he carried out the work ent ted to him. Mr. George Morgan, ■aretaker of the park, was particularly helpful to the committee and to both Police and Press teams. A special .ord of praise was due also Io the Supervision Committee of the Metropolitan IHion. particularly Messrs 11. Whitii g, \. Lockett and W. R. M. Elwain. To the Scouts, also, the committee was grat -ful for assistance rendered. Messrs. Sharpe, North and Co. auctioned a l-. ll ‘■rated by Messrs. Young and Collins nJ raised £l6 18s 6d for the funds. Mr. . '' Atkinson, who had the “wedding ” crowd to deal with, also a.'c- ■■! a second ball and brought, in • 23 to £4. To the auction'ers, to

the bands, the miniature police, the Y.M.C.A.. the harriers, the Kaierau and Pirates Clubs, and the Marist Club (who loaned jerseys to th© Press), and nE who assisted the effort the committee wishes to express its thanks. A DRAWN GAME WANGANUI B TEAM MATCH WITH WAIROA. The Wanganui Metropolitan B team drew with Wairoa in a match played at Waitotara on Saturday. An unconverted try was scored by the visitors and the home team profited from a penalty, leaving the scores nt three all. Wairoa fielded a hard-working pack of forwards, but the backs could not provide the necessary finish. From the kick-off the sides battled until halftime without scoring. Both teams attacked in turn, Wanganui making use of whatever possession they gained to bring their backs into action. Several scrums were carried by Wanganui. From one move originating in this manner the ball travelled through, the chain of backs and Wakeling was hauled down at the corner. The Wairoa forwards, who wore led by Lloyd Stewart, of Technical Old Boys’ fame, were giving the visiting team all they wanted in vigorous play, hut Wanganui backs were making the pace whenever the chance offered. Valiant tackling by Walker kept saving the home line. After the interval Wanganui attacked hotly. Walker being called upon to defend steadily. At Ijvst W. Duncan sent his backs away with some purpose. Stiver drew the defence nicely, and let Wakeling away to finish the move off in the corner. Wakeling nicely bear, a tackle that was coming at him from the side. The kick was not successful.— Metropolitan 3; Wairoa 0. Sturmcy and Flintoff were prominent in the next Wairoa forward attack, and the home team had Wanganui penned to defence. A penalty wont against, the visitors, and Walker’s kick, from an acute angle, found the uprights. Jubilation was liberally vented on the touchline.—WaiToa 3; Metropolitan 3. The play surged up and down the field, and the home custodian distinguished himself again by steady defence. Zimmerman had a pot shot at goal when Wanganui were on defence, and missed his objective by about a foot. Stiver made a spectacular-effort for the visitors, and but for a beautiful tackle, would have reached the goal. When time was called the Wanganui team was storming the visitors’ territory. It was a hard game and, on the day. a draw correctly set forth the merits of the two sides. FOR NEXT SATURDAY METROPOLITAN UNION. FIXTURES AND GROUNDS. The Wanganui Metropolitan Rugby Union will •continue their one-round Cup competition in the senior division next Saturday. Following is the list of fixtures and grounds:— Senior. Kaierau v. Marist, on Spriggens Park, at 3 p.m. Technical Old Boys v. Pirates, on Racecourse No. 4, at 2 p.m. Old Boys v. Ratana, on Spriggens Park, at 1.30 p.m. Junior. Marist v. Aramoho, on R-acccotirsr} No. 2, at 1.30 p.m. Technical College v. Kaiwhaiki, on Teclini'cal College ground, at 3 p.m. Technical Old Bovs v. County, at Fordell, at 2.30 p.m. Collegiate v. Kaierau. Kaierau win by default. Pirates v. Old Boys, on Racecourse No. 1, at 3 p.m. Thirds. Pirates v. Marist, on Racecourse No. 3, at 1.30 p.m. Kaierau v. Technical Old Boys, on Racecourse No. 1, at 1.30 p.m. Technical College have the bye. Fourths. Collegiate 11. v. Technical College, on Collegiate ground No. 1. at 2 p.m. Technical Old Boys v. Pirates, on Racecourse No. 5, at 1.30 p.m. Kaierau have the bye. Fifths. Teclini'cal College B v. Marist, on Technical College ground, at 1.30 p.m. Kaierau v. Collegiate IV., on Collegiate ground, at 3 p.m. Technical College A v. Collegiate TIL. on College ground No. 5, at 2 p.m. (non-Cup fixture). Sixths. Technical College A v. Collegiate V., on College ground No. 4, at. 2 p.m. Technical College B have the bye. WITH THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS NEXT THURSDAY’S GAMES. TOURNAMENT PREPARATIONS. Following are the games to be played on Thursday by the Wanganui Primary Schools’ Rugby Union:— Senior A. Marist.s v. Intermediate B, on No. 1 ground, at 2.45 p.m. Wanganui East v. Gonville. on No. 2 ground, at 2.45 p.m. Senior B. Castlecliff v. Aramoho, uu No. ground, at 2.45 p.m. Tawhero v. W- .g n.< - io, or< No. J ground, at 3 p.m. Gonxi.L v. Queen's Park A. on No. 5 ground, al 2.-15 p.ni. Wanganui '...t.-t A \. Queen’s Park B, on Spriggens Park at 2.45 p.m. Marists v. Wanganui East B, on Williams Park at 2.45 p.m. Management Committee. The Management < <>mmittee of the Primary Schools’ Rugby I nion met on Friday afternoon. Mr. F. <.Jannings presided. It was dmu'ded that the Senior \ ami Junior competitions be decided on the first round, and that, the Senior B complete thV second round. In order co keep the boys in training it was decided that matches be drawn for the next two playing Thursdays,

Matters in connection with the forthcoming tournament in August were discussed. Tteams of twenty boys will arrive from Wellington, Wairarapa, and Manawatu on Friday, August 18, and will “leave on Thursday, August 24. As arrangements have to be made to provide homes for these sixty boys it was decided that schools be asked to push on with the billeting as quickly as possible. Games will be plnyml on Saturday. August 19, at 10.30 a.m., and on the following Monday and Wednesday at. 2.30 p.m. Hopes were expressed that the Wanganui Rugby Union would use the Wellington-Wahganiii p im nv jep resentatives ’ games as a curtain-raiser to the Wanganui-Taranaki Maori g".r.ic on August 19. In ordi r to assist in raising finance, it was decided lo issue sixpenny tickets for adults, these to be available on any one day. The following were elected as an entertainment conimitt.e with power to add: Messrs. Jannings, William •. Withers and Naumann, ami Bro. Francis. WAIKATO AT TE AROHA THAMES VALLEY BEATEN [ Per Press Association. I TH AROHA. Juh 29. Waikato defeated Thames Valley by 14 to 3 at. Te Arolia to-day. The weather was fine and there was a crowd of 2000. The game was a hard forward battle with flashes of bavk play by Waikato. The visit :ng backs were superior and Valley plaved close to maintain even footing. For Waikato. Leeson, Aitken, and Broderick scored tries, Davies kicked a penalty goal ami conx’ortetl a (rv. GL-vn scored Valley’s only points. 11, Vans© (Turua) was referee.

UNDER THE LEAGUE CODE I ! 'BAY AND TARANAKI DRAW ■ [ Fur Preaw Association J NAPIER, July 29. In the first interprovin*cial League I match in ten years at, Napier, ’Bay | drew with Taranaki, 17 points all, in | a fast, open game. The attendance was 4000. Lord and Lady Blcdisloe were (present, meeting the players. ’Bay l I made ap excellent showing, (‘specially (in view uf no previous opportunity !‘<t j players in combined plav. In the pec- , jond spell their form wa> not sustained • •and Taranaki score! Ireelv. breaking ; ! through stubborn defence. In the dos- | iing stages Tnrnnaki were five points t | ahead when ’Bay threw their whole I •weight into an overwhelming attack, | land Lister capped an outstanding per- | formanre by scoring, Smth. who notched fourteen points, equalising amid groat enthusiasm. In the early stages stoppages for vasualtios wore frequent, also infringements In the >i si tors.