WEEK-END SPORT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 15 June 1925, Page 6

WEEK-END SPORT.

ALL BLACKS v. ALL BLUES. XEW ZEALAND’S EASY WIN. SYDNEY, Sunday. 'More than 1.1,000 witnessed the first test between New Zealand and New South Wales. The weather was dull and threatening, and the ground was on the soft side as the result of recent rains.

Brvan't replaced Ford in the New South Wales team. The New Zealanders played as cabled. In the first half New South Wales had the advantage of the wind, and made good use of it, hut all efforts to kick goals failed. Flay was mostly in the Blacks ’ territory during the first half, but they managed to keep the home team out. The Blacks proved a fast and nippy set of players, who, with practice, will improve considerably. Their combination was good, but 'their passing rushes were aid to break down on account of over-keen-ness. New South Wales were much superior in this respect. The handling of the ball Ibv both sides was not of the best, but* there were some notable exceptions. The game was a. splendid exhibition of wing play. Elvey was easily the best back on the ground, with Blake and Wise prominent. New South Wales were heavier in the scrum and obtained the ball more than their opponents, and were usually superior in the line out. Linekicking was also a feature of the play. Boss (the New South Wales full-back) plaved an excellent game, liis long line kicks, especially in the second half, frequently saving his side from trouble.

The half-time score of 3 all gives a fair indication of the merits of the game, but in the latter part of the second half New South Wales went to pieces, and New Zealand had things their own way.

New South Wales commenced to attack from the outset. Bowers took the ball doiwn the line, but Bight on marked and relieved the pressure. The attack was, however, maintained. Harris marked on the line. Then play shifted back to half-way, but a long line-kick ”<by Ross again brought the New Zealand line into danger. Matson smartly intercepted a pass, and a certain score by the Blue backs was spoiled by a knock-on. The Blacks were several times penalised in their own territory, but New South Wales, like the New Zealanders, lacked good goalkickers, all attempts going wide. Bowers retired after 20 minutes, and was replaced by Mulligan. Greatorex knocked on near tho Blacks’ line, and from the resulting scrum the same player pushed his way over, but Grossman failed to convert. A few minutes later Wright started the Blacks going, and in a scramble at the corner Kirkpatrick crossed, but Dickson’s kick fell short. The Blacks continued to attack, and Johnson was forced out close to the New South Wales line. Faulty handling by the Black backs raised the hopes of the New South Wales supporters, but the forwards retrieved the position. Greatorex, who was most prominent among the New South Wales forwards, commenced a likely mo\ ement, but liis pass was intercepted and danger was averted. The Blues continued to attack in the second half, but a Black passing movement saw Wise pulled down at the Wales 25, after which, except for sporadic rushes, tho game remained in the Blues’ half. A New Zealand forward rush took the ball to the line, where a scrum from a knock-on favoured New South Wales, the ball being sent into touch. Off-side play by the Blacks spoiled a promising piece of play. The ball went to Crossman, who made a speedy run past half-way, and Wise, in diving to collar him, was temporarily laid out. A brilliant back passing rush from a. line-out resulted in Elvov getting over at the corner. Harris’s kick failed. 1 Elvey again made a great dash down the line, but was pushed out. Wright, behind the scrum, was responsible tor much good work. He was setting the backs moving well. From a piece of off-side play by Greatorex Dickson had a kiick at goal, but the ball hit the post and bounced over tho line. Kicking by Boss enabled the Blues to invade the New Zealand half, but the Blacks were equal to the occasion, and play went back to the Blue line, where Humphreys picked the ball out of a scrum. Harris’s kick fell just outside the post. Wise, from half-way, made a good run down the line, but .Rainbow intercepted his pass and kicked the ball, which came into Elvey's hands. He again distinguished himself by a great run, crossing at the corner. Johnson’s kick failed.

The Wales’ backs were unable to profit by the forwards’ efforts, and in the last ten minutes the whole side seemed to lose heart, New Zealand being allowed to score thrice in quick succession. First Wise made a dash down the line, then passed to Lomas, who crossed. Then clever work by Blake saw Iti'ghton over, and Wise was again prominent in taking the ball in front of the posts, cutting in and scoring. Dickson converted the latter try, but the other kicks failed. Just on time Wise again got over at the corner. 'Johnson’s kick was unsuccessful, and the game ended — New Zealand 20 .. New South Wales 3 —I’.A.

SOCCER CODE.

WIN FOR ENGLAND. 1 SYDNEY, Sunday. "England defeated the Northern Districts at Newcastle bv 0-goals to o. F.A. SIX-A-SIDE TOURNEY. Ten teams entered for the tournament, but owing to a misunderstanding the 'Carterton teams did not arrive. Several very fast games were played, and the whole afternoon’s sport was thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd. Through a late start the final was spoiled, the teams having to take the field in seini-dnrkness. The Y.M.C.A. team had to play the final after a spell of live minutes. The first game was between Y.M.C.A. B and Martinborough C. This was all in favour of Martinborough, who showed combination and understanding of the play. They were easy winners by 2 goals to nil. Y.M.C.A., v. Waingawa.—A stirring contest ended, after 7 minutes’ extra play, 1 all. From a stinging shot .Hollis dropped the ball and Birkctt heeled the ball into the net. Tims was the only goal scored against "Hollis during the afternoon. On the replay, the captains agreed that the first to score should be the winners. After 6 minutes’ play Jones put in a cross-shot from 20 yards out, the Waingawa goalkeeper having no chance. Masterton v. Greytown.—-Masterton won bv 4 to 0.

•Martinborough A v. Martinborougli B.—The A team won bv 3 to 1. SECOND ROUND. The Martinborough teams, A and C, were again drawn together. The A team (Von easily. Y.M.C.A. v. Masterton. —Y.M.C.A. won by 2 corners to nil. It was now getting dark, .so YM.C.A. and Martinborough went on for the final, and at the end of 3o minutes the ball could hardly be seen. No goal was scored in the final, Martinborough winning by a comer after a very fast game.

Football in the Wairarapa.

- Red Star Lead Senior Division.

All Blacks Defeat All Blues.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. MASTERTON v. MARTINBOROITGH Tlio Masterton and Martinborough seniors met at Masterton on Saturday on a heaw ground, but in line weather. The game* was the poorest probably of any grade seen on the Memorial 1 aih this season. It degenerated into a burlesque at times. The attempt at football was appalling. A Chaplin comedy really had nothing on it. I lie backs and forwards on both sides appeared to be able to do nothing light. Probably the fact of the ground being heavy and the ball dry may ha\ e helped in the comedy, but even this could not be held altogether responsible for the poor exhibition, there were a few bright spots, howeA or, m the game. The two tries Nairn scored came from very creditable movements, which the fast winger completed with good runs along the line. They i\ere two really very line scores. On two other occasions lie had reasonable opportunities to score —one was really a moral—but he received atrocious passes. Nairn on another occasion made a strong dash through and was only stopped when a few yards off _ the line, being dazed by the force with which lie was thrown to the ground and driving a tooth through his lpwer lip. Another bright spot in the game was a very fine dash from half way by M hall who had the bad luck to hit the corner post. It was a run well worth a try. Watts put in some good work for Masterton at times, but lnn-os was. not up to his usual standard, and the play of some of the others was much below .senior form. The forwards on both sides did a lot of running about and grafted had enough, but generally to little purpose. The game became .strenuous at times and it looked at one period as if two of the opposing players intended to show the ' spectators how Dempsey and Gibbons did it. Masterton came away to the attack, Sutherland, Speedy and O’Dowd leading a rush which Roadie checked. Again the Blue vanguard carried play on where Smith, BamblV and Roadie put in good defensive work and staved off a score. Rogers, Chapman, Davidson and Riggs were responsible for play removing to the Masterton territory, where Watts held up the attack by a good kick. Some strenuous, if unscientific, plav took place near the centre of the field, where O'Dowd and Mackley were eventually responsible for removing play to the Martinborough territory, where Watts later kicked a penalty goal. Masterton 3 Martinborough 0

Masterton did most of the attacking for some time, but occasionally the Martinborough forwards, headed by Sharp, Ward, Bond and Rogers would break through, 'but they spoilt their efforts by kicking too hard —in fact, it kicking 'hard had counted as tries, Martinborough would have just about topped the century. It was this fault that robbed them of more than one good chance to score. Martinborough were having slightly the better of things when suddenly the ball was whipped out to Nairn, who made a great dash for about 40 a arils, scoring in splendid style. The kick at goal failed, and the score stood, Masterton 6 Martinborough 0

Harris, Roach, O'Keefe and Smith were associated in a movement which gained considerable ground because Masterton did not seem to know how to stop them. Some strenuous work on tho part of the Martinborough forward's followed, but little ground was gained. The. Masterton backs got away with what looked likely to produce something that the spectators could place to the credit side of the price of their admission, but it fizzled out, and was followed by a Martinborough forward rush which Junes stopped. After a scramble round the paddock, the visitors w<re awarded a free kick, and Roaclie goaled. Masterton 6 Martinborough 3

More give and take play followed, and the next noticeable incident was :i breakaway by the Martinborough backs, which, ended in O’Keefe making a good run and dropping the ball when there was only the full-back to pass. Nicholson (the Martinborough fullback) had pot and Masterton forced. The Martinborough forwards were expending too much of their wind talking, or otherwise it is just possible,.that they would have come near a score, as it required just a fraction more power to see them over the line, and Masterton forced again. Nairn broke away and passed to Speedy, who was collared. The Martinborough forwards, with Rogers, Griggs, Ward and Rigg in the lead removed play into the Masterton territory, where Smith and Edwards made dashes for the line. The Masterton forward, headed by O’Dowd, Mackley, Sutherland and Willoughby worked the ball to the centre. Shortly after, the ball was flung out to Speedy, who sent it on to Nairn, and the latter’made a good, run along the line and scored. Murray converted. Masterton 11 Martinborough d

• There was no further score during the spell. In the second spell, play went from bad to worse, and became a farce at times. There was a see-saw of hard kicking and forcing at one period. First ;i Martinborough player, when a few yards from the Masterton line, would give the ball a mighty boost with sufficient force to send it up to Canopus in search, of the new star that the astronomers have discovered in that region of the sky and Masterton would force. Then Masterton, out of politeness would return the compliment jind Martinborough would force. A Mick Casey record on a Regal, or a “patter” on a Columbia or Zonophone with a very loud needle was as a whisper compared to the amount of talking that was going oil at times; while the comedy stunts kept the grandstand patrons in a good humour; they were certainly entitled to receive something for their money. During the spell Willoughby scored the easiest tries for, Masterton and Watts con - verted. Some further efforts that would have put the Masterton movie aspirants to shame, completed the spell, the game endin';

Masterton 1(3 Martinborough ?, Mr. S. Munn was referee.

RED STAR V, FEATHERSTON. This game was one of lost chances on the part of Stars in the first spell owing to some of their backs holding on a trifle too long. J3ut for this, thev should have been I*l r 15 points on at half time. Featherston . wero on their own line with one brief exception for the whole spell. In the second half, with only three points to make up, and the slope of the ground and a strong wind behind them, Featnerston had a great chance to put on points. They would have done so too, but for the' fine packing, tackling and footwork of the Stars. Led by Wybcr and 'Willoughby, the Black and Whites played splendid defensive football and eventually wore down the Blues, to score again near the end of the second spell. The game at times looked more like League than Rugby, for when Star forwards dribbled through a Featherston player falling on the ball was allowed to stay on it till the rest of his side got round. This was a severe handicap to Star, yet. the ban-ackers saw fit, on more than one occasion, to hoot the referee. W. Hood did a tremendous amount of work and did it well. Vangioni was alert and nippy on the wing. Simpson, who scored the first try from a passing rush, took a very high pass at top speed and got over cleverly. For a wing three-quarter lie is a poor kick. Cowio and King defended well, but were not at their best on attack. Flaws revelled in the hard going; he has greatly impoved as an attacking five-eighths. Neighbours went down to tho fierce Featherston rushes in fearless fashion, and fed out to the backs whenever an opportunity came. Sewell and Shackloton got a fair share of the hooking and were always in the front. Garland locked well and did fine work on tho line-out.

Wvber and Willoughby were at their best. They tore through the Blue pack and falling up fast, were frequently dangerous. Wickens appeared 'to be slier; of training. That might account for a lack of finish to some good work. W. Hood was right on his game and scored a good try. Rose is improving every game as a wing forward. He ably supported Wvber in some typically Star dribbling rushes'. Featherston packed well, and in the first spell did some good tackling. The hookers secured fairly often, but were too fond of lifting. They frequently broke away from tho ‘line-out, and dribbling well together gave Stars many an anxious moment. in the second half, the Blues, with a strong wind behind them, overdid the high kicks, giving their opponents ample time to return, often with interest. Their backs lacked, cohesion, and started off too slowly, Gundy’being the chief offender. One of the Blue backs should remember that there is nothing meritorious in screwing the neck of an opponent lying on the ground. It is neither “cricket” nor Rugby. Parker kicked well, but throw away several good chances by aimless potting. Gil lespie, at full, showed up well, kicking with judgment and tackling well. Hutaiia was also sound. The best forwards were Ronaldson and Buck. The final score was: Red Star (i Featherston 0 GLADSTONE v. GHETTOWN. ' At the Carterton showgrounds on Saturday afternoon, Gladstone defeated Greytown by II points to 3. The game was very fast and open, and showed flashes (if really good footoall. (Geytown probably had more scoring chances than did “Gladstone, but their play was more of an individualistic, nature, and their team work was below the standard of their opponents. The Greytown backs handled the ball well and executed somo creditable movements, but failed repeatedly to apply the finishing touches. Both R, Jury and 'Stringfellow had a tendency to attempt too much on their own,- and though they certainly broke through repeatedly in line style, they invariably tried their luck too far, and their erratic dashes usually left their supports well in the rear. Petersen played a very fine game at half, and both the wingers, Parker and Burch, showed good attacking qualities, but were not given tire chances they should have received. At full-back Brunton was much too deliberate at times, and was frequently caught before he got his kick in.

Though not possessing the form of their opponents, the Grevtown pack played a hard game, showing up well in the loose. Their scrum work was their best feature, and they secured possession more frequently than thcii opponents. The Gladstone backs were without the services of Dob and Frank Booth at the commencement, and shortly after the game started Randal Booth retired as the result of an injury. Despite these handicaps, they rendered a good account of themselves, and showed a. fair degree of combination. Guy Booth was replaced at full-back by W. Henderson, and played first on the wing, but on Randals retirement replaced the latter at five-eighth, Dcnby coming on in his place. At full-back, W. Henderson, a promoted junior, gave a sound display, his only bad mistake being an attempt to speculate at a moving ball early in the game. Back in his old position at five-eighth, Guy Booth played one of his best games, and was one of the best backs on the ground, his sound tackling being a feature. Nunn, C. Henderson and Fergusson also played well up to form, the latter’s try being a splendid effort.

'The Gladstone forwards generally held the upper hand, particularly in the tight and line-out work. Gray was in fine form, and played with great dash throughout; he was undoubtedly the best forward on the ground, and was well (Supported by ZiHwood. Greytown did most of the attacking in the first 'half, their backs showing to advantage mainly as the result of breakaways by Jury and Stringfellow.

POSITION OF TEAMS,

Neither side was averse to opening up the game, and as a -consequence play was fast and spectacular. From the opening exchanges, Parker was first in evidence in a sprint for the line, running through to Guy Booth, who saved with a fine tackle. Hay smothered Perry's kick, but Guy Booth a'gaiii saved, a grubber kick gaining a lot of ground. A fumble by Parker, who passed back to Brunton, enabled Gladstone to pay their first visit to the Greytown line, where a timely inarlc by Jury, followed by a- line kick which gained about -it) yards, relieved Greytown. From the line-out Petersen twisted through to send Stringfellow away. The latter badly beat four men, but,' with Parker alongside him, failed to send the bail out to the winger, who was in a good position, cutting in and unsuccessfully trying to force 'his uaj over near the goal. Gladstone were hard pressed, and W. Henderson speculated into Day’s arms right in front of the goal. Day claimed a mark, which was not allowed, owing to his slipping to his knees. The Greytown backs made repeated assaults on the Gladstone line, but lacked the necessary finish. In stopping one of these rushes, 'Randal Booth was injured, and retired. From a scramble on the Gladstone line, the Yellow forwards pushed clear, aud in a combined rush' took the ball at their toes to lialf-wav. A long kick by a Gladstone player was smartly followed up 'bv and Had field, who caught Brunton in possession. Greytown packed round, but in the ensuing scramble McGregor snapped up the- ball and scored. W. Henderson missed the kick. Gladstone 3 Greytown 0

There was no further score In Ihe first spell. Grevtown opened the second spell with the apparent determination of wiping off the deficit, and on one or two occasions were within an ace of scoring. Splendid tackling by- the Gladstone players, however, repeatedly saved the situation, and as the Gladstone forwajds got into their -stride the pressure gradually The Gladstone forwards worked play into Greytown territory, where R. Jury’s kick was smothered by Gray. Guy Booth got possession and made a splendid run towards the corner, finally sending Fergusson away. Tho latter cut. in smartly, and after crossing near the cornerj ran round aud scored behind the posts. W. -Henderson converted. Gladstone 8 Greytown 0

Play continued fast and full of interest', and both sides narrowly missed scoring on several occasions. Finally Greytown were rewarded for a sustained attack. Petersen shot the ball out to the (backs, and from Jury and Gawne it reached Butcli on the wing. Tho latter was blocked, but kicked with nice judgment over the opposing winger’s head. The Greytown forwards swarmed down on the ball, and C. Jury gathered it in and scored. Day missed a difficult kick. Gladstone 8 Greytown 8

Gladstone’s final score resulted from a good run iby W. Henderson, who followed his kick through to the Greytown line. In attempting to clear, Broughton incurred a penalty, and from an easy position W. Henderson kicked a good goal. The game thus ended with the scores: Gladstone 11 Greytown 3 •Mr J. Blake refereed.

The following is tho position of the teams in the senior competition:—

LOWER GRADE RESULTS. JUNIOR. • Opaki 16, Carterton 0. Red Star forfeited to Gladstone. Masterton Ih, Tancru 10. (Martinborough 21, Greytown 0. Featberston 18, Dalefield 6. THIRD GRADE. High School .10, Martinborough 0. Y.M.C.A. 21, Carterton 6. FOURTH GRADE. Red Star US, High School 6. Greytown 11, Carterton (S. Masterton 2d, Featherston 0. Opaki do, Martinborough 0. FIFTH GRADE. ■Carterton 0, Red Star 6. Uikurangi lfi, High School B 0. WELLINGTON. Pone'kc 14, Old Boys l.‘>. L. Wilson was ordered off the field for striking a player. Maoist 4, Athletic ?>. Petone IS, ’Varsity 14. Berhanrpore 17, Wellington 0. Oriental HI, Selwyn 0. AUCKLAND. Ponsonby .17, Grammar Id. Grafton Id, Marists 0. University d, College Rifles 3. New,ton 8, King’s 6. Shore S, Manuk a u 5. CHRISTCHURCH. Only senior matches were played. At Lancaster Park a bitterly cold wind howled across the ground, and rain and sleet fell heavily; yet all the stands were packed. Results: — Merivale d, Old Boys 0. Chiiisteliure.h (5, ’Varsity 0. Albion 19, North Canterbury 0. Lawton, the Australian Rhodes Scholar, who was a prominent player in Australia and England, played a great game for the Albion team. J3UNEDIN. Alhambra 0, Zingari 0. ’Varsity A 14, Taieri 5. Kaikorai A d, Dunedin d. Southcrii d 4, ’Varsity d. Pirates dd, Union ■’>. PALMERSTON NORTH. Old Boys <i, Feilding (i. The result leaves Kill Ton three points ahead. 'Western United .10, Woodville (i. Jt is the first season for several years that Western have won so many as two matches. NAPIER. Marists 19, M.A.O. 9. IDS. Old Boys 8, Celtic 8. Pirates dl, .Havelock North 0. NELSON BEATS MARLBOROUGH. NELSON, Saturday. Nelson defeated Marlborough by 11 to 8.

Pts rts Ch Won Lost D For Afft ft s Bod Star 6 0 0 10.'! 18 12 Carterton 4 1. 1 00 HO 0 Gladstone* 4 £> 0 Id 6 it 7} S Featherstou :t 1! 1 r.4 47 Greytown 1 4 1 G 1 GG 3 M a start on .1 4., 1 42 08 0 Mart in borough 0 G (1 12 178