SPORTS AND PASTIMES

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14663, 28 May 1921, Page 14 (Supplement)

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

FOOTBALL. THE RUGBY PASTIME, • J " r ' (By “Drop-Kick.") The following table shows the position of the senior teams engaged in the Hamilton Union’s competition at

The first representative matches under the auspices of tlie Hamilton Rugby Union took place on Saturday last, the A team jounneying to Pukekohe to meet Franklin, while the B team tried conclusions with Waikaro At Steele Park. There is one thing that would nqt be amiss in rep. fixtures, and that is providing programmes for the spectators, with the names of the players and the numbers on the jerseys. Last Saturday the public were all at sea as reg.ards the names of the Waikare players. This is just a trivial matter that has probably been overlooked, and will, no doubt, he attended to when the next rep. game is played here. It is to be hoped that it will as It means such a lot to the public. Visit from Waikare. The large crowd, which put in an appearance at tlie local fixture were not, disappointed with the display, which was of a bright nature, and kept the spectators worked up to a high pitcli of excitement right to the finish. The local team was very different from the one originally selected, and they stripped a fine fifteen, all seeming to be in the pink of condition. Gertainly the combination was not what it might have been; nevertheless they combined well at times, and sparkling play was noticed more than once. On one occasion no fewer than seven players handled the leather before it was touched down, being tlie wind-up to a pretty bit of work, both backs and forwards taking part in the movement. Though Hamilton won by the margin of nine points there was not that difference between the teams. At one stage it looked as though Hamilton would score more, but they seemed to tire at the finish, and the visitors gave them a merry time towards the end of the game. In fact though they scored one try in that period they were unlucky not to add further points, as they had Hamilton penned on the line tor.ten minutes. :the first half of the game there was little between the teams, if anything Hamilton having slightly the best of matters. In the third quarter Hamilton held the upper hand, but in the final quarter the visitors were a good deal superior, they seeming to finish very fresh after their strenuous efforts. Had they had any combination at all they must have done better, especially in the back division. Their forwards, though they rarely got tlie ball from the scrums, worked- very well in the loose. For Hamilton, Hunt, at full-back, played a line game, his handling and kicking being of the best. The threequarter line included Cassells, who was selected in the A team, but could not get away in time to make the trip. He was in great form, and was frequently applauded for his clever work in all departments. Lenihan gave a good display, though not up to lus previous form. Bailey, a South Auckland rep. of last season, gave a good display. His handling and kicking were good, and he showed by bis fast following up that he is a dangerous scoring man. Peacli and Gibbons (five-eighths) were a real good pair, and both made several line openings. They, however, both have a tendency at times to try and beat too many men. Mathieson (Hie half back’, w-us responsible for some really clever pl'ay.‘ On numerous occasions he beat several men, but he also had the tendency to hang on a trifle too lung. Bateman (rover) played well. The forwards’ display was belter than expected, and they did everything asked of them in a businesslike manner. A. McGregor, who has been one of the most consistent forwards m Hamilton this season, stood out as the best forward on the ground, and he will be a hard man to keep out of the A reps next time. Sandog ,who has only played his second game this season, has come quickly into form, and was the next best, while Lambio was the pick of the others. Denham, at full for Waikare, gave a sound display all round. Storey (wing) was the best of the threequarter line, and never made a mistake. Brasli was also good, but Eadc’s handling was not too sure. Austin and Marshall did not combine too well in the five-eighths position, though both played well individually. Lynch (half) was responsible for a lot oi good work. Stewart played rover for part of the game, and later went into the bocks. He gave a sterling display, and, in fact, was one of the best players on the ground. Though not very big, he is of the stocky build, and fills the eye as one who will make good in big matches. He kicked two nice goals, and just missed with another attempt. It is a wonder there was not 'more use made of him in this respect. Keith was the best of the forwards, and . vygs on the ball from start to finish. There was little to choose between the rest of the pack. A The A’s Abroad. Though there were soni e prominent, defections from tlie team that was originally selected to oppose Franklin '£t Pukekohc on Saturday, the ranks were capably filled, and pre-game . anticipations were that they would prove superior to Hie northern side. It is true that Hamilton won, but in that victory they did not display any very marked superiority over the home learn. The game was even enough for its greater part, Hamilton having the .condition and that shade of extra finish which is a handy item in the Rugby paraphernalia when all other items arc about balanced on the scales. Hamilton won by the margin of seven points It is true, but they had to toil hard for it in the closing stages of play. The game was a fast one, and the rale at which play travelled up and down the field kept the large crowd of spectators on the qui vive. Hamilton played much better in tlie eecond half of|the game than in the first. While one wishes to give due Credit to the fact that the team was together for the first time, a handicap always, they disappointed very much from a combined aspect in the first half of the game. The forwards never seemed a happy lot, and frequently the opposition broke through. The serum "(pekin Was far from being effective, .and While the hookers were doing :their. ,iob the ball failed to come throilgh, and as a consequence the maximum effect for good was frequently lost. There was something wrong with the formation, with tho

result that when the weight was re ■ quired It was pivoted all manner of ways but the correct one. It is plainly evident that some expert knowledge is required in the setting down of a scrum. If it is left till the last minute wo will soon find that a knowing pack across opposite, like many we may meet during the season, will scatter us like chaff before the gale. The loose work was spasmodic in the first spell. One or two of the men were toiling like Trojans, but with lack or full support, their good work lost Us effectiveness many, many times. The forwards u.hihcd their obligations better in toe ■ >-<-ond spell, but were only seconu u .o. in the loose work on the day. Glinst-ie played a good game on Saturday, and proved as lie has all through the season that lie is one °f the star forwards. His line out and loose work was cic n. Frequently ho broke away yards auead of the others, but it is too much to expect that isolated attacks arc going to beat a whole team, even allowing that many yards of ground are gamed. Hooper was always a toiler, apart from his effective heeling out, while Warren played solidly through the heavy work. Devine, apart from his scrum locking, played to his best in patches only. Bevin will benefit from The experience, but Farrelly was off his game. He was caught off-side too frequently to be relished. S. Glarkin’s roving game was a satisfactory one, as he could not be blamed for the remissions of ids pack in the first half. Looking at the back movements as they must he judged from scrum to wing they were far front being as pleasing as the material on the Held warranted. Till the inside men learn to run straighter we cannot expect much improvement. Rowe (Half) was hampered by the had scrums, but ho generally got the hull away when.ho had reasonable opportunity. The fiveeighths, Warren and Buckingham, did not pair well at all, though they had a turn at the inside position. As a fiveeighth Warren was the better on the day. Buckingham took a big share U> other positions, but he's too hard to follow. Some rigid education as to the measures of position duty would not be amiss. Neither is lie the only back in want of it. G. Glarkin was the most brilliant of the backs. He erred by running into the forwards occasionally in the opening half, but made amends by ids game later. He made several good openings, and registered determined dashes by which he gained a great deal of ground. Still he did not run straight enough either at times, and was now and then guilty of crowding his wings. O’Sullivan showed somq nip at times, and indicated that with adequate ball he is a scoring man. Marks was seldom asked to Hnish oft a movement, and more than once the I asses handed to him were faulty. To ask a winger to have to halt to get the tall is as good as spelling the deathknock to the attacking movement. Mathieson was safe at full-back, but his performance was nothing of the brilliant order lie is capable of. He potted a very heady goal when his side badly required the points’ advantage. Another thing that struck rnc with more than one of Hie backs were their half-hearted attempts at rush-stop-ping,' of which duly they were presented with more than an average share by the repealed loose rushes indulged in by the home forwards. This naturally meant that progress was greater than determined work at slopping would have permitted. Seeing that they were drawn from a scattered area, the performance of the home team was good, even allowing for the assistance they got from the opposition. Collectively, the backs were not startling, but sure taking and kicking by several gave the aid the forwards were seeking. The vanguard played a great loose game, and frequently gained long stretches of p round by keeping the hall at their toes, and sorely testing the visitors. Franklin are hoping to gel a return game at Hamilton before Hie season closes. THE LEAGUE CODE. (By "Verax.”) The club fixtures continue to-day, Pirates playing Albion at 3 p.m., and Gily Rovers v. Athletic at 2 p.m., at Seddon Park. The clash between Athletics and Franklon Albions provided a dingdong go. Athletics surprised everybody by their showing, and there is no doubt whatever that they will be heard of to some effect again. They are certainly a team which will require watching. Their forwards are a particularly promising lot. Speaking about Athletics’ forward line, Porter played a sterling game, being ably supported by Bennett and Bailey. The latter had the misfortune to hurt himself, and had to leave the held. ‘‘Verax’* trusts that such a good sportsman will he occupying his place this afternoon. Frisk’s tackling was superb. The way he tackled Hogg left nothing to be desired. Ralphe, a neat player, shows some versatility, being equally at home witti tlie fuiward division or among the backs. Jack Glarkin came to light and showed that he was striking form. He handled his men well. Welham was a tower of strength to , Franklon, leading the van on numerous occasions. The Vcrnall brothers played their usual good game. Hogg was somewhat off colour. He worked hard, nevertheless. Cronin, the black winger, played a flashing game. McDonald (a new man), Dufty and Smith also did more than their share of hard work. The blacks so far have not sustained a loss. Their meeting with Pirate s this afternoon should provide one of the finest exhibitions of the League code seen on the Park for a long lime. “Verax” would not like to prophesy the result, notwithstanding Pirates’ defeat last Saturday. The game between City Rovers and Pirates provided a stubborn contest, the City backs and Pirates’ forwards struggling for the supremacy. The backs won out. Pirates’ forward line was not too bad, though, Prickett, Shirtcliff and Reid and Go., playing a solid game against a superior pack. Troup, Cliffe, Ryan and Wilcox were the mainstay of the Pirate learn. Ryan’s two goals were beautiful efforts. Wilcox, the full-back, deserves a word of praise for the fine defensive game tie played. Payne and Manning were "out on their own" in the City pack. Hayter was good company for them, he working solidly. “Verax” considers that Cherry is undoubtedly the finest half-back in the League this season, lie i s a certainty for representative tumours. Smith, five-eighths, is one of the best back men vve have. A particularly good football attribute he possesses, is his straight running. Bulcraig, a former SI. Mary's player, marked his debut, in Hie League ranks by playing a sterling game. He should go far.

HOCKEY. (By "Left Wing.") The following is the position of the various teams to date: —

sociation has decided on is that the captain of eacli team must hand the list of players to Hie referee before the game si arts. The name of any player wishing to join in late must also be notified to the referee before the individual commences play. The General Committee of the Association meets every fortnight on Tuesdays, at the Times office at 7.30. The next meeting night is the 31st. The Old Boys-Ngaliincpouri game last Saturday was one of the finest club games that has been witnessed here. Fast and hard, the game was played in the finest sporting spirit. Old Boys had a very solid defence, and managed to keep the Ngaliinepouri forwards back from the circle. Ngahinepoun were certainly unfortunate in not scoring on a few occasions. Their forwards were going in fine style, hut the defence was too solid. CRICKET. THE AUSTRALIANS ABROAD. LIST OF CENTURY-MAKERS. (By “Cover Point.”) The following Australians have scored centuries on the present lour of England:— 117—Macartney v. Leicestershire. 10!) —Bardslcy v. Leicestershire. 102 —Collins v. Surrey, joi (not out). —Gregory v. Yorkshire. 132 —Bardslcy v. The Services. 10(1—Bardslcy v. M.C.C. No match of the Australians’ present tour of England has created the interest that Hie engagement with the M.C.C. did during tlie week. This was from the fact that it was the greatest combination of players of repute that had been first assembled to oppose Warwick Armstrong and his men on this tour, and from it followers of tlie game were expected to be able to get down to something concrete as to Hie relative merits of English batting, bowling and fielding on their native heath as against the opposition of the tourists. Although the Australians won eventually by a three wickets’ margin it cannot be denied that there were anxious moments as wc conjure them up so far from the scene of action. That the calibre of Australian batting is quite as good as wc thought it to he, allowing always that the scene is England now and not Australia, was clearly demonstrated when the Australians made the required runs on a wicket which is reported to have been worn. Still there were many things which occurred and which can rightly cause England to build up her hopes, and conclude that affairs cricketing are, in general, not quite so bad after all. The outstanding feature of the M.G.G. match was the succession wicket taking by a fast bowler, T. J. Durstoii, a representative of the champion county (Middlesex) last season in this game captured seven wickets for 34 runs in Hie first innings, and four for 05 in tlie second. Bardslcy, Macartney, Taylor, Armstrong, Pellew, Gregory, Garter, sonic real cream of Austialian batting, succumbed to him in the first strike, and Macartney, Pellew, Gregory, and Taylor on the Australians’ next visit. Those who know anything of Australian cricket and the members named there, will readily realise the worth of Hie achievements. My readers will be eagerly looking for some information in regard loathe “find” in English bowling. It will be recalled that of the members of the recently defeated M.G.G. team in Austialia who were bowlers only J. W. 11. T. Douglas, I' 1 . E. Woolley, and J. W. Hearne weic at tlie outset looked upon as at all certain for tlie coining tests against Austialia. It therefore followed that more new men had to be given a chance if it was at all expected to get the Australians out for anything like a reasonable score. It was recognised that England’s chief difficulty was to get a fast bowler oi the requisite class. Harry Howell, of course, is still looked on as the best man. Still Durslou got great results in the M.G.G. match, though Bardsley played him easily in the second innings. The three other men who were known to followers of first-class cricket as likely to prove the goods were T. J. Hurston, of Middlesex, Michael Falcon, M.P., of Norfolk, and James Tyldtsley, of Lancashire. Tile .doings of last week have obviously discovered for English cricket a bowler of some wortu. In 1019, Durston’s first season In counly cr.cket, he took j but five Wickets for 74 runs each. In 19,20 lie took 103 wickets fur 19 runs apiece, thereby materially assisting his side to win ttie county championship. Durslon is the tallest professional ov amateur playing, and stands about GU siu. He was discovered while playing on a county village green, and given a net bowling job at Lord s. Under me watchful eye of Harry White, the head groundsman there, and a Tine player hi his younger days himself, Durslon improved out of all knowledge, and as he is quite a youngster, and very keen on the game, should continue to,improve. He bowls quite a fast hail from a great height, with a pronounced swerve from leg, and whips them back from tlie off from lime to lime. Durslon is a moderate field, with safe hands, but a very poor bat. He is a lino Association goalkeeper, and occupies that position in one of England's leading professional elevens. Falcon, of whom mention lias beer, made above, is well-known to members of the 1919 A.I.F. side, which toured England afler tlie armistice. When playing against them for the Gentlemen of England he took the wickets of G. B. Willis, J. M. Taylor, J. M. Gregory, A. W. Lampard, E. A. Bull, and W.J. Stirling for 41 runs in Ihe first innings. In his ’Varsity days lie was a batsman pure and simple, but lie suddenly discovered that he could bowl quite fast, and swing away about a yard in the last seven. It lias to be remembered by readers that the heavy atmosphere of England causes the hall to swerve twice as much as it will in Australia. Falcon would have visited Australia with the last team, but for his Parliamentary duties interfering. In writing of Tylciesley, the Lancashire "Professor,” lie lias tine physique and a good delivery, hut lie did not develop into a fast howler so well as was hoped some time back. Warren Bardsley’s century this week makes Ids third for the tour, an I places Ills average well up. Tim lefthander's previous knowledge of English criekel, and particularly English wickets, has stood to him right from.

the start, and Australia is going to have the benefit. His two former trips were maiked by remarkable success witli tiie bat, well over 2000 runs being scored by him in each, with fine success in Hie Tests. As the tour goes along quite a pleasing feature of it is the success which is attending tiie efforts of the younger members of Warwick Armstrong's side. T. J. Andrews is adapting himself to tiie altered conditions more quickly than anyone of the younger brigade. The Petersham cricketer promises to lie one of the great successes of Hie lour. By the time these lines are in print Australia and England will be engaged with Hie first Test match of Hu: tour at Nottingham. At Hie time ol writing .1. W. H. T. Douglas (Essex). W. Rhodes (Yorkshire), F. E. Woolley (Kent), E. Hcndren (Middlesex), P. Holmes (Yorkshire), H. Howell (Warwickshire), D. .1, Kinglit ,i).aiid T. L. Richmond (Nottingham) are eight definitely selected for England. V. 11. C. Jupp (Sussex), and E. Tyldesley (Lancashire) are me'ntioned for the other two places, with Hie wicket-keeper, who will either come from Hubbie (Kent) or Strudwick (Surrey). However, with the howling developments in the M.C.C. game a place may be found for Durston. Hobbs, tho greatest English batsman of to-auy, and Hcarne, than whom there can be found no better all-rounder are temporarily out of the game through injuries. Holmes, Richmond, and Knight are three of the eight definitely selected at Hie time of this review, who did not visit Australia. (Durston was not selected. Tyldcsley, Jupp, and Strudwick filled Hie last three places.—"G.P.”) Holmes and Knight are both good batsmen. The former was sixth in Hie English averages last year, scoring 2254 runs, or 30.08 an innings. He struck seven centuries, including an innings of 302 (not out) against Hampshire. He is not a spectacular batsman, but possesses a superb defence, endless patience, and is a master of on-side play. As an opening batsman Hie young Yorkshire professional is class. Knight had a good scoring season in 1919, lull did not play very much last year, lie has modelled his batting •on Jack Hobbs, and when they are at tlic wickets together it is practically impossible to distinguish the two. In 1919 lie averaged 58.46 for his county, making no fewer than live scores ol over 100 in 14 innings. Richmond’s bowling stood out high in Notts’ cricket doings last season. Not since Wass and Hallam did sueli wonders in winning the championship for Notts in 1909 has anyone bowled so finely for Hie county, lie took 145 wickets in the county matches, and if good support had been forthcoming he would assuredly have had a much better average than 19.20. Richmond’s special excellence lies in the skill with which he mixes up Hie googly with his ordinary leg-breaks. Now and then, of course, like all bowlers ol his class he loses his length, and comes in for severe punishment. He was in Hie running for Hie M.C.C. tour to Australia, but his weakness in batting probably caused him to be passed over. We all gel the wind up over that old tail when it comes to big cricket! Realising Hie conditions as in favour of the home team, no one realises better than Armstrong that he and Ids men will lie asked to work for their honours. They have the qualifications, and should take out the success at Hie first big event of the tour. Whichever way it goes Hie colonial cricketing world will be watching every cable with great interest. GOLF. (By Niblick.) The bogey competition played at St. Andrew’s on Saturday resulted in Nome Bell and Barnett tieing. The play-off was to have been decided today. The Winter Show Cup tournament at mid-week proved a very successful one, and attracted several visiting golfers to the links. The standard of Hie golf shown was very good, and the tournament proved very enjoyable to those who had Hie privilege of sharing in it. Norrie Bell, junr., the prominent local player, has been re-admitted to the amateur ranks. 801 l was advised on Tuesday that the Council had consented to his application. The recently decided tournament at Oxhey has been the first true test on which we in this part of the world, keen followers all of the doings, have been afforded of running an accurate line through the chances that the open champion of Australia and New Zealand, J. H. Kirkwood, had against the world’s best golfing talent. While keen students expected great things, there is no doubt that Kirkwood exceeded our most sanguine expectations last week, when lie finished second in the tournament at, Oxley, only two strokes, and one a penalty, behind Abe Mitchell. During Hie play Kirkwood also | lowered the course record (73) with j a 72. As indicating what a great j judge Kirkwood is, as well as a great j player, the following notes, which he , specially wrote for the Sydney Sun, i after being a fortnight in England, and which he cabled out to that; paper, under date London, April 29, will indicate: —‘‘Feeling that those , who kindly sent me here wish me to I concentrate upon doing my best at St. Andrew’s, I am training, practis- j ing, and observing closely, with the j open championship in view. I have | now studied most of the leading i players, and feel that all young golfers have a natural respect and admiration | lor Hie old triumvirate. They arc won- i derful, and arc not only great masters ! of the game, but kindly and sweethearted men. They have been most j encouraging and generous towards: me. But I must confess that I put; Duncan, Herd, Mitchell, and Bay along- ; side the triumvirate for the power | anil accuracy of their golf. Mitchell | and Hay cover tremendous distances j from I lie tec, and wherever necessary | their second shots arc of different | styles, but though both make their| clubs travel at a very high rate of speed, I was surprised at the abruptness with which they finish their swing. Vardon and Duncan go well through. Though Vardon’s finish struck me as very flat, his powers of placing and his delicacy 'in doing everything arc delightful to see. Duncan's style of address is fascinat- | ing, for lie quickly visualises Hie j stroke. Ho seems to pick up his oli-j jcclivc and position simultaneously, j and gels his club in position and hits. ' Bay is Hie best putter. 1 have not j found him to sway, as was reported i m Australia. Braid impresses me as | having lots of reserve, and Taylor’s j straightness is wonderful. These | veterans, especially Herd, play with | the vim of men under 40. I have never seen Hie pulh'il style of driving! under better control Ilian Hie driving ! of Herd and Oekenden. 11 is a fine,; free, and precise style. All players j take greater care over their strokes j Hum we in Australia. Vardon never i fails to press down the ground behind the tee shot. I have seen T. D. Armour (one of Britain's leading amateurs) play as good golf as any professional, toil i will not he surprised if the tniericans win Hie amateur championship. 1 hu\e nut yet seen a course

ms good as Kensington (Sydney) or Sandringham (Melbourne). The bunkering is carefully designed, but less severe than on our courses. However, there is no doubt that £t. Andrew's will be a teaser. 1 am going there probably on Wednesday to settle down to practice. I would not like to comment upon my chances of success beyond saying that I have a little more confidence than when I left home. Also please let me say that Australia is the cheapest country we know to live in. The people here are most kind, and as an instance we were made full honorary members of clubs. This is a rare honour. Only three professionals have ever been honorary members of Mid-Surrey—Taylor. East and myself.” COURSING. (By "Slipper.") Owners who have Waterloo nominations placed with Secretary Rogerson at Hamilton for the August fixture arc reminded of the closing of third payments. For New Zealand, those fall due on Wednesday, June 1, and Australian nominators must have this financial matter attended to not later than June 30. There is no differentiation in dates for tiie fourth and final Waterloo payments. For both countries, Saturday, July 30, lias been fixed for tills important matter, and it behoves owners to keep the dale prominently before them. Like in all other branches of one supposes that there will be a few at any rate whose calendars arc astray even then. Owners arc also given the reminder that their dogs must be named when final payments close. A very attractive programme has been provided by the club for its opening meeting at the new enclosure on June 17 and 18. The Higgins Stake (an absolute maiden event) for 32 dogs, carries with it prizes of £24 to tiie winner, and £lO to Hie runnerup. There are two dogs at £4 4s, and four at £1 Is. The Pirongia Alleged Stake Is for an unlimited number of dogs. Entry fee is £2 2s, and entries must, bo made with Secretary Rogerson. The draw will take place on June. 10. The fourth and largest sale of greyhounds this season in England took place in London in March. The lop price of the sale was realised when Um well-known brood bitch, Mischievous Mabel, in whelp to Lusory, was submitted, and, after keen competition, found a purchaser at 310gns. The principal buyer of high-priced saplings was Sir R. Woodman Burbidge. He gave 470gns for a red dog, and 185gns for a fawn dog, both by Jules Murnm. Two bitches made 78gns (Mr Maugham) and 165gns (Mr Munro); total for the four, 398gns. A litter of three sent by Mr David Graham realised 285gns, top price being given by Sir R. W. Burbidge for a fawn dog, 15ogns. Three by Scoop realised i3Bgns, Mr T. Steel giving 90gns for the pick. Four by Staff-Officer, 55gns, llOgns (Mr Roberts), 50gns, and 65gns; total, 270 gns. A litter of seven sent by Mr W. Hodges, only eight months old, totalled 198gns. Seven by Jules Murnm fetched 287gns, Sir R. W. Burbidge paying top price, 120gns. Five by Transvaal Dictator, 240gns, and another lot of eight sent by Mr Forster, of Carlisle, 463gns. Five by Princely sold for 209gns, Sir Wyndham Hamner giving 72gns for a brindlc-and-whlte bitch. Amongst the company present were the Earl of Seflon and Lord Tweedmouth.

the close of the first round: — P W L D For AS Tl. Frankton .. 3 2 — I 20 15 5 City 3 i — 2 45 32 4 St. Mary’s. 3 1 1 1 15 15 3 Old Boys .. 3 — 3 — 23 41 —

a a Z t/3 c Tj p & o 2 o — — c c* Hamilton 3 3 0 0 6 Old Boys 3 2 0 1 5 Ngahiuepouri A 3 2 1 0 4 Frank Ion 3 2 1 0 4 United 1 1 1 3 Y.M.G.A. n > 3 0 2 1 1 St. Paul’s .3 0 2 1 1 Ngahiuepouri B 3 0 3 () 0 An important matter ■ which the As-