RUGBY FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 95, Issue 14941, 11 May 1922, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE HAifiULTON UNION. DRESSING SHEDS AT STEELE PARK. A meeting of the management committee of the Hamilton Rugby Union was presided over by Mr T. A. Cooper, in the absence of the chairman, Mr r. J.. Binnie. A vote of sympathy was passed with the chairman of the Management Committee (Mr F. J. Binnie) on his recent bereavement. A City senior, who was ordered oil the field in Saturday’s match with Marist’s, appeared to answer a charge .of using bad language on the field. After hearing the evidence in regard to the incident it was decided that the offence would be met by ordering tho player, who expressed regret to the Union for the incident, to apologise to tlic referee. Technical School protested against Frankton fourths getting the win m the game played on Saturday, on the ground that Frankton played un- - registered men. The Union deferred action in the matter, pending a report from the Junior Advisory Board. , .'.College Rifles advised that they j&gre unable to travel to Hamilton on ]jj;ay 20. The secretary stated that he had written asking the club to reconsider its decision. Mr S. J. Rawlinson waited on the Union, and placed before it a scheme for providing dressing sheds at Steele -Park.* ■-There will be two rooms 14 X shower baths off each room. The total cost was estimated at £l2O, and the Domain Board had advised that when the sum of £l2O was handed to the Board, the latter would proceed with the erection of the building, providing the cost did not exceed £l6O, including verandah. The Union were in entire sympathy l with the scheme, and decided to devote thp takings at the games at Steele Park on May 27 towards the fund. Mr Rawlinson reported that a picture t evening was being arranged, and the Union is to make arrangements to raise i 'money by a motor run, similar to that arranged during the Queen Carnival. Mr Rawlinson suggested that during Winter Show week a match be arranged at Hamilton for a combined • Kawbia and Raglan fifteen. The Union decided to make provision for such a -game, provided it took place on other than a Saturday. The secretary was instructed to ask the Rugby Referees’ Association to forward a' list of expenses incurred by members when travelling to outside matches. Mr F. Tooman offered to again supervise Ihe management of Iho “gates” at week-end games, and the Union accepted the offer with thanks. DRAW FOR SATURDAY. Following are the draw, grounds and Referees for Saturday’s Rugby games. Seniors. —Old Boys v. City: slcele Park No. 1, 2.45 (referee, Mr R. It. Rule) ; Frankton v. Stars, Steele Park No. 2, 2.45 (Mr T. French) ; Marists v. Gordonton, at Gordonton, 2‘.30 (Mr D. R. Brydon). Juniors. —Stars v. Wesley, No. 1 Showgrounds, 3 p.m. (Mr F. Killip); Frankton v. City, No. 2 Steele Park, 1.30 (Mr R. Paterson) ; Whatawhata v. Te Kowhai, at Te Kowhai, 2.30 (Mr W. Cqthbertson) ; Karamu v. High School, No. 1 Steele Park, 1.30 (Mr F. Jones) ; Old Boys v. Gordonton, No. 1 Showgrounds, 1.30 (Mr W. Bow- . ling). * , , \'y Thirds. —Frankton v. Old Boys A, No. 3 Showgrounds, 1.30 (Mr A. Smith) ; Marist Old Boys v.. High School, No. 2 Showgrounds, 1.30 (Mr L. Taylor). Fourths. —Marist Old Boys v. High School B, No. 5 Showgrounds, 1.30 1' (Mr C. M. Brown); High'School A v. Frankton, No. 4 Showgrounds, 1.30 (Mr F. Hawke). NOTES AND COMiYiENT&t ' (By “Drop-Kick.”) Tile local enthusiasts has hardly nad time yet to become worked up to the • tense interest that characterised most of last season’s football. That will come as lime goes on, and Saturday next promises one of the big crowds at the principal convincing ground at Steele Park. On Saturday Old Bovs and City will ■ meet in their first game, and much 11 interest is centred in the event. City

are reported to be putting a much

stronger fifteen in Hie field than previously this season, and they will need to : do so to down the wearers of the red and black jerseys, who are a bright and nippy combination. Frankton v. Gordonton.

Though the country team, Gordonton, went under by a goodly margin ntr th’e'Sage Memorial Cup winners of last season, Frankton, a feature of Hie garn v e was the surprisingly good fight put up by the losers. At present their football is, in the main, in need of rigid moulding, but attention jn this .respect, and an intelligent application

life lessons brought forward wiil side a lliorn for Ihe strongest •* fc «£of the..opposition before the season '?'»■ inarches far. II was in the pack, a fairly weighty one, that Gordonton placed their greatest strength, and in scrums, line-outs, and loose work Frankton struck a lot of trouble from the .country vanguard on Saturday. “L^GordorjUip,put on three fries by pressure from this direction, and would ha\% brought more grist to I lie mill but for over-anxiousness. While the Gordonton hacks know little of combined work there arc several good individual players among them, and here, too, as with Ihe forwards, a firmer Rugby education will strengthen affairs': Gordonton have no reason to be set back by their two defeats so far as they were up against experienced learns. The future will provide its reward if the players stick together, and coaching along correct lines is introduced and followed. Maisey, at full-back, played a fair game for Frankton. Samson and Bayly, the wings, put plenty of spirit into their work. Bolli are scoring men. Caslles was always bright at centre, though, like the other backs, the greasy ball troubled him at times. The five-eighths, liinlon and Gibson, were not seen a great deal in combined work, but individually were often in the picture. At half, Young was only fair, being 100 slow al open-

ing up play, though sluggish heeling out di«! not work to his profit. Of a good all-round set, R. Smith struck the writer as being one of Ihe leading forwards of the day, and has come on rapidly with the experience of last year, bis first in senior football. Hamilton roved beadily, and was always close on any opportunities that presented themselves. Old Boys v. Stars. This game resulted in a victory for Old Boys with a margin of eleven points, hut it was not a good exhibition of Rugby. The greasy state of ground and ball did not give the backs much chance of handling the leather with precision. The play in the first half was especially ragged. The victors did not settle down to anything like combination urilil after half-time. The losers played wilh determination, but backed finish to their work. Some of the Stars’ forwards would

be well advised to keep their hands off the ball in loose scrums. This fault may mean points against their team in the shape of penalty goals. For the winners, Peebles, at full back, played well, his line-kicking being particularly good. Lenihan was the pick of llie three-quarter line, and has played great football so far. Valentine played well at limes, but seemed off colour. Sutton’s play was patchy. The two live-eighths (Jlinton and Gibbons) showed good form, the firstnamed being solid in attack and defence, whilst Gib boon showed bib ability to score with eleven points in the second half. Kemp, at half, diet not get many opportunities, but was quick to seize any that came along, his corkscrew run near the finish of the match being a splendid piece of work. Gilmour. rover, was- in the picture all Ihe time. The forwards did not get going until after half-time when (hey showed improvement, especially in scrum work. The exception was Sandos, whose play throughout the game was marked by great dash. For Stars, Jacques, full-back, was the outstanding man of his team. He gave a brilliant exhibition. Of the other backs, Vercoe and It. Hooper were the pick, both players putting in solid work. Speight, rover, was a good match for his opponent. The forwards worked hard throughout, and are a fairly even lot, Cranston showing to advantage in open work. The game was played in a friendly spirit, there being not a semblance of rough play. City v. Marists. This game, played on No. 2 ground, Steele Park, was far from attractive, and the crowd that watched it were disappointed, especially with the display of the City team. Their handling was faulty, while running straight was out of the question. They met a team that had a struggle to put fifteen in the field, and some who had not played for years donned the jerseys sooner than sec the Marist team go out short, and they should be commended for their pluck under the circumstances. Certainly, the day was against good football, nevertheless while 11. Hunt (full back) handled Ihe ball safely none of the other hacks could be said lo be certain. On several occasions they were good, but taking* the game right through they were decidedly off, The Marist team had a forward division that held their own with the, City vanguard, and as a mailer of fact had their opponents well beaten at the finish, and desnite Ihe fact that City were a forwai would still have done so. They produced the oest forward on Ihe field in Bruce, who was never off (lie ball, and was a source of annoyance to the opposing backs. Their rear division ran certainly he excused, for, as I said before, they included men who had not played for years, and the rest had never seen one another play. I was rallier surprised at some remarks I heard from some of the onlookers and players, and some who should know better, with regard to the refereeing of Ihe game. To rriv mind I would say that Mr Hamlin gave one of the finest exhibitions with Ihe whistle ever seen in Hamilton. The City feam were frequent offenders for infringements. A little advice is well warranlcd in tliis team, and that is to control the nagging I hat goes on amongst Ihe players. They were at it from start lo finish, and this is not a good trait in a footballer’s charatcer. One finds some people ioo prone to criticise referees. If these critics would only lake the whislle now, and again they would realise that the job is no sinecure. It is early in the season, and We all know what.a thankless job a referee’s is, and Ihe sooner Ihe crowd learn lo control their outbursts Ihe better for football and all concerned. C. Clarkin, though not up to his host form, was, perhaps, the pick cd the City backs, bar ihe full-back. T. Buckingham, a junior, who though light, is a player of promise, S. Clarkin (rover) played a magnificent game, and was one of Cily’s host men. The forwards all foiled hard, and worked well together. Matiieson gave a great display at full-back for Marisls, his handling and kicking being particularly noticeable. Little and Woods showed fine form in the hacks, while Union and Corby were much in evidence. Fliitey held a new pack well together. / Jottings. R. Mathieson, half-back for City, will play his last game in Hamilton on Saturday, as he for Otago next week. This player lias made himself popular in football circles locally. J. understand that Mac. Johnston, ■also of City, is leaving the district. This player will be very much missed by his chili as well as Ihe reps. He was chosen to go lo Auckland to play the year.before last.

THE LEAGUE GAiVIE

MEETING OF MEMBERS

A meeting was held last night in the League rooms, Ward Street. 1 here was' a large attendance, and, several new players were enrolled. The commit leo desires it known that the players making use of Ihe League ground on Sundays arc not League players, as they (League men) are forbidden to use |he ground on Sunday. A letter from Mr Bonthorn, of Hie Whiiiora School, was read, asking permission to allow the hoys to use the League ground for practice; also for permission to use the ground at Scddon Park for inter-school matches. A second letter from the same gentleman was also read, slating that he wished to withdraw his application re Scddon Park, as Ihe Schools’ Union committee would not support ids application, because he did not get their authority to apply for permission. It was definitely decided to officially open I lie new ground in Mill Street on Saturday, May 20. Jl was proposed to ask the' Mayor (Mr Fow) lo officiate and to extend an invitation to the members of the Domain Board. There will lie two first-class matches for the occasion, and a band will be in attendance.

LOWER Vi/AJIKATO. The first match in Ihe senior grade commenced on Saturday lasi, (>lh inst. Al Ngaruawaliia, lluntly played the local thirteen, and won easily by the substantial margin of al points lo 8. The winners proved themselves superior in every department of the game, and arc a fine learn. This year they have the assistance of “Tim” Peckham, who played rep. half for Auckland last vehr. Brownie Paki and others ail played up to I heir usual high standard. It is expected 1.1 ia I lluntly will bo somewhat weakened before long, as Brownie Paki. W. Paki, Tonga and Mahula are almost certainties for the League native team for - Australia. At Taupiri Orini and Tnupiri met, and Ihe former won by 12 poinls to (i, a result which was hardly expected by the Taupiri team. The winners tlmrmitfhly deserved their success, and with training and practice will make a good serviceable team* Tries were scored by B. Lornio and A. Scott for Orini, while D. McConnell kicked three goals. For Taupiri tries were scored by'L. Wilson and .1. Bishop. " Next Saturday Huntly and Taupiri

meet at. Huntly, and and Orini on the latter’s ground. The junior round will also commence, Taupiri meeting Huntly A, and Iluntly B meeting ltangiriri at Rangiriri, Ngaruawahia having a bye. It is Ihe intention of the League to send a representative team to Taumarunui about the first Saturday in June. A vigorous Referees’ Association lias been formed, and concerted action will be taken to stamp out any undesirable features which tend lo mar good play. It is the Intention to atliliale with beadquarters at Hamilton. The junior competition in Hamilton, which will he set in motion on Saturday, promises lo provide some highly interesting contests during the season. The League authorities are eager lo see lu it that players of the junior grade get every encouragement, as ’t must be on the success here that the stability of the, code will rest. Experienced players in the code should feel if a duty on them to give the juniors every advice and encouragement. “A stitch in Lime” is the motto, and Ihe tackling of a defect at Iho right moment means' Ihe difference between good football and the indifferent brand. Players, too, are pi'oferred the advice that they must not run away with the idea that they know everything about Ihe game. Take cognisance of what the coach imparls and if an honest endeavour is made to apply the advice Hie player, individually, and the game, collectively, must march forward. Saturday’s matches at the Ilinemoa street ground provided fair expositions of the game, hut would have been holier had there been no rain. This rendered the hall very greasy, wilh resultant faulty handling by players. An improvement in this respect was noticeable in the concluding stages of Ihe second match by which time the weather had cleared up, and conditions were drier. Tli c heavy shower, which tell shortly before the advertised time for play to begin, had, no doubt, some effect upon tiie attendance, but the number present was larger I ban on the previous Saturday, as was evdeneed by the increased collections. Given decent climatic conditions, there should be a good crowd next Saturday, when the matches set down for decision are Frankton Albions v. United, and City Hovers v. Athletics, both ot which promise to lie lull of interest. To return Id last Saturday’s games it may lie mentioned that die margin between United and Athletic v,as hardly so large as file score (11 to 5) would appear to indicate. In point of fact, Hie match was evenly contested, and when furlhcr seasoned, it would occasion I ill lo surprise should Athletic manage to reverse the position. Of Hie United vanguard, Thomas and Region were Ihe mainstays, with Hemingway and Irvine most prominent j amongst Hie hacks.' At tile tics had a light pack, and wilh a lillle coaching, should show considerable improvement. r l be barks are a, smart combination, and in Clarkin, Stewart and Molosworlh have three resourceful and reliable players.

Willi a drier hall to handle, players in (he second game, Frankton v. City, gave a brighter exhibition of the code. City Rovers had not Ihcir best team on the field, and on the day Frankton Albions were superior in all departments, the .game going Ihcir way by 11 ] min Is In 5. The bright particular star of lho( game was the Frankton skipper, J. Du fly, who was in his'best form, and a host in himself. Vernal I also did yeoman service for the Blacks, and was within an ace of registering anolher try for Franklon just on I lie call of lime. Oily’s score was gained by Manning under ihe poslsj Wallingford adding the major poinls. Players were no doubt pleased lo find I hat Ihcir dressing shed had been completed, and a. furl her improvement e free led by ihe League in creeling a now of seals along Ihe northern touchline was duly appreciated by spectators. B is hoped Unit in the not distant future a spectators’ stand will be added lo the appointments at ibis ground..

Crowding of spectators right against, and even over, the touctiline was a feature in evidence during Saturday’s games. Thin '.should be put down wilh a firm hand, as, apart from Ihe annoyance lo players and speelalors who do keep at a proper distance, someone is likely to get hurt if Ihe practice is persisted in.