THE RUGBY PASTIME.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15239, 16 May 1923, Page 9

THE RUGBY PASTIME.

(By “Drop Kick.”)

The competitions were continued on Saturday, when City, Frankton and United were the winners. The points so far are City and Frankton, 6; Old Boys, Marist, and United, 2; Suburbs 0.

Interest was again keen, and the fact that Marists were strengthened in the backs against City caused the public to look for a close game. Though City won nicely, there was not the margin of 16 points between them, and the wearers of the green and white perseys owe their defeat to infringements pure and simple. City were superior in the backs, but the Marist forwards held the balance in their division, their front rankers hooking the ball with monotonous regularity. However, the backs failed to make the most of their opportunities. For the winners Hunt was in good form, while the three quarter line (Beaver, Marcroft, and Clarlcin) played splendidly. Johnston and Lemon combined well in the fiveeighth line, and it was really bad luck for Lemon having to leave the field owing to injury. He has proved himself the most consistent back (both in attack and defence) that City has this season. Buckingham, behind the pack, was always in the thick of the play. Scott was easily the pick of the forwards, and this young player should go far in big football. Sowman and Monagetti were the most prominent of the others, although all worked hard.

Mathieson, for Marists played fine football till he suffered an injury to his ankle which handicapped him greatly. The rest of the backs individually got in useful play. Peckham, of League fame, played half, and showed cleverness. However, he seemed to get confused with the rules, but after a game or two will be all right, and will strengthen the team.

The Old Boys-Frankton game was one of the fastest it would be possible to sec. Frankton were without the services of their five-eighths, D. Gurry and Campbell; Gibson and Kilburn filling the places. Hinton was absent from Old Boys, Tanner going to five-eighth and Smith full back. The Old Boys’ backs were more attractive than the Frankton rearguard, though the latter were very sound. The ex-Students were rather unlucky in suffering defeat, for as each side scored a try, D. Taylor added five points by his kicking. Dr. Gray’s kicks on a couple of occasions were close. On another occasion the same player got over, but was recalled owing to the line umpire having his flag up. For Frankton Taylor was safe at full back. This was his first game for some seasons. Castles was the .star of the backs, and contributed largely to the success of his team. Vcrcoe played well, but Bayly had a day off. Samson was in good trim behind the pack. Hamilton (rover) as usual played splendidly, but was injured in the game’s third quarter. The forwards were an even lot, and all toiled hard.

Smith, the Old Boys’ full back, though a bit slcrw at times, made no mistakes. Gilmour. (centre) bore the brunt of the threc-quarler line work, and came out with flying colours. Lenihan and Ewen were a speedy pair of wings. Lenihan is the most attractive player we have playing here. Kemp and Tanner were both responsible for fine football. Mitchell (half) seems to have got over his nervousness, and gave a sparkling exhibition. This young player should turn out something out of the ordinary.

Gray was the pick of the Old Boys forwards, and played a vigorous hustling game. Those who watched the UnitedSuburbs game were treated to an interesting contest ,and the game was not won till the last few seconds. Charleston Parle and Maisey played best for United, and Thompson, Coombes, Hooper and Peach stood out prominently tor Suburbs. Many surprises were in store for senior Rugby teams at Wellington on Saturday, when, contrary to general expectations, Oriental beat Poneke by a narrow' margin of two points, and Old Boys beat ’Varsity by the same interval of points. Wellington, holders of the Wooden Spoon for two years, continued their match-winning career at the expense of Hutt Petm** do-

feated Athletic in the presence of a large crowd. During this match at Athletic Parle, rough play received a severe check at the hands of the umpire, who ordered a Petonc player from the field. Many players w'ere injured. 11. E. Nichoils, captain of Petone, left the Held with an ugly wound in his head. Five teams, Athletic, Old Boysl Berhampore, Petonc and Marist are now ccjual in the lead for the championship.