RUGBY.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17412, 26 May 1928, Page 19 (Supplement)

RUGBY.

AUCKLAND GAMES.

KEEN SENIOR PLAY. (By Our Special). Another exceptionally large crowd was present at Eden Park on Saturday when the Cup fixtures were resumed. The day was fine with a fairly strong cold wind blowing and the oonditions were good for football. The cur-tain-raiser, the host match of the two, between Grammar and Varsity was started punctually at 1.30 and was a hard fought struggle. Though the points were even at the finish, Varsity must oonsider themselves extremely lucky to come out with honours even. Grammar had the best of the game and should have been returned victors with a fair margin. To show how exasperating their luck was on one occasion, Weir struggled through the Whole of the Varsity forwards and when over the line lost the ball. On another occasion Hutchison, Grammar's centre, struck the cross bar with a good kick which rebounded into the field of play. And again a Grammar back knocked on with ~ a clear field and a few yards to go.

Granted, Varsity met a solid tackling side, they did not 'display the brilliancy that characterised their play on the previous Saturday. They got the ball often enough and Carter lost no opportunity, in whipping it out smartly but the other inside backs were not sure of themselves. They were either slow in moving or ran too much across field.

Although Mackintosh (Scottish International) played well, he will have :ause to remember the tackling of Olsen. Though the latter missed him the first time he made sure of him for the remainder of the game. Grammar were thought to be weak in their backs, but on Saturday they surprised even their most ardent admirers. Their inside backs repeatedly fooled the opposition, while their tackling was very determined. They were unfortunte in losing Hutchison owing to an injury to his face in the second spell as he was playing great football. Skelton and Weir were also splendid.

The Main Attraction.

The big fixture between Ponsonby and Grafton was disappointing in that it resulted in a runaway victory for the former. Ponsonby were hard to it to field a team while Grafton were at full strength. On this account there were many who thought Grafton had a golden opportunity of securing victory. But they were doomed to disappointment for Grafton after opening well, went to pieces and after the first quarter the game was never in doubt. Grafton lost many opportunities in the early stages. If thev had turned these to profit it might have put a different complexion on the game. Ponsonby have some youthful players who show great promise. In fact Saturday's back team was composed of all youths. Their half-back (Conway) played his first senior game and his pluck and smartness made him a great favourite with the ■crowd. Ponsonby are a fortunate team in having so many good juniors to pick from and as they are four points in the lead will take some stopping fro.m securing the championship again this year.

Many Casualties.

Football in Auckland this season has been remarkable for the number ol' casualties and the number of players that have had to stand do.wn Saturday after Saturday owing to sickness. "Flu" has played a prominent part in this respect. Early in the season one team had no less than eight players down with the "flu" and though some of them played on the Saturday they were not in a fit state to do themselves justice. Since then some players in nearly every club have had to have a spell owing to the trouble. The Walkato Players. Waikato players are shining in the local competitions. Carter was again prominent on Saturday for University. He seems to be playing better than ever. Sloupe, likewise, was brilliant for Marist, his play being frequently applauded. I noticed M. J. Carroll, of Frankton, amongst the spectators on Saturday at E-den Park. '•Mick," in his palmy days, was one of the best that New Zealand has produced. He played in Auckland for a time and later on donned the jersey in Hamilton. He was a wing forward of the vigorous bustling type and also a brainy player. No doubt Saturday's game brought back memories of many hard-fought matches he participated in in Auckland.

\nother face I noticed that has not been seen at Rugby for many years in Auckland was that of "Bolls" Francis. In his day he was one of New Zealand's best Rugby forwards but has been coach to League for many years, lie was warmly welcomed by many of his colleagues and admirers of days gone by.