SAGE MEMORIAL CUP PLAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17750, 29 June 1929, Page 8

SAGE MEMORIAL CUP PLAY.

ONLY SENIOR GAMES TO-DAY.

HEAVY GROUND CONDITIONS. MARIST BEAT OLD BOYS B. The Hamilton Rugby Union experienced its first wet weather of the season this afternoon. Only the three senior games were played to-day. Rain fell at intervals during the play, the ground were heavy and the ball very difficult to handle. Marlst and Old Boys B provided the opening game of the afternoon, which was won by Marlst by 3 points to nil. The teams were : . ■ •

Marist: Delaney; J. Clarkin, C. McCormick, Waters; Bowler, Fitzgeralcl; Mills; McCormick, Peacocke, Reynolds, Waters, Gilmer, T. Cassidy, Hill, Styles (rover). Old Boys B: Paterson; S. Innes, Mills, W. Taylor; Johnstone, Madill; Collier; Willoughby, Bowling, Paisley, Fraser, Morton, Clark, Head, N. Innes (rover).-

The first incident of note was when C. McCormick had a penalty shot for Marist in the early stages of play, the ball being carried just outside the upright with a stiff breeze. Marist continued to do the attacking, a couple of subsequent shots by C. McCormick failing A blustery rain squall was on and portions of the graund were soon a quagmire. Paterson, the Old .Boys’ full-back, cleared in good style from a Marist pressure. Mills, Bowling, C. McCormick and Fitzgerald handled, the movement going right to Old Boys’ goal, where the full-back held it up and the quarter closed.

Marist on the Attack. Play established itself round midfield on opening the second quarter, a long kick eventually getting into an attacking position,. Old Boys got some relief .from a mark. Then the Marist backs went away, hut a man got in front to C. McCormick’s pass, after a strong cut-in. Old Boys simullanoousiy reached Marist twenty-five, lout Waters headed tiie return advance. Mills had a clearance kick, hut Marist went hack again and Mills scored in the south-western corner. C. -McCormick’s shoL missed. Marist 3 Old Boys B 0

On the resumption Old Boys had a turn, Bowling getting useful ground with a kick into the south-eastern corner. Madill showed good clearance a little later on. Then the side opened up the game, but the movement was quickly stemmed. Old Boys’ rover got penalised for off-side play and C. McCormick’s kick gave his side the attack, but they did not hold it long. Old Boys, making the most use of the strong.wind, sent the ball well down, but Delaney was equal to the occasion. Then the Marist backs handled, bul Old Boys tame back and Delaney was again in evidence. Old Boys were attacking as half-time came.

Play After the Interval. The rain had ceased, but the wind was very high and in Marist’s favour after the interval. A penalty kick saw Old Boys driven from an attacking position. Their twenty-five was the scene of some strong rallies by Marist, but they were turned out successfully. The play came back to southern midfield, but Marist forwards forced the opposition back on their twenty-five again. Paterson picked up in dashing style on one occasion, with C. McCormick following hard on the ball. Keeping the latter on the ground Old Boys made progress to half-way. Marist threw the ball about in the opposing twenty-five, but could not effect entry. N-. Innes made progress with a dash down the southern touch, but a mark held the movement up at half-way. A little alter Delaney had to face a barrage of Old Boys’ forwards, but the Marist full-back proved up to the demands. N. Innes broke through from a line out at midfield. Delaney was again the stumbling block. Marist worked over to the north-eastern twenty-five and then resorted to passing across the goal front, but it was met readily. Old Boys got some relief from a free kick and the change came without alteration. The Concluding Session.

With only three points up and having to face the wind in this quarter, Marist’s position was not secure. Keeping the ball at their feet the Marist forwards entered foreign territory, where a free being awarded the learn they attacked in the south-western corner. Old Boys’ forwards, cleared the danger with a good rush. Fitzgerald put in a good run, but the passout was lost. Old Boys, with B. Johnstone and N. Innes prominent, worked clear, but a good kick by C. McCormick sent them back to their twentyfive. A rush by Old Boys’ forwards saw the team into Marist ground. They were driven back quickly, but returned again, a free kick staying their advance. Johnstone got tackled in possession, and Marist were the aggressors once again- Old Boys had an anxious time in their north-western corner, where Marist were awarded a penalty, but C. McCormick’s shot did not rise. The game closed a little later with the score-

City Old Boys A

Marist 3 Old Boys B . . . o Mr A. E. Watkins was the referee,

OLD BOYS A’S DEFEAT.

SUCCESS FOR CITY.

In a game which considering the state of the ground and the heavy ball, was very exciting, City prevented Old Boys A from securing the Sage Cup to-day.. The attacks fluctuated, but City's forwards, who used their weight to the best advantage, really won .the match. The teams lined out as follows: Old Boys’ A.—A. Johnston, Graham, i

MATCHES IN HAMILTON TO-DAY. WET WEATHER AND HEAVY GROUNDS. WINS FOR CITY, MARIST, FRANKTON. There was wet weather and heavy grounds for the continuation of outdoor sports In Hamilton this afternoon. The only Rugby games played were the three senior games In whloh Marlst, City and Frankton scored wins over Old Boys B, Old Boys A and Technloal respectively. The results of to-day’s play leave Old Boys A and Marlst level at the head of the ohamplonshlp ladder.

Hawke, Holmes, Gilllng, I. Johnston, McDell, Wilson, Williams, Halstead, Fleming, Chapman, Bonham, BurnMurdoch and Brough (rover).

City.—Skeet. Allen, Corbett, Fisher, Going , Wright, Kelly, Shaw, A. Christie, Johnston. Mansill, Tangilu, Courtney, C, Christie and Buckingham (rover).

The preceding game had produced several very muddy patches on the ground, making the going exceedingly hard.

Play opened patchily, I. Johnston getting a good kick which brought Old Boys into the opposing 25. Holmes had the hall on the grandstand side and made further progress, the ball going to the line. Halstead had a shot at goal from a free which failed.

Old Boys Nearly Score. Going brought City a fair amount of ground with a fine run up-fleld in possession. A Johnston saved with a clearance. The. latter was prominent again fielding from neutral territory. Surrounded by forwards he slopped a formidible dribbling rush. Chapman headed Old Boys’ forwards in a speedy dash for home and was nearly in touch when the oval slipped out. Securing from the ruck Going had a pot at goat and nearly scored. In possession, Old Boys’ hacks found difficulty In opening out owing to the-greasy ball. Old Boys’ forwards broke up the pack following a scrum and punted up-fleid but Skeet kicked out. Gilling and I. Johnston set the backs in motion in front of the opposing foal but the ball was lost on the wing.. Some brisk passing followed but a scrum was called- a few yards from City’s goal and a clearance effected. City looked dangerous the next minute and I. Johnston saved just in time by finding the line. Skeet took a mark which Hawke held well to boot out. The quarter ended with the margin of attack remaining fairly even. Did Boys had the bigger share of the ball.

City Attack Strongly. City became aggressive after the change-over and handled before Old Boys- goal hut the advance was delayed and Old Boys’ forwards brought the hall hack to midfield. City continued to- press, Allen transferring to doing who made a determined bid on the north-western corner. He returned to Allen who nearly scored hut hit the flag. A line-out followed and then a serum, Old Boys defending desperately. The attack was forestalled-when City were recalled to the twenty-five line.

A. Johnston, Old Boys’ full-back, was knocked out in the tight but resumed after a few minutes. It was Old Boys’ turn to attack and a spirited onslaught kept City busy on the goal-line. All the backs handled, Graham and I. Johnston nearly gettingover. Holmes was headed for the goal on the other wing but was collared. Corbett kicked a pass off the ground and City were penalised. Halstead’s kick was well short. Old Boys were still in a scoring position when City extricated themselves, Tangitu heading a forward rush to midfield. City Over at Last. Driving rain was now falling and making conditions very trying. Following up their advantage, City worked themselves on side. Securing from the tight, Tangitu battled over the. line to fall on the ball. Mansill converted easily. City 5 Old Boys 0 Old Boys were again on defence when McDell relieved with a mark. Hawke had a shot at goal from a drop-kick, which went too far Just before half-time. Another Old Boys’ Sally. Old Boys kicked off against the wind and attacked swiftly. Going saved by kicking into the dead ball area. Buckingham was instrumental in picking out from the tight, hut a knock-on spoilt the effort. Graham and Halstead were nearly through between them but City’s backs packed round closely. The ball went along the backs’ line and reached A. Johnston, who held on too long. A scrum infringement gave City a free kick and play resumed in the neutral area. City Score Again. City came back from defence to give Old Boys a hot time. Buckingham and Tangitu looked like scoring, but the attack was delayed when Hawke took a mark from before the goal. City pressed again on the other side but failed to score. A miraculous try was scored for City when Skeet kicked, Johnston missing. Skeet gathered in from the bounce to nip over the line. Going converted.

Buckingham shone out in several loose rushes which gained territory for City. Old Boys were threatening when Allen resourcefully took a mark before his goal. Allen effected a fine save in touch when Old Boys were following hard. City were penalised in their own 25, Hawke putting the ball over with a fine kick and registering the first score for his side, just before the bell for the last quarter. Old Boys 3 City 10 Old Boys Got Over. City were negotiating in Old Boys’ territory soon after the change-over. Old Boys had the better of an exchange of kicks and later they initiated a dribbling rush which looked dangerous for City. Following a scramble on the line at the south-, eastern corner Holmes was found on the ball in .touch. A. Johnston's kick failed. Old Boys - 5 City 10

Both sides were now making the play very willing. City started a long and determined attack. Another scramble ensued on the line. After the pack had extricated themselves Courtney, was found on the ball. Going was unable to convert.

City 13 Old Boys 6

A Swift Reverse. City suffered a swift reverse when Holmes, E. Chapman and Halstead steered upheld with the City pack off-side. Halstead beat his man to touch down well behind the goalline. Hawke kicked well, hut just missed the inside of the post. Old Boys t * 111 ** >. * 9 City < i 13 With five minutes to go Old Boys had a gigantic task. City forwards were again ahead. I. Johnston forcing in time. Old Boys were unable to attack successfully and the whistle went with the final scores: — City 13 Old Boys .......... 9 Mr S. A. Mannering was the referee. FRANKTON BEATS TECH. VERY NARROW MARGIN. HARD GAME IN THE MUD.

Frankton defeated Technical Old Boys by G points to 3. The play commenced on No. 2 ground, which was in a very muddy state. It was a forward game throughout and Frankton had the advantage.

The teams lined out as follows: — Frankton: Park; A. Griffiths, Everest, A. H. Griffiths; Welch, R. Griffiths; Sampson;- Charleston, Weatherley, .Barford, Hooper, Priscott, Scott, Cameron, Gosling (rover). Technical College Old Boys: Johnston; Frear, St. George, Dalbeth; Somers, Gunn; Mitchell; Findlay Byrnes, Layne, Robinson, Gilmer, Pope, Baker, Attwood (rover). Frankton kicked off and carried play near Tech.’s line, but a strong boot by Johnstone brought the play back. The game was in Frankton's 25 for a spell, but a nice movement among Frankton’s backs saw play returned to the opposite 25. A good line kick by Mitchell gave the “whites” the advantage territorially. A forward rush by Tech, saw the ball across the line, but Frankton forced down. The balL was immediately returned, and Frankton froced again. The Frankton forwards took the ball at their feet right up to Tech.’s line, but the “white forwards cleared.

On the change over the game vvas transferred to No. 3 Ground. Technical brought the ball around and were awarded a free, which Mitchell failed to kick. Play was fast among the forwards between the twentyfives for a spell. Frankton brought the ball down and from a five yard scrum Technical forced. St. George broke away and things looked dangerous for Frankton, but Parkes cleared. Frankton forced play down field and White forced. For ten minutes Frankton had the advantage territorially and were awarded a free kick in a handy position, but Everest's kick failed. Technical slowly forced play to half way. Scott and Priscott brought the ball back and Everest nearly went over. From a line out near the goat line Technical forced. Half-time came with no score, and Technical on the attack.

On the resumption Frankton attacked and were, in Tech.'s twentyfive when Everest kicked across the line but missed when he dived. Priscott made a bid but missed and Scott got his had on it. Everest failed with the kick.

Frankton ... . Tech. Old Bo;.s

Technical returned the attack but the ball was kicked too far behind. Tech, again came down and Frankton forced. A fine movement, by Welsh, R. Griffiths and Everest put Frankton in a good position but Tech, combining well soon had them in danger, but Frankton forced. Ron Griftths and Priscott- brought the ball back and Ron put it across for Welsh to fall on. There was a knock-on, however, and a flve-vard scrum was called. A. H. Griffiths brought the ball back however, and went over after a great effort.’ Everest failed to add the extras.

Frankton .... Tech. Old Boys,

On the change over for the last quarter play see-sawed between the twenty-fives, first one side and then the other breaking away. Gunn broke away in Frankton’s twenty-five but Welsh intercepted and carried .the play back. Tech, soon returned but Frankton forced. Tech, were awarded a free kick in a handy position but Johnstone failed to place the leather between the posts. Tech, had Frankton in a dangerous position but Scott and Priscott returned the ball. The “ White ” forwards pushed up-fleld and from a five-yard scrum Frankton forced. Hard play in mid-field followed until St, George broke away but Parke cleared and Frankton returned tile play. The Frankton forwards gave it a good pop but Tech, forced. Dalbelh secured in his own twentyfive and ran well but was overtaken by A. 11. Griffiths, lie booted the ball and following through gained a good try. Johnstone failed to convert. Frankton 6 Tech. Old Boys 3 Frankton worked through to Tech.’s line but Gunn forced. Play was in mid-field when the fined whistle blew. Mr 11. Carter was the referee. RESULTS ELSEWHERE. TE AWAMUTU. Cambridge “A” 10 v. Waipa 3. Juniors.— United 3 v. Te Awamutu, 0. Final Junior Championship. Thirds. —Te Awamutu 14 v. Pirongia, 3. MORRINSVILLE. Morrinsville 22, v. Tauranga 0. Juniors: Kereone 6, v. United 3; Te Poninga 6 v. Terriers 0; Tahuna 9, v. Kiwitahi 0. CAMBRIDGE. Waipa B 13 v. Cambridge B 6. Juniors: llautapu 12 v. United 3; Leamington ov. Tauwhare 0. Thirds: High School 5 v. Kaipaki 0. PIAKO BEATS WAIHI. Piako defeated Waihi by 8 points to G in a rep. Rugby match played at Te Aroha To-day. Piako scorers were O’Donoghue and Mulgrew, .1. Rockham converting Mulgrew’s try. Walt--ers scored a try for Waihi, while Johns touched down three minutes from time.

AUCKLAND. King's College first fifteen defeated the Auckland Grammar School team by G points to 3. Varsity 9 v. Training College 3. Technical Old .Boys 14 v. Marist 0. College Rifles 14 v. Grafton 3. Grammar Old Boys 14 v. Ponsonby (champion leaders) 0. WAIKATO ON TOUR. ITINERARY MAPPED OUT. FIVE GAMES ARRANGED. At last night’s meeting of the Waikato Rugby Union the secretary advised that arrangements have been completed for the Waikato touring team to play matches against Hawke’s Bav, at Hastings, July 10; Wairoa, at Wairoa, July 11; East Coast, at Ruatoria, Julv 13; Poverty Bay, at Gisborne, July 18; Bay. of Plenty, at Whakatane, July 20. It is estimated that the tour will cost fully £450. Mr T. W. Thompson was appointed to the position of manager.

PUTARURU DISGUSTED. IGNORED BY SELECTOR. NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN. A complaint was tabled from the Putaruru Union at last night’s meeting of the Waikato Rugby Union. They complained that at their last two representative games the selector was not present, and it was their opinion that Putaruru contained material quite up to representative standing.

The selector, Mr T. A. Cooper, explained that in a trial game held early in the season he had received, by request, a forward and back from Putaruru. Neither player was, in his opinion, up to representative standard, the back especially being far too light. He did not consider, in view of such material being cited as the cream of Putaruru football, that it was worth his while travelling to watch the two matches under discussion. Mr B. Chapman, the Putaruru delegate, remarked that he had seen plenty of players as light as the back in question playing in All Black games. Putaruru, he _ considered, had not had a fair deal. His sub-union had felt the position rather keenly, and were rather disgusted with the present state of affairs. It was decided ' that no action be taken.

The advisability of setting up an advisory committee to assist the selector was introduced by Mr E. J. L. Whiting. In view of the difficulties encountered by the selector in watching all games in the union's district, such a committee could be of great assistance to the selector. Mr Cooper, in reply to Mr Whiting, pointed out that he alwajs made airangements for someone to watch promising players in those areas where be was not present at the time.

RANFURLY SHIELD. CHALLENGE FROM WAIKATO. WAIRARAPA ACCEPTS. The Ranfurly Shield challenge from the Waikato Rugby Union has been accepted by Wairarapa. The match wilt take place on September 14.

WAIKATO UNION MEETING dates of games allocated. The management committee of the Waikato Rugby Union met last evening, the chairman, Mr T. B. Booth presiding. . , „ The Finlay Cup match with Cambridge was fixed for July 27. After brief discussion it was decided to fix 2s as an admission charge for representative matches in Hamilton. The Matamata sub-union sought permission to play a senior representative match at Tauranga on July 13 and a return match at Matamata on September 7.

Permission was granted the Morrinsvillc sub-union to play Tauranga today.

The Thames Valley Rugby Union advised confirmation of August 17, as the date of their game with Waikato at Paeroa.

An invitation was extended to a representative of the Waikato Rugby Union to attend the jubilee celebrations of the Canterbury Rugby Union on July 2G.

A communication was received from the Raglan sub-union drawing the attention of the Waikato Union to" the practice of certain players in their territory playing for another sub-union without permission. The complaint was forwarded to the Taupiri sub-union-It was decided to write the Auckland Union asking them to call a conference of delegates of ail unions eligible to play for the Peace Cup, for the purpose of discussing rules and amendments. Tiie meeting would be held in Hamilton or at any other place the Auckland Union saw fit. Tile donor of the cup, Mr R. English, will aiso be invited.