THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17751, 1 July 1929, Page 3

THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

SAGE MEMORIAL CUP TABLE. The following table gives the positions of the teams, with total points for and against and competition points In the senior Rugby championship In Hamilton for the Sage Memorial Cup:—

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. RUGBY. CltV 13, v. Old Boys A 9. Marlst 3, v. Old Boys B 0. Frankton 6, v. Technical Old Poys 3. Cambridge A 10, v. Walpa A 3. Walpa B 13, v. Cambridge B 6. Morrinsville 22, v. Tauranga 0. Plako 8, v. Walhi 6. Matamata 6, v. 'Tauplrl 3. LEAGUE. Hamilton 15, Tauplrl 3. ASSOCIATION. Hamilton Wanderers 1, v. Pukemlro Junction 1. Claudelands Rovers 6, v. Glen Massey 0. HOCKEY. Old Boys 6, v. United 3.

OLD BOYS A’S DEFEAT.

SUCCESS FOR CITY. FORWARDS PROVE SUPERIOR. In a game which considering the state of the ground and the heavy was very exciting, City, at least delayed Old Boys A from securing the Sage cup on Saturday. The attacks lluotuated, 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, Hawke, Holmes, Gilling, I. Johnston, McDcll, Wilson, Williams, Halstead, Fleming, , Chapman, Bonham, BurnMurdoch and Brough (rover). City.—Skeet, Allen, Corbett, Fisher, Going , Wright, Kelly, Shaw, A. Christie, Johnston, Mansill, Tangitu, Courtney, G. 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 lie stopped a formidible dribbling rush. Chapman headed Old Boys’ forwards in a speedy dash for home and was nearly in toucli when the oval slipped out. Securing from the ruck Going had a pot at goal and nearly scored. In possession, Old Boys.’ backs found difficulty in opening out owing to the greasy ball. Old Boys’ forwards broke up the pack following a scrum and punted up-fleld 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. Old Boys had the bigger share of the ball. City Attack Strongly. City became aggressive after the change-over and handled before Old Boys’ goal but the advance was delayed and Old Boys’ forwards brought the ball back to midfield. City continued to press, Allen transferring to Going who made a determined bid on the north-western corner. He returned to Allen who nearly scored but hit the flag. A llno-out followed and then a scrum, Old Boys defending desperately, The attack was forestalled when City wore recalled to the twenty-five line, I

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-lino. All the backs handled, Graham and I. Johnston nearly getting over. 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

MARIST AND OLD DOYS A ON TERMS. HEAVY GROUNDS FOR THE LATEST GAMES. ASSOCIATION AND LEAGUE COMPETITIONS. Showery weather and heavy grounds were the conditions surrounding the play In the various pastimes In the Waikato on Saturday. In the Hamilton Rugby Union’s competitions the only matches played concerned the senior grade In which Marist, City and Frankton seoured victories over Old Boys B, Old Boys A and Technical Old Boys respectively. With the final series of games remaining for the coming week-end, Old Boys A and Marist are level on the front of the championship table for the Sage Memorial Cup. Anything may happen, but favouritism for the leading honours of the season certainly point to Old Boys, who will engage the B team of the olub next Saturday. If Marlst also provo equal to the call when they next appear against Technical, a play-off for the*honours wlir be necessary, but, In such an eventuality, the dash would require to be delayed until the Waikato team returns from Its southern tour, which wITI be entered upon next Monday and will occupy a fortnight. The Hamilton League thirteen was out of town on Saturday meeting Tauplrl and winning by a useful margin. A draw resulted in the local Soccer fixture between Hamilton Wanderers and Pukemlro Junction, while Claudelands Rovers registered a convincing win against Glen Massey at the headquarters of the latter club. In the senior hockey fixture decided on Saturday, Old Boys had a comfortable margin over United at the final whistle.

the tight, Tangifu 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, but 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. City 10 Old Boys A 0 Buckingham shone tout 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 OJJi 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 Get 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 southeastern corner Holmes was found on the ball in touch. A. Johnston’s kick failed. Old Boys 6 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 upfield with the City pack off-side. Halstead beat his man to touch down well behind the goalline. Hawke kicked well, but Just missed the inside of the post. Old Boys 9 City 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: — CiG • Old Boys 9 .Mr S. A. Mannering was the referee.

SCHOOL GAMES.

. % FRANKTON BEATS TECH

VERY NARROW MARGIN. HARD GAME IN THE MUD. Frankton defeated Technical Old Boys by 6 points to 3. The play commenced on No. 2 ground, which was in a very muddy state. It was concluded on No. 3 Ground. 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, B. Griffiths; Sampson; Charleston, Weatherlev, .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 (he ball across the line, but Frankton forced down. The ball was immediately returned, and Franklon froced again. The Frankton forwards took the ball at their feet right up io Tech.’s line, but the “white ’ forwards cleared.

On the change over the game was transferred lo 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. goal 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 hut missed when he dived. Priscott made a bid but missed and Scott got his had on it. Everest failed with the kick. Frankton 3 Tech. Old Bo;.s 0 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 thein in danger, hut Frankton forced. Bon Griffths and Priscott brought the hall back and Hon put it across for Welsh to fall on. There was a knock-on, however, and a five-yard scrum was called. A. 11. Griffiths brought the ball back however, and went over after a great effort.’ Everest failed to add the extras.

Frankton 6 Tech. Old Boys, 0 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 the play. The Frankton forwards gave it a good pop but Tech, forced. Dalbeth 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. Garter was the referee.

SOUTHWELL v. MORRINSVILLE. MATCH ON SATURDAY MORNING. The Southwell football team defeated the Morrinsville District High School's junior team on Saturday morning on the school ground, by 9 points to 3. A very interesting game was witnessed, the locals having the hotter of the game. Narwood and Ray scored for Southwell, and Walker placed a penalty kick between the posts, while Wyatt went over for the visitors. Mr S. E. Senior was the referee. RESULTS ELSEWHERE. CAMBRIDGE B v. WAIPA B. Cambridge witnessed its first representative Rugby match of the season on Saturday, when Waipa B team defeated Cambridge B by 13 points to 6. The weather was cold and showery and the field was in a sodden condition. In spite of this there was a fair muster of spectators. Owing to the conditions it was mainly a forward game, but the Waipa backs combined well, and gave frequent. flashes of what they might be capable of with a dry ball. The Cambridge team held its own for a while, but were well beaten at the end of the game. The first score came to Cambridge. Following the kick-off the blues invaded Walpa territory, where they were awarded a free kick and I. Peake landed a nice goal. Cambridge again put, on Ihe pressure, but Waipa were relieved with a free kick for handling In the scrum. From a line-out Tucker made a nice opening and let Peake away with a good run down the line, and kicking into touch close to Waipa line. From a line-out Waipa forced. By this time the visitors seemed to be getting us«d to the field and wore showing up better. Jackson fielded the ball nicely and set the Walpa backs on the move, Sterritt finally kicking out. well down in Cambridge twentyfive. From there Cambridge defended strongly and forced play back to midfield. The whites were not to be denied. Fowler broke 'away and sending the . ball on to Quinn, cut round and

FINLAY CUP.

received again from Quinn. Sterritt then came on and taking the pass cleanly, outpaced the opposing backs and r,cored a well-deserved try between the posts. Grace failed with the kick. After the change-over Cambridge attacked strongly, and were unlucky in not scoring. From a scrum near* Walpa line, the visitors hooked the ball and forced down. The visitors were beginning to find out that in spite of the wet they were doing better by opening the game up. They kept up persistent attacks iill finally Fowler scored. Pollard, who had just replaced Beat, who had injured his shoulder, took the kick and added the extra points. Half-time was called with the scores: Waipa 3 Cambridge 3

On resuming, the local side made things willing in an attempt to even the scores. From a free kick I. Peake kicked a goal from a difficult angle. He was lucky, though, for the ball struck the post and bounced inside the posts. From half-way the Waipa backs got on the move again, nad Sterritt scored. He also added the extra points. Waipa 13 Cambridge G During the remaining quarter the visitors had their opponents well In band and the game ended without further score. Mr. W. Webber was referee. Juniors: Hautapu 12 v. United 3; Learninglon ov. Tauwhare 0. Thirds: High School 5 v. Kaipaki 0.

MATAMATA v. TAUPIRI. Matamata (black) kicked off against the wind and the return kick putTaupiri (blue) on attack. A free for offside relieved. A penalty- gave Bishop a shot at goal, which went wide. Story came away and Matamata got up to half-way. Davies kicked out on the full, and the Blacks made further progress. Miller took a good mark and kicked well down. The Blacks-returned and an illegal tackle gave Egan a shot,, but the ball fell short and Hitt found touch at half-way. Ake fed Egan, who passed to • Bluck. The latter cut in and sent on lo Yosper, who scored between the posts. Story missed a sitter. Matamata 3 Taupiri 0

Davies took a fine mark right in front of the Black forwards and gained a lot of ground. Litt took a pass and running strongly fended off several Black tackles and was grassed by Stewart at the home 25. Miller made a poor shot from a penalty. A knock on by Lilt shortly afterwards spoilt a good chance to score. Egan sent play back to half-way with a clinking line-finder from a free kick. Litt and Maniapoto went, down Hie line, but the latter was pushed out. Egan fed Bluck, who knocked on. Litt went off again, but a forward pass to Button pulled them up. Davies •fumbled a high kick from Pausett and line-out. play at half-way was in progress when the bell rang, with the score.— Matamata 3 Taupiri 0 With the wind behind them Matamata went away. Davies knocked the ball back over his own line but recovered and found touch. The Blue forwards came away from the line-out with a great rush which gained fifty yards and Stewart was called on to defend. Fausett booted right down the field and Wilcox, Liti and Button combined in a passing rush which ended at Matama'l 3 25. Stewart found touch at halfway. Bluck cut out three men, but his pass was forward. Ake punted across the goal, but Blues cleared from the next scrum. Whorsky was hurt and S. Litt replaced him. Fausett kicked high and a scramble on the visitors’ line ended in a force. Litt made another strong race, beating some weak tackling, but Egan forced him out. Egan was carried off injured and Kneebone came on. Stewart kicked high, followed up and collared .Maniapoto in possession. Ake fed Story, wiio hung on too long and the Blues cleared. Stewart produced another line-finder and Matamata attacked again. Smith fed Lilt, who dummied Stewart and drew first blood for Taupiri. Miller’s kick hit the post and bounced back into the field. ■Matamata . 3 Taupiri 8

Fausett kicked through and collared Button. Bishop dummied his way through and went right to Stewart. Ake kicked high and Taupiri forced.

Maniapoto marked, but made a poor kick and Bluck kicked infield. Miller finding the line. Play went, across field and Miller took a mark, his kick finding touch at half-way. Bluck passed to Yosper and the latter ran through to the full-back, Kneebone in front lost a certainty. Syme got away from the linc-out and dummied Davies, but lost the ball and Taupiri forced. Matamata was awarded a penalty. Fausett made a good attempt which fell short and the visitors forced again. Maniapoto put Blues on attack with a long kick. Litt got away but Yosper downed him. Ensor led a fine forward rush with the ball at toe and capped it off with a neat in-kick and scored. Fausett's kick went outside the post. ' Matamata 6 Taupiri 3 A passing rush between Miller, Wilcox and Litt made ground, but the Black forwards, with Story in Hie lead brought play back again. Man in front spoilt a free for Taupiri, but another free for obstruction was made better use of. Wilcox crosskicked and Button was nearly over. Stewart saving magnificently. Fraser, Higgins and Ensor dribbled down field, Smith kicked and Dromgool followed hard. Miller worked the blind side of the next scrum but Maniapoto was pushed out. At half-time the scores were unchanged. Matamata 6 Taupiri 3 Simpson fielded 'the kick-off and kicked well down. Story and Litt had a tussle for the ball, but the latter eventually cleared. Simpson and Malligan were prominent, but Maniapoto ran strongly up the line. Taupiri forwards were outlasting the local scrummers and their backs threw the bail about in great style. Maniapoto was thrown out about two yards from the line. Miller had a pot which missed and Button was nearly over on the other side. A series of I hard fought line-outs followed till Brown kicked clear. Davies, who had come up to strengthen the inside backs, made a difference, and the Taupiri rearguard were throwing the hall about in bewildering fashion. Simpson and Story dashed down field, but the latter knocked on when he had only the full-back to pass and play went to mid-field. Simpson was off again and Yosper, following up, was nearly over. Ake came through, but Wilcox took a mark under his

goal-posts. Fausett returned his kick. Litt slipped and a good chance was lost with the home backs all out of position. Alee fed Story, who kicked to Button, who marked on his own goal-line. The Blues tried a passing rush in their own twenty-five and Simpson downed Davies in possession. Bishop marked to pull them up and found touch. Matamata were attacking hotly in the closing stages and Taupiri forced as the final whistle went. Mr A. Thompson, of Cambridge, was in charge of the game. CURTAIN RAISER. JUNIORS. B. Section 3 v. A. Section 0. GAMES AT NGARUAWAHIA.

On Saturday the Old Boys B juniors journeyed to Ngaruawahia, where they took the field against a composite local team, under the whistle of Mr George Edge.

It was noticeable that the visitors knew more about football than the local team, but playing in heavy squalls with a greasy ball was all to their great disadvantage. Their forwards played well in pack formation, while (heir backs tried repeatedly to get a * passing rush going. Even though they had the speed it was of no avail. The Ngaruawahia pack played in.the loose, which, under the conditions, added greatly to their advantage in repelling both foot-work and passing bouts. It was a good, close game, willing and hard. The visitors were getting the bail on the line-outs; the home team were hooking it from the scrums. Half-time saw no score.

In the second spell the Hamilton team kept the ball more at toe, and made use of short kicking. After an even interchange of play a scrum went down in the Old Boys’ 25. Ngaruawahia hooked the ball to F. Morris, who took the blind side, and, after beating two men, gave, to Black, who scored. The kick at goal failed. Ngaruawahia 3. Visitors 0. Shortly afterwards a free kick was awarded the visitors in Ngaruawahia 25. With a greasy hall and a strong wind blowing, a splendid goal was kicked. The game ended, Ngaruawahia 3, Visitors 3. The Local Team. As half-back F. Morris was a tower of strength, and repeatedly brought the play out of danger. Black and Reed also played well, and showed good promise. Mcßurnie played a good forward game, and kept the ball rolling. Duxfield was hooking splendidly. The Visitors. The Old Boys’ B junior team placed a fine, clean game, and showed tlie sporting spirit, in which they hold “the game first." It. speaks well that they should go to Ngaruawahia, especially under the conditions prevailing, to give the followers of Rugby in that district an opportunity of viewing football played by an outside team, and give local boys a change of play.

I IN OTHER CENTRES. i PIAKO BEATS WAIHI. : Piako defeated Waihi by 8 points to 6 in a rep. Rugby match played at Te Aroha. Piako scorers were 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. IVIORRINSVILLE. Morrinsville 22, v. Tauranga 0. Juniors: Kereone 6, v. United 3; Te Poninga 6 v. Terriers 0; Tahuna I 9, v. Kiwitahi 0. | O’Donoghue and Mulgrew, J. Rockham converting Mulgrew's try. Walters 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 6 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 1,4 v. Ponsonlfy (champion leaders) 0.Hawera. Ilawera 14 beat Athletic 0. Okaiawa 21 beat Waimate 5. Upunake 15 beat Kaponga 0. Palea 21 beat Eilham 3. Wellington. University 14 beat Old Boys 11. Ponekc 13 beat Berhampore 5. Petone 1G beat Athletic 13. Oriental 19 beat Marists 5. Eastbourne S beat Wellington G. Senior B—Oriental 9 beat University G; Hutt 15 beat Training College 0. Christchurch. Christchurch 19 heat University 8. Albion 9 beat Sydenham G. Linwood 11 beat West 0. Mcrivale 20 heat Technical 0. Masterton. Carterton 15 beat Old Boys 9. Greytown 9 beat Red Star 6. Pahiatua. Hamua 7 beat Konini 5. Napier. High School Old Boys 23 beat Maori i Agricultural College 3. Wanganui. Pirates 13 beat Kaierau 6. Old Boys 5 beat Marists 3. Timaru. Star 13 beat Celtic 9. Waihi 14 heat Zingari 3. Temuka 24 beat Old Boys 11. GAME STOPPED AT TIMARU. OWING TO ROUGH PLAY. Owing to rough play the senior Rugby match between Star and Celtic to-day was stopped by the referee 12 minutes before full time.

Star beat Celtic by 13 points to 9,

Club P. W. L. fop against points Old Boys A 9 6 3 137 81 12 Marlst 9 6 3 105 84 12 Technical 9 6 4 87 84 10 Frankton 9 4 6 91 97 8 City 8 4 4 72 72 8 Old Boys B 8 1 7 50 124 2