REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18346, 4 June 1931, Page 10

REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY

THE TEAMS. Auckland. Full-back.—Butler (University). Three-quarters.—Caughey (University); Jamieson (Ponsonby), Milllken (University). , Five - eighths. —Ilaslam (Technical Old Boys), Farmer (Grafton). Half-back. —Corner (Grammar). Rover. —Solomon (Ponsonby). Forwards.- —Hadley (Marist), Palmer (Ponsonby), Newdick, W. Batty (Grammar), Finlayson (Grafton), Satherley (Ponsonby), Anderson (University). Waikato. Full-back. —P. Quin (Waipa). Three-quarters.—L. Hook (Hamilton), J. R. Fitzgerald (Hamilton), W. H. Carlson (Matamata). Five-eighths. —A. St. George (Hamilton); H. Wilkes (Waipa). Half-back. —S. Egan (Matamata). Hover.- —A. Story (Matamata). Back Row. —H. Ensor (Matamata), G. D. Stewart (Hamilton). Middle Row. —A. Cameron (Morrinsville); J. Reynolds (Hamilton), G. Cameron (Morrinsville). Front Row. —J. Leeson (Morrinsville), J. Bonham (Hamilton). THE PLAY. The sun had peeped through the clouds when Fitzgerald led Waikato on the field. Hadley was captain of the visiting side. St. George kicked off Tor the home team, the ball finding the line. Waikato hooked, but the backs were quickly broken up by the Auckland forwards. Storey made a strong dash through the ruck, the home forwards reaching the line. Stewart nearly went over for a try, but was stopped. An infringement on their goal-line gave Waikato a penalty which Carlson put between the posts after play had been in progress only two minutes. Waikato ' 3 Auckland 0

Auckland hooked cleanly from a scrum in midfield, Corner kicking down-field. Quin, the home fullback, was bustled and the leather went out at the corner-flag. * A couple of line-outs were staged here, until Wai lcato worked nearer halfway. Corner got the ball away from the scrum again but a knock-on delayed progress. Milliken was the next to make a dash up the line, but his iu-pass went astray. Waikato were penalised before getting out of their twenty-five and Newdick’s kick went across the goal-mouth. From a lengthy scrum screw-round Waikato were awarded another free and gained about 15 yards. Auckland were getting supply from the scrums but were repulsed with good line-kicking. Waikato’s Offside Tactics. Tight play followed in midfield, Storey making repeated efforts to get the hall into a dribbling rush. Auckland gained a free for offside in their twenty-five and Hook stopped the ball from reaching touch. Another offside infringement in a dangerous position saw Newdiclc fail with an easy shot at goal. Storey was the next offside offender in the same place a minute later and Corner was no more successful with the kick. From subsequent play in midfield Corner broke away and fed Milliken whose in-pas 3 was lost when he was hemmed in. In two subsequent scrums the Auckland forwards heeled cleanly hut the Waikato backs were marking intensively. Auckland again reached Waikato territory through another offside illegality. Behind the scrum Egan made the mistake of kinking to Culler, who returned to touch well ihwn.

Waikato Cross the Line. ' St, George and Carlson figured in a strong attack, which left most of the visiting hacks stanning. Oaughey kicked into the dead-ball area Just, in time. From the following .scrum rear the line, Egan dived over from ’ the tikht. Carlson converted easily. Waikato 3 Auckland 0 Egan and Quin noth held Auckland at hay with good line finders in (lie following play. Caughey at this stage went to centre with Ilas.'em on the wing In the Auckland '-ear division. Jamieson played first five-eighth. With a free kick Auckland readied the opposing goal-lino and hooked from the echini. Owner was upset and the home hacks made a splendid rush which carried play almost the length of the ficid. Fitzgerald gained pos- ' session and handed on to St. George, who dashed strongly for the goal, to he heavily tackled about JO yards out. Waikato were in an attacking position again and gained a penalty, which Carlson missed. Another scrum in midtlild saw Comer feed ; the Lacks, who handled prettily, hut Carlson frustrated the movement. Storey was prominent again in the ruck, when Waikato were pressing In the Auckland twenty—five. Wilkes made-a strong dash from the blind siJc and 'Egan carried on. but the do fence was too good. An Infringement gave Waikato another free-kick about 10 yards out, which Carlson made sure of this time. Waikato it Auckland 0 The visitors returned to the home goal area in the next few minutes and Hook lost his side some ground when beaten by the bounce. Visitors Open Account. Pressed on fho line, Millikan cot' I red and in the subsequent scramble on the line, Soloman picked up to score a try. butler added Hie trimmings, Uio ball hitting the post and bouncing inside. Auckland 5 Waikato 11 The Auckland backs attempted a i passing rush in flic neutral area, but the handling was erratic. In every scrurn the Auckland backs gained pos-

AUCKLAND AND WAIKATO MEET. BIG CROWD FOR YESTERDAY’S GAME. WIN FOR THE VISITORS : 22—17. Large crowds from outside centres and country districts were In Hamilton yesterday for the Rugby match between Auckland and Waikato. As It was the first representative game of the season In the province, and both teams were practically at full strength, public Interest was particularly keen. At Rugby Park No. 1 ground was In good condition, and the weather was dull but fine. Auckland were successful by a five-point margin after a fast and spectacular game, the final scores being 22—17.

Homo Efforts Rewarded. A hot melee ensued Inside the Auckland twenty-five, but Corner cleared to the line at half-way. At last the home efforts were rewarded when Fitzgerald gathered in midfield and outstripped the opposition to allow Carlson to make the line. It was a brilliant movement. Carlson’s kick failed. Waikato j 14 Auckland ?,2

Play continued fast and furious and for some time the teams hovered in midfield. Waikato gained possession from a scrum at this point and all the backs handled from Egan, but Carlson was unable to work the line. Waikato’s position looked hopeless as Auckland continued to get possession from the scrums and most of the line-outs. Carlson made a great dash up the line but was stopped. Hook was also prominent in a magnificent sprint up the other line, but the odds were against him and the movement ended about 10 yards from the goal-line. However, Waikato were In a belter position and Carlson kicked a penalty in front of the goal. Waikato ■ 17 Auckland 22

In the subsequent play the Auckland van carried play into the Waikato territory- Offside play by MilHkcn allowed Waikato to reach the opposing territory and Hie crowd roared when the pack hustled nearer their objective. Butler forced them back with a line-kick and a good mark, but the home side were well within striking distance as the final hell sounded, with the scores:— Auckland 22 Waikato 17 Mr 11. G. McKenzie, of Wairarapa, was the referee. REPLACING INJURED PLAYERS. N.Z. UNION CRITICISED. (fly TMegrapli.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Severe criticism of the action of Hie New Zealand Rugby Union in writing to the English Union for a ruling on tho question of tlie replacement of Injured players instead of deciding the point locally was made at a meeting of Hie management committee of the. Canterbury Rugby Union. It was decided to write to ihe New Zealand Union strongly protesting against its action. ■' The rule concerning replacements was framed in the dark ages, and the present personnel of the English Union could not interpret it belter than could New Zealanders,” stated Mr A. Thompson, Mr A. E. Flower: “Are they going to send Home for a ruling every time they want one? It is futile and foolish to go cap in hand to the English Union.”

session and only solid tackling kept them In check. Another movement opened up by Corner resulted in Soloman changing the venue of play, but the home side had returned to halfway as the hell went for the interval. Auckland Backs Attack. After the spell the Waikato backs gained possession and made the pace merry. Fitzgerald made a brilliant dash in the loose and passed towards the wing, but the movement was stampeded by the Auckland backs. Auckland were penalised for a scrum infringement, and Carlson failed lo find the line, Butler returning safely. The Auckland backs then initiated a vigorous attack in the home twentyfive. Corner fed all his backs from the loose, the ball travelling from Farmer to Caughey, to Haslem, who went over in the corner at the Whitiora end. Butler converted with a beautiful lifting kick. Auckland 10 Waikato 11 Play resumed in the Waikato twenty-five, where there followed a give-away try to Auckland. Hook made a good opening in midfield and transferred to Carlson, who was robbed of the ball by Milliken. The Auckland winger dashed half the length of the field, beating both Egan and Quin, who attempted to stop him, and touched down for a try. Butler’s kick missed. Auckland 13 Waikato 11 Waikato, with another score necessary to win, redoubled efforts, the backs handling well in the opposing twenty-five and Carlson kicked and recovered the ball, to pass infield, but Finlayson kicked into touch. The Auckland hacks staged a rapid reversal whicli had Waikato completely surprised. The forwards changed the venue of play and Haslem secured, to run around at the Whitiora end for a good try. Butler converted. Auckland 18.... Waikato 11

Auckland were now making speedy excursions into the home twenty-five, their hacks handling now with precision. Corner started another swift rush, hut this time Milliken was pushed out on the Wing. Butler's Potted Goal. In the loose before the Waikato goal Butler secured and thrilled the crowd with a fine dropped goal. Auckland 22 Waikato 11 Auckland had almost doubled the Waikato .score since the half-time. Wilkes was hurt and had to leave the field, Wilcox replacing him at second five-eighths. Waikato appeared to be getting run off their feet and play continued in the home twenty-five. They made desperate efforts to penetrate the Auckland, defence, but the visitors, were getting possession all the time.

TE AROHA v. MATAMATA. fast and interesting. WON BY TE AROHA. Over 600 enthusiasts witnesseu the annual match between Te took place yesterday at Te Aroha. Conditions were good and the game interesting. A series of scrums dulled the play for a brief spell. From the last of these Rackham headed a charge by the (black and whites which culminated in fast scrummaging at midfield. Johnson centred, McLaren receiving and delivering to Worrall to Lipsey, who kicked. McLaren was given a good chance at goal in a sound position but missed. Finlayson and Maloney next invaded the blacks’ country. From a scrum Stewart fed to Rackham, who again improved matters for Te Aroha. Phelan and Carroll figured in the counler move hut Dickson overran a pass. The same three men figured in a good move a moment later which was blocked by Rackham. Worrall cleared, allowing Goodfellow to sprint for the line. A scrum on the line eventuated and after three attempts to put the ball in, the referee gave a free kick to Te Aroha. Palmer’s shot failed. Gibbs and Burgess next charged the line, the hall going out within 10 yards. From the lineout Gibbs charged across. Rackham failed with the kick. Te Aroha 3, Matamata 0. ■,

Shortly after Gibbs again led to the line for Te Aroha allowing Stewart to open for Rackham to dash across. Stewart’s kick failed. Te Aroha 6, Matamata 0. A great struggle at midfield took place from which Carroll broke away and tossed, to Dickson to 'Phelan, who scored neatly. Carroll failed with the ,kick. Matamata 3, Te Aroha 6. In the new half amid tense excitement Cibbs ag.ain-jsprlnted clear to notch Te Aroha.’s third try. Te Aroha 9, ' Matamata 3. In the closing scenes Matamata staged a wonderful rally and more than held their own. Makgill, Voysey and Winberg handled, the latter scoring between the uprights. Loveridge converted an easy goal. Matamata 8, Te Aroha, 9.

Great excitement attended the concluding spell of play. Matamata made great efforts to improve their score and severely tried the black and white defence. Two free kicks saved Te Aroha in some rather awkward positions. Winberg, Carroll and Dickson combining beautifully sought to penetrate time and again, but the defence proved 'too sound. Stewart found touch on the call of the time. Mr J. W. Bryden controlled the game, which was the best seen ; in Te Aroha this season. Outstanding men for Matamata were Winberg, Stewart, W. 'Carroll and Voysey, while on the Te Aroha field, were Jacob, Worrall, Gibbs, Rackham and Caulton. THE JUNIOR GAME.

MATAMATA v. TE AROHA. Of a scrappy nature the junior game did not excite a great deal of enthusiasm among the spectators. From the start it was apparent that the Matamata backs were well in advance of the local boys. The visiting pack, almost a stone a man heavier, also had matters much their own way. Play was confined to continued scrumming and had play chiefly by the Te Aroha backs, who showed no vestige of combination or science. The only bright play to relieve this drab picture was Wilson’s clever interception and subsequent try. Scorers for Matamata were Taylor, Cullen and Wilson. Mr A Whalford was referee.

THE TAUPIRI UNION. RENOWN V. EASTERN. Eastern journeyed to the mining district and after a very close game were defeated by seven points to six. The conditions were very unpleasant, the ground being wet and slippery, which made the ball most difficult to handle. Renown kicked off, and from the return Broughton’s left foot kick gained much ground. Pulham secured well and after a nice run sent on 'Griffiths whose bad pass spoiled a likely score. Wilcox angled nicely to pot a .pretty goal. Renown 4, 'Eastern 0. D. Smith mulled .a return from Broughton and Renown forwards were again looking dangerous when Cook sent them back with a clever line kick. The Eastern forwards headed by Monteitli, Thomson and Taylor carried on to the Renown line, where the play hovered. Simcock and West came through well and transferred the play to the centre, changing straight over H. Pene made a strong run to the local .'twenty-five where the Easterns set up a hot attack. D. Smith sent out lo A. Smith who handed on to A. Thomson, to score a nice try- Taylor's goal was disallowed. ■Renown 4, Eastern 3. 'From the kick out W. Hart sent his backs off. 'Griffiths sprinted up and* ran straight through to score. Wilcox’s kick went wide. Renown 7, Eastern 3. Eastern forwards went off at a great pace with 'the ball at their feet ■to the local line, keeping the pressure up till Thomson and A. Smith dived over, for the latter to bo awarded a try in front. Toylar missed the kick. The game ended soon after in semidarkness. Air Duncan was referee.

Notes on the Game. Broughton at fullback got through a hard afternoon’s work really well. Clout, A. Hart and 11. Hart did not get many chances to show their speed and were atl very safe. Wilcox was a lower of strength to his side and his field goal was a match-winner. Beckham was not as good as usual 'but he made some pretty short runs. W. Hart at half sent his backs off whenever possible and handled the greasy hall well. Gril'lllhs as Rover was a real rover, hut undid some of his work by hanging on to the hall. The forwards arc a good set. West and Simcoek were always in the lead. The latter should learn to keep on side when in ills opponents’ quarter. For the losers Cook at fullback made few mistakes blit would have been more use lo his side on the wing. H. l’ene on Ihe wing is a greatly improved player, and little fault can be found with his all-round play. A. Smith, Carter and N. Pone

credit-, but did not relish the conditions. Cowan on the wing was not impressive. D. Smith at half was well marked but played a hard,, solid game throughout. J. Smith as rover was in good form and got in some nice sporting work. Tne forwards are a great pack, some of their combined rushes being good to witness. Thomson and Watson well earned their places and ably assisted Monteith and company in a hard forward contest. .

HAMILTON REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION APPOINTMENTS FOR SATURDAY. At the weekly meeting of the Association there was a large attendance. The question of providing competent line umpires for No. 1 and 2 grounds, Rugby Park, was discussed, and it was decided to write to the Hamilton Rugby Union to get its views on the formation of a sub-association of line umpires such umpires to be associates of the Referees’ Association. Mr Marshall addressed the meeting on conference rulings. The following are the appointments for Saturday:— Senior.—Old Boys v. Technical Old Boys, No. 1, 3 p.m., Mr Senior; Frankton v. Marist, No. 2, 3 p.m., Mr Marshall. Junior A.—Marist v. Old Boys, No. 1 Show Grounds, 3 p.m., Mr Sergei; Frankton v. Technical Old Boys, No. i Show Grounds, 1.30 p.m., Mr Jones. Junior B.—Te Kowhai v. Old Boys, Te Kowhai, 2 p.m., Mr Davis; Ruikura v. Technical Old Boys, No. 2, Show Grounds, 1.30 p.m.,'Mr Sergei Thirds. —-Technical Old Boys v. Technical School, No. 2 Rugby Park, 1.30 p.m., Mr Laird; Frankton v. High School No. 3 Rugby Park, 1.30, Mr Aicken.

Fourths. —Technical Old Boys v. Old Boys, No. 3 Rugby Park, 3 p.m., Mr Frazer; Technical School v. High School, No. 4 Rugby Park, 1.30 p.m., Mr Johnston; Technical Old Boys v. Frankton, No. 1 Rugby Park,. 1.30 p.m., Mr .Clegg. Fifths.—Technical A v. High School No. 1 Hayes’ Paddock, 1.30 p.m., Mr Rabone; Technical B v. Marist, No. 2 Hayes’ Paddock, Mr Thorpe. Reserve:'Mr Carter.

IN OTHER CENTRES.. HAWKE’S BAY BEATS WAIRARAPA. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NAPIER, Wednesday. In the first Rugby representative fixture of the season in Napier, Hawke’s Bay defeated Wairarapa by 27 points to 13 in a fast, open game. Wairarapa crossed 'the home team’s line only once, 'the balance of its score being compiled from two penalties and a field goal. A. E. Cooke once again played for Hawke’s Bay and gave a sterling display. WELLINGTON CLUB GAMES. (By Telegraph.—P.ress Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. •Hutt gained a two-point lead by defeating Wellington by 10 to 3. Both teams were hitherto unbeaten. Other senior results were: Poneke 32, v. University 9; Petone 41 v. Berhampore, '9; Marist, 14, Oriental 10; Old Boys 22, v. Athletic 6; Eastbourne 41 v. Miramar 9.

POVERTY BAY WINS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) GISBORNE, Wednesday. Poverty 'Bay defeated Bay of Plenty by 19 to 17 in a bright game to-day. TARANAKI BEATS WANGANUI. (By Telegraph.—Press Association!) WANGANUI, Wednesday. In the first 'representative Rugby match of the season Taranaki defeated Wanganui by 17 points to 9. GAMES AT CHRISTCHURCH. tßy Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. The first round of the . Canterbury Rugby Union’s senior competition was completed to-day in fine weather. The results were: Merivale, 47, beat Sydenham, 0; University, 13, beat Christchurch, 8; Old Boys, 6, beat Linwood 3; Al'bion 29 beat Athletic 0.