SATURDAY’S SENIOR MATCHES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 22 June 1911, Page 11

SATURDAY’S SENIOR MATCHES.

Perfect weather prevailed on Saturday to'.' the Auckland Rugby Union’s club cfiampionshlp matches, and the attendance at Alexandra Park constituted a record for the season. The match between University and Marist Bros, evinced great interest in football circles, and these teams had pride of place on No. 1 ground. Both sides being possessed of fast and clever backs, an excellent game was promised, but though the match was very evenly contested and caused much excitement between the rival barrackers, it did not fulfil expectations. It was only in the latter part of the match that the players gave a good

exposition of Rugby, their play in the opening stages being patchy and of a moderate character. The final result was a draw, each side registering six points, and consequently the enthusiasm of the onlookers was maintained right up to the finish. University having sustained a defeat on the previous Saturday at the hands of City, Saturday’s draw with Marist Bros, leaves the students a point behind City in the club competition. Ponsonby and Grafton met on No- 2 ground and after a keenly fought out game the match ended in a draw, 11 points going down to the credit of each side. The scoring was all done in the first half, the uncertain handling of the leather in the second spell being in a large measure responsible for no points being registered in the latter half of the game. Ponsonby opened very willingly in the first quarter, and it appeared as though the wearers of the blue and black were in for a fairly easy victory, but the Graftonites bestirred themselves and were soon a match for their opponents in all departments, honours being most even in the play that followed the equalising of the scores. Parnell met a weakened Newton team on No. 4 ground, and the maroons secured their first win of the season by the substantial margin of 30 points to nil. The Parnell men did not over-exert them-

selves, the opposition being badly outclassed, and it would be a wise course for the Newton team to adopt to withdraw from the competition after next Saturday—which brings the first round to a close —as by so doing they will shorten the second round of the A.R.U. champic-'.ships by two Saturdays. ■u « » «» University and Marists Draw. After watching the UniversityMarist Bros, match, the question arises as to whether the students are playing with as much dash now as in the opening matches. Many are to be found who express the opinion that the hard matches in which the ’Varsity team have so f r participated, are commencing to tell on the light blue combination, and some venture the opinion that the students are losing their form. Certainly the University backs, who are regarded as the main hope of the students, did not give as bright and as clever an exhibition on Satur-

day as in previous games, but they were undoubted, y hampered to some extent by the loss of their mainstay in Gray, who left the field injured, while the rarity with which they secured the leather from the scrum counted against them greatly. Then again, the ’’Varsity forwards were outmatched by the heavier Marist Bros-’ front division, so that the light blue backs were working under extreme difficulties, having to make all their own openings. Still, making aTowance for all this, there can be no doubt that the ’Varsity rearguard, lacked their usual combination, their best work being accomplished individually, although more than one golden opportunity was lost through the one man attempting to do too much. However, the clean and attractive play of the ’Varsity team has made them universally popular with the football-going crowd, and their many supporters are still hopeful of them taking a very prominent part in the decision of the championship, despite the set-backs of the past couple of Saturdays. The Marist Bros, did no more than was expected of them in Saturday’s match, for though they established a lead in the first spell, and had everything in their faour, a. draw was the best they could make of it. The Marist Bros, forwards played together well, and it was principally due to their efforts that

the Old Boys proved a match for the ’Varsity players. ' Had the Marist backs shone out better on the attack, a win would probably have gone down to their credit. Their passing, particularly in the earlier part of the game, was wild, to say the least of it, while their handling of the ball was not as sure as it might be. In defence, however, they showed up brilliantly at times, their tackling, especially that of the full back, being really excellent. Both teams played better football in the second spell than in the first, the game waxing fast and furious in the remaining quarter. ft ft ft ft How the Points Were Obtained. University had a dazzling sun to face in the first quarter, which troubled their backs to no little extent. Passing runs were frequently attempted by both teams during this spell, but with fruitless results, mulling and errors of judgment being strongly in evidence. The Marists did most of the attacking, and after pressing the students near the line, Little snapped up the leather smartly, and shot across, registering the Old Boys’ first try. B. O’Brien had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Marists 3, ’Varsity nil. Just before the quarter ended, Gray was injured in stopping a rush and had to retire, Shepherd replacing him. The Marist Bros, were having all the best of it in the second spell, but were unable to break through ’Varsity’s defence. Fina'ly they were awarded a penalty, and Little being entrusted with the kick piloted the leather over the crossbar. The Marists continued on the aggressive, but the students, opening play up to their backs, the Old Boys had a busy time of it defending. A passing run initiated by Bamford saw the leather travel to Bilkey to Wilkes, and the ’Varsity wing forward, when tackled by J. O’Brien, transferred to Macky, and the speedy threequarter, raced in and scored. He took the kick himself, but without success, and half-time was cal’ed with the score: Marists 6, ’Varsity 3. Matters livened up con-r siderably on resuming, and some ex-; citing play took place in close proximity to ’Varsity’s line, but Marists’ efforts were not of the finished order and no score resulted in this spell. Shortly after the commencement of the final quarter, Wilson scored one of the finest tries ever witnessed at Alexandra Bark. Securing possession in his own 25, Wilson put in a brilliant sprint up the field to the Marists’ fullback, then handed on to Shepherd, coming round in time to ftakte the return pass, and dashing across and scoring amid the wildest excitement. Macky was again unsucr cessful with the kick, making the score equal: Marists 6, ’Varsity 6. The concluding stage of the match was fought out at a great pace, but the end came without further score. ft 0 ft ft Comments on the Players. Wilkes, the ’Varsity wing forward, who altered his position to five-eighths when Gray left the field, was in the thick of the fray from start to finish, and he used his best endeavours to open up the game as much as possible, often with excellent results. Of the other University forwards Bamford did good work on the line-out, while Grierson and McDavitt grafted consistently. Of the backs Macky, on the wing three-quarter, was responsible for the best exhibition, and his work was in all respects highly creditable. Macky should be heard further of when the team for South comes to be selected. Geddes, the other wing, also gave a clever display, and is a first-class man in the position. Borrie, at five-eighths, got through all that was required of him with a fair degree of success, his rush-stopping being his strongest attribute. Wilson played brilliantly on occasions, particularly when he scored his clever try, but there were times when his work was not up to the standard expected of a player of his calibre. Harris, on the wing, played a fine game for the Marist Bros., giving his side a great deal of assistance. Herring put plenty of dash into his work, while Dennehey rendered able assistance. Nolan displayed good form at half-back, giving his rearguard plenty to do- Little, on the wing threequarter, shone up well on the attack, his pace coming in very handy at times. The bulk of the defence fell to the O’Brien Bros., both of whom distinguished themselves, J. O’Brien, . at full-back giving a faultless exhibition. 4. • • • The Grafton-Ponsonby Match. The Grafton-Ponsonby match was a spirited enough exhibition, but now and then the play became very ragged. The forwards were well-matched as regards strength, but the Graftonites

beat their opponents on the line-outs, while the Ponsonby men held the advantage in the scrums. Had the Grafton players pulled themselves together a trifle earlier than they did, and so prevented the six points being recorded against them in the first quarter, victory would more than likely have come their way. Ponsonby’s ■early scoring appeared to spur last year’s champions on to greater efforts, but Grafton then met them with a solid resistance, and managed to even up the score by half-time. The second half was pointless, both sides putting a good deal of vim into their work, and towards the end the Ponsonby vanguard exhibited signs of their condition giving out, whereas the Graftonites were playing as hard as ever. The showing of both rear divisions was somewhat disappointing, as though given a great many chances, they often failed badly through fumbling the leather and getting out of their positions. The game, nevertheless, was an interesting, one, the occasional glimpses of combined open play making up for the straggling exhibition which it sometimes developed into. a » * • Each Side Notches 11 Points. Ponsonby assumed the aggressive from the start, and invading Grafton’s territory in pursuit of a high kick by Murray, McDonald dribbled the ball over the line and scored. O’Leary failed to convert. Ponsonby 3, Grafton nil. Ponsonby returned to the attack and Clarke, breaking through the black and whites’ defence, passed to Nicholson, who dived over and scored. Hall’s attempt at goal proved fruitless. Ponsonby 6, Grafton nil. Grafton rallied and Wolfgramm figured in a fine piece of attacking, getting ©ver Ponsonby’s line but losing the ball at the critical moment. Grafton, however, were not to be denied, and they kept pegging away until a chance presenting itself, the forwards, with a determined rush, carried all before them, Glenn forcing down for the black and whites. Candy landed a splendid goal. Grafton then roused themselves for another effort, and Glenn was soon over again, from a pass given him near Ponsonby’s line by Smyth. Candy’s shot at goal was unsuccessful. Grafton 8, Ponsonby 6. Play at this stage became vigorous, and Murray was instrumental in Ponsonby obtaining another try, this player, after centring, securing the ball himself, and transferring to Cunningham, who scored. D’Audney piloted the ball over the bar. Ponsonby 11, Grafton 8. Grafton being awarded a penalty, Candy sent the ball between the uprights and a moment later the whistle sounded with the score: Ponsonby 11, Grafton 11. A great tussle ensued in the second half, in which honours were fairly even, but the game ended with the score unaltered. » • ■ s. Players Showing Good Form. Hall was always conspicuous among the Ponsonby forwards, and he was a source of trouble to the opposing team. Sellars, Cunningham, and Hornibrook comprised a trio, who got down to their tasks in good style. Bater played well among the backs, getting in much serviceable work. Murray, O’Leary, and McGregor all stood out prominently at various stages of the match, their play taken all round, being above reproach. For Grafton, Glenn played a sterling game in the forward division, and will assuredly make a name for himself in Auckland football ere long. Others who rendered the Grafton team invaluable assistance were Pople, Swainson), and O’Brien. Wolfgramm was the pick of the backs, the dashing three-quarter being a tower of strength to his side. Edwards and Power also gave good accounts of themselves, being associated with the bulk of the work accomplished by the black and white rearguard. ® / Parnell’s First Victory. Parnell, whose record up to Saturday last consisted of two losses and two drawn games, made no mistake when opposed to the weakest team in the competition, the result being Newton suffered defeat to the extent of

30 points to nil. The game was, as the score indicates, too one-sided to need much comment. In general allround play the advantage easily lay with the wearers of the maroon, and at no time did Newton look like bringing off a surprise by causing a break in their list of defeats. Newton made a promising struggle in the early portion of the game, but this was of the flash in the pan order, and once the Parnell team were in scoring vein the points mounted up rapidly. Parnell’s display in the first half of the game was not calculated to impress the few spectators who viewed the game, chance after chance being lost with monotonous regularity, the maroons’ attacks being very ragged- In the second half, however, matters underwent a change, and the ball coming from the scrum more cleanly, the Parnell backs threw the leather about to advantage, passing runs being manoeuvred at frequent intervals with successful results. Newton made a poor attempt at defence once the Parnellites obtained a lead, the maroons running in and scoring almost when they liked. The Newtonites, besides comparing unfavourably with the other teams in the competition as regards weight, are a long way below senior form, and cannot hope to meet with anything but reverses should they elect to play through the second round. # * * * Scorers of Parnell’s Points. Butterworth opened Parnell’s scoring account, by notching a try from a scramble in Newton’s 25. Hardwicke failed to convert. Parnell 3, Newton nil Franks secured the maroons’ second try\, Hardwicke being again unsuccessful with the kick. Thomas obtained Parnell’s third try after a dodgy run, and Warbrick added the major points. Parnell 11, Newton nil. The score was unaltered when the whistle blew for half-time. In the second half Armstrong made a good opening and transferred to Hardwicke, who sprinted in and scored. Thomas failed with the shoti A passing run by the maroon backs gave . Hogan a chance, and the speedy three-quarter was across the line in a, flash. Clarke failed with the kick. Shortly after Hogan got over again, and Hardwicke landed a superb goal- Parnell 22, Newton nil. A vigorous tussle near Newton’s line resulted in Muir scoring, but Hogan’s shot at goal proved fruitless. Endean then scored for the maroons, and Twinane converted, making the score: Parnell 30, Newton nil.