THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1159, 27 June 1912, Page 13

THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

The Auckland Rugby Union’s club championships were continued on Saturday in cold, showery weather, but this did not deter Rugbyites from journeying to Alexandra Park, about 2000 onlookers being present. No. 1 ground was allotted for the match between City and University, and in view of the former’s drawn game with College Rifles on the previous Saturday many Rugger enthusiasts were to be found venturing the opinion that the City men would have to give a good account of themselves to secure a victory. This prediction was practically fulfilled, the Cityites failing to reproduce their best form, the con’equence being that they had to be content with a drawn game for the second Saturday in succession, each side scoring three point l2 . The result of the match has an important bearing on the championship, since it places Marist Bros, in the lead, but as City is but one point behind, they are still in a position to win the championship should they succeed in defeating Marist Bros, in the Cup final on Saturday week. City, when they meet Marists, will require to secure a straightout win in order to become the 1912 champion team of Auckland, for a draw would probably prove fatal to their chance of success, as outside of the City-Marist match there remains but one game to be played by each of the teams to conclude the club fixtures. City’s inability to defeat University on Saturday is, when one comes to consider that the students have not won a 'solitary game this season, not calculated to place the Cityites’ chances of victory against Marists in a favourable light, and even admitting that they played with extremely bad luck on Saturday, there will need to be an all-round improvement in their work when they meet the leading team in the competition.

On No. 2 ground the Ponsonby and College Rifles fifteens disputed honours, victory finally going to the former team by the narrow margin of three points to nil. The improved play of the College team each succeeding Saturday, culminating with a drawn game with City, made it appear as though they would secure the upper hand over the Ponsonby team, who have not been responsible for any remarkable displays since they drew with City in the opening match of the season. College Rifles, however, failed to play with anything approaching their usual combination and dash, and with Ponsonby only shaping moderately well, the match resolved itself into a rather mediocre exhibition of football, in which the heavier team fared better than their opponents, particularly when the ground became sodden as the result of heavy rain falling after the first half. Parnell and Marist Bros, met on No. 4 ground, the latter fifteen proving victorious by nine points to nil, after an evenly-contested game, in which Marists secured only one try, their other points being made up through goal kicking. Despite its evenness the game was not an interesting one to watch, oeing of a scrambly nature, whilst during the second half the forwards practically monopolised the play.

University’s drawn game with City marks the fourth occasion this season on which the students have finished matches with the points levelIt might, therefore, be thought that the students are an unlucky combination, otherwise, it will be argued, one or two of the drawn games played by them would have ended in their favour. On Saturday, however, they must be accounted decidedly lucky in establishing a drawn game with City, for they got out of tight corners in miraculous fashion on several occasions. There can be little doubt that City should have won, but associated with their had luck was a good deal of ragged play, so that they would hardly have been entitled to a victory. Whereas a marked superiority was looked for in the City forwards, such was not the case, the ’Varsity front division almost holding their own; in fact, there were many in-

stances in the game where the students beat the Cityites badly in the loose. The City forwards did not uphold their reputation, their lack of cohesion, especially in the dribbling rushes, spoiling many a good chance on the attack. There was no question of the City forwards being the stronger pack, but their failure to work in unison robbed them of the advantage they had in weight, although in the scrums they asserted their superiority. The ’Varsity forwards, despite the absence of the burly McDuff, gave their best display so far this season, for instead of allowing Bilkey to take a solo part in the rushes as in past matches, they assisted their dashing winger time after time. It was by dint of good combination that the light blue forwards were able to successfully withstand the efforts of the aggressive Cityites, for the students lost no time in reinforcing each other when a weakness threatened in their first line of defence through the failure of one or more of their number to cope with the determined attack of the City men.

The City-University match did not reach the high standard of play that, prevailed in the City-College Rifles match the previous week, and the spectators were only roused to excitement in the closing stages. Whereas sheer doggedness on the part of the students was chiefly responsible for University making a draw of their match with City, it was undoubted brilliancy which enabled the College Rifles team to emerge from their contest against the red and blacks with the points even. The College Rifles backs played spectacular football of a thrilling nature, but University relied principally upon their forwards in their match with City. The ’Varsity backs, however, took a prominent part in keeping the City men in check, but their work seldom amounted to brilliancy, while they had a severe handicap to contend with in the shape of an erratic full-back. With the exception of the times Fryer initiated some clever openings, the ’Varsity rearguard were rarely seen to advantage on the attack, the students being fully burdened with work in stemming the advance of the Cityites. The City backs were by no means formidable on the attack, individuality and sound defence being their strongest points. They are not a good attacking combination, but what they lack in this respect is fully compensated for by their effective defensive tactics, which prove a constant source of trouble to the team opposing City.

Assisted by a strong south-west in the first quarter the students made a bold showing against the Cityites, the ’Varsity backs inaugurating several passing runs which, however, were never allowed to become very dangerous, City’s defence being solid. The City forwards showed an inclination to get offside, several penalties being given against them, with the result that Macky kicked a splendid goal, the quarter ending with the ccore: University 3, City nil. On changing ends play was repeatedly pulled up by marks, from which Moffit had several unsuccessful kicks at goal. The City vanguard kept up a constant pressure, and finally the stu-ients’ barrier was broken, Power registering a try for City, which was not converted. University 3, City 3.

During spell-time the rain came down in torrents, and the ground was in a very slippery condition when play was resumed. ’Varsity continued to hold their own for a while against the Cityites, but eventually the strain began to tell on the lighter team, and City carried matters to their opponents’ territory, but despite frequent attempts to pierce the students’ defence, the quarter was concluded without score.

In the final quarter the City men appeared to have the students beaten, but something always nullified their attacking movements at the critical juncture. University were hemmed in close to their line time after time, and a score for City looked a certainty, but many a good chance went to the wall through passing the ball for-

ward, and off-side play. City plainly had their opponents well in hand at this stage, and it must have been disheartening to them to have all their attempts at scoring go astray. ’Varsity managed to keep the scores equal, the bell affording them a welcome relief.

Of the City forwards the most prominent were Collett, Bruce and Forsyth, the first-named playing a particularly fine game.

Moffit, at full-back, was the safest back on the ground, and his presence in the City rearguard largely accounted for University’s failure to cross their opponents’ line successfully on a single occasion during the match. He fielded the ball with smartness and accuracy, seldom affording the students an opportunity to get near enough to him to cause City’s supporters any anxiety. Moffit played coolly throughout, and invariably made good use of the line.

Fitzgerald, on the wing three-quar-ter, was not overburdened with work, and rarely did he show up at all prominently, there being an uncertainty about his play.

Stewart, at centre, took the ball with his customary safeness, and kicked well, but did not show to advantage in attack, few chances coming his way.

A. Power, on the wing threequarter, justified his inclusion, and especially in the early stages of the game rendered useful service. Several times he put City in a good attacking position, but there were occasions when his handling of the ball was at fault.

Barclay, at five-eighths, improved on his former displays, but his passing is still open to improvement, for he threw the ball about wildly at times. He was somewhat slow in getting rid of the ball, and would be of more assistance to his side were he to study his fellow backs more than was the case on Saturday. His tackling was good, however, and he never shunned getting down to the ’Varsity forward rushes, which were quite a feature of the match.

H. Thomas, at first five-eighths, was continually cropping up where he was most wanted, and as his opportunities on the attack were limited, he was mostly employed in defensive work. His effective stopping meant much to the Cityites, for many of the students most promising rushes were nipped in the bud as the result of his sound defensive methods.

P. Thomas’ display at half was not convincing, his moderate showing in the first spell being much below his usual form. He erred badly in the important matter of getting the ball away smartly to his backs, while his defence was not nearly as solid as is usually characteristic of him. He livened up, however, in the second half, the result being the City backs frequently got under way, but the greasy nature of the ball made passing runs a difficult operation.

Among the ’Varsity forwards, Bilkey, on the wing, was the mirror on the mantelpiece, for he shone all day. On his form this season, he is without doubt the best wing forward in Auckland. Bamford and Wills were a pair of grafters in the Varsity forwards, both being responsible for sterling games.

Johnston, at full-back, was the weak spot in the ’Varsity rearguard, and when he did make a blunder he generally blundered badly. It is remarkable how the Varsity men retrieved some of Johnson’s serious mistakes, for he let the students down properly on several occasions. Other times he fielded safely, and kicked strongly and with good direction, which makes it hard to understand why he should show such . feeble defence. Probably his failure to rise to the occasion was prompted through anxiousness.

Fryer, at centre three-quarter, was the shining light in the ’Varsity backs. His p±ay was like ice-skating by champions, all easy and angles. He was everywhere, but could not have been so useful to his side had he not got out of his position a good deal. His swerving runs were executed with great strategy, and enabled him times out of number to beat his man and get in his kick, which in the case of a less experienced player would have been taking an unnecessary risk. His defence was better than he. has given this season, and he is undoubtedly a big asset to Auckland football.

Macky, on the wing three-quarter; gave a display full of merit, his safe taking of the ball and judicious liner kicking being a great help to University. He is a nippy back, and being a good all-round player, takes rank as one of the best three-quarters in Auckland.

Pearce, on the wing three-quarter, showed up very favourably, doing all that was asked of him in a competent manner. He is a three-quarter of promise.

Stewart, at five-eighths, was a tower of strength to the ’Varsity side, despite that his passing at times was erratic. His powerful line kicks were invaluable, while he tackled in great style.

Gray, as first five-eighths, had a day oif, and was frequently found resorting to speculators as a means of defence, which did not look well coming from a player of his calibre. Only occasionally did he give glimpses of his true form.

McDonald gave a plucky exhibition at half, but is a trifle slow in his work behind the scrum. He showed, no disinclination to go down to the rushes, his sure tackling being the bright feature of his display.

Contrary to expectations, the Ponsonby team managed to turn the tables on College Rifles, after a game in which there were few exciting incidents. The College gave a rather indifferent display compared to their previous exhibitions, their backs failing to play with their usual consistency. Honours in the forwards lay with Ponsonby, who, being a stronger combination than the College front division, hampered the opposing backs to no small extent. The College backs attempted a number of their characteristic passing runs in the first half, but faulty handling generally brought operations to a halt. The dribbling rushes of the Ponsonby forwards gained considerable ground for the blue and blacks, and one of these resulted in Hall getting across in the first quarter. O’Leary failed with the shot at goal. Ponsonby 3. College Rifles nil. This was the only score registered during the match, the second half of which was played on a ground which had become sodden with rain. Ponsonby made it a forward game in the second spell, and held the advantage throughout, the College players having an anxious time in defending their citadel on account of the slippery state of the ground and ball.

Parnell and Marist Bros, did not provide the onlookers with a very Interesting game, although the match was much more evenly contested than the final score —9 points to nil in favour of Marists —would indicate. There was far too much scrambly play, and while both teams put considerable dash into their work, there was an almost total lack of system in their efforts. Brilliant flashes of combined play were few and far between, and the most creditable feature of the rival teams was the clever defence displayed. The heavy downpour of rain at the commencement of the second spell rendered the ground

in such a greasy state that good football was out of the question, and the remainder of the game resolved itself into a bait e between the forward divisions in which Marists held the upper hand. From a line-out near Parnell’s line Barrett secured the leather and scored a creditable try between the posts, J. O’Brien being successful with the kick at goal. Marists 5, Parnell nil. A few minutes later White potted a good goal from the field for Marists, the final score thus being: Mari its 9, Parnell nil.

NOTES.

The first inter union match of the season will be played at Alexandra Park on Saturday, when the Auckland representatives will play the Thames team.

Mr D. Gallaher, selector, has chosen the following team to represent Auckland against the Thames: , —Fullback: J. O’Brien (Marist Brothers’ Old Boys). Threeciuarters: Fryer (University), J. D. Stewart (Citv), McGregor (Ponsonby). FiveCighths: O’Leary (Ponsonby), Weston (College Rifles). Halfback: P. Thomas (City). Wing-forward: Hall (Ponsonby). Forwards: Forsyth (City), Barrett (Marist Brothers’ Old Boys), Harper (Parnell), A. C. Wilson (Parnell), Bruce (City), Sellars (Ponsonby), Herring (Marist Brothers’ ■Old Boys). Emergencies: Backs — Macky (University), Wolfgramm (Parnell), Moffit (City). Forwards— Bilkey (University), Collett (City), Carroll (Marist Brothers’ Old Boys).

The team selected to represent Auckland are all tried players, nearly all of whom have represented the Northern province in past seasons. J. O’Brien was the Auckland fullback during their Southern tour last year, and though he cannot be said to be playing consistently in club games this season, the good displays he has given warrant his inclusion, as when in his best form he is both a safe and useful man in the position. The three-quarter line should prove an excellent scoring combination, the inclusion of the ex-Canter-bury rep. Fryer greatly strengthening that flank. Stewart, at centre, is an unselfish play ex' and his wing threequarters should not want for chances. McGregor has not showed any particular brilliancy this season, but he has had little opportunity of doing so in the Ponsonby team. He was the star of the Auckland backs during last year’s Southern tour, and. being a great scoring man, is easily v r orth his place. O’Leary is one of Auckland’s best backs, and in filling the five-eighths position should prove a good mainstay in the Auckland rearguard. Weston, the College Rifles five-eighths has been given a trial, and his first game for Auckland will be watched with interest. He is a good all-round back, and should retain his position if he does not make the mistake of attempting too much ■on his own. P. Thomas, at half-

back, earned honours for Auckland in the match against Taranaki last year, and is an e.jnerienced player in that position. .

The only new member in the Auckland forwards is the ex-Dunedin player, Forsyth, who has been playing well for City in the club games. Hall has been selected as wing forward, but on his form this season he is hardly entitled to the position, both Bilkey (University) and Carr&il (Marist Bros.) having shown superior play in past matches. if # if :;s Ifwerscn, the brilliant College Rifles wing three-qparter, is not included in the first ten backs selected in connection with the Auck'and representative team, but this promising young player may probably be given a chance to distinguish himself in representative football later on, especially if he is one of the participants in the ?. and B match. V -J" The Thames team to meet Auckland will be as follows: —Fullback, Huffy; three-quarters, J. Glemming, Murphy, Montgomerie; five-eighths, Boles, Joyce; half, McMorran; forwards, G. Crawford, Smith, White, Ryan, T. Crawford, Blackwell Willetts, McKeown; emergencies, Rickit, Dare, Johnson, and Molloy. * * * J. Wylie, the ex-City forward, who left Auckland a couple of seasons back to take up his residence in Sydney, where he has been playing for

the Glebe Club, was selected in the New South Wales representative Rugby team to play Queensland on Saturday next (June 29), but is unable to make the trip to Brisbane.

The weather was not very pleasant for spectators on Saturday (writes our Wanganui correspondent), when the chief attraction for Rugby followers was the game between the Pirates and Wanganui for the Senior Cup. The Pirates proved far too good tor their opponents, and ran out winners by 25 points to 3. Kaierau journeyed to Waverley, and secured a somewhat lucky win by 4 points to 3. Next Saturday, Pirates and Kaierau will meet again, and re-play the game which Pirates won by 8 to nil two weeks ago, but has to be re-played owing to the Pirates playing a man who had not been in the district 14 days. Should Pirates win again, they will retain the championship. but if they lose they will have to meet Kaierau again.

Four forwards and four backs have been nominated by the Auckland Rugby Union for the North Island team against the South. The forwards are Hall, Sellars, Bruce, Barrett, and the backs Fryer, McGregor, Stewart, and O’Leary. Of this number four —Hall, Sellars, McGregor, and O’Lei rv —belong to the Ponsonby team, which occupies bottom position in the Auckland club championship.