THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1162, 18 July 1912, Page 14

THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

The Auckland Rugby Union club ■ championships were concluded on Saturday, when, however, little interest was displayed in the two senior games owing to Marist Bros.’ position as winners of the competition being secure after their defeat of City the previous Saturday. On Saturday they had as their opponents, the College Rifles fifteen, who have demonstrated on more than one occasion that they are not a team '“to take liberties with. In view of Marist Bros.’ fine showing against, City, there appeared to be little likelihood of College Rifles giving them 'any cause for alarm, although the absence of the O’Brien Brothers from the Marist rearguard did not augur well for that division against the nippy College backs. The big advantage in weight in the case of the Marist forwards was expected to prove equal to disorganising the light College division, but to the surprise ■of even their most ardent supporters, ■the College Rifles emerged triumphant from the fray, after beating their •opponents at almost every turn. The final score —13 to nil in favour of College Rifles —was not for one moment anticipated when the ball was set rolling in the presence of some 2000 enthusiasts, but the lighter team simply electrified the spectators with their brilliant passing runs, sound tackling and above all superb combination. The Marist Bros, were completely nonplussed by reason of the nippiness of both the College forwards and backs, who on their perfect showing, were fully entitled to so handsome a victory. Their play was of the kind that Rugby attend.ances never tire, and again made it apparent to all who witnessed the match that this team, which has completed its first season in the senior ranks, is the coming club team of Auckland. # * * * Whilst expatiating on the merits of College Rifles’ victory over Marists, the fact must not, however, be lost sight of that the latter team gave an indifferent display to that which won for them the 1912 club championship. Their main weakness on Saturday lay with the backs, who, if Walshe be excepted, were considerably below form. There was a total absence of combination among the Marist rearguard, and their work generally was characterised by uncertainty and indecision. The Marist forwards thus had a big handicap to contend with in not receiving the requisite assistance from their rearguard, and many of their best efforts were rendered valueless as the result of no support being forthcoming from behind. The College Rifles players were much quicker to accept chances than their opponents, while their handling of • the ball was infinitely better. The Marist forwards, led by Carroll and Barrett, occasionally broke away with a determined rush, but the combined efforts of the College backs airways succeeded in nipping the attack in the bud. There is little doubt that the fearless tackling of the College Rifles players contributed in no small way to the success won by that team, for rarely is such fine collaring as characterised Saturday’s match . seen even in representative games. The College Rifles forwards battled out the game in their most willing style, and in playing into the hands of their backs as much as possible showed wise judgment. # With a weakened back team the game was much too fast and too onen for Marist Bros., who were given plenty of leg exercise, as a result of the fleetness of the College Rifles. Combination and system were ever present in the manoeuvres of the College team, and they were able to give a real taste of their quality bv keening the leading team in Auckland on the defence for the greater nart of the match. The clockwork precision . with which the College backs sent the ball from one to the other created intense excitement among their supporters, and once thev drew first blood they resumed ■their task with redoubled vigour, the suddenness of their attack coming as a surprise packet to the Marists. Seldom did the College team lose ground through hesitancjp op the part ’of their backs, who generally got rid of the leather with commendable smartness, where, the .opposing forwards managed to swoop down on

their rearguard, the nippiness of the latter in relieving one another proved invaluable in removing the danger. * * * * In reviewing the various cup matches played in Auckland this season the inconsistency of football is very clearly demonstrated, proving beyond all doubt the maxim that it is impossible to gauge the relative merits of two teams on the scores registered by them against other fifteens. The opening of the season saw the Ponsonby team draw with the City fifteen, but in subsequent matches the Cityites gave proof of the fact that they are a far superior combination to Ponsonby, although a second meeting between these two teams was prevented owing to trouble over the referee. The City team after beating Marist Bros, fairly easily in the first round by 11 points to 3 met with a reverse at the hands of that team by 11 points to nil on the occasion of their second meeting. Following this, Marist Bros., who, since they defeated College Rifles by 6 points to nil in the first round, are considered to be a much improved

team, went down badly on meeting the College team a second time to the tune of 13 points to nil. It will thus be seen that little heed can be given to football scores when figuring upon the result of a match, even though both teams engaged may have met earlier in the season. * S: * sje The first quarter- was contested without either side scoring, and so worthily did the College players dispute every inch of ground with their heavier rivals that many of the spectators were found hazarding the opinion that the Marist team were in for an unlooked for defeat. The second quarter was marked by very even play, although the College Rifles men had all the best of the open plav. The College forwards, headed by Nesbitt, -breaking away with the ball at their feet, Pountney put the finishing touches on a fine rush by smartly dropping on the ball when over the Marists’ line. Ifwerson failed with the shot. The score put renewed vigour into the College team, and they were mostly engaged in attack till the bell rang for half-time, the score being unaltered. College Rifles 3, Marists nil. # * * ❖ A few minutes after the resumption of play, Nesbitt scored College’s second try after a brilliant effort, while Ifwerson sent the ball over the bar. .College 8, Marists nil. Realising that they were more, than a match for Marists the College players settled down to their tasks in a manner

which suggested that not only were they determined to win, but to win handsomely at that. Marists made desperate efforts to turn the tables, but the solid resistance of the opposing team caused many a likely-look-ing passing rush to go astray. The College forwards breaking away in a combined rush Ifwerson came through smartly from centre three-quarter, and, dribbling the leather over Marists’ line with the judgment of a first-rate Soccer player, he scored the best try of the match. He took the kick himself, landing a superb goal. College Rifles 13, Marists nil. Following this score the Marists figured in a series of vain attempts to penetrate the College defence, the latter team sticking to their guns and earning a well-deserved victory. . # * X X The College Rifles pack worked so well together, that nothing but praise can be bestowed on them individually, and it was fitting that enthusiastic supporters of the club should give the team a great ovation on leaving the field. Nesbitt, on the wing, in particular gave a sterling display, his

A QUARTETTE OF PROMINENT RUGBY BACKS.

dash in the open and effective collaring being invaluable to his side. $ v Sellars, Walker and Hartland also accomplished no end of good work, and are a trio of very useful forwards, whose pace enabled them to spoil the efforts of the opposing backs to a considerable extent. # C. Webb, behind the pack, was in his best form, his smart handling of the leather giving his fellow backs plenty of opportunities. Not only did he show up brilliantly on attack, but his services on the defence were indispensable, clever fielding and judicious line-kicking being strong points in his play. * * sj: * . R. Gordon, at five-eighths, acquitted himself well, his splendidly-judg-ed passes being productive of much good. He is a very nippy back, and got his side out of some awkward corners as a result of the smart fashion in which he executed the work that he was called upon to do. * * * King, at second five-eighths, was very prominent in attack, cutting in time after time, but occasionally he was inclined to attempt too much on his own initiative. He was, however, a severe thorn in the side of the opposing rearguard-, doing much effective work as the result of fast following up. * * * * Ifwerson, at centre three-quarter, had plenty of work to keep him bus-

ily employed, and suffice it is to say that his reputation did not suffer. Pace and nippiness combined with clever line-kicking are strong characteristics in his play, and these were not absent from his work against Marists. He again demonstrated that he is one of the best all-round backs in Auckland, and with a little more experience is certain to make a big name for himself in the Rugby field. * # * * Mark, on the wing three-quarter, figured in some useful work, and besides possessing undoubted pace is a handy back both in attack and on defence. -#'* ■ * * Laxon, the other wing, was not overburdened with work, but gave evidence that he is an important link in the alert College rear division. S * * * Hines, at full-back, proved a regular stumbling block to the Marist Bros., his fine tackling being the means of preventing several otherwise certain scores. He also fielded and kicked well, his finished efforts

saving College Rifles’ supporters much anxiety. * * * * Notwithstanding that the Marist Bros, forwards did not play up to form, a pair of willing grafters who caught the eye frequently were Carroll and Barrett, the latter especially standing out prominently in the lineout work and in the loose. The play of the backs calls for little comment. Walshe, at fiveeighths, was the mainstay, and without his services there can be little doubt the Marist Bros, would have been badly situated. He made openings time after time, but received little support; consequently, he resorted to going on his own to a large extent and his progress, took a power of stopping. He was equally prominent in defence, the bulk of which fell to his share. & * Olsen, at half, was below form, while Cornaga was seldom in the limelight as his opportunities were of a limited character. Clarke, at full-back, had a great amount of work to do, and he managed to get through it fairly well, although a trifle slow in the execution of it. City and Parnell disputed honours ■at Campbell Park, victory going to the former by 10 points to 8, after a lifeless exhibition. Neither side appeared to care much whether they played hard football or took matters leisurely, and in the circumstances

the majority preferred the latter course. It was a dull game, with few incidents calculated to arouse the enthusiasm of the few onlookers. There was a thorough lack of combination in the Parnell team, which, for the second Saturday in succession, was narrowly beaten by a margin of two points. City did not play with .any vim, and beyond making victory secure were not disposed to further exert themselves, the match having no bearing on the championship. The game was fairly open, but with the majority of the players relying upon their own individual efforts there was much straggling play, especially in the first half. City livened up somewhat in the second spell, the forwards playing better together, and their rushes enabled them to gain the day. For City tries were notched by McGuinness and Stewart, both of which were converted by R. Magee. Parnell’s score consisted of a try obtained by Wolfgramm, who converted it himselfi and a penalty goal kicked by Hardwicke. * * * * The Rugby Union championship matches were advanced another stage on Saturday (writes our Wanganui when the Pirates sustained their first defeat of the season, Wanganui winning by 11 points to three. The Pirates had to .play several juniors, amongst those absent being W. Dustin (who was in Napier playing with the North Island team against the South Island) and Brown (one of the best backs). The Wanganui team* included two or three juniors and a third grade player (Larkin). The latter gave a fine display at full-back. “Dug” Moore was in fine form, and scored three tries. Gilyard (late of Wellington) also did excellent work, and his generalship ham much to do with the success achieved by his side. m * * * . The first representative match of ■the season in Auckland, will be played at Alexandra Park on Saturday, when the Auckland fifteen will meet the South' Island Country representatives. The visitors, who arrive here to-morrow (Friday) morning, have a number of noted players included in their ranks, and should give the Aucklanders a hard tussle.' The Auckland team to meet the South Island Country representatives is as follows: —Fullback, J. O’Brien (Marist Bros.);- - three-quarters, A. McGregor (Ponsonby), -J. D. Stewart (City), V. Macky (University): fiveeighths, T- Walshe.(Marist Bros.), J. O’Leary (Ponsonby); half-back, .C. Webb (College Rifles) ; wing-forward, J. Hall (Ponsonby); forwards. Forsyth (City), Barrett (Marist Bros.), Carroll (Marist Bros.)', Wilson (Parnell), Bruce (City), Sellars (Ponsonby), Tresize (City). Emergencies: Backs, Moffitt (City), Wolfgramm (Parnell), P. Thomas (City), forwards, Collett (City), Brikey (University), Harper (Parnell).

POSITIONS or SENIOK TEAMS IN THE FOUR CENTRES

AUCKLAND R.U. CHAMPIONSHIP.

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P. W. L. Points D. For Ag. Marist Bros. ... . ■ . 10 8 0 93 44 •City . . 10 G 1 3 37 College Rifles . . .. 10 4 4 2 53 59 Farnell . . 10 3 6 1 57 70 Ponsonby .. 9 9 5 9 43 75 University . . 9 0 5 4 36 77 WELLINGTON R.U. CHAMPIONSHIP. Points P. w. . L. D. For Ag. Petone . . 12 11 0 1 204 38 Oriental .. 12 11 1 0 163 58 Athletic . . 12 10 1 135 41 Melrose .. 11 s 3 0 131 71 St.' James ..... . . 12 5 6 1 99 114 Poneke . . 11 3 8 0 72 104 Wellington • . 11 7 37 119 Victoria College . . 12 9 9 1 74 122 Southern . . 12 9 10 0 4 o 202 CANTERBURY R.U. CHAMPIONSHIP. Points P. w. . L. D. For Ag. Merivale ... . . 12 11 0 1 236 28 Sydenham ... 12 8 o 1 125 103 Christchurch . ... . . 12 8 4 0 137 97 Albion . . 12 6 4 9 96 9 8 Linwood . . 12 5 6 n 95 104 Old Boys ....... . . 12 5 . 6 1 170 72 Canterbury Colle ge 12 9 10 0 37 201 Marist Bros. . . : . . . 12 1 11 0 43 176 OTAGO R.U. CHAMPIONSHIP. Points P. w. . L. D. For University ...... . . 11 9 0 132 74 Southern .. 11 9 9 0 171 5 9 Zingari-Richmond 11 8 2 1 208 31 Kaikorai ....... . . 11 7 4 0 115 61 .Alhambra . . 11 G 0 85 10 7 Pirates . . . 11 5 G 0 95 108 Dunedin . . 11 4 57 Union .. 11 4 7 0 55 101 Port Chalmers . . .. 11 9 9 0 24 11 2 Taieri Rovers . . .. 11 0 10 1 31 138