RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24903, 17 June 1946, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

senior competitions MATCHES TECHNICAL AND CHRISTCHURCH WIN With eight games played in the first wiund of the Canterbury Rugby Union’s Championship. Christchurch, the only unSen team, has a lead of U points tram Technical, and of two points from Slew Brighton. The positions of the rtther teams are as follows:—Sunnyside Sydenham 5. Linwood 4, Albion and niri Boys 3, University and Training ColSce 21, Marist 2, Merivale 0. There are still three games to be played t complete the first round before the. Election of the four teams to contest the final Although Christchurch and Technical appear to be assured of the right to nlav in the final, play for the other two Positions should result in a keen contest among New Brighton, Sunnyside, and Sydenham, with a possibility of Lin- * Saturday's games were played in fine weather on generally firm grounds. Following are the results:— Technical 15, Linwood 11. Sydenham 14, Marist 8. Old Boys 17. Training College 6. Christchurch 18, University 6. New Brighton 3, Albion 0. Sunnyside 11. Merivale 8. TECHNICAL v. LINWOOD In an interesting and at times exciting game at Lancaster Park between Technical and Linwood, victory went to the former because of better team work and a greater degree of cohesion and mechanical efficiency in the backs. The Linwood pack played a really good open game in which at various times all the forwards shone, but their opponents, though less spectacular, were equally successful, for from the majority of set scrums they were able to give the ball to their backs. Neither back line was perfect. Linwood’s passing and handling left much to be desired, for in very few movements did the ball go beyond the second five-eighths. Technical did better, for in several rushes the centre was in possession, but he neglected what is usually regarded as the first duty of a cen tre— to run his wings into position. Territorially, the match was even, Linwood holding the advantage in the first cpell and Technical in the second. Much interest was taken in the relative performances of the full-backs. Apart from his successful goal kicking, Jackson (Technical) was better than G. Dougall, as he was more consistent. Little was seen of the wing three-quarters, but R. Grant, on the Technical right wing, did his utmost to make opportunities for himself, ■while R. Cameron, on the opposite wing for Linwood, made the most of his chances. Carr, the tall, striding Technical centre, persisted in attempting to cut through, and repeatedly ran into two of the opposing team. However, his speed in following up edrned him a good try, and on another occasion he overhauled W McHugh when the latter had broken clear away. His opposite number, f R. Mason, had fewer opportunities, but revealed an eye for an opening and a good burst of speed. J. Roach, the Technical first five-eighths, was the outstanding back on the ground. His speed—he twice ran straight past the defence—his ability to punt for the gap, and his long line kicks were of inestimable value to his side. R. McCammon, outside him, was solid, while M. Logan played a plucky and intelligent game at half-back. On the day he oyershadowed his opponent, L. Foster, who saw less of the ball. D. Spencer, the Linwood five-eighths, was shaky at the start of the game, but later showed initiative and looks to be an inside back of real promise. In the Linwood pack, possibly F. Jones worked hardest, but M. Fearnley and I. Mitchell were always in the thick of it. In the loose F. Hobbs and J. Stack were frequently conspicuous. while A. Burgess showed good anticipation by being always where he was required. The Technical pack was a pack led by D. Herman and M. Lohrey. These two, with R. Woodham, also showed up in the loose. Jackson scored first for Technical, kicking a penalty goal, and Spencer equalised with a penalty goal for Linwood. A clearing kick by Logan which went straight across the field was taken by Cameron, who went over near the corner. Burgess converted with a good kick, and the half-time score was Linwood 8, Technical 3. Jackson kicked two penalties for Technical in the second half to put his team ahead, but another penalty goal by Spencer made the score 11-9 in Linwood's favour. With only 12 minutes to go Jackson kicked his fourth penalty goal, and a few minutes before time Carr was there when G. Dougall mis-kicked and the Technical man scored a good try. the final score being Technical 15. Linwood 11.

The referee was Mr W. J. Brown. CHRISTCHURCH v. UNIVERSITY Christchurch maintained its unbeaten record when it secured a win from University by the comfortable margin of 18 points to six. The game as a spectacle was bright and full of interest. Although Christchurch thoroughly deserved to win there was not 12 points difference between the two teams, University being unlucky on several occasions while Christbhurch scored all their tries from opportunist play. The Christchurch forwards dominated play for a greater part of the first spell, giving their backs a feast of .the ball from the set scrums. M. B. at half-back, shot the ball out quickly to J. D. Morton at first fiveeighths, but that player kicked too much and the other backs rarely had a run. Morton played a sound game, however, and most of his stab-kicks sent the University backs racing back to defend. Although not receiving many chances on attack, A. Cochrane, the Christchurch leftwinger, was always dangerous when he had the ball. He is a particularly strong runner, fends well, and is a hard man to bring down. At times he had three opponents clinging to him in an endeavour to stop him. The Christchurch full-back, G. Eggleton, was always sound and rarely caught out of position. He frequently gained large slices of ground with powerful kicks to touch. The Christchurch forwards played as a pack, and it would be difficult to single out any particular man. Each man used his weight in the tight and the scrum was packed compactly. A. Lee, tne hooker, gained a lion’s share of the ball. All the Christchurch tries were scored by the forwards. R. H. Duff, getting two, and F. Fleming one. The University backs showed more enterprise than their opponents, but lacked finish to their movements. The half-back, R. Monigatti, played an enterprising game, shooting the ball out cleanly and crisply to L. C. Cowan at first fiveeighth. He made several runs from the base of the scrum which sorely tried the defence. Cowan tried to do too much at times, overdoing attempts to cut-in. He frequently tried to find gaps that did not exist in the Christchurch back-line. Had he sent the ball out more frequently University would probably have compiled a much larger score. A. D. Hunter, the second five-eighths, was a useful link in the line. The centre, J. W. Kelly, was probably the best back on the ground. He showed resource, initiative, ana real football ability. He was directly responsible for his. team’s sole try, and, in addition, kicked a penalty. The wingers, G. A. Dnimmond and J. Hall, played solidly without being brilliant. Drummond did not have many chances to show his pace. C. A. Wilson, while doing some things brilliantly at full-back, made some bad mistakes. Far too frequently he went up to join the backs in passing rushes and each time was responsible for the movement breaking down. The University forwards played well, but did not have the cohesion of their opponents. A. D. McKenzie was a great leader, and seems to be recovering his best form. Other forwards to show up were J. Groome and R. Bond. Christchurch scored first when J. D. Morton kicked a goal after University had been penalised for hanging on. University drew level when Kelly beat a man and gave Drummond a clear run in. j Christchurch then added two tries in quick succession, the first after the University backs had failed to force, and Fleming, following up fast, touched down. Later the University backs tried passing m their own goal-mouth, and Cowan rumbled. Duff picked up and dived over under the posts. Morton converted both tries. The half-time score was 13-3. Halfway through the second spell, Kelly kicked a penalty for University, but Lhnstchurch went further ahead when ■Duff scored another try after the University backs had fumbled in their own Quarter. Morton converted. Christchurch won by 18 points (three goals from tries, and one penalty goal) 10 6 (one try and one penalty goal). Mr L. Walsh was referee.

SYDENHAM v. MARIST

There was plenty of excitement in the second half of the match at Sydenham when Marist made a bold effort to overcome the eight-point lead established oy Sydenham in the first spell. The Marist forwards stormed the Sydenham on several occasions towards the end . game, but the home team managed to hold them off and finished with win by 14 points to 11. Sydenham had S®. of the game in the first spell and the standard of play r«roughout the match the difference between the final scores probably would «aye been much greater. Sydenham’s main £?.X a 2 tages i p - the earlier stages of the £i a sfh were its better co-ordination beyween forwards and backs, and the inaoihty of Marist to finish off several Ci??V sln g movements. Poor handling and whs' bearted following up robbed Marist the c number of opportunities to cross •p.,,. Sydenham line presented themselves aft! team made a spirited recovery TfJ®r half-time, when Sydenham gave the «? p^e !i lon of counting too much pn its harf lf ßT table ,ead - The Sydenham forwards ll a * the best of the scrums and line-outs iJLJhe first half, but the position was reversed later However, the Marist backs ZjF®. n °t as quick to take the advantage « as were the Sydenham backs. * Bennett the -Sydenham half-back, 9- Brown, the first five-eighths, an excellent combination and the wa y for some of the most back-line movements of the 2~ tcb - One of the high-lights was a run by Bennett from behind the half-

wh?re U the , wil h ge r M D rl Sf£’? d of the fleld try. n Atkin<=«« scored a fine wmger shoSn^n he ? ther Sydenham thrsull.°ba“ ar p t rS??* we ? scored by two penalty k’ick« S?A lanan ’ put over only P try v F cl£?dv“? V M ted ?‘. s team ' s had some hartl&’ a - Marist forward, several lone a n j ck .V‘ th his kicking: shots just°falline d «h^.» ie « an *t led P ena >ty Sydenham’s teiSf cross-bar kinson. C Kn”? ! S ored N. AtIn ” B °* S o p ™^ lNG COLLEGE sets of backs . ln wh ich both Cid Boys beat t-?- freeI ' F . High School points to 6 Old B^ m >® CoUe « e b y 17 line-outs and cot sped> both from w‘ ,h c« d elenc n e e S luckv to Inco thk ■ B °y s were unSS3PW a sound glme an? his P w^ d F ffort - Z as prom: u- n line-outs for Train in a Colball' cleanlv g anrt !n ? blin f hlm to take ,h e his“hal“ba?k R d F tr «^ r 9 uickl y worked we'u 'in S'e^e VS™ l? ai ?nd Pr hi y s e tirei mself a 2 all-round iXdother Old w ° rk encouraged the was r ra O th d er BO r^g°d rWardS When ,helr play Old Boys opened the score early in the a T d -n‘ M o J n°t<>%± k e e sKm? a a phalf' camo other score ta the firEt taTrSS f ? ni a movement by Traingolne ov??’ d nished with I Franke n?av“ oia n* the corner. After ragged T B °ya were penalised and E. pl ?? Old a a P e kick from we]l ramr™ took charge of the game. From a handy position P Vinrpnt went round the blind side? fnd after players, scored a good Th next try for Old Boys came tomdled "rTw? “ Which a!1 the backs handled. R S Thompson going over wide ?i?e Fniil« d later intercepted a Tralnwlfte? movement, scoring a try J?’ Vincent converted. The Rev. E. A. Osmers was referee.

a BRIGHTON v. ALBION A penalty goal in the last minute of Play gave New Brighton a narrow vi?Albin? V fi r .id Ibion at the Show Grounds, hank a a™^ h u Shter team both fo^ard - than their opponents, a h.t nf l, V< L ry Pinrky display and with a bit of luck might have won. Early in Wi t h Albion having the better f play ’ Jac kson missed in a shot at goal from a penalty awarded for a scrum .infringement. The forwards were fairly evenly matched and while New Brighton secured a fair share of the ball in the scrums, the Albion backs, playing close up, drove the attack across field and little f^ OUn u wasgga i ned - At half-time neither side had scored.

The second spell was opened wtih a strong attack by the New Brighton forwards, and when the ball came out to the backs only the solid tackling of the Albion centre backs prevented a score. Buxton. McDermott, and Hulme, for New Brighton in turn, attempted to break through, but the defence was sound and when play shifted to the other end of the * 5¥. Uen ’ the Albion half-back, sent the ball away and Jackson and Beatty in turn were almost over. Gibson, Lindstrom, and Mitchell did great work in the New Brighton pack, and Muschant, Cook, and Dasler were at the head of every Albion rush. Albion took the up per h3nd half-way through the spell and the New Brighton defence was severely tested. Kicking for Albion, Edgington missed his shot at goal from a penalty, and when a penalty was given against Albion Gibson was successful with the kick

New Brighton won by 3 points (a penalty goal) to 0. Mr A. T F. Stokes was referee. SUNNYSIDE v. MERIVALE Sunnyside, which had opened the season in very promising style, but had been twice beaten in its last three matches, was lucky to retain its exalted position in the championship table when it narrowly beat Merivale on the Sunnyside ground. Merivale has improved a good deal since the season opened, and in this game, as in earjier matches, it made a good start and opened the scoring when Palmer went over for a try at the end of a forward rush. This try was converted by Ennis, and Merivale led 5-0. The t lead was increased when Maxwell scored a try after the ball had passed through the chain of backs. Burke, Chandler, and G. Moran led the Sunnyside forwards in a hot attack on the Merivale line,, and G. Moran picked up smartly and went over wide out. At half-timi Merivale led by 8 points to 3.

The second spell opened with Sunnyside forwards putting in great work, and weak fielding by the Merivale backs presented Burke with a chance to score for Sunnyside and make the total 8-6 in Merivale’s favour. Sunnyside stayed on better than their opponents, the forwards having a big advantage in weight which they used to some purpose in line-out and scrum. The passing rushes did not bring results, Forbes and Christensen stopping their men with well-timed tackles. Just before the call of time L. Moran secured the ball after it had been smartly hooked and the Sunnyside lead of one point was increased to three when he converted his try. * Sunnyside won by 11 points (a goal from a try and two tries) to 8 points (a goal from a try and a try). Mr H. T. Coulter was referee. LOWER GRADES Senior Reserve.—University 31,. High School Old Boys 3; Christchurch 26, Richmond 8; Sydenham 9, Linwood 6; Technical Old Boys 14, Kaiapoi 8. Second Grade A.—Marist 13, Collegians 5; Albion 8, Training College 8; West Old Boys 13, Sydenham 3. Second Grade B.—University 30, ExNavy 3; Technical Old Boys 11, Kaiapoi 3; Christchurch 14, Merivale 3; Lyttelton 34, Papanui Technical Old Boys 3. Third Grade A.—University A 9, Richmond 4; High School Old BoysH 31, Sumner 3; Marist 6, Christchurch Kaiapoi 43, Lyttelton 0. Third Grade B.—High School Old Boys 17, Merivale B 6; Otautahi 11, Linwood 3; West Old Boys 16, Spreydon 0; Albion beat University B by default. Third Grade C.—St. Bede’s College 11, Training College 0; Boys’ High School beat University by default. Fourth Grade.—Albion A 13, High School Old Boys 6; Kaiapoi 14, Collegians 3; Merivale 12, Technical Old Boys .9;, Albion B 5, Linwood 5; Sydenham 12. Papanui Technical Old Boys 11. Under 18 B.—Christchurch West 15, Papanui Technical. 11; Boys’ High School 15, Marist 6. „ Under 17.—Sydenham 22, West Old Boys 9: Technical Old Boys 19, Albion 5; High School Old Boys 14, Marist 3; North Canterbury 9. New Brighton 3. Under 16.—Sydenham 22, Cathedral Grammar 0; High School Old Boys A 19, High School Old Boys B 0; Kaiapoi 33, Technical Old Boys B 3. N Under Bst 71b.—Christchurch 9, Richmond 6; High School Old Boys 6, Merivale 5; Linwood 9, Albion 6; Kaiapoi 18, Marist 0. Under 7st 71b.—Cathedral Grammar 9, Albion 6; High School Old Boys 9, Technical Old Boys 9: Linwood B 6, Christchurch 0; Sydenham 8, Kaiapoi 5; Linwood A 8, North Canterbury 6. Under 6st 71b.—Sydenham A 6, Brighton 3; Albion 11, Kaiapoi 3; SydenIham B 19, Merivale 3; Technical Old Boys 0, Marist 0; Christchurch B 9, Lyttelton 3- Linwood A 5, Christchurch A 0. 'Under sst 71b.—Sydenham A 17, Sydenham B 0; Marist 26, Christchurch B 0; Albion 32, Linwood A 0; Merivale 9, Christchurch A 3; Kaiapoi 9, Linwood B 6. NORTH CANTERBURY BEATS MALVERN The North Canterbury representative team beat Malvern by 12 points to 3, m a fast, open game, played at Springfield on Saturday. The game was exciting throughout, but the standard of play was disappointing. Dropped passes and illdirected kicking by both sets of backs spoiled many promising movements, and most of the back play was of a very orthodox nature. The forwards Played more enterprising football, but on both sides the heeling from scrummages was slow and the backs were given few chances to play a more spectacular game. The North Canterbury back line was .not seen at its best for the greater part of the game. The fhside men, Tallot and Smith, did not handle confidently at any stage, although Waterland’s passes from the scrum were crisp and clean. Waterland made some commendable attempts to open up the game with blind-side movements and by taking a run himself on occasions, but usually the handling of both the five-eighths was faulty and the attacks made little ground. Tallot also made too frequent use of a short punt which usually resulted in the side losing nossession, as Richards, the Malvern fullback. was very capable. The outside meu were more Gardiner (centae) who was later replaced by McKay, made some good attempts to straighten up the oassing which tended to go across the field. McKay played a very useful game, and the two wingers, Pomery and Rowlands both impressed. Rowlands in particular making some fine dashes along the touch-line Trollope (full-back) played a very sound game. His handling and kicking were faultless and there was no hesitanev about his tackling. McLean and Henderson were always‘to ge thickof the forward play, and the line-out wofk of both was outstanding. Poho and Ash-

thp rt HoM ere v honest workers in ti^ t * North Canterbury took advanwnX superior weight in tight warSc *? J tne fast-breaking Malvern for1’ db y Wright, Bolton, and Clinton? m the loose - They were r> a J the ! r hest in short dribbling and passing rushes, which North Canterbury a?o nd R d u^ c i llt to check - Bruere was capbebind tbe scrum, and- Pickering’s u a ? d + 2 ng 'y as L better than his opposites, put the outside men were not very pene- +£ a xf' when they did get through, the North Canterbury defence covered Well. Scoring Movements ~ For the first few minutes of' the game the fast-breaking Malvern pack had Waterland troubled, but Green hooked cleanly from a scrum and the ball went out to Rowlands, who put in a long run. Gardiner raced outside to’take an extra pass, and scored in the comer. North Canterbury attacked strongly and Henderson raked back from a scrum, McKay jinking across for a good try. The Malvern forwards set up a hot attack but could not finish it off, and half-time came with .the score: North Canterbury 6, Malvern 0. The second spell produced much brighter football, and the Malvern forwards hammered strongly at the line, Bruere finally scoring. Some good linekicking brought North Canterbury on attack, and Waterland scored after receiving from a scrum. Soon afterwards, Waterland scored a similar try. In the last few minutes Malvern had the upper hand, but the defence was strong and the game ended with the score: North Canterbury 12* (four tries), Malvern 3 (one try). Mr fr M. Bull was referee. Junior Grade The junior game was won by North Canterbury by 35 points to 6. North Canterbury Draw The draw for Saturday, June 22, is as follows:—senior: Woodend v. Amberley (Mr R. Sincock), Cust v. North Canterbury (Mr J. Pickering), Kowai x. Oxford (Mr A. Cameron). Nga-tu-Ahuriri v. Glenmark (Mr J. B. Stone). Juniors: North Canterbury A v. Kowai (Mr Robertson), Amberley v. Loburn (Mr I. Boyce), Oxford v. Woodend (Mr K. Denton), Glenmark v.' Ohoka (Mr P. Finch); North Canterbury B a bye. Advt. N.S.W. TOO GOOD FOR QUEENSLAND “ MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY ” BY BACKS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) BRISBANE, June 15. New South Wales raced Queensland off its feet to win the inter-state Rugby Union match at the Exhibition Ground, Brisbane, by 36 points to 11. The New South W’ales back division gave a magnificent display. Particularly impressive was the outside centre, Allan, who went through the match without fumbling a pass or missing a trick. Aged 19, he left high school last year. . Behind the scrum, Cawsey gave service which places him also in line for selection for the New Zealand tour. Gremin and Johnson assisted to tear holes In the opposition. Although the captain, Rankin, kicked seven goals, his general kicking was below standard, and a fumble by him was responsible for letting Schulte through to score Queensland’s only try. In the forwards, Kearney went well as hooker. The New Zealander, Wolfe, was prominent in the front row, and Fuller was very good as breakaway. The New South Wales points came from tries by Morcombe (2), Buchan, Preston, Allan, Fuller, and three conversions and four penalties kicked by Rankin. Queensland scored with a try by Schulte and a goal and two penalties by Livermord. The New Zealand influence on New South Wales Rugby was indicated by the presence of Mr Clyde Kennedy as manager and Mr Harold Masters as assistant manager. Mr Masters, who is also an Australian selector, and who as an All Black toured Australia in 1922, said that the New South Wales back line was potentially as great as the state has ever produced. z REPRESENTATIVE GAME AT WESTPORT POSTPONED • From Our Own Reporter WESTPORT, June 15. The management committee of the Buller Rugby Union met late last night to consider the advisability of proceeding with the representative Rugby fixture. West Coast v. Buller, scheduled to be played on Victoria square. Westport, today. Heavy rain had fallen throughout the week, and on Friday further exceptionally heavy rain had made the ground j into a miniature lake. The committee decided that it would be in the best interests of players to cancel the match, and the West Coast Union' was advised accordingly. The match will now be played next Saturday. The weather on Saturday at Westport was brilliantly fine, but the state of the ground will require two or three fine days before any improvement is noticeable. RUGBY_LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RAKAIA BEATS LINWOOD With the grounds in excellent order, the second round of the Canterbury Rugby League championship produced some fast and open football. Close scoring was a feature of the games, Rakaia defeating the improved Linwood team by 10 points to 7. Hornby narrowly defeated Sydenham by 5 points to 2. Addington beat Christchurch by 21 points to 13. Championship points are: Hornby 4, Rakaia 4, Sydenham 2, Addington 2, Linwood 0, Christchurch 0. RAKAIA v. LINWOOD Both sides took every opportunity to open up play when Rakaia met Linwood at Sydenham Park in a game which Was full of interest throughout. Although infringements were frequent, the game was played at a brisk pace. Linwood held a ! slight advantage in the forwards, especii ally towards the end of the game when they fought back gamely. In the first half D. Mead scored a try for Rakaia. iC. Davison converted afid kicked a penalty goal. The half-time score was Rakaia 7, Linwood 0. Linwood held the advantage for the greater part of the second spell, and made a great effort to win the game in the last few minutes. For Linwood, D. Donaldson scored a try which L. Lisle converted. Lisle also kicked a penalty goal. Davison scored an unconverted try for Rakaia. , ... In the solid Linwood pack, N. Waghorn and K. Smith worked hard. The best of the Linwood backs were R. Brown, centre three-quarters, and A. Wild, wing three-quarters. The latter, both on attack and defence, gave a very sound display. D. Mead, L. Gardner, and C. Kerslake stood out in the Rakaia forwards. Copland, half-back for Rakaia, fed his backs consistently, while Davison, m scoring seven of his team’s 10 points, played a very sound game. He has lost little of his ability as a place-kick. > Referee: Mr R. Barbarel. HORNBY V. SYDENHAM Before a record crowd at Hornby the home team secured a narrow victory over Sydenham in a fast and interesting game. Securing the ball from most of the scrums. Hornby did most of the attacking, but the solid defence of the Sydenham team kept them from scoring. A feature of the game was the play of the opposing centre three-quarters, K. Henry, of Hornby, and V. Meates, of Sydenham.Both are speedy and heady players, and gave little away. The only score in the first half was a penalty for Sydenham, kicked by M. Noonan. In the second half Henry kicked a penalty for Hornby and R. Standeven, playing his best game of the season, scored an unconverted try. Apart from Meates, R Fuller and F. Neale were the best of the Sydenham backs, with J. Duke the pick of an evenly matched pack. Referee: Mr H. Mills. ADDINGTON v. CHRISTCHURCH Addington had the best of the game with Christchurch, and it was not until the last few minutes of the game that Christchurch attacked strongly and scored two tries. ... „ In the first half R. Price, W. Rowe, and W Murray scored for Addington. Rowe also kicked a penalty. K. Cox scored an unconverted try for Christchurch. The half-time score was Addington 11, Christchurch 3. Ward and A. Sheerin scored for Addington in the second half, Rowe and Ward each converted a try. R. Whittaker and H. Walker scored tries for Christchurch. both of which were converted by A. McDonald. Referee: Mr J. Bailey. LOWER GRADES Second Division.—Riccarton 24, Woolston 10; Waimairi 16, St. Joseph’s 9. Junior.—Linwood 29, Addington 10; Sydenham 33, Riccarton 5. Third Grade.—Dallington 24,, St. Joseph’s 6; Aranui 8, Sydenham 7; Linwood 5, Christchurch 2; Waimairi 13, Riccarton 2. Under 9 Stone.—St. Joseph's 13, Hornby 9. Under 7st 71b.—Sydenham 9, Waimairi 8. Under 6st 71b.—Woolstoji 9. Christchurch B 0; Riccarton 20, Linwood 6; Christchurch A 11. Aranui 6.