SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 859, 4 July 1910, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

ALL BLACKS WW THIRD TEST.

THE POMEICE TEAM ROUTED BY ORIENTAL.

SHIELD GAiE.

DECISIVE VICTORY FOR WELLIN6TON.

Oriental, 21, defeated Poneke, 3. St. James, 9, defeated Old Boys, nil. Athletic, 20, defeated Wellington, 3. Victoria College, 25, defeated Hutt, nil. Melrose-Southcrn, not played. Petone, a bye. The senior Bugby championship is arousing more than ordinary interest this year, for the reason that f.he leading teams are scoring evenly, and tho ordeT o-l the teams on the list has been varying weekly. About 1000 people assembled at the Athletic Park on Saturday to watch the two fixtures, Poneke v. Oriental and St. James v. Old Boys. The ground was rather .soft, and before the games had been long in progress the surface was somewhat heavy. It was, therefore, surprising that both matches should have proved fast and exciting. Opinion was' divided as to which team would prove victorious on No. 1 ground, but Poneko had perhaps the larger share of public favour, especially as Oriental went down badly io Old Boys the previous week. However, tho day proved that Oriental, with a full team (which they did not have against Old Boys), can pl-ay a great game. Their forwards on Saturday would not give way an inch, and the supporting backs, although not possessing the finish of the Ponoke men, proved themselves efficient on defence, and they wcre occasionally- smart and sure when called upon to attack. The secret of ■ Poneke's remarkable downfall may lie attributed largely to over-eagerness, for, ■several times w.hon scores' were almost within grasp, the movements lycre spoiled by ill-judged passing, fumbling, or hesitation on the part of one or other of the backs. There was a deeper trouble— among the forwards. Before the first spell was far advanced, some of the pack, apparently a little staggered at tie strength and tirelessness of the opposing force, began to lag. A certain proportion of the pack wore seldom "up on the play," and one or two had a tendency to walk after the game. Consequently, tho backs were required to shoulder, in the second half especially, a burden that proved overwhelming. Seeing that this is tho second last match of the first round—and the strength of teams may be fairly accurately estimated by this time —it comes rather as a shock to Poneke supporters to see last year's champions go down so decisively.

Owing to the convincing defeat of Oriental by Old Boys, "it was generally supposed that the meeting of Old Boys and St. James on Saturday would provide a. close contest. The g;une, however, brought a surprise, for Old Boys did not appear to bo able to hold their oppc-.nenis in check, and the score—!) to nil—could hardly be taken as a true indication of the actual difference in the strength of the two teams, on the day's showing. Play was fast during tho opening spell, and, within fifteen minutes of the kick-off, St. James obtained their first ]>oints. Simultaneously tho initial score was registered against Ponokc on the adjoining ground.

In 'view of the downfall of Poneke, and the inferior showing of Old Boys, after their lino display on the previous Saturday, tho "inconsistent running" of some of the teams was a topic of conversation among the spectators, and tho question was asked in many quarters: "Plow is it that some of our teams never play two Saturdays alike?" The answer seems to bo that a good win, and the limelight which always follows a good win, has a softening effect. Tho team which has had the big victory neglects its training, while, on the oilier hand, the team which is to meet it. next trains a little harder than usual, "lies low for its opponents," and wades into the game with a dasli which, as often a-s not, proves irresistible. On Saturday, Oriental seemed a good deal more lit for the fray than they were against Old Boys, but probably none of the city teams, even Petone, are as well trained for condition as they might bo.

POSITION OF THE TEAMS. The following table shows the present positions of the various teams in the championship:—

-g ft .g!3 a o » g 1 '1 §•£ S £ J G p, fi.Oa Oriental 9 7 11 108 41 15 St. James 9 7 1 1 111 31 • 15 Poneko 9 7 2 — 77 ,10 11 "Petone 9 G 3 — 139 51 12 Athletic 9 5 3 1 83 Mi 11 Vic. College 9 1 5 - 81 77 8 Old Boys 9 1 5 — fil 56 S Southern 8 2 5 1 28 125 5 llutt 8 16 1 23 102 3 Melroso S 1 8 1 21 9G 3 Wellington ... 9 1 8 — 2G 127 2

ORIENTAL, 21; PONEKE, 3. In "we'U-show-them" stylo Oriental opened their match against Poneko by charging headlong down tho field, anil the surprised defenders, slow to realise tho position, only managed to hustle the ball out at the corner. Walsh forced down when the ball was thrown in. Poneko then raced upfield, but found strenuous opposition at the far goal. Oriental obtained the ball from a scrum, and Stnrrock gained several yards by a clever speculator. Prendeville was slow in his attempt to prevent the ball going out to touch, and the Oriental forwards, with commendable energy, continued a warm attack.- For an infringement, Poneko were penalised, and Kinvig secured points from a short straight kick. Oriental, 3; Poneke, 0. From the kickout, Oriental were at once placed upon the defensive, and they were keenly alert, and hardly recognisable as the team who lost to Old Boys ou tho previous Saturday. Several limes tho ball travelled across tho field in the hands of the Poneko backs, but every sally was checked before much ground was gained. Sinclair (centre) was seen to be very much off colour, for he repeatedly missed passes. The power that was behind the unrelenting Oriental defence was made more evident when play gradually worked back into the Poneko country. Without doubt. Oriental were going to make it warm for their opponents, and the loud cries of exhortation which arose from the numerous supporters of last year's champions only served to add sting to the Oriental attack. The forwards, headed by Bunckcnburg, advanced in open order, and Kinvig made a poor attempt at a pot from the field. Shortly afterwards, Kinvig gathered in the ball on tho twenty-Eve line, and his fellow-backs woro ready to follow his lead. Kinvig passed to StuiTock. who turned right round, and then transferred smartly to Pyle. Tho latter accepted, and sprinted for the line, touching down before Shier could reach him. Kinvig's kick was a close thing. Oriental, I!; Poneke, 0. Walsh and Prendeville did their host to get across at tho corner, but were repulsed, and, when the ball came back', Slater attempted to kick a goal, but the ball fell under the cross-bar. There followed again a series of lightning passes on tho part of tho Poneke backs, who were still unsuccessful in their efforts to get through. A penalty kick relieved Oriental, whose forwards bore down with such a formidable front thai J. Elliott was compelled lo force, and tho half-time whistle brought a suspension of operalioiis. The second ."pel! opened me.rrih, nni] for & few. minutes Oriental ware Banned

up. When they recovered from the shock of the first enthusiastic incursion, play was brought back to mid-field, anil Poneke again sought to use their fast backs. Considering the soft state of the ground, it was not surprising that the attempts were still made m vain. Walsh, who was playing a pretty game, passed first to Sinclair, and later to Elliott, but, on both occasions the ball was dropped. Opportunity came at last to Prendeville, who camo down on tue ■wing, but, lacking sufficient speed, was compelled to pass in to Walsh. Oriental effected a prompt smother, and offered organised resistance to one 'or two following onslaughts. Before long, Pyle dodged through the Poneke ranks, and made a great nm up field, beating both IMliott and Sinclair, but his effort was lost in touch-in-goal. When Poneke returned operations down to their opponents territory, /Hunter almost scored, whereat Oriental, redoubling their efforts, travelled the length of the ground with the leather at the feet of the forwards, and Perry touched down at the right moment. Kinvig placed a goal amid an outburst of applause. Oriental, 11; Poneke, 0. Shortly afterwards, Kinvig Pyle, Sturrock, and Matheson took part in another aggressive move, but the lastnamed player mulled the ball when he was only a couple of yards from tho goal-line. Matheson retrieved this error a moment later, however, for he scored by a single-handed effort, on taking the ball from Tilyard's kick. Kinvig too'fc the shot at goal, the ball bouncing on rite cross-bar before dropping over. Oriental, 16; Poneke, 0. Poneke were lagging and the way was clear for another score, when Sturrock missed a pass from Matheson. Oriental's backs continued to play spiritedly, however, and Matheson was given another opportunity to score, Kinvig kicking his fourth goal. Oriental, -1; Ponjkc, 0. The end was near and Unental compelled their opponents to save by forcing. In a last effort Poneke scored—the result of mingling caution with energy. The forwards brought the hall down, and Elliott slipped over. ol mlssCu the goal. Oriental, 21; Poneke, 'V. .V oth D «inehy and Hunter made individual attempts at scoring, but no further points wero added. Mr. Meredith was referee.

ST. JAMES, 9; OLD BOYS, 0, The second match on the park, between St. James and Old Boys, was another prooi of the unreliability of form this season, and evidence iu particular of the in-and-out form of Old Boys. The match commenced with some give-and-take kicking, until a. speculating, kick by F. Crowes sent the leather to touch in Old Bovs' twenty-five. Things' looked dangerous for the Whites. A free-kick to Old Bovs relieved tlio pressure, hut. St. James " were in nn aggressive mood, and F. Crewes, getting possession, sent the ball out (o i'crguson, who passed in-field to Donaldson. The latter knocked on when a try. seemed certain. Play was then transferred to mid-field, where Wighton picked up smartly and passed 'to Moffitt, who sent the ball out to Ferguson. This useful back put in a good run. and transferred to W. Crewes, who scored in the corner. Bradley's kick, though a good one, was unsuccessful. St. James 3; Old Boys, 0: Dashing play oy Old Boys removed operations to their opponents' twenty-five, but St. James were qnicklv attacking again, and Wright, who had onlj to pick up and run in, fumbled. By a penalty kick, Old Boys escaped from their trouble. A fine dodgy run on the part of J3. Roberts found Old Boys defending in the corner, and Thompson relieved, his kick beiug marked by F. Crewes. Bradley, who took the kick, just failed to increase the score. For some minutes St. James wer* kept busy defending, but thev brought the ball up-field smartly, and Dobsou, Old Boys' full-back, was compelled to kick over his own line. From the scrum which followed M'Grath scored. The attempt at goal was ineffectual. St. Janvs (!; Old Boys, 0. Shortly after the kick-out Dawson speculated, and sent the play to half-way, where St. James took charge. A passing rush by Moffitt, Ferguson, and W. Crewes resulted in the last-named scoring in the. corner. Bradlev failed to add the. major points. St. James, !); Old Boys, 0. St. James attacked again, Old Boys wero forced, and there was no further score before half-time. On resuming, it was noticeable that Old Boys were bent on levelling the scores, for they opened with considerable '.warmth. Dawson secured in his own twenty-five, and after a characteristic run. was grassed near the St. James line. Picot, diving after the ball, scrambled over, but was called back. From the resulting scrum St.. James obtained the ball and forced down. Shortly afterwards Thomas was injured and was carried off, his place being taken by Cousens. A St. James passing rush was checked by Grace, who found the line. Responding to cries of "Play up," Old Boys now kept their opponents busy, and just, before time was called, Dawson, following iip well, almost scored in tho corner. Mr. H. Card was referee.

. ATHLETIC, 20; WELLINGTON, 3. Athletic had a very simple task on Saturday to vanquish Wellington, on the Polo Ground at Miramar. For a few minutes at tho commencement of the first spell Wellington were attacking, but Kvcnson's line-kicking drove them back. AthJetic'a first piece of bright play was a good run by Poole, who was thrown out near tho twcnty.five flag. Thou an Athletic forward rush looked like producing a score, but Murray was obstructed, and Wellington forced down. From the drop-out Athletics renewed tile attack, and from n loose rush M'Vay caught up the ball and scored near the posts. S. Wilson missed the goal. Athletics, 3; Wellington, 0. Immediately following the drop-out. Murray took the ball anil passed 'hi M'Bonald. The latter centred, and Itapson, after a palpable knock-on, was allowed to score. Evenson's kick failed. Athletics, 6; Wellington, 0. Lambert (Wellington) then missed tho posts from a mark bv Hill, but shortly after kicked a pcnnlt'v goal. Athletic, ti; Wellington, 3. Before halftime, J. Cunningham scored from a loose rush following a line-out. Evcnson kicked a groat goal. Athletic, 11; Wellington, 3. Wellington forwards played up woll in the second spell, but with the exception of Hill the Backs were never in the correct place to make tho most of tho opportunities that came their way. Outside five-eighths kept running in between his half and the inside five-eighths, while the right, wing three-quarter was to bo seen everywhere but in his own position. This, of course, resulted in tho other backs being correspondingly displaced, and general confusion prevailed, ami good work by tho forwards was constantly nullified. Athletic's fust try in this half cumo from a forward rush" W. Wilson got over tho lino and lost the ball | IH t I'npson was handy and fell on it. Evonwm's shot at goal was unsuccessful Athletic, 11; Wellington, 3. Five minutes luter Murphy got tho ball about 20 yards from the line and passed to Murray, who beat several opponents and scored. No goal resulted. Athletic, 17; Wellington 3. Tho final score commenced with a good passing rush among the backs from the half-way flag, and then the forwards took possession and carried the ball right down to the line, where M'Kcnzio (fiveeighths) come- in again, picked up, njid scored. This time A. Cunningham tr.ok the kick, but was unsuccessful. Athletic SO; Wellington, 3. This was the position i»l the scores «wheu Mr, Moron called nojslda.

VICTORIA COLLEGE, 25; HUTT, 0. On the Hutt Recreation Ground Victoria College, gave quite a clever display, the passing of their backs being a special featuve. In fact, after Saturday's game, one wonders why the students are not higher up on the honour board. One or two'changes were tried in the Hutt team. Young, a promoted fourth class player, replaced Harnett at full-back, and Harnett was given a trial in the vanguard. The ground, although somewhat greasy, did not in any way impede the fastness of '•he game. After Hutt's tussle with Poneko it was thought that they would vanquish College, but that hope proved • » be something like the "house buildcd on the. sand." College opened proceeil'.ngs with a fine bout. Ryan secured from a scrum, and passed to Stainton to Fair* -and a repass to Ryan saw him make a lute dash. over. Ryan converted. 3-0. from the, kick-out Hutt, led by Higginbottom and Harnett, look play to the (o ego twenty-five, where Phillips gav> -° I '^ e a? advantage with a splendid lett-ioot kick. The Greeus were now ".tacking splendidly, and the way in '■vlnch they threw the leather about wa« n_ treat to witness. Ryan took p'av ai! a C u° SR , ranKe o£ tho goal-line, and liutt rallied a little, but, not to be denied, Ryan snapped up smartlv, and, after a clever dodgy run, made a good opening for Phillips, who brought tho si'oro to 8-0. A few minutes after Ryan again made a fine opening for Phillips, enabling him to secure his second try. il—o. Hutt's weak tackling allowed College to again work the clock-like machinery of their backs, and, after practically every back had handled, Faire finished a splendid movement by scoring under, tho posts. An absurdly easy kick was missed by Ryan. 14-0. The return, after the kick-out, was mulled by Harnett, and btamton looked dangerous, but Routly, whose defence all through was plucky! saved. _ Then Ryan smartly transferred to Stainton, who put in a fine run, and wilt on to Curtayne, who secured the fifth try. This player also added the major points. 19—0. On resuming after half-time, Hntt were awarded a free-lack within easy distance, but Cudby kicked wide. Hutt worked hard for the better part of this 6pell, and Tannahill, Turner, and Hedgenian made several attempts to charge through the defence, but College,- who were ever ready to turn defence into attack, fed their 'speedy winger Faire, who ran nearly the whole length of the field, and brought the score to 22—0. College now had matters all their own way, and gave the spectators an idea of how and when to pass. Curtayne secured the try, which was unconverted, the final' score being 25—0. Mr. F. Laws controlled the game.

NO REFEREE, NO MATCH. The match to have been played by Southern and Melrose, at Karori, did not tako place, as the referee appointed to control it failed to put in an appearance. Naturally, the official's defection came as a surprise. No notice of postponement had been given, and the weather conditions, though far from perfect, would not have prevented play. -The ground was heavy and wet, but only a very light rain was falling when tho teams arrived on the scene at, three o'clock. The players and the small knot of intending spectators who had assembled accepted the situation good-humouredly. But it required a true sportsman's spirit to do so.

JUNIOR. After a hard battle Petono defeated Oriental by 8 points to nil. Daly and Ashton scored, the latter converting his own try. Athletic were defeated by St. James by 9 points to nil. Wellington were victorious over Southern, defeating them by 11 points to 3. Tor tho winners lieilly and Wallace scored one try each, -while Sheridan, converted a try and kicked a penalty goal. Hayes scored a try for the losers." St. John's defeated Melrose by 13 points to nil. Tries were scored.by Fawcett, Williams, and M'Leay, that by Williams being a particularly fine effort. Two of the tries were converted by Dyett. In the first spell Melrose played two men short, but these came on at half-time.

THIRD CLASS. Petone defeated Exchange by 20 points to nil. Hagcu, Moonoy, Corson, Hill, and Matlia scored, while Instone converted one try. St. John's were defeated by Wellington by 9 points to nil. Tries we're scored by Forne, Westerman, and 03Ieara. Wellington College were defeated by Karori by 9 points to G, after a very fast and interesting game. Childs and Harris scored tries, and Stewart kicked a penalty goal for the winners.

FOURTH CLASS. Petone defeated Old Boys by 5 points to 3. Arrowsmith scored one try for Petone, which was converted by Denby.

FIFTH CLASS. Petouo was defeated for the first time this year by Athletic by 6 points to 3. Melrose defeated Wellington College. A by 10 points to 9. For the winners Gray scored a try, which he converted, and Dee also scored a try, which Helliwell converted.

MATCHES ELSEWHERE. IBy TeiesrupS.—Special CorreSDondenf.l Palmerston North, July 3. No particular interest was evinced in the Manawatu Rugby Union chompionship matches played on Palmerston Show Ground on Saturday afternoon, and, in the face of an extremely cold southerly wind, few spectators braved the to see the games. The Old Boys' Club have had a great struggle to get a senior team, but, after forfeiting matches, they came on the scene again with a team made up principally of juniors. In their game with Palmerston on Saturday they started play with two men short. Playing with the wind Palmerston soon asserted themselves, and quickly put up a lead which, at the call of time, was sevoatoen to five. On the Sports Ground Linton ami Colyton juniors had a great battle, the former winning by six to three.

Carterton, July 3. In yesterday's senior football matches Carterton (17) beat Grey town (nil); Red Star (G) beat Gladstone (nil). Junior matches:—Liberal.! (14) beat Red Star (nil); Carterton <!)) drew with Greytown (9). In the third-class'i contest Carterton drew with Eed Star, no score.

OFFER FROM THE MAORIS. Palmerston North, July 3. The Manawatu. Rugby Union has received an offer from the Maori team now tourinx Australia to play u combined Manawatu and Horowhenua team at Palmerston on July 20. (By Telograph.-Press Association.) Auckland, July 2. The Rugby football matches were played to-day in fine weather, but the grounds wore heavy as the result of the heavy rains of yesterday. Three senior.grade matches were played, and good competitions resulted in each instance. Parnell defeated City by 13 points to nil. Hogan scored two tries, each of jvhich was converted by Hardwick, and the. referee awarded a try for obstruction. University beat Grafton by 1!) points to 5, and Ponsonby beat Marist Bros, by 2-1 points to nil. Dunedin, July 2. Football matches wen- continued to-day in wretched weather, thick drizzling rain falling most of the time, and the grounds were heavy and slippery. Allianibra (13 points) beat Zingari Richmond (3); Southern (G points) beat Taieri Rovers (3); University (1G points) beat Dunedin (G); Union (G points) beat Pirates (3); and Port Chalmers (5 points) beat Kaikorai (nil).

THE LEAGUE MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, July 3. In the Leaguo match at Brisbane, England defeated Australia by 22 points to 17. The first half was evenly contested, though Australia started'best, and quickly led. The Englishmen recovered however, and had evened matters when the whistle sounded for half-time/ In the second term the visitors' rushing tactics enabled them to win easily.