IMPEND SPORTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 218, 9 June 1919, Page 7

IMPEND SPORTS

SATURDAY'S RUGBY MATCHES WIN FOR PETONE The weather conditions were very bleak »t the Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon, a smart southerly breeze blowing across tho ground. There was not a very numerous attendance of tho pub'" lie, and interest was centred mainly on the match between Petone and- Oriental. Tho suburbanites won by 11 points to S, after a game which wag very vigorously contested. Oriental possessed a good set of forwards, who kept thoir opponents on the qui vivo the whoU?>time. If anything, the Oriental forward division ■was superior to that of Petone, but it was in the backs that Petone were supreme. They beat the Oriental team every, time by ■ their cleverness and cleanness of' play. Oriental's rearguard on several occasions tried to make the .play open, but their efforts lacked finish, and their passing was not of a very high order. On the other hand, the Petonb backs invariably picked up well, and their passing, although not always perfect, : was very neat. Had Oriental pos-sessed-a weaker forward brigade the margin of points against, them would undoubtedly have been greater. To • a great extent, however, what faults there were in the game wore not wholly duo to tho players. - The high wind spoiled tho play, and interfered a good deal with tho kicking, and -oven some of ■ tho passing. .-. ■;■ -.

Both' Bide s( set a fast pace after.the kick-off, and Oriental made a strong charge into Petone territory. Petone got tho ball from a throw-in, and Corner attempted to clear. He was collared, however, before he got very far, and Kingston the Oriental left wing threequarter, got the 1*9.11 at his toe, sending it smartly down field. "Slow, following up on tho part of- the forwards, how-, ever, was responsible for-a likely-looking opportunity -being lost, and the Petone forwards, for whom Parker was-doing Rood' work, got the upper hand; and Rraonially workod tho play right down! on to -the.Oriental line. • Forced back a little way, the Petone: hookers secured the ball from a ecrunv-and'Nicholls sent it on to. his suppoiits,. who soon lost.it. Shortly, after this Oriental • were penalised for an infringement, and' Ambler had a shot at goal. l His attempt was- a good one, but he failed to make sufficient allowance for tho l strength of the wind. ,The character of. the.ensuing plav be. came somewhat oloso;and -. Oriental "vainly tried to make it more, loose. Eventually, the-''-Petone. backs got clear, after a s'crummago had taken .place, and .a rather-spectacular passing rush between Nicholls, Pole,.and:Corner, ended in.the latter getting, over the Oriental' line. Ambler kicked a splendid goal. ' Petone,' 8; Oriental 0. In the ensuing, play, ; (he .White and Blacks did succeed in getting going in a passing 'bout, but the movement was short-lived, and they failed'to keep' the;'.' ball. :' Oriental ' f6r : wards, however, Were attacking liaTd, and largely through the efforts, of Gair, the' winger, .managed .to .keep the' Blues "defending .'hard for some 'time. ■ Petone counter-attacked with, a temporary measure of success, Thomas-and' Shanahan being conspicuous iir a good run down tho line, but once again Oriental hurled them back, and it looked- very- much as' if a score was goin'g'to be 'registered against them,'- hs the White and' Blacks >vero - in striking position; '-A desperate struggle took place on the 'Ketone line, by the goal, until Hill,, the- full-back, picked up arid dashed away on his own. He was not quite speedy enough and was laid low near half-way. Petone-got tho ball again, however, and shortly before the close of the spell. Smilio annexed another try, which Ambler . converted. Petone, 10; Oriental,; 0. ; : -, ; The second spell opened- finite as .vigorously as the first, and Oriental tried' hard to score.- They pushed, .back the Blues into ; . ttair'.twenty-five, where a hard tussle'took place. Petone were-the better of the two contestants,. and they surged baclc in a bunch. MTilwrriith, the Oriental full-back, proved staunch on the defensive, and he kicked to the line. The following play was not of a very interest-) ing character, until Corner got the ball near the Oriental line.- He had an excellent chance of scoring an easy try, but for some reason or other he hung on to the ball instead ; of passing it on to either of one of two men who were ■waiting to receive it, with the result that he was ■ collared. Petone lost tho ball, and Oriental forced, down. Tho Blues wore not repelled from the Oriental twenty-five, and a few.minutes afterwards B. Thomas potted .a goal, .bringing the Petone score up to 14. Oriental then got possession, and made a determined swoop down field.: Hingston broke away and very nearly cleared, when he was.brought.-downby Parlcer. The latter was' doing valiant service, for Potone," and .it - was owing to-his individual efforts- that .several .Oriental- forward attacks were nullified.. • Willing play followed, and; there was a goqd ;deal of forward work. Nicholls- picked, up from the ruck inmidfield, and sent the leather on to Hamilton,-who, when the Oriental forwards began to swarm round him, kicked to touch. ;-The. Blues-got the ball from ..the ihrow-in,- arid the backs very nearly succeeded in penetrating the Oriental, .defence,- thesound tactics of tho Oriental forwards bringing the offensive efforts' to nought. A freekick was given' against Petone for offside play, and Paaps took the-kick. His attempt was a good one, but the ball just

Bailed outside the uprights. Oriental now set up a very not attack. They forced Pekme-right on to thcir.owii line, but'Nicholls picked up from a scramble and- centred. Once more Oriental I resumed the .assault, Thomas saving the situation by finding the line. At Inst, the efforts.of the Black and, Whites were, rewarded with .success, for after a tough fight midway between the goal posts and the corner flag, Gair picked up and simply pushed his way across the goalline. ' The try was a popular one. Paaps took the kick, but tailed. Petone, 14; Oriontal, 3. There was no further score, and Oriental were attacking when the whistle sounded. Mr.' J. Francis was roferee.

Athletic 35; Wellington 0. Athletic met and defeated Wellington by 35 points to nil on Duppa Street Park on Saturday. At the outset Wellington appeared to posset's some form, tout it was soon ovident that they lacked the combination which Athletic possessed. Tackling well, they kept the Blues very busy for a while, and managed to prevent any encroachment over their goalline. Half way through the first spell Athletic began to exert their J'ujl strength, and Wellington on the defensive gave Loverage the chance of taking a pretty mark, which M'Cabe successfully placed between ihe posts. Athletic, S; Wellington, nil. The Yellows attacked in strength, but Athletics'. fplendid combination overpowered their backs, and Shrader recorded the first try, vliich M'Cabe failed to convert. G-0. Shortly after Blues' backs exhibited their brilliant passing, Church passing to Shraeder, who made a great run, but dropped the ball as lie was about lo score, following this, the Yellows had a splendid opportunity of scoring, but fumbled the ball. De Castro, however, saved the Blue onrush by a neat mark, which brought the play back into Athletics' twenty-five. Play was soon in the centre of the field again, when Chestermau secured the ball and registered his first try. Spencer failed to convert, 9—o. Immediately following this try, Loverage scored, and again Spencer failed with the kick. 12—0. At this stago play was. confined to the Yellows' area, and although • they put up a fight, Blues asserted their superiority, nnd Feencsey scored. Loverage failed with tho kick. 15H).

The adjournment followed, and shortly after resnmption of play Chestermau scored his second try, which M'Cabe converted. 20—0. Churoh, who played a splendid game, received injuries at this stajje of the game, nnd was carried'off the field. He fell-heavily against the drain at the south-western corner if (he field. Shortly after this Chesterman secured the ball and scored again,- but in doing so also foil heavily against the drain and ' received an ■ injury to the., left leg. M'Cabe failed to convert, and Chesterman after a brief spell- resumed 1 play—23—o. Thereafter the play'was all in Blues' favour, and Yellows were unable to withstand their attacks. M'Cabe secured a try, which he failed to convert—26— <H. , Chesterman again scored, and Spencer missed the kick—29—o. Spencer scored the last two tries, which Cunningham and Feene6ev failed to convert, and .the game ended.3s to nil. Mr. Summerhayes was the referee. ■-.■■•.

'VARSITY (6)" V. SELWYN (6). The game on No. 2 ground between 'Varsity arid Selwyn was a very vigorous affair., and resulted in a 'draw, each side scoring sir points. ' Play was "fairly open, and 'Varsity put up a good display. Beforo the close of the first spell Barker had scored a try -for 'Varsity, and Peart annexed one for Selwyn. In the second half, A. Wogan scored another try for Selwyn, who, for quite; a long time maintained their lead. Finally, 'Varsity were awarded a free-kick, which was given to Scott to take. He successfully placed the ball between the uprights, and the game closed with the score: Selwyn, 6; 'Varsity, (i. Mr. 11, T. Bailey was referee.

JUNIOR MATCHES. Hutt defeated Petone by 13 points to 3. Marist Old Boys 8, Wellington College 6. . - Borhainpore 6,. Poneko 3, .... . Third tirade.—Berhanipofe,s, Railway Battalion' 5,\ John'sonville 3, -'Varsity ;n .3;. PorirUn .6, -Varsity.A' 5;.01d,80ys 9, Wellington 6; Athletic 8, St. Patriot's College .0; Oriental 12,: Selywn 3, Fourth Grade,—Oriental A 12.' Marist Old Bays 6; Mascot 4,:. Old Boys 0; Y.M.C.A. 15, Wellington A 6; Selwyn 12, Athletic 0; Wellington College 37, Wellington B'4. . , . Fifth Grade—Wellington College B .1, St. Patrick's College 3; Wellington .'College A 35,' Berhampore 0. ■ Sixth Grade.'—Wellington Collide. 16. Poneko 6; St. Patrick's A 37, Petone 0. Wellington College won by default. Petone (third class) defeated Hutt by 6 points, to 3. Petone (fifth class) defeated Oriental by 14. points to 3.. Tries were scored for -Petone by'Lawrje, Gardiner, "Usmar, and Pawson,' one try being'converted by Gardiner.- ' Mr. Francis was referee. Petone (fourth class) defeated Hutt by 26 to'. 6. ..'.'" St. Patrick's College (sixth class) defeated Petone by 37 to nil. AUCKLAND DEFEAT THE MAORI PIONEERS, ■"'■'• Br Telegraph—Press Association. . Auckland, June 8. Auckland defeated the Maori Pioneer Battalion Rugby team by 22 points to 11. The game was exciting throughout. The Aucklanders- scored eight points" in the last quarter. For Auckland tries wero

scored by Nixon (2), AVilson, Fletcher, lloss, and Thomas, while Nixon nnd'l'russing converted one each. For the Maoris, Kingston, Wilkinson, aud Jacobs scored, Jacobs converting one.

THE REFEREE TROUBLE ME, SIMPSON'S POSITION. (To the Editor.) Sir,—Mr. Hornig rang me up at about 6.30 tun. on Monday, and told me that Mr. Hnll (captain of the Pioneer team) had informed him that I had been appointed to referee the match on Tuesday afternoon, and wished to know if 1 was available. I said: "What about Mr. Jones?" as I saw his name advertised in tho "Evening Post" as referee. Mr. Hornig said he had seen Mr. Jones, and they had talked, the matter over,, and that if I attended the referees' meeting that night 1 would hear -what was to be 6aid, as Mr. Jones was to confer with Mr. M'Kenzie at the meeting of the Appointment Board. Under these circumstances I looked upon the appointment as not being certain. Mr. Jones attended our meeting, and told us what had taken place between himself and Mr. Honig; as you know it was unanimously lecided that Mr. Jones should fulfil the engagement. When Mr. Jones- was leaving the meeting—he left oarly—he -said that he- would convoy the meeting's wishes to the meeting of oflioials -which was to be held on Tuesday morning; also that if he should not take the match, 1 was lo referee. I did not mention my appointment to anyone, because after hearing Mr. Jones, and our unanimous decision, I considered I was 'free,- and there was no need to open a fresh discussion. The next thing I knew was when I was walking down Manners Street with a friend of mine, I met Mr. Hall and Mr. Perry. Mr. Hall said: "We will see you up at the Park this afternoon," and 1 replied that I intended to be there (meaning as a spectator). One or two others came along, including Mr. Hornig, and some ono mentioned about -referceine. As Mr. Jones had promised to tell them what the referees'- meeting had decided, I thought they knew that we had agreed that Mr. Jone3 was to referee. As they did not know, I told them ■ that the referees had decided.that Mr. Jones'was to go on with the game.; Mr, Hall and Mr, Hornig had a conversation apart from the others, and as I'.wanted'-to join my friend, who was waiting, I left. As I was going Mr. Hornig said he was going to ring up Mr. Jones.. I heard nothing further until JU. r > a.m., when Mr. Hornig told me officially that it had been decided -that' I should referee, and that Mr. Jones 'was not going to act. ■' I have absolutely' no idea what took place between Mr. Jones and Mr. Hornig. I only know that certain members of the W.K.U. objected to Mr, Jones vefereeing. That is why I asked our meeting what attitude I was to take, if Mr. Jones.did not referee, and it was decided that I' should referee. I may say that I met Mr.- Larwny during the morning, and bothi of ns understood. that Mr. Jones was to referee. ■'. I. also enclose! a note from my friend, which will show that at- 11 a.m. I did not know I was lo •referee. I.,am sure, if Mr., Jones.'had told the officials ■on Tuesday morning what, had taken' place .at vthe- referee's' •meeting, this, unfortunate occurrence would not have happened—l am, etc., ' . L. SIMPSON. June 7.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME •INSTITUTE V. DIAMONDS.' . Institute and Diamonds met at Newtown Park, before a fair muster of siKctators.' I'ortunately Auld was able to reappear for Diamonds, nntlAlf Owens, who lias just returned irom active ser-'j vice, was' seen in the Institute ranks again.' What might otherwiso have been', an interesting gan'io was marred to a great extent by the southerly wind, which blew across-the field, making accurato play impossible. Diamonds won tho toss, ) and elected to play with the sun behind them. Houston kicked oft play being confined to the-Diamonds territory for tho first I ten minutes, where- it was-evident that Webster was in great form in : goal. Again and again he came to tho rescuo of Ins 'side, saving shots which would. have beaten most .goalkeepers. Institutes ■hrilves"alow«T. the- .'Diamonds- towards no liberties, with the result that they weru' seldom dangerous. Eventually Webster, left-half, let Bigwood awsiy. his centre being cleared by Bell. M wrr secured possession, and passed to .Porter, who sent in a lovely centre, tae ball travelling across the goalmouth, llalley and: Owens made desperate efforts to reach it, but both missed the ball by 'inches; It was a. narrow- escapo tor Webster. Auld, who was playing a. good gamo at centre-half, sent ahead, Bell again clearing in fine style. Diamonds came again, Lynnebcrg' was beaten by Wanden, who only „partially cleared. Crane, in endeavouring to clear, handled in the penalty area. Auld took the kick, and sent over the xrossbar. I roin the kick-off M'Arthur placed to Porter, who tricked the left-back, Webster rushed out to clear, and Porter, finding himself in an awkward scoring position, passed to Houston, who scored. Institute, 1; Diamonds. 0. Smith, of Institute, was next prominent with a good . run. He just managed ,to reach the ball as.it was going .past, lluJ centre landed on the-crossbar, where, the ball bobbed twice and dropped in front of the goal,-Webster fisting it clear. Porter again ■ attracted attention with a good run, his-centre being converted by Owens. Institute, 2: Diamonds, 0 Half-time sounded with the 'score unaltered. ■ ■The-second half.opened with Institute pressing, the Diamonds' goal being beieigd, but Webster was .too cover, al-ways-averting danger m splendid style. •Webster (left-half) was next prominent. Ho-beat three opponents n and centred. Lynneberg shot hard, and Tarrant saved cleverly. Wanden, under pressure, concoded a corner. The kick was well taken, ' Tarrant fisting clear. Diamonds came on again, Duffy' sending in a good shot Tarrant and Kettlewell rushed for tho ball Tarrant got there first, and kicked the'ball against Kettlewell, the ball rebounding from him through the goal, institute, 2; Diamonds, 1. This reverse^ was just what was needed to. stir the Institute forwards, who were inclined to take matters too easy. Porto, from close in, shot hard, Webster clearing. Hornton secured, and sent in from a difficult angle. Webster tipping the ball oyer ?hebar Smith took-the kick, mdjitaced the ball beautifully, M'Girr heading a good goal'. Institute. 3; Diamonds 1. Institute' continued to pross,till U e call of time, but wero unable to add-to their score; Institute were easily tho better team, and would have won by a btger margin -had it not been for ho stefliii- play of Webster in goal Tarrant was not called upon very often, but w"Vwork did come his way was dono with credit. 'Bell, «"> f»ild^wSr d vfl^|

- JUNIOR. MATCHES. Marist Juniors defeated Petone A by 5-0 (A. Lewis (2), Costelloe Byan, and Bovd scored for the winners). Mavfst I'ourths defeated Andestown 8 _<). Scorers, J. Tancred (2), and Wjan /'Marist Fifth D drew with Jehnsonville "feist Sixth A (Thorndon) drew with Mri Newtown)-2 all. -W. Cudby scored both goals for-Marist (Thorndon), Marist Sixth B (Thorndon) draw with St. Thomas's-ono coal each. Marist Sixth C (Thorndon) defeated Marist D (Newtown)-2-0.