WEEK-END RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 258, 26 July 1920, Page 6

WEEK-END RUGBY

BERHAMPORE'S GREAT FIGHT

WELLINGTON COME OUT OF THEIR SHELL Poneke, G; Berhampore, 5. Petone, 33; Athletic, 7. Wellington, 18; Selwyn, 8. Oriental, '6; 'Varsity, 0. Saturday's round of Itugby games proved an interesting series. Berhampore made their first nppeurnnce on the Park, and they acquitted themselves nobly. They wero pitted against Poneke, mid Hie Red and Blacks spent an nnxious afternoon, J. Tilyard and Co. being sadly missed from their ranks. , In tho end they succeeded—more by good luck than good management—in winning by tho smallest possible margin. Bcrhnmpore's trump card was their forward division, the backs being lamentably weak. After this—Poneke's third successive poor showing—it looks as if the championship honours will be fairly easy picking for Petone. The suburbanites, by the way, were matched against Athletic, to whom they gave a severe drubbing. Stimulated, doubtless, by the prospect of their l'ubileo celebrations, Wellington came out of their shell, and achieved their first victory this season by beating Selwyn. Oriental met 'Varsity, and by dint of superior forward play '.he former team secured the victory. PONEKE V. BERHAMPORE. The meeting between Poneke and Berhmnporo proved ito bo a very enjoyablo affair from tho spectators' point of view; tho result of the match hanging in the balance right up to the call of time. Actually, Poneke won by tho narrow margin of one point, but it can hardly be said that in doing so they added materially to their laurels. The Sky Blue boys wero ever a thorn in their sido, and throughout the game they, had Poneke guessing as to what would happen nest. As it was, it wns not until the second spell thalt the Eed and.Blacks obtained the lend, which secured them victory, and then only by virtue of a lucky penalty. Poneke faced the sun in the first spell, and their backs, after a few preliminary canters, found that the ground was too wdt and greasy to suit their tactics. During the first few minutes thdr attack on Berhampore's citadel was fairly woll sustained, and but for a. succession of timely short-range marks on tho part of Hickling, success would have crowned their efforts. Once Malin attempted to i goal from a penalty, but his shot went wido of the mark. Before very long, I however, the Sky Blue forwards got into their stride, and made the pace a "cracker," but in their opening clashes they lost a pillar of strength in the shape of Walters, who retired on account of a scalp wound. He was replaced by Bell. Nothing daunted, Berhampore maintained '.he pressure, and during: a particularly hot attack, Grey picked up in the loose and danced ana dodged his way through a swarm of opponents, ending up by scoring ono of the cleverest tries registered on th Park this season. Morrison converted in fino style. About this time Miller (Berhampore's left wing) developed knee trouble, and Helliwell came on in his placo. Grey's try had tho effect of galvanising Poneke into strenuous activity. Their backs frequently got away with the ball, but they were too well marked. Selfish handling on tho part of F. Tilyard and Christopherson (five-eighths) negatived at least two good openings. The former reprieved himself by getting in a beautiful line-kick, which placed his side in striking distance of their opponents' line. From the ensuing forward scramble C. Tilyard scooped up the ball nnd hopped over fue white-wash. Malin's attempt to convert from- a difficult angle was a failure. Shortly afterwards, the ringing of the bell brought relief to Bcrhnmpore. On the game being resumed, Walters came on in place of Helliwell, but he retired to the backs, and thereafter did not take a prominent part in the battle. Poneke were aggressive at tho outset, and continued so until W. Christopherson landed a good goal from a penalty, giving them a lead of one point. After this thev seemed to fall away, and shortly found themselves penned up in their own twenty-five. Some stern tussles took place in the immediate vicinity of the Eed and Black line, nnd several force-downs resulted. Occasionally the seige was raised, but not for long, and at the call of time '.ho' Sky-blue forwards —who once were within an ace of gonling from a free-kick—were attacking vigorously.

Theßerhamporo forwards did great work in £h© loose, tut they were handicapped on account of the very weak support contributed by their backs—at the best, n poor lot. W. Malin (the wingforward) played brilliantly, and he merits nttention on the part of tho selectors. Standen was also very prominent—indeed, all the! forwards showed class. Of tho backs. Howard, Grey, and.Hickling got in some good individual work. As to Poneke, one can scarce pass them by without commenting on tho tendency they manifested for offside play and obstructive tactics. Mr; G. Bradley was referee.

PETONE V. ATHLETIC. Tho Potonc-Athletic fixture attracted a large number of spectators to the Pctono ground. The game, although a walkover victory'for the home team, was by no moans devoid of interesting phases, the combination of the Petone year division being something well worth watching. Play in the main was of a fast nature, but Potono encountered little difficulty, and walked bj-me to the tune of 33 points to 7. The Petone team worked as one man, while for Athletio Wilson showed to best advantage in t.hn forwards and Brooks in the backs. A feature of tho day was the place-kicking of M. Nicholls.

From the kick-off Pclone. assumed iho offensive, and engaged in several passing rushes in Athletic territory, H. E. Nicholls, with some neat solo work, carried play to near the corner flag. ■ From the throw-in Brooks secured and sent tho leather almost to half-way. J, Ryan occepted on the full, and essayed to seal from tho field. The kick fell a littlo short. Petone continued to attack, and from a scrum formed in Athlciic territory 11. E. Nicholls secured and passed to M. Nicholls, from whom tho leather went to Corner, tho Inst-nnmtd transferring to Ryan, who touched down. M. Nicholls converted. Petone, 5; Athletic, 0. Time and again H. E. Nicholls set his backs in motion, but hard luck seemed to attend Petone's efforts. At cnt periods Ryan, Corner, and jl. E. Nicholls were seen to advantage in individual movements. Later, Athletic, taking a turn at tho attack, through Iho agency of Brooks, carried play down into tho Blue twenty-five. The Blacks pre-wed hard, but tho position was saved by a great break-away movement by the Petone forwards—prominent among whom were Price, Smith, and Fitzgerald-aml play was brought back to (lie Athlctiu twenty-five. Thomas punted, and Smith, following up woll, boat Brooks,',obtained possession of tho leather, and passed to Arthur Parker. The last-named n ado a great dive, but was forced out within a couple of yards of the corner ling. From the resultant scrum, M. Nicholta secured and passed to Corner, iho. iu turn, transferred to Ryan. Hamilton, the next to handle the ball, finished the effort by touching down. M. Nicholls added the major points. Petone, 10; Athletic, 0. Petones next try, obtained a few minutes later, was the result of a neat piece of passing. Comer initialed tiie movement by intercepting from Wilson, and breaking away with Ryan clo*o at hand. On being tackled ho iiassed to Ryan, but tho latter was grasvd 1-e----fore he got going properly, and the ball was thrown forward. H. ¥~ Nicholls secured from the ensuing scrum and passed to his 'brother, from whom the leather went to Corner and then to Ryan. Tho lnsti-nained, with a neat feint, drew his man, made the opening, and transferred to B. Thomas, who forged acres? .the line and registered d good try. Again Nicholls mado no mistake with the kick. Petone, 15; Athletic, 0. Later Athletic made two unsuccessful attempts to goal from penalties. Fni tho remainder of tho spell Petone con tinned in the ascendancy.

For a while in the second half play was of a nioro even nature, lint tho sir pcriority of tho Petone lucks soon tegan h tell. From the loose in tho Black twenty-five Ashton picked up, and, fool, ing the opposition, scored under tbo posts, Nicholls goalod. Petone, 20; Ath

letic, 0. A little Inter, Petone, through the : ngoncy of the entire bank .iivision. added another try lo their account, W. Thomas touching down nt the corner. Nicholls wns not quite equal to the difficult angle, tlio ball falling a fraction short ot the uprights. Following upon a serum near half-way, I'etono hooked i'lio ball, and the brothers Nicholls and Corner handled tho hall in turn, the lnst-namttl transferred to liyan, who put in a great run, and, with his ohnrncteristio side-step, eluded opposition and scored under tho posts. Nicholls converted. Petone, 28; Athletic, 0. .At last Aihlotic's efforts were rewarded. M'Cabe, following up well, boat W. Thomas anrt got. over. Hugh mado a iwor attempt to goal. Pctono, 28; -Athlotic, 8. From the kick-out Athletic forced matters, and curried pky to the Pou~i ty.enty-five, where a disjointed scrummage was, iornied. An Athletic player secured tho ball from the scnim and passed to Hush, who potted a lovely goal. Petone, 28; Athletic, 7. After this Petone mado tho pace a "cracker," and set up a series of stinging rushes. Athletic, hard pressed, sought salvation in a force down. Just boforo the whistle sounded, Petone added another try to their tally. Ryan initiated a pretty dribbling movement, but within about 15 yards of ihe iino lost possession. The ball was kicked somo distance over the line, and a great raco between B. Thomas and M'Cabe resulted in the former reaching tho ball first, and scoring. Nicholls kicked his.sixth goal, and tho game ended with_ Hie scoro: Petone, 33; Athletic, 7. Mr. 0. 11. C'leland was referee.;,

ORIENTAL V, 'VARSITY

The Oricntal-'Varsity match, which was to have been played on tho Athletic Park, was transferred to Lyall Bay. The battle was a fierce one, but Oriental proved stronger in the forward division, and victory rested with them by G to nil. Midfield and up and down piny characterised the first nunrter of the first spell, mid was. followed by a bout of linekicking, which eventually ended jn Oriental's favour. Play wns now in 'Varsity's twenty-five, but a free-kick relieved. Each side alternately took' the offensive, but without success, and the firs.t spell ended without a score. The second spell opened with Oriental pressing, but 'Varsity soon took piny into the White's twenty-five. 'Varsity were awarded a free-b'ck, and they had a try at goal, but failed. A loose rush hy Oriental carried nlay right on to tho Green's line. Siddell's, who had been playing a splendid game, was laid out. and had to leave the field, Braithwaite taking his place. 'Shortly after this Gilchrist scored for Oriental, but .Capper failed to convert. A little later Capper kicked a penalty-goal. Oriental, G; "'Varsity, 0. This proved to be the last score. The only feature of the remaining play was several brilliant runs by Barker. Mr. A, C. Kitto was referee.

WELLINGTON V. SELWYN. Probably the most unexpected: result in locnl Eugby on Saturday was Wellington's defeat of Selwyn by 18 points to 8. This is Wellington's first win tliis season, and they thoroughly deserved it. From start 'to finish the game, which was played at Lyall Bay, was fast and open, and backs on both sides were continually called on to stop forward rushes, Wellington drew first blood, Cooper scoring ver.v shortly after play had commenced. Tull converted. Wellington, 5; Selwyn, 0. Wellington retained the offensive for a while, and then Selwyn went away witth a rush, and Wogan scored. Shearer converted, and both sides were level. Midfield play followed and then Scott, Wellington's wing three-quarter, obtained the ball and put in a beautiful run up tho line. But Flack, Selwyn's full-back, stopped the run, and for a few minutes both .players were knocked out. Yellow continued to press for some time, but then felwyn carried play up field, and Shearer kicked a penalty. Selwyn, S; Wellington, 5. Midfield play followed, then Scott got the ball and scored. Tull failed with the kick. _ Wellington, 8; Selwyn, 8. A few minutes later from a rack rush, Sutherland scored, and Tull converted. Wellington, 13; Selwyn, 8. From the start of the second spell the Yellows pressed fiercely, and held the upper hand for some time. Selwyn got away with a good rush, but tho Yellow pack soon carried play again into the Green's twenty-five. Tull attempted a penalty, but missed!" A long, diagonal rush resulted in Tull scoring. He converted himself. Wellington, 18; Selwyn, 8. From now on the Selwyn forwards, R'ho had during the second spell been all at sea. played a better game, and showed more life. They pressed practically tho whole time in tip dying stages of the game, but the Yellow men kept play nenr midfield. Wognn and Hack .played well for Selwyn, while Scott, Houston, and Francis were the best of the Wellington pack. Kelly, a young player, who was full-back, played a vi'i-y good game, and his line-kicking lv-lped Wellington greatly. JUNIOE MATCHES. The junior games were again postponed on Saturday owing to the heavy slate of the city grounds. Junior tootballirs have been unfortunate this sermon, their game 3 on four Saturdays' having been postponed. This will probably liiciin a late' finish of the junior competitions.

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. The senior fixtures for next Saturday have been arranged as follow.--Petone v. Victoria College, at l'etone; Athletic v. Poneke. at Athletic Park; Berhampore v. Selwyn, at Huttj Wellington v. Oriental, at Kilbirnic.

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. Tho following team has beon selected to represent Wellington in matches to be played against Manawatu and Horo-, whenua on August 4 and 7: Full back,' Wright _(Hutt) j three-quarters, Shanahau (Petone), Mahoney (Marists), Nicol ('Varsity) j five-eighths, Poole (Athletic), Roberts (Poneke); half, Eustgnte (Selwyn, captain); wind forward, Patchen (Solwyn)j forwards, Barclay (Old Guy (Athletic), Dickens (l'etone), Sullivan (Hutt), Cudby (Hutt), Bennett (Oriental), Bond (Petone); emergencies: back, Slater (Hutt), Kennedy (Hutt); forward, Collyer (Sclwyn), Poulter half, M'Vny (Athletic). The team is to meet at tho Poneke gymnasium at 7.30 p.m. to-morrow. WELLINGTON V. HAWKE'S BAT. Tho senior representative team to play Hawke's Bay on Wednesday will be selected this afternoon. •

RULES OF THE GAME SOUTH AFRICA AND THE PROPOSED ALTERATIONS Sydney, July 21.

Private advices from Capn Town state that a special meeting of the South African Rugby Board discussed an English letter dealing with tho, alterations in the rules of the game suggested by New South AVales, Queensland, and New Zealand. Tho meeting rejected the proposal that the referee should put the ball into the scrummage, but favoured the suggestion that there should b« nn charging of free-kicks, and for ten-yard nerummnges; also tho proposal regarding Rule 5 suggested by New Zealand. Mr. Palmer, secretary of the New South Wales Ruxby Union, said that Soutn Africa's approval meant that England was practically corta ; n to nirr/>» He thought the enforcement of the rule that the player who makes n mark take tho kick himself would result in allround improvement.

Mr. Jones, manager of the New Zeulunders, said he regarded the action of Eng'.and in submitting the proposals to South Africa was an indication of a desiro to meet Australasia. An important proposal recommending an Imaginnry line through the scrum instead of the centre had apparently been rejected. Mr. Jones added that otherwise this would have entailed the abolition of the wing-forward —Press Assn. NEW ZEALAND OEW SOUTH WALES STRONGLY-CONTESTKD GAME WON BY BLACKS. (Rcc. July 25, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, July 25. I'he contest between the New Zealand and New South Wales Rugby football teams attracted ten thousand spectators. Tho game was determinedly waged Throughout, but was characterised mor* by Individualism than combination. Wogan replaced Fsrqnhar, and Badehsy

played instead of Algar. New South Wales at first showed to advantage. Wogan was. responsible for a fino burst, lifter interception. Badeley set the Ulacks movinif towards the New South Wales goal, and from a dribbling rush Hellis passed to Baird, who crossed tho line Roborts converted. Steele shortly afterwards was pulled down near th« line, but Bellis nsain figured in a dribbling movement, and capped the effort with a try, Roberts converting. Tho Blues responded with a three-auarter attack, Wogan securing, and crossing. Law town converted. New Zealand, 10; New South Wales. 5. Storey, who was shaping well on the wing, accepted a oross kick from Elliott, and transferred fo Bellis. who returned to Storey, the latter crossing the line. Tho try was not converted. New South AVnles retaliated with clrvw pnssing efforts among the backs, but generally faulty handling checked tho progress. Lawton and Raymond. after lino exchanges, assumed a dangerous position. Lawton eventually crossed the line, and convorted +110' try. Bellis again scored -from a dribbling nish. At half-time the scores were: New Zealand, lfi: New South Wales. 18. Badeley, Tilyard, and Steele were responsible for fine individual efforts, Tilyard winning applause for tricky runs, and Storey for fine wing work. Play wan much of a muchness in the greater part of the second half, with bright, flashes on the part of both teams. Steele crossed tho New South Wales line after a splend : d run, and a field goal by Tilyard soon after brought the scores to 53 points to 10. Wogan and Raymond replied with a Treat effort from their own goal, the ball being eventually scrummaged over the New Zenlandors' line. Fox securing and scoring. Lawton goaled. Donald then scored for tho Blacks, making tho final scores: New Zealand, 2G; New South Wales, 15.— Press Assy,

MOASCAR CUP TE AUTE COLLEGE DEFEAT GISBORNE HIGH SCHOOL. By Telegraph-Press Association. Gisborne, July 24. In splendid weather, and in the presence of over 2000 spectators, the Te Ante College fifteen met Gisborne High School m the preliminary round of the Moascar Cup competition, the visitors winning by 13 points to 3. The game was fast throughout, and was the most attractive exhibition of Rugby seen in Gisborne this season, lor the winners tries were 6cored by White, Peina, and Tibbie, two being converted by Peina and Pine. Te Arawau scored a try for Uisbowe.

WELLINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB JUBILEE DINNER. AND SMOKE CONCERT. Tho Wellington Football Club, the oldest of local Rugby football clubs celebrated its jubilee on Saturday night with a dinner and a smoke concert in Dustin's room, Cuba Streut. Mr. T. S. Ronaldson, who has .been associated wtth tho c ub for a great, number of years, was in the chair, and there were about a hunm, Drcsent > including many veterans. . Tho history of the Wellington Club is in reality the history of football in Wellington, for tho club was formed in 1870. In 1871 Messrs. J. C. R. Ishcrwood and tt. Kano wero respectively president and iSreasiirer of the club, the practice ground being Chapman's paddock, now Fitzherbert Terrace. Though the year 18fi8 saw the start of football in Wellington, it was not until July 22, 1871, that the first game under Rugby rules was played, the game up to that date being known as the Melbourne, or Blackfellows' game. Tho opposing teams on tho (occasion were picked from tho Armed Constabulary and from tho Wellington Club, the latter being represented by the following players:—lsherwood (captain), Arthur, Bishop. Dougherty, Gore, Hood, James, Kane, Kirk, Ludwig, M Donald. M'Lcan, Nancarrow, Otterson, Park, and Wilkinson. It was in 1871 that the. Basin Reserve was first used for football. In 1881 Mr. J. P. Firth (still associated with tho club) was tho captain, also for the two following years. In 1890, under tho captaincy of Mr. G. Hume, tho club won Khe championship. The Wellington Rugby Union was formed in 1879. and Messrs. A. T. Bate and J. P. Cowie were the delegates from the Wellington C nb. Mr. Bate was unfortunately unable to be present on Saturday, as he has been laid asido by illness for some time past. With a history of fifty years to draw upon, tho veterans, who wero entrusted with the important loasb had much material to hnnd, and they mado tho best of the opportunity, the reminiscences boine; intensely interesting and sometimes decidedly amusing. After the loyal toasl; had been honoured,' the chairman proposed the (oast of the "Wellington Football Club." which was responded to hv Messrs. Fache. Thomson, and Dr. Jll'Lcan; "Rugby Football" ,was proposed by Mr. T. Broilie, and responded to by Dr. P. M'Evcdy and Mr. T. R. Ronaldson; 'Wellington Rugby Union" was proposed by Mr. G. C. Fache. The other toasts wero "Club Teams," "Kindred Clubs," "Referees' Association," "Tho Lndies," and "The Press."

There ivore many apologies from oldtimers of the eliil>, and they came by letters ,hhl telegrams from all over the Dominion. Amonfj tlio prominent old members present were Messrs. ,T, Burnett (who played in 1872 nntl G. 0. Faeho, A. JC. f, Mackenzie. T. Brodie, Br. Tzird, M. Burno't. T. Forsyth. Br. M'Fvedy. A. D. Bayfield. C. A. Innos, Oolonel fioache. Major Whitchorn, W. Trans. A. IT. Burnett, .T. Stock. A. G. Hutchison. .T. V. Mackav, V. Bond, G. V. Jackson. Major T. Wilkes, T. Morrnli, S. Hunt. G. Bvcrard, W. 10 Ahearne, IT. I). Smith. F. Turner. ,T. Murray (Christchnreh), a former club captain. V, Meredith (Auckland), captain of the senior t«am for many year l !, and H, Mnnoy (Motueknl. Mr. G. Dennistou represented the Pirates Club of Dunedin. The members of the club and, their friends f-nent a very jolly timo with stories of old came's, music, and $ong.