Improving Standard In Senior Games

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 188, 6 May 1940, Page 3

Improving Standard In Senior Games

WELLINGTON IMPRESS Five Teams Still Unbeaten Better team work enabled Wellington, last season’s champions, to secure a convincing win against Marist Bros. Old Boys in the main Rugby attraction in Wellington on Saturday. The weather was fine but cold. Detailed results are: ■Wellington 20, Marist Bros 0.8., S. Johnsonville 13, Petone 6. Athletic 14, Oriental 0. Poneke 16, Eastbourne 3. St. Patrick’s Coll. 0.8. 21, Hutt 16. College 0.8. 6, University 6. An improved standard of play was witnessed in most games, the Wellington and Athletic backlines revealing some first-class form. Five senior teams remain unbeaten. The championship points are:

Plenty Of Opportunities Dominating the scrums and rucks, the Wellington forwards gave their backs plenty of opportunities and the side ran out comfortable winners against Marist Brothers Old Boys in the main game at Athletic Park. The Wellington backs turned on some sparkling football, and onlv for dour defence and some lack of determination by the attackers when in commanding positions,' the winning margin might have been larger. The outstanding players were A. Thompson, the Wellington five-eighth, who was playing his last game.for the club, and G. Thomas, the Marist fullback, Both were responsible for some really brilliant work. Thompson again revealed uncanny handling. His quick eve for an opening, covering up and smart clearances in defence stamped him as a footballer of class. Thomas scarcely made a mistake, repeatedly extricating Ins side from awkward positions. An injury compelled him to retire toward the end ot the same. - , Gillespie scored another spectacular try for Marist Brothers, but a faulty piece of play by him in defence gave Wellington an easy try. Brown did a great deal of serviceable work behind the Marist scrum, but the backs could not settle down in attack, though their defence was solid. The Green pack worked tirelessly, but were outplayed in rucks and scrummages. , Fulton and Ullrich had glorious opportunities of adding to Wellington’s score, but did not seem to size up the situation, though on one occasion h ulton showed the value of his speed in all but scoring. The Wellington forwards teamed admirably. Though not a heavy pack, their compact scrummaging and rucking gave them a monopoly of the ball. Cochrane (2), Thompson and Childs scored for -Wellington. Taylor and Thompson converted a try each and Thompson potted a field goal. Gillespie scored for Marist rßothers. Stanaway converted the try and kicked a penalty goal. Referee: Mr. H. B. Simmonds. Draw A Fair Resiilt ' Because they disagreed with some, of his decisions, the crowd spent some time heckling aud counting the referee out in the early match at Athletic- Bark between University and Old Boys. The latter were awarded a penalty goal when the ball appeared to go outside the posts. A draw was a fair result, however, there being little between the teams. Actually Old Boys were much superior in backing up and in the general play of the backs, who look capable of improv- ; ing further. Reynolds;, Pocknail and Wright were the pick. Yeatman impressed among the forwards, using his height well in the lineouts. He was well supported by Amies and C, Gotlieb. .the Old Boys scrum packed more effectively than did Varsity and won most of the McNicol again led the Varsity forwards spiritedly. Gandar was prominent in the loose. Patrick and Larkin were the most effective of the backs. All the points came from penalty goals, Kissel kicking two for University and Alexander two for Old Boys. One of Kissel's goals was a grand effort from 40 yards out. Referee: Mr. A. M. Fletcher. Poneke Forwards Impress Solid play by the Poneke forwards kept the result of the match against Eastbourne, at Eastbourne, always m safe keeping. The home side defended well, Sanson being a tower of strength at full-back, and till fairly well on in the match Poneke had little advantage in pointe, but their forwards paved the way for two more tries in the concluding stages to put the issue beyond doubt. , . Mullott was one of the best forwards on the ground, and gives every indication of developing into a class player. Onglcy revealed some of his true form, and led his side ably. Lawton and Johns combined well behind the scrum, and Crisp gave his usual iwlished display at fullback. , _ ~ •Sanson was the pick of the Eastbourne backs. Iris defence being excellent, and his clearances in face of torrid rushes first-class. He was compelled to retire in the second spell with an injury. Plank was another who served his side web. The forwards were tireless workers, but lacked the all-round proficiency of'their opponents. , Caleinai, Lawton and Winter scored for Poneke. Crisp converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. Posselt scored for Eastbourne. Referee: Mr. D. C. Lawson. Athletic. Backs Sound Athletic- backs were again in good form, and the side had no trouble in running out easy winners, 14-0, in the match with Oriental, at the Miramar polo grounds. Though the forwards worked hard, Oriental was never dangerous, and Athletic made the pace from start _ to finish. Oriental’s backs lacked cohesion and initiative. On occasions there were bright individual moves, but the side as a whole was outclassed by the more methodical play of Athletic. The game was fast and open, witli few dull moments, and though slow at the start, the Oriental pack soon settled down to hard, rucking play. Athletic, however, gave them few openings, aud a short time after the kick-off registered their first try, 0. O’Halloran, who distinguished himself throughout, diving over after a set scrum. On the rare occasions that Oriental did have a break, the backs were out of position, and muddled with the ball. At least two probable tries were bungled in this way. Athletic, on the other hand, gave a splendid example of positional play, and at half-time were leading 6-0. Badland, on the left wing, showed plenty of pace. Pearson, on the right _wing, Thurston, at centre, and 11. I’ - . Rice at full-back, were also in fine form. Oriental were unlucky, early in the second spell, in losing A. Jack, on the

left wing, through an injury. Jack, though lacking support, played clever football, and was conspicuous for his bright moves. He was replaced by Boyer. Oriental’s backs tackled well, and had it not been for this factor Athletic would have scored more points. 1. Oriental’s bal'f-baek, fed hda backs cunsistently well, and Martin, at f ull ' l>^ lc > made some good clearances. J. Mont “ornery at centre-tbreequarter, was eonstantly'on the alert, and spoilt more tbflu one brilliant move when the ball was oassinur through Athletics back line. O’Hallonan, Badland and Xhuirston (2) scored for Athletic, Thurston converting one of his tries. . Referee: Mr. J. Gilchrist. Won In First Spell Playing open and attractive football St. Patrick’s College Old Boys beat Hutt, at Fh" Hutt Recreation Ground, by 21 points to 16. St. Pat’s scored all their points in the first spell when they had Hutt almost continually on the run. Hutt „ave a much-improved showin = in the second spell and attacked strongly for long periods, but solid defence prevented them reaching St. Pat’s total. . St. Pat’s attacked from the start, their backs repeatedly sweeping upfield in spectacular passing rushes. They saw little more of the ball than the Hutt backs, but *hey made full use of their opportunities. Luoni gave good service from the base of the scrum and the rest of the line all handled and passed _ well. They also showed themselves quick to take advantage of their opponents mistakes. J. Gallagher and Paino were responsible for most of the openings and Boland, who scored two tries, one after a brilliant 4Uyards dash, was always dangerous. The St Pat's forwards were well led by E Todd, who ditf fine work in the line-outs. Marsden and Hutchinson were also prominent in the pack. The Hutt forwards had a slight advantage in the second spell and secured a majority of the ball from the serums. The backs showed improved form and though their movements lacked finish they kept St. Pat’s on the defensive. Hutt’s second try was the result of a grand movement started by the forwards. R. Marsden, Potter and Kemp handled before Evans took the ball and went over near the .posts. ’ M. Marsden and B. Reid (St. Pat’s) were injured in the second half and were replaced by T. Dennehy and C. Mcßae. Vartha (Hutt), who was injured, was replaced by B. Tressider. For St. Pat’s tries were scored by Poland (2), Todd, Dance and J. Gallagher. Todd converted three. For Hutt Evans scored two tries, one.of which he converted. He and Cassidy both kicked penalty goals. Referee: Mr. T. G. Taylor. Won In Last Minute After a strenuous and keenly contested game Johnsonville ran out the winners against Petone at the Petone Oval by 13 points to 6. Actually only one try was scored, each side securing two penalty goals, and Johnsonville’s remaining points coming from a dropped goal in the final minute. It was a hard day for the forwards, who were called on for continuous solid effort, and both packs came through it well. For Johnsonville S. Dean had a great day in the line-out, securing the ball regularly, and he also made good use of it. A. Kenny, A. Mcßride, and P. .Lewes worked hard and W. Titshall, a junior player, proved worthy of his place. T. Bowler (Johnsonville) and P, Aston and A. McCarthy (Petone) were the best loose forwards. McCarthy also worked hard in the tight as also did R. White and A. Barton. In the set serums D. Saulbrey secured a lion’s share for Petone. G. Burns was the outstanding back both on attack and defence. Actually thg defensive work all round was of a high standard with solid tackling and close marking. H. Kenny put in a good day at fullback, while P. Pearce, J. Lyons and J. Burns were also prominent. J. McGurk, at half, and R. Fair-' burn w'ere Petone’s best backs. The fullback, D. O’Connor, w-as lacking in a sense of position, but otherwise reveals distinct promise. Petone generally were lacking in penetrative ability. The scorers were: For Johnsonville, T. Bowler, a try; J. Burns, two penalties; G. Burns, a dropped goal. For Petone, P. Aston, two penalties. Referte: Mr. J. Wilson.

Lower Grade Results Senior second Grade. Athletic 10, Onslow 3. Poneke 18, Pirates 8. Miramar 14, Petone 3Marist Bros. 0.8.. a bye. Junior 1. —Training College 28, Technical Old Boys 8; Oriental 19, Hutt 6; Petone 22, Hutt 0; Hutt Army 10, College Old Boys 9; St. Patrick’s College 0.8. 0, Seatoii'n 3; Wellington 14, University 0. Junior 2.—Taita 3, Kalwarra 3; College Old Boys 11, Eastbourne 5; Onslow 0. Athletic 0: Wellington 50, Institute 6; Petone 5, Poneke 8. . „ „ . Junior 3.—Pirates 14, Karon 7; University 8, Petone 8: Wellington 20, Wellington College 0.8. 0; Miramar 16, Marist 11; Johnsonville 18, Oriental 0; Porirua, a bye. Third I.—St. Patrick's College 10, Poneke 6, 'Wellington College 0.8. 12, Hutt 3: St. Patrick’s 0.8. 11, Miramar 3: Petone 9, Athletic 9; Training College defaulted to University. , Third 2.—University IL Onslow 7; Wellington fi, Oriental 0; Seatoun 21, Plimmerton 0; Johnsonville 11, Athletic 8; College Old Boys defaulted to St. Patrick’s College O.B.: Mgrlst Bros. 0.8., a bye. Third 3.—Poneke 14, Petone 12; Taita 9, Upper Hutt (J; Athletic 9, Pirates 0; Seatoun 33, Wellington 8; Onslow 0, Hutt 6; Wellington B 11,.Technical 0.8. 0; Johnsonville 9, University 3. Fourth I.—Johnsonville 21, Poneke 0; Hutt 9, Wellington College 0.8. 5; Petone 14, Oriental 9; Wellington 11, Upper Hutt 9. Fourth 2. —'Wellington College 0.8. 0, Marist 6; Petone 17, Institute 3; Eastbourne 22. St. Patrick's 0.8. 0; Miramar defaulted to Seatoun; Porirua 9, Kniwarra 7, Fifth Grade. —Poneke 6, Onslow 6: Petone B defaulted to Wellington; Miramar 15, Pirates 0: Petone A 12, Upper Hutt 8; Hutt 18, Athletic 0; Marist Bros. 0.8. 21, Orieu.tal 0: Eastbourne, a bye. Sixth Grade.—Johnsonville 12, Poneke 0; Miramar defaulted to Hutt; Athletic, a bye. IN OTHER CENTRES Dunedin: Southern 18, Pirates 6; University A 11, Kaikorai 8; Zingari 0, Dunedin 0; Union 11, Alhambra 0; Taieri 19, University B 8. '• Christchurch: Christchurch 13, Southern 9; New Brighton 14, Sunnyside 9; Liuwood 20. Merivale 10: Old Boys 13, Athletic 8; Varsity 29, Albion 3; Air Force 13, Army 5.

Wellington W D 0 B For Ag Pts 0 42 19 •1 2 0 0 4 Johnsonville University College Old i 0 1 0 0 31 17 12 12 4 3 Boys .. 0 2 0 0 1 12 19 12 14 2 St” Pat.'s Coll. O.B. 1 0 1 1 1 27 12 19 i Marist Bros. Hutt •••• O.B. .. 0 0 1 1 1 1 14 22 26 27 1 1 0 0 6 32 0 Eastbourne 0 0 - 14 38 0