FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1931, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL. ' COBDEN WINNERS. There was a large crowd of spectators present on Victoria Park, Greymouth, on Saturday. to witness the final between Cobden and for the championship of the West Coast. The day was a splendid one tor good open football, no sun and a very licrht breeze blowing. The result of the game was a win for Cabden by 9 points (two tries and a penalty goal to 4 points (a potted goal). The winners deserved their victory as they were a very fit team and took advantage ot every" chance that came their way. Their backs played decidedly superior to their opponents, & the outstanding one being Rimmer, Limboin and J • King. Their forwards although lighter than their opponents, were very fast and always on the ball, The defence of the winners was sound all through and their collaring was a treat to witness. The losers had only themselves to blame as they had numerous chances to score and should have brought the game out of the fir e in the second half. The forwards played a wonderful game in the second spell, but the backs let them down. In nearly every passing run and when a score looked sure, somebody made mistakes and allowed their opponents to save. THE TEAMS, ' Cobden (red and white).—-A, King. Tinhorn, J. King, Eggleton, Southern, Rimmer, Garring, King, Wilson, Mahj oney, Keith, Gordon, Bolitho, Birchfield, Johnson. Excelsiors (red and Black). —Martin, Sohroder, Muir, King, Nightingale/ Hughes, Davidson, Freitas, Eager, .Kelly, ‘Gugich (2), Bannister, Hager, and Hughes.

the play. Defending the southern end, Freitis for Excelsiors kicked off and the hall was returned to Nightingale who found the line with a good kick. Cobden started out with a grßat dash ana in the first passing run their backs badly beat the Excelsior backs, whose collaring' was decidedly bad, and the run ended in Limboin scoring very soon after the start. He made a very good kick but failed to add the points. Cobden 3. Excelsiors nil. sj. The pace was kept up by Cobden and)the).Excelsiors seemed demoralised for the ilinei Getting , the ball Co-bden indulgedin some nice passing and kept the reds hard at, work to keep them out.. From a free kick in the 25 Limbom added three more points to Cobden’s score, which now read' 6 to nil. This set-back woke the reds up and they-rushed play to Cobden’s end and Martin)had a shot from a free kick in a only-. J-.ick a , poster. The reds were now playing better and some passing was indulged in hut the defence of the whites was too sound. Another f?'ee kick was given to the reds, but Davidson/ wlfo .took the kick, made a poor ,-ffort to start the ;score for Excelsiors. The; game was still confined to Cobden’s: end, but the reds could do nqthing right and eventually J. King shifted play with a long kick to the other end -of the field. Back came the red forwards but Rimmer picked up smartly and found the line near the centre. /Another good rush by the forwards and hacks or the Excelsiors was, only rewarded .by a force down. Tt seemed that the reds could do anything hut score, every effort being met by either good defence by the whites or bad finish by the reds. The pace was on right throughout this spell. There was no .further score and half time - was then called. >. In the second half Excelsiors started out with great determination to reduce the deficit and L. Hughes put in a nice dash and passed to Bannister, who then, sent on to Muir who

-ivas brought down almost on the line. The pace q" the ffr't snell seemed to J>ave quietened the Cohden team a lot and the reds were pressing them hard. Jn a passing rush Schroder was just stopped on the corner and then further efForts weiy l well stayed .by the defence of the Cohden backs. So far the reds were having decidedly the better of the play this spell and only on a few occasions did the play go past halfway. Shortly after a bad pass by Freitas nearlv ended in another score for Cohden who forced the reds. From the kick out the red forwards charged right down to Cobden’s line and from a free kick, Martin missed a chance to score. Kelly next put in a nice solo effort but the ball beat him and went into touch. Martin was next noticeable with a fine attempt to pot a goal, which just missed. Several attempts to score by the red hacks were made, n good clir.ncos being thrown awjnv bv bad hai'dlibg. On throe four or fivp red backs bad the ball to themselves with only a couple of defenders to stop them and they dropped the ball when they only bad to take it to score. Cohden rushed to the reds’ 25 for the first time in this spell and Rimmer getting the ball sent on to J. King, who was in front of him, and which the refefre did not see, being right on the other side of the field. King sent the ball on to Lirnbom, who put in a nice run t,i touch down, about ten yards from the corner. He failed to convert. A’ of attempting to pot were now indulged in by the Cohden hacks, first Lirnbom and then A. King put in nice kicks, which went very close. " Time was firnwi"'* to a close and in a dying effort by the reds Muir smartly potted a goal and the score sheet now read—Cohden 9, Excelsiors 4. Reds tried very hard to improve their position b*t the defence held

good and the full time bell sounded soon after, with Cobden winners of the Senior Competition for 1931. aMr McLaughlin was reieree.

.RIVALS V. STARS. There was considerable delay before this game was commenced on Saturday afternoon on Cass Square and then .35 minute spells were plavtd. Rivals had some difficulty in fielding a full team, hence the delay. The play was not of extraordinary interest. The special features were the great amount of touch finding and indiscriminate line outs of a very little interest. The Rivals had the better of the'earlier play but half way through the spell Stars attached and from the nick a pot a goal went for wide and Reynolds dashing up along the touch line went on to reach the ball and touch down for. a lucky try that was not converted. A few minutes later in a/loose rush from half way in the centre of the field the Rival defence gave way badly and Henderson breaking through went over under the posts to score an easy try which Fong converted. Soon after the spell came with the score 8 to 0 in favour of Stars. In the second half Stars continued to show brighter play[ but there was not much initiative and the backs failed to move up the field, while Fong made many openings go astray by repeatedly fumbling and very poor passes. Then Rivals asserted themselves and a loose rush .took the play to the other end and from a, rush for the ball that went under the posts Stopforth reached it first to touch down, an opponent coming into confect with one of the uprights with such force that he \v»S )<np,Qked out tpf! bad to leave the field. ’Vyehstev was successful ip increasing tfie points. The then attacked, but bVd handing spoilt 4 good opening and a iucky kick by Stopforth found half way. Here from a joose scramble Houston picked up and making a notable dash amongst many opponents beat them all and made his way to’the line and crashing into the goal post as he went to touch the ball down that he shook the structure. He managed to ground the ball but the contact stopped play for several minutes till' he recovered from the shock. Webster again converted and Rivals were 10 to 8. The game continued somewhat in Rivals favour and shortly after time was called with Rivals the victors. Mr A. Ciatbush was referee.

COMBINED JUNIORS V. RIMU. This game took place on the No. 2 ground and proved of more interest to ■the small attendance' of spectators thap the senior game on the other ground. ißimu. were getting the ball in the serums and mifde the play open, but there was no cutting in and the ball continually went across the field without any advantage being gained. When their forwards kept the ball at their feet, they made some fine loose rushes that gained much ground and always looked dangerous, trying the defence to the utmost. The Town team of combined dKiwi and Excelsior juniomswiere ragged at times but all tackjed well. In the 'first half Jones made a fine dashing run from half way all d when in a scoring ' position looked round and passed wildly, the opening being lost. A fow moments, later he made another fine dash and this time went on beating opponent after opponent, and went over to score a good try with another back at his side ready for a pass if necessary. Stapleton made a successful kick, Before the spell ended Stapleton kicked a penalty goal, the scqre at half time being 8 ito o. ' 111 the second half Rimu made a determined attack but the play came back and there was some, centre field play then from a passing run Groweott went over tq score, but Agnew failed to improve. A few minutes later from a penalty, Fleming kicked a neat goal and Rimu were 6 to 8. A fierce attempt to add another score was well defended and Town came away to almost score, and after a series of close scrums near the line a force down relieved Rimu. Ihe play continued in neutral quarters then till time was called. Town being victorious by 8 to 6, and the honours fairly even. Mi* Reeves was referee.

SEDDON SHIELD. „ I NELSON OUTPLAYED BY 22 TO 8. (By Telegraph—Per Trees Association) WESTPORT, August 15. In beautiful weather, before a large attendance of spectators, the Buller •reps, the holders of the Seddon Shield defeated Nelson, the challengers, by 22 points to eight. 1 By fast following up, J- Caldwell scored just after play began, and then Holder, from inside his own half, intercepted, and, outpacing his opponents, scored behind the posts, Graham converting. Passing by the Nelson backs let Newman away for a score at the corner, which Patrick brilliantly converted. Buller 10; Nelson 5. Buller next invaded Nelson’s territory, and Holder kicking through followed up to score another brilliant try, which Graham converted. At half time Buller led by 15 points to five. On resuming, the Nelson backs handled nciely, and Newman scored an unconverted try. Fumbling by the Buller backs was retrieved by Holder, who picked up smartly, and race over for his third try. Later, intercepting Garvin’s cross kick to the line, Connolly cut in past Snodgrass to score an unconverted try at the corner, making the final.scores: BULLER 22 NELSON 8 For Buller, Grogan, Goodall, Stewart and Caldwell were the outstanding forwards, and Holder, Graham and Scandrett were the best backs.

Garvin, 'McLean, Sutton and Snow (forwards), and Alexander, Newman and Snodgrass (backs), were the best players if or Nelson. Mr Empson, or Christchurch, very efficiently refereed the game.

SEDDON SHIELD DISTRICTS. TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIANS. The following team has been selected to represent the Combined Seddon Shield • districts in tlfoir match against the Australian team at Nelson : Full-back: Graham (Buffer). / Three-quarters: Bush (Nelson), E Holder (Buffer), Holm wood (Motueka). .Five-eighths: Alexander (Nelson), J.amorit (Buffer). Half-back: Al. Davidson (West Coast). Wing-forwvd: Cakler (Buffer). Hookers: Sclnvass (Motueka), Stewart (Buffer). Lock: Max (Nelson). Supports; McNeight (Buffer), Goodall (Buller). Back row : McLean (Nelson), Grogan (buffer). Emergenci'C: Backs: A. Newman. (Nelson), F, Fowler (Nelson), Patrick (Nelson); forwards: E. Jones (W.C.) Hickmett (Motueka), Gardiner (Buller).

INTER ISLAND MATCH. A THRILLING DRAWN GAME. WELLINGTON, August lb. After a. thrilling game, played at top pace all tffe way, the North and South Island teams finished up with honours even in their match yesterday, each side scoring 20 points. The North Island led by 14 to f) at half time, but the South Island team moifi than made up its deficit in the second spell, and until three miputes from time, it was leading by 2J to 17. Before the game had been in progress long, it was apparent that the teams were fairly evenly matched. The play frequently swept from one end of the 1 field to the other, arid back again, in the space of a minute or so. ine forivarffs on each side never let up in their efforts. The South Island played against the wind and sun in the first spell, when six points of each side's score cane from, penalties, kicked by Nieholls and Strang, respectively. Nieholls who played a great game all through, scored eleven out of the North Isand’s fourteen points in the first half, namely, two penalty goals and a converted try. Strang scored eleven of the South Island’s total of 20 points, kicking three penalties and converting a try. Lr the second half, the “South ' Island gradually overhauled their opponents, and till within fifteen minutes from time, the South Island was leading by 20 points to 14, Then, as the resfjlt of two fine openings, made by the inside backs, Cooke and BullockDouglas The latter was an emergency Winger, who* came on to replace Watson late in the game. THE PLAY. Four minutes from the start, Kilby and McLean got away in a short passing rush, taking the play to the South 25. There a. penalty was given North, and Nieholls goaled.—North 3; South nil. Cooke cleared two South attacks, and on the second occasion' found the line past, half way. There Cameron, Steere and McLean got away in a dribbling rush. They were held up in the South 25, where Hore got offside, and Nieholls again goaled.—North 6; South nil. EXCITING PLAY. After even play, Hart caused excitement in following up a high kick by Cottrell, and getting away with Kerr and Cooke after him. He was thrown out in the corner. Lilburne’s kicking gained ground for the North, and for some time the play was in South territory. Oliver intercepted a pass by Nieholls, and broke away. Then Geddes got going in a sprint down the line, passing to Cottrell, who crossed the line. The play, however, was pulled back owing to Geddes having put his foot into touch. The North forwards came back with a great rush, transferring play to the South 25.

NIOHOLL’S CLEVER TRY. Then Nicholls secured, and he produced a wonderful run, sidestepping and swerving his way for 20 yards, and he scored near the posts. He con. verted his own try.—North 11; South nil. Strang was next to score. He kicked a penalty goal for the South Island, well out. —North 11; South 3. N’icholls, Lilburne and Cooke handled from the kick-off, and tne North forwards carried on. When Choke was tackled, Lilburne secured, and made a good opening, handing on to McLean, who scored. Nicholls missed the kick.—North 14; South 3. A misfield by Watson allowed the South Island to get into a good position. After a period of light scrummaging the North Island was penalised near the pasts, and Strang kicked a goal, just on half time.—North Island 14; South Island 6.

SECOND SPELL. A few minutes from "the start of the second spell, the South backs got going in a passing rush, Geddes being

tacldcd near the line. In the scrummaging that followed, Max forced his way over to score a try. Strang missed the kick.—North 14; South 9. North had the better of the following ten minutes’ play. Then the South got down the field again, and Strang succeeded with another penalty kick.—North 14; South 12.

SOUTH ISLAND LEAD. Strang was responsible for a swift Soutli attacK, wlieli lie kicked high, followed up, and beat Choke to get possession. He passed out to Oliver and Alien, who in-passed to Oliver, allowing the latter to score a great try. .btrang converted. —South 17; North 14. The North forwards now got going in a good rush, and then they heeled the ball to Kiioy, who sent on to Nic-lioli-S, and Liiburne, who short-kicked for the line. Nictiolls nearly got across. W ith fifteen minutes to go. Hart sesecured the ball in the North 25, and he put in a wonderful run. side-step-ping bis way past the opposition, to score well out. Strang missed the kick.—South 20; North 14. Watson was heavily tackled by Geddes, alter a passing bout by the North backs, and he. had to retire. He was replaced by Bullock-Douglas. Kilby set the North backs going again, but Fookes was tackled on the wing as soon as he received the ball. Nieholls then missed with a penalty kick. Then Kilby, Nieholls/ and Liiburne handled, the last-named passing on to Cooke, who scored. Nieholls missed the kick,—South 20; North 17. Just before time, Kilby went round the blind* side of the scrum, and passed to Solomon and Reid, and on to Bullock-Douglas, who sprinted down the line, and scored in the corner. Liiburne missed the kick, and the game ended : —•

North Island 20 South Island 20 Mr J. Scott (Hawkes Bay) was the referee. PAYNE TROPHY. MERIVALE BEAT OTAGO VARSITY. CHRISTCHURCH, August 15. Merivale (Christchurch), and Varsity (Dunedin), played the match today for the Payne Trophy, which is annually awarded for a match between the champion teams of Dunedin and Christchurch. Merivale won by nine points to three. WIN FOR CANTERBURY. WANGANUI, August 15. Canterbury reps defeated .Wanganui in the Rugby match to-day by twenty points to six. Muljan, of Canterbury, was the out " standing back on the field. He was ably supported by Hazelhurst. Quaid was the best forward on view. Canterbury gave the impression that, with the star men, who played in the inter-island match included, the team will be a hard' challengar for the Ranfurly Shield.

AUCKLAND BEAT WAIKATO. AUCKLAND, August I's. The return 'Kuuby maieo between Auckland and Waikato U:|S ployed on Eden Park to-day and resulted in a, win for Auckland by seventeen points to eight. 1 POVERTY. BAY BEAT HAWKES BAY. NAPIER, August 15. Poverty Bay defeated Hawkes Bay Rugby representatives by 22 points to 16 to-day at 'McLean Park. , AUSTRALIAN TEAM SAILS. SYDNEY, August 14. The Australian Rugby team sailed for New Zealand , by the Ulimaroa They had a rousing send-off. A STRONG SIDE. EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH. SYDNEY, August 6. A judicious blending of experience and youth should make the Australian Rugby Union team selected to tour New Zealand one of the strongest combinations that has ever crossed the Tasman. Matches played in Sydney last Saturday and Monday—New South Wales versus Queensland and Australia versus The Rest—prove that it contains some prolific scorers, men who are not afraid to swing the ball about, men who specialise in fast, open play, ready to take advantage of every opening. There should be some lively games against the All Blacks, and the team is bound to be popular with the public. The average age of the team is only 23 years, and the backs average list 31b and the forwards 13st 71b. Here are particulars of the 25 players selected:

FULL BACKS.

There are many players included who are unknown to New Zealand, but their prowess must njot he discounted because they lack experience in international Rugby. The team is one o' the most carefully selected combinations to leave these shores, and is bound to give a good account of itself. Having the services, of Ross, Hemingway, and Cowper the team is well equipped with reliable goal kickers, sadly missed in the New South Wales team that toured New Zealand three years ago. On that occasion the visitors won onR one of the tests, hut actually scored a grenter miftiber of tries than New Zealand. Ross can be depended upon to kick a goal from almost any angle, and on more than one occasion has proved his ability to kick a goa] from the field. He is a dangerous man at all times, and a.difficult man to pass. Australia will always fee] confident with Ross at the last line of defence. Malcolm will be captain of a touring side for the first time in his career. He is a particularly fine half-back. Ask any member of a New Zealand team that has played in Sydney. It has always been his ambition to captain an Australian side—and this is the first tr’ißAustralian side sent across the for 19 years. Clark, the vice-captain, plays for the Queensland TJnivei'-.iiy, and seems to be temperamentally adapted for the position in which he has been placed. He played for Australian Universities last year, The Beleoto v s state that R. Lindsay (Queensland) would have been selected, but he- was unfortunate enough to break a leg la'-t Saturday, and he has gone to he p ;,tl instead.

Age. Weight. Dr. A. W. Ross (N.SAV.) 25 11.12 J. Steggall (Queensland) 21 10.5 WING THREE-QUARTERS. W. H. Hemmingway (N.S.W.) 22 13.0 H. Tollmrst (N.S.W.) ... 20 11.3 B. Palmer (N.S.W.) ... 32 12.0 CENTR E T HREE-Q U ARTERS. C. H Towers (N.S.W.) ... 26 12,1 P. Clark (Queensland) ... 19 12.5 U. Herd (N.S.W.) 21 11.3 five-eighths. D. L. Cowper (Victoria) 22 11.7 H. Primrose (N.S.W.) 20 11.2 HALF-BACKS S. J. Malcolm (N.S.W.) (captain) 28 10.5 G. Bennett (Queensland) 25 11.5 FORWARDS. Front Row. W. H, Currutti (N.S.W.) 22 13.8 E. Bonis (Queensland), hooker 25 13.8 M. R. Blair (N.S.W.) ... 26 12.10 .T. Ritter (Queensland) ... 27 12.5 E. Love (N.S.W.) 23 12.0 Second Row. F. Wlivatt (Queensland) 21 13.5 R. Judd (N.S.W.) ... 24 14.5 M. White (Queensland) ... 23 14.6 Locks. F. Reville (Queensland) ... 24 14.6 T. Perrin (N.S.W.f 20 15.10 Breakaway**. J. Clack (Queensland), vieecantain 22 12.0 L. J. Palfreyman (N.S.W.) 26 14.8 0. Bridle (Victoria) ... 19 13.7