RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10605, 2 June 1920, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY'S MATCHES SENIOR COMPETITIONS IN INTERESTING STAGE. NOTES ON PLAY AND PLAYERS. •Saturday last in the (Rugby world was indeed a day of surprises; at least so far as sovoral of tho competing senior teams were concerned. Following on their display against Athletic on tho previous Saturday, who would have anticipated that Petono would be able to so decisively vanquish the Poneke team? True, the suburbanites had tho advantage of playing on their own ground, but all round they displayed a. superiority and thoroughly deserved, to win by at least the margin they, did—five points. So, too, in the Athletic-Oriental match. Brave, indeed would have been the "Orie" supporter who ventured the opinion that his team would be defeated by the narrowest possi'blo margin. And yet so it was. Early in tho season it was recognised tbafc Oriental was a team likely to make rapid improvement, and so it has come to rmss. With a shade more good luck on 'Saturday the wearers of the black and white may -have won. A.nyhow, they put up a great fight. Good judges who have been watching the gradual improvement in tie Selwyn team wore quite, prepared to see them defeat but perhaps hardly r>y so wide a margin as seven points. In the case of Borhampore v. Wellington, it was taken as a foregono conclusion that the former team would come out on top. Their win was a rather easy one. but Wellington, although beaten bv fourteen points, were by no means bo much "out of tho hunt" as the score would indicate. As a result of Saturday's matches! the senior competition is in a quite interesting state. In all except one game on Saturday nest if does not seem 'very difficult to anticipate the teams which will add points to their championship total. But, after Saturday last, it is perhaps unwise to venture into tho realms of prophecy. OLD RIVALS MEET: HOW BEAT PONEKE. The Petone • team that played against Poneke on Saturday at Petone was practically the same that met Athletic the previous week, the one exception being 'Jimmy" Ryan, who was tho last line of defence, but there was a marked improvement in the play. It could hardly bo realised that the same team was in the field, and the vim shown by the forwards was distinctly refreshing. From start to finish there was not a "let-up," and the forwards were, or appeared to be, going as well in tho second half as at the commencement. It was not a day for back play. Passing was risky except when tho backs were close in, and in tho circumstances there was the liability of a pass being intercepted, a circumstance that happened on more than cne occasion. On the day Petone was admittedly the better tarn. »ud fully deserved its victory. WIND SPOILS EXHIBITION.

Had there been less wind on Saturday afternoon it is safe to say that the garao between Petone and Poneke would have provided one of tho best exhibitions of llugby seen for some time. It was certainly the best forward game- that has been'witnessed this season, and had (he backs been in a position to add their full quota the match would have nisei* to a high standard. A CREDITABLE COMBINATION.

J. Ryan, who -played at full-back for Petone. showed that he still has a lot of football left in him. His judgment in line-kicking was-a distinct feature, and in that respect he was a great asset to his side. . W. Thomas, on the wing, did not have much to do, but he accomplished the Httle that came his way creditably. E. Ryan took part in nearly all the back work, while Hamilton displayed sprinting abilities of no mean order. His break-away from his own line and sprint to the other end of the ground got his team out of a tight corner. M. Nicholla, until he received a severe hurt,- left nothing to be desired. The goal he kioked was a really fine effort. Corner has played better games. He is developing a habit of charging an. opponent who is possessed of the ball, m r stead of tackling him in the approved fashion. ... . i H. Nicholls at half-back was in 'excellent form. The two tries that Petone obtained were due to his "heady work. It was the best exhibition that he has civen this season. The forwards were a good combination. For honest hard work in the scrums Price and B. Thomas were particularly noticeable, while every man did his part, and did it well, in all departments. PONEKB FORWARDS BEATEN.

On the Poneke side Malm, at full-back, was calied upon to do a lot ot work., und bo made few mistakes, it any. McArthur, at wing throe-quarter, played much below hia form and gave the impretsion that he was taking particular care of himself. Algar was not given many opportunities and his lino kicking could ha vie been better. J Tilyard did some smart work, but us previously stated, it was not a day for -back play, and the conditions xmlit : sited against his displaying his football abilities. F. Tilyard played close up to tho scrums and was instrumental in stopping a number of passing rushes by the opposition backs. His defensive play was also good. C. Tilyard at hairbuck w.-vs hampered as his forwards seldom got tho ball in the scrums. Tie forwards as a, combination were not equal to the Petone vanguard, lroy and Calcdnai were the Pick, and troy played one of the best individual games on the ground. UNFAIR TACTICS.

There were two glaring incidents oi deliberate tripping at Petqne on Saturday which escaped tho notice of the re-

feree. This method of play should be •doverely dealt with. Another unsportsmaniitee method, foWuuaftelj' rarely adopted, of stopping an opponents progress, came under observation—that was the upward stroke- of the forearm under „ii u chin. Football is only a game and tho man who cannot play without indulging in unfair taotdes shuld ire relegatod to the "bank." ATHLETIC-ORIENTAL GAME. LATTER'S GALLANT EFFORT. Those who journeyed to tho Athletic Park on Saturday were rewarded with as closo a tussle as was anticipated between Alhletio and Oriental, and on ac. count of the closeness of the final scores tho match was popularly voted a good one. The result of the match was never a certainty till tho time-bell called the players off the ground, for any score by Oriental would have given them a lead over thoir opponents. Every time, therefore, that Oriental looked liko scoring, the grandstand, which harboured mora than a sprinkling of support for the Easterners, wildly broke out into xxciled encouragement. FORWARDS' HARD BATTLE.

Tho game was principally decided by the forwards, who were always at close grips. Tho wind was chiefly responsible, for with a stiff, cold southerly blowing from end to end of the field, the backs could do little In the first spell Oriental was afforded the assistance of the elements, but failed to avail themeolvos of their opportunities, and allowed their opponents to draw first .blood, even though playing with the wind _in their teeth. The superiority of the blues lav in their combination. At half-time Athletic had run up six points to Oriental's five, and it -was confidently expected that after the change over the blues, who had obviously been restraining themsblves and reserving their power for tho second halt, would largely increase the margin. Although thev usually hold the best part of the field, however, they could not break through, finding the resistance of tho Oriental forwards sure and stubborn. ORIENTAL'S FINE EFFORTS.

It was as well for them, then, that they secured their two tries.in the open imz half. Oriental broke away once or twice, bringing the grandstand to its feet, but the wind told against the high punting • work that was being indulged in, and the efforts proved fruit. The general opinion wa« that Athletio, having the advantage in the second spell. should have gained the final verdict by a larger majority than they did, and the credit lies with Oriental for having ©re. vented this. TO-MORROW'S MATCH RANFURLY SHIELD CONTEST. The Canterbury versus Wellington game is to be played to-morrow and should be the main holiday attraction in the city. The Canterbury team arrives this morning and will stay a't the Carlton Ho!el. Tho visiting te"am will be tho guests ".of Messrs Fullers', Ltd., at His Majesty's tc-jiight. The Canterbury team is a very powerful combination and should bo hard to boat, in fact a great tussle for tho shield is expected. The early game will be a, University match, Victoria versus Canterbuiy. THE WELLINGTON TEAM. The team picked to represent Wellington against- Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield match to-morrow ia a fairly strong combination. Malin, at full-back; should fIU the position with credit, and the threequarter lino (McArthur, Algar, and B. Ryan) should work well togocher. McArthur will have to show better form than he did on Saturday to bo worth his place, and he was evidently not picked on that showing. Tho five-eights, (Byrno and J. -Tilyard) aro worthy of inclusion, and the team would be incomplete without "Toddy" Roberts at half-back. ( The forwards are a hefty lot, but this division is possible of improvement by the deletion of one player whose usefulness, even in club football, is practically at an end. The team, however, was an extremely difficult one to pick, and in the circumstances the selectore have done well. _ Tho Wellington representatives are required to be in attendance at Athletic Park at 2 p.m. on Thursday next.

CANTERBURY' TEAM ALTERED. ' A Press Association telegram from Christohureh states that D. AlcOormack is unable, to play for Canterbury against Wellington, and W. Yates takes his place as first five-rights. O'Malley is the emergency back, and he can make the trip. SATURDAY'S MATCHES DETAILS OF FIXTURES, GROUNDS. AND REFEREES. Following are the fixtures, grounds, and referees for Saturday's matches to be played under the auspices of tho Wellington Rugby Football Union: SENIOR, Petone v. Wellington, Hurt No. J. 2.45 p.m.; E- Tfegoar. University v- Athletic, Petone No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; O. H. Cleland. Borhampore v. Oriental, Kelburn Part, 2:4-5 G E. Bradley. Selwyn v. Poneke, Athletic Part, 2,45 p.m.; A C. Kitto. JUNIOR. Petone v. Oriental, Kilbirnie No. 3,2.45 p.m.; T. H. Jones. University v. Old Boys, Duppa street No. 3, 2.45 p.m.; G G. Denmson. Marist v. Berhampore. Duppa street No. 1. 2.45 p.m.; J. S. King. Athletic v. Poneke, Newtown Park, 2.46 p.m.; J. Moffitt. Wellington v. Selwyn, Newtown Park, 1.30 p.m.; J. Francis. Hutt, a bye. THIRD 4.

Miramar v, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie No 1, 2.45 p.m.; A. B. Nicholson. University Av. Berhampore, Duppa street No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; H. Brooter.

Marist v. Porirua, Porirua, ,2.45 p.m.; A.- Watson. . ~. Athletic v. Wellington College, WellingCollege No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; H. Paton. St. Patrick's College, a bye. ' THIRD B. Hutt v. Old Boys, Hutt No. 2, 2.45 p.m--T. A. Fletcher. University v. Petone, Hutt Park, 2.45 p.m.; H. McGirr. Oriental v. Scots College, Scots College, 2.45 p.m.; L. Simpson. Y.M.C.A. v Selwyn, Duppa street No 4. 2.45 p.m.; J. W. Nicholson. Wellington v. Upper Hutt, Upper. Hutt, 2.45 p.m.; J. Freeman. FOURTH GRADE. Miramar v. Oriental, Miramar No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; H. F. Larway. Hutt v. St. John's, Hutt, 1.80 p.m.; C. Power 'Varsity v. St. James, Duppa street No. 1, 1.30 p.m.; B. E. Wilkinson. Marist v. Berhampore, Lyall Bay No. 1, 2.45 p.m.; A. Smart. Y.M.C.A. v. Porirua, Porirua, 2.45p.m.; . S. S. Dean. Johnsonville v. Poneke, Johnsonville, 2.45 p.m.; W. K. Taplin. Athletic v. Selwyn, Lyall Bay No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; S. A. C. Darby. Wellington A. v. Petone, Kilbirnie No. 2. 2.45 p.m.; H. S. Leith. FIFTH GRADE. Petone v. Oriental, Kelburn Park, 1.30 p.m.; C: P. Brocklebank. Hutt v. Berhamporo, Hutt No. 1, 1-30 p.m.; A. Mcßain. Athletic v. Wellington College B, Wellington College No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; E. T. Bailey. St Patrick's College v. Wellington Collego A, Athletic Park, 150 p.m.; C. Mullaney. Amokura v. Banks College, Kilbirnie No. I, 1.30 p.m.; T. R. Brooks. Porirua v. Poneke, Kilbirnie No. 2, 1.30 p.m.; B. P. Galvm. Selwyn v. Scots College. Scots College, 1.30 p.m.; C. Snow. SIXTH GRADE. Petone v. Technical, Petona, 1.30 P.m.; C. Slater. St. Patrick's College A v. Wellington College A, Wellington College No. 3, 3-45 p.m.; R. E- J. Martin. St. Patrick's College B v. WeJlington College B, Wellington College No. 2, 2.45 p.m.; . A. Nancarrow. Poneke v. Wellington College C, Wei. lington College No. 3, 1.30 p.m.; ( Frank Bradley. N.Z. RUGBY UNION MEEJTING OF EXECUTIVE. VARIOUS MATTERS DEALT WITH. A meeting of the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Union was held last night, Mr W. F. Hornig iresided, and the other delegates present wore r—Messrs W. W. Cook, E). Perry, G- Jackson. E. H. Ward, S- Pike, W. Donovan. J. Prendeville, H. Buck, and J. N. Millard, The Canterbury Union wrote stating that it was prepared to play a match with Wellington, provided a return match was played against Canterbury next season. The Wellington Union to pay the expenses of the team's visit, and the same conditions to apply when a team visits Christchurch. The match in each instance is to be considered a R-an-furlvi Shield one. An application was made by William J. Paul, of Upper Hutt. for reinstatement as a Rugby player." The application wa's not in order, and it was referred back for futher particulars.—Mr Prendeville pointed out that the form was too vague, and its revision should be undertaken by tho New Zealand executive. . „ '

A complaint was received from Upper Hutt to the effect that for -the past two Saturdays the referees appointed to control the games had not put iu an appearance. The matter is to be referred to the .Referees' Association. It Was reported by the secretary that a number of team slips had not been received each Saturday, and the club secretaries are to bo notified. In. this connection it was decided to inform the Referees' Association, that it had its own organisation, and should circularise it« own members on the subject, and that the work could not be undertaken by the Rugby executive. The Y.M.C.A. Club secretary complained that the captains of the Y.M.C.A. and Old Boys', teams were unable to agree to the referee who controlled the game, and asked that the result of the game be not recognised.—-The matter is to be held over till a reply bad been received from the Old Boys Club. It was decided to hold over an application for a matoh with Hamilton during the Wellington team's northern tour. The Hutt Club is to be asked for an explanation why its fourth grade team failed to meet Oriental at Kilbirnie on Saturday. _ ~ ... A referee of the Wellington Football Association complained that during the progress of a match at Kilbirnie on May 15th play had to be stopped through Rugby piayera encroaching on one of the goals. The Oriental Football Club applied for consent to the transfer of a player from the Athletic Club.—Refused. Permission was given the Hutt Club to take up a. collection on tho ground <n Saturdays on which no charge for admission was made. Permission was given" a number of clubs to take part in the seven-o-side tournament .at Palmereton North on June 3rd. _ Tho use of the Athletic Park for Tuesday evening was granted Maris* Old Boys Club, and the Berhampore Club on Thursdays for practice pirposes. It was reported that. t>o Hutt players in a junior game with Petone received injuries that would probably necessitate medical attention. . A letter of appreciation was received from tho City Council in regard to the excellent arrangements that were made for the match in honour of the Prince of Wales. _