RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE BLEDISLOE CUP

AUSTRALIAN TEAM OVERWHELMED

FAST ' AND SPECTACULAR GAME

HEAVY SCORING IN SECOND SPELL

The All Blacks gained a decisive win by 38 points to 13 in the second test match against the touring Australian team at Carisbrook on Saturday, and as a consequence gained possession of the Bledisloe Cup. In the first spell the New Zealanders did not settle down as well as was expected, and the Australians deservedly led at half time by 13 points to 11. In the second spell, however, the All Black forwards gave a vastly improved display, and the consequence was that the backs enjoyed greater opportunities. They quickly ran into a comfortable lead, and as the play progressed New Zealand’s superiority became more marked. The Australians were in the end so completely outclassed that 27 points were scored against them during the spell. As a spectacle the game fulfilled all expectations. The conditions were almost ideal, for the ground was in excellent order, and there was only a slight breeze. The extent to which public interest had been aroused was shown by the attendance of 26,000. The game was fought at a remarkable pace, and the brilliant movements of the All Blacks, particularly in the second spell, aroused great enthusiasm. The Australians contributed to the spectacular nature of the play by their opportunism and great speed in solo efforts.

FAST, OPEN GAME AUSTRALIANS START WELL DOMINATED IN SECOND SPELL When, at half time, Australia were leading by 13 points to 11 points, and had been making strenuous efforts to open up the play, it would have been a bold optimist who would have suggested that the All Blacks were going in the second half to make a runaway game of it. Whether the efforts of the Australians in the first spell had taken too much out of them, or whether it was that they tired under the persistent solid work of the All Black forwards —which had not been so evident in the first spell—the fact remains that the Australians in the second spell lost the initiative, and had mostly to play on the defensive. The Colours’ backs, however, had many opportunities, but Richards, who replaced M’Laughlin in the second half, was the only back able to make any headway. The Australian five-eighths and the three-quar-ters appeared to crowd each other as they moved through, but it has to be remembered that they were facing three solid tacklers in Gillies, Griffiths, and Mitchell. The Australians, in their bright uniforms, looked a likely team as they came on to the ground, and they soon showed that they were not frightened to throw the ball about. But their passing was not effective, and seldom allowed their wing three-quarters to get clear. Neither of the two tries scored by Australia was the result of a passing movement. M'Laughlin scored the first try through picking up the ball, at the end of a long throw-in and going over between the posts—the All Blacks no doubt asking themselves how it had really happened—and the other try resulted through aclever piece of opportunism by Bridle st 3 scrum. . ■ * * With; the • Australians playing fine football in the first half, and with their backs getting plenty of the ball, one might have thought that the visiting side should have done better. But the passing of the Colours’ backs lacked finish; time and again the inside backs simply threw the ball on to the/ next man from a flat-footed stance, and the passing went straight across the ground. , It might be asked why Gibbons (half-back) and Lewis (five-eighth), as international players, should have to turn right round before passing. ' It may be showy, but one imagines that such play would cost a New Zealand player his position in a team. , , There was one department of tpe game, and this was most noticeable in the first half, where the Australians showed New Zealand that she had something to learn in the art of football. That was in the line outs. Time and time again Hodgson or some other player would knock the ball cleanly back, to Gibbons, and he would throw out smartly to Lewis to send his backs away. These tactics, however, are not difficult to defeat. Apart from Hodgson, Walden, Hutchinson, and' White were noticeable for solid play. Bridle, a tall, fast forward, proved to be the Ivor Jones of the visiting team, and he was awav from the sides of the scrums like a streak. Twice he cut off passes by Sadler at the scrums, one of his breakaways bringing a try to his side. The Australian forwards repeatedly hooked the ball from the scrums in the first half, going to prove that neither Hadley nor any other single player can hook the ball if his pack are not working hard, and the All Black pack were not working hard in the first spell —and they hooked it cleaner than did the All Black pack. Richards was about the best back on .has side. He had the most penetration, and tried hard to straighten up the pass:mg )f the three-quarter line. His tackling was also sound, and so also, for, tnai matter, was that of Gibbons andXewis and the other Australian backs. Storey played a useful game at full-back, and he certainly had plenty to do in the All*Black team showed quite a reversal of form in the second half. In the first half their play was spasmodic, and the work of the for wards was often nullified by the Australian breakaways holding up the opening movements by Sadler. .More over, Griffiths, second five-eighth, was being caught too often with the ball. Nevertheless, two well-earned tries ST scored by excellent passing movements, Mitchell and Hart going across. ■■■'■ In the second spell the New Zealand forwards had a clear advantage and the Australian backs had a bad time. The Australian forwards mostly left it to their backs to get out of trouble, instead of coming back to give them a hand. And it was no wonder that when Wells, Reid, Kang, and Dalton came through at the head of sweeping rushes that the defence of the backs wilted at times. Their defence, however. was invested with plenty of courage, but they should have received more covering assistance from their forwards. The All Blacks added 27 points to their score in the second half, whereas the visitors failed to score. Pollock, full-back, played a serviceable game. He generally had plenty of time to get in his kicks, and altogether he did well. He played under difficulties, as he was injured during the game, Hart and Watt, on the wings, both

played up to All Black standard, and required some stopping when they received the ball. They did not, however, receive many good scoring chances. Mitchell shaped well at centre three-quarter, and scored both of his tries by strong, determined running. Griffiths was not prominent on attack. Gillies, playing in his recognised position, first five-eighth, provided practically all the thrust of the All Blacks’ rearguard. In the second half especially he was übiquitous, and time and again he went through the defence to gain ground and open up attacks by his backs. He was indeed the pivot of most of the thrust of the All Black backs. Sadler, half-back, passed the ball out smartly from the scrums, and kept close to the ball all the afternoon. His defence, too, was excellent, and he caused great amusement on one occasion by hurling the stalwart Hodgson to the ground. Sadler is not unlike Saxton in his appearance on the field and in his style of play. THE SCORING The scoring was as follows:—Australia: Tries by M’Laughlin and Bridle (both converted by Rankin, a left-foot kick) and a penalty goal by Rankin; 13 points. New Zealand: Penalty goal by Pollock, tries by Mitchell and Hart (one converted by Pollock), 11 points. Second half: Tries by Hart, Reid, Watt, J. Rankin, Mitchell, J. Rankin, Reid (Pollock converted three), 27 points. CUP HANDED OVER The Bledisioe Cup was handed over at the dinner at the Grand Hotel in the evening, when a number of brief speeches were made. Mr H. Harris, amidst a chorus of “ Oh’s,” humorously remarked during the course of his speech that the All Blacks’ game that day was very reminiscent of the football we had had in Otago this season. THE TEAMS NEW ZEALAND Full-back—H. R. Pollock (Wellington) 10.0. Three-quarters—G. F. Hart (Canterbury) 11.7, N. Mitchell (Southland) 13.3, J. M. Watt (Otago) 12.6. Five-eighths—J, L. Griffiths (Wellington) 10.5, captain: C. C. Gillies (Otago) 11.7. Half-back—B. S. Sadler (Wellington) 10.0. Forwards—E. Jackson (Hawke’s Bay) 14.0, W. E. Hadley (Auckland) 13.2, D. Dalton (Auckland) 14.0. J. Wells (Wellington) 14.0, R. R. King (West Coast) 14,4, S. T.'Reid (Hawke’s Bay) 14.13, R. Ward (Southland) 13.9, J. G. Rankin (Canterbury) 13.0. AUSTRALIA Full-back —K. P. Storey 12.5. Three-quarters—W. M’Laughlin 11.0, A. D. M’Leah 12;6, R. Rankin 12.10, J. D. Kelaher 11.2. Five-eighth—L. S. Lewis 11.6. Half-back—E. Gibbons 10.4. Forwards—R. J. Walden (captain) 14.6, E. T; Bonis 13.8, J. H. Malone 13.10, F. E. Hutchinson 14.4, W. G. S. White 16.0, O. L. Bridle 13.7, R. L. F. Kelly 14.3, A. J. Hodgson 14.4. THE PLAY IN DETAIL Facing a glaring sun, Pollock kicked off for the All Blacks, and, after an exchange of kicks, the ball went out near halfway. From the first scrum Australia secured, a passing movement breaking down.. From the next scrum the ball was quickly hooked to Sadler, and the ball went through the chain of backs to Watt, who knocked on a bad pass. The Blacks secured again, and Gillies kicked high into the visitors’ twenty-five, where Storey fielded well, finding touch at halfway.. A loose rush by the Australian forwards gained ground, but play was soon back at midfield, where the. All Blacks were awarded a penalty. Pollock with a great kick found touch in the Australians’ twenty-five, but the visitors responded with a quick throw-in and regained the lost ground. - HODGSON BREAKS THROUGH A spectacular incident followed when Hodgson broke away and passed to Bridle, who was taken a few yards from the New Zealand line by Mitchell when a try seemed a possibility Faulty handling by the Australian backs allowed New Zealand to return to halfway, where Sadler sho’ -ed up in a smart run from the scrum. Then Watt secured and ran to the open side, but waited too long before passing. When the Australians secured R. Rankin cut in nicely and sent to Kelaher. who made a useful run along the wing. The Australians returned to the attack. Pollock fielding nicely and making a run. Hart carried on with the ball at his toes and centred to King, who picked up but lost the advantage of a spectacular movement by throwing forward at the twenty-five. CAUGHT NAPPING Bridle, cutting off a pass from Sadler, made a briliant solo run to the corner, and then from a long throw in the ball went past all the forwards and dropped in front of the New Zealand goal. M’Laughlin had only to pick up and dive across to score. Rankin converted. Australia 5 points New Zealand .. .. Nil The All Black forwards responded with good work which enabled them to penetrate the Australian twenty-five. The ball was sent quickly through the

New Zealand backs to Mitchell, who made a determined run, but was held up on the line. ALL BLACKS SCORE Then the Australians were penalised from a scrum infringement, and Pollock had a shot from an easy position, sending the ball betwen the posts. Australia 5 paints New Zealand .. .. 3 points From a scrum in New Zealand territory Gibbons, Lewis, M’Laughlin, and M’Lean came away, in a speedy movement which ended in the last-named being thrown out at the corner. There the Australians set up a strong offensive, but when they again started passing R. Rankin was caught in possession. In the loose scrummaging which followed New Zealand was penalised, and R. Rankin kicked a goal from an easy position. Australia 8 points New Zealand .. .. 3 points From a scrum Sadler passed on the blind side to Gillies, who sent Watt away on a brilliant 20 yards’ dash to the visitors’ twenty-five. A kick by Kelaher enabled the Australians to clear, but the All Black forwards returned to the offensive. Sadler sent to Gillies, and the Otago man potted, the ball failing to rise and going into tduch-in-goal. Then Walden started a brilliant Australian move, passing to M’Lean, who set off at a great pace. When pressed he kicked, and the ball went over the line, Watt’s speed enabling him to get back and force. PASSING BREAKING DOWN Attempts at passing by the All Blacks broke down, but penalty enabled them to reach the Australian twenty-five. The All Blacks came away in another passing movement, but the ball went straight across the field. A kick by Gibbons was well fielded by Pollock, who gained 30 yards with a fine return. Scrambling play followed and the Australians cleared temporarily, but the All Blacks, both back and forward, combined in a brilliant move which ended in Watt being pulled down at the corner after a strong run. MITCHELL SCORES From the scrum Sadler tried unsuccessfully to go on his own. When stopped he sent out to Gillies, and the ball went to Griffiths, to Mitchell, who broke through the defence in fine style and threw himself across near the posts for a try. Pollock converted. Australia 8 points New Zealand .. .. 8 points FINE OPPORTUNISM Play had been in progress only a minute longer when Bridle repeated a previous success. He cut off a pass by Sadler at a scrum 40 yards out, and, on reaching Pollock, kicked past the full-back. Showing great pace, he dived across the line to fall on the ball for a try. R. Rankin again converted. Australia 13 points New Zealand 8 points The All Blacks then came away in a sweeping rush which took them to the Australian line. The ball went through the hands of half a dozen New Zealanders, but Griffiths spoiled a promising movement by turning infield at the wrong moment. Judicous kicking enabled the Australians to attack again, solid tackling by Gillies cutting off dangerous movements. GOOD COMBINED PASSING The All Blacks returned to the attack and, receiving from Sadler, Gillies cut in in brilliant style and sent on to Mitchell. The centre handed to Hart, who showed great speed to cross at the corner. Pollock failed to convert. The spell ended a minute later with the scores:— Australia 13 points New Zealand .... 11 points THE SECOND SPELL The ball went out on the full from the Australian’s kick off in the second spell. At the ensuing scrum the visitors were penalised, and fast following up after Pollock’s kick placed the All Blacks on attack. The Australians returned to halfway with a loose rush. When R. Rankin was caught in possession Gillies picked up to make a strong

run, and after passing play went close to the Australian line. Storey showed I up in a strong clearing run and then ; M’Lean picked up and sent play to the New Zealand twenty-five with a beautiful kick. The All Blacks returned to the attack, but Storey twice saved in fine style. Wells headed another rush by the Black forwards and scrambling play in the visitors' twentyfive followed. Fielding a clearing kick, Pollock unsuccessfully tried a pot at goal, Kelaher clearing. Again the New Zealand forwards surged towards the Australian line, but an exenange of kicks ended in the visitors’ favour. A kick through on the blind side by Watt gained some ground. A COSTLY SPECULATOR Then, after a period of even play. Griffiths kicked to Storey, who attempted a speculator and missed the ball. Hart saw his opportunity and kicked through, following up at top pace to gather in the ball in his stride and run round behind the posts to score. Pollock converted. New Zealand .... 16 points Australia 13 points TRY TO REID The Australians had a turn at attack, and when Lewis cut through and lost the ball when tackled Sadler picked up and sent Wells away at the head of a forward rush. Loose play followed a high punt from a mark tw King, and from a scramble 40 yards out Hart picked up, ran, and passed to Wells, who transferred to Reid, who crossed at the corner to score. Pollock’s kick failed. New Zealand .... 19 points Australia 13 points WATT’S SPECTACULAR TRY Only a couple of minutes later Watt secured near halfway in a seemingly hopeless position, but broke through the defence in fine style and set off for the line. A few yards from the corner he fell, but he was quickly on his feet again, dribbled the ball, picked up. and went over to score a great try Pollock failed to convert. New Zealand .... 22 points Australia 13 points The Australians responded with an attractive bout of passing, which ended when Hutchinson hung on to long in

front of the posts. Play was taken I back to halfway, where J. Rankin ' roused intense excitement by breaking • away on his own. He was past the whole of the defence when he was caught from behind. The All Blacks had a good deal the better of the play for a few minutes, but then Kelaher, breaking away at halfway on the leftwing, beat the defence by a good display of pace. When he reached Pollock he kicked, but he was beaten in the race for the ball, and Griffiths forced. ALL BLACKS IN THE ASCENDANT The New Zealanders were now throwing the ball about in fine style, and it went through many hands in a rush to the Australian twenty-five. From a scrum Sadler sent to J. G. Rankin, who burst through at the side of the scrum and scored unopposed. Pollock failed with the kick. New Zealand .... 25 points Australia 13 points Soon afterwards Watt fielded the ball from a high clearing kick by Storey. He evaded one tackle, and when taken sent in to Mitchell, who, giving a feint pass, completely beat the defence to score at the corner after a run of 30 yards. Pollock's shot was again wide. New Zealand .. 28 points Australia 13 points Then Gillies made a clean breakaway and passed to Reid, who held on too long and lost a certain try. There was an outburst of hooting following hard play among the forwards on the grandstand side. Near halfway Sadler sent to Gillies, who ran strongly and sent in to Sadler again. The half-back transferred to J. G. Rankin, who crossed for another try in a good position. Pollock converted. New Zealand .. .. 33 points Australia 13 points Kelaher showed up in another dash on the wing, but the All Blacks were soon dominating the play again. From a scramble in front of the posts, Reid picked up and burst through the defence to score behind the posts. Pollock converted. New Zealand .. 38 points Australia 13 points The All Blacks’ next attack went right to the Australian goal mouth, but Gibbons cleared in fine style. The

pressure was maintained, and Gillies had a pot from well out, the ball going wide of the posts. New Zealand was still on attack when the final whistle was sounded, the game ending witn the scores: New Zealand .. .. 38 points Australia 13 points Mr H. J. M’Kenzie (Wairarapa) was the referee. PAYNE TROPHY MATCH SOUTHERN AND SUNNYSIDE FOURTEEN POINTS ALL As a curtain-raiser to the test game, Southern and Sunnyside met in the annual match for the Payne Trophy, a hard, but patchy tussle resulting in a draw—l 4 points all. For the greater part of the first half the home side held a territorial advantage, but a lack of finish was noticeable among the backs, who were not displaying a great deal of thrust, and on several occasions, passing movements, instead of going forward, went right across the field. The visitors’ backs were getting the lion’s share of the ball from the scrums, but in their case also good combination was lacking. In the earlier stages of the second spell the Sunnyside forwards, playing with great dash, dominated the game, and the Southern defence, which was very weak, was penetrated time and again. Towards the end of the game, however, the home side’s tackling stiffened up considerably. , It was a game of varying fortunes. Churchill by fast following-up drew first blood for Southern, 10 minutes after the commencement of the game, with a good try, and Trevathan’s conversion put the home side five points up. Greer, who played a sound game throughout, lessened the deficit by three with a penalty goal, and Soutliern laad a two points lead at th- nnd of the spell. Bolton went into second fiveeighth position in the second half, replacing Churchill, who went to centre, while Eckhold dropped back to fullback. Trevathan put Southern still further in the lead with a penalty goal, but, following a great run by Oliver,

Moran touched down for Sunnyside, and Oliver equalised the scores with a good kick. Hartland scored the try of the day to put Sunnyside temporarily in the lead. He secured the ball from a line-out, and, breaking away on his own, left the opposition standing, sold a perfect dummy when a few yards out, and went over without any trouble. A little later the scores were again brought level when Neiper dived over from a scramble a few yards from the Sunnyside line,, but Greer again came to the rescue, and gave his side the lead with a good penalty. Southern now brightened up, and as a result of a nice piece of work by Simon, Trevathan and Tapley, another try was added to the home tally, making the scores 14 all. The teams were as follows; — Southern. —Backs: Bolton, Tapley, Eckhold, Black, Churchill, Trevathan, Simon; forwards—Fullerton, Quaid, Hill, Moreland, Neiper, Niven, Hore. Sunnyside.—Backs—Fulton, Oliver, Chinnery, Greer, Hart, Moran, Masters; forwards —Newton, Burke, M’Leod, Mahoney, Ellis, Pablecheque. Howell, Hartland. Sunnyside kicked off, and Edwards fielded and ran to halfway. Here the home backs got possession, and Tre- | vathan put the side in an attacking position by finding the line near the corner. For a minute the visitors were on the defensive, but Fulton cleared to half way, where Bolton failed to field, and Burke put in a good solo dribble well inside the home twenty-five. From a scrum near the Southern twenty-five Masters sent his backs awav, but the movement broke down at the wing, and Edwards broke through to take the ball almost to Sunnyside’s quarter line. A dashing run by Oliver put the visitors on attack in Southern’s side of halfway, but again the Black and White forwards took charge, and with a sweeping rush carried play to the opposing ; twentv-five. Simon sent up a high ■ punt and Churchill, following up fast, jumped for the ball as it went over the line, and fell on it to score. Trevathan converted. Southern 5 points Sunnyside Nil Greer put in a good run down the ; wing and paved the way for a sortie i by the visiting forwards that drove J I the defenders back inside their own j J twenty-five, but a counter-attack by the J

Southern pack returned play to halfway. Chinnery punted high downfield, but Bolton fielded nicely, and found the line well inside Sunnyside territory. Two thrusts by the Southern backs failed to reach their objective, and Oliver lifted the pressure with a good kick, but again the home rearguard came into the picture and regained the lost ground with a rush that travelled almost to the line. Play swung back to the twenty-five, but Churchill was the weak link in a back movement which followed, and the visitors broke through to halfway.. A sprint by Tapley gained a good slice of territory for Southern. Fulton drove, the attack back with a long line-finder. Fumbling among the Southern backs allowed the Sunnyside forwards to break away, and from a penalty near the twenty-five Greer kicked a good goal, Southern .. .. . . ,5 points Sunnyside . . .. . . 3 points A minute later, Trevathan had a shot from a penalty, which was short, and Fulton returned to Bolton. The home full-back ran through the defence almost to the twenty-five, and passed to Tapley, who, however, was jammed on the wing. Chinnery evaded a tackle by Black, and shot through to halfway before Churchill got him. The home forwards and backs combined well in a rush, which pressed the defenders back into their own twentyfive, and another movement by the rearguard looked promising until Bolton kicked instead of passing, and the ball went into the dead-ball area. Half time was called with the scores:. Southern .... .. 5 points Sunnyside .. .. .. 3 points After the change over, Eckhold went to full-back, Churchill going to centre, and Bolton to second five-eighth. The home backs immediately came into action, and the ball went from Simon to Trevathan to Bolton, who jinked his way through the defence almost to the line before he was brought down. Sunnyside battled back to the twenty-five, where Trevathan kicked an easy goal from a penalty. Southern .. . . . . 8 points Sunnyside .. .. .. 3 points Hardly had the , ball come into , play than Masters whipped out from a scrum to Greer, who drew the defence neatly before transferring to Oliyer, The last-named set sail for the line, and outdistanced the opposition to get over the line, but Tapley got him just as he was about to touch down,, and he dropped the ball. Moran, however, was handy, and dived on the ball to score, Oliver converting. Southern .. .. .. 8 points Sunnyside .. .... 8 points A determined sortie by the Green . pack overwhelmed the defence, and for the next few minutes the home side was on the defensive inside its own twenty-five. The visitors were now going much better, and, following an unsuccessful penalty taken by Oliver, Hartland broke away from the line out, sold a beautiful dummy, and scored an easy try. Greer’s kick at goal missed. Sunnyside .. .. 11 points. Southern .. .. 8 points.

PAYNE TROPHY MATCH Niven and Hore led a raid into Sunnyside’s end of the field, but Chihnery cleared, and Pabl'echeque dribbled, through to halfway. A linr&flnder by Moran further 'increased: the gain, and Southern? Was. busy , on the defensive until Simon, broke around the side of a scrum and ran down the line and inpassed to: Bolton, who dodged through a gap ;befc)re finding the line ; hear the \ twenty-five. The home pack took, up the running and Quaid and joined in short passing; which earned play almost to the visitor’s line. From a loose scrum a few yards out Neiper picked ,up and battled his way over, Trevatban failing with the.kick. • ' Southern .; .. 11 points, SuhnySide ... . . 11 points. Sunnyside how commenced to throw the ball about, and pierced the weakening Southern defence time and again. One nippy;bout of passing took the ball nearly to the twenty-five, but a by. the Southern pack returned relay to within-10 yards of half--way, Where Greer ‘puf, the visitors. in the lead, again by kicking a good penalty gbaL . ,~, ; >• ■ ■ - , Sunny Side 14 points; ! Southern .. 11 points. Fultori'-went off injured, and, was replaced by Bisphan who went to centre,'- Greer going to full-back. Southern; set up a slashing , attack on the Sunnyside. line, and after an unsuccessful pot by. Boulton, Churchill was nearly over. 'Play swung over to the other wing where Simon worked the blind side Of a scrum to, Trevatban,• who sept Tapley across near the corner. Trevathan’s kick at goal failed.Southern 14 points. Sunnyside 14 points. Sunnyside launched tw'o successive attacks, but the Southern tackling had stiffened Up considerably, and; the; thrusts,vdid not get far. Hart opened up an attack with a long kick which was fielded by. Eckhold, who, instead of kicking, threw ,a ; wild pass in-field to , Tapley; ; Tapley slipped just as he was getting: into his stride, and lor a minute things - looked- bad for Southern,, but Boltori came to the rescue-,with a clearing kick, and play' .was .at midfield when fh’e" game ended, the final scores SOupyside • ?»**»*»•. Southern , 14 points. Mr was -the. referee. , ■ ■ ■■ ‘ WIN FOR PIRATES ; V A curtain-raiser was played at noon between Pirates Fourth Grade team and a Clutha side, Clutha winning by 22 points to 10. CANTERBURY DISAPPOINTING COAST VICTORIOUS ELEVEN POINTS TO THREE V (Pfeß United Press Association) ■ Sept: 12., By B‘points to nil West Coast beat Canterbury to-day, the fast,, .bustling, Coast , forwards playing all over the home ;pack in the loose : and harrying the Canterbury • inside backs unmercifully. ii. Coast, who scored ill each spell, did not try much back play, being content tq let Canterbury ; get the ball and then crash through when dropped passes and other mistakes, of which there were many, gave them their opportunity. The Canterbury forwards until the last quarter of an hpur showed little aptitude 1 for hard rucking and fast work in the loose, while their backs spoiled chance after chance by wild passing and poor handling. , Nolan, the Canterbury full-back, was the outstanding player on; the. field, saving his side time and time again. Brooks, five-eighths, played a fine attacking game, and Hattersley was a great- worker in the pack. '. ' The West ’ Coast backs defended Splendidly and backed up the flashing work of- their forwards, of whom A. Scandfett,; Pascoe, Cox and Burchfield w.erd ih ’every movement that occurred. The game, though marred by_ many mistakes, was fast and interesting all the time, and Coast fully deserved its victory. The Coast score in the first spell came after Nolan had twice saved With fine line kicks. Then Milliken, who ran back and got in Nolan s way, dropped the ball and presented Coast with, a try under the posts, Cox securing, to,hurl. himself over. Davidson the second spell a bad pass in a Canterbury back attack let Mann secure. He raced away and centred, and Nolan had to carry the ball over and force. From a scrum on the line Davidson snapped up and with a lightning dash was over. He failed to convert his own try, > West Coast •. . .. 8 points Canterbury . . ■■ Nil RATANA CUP (Per United Press' Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 12 In the Ratana Cup game the North Canterbury Maoris defeated West Coast by 11 points to 3. CANTERBURY COLTS DEFEATED (Per United Press Association) BLENHEIM,: Sept. 12. , in a fairly evenly-contested game Marlborough defeated the Canterbury colts by 19 points to 11. The match was played under gpod conditions, though there was a stiff breeze, blowing downfield. In the first spell the scores were even, but the home side had the better of the second half, at one stage leading by 14 points to a. For Marlborough, tries were, scored by\ Robinson (2), Brown, and Hoare, Lane converting two and kicking a penalty goal. Canterbury’s points were a try by Saundercock, converted by Thompson, and penalty goals by Thompson and White. HAWKE’S BAY DEFEATED MANAWATU FORWARDS PREVAIL . TWELVE POINTS TO ELEVEN (Per United Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ Sept. 12. A splendid exhibition of Rugby was provided in the Hawke’s Bay-Mana-watu game to-day, which resulted in a win for Manawatu by 12 points to 11. On its showing Hawke’s Bay should have won, the passing of the backs seldom breaking down, whereas Manawatu had a day off. in this department. Manawatu owed its success to its slogging forwards, who gave the home sidea territorial advantage. The Hawke’s Bay defence was solid, and deadly tackling laid low most of the attempts by Manawatu to get its back lifie into action; i f. ' • , ■ , • The game was hardly started before Robins (Hawke’s Bay) and J. Powell (Manawatu) collided, Powell having to retire. Hawke’s Bay scored first from a back line movement that was started at* halfway, Johnston going over. The kick failed. Manawatu hemmed its opponents in for a. considerable period, but the defence was solid. At this stage Bradley (Hawke’s Bay five-eighth) was prominent for several cutting in movements which provided scoring chances, but Manawatu retrieved the situation each time. Manawatu equalised the score with a penalty by W. Powell—three all. ~ , . „ :’ Faqltless passing saw Hawke s Bay again take the lead when Rolls scored, Bradley converting. Manawatu returned to the attack, but forward passes held up each movement. Then Nicol rabbited his way through the Bay pack for Waugh to score. The kick failed.

Dermer (Manawatu full-back) retired hurt just before half time. Manawatu opened the second spell by running right through, Thurston finishing off the movement. The kick again failed. - Bay was awarded a penalty immediately after, Hutchinson just missing. A minute later he attempted a field .goal, a good kick again shaving the wrong side of the uprights. Bad tackling almost let Bay through. Then Waugh dodged his way through his opponents to the Bay twenty-five, where from a scrum Thurston and Fletcher handled, Waugh scoring. The kick failed. An infringement robbed Thurston of a try after an exciting neck-and-neck race with Hutchinson. Bay retaliated and Clothier scored after dodging around from behind the scrum. The kick failed, the final scores being; Manawatu .. .. 12 points Hawke’s Bay .. .. 11 points WELLINGTON BEATS TARANAKI . TWENTY POINTS TO TWELVE POOR STANDARD OF RUGBY ' (Per United Press Association) ■ V WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. The return Thatch between Wellington and Taranaki on Saturday was won by Wellington by 20 points to 12. The game was far below representative standard. There were few. bright movements and all the scoring came from loose movements. Both packs ’worked hard in the loose and some good ihterpassing was seen among the forwards, but the dull play of the backs robbed the game of Its interest. The Taranaki line did- not put on a single really concerted movement, while the work of the Wellington rearguard was spoiled by the failure of the. inside men;; L. H; Edwards (centre three-quarters) .was the. pick of the Wellington backs, and in the forwards j.' Lamason shone in . the loose work. J. Armstrong and D. “Ruakere were .hard-Working Taranaki forwards. None of the backs was impressive. C. ißrowp' (half-back) was right off his game, and. the full-back, A. Collins, made , many mistakes,; ; For Wellington, Edwards (2), A. G. Hansen, R. Nees, and J. Fleming scored tries,.. Lamason converting one and , kicking, a, penalty goal. For Taranaki, tries were scored by-E. Smith (centre three-quarter) and E. Smith (forward). Collins converted one try and L. West potted, a goal., ~ Wellington won the toss and'played with a strong north-easterly behind them. After four minutes*, play Collins failed to force when the ball had been kicked over the TaranakiTine, and Edwards raced up to score, Lamason converting. Wellington 5, Taranaki nil. E. W. Tindill raced down the line from a scrum, but E. Barry dropped the ball when he had only to walk over. C. Dowdle (Taranaki first fiveeighth) sent infield to his forwards, and the attack was dangerous for a while. Collins failed to take several high kicks. At this stage Wellington had won 17 scrums and Taranaki three. Lamason kicked a goal from a penalty. Wellington 8, Taranaki nil. j R; Young was doing good work in the line outs, and Taranaki was winning most of them. Fleming failed to take a pass, and in a flash E. Smith was racing downfield in possession, Edwards overhauling him. , . . In the second half Taranaki pressed, but the . attack was-disorganised. Edwards and R. Nees broke away, and from a scrum H. Baldwin tried to cut In. The ball came out to Edwards, who handed on to Hansen, the latter going over. Lamason failed with the kick. Wellington 11, Taranaki nil. Armstrong and D. Ruakere. broke away from a line out, and the latter nearly went over. Then a weak clearing kick by Taranaki enabled Lamason to break away. He passed to Nees, who scored, Lamason failing with the kick. Wellington 14, Taranaki nil. E. Smith scored an easy try for Taranaki when J. Vartan failed to take a high, kick, and Collins, converted, making the scores: Wellington 14, Taranaki 5. Lamason threw a long pass to Nees. who was forced out near the line. The Taranaki defence did not hold, Edwards: 1 crossing, but. Lamason again failed. Wellington 17, Taranaki 5. The next score came from interpassin® by .the Wellington babks, Fleming touching down, but the, try was not converted.’ . Wellington 20, Taranaki 5. Taranhki heeled, but the backs could not get going. T, Fowler made a bold bid, and was nearly over. Then E. Smith (Taranaki, forward). picked up from a scrum and scored. Collins’s kick went under the;bar. Wellington 20, Tatanaki 8. With- three minutes to go West, who had replaced O’Dowda in the Taranaki forwards, kickeda great field goal, and the game ended: Wellington .. .. 20 points. Taranaki .; ... 12 points. Mr J. Moffitt (Wellington) was the referee. % A HARD-FOUGHT GAME ASHBURTON BEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY (Per United Press Association) ASHBURTON, Sept. 12. . Ashburton defeated South Canterbury by 10 points to. 6 after a close and hard-fought game, in which there were few spectacular movements. There was’little between the teams in the first half, but in the second South Canterbury, playing with the wind, had a territorial advantage. The scorers for Ashburton were Doig and Vessey (trie's), Vessey and M’Kenzie each converting one. For South Canterbury Ryan scored a try and Morrison kicked a penalty goal. A LAST-MINUTE VICTORY WANGANUI BEATS POVERTY BAY (Per United Press Association) GISBORNE, Sept. 12. In brilliant sunshine and calm weather Wanganui secured a lastminute victory over Poverty Bay by 13 points to 10. The play was even in the first half, but Wanganui did most of the attacking in the ’second spell. A bright display was given by both sides. There was not much between the two packs, though Wanganui gained the ball more frequently from the scrums. The Poverty Bay backs showed better combination, although the Wanganui men were responsible for fine individual efforts. The home forwards played well in the tight and loose. Mathieson being outstanding. The visitors’ vanguard was good in the loose, M'Clenaghan being the most prominent. For the winners Burgess (2) and Davidson scored tries, two being converted by G. Bullock-Douglas. Sharp scored twice for Poverty Bay, Campbell converting both. THE SPRINGBOKS’ TOUR ATTITUDE OF THE MAORIS AMICABLE SETTLEMENT PROBABLE (Per United Press Association! ROTORUA, Sept. 12. As a result of a conference held in Wellington recently between representatives of a number of North Island Maori tribes and members of the New Zealand Rugby Union, there is every prospect of an amicable settlement of the dispute which has arisen in connection with the forthcoming lour of a South African Rugby football team. It is understood that after the views of the Maori representatives nad been fully laid before the members of the union, it was decided to write to the South African Union sotting out these views and asking for an assurance that the tourists are prepared to treat the members of the Maori race as New' Zealanders and not as members of an

inferior race. If such an assurance is given, the Maori representatives expressed the opinion that the members of their race would be only too willing to meet tourists on the playing field and also to extend to them the friendliest of welcomes. AUCKLAND COMPETITION (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND. Sept. 13. The fourth series of matches in the Auckland Rugby Union's senior championship for the, Jubilee Trophy was decided on Saturday in, good conditions. Details: — ’.Technical 16, Training College 14. Ponsonby 16, North Shore 3. Marist 23, Grammar 3. Grafton 14, Otahuhu 6. College Rifles 25, Manukau 14. MAORI RUGBY THE PRINCE OF WALES CUP (Per United Press Association) GISBORNE, Sept. 13. The annual match for the , r Prince of Wales Cup, the premier trOphy of Maori Rugby in New Zealand, was played at Ruatoria (East Coast) yesterday between a team representing the Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, and East Coast district, known as Tairawhiti, and a, team representing Auckland, North Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the King Country, known as Tai Tokerau. The match resulted in a win for the holders, Tairawhiti, by 22 points to 14. The ground was in good order, and there was a very large attendance. . The Tai Tokerau forwards won the majority of the scrums, and the backs got away frequently, but the inside backs-did not have the polish of the Tairawhiti men. Panapa (half), Brown (wing three-quarter), and White, Wordley, and Nathan were the most prominent for Tai Tokerau, and Pepere (centre), Jackson (full-back), and Rogers and Lockwood were the most outstanding for Tairawhiti, Jackson’s line kicking being a feature of the game, SYDNEY PREMIERSHIP UNIVERSITY MEET DRUMMOYNE (United Press Association) ; (By Electric Telegraph-Copyright) SYDNEY, Sept. 12. (Received Sept. 13, at 6.30 p.m.) University by unexpectedly beating Randwick by 24 points to 9 points in the Rugby Union semi-final, now meets Drumfnoyne in the grand final next Saturday.