Football.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 287, 9 May 1929, Page 8

Football.

Arapuni 6 v. To' oroa ti. The opening game of the Putaruru Rugby Union’s club fixtures was played at Tokoroa between Arapuni and Tokoroa, the game resulting in a draw. Tokoroa won the toss and played against a slight breeze. A fast pace was set by each side, but they soon settled down to fight out a hard game, the ball travelled up and down the field without either side gaining much advantage territorially - Gibbons picked up the ball inside Tokoroa’s 25 and scored in the corner. The attempt to add the extra points failed. Arapuni 3, Tokoroa 0. The .second quarter opened with Tokoroh doing their best to even up ike/spi&x. After some good passing by Tdkoroa they were given a free kick and Bullott kick a good goal. Tokoroa 3, Arapuni 3. Play at this stage was marked by Tokoroa having a slight advantage, their backs indulging in some good passing rushes; from one of which R. Dunlop crossed the line, but he was called back for a knock-on. Arapuni, a little later, were penalised and a free kick was given to TokoToa, E. Dunlop took the kick and resulted in making the scores: Tokoroa 6, Arapuni 3. Arapiyu attacked strongly in the third quarter,’ Rhngi and. Tray being prominent.' Southee put in a splendid run, but he did not receive sun port.. Plav was carried to Tnkoroa’s line, but a good kick by, .Bullott relieved, and Arapuni was soon on the defence- Vercoe relieved and play carried to midfield, when the change over was called without any alteration to the scores.

Condition was beginning to tell, and Tokoroa were doing their best to hold their lead, with Arapuni equally determined to even things up, and they came near to scoring on several occasions. At last their efforts were rewarded, Eangi crossing the line. Soiithee’s attempt at goal failed. Arapuni 6, Tokoroa 6. No further score followed, and the game ended in a draw. The day was ideal for football and JJje, .spectators were treated to some very fine play, considering that it was the opening game of the season. The game was fast and was marked by some good passing. With a few replacements on both sides the teams should be very even. Putaruru 11, Mamaku 9. ‘ ' During the week end a senior team visited Mamaku and after a willing game Putaruru ran out the winners by 11 to 9. Rolfe scored for PutaTuru, Smith converting, and the latter kicked a penalty goal. R. Dunlop also kicking a penalty goal.

REFEREEING.

(By “ Touchline.”) I It is not too much to say that the ! game of Rugby depends to a great I degree for its success in any district on good refereeing. When the standard of work. performed by the “.knights of the whistle ” is high, and their association rebeiv'es the backing of the local governing body, then the standard of play in that J district is invariably good, bright ! and attractive. To-' be- successful with the whistle j ronfidepce and firmness are essential, for a weak referee soon becomes the butt of both players and spectators. These characteristics, however, should be disciplined and not let run riot by the official in charge. If this is done both players and spec-* tutors are set on edge and the game •usually degenerates to a whistling solo by the man in white. A good referee makes himself as unobtrusive as possible, and his confidence should come from a thorough knowledge of the fine points of the game and practice in instant application. Firmness , should not be of the “ bossy-” type, but solely confined to quiet determination, to disregard all extraneous influences in keeping the; game going in accordance with its laws, to the best of his ability, and when breaches occur to see that the necessary. penalty is enforced in the' quietest possible manner. //,,■ Spectators^do not go to see the referee; though at times the mannerisms of some of them would make one ,think that they were the m main show,” as it were. A referee does not need to be con-

tinually bouncing about to ensure control. This fact will be fully appreciated by those readers fortunate enough to have seen really big games played. Take for instance the late Mr. Peake, of Christchurch, and Mr. Sutherland, of Auckland, two of the finest referees New Zealand has produced. The style of both these gentlemen was most un--1 obtrusive, yet they not only retained firm control of the hardest games, but also inspired confidence in the players. Mr. Peake’s exhibition in the Auckland-Hawke’s Bay War Memorial match was a great exhibition of first-class refereeing, yet during the whole course of that tense and exciting struggle he was only noticed at odd times.

The aspiring referee must realise that if he wants to become at all proficient he must attend the weekly meetings of his association. There is far more in the rule hook thon at first meets the eye, and it is only by discussion with his confreres that he cart hope to thoroughly appreciate all the finer points involved, and the subtle interpretations which are necessary, owing to the bearing of various rules upon each other. It might almost be said that referees are born and not made, and ; n this connection it is often proved that an international player makes on utter failure as a referee. The truth is that though such previous play undoubtedly helps, good referees are oo exception to the proven rule that constant and hard practice is neres~orv in order to attain any high standard.

A POINT OF LAW. strictei interpretation by all referees of law 17, section b, would, in view of the visit by the British team, be of advantage to the game. Weakness here has done as much to lower the standard of our forward play as anything. Relying on the word ” remain ” limelighters keep breaking away, instead of shoving, and running round endeavouring to shine in the open. If they overrun the ball they don’t “ remain ” —when near the referee. Most times they get away with it. If the word ” remain ” is correctly interpreted as has been done in the past in New Zealand—events in South Africa and England prove this is not the intention — -then two wingers could be employed running round the base of the scrum in anticipation of the ball coming out. So long as they kept moving and didn’t “ remain ” it would be O.K. This interpretation is of course, manifestly absurd. The safer course, and the English interpretation, is for referees to disregard the word “ remain ” and penalise strictly all overrunning the ball unless it is to the advantage of the other side—that is, the ball has been got away—to allow play to proceed.

WAIKATO RUGBY UNION. Management Committee Meets. The first meeting of the newlyelected committee of the Waikato union was held on Friday. Mr. T. B. Booth (chairman) presided over the early part of the meeting. There were also present: Messrs. T. Clarkin (Raglan), C. Mclntyre (Morrinsville), F. Udy and Whiting (Hamilton), A. G. Yardley (Matamata), B. Chapman (Putaruru), Harris (Taupiri), Haselden (Waipa), T. Cooper (Referees’ Association), w. Thompson (secretary) and C. Speight (treasurer).

The New Zealand Rugby Union forwarded the agenda paper for the annual meeting. One of the remits was to the effect that 5 per cent of all Ranfurly Shield matches shall go to the New Zealand Rugby Union to create a fund for the assistance of the poorer unions. Mr. Chapman, in moving that the favour of undertaking a tour this season. The New Zealand Union could be approached for a grant towards the cost, while certain guarantees would also be obtained. Mr. T. A. Cooper supported Mr. Chapman. In answer to a question, Mr. Chapman said Hawke’s Bay and Waii-a-rapa would be touring north this season. Mr. Yardlley further pointe'd out that it was probable that Waikato would get matches with Auckland (2), King Country, Thames Valley and Wairarapa. Hawke’s Bay should also play Waikato as it owed a match. If the team Waikato was to have any chance against Auckland delegates be given a free hand in

the matter, stated that personally he would oppose the remit. He was against unions deducting part of the proceeds of trophy matches. After instancing the support already given the Vvest Coast uy the New Zealand Union the speaker said that challengers for the Ranfurly Shield already get their expenses paid by the holders. Auckland had wanted to give the shield away because each match was costing it money. Mr. Mclntyre supported the motion.

Messrs. Y'ardley, Cooper and Udy spoke in favour of the remit, the former pointing out that it was proposed to create a separate fund with the money; it would not go to the general fund of the New Zealand union. Mr. Chapman’s motion was carried. A further remit discussed was that suggesting that all matches from now to the time of the British tour should be played under international rules. It was decided that the delegates vote against any alteration to the kick-into-touch rule, except in the trial games. Proposed Tour. .

Another long discussion ensued regarding the proposed tour, brought about by a proposal by Mr. Yardley that the delegates to the New Zealand Union be instructed to abandon any action in connection with a southern tour this season. The mover said that two similar tours as those suggested had made the Waikato union practically bankrupt, and he did not want this to happen again. The previous tour cost £259, or £134 9s 2d nett, The union’s benk balance at present was £l3O. Mr. Mclntyre formally seconded the motion, and said he was against ",n extended tour, although he favoured a small tour if it could be economically arranged. Mr. Whiting spoke on similar lines and proposed as an amendment that a tour of, say, three matches be arranged, Mr. Chapman, who had taken the chair at this period pf the meeting, reiterated his statement that Waikato would l have to go on tour, to get home matches. He was strongly in it should be assembled some days prior to the match. This would cost money, as would also the return match with Auckland and the match with Thames Valley. Mr. Chapman was of the opinion that whorl \V-the delegates returned from Waikato would be quite satisfied it could conduct a tour this season. The airendment that the delegates negotiate for a tour pf not more three matches was carried. jjfjMf if:«?»• -■ Making a-Team. The question of assembling the select of Waikato was again referreo to when immediate matches were under consideration. A proposal was brought forward that the secretary endeavour to arrange a match with King Country for Wednesday', May 30, and that the Waikato tearil be assembled for shed and field Work fbftiithe following two days, allowing the players to return home fOr their Saturday fixture.

Mr.'T. Cooler (selector) expressed himself as being in favour of a Wednesday match, but he could not see any advantage in assembling the team afterwards as suggested. He jdjfi not think jt was practicable. “Mr. Yardley suggested that if players would not assemble they should be dropped from the team. If the union could not assemble the team for two daws, how l could it get a representative team to tour for over a fortnight as originally suggested ? Mr. Mclntyre asked if the selector ever asked for the assistance of the sub-unions in getting their respective flayers to practice in Hamilton. He was. convinced that if this course was followed the sub-unions would help. Mr. Whiting also spoke strongly in favour of *the suggestion, and it was decided, on Mr. McLntyre’s motion, that the selector he instructed to assemble a team.- on a day before the Auckland match on .Tune 3. s*i’A Finlay Cun. In answer to Mr. Haselden, Mr. Chapman said the recent alteration to the Finlay Cup rules would operate this- season. Club System. Discussion on the club system of rilay deferred to a future meeting.

THE BRITISH TEAM. Snapshots of Players. A Fine Team. : The team of Rugby players from Britain which is to tour New Zealand in 1930 will be a very fine side if all those in the provisional selection make the trip. It must not be forgotten, however, that another football season will intervene at home before these players embark. This is unfortunate, for it practically debars any young player who comes to light during the 1929-30 winter at Home from being selected, for the list as cabled contains 28 names.

The reason tor the early selection is to enable players to make the necessary business arrangements for an extended absence. It would appear, however, that the matter has been overdone, though on the other hand the names cabled reveal that the great majority of the team can be classed as “ old boys.” Though the side is a very strong one perhaps stronger than any which has ever left British shores—it must be admitted that to pick a side more than a year before it will play its first match is a decided handicap. Two pleasing features of the selection are the large number of Scotch players and the inclusion of W. W. Wakefield, one of the brainiest and most “ colonial-like ” players the Old Country has ever produced. It is said of Wakefield that he never travelled without a rule book, and he is the outstanding player in the four countries' in regard to applying brains to the game and in his knowledge of the finer points. In his prime he was a slashing forward, exceptionally fast and clever in the open, and as hard—when it came to taking gruel —as Bedell-Sievwright, who was well known to old followers of the game in New Zealand: The Press supplies the following particulars which have not yet appeared in New Zealand papers:— J. Baxter (Lancashire), manager if the team, is an ex-international forward, president of the English Rugby Union, and chairman of the selection committee for the New Zealand tour. His co-selectors are A. D. Stoop (Harlequins), an ex-Eng-land half-back, and J. Daniell (Somerset), ex-England forward. Mr. Baxter is a keen golfer and yachtsman, and very \yell disposed towards the. colonial demand for representation on tjie International Rugby Bogrd. . .The social and diplomatic of the visit will be fostered in Mr. Baxter’s hands. Though modern in most of his views, Mr. Baxter is a strenuous opponent of school boys being taught to specialise in the scrum, holding they make better players by being coached to play in any position. W. W. Wakefield will in all babilßy skipper the side. Has captained Cambridge. Royal Air Force and England. Played more than thirty times for England since the war. Was dropped from the English team last season, but staged a come-back this year. One of the best forwards England has ever turned out, and an outstanding captain. Is now past his prime. Speedy in the open and a grafter in the tight. According to A. T. Young (English scrum half) would be worth his place for his captaincy if only a quarter as good a player as he is. K. A. Sellar (Navy, United Services and England). First fullback; a fearless rush stopper and game defender. Described as the best fullback since W. R. Johnson. Place kick.

T. W. Brown (Bristol and England). Secured his cap when Selkir was ordered to sea. Excells in position play and fielding the ball. J. B. Ganly (Monkstown and Ireland 1. Right wing threequarter and centre; has played in both positions for Ireland. A strong and determined runner. A. A. Arnold (Durham U., Cambridge captain and Fngland). A brainy player who can play on the wing or either of the centre positions. Is at his best at left centre and possesses a brilliant swerve; strong runner and hands off well ; place kick. Has just left Cambridge f or a business appointment at Leeds.

W. M. Simmers (Glasgow Academicals and Scotland). Left wing ‘hreequarter or centre; a resolute finisher.

G. P. S. Maepherson (Edinburgh Academicals, Oxford captain, Scotland captain).. One of the finest centres in the four countries, described as a football genius. Plays at right centre and will partner the flier Smith. Had a year at Harvard University where he tried American Rugby. Destined for the Sudan Political Service. Many times capped.

lan S. Smith (Edinburgh University and Scotland). Right wing -hreequarter; stated to be the fastest .lugby player in the world. . Recoglised for several years the best .ving threequarter in the four countries. Has almost 15 caps for Scotland. Unlike J. C. Gibbs, the speednerchant who played against the All Blacks for England, is a resolute finisher. A. L. Novis (Epsom College, Blackheath and Surrey, Oxford U. rnd England). Right centre or >tand-off half; a safe tackier who knows how to nurse his wing on attack. A brainy player. H. M. Bowcott (Cambridge and Wales). A brainy player who excels \t either stand-off half or centre 'hreequarter. Not particularly strong n tackling. Recently capped. J. B. Nelson (Glasgow Academicals and Scotland). A scrum half who has been capped many times. W. C. Powell (Oxford and Wales). A powerful and experienced scrum half who knows how to vary his rtlay. Has also played on the wing. Several caps.

H. D. Greenlees (Leicester and Scotland). A tricky stand-off half; recently capped. Quick to get the Pall away and hard to stop. F. Williams (Christ College, Brecon, Cardiff and Wales). Stand-off half of true Welsh ability. Several caps; now a sports master at Wakefield. M. Sugden (Dublin University and Ireland). An unorthodox scrum half, game rush stopper and great smotherer. Many caps. Ivor Jones (Llanelly captain and Wales). A great scoring forward, who obtained 140 points for his club : n one season. Place kick. Many caps. Dai Parker (Swansea captain and Wales). Experienced international and good scoring forward; place kick. T. Arthur (Neath and Wales). Solid worker in the tight; several caps. S.'J. Cagney (London Irish and Ireland). A dashing forward and grim tackier. Many caps. G. R. Beamish (Leicester, Royal Air Force and Ireland). One of Ireland’s best forwards; a keen dribbler. Many caps. M. J. Dunne (Lansdowne and Ireland). Another typical Irish forward with several caps. H. S. Mclntosh (Glasgow U. and Scotland). Recently capped. J. R. Paterson (Birkenhead Park, Cheshire and Scotland). Several caps. H. Dew.—This is apparently an error in the cable and should be H. Re>v (Exeter, Devon and English uVi). A fine hooker. Recently secured commission in the Royal Tank Corps. D. Guramcr (Plymouth, Devon and English trial). Another new man. S. Martindale (Kendall, Cumberland and England). A typical North County forward. C. T. Payne (North of Ireland F.C.-and Ireland). Great follower in loose; many caps.

MORRINSVILLE RESULTS. Seniors. United 17, Terriers 12. Kereone 3, Tatuanui 3. Juniors. Tahuna 9, Kiwitahi 3. Te Puninga 3, Terriers 0. United 8, Kereone 0. Third Grade. High School A 29, Kereone 0. United 18, High School B 0. MATAMATA RESULTS. Seniors. Patetere 30, Waharoa 3. Matamata 25, Walton 8. Juniors. (A Division) Old Boys 6, Patetere A 3. Hinuera 3, Patetere B 0. (B Division) Matamata IS, Waharoa 3. Third Grade. Matamata 15, Putaruru 0. Wardville 27, High School S.