BIG RUGBY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 100, 1 September 1913, Page 2

BIG RUGBY.

AM ATTRACTIVE GAME. AUSTRALIA (11) v. TARANAKI (uj

To set* the New Plymouth R -'creation Grounds on any spring day full of sunshine, and destitute of the raucous tongued football ban acker, wit a only the song- of birds making pleasant music, is a memorable sight oi s reat beauty. But even, a* on

Saturday last, when the terraces were thronged with an imp rtial crowd ot about 3000 from all parts of the province, with pride in their climate and grounds and in the football heroes oi sunny New South Wales and their owr flesh and blood, it was a picturesque scene. On the lower terrace on

the north side, a white awning had been erected as a sort of grandstand, • and the effect produced was pleasing to the eye. That Taranaki people are good sports was in evidence many times throughout the game, prominent play on both sides being greeted with equal enthusiasm. “Play the game uas heard as advit-o only on two occasions, once to each side, so that the questionable honors were even. In the heat of the moment, a player had overstepped the bounds, But that must no.

be set down as a black mark against the teams. The game, in fact, was played in the best of friendly spirit, mindful, of course, of the fact tha there is no law to compel “beg pardons’ ’every time a player kisses Mother Earth. * Apart from the circumstance that the visitors caught Taranaki napping in the first minute, thus establishing a lead which allowed them to registei a win there can be no question excep

with the highly-biassed mind that the better team won on tho day’s play Time and again, the Australian backs burst in an unbroken line which w;u right across the field down to the attacking quarters, and that the score was not larger must be attributed to break-downs of the machinery rathe’ than to the good play of the loca team. Round the press table, it war stated that very many of the visitors

learnt their Rugby at College, so tha* would account for the nippy concerted rushes that at times left their opponents a straggling disintegrated mass There is a finish about College Rugby. On the other hand, the forward work of Taranaki in the bursting-up pro cess was equally effective and the visiting backs were hard pressed many

times. The home team had ,morc than their share of bad luck, as durii,g t - last stages of,the game, played Brown short., >vhT!e, Loveridg* .{fo.r the ilast, twenty: ..minutes was.wt best onlM a passer nor, end otber- ' were showing the effects of a strenv I ous time. The lack of dash and finish ;„t +jtnos very noticeable mo r e than probably may be put down to "tale ness on their part after a long season of iutornrovineial games. But Tamnaki ineo n aisteney may win the day against Auckland nex'j Thursday- wb . can say?

; ■ THE PLAT The. teams, .vho were loudly clieorI eel on taking th# field, lined out as follows: — AUSTRALIA (Light 'Line). L. Dwyer (Capb.),

E. Carr, L. Wogan, M. J. McMahon, L. Miebusch, W. 1). Tasker, E. Wood. W. Watson, C. O’Doimell-, H. George, E. J. Fahey, C. Wallach. W. Cody. F.'Thompson, V. Murphy. TARANAKI (Amber and Black). L. Hill. G. Loveridge, J. McLeod (Capt.), G. Meuli, S. Cameron, R. Roberts. C. Brown. R. Taylor. A. Whittington, G. Hawkins. Ward, Prouse, Pini. M. Cain, H. Dewar. Mr F. Spurdle was referee, and as usual gave mpeh satisfaction in his impartiality. McLeod won the toss and played with the sun at his back. Before the Yellows had time to properly know

their positions, the Blues were over. The exact time was one minute. From the line-out, Wood passed to Wogan. who sent on to McMahon, the latter transferring to Tasker, who scored easily with a bunch of his mates in Hose touch with him. McMahon’s kick-

failed,’ Australia 3, Taranaki 0. On resumption of play, Tasker found

the line and some line-ont play followed. A great forward rush by the Yellows took play to the 25-flag, and from the line-out Fahey broke through. Then Roberts and another got to the fullback (Dwyer) who beat them and kicked. Dewar put in a centre kick, and Australia were forced. Being pressed, Hill found, the line 15 yards up, and then the first scrum was formed. From.it resulted a passing rush by the Blues, but it was spoili by McMahon knocking,6n. The same player then tried a pot, but failed. A

free kick to the Blues gave them no advantage, as Murphy was in front. Brown, Cameron, and McLeod handled the ball in a rush, and then a free kick was given the Yellows. Loveridge made a well-directed attempt, but it lacked distance. For the Blues. Murphy and Wallach broke through, and Carr was in front right on the line. A great Yellow forward rush Uook place to the centre, but back jplay went to the 20-fiag. About

tjiore. Brown marked when in the rhiddle of a Blue rush and found the i,ino at the 25. Off-side play hy pbflv gave the Yellows much-needed tvibof. Weldon brought Hill down the halfway after a great lot of pla'y by the Blues right on the lino. Tliu» Bines playing off-side were penalised. ami line-out play followed the kickjs- Wallach broke away, and it appeared that McMahon, among

diet's, .mealed the leather and gave a ii' :< pass to Wogan, hut somehow tliat player met ed it when there was only the fullback to pass. But, amid excitement, play changed to the opposite side of the ground, and scrums followed at the halfway. A free to the Yellow* did not do them much good. Prouse settled McMahon down at the 20-11.. g, and as an offset Dwyer saved from a bunch of Yelmws. At this stage play was very fast. Cameron was hurt in tho right knee, an old trouble, an dplay was suspended for a time. A pretty passing v.sh signalled a fresh start. Carr nasaeu to Wogan, to McMahon, and the ball went over the lino and a force followed. Carr ran up and tackled Meuii, who kicked out. A scrum follow wd,

and af orward pass to Miebusch gave a free to the Yellows. In tne height of play. Loveridge fielded well, hut gave a bad pass to McLeod, ana an interchange of kicks between the lullhacks followed. Loveridge gained great applause by again fielding well ; and finding the line at the 20-fiag, where the Yellows were awarded a free

for offside play by Carr. It was a poor kick, and Hill afterwards found the line. S. Cameron headed a Yellow rush, but tho visiting backs gathered in the ball, tftid Wood passed to McMahon, who found the line at half.

Another great rush, headed by Carr, Whittington, and Taylor, took play near tho visitors’ line. Dwyer was temporarily laid out. Taylor, who was playing with fine dash, broke through on his own to the line, but Dwyer beat him and kicked to the dead ball line. On resumption, play was in neutral territory when Dwyer marked the finish of a free kick for Taranaki. Then Wogan marked a knock-on from tho line out,-and the Yellows captain kicked out at half way. Then Cain, Hawkins, and Prouse, at tho head of

a forward dribbling rush, went right down to the line, and Roberts coming fast in the centre scored beside the post amid great applause. Hawkins’ kick, though an easy one, failed. Australia 3, Taranaki 3. Scraggy play followed in neutral territory, and the Blues were awarded a free kick for Hawkins handling on tho ground. McMahon’s kick v.as a beauty, but fell short. The crowd were getting their full money’s worth, and there was one long roar of applause, each side being dealt with

most impartially. Then the unexpected happened. Fahey, Wogan and Miebusch handled in quick succession, tho first-named having picked up, and Miebusch pooled. McMahon goaled. Australia 8 Taranaki S. Play had been going 35 Immediately there was, a scrumpiip front of the Blue goal, but Wood kicked to ; mid-field. Hill esspiyefl a pot hut (ailed’ and Dwyer found the line*with good kick to near the -half wav. The Yellow forwatls were playing hard, and Pini went right through on bis own over the line, but his luck

v.'.is out, as Yi’ogan kicked to the dead hall line. Brown marked, and Wood marked in return. Wood was temporally hurt. A free kick taken by Brown was marked by Wood, who found the lino at the 25. Dwyoir saved beautifully and kicked oui. Going through again, the Yellow forwards kicked too hard, and Dwyer vvich a pretty line kick gained much ground. It. was then the Yellows’ turn, and Hawkins, Ca.u, and Dewar got to the line, but tasker kicked aijd saved. A scrum followed near the Blue goal, and from it the ball went towards the

corner flag. Love rid go canio across, and Roberts lining up, Carr was beaten for the ball by Roberts across the line. It was a good kick by Hawkins, but was resultless, * Australia .8, Taranaki 6. Half-time was blown shortly after. Murphy caught Hawkins’ kick off and broke right away, but Meuli put in a line kick. Dwyer marked, and put in a kick to tie Yellows’ s do of half, and Lovendge marked a kick by McMahon. In the play which followed, Hawkins intercepted a pass and kicked to Dwyer, who found the

line yards and yards away. He was loudly applauded, McLeod broke away with a bunch of Yellows, and Dwyer again, saved. The first scrum in the second, spell was held at halfway, and the Blues' got the ball. Dwyer beat half a dozen opponents and passed, but O’Donnell was off-side. Carr failed to take the leather from the kick,- but McMahon was handy. Brown’s run and kick to the 25-flag was a very fine effort. Wogan was well tackled, leaving play in the Blue territory, and then Loveridge tried a pot—a good kick, but resultless.

Dwyer marked in front of the goal for relief. Brown fielded rather badly, but kicked out. Taranaki nearly got across at this stage! The ball came out to their backs, ail of whom appeared cO handle it, but Roberts threw the chance away, his pass to Mouli being too late, his tactics having drawn the defence upon the wing man, Mouli. Play followed in neutral ter-

ritory for a time. Then Taylor, McLeod and Hawkins were in the van putting in a promising run. Wogan passed to Micbnsch, who was again off-side. Hawkins’ kick was not intended for a goal, and the forwards got under jt, exciting play following in front of the goal, where Brown distinguished himself. A free kick to tho Yellows raised the hopes of the crowd, and Roberts kicked a goal. Australia 8, Taranaki 9. Eleven minutes of time hod gone in the second spell. On tho kick-off a man was in front. From the scrum, Wood passed to Tasker, to Wogan and Carr who knocked on. Cries of “Play the game, Australia!” followed n “due nv.-t’s aeAon in holding Taylor, nnd a free kick was awarded to the Yellows. Dwyer made a splendid kick ufim a passing rush by the Blues, and play was at Taranaki's corner flag. A beautiful try followed. Tasker initiated the movement and passed

to Wogau, to McMahon, to Carr, who | was well collared ou tho lino by Hill, but ho had managed to ground the ball. McMahon’s kick was attended with hard luck, hitting the crossbar. AuMra’.i.i 11. Taranaki 9. McMahon kicked to the Yellows’ 25, but the borne team kept pegging away. They were over-anxious, and messed up a passing rush among the backs, after Whittington had broken away. Brown marked and kicked to the Blue side of the half-way flag. Dwyer made a splendid line kick away down to Roberts, who kicked well. Meuli spoilt Miebusch’s return. Taylor lost his second jersey and had to dress again. Brown kicked at the finish of a lot of scrambling play and Dwyer found the lino again. Taylor headed a rush of Yellows right to the line, amid excitement, and Thomson centred tho ball. Loveridge obtained possession, and put in a splendid kick, finding the line. It was at this stage that Loveridge was laid out rather badly, as tlie result of a determined tackle, but' he resumed looking very sick. His painful efforts to fill a gap for the remainder of the game roused the sympathy of the crowd. Roberts marked a centre kick and play was at half-way. A free kick by Taranaki Was centred, and Wogan passed to Miclruscb, but the rush ended. Loveridge marked (it was all he could do), and Roberts got a kick to half-way. Pirn, Whittington, Cain. Dewar, and Taylor, in a passing rush, took play to tho 25-flag, but it worked back and forward, in neutral territory for some time. Dwyer was well collared by Hawkins, but got in his kick. Play was quickly transferred to tho opposing 25, where there was an interchange of kicking between the backs. From a scrum a free w f as awarded the Blues, and matters looked clangorous, but Loveridge was able to mark. When well in the Blue territory, Meuli made an unfortunate mistake. He kicked and rushed up, and for deliberate obstruction a free was awarded to the Blues. Dwyei gained half the ground with his kick. Loveridge made a game attempt and kicked out. To save, Brown kicked out in his own 25. Carr was in such difficulties that ho was forced to speculate. McMahon made a splendid run right to the line, and Cody seemed on the point-of ’scoring, when a scrum resulted owing to having touched the referee. ( Brown was laid out and went off.. Play was carried by aKI liepassing rush to Taranaki’s 25. Wood ; passed, to Tasker, to Wqgan, to Me- i Mahon’.to Miebusph,*pvho missed. It wa,s an exciting time. McMahpn handballed in the middle, of a. rush! in front of the goal, and from tho sclaim fur-' ),, > . f . • . i * T ther pasinsg ensued among the Blue 1 Miebusch got in filont, and a fl ee, to . Taranaki raised the siege. Just before the call of time, Tasker beat two or three opponents and potted, but it was “a grubbdr.” Australia 11, Taranaki 9. ’■s.i 'iJ , "■ TARANAKI B (8) v. WAIROA (0), ■; ~,( Patca,..AuguiL-dn. The Taranaki B team played the fina], match of its tour here to-day, defeating Wairoa Sub-Union’s team by eight points to nil. The. game was fash and exciting. The Taranaki forwards played with more combination than in the game against Wanganui, and to them the victory was mainly due, though the backs showed up well both in attack and defence. The Wairoa men played a strenuous game, and on several occasions narrowly missed scoring, Taranaki’s scoring account was opened by Tocker. The ball came cleanly from a scrum to Wells, who passed to Tocker, the latter streaking over the lino and scoring, though ho was tackled on the line by Sheehan. George converted. The other three points wore put up early in the second spell. Tocker marked right in front of the posts and George landed a fine goal.

AUCKLAND (11) v. WELLINGTON (9). [Per Press Association.] Wellington, August 30. The Auckland touring Rugby team met and defeated Wellington to-day by II iioints to 9. The game was exciting from the commencement, and the issue was in doubt right through. Wellington was first to record a score, Paton landing a pretty goal from a mark. This was followed by Wellington scoring after a brilliant passing rush in which most of the backs participated. In the second spell Auckland scored three tries, O’Leary converting one try. O’Brien scored twice and McGregor was responsible for the third try. The game was remarkable for its repeated flashes of brilliant play on the part of the backs of both sides. PULLER (8) v. CANTERBURY (5). Westport, August 30. Puller boat Canterbury to-day by 8 points to S, the home team scoring all their points in the first spell and the visitors all theirs in the second. SOUTHLAND PEATEN PY SOUTH CANTERBURY. Invercargill, August 30. A draw resulted in the game between Southland and South Canterbury to-day. There was no score in the first spell, and in the second spell each side scored an unconverted try. CANTERBURY (8) v. WATRARAPA (3). Christchurch, August 30. Canterbury defeated Wairarapa today by eight points (a try and a converted try) to throe (a try).

THE LEAGUE CAME, X.S.W. (21) V. QUEENSLAND (17). [Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] Brisbane, August 31. In the League game, New South Wales defeated Queensland by 21 points to 17. N.S.W. (27) v. AUCKLAND (2). New South Wales to-day beat Auckland by 27 points to 2, the home team not scoring till near the end of the game.