Great Rugby Final

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 473, 1 October 1928, Page 6

Great Rugby Final

VARSITY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP Minns Scores an Epic Try FOR over 70 minutes on Saturday the Auckland Rugby Championship lay—in the balance. It was Rugby at its best. Fierce onslaughts faded away before tigerish tackling, and with ten minutes to go the score was eight points all. Only then did Varsity, in its second attempt, succeed in establishing any marked superiority over Ponsonby, last season's premiers, and finally walk off the field with the championship bv a margin of six points.

Varsity supporters Immediately swarmed tlie ground and carried their men shoulder high from the field of victory. The first to congratulate them, however", were members of the defeated side. The sustained applause that greeted the players as they struggled through the crowd was a spontaneous tribute to both teams for a magnificent game, contested in the best of spirits. For the Ponsonby forwards, who stubbornly contested every inch of the paddock, and the backs, who in those last few hectic minutes tried almost every trick in the bag, defeat was certainly not disgrace. From the kick-off both sides settled down in earnest in preparation for a grim struggle, and grim it was. In the first few minutes* it was apparent that it was not to be a game of high scoring—the tackling, although not always scientific, was too deadly for that, and the scoring men too well marked. AN EPIC TRY It was not until just before half-tims* that the first score was hoisted on the board, when Minns, the speedy Varsity winger, got over for a try that will bo remembered for many a day. At the commencement of the run the prospects of a try eventuating were not seriously considered by the spectators. Minns not only had two men in close atendance, but he had almost to stop to take a ball that was partly • behind him. Two pairs of clutching hands he just evaded by twisting his body. In a flash he was streaking down the lire all out, and in the stands and on the crowded terrace the crows rose to their feet as one man. Fraser, the Ponsonby fullback, awaited him, but the Varsity winger suddenly swerved infield, beat his man, and then swerved out again straight for the corner flag. Once over the line he beat another tackier to ground the ball behind the posts. Prior to this Minns had dropped two passes, but these faults were more than redeemed by the first half try, and also another great try with which h© equalised the scores, ten minutes before time, with a great dash from tlx© twenty-five. Several other determined runs were included in ono <>* the finest wing-threequiixter exhibitions seen for some time. . INSPIRED FORWARDS It was after Minns’s first try that the play commenced to open up. The forward play was still fiercely contested, and the rovers and break-away forwards on each side were making things hot for the inside men. It was apparent that victory would

fall to the side with the better lasting rushes went straight across the ground, where they were broken up by the wings without much difficulty.

At fullback Bush played a fine game. His fielding and tackling were of a high standard, and by means of a hefty hoot he was able to save his forwards a lot of work.

Goodwin was also responsible for a good wing game. He shone out with several very determined runs, and was unlucky on two occasions in not notching a try. Carter, the halfback, was slightly better than McManus, who was not up to his usual standard, on several occasions attempting to burst his way single-handed through the opposing pack. From the Varsity forwards it is difficult to individualise, but mention must be made of the two hookers. Black and Hindenach. Black’s sole aim, apparently, was td keep on the ball, and ho succeeded to a very large extent. Linton, Anderson and Brooker were often conspicuous. As a rover, Keene, although inclined to get offside, was a very useful factor in crippling tho Ponsonby inside movements. HOOK WEL MARKED

Due largely to tho manner in which they were watched, neither L. Hook or Berridge were as conspicuous as usual. Certainly, it was on their shoulders that the bulk of the responsibility fell. At centre Cammick played a heady game, and on the wing Jamieson also acquitted himself with distinction, and Fraser, the custodian, made few mistakes.

Although beaten in the last few minutes, the Ponsonby pack was by no means disgraced. Their hookers. Palmer and Charles, gave prompt delivery, and tho remainder packed well. Righton, Fleet and Edgars were also prominent. With this game the curtain was rung down on the 1928 Certainly it was a great finish. IN THE PROVINCE GRAMMAR DRAWS AT HAMILTON (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, .Sunday. A keenly contested match between Auckland Grammar Old Boys and a Hamilton representative team at Rugby Park yesterday resulted In a draw, nine points each way. Wales, Batty, and A Knight scored for Grammar, and Going and Allen for Hamilton, Going also kicking a penalty goal. MORRINSVILLE RETAINS CUP MOHHINSVZLLE, Sunday. Before a crowd of about 2,000 people, Morrinsville retained its hold on the Peace Cup yesterday by defeating Paeroa yesterday, 20 points to 9. Morrinsville scored six tries, but only one was converted. The try-getters were Campbell (3), Anderson (2), and Robson, Anderson converting one. For Faeroa. Fitch scored a try, and McRae kicked two penalty goals. TECH OLD BOYS CLUB CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL SEASON The annual dinner of tlie Technical Old Boys’ Rugby Football Club was held on Saturday evening, over 150 members and visitors being present. Among tho guests were Messrs. H. Frost and A. Tilly (Auckland Rugby Union), P. Mackie and J. Potter (Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association), J. Park and W. E. Burleigh (director and sports master respectively of the Technical College), E. Lloyd (manager of tho visiting Hamilton Technical College team), F. Solomon and M. Linton (representing tlie North Shore and University Clubs respectively). During tlie evening caps were presented to members of the senior fifteen. which had won the Auckland Rugby Union’s B grade championship this year, and had also won its way into the A grade by defeating North Shore. This latter victory gave the side the Thistle Cup. Mention was also made of a possible challenge being issued to University, the senior championship winners. WHANGAREI FINAL (From Our Own Correspondent) WHANGAREI, Saturday. In the final competition game this season, Maungakuramea seniors beat City seniors, 23-14. The game was good, but not as open as might have been expected, considering the ideal condition of ground and weather. City felt the loss of Shortland, who recently played for the victorious Maori team. G. Kerr was absent from the ’Karamea side. The game was decided in the forwards, of whom Morrisey, Childs and O’Shea were the pick. Among the backs. Waterman and Ryan were outstanding. B. Morrisey was good in defence. THACKER SHIELD GAME Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. Greymouth Marists, the champion West Coast League team, played a challenge game against Christchurch Marists yesterday afternoon for the Thacker Shield. Christchurch won by 22 points to 13,

pack, and this was borne out in the closing stages when the Varsity packmen, playing like men inspired, held the advantage. At the same time there was little between the two packs. ... It seemed that the Varsity seven had the greater will to win. and were slightly the fitter. Determination also marked the play of the Varsity backs. Although the handling of the inside men was not particularly good. Jenkins. McKay and Stotter were determined to allow the Ponsonby cracks as few chances as possible. Both Hook and Berridge were closely watched. Neither were allowed ajiy room in which to wor>r, and when they were tackled th**y went the majority of the Ponsonby passing down with a vengeance. As a result.

PIGEON FLYING SATURDAY’S EVENTS The North Shore Pigeon Club contested a race from Hunterville on Saturday, a distance of 220 miles, for a trophy presented by Mr. R. Fullerton. The race resulted in a very close fiinsh, the first positions being:—Mr. K. Andrew’s b c h Lady Lorna, 1.253.5yds a min., 1; Mr. H. E. Crowhurst's b c c Excelsior, 1,253.3yd5, 2; Messrs. Buchanan Brothers’ p c Blue Star, 1,250yd5, 3. PON6ON BY CLUB The Ponsonby Pigeon Club fiew its second race of the second series from Te Kuitl, an air-line distance of 106 miles. Eleven birds flew. Results:— Mr. W. Knight’s b c p h Miss Eureka, i.264yds a min.. 1: Messrs. Turner and Walker’s c Bingen Star, 1,628.0yd5, 2; Mr. J. Davies’s d h Carrissima, 1,260.7yd5, 3. AUCKLAND SOCIETY The Auckland Racing Pigeon Society flew its third race of the old bird season from Taumarunui in fine weather. Nine birds competed. Mr. Alexander’s r c c Old Storm Fiend. 1,227.5yds a min., 1; Mr. C. Ryan’s r c c Midnight Waltz, 1,-26.6yd5, 2; Mr. L. Cantell’s blk c Ebony. 1,226yd5. 3. AVALON CLUB The Avalon Flying Pigeon Club flew a race from Hunterville, an air-line distance of 225 miles, in glorious weather. The first three placed birds were:— Scott Bros.’ r c c Crimson Arrow, 141yds a min., 1; Mr. F. Lambert’s r c h Gay. 1.140.3yd5. 2; Mr. H. Clay’s c c Young Inspiration, 1,110.2yd5, 3.”

CLOSE HOCKEY SOMERVILLE’S WIN OTAHUHU-EPIPHANY GAME TWO MEN SENT OFF It would not be honest to say that the Somerville-St. Luke’s clash played at Remuera on Saturday for the Devonport Shield was a first-class exhibition of hockey. The game, which virtually decided the championship, was certainly better than the average run of senior fixtures seen this season, but most old hockey men were agreed that tho match was only a shadow of some of the great battles staged between these historic rivals. There is no doubt Somerville had easily tho better of play, and was unlucky not to have won by more than the solitary goal. St. Luke’s never looked like winning, although at times some good movements were displayed. The goalless draw in the OtahuhuEpiphany encounter was the result of a wretched match, which was anything but what a game of hockey should, be. For criticising the referee two Otahuhu men were sent to the side-line. Nevertheless, it seems that tho referee acted rather hastily. On No. 3 ground, Mount Eden and Somerville Colts engaged in a good game of fair club hockey. The former won by the odd goal in five. Playing conditions were ideal on No. 1 field, but the other two were roughish. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS The following table shows the present positions of the teams in the Devonport Shield competition; Goals. Slid.

For the first ten minutes there was little to choose between the teams, and then Somerville began to assert its superiority, and got more than an equal share of the ball- A feature of the match was the solid defence put up by both sets of fullbacks. St. Luke’s department, consisting of Burnett and H. Williams, had a great deal more to do than Smith and Gaidiner, tho corresponding pair qn the other side, and the splendid work of these men kept Somerville’s score from mounting. The reds have also to thank Hanna, their goalie, who came back late in the season, for valuable assistance in clearing what ordinarily would have been certain goals. Steele, left-half, was also a tower of strength, repeatedly extricating his side. Robertson, centre, was dependable. Williams was less conspicuous. The forwards were very erratic. Sometimes they combined well, but for the greater part of the match were at sixes and sevens. They found the whites’ defence too good and could not get going. All things considered Butler, inside right, gave the headiest exposition. Brown showed a sood turn of speed and was all right until he neared the circle. Neither of the Giles’s was convincing. Buy lacked their support. Some pretty individual bursts were witnessed, but combination was lacking. Somerville’s game was more solid than brilliant. This much can be said for the team, that if they had been matched with a stronger side the resultant battle would probably have been a great one to watch. Tho forwards were all fairly good, but the determined defence was a frequent stumbling block. Cole shone in the halves. Both fullbacks knew their business. Gardiner was, however, a little uncertain in the second half. OTAHUHU V. EPIPHANY Tho game between Otahuhu and Epiphany was slow throughout, with much hard stick-work and little or no combined play. Neither side displayed any finished hockey and there was much rough play, culminating in two Otahuhu men, R. Saul and J. Gardner being ordered off for criticising the desions of the referee, Mr. D. Fraser. The forwards on both sides showed lack of skill in passing and dribbling. As a result neither side was able to pierce its opponent’s defence, and there was no score during the whole game. The backs, on the whole, were fair, far superior to the forwards, and Rivers, one of the Otahuhu fullbacks, played a good game. Infringements of the rules were frequent, and there were far too many “sticks.” Epiphany lost what was also its only chance of scoring when one of its men lifted his stick too high in the Otahuhu circle. The game was probably the worst seen on tlie ground this season AUCKLAND GIRLS’ TEAM WINS AT DARGAVILLE (From Our Oxen Correspondent) DARGAVILLE, Sunday. At Selwyn Park, Dargaville, yesterday the visiting Auckland girls' hockey team defeated Ivaipara by two goals to one. The weather was ideal, and the attendance of spectators large. The visitors were entertained in the evening at a dance in the band room, and to-day were taken on a sightseeing tour of the district, including a visit to tlie West Coast Beach. The visitors returned by boat to Auckland this evening. When playing for The Newmarket third intermediate grade League football team at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon, T. Coapham, of Remuera Road, broke his collarbone. He was taken to the Auckland Hospital for attention.

W U D P A Pts. Somerville ., . 7 - - 22 9 14 . 6 Mount Kden . • . 5 1 1 IS 15 11 University . .. . 4 Otahuhu .. . • Upiphany .. .. 1 12 Training' College Somerville Colts Univ. Whippets . 1 °