FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16142, 3 August 1914, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND BEATS AUSTRALIA.

BY 17 POINTS TO NIL.

Prese Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

BRISBANE, August 1. New Zealand beat Australia at Brisbane to-day by/17 pcinte to nil. The weather was fine, and about 12,000 spectators attended the match. Australia, kicked off and attacked from the start. A brilliant passing rush between the backs threatened, till Francis broke* through and punted upfield. The New Zealand forwards were tjuickly on the ball, but Dwyer drove them back. A splendid rush by Wilson, Francis, and Murray ended in the ball being kicked over the line. Out, outpacing Taylor, kicked dead. A long line kick by Oockrott placed New Zealand in a good position. Dwyer relieved. The Australian forwards, playing with great dash, carried play to tho New Zealand line. A good tackle by Taylor saved the situation. Cookroft, picking up emartly, found the line near the centre. A brilliant passing rush between R. Roberts, Ryan, M'K.enjiie, and Tayor ended in the latter being well tackled by Dwyer olose to the line. From a scrum here Francis got possession and passed to Taylor, who ran over unopposed and scored at the corner. Cockroft failed to convert. Heavy ruck play enabled the Australian forwards to force play close to New Zealand's line, where a vigorous strugglo ensued till a smart kick by E. Roberts relieved. Cain, Bruce, and "Wilson rushed play to the .centre, and Taylor, following up ■well, got possession near Australia's twenty-five, and, meeting with feeble opposition, scored between the posts. Cockroft failed with the kick, the boll striking the post. A period of fast, exciting play followed. Woods opened wp the game splendidly, but the New Zealand backs were very 3iriart, tackling thc:r opponents before they got properly moving. A rally by Australia looked dangerous. Flynn hod a shot at a penalty goal from a good position, but failed, and New Zealand forced. The visitors now lost several good chances of scoring through off-side play. They kept up a strenuous attack, and Taylor, getting the ball from Murray, scored at the corner. Cockroft failed with the kick. Half-time ' came with New Zealand attacking. On resuming, Australia made a vigorous attack, but the defence <rf New. Zealand was impregnable. Wogan broke away, and, nearing Cockroft, punted. Taylor, getting possession, found the line near the »entre. Australia gradually worked ' play over the New Zealand line, and a force xesuited. Wilson, with a good run and a kksk, got New Zealand out of a tight corner. A few minutes later New Zealand again forced. Australia kept un the attack, and Flynn broke through the defence, but the pass to Murphy went astray. Wilson, Downing, Bruce, and Francis dribbled to Australia's twenty-five, and M'Kenzie, picking up smartly, passed to R. Roberts, who scored between the poets. E. Roberts converted. Shortly afterwards the ball was kicked across the field, and Lynch raced over and scored- an easy try. E. Roberts failed to convert. Australia made a series of'attacks, but found the defence solid. The, New Zealand forwards were now playing brilliantly, while the backs also combined welL E. Roberts was almost over, Carr tackling him near the line. Lynch foTced his way , over, but lost the ball. The closing stages were, greatly in favour of the New Zealandera, who outclassed their opponents in every department of the game. At half time' the scores were: New Zealand 9 points, Australia nil. The final score wae: New Zealand 17 points. Australia , Nil.

"FASTEST THINGS ON LEGS."

NEW' ZEALANDEHS IN AUSTRALIA. lT«OM Ova Own CoßKEirojTOim BRISBANE, July 27. " The fastest tihings on two legs—tho

greatest footballers on earth," which ia bow the team is advertised in Brisbane, .arrived ini that city at 9 on Thursday night, after a, train journey of 16 hours. It was soon found that the hotel accommodation arranged by the local union was altogether . unsuitable, so Mr Isaacs got to work early on Friday morning, and, after lunch,. wo removed to more congenial quarters, where ■we are very comfortable. The warm, almost . summerlike, weather on Friday livened the team up considerably, and at the practice, held after luncih, even the cripples joined in. All are now fit to play except Barrett, whoso broken finger will probably make him a passenger for the rest of fche tour. Friday night was spent at the -theatre, but most of the men were anxious for a good might's rest, and all were in bed at a very «arly hour. Saturday was again very warm, with only a 'light breeze blowing,, and, as tho ground was in fine condition, everything was in favour of good football. Although the local team was probuibly tho , best that has pkyed against New Zealand, it was not considered that they would extend tile visitors, and in consequence there ■were not more than 7000 spectators at the - match. So far as our backs were concerned, the display of football was the brightest of the tour, and several of the tries were scored-after the ball had been handled by five players, js against this, the forwards took tilings easy , in the second snell, and were content to let the tacks do most of the ■work. Francis and M'Neeoe, however, stuck to £heir work right through, and were easily the most prominent forwards on 4he ground. The former is improving with every game, amd will return to New Zealand a consistent and dashing player. , The first score came early, R. Roberts scoring at the corner flag, after the ball had been handled by E. Roberts, M'Kenzie, Ryan, and Lynch, tho latter passing infield when threatened. Graham missed a fine goal by inches. The bocks kept the ball moving, and during the next ten minutes two-certain tries were tost—once from a bad pass to Lynch, and again by fche latter knocking on. The locals gained a temporary respite till, at halfway, £ Roberts started the most spectacular scoring movement of the day. He passed to Ryan, who transferred to M'Kenzie, the latter handing on to R. Roberts, wio raced off, with Lynoh ia close attendance. Once the Timaru player got possession the defence was completely beaten, and he crossed the line close to the corner flag. Graham converted with a tery fine kick. Cockroft, who at first was inclined to play too close up, was now doing eomo fine lino kicking, and presently Feild? ing, a Queensland kick, potted a fine goal from inside halfway. When tho locals got a look in, and managed to score a very decent try, which Frynn converted by a , really good kick. Before the spell ended M'Kcozio also potted a goal from dose up, but the ball had been touched in its flight, and no points- resulted, the scores than ■ standing at 12 to 5. Pour more tries , were soofOd in the second half, though the home team did a fair amount of attacking. As E. Roberts had been slightly hurt, he changed plaPes with Taylor, who, however, was not nearly so effective behind the pack as ho has been in the three-quarter line. Lynch soon added another try by means of a straight dash, after the'boll had been handled by E. Roberts, Taylor, Ryan, and R. Roberts. Cockroft made a. poor attempt at goal. The local forwards were now tiring very fast, and tho next three tries scored came from movements begun in loose play. M'Neece gave Ryan a clean pass. The Petone man ran to within striking distance, •where he put Lynch in a position to score. R. Roberts made a miserably poor attempt to convert the try. Taylor next crossed the , line, after he had passed to Downing, who made ground, and sent the ball back to Xhim, but Cockroft did no good with the kick at goal. The last try was a beautiful one, the ball going, by means of short p-issea, through tho hands of Downing, M'Konzio, Ryan\ R. Roberts, and Lynch. The burly winger crossed the lino at the corner. Graham ,put the finishing touches on a fine movement by kicking a very good goal. As before stated, all the backs were at the top of "their form, R. Roberts in particular playing his best game oi the tour. After the first 15 minutes Cockroft proved a worthy successor to O'Brien, his fielding, looking, and collaring being all that could be desired. Taylor had very little to do, most of the work going to Lynch's •wing. Strangely enough', most of the. homo backs kicked to Lynch, who invariably found touch with a good kkfe. Altogether the Tirnaru man had few idle moments. During the game Ryan and E. Roberts were as effective as ever, and M'Kenzie 6howed an improvement previous jra-me. his play being free froth selfishness. The forwards did not take the game eeriouely, though they never failed to come ' to the rescue when defensive work was necessary. Murray did good work on the wing, and, with "Francis and M'Neooe. was prominent throughout. Cain and Francie beat their opponents for the ball. 1 which, however, was hung np in the back row pf the eorum very often. Up to a certain stage the Queensland team played well, but their play was sadly lacking in finish. The forwards played well, but not so fairly Cβ they might have, as they persistently and systematically obstructed our players during tfie first sneH. ■ The resultant penalties, however, steadied t3iem considerably, and there was little to caril at m the second epell. The referee was quick and effective—eo much so as to earn the disapproval of a section of the spectators, a not uncommon experience for an unfciassod Rugby referee in this part of the world. So far we have leea but little

of the local officials and r> layers, and, oontrary to custom, the two teams did not dine together after the match. The evening was spent at the Stadium ae the gucete of the union. The. team are a vary happy family and, consequently, tho tour is proving very enjoyable. During the coming week the players -will compete in a billiard tourney for a medal presented by a Dunedin enthusiast. The latest sceounts from Armidale indicate that O'Brien 'is being well looked after by the local Rugbyitos. This afternoon eome of tho men will attend tho Queensland "Coursing Chib's njpeting, and this evening the team will witness the contest for the amateur boxing championships of the State. Tho weather is still very hot, and tho ground promises to be extremely hard for Wednesday's match. RUGBY. FIRST GRADE. The following table shows the position of the teams in the First Grade competition :— „•

UnIVEBSITY v. SOUTHEBN. The match between University and Southern, played at Carisbrook on Saturday, attracted an audience of some 5000, who defied the elements in the hope of witnessing an interesting, if not exciting, game. The contest was neither interesting nor exciting, and, save for a brilliant run by Harris, was colourless in the extreme. The standard of play was poor, and the. game a complicated tangle, which tho ekill and ingenuity of both teams failed to unraveL

A strong breeze was blowing down tho field when University kicked off against it. Tho Blues' rushed play to the Southern twenty-five, where, from a mark, Cuthill had a shot at goal, and Southern forced. The University forwards came away with the ball at their feet, and then passed out to the backs. Cuthill, who was playing full-back, secured, and racing across field, found the line, but Southern changed the scene instantly, Andrews executing a lonehand dribble to the University twentyfive. Tho Blues' raised the siege, and passing by Childs and Harris, taken up by Kidd, found play in the Southern quarters. Harley set his backs going, and Otirran ran through, until stopped by Cuthill, when play centred in midh'eld. Eventually lickhold slipped a pass out to Reidy, whose kick the wind carried over the dead ball line. A few minutes later (Southern were again . attacking, and Eckhold scored. Brown made a good attempt at goal, but the wind carried the ball out of direction. Southern 3 pointe, University niL

For some time play zig-zagged between the two twenty-five flags in all its raggednow. There was a total lack of cohreion, and it was hard to realise that two of the leading teams were playing. After a term of mediocrity, above which the teams appeared unable to lift themselves, Eckhold attempted a lone-hand sortie, but Harris stopped the movement with a low tackle. Southern were getting the ball, and were making play for the backs, but the passes, however well-intentioned, did not always go in the right direction. Harris, the University flyer, cut off a transfer, and was racing into his stride v;hen he ran into the tcckle instead of skirting it. M'Mullan dashed up and took the pass, but was bored to touch, and a promising movement collapssd. Southern swept the Blues bock, but University carried a scrum, and the pack in full cry, with Nesbit and Pilling at its head, romped through the Colours' defence, and finished up a 40 yards' rush in the Southern twenty-five. Reidy opened up a channel, and Southern swept through it like a tidal wave, but tho backs were, playing gingerly, and the ball was dropped more often than taken. Andrews had a rare chance, but failed to pick up a ball bouncing at his* feet. University covered up the breach and kicked to centre. This made an opening for a sensational run by Harris, who, ta-klng a pass inside the half-way, jumped into his stride at oncp. and fairly flew the distance to the goal line. The opposition was left standing, though Sheehan and Deuehrass touched Harris as ho flashed by and raced round beind the posts. Pilling kicked a goal, and, shortly afterwards, the whistle sounded for half-time, with the scores: University 5 points, Southern 3 points.

The eoeond spell opened promisjngly with a Blue ruivh, and Harris on a flying mission ; for the goal line. Jammed and tackled 'on the edge of touch, Harris passed in field, and Cuthill, coming up fast, took the ball and dashed over Tho scorer failed to increase tho points from the kick at goal. .University 8 points, Southern 3 points. The Southern forwards were playing with resolution and dynamic force, but they were getting little assistance from their backs, who were slow and uncertain. Harley, the half, was opening up the game, but there was no one to carry on the good work. Meanwhile the University forwards were pumping their hoarte out against the hoavior Southern pacl*. but the Blue backs, unliko those of the Colours, were affording their forwards a large measure of assistance. Withers potted at goal, tho bail going outside, and Wilson next punted intelligently to fcho line, but tha Southern pack cleared. University came again, and (smothering the Southern full-back, swept to the goal-line, where Niebet picked up and scored an easy try. Pilling converted. "University 13 points, Southerti 3 points. Play had got into a rut and it appeared impoeeible "to straighten it out. The ball was driven! hither and thither, and the players chased it hither and thither. There was no certainty about tho movements, and no semblance of combination. University aeain got into an attacking position, and after Harris, Withers. Childa, and Bishop had each dived for t.he line, the ball was passed out to Cuthill. who raced ovor unopposed. Pilling kicked a goal. Univnrsitv 18 points. Southern 3 points. Shortly before time, Wilson, bruised hi- ehouldcr and retired. The game ended: University '... ]8 points. Southern 3 points. Mr J. Dcy was referee. Pibates v. Dhnedin Pirates gained their first win of the season by defeating Dunedin at Tahuna Park by a try to ml. Dunedin had a very weak team playing. Denham was out of town, Driscoll and Goesago were absent through injuries, whilst Skinner's Wave was stopped by the Defence Department owing to the European situation. Their places wore filled by Ken- and Butcher (Third Grade players), . Elvidge, and Stewart. Pirates, aided by a galo of wind, attacked st*ongly from the start, and a hard kick compelled Dunedin to force. The kick-off brought no belief to Dunedin. The Colours (Dunedin) could make no progress against the wind and rain. From a scrum Pirates secured, and a passing rush ended in Sloan scoring in the comer. The kick failed. Good passing by Dunedin backs took play well past half-way, but a long kick by the Blacks' full-back relieved. Then Pirates hod two shots at goal in quick succession, but both failed. The Dunedin forward? took play right to the Pirates' line and narrowly missed, scoring. Fortune had a shot at goal, but the ball struck a Pirates' player on tho nose, and temporarily incapacitated him. A long kick again put Dunedin on the defensive! Pyle made a good run, but his pass k> his wing was forward, and the resulting free-kick allowed Dunedin to clear. Half-time was called with Piratce attacking.

On resuming Dunedin had the advantage of the wind, but it was not so strong as in the first epell, nor was the sun so troublesome. s Dunedin took a long time in settling. down. The forwards were not playing eo well, and the passing of the backs was bnd. The Pirates forward? were showing better form, and the backs were playing close up, and jtaking ful , advantage of the Duwdin rnistakee. A high centring kick bv Dunedin nearly resulted in a score, Aitohison just missing. A passing rush by the Dunedin backs looked dnnperoue, but a pass forward spoilt. The Pirates' forwards took play to the other end for a brief epell. but a frer-

kick fr> Dunedin, relieved. A kick by Jeffs forced Pirates. Dunedin tried hard in tlie dying moments of the game to register s score, but were unable to do so. When tho whistle sounded pkry was in Pirates' twentyfive. The arame was a very poor one. indeed. Neither team showed any combination, and the frrw spectatons woro not raised at any throp to applause. Tho result of tfoo ffame was: Pirnti , !? 3 points. Dunedin Nil. Mr W. Facer was referee. Kaikobai v. Union Th's mutch was played on the NoTth Ground, before a fair num-bor of spectator? It proved quite a one-sided contest, the hill men—both backs nnd forwards—proving too heavy and powerful for their opponents, whoso back line was very light. The Maroons havo lost a number of {heir bachs this season, through ono cause and another, and on Saturday vacancies were filled by

men from the junior teams. The Red forwards played a hard game, ae did Williams and Mills in the rearguard; but, though the play was taken to the Kaikorai lino On several oooa&ions, it did not stay there long. Tho ground was very muddy in l'»reee, and the refore* (Mr W. J. Wilson) closed the game when only 35 minutes of tho second 6[>oll hud been "completed, both sides evidently being quite satislied to eoase play. There was one feature of tho gnmo which did not appeal to the spectators who noticed it, ami that was the tendency, in the loose dribbling rushes, of two Kaikorai forwards to use (heir hands i«i pushing the I nion men over or out of the way, when they were not oven playing the ball. This style of football is distinctly illegal, and the more illegal—if that be possible- when the offending side is making a runaway victory of the match.

There is no necessity to givo anv particular details of the play. In tho "first half tries wore scored by Duncan, Dryden, Aitoheson (2), Pinlc, and Thompson, "and. though most of them were secured close to the pasts, only two goals were kicked— both by Sinclair,—Hanna and Pink making a poor showing at their place-kicks. In the second s[>ell Sinclair, Osborne (2), Reid, and Hanna ei'ored, only ono goal being eonvertcd--by Hanna—tlio'igh some of the tries were ,pof, right behind the posts. The final scores wor<>: Kaikorai 39 points. Union Xil. ZINGABI-RICHMOXD V. POBT CIIALMEHS.. Zingari-Richrnond played i*ort Chalmers on the Mussel liny Ground on Saturday afternoon, and a rather onesided game ended in favour of tho former by 26 points to 6. The Greene were, however, frequently in the ascendant, and on several occasions, apart from those upon which scores were registered, their eiforta very nearly materialised.

Port "won the toss, { and played with tho wind, which was blowing strongly down the ground, and enabled them to set up a hot attack during tho first 10 minutce. Morrison and Marks then took play into striking distance for Zingari, and, from the ensuing line-out, Fyfe scored for the Colours. Watson converted. From the kick-out Port attacked, and Thomas broke away, but knocked on, and the Colours' forwards returned play to the Greens' twenty-five. Dougherty turned them back momentarily,. and after some good work by Hay the first-named player drew first, blood for Port. Bell and Kennelly next scored, in turn for Zingari, Wateon converting the former's try. Up and down play followed, and, just before tho end of the spell, Thomas kicked aj goal for Port from a mark. Zingari, 13 points; Port, 6 pointe,

The second spell opened with a strong and sustained attack by Port, which kept the Colours very busy defending for some time. Good passing- by the Zingari backs followed, and M'Donald scored, Watson landing a good goal. The Colours now had the mastery over the game, with the exception of one occasion, upon which Whitting cut off a pass, and was brought down by Russell only a. few yards from the line. Kennelly next scored for Zingari, as the result of some good forward work, and Watson again converted. Port disputed this try, claiming that Kennelly had taken a forward pass, but it "wae allowed b" the referee. In the final stages of the same Watson landed a good, goal from a penalty, and tho match ended: Zingari-Richmond ?6 points. Port Chalmers 6 points. Port's team was somewhat weaker than usual owing to the fact that two or three prominent players were absent, but Zingari's score would not have been so large had it not been for Watson's pplendid goal-kicking. Mr A. Downes was referee. SECOND GRADE. Zingayi-Riohmond won from Alhambra by default. Ravensbourne defeated Pirates by 6 points to 3. F. Boswell scored a try, and Richdale kicked a penalty for ivavensbourne. Holmes scored for the losers. Mr Morgan ably controlled the game. _ * Southern (29) beat Dunedin (nil). Kaikorai (46) beat Union (11). THIRD GRADE. High School (14) beat Zingari (5). FOURTH GRADE. Alhambra drew with High School (8 points each). Tries were scored for Alhambra by Cameron (2), Welsh converting one. For High School Pilling scored a try, which Whelan converted, and he also kickedi a penalty goal. Kaikorai (8 points) beat Southern (6). Southern and Zingari drew (eight points each). Scorers: For Southern, tries by Ryan and Alf Austin, Miller converting one. For Zingari, Brooks and Atkinson crossed the line, Cameron converting one try. FIFTH GRADE. Alhambra (12) beat Port Chalmers (5). M'Leary scored a try, and Conn kicked two goals and Fowler one for Alhambra, Symmonds scored a try for Port, Aitken con verting. Zingari (65) beat Alhambra B (nil). Kennelly, Cameron, Allen, Todd, and Taylor played a good game. Southern (15) beat Ravensbourne (nil). Scorers: Broad, Wildgoose, Mitchell, and Catto. Gardner kicked a penalty goal. OTAGO REPRESENTATIVES. Certain alterations in the Otago team to meet Southland on Rugby Park, Invercargill, on Wednesday are announced. Brown (Southern), and Fogarty (Union) replace Patterson and H. M'Donald, who are unable to go; and Watson (Zingari) and Woodrow (Kaikorai) are the emergencies. • The following team have been selected to represent Southland:—Full back, J. Lilley (Star); throe-quarters—A. Grant (Scar), A. Martin (Star.), Roberston (Winton) ; five-eighths—E. Kavanagh (Athletic) and N. Stead (Star); half bade; J. Forde (Waikiwi); forwards—E. Brggar (Eastern District), R. Barry (Athletic), P. Scullv (Athletic). C. Barry (Athletic), D. Bair'd (Star), F. Whrtaker (1.F.C.), J. Roche (Athletic), E. Edginton (Waikiwi). The last named was appointed captain. Bacic emergency, A. Smith' (1.F.C.); forward emergency, T. Clark (Southern). SCHOOLS' MATCH. The following have been selected to represent the Dunedin Schools in the match against the North Otago Schools, in Dunedin, next Saturday:—Full-back, Robinson (Albany Street) or Porter (Forbury); threequarters—Lethaby and Barron (Musselburgh), Munro (Forbury); five-eighths— Timlin and Herbert (Forbury); half-back. Brooks (Forbury); forwards—-Brady (Musselburgh), Restieaux, Riach, Gardner, and Lindsay (Albany Street), Ban- (Arthur Street), Smith (Kensington), and -Saunders (Forbury) wing ; emergencies—backs: M'Lachlan (Arthur Street), Ingram (Macan- !

drew Road), and Hutton (Albany Street); forwards: Henderson (Kensington), Williams and Begg (Musselburgh), Fraser (Mr.candrew Road), and Veitch (Forbury). All the playcre will meet for practice on Tuesday afternoon" on a ground to bo arranged. IN OTHER CENTRES. (Pf« UMITKD . FBEBB AaSOCIATION I AUCKLAND, August 2. The play-off of the tie between City and University for the Senior Grade Cham>pionehip was held yesterday, when University won by 3 points (a try scored by Lambert) to nil. Tbe match attracted an attendance of 6000. The- second representative teams of Taranaki and Auckland also played yesterday, tbe former winning by 9 points to 5. Auckland led at half-bime by 5 points to 3. A try was scored by M'Donald and converted by Barker. The try resulted from good play by Rowlands. In the second spell George kicked two penalty goals. CHRISTCHURCH, August 1. After a. fine game at Lancaster Park this afternoon, Old Boys beat Merivale by 14 points to 13, and so won the Senior Championship of the Canterbury Rugby Union for the second year in succession. It was a play-off for the championship, each team having beaten the other once. The game had plenty of incident in it It w;is fast and hard all through, and at times really spectacular. The Old Boys played quite differently from the way they did in tho game against Merivale on the previous Saturday. Their forwards worked well, and their backs were sound arid sometimes brilliant. Merivale's forwards "bore the brunt of the. work for their side, but they wore beaten for the ball in most of the serums, and the line-kicking of the Old Boys' backs wore them down a bit. But they fought out the game to the bitter end, and tho

closeness of the scoring shows how well they battled. The Old Boys won because all round, they played bettor football.

WELLIXGTON, August 1. On Saturday the weather was excellent for outdoor sporvs Athletic' boat Petone by 6 points to 3; Wellington Hrm *- Porv.'ko by 13 points to 8; Oriental beat I'nivrsity In 13 points to 10; M'.'lrose beat St. James by 26 points to 6. WANGANUI v. WAIRO. (Pkb Unix*" Pbkss Association.) WANGANUI, August 1. The Wanganui Rugby representatives mot and defeated the Wuiro Suburban representatives at Wanganui to-day in beautiful weather by 20 points to nil. Tho points were, made up of six tries, one of which was converted.

r I* "S . is js | & 11 a -I I I University .... ... 13 11 1 1 258 62 23 Kaikorai 13 11 1 1 196 32 23 ■Southern 14 8 4 2 174 85 18 Zingari-Richmond 13 8 4 1 150 76 17 Dunedin 14 4 7 3 77 149 11 Alhambra 43 • 5 7 1 64 123 11 Union ... .. „ 13 3 8 2 51 178 8 Port Chalmers _. 14 3 10 1 63 175 7 Pirates ... ... 13 1 12 0 23 176 2