RUGBY IN AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 139, 14 June 1926, Page 11

RUGBY IN AUCKLAND.

PONSONBY'S HARDEST GO. SOLID GAME WITH GRAMMAR. MARISTS AND RIFLES WIN. Anticipating that Grammar Old Boys would go near to checking Poneonby's winning career, there was a very large attendance of spectators at Eden Park on Saturday. They were not disappointed if they expected to see Ponsonby meet their equals, for it was a ding-dong struggle all through. Grammar scored first, in excellent etyle, but they did not keep up the promise of that score. Before half-time Ponsonby had scored two tries and added a penalty goal. Throughout the second spell Grammar forced the game practically the whole but not only failed to cross Ponsonby's line, but also missed a number of easy chances for penalty goals. On the other hand, Ponsonby, on one of the few occasions when they got to an attacking position, added another try, and won the game 14 to 5. An exciting game between Marist Old Boys and Grafton on Victoria Park was won by the Marists by 17 to 13. At the Show Ground College Rifles and University had an even game, which the Rifles won by 14 points to 9. GRAFTON GOES DOWN. Marist kicked-off against a strong breeze. Play was fast, but ragged in the opening exchanges. A hot Marist forward rush, following on good passing by O'Brien. Loft and Johnston, forced Findlay to carry the ball back over his own line. From the resultant scrum, Grafton -radually cleared, and shifted play back to their opponents' territory. A few minutes later, during a forward scramble. Farmer got the ball and potted a good goal. Before Marist had recovered from this surprise, McGregor* shot the ball out from a scrum in almost the same position, and the Grafton first five promptly repeated the performance. Then McGrepor had a shot from a mark with a place-kick, but the wind took the ball outside the posts. The Grafton forwards were going great guns at this stage, and from a scrum, McGregor initiated a passing rush,, which broke down when Culpan bowled Farmer over' just when the latter looked like kicking another goal. Hughes, however, was handy, and booted the ball over the l.ne under the posts, where, in a mix-up. Finlayson scored a rather lucky try. Austin had no trouble in adding the extra points, giving Grafton a thirteeu-point lead when the teams changed over for the second quarter. With the breeze at their bacKs, Marist made the pace a cracker in the second twenty, their backs opening out in passing attacks at every opportunity. From one of these Broderick narrowly failed to score in a good dash down the side-line, but he was pushed into touch. The Grafton forwards, headed by Stewart, set up a series of vigorous counter-attacks, while Farmer was playing a good game on defence. The Marist forwards, howeve headed by McGinley, Marshall and Hadloy, cut loose in a' fast rush, which rapidly changed the scene of battle to the Grafton twenty-five. where the defenders were penalised for off-side play, and O'Brien landed a splendid goal from near the sideline. Just before the spell ended, a fine bit of passing by the Marist backs, in which Bradanovich and Johnston were prominent, ended in Wright scoring •in the corner. O'Brien made a good but unsuccessful effort to convert. On resuming after half-time Marist faced a troublesome sun. 'The wind, however, had almost completely died down. A powerful kick by Austin put Grafton on the attack, and in quick succession Austin and Stokes potted for goal, but both kicks fell a few yards 6bort, and Loft finally got Marist out ot a hot corner by finding touch. A forward rush, headed by McGinley, cut through to the Grafton twenty-fire,'where a -penalty against Grafton for obstruction enabled O'Brien to land a good goal, Grafton rallied, and Austin had a couple of unsuccessful shots at goal before the spell ended. Both sides were at hammer and tongs on the last twenty. A solid foray by Marist forwards cut a gap in the Grafton defence. and Johnston whipped into an opening on the far side and passed to Culpan, who scored under the posts. O'Brien converted, putting Marist in the lead. On resuming play, hung in the centre for a brief cpace, and then Loft and McGinley broke awny in midfield. The former put in a brilliant run, beating half-a-dozen opponents before he scored in the corner. O'Brien made a good but unsuccessful attempt to convert. Play Slackened off in the closing stages and altnongh Marist narrowly failed to score' the score remained unaltered when the final whistle blew. Marist ]7 Gra f ton '.'...'.'. 1 .1 Mr. F. E. Sutherland was referee. | RIFLES DEFEAT 'VARSITY.

Varsity kicked off against the wind, and went to the twenty-five, where Ennis returned, and College backs opened out in the opposing quarter. Offside gave Gillespie a shot right in front and Rifles had the first score, 3—o. Olsen and Cashmore brought the light blues back to the attack, and with a great run Freeman went almost through on his own. Wild passing enabled Francis to break away, and carry the ball right to the line, where Butler forced, but a penalty for obstruction, not visible from the stand, enabled Gillespie to add three more points, 6—o. Free, fast handling by both back divisions sent the ball up and down the field, till Keene and Russell went away, and from a penalty wide out. Butler missed narrowly. A moment later Stone was thrown into touch at the corner Bag. Gillespie staved off the next Varsity attack, but so quick on the ball were the latter'g forwards at this stage that Rifles could not get going till Anderson and Francis carried the play to the corner flag. Right from the change over the students rushed the game to the line, and Keene scored. Butler's attempt going wide. College Rifles G, University 3. Catching Olsen in possession. College forwards had the light blues in trouble, till Hamilton punted clear. Back came the Rifles' pack with effort after effort, in which Mitchell showed up well. A penalty shot by Ennis forced Varsity, who then took a turn at attack, Butler making a fine effort at goal from mlf-way. Keegan spoiled a good breakaway by knocking on, but his backs carried "ie ball to the line, where College had all they conld do to fend off a score till half- ,< • sonnded The game resumed with a punting duel that finished in Rifles' twenty-five. Here Mitchell broke away, and in loose, clean passing the ball travelled back and forth between Ennis, Anderson and Gallagher tin the last named scored near the posts, Gillespie converting. From a scrum near halfway Cashmore seized a qnick opening, and. accompanied by Olsen, streaked for the line, where the wing scored. Freeman missed College Rifles 11, Varsity 6. Mitchell drew his side out of further trouble, but the pace of the lijrht blue pack told, and Stone Keene and Miller bustled through for another score wide ont. Butler jnst missed the posts. College Rifles 11. University 9. The dark bines came with a flash of attack, but Varsity, outpacing their opponents in the loose, were soon hammering again. Mitchell let his backs off to midfield. where Freeman had an. unsuccessful shot, and gave Gillespie a chance to raise the siege and press an attack to the end of the third spell. The final quarter started with the light blues making desperate efforts to secure a lead. They made the game open from the jump, but failed to last the distance. Francis and Ennis led an invasion. Macken mulled, Olsen ditto, and kept Varsity defending til la penalty gave relief. Francis, qnick following, returned it. Weak tackling let Essen further in, but a penalty against Varsity let College back again. Johnston was nearly in, but a knock on to the students' twenty-five, and though a series of infringements cleared for them, the tight work of the dark bines kept them in charge till a loose rush turned the tide, 'Varsity attacking and infringing Just as their opponents had done. Close to the line, Hamilton passed infield, bnt Anderson cut off the pass, and bustled, bnt did not beat Butler. Johnston was nearly over, "but an infringement bronght relief. Olsen badly mulled the return. The dark blues were on him immediately, and Johnston scored, Gillespie failing at goal. College Rifles 14, University .9. With but three minutes to go, the students made a final dash, bnt were compelled to force as time sounded with the scores : .: College Rifles 14 Varsity 9 , Mr. H. Cllffe refereed. :,

TEACHERS' CLOSE CALL. When Training College and Manukau last met there was a difference of 12 points between the teams. On Saturday, at Eden Park, Manukau-were out to win from the jump' and the blue and whites had a strenuous time in the second half •warding off the strong attacks. Training College managed to pull through to the tune of 11 points to 6. Training College opened with a series oi fast combined efforts which had Manukau puzzled for a time. The blue and white backs soon settled down to serious work and gave the spectators a good exhibition of passing and reverse passing which gained them a lot of ground. The blue and white forwards were also making things uncomfortable for Manukau in the loose. At last Meyer made a clever opening and shot it out to Mathieson who swerved and dummied his way through to score a good try near the posts. McLean converted. From the kick-off the Manukau forwards rushed play well up field and the game was hard and "even for a time. Fast up-and-down play followed, neither side showing to much advantage. Soon the green and black forwards started a fast sortie and Pascoe, snapping up the ball in the loose, beat a couple of men and raced hard for the corner. He was tackled as he cut across the line. Give and take play followed, play settling in midfield for a while. Two good runs by the blue and white backs carried play to the Manukau twenty-five. Defence was soon turned into attack and Albon. cue fast Manukau wing, raced hard up the line only to be well tackled by Bell. Training College was soon attacking strongly again and from a scrum the ball travelled along the line of backs to McLeod, who flasbed across at the corner. McLean missed the sick. From the kick-off Manukau opened a strong offensive and stormed the blue and white citadel for some time. The only time the ball travelled along the whole line of green and black backs saw Albon score a good try in the corner. Half-time sounded shortly after. I'lay became exceptionally fast in the second spell, the ball travelling-up and down at high speed. The Training College pack, led by Wells and Cummings, swept all before them, and, as the result of a clever forward effort, Cummings got across far out. Tbe kick was too much for McLean. It was the last score of the day. From then on Manukau did most of the attacking and for most of the time Training College had a busy time defending their citadel. The bulk of the defensive work was lert to Dobson, Meyer and McLean, who went down time and time aj-ain to fast Manukau forward rushes. The combination of the Manukau backs was poor and they relied mostly on their forwards to lead them in attack On a number of occasions they were unlucky not to get across. The game ended : Training College 11 Manukau 6 Mr. J. Muldoon carried the whistle. PONSONBY YET UNBEATEN. This game afforded an opportunity of testing out the argument that Ponsonby without Lucas would De a vastly different team, for Lucas was with the North Island side at Wellington, and Matson occupied his place at centre three-quarter. At the outset a dash by Righton put Grammar on the defensive, and though Knight effected a relief the blues 'came back. Gardiner was prominent in raising the siege, and fast mid-field-play ensued. Polham missed taking a long kick and Knight dribbled over Ponsonby's line, but the ball went dead. Up to this stage Ponsonby's forwards were the side's strength, the backs making many mistakes. A seusation was provided when Goodacre cut off a pass and kicked, but Matson saved. Righton and Webber shifted the game to Grammar's twenty-five, and Hook missed a shot, at goal from a free. Ponsonby kept up the pressure till a lucky kick relieved Grammar. With play just outside Grammar's twenty-five, the white backs went away, the bail travelling to Eady and back to Ifwerscn, to 3oodacre, who scored a try that Ifwersen .-onverted. The score came just at the end of the quarter, and when they changed round, play opened up in lively fashion. Several free 3 went against Grammar, and from one of these McWilliams lauded a goal. From the kick-off Ponsonby backs got going, and a kick by Cammick ad Grummar in trouble. The forwards cleared for Grammar, but when their backs tried a bout. Hook not only stopped then but got away with the ball, and only a knock-on saved Grammar from a score against them. Still Ponsonby went for it. Passing saw Matson get into the bout a second time to score at the corner. With a fine kick. McWilliams converted. B—s. Matson broke up a Grammar passing attack, but when the blue backs got going he missed his pass. Ponsonby forced the game steadily tillGoodacre got in a relieving kick, and again he saved the situation when Monteith nearly gave a scofe away with a wild pass. In a passing bout Hook was nearly over. being held up on the line, but from the scrum McManus worked the short side for Foster to score a try that McWilliams failed to convert. Play was wild and woolly for a few minutes, but half-time came with Ponsonby leading. Early in the second spell another cut-off by Goodacre promised a sensational score for Grammar that did not materialise. After the blues had pushed them back, a return kick by Singleton was mulled by Cammick, and Wright was within an ace of scoring twice in succession. The breakdown of a Grammar bout let the blues away in a dribbling bout to the other end. Close forward play, interluded by a Grammar breakaway and a return dash by McManus, marked the next ten minutes' proceedings. Fierce and willing in Grammar's quarter it was, but a sudden flare-up of open play enabled the whites to win to the other end, where Gardiner had a long shot, putting the ball under the bar. In handling work the blues came back, but infringements stopped them, and the quarter ended without score. The last twenty started with Grammar attacking strongly. Fiercely the whites tried to press home the attack in passing and footwork, but a stubborn defence baulked them. Matson was penalised for lying on the ball near the goal, and Ifwersen missed an easy shot. Grammar came again, and Gardiner missed a pot at goal. Mistakes by the Grammar backs helped the defence. Again Ifwersen missed an easy shot from a mark. Eventually McManus. Cammick and Hook engineered a passing and dribbling bout that went to Grammar's twenty-five, when the whites forced. With the change of aspect. McWilliams brought ironical comment by marking and trying a shot at goal from half-way. The change in affairs was emphasised when a duel of kicking ended in Hook getting the bail and putting in a strong dash to score a try, which was not converted. Again Grammar set up an attack, dribbling to Ponsonby's.corner, but Hook and Matson put in a relief dash, and the game ended :— Ponsonby 14 Grammar 5 Mr. G. Peace was referee. SHORE DOWN NEWTON. Newton set the game in motion and the first few minutes found play very even. Shore then set the pace and a determined forward rush saw them carry play to Newton's twenty-five. Pressing now, Newton made an opening and following up well, carried play to Shore's line. Things looked dangerous until Soloman intercepted and made a solo run that relieved and brought J)lay to half way. From the ruck CampbeU received, and sprinted down the field to score. His kick failed. Newton returned the compliment in the next instant when Pickering took a penalty and placed the ball over the posts. Success greeted constant efforts when Johnson (Shore) secured from a scramble and dashed across the line. His kick failed. Shore were still the aggressors after the spell and kept Newton on the move. Soloman did a heap of good work in the scramble, but he was not supported enough to do much good. Newton had a loving regard for the leather and were loth to part with it. a fact that suited Shore admirably. Forcing the pace, Shore made repeated attempts, and at last Johnson received at halfway and made a brilliant run i and crossed the line. Scott failed. Play, during the next few minutes was fairly even, but Newton rallied a bit and from a forward rush Magee received and dashed over to score. The kick failed. Shore retaliated and in the next rush Smith, from a forward scramble, got the ball and scored behind the post. Campbell failed. The whistle came a few minutes later, and the game ended: North Shore 12 Xewton 6 Mr. W. J. Meredith was referee, SUBURBS' RUNAWAY WIN. Ellerslie were first to get going with a strong forward attack, and Suburbs twice had to force. Johnson broke .through, and shifted'play to the opposite end, bnt the advantage was short-lived. Ellerslie continued . to make most of the play. . Just before the-first spell ended Suburbs took a hand. Followed a series of scrums near Ellerslie line, from'one "of which Abel bull locked his way across. , Gray missed an , etiy kicK, Suburbs 3,_ Ellerslie 0. Davies,

an Ellerslie forward, had to leave the field through an injury, and his team played with fourteen men until the second half, when Ryder came on as a substitute. In the next quarter the Suburban backs combined better. Empson followed up his own kick, and, takiDg a pass from Topliss, scored. Suburbs G, Ellerslie 0. Weak defence by Ellerslie backs let Vallance across, and a few minutes after Empson galloped over. Gray converted both. The second half found Ellerslie still on the defensive, and. after they had been forced several times Empson, showing a fine turn of speed, raced over for another try. Suburbs 10, Ellerslie 0. Forsyth scored the next try. and Gray converted There was no further score, and the game thus ended: Suburbs 24 Ellerslie 0 Mr. M. Kronfeld was referee. POLAND MEMORIAL CUP. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) PAEROA, Saturday. The first round of the Frank Poland Memorial Cup for rep. Rugby was played here in fine weather, and before a large gathering of spectators, between Piako and Paeroa. Tbe teams were evenly matched, and the game fast and open. In the first half W. Taylor kicked a goal for Paeroa from G. Towers' try. For Paeroa in the second quarter, Taylor potted a great goal. At half-time the score was Paeroa 7, Piako o. In the third quarter in a great passing rush, McNeil for Paeroa scored a try Taylor's kick was wide. Paeroa 10. Piako 5. Paeroa had easily the best of the quarter. For the final jspeil following a scrum near the line, Anderson (Piako) dived over, McGill converting. Piako 10, Paeroa 10. Offside play by Piako enabled Taylor (Paeroa) to register a beautiful goal. Paeroa 13, Piako 10. Tight play in Paeroa's twenty-five enabled Anderson (Piako) to gain possession, passing to Stoupe to McGill. who scored near the corner. The kick went wide. Paeroa 13. Piako 13. The game at this stage was fast and exciting, and ended in a draw. "Shorty" Dunstan (Waihi) was the referee. JUNIOR GAMES. SECOND GRADE. Grammar 11. heat Ponsonby S. Marathon 6, beat Grafton 0. Swunsou IS, beat St. John's 11. THIRD GRADE. OPEN. Marists 7. beat Orakei 0. Kingsland won by default from Xorth Shore. Orakei S. beat Varsity A 3. College Rifles 24. beat St. Stephen's 11. North Shore 2fi. beat North Shore B 3. Eden IS. beat St. George's 8. Grafton 19, beat St. Ilelier's 0. l'onsonby 14, beat Henderson 3. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Otahuhu 14. beat Marathon 9. Grey Lynn 31, beat Suburbs 3. Kingsland 11. beat Ellerslie 0. Grey Lynn 34. beat Suburbs 3. Grafton S. beat Grammar Old Boys. FOURTH GRADE. Filen 11, beat Manukau 6. Grammar 0.8. 14. beat Kingsland 13. FIFTH GRADE. Marists 6. beat Manukau 3. Ponsonby 11, beat Grafton 7. SIXTH GRADE. Marists 9, beat Henderson 0. GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. WHANGAREI. Seniors.—Old Boys 21, beat Kamo 0. Tries were scored for the winners by J. Collins, C'es. Bndeley. Burnett, McKay'and Nelson, while Webber converted three. G. Dent scored a try. and I). McLeod kicked a penalty for Kamn. Aim aud Sherriff (Old Boys) were ordered off by the referee, School 10, beat Maungatammra O: Tawai G. beat Parua Bay 0. Third Grade.— Horahora G. beat Portlaud 0; V.M.C.A. 17. beat High School 5. DARGA VILIJB. Seniors. — Central 3. he_t Southern O; Pukehuin 11.. beat Dargaville. 10. Juniors.— Mnropiu 47. beat Dargaville 3_ Pukehuia G. beat Ceutral 0; Ruawai 177 beat Southern 3. Third Grade-—Central S, beat f)argavill». 3; Ruawai !). beat Southern 0. PAPAKCRA. Papakura •". beat Drury .'!. JuUljis.—Drury C, beat Papakura j. PUKEKOHE. Seniors. —City 9, beat RamblersjC. For tho winners A. Wood scorpd a ''try. and Donovan and Reynolds kicked penalty goals. For Ramblers, Cronin kicked two penalty goals. Power Board 20. beat Patamahoe 3. Shay (_), Hart (_), R. Crotty, S. Crotty. Bishop and lliuton scored for the winners. Bishop converted one try. Flavell scored for Patumahoe. Juniors.—White Star 10. beat City 0; Ramblers beat Patumahoe; Wesley College forfeited to High School. Third Grade..—Wesley College forfeited to White Star; High School B 16, beat Ramblers 0, HAMILTON. The first round of senior football was brought to a close on Saturday in Hamilton, with the City Club well in the lead, having come through without a loss. Two senior games were played on Rugby Park, while Frankton journeyed to Huntly. On No. 1 ground, at Hamilton, City met Old Boys, and for three-quarters it was a great game, but the last quarter proved a runaway for City, and they won 24 to 0, Buckingham (3). M. Johnston, Schultz and Mongomery 1 each, with Going adding three goals.. For City H. Johnston among the for> wards played an outstanding game, with Fred Buckingham the best of the back division. For the losers Chapman stood out head and shoulders above the pack, and Madill and McMiken were easily the best backs. On No. 2 ground United and Whltiora had a dingdong go, and ended in a draw, both sides getting six points each. For United Charleston secured two tries,' while Robinson got Whitiora's try, and Billy Mitchell kicked a penalty goal; Frankton at Huntly had a great game with the local team, and won by 18 to 12. Tt was voted the best game seen in Huntly for a long time. Marist Juniors met Old Boys' Juniors and beat them 11 to 3. in a manner which cheered the heart of their coach (Bro. Calixtus). The results were:—City 24. beat, Old Boys 0; United 6, drew with Whitiora 6; Frankton IS, beat Huntly 12 ; Paeroa Railway 16, beat Frankton Railway 9; Marist Juniors 11. beat Old Boys' Juniors 3. CAMBRIDGE. Seniors.—City 6, beat Leamington 3. Juniors. —Leamington 9, beat City 0; Hautapu 3, beat Karapiro 0. MORRINSVILLE. The two leading teams, Kereone and Terriers, met in a great struggle which ended in a draw, six all. In the junior competition, Kereone and Terriers, who are also leading in this division, played a very even game, Kereone winning by a potted goal, Terriers failing to score. WAIHI. The first representative match of the season was played between Hauraki Plains and Waihi, in the first round of the Poland CuP competition. Early in the second spell CClarke (Plains) got over the line. The kick at goal failed. Plains 6, Waihi o. Towards the end of the spell MacDermott (Waihi) scored a try from an open rush. Keoghan took the kick, but the ball struck the bar. The game ended: Hauraki Plains 6, Waihi 3. A penalty goal in the first half was kicked by Mailoy.' Juniors.—Waihi East 24. beat Waikino O. MATAMATA. % The second round of the Matamata Union's championships was playedVon Saturday. The surprise was the defeat of Matamata, the leaders of the senior division, by Patetere by nine points. Matamata and Walton lead In the junior competition, while High School have a clear lead-in the thirds, being undefeated. The results were :—Seniors : Patetere 9, v. Matamata 0 : Walton 5, v. Wairere 3. Juniors: Walton 9, v. Waharoa 0; Matamata 0, v. Wairere 0; Hinuera 3. v. Patetere 6. Thirds: Waharoa 3, vl Matamata 0; High School 3, v. Patetere 0. The following have been selected to represent the Matamata Sub-union in a subunion game against Putaruru next Saturday:—Sutherland (Wairere), Fausitt (Walton), Vosper (Matamata), Stewart (Patetere), Storey (Wairere), Mac Johnston! (Walton), Douglas (Wairere), Woods (Wal-_ ton), Tanko (Matamata). Abrahams (Walton), Anderson /Patetere), Thompson: (Wairere), McCarthy (Matamata). Thrupp J ■(Walton). Aoake (Wairere). Reserves: Devev (Matamata), Harding (Matamata), G. Wilson (Patetere), L. Johnstoa (Walton). ;__. i

TAUBAXGA. The weather was fine and the condition* good for the Interclub matches. Results: — Seniors.—P.W.D. 14, v. Power Board 9; Te Puna S, v. Cadets 5. Juniors.—-Judea 6, v. Matapihi 5; Mount 20. v. Te Puni 0; Cadets I<s, v. College 0.8. 0. WAIPA. Another record crowd witnessed the Rugby matches in Albert Park on Saturday, when three senior competition games and a junior representative game were staged. The junior representative game between Maniapoto and Waipa was played as a cur-tain-raiser, and resulted in a win for Maniapoto by 8 points to 6. * The winners had a big advantage in weight, but the Waipa team showed better combination. Waipa led 3 to 0, a penalty goal by Jackson, and then Rust scored a try for Maniapoto. The second half was even throughout, and about ten minutes from time Rust scored another try, which Keno converted. Waipa fought the game out to the finish, and were rewarded by Caulton scoring a brilliant try right on time. Jackson's kick hit the upright, leaving Maniapoto winners by a two-points margin. Chief interest in the senior games centred around the meeting of Parawera and Pirongia. Parawera started off at a fast pace, and before half-time scored 11 points, tries by Taylor and Dare, the latter converting one and kicking a penalty goal. In the second half Parawera commenced well, but O'Donnell opened Pirongia's scoring with a try. Then Bell and Smith scored. Young converting the latter. With the scores 11 all in turning over for the last quarter excitement was at a high pitch. Play remained even until about ten minutes from the close. From a passing rush Ruchenbach dived across for Pirongia, and just on call of time Hunt added another, which Young converted, the final scores being: Pirongia 19, Parawera 11. In the game between Rovers and Te Awamutu, the former won by 6 points to 5. after an indifferent display. Wenham and Ticklepenny scored for Rovers, Winter scoring and converting for Te Awamutu. Another poor exhibition was witnessed between United and Te Kawa. the former winning by 11 points to 3, Bridge, Johnson, and Shepherd (converted) scoring for United, and Gugrich a try for Te Kawa. Saturday's results practically assure Pirongia the championship, as Te Awamutu and Parawera were the only other teams with a chance. TAUMARUNUI. The first representative match of the season was played here in fine weather before a large crowd, when Taumarunui beat Ohura 6 to 3. The game was fast and exciting. Hadon scored for Taumarunui, and Lee kicked a penalty goaL Koorey kicked a penalty for Ohura. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. TAIHAPE. Pirates 14. beat Hautapu 10. Old Boys 24. beat Huias 3. WANGANUI. Pirates 19. beat Marist 6. Kaierau 9, beat Technical Old Boys 8. Wanganui 37, beat- Old Boys 12. NEW PLYMOUTH. Tukapa 18, beat Old Boys 3. Star 6, drew with Eltbam 6. Clifton 9, beat Inglewood 0. HAWERA. Patea won from Waimate by default. Hawera 6, beat Opunake 3. Okaiawa 22, beat Athletic 3. PALMERSTON XORTH. Old Boys 14, beat WoodviUe 3. Feilding 11, beat Western United 3. MASTERTON. Greytown 12, beat Carterton 10. Gladstone 14. beat Masterton 3. Featherston 21, beat Martinborough 3. HASTINGS. Pirates 30, beat Maori Agricultural College 3. XAPIER. Celtic 15, beat Marist 6. Hastings 12, beat High School Old Boys CHRISTCHURCH. Old Boys 11. beat Linwood 6. Albion 8, beat Merivale C. 'Varsity 12 beat Christchurch 3. DUNEDIN. Southern 17, beat B 13. Pirates 6, beat Alhambra 5. Zingari 32. beat Union 9. Kaikorai 33, beat Dunedin 0. University A 20, beat Taieti S. INVERCARGILL. ~ All games were postponed, owing to heavy rain.

.1926 ALL BLACKS. ■ i TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. FIVE NEW MEN CAPPED. INCLUDING TWO AUCKLANDERS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sunday. The following team has been chosen to represent New Zealand on the Australian tour: — Fullback: Stevenson (Otago). Three-quarters: Svenson (Wellington), Blake (Hawke's Bay, Elvey (Canterbury), Lucas (Auckland), Bobilliard (Canterbury). Five-eighths: M. Nicholls (Wellington), Cooke (Hawke's Bay), Sheen (Auckland). Halfbacks: Mill (Hawke's Bay), Dalley (Canterbury). Wing Forward: Porter (Wellington). Forwards: Lomas (Auckland, Irvine (Hawke's Bay), Kirkpatrick (Hawke's Bay), Harvey (Wairarapa), Alley (Southland), M. Brownlie (Hawke's Bay), Finlayson (North Auckland), B. Stewart (South Canterbury), C. Brownlie (Hawke's Bay), Knight (Auckland), Hazlett (Southland). This team includes altogether five players from the Auckland Province, counting Finlayson, who is a player of the North Auckland Union, and Lomas, of Thames, both of whom were in the New Zealand team that visited Australia last year. 'The other three are City players, F. Lucas of All Black fame, and Sheen and A. Knight, who are among the latest All Blacks created. Sheen several years ago captained the Christchurch Boys' High School team, which put up a record score agalnt a Wellington College team. Later he came to Auckland, and while playing as a junior for King's Old Boys in 1923 was selected for Auckland. Since then he has been in the forefront of Auckland's provincial play, as a five-eighth, though overshadowed to some extent by the brilliance of Cooke. A. Knight is the second of the family to get All Black honours. His brother, L. Knight, received the accolade last year, and now 'the younger brother, who came into the Auckland provincial team in 1925, gets to the top of the Rugby ladder. Both are forwards of the hard-playing type. The other new All Blacks are Stevenson, the Otago fullback, and two forwards from Southland in Alley and Hazlett. The team, chosen on much the same principle as that of 1924, is a combination of heavy forwards' with a deal of speed, and fast and clever backs.