SATURDAY'S SPORTS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15960, 23 July 1917, Page 5

SATURDAY'S SPORTS.

FOOTBALL.

r-iNTERBURT RUGBY UNION.

The various competitions of tho Canterbury Rugby I*nion wore continued on Saturday in good football weather. Results: — MKRIVALE A (0) v. MARIST BROS. (0). Merivalc kicked off against tho wind, but poor passing by their backs gave Marists the advantage, and Merivalc saved by forcing, Henry for Merivalc then £ot away, but dropped tho ball rhen looking dangerous. Good work br Penberthy earned play into Marins' quarters. A long kick had Merirale in trouble, but their defence was found. A good attempt at goal by Khonri went under the bar, and then the Merivalc forwards, following up in great stylo, took play to; Marists' "ml, but lon£ kicking saved the situation as the whistle went for half-time. With the wind, Mrrivale opened well, and diarists had a busy five minutes, being ultimately forced. A free kick to Merivalc went into touch, and from the line out Marists attacked, and Mprivale wcro forced. Khouri kicked over his own line, and tho Blues attacked, and Penberthy had a shot at goal, which just missed. Up and rlowc play followed till the whistle ■rent. Mr C. Buchanan was referee.

LINWOOD 08) v. OLD BOYS (3). Old Boys, playing two men short, kicked off against the -wind, and for a time plav was even. Watson had an easv chancc from a penalty, but failed to 'take it. but directly afterwards Yates got over after a nice piece of •nork by Malzard. Fortune's kick failed. Plav was fairly even for the rest of the s*pell, but just before halftime Hurst scored after a nice rush by the Linwood forwards.

Old Boys, with the addition of Taylor. started off strongly in tho second half, and a breach right in front enabled Tench to land a goal. Some time later Fortune kicked a fine goal from half-way, which Serra followed up bv -pottinc a goal. Shortly before time W. Cnmmings scored a good try, which Fortune converted, the final vcorrc being: Linwood 18, Old Boys S. The Rev. W. B. Scott was referee. MERIVALE B ($) v. CHRISTCHURCH (4). The Merivale forwards dominated the game for the greater part of the first spell, but the Christchurch defence was fairly sound, and it was not until shortly before half-timo that Merivale suct oeded in scoring, Williams getting over ?-3d Partridge converting. C'hrislchurch attacked early in the second spell, and Watson potted a (■■lever goal. Even play followed for the greater part of the spell, but a little before tho final wlfistle a sweeping rush by Merivale ended in Doyle fr-oring. The final score was: Mcri\olr> 8, Christchurch 4. Mr A. Selwood was referee. •SECOND GRADE. " Old Boys 8, Christ's College 0, Lincoln College 0 v. Marists 0, Linwood B 0 v. Jlovs' High School 14, Christ-thurc-Ii 3 v. Sydenham 9. THIRD GRADE. LvtieJioii 10 v. Boys' High School 0, 2liirisi.s 11 v. Technical College 0, Christ's College A 4o v. Boys' High School. B 0, Christ's College. .23 v. Sydenham 3. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The Merivalo A.-Marist'Bros, match,on the Hospital ground, was a good willing go, and both teams are to bo congratulated on the fine clean game. At no Mtage was any feeling shown. Merivale A undoubtedly had the better of the gamo. and were unlucky not lo win. Marist Bros, woro in trouble for most of tho second spell. Their backs hud been rearranged, Grcenlees playing half and O'Loughlm win;; three-quarter, Fitzgerald playing fullback owing to a bad shoulder, and their back play suffered in consequence. Marist Bros, showed bad judgment in the first _ spell by continually finding the lino instead of taking full advantage of the wind, which they had when it was blowing its strongest. The Morivale forwards simply ran all over their big opponents in the second spell, but the Blue backs were sadly out of joint. Tho meeting of Old Boys and Linwood did not attract much attention. Old Boys had a poor team, and Linwood ( had no difficulty in securing a comfortable win, after an uninteresting game, in which the winners had air the better of tho play. Old Boys played two men short in the first spell, and were also forced to call in Rhodes to take the place of theii custodian. Playing in his ordinary boots and -uniform, trousers and puttees, he gave a very creditable display. Taylor came on in the second spell and strengthened the team a bit, but tho side never looked dangerous, and Linwood woro much superior both back and forward. Cox, of the Linwood pack, got a nasty kick in the first halfj and was removed to tho Hospital, but was able to go homo shortly afterwards. Christchurch. and Merivale B were! fairly evenly matched, though the Merivale. pack was stronger than tho Christchurch forwards, and played with ! more dash. Watson's potted goal was abonfc tie only outstanding feature of tho game.

Competition matches will be suspended next Saturday, when tho annual match between the Christchnrch and Waitaki Boys' High Schools will bo played. ALBION v. LITTLE RIVER. A football match was played on the Awaiti Domain on Saturday, between coa.ms representing Albion and Little River. The match, -which was a etrenuous one, several players having to retire with minor injuries., resulted in a win for the visitors by 11 points tp 9. For Albion tries were scored by Snrgintine, Mather, and Fuller, one being converted by Gray, and for Little River tries were got by M. Barclay ana V. Joblin, Karatai kicking a penalty gcal The visiting team was entertained at a dinner by the local team

CANTERBURY RUGBT LEAGUE

Tho various competitions were resumed on Saturday in fino weather. Results :—

HORNBY (10) v. FEDERAL (8). < The above teams met at St. Albans Park, and Hornby's success gives them the senior shield for the season. < "With the advantage of a slight breezo the Federal (Yellows) forwards .took . charge, and the countrv team were compelled to defend nil through tho first ■ quarter. The second quarter was dis- < astrous to the Federal *back 6, as Mitchell, colliding heavily with an opponent, had to retire. A rush by tho Fodoral forwards, who were playing well, endpd in a penalty in the Hornby" twenty-five, from whichi Fletcher placed a 'goal. A cross-kick Oy F. Sanders beat the opposition, and gathering smartly Cox scored for Hornby. F. San- i <ieas convert ins. Tho Blacks returned !

to the attack, and S. Smith scored, Sanders converting. Mitchell came on again after the spell, and the Yellows early dominated piny. A passing rush by Porter, Mitchell and Kruse, enabled the lastnamed to score, but aa easy kick failed. The Federal forwards were securing the ball, and Porter sending out to Mitchell, the latter scored a fine trybehind the posts, Murray's kick striking tne cross-bar. In tho final quarter the Federal forwards, with Leshkie, Zimmerman and Murray prominent, had the Blacks hard pressod, and overanxiousncss lost two good chances. Smart fielding enabled the Blacks _ to check the opposition, and keen excitement was manifest as the final whistle went, leaving the country team premiers for the season. Mr J. Stevens was referee;

SYDENHAM (13) v. LINWOOD (9). Lyes ior Sydenham (Keds) kickod off against tho wind, and. tiio Linwood (ijicons) forwards with, jl loose rush, went tiirougti, anu Hunt "cored at tne corner llag, tne kick failing to increase tho score. A passing bout by Sydenham, ended in .Hodgson boing brought down on tho Linwood lino, and Matthews obtaining, scored for the South Suburbs, Smythe failing to improve. Matthews quickly got his backs going again, and a nice passing rush by O'Connor, W. King, Smythpj Hill, and George, ended in.the lastnamed scoring m the opposite corner, Smythe's kick going outside the posts. The Greens, headed by McLachlau, Marriott, and Geary, swept down the field, and a race for possession endetct in Geary scoring wide out, Hunt's kick just failing. Linwood continued to control, and the Greens again went through for Batemau to score, Hanna failing to improve as tho whistle sounded.

A good run by W. King opened the second half in favour of Sydenham, O'Connor losing a sure try by taking a pass off-side. Matthews. W, King, Smythe, and Gcorgo returned to the Greens' quarters, and W. King, marking, Smythe placed a fine goal. Hanna, Button,* and Bateman wero prominent for Linwood, the last-named being brought down in the South Suburbs' twenty-five. The Greens were pressing hard, and a good chance was lost iiv Jones getting offside. Matthews, sending out, Smythe transferred to W. King, "who, running strongly, sent a timely pass to Hill, who scored, for Smythe to convert, Mr H. Garrard was referee. JUNIORS. Linwood won by default from Federal; Sydenham o v. Addington 3. THIRD GRADE. Addington 16 v. Linwood A nil, Sydenham A 7 v. Linwood B nil, Sydenham A 24 v. Sydenham C nil. NOTES AND COMMENTS. (BT AM. OK.) The principal attraction on Saturday was the Hornby v. Federal match at, St. Albans Park, and a large crowd witnessed a keen game. # Ihe Federal team were unlucky in losing, as in the final quarter of the game, with only threo points wanted to win, tho Yellow and Blacks were playing all oyer Hornby, solid tackling alone keeping them out. As the final whistle sounded prematurely, the. Federal team have appealed to the New Zealand Council for a decision. The mishap to Mitchell was a further handicap, as during Iho period that the Federal captain was off the field the Blacks scored their two tries. All through the Hornby fielding, kicking, and defence wero superior and more finished than that shown by tho opposing side, and the combined work of Sales, S. Smith, Hilarv, Sanders, and Cox was ver .\ .rood* The forwards worked ham right through, Bench, Davis, B. Smith, and W. Freeman being most prominent. For Federal Porter, Mitchell. Kruse. and Fletcher (backs), and Leshkie, Zimmerman, Murray, and Hariand (forwards') played well. The rulings ot the referee did not- always please the majority of tho spectators. The Sydenliam-Linwood game was a lon< r remove from first-class. The Green and Blacks were unlucky to lose, as it was in the last minute of the game when Hill scored the winning try. The fielding of the Sydenham centre backs was very moderate, and this gave tiie Linwood" forwards control. Loader, \\. King, Smythe, George, T. King, Hodgson. Hill, and Lyes played best for the winners, and for Linwood, Gallop, Button Bateman,. MeLachlan, Marriott, Scott, and Gearry were most prominent.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. The executive of . the Canterbury Rugby League met on Saturday evening; Mr A. E. Hooper presiding over a full attendance. . , . . Correspondence was received from the Town Clerk in reference to the collection taken at Sydenham Park on July 7th, notifying the committee that their explanation was quite s^. t i sf ? c t ol 7v • The Addington Club notified that their around at Wharenui School had been closed for the season, and the club applied for first use of a ground at St. AJbans Park, which -was grafted. The referee in the Sydenham B-Lin--wood B match reported that- at the conclusion of the game a demonstration against him was made by toe lonwood team. . • , Two of the Lmwood team, two supporters, and the Sydenham captain appeared before the oommittee, and the supporters admitted their discourtesy, ft was decided that the team be cautl<The referee in the Addington-Syden-km junior . match reported that a

member of the former team had expressed some remarks after the conclusion of tho game, and it was decided that the player concerned be asked to attend at the next meeting. A letter was received from the secretary of the Federal Club stating that tho Hornby-Federal game was shortplayed, and asking that the game be re-played. It was decided, after a lcngtliv discussion, to refer the to the New Zealand Council for a ruling.

The protest lodged by the Addington Club against Sydenham for tho latter having played an unregistertxl player, was dismissed, as the player had registered seven days before playing. An application by the Sydenham Club for tho transfer of E. Pearco was held over.

The following arc the fixtures, grounds, and referees for Saturday next:—

Seniors—Hornby v. Linwood, at Hornby, Mr A. R. Brunsden; Sydenham v. Federal, at Sydenham Park, M_r A. Morris.

Juniors—Linwood v. Addington, at Linwood Park. Mr R. Matson: Sydenham v. Federal, at St. Albans Park, Mr Garrard.

Third Grade—Sydenham A v. Sydenham B, at Sydenham Park, Mr Ayling; Linwood A v. Linwood B, at Linv.ood Park, Mr J. Underwood; Addington v. Sydenham C, at St. Albans Park, Mr Stevens. • THE ASSOCIATION GAME. Tho final matches in tho second round of the I/oague competitions took place on Saturday, in ideal weather, 110 suits:— NOMADS (?) v. B.G.H. (3). At Englisk Park. B.G.H. won the toss and defended the northern goal. Nomads kicked off, and at onco made for the Reds' goal. Ha-wkins made ground on the right and put across. Bnierton cleared, but Mitchell, following up, opened the score. Nomads returned to the attack, Woods going through on his own and scoring an easy goal. From tho kick, B.G.H. took up the running and Nicholson had a good chancc of reducing tho load, but Watson nipped in and transferred to Mitchell. The latter drew tho defence and passed to A. Grant, who returned, and. Mitchell again scored. B.G.H. attacked strongly. Campbell tricked Mitchell and put his left wing in possession. Marshall outdistanced J. Grant, and, shooting accurately, opened the B.G.H. account. Nomads pressed, md forced a corner. The kick tvas accurately taken, and from a. scramble in front of the goal Hawkins netted. Soon after Frickleton broke away and' put on another goal. Midfield play followed, but just before half-time* A. Grant snapped up a neat pass and gave Bruerton no chanco. Tho second half opened evenly. 8.G.H., liowover, gradually worked the ball down. Coombor put Marshall in oossession, who ran strongly and centred. Campbell accepted ; and sent in a hard drive which beat Swift. Nomads asserted themselves and kept the opposition busy. Frickleton secured when well placed, and again beat Bruorton. B.G.H. "were not to be denied, and retaliated strongly. Over eagerness, however, spoilt several likely movements, but their efforts were at last rewarded by Johnstone putting on another goal.' The whistle sounded with Nomads attacking. Mr Marshall was referee.

LINWOOD (6) v. ST. ALBANS (2). This match was played at Linwood Park. From the kick-off Lnwood forced the pace, and soon had the Saints' defence in trouble. Hill made play on the right, and centred to Smith, who drew first blood with an easv shot. Linwood again returned, and Harris breaking through added another goal. St. Albans took play into the Greens' territory, but MacFarlane saved, and transferred to Harris, who put Parlett in possession. The latter boat Lad brooks with a hard drive. From the kick St. Albans became prominent. Ramsay relieved, but Mahan obtained possession, and, going on, gave Bennett no chancc with a capital shot. Linwood went down in a body, and from a melee in front_ of the goal Flood On the resumption of play after the spell, St. Albans were first to show up. Jewell was consoicuotis with a capital run on tho right. He passed accuratelv to Watson, who transferred to Reid. the latter reducing tho lead with a good effort. Linwood asserted themselves, and set np a hot attack on the Blues' goal. Hill put in a good centre, and Parlett beaded through. pood combination on Linwood's right brought plav into Saints' territory, and Smith again beat Ladbrooks. A promising St Albans movement faded through lack of support, and Linwood again assumed the offensive. Tune was .called, however, without further addition to tho score. Mr Beatrvais tras referee. JUNIORS. Nomads 2 v. Sumner 1; "Western 3 v. St. Albans 0. THIRD GRADE. St. Albans A 4 v. .Nomads C 1; Nomads B 6 r. St. Bede s 1. NOTES AND comments. Goaue.) The final matches in the second round of the League competitions did not arouse a great deal of interest the results of the matches being foregone conclusions. A pleasing feature of

Saturday's games, however, 'was the marked * improvement shown tho weaker teams in the senior competition. Against the strong I/in wood eleven St. Albans surprised their supporters by twice getting through the defence. however, went one better against Nomads, Swift having to pick the ball out of the net on no fewer than three occasions, a feat that has not been accomplished bv any other team in the competition. . With an old hand at centre forward B.G.H.would have made Nomads go all the way to secure tho points. Throe times in the second 6pell they had the goal at their mercy., but failed to push their advantage homo through over eagerness. With a Taylor or a Perry in the. front rank, they •would be a stiff proposition for tho other teams.

Nomads were not at full strength on Saturday, the most noticeable absentees being Taylor and Wardoll. The premier club, however, wore well served, and had plenty in hand at tho conclusion of hostilities. Swift, although suffering from a bad attack of asthma, gave his usual hiigh-class display, and had no chance with the shots that beat him. Watson and Mitchell showed consistently good form, and are a capable rsair of backs. In the absence of Taylor A. Grant occupied the centre forward position with distinct ability. His smart passing repeatedly brought success to his side.

It was unfortunate for B.G.H. that Shurrock had to retire early in the second spell through an injury. Ho is a decided as-set to the team, and a game or two will see him back to his old form. Marshall, at outside left, is a most promising player. His sprints down the line and smart centre* were quite a feature of tho game. It was mainly due to his efforts. thaV B.G.H. were able to penetrdto the Nomads' defence.