RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21809, 15 June 1936, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OLD BOYS BEATEN BY ALBION SUNNYSIDE LEADS FOR championship CHRISTCHURCH WINS ON THE OVAL Results at a glance:— Christchurch 19. Merivale 16. Albion 10. Old Boys 6. Athletic 13, Sydenham 6. University 9, Unwood 6. High School Old Boys, which two weeks ago had a clear lead of a point for the Canterbury Rugby Union's senior championship. suffered its second successive defeat on Saturday at the hands of Albion, and Sunnyside. which had the bye on Saturday, is now left at the head of the competition. Sunnyside has not been beaten since the first match of the season against Christchurcii —and Old Boys, Albion, and Christchurch now have each been defeated twice. The Albion-Old Boys game was played *t Rugby Bark before a large attendance of spectators. As in the match against Sunnyside. the previous week. Old Boys found themselves 10 points down with more half the game gone, and again their spirited efforts to recover the lost around provided plenty of excitement for the crowd. The Albion forwards, however, maintained their supremacy and sound defence kept out the Old Boys backs. Old Boys could do no better than score two penalty goals against their opponents' two converted tries. This game ■was unnecessarily willing from start to finish on the part of both teams, and several incidents which aroused the indignation of the spectators culminated in the ordering-off Of one of the Albion The match on Lancaster Bark oval between Christchurch and Merivale was an entertaining exhibition of fast and open Rugby, but the interest of previous matches between the competition leaders was lacking, and this was teflectedm the decreased attendance —less than 5000. Christchurch had slightly the more finish, and the backs, given a good supply of the ball, ran up a comfortable lead early in the first spell. By half-time, however. Merivale had reduced the margin to three points, and an even second spell left Christchurch with a similar lead at the finish. On the south ground at Lancaster Park the Linwood team again disappointed its supporters, giving University its first win of the season. In two successive matches against Christchurch and Sydenham. Linttood played really toriUant football, but since then it has been beaten by both Athletic and University, neither of which bad previously won a match. Linwood led 6-0 at half-time. Athletic maintained the improvement shown against Linwood on the previous Saturday, and in a keen game at the Addington Show Grounds defeated Sydenham by 12 points to 6. Championship Placings Following" are the positions of teams in fhe senior championship;—

CHRISTCHURCH (19) v. MERIVALE The Christchurch and Merivale _ teams Which met on the Lancaster Park oval on «a«v«v»y afternoon ran true to form. Merivale has lost more than its fair share Of close matches —two by a margin of one point—and Christchurch on the previous Saturday had won by two points from sydetiham. It was an attractive and interesting game, and it might easily have been brilliant but for the constant scrum and infringements by both te§m>There was still plenty of movement, nevertheless, and e ven in the second spe«. when the scoring rate slowed, the game was full of excitement. Christchurch deserved its win, for it had slightly more polish both back and forward, and Merivale once of twice failed badly in defence in the first spellThe Merivale forwards, too. lack a real leader Without Dgavoll. The value of a good captain was apparent on Saturday. Manchester was at the head of most of the Christchurch rushes, and individual breaks * were usually wen supported. Christchurch won the big majority of the scrums, but this advantage was mope apparent than real, for the Merivale breakaways formed a fairly effective blockade against the" Christchurch inside backs, with the result that a considerable proportion of the passing movements broke down. Manchester was ably supported in the loose by Murray, the winging forward, who occasionally stood out of the scrum with the backs, and Rhind. Fleming and Mahoney, who is among the preliminary representative selection, were not conspicuous in open play but were hard grafters in the tight. Hooper’s Good Form Among the backs Campbell, at full-back, gave an excellent exhibition, being safe under pressure and neglecting no opportunities' to turn defence into attack. Hart and Wright, the wings, infused plenty of

dash into their play, but the inside men did not often break through. The sound understanding betwen Inglis and Gaskin in blindside movements was responsible tor ntvfrai scores* The outstanding player for Merivale was Hooper, the former Canterbury and West Coast representative. He was always looking for the opening and made some fine bursts which directly Ipd to tries. Unfortunately on other occasions he failed to link up with his outside men. Bouterey. the half-back, and Forbes, at first five-eighth, did good work on both attack and defence, but the three-quarter Une did not have the necessary speed make much headway against the fast Christchurch men. B. Evans, the fullback. fielded god kicked safely, although wm not aiways in a position to counter Chrlatchurch s centre-kicking tactics. The Merivale forwards took time to Edown, but they played with fine* la the second half, and gave their more chances than they had pretdcnsiy had- Clark. Coates. Henry, and Stanley hunted tirelessly, Clark being particularly useful in checking the rushes Of the Christchurch backs, . redder wgs Mother keen worker, and Ms two tries were the reward bl fast following up in ftffiPdrt of bqrita kiy »«dpof G. Campbell; G. F. max 's, vtfmum. A. Wright: B. Gfofskl, /- K. CUlSktWt 3- Jnglisb; J. Mahoney, QAlmonfiTWtontnirS. MUls.it Rhlnd. 3. PreoUey. £ K,' C. Murray. SPSS'S?” &: SS&; 2; Coate*, H. Henry. B. Clarkfffld Scortaf in’First Sp.fU Stan's?, i 5& ss; Wle was the first to score. After three

penalties to Christchurch, Merivale had its turn, and Hooper kicked a good goal from well out near the sideline. Immediately after, in a blind-side movement by Inglls, Gaskin, and Wright, the lastmentipned missed for g score ip the arms of the Mer(vate {uR-back. Nianphester followed a kick’by Hart with great speed and caught the full-back in possession. From the resulting scrum Inglis, Gaskin and Hart went awfiy. the finger Speeding over at the corner. Christchurch g, Mprivale 3. Christchurch' increased its lead soon after, Wright turning infield at the end of a passing rush to score under the posts. The defenders made a poor attempt to tackle him. Pawson converted Christchurch 11, Merivale 3. Hooper cut through after receiving from a scrum, beat nearly the whole Christchurch team, but was stopped by Campbell. Pedder kicked on and gathered In the ball to score a fine try. Bouterey converted. Christchurch 11, Merivale 3. Another pretty blind-side movement by Christchurch led to the next score. Wright was crowded on to the touch-line, but in-passed to his supporting forwards and Manchester \yent over unopposed. Merivale quickly retaliated, Hooper going through again to the full-back on his own. Once more Pedder carried on and Bouterey added the extra points. Half-time came with the scores:— Christchurch 16, Merivale 13. Christchurch was over again not long after the resumption of play. Gaskin dribbled through, beating all the defenders in turn." Coates was Merivale’s last hope, and he had no alternative but to lie on the ball in the hope of his team rallying in time. He was penalised and Bawson kicked an easy goal. Christchurch IS), Merivale 13. The Merivale forwards battled hard for a long time, and Henry twisted an ankle in a rush. T. Forbes replaced him. H. Forbes made a nice opening, but was held up near the line. The forwards carried on a little way /uid B ot the ball out to Rudkin, who went over in the corner. Christchurch 19, Merivale 16. Merivale made further vigorous efforts to equalise, and one rush looked promising when Hooper ran round his wing for a. second pass. L. Evans, however, was grassed inches from the line. Time was called soon after with the scores• Christchurch 19, Merivale 16. Referee: Mr K. H. Perrin. ATHLETIC (12) V. SYDENHAM (6) Play was in a minor key in the match at the Show Grounds in "which Athletic beat Sydenham by 12 points (one converted try, one unconverted try, and a field goal) to 6 (one unconverted try and a penalty goal). The match was interesting because for the greater part the result was in doubt, but there was little to excite the lover of spectacular play. This can best be explained merely as a freak of- form, for both sides were anxious to open up the game, and the backs were given ample opportunity, but there was little cohesion in either set. On the day the Athletic backs were clearly superior, being faster and more creative on attack, but there was a good contest between the two packs of forwards. Sydenham being speedy in the open and very efficient iri line-outs. ... „ „ , , lt Playing with the wind in the first halt, and finishing the spell on equal terms with Sydenham, Athletic looked to be in a losing position, but it was not inconi vgnienced by the wind in the second half; or perhaps it would be truer to say that I Sydenham did not make full use of the assistance the wind might have offered. Both sets of forwards packed the 3-2-3 formation, and they received about equal shares of the ball. The line-outs were dominated by Sydenham, and from this source the Sydenham backs were given plenty of chances to call the tune* hut the ball rarely got beyond the Inside backs, and there was a good deal of ineffectual stab kicking. Individual speed was one of the most notable 1 characteristics of the Athletic backs, but they worked less as a unit than in some of their previous matches. This was no doubt largely due to a reshuffle made necessary through the absence of D. White, who is suffering from a shoulder injury. Only once did the backs launch a well-concerted attack, and it was this passing rush that brought the finest try of the match. O. Scully, shifted in from the wing to centre, was inclined to get out of position, but when he received the ball he was elusive, and he showed pace in the try scored by V. O’Connell, for whom he made the opening. P. Sheehan played a resourceful game at second fiveeighths and J. Burton was steady and kicked well. The Athletic forwards wore bel6\Y their form of a week ago, but they were thg equals of the Sydenham pack, and-kept up a good bustling attack. W. Coll was again the best of them, ana his tireless tyork sterns likely to win him a place in the representsive side. ' The Sydenham backs were strangely disappointing. They were excellently served at half-back by L. Brown, who sent the bill away smartly, but most of their attacks broke down from want of momentum and “onwardness.” W. Brooks showed that he is hard to stop, in a fine run he made along the wing late in the game, and Hattersley also made a lew breaks, but he often drooped his pass or held on too long. Both the wingers, W- Brown, were starved of chances, which was the more regrettable as each has a dangerous turn of speed. There was evidence pf careful coaching in the play of the Sydenham forwards, who dribbled well and were fast in following lip. They would be improved by a little more solid scrummaging. Untfihe had to retire through a kick fn the back, O. Hattersley was playing especially well, and was a tow h r of strength' ip the line-outs. The The teams were:— „ „ ~ Athletic—W. Laffey, J. Small, O. Scully, V. O’Connell; P. Sheehan. J. Burton, R. Dunne: W. M. Altken. B. Organ, T. O’Gorman, W. ColL P- Noonan, M. MoKendry, E. Kingston, G. Glu'hb. Sydenham—o. W* Brpwn, J. Hattersley, R. Brown. W- Bedelph. WBrooks. L. Brown; O. Hattersley, W. McCamman, R. Dunlop, W. Fright, J. Vivian, B.“ Thomas, N. tylcGrath. W. Sargisori. In a good passing rush the Athletic ■backs penetrated almost to the Sydenham line on the left wing, end after a forward melee W. Coll dived over in the corner. J. Burton failed in an excellent attempt to goal. An Athletic player was caught offside and W. Fright made the scores equal with a penalty kick from the twenty-five yards line. Athletic dominated play territorially for a long period withbut ever looking very dangerous. An Athletic man was penalised for holding on to the ball, but Fright’s kick, from a handy position, failed. A minute later Brown, the Sydenham full-back, was caught in possession an<i committed the same breach, but J. Burton missed the kick. At half-time the spore was still Athletic 3, Sydenham 3. The second half opened with a surprise. J. Laffey, the Athletic full-back, receiving the ball between the twenty-five yard line and half-way, and near the touch line, dropped a beautiful field goal, giving his side a four-point lead. Athletic went further ahead with a spectapular scoring movement by the backs, which began near half-way. P, Scully received the ball in a passing rush, cut out several men, and handed on to V. O’Connell, who had an open field before him. Burton converted with a fine kmk. Sydenham pressed hard and kept Athletic penned irt their own territory, but near the end of the game an Athletic rush went close to success, the ball just eluding an Athletic forward and rolling oyer file dead-ball line. A Sydenham forward rush took play to the Athletic line, where, after a scrum. W. Fright scored. He missed the kick, making the final score: Athletic 12, Sydenham 6 Referee: Mr R. W- Blazey, ALBION (10) v. OLD BOYS (6) By two converted tries to two penalty goals, Alblpn beat Old Boys in a thrilling match at Rugby Peri*, before one of me largest attendances at that ground this season. Although the match was exciting. it did not produce first-class football, for! mistakes were too frequent. Albion’s victory aas well merited. There was no question of that, for Old Boys were sorely pressed for mast of the game. In the first half, Albion, helped by a strong breeze from the east that blew straight down the field, stormed the Old Boys’ line almost incessantly, and left the .field at half-time with a lead of 10 points to 0. Up to that time it was sparkling play, Old Boys breaking through the offensive several times to attack with much of the brilliance that is typical of their play at its best; and in spite of Albion’s lead, there must have been many supporters of QJd Boys who felt confident that the second spgll would bring a change of fortune* But was quipkly evident that Albion’s tactics were too much for Old Boys, and although Old Boys played stronger football in this spell, they cquld not finish off any of their attacks; The match was a fierce struggle between two very fine packs, with the honours going to Albion. Albion set opt to play a loose, harrying game, and succeeded unusually well, for the Old Boys’ backs, on attack, were almost useless. There were, it is true, some sparkling individual dashes, but the team work on attack, which is Usually a feature of the pld Boys’! play, waslacking. The Albion for? wards Were awss from the scrums like a Salih, following up short puntshy their inside' badks ‘or’ hustling the Old Boys in§i(fe men p# th§ ban when the whites had won it;

Much Illegal Play Neither aide spared itself, and that led to some unfortunate incidents. Illegal tactics, were not qpcqrrmon—there were glanng instances. of pbsifuftlpn, late tackling, and too-willing play among the forwards. The play of the forwards drew warnings frpm thf referee (Mr N. Steel), but he was surprisingly tolerant. With Old Boys four points down, thq_ piqy became very 'fierce, and the Ordering ol of ope of Hie forwards— it Was DEvans, of Albion—was not unexpected.

It was regrettable, though, that the referee did not take drastic action much earlier in the match. There was, however, much in the game that was worthy of praise, and there was samp brilliant work by individuals. Most remarkable was the display of the Albion forwards.' They played a magnificent game, giving the Old Boys’ forwards and the inside backs no rest. They were very successful in the early stages in winning the ball from most p| the set scrums, and ably suported their backs in the subsequent movements. It is the best tributes to their play to say that no single forward consistently outshone any other in the Albion pack. As an attacking combination the Albion backs were not impressive, bpt they wisely relied very little on orthodox passing movements. In most of the attacks the forwards figured prominently, the initiative being often given by a short punt from one of the Albion inside backs. Albion’s first five-eighths, R. Garrett, was always a worry to Old Boys, for he was quick off the mark, had a disconcerting swerve, and was very hard to stop. W. Thompson, who came in to second five-

eighths from wing three-quarter, made a very sound job of bottling up Mortlock. Indeed, so sound was the defence of the Albion backs—Garrett, Thompson, and Eathorne in particular—that neither Henry, Mortlock, nor A. P. Cobden did anything pf much value on attack. Nolan’s Outstanding Defence The spectacular play among Old Boys came from the wing three-quarters. Round and Tweedie. and the full-back, Nolan. All were enterprising, and Round and Tweedie maeje several thrilling dashes. Nolan was one of the hardest-worked backs on the field, and played a magnificent game. He took risks, but only once was he caught. In the first spell he was of inestimable value to his side. In the second spell he was particularly successful with his kicking. He sent back the Albion forwards time and time again, and his fast follpwirig up of high punts frequently prevented Albion from setting up another attack. Tile Old Boys’ half-back, Spence, had a very heavy day. He was severely handled by the fastbreaking Albion forwards, but never lost heart. The teams were;— Albion—T. Preston; H. Wickham. G. B. Eathorne, O. Scott: W. Thompson. R. Garrett; C. Clark; K. Oakley, 3. "Wilson, S. Smith, P. Dasler, J. Weatherhead, W. Sweeney. E. Wilhnan, D. Evans. Old Boys—G. T. Nolan; C. A. Tweedie. A. P. Cobden, R. Round; K. S. Mortlock, S. G. Henry; a. H. Spence; N. L. Sehluter, W. Toy, W. A. Hearn. B. Geissler, N. J. McPhail, F. T. J. Foley, F. J. Bain, O. G. Wood. „ Albion soon evened the scoring. Scott cutting in at the end of a passing rush to beat three defenders and touch down by the posts, Sweeney had no difficulty in converting. Albion 5, Old Boys 0. Albion were giving Old Boys no respite, and Evans, Garrett, and Scott were associated in a fine burst down the line that barely failed to succeed, Cobden bringing Scott down with a flying tackle. Old Boys were getting a more even share of the ball, and were attacking in good style, but they found a very sound defence. Nolan was caught in possession by Smith, and from the ensuing ruck Garrett kicked the ball over the line and scored. Sweeney converted with a fine kick. Albion 10, Old Boys 0. Cobden, Mortlock. and Tweedie were associated in the first move after the resumption of play that gave promise of success, but the attack was stopped within five yards of the line. Old Boys ppened their scoring when Nolan kicked a penalty from 35 yards out. Albion 10, Old Boys 3. Both sides had spells of attacking before Old Bays scored again. Nolan mce' more kicking a penalty, this lime from the 25-yard line near touch. There was no more scoring, Albion 10, pld Boys 6. UNIVERSITY (9) v. LINWOOD (6) A little extra speed among tfie inside backs gave University victory over Linwood in an interesting game on the south ground at Lancaster Park. The Jo points scored In the match included only one try gained by J. D. Carmichael, the University centre, after the best handling movement of the day. The remaining six points in University’s total and the six Scored by Linwood came from penalties. Although Linwood had a definite advantage in the first half, at the end of which it had three points and University none, it was defending practically all the time after the interval. The University forwards took half the game to warm up. put once up to form, they broke past the Linwood men often, and it was only good work by Linwood’s new full-back, L. Heazlewood, former North and South Island representative, which kept them out. Heazlewood accurately anticipated the University movements, and he refused at all times to be bustled. When kicking for the line he directed the ball precisely and wasted neither effort nor ground in sending it high. He kicked both the penalties which gave Linwood its points, but missed three or four others scarcely more difficult. Heazlewood will probably play for Linwood for the rest of the season. Other Changes The former full-back. L. Mason, was a( centre on Saturday, but it has not yet been decided whether he will stay there or play on one of the wings. Mason worked in well with the five-eighths, Brown and Gray, but sometimes lost chances by hanging on too long and not giving the wings a run. The halfback was B. Gibbons, a junior promoted to replace C. Field, who tore the ligaments in one of his legs on the previous Saturday, and may not play again tills season. Gibbons went doWn to rushes willingly, and showed some speed ip openings, but his passes were often low \ and wide. The Ljnwood forwards were not as dashing as they have been on occasions this season, but they all worked hard. Bradley made himself useful as a loose man, sometimes relieving the full-back, sometimes the half-back, and sometimes playing as an extra five-eighth, and there was no more conscientious man on the field than Brownlee. Erratic Passes The University backs were not always served as well as they might have been by Reardon, at half, whose passes were a littlq erratic, but once on the move they were not easy to stop. The fullback. Fooks, was called on to do a good deal of work, and it was seldom that he muffed his chances, hut his kicking was neither as powerful nor as well directed as Heazlewood's. Stace, Roberts, and Kalaugher were the leaders in the pack. The teams were:—

University—E. B. Books; B. Overton, J. D. Carmichael. O. C. Weston; T. Straker, M. Heenan; R. Reardon; I. O. Stace, P. Bridges, A. Monaghan, E. Kaiaugher, C. W. Williams, P. G. Roberts. L. Martin, P. Egden. Linwoo,d~L. Heazlewood; H. BuntiAg, L. Mason, L. Williams; J. Brown, M. Gray; B. Gibbons; C. Wilton, R. Lilley, R. Bradley. G. S. Cooper, A. Ericson,' K. Armour, G. Matterson, A. Brownlee. The Play Hpazlewood kicked his first penalty goal from about six yards inside the halfway line, and his second pne from a few yards outside the twenty-five line. University’s two penalty goals were kicked by Stace,' the first being about 35 yards out and thp secopd about 28. The movement which finished with University’s try started at a line-put. The bail went back to'Reardon, whp sent out to Hptman, to Strader, to Carmichael, who outstripped several Linwood men in a dash to the corner. There was no further score, and the. game ended:— University 9, Unwood 6. Me G. R. McGallum was referee. SECOND GRADE At Malvern Park, Merivale 14 beat Athletic fi. Mr G. Salt. At Rawhiti Gbmain, West Old Boys 9 beat New ‘ Brighton Referee, Mr E. At Kaiappi, Training Gpßege 14 beat Ka|4Ppi 3. Referee, Mr R. J. Brough. At Elmwood Rgrk. ORf Collegians 13 School ORi Rpys g. Referee, At Nprtn BfSyk, Alßum 2g hpat University 3.’ Referee,' Mr JL T. Lawrence. At Un>vboq Park, Technical Old Boys ■ 9 beat Linwood 0. Referee'. Mr H. Jf. Bailey.

At SytfehhamPark, Christchurch 23 heat Sydenham 0, Referee, Mr w. H. Smith. THIRD GRADE Section A Linwood 13 heat Training College 12. St. Andrew’s Old Boys 39 beat Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 6. Sunnyside 29 beat Christchurch 6. Merivale 9 beat High Schooi Old Boys 6. Beckenham 30 beat Sydepham 9. Technical Old Boys 6 drew with Albion 6. Section B Boys’ High Schqo.l 16 beat Albion 7. St. Bede’s College 17 beat Old Boys 15. St. Andrew’s College 1? beat Training College 10. University 43 beat Athletic" 0. FOURTH grade Richmond 6 beat Aranui 3. Technical Old Boys 22 beat Ninth Battery 9. Merivale 8 beat Linwood 4. . New Brighton 14 beat Old Collegians 3. Bromley 6 beat High School Old Boys 3. Richmond 6 beat Aranui 3. FIFYII GRADE High School Old Boys 8 beat Belfast 6. Sydenham 25 beat Christ’s College 14. Boys’ High School |3 beat Merivale 12. West Old Boys 18 beat Athletic 3. Linwood 16 heat West Christchurch High School 15. SIXTH GRADE Christ’s College 49 beat Linwood 0. Boys’ High School 85 beat Merivale 0. UNDER 18 GBARE Albion 18 beat High School Old Boys 6. Linwood 17 beat Sydenham 9. Beckenham 6 beat Athletic 3. Technical Old Boys 25 beat Christchurch d. UNDER NINE STONE Linwood 17 bept Technical Old Boys B 0. Albion 14 beat Sydenham 0. Boys’ High School 14 beat Merivale 6. UNDER EIGHT STONE Linwood 15 beat Merivale 3. Technical Old Boys 14 heat Sydenham °* UNDER SEVEN STONE Technical Old Boys A 56 beat Beckenham 0. Richmond 6 beat Technical Old Boys B 3. Sydenham 28 beat Athletic 0.

ANOTHER LOSS TO CANTERBURY

dfayoll out FOR TWO months ARM INJURY FAILS TO HEAL The failure of H. Deavoll'a arm injury to respond to treatment threatens Canterbury with the loss of yet another of its best players lor part of t\ie season at least. Deavoll broke a blood-vessel in an arm when playing for Merivale against University several weeks ago. Unwisely, as it turns out. he continued playing in that game, and subsequent bruisipg of the arm caused complications, file blood-clot would not disperse, and Deavoll is still carrying his arm in a sling three weeks

after receiving the injury. He does not expect to be able to play for two mphtos. and says it tS not unlikely that he wRI be out of the game for the rest of the season; Canterbury has lost many valuable players this year through injuries, retirements, and transfers, but ppavoll, if his injury does not make better progress than is expected at present, will be sadly missed- Last year was only Deavoll’s second year in Rugby, but he reached the final AH Black trials, and critics all over the Dominion concede that he was exceedingly unfortunate in hot being selected for the British tour. He played splendidly for Canterbury in Rahfurly Shield games. That Deavoll had hot yet reached the peak of his football ability was shown by his outstanding form in early club gamps this season, and it was expected that he would once qgain be a very strong candidate for the New Zealand team. Apart from his magnificent all-round play as a forward, Deavoll is one of the best goalkickers in New Zealand.

Rugby enthusiasts in Canterbury, and (ndeed, throughout thp Dominion, will join in hoping that he will make a good recovery and that he will be available for the representative games in the latter half of the season.

THREE REFEREES RESIGN

NORTH AUCKLAND INCIDENT (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DARGAVILLE, June 13. At a special meeting of the Northern Wairoa Rugby Referees’ Association last night, throe referees tendered their resignations and walked out of the meeting. The meeting had been called for the purpose of discussing the attitude adopted by the Northern Wairoa Rugby Union over the ordering off of a spectator during the progress of a match a fortnight ago. The referee reported the matter to the union, which decided to call rhe spectator to give his version. A subsequent meeting of the union, after hearing the spectator's denial, which was supported by two members of the union, that he called the referee an offensive name and suggested that the referee should be wearing one team’s jefsey, the RRicn took no action. After a long discussion < last - night the referees decided to send a deputation to the union, this resulting in the resignation of Messrs Vennell, Houghton, qnd Parore, who considered that the union should have backed up the referee. Mr Vennell was the referee concerned in the ordering-off incident.

NORTH CANTERBURY SUB-UNION

SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAM The following senior team has been selected to represent the North Canterbury Rugby Football Sub-Union in its match against the Malvern Sub-Union, gt Sheffield, next Saturday:— Full-back, J. Jack (Cust); three-quar-ters, E. McLauchlan (Cust), J. Gillespie (North Canterbury), and I. Boyce (Ambefley); five-eighths, F. Devlin (North Canterbury) and G. Horan (North Canterbury); half-bacß, Jim Stackßouse (Glenmark), captain: ‘forwards, K. Doody (Oxford), O. Ford (Kowai), L. Grapt (Cust). R. Catherwood (Oust), N. Maxwell (Glenmafk): vice-captain. T! Moran (North Canterbury). J. Hardie (Glenmark), and R. James (North Canterbury). Emergencies—Forwards: L. Catherwood (Oust). RE. Bury (North Canterbury), W. Jamieson (Kowai), and J". Smith (North Canterbury); backs. K. Rapatlnl" (North Canterbury), M. Reiiben' (Tuahiwi), E. Graham (Cust). qnd D. T-ainul (Tuah'wi). Competition matches played on Saturday, afternoon ended the first round. Results of senior fixtures were:—Cust 16. Glehmark 10; Kowai 13, North Caißerßqry 9: Tuahiwi 14, Oxford 8.

IN OTHER CENTRES (press association telegrams.) AUCKLAND, June 14. The seventh series of matches in the Auckland Rugby Upton’s senior championship competition was plqyed on Saturday in perfect weather. Results: — Ponsonby 14, Technical 11; University 26, Training College l 3; College Hides 11, Grafton H; Grampiar 39. North Shpre 13; Qtahuhu 10, Manukau 3. ' WELLINGTON, June 14. Poneke 12, Athletic 3; Weliingtpn 13, College Old Boys 3; Petqpe 8, Marist 6; Hutt 20., Eastbourne 17. MASTERTON, June 14. Gladstone 22, Old Boys 5; Carterton 18, Grey town 6; Bed Star 11, Martinbprough 6; Featherston 11, Dalefield 6. NEW PLYMOUTH, June 14. Northern Division—Clifton 9, Tukapa 3: Star 17. New Plymouth Old Boys TO; Stratford Old Boys 13, Inglewood 9. Southern Division—Kaponga 3. Opunake 3; Hawera 19, Okaiawa 3: Patea 6, Athletic 3; Waimate 23, Eltham 11. ' WESTPORT, June 13. Rugby fixtures this season are proving very interesting. To-day Old Bovs defeated Rangers, the leading team for the shield, and Stars, who pn thp previous Saturday also beat Rangers, fo-day beat United. Rangers still lead United by ope point. DUNEDIN. June 13. To-day’s Rugby matches, which marked the corppletiop of the first round, ' were played in fine weather. The leading team, Southern, suffered its first defeat when it went down to University A in an exciting game at Carishrook. Results were;— University A 20, Southern 15; Naikorai 17, Dunedin 8; Taieri 24, ZingariTl; Pirates 20, Alhambra 12; Union 41, University B 3.

RUGBY LEAGUE

BRIGHT ENCOUNTER AT syhenham PARK ADDINGTON BEATS LINWOOD FOR SECOND PLACE Results: — . Addington 23, Linwood 11. Hornby 27, Sydenham 8. Waimairi a bye. Fighting for second place in the Canterbury Rugby Football League’s championship. Linwood and Addington provided, at Sydenham Park on Saturday, one of the fastest and piost exciting games seen for years. Though Addington was the winner, it did not Reserve its 12point margin, as Linwood made most of the play, going brilliantly in the centre of the field but failing to finish off attacks properly. Sydenham travelled to Hornby and was expected to make a bold showing.’ Hornby, however, held its form and, especially in the bqcks. was much superior. The following table shows the positions of the teams to date; —

APDINGXQN (23) v. LINWOOD (11) Addington and Lin-wood, evenly matched, made their game very interesting by the vigour they put into it. The pace .was a hectic one all the time, the £orwfird§ especially deserving credit for the superb fitness shown. They showed no quarter, but ruthlessly pursued the ball and, as each six played as a pack, provided plenty of excitement. All the backs were eager to keep passing chains going, but their efforts met with varying success. The Addington line did not display much initiative, but Linwood V did. It varied its play and tried all manner of tactics, in consequence of which it made ground in great slices when in midfield. But, strangely enough, when near the scoring line the backs reverted to orthodoxy, and met a very solid defence. Three times the bounce of the ball beat a Linwood man when a vigorous burst had carried him clear of the defence. Fairman was the outstanding back on the field, with H. Young and Whitley also showing up. Knight was easily Addington's best, with L. Young and Beban ih most of the attacks. Of the forwards, Price, Amps, and gerra were best for Addington, and Smith and Lawrence for Linwood. The teams were:— Addington—W. J. Boniface; L. A- Bench, H. Knight. A. R. Brown: R. Rolton, L- G. Young; F. J. Beban: R. Price, R. Ward, Jack Amos. L, G. Evans, .Jd. Briggs, JP. Serra. » ■, _ Linwood —F. J. Stevens; E. Logie, F. Ayres, R. Whitley; H. Young, R. Falgar: C. H. Fairman; M. H. Smith. H. Steveps, H. Lawrence, T. Wesley, A. Stuart, V.' Reid. With the wind behind it Linvyopd was early to attack. Fairman started a rush, from which a cross was smartly taken by H. Young, who sent to Logie for a try. The kick failed. Linwood 3, Addington 0. A hard rush by H. Young missed a try by inches, Addington forcing. A few minutes later Logie was beaten Ry the ball bouncing away from him when he had broken clear in a fast-passing back chain. A loose rush by the Addington forwards gave position for a try. L. G. Young converted. Addington 5, Linwood 3. A brilliant corßsprew run Ry HStevens put Linwood on attack, and, in a passing rush, the backs were almost over, the ball bouncing against Falgar when he was unopposed and only a few feet out. Fairman, in clearing, kicked but Amos was handy and passed to Brown, who crossed ip a corner, the kick failing. The half-time score was; Addington 8, Linwood 3. The second spell opened with a vigorous run by Lawrence, Smith carrying on to the line, where Stuart scored. Ayres failed with the kick. Addington 8. Lipwopd 6. Forward sallies carried the ball up and down field till L, G. Young broke very fast from a fuck and passed to Briggs for a try. Young converted. Addington 13, Linwood 6. Whitley made a spectacular run from near half-way through the Addington defence. When held- near the line, he sent in to Falgar. whp jumped out of a tackle and touched down behind the posts. Lcgie converted. Addington 13. Linwood 11. Serra came aVay from a tussle" with Falgar with the ball qt toe. ft bounced into his hands on the line and he scored and converted. Addington l 8 Linwood 11. From a scrum Beban was fast out to L. G. Young, who broke from a tackle and sent on to Price, who crashed ovpr as he was tackled. Young converted! Filial' score: Addington 23, Linwood 11. Referee: Mr H. W- Lawrence. HORNBY (27) SYDENHAM (8) Hornby’s margin of 19 points against Sydenham at Hornby, did not actually indicate the difference in the displays of the teams. The Hornby backs saw most of the ball, but the bottling up of Garrett bv Scott caused most of the passing rushes to drift straight aprpss the field. The Hornby wingers, Hendry and Stuart, were in good form, putting in several sharp bursts down the line, although they had little rpom in which to work. The Hornby forwards, of which Woodgate and H. Standeven were outstanding, asserted their superiority in the closing stages. On the othpr hand. Sydenham must have been discouraged Ry the display of their full-back, p.ettitt, wRp was far too slow, his kicking and handling Reing uncertain throughout. Bamberger, who played as a wing-three-quarter, was disappointing. Scott, Wilson. and Chasten—particularly Scott—went well, but the tackling which these three players had tp do had its effect in the closing stages when the home team piled on the points. The following wefe the teams:— Hornby—M. Standeven; E. Hendry, R. Timms, J. Stuart; C. Taylor, J. Garrett: J McCarthy: W. Woodgate, J. Airey, W. Viyian, W. E(unn, H. Standeven, N. Vivian. „ Sydenham—N. Ppttitt: E. Hamberger, R. Chaston. P. Morrissey; I. Wilson, R. Scott; M. Mpsservey; J. Clancy. V. Blackler, P. Beechner, T. Carey, P. Clive, E. Grimes. From the kick-off the Sydenham forwards took play to the Hornby tweqtyfive, but Stuart relieved with a long kick. An exchange of forward rushes followed and, Sydenham being penalised, Hendry kicked a goal. Hornby 2, Sydenham 0. Hornby kept up the attack and M. Standeven forced his way over from the ruck for an unconverted try. Hornby 5, Sydenham 0. Stuart made a good dash down the line, passing infield for M. Standeven to snap up and score. The kick missed. Hornby 8, Sydenham 0. When Pettitt failed tp take the Rail cleanly, Stuart followed up last and scored under the posts. Iff. Standeven gpaied, making the SRpre qt half-time: ‘ Hornby 13, Sydenham 0. On resuming. Hornby pressed hard, and in a sweeping forward rush, W.’ Vivian went pver. the try Rpt Reing converted. Hornby 16, Sydenham’. V. When the Hornby backs were ’ looking dangerous Ghaston intercepted and burst through a weak tackle of Timms and scored a wellearned try at the corner. Carey goaled with a good kick- Hornby Ip. Sydenham 5; In another Sydenham back rush, Scott side-stepped his way practically' right through f before passing to Morrissey, who scored. The kick missed. Hornby IP, Sydenham 8. H- Stanßeven scored his tßirff try when he wont over from the rubk near the' Sydenham line. ’ HRmby 19. Sydenham ft. The Hornby forwards

nyere ppw definitely pp tqp. W. Picking up in the loose and scoring under the posts. Taylor converted. Hornby 24, Sydenham 8. The last try came from a passing rush, Hendry finishing the movement off by gping over at the corner. Homby 27, Sydenham 8. The game ended with the score:— Hornby 27, Sydenham 8. Referee; Mr H. King. Lower grade games resulted as follows: Addington 22, Hornby 3. Riccarton 9, Xihwdod 6. Sydenham Jg, iyaimairi 6. ThJejl qtadp Lipwoqd 9, St. Joseph’s 0. Hornby 6, Whitcdmbe’s 5. Fourth Grade Woolston 19, Waimairi A 0. 3, Waimairi H 0. Sixth srsg? St- Joseph’s 33, Sydenham 9. Waimtpri 5, MprpUy 0-Seven-a-Slde Linwood A 9, St. Joseph’s 2. Lipwoqd 3, Waimairi 0. WELLINGTON TPAM TO PLAY AUCKLAND (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, June 14The following Rugby League team has been selected to meet Auckland, at Auckland, on June 23; Full-back. H. Lilburhe (captain); three-quarters, E. Gladding. S. 'TV Atkins, C. XlcNeil; fiveeighths, L. Mersoh, A. O’Connor: half, J. Coman; forwards, W- Large, J. Gunn, C. Berry, J. Copies, R. Moisley, J- Snttpn. IN OTHER CENTOS (PKE3B ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.) AUCKLAND. June 14. Manukau 15, Newton 14; Mount Albert 19, Marist 7; Ponsqnby 17, Devqnpqrt 15; City 18, Richmond 12.

ENGLAND PEATS QUEENSLAND

MAGNIFICENT DEFENCE OF VISITORS (united press association—copyright.) (Received June 14, 8.37 p.m.) BRISBANE- •Ihne 14Epgland defeated Queensland by 19 points to 4 to-day in a game which, while not a brilliant spectacle, revealed the magnificent cover defence of the visitors and the consistency of- Hodgson’s goalkielflng. Queensland wqs quite to make any'headway qgalnst the defence, its few opportunities falling' down ‘ through faulty handling. Brogdeh cut through c\pse to the scrum, to spore England’s first try, which Rpdgson converted. The baby of the team, Edwards. on the right wing, completed a brilliant move initiated by Brough when he picked up from a clever punt‘by Brogden' and streaked for. the line. Brough, who gave a masterly display at full-back, was again in the picture when he co-oper-ated with Belshaw and Watkins to enaple the winger, Sniitß, to score in the cofner. Hodgson’s value to the side was shown by five goals, three of which were vypU out, from halfway. In the first half play was rather disappointing, England apparently being anxious to test the strength of the Queenslanders before giving any* ll * ll ® aVfFwith the score H-i in their favour at RM ftime! hpwever, and with Edwards’s try coming within a few minutes, they realised that they had the game in their hands. In the closing stages of play the visitors exploited open football with the three-quarters throwing the ball about beautifully. Brough often chimed in, there being 1 occasions when Re was right iR the forefront of movements only a few feet frpm the line. He proved to-day that he is just as entertaining as Sullivan. Official figures show a gate of £2492, with' a crowd of 23,(584. The teams were;— England; J. Brough, A. Edwards, A. J. Rismah, W. Belshaw,’S.' Smith, S. Brogden, W- Watkins. H. Beverley. E- A. Troup, M. Hodgson, N. Silcock, T. Armitt, H. Woods. . Queensland —W. Smith. H.‘ Robinson, W. Maheri,' J. Reardon, L. Hudson, V. Hey, F.‘ Gilbert, P. Madsen, J. Little, W- Law. L. Heidke, W. Ryan. P. Hickey. J. Arkwright, chosen for the English team, had to Rrop out as his leg injury was still ‘too sorfe for play.

Association Fpptball will be found on Page 9. ‘

P. W L. D F. A.Pts. Sunnyside .. 7 6 1 0 82 43 6 Albion .. 8 6 2 0 94 74 6 Old Boy-, .. 7 5 2 0 80 42 5 Christchurch .. 7 5 2 0 97 64 5 Athletic llerivale .. 7 . . 7 2 2 3 4 2 1 85 100 80 78 2i Ihnwood . . 7 2 5 0 68 96 2 University , . 7 1 5 1 52 126 U gydenham .. 7 1 6 0 49 104 1

P. W. L. F. A. Pts, Hornby 6 6 — 120 43 12 Addington .. 6 4 2 127 63 8 Linwood .. 6 3 3 71 99 6 Sydenham .. 5 1 4 46 85 2 Waimairi .. 5 — 5 41 115 —