SELECTION OF ALL BLACKS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22142, 12 July 1937, Page 15

SELECTION OF ALL BLACKS

TEAM TO BE SELECTED NEAR END OF JULY

SOUTH ISLAND POLICE TEAM

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES CHOSEN

MARLBOROUGH BEATS NELSON

RUGBY LEAGUE

POLICE MATCH

SEVEN-ASIDE TOURNEY I

IN OTHER CENTRES

NORTH CANTERBURY SUBUNION.

South Island Beats North at

Wellington

BRILLIANT GAME BY HOOPER

dcouraging Forecast of Quality Against Springboks

' From Out Own "Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 10. flaying brilliantly in the last half-hoar of a hard fought tdi the South Island beat the North Island by 30 to 21 in the match at Athletic Park to-day, the match being one of first in the series of trials before the selection of the All jkjtoj to meet the South Africans.

The South Island team fully deserved its win, although the North Blandi after an early deficit, led by 21 to 17 in the early tepn of the second spell.

A hiih standard of football was seen in the match, and even early in the trials it is apparent that New Zealand will be Me to field a strong side against the formidable Springboks.

The South Island players greatly enhanced their chances of New Zealand honours, and for once their inferiority complex when pitted against North Island teams was not in evidence. Althoßgh ontweighted substantially in the scrums, the South Island team packed splendidly and secured a reasonable share of the ball from the scrums and line-outs. Quick heeling from the rocks, too, was another factor to the team's advantage.

A crowd well in excess of 30,000 assembled to see the match tnd the preliminary Possibles v. Probables game: The weather was ideal and the ground was firm.

Ute hero of the game was the Canterbury second five-eighths, J. A. Hooper, whose speed and thrust recalled the palmy days of New ZeaImd five-eighths play. He was easily the most thrustful back seen in either game, and if any player could be said to hive won the match for the South that man was Hooper. Opposed to 'Auckland's All Black, D. Solomon, a player who is regarded by northern critics u almost a certainty for New Zealand selection this year, Hooper often made the defence look foolish. Not only did he cleanly beat Solomon by his deceptive swerve and sidestep, blithe often romped through a press of opponents where it seemed that no opening could possibly exist.

centre. He showed a dazzling burst of speed in scoring a try after short punting, and if he can become used to the position he may fill one of New Zealand's needs. There would have been a great duel between him and Mitchell had ho been playing at centre, but it is doubtful if his defence would have proved any better than Barton's.

More must be seen of W. J. Phillips, the big Maori winger from the King Country, before deciding his worth. He has determination and speed, and he kept Cobden fairly quiet for most of the game. Pollock's display at full-back was much below his form in the Christchurch- interisland game last year. His kicking was not nearly so sure and his lack of weight was a handicap in coping with the South forward rushes.

Nor was there any serious fault to be found with Hooper's defence, although Solomon Justified his reputation to the extent of providing most of the thrust in the North attacks. Most of these attacks were made from blindside moves and surprise forays from mldfleld. In orthodox passing rushes Solomon was usually well tackled by ! 3ooper. South Island Backs The only other back in either match who impressed as almost a certainty for the New Zealand team was N. A. Mitchell, Southland centre threequarters. His constructive play, based on hard and swift running, reminded spectators of C. J. Oliver and, like Oliver, he was hardly ever at fault on defence. To-day Mitchell made every possible inch of ground before sending on to the next man. His opposite number, D. G. Barton (Wanganui), proved an experienced and resolute defender, and but for his excellent tackling of a very determined opponent South's score would have been very much larger.

Magnificent Forward Display

Although it was from back movements that most of South's tries came late in the game, full credit must go to the forward pack for a magnificent display against heavier opponents. Led superbly by R. R. King (West Coast) the South forwards battled splendidly in the tight, their quick packing effectively checking the North pack's efforts to go through with the ball at toe. Nor was North's 193P superiority in hand-to-hand passing so marked this time, chiefly because thp defensive work of the South pack checked most of such moves in early ■stages. King was always one of the highest Jumpers in the line-outs, a department of the game in which the South team did not particularly shine. Always in the thick of the fray. Quaid, Orman, and Hattersley were not often seen in the open, but their solid grafting laid the foundation of many South attacks. Hattersley was a tiger for work in the tight, one of the most sterling forwards on the ground. Milliken and Ward also used their weight in the tight work, the latter impressing as a mii ch - jm .proved player. Both followed up consistently well One of the most brilliant players on the field was again J. G. Rankin, the Canterbury loose forward. He took prominent part in many fine scoring movements, and in others that just failed to produce scores, and his versatility and sense of anticipation on defence were great assets to his team. Once he saved, a certain try with a magnificent dive tackle just when Phillips seemed to be well clear of the field in a great dash for the corner. Orman's hooking in a light pack was remarkably good, and m spite of his lack of inches he was surprisingly effective in the line-outs.

Uttle fault could be found with the remaining South backs. J. J. McAuliffe, the Canterbury half, greatly enhanced his chances of selection. He tai to contend with close attention •irani North breakaways, and the superior weight of the North pack often caused ; the ball to hang in the J* of the scrum. Still McAuliffe sent wB > JS mr mmy and with m»SE T&Efv* 7 ' and hevaried his KdXSh. 1 * "FowtonaHy running (Rffi. W"ffiS to his forwards wa& Ai^ evatban ' was closely flve - ei Sths he justipla*T a WWtation as a kicker and £l~r i ( ?? d unselflsh &™ in "XSKS"- *Whan has little or & °« but he appears ff Kl e £W g as an efßcient 4Skfw ba - ck . Une - This ability : BdT«Hn k S ker of his class is SflW, PoUock . his nearest g nfi"^ er ' was not entirely l*(o£M a l fU i 1 - back,or North. Tay«<iS. ■ ? ot only more len S tn s uses mUs une kkks ' but he c «>nfldence as a HGUhU J 6fe ", ce - Moreover, G. D. •WhtiJS?* *? to suttest that he *« SUE to PoUo( * after fur ' c <ifc Wi, l gs ' T - Morrison tS ° ll t h D - G - Cobde * (Caniml*«!L? early au that was retSfaU* «««», but Morrison's greater ,I lSt«sLilS! ared t0 S iv « him a curiously uneven. *• Wf.lv?* 11, he a PPeared to be on ** field - makin 2 "** to* saves ' but more than fttdt c n S?. MColftd spell he was at a %4hkfe2rSi ran determination kkk? S&**** beautiful effort. He I *SHi l S!? 8c t Judgment over the ** tot J2?^ and gathered in the **S ?I* fee Une to score. His h *itfW«»: Was sound - Generally ««««an and the ball. too.

North Forwards Disappoint

Considering their weight and the reputation of many of the North forwards, their display was a little disappointing. North had a front row of hard workers in Dalton, Lambourn. and Jackson, but the drive that should have come from concerted work was Somehow lacking. Jackson was the most impressive of the front row men, his speed and determination making him a useful man in the loose as well as a hard worker in the tight. A. Bowman, a Hawkes Bay find of this year, was unfortunately injured, and he may prove his worth in later games. He was replaced by R. K. Anderson (Auckland), a good type of hard working forward. Anderson assisted R. M. McKenzie and T. Reid, 1935 All Black, to dominate the line-outs for North. Reid showed that he is still a good forward, although perhaps he has lost a little of the dash he showed in last year's inter-island match. McKenzie's best work was done in the loose, and he hardly lived up to his reputation. The Wellington veteran. Wells, was an energetic follower up, but T. H., Pearce, the Auckland back row man. did not impress very favourably. The teams were: —

North Island

Full-back—H. E. Pollock (Wel- - IThree-quarters—J.—J. L. Sullivan (Taranaki), D. G. Barton (Wanganui), W. Phillips (King Country). Five-eighths—D. Solomon (Auckland), C. A. Crossman (King Country) Half-back—L. Clothier (Hawke's Bay), captain. , Front Row—E. Jackson (Hawkes Bay), A. Lambourn (Wellington), D. Dalton (Hawke's Bay). Middle Row—R. M. McKenzie (Manawatu) (vice-captain), S. T. Reid (Hawke's Bay), A. Bowman (Hawkes Bay), J. Wells (Wellington). Back Row—T. H. Pearce (Auckland)- „ ~ T ,-v Reserves—Backs: S. M. Le Quesne (Wellington); forwards: R. K. Anderson (Auckland), A. H. Andrews (Wellington). South Island Full-back—J. Taylor (Otago). Three-quarters— T. C. Morrison (South Canterbury), N. A. Mitchell (Southland) (captain), D. G. Cobden (Canterbury). x Five-eighths—J. A. Hooper (Canterbury), D. Trevathan (Otago). Half-back—J. J. McAuliffe (Canterbury). Front Row—J. O. Hattersley (Canterbury), G. A. Orman (Buller). C. E. Quaid (Otago). Middle Row—J. G. Rankin (Canterbury), H. Milliken (Canterbury), R. R. King (West Coast) (vice-captain), R. H. Ward (Southland). Back Row—A. A. Parkhili (Otago). ! Reserves—Backs: C. Saxton (South i Canterbury), W. A. Black (Otago); [forwards: E. Chesterman (Southland), U. Strang fSouth Canterbury)*

HS fc«a included young ifWovednZt 7 be ex P e cted to give ***sta ormance s in later games. i^oTfii ,5 aay have cramped the ! cua «ed Ki„; V. rossman - the much-dis-*V §2L? untry For inrta,nly has a good 0 **> for«J? ! the spectators looked ! nd Penetration. His »uS^ as £ ulty at tiracs - b "t. i ißk In'ttta iu7 ev^. than - he w as a sound afi?3? SkiSi^ 3 p l ay this year2««cfturSnJ«*w he played in £> flSni?* £ ear ' showed a fine Sl f W&&lS,i! t ? e hflrd t0 blame Jf ** fcomu? t0 st °P Hooper. He S.S* tb2*£ half-back, usually *¥*, but s Ji spare tha n Mcr^S&v" 1 not alwa >' s make %JV^£ S • HiS PaSS " Si^&^i u t apityihai i ™ tojfl» Jr£ Taranaki youngster, ~ ™* *• wne instead a£ e^

The Play ' South played against a light wind and the sun in the first spell, but after Pollock had missed two shots at goal, Trevathan succeeded with a shot from the side-line. South 3, North 0. Pollock equalised from an easy shot shortly after. South 3. North 3. McAuliffe worked the blind-side to Trevathan and Hooper, the last-men-tioned cross-kicking neatly for Rankin to gather in and score near the posts. Trevathan missed with the kick. §outh 6. North 3. Mitchell then scored a brilliant solo try. He gathered in at top speed after the bounce had beaten Cobden, sprinted 60 yards down the side-line, and brushed off Pollock to score a\ the corner. Trevathan, with a great kick, made the scores—South 11, North 3.

Taylor saved well after Solomon had beaten Hooper and fended off Mitchell. South lost the ball after Hooper had cut through and the counter-rush left North with men to spare. Solomon went over at the corner and\ Pollock converted well. South 11, North 8. Another angle kick by Trevathan made the scores—South 14, North 8. Pollock countered with a similar shot, South 14, North 11. Solomon came round the blind side, flrew Cobden, and passed -to Sullivan., who followed up his own short kick to score brilliantly at the corner. Pollock again converted and North led, 16-14. Hooper cut through brilliantly and Milliken dribbled to the line. North was penalised in defending and Trevathan goaled easily. South 17, North 16.

Solomon brilliantly gathered in a low pass after Phillips had bumped off Morrison, and Grossman scored under the posts, Pollock adding the points. North 21, South 17. Hooper made the opening for the next try and Morrison picked up a low pass from Mitchell to score wide out. North 21, South 20.

Cobden scored after kicking over the full-back's head and followed up fast. Trevathan converted. South 25. North 21. Hooper made two more fine runs. from the second of which Mitchell scored near the posts, Trevathan converting. The final Fcore was:— South 30, North 21.

THE FIRST TRIAL

LOWER STANDARD OP PLAY GILBERT BACK TO FORM [From Our Own Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 10. Neither in standard of play nor in spectacular interest did the opening match between Possibles and Probables approach the subsequent interisland match, and it was fairly clear that the selectors had not overlooked many men who could have strengthened the teams representing their respective islands. Many of the players in this match, however, may expect to have better chances of showing their ability. With better supports, for instance, some of the backs may prove strong contenders for places in the New Zealand Bide.

Possibles won by 18 points to 14, and the greater part of the credit for this win must go to the forwards. Neither back line was able to develop much combination during the game, and opportunist movements were usually the most fruitful. There was keen interest in the reappearance of G. D. M. Gilbert (West Coast), full-back for the 1935 All Blacks in Great Britain, and at once it must be said that he played so well as to efface recollection of his disappointing form in the inter-island match last year. Cool and unhurried, he nevertheless did everything that was required of him with the utmost certainty, and his kicking was long and accurate.

Good Wingers

Possibles possessed two excellent wingers in J. Dick (Auckland) and H. Dixon (King Country). The former used a sidestep to advantage, and the latter, though small and light, showed pace and determination. The inside backs were nof always certain of themselves. L. Russell, North Island halfback last year, did not always send out the best possible passes, and W. G. Brooks (Canterbury) at first fiveeighths took some time to find his feet. In the second spell Brooks made some good openings by straight running. _D. Lane (Marlborough), outside mm, played solidly, but B. A. Killeen (Auckland), the centre, did not live up to his reputation. His play was too uneven to be convincing. S. F. Easton (North Otago) was very little behind Gilbert in his performance at full-back for the Probables. He handled excellently and made some good saves. There was nothing brilliant about the rest of the backs, although J. L. Griffiths, last year's All Black captain, did give some thrust to his line and A. Strachan (Bulled), at centre, ran straight and gave his wings plenty of room in which to move. J. A. Purdue (Southland) was not well served by his forwards, but he sent his backs away well at every opportunity.

Williams's Excellent Display The Possibles pack had a much greater capacity for sheer hard work than their opponents, and they held a slight advantage through most of the game. F. J. Green (Otago), for his keen hunting in the loose, good defensive play, and excellent play in the tight, impressed as a greatly improved forward and one who must be given consideration in the final selections Another very impressive forward was C. Anderson (Horowhenua). A frontrow man, he always had his weight well into the tight work and his speed in breaking from the rucks was demonstrated by his participation in several passing movements with the backs. M. Scandrett (West Coast) played a good game, especially in the loose, and G. Mason (Buller) was another of the hard workers. Hadley did not have all his own way in hooking, and was not particularly impressive otherwise. Red-headed W. Devine (Waikato) played an appropriately fiery game. He was very hard to stop, but a stricter referee might have penalised him often for handling in the scrum.

Canterbury's one forward representative in this match, C. W. Williams created a very favourable impression confirming the opinion formed of him by Wellington critics in the King's Birthday match. Had the rest of the Probables pack played as well as he did the result would probably have been different. His weight was always in the tight work, he followed up well, and he shone in the line-outs. F. H. Fraser-Smith (Wellington) was one of the best of the remainder, although J Finlay (Manawatu), a young forward who used to play as an inside back and T. Fowler (Taranaki) did useful work in the loose.

THE TEAMS Tlie teams were:— Probables Full-back: S. F. Easton (North Otago). Three-quarters: A. E. McAneny (Poverty Bay), A. Strachan (Buller), A. Sutherland (Southland). Five-eighths: J. L. Griffiths (Wellington), second: H. Bradley (Hawke's Bay), first. Half-back: J. A. Purdue (Southland). Forwards: C. Pepper (Auckland), G. Fowler (Taranaki). J. Finlay (Manawatu); J. McClenaghan (Taranaki). C. W. Williams (Canterbury), F. H. Fraser-Smith (Wellington), C. O'Dowda (Taranaki); R. R. Hull (Auckland).

Full-back: G. D. M. Gilbert (West Coast). Three-quarters: J. Dick (Auckland). B. A. Killeen (Auckland), H. Dixon (King Country). Five-eighths: D. Lane ,■ W» &. Brook* (Cantetioui&j*

TRIAL MATCHES TODAY

FOUR TEAMS ENGAGED WELLINGTON PLAYERS FILL, VACANCIES (rarss issociiTiow txlegbau.) WELLINGTON, July 11. Injuries among trial players have already necessitated the New Zealand selectors calling upon Wellington players to fill gaps in the teams picked for matches at Athletic Park to-mor-row. The injured men include J. A. Hooper (Canterbury), who has slightly sprained an ankle, but who will take part in later matches this week. The teams for to-morrow are as follows: First Match POSSIBLES Fuli-backt G. Gilbert (West Coast). Three-quarters: J. McAneny (Poverty Bay), B. A. Kitteen (Auckland), D. G. Cobden (Canterbury). Five-eighths: H. Fleming (Wellington), second; C. Crossman (King country). Half-back: C. Saxton COtago). Forwards: J. O. Hattersley (Canterbury), D- Dalton (Hawke's Bay). J. Finlay (Manawatu); A. H. Andrews (Wellington), S. Reid (Hawke's Bay), H. Milliken (Canterbury), M. Scandrett (West Coast); R. R. Hull (Auckland). PROBABLES Full-back: J. Taylor (Otago). Three-quarters: L. H. Edwards (Wellington). Fulton (Wellington), ASutherland (Southland). Five-eighths: J. L. Griffiths <Wellington), second; D. Solomon (Auckland). Half-back: J. J. McAuliffe (Canterbury). Forwards: C. E. Quaid (Otago), A. Lambourne (Wellington), T. H. Pearce (Auckland); A. Anderson (Auckland), Parkhill (Otago), F. H. Fraser-Smith (Wellington), J. McClenaghan (Taranaki); R. Ward (Southland). Second Match POSSIBLES Full-back: H. R, Pollock (Wellington). Three-quarters: W. A. Black (Otago). A. Hansen (Wellington), H. Dixon (King Country). Five-eighths: D. Lane (Marlborough), second; H. Bradley (Hawke's Bay). Half-back: L. Clothier (Hawke's Bay). Forwards: E. Jackson (Hawke's Bay), G. Orman (Buller), H. Andersen (Horowhenua); R. M. McKenzie (Manawatu), W. J. Trusttum (King Country), J. Best (Waikato), C. Chest:rman (Southland); and G. Mason (Buller). PROBABLES Full-back: S. F. Easton (North Otago). Three-quarters: T. Morrison (South Canterbury), N. A. Mitchell (Southland), J. Dick (Auckland). Five-eighths: A. Strachan (Buller), second; W. G. Brooks (Canterbury). Half-back: L. Russell (Waikato). Forwards: L. George (Southland), W. E. Hadley (Auckland), C. Pepper (Auckland); J. G. Rankin (Canterbury), R. R. King (West Coast), C. W. Williams' (Canterbury), D. O'Dowda (Taranaki); G. Strang (South Canterbury). Reserves: —Backs: J. Purdue (Southland), R. Veitch (Wellington); forwards: F. J. Green (Otago), M. W. Devine (Wellington), G. Fcwler (Taranaki), J. Wells (Wellington). Players on the injured list are J. G. Barton (Wanganui\ W. Phillips (King Country), J. L. Sullivan (Taranaki), A. Bowman (Hawke's Bay), and J. A. Hooper (Canterbury). The Wellington players who have been called on are Fleming, Hansen, Veitch, and Edwards.

FINAL TRIAL ON SATURDAY [From Our Own Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 11. An announcement that the New Zealand team to meet the Springboks in the first test match will not be selected until near the end of this month, was made to-day by Mr E. McKenzie, chairman of the New Zealand selection committee, who said that in the trials at Wellington this week it is hoped to sort out approximately the Dominion's best team, and this will be pitted against the next best fifteen in the final trial match next Saturday. The selectors will, however, see as many other provincial matches as possible before the final selection is made.

The following team has been chosen by the selectors, Messrs C. J. Oliver, D. J. Hewitt, and Sergeant J. Johnson, to represent the South Island Police against the North Island police in Wellington at the end of August in the annual match for the Harding Shield:—S. Anderson (Canterbury); J. Gibson (Otago), W. McDougall (O.), R. Crawford (C); E. Adams (O.). D. Stuart (C); R. Smith (C); D. Boleyn (O.), M. Stewart (C), E. Ward (C), J. Tithcr (O.), R. Berry (O.), W. Coll (C), D. Whillans (C), C. Constable (C). Reserves: Forwards, G. Salisbury (C), D. G. Simpson (C), G. Holder (O.); backs, S. Alsop (C). W. Sharpe (O.).

Half-back: L. Russell (Waikato). Forwards: L. George (Southland), W. E. Hadlcy (Auckland), H. Anderson (Horowhenua): F. Green (Otago), W. J. Trusttum (King Country), M. W. Devine (Wellington), M. Scandrelt (West Coast); G. Mason (Buller).

Ragged Play The first spell opened very raggedly, but at last Brooks and Killeen sent Dick away for a good run. He beat two opponents and Anderson was handy for an in-pass to complete the movement. Gilbert converted. Possibles 5, Probables 0. Soon after Easton kicked a fine penalty goal from 50 yards out. Gilbert replied with an even better kick from a sharp angle and the spell ended:— Possibles 8. Probables 3.

Play was sharper in the second spell. Killeen made the opening for the next try. although he fumbled his pass at the first attempt. Green scored at the end of the movement and Gilbert added the extra points with a beautiful kick from the sideline. Possibles 13. Probables 3.

The Probables forwards began to show more life, and after one loose rush McAneny cork-screwed through two tackles to score in the corner. Easton kicked a fine goal. Possibles 13. Probables 8.

Bradley made a good break and after the forwards had carried on. Griffiths shot through to send Sutherland over at the corner. Possibles 13, Probables 11.

A fine break round the side of the scrum by Russell ended in Killeen scoring easily between the posts. Gilbert converted. Just before time Williams fielded well in a quick throw-in to a short line-out and scored at the corner. The game ended:— Possibles 18, Probables 14.

SUNNYSIDE BEATEN BY UNWOOD

UNIVERSITY AND OLD BOYS IN LEAD HEAVY GROUNDS AFFECT PLAY ON SATURDAY, Results at a glance:— Old Boys 9, Merlvale 8. University 28, Christchurch «. Sydenham 10, Albion 3. Linwood 24, Sunnyside 23. AtlUeUc 11, Technical Old Boys 9. Senior competition Rugby football games Oil Saturday provided one ot the maiox 1 surprises of the season, when In a match full ot incident, XAnwood defeated Sunny- , side one of the leading fifteens, by one | DO int. Sunnyside apparently under- | rated the opposition sadly. • The other two leading clubs. University and High School Old Boys, won their fixtures, although Old Boys scraped home narrowly against Merlvale. The result is that those two fifteens now lead In the competition with 11 points each (with Sunnyside following with 10), and will probably be left to fight out the season's supremacy unless there are more surprises on coming Saturdays. Ttif play on most grounds was seriously , affected by the week-end thaw of earlier ice and snow. This led to slow and erratic play and hard work for all players. The Lancaster Park south ground was nearly a quagmire, after the first half, while on the oval straw was used to dry out a bad patch of mud at the northern end In the Sval game between Old Boys and Menvale, there was an unusual incident—the rofefee. Mr C. R. McCallum, injured a leg half-way through the second spell and had to retire. Mr E. A. Empson took his place and was referee for the rest of the g& Although Old Boys established a substantial territorial advantage, with a clear land early superiority in the scrums. Mervale backs played up close, and their spoiling tactics gave the Old Boys backs I very little room in which to work. This move by Merlvale made up for the lack of combination in their own backs. The four tries scored—three by Old Boyswere all from brilliant movements. Otherwise there was nothing sparkling about the game. Old Boys missed the services of D G. Cobden. G. T. Nolan, and J. G. The Show Grounds field, not Buffering so much from the thaw, allowed fast and exciting play between Sunnyside and Linwood, and as the scores fluctuated through the game, first in Linwood s favour, then in Sunnyside's, the crowd I roared with delight. The forwards made the majority of the attacks, which swung from end to end of the field with exciting regularity. Linwood led by one point with less than five minutes to go, and maintaining a fine defence, held the narrow margin against thrilling offensives from Sunnyside. ... Athletic forwards and backs were too fast for Technical Old Boys, and the pack also maintained a superiority in scrums, which played an important part in the game. But the young Technical side showed more team work and played solidly against a heavier fifteen with all the advantages. A heavy field slowed up the pace in this game. On the other back ground at Lancaster Park, Sydenham and Albion scrambled about in holding mud willingly, but the game Jacked any brilliance and was certainly spoiled by the conditions. In fact it was doubtful whether the ground should have been played on. . ' University might have been expected to havo had a hard tussle with Christchurch in view of the absence of McAullffe. half-back and outstanding general, and Williams, the fast forward, but the win was bv a surprisingly wide margin, more surprising still when it is considered that the ground was exceptionally heavy and that University usually shines in dry con-

HIGH SCHOOL. OLD BOYS (9) V. MERTVALE (8) Weakened by the absence of three of their best men, High School Old Boss beat Merlvale by 9 points to Bin the match on the Lancaster Park oval. Old Boys had a feast of the ball, but it was not a brilliant game. The spoiling tactics of Merlvale t backs and the fast following up of their forwards were too effective for it to fie that. But the failure by Old Boys to use their opportunities to better purpose was not altogether caused by Men vale s spoiling work. Standing close up, Merivale b inside backs forced their opponents either to kick or to send the ball to the wings in the hope of finding a gap, but there was not the necessary thrust in the tnreequarter line; and lacking penetration alt>o among their inside backs in most of the movements, Old Boys had long spells in Merivale's territory without making any impression on the defence. They were sparkling movements that brought the four; tries scored in the match. Apart from these and a few other movements, however, the game was scrambling. Merivale fielded Its stock team, but the, Old Boys' side was altered because of the absence of J. G. Rankin and D. G. Cobden with the South Island team, and o* G T Nolan, who had not sufficiently recovered from an injury received in the Town v. Country match last week. Another absentee from the Old Boys pack was B. Giessler. Merivale's backs were not impressive on attack, and the only try to the sides credit came from a skilful opening by the first five-eighths. W. Jarman. With a few exceptions, the Merivale attacks received their strength from a fast ana virile pack, which kept on the ball and tackled hard. But often the work of the Merivale forwards was nullified by overeagerness, which led to breaches of the off-side rule. The Old Boys' forwards, however, were much abler in winning the ball and in holding the benefit of a good attacking position. Old Boys had by far the territorial advantage. Fine Game by Hearn

Besides hooking excellently, W. A. Hearn did more than his share in the loose and in the line-outs. F. J. Foley was another honest worker in the tight and a tpwer of strength in the line-outs. A forward who impressed as showing improved form was F Leckie. and N. L. Schluter, who is not a regular member of the pack, played vigorously and intelligently. The loose forward, G. Rich, watched Merivale's halfback, G. King, closely, and was always well up on the ball. R. Sneddon and M. O. Stanley were two of the hardest workers in the Merivale pack, and Sneddon had some close duels with Foley in the lineouts. K. Grant more than made up for lack of weight by honest battling in the tight and speedy bursts in the open. For consistently good work H. Deavoll and G King were outstanding among the Merlvale backs.' Deavoll was not faultless at full-back, but when he was under severe pressure he did all that could reasonably be expected. His tackling was first-class, and his line kicking saved his forwards much work. King's defence at half-back was his strength. Old Boys returned to the early-season combination of J. K. Gaskin and K. S. Mortlock as fiveeighths, R. P. Round going out to the wing and a junior player, R. F." Cook, filling Mortlock's place at centre. Both Gaskin and Mortlock were steady, handling and stopping rushes well, but there was not much thrust in their play. Round was the pick of the three-quarters. The Scoring Movements The teams were:—

Old Boys—G. Dickinson; R. P. Round, R F. Cook, E. G. Kerr; K. S. Mortlock, J. K. Gaskin; E. A. Vincent; S. G. Henry W. A. Hearn, F. Leckie, N. J. McPhail, O. G. Wood, G. Rich, F. J. Foley, N. L Schluter.

Merivale—H. Deavoll; E. Drake. J. Maxwell, W. Downie; A. Johnson. W. Jarman; G. King; B. Roberts, J. Howard, K. Grant M. O. Stanley, R. Sneddon, A. Bourne, N Forward, M. Sellars.

A weU-judged stab kick by Gaskin nearly brought a score to Old Boys. Deavoll just beating Mortlock for the ball as it rolled over the line. Merivale was kept defending until Jarman broke away and passed to his forwards, who, with Drake. I went away in a grand rush, but good play i by Schluter temporarily saved Old Boys. In their efforts to clear, however. Old Boys infringed, and Deavoll kicked a penalty goal from the twenty-five-yard line, well out. Merivale 3, Old Boys 0. Old Boys scored almost from the kick-off. Poor tackling by Johnson allowed Mortlock i through, and the five-eighths went to Deavoll before passing to Kerr, who went lover near the corner flag. The kick missed. Metivala 8» Old, Boy* 3, Ualfr,

time came with Merlvale attacking, a fine opening having been spoiled by wild pasting. Merivale 3, Old Boys 3.

Old Boys scored soon after play was resumed. A short kick by Gaskin was carried on by Mortlock and Cook, and Round picked up the ball, passed infield, and received it again to dive over for a fine try. The kick from the side-line missed. Old Boys 6, Merivale 3. Within a few minutes Old Boys scored again. A magnificent burst by Hearn from Merivale'S twenty-five-yard line took him to within Inches of the goal-line. Old Boys won the scrum and the ball went along the backs for Cook to run across. Again the kick missed. Old Boys 9. Merivale 3. The Merivale forwards had Old Boys in trouble, but Cook just forced in time. From a scrum near half-way Jarman secured, short punted, and took the ball on the full to go almost to the line before passing to Drake, who scored. Deavoll con-: verted from the side-line. Old Boys 9, Merivale 8. Merivale attacked hotly, but Old Boys maintained a sound defence and counter-attacked with forward rushes, the match ending with the score unchanged. Old Boys 9, Merivale 8. The referee until half-way through the second spell was Mr C. R. McCallum. He then injured a leg and could not continue, his place being taken by Mr E. A. Empson.

UNIVERSITY (28) v. CHIUSTCHURCII (6) With backs and forwards playing with great thrust and combination. University rattled on 25 points in the second spell against Christchurch at Rugby Park, and changed what had been an even game into a runaway victory. The score at halftime was 3 all. and the final total University 28, Christchurch 6. Although there were some very muddy patches, the ground was probably In a better state i than the other senior fields, end suited University's style of play. In the first half the Christchurch forwards, led mainly by P. Rhind, J. Hogg, and J. Batchelor, got the ball back from set and loose scrums, as well as from the line-outs. Their line-out methods, however did not tend to open up play as the ball was almostly invariably thrown to the front row forwards who would gain a few yards before the ball again went into touch. The University forwards failed to show much dash in this spell. They were pushed off the ball, although G. Stonehouse was winging for Christchurch, and seldom put much weight into the scrums. In the second half things were reversed. The University pack to a man ithrew itself into the game. Frequentij iooae jaaesioe rushes in which five

or six forwards handled, would gain half the length of the field before the backs were given the ball. It was Rugby at Its best, and the Christchurch players became demoralised.., They lost their previous advantages in getting the ball from the scrums and line-outs, and the University backs were given their chance. A. J. Lake, L. Martin, and P. G. Roberts bustled the Christchurch men, and fanned out quickly to support their backs whenever they were on the defensive. J. D. Carmichael was outstanding among a brilliant set of backs for University. He is improving with every game he plays, and should be assured of a place in the representative team. J. C. Pawson and G. J. Busfield are fast threequarters, but when it came to a race for the ball with Carmichael they were left yards behind. E. Malley, at second fiveeighths, saw that these races for possession were frequent as lie used a stab-kick to great effect, and gave the winger many openings. A. G. Hunter, at centre, was thus starved of the ball to some extent, but in the first half he showed his brilliance in running through five men at least three times in as many minutes, and hardly any of them touched him. T. W. Straker made an efficient half-back, and A. L. Ellis drew his man quickly and sent on to his backs in plenty of time for them to manoeuvre.

Pawson was the life blood of the Christchurch backs. He stepped out of Hunter's tackles time and again, and showed up the weaknesses in his opponent's defence. Hunter was slow to come up on his man, and with Malley tackling Black quickly, Pawson had plenty of time to find his openings. J. Hardy and Busfield outside him had plenty of speed and were given many chances by Pawson's brilliant running, but they found the defence solid, especially when the University forwards came back to help their backs.

F. Porteous, at full-back for Christchurch, played a safe game, but made two very bad errors of kicking in-field instead of down the line. This gave the fast University forwards chances of joining in rushes with their backs, and on each occasion a try resulted. N. B. Manssen stood up to his work well. Another outstanding feature of the game was the excellent goal-kicking of Ellis, who converted the five tries scored in the second half. The teams were:—

University—N. B. Manssen; J. D. Carmichael, A. G. Hunter, W. V. Hadfield; A. L. Ellis, E. Malley; T. Straker; G. T. Wilson, P. Bridges, J. N. Matson, L. Martin, I. O. Stace, P. G. Roberts, C. Waller, A. J. Lake. _ Christchurch—F. Porteous; G. J. BusHeld, 3. C. Pawson, J. Hardy; C. O. Field, iA. SL Black* K. BosweiU &, Stonehoine,

R. Kear, G. Burrell, J. Hogg, P. K. RhindU J. Batchelor, W. Fleming, B. Walker. The Play Plav had not been in progress very long 'before Pawson stepped out of two tackles and ran Hardy into position for the winger to score near the corner. Black missed a hard kick. Christchurch 3, University 0. Stace missed with a penalty. With play just outside Chrtstchurch's twenty-five, Malley sent out • long and dangerous pass to Hunter, who picked up well and ran through five or six men to score well out. Stace mlssea the kick. University 3, Christchurch 3. Carmichael broke away down the wing, but there was no one in support, ana Pawson recovered the ground with a great run, being brought down near the posts. Black missed a pot at goal, and at halftime the scores were:

University 3, Christchurch 3. Egden replaced Walter, who was injured. The first forward rush by University occurred soon after the start. Carmichael took the ball on to near th« line, where Wilson scored and EUis converted. University 8. Christchurch 3. Hunter missed Pawson, who ran Hardy into position, and he crossed at the corner. Black missed the kick. University 8, Christchurch 6. Porteous then made his first error of kicking infield, where Malley secured and gave Hadiield a clear run. Ellis again converted. University 13, Christchurch 6. Malley next kicked through and Carmichael raced Porteous for possession, and when he was tackled Lake was clear of the field to score. Ellis converting. University 18. Christchurch 6. The forwards and backs again swept down the field for Roberts to send on to Carmichael, who scored in the corner, and Ellis kicked a great goal. University 23, Christchurch 6. Malley was again responsible for a good try when he kicked over the Christchurch backs. Carmichael got to the ball and transferred to Hunter, who crossed, and Ellis once again converted. Time was called soon after, leaving the scores: University 28, Chris tchurch K. Referee: Mr K. H. Perrin.

SYDENHAM (10) v, ALBION (3) Wet sticky mud, which clung to jerseys fetid pants, clogged up boots, and even '"Wrapped itself in patches round the ball, "made the Sydenham v. Albion game on "the south ground anything but a It was surprising that the long scramble for possession was as interesting as n did turn out to be. and that the spectators saw so much solid back play. However the conditions favoured Albion more than Sya■enham, with the result that often the fifteen which eventually lost the game looked like the winning side. There was some pretty play by both back lines; early 'in the game, before the mud had been so -well churned up. In fact there was a real duel between the rival five-eighths ■which for a while made play good to '■watch. In the end back-line initiative was .Cleft to individual enterprise, and this •change in tactics gave the game tn Sydenham, whose margin was mainly the result of the opportunist play of the fiveeighths, Bedelph. He seized a splendid chance and dropped over one of the neatest field goals of the season, while late, on he saw another opening and flashed round the blind side through the defence for a pretty try. On the Albion side, the two five-eighths, J. and R Garrett, combining well for a short time, threatened to establish a promising superiority for Albion. But some unaccountable relapse of the Albion back-line play set in and the opportunity was lost. In was a hard day for the forwards, the holding mud spoiling play in the loose and leading to much trouble in getting the ball away for both sides. In the end the Sydenham backs and forwards established a combination of effort which set Albion on the defensive, and there with the able assistance of the Albion full-back, Dyne, the losing fifteen put up a fine Showing. The teams were:—

Albion—H. Dyne; G. B. Eathorne, H. Wilson, L. Martyn; J. Garrett, R. Garrett; J. Timlin; S. G. Boyd, K. Oakley, A. Mooney, E. Willman, W. Sweeney, J. Weatherhead, P. Dasler, A. Hadfield. Sydenham—T. Preston; J. Barabithe, S. Coote, W. Brown; W. Bedelph, Forscutt; L. Brown; A. Prisk, W. McCammon, R. Dunlop, Vivian, W. Fright, K. Brown, R. McGrath, W. Sargison.

Sydenham narrowly missed a try when, in the first forward attack, K. Brown dribbled fast over the Albion line but ■was chased by Dyne and kicked over the dead ball line. Not long after Sydenham again forced play to the Albion line. Fright missed with a penalty from a difficult position. Albion drew first blood, the inside backs all combining in a machinelike movement which sent the ball right out to Eathorne. He in-passed and R. Garrett shot over for a try. The kick missed. Albion 3, Sydenham 0. Rugged, scrambling play among the forwards turned up the mud in mid-field. In a fast Sydenham attack Dyne was penalised for holding on. From the punt the ball went out to W. Brown, who made a great attempt to cross, but was held up. Then Sydenham twice secured from scrums in the Albion corner, but the backs found themselves well bottled up by the defence. However, Bedelph neatly potted a goal in the third attack from 20 yards out. Sydenham 4, Albion 3. Albion backs attacked twice with some success. and twice backs attempted to emulate Bedelph's tactics and pot a goal. But the attempts failed and Sydenham came downfield again on a dash which succeeded. From a scrum about the Albion twentyfive Bedelph dived round the blind side and had an easy run through the unwary defence for a try which was not converted. Sydenham 7, Albion 3. In the second half play was generally desultory. Albion forwards had the better of the scramble for a time, but could not make much of their opportunities against a sound defence. The remaining three points came to Sydenham from a penalty kicked by Fright, well outfield. The final points were:

Sydenham 10, Albion 3. Referee: Mr C. McLachlan. X.INYBCWM* V2A> -w. SUXNtSIOE C 23) "With only a few minutes of play left In the second spell and with Sunnyside attacking determinedly in a series of vigorous efforts to overtake Linwood s lead of one point, the excitement of the spectators at the Show Grounds on Saturday was intense as the game gradually drew to a close. Such an exciting finish was a fitting climax to a hard, fast game, vith play constantly ranging the field, and the scores rapidly see-sawing right from the early stages of the first spell. On the run of play Linwood thoroughly deserved its surprise win; but, on the other hand, It must be admitted that Sunnyside was a trifle unlucky when tries seemed certain. On a heavy ground, in a struggle confined chiefly to the forwards, the greater adaptability and enterprise of the Linwood side gave the team a hard-fought victory. The greater weight of the Sunnyside pack gave them an advantage in the tight play, and as a result the team had slightly the better of the set scrums. This advantage, however, was more than countered by the greater speed and enterprise in the loose of the smaller Linwood forwards, who pounced on the mistakes of the Sunnyside backs and broke through the defence in fast rushes with the ball at toe. Neither set of backs received many opportunities for concerted attacks, but the play of the Sunnyside line, although obviously lacking the penetration at first five-eighths of J. A. Hooper, who was playing in the inter-island match, was more impressive. Although at times a trifle casual on defence, the Sunnyside wing three-quarter, W. H. Oliver, was the best attacking player op the ground. The Linwood backs received few opportunities to attack, but their work on defence, especially in the closing stages of the match, was little short of brilliant, L. K. Heazlewood and R. Empson being particularly good. At times during the match Heazlewood was called upon to do some strenuous defending, and to him should go much of the credit for Linwood's win. In two splendid packs, C. Wilton and B. Bradley for Linwood, and R, Burke and C. Pablecheque for Sunnyside were outstanding.

The teams were:— • Sunnyside—L. Moran; W. H. Oliver, P. A. Hart, R. Chinnery; W. K. Greer, G. Bisphan; J. R. Masters; R. Burke, Aitken, G. J. Howell, Ferguson, G. Duncan, C. Pablecheque, L. Grant, Hartland. Linwood—L. K. Heazlewood; R. Pengelly, R. Empson, L. Mason; M. Collett, Nelson; L. Hewitt; D. Gibson, F. Agassiz, C. Wilton, H. Revell, S. Gunn, K. Armour, J. Lawler, B. Bradley. Sunnyside attacked strongly from the kick-off. the backs gaining ground in fast attacking movements, which broke down because of poor handling. Sunnyside kept the play in Linwood territory and after a scrambling rush Burke scored near the posts. The try was converted. Following an exchange of cross-field kicks, Hewitt, the Linwood half-back, scored near the corner. Heazlewood's attempt to convert was charged down. From a line-out near the Sunnyside line the Sunnyside wing three-quarter threw a long pass infield to his backs, but the movement failed- to catch the Linwood backs unprepared. A quick interception by Mason caught the defence napping and was rewarded with a try almost under the posts, which Heazlewood converted. A good opportunist movement a few minutes later gave Sunnyside a try after a strong run by the wing threequarter, Oliver, from half-way. Greer converted, making the score: Sunnyside 10, Linwood 8. Linwood scored immediately after the kick-off when fast following up gave Gibson a try atfer Oliver failed to judge the bounce of a rolling ball. Heazlewood converted with a good kick. Play swung from one end of the field to the other till the end of the spell, which ended with the score: ■" Linwood 13, Sunnyside 10.

. A try by Oliver, converted by Greer, in the first minute of the second spell again gave Sunnyside the lead, which they were unlucky not to increase a few minutes later when bad handling lost what seemed an excellent opportunity. Past forward attacks by both packs carried play constantly up and down the flfeld with both teams trying hard to score. Heazlewood placed Linwood once more in the lead with a penalty kick from in front of the posts, and this was increased a few minutes later by a try in the corner by the wing three-quarter, Pengelly. Linwood continued to attack, Nelson scoring after a defending kick by one of the Sunnyside backs was charged down. Heazlewood converted, making the score: Linwood 24, Sunnyside 15. Hart, the Sunnyside centre threequarter, paved the way for a good run by Chinnery, whose kick infield was snapped up by Pablecheque under the posts. Pablecheque's try was converted. Chinnery field a loose kick by Mason, and after a strong run he inpassed to Burke, who scored. Greer's kick was unsuccessful, and although Sunnyside attacked vigorously .for a the last few minutes the game ended with the score unchanged.

Linwood 24, Sunnyside 23. Referee: Dr. D. McK. Dickson. ATHLETIC (11) v. TECHNICAL OLD BOYS (9) It was quite impossible for good football to be played on the greasy Lancaster Park west ground and Athletic gained its ■win over Technical Old Boys in a game which wa? even more ragged than was fairly expected. Athletic started well, but the pace was never great, and the decision was attributable to greater weight and speed. That speed was not often used, £? efficient to nullify the effect of Technical's siwerlor team work. Almost

throughout the game Athletic took the ball from the scrum, and the score would have probably been higher if the ground had not been so heavy- As it was the backs were seldom able to run more Ihan a few yards, and their kicking, with a very heavy ball, could not possibly have been good. Seeing little of the ball except when fielded, the Technical backs had a dull day, and the ball went through the line only about three times; on those occasions no ground was gained. In fact, the ball seldom went through either back line, and only once did such a movement result in a score. That was when Mahoney unexpectedly ran straight, completely confusing the Technical backs. The greater weight of the Athletic vanguard was useful in the scrums: otherwise there was little between the packs. The Technical side played as a pack, and although the Athletic forwards did not, no individual enterprise was shown. The occasional patches of bright play, usually resulting in scores, compensated a little for the dullness of the remainder of the game. The teams were:—

Athletic—Roach; E. Walsh, V. O'Connell, R. Dunne: D. P. White. B. Mahoney; W. Clark; G. Harris, T. O'Gorman, M. Robinson. E. Kingston, H. Wilson, P. Noonan, B. Gillespie, J. Pope. Technical Old Boys—L. Sievers; E. Todd, E. Lunn, R. Harvey; H. Smith. R. Tolputt; L. Hobden; V. Smith., W. Brown, D. Kemp, H. Yates. D. Herman, A. McMillan, D. Hayles, H. Aynsley. Within three minutes of the start of play Technical forced and remained in its own territory for much of the first half. Mahoney cut through on the twentyfive and cut out O'Connell to give Dunne a run to the corner, where he was thrown into touch. After defending the line vigorously the Technical forwards gained control and took play to the other end where Herman went over from a loose scramble for a score well out. His own kick at goal missed. Athletic took play back again to the Technical twenty-five and scored from a text-book back movement. Mahoney had been attempting to I, cut through frequently and when he ran straight he found a gap. O'Connell finished the movement off by running ' straight for the corner. The kick missed. Athletic 3, Technical Old Boys 3. Pope gave Athletic another chance when he ran down the side and sent a long lob to Walsh, but the latter did not get far. Again the ball was thrown .out to Walsh, and, with the play gathering about him, he kicked infield, where Harris was waiting to score between the posts. White kicked the goal. Good work by Harvey sent Athletic back. He would have scored himself, but the bounce on his low kick went into touch. The line-out developed into a scramble from which McMillan scored. The kick missed and half-time was called. Athletic 8, Technical Old Boys 6. Soon after the opening of the second half Technical scored again. Hobden worked the blind without moving from the scrum, and Harvey went over without any opposition near the posts, but the kick missed. At the other end of the field Athletic tried several times to push over the line, and the forward scramble had lasted—for a long time before O'Gorman scored as he was tackled. The kick from well out missed. At this stage McMillan retired injured, and was replaced by T. McLeish. From then until the end play was ragged in the extreme. White tried to increase the Athletic score with a penalty goal, but the kick missed and play remained in midfield until time was called.

Athletic 11, Technical Old Boys 9. Referee: Mr J. McCormack. SECOND GRADE At Sydenham Park, Training College A 34 beat Sydenham 6. Referee: Mr A. E. Rogers. At Barrington Park, Albion 12 beat High School Old Boys 11. Referee: Mr G. Cowles. At Richmond Park, Richmond 8 beat Athletic 6. Referee: Mr R. J. Cliff. At North Park, Merlvale 21 beat Training College B 3. Referee, Mr H. Turnbull. At South Park, Linwood 14 beat Technical Old Boys 8. Referee: Mr D. H. Robertson. At Sunnyside, Sunnyside 17 beat Christchurch 8. Referee: Mr H. T. Lawrence. At South Park. Collegians 12 beat University 3. Referee: Mr K. Glover. THIRD GRADE Section A Training College A 8 beat Bromley 3. West Old Boys A 6 beat Kaiapoi 5. Christchurch 12 beat Beckenham 9. i High Scnool Old Boss 11 beat Syden-' I ham 3. 1 Albion 26 beat University 15.

Section B Technical Old Boys 6 beat St. Bede's College 0. West Old Boys B 20 beat Collegians 5.

FOURTH GRADE High School Old Boys 39 beat Training College 3. Christchurch 13 beat Athletic 8. New Brighton 25 beat Ninth Battery 11. Merivale 15 beat Linwood 3. FIFTH GRADE Technical Old Boys 17 beat Kaiapoi 5. Beckenham 55 beat Collegians 0. Linwood 16 beat High School Old Boys 3. New Brighton 13 beat Merivale 8. Albion 23 beat Christchurch 0. SIXTH GRADE ■ Linwood 14 beat Athletic 3. High School Old Boys 20 beat Merivale 5. UNDER 18 GRADE Boys' High School 11 beat Technical Old Boys A 0. , Technical Old Boys B 3 beat Linwood 0. Athletic 8 beat Christchurch 6. Christ's College 43 beat Merivale 0. High School Old Boys 43 beat Belfast 0. Sydenham 13 beat Albion 6. UNDER 9st Lvttelton 21 beat Richmond 0. Linwood 15 beat Technical Old Boys B 6. Albion 17 beat Aranui 8. Beckenham 8 beat Kaiapoi 7. UNDER Bst Linwood 21 beat Sydenham 0. Technical Old Boys 41 beat New Brighton 0. UNDER 7st Technical Old Boys 57 beat Sydenham 0. Richmond 27 beat Merivale 0, Athletic 12 beat Christchurch 3. Beckenham 20 beat Linwood 3.

CANTERBURY BEATS OTAGO AT TIMARU [THE PRESS Special Service.] TIMARU, July 11. Fast and open football was provided in the annual Rugby match between Canterbury and Otago police, which was played on Saturday at Fraser Park, Timaru. Some of the players were immense men, their dimensions being equal to those of the Springboks; two Otago forwards weighed 17st 101b and 16st 81b respectively. The Canterbury forwards were considerably lighter. None of the players was under 12st in weight. The teams were:— Canterbury—C. P. Burns, T. Crawford, S. Anderson, R. Pawsey, D. Stuart, H. Alsopp, R. Smith, E. Ward, G. Salisbury, D. Whillans. W. Coll, D. G. Simpson, B. Constable, J. Adsett, M. Stewart. Otago—W. McDougall, A. Christiansen, J. Gibson, A. Marshall, E. Adams, R. Berry, W. Sharpe, C. Crawford, S. Holder, D. Boyelin, T. Thompson. P. McCalman, R. O'Shaughnessy, J. Tither, J. Craig. The Canterbury police were the first to score, Simpson kicking a penalty goal, and from this stage Canterbury, except when a potted goal was scored against it, never lost the lead. A melee took place on Otago's line; from which D. Stuart got possession and forced his way across the line for an unconverted try. Canterbury 6, Otago 0. In the second spell Otago reduced Canterbury's lead three points when McDougall kicked a penalty goal. A strong forward rush by the northern forwards took play to the other end of the field, where a force-down resulted. Then Otago quickly transferred play to Canterbury's teritory and Tither potted at goal, the ball striking an upright and bouncing over. Otago 7, Canterbury 6. Good wprk by the Canterbury vanguard was turned to advantage by Crawford, who crossed near the posts, Simpson converting. Canterbury 11, Otago 7. The next score was obtained by Coll, who received the ball from Constable, who had taken a pass from Whillans. The try was not converted. Canterbury 14, Otago 7. Before the game ended, Canterbury obtained another converted try and for Otago McDougall kicked a penalty goal, the final scores, being: Canterbury 19, Otago 10.

RANGIORA SENIORS IMPROVE LEAD

Beating Kowai by the substantial margin of 27 points to 3 on Saturday afternoon, the North Canterbury Club's senior team from Rangiora now has a two-point lead in the North Canterbury Rugby Football Sub-Union's competitions. Had Kowai won on Saturday, it would have been equal with North Canterbury. The Rangiora team played one of its best games this season. With superior forwards and more penetrating backs, the [winners made the most of their oppor-

tunitles, and a feature of the play was the fast following up throughout. Details of matches played on Saturday are:— Senior Grade North Canterbury 27, Kowai 3. Cust 23, Glenmark 0. Junior Grade Loburn 12, North Canterbury 3. Under 18 Grade Kowai 8, Amberley 0. North Canterbury 0, Woodend 0. Draw for Next Saturday Because of the junior representative match at Culverden, no junior grade competition matches will be played next Saturday. Following is the draw for senior and under 18 grade fixtures:— Senior Grade—North Canterbury v. Amberley. at Rangiora (Mr F. Quigley); Oxford v. Kowai, at Oxford (Mr S. Piki); Cust v. Woodend, at Cust (Mr F. L. Tcmpero); Glenmark, a bye. Under 18 Grade—Amberley v. Rangiora High School, at Amberley (Mr T, Edwards); Kowai v. Woodend. at Sefton (Mr W. G. Mayer); North Canterbury, a bye.

NORTH CANTERBURY TEAM TO PLAY HURUNUI Following is the North Canterbury Rugby Football Sub-Union's junior representative team to play the Hurunui SubUnion's juniors at Culverden next Saturday : Full-back. C. Devlin (North Canterbury); three-quarters, Marsh (North Canterbury), R. Moir (Ohoka), and L. Cook (Ohoka); five-eighths, L. Higginson (Oxford) and R. Croft (Loburn): half-back, G. Armstrong (Ohoka); forwards, G. Griffiths (North Canterbury), C. Prebble (Cust), I. Oldman (Oxford), L. Grant (Cust), M. Saunders (Glenmark), E. Lilley (Loburn), J. Doody (Oxford), and J. Blunden (Loburn). Emergencies—Forwards: W. Bailev (Cust) and B. Jones (Oxford). Backs: T. Galletly (Loburn) and L. Yaxley (Oxford).

EVEN PLAY IN RETURN GAME CPRES3 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) BLENHEIM, July 10. In a game as even as the scores indicate, Marlborough avenged its earlier defeat by Nelson by winning a return match by 14 points to 13. The weather was fine and the hard ground was conducive to fast football. The play was constantly varied between the backs and forwards, and with the Marlborough men enjoying territorial advantages because of superiority on attack, in the first spell. Their condition failed in the second half, when ' Nelson provided some entertaining chain passing. Tries for Marlborough were scored by M. Macdoanld, Payne, and Mellish. Kotua converted one and Mellish kicked a penalty goal. For Nelson, Busch scored two tries and Cooke potted a field goal, and Taylor kicked a penalty goal. The pick of the Marlborough forwards were Macdonald. R. WoolJey. Wilson, and of the backs, O'Rorke, Mellish, and Kotua. Drummond and Craig were conspicuous in the Nelson pack. Costello. Brinsden, and Busch were the best backs. IN OTHER CENTRES (press association telegrams.) AUCKLAND. July 10. Grammar 20, Manukau 6; Technical 10 Grafton 3; Marist 25. Training College 13; North Shore 26. College Rifles 19; University 8, Otahuhu 7. DUNEDIN, July 10. Kaikorai 11, University A 11; Pirates 11, Dunedin 9: Taieri 12, Zingari 6; Southern 15, Alhambra 0; Union 14, University B 3. i

WEST COAST BEATS CANTERBURY NORTHERN UNION CUP RETAINED MARGIN OP SEVEN POINTS IN GREYMOUTH GAME [THE PRESS Special Service.] GREYMOUTH, July 11. The first interprovincial Rugby League game of the season was held at Victoria Park. Greymouth, on Saturday, when the West. Coast successfully faced Canterbury's challenge for the Northern Union Cup. which the team won in Christchurch last season. After a succession of fine weekends, the weather was most unfavourable for the match, the first spell being played in intermittent rain, which became almost a constant downpour in the second. As little football has been played on Victoria Park this season, however, the ground was in good order. There was an attendance of about 1000. The game itself failed to come up to expectations, partly because of the greasy state of the ball. The first spell was even, but after the interval Canterbury was definitely outclassed and the margin against it could have easily been more than 7 points. Though the Canterbury team was disappointing, the same could be said of the West Coast side, in which the "crack" forwards of recent years were sorely missed. One of the features' of the game was the number of infringements by both teams. This slowed up play considerably, and the handling further reduced the pace. The honours of the match were with the Inangahua members of the West Coast team, N. Kiely, P. Scott, and T. McKenzie, and to their work in the backs much of the credit for West Coast's success must be given. Except for odd dashes, the Canterbury team lacked the snap of previous years, and the bulk of the defensive work fell on the shoulders of the captain, L. Young. Hendry and Whitley were the most dangerous on attack. Canterbury also lacked a forward of the calibre of W. Glynn, the West Coast breakaway, and he was one of the outstanding players on the field. The Canterbury forwards did well in the set scrums, but were beaten in the loose. After leading by 9 points to 6 at halftime, West Coast put the issue practically beyond doubt early in the second half, and deserved the victory by 20 points to 13. The teams were:— Canterbury—C. Taylor; C. Davison. E. Hendry, R. Whitley; L. Young, D. Smith; C. Fairman; M. Smith, F. Jones, J. Clark, R. Price, W. Dunn, E. Barbarell. West Coast—T. McKerzie; A. Beban. N. Kiely, J. Roberts; P. Scott, C. Walker; R. Morris; J. Fox, W. Seguin, F. Jackson; B. Dunn, J. McManus, W. Glynn.

The Play A succession of penalty kicks marked the opening stages, with Canterbury facing a fairly strong wind. From one of these P. Scott opened the scoring for West Coast, but Canterbury quickly drew level with another penalty goal by C. Davison. P. Scott again put Coast in the lead with a penalty kick, but this time Hendry supplied the equalising points with a neat field goal. The infringements continued to mar the even play and Canterbury took the lead for the first time when Davison kicked another penaltv. The first try in the game was gained by West Coast, through a good piece of work by Kiely. He cut through after intercepting, and when tackled carried on with the ball at toe, to score under the posts. Scott converted, makin? the half-time score: West Coast 9, Canterbury G.

The second half opened in heavv rain, but immediately the West Coast* back* settled down to pass the ball, quickly having Canterbury in difficulties. They were kept out for a period by solid defensive work, but again Kiely showed too much pace when he was given possession on the Canterbury twenty-five and he dashed over under the posts, and converted his own try. West Coast 14, Canterbury e. Tor shepherding, a penalty

was given against West Coast and Davison put over a good kick, reducing the Canterbury deficit to 6. Canterbury changed its team at this stage, D. Smith going to full-back, but West Coast was dominant, and J. Roberts, working the blind side from a scrum near the line, scored in the corner. The kick was unsuccessful. After another bout of passing among the West Coast backs. Roberts again scored in the corner. The kick was again missed, making the score, with less than 15 minutes to play. West Coast 20, Canterbury 8. Canterbury made a final rally, and Whitley, with a brilliant burst of speed, scored a solo try under the posts. Jones converted, making the final score: West Coast 20, Canterbury 13. The referee was Mr J. Mathews. In a junior representative curtain-raiser. West Coast beat Inangahua by 11 points to 10.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS The following are results in the lower grades:— SECOND GRADE Addington 10, Linwood 2. THIRD GRADE Waimairi 18, Sydenham 0. Riccarton 32, Woolston 10 Linwood 15. St. Joseph's 5. FOURTH GRADE Sydenham 14, Addington 6. Woolston 23, Riccarton 9. FIFTH GRADE Waimairi 6, Hornby 3. SCHOOLBOYS' LEAGUE Heavy-weight Grade Linwood 15, Addington 12. St. Joseph's 13, Woolston 0. Light-weight Grade Riccarton 36, Linwood 0. St. Joseph's 3, Addington 0.

LINWOOD WINS FINAL FROM HORNBY To provide a game for the players who did not travel with the representative team to the West Coast, the Canterbury Rugby Football League arranged a seven-a-side tourney at Sydenham Park, all the senior teams being represented. The ground was in very bad condition, and players and ball all had a thick coating of mud after the first fall. Good handling was difficult, though in each game some clever runs were seen. Addington, which on a dry ground was expected to be too fast for the others, was well beaten. Good understanding among the backs allowed Linwood to win all its games. It was a popular win and was well deserved. First Round Addington 11 beat Sydenham ' 3. J. Manson. L. Henderson, and H. Sykes scored for Addington, A. Brown converting one. L. Ryde scored for Sydenham. Referee, Mr W. Manson. Hornby 8 beat Waimairi 3. This was a good, even contest, hard fought. W. Vivian scored at the end of a good parsing rush, and W. Lloyd in a rush, M. Standeven converting. D. Broad scored Waimairi's try. Second Round Linwood 12 beat Addington 8. Good passing by the backs soon had Linwood attacking, Beri scoring well but failing at goal. Loose rushes ended in R. Falgar and H. Stevens scoring, the kicks missing. The last try came from a thrilling breakaway by Beri. Stevens's shot at goal hit the crossbar and bounced back. For Addington, Ray Wood crossed in a forward rush, A. Geddes missing. Near the end Geddes. D. Wilson, and Brown co-operated brilliantly for a try close in, which Geddes converted. Waimairi 12 beat Sydenham 10. This, virtually for the wooden spoon, was the best run of the day. 22 points being scored in 20 minutes. Sydenham rushed from the start, W. Raistrick racing in cleverly to score, and E. Grimes, breaking from

near the centre, to win a thrilling race. Raistrick converted both.- From a passing rush, McCann opened Waimairi's score, and was over again soon after in a hard rush. Broad secured from a solo run, and almost on time A. Barnard crossed in a hard loose rush. Final Linwood 10 beat Hornby 3. After a spell oi hard loose play by Hornby, Beri broke clear at the centre and, with Stevens, ran in for a good try and converted. Passing very well, A. Lawrence sent to Falgar and took the ball back to score. Beri converted. On the changeover a Hornby passing rush was headed by M. Standeven, whose pass to Woodgate was dropped on the line. Standeven was soon back for a try, R. Timms's shot falling under the bar. Hornby was handicapped when Timms went off hurt, and it was not long before Linwood was up again. Stewart knocking on when clear of the field. The winning team comprised R Falgar, L. Beri, A. Lawrence, J. James, L. Evans, H. Stevens, and G. Stuart.

(PHESS ASSOCIATIOK TELEGRAMS.) AUCKLAND, July 10. Mount Albert 6, City 3; Manukau 20, Marist 13; Richmond 11, North Shore 9; Ponsonby 26, Newton 7. WELLINGTON, July 11. Rugby League Championship—St. George 30, Petone 11.

ditlons only. The Championship Position Points for the senior championship are now as follows: — Points W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Old Boys University Sunnyslde Merivale 11' 10 10 8 3 2 4 4 2 2 171 201 194 161 68 73 133 148 11 ai 10 9 Sydenham Linwood 7 5 2 158 300 8 64 6 7 1 165 191 Christchurch . Athletic 5 5 8 8 1 1 133 124 184 153 5J Albion 2 12 — 111 163 2 Technical 1 12 1 133 247 15