THE NEVRUGBY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 224, 15 June 1908, Page 9

THE NEVRUGBY.

FIRST GAME ZEALAND. 1 ~T— INTERESTINCjOMPARISONS, .fijojzi ■' VIEWS OF ETJGII'-'ENTHUSIASTS. Over 8000 tho display of Northern Union at tho Athletic Park on Saturday liiWtobn, by teams composed of members ,o(nffc professional All Black team and loffljpjayers. Tho match, which'was played Jlrs. Baskiville, tho widowed inothoDi(!;the lato Jlr. A. 11. Baskivillo: (promoter, 3i(l secretary to the New Zesland professipSl'' team), provod interesting throughout'jPUring tho afternpoa tho I'ctono rendered a number of selections, thatv flie net proceeds will tot> £300. ; -iihlri ■ ' THE' 3i 2iLMS. . Tho sides were as fdow:— ' "A" TEAM BLACKS).' ' Full back.—Paul 1 ' Poneko). T .' . Three-quarters.—TM,*. Rowo,' ,i Claridge (es-Melroso and Woliijjton represmtativo). Fivc-oighths.—Kelly and E. Wr.s'cy. Half.-—lshenvood "(n-'i'etone): ' . Forwards.—Trevathfli, Callum, Gilchrist, M'Whirter ' Wright,

"B"' TEAM (R&f-ANI^VHITE). Full;, back.—Turtill !(Captains •» Three-quarters.— farber ~r' y Goorgo r(es-Aucklah('er), Pdlock (ex-Pe-tone). Five-eighths.—W. A'ynyari -and Tyler. Half.—R. Wynyajij:: ;C: Forwards.—Fraseiv, AKGrath (ex-Mel rose and Wellington froresdjtative), Pearce, Johnstono,'; Lile, ancT Mascrefl. Upon entering th'£ 'tho teams were greeted with In return they' giVe thrfe' ! ctfes for the public of Wellington, and - their war- ° , V,'!, :)!>& Y.M' / FIRST SPELL. Tlio Alj Blacks; fKivfiig >won -the toss,, played with tlio suqff«l?i tjjo breezo at their backs. Shortly kick-off a scrum was ordered lOn.^lu^CpJpurs 1 sidoj of tho, ball-way. Tho • > Vl(.slacis securod, .and in turn tho . ball; was haffiled' by Isherwood, Kolte Kowoj Claridge., It • was.'a pretty fush,i<butj unfortuhatoly, tho lastni o ntipned<fo;pJs.yos,i fumbled, othorwis'o a ;ry, would Q&tftinVyi have been obtained \+f ] ? ass ' ns inkasarjn.f, Wrigley picked up in V' 3 loose soonjjilterwaids, and, after a dodgy flm, ■ transferred:; tct ijowe, who beat a couple of men, and seit on the ball to Cross, v.ho got across, withflit difficulty. Wrigle.v ■'as not successful, n'jth the "kick. All Slacks, 3 pointS'pi.Colours, nil. Owing to lhirtill fumbling tie All Blacks wero soon again in the; '.CSbifJ&f twenty-five, whero Wrigley had a slut from a mark, but no £oal was Wynyard relieved the pressuro 7,1$ piping "up cleverly and running stronqb Wallel to tho touch line. He centred neat kick, but no ad'this 'stage Gilchrist eprainpa.his hndto. retire. When play was resuWec?'me All Blacks, by a good passing rush, reicnetl tho Colours' twentyfive, where obtained a mark,, from which Wrigley ; wicked a fine goal. All Blacks, 5 ;' Golo4"Wmil. The Colours played with fercateru'Tßo'um during tho next few: minutes.•. T&laasejfill and. Johnstono led a good forwarduvsh,-hut play gravitated back to half-"wayil'ljA .free-kick gavo Wrigley a chanco to: oyhbiti his long distance placekiclting abilitibi. .'He made a good, but unsuccessful) t^ffntt.'n' 1 Mackerell was at this juncture temporarily' incapacitated. Tyler got away.'iilifjSsedi! style for the .Colours, but ho lost tho ball. Immediately afterwards tho Colourstybitaks initiated ail excellent passing nfjhjjjwtyich ended at Pollock,who made a 'fotH,. hut' ineffectual, 'attempt , to get over l&6t ; ' f Eventually tho Colours' i efforts .w&oireifardcdi with su?ce.ss. From a serum R. Vynyard secured, and running on the blind side .passed at> tho right moment to across. Turtill did not enhance the sc<jrdrrAll Blacks, o; Colours, 3. Adams iiow filled the vacancy caused by of Gilchrist. Again .the ColpMilroScheU I ,'but Cross was .instrumental 'J? H%Mng tho tables. He kicked down * artc^' following lip smartly s ecu red';"TJiifftr tu list el y his pass wps not taken. ncirt;'mado a good dash, but was illoMßjvfr'asSdif.'' From tho free-kick ho Tegistfere[l a. Blacks, 7 ( ; Colours, 3. •The Colftirf||j'inst'rtiitcd a passing rush, towards tll'o Jwf of George and Pollock handled'.'Uft'liall MYeral times, but they were unablo ' Headed by Cross and Blacks relieved tho pressuro,but thci ColovirS,' shortly afterwards returned to the-'a'ttW!;, .Wynyard, who received a 'prother, got close to thti"' lino by'rrems'of S J 'straight ruii. Tyne was responsible for tho scene of play being shifted to past Kelly, who was supported bjlCFaridgo/fgot clean away. He beat playef after plajep^and.was over before Turtill brgigjit him down. Wrigley enhanced the segf^—,\ll Blacjcs,. 12; Colours, 3. Open play, m^Colours.'and, afterwards, the tho lowed, the Colours' twentyfive and after a a * w 1 " All iilacf|i. 17, t,qlours,-.v lor a minuto or two thQ moro than holdingilieir own. 'got away with tho ball and exciting play, on tho Colours', |iub."fgllo,\ved. Callum was not to bo aggJijst as tho ball crossed' tho lino upon it. Wrigley" made no niistakQ.;^vith,i' ( j4iß . kick—All Blacl;?/ 22; Colours n ;3 Vjjtiejpellfended wards to the soore. %'• , u : ! SPELL. . ( Tho opening of the second spell' saw tho 'All Blacks again on ike attack. ■" Johnston, ,Pcarcc,',a"ud°Matk'erel 1' brough t tho .ball back to Wrigley picked: '"up and mado a.EoM,fun,i' ' was - tho next to hamlo Wo Ml,' .'scored easily. Wrigley was no!'Wecesstlii with th'e'-kicWSlI Blacks, 25; Colours!'' 3^, r( y.'gain the Colottr's worked into tie 'All, twenti'-five/'' .A ha.td kick sralt'"tire" ball''over' the lino 'near tho corner; and Pollock raced for it, but was just too late. Several times the Colours initiated passing rusli<6j vTM' t-lie ■ the All Blacks W£js .JpjiT sound. .A good kick down the play to hrjf,-wav. Hero Tyne -proko tho bajKat'liis tees, scorinji avho,lM.;: J ;Wrigley added'tho major pomts^ll ri . J BJ | ac|vs, 30; Cploius, 3. ■ During tho few,minute's,: play favour "of ilWiMing rush, in which;^(g, ? qf Oplours' t ;rliacks handled, nearly "resifilitkl "in a scoreT "Eroin "a- scrum I near (lie corner R. WyijyanLpßained possession imd passed opportuiTely^to' Tyler, who got wer.kjeki-itho direction of whici v;as accurate, fell short—All Blacks, 30 : Colours, 6.. Good'pla.v - olHhe part of tho C°'°|°rs V&pv.'|v^jlp dgain p!ftfe.d tho All Blacks on the ftßpesjv.p. (.Jlpckerelifsecured from tho loose, iftift-'tftinsftoed 'to leaser, who gained a_ try."°'liirtiir' ! was ■' urisl®essful with the kick :\U! 30.; Col'bilrs, 9. Open unill neutral terri- ,• toiy. ■ -a'lioi' special''-'pieco ■'of play was . a-flcng ikick : by turtill into touch. 'Tien -."K?', W.yiiyard W. Wvnyard' wfro proiainent in a pasmiig rush, wh'icli-led to tho tftflf/lfcri trv. The scowfaloi. iitli'' tteckick.-S-All Blacks, -30; G'olotrs, ISp Shortly -afterwards ths All Blacks iistitnifil' l 'a rush., whic.li-'removed play from tkeir 'tho Colours' twentyfive. 7fcwards4he.'csiieltjsicn Wright passed to Ishefwbwl/'ff.ho u rofAiriicd the 'hall, which ground®"ovepiitho-ilinei. 'Wrigley improved on 35; Colours, 12. Onco feorb the'Coldiifs'- twenty-fivo was tho' Bceno;' ) 6f ( 'play." ll .Pfqtn-' a scrum in front of tho gqa7 r by Isherwood, who transferred' to"-Wrigley who scored by a filfd'.tteagy run. The sooi-or w:i3 iiot siicccssfnl wish tlio' shot.—Ail Blacks, SS; udlpurs, 12i °\\itliin a couple of minutes R. AWriy!ird'^« s Saros3 for ; the Colours after a strting riflfV' Uttt no goal resulted.—All Bl!lcj{s,";33j'' : C6lolii's, 15. -. Whilst play was just putsde'ftTlavColours' itwonty-five Trnvatlien frotii which' Wrigley lamUfl. a splemid'grtnl.—All Blacks, 40; C'oiouri!} .15. 'rhoi.'losing tearn next attacks),and:9 .fassin® rush narrowly missed being successful. Turtill had a shot at goal subseauentfy, but failed. The All Blacks re-

lißved by means of a passing rush in which tlio participants wero Wright, Rowo, and Tyne, tho last-named getting across. Wrigley 'made no error with tho kick.—All Blacks, 45; Colours, 15. A passing'rush in which W. Wynyard, Tyler, George, and Pollock handled was a good effort. Tlio pressuro was relieved by Cross, who followed up a kick and scored with tho greatest of case, Wrigloy converted.—All Blacks, SO; Colours, 10. Play ; had just recommenced, when Rowo picked vtp near mithvay mid running strongly scored in a good position. Wrigley added to tho total.—All Blacks, 55; Colours, 15. Jusi on tlio call of time, Johnston got over for tho Colours and Turtill converted, tho game ending:— • All Blacks 55 Colours .'. 20 Mr. J. Grant controlled the gama. NOTES AND COMMENTS. When all tho circumstances are taken into consideration, tlio initial game in tho Dominion under tho new coio must bo voted a distinct success. Allowance has to be mado for tho fact that some of tho All Blacks wero off colour, as a result of tho t-our. Then again, it must bo remembered that tho local players, most of whom had not played ill big football for two or three seasons, had not had timo to master tho finer points of tho now game. Thero is, thoreforo, ample oxcuso for tho fact that play was not anything like so scientific and exciting as would have been tho caao had tho teams been evenly matched and composed entirely of skilled exponents in good form. Tho match, however, served an excellent purpose—apart from the worthy object for which it was promoted—by affording tho public an opportunity of witnessing Rugby under what aro claimod to bo improved rules at' a juncturo when thero is a strong outcry throughout New Zealand for a moro attractive futm of play. Whether Northern Union football will become popular in tho Dominion remains to bo seen. Owing to tho population being small and scattered a considerable period would necessarily elapso before general interest in the now game could bo worked up. Nothing further will, it is officially stated, bo done this season by tho team collectively to "educate" tho public. Within the next few days, after all financial matters have been disposed of, the membenj will return to tho various centres to which they belong. If tho Nov.' Zealand Rugby Union made drastic alterations to. the rules at present in force the new eamo would prove superfluous. A FAVOURABLE IMPRESSION.' Tlio game was closely followed throughout, and it may fairly bo said that a favourable impression was created. Naturally the numerous spectators, woxo at first puzzled in ' regard to tho rulos. Before tho first spell had concluded, however, the majority had j gained a fair idea of the difference between the;ncw and'tho' old'systems. Thoro was found to bo nothing unusual in the case of tho kick-off, the drop-out after a forcedown, or the. kick-off after a try had been scored and converted, but in tlio case of an unconverted try tlio,drop-kick,was taken from half-way. This innovation has much to commend it, because thereby play is once more removed", to neutral territory, which means a lot to the team scored against, especially when its opponents hayo the advantage of ji breeze. Then, again, the mode of scoring—a try 3 points, goal 2 points—occasioned somo difficulty for a timo. As a try almost invariably results from a concerted movement, whilst a goal only shows the. ■ability of tho player who' sends tho ball over the bar, tho new scale was generally considered to bo moro equitable. In tho caso of shots at goal-from tries, free-kicks, and niarks, the kicker placos the-ball, and thero is no charge. Probably tho most noticeable amendment to tho ojd rules is the abolition of line-out play. When the ball is wilfully 'kicked directly into touch, it is taken back to the spot from whore it was kicked, and a scrum is held. If, however, tho ball bounces into touch, or otherwise legitimately goes out, a scrum is taken ten jards from, and at right angles to, tlio soot at whicl> the.'flag is held up." It will thus'bo seen that no inconsiderable amount of skill is required to -; "find" touch, legitimately. In view of the existence of this rulo, it might be imagined that the outcomo of 1 icking into the open field would be frequent interchanges of; kicks by tho. backs, but that was not tho case. ' THE SCRUMS.

Tho scrums, of which there scorned to bo an abundance, wcro packed as followThreo "hookers," two locks, and one man in tho third row. Now and again the ball, which is bounced into the middle of tho scrum bj the attacking half-back from the sido ' at (which tho referee happens to bo standing,' .was heeled out in gjaild stylo, but on other .occasions tho scrum was "wheeled" and an .interesting footwork tussle took place. When : \t is remembered that a freo-kick is awarded ■if'a player not in tho scrum gets into lino with tho forwards before tho ball comes out, - it will be soon that under tho new codo tho "winger" has been deprived of his occupation. Tho-rulo which appealed most to tho spectators' sense -of humour was that which stipulates that a player must not bo tackled on the ground, but given an opportunity to rise and put down tho ball. The effect of this regulation' is, of course, to . minimiso rough play greatly. From tho foregoing summary of tho main rules readors will'gather that the now game •can be made much faster and moro open ti an is possible under tho old codo. ■ What stnkes ono immediately is that the forwards are real factors in tho contest from start to finish. Northern Union fooball lias no placo for tho slow, clumsy forward, who is glad to see tho ball go .into touch every minuto or two in the second spell, so that he can get a "breather." The scrums, which were tamo affain compared with those which obtain nnder the old system, last only a fow seconds as a rule. If the ball is heeled out, tho packs are able to break up'instantly and go to the assistance of their backs in attack or in defenco, as may be required. ' On the other hand, if the scrum is wheeled, disolnvs of closn footwork,' and subsequently'of loose dribbling, such as one witnesses only too rarely in amateur Rugby, invariably follow. As in the old gamo, unduly hard and • criminate-kicking may take place in a hotlycontested game on occasions when the scrum is'broken up and this forwards find tho ball, at their toes. A BRIGHT FEATURE. A bright feature, of tho, now system'is that tho forwards are taught to use thoir hands and heads as well as thoir feet. That this department of forward play has been lioglectcd under the old system cannot be gainsaid. In club matches particularly a forward who secures possession of tho ball is usually poorly supported, and nino times out of ten does something whereby any advantage ho may havo gained is immediately lost. It was 110 uncommon occurrence in the gamo on Saturday, however, for tho forwards' to; dash away with tho ball—feinting, dodging, passing, and taking as cloveily ar. well-trained backs. Sometimes a rush of this description gained fifty, yards, and led to a score. In view of the fact'that thero is no wing forward, and that the opposing half or any other player cannot come round tho scrum before tho ball, emerges, the reir division of tho sido which secures has.ample time to get moving. As ono of . the great aims of tho gamo is to keep the ball in the field, an . attacking player always makes a point of .centring when he finds himself. in close proximity to tho toucblino and unable to pierce tho defence. Such a movement enables ono or more 'of the forwards to participate in' the. rush, which then becomes much moro interesting. Tho passing on Saturday was at times much below par. but occasionally there were Hashes of Brilliant play. Tho match, although fast and open, was never what might be called willing. Thero tvero occasions in tho second spell when play (lagged appreciably, but, taken all round, it was so brisk that it was hard to believo that most of the players were members of a team which had jnst concluded a longj over-sea tour, and that tho local players, with ono or two exceptions, had not .played serious fodtball for some seasons. If the teams had been moro evenly matched, play would havo been steadier, and runaway scores less frequent. In all departments the All Blocks proved the stronger team, their opponents lacking combination, and boing .especially woak on the defence. For'th# winners Wriglov was the best of the rearguard. He missed soveral erfS.v shots at goal, but made amends by putting the ball over the bar on several occasions from long distances and at, difficult angles. Kelly, llowe, aud Tyno also acquitted themselves creditably.

Of tlio forwards the star " performer was Cross, who was always in tho van. It is doubtful whether thi§ player ever showed to better advantago in his palmy amateur days. Ilis fast following up was indeed a feature of tlio match. Wright and Trcvarthcn put in a lot of sound work. Gilchrist also gavo a taste of his quality, during the short period in which ho participated.. . For tho Colours R. and W. Wynyard. and Tyler gavo capital displays. Tlio three-quarter lino was, however, weak in comparison with the rest of tho team. Turtill, who played at full-back, showed rathor disappointing form. Of tlio forwards Johnstono and Mackcrell were most prominent. SOME OPINIONS. VIEWS OF RUGBY ENTHUSIASTS. After the display, a Dominion representative obtained tho opinions of. a number of Rugby enthusiasts. Their views mako interesting rending. Mr. G. F. C. Campbell (President of tho New Zealand Rugby Union) said that ho was prevented from being present owing to absence, from tho city. Ho considered that, in several respects, tho laws of tho new game wero superior to thoso relating 'to amateur Rugby. It had always been his opinion that tho lino-outs should be 'abolished. When tho ball went into touch it should bo thrown out a certain distanco. He had always preferred tho scrum with six men. This number of forwards was used by tho New-South Wales touring team in 18S4, and led 'to fast, open play. As far back as 1579 ho plaved as a wing forward. He still believed in the existence of that position as a means of attack, but not as a meaiis of obstruction. Every kick at goal after a try had been scored should, he thought, be taken from a fixed spot. A try gained near the corncr flag was just as meritorious as one secured near the posts._ If his suggestion wero adopted, goal kicking would become an art. instead of as at present, a chance. Thero could bo 110 doubt that something would bo dono at an early date to remove somo of tho ler.sfc_attractivo features of amateur ? U T- V '-> s°. clacl to . seo that tho New Zealand Union intended.to confer with representatives of the British team on the subject. It would, however, never do to mnke any alteration, which would have tho offect of diminishing tho enthusiasm at present being shown hv players. In framing new rules the players, as well as the specta" Mrs, would liavo to bo studied.

THE GAME NO IMPROVEMENT. Dr. Newman (president of tho Wellington ltugby football Union) thought that the now gatno was hot an improvement on amateur Rugby. ■ The only good points f\s conM see about it the reduced number of forwards and the diniinution of the-number of scrums, which wero apt to become wearisome sometimes under the present system. Otherwiso the two games were, lie "thought, very much alike, hi his opinion, a team which used two wingers had an enormous advantage, but players in this position spoiled the gamo from the spectators' point of view. Tha.t being ths case, ho would like to see tho position abolished. , MR. WILFOED'S VIEWS. T. M. Wilford, M.P. (a vice-president of tho Now Zealand Rugby Uinon) mentioned that, at the annual meeting of tho Union, ho. had prophesied that within two years many of the rules of the new gamo would bo' adopted m New Zealand. After witnessing tho display on Saturday, lie could see no reason to alter his opinion. He thought that at an early dato .tho interminable scrumming and useless throw-outs would be done away with. It was his opinion also that a froo kick' should bo a proper frco kiok. Tho game on Saturday, although, not played to "the-death, was jnost interesting from tho spectators' point of view, on account of tho openness of ,play and tho reduced, amount of scrum work. Scrums should most certainly form part of tho gamo, but ought not to bo practically tlio whole game. He had not mado up his mind on tho point as to whothcr tho position of wing-forward should bo retained. If a penalty were imposed in- amateur Rugby in respect of. kicking directly into touch, it would save a lot of tiino which- otherwise would bo wasted by a team which was leading by 10 points when thero wero only 15' minute's to C°- , t ' ONLY TWO AMENDMENTS WANTED. •Mr. Neil Galbraith (of tlio Management Committee pf tho New Zealand Union), who was, in Christchurch : on Saturday afternoon, and therefore could not attend the match, stated that, in his opinion, the only amendments which wero needed to improve amateur Rugby was a law making it compulsory that in the case of a line-out the ball must bo thrown in at least ton yards, and another providing for a penalty in tlio event of any player not ■of the' scrum advancing past tho back row before tho ball has bcon heeled out. . Tho wisdom of altering tho present law relating to throws-in-was, ho said, admitted by almost everybody. If tho wing-forward wero abolished it would givo tho backs a splendid. opportunity to open up play. Whichever sido "socured" tho-ball would be ablo to institute a passing movement without obstruction. Theso alterations to the Jaws would result in a wonderful improvement to tho gamo.

■ PRESENT GAME NOT IN DANGER. Mr. _ R. JI. Isaacs (of tho Management Committeo of tlio New Zealand Union) expressed tho opinion that the'now game would not displace tho one at present in vogue in tho Dominion. It was very evident, he thought, that drastic alterations would, in tlio near future, bo made in tho old gamo. Most of tho bodies which had been invited to mako suggestions to the New Zealand Union on the subject had recommended that ;lincouts and the position of wing-forward should bo abolished, and that a free-kick should bo a freo kick iii tho true sense of tho word. For somo- considerable time ho had held the same views.- In his opinion, tho reduction of the number of playors would be a retrograde step; ho liked tho system of playing eight forwards.. Tho display under tho now rules on Saturday was, ho thought, capital iindt-r tho circumstances, but greater interest would have been' manifosted by tho spectators had rival teams _ been engaged. Undoubtedly Northern Union football was very attractivoj but thero was no reason why the amateur game Bhould not bo mado equally as interesting; ... NEW TOUCH-LINE RULES. ! Mr. Charles'Coleman, of Sydney, who is an ex-player and a keen, enthusiast, declared that tho amateur Rugby laws would bo improved by adopting the now touch-lino rule. Another regulation which appealed to him was that which permitted a player who had been grounded with tho boll to'rise' before playing it. Ho believed that before long both rujes would- be universally adopted. The amateur bodies in. New South Wales would take a lot of moving, and although a large number of players, ox-playors, and spectators wero in favour of amendments to the rules, a, considerable period would elapse bcforo any important, alterations were made: • RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP. The Rugby grounds at Miramar wore almost dovoid -of spectators on Saturday. When play commenced there were about sixty or seventy peoplo watching tho four games, and a. few stragglers' arrived after tho start-. The display, of football was decidedly interesting in at least two of the matches. Tho results of tho matches played wero as un-

I'OSITfONS OF TEAMS. The positions of tho various teams to dato are: —

ORIENTAL V. ST. JAMES. Tho Oriental team mndo a poor showing ill tho first spell of tho match against St. James, tho younger team having things pretty much their own way. In tho second term, however, kept a continued strain 011 the St. James defence, and pressed on tho lino repeatedly. Tho defenco at tlio last ditch,, or to bo moro concise, goal-line, took a lot of breaking down, and it was only a braco of potted goals which pulled tho match out of tho firo. Both goals wero considered unsatisfactory by the St. James supporters. Tho first was so close that those 011 tlio side-lines could not tell whether tho ball went between tho posts or not. Tlio referee consulted tho lino umpires who wero behind tho ]>osts —one could not say whether tho ball went over or not, and tlio other gavo tho kick as a poster. Tho referee ruled that it was a goal. After tho second pot tho game developed into a battlo of tongues aud. feet, scienco being thrown to the winds.

From the kick-off tho ball wont out in Oriental's twenty-fivo, and from tho line-out Maiming broko through and kicked across tho front of the posts. Ferguson secured tho ball 011 the far line and wriggled through tho opposition and scored. Thomas was unsuccessful with the kick. St. James canio on with another rush, but Thompson saved with a good kick. The Oriental forwards initiated one or two rushes, but tliero was 110 sting in their work, and St. James swept into the attack again. Thomas had a fruitless shot at goal from a mark by Neilsmi. Tho younger team continued to have the best of tTio play, but at length Oriental put in a short attack, Roberts being almost ovor from a passing rush. Sutherland, relieved tho pressure, breaking through on his own goal-lino, and dribbling 'to tho halfway flag. St. James set about another long attack 111 which 15.. Roberts and Ferguson took a prominent part, but although thoy wcro almost over 011 several occasions the Oriental defenco held out until a force down brought relief. The St. James forwards canio 011 onco more, and Wighton was within an aco of scoring when the ball was kicked from under him/as 110 went to fall 011 it. Tho ono-sidedness was varied at length by a loose Oriental rush, which was staved' off by a mark by Warwick. Immediately after this, Roberts initiated a passing rush, tho ball going through tho hands of M'Leod, Gibbons, and Sturrock to Thompson who scored. Roberts took tho kick, but failed to convort. Tho remaining fow minutes of tho spell wero marked by attacking 011 tho part of Oriental, St. James seeking relief by forcing on one occasion. From tho start of tho second spell tho Oriental scrummers wero a diffiorent set of workers and led, usually by Anderson, macfe repeated assauffs 011 St. James' line, but tho defenders managed to keep them out. Roberta had two fruitless shots at 'goal from penalty kicks, and Thompson had an unsuccessful pot. Some likely looking passing rushes wero started, but a mull invariably happened at a critical time and spoiled tlio chain of passing. A short rally by St. James, led by .Wighton, saw Oriental return to the charge, and a free kick being awarded to them in front of the posts, Thompson potted a goal. Anderson led tho Oriental forwards in a brilliant_ rush soon after this, and a free kick-.being given on tho line, Thompson ixitted another goal, this timo from an awkward angje._ Tho rest of tlio gamo was made up of fairly oven forward play and goneral argument, but 110 further scoro was recorded, tho gamo ending :— Oriental 9 St. James ;. 3 Mr. George Howe was rcferco. MELROSE v. VICTORIA GOLLECE. It was generally expected that the match between 'Melroso and Victoria Collego' 'would end in a victory for tho former in spite of tho improvement' tho College havo sho.vn lately. Although the game - ended with a margin of eleven points m f&voiir of Melrose, the contest was very even, aud it was only in tlio last fow minutes that tho points wero notched which gavo the Maroons tho advantage. For a timo aftor tho kick-off, Victoria College attacked, and Greeks and G. Spencer ' wero given a lot to do -in tho way of defending. ■ Suporior weight, howovor, told in tho scrums, and tho bnll was moro frequently in tho hands of tho Melroso half than his opponent's. A tricky run by Porkinson after 0110 scrum was ended hy a smart tackle by Hitchings. Another passing rush saw tho ball reach Beavis on tuo left wing, but he. also was safely grassed. All this timo tho strong wind had boon militating against good lino-kicking by tho Greens and had bcon assisting tlio Melroso defcnce. Nevertheless the Collego were again attacking; but a freo kick and later a fino punt into touch by G. Spencer throw them on tlio dofonco, but Boglo was prominent in'clearing. Shortly'after G. Spencer had an unsuccessful snot at goal Irom a free kick. Then Hitchings put in a tricky run and centred; but tho strong wind blow the ball back to tho Collego three-quarter lino. Fino forward rushes, headed by Do la Maro, and good saving by, Bogle and Prondevillo kept tlio Victoria College end up. '• Finding himself in front of tho College posts a few minutes later, Church had a pot at goal, but tho ball passed at tho side of tlio posts. Line-kicking by Spencer and following-up by Beavis then carried play 'to within a yard or two of the Green goal lino, but smart play in the looso by Short and Do la Marc staved off tho attack. Before half-timo sounded G. t oncer had anothor fruitless shot at goal. o spell ended without score.'

. After the drop-out for the sccond half play was oven for somo time. The Green vanguard was bustling well in tho looso, and tho rearguard were careful to let no opponent pass. Robertson gave Melrose a slight advantage by failing to field a kick. Slelrose had several shots at goal, and Prendevillo and Ct. Spencor exchanged kicks, but no advantage was gained by either side. Then a pretty passing rusli was brought to an end by Hitchings being tackled. Another effort to score by the' College forwards, was spoiled by M'Morr'an kicking too hard, tho ball being forced. Subsequent rushes by tho University men renowed tho attack, but Church relieved by a mod run and kick into touch. .What seemed Tiko a certain scoro for tho Greens followed, but ended in Cortayno being 'held up over tho line, a/scrum resulting. Play drifted to the College territory, and a brilliant passing bout g'avo Melrose their first try. Tho ball was set in motion by Greeks, and travelled from him to Church, to Murphy, to Marshall, to Porkinsou, and then inhcld to Dowar, who scored. G. Spencer added tho extra points. Victoria College attacked again after tho kick-out, but passing rushes, in which M'Morran and Prondeville woro prominent, wore frustrated by good tackling. Tho order of play being roversod, Victoria. Collego took a turn at defence, and proved themselves good tacklers? Tho noxt scoro fell td- the lot of Church, who took a pass from Greeks and rau right round. G. Spencer, made a poor attempt with tho kick. Just on the .call of tirno another try was registered . by J. Murphy, wing forward, but Spencor failed with tho kick, and the game terminated with the scores— Melrose 1] Victoria Collego — 0 .Mr. E. Wylie iVaa the roferee. ■ SOUTHERN v. ATHLETIC. . Athletic and Southern tried conclusions at Miramar, when an uninteresting same resulted in a win for Athletic by 23 points to nil. Play was chiclly confined to "the forthe ball being worked from one end of the field to the other at quick intervals. In the early stages of* the game Hunt, a Southern -player, sustained a fractured collar-bone. Southern played only twelve men, Bamford, Temp'lcton, and O'Flalierty being absentees, while Athlctio woro without the services of Ncilson,

Southern kicked off with the sun in their eyes, and nil interchange of kicks saw Athletic busily defending. Murray relieved, however, and play was transferred to the opposite end of the field, where from a penalty kiek"]lanji" Wilson, for Athictin, had nn unsuccessful shot at goal. Southern wero forced immediately afterwards. Athletic continued their attack, and, Wilson securing, made a dash for the line, but he ivas tacklcdl though not before ho had transferred to Gordon, who scoi'ed a [(ood try. JOvim.coii failed to improve with tliO. kick. Athletic enntimicd their attack, and from a Scramblo 011 the line 801 l scored their second fry, Hales converting with a good kick. Even play followed till Southern broke, away, and CondlllFn had nn MMlcwwuful shot «t pul from a mark, Xlio prettiest piece of play of tho

game followed, when Evenson,- for Athletic, made a great run from over half-way. Being tackled ton yards from tho lino, ho transferred to Wilson, who sent tho ball out to Murray, who scored a wcll-enmetl try. Gordon failed with tho kick. Tho reverse put heart into the Southern players, whose forwards dribbled "the ball into their opponents' twenty-five, whoro Houlihan 1 marked in n good position. The kick at goal, however, was a failure, and half-time was soundoil with play in Southern territory without further scorc.

Athletic was forccd immediately after the resumption of play. I'ho Athletic, forwards got going, hut the rush was cleverly stopped by CondlifTe. Up and down play followed. Both teams took a turn at defence, and Southern looked liko scoring, "Ranji" Wilson saving. Southern still attacked, till a good kick by Evenson relieved. Following up tlw kick'fast, Evenson secured the hall, and, getting a clear run, scored the third try for Athletic. Hales converted with a good kick. Good play by tho Southern vanguard saw Athletic busily defending. Condlifr'o was almost over, but Hales, tho Athletic full-back, tackled him cleverly. ■ A series of scrums followed, and play was transferred to tho Southern twenty-five, when from a scramble Murray scored another try for Athletic, . AVilson failing with tho kick. Play still hovered in Southern territory, till Houlihan, for Southorn, dribbled right to their opponents' line, where a race for tho ball ensued, tho leather being kicked out of play. Play was even after this, but eventually Athletic again pressed, and Hales potted a beautiful goal. "No side" was sounded soon afterwards, with play in Southern quarters, without further scorc, the game resulting Athletic ... • ... .23 points. • Southern ... nil. Mr. H. Card was referee.

PONEKE V.' WELLINGTON. Tho Poneke-Wellington gamo resolved itself into a keen struggle, in which the Poneko forwards, ou the 0110 hand, and tlio Wellington backs, 011 the other, did excellent, work. Tlio AVollington men had things pretty much their own way during tho early part' of the game, their backs putting in somo very good work, but tho weight and the vim of the l'onekc scrummers told its talo, especially in tho second spell. Proceedings opened ratlior drearily, but a spell of even play was followed by a sustained attack b,v Wellington, who pressed 011 tlio Poneko line. Sellars had two unsuccessful shots at goal from penalty kicks, and Wellington Wcro rewarded at length, Malfroy getting tho ball away from a scrum in tho 25, and passing to Sellars, who handed'on to Lawrence.. Abercrombie tra.i tho Isst man to handle tho ba)l, sue) ho dashed ovor at the corner after a good run. Sellars® failed to convert. Tho Wellington moil wero setting a merry pace at this stage, and rushed tlio Poneko line repeatedly. Tho Rod and Blacks rallied for short periods, but wero invariably driven' back. On- one occasion Gardiner, 'intercepting a pass ; got clear away, but his pass, 111 turn, was intercepted by Reilly, who turned, tho tido in favour of Wellington once moro.. Tho Poneko forwards showed a marked improvement from this on; but they wero still harried by the Wellington backs, who beat them badly on several occasions. Another try was registered for Wellington, Abercrombio putting in a dash up the touch lino, and, after beating tho Poneko men, passed infield to Lawrence, who scored. Sellars failed to convort. From tho Kick out Poneko entered upon a spell of attacking, which they kept up until half-time, the reward being a try, scored by Toohill after a passing run, in which Gardiner and Mitchinson participated. Rush did not succeed in converting. Play was a good deal moro strenuous, in - tho second term, and Poneke had a littlo the best of it, although the work of their backs was scrappy. Tho Wellington pack put in some good solid work, and tho backs gave-assistance. It was plain, however, that Poneko w-ero out to wipe olf tlio deficiency, and before long they added another tr.v.. From -play iiv Wellington quarters, Tilyard aiid Mitchinson sent tho ball out to Toohill, who raced round tlio opposing team and scored at tho cornor. No goal resulted.' This left'tho scores oven,.and it looked as thought tho gamo. would end in a draw when; just on tho call of time, Toohill succeeded in 'crossing, tlio lino again. Mitchinson' failed with tho kick, and Jho gamo! cridcxl with tho tally— ,

Poneko- ... 9 Wellington .... ... ...- 6 Mr, W. Nimmo was refereo. PETONE V. OLD BOYS. ' Neither Petono nor Old Boys had thoir best teams in tho field on Saturday, but tho suburbanites were strong enough to secure a runaway victory. Old Boys put up a good fight in tho first half, but in tho second spell their defence broko down badly. Petono Won tho toss, and Old Boys kicked off against wind and- sun. Tho Blue forwards immediately started a rush, which carried play over the line,. but Allen lost tho ball, and Old Boys forced. Marchant took - the drop out, and with a fine kick sent the ball bouncing into touch at Petone's twenty-iivo. Somo smart Work by House and Green saw the Blues on tho attack again. A mark and a free kick saved the Whites' lino for a few minutes, but tho Blue forwards were not to bo denied, and the Old Boys full' back being successfully - charged, Allen dropped over and drow first blood for his side. M. Ryan's kick was resultless.—Petono, 3; Old Boys 0. Almost immediately after C.'Sullivan scored Petono's second try from a.forward rush in tho cornoi\ Ryan again failed with,tho 6; Old Boys, 0. The Whites roused thomselvcs for a fow minutes, and good work by Avery and Marchant placed Petone on the defojisive, and compelled thorn to force twice in quick succession. Once more, however, Old Boys were having a hot tiino in front of their own goal: A weak kick by their full, enabled House to mark in front of the posts, but M. Ryan was right off, and his shot at goal was unsuccessful. From the drop-out Ready and Sullivan, with a dribbling rush, carried tho ball over tho lino and Green fell on it at tho corner, Ryan again failing to convert.—Petone, 9; Old Boys, 0, Half time was called soon aftor..

• Shortly after tho kick but Newman put in a short run for. Old Bo.vs, and Avery carriod the rush on and compelled Petono to forcc. This put somo heart into tho Whites, and Dawson, following up a kick, tackled M. Ryan boforo ho could get rid of,tho ball. Marchant dribbled it down field, and beating everyone for paco scored a good. try. Ho made a good but unsuccessful shot'at goal. —Petono,< 9; Old Boys, 3. From this out Petone had matters all their own way.- As the result of a loose rush -Heady scored under the posts, and fll. Ryan converted.— Petone, 14; Old Boys, 3. Hardham scored from a pass!'from Green. Ryan's kick missed. —Petone, 17; Old Boys, 3; Linsday scored near tho posts after a loose rush, and Ryan kicked his second, goal.—Petone, 22; Old' Boys, 3. A poor kick by Thomson (Old Boys half) saw Fogden securo the ball below half way, and score after a lone run. Tnstono failed to convert.—Petone, 2o; Old Boys, 3. Tho last try was scored by 0. Sullivan'from a forward scramble, Instono's kick missed tho posts, and tho game ended:— Petone 28 Old Boys ... 3 Mr. J. Woyboumo was- referee.: .In tho match,-Southern v. Athletic,-played at Mirnmar, limit of the Southern team had the misfortuno to dislocate his collar-bone. First-aid was rendered by members of St. John Ambulanco Brigade, the dislocation being subsequently reduced at the Hospital. JUMIO3 CHAMPIONSHIP. { Petono defeated St. James by 9, to nil. J. Cairns, T. Cairns, and Delft scored for Petono. Mclroso defeated Athletic by 15 to 3. Wilson scorod a try for tho losers. Athletic played throo men short. Wellington defeated Victoria College by 6 to 5. Kia Ora had an easy win from Poneko by 23 to nil. * Old Boys defeated Southern by 3 to nil. Lomax scored from a forward scramble. Selwyn, playing two men siiort, beat Onc'ntal by Bto 0. For lite winners, .}'. Burns scored a try, which Gosling converted, and Maedonald kicked a penalty goal. Fume and Player scored for Hie "losers. THint) GLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. St. Patrick's College defeated St, John's iiy 12 to .nil, wore scored by Cullen 'tfj, Stewart, and llocmoro

Sclwyn defeated Wellington by 17 points to 3. For the winners,. Braid, Smythc,' and Finlayson scored tries, Lowe converting 0110 of the tries and kicking two -penalty. goals. Jolinsonville beat St. Jame3 '"By 24 points to nil. For the winners tries were. scored by W. Little (4), R. Ncwbokl; ami Bj'-BtaiK-nard, and C. Stannard converted tlireo. Tho matcli \va3 played twelve men a-side. .. Sir. George Willis was referee! , Petone defeated Poneke by 23 to nil. Athletic, 4S, had a runaway victory from Southern, nil. Stars, 10, defeated Epuni, nil. T. Bedford (2), 11. Brewer, W. H. "Brewer, and W. Johnston scored for Stars;;'.? :i FOURTH CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. Sclwyn defeated Epuni by 27' to 0. Carr (2), J. Flack, Hurron, Forrester, antf Buck 1 scored tries, three of which*-wore converted by' Carr, who also kicked" a .. . ■ Southern defeated Athletic- by 21 to 0. Wetherall (2), Pope, Parker, v Stovens, 'Miles.. and Gray scored for the winners. . The Oriental-Old Boys rifKtch was hot played, no referee being present, 'j 1 .. FIFTH GLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. Sclwyn defeated Wellington College A by 18 to'nil. M'Coll (2)',. .Casey K .and.,R,ya,n scorcd tries. Bnkcr and Galviu each kicked a penalty goal. '. St. Patrick's Cbllego dofcate'd',^VtlilSti.C rl A by Bto nil. W. Maher llyan' M'Cormack converting one of^.tlie..tries. Petone, 9, defeated St. Jaiiies,' 0.'."'." Boys' Institute defeated; Athletic.'B.'by. '20. points to nil. Tries were Scored "for, the winners by A. Ironmonger, I', Harding, H. Lamb, J. Jenkins, and J. Daly"'(2)'.' ;Oiib:ivas converted. ' ..... . . , WAIRARAPA MATCHES • MASTERTON- v.- CARTERTON (B* TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL fcoRRESPOKDES'T.) Mastoi'ton, June 14.

A certain amount of interest was. invested in tho Masterton-Cartertou Senior match, played at Carterton, by '.tho facttthatt t if Carterton proved successful they wero' almost certain to win tho-'Shampibn'ship, although they would-• havo.,. still-tj.ir(% more games to play. Carterton eventually won the match by 13 points (two'converted goah and a try) to 3. points (penalty .goal),' but', their football display was. jiot r.emarkablO.. Their forwards wero badl/ beaten in tbo scrum by their lighter opponents, and on. num'er-; ous occasions their backs wero abnormally selfish. Aff rouhd, Carterton have ..by far . the best Rugby 'material in.tlio.Wairarapix, but so far tho stuff has riot' 1 been' used ,to bc-st advantage. Masterton,..mintis.' O'Leary,'. played a plucky uphill game, aiid .camp. out. of tho encounter Very weJj. --'Oarfertpy. had somewhat of an ; advantage of-'wind.\iii' tho. first spell, and were mainly'.on attack;, ex*, oept on occasions when tho Masterton forwards, headed by Brenchley, Rouss, and A. Gray broke up the field .in Spasmodic dashes. Tho first try for Cartertpn,.v-wascleverly., scored early in the spell by Xevfek, v/ho'fol-' lowed up a freo kick from GroubV very fast, and flashed beneath the goalposts beforo tho astonished Masterton backs -really .'- r wero aware that ho was there. . S. Mason con-, verted with a plucky kick, which struck the bar and bounded over.—Carterton, 5; Masterton, nil. Near the end Of the spoil, Thompson scored another try for Carterton,' partly owing to the fact that the Masterton players imagined that play had been stopped, and made no-special attempt to" collar • tho 5 speedy Gladstone three-quarter,—Carterton, 8; Masterton, nil. Masterton started well in tlie second fialf, their forwards screwing tho scrum and following up fast-, while Thomson, A. Ross, and other backs did some very effective kicking. From a series of l'ooso rushes tno forwards gradually worked the ball into the Cartertoil twenty-five, where C. C. Rps's kicked a neat penalty-goal.—Carterton, S| Masterton,- 3. In response to exordiums from Carterton's spectators to play .up, thfe -Maroons violently assaulted the' Masterton territory." • Uncertainty : and selfishness, with no aggressive-" tiess at proper moments, wero "the chief factors in nullifying these attacks; coupled with some rather fine defensivo-play on tho part of tho Masterton' backs, and so'mo very deadly tackling by Barry, their lightest forward. At times tho Carterton . scrum was pushed into a be-draggled heap by the Masterton forwards, yfho made strenuous efforts to equalise points, but we'r#'frdstratedi.' and then about ten minutes before- time;'", was! called tho two Masons, A l . WKcrizio;- and V.-Fan-brother, of tho Carterton backs, made fair showing at_ some-belated passing ..tactics. GroubCj the skipper, even one© attempted a cross-kick and fellow' up- which 'l'b-' suited,in a score. Eventually'the'bal flew out on the open side to V.. Eairbrotlior, who dribbled tho ball magnificently through, a number of Masterton back's;'and. scored the best try of tlio day. Cadwallader converted I with a fine kick. ' : .a 1,

[nr TELEGKArn. —PIIES3:i.AS3OCrATIOK.]::s _ Mastertoh, June 13. To-day's junior matphes '.resulted .v : —Red' Star (6) beat Te Oro Ore, nilDal6field(ls) beat Martiuborough, nil; Grey town'(!)) beat Carterton (6).' • Third-Class: —Red, Star (14)' beat Masterton, nil. -v v : The second round of the -.senior'championship, the first round of the junior championship, and 'the first round of-thii third-class championship concluded on: 'Saturday. Carterton is leading for the senior championship frith six wins and no losse's'; Red Star is leading for the,junior championship with six irins and no losses; and Red-Star 1 is leading for the third-class championship with two wins and no losses.' " While playing in the junior -football match, Red Star/ and To "Ore Orej on the Showgrounds on Saturday, T. Maaka/ a member tit the latter team, had a .small boiie jn' ono of his leg 3 broken. ' . ,' ' . PALMERSTON MATCHES.- : . „ fur TELEGHArK.—SMCIAL COKnisrOiVDENT.); Palmerston -North;---J.uno- 13. The, Hawkins Shield matches wero continued here to-day. Both: tho teams': (Feilding and Kia Toa) that had done so well; in .the early stages of the competition suffering 'defeat-.. ' In the . first spell of the Palmerston-Kia Toa gamo Ingliuton secured a clever try for Palmerston, "which ' was ■""converted; ' Kia Toa, however, held moro 1 than; their' own, up till half-time. On changing ends - PaP merston kicked a penalty- goal, while Kia Toa secured two tries, the game ending: 8 to 6. Old Boys journeyed to'Foildiug,' 'and wero successful in defeating the present shieldholders by a -potted goal, by Amodoo, to an unconverted try. In the Junior Championship,-Palmerston, : 8, beat 6; Foilding 9, beat;'Linton, 0. - . In the Third Class gain#; tlio - ''results', wero:—Feilding, 23, v. High School, 0 ; Kia : Toa, 11,'. v. Old Boys, o.' ■ The representative team to'- meet Horowhonua.at Palmerston next Saturday will, be as follows:—Full-back, Trovoima. Three- v quarters, Barry, Stalker, and Fraser. ' Five.' eighths, O'Connor and M. Carroll. Half, | Hewitt. Y> T ing forward, Archibald M'Mirin, Forwards—Front row, Wingato and Ward;j middle -row, W. Smith, Gordon, M'Minil; back row, Best and Boon. , .

The defeat of Greytown by Masterton Stars was n surprise, na it was thought tho Southern men would bo especially strong in the second round. Stars, however, played a lino nil-round gamo, and-after; scoring their try, which was converted by Duggon, managed to atavo off all attacks, and win by a margin. The Greytown team played very disappointingly, ( I'AHIATUA RESULTS. ' (BY TEIEGRAPH.—SFECIAt, CORRESPONDENT.)! , ' Pahlatua, Juno 13. 11l the Senior Flag- matches to-day Nironha ' iiiet Pahiatuu oil tho local I'eel'eation ground. Despite the ra in last night tho ground was ill good condition, and a good' filling gaino was witnessed. .Within ten minutes after the kick-off 11 splendid bit of passing enabled Morrison tfl gel, Ol'Cfy Miffing iirst blood for I'ahiatua. Tho try was hot converted. I'Youi. this out tho giiino was give and take, although Nircaha tried from a penalty unsuccessfully. The first spell en-i rlp4 iti tho homo teams' favour, 3—o, Iu tJia second broll Nireal)i\' lookfid like scoring

but the position was saved by Pahiatua't excellont back play, and shortly after Yule scored a second try for Pahiatua, followed by another by R. Smith. Neither was con. vortod. Nireaha mado a determined effort) , .and,! after a series of scrums, a second try ■was registered by. A. Quinlan, which wasconverte'd. Just before time R. Smith got across again; but tlio try was not converted,and Pahiatua were left the winners by 12 to 5.; _ Konini mot Mangatainoka, on tlio lattor's ground, and wero defeated by B.to 6..The game was thoroughly good, fast, and " 'even, from the start. Konini drew' first :blood with a penalty kick, Gordon Smith ■placing nicely betwee'j the posts.... Mnngatainolsa followed by Harvey scoring a try, a beautiful goal b-bing kicked by Demalmanche, In the second spell Konini again mado tho first score from a penalty kick by G. Smith. Somo fast play followed ■up and down tho field,: until Mangatainoka obtained a penalty,. Cowan making a fine kick , and scoring. ;' Tho game ended—Mangatainoka,S;. Konini,'6. _ ' . ' '' In the Junior matckes_ Pahiatua High School defeated Mangntainolta School by 35 to nil. Ekotahuna Juniors beat Konini Juniors by 11 to tiil. Mangatainoka Juniors beat 'Hamua 'at Hamua by 8 to nil. .. MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND. • : j[ot-TBSECR.AiU—rBESS ASSOCIATION - .) ..' Auckland, June.l 4. i '.The'various district-championship football. ! matches under the Auckland Rugby .Union were: played here yesterday. In the Senior Grade, City beat''Varsity'by 27' points (seven .trios, three converted) to nil. Parnell beat Grafton by 1G points (four tries, two 'converted}? to nil. North Shore beat' Newton by 14 . points ! (four tries, one converted) to 3 (one • try).- ■ J:. .■ , . dunedin. .' ' [BT TELIGKAra.—r'EESS ASSO6IATIOH.3 Dunedin, "Juno 13. The championship football matches wen continued to-day in ideal weather. Alham bra, 9, beat Zingari-Richmond,-7: -University. 18, boat Taieri Rovers, 8; Dunedin. 44, Union. 3;' Southern, 9, beat Port Chalmei \ G; Kaikorai, p, beat Pirates, nil. . ,

EKETAHUNA. ■ .. (BY TELEGRAM.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Eketahuna, June 13. " Hamua and Eketahuna Seniors drew ir their match to-day, scoring G- points each. Ekatahuna Juniors defeated. Konini by II ' ' points ,to nil. ... > : RANGITIKEI. ' • ' . ■'"(by TELEGBArH.—SI'ECIAIi CORRESPONDENT.) • <1 : Marten, Juno 14. The senior football-matches were continued in'Rarigitike.i on- Saturday. ; Hulitcrville defeated Marton at i; Huntennllo by three unconverted tries to-nil, and Bulls .won against Excelsiors (Marton) at .Marton by .a con- "■* verted try to nil. THE MAORI TEAM. GR : £IA.T FEAT BY MESSENGER. BT TELEGRAPH—PHEE3 ASSOCIATION—COFTRIGHI . (Rec. June 14, 4.15 p.m.) : Sydney, Juno 14. </ Now South Wales defeated the Maori teaffl ;■ by 30 points to .16, About 20,000 people were • present. • The gamo was fast and open/ Messenger I was in great, form;.he kicked sis goals and Beored two tries. (18 points). Pakero played brilliantly for the. Maoris, while Lohaiia, Rotataua, and Ashor ( distinguished' thembolvos. A try. was obtained oy Mokotuki, As-her, and rakere, : ,two tries being converted by Papat-ura. ■ .. FATALITY AT WESTPORT. , • DEATH OP-A JUNIOR,jPJjAYER., .. 1 (BT TELEGBAPH. —Pr.EBB ASSOCIATION.)' • Vvestport, Juno 14. » A painful fatality occurred to-day. A lad named Richard Ivearse, seventeen years of age, playing in junior football yesterday afternoon,, came in£o collision with a player on his own' siije; getting a severe blow in the abdomen,'< He died at "4 p.m< 'to—sV ■ ; Tho" Poueko Football Club has decided to hold- a concert at the Sydney Street Schoolroom on June 25,' in aid of thegi'mnhsium fund.' ' Sir Joseph and Lady Ward haye extended their,patronage, to.the concert, which will also bo assisted by members of the AngloWelsh. team. ; . Alt is stated that Wallacoj who is suffering from au injured knee, is expected to bo ablo to take part in tho inter-Island match. ASSOCIATION. SENIOR LEAGUE-FIRST' DIVISION. .. RAMBLERS v.. WANDERERS.. 'Probably- t-lioMargest crowd to witness & : ' "Soccer" match locally assembled at the Athletic Park Oil Saturday, wlieii Ramblers and. Wanderers tried conclusions. After an interesting struggle Wanderers won by two goals to one.

Wanderers tfon the'toss and elected to play with tlio : sun at their backs and • tho wind-in their favour. Shortly after tho kickoff Ramblers scored, Mowatt secured near half-way; and after beating tho backs sent in a shot which proved too much for Irvino. .Give-and-tako play was tho order for some minutes, when Taylor received a fiwo centro and ' boat Ramblers' custodian with a hot feliot. With tho scores equalised both teams put forth their best efforts to ga.in tho load., Saunders, centred' well .for' Ramblers; Coward secured aud made a protty dribble, but. Jackson spoiled a brilliant piece of play by putting in .a feeble 6hot. Coward, who was, taking part in soino fine, passing, was also attending to his forwards well. Ho, busily out-played Jardine, Wanderers' fullback on one 'occasion, ana as tho result Irvine was called upon, to, save, which ho did in fiuo stylo. Wanderers secured the lead after some excellent passing amongst the forward division: Most ,of them assisted in securing the goal, which was registered by Pickering, from a pass received from Reid. Tho gamo at' this stage was Very fast, and if anything Ramblers Wero having - slightly tho best of it. Irvine was called, upon to stop an excellent shot from Mowatt, and was equal to the occasion. Anker had an. opportunity to 6eoro for Ramblers, biit' sent ■the' ball over tho bar. / The second spell had hardly commonced when a coiner was conceded against Wanderers. -Sounders took tho kick, and Anker had hard luck in an attempt ho made to head tho bitll, through. A rush 1 ' down tho field " relieved .' Wanderers, . and Edwards, through a mis-kick, gave a corner. Pickering took tho kick ana hit the cross-bar, theball'going behind. As the result of some pretty passing Taylor was enabled to hliva a shot for Wanderers, but it wont wido. Cornish was called upon to. sav,o.for Wanderers,. and was equal to the occasion, as Anker, instead of passing, tried to beat tho full-back. OfF-sido • play •by Waters ,tompofttrily relioved tho pressure on Wanderers'goal. Mowatt, who was playing-a dashing game, came along time after, time with hoc | shots for Irvine, which were successfully cleared by tho custodian. Ramblers continued to press till the whistlo sounded, but they wero unable to gain tho lead, and tho game ended—. Wanderers '2 Ramblers 1 On the day's play Wanderers deserved their win, which was largely due to Irvine's lino play in goal. The- otnor backs played good giimes, and ivoro out to win. 'Of "tho forwards Reid' showed improvement, and played his best gaino this sefisiin. Wanderers liad threo juniors playing, all of whom justified their incluSston in the senior rank. Ramblers' back" division made-several mistakes, Coward and .Jnckson probably being tho pick oti tho day's play. Mowatt and Waters played well ill the forward division but were often robbed, of chances .by Ankor not getting tho. ball' away \y|tir sufficient speed. Tile right wingers liad plenty t-o do '• and played solid games. Mr. U. 1,. Salmon controlled tho game, and 1 gave every satis, factioiu

dor Poneko 9 defeated Wellington 6 Oriental 9 , ,, St. James 3 'Melrose 11 ,, Vic. Col. 0 Athletic '23 ,, Southern 0 Petonc 28 ,, Old Boys 3

-P in . . <8 I" * -3 . . g -2 .2 & C "£ 5 2 - 5 i M i? o --1- 'ij.'o j ' P( f-'J fl ft o : Jlelvoso ... 7 G 0 1 16G G 13 ■ Oriental ... 7 G 0 - 1 flfi SO 13 Pctone 7-121 !W 35 9 PoneUc ... 7 4 2 .1 fit f,3 o St, James 7 .3 3 1 31' 30 7 Athletic ... 7 '3 3 1. 70 21 7 Wellington 7 1 <1 2 32 <18 4 Old Boys ... 7 3 5 f) '3112/S 4 Southern ..i 7. 1 G 0 20 1)3 2 Vic, Colkys 1 1 0 0 25 02 8