FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 301, 14 September 1908, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

—4 ' REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY. . WELLINGTON v. TARANAKI. The Northern Upion players forced tho hands of tho Wellington Union last week, the result being that a counter attraction to the league gamo, had to be provided, At very short notice it was decided to bring tho Taranaki team'to Wollington. The visiting team was not r. strong ono, and although it had been announced that Hardgraves and Hunter would be among tho visitors, neither of these .playors, or the "other Taranaki star Mynott,. mode .the trip. ■ Stohr, a junior re•prcscntative player, .filled the full-back position, and Beamish-replaced Huntor. The gamo was an interesting one' in tho first spell, tlio play : being brisk and full of incident, but in the second term the visitors faded away, and,-were nevor even in the Wellington twenty-five. Play ranged from half way. to, the .visitors' line, and Wellington wiped' off ■ the load which tho -Taranaki" men had established in the first half and won comfortably. The attendance- was close on 3000. The Teams, ~ The t'eams were :— - .'" TARANAKI.. ; ~(Y?llow and black.) ' 1; ' "'FULL-BACK: . l: i'. Stohr.' : .;THRPE-ouarters: : Cj-'Sheahan j/ Dive,' Buckland; ••limBIGHTHS Cameron, Beamish. HALF-BACK: ■i'. -. •( (Thurston." - u 'i -V". (FORWARDS: r,- . \><t Winger:. Slieahan., . Cain, Whitiington, Pukere, Moffitt,. Tamu, Q'SjiUivan, and Kivell. ;.. ijr (All-black.) ' :/FULL-BACK: ..." ?J>. Ryan. ' t - ii THREE-QUARTERS: ' Mithesbn, Mageo, Evenson. - ■: .-.J'f I . ■ . ° . ' ; . FIVE-EIGHTHS: .. "'/Green, M'Leod,. HALF-BACK: , n '.'.Roberts; : -■•.-■■ } : ' r . FORWARDS: . Winger /'Gardner.Ready,cHamilt'on, Rangi Wilson, A. C.' Wilson, D. Rush, Alexander, Shadbolt: .First Spell. The visitors won the toss, and Wellington kicked off against , tho wind with the sun in their faces. Play had 1 not been in'progress a couple of-minutes'before M'Leod made a nice opening, which was followed up by Magee and Green, and left Wellington attacking on' the .•'Taranaki. line'. '• Thurston broke away, and beating_Green, removed play to half way.' The Wellington men'came on •from this-"'point';',' Gardner leading, a rush which transferred play .to the visitors' line again. A , short attack .was broken up by passing between Beamish' arid Cameron, the former sending the' ball ;out from a; throw in in the twenty-five. A high kick 'and smart following by. Stohr saw!. J., in trouble about midfield, but a knock oh salved. The snme' TaranakiiiplayjsrjifolJawed up well again, and slipped, a return by Ry'an,- lea,ving the" visitors still ,pn ; the.., Wellington- side .of half-way;; A- promising- Wellington, forward, rush was nicely. -i stopped. l -by - Stohr but an over hard.punt-down the centre of the field enabled Wellington.to force down. A couple of minutes later, • after an-,ineffective-attack .by Taranaki, Stohr: sent the ball into touch in goal. From tho kick, out Stohr had a good but -unsuccessful shot, at goal from-a mark half way. Rush .and " Rangi" Wilson combined in a dash into Taranaki territory, and the forwards carrying tho ball over the lino with a struggling rush Moffitt forced in the nick pf time. . Wellington wero having slightly the best 'of the play at this stage, but suddenlly,' from a passing rush in the tiverity-fivo, M'Leod knocked on, and from Sheahan 'got possession and, beating the whole of the/ Wellington backs beautifully run right l down the contre of the field and scored, alongside tho posts. . Cameron failed with' an easy : kick. Taranaki ' ... ... •... ... 3. Wellington. ... ... ... 0 On resuming the visitors attacked again, but a hard kick over the line enabled Wellington to force. The visitors kept up tho pressure, and another score followed, O'Sullivan breaking away from the,'ruck and passing to Tamu, who dived over the line, converted. Taranaki .... ... ... 8 ... ... ... 0' The Taranaki men, led by Tamu, camo on again, but Evenson intercepted a pass and turned the tide. Beamish, Cameron, Sheahail, and Dive lyere; instrumental in shifting play to'. Wellington quarters again, -and O'Sullivan and Tamu carried the leather on to the corner flag.' .The'ball came out to the backs) and Dive had a. pot right-in front of the posts, but. .sent the ball along .tho ground. Taranaki' came on once more, and T. Sheqhah,. tslking the ; ball out of Ryan's hands, passed to Whit't'ington, who Eent the ball back tp .Sheahan. v The lattf dived for the line,, put fell , a few inches, short of tho mark. A scrum, on the line ensued, and Wellington, cleared. ,This dash prefaced a spell' of even play, which was succeeded by an attack ,by Wellington, in which judicious., line-kicking by Roberts was . the most striking feature. Wellington got tlio ball out to M'Leod, and Magee was almost over, losing the ball by fouling one of tlio goal posts. A scrum under the posts saw Cameron 1, fcliove with a nice kick. The local ine'ir" maintained the pressure for a time, but Taranaki assorted themselves again, anth called' on "the-best defenco Wellington cMd put forth. A. fine run by Con Sheahan '1 livened up tho 1 procoodings, but Ryan br6ught him down with a fine tackle. Tho visitors followed with another passing rush, buti the collaring of the Wellington backs ■ was perfect,and half-time sounded with tho score — Taranaki ... 8 Wejlingtog ..... .. .... ... ... 0 - p! p Second Spell. till , ... ■ Playing ; with the wind to assist them ill the second spell, Wellington' set' to tho attack, and within a few r minutes Roberts had made a poor attempt- to place :a. goal from a free-kick. The local men kept play confined to Taranaki xwenty-fivo, and after a time the forwards , broke through and Stohr, making a. divp.to-field the ball, overran it,- and Ready dashed over tho line. Ilyan failed to convert. Taranaki ... ... ... 8 Wellington 3 From tlie kick-out a_ good Wollington passing rush put Taranaki on the defensive, but Seainish. intercepted at a critical moment and saved. Hard, tight forward play fol- - lowed within a few yards of the visitors' line, and. then from a struggle in the twentyfive Evenson had a pot and sent the ball over the-bar. ' Taranaki ' 8 Wellington ... ; ... ~.. . ... 7 ' A brief rally by Taranaki was followed by another , 'Wellington attack, and two tries wero lost within as many minutes. , The reward came at. length, however, Wellington being awarded a free-kick in front of the goal after a lively rally, Ryan, sending the ball between the posts. Wr>!linaton 10 : 8

Roberts had a shot at goal a few minutes later, but without success. A long spell of dreary play in favour of Wellington was followed by a series of scrums on tho visitors' lino, but Wellington could not break through for a long 'time. At 'last' Roberts sent tho ball out to M'Leod,- who thrcadod -his way over tlio lino. Evenson failed to convert. Wollington ... 13 Taranaki 8 Tho visitors rallied after this further reverse, and their forwards, working together hotter, mado.play more interesting, but they never at any timo succeeded in getting into Wellington 'twenty-five. A pretty run by Green, who passed to Evenson, -saw the latter tackled on the corner flag and thrown into touch just as time was called. , Mr. E. W.ylio was refcreo. NORTHERN UNION FOOTBALL. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. A DRAWN GAME. Despito a counter-attraction at Athletic Park, a large crowd of football enthusiasts assembled at the' Petonte Recreation Grouiids on Saturday afternoon to witness a match played under Northern Union rules between teams representing Auckland and Wellington. Tho special trains from tho city were well patronised, and tho gate returns showed that close upon 4000 people passed through tho turnstiles. Fine weather prevailed, and a light breozo which blew from the Rimutakas was not keen enough to be unpleasant. Both teams played hard football from start to finish, and the public were well satisfied with the display, but as the ordinary spectator has not thoroughly grasped the rules, as yet there was a lack of that enthusiasm which ■ is inseparable from a representative Rugby match. ' Many of the players seemed unable to forget the old gamo immediately, so that at times tho play was a mixture of Northern Union and Rugby ' Union rule's. On other occasions, when tho play was spirited, , Marquis of Queensberry rules wore introduced with somo effect. There was very little to choose between the two teams, the_ score' of 13 points each being a fair indication of their respective strength. . The Auckland backs gave a very fine exhibition of. good open play, with neat, crisp passing, but their forwards were weak. Wellington forwards, on the other hand, were much stronger than their backs. Mr. L. Isherwood, who controlled the game, allowed tho players rather much latitude, especially in tho scrummages, and consequently the game was not so open as it otherwise might have been. Still there, was plenty of indication that when the players thoroughly grasp tho rules the now game makes for fast' play among the forwards as well as the backs. Saturday's teams, which marched on to the field accompanied by the' dulcet strain's of music . supplied by the Petone Citizens' Band, were as follow: — WELLINGTON (All Black). ' ! G. Spencer. : E. Tyne, 0. Instone, D. .Twohill. A. House, J. Barber. A Kelly. A. Lilo, D. Gilchrist, P. M'Gill. B. King, J. Spencer, H. Knight. AUCKLAND (Blue and White). S. Riley. H. Rowe, Dillamoro, Redwood. ' W. Tyler, A. Asher. • R. Wynyard. W. Mackrell, C. Dunning, W. Trevarthen. S. M'Donald, M. Hooper, Barclay. : Wellington won the toss and defended the western goal. Trevarthen kicked off for Auckland, and tho play settled in Wellington's twenty-five until a free-kick relieved the pressure. Wynyard then secured, and, making a nice. opening, passed to Asher, the latter making, a futile effort to hurdle over G. Spencer. From a scrum in Wellington territory Wynyard again set his backs' going, butaKirig intercepted, and by a clover piece of • " dribbling ' took' the leather down to the Audklaftd'ppti, wliers'lnstono knocked.-' on from ■ a pass. ' By the agoncy 'of Dillamore aiid.'llowe play was' transferred once more to, halfway.' Auckland 'were penalised twice !in' quick Succession, owing to Dillamore and Asher failing to put the ball down when tackled. ■. Tho first good passing rush took place between Dillamore, Tyler, and Redwood,, the latter punting up-field. Geo. Spencer returned-with a high kick, enabling Barber to follow up, catch the ball on the full,' and pass to Instone, who in turn sent tho oval on to Twohill, the latter scoring near tho posts. G. Spencer converted. Wollington ... 5 Auckland ... 0 Even play followed for several minutes until good. work by M'Gill and J. Spencer resulted in Auckland forcing. Shortly after, the drop-out, Asher gained possession, and after a great fun was only grassed on tho Wellington line. Wellington were penalised for obstructing' Asher, and Wynyard kicked right across field to Rowe, who' ran ovor and scored in' the corner. Tyler failed with, tho kick. Wellington ... -. 5 Auckland ... ... 3 Almost immediately after, Wynyard secured the ball from a scrum, and passed to Tyler, who transferred to Asher, and tho last-named, putting on tho pace, scored a good try near tho posts. This time Tyler made no mistake with tho kick. Auckland 8 Wellington ... : 5 The Blacks made a strong effort to penalise the score, and Auckland had a fairly busy timo to keep out tho invaders. Barber, who had been playing a useful game all through,made a smart run towards tho line, but failed to get over, and Asher, ' making a clever mark, sont .play up-field with a long kick. Then followed passing botween House and Instone. The lattcr's kick was mulled by Auckland's full-back, and Wellington, forwards swarmed down on him.. Knight, divedfor the line, but fell short of the scoring area and was penalised for not playing tho ball. A dangerous passing rush between Kelly, House, and Tyne was safely checked, but the-Blacks were not to be denied, and Kelly, securing from a . scrum, passed to Barber, who transferred to Tyne. The latter sent, the - leather infield again to Barber, who nonplussed the Auckland backs by transferring it to Tyne once more, and Tyno was enabled to score in tlio corner. Geo. Spencer failed with tho kick, and half-time was called with tho score — Wollington 8 Auckland 8 On resuming, Wellington kept np a continuous attack for five or six minutes, and went close to scoring more than once, until Rowo mado a long run from his own twentyfive right down into tho Blacks' territory. This put heart into Auckland, and clever passing took place botween Asher, Tyler, and Rowe, and a few minutes afterwards botween Tyler, Hooper, and Barclay, but Barclay lost tho ball, and Wellington forwards re-, turned to tho attack. After sonic give-and-take play the Aucklanders got going again, and from a passing rush Hooper appeared certain to score, but was called back through a pass forward. Tho Black forwards again asserted their superiority, and tho Northern team was compelled to force. Shortly after the drop-out J. Spencer picked up tlio ball in a loose rush half-way, and after a good dodgy run outstripped his opponents, and touched down near the posts.. Geo. Spencer lcicked an easy goal. Wellington 13 Auckland 8 Wellington renewed tlio charge almost immediately, but Barclay with a dribbling rush transferred operations to the other end of tho ground. A brief spell of even play was succeeded by Geo. Spencer making a fine run through tho Auckland forwards, and M'Gill carrying on. tho rush, but Trevarthen relieved. Barclay then mado a dash for tho line, and passed to Dunning, but tlio latter lost . possession. But, further passing followed, and Hooper scored Auckland's third try. Tyler, with a splendid kick, added the major points. ; . Auckland- .... .-. .... ,-,.13 S. -...-..13 •. ■ From tho kick-out Dillamore and Tyler ! commenced a passinf rush, and Wynyard had

an unsuccessful pot fit goal. Wellington wero 011 tlio defensive) until Kelly mado a long run from tlio scrum, and kicked out. Auckland backs tried hard to increase tlio score, but the Wellington defence proved sound. Geo. Spencer, with a long kick from halfway, sent tlio ball towards the visitors' lino, and Twohill followed up and touched down, but in taking tho ball lie knocked on, and a scrum was ordered. Geo. Spencer next marked, and had a shot at goal from near half-way, but the boll went under the bar. Auckland were again forced just before, tho call of time, but no further score resulted, tho game ending— Auckland ... . 13 Wellington ' ... 13 SHIPPING AND SPORT. ANNUAL FOOTBALL MATCH. A shipping war raged on Saturday, but tlio time of its duration was short, and tho area of its operations was restricted. It came about this way. Tlio Union Company claimcd superiority on the football field ( whereat tlio rest of the shipping companies,. adopting American methods, formed a combiiio and set themselves the task of bringing tho flag of tho Union Company down. An old adage says that " Union is strength," but in this case tho combination proved stronger than the Union, tho latter being defeated by 11 points to nil. Tlio place chosen for the battlo was the Polo Ground at Miramar, and thither the two teams and their "friends were transported in the Terawhiti. Nelson's signal floating on tho tug reminded every man of his duty, and it apparently had good effect, for both teams worked hard, and " barrackers" on tho line also taxed their vocal organs in the , effort to uphold the honour of their particular sides. Though the Union Company had tho pirate's colours, black jerseys with tho monogram of the company, their opponents of the white fleet did most of tho attacking. In tho first spell several onslaughts were mads by the blacks, but the second lino of defenco of tho white fleet proved too strong to break through. Donovan was the first to reach the black harbour, crossing the Union Company's lino after a very pretty piece of play. His try was not improved on, but a few minutes later lie added another three points with, a liko piece of brilliant play. An armistice was declared, and on tho resumption of hostilities the whites looked as • if they meant to'sink tho whole of tho enemy's fleet. Tho onemy, however, set themselves as steadily to work to save their colours, and stood bj their guns .so staunchly that only orico did tho combine reach port. Mason was the successful scoror, and Boyes piloted the ball over tho bar, leaving the'odds at t\ie cessation of hostilities Combined Companies— 11. Union Company—o. Mr. Meredith was referee. SUPPER AND SMOKE CONCERT. In the evening tho two teams forgot their rivalry in a - supper and smoke concert, held in the Masonic Hall. • Mr. Kennedy,, manager of tho Union Company, presidod, and seated besido him were tho Hon. J. A. Millar, Captains G. G. Smith, D. J. Watson, King, and Munro, and Messrs. A. Turnbull, Full, E\ H. Taylor, C. M. Turnbull, and Mabin. In proposing tlio toast of the "New Zealand Mercantile Marino," tho Hon. J. A. Millar said that , if the career of the British Empire wero traced back through tho ages they would see that its progress was due to the mercantile marine. In old times Englishmen went forth in ships to war and to trade, and it was duo to tho enterprise and bravery, of those old merchants and sailors that they were in tho proud position of .being ablo to say that three-quarter's of tho world's trade was done in British ships. Going no further than Australia for an instance of progress, the servico between Australia and New Zealand was as fine an intercolonial service as any in the world. Tho Minister alluded to tho various branches of industry which assisted tho mercantile marine—the manufacturers and producers who provided tho commodities for transport, the_ merchants who built tho ships, and the sailors who worked them, all aided in tho great work of building up the greatest industry of tho Empire. ■ Coupled with tho toast was "Local Steamship Companies,',' proposed.by Captain King, who said that the small companies had made Wellington what it now is. , Captain' Smith" and Messrs. Mabin, Full, and Kennedy replied to,tho toasts. . Other toasts honoured during the evening were:—"Tho King," proposed by the chairman; "Tho Teams," proposed by Mr. V. R. Moredith, and replied to by the captains, Messrs. Pownall and Gray, in tho absence of Mr. Gilbert; "The Chairman," proposed by Mr. Munro, and replied to by Mr. Kennedy; and "Tho Press," proposed by Mr. F. H. Taylor. An enjoyable and varied programme was gone through during tho evening, items being contributed by Messrs. W. H. Warren (song), H. Widdop (song), V. R. Moredith (song), C. M. Howard (ventriloquial sketch), D. Kenny (songs), R. Gowan (conjuring), Harbottle, Watts, and Ererard (instrumental trio), J. Carr (song), W. R. Watts (lightning sketching), W. Bastin (song), Sampson (song),-and E. Parkes (song). The proceedings were brought to a close with hearty cheers for the organisers of the -entertainment, and the singing of ■ "Auld Lang Syne." OTHER MATCHES. Messrs. Prouso Bros, defeated a team representing Campbell and Burko by 9 to 3. Hills, Henderson, and Matthews scored for the winners, and Conlin for tho losing team. Technical School Old Boys defeated Present Boys by 39 to 3. Tho Present Boys put up ' a good fight, but their opponents were superior in all branches. Tho Government Insurance team defeated the Tax Department representatives by • 11 to 6, thus winning ' tho championship of • ■ the Departments. The winning team's points were secured by Vercoo (converted try) and Maze (two tries). Curtayne and Clark scored for tho Tax Department. Mr. T. H. Jones was tlio referee. A team representing Kirkcaldio and Stains beat the Wellington Woollen Company's team by 18 to nil. Tries were secured by Sheridan (two) and Phillips (two). Paul converted three tries. A team representing the Johnsonville Rifles defeated Kelburno Rifles by 30 points to 3 points at Johnsonville on Saturday.- Mr. Willis controlled tho game. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of Johnsonville. WELLINGTON v. OTACO. The following toam has been selected to represent Wellington in tho final match of tho season against Otago next Saturday Full-back: J. Ryan. Three-quarters: MageOj Mitclnnson, Evcr.son. Five-eighths: Green and M'Lood. Half: Roberts. , Forwards: Hamilton, Ready, A. C. Wilson, " Ranji" Wilson, Rush,, Shadbolt, Alexander. Wing-forward: Hardham. ' Emorgoncios: Flanagan, Osborne, and Cameron. ATHLETIC TEAM ON TOUR. i A team representing tho Athletic Club journeyed to Blenheim on Friday night, where they mot a fifteen from tho Central Club on Saturday. The game, which was played as a curtain-raiser to tho Marl-borough-Buller representative match for tho Soddon Shield, was a fino exposition of Rugby, and after a strenuous fight tho Athletic team camo out on top by 14 points to nil. Kivell (three) and S. Wilson scored tries for Athletic, S. Wilson converting one. Kivell played a great game, and was probably the. best player on tho ground. THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE: Tho Management Committco of tho Now Zealand Rugby Union held a meeting on Saturday ovoning. Mr, G. 11. Dixon presided, and'' there wore also present Messrs'. Galbraith, Laughton, Isaacs, Laurenson, and Wallburton. It was resolved that tho special meeting

of the union to consider tho advisableness of improving the laws of the game bo held on October 8, at 7.30 p.m., instead of on October 1, as previously arranged. Tlio Hawke's Bay Union asked whotlier the expenses of one delegate from each affiliated union would bo borne by tlio New Zealand Union. Notice of intention to move in that direction at tho spccial meeting was received from the Otago Union. It was agreed that under the special circumstances the expenses of ono delegate from each union be defrayed by the Now Zealand Union. Tho Appeal Committee intimated that it had decided that the appeal of the Denniston Club against a decision of the Bullcr Union with reference to an appeal in connection with the Denniston-llivals match should be upheld. It was decidcd to forward the decision to tho Buller Union. Tho Poverty Bay Union forwarded details of the circumstances under which it had suspended V. Peterson, a line umpire, for refusing to bold up his flag when requested io do so by the referee. Peterson, upon being interrogated, had stated that ho was under the impression tho lino umpire, not the referee, was tho judge as to whethor a "ball went into touch. Tlio union stated that in a way it was to blame for appointing Peterson, seeing that ho was incompetent, and it had therefore imposed only a light sentence. The communication was received. j C. H. G v Hewitt appealed through the Manawatu Union against his disqualification for three years. Ho had, he said, informed the union that he would bo unable to take part in the representative match, Manawatu v. Wanganui. After the match ho was asked to state why he should not be suspended for not playing. He replied declining io givo his- reasons which, he stated, wero of a private nature. For six years ho had, bo. said, represented his province and, at times, he had gone on tour when it was inconvenient for him to do so. The letter sent to Hewitt notifying him that lie had been selected to play in the match was among the correspondence, which was also, read. It contained tho following statement: —"Unless you are on the Palnierston station not later than 11.30 a.m. (on tho date of the match) your place will bo filled by an emergency." It was unanimously decided that tho appeal be upheld, and that tho appeal feo bo returned to Hewitt. Tho Horowhenua Union wrote giving further particulars with reference to a property at Levin which it' desired to purchase for the purposes of a football ground. The property, which contained six acres, was situated within five minutes' walk from tho post office and the centre of the town. With tho oxception of some fencing it was ready to bo played upon. It was agreed that the union be asked to state the amount it wished to borrow, and to furnish additional information. The solicitor to tho union notified the committco that he had on its behalf accepted service of a writ issued by the Imperial Advertising Agency against tho union for alleged breach of agreement in connection with tho programmo rights for tho British tour. RANFURLY SHIELD. OTAGO V. AUCKLAND. rut TELEGKArn—TUF.S3 ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, September 11. The Otago v. Auckland match was played at AJoxanclra A'ark to-day m beautiiul weather. The ground was in splendid order, and the contest was tho last to be played this season for the coveted Ranfurly Shield. It was apparent that public interest was flagging, 'arid tliero was only an attendance of about 3000 spectators. Tho gamo was contested in the best spirit, and was not a runaway victory for the homo team by any means. Tho teams were as follow: —Auckland: Fullback, Miller; three-quarters, Wilson, Murray, Renwick; five-eighths, Bater and . Magee; half, Morse; forwards, Gillott (wing;), Herring, M'Guiro (2), Francis, Cunningham, Nicholson, Seeling, and Haward. Full-back, darker; thrcc-quartors, Chainbers, O'Sullivan, Stalker; five-eighths, Eckhold and Don; half, Sutherland; forwards, A. M'Donald (wing), Casoy, Fitzpatrick, Johnson, I'aton, i'attorson, Arlienzio and Ivemey. Otago; in tho first, spell, played against a slight westerly breezy and a strong sun. Tho visitors at once forccd the paeo, and rushed tho ball over the lino, Murray saving. Tho Southerners still maintained a ■ slight advantage, and I'aton attempted a penalty goal without result, Murray again relioving tho pressure. A couple of minutes later, Francis attempted a rosultless penalty from half-way. M'Donald broke away in tho play that followed, giving the Blues vantage to Auckland's twenty-five; then Gillett kicked high from half-way, . tlio home forwards sotting out in hot pursuit. Clarke, the visitors' full-back, made a wretched attempt to save, and was equally much at fault in- his endoavour to forco down. Bater fell on tho ball, thus drawing first blood for Auckland. Magee's attempt at goal was a failure. Auck-land-3, Otago nil. Tho first real incident of noto to follow the kick-out was a fino attempt at goal from a penalty kick by Paton. A minuto later, Gillett got tho leather nicely away to Seeling, tho latter making an easy opening for Morse, who scored between tho posts. 'Mageo kicked ail easy goal. Auckland 8, Otago nil. The play that followed was of a character calculated to try tho stamina of any team, and the representatives of both provinces were soon snowing signs or tiring. Alter a spell ot even play, M'Guiro got a hot pass away to Gillett, who handed over his responsibility to Murray, tho latter scoring in a fine position. Mageo failed to improvo. Auckland 11, Otago nil. The game see-sawed up and down the Hold, several bright runs poing provided by tho home team, but half-timo was called, .with Auckland attacking strongly, and the score Auckland 11, Otago nil. Little of interest marked tho opening stages of the second spell. Auckland maintaining tlio advantage for the first few minutes. Eventually Ivemey arid Fitzpatrick broke through the ruck, and Eckhold ably seconded their efforts. A forward scramble followed, as a result of which M'Donald scored Otago's first try, after five minutes' play. Paton kicked a nico goal. Auckland 11, Otago 5. Tho Aucklanders rushed play up the field on resuming, but a series of muddles on tho part of the backs again placed Otago within striking distance, hut an injudicious kick resulted in a forcedown. The Otago defence was very erratic at this stage, and Gillett and his men wero setting tho visitors a merry pace, their line being frequently ir> danger. Indeed, they were fortunate in averting a scoro on more than ono occasion. With a quarter of an hour to go, honours wero about even, and it was then ,that tho Southerners attempted to play their trump cards. All their efforts were effectually checked, however, and towards the conclusion of tho spell tho players of both sides appeared to bo quite content to play a gamo of safety. Tho final scores were: — ' Auckland 11 Otago ... 5 Mr. Geo. Howo, of Wellington, acted as referee. RANGITIICEI DEFEATS WANGANUI. (DY TEr.KGUA.FH. SPECIAL COItnr.SPONDEJfT.) Marton, September 13. Much interest was taken in tho return senior representative match, Rangitikei v. Wanganui, played at Marton on Saturday beforo a good attendance of Rugby enthusiasts. The ground was in capital order. Abbott captained tho visitors, and Millie the Rangitikei team. The gamo wa's fairly oven, and at times fast. The forwards hail most of the work to do, and played really well. The local men obtained the ball more often than tho visitors, but failed to make good. use of their chances. There was no scoro iii the first spell, although Rangitikei crossed the lino twice and just missed. It was thought by many that Richards got ovor, but the referee's decision went against him. In the second half play livened up, and a formidable dash by Rangitikei ended in Rcid getting over the line. Signal added an easy goal. Wanganui took turns of attacking, but Rangitikei drove them back, and had Wanganui defending most of the timo, but tho local men could not break through.. From a scrum near tho Wanganui lino tlio ball camo out nicely to Beckett, who took advantage of an,opening on the blind sido and scored a -pretty try._ •' Jago was successful with the kick—Rangitikei 10, Wanganui nil. After this somo good play took place on both sides, and right on the call of timo a.

; Rangitikoi back gave Wangnnui an openjug, niid Abbott shot up smartly, and, securing the ball, ran in without much opposition and scored near tho corner. 110 took the kick himself, and landed a beautiful goil—Kangitikei 10, Wanganui 5. Tho wlistlo sounded no-sido with Rangitikei victorious over tho parent hotly for the second time in tho history of tho sub-union. MARLBOROUGH v. BULLER. (BY TELEGIIAriI—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Blenheim, September 12. Tho match Marlborough v. Buller for tho Seddon Challenge Shield was played in good weather, and was won by Marlborough by six points to three. The local team's scoro consisted of ono try and a penalty goal. ' Bullcr's scoro was a try obtained by Hogg. Tho teams were fairly even, and tho game was a good ono. THE ABRAHAM CUP. (BY TEt.EOUArn.—SrECtAI. CORItESrONDENT.) Palmerstcn North, September 12. Perfect weather prevailed for the Abraham Cup filial between Kia Toa (tho present holders) and Old Boys. Tho game, which ended in a draw after a play-on of two spells of ten minutes each, was a poor exhibition of. Rugby. For Kia Toa, Stalker and M'Minn kicked penalties, Fraser landing two for Old Boys, his third attempt falling just under tho bar. The final will probably be played on Saturday week, as next Saturday Kia Toa play their annual game with St. James.