ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1198, 5 August 1911, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

NORTHERN LEAGUE,

OUR MEN AT AUCKLAND. GOOD RECEPTION. tßy Telegraph—Press Association.! Auckland, August 4. ' The 'Wellington Football League representatives wore accorded a reception by tlic Auckland League at noon, lhc president of tho Auckland League extruded a hearty welcome. lie paid the ground problem was worrying many ol the club?, but he felt sure that before long the New Zealand League would be in a position to help tho smaller cluos in the matter. Mr. Perrett, manager of the Wellington team, speaking 011 tho subject of professhnalism, said the members of the team each contributed XG towards '.ho cost ol the trip, and had 110 guarantee they would get it back. Thcro was little prospect of the money heinj refunded i.or some time to come. TO-DAY'S RUGBY GAMES. The Petone-Athletic match should be ttic star attraction to-dov, and, .with mcreas--0,1 interest infused into tile senior championship by the defeat of St. James last week (thus putting Athletic 111 a 'hong position for championship honours), t a guuio whivh would otherwise bo only Intel c-stiug from a Rugby point ol will now provoke keener excitement, a.-> it will determine whether Athletic can hold the position in which their win of naturday last lias placed them. For somo weeks the Petone team has been considerably weakened by the loss of (he four Ryan brothers,'but they again take their places to-dav, thus materially strengthening the suburban team, and adding to tho interest in the game. Oriental, who are leading with St. James, have to play Southern at Petone, and, as the latter team has been making things very warm tor their o»ponents lately, Oriental will require their lull force if they are to hold their position. "Fred" Roberts will again bo seen at his old place behind the scrum. ' On Wednesday, a Wellington representative team is to be pitted against tho Ncrth Island touring team, while on baturdav nest tho North Island will play the Scnth Island. These Uo:;is must bo confused with tho usual North' and South representative teams, being players selected from the smaller unions with a viewto bringing their claims for inclusion in representative) teams beforo the selectors.