SPRINGBOKS WIN

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 257, 25 July 1921, Page 6

SPRINGBOKS WIN

WELLINGTON DEFEATED BY 8 POINTS TO 3 RECORD CROWD AT THE PARK ESTIMATED AT 29,000 A big proportion of the inhabitants of the city made the pilgrimage to the Athletic Park on Saturday, and, heedless of the bitterly cold southerly and the imminent prospect of getting drenched to the skin, paid homage to Rugby, king of winter sports. For hours a continuous stream of people—men, women, and children — poured into the park, and by 2.30 p.m. it - is officially estimated that 29,000 pairs of eyes were focused on the centre of the amphitheatre, all on one common purpose bent. Tho big event of the day was about to commence, anda-s first the Wellington representatives and then the Springboks took the field, thousands of voices were, lifted in a mighty roar of applause. It was i. wonderful moment, crystalising as it did the intense national love of healthy, outdoor sport. The advance guard of this record assemblage of spectators arrived on. the ground at 10 o’clock in the morning. By 11 well over 2000 patrons were on the scene, and at noon thousands were surging nround the gates, clamorous for admission. while inside th," CirAosuriv rugs were being spread around icy-cold feet, and luncheon-hampers were onened up. Half an hour before the match commenced the attendance eclipsed the record established at the game in which Bedell-Sivwrighfs British team made its historic apnearanc.e and some 25,000 person s saw them in action.

The clay embankment, blnck with tier unon tier of people, resembled the side of a gigantic anthill, and thousands swarmed over its face, seeking coigns of advantage. Every corner of tho ground was crowded, while the stand, which was fully booked days ago, could have been sold out, several times over, xiad the accommodation been available. The amazing thing about tho whole business was the fact that thousands of women were among those who sat patiently in the cold for hours, waiting kick-off. Fortunately tho weather held find till shortly before the match started, when heavy rain set in. It was only a passing squall, however, and it wns 0.1 l over when the teams took the field. Another heavy squall blew in from the Straits a few minutes later, but it was short-lived, and thereafter tho rein held off till well on in tho second snell. This moved hut another- passing shower, the contest finishing in fiqe weather. The Springboks won nn their merits. Theirs whs no chance victory. Tt was n triumph for their half-back,line, and was also the outcome of their outgeneralship of the Wellington backs as a whole. Naturally the South African forwards, combining great weight with unusual speed, beat the local pack in most departments, but the latter put up a good fight and acquitted themselves well. Despite the over-night rains the ground was in good shape, though 'on the slippery side. The result was that the backs were frequently seen in action and tho game was saved from developing into a mere forward scramble. It was hard, fast, and exciting, with one or two flashes of exceptional brilliancy. The .Springboks scored right points (two tries, one of which was converted), while Wellington’s score was a penalty goal. The visitors led off with an unconverted try well on in the first half, and before the changeover King equalised for Wellington with a magnificent goal, after M. Nicholls had twice failed in a similar effort. It was not until the latter half of the second spell that the Springboks scored the winning try.

Wellington were favourites, three points in being generally conceded by their supporters. Those who had seen the Springboks in action against Wairarapa however, were not so sanguine. In anv case, however, Saturday’s game was rewlly looked upon in the light of an unofficial test. If the visitors, who had still four of their leading players on tho injured list, could succeed in heating Wellington, the public was prepared to admit that they would have a chance in the first test.

What mav be regarded as even more significant than the local representatives’ defeat is the fact that J. Michau, the visitors’ scrum half, completely overshadowed H. E. Nicholls, the selectors’ choice for New Zealand’s half in the first test. Furthermore, it has to be noted that M. Nicholls also met _ his Waterloo at the hands of tho African hacks, and he is to grace the first New Zealand team as second five-eighths.

The game was quite as fast as the Taranaki match, but th? Wellington forwards although they played well against heavy odds, scarcely showed up as favourably as the Taranaki pack did last Saturday week. In the scrums, the visitors’ superior weight told in their favour. Mostly the ball came out at the South Africans’ end of the serum, but in the last twenty minutes of the first spell Wellington captured the scrums for an appreciable period. Tho Springboks lost the toss, and faced a veritable gale throughout the first spell. The wind played sad havoc with their kicking, their punts often being as good as penalties to 'Wellington. Occasionally they resorted to drop-kick-ing, but with no better success. They did not appear to have the least idea of how to keep the ball down. Wellington. on the other hand, when it came to their turn to face the gale, frequently minimised their disadvantage by short, nippy kicks which did not rise much above the players’ heads. Tho Springboks evidenced a remarkable penchant for handling the ball in all sorts of tight corners and odd situations, in preference to kicking or dribbling. Frequently they passed right in their own goal-mouth, and somehow managed to get away with it. Even in scrummages and tightly-wedged packs, the green forwards juggled with the ball —often when it was lost to view in the ruck—and in it flash their backs would have it. Attack was invariably their defence, and in this risky expedient they were assisted by their unusual fleetness and good lines of inter-communication maintained between their forwards and the rearguard. As in their previous games, they ever contrived to keep the ball in ploy, and kept lino-kicking down to a bare minimum. The Wellington backs did not pull together well, and their failure to hold up their end of the stick threw an overwhelming share of the work on to their forwards, who had more than their hands full repelling the raids of tho Springboks’ pack. Another point was that tho homo backs persisted in the mistaken fallacy of attacking in the orthodox fashion—half to five-eighths and so on across the field until the ball had swept their whole chain of attack and taken them nowhere. Ordinarily this might have panned out all right, but the phenomenally high wind _ called for changed tactics, such as, for instance, the arrow-like runs affected by J. Michau, the Springboks’ scrum-half. Wellington’s failure to make tho most of the ball when they did happen to get it from the scrum w«* another noticeable feature of their worn. The half (It. Nicholls) several times tried to work the blind side when he, was too well marked, and again more than once dived into the pack when within striking distance, ignoring tho waiting lino of Wellington backs.

THE TEAMS. Tho teams were as under: — South Africa (green). Do Villiers. Zeller, Van Heerden. Clarkson, Meyer. Tindall, J, Michau. Pienaar (captain), Mellish. Kruger. Mostert, Harry Morkel. Michau. Scholtx, Ollivier. Wellington (black). Siddells. Ryan, Markham. Aitken. Roberts, M. Nicholls. H. Nicholls. • King. S. Shearer, Arthur Parker. Price, Moffitt, Bruce. Standen, Hughes. THE FIRST SPELL. From the kick-off Wellington, aided by the southerly gale, looked like they might carry all before them and pile up such a big margin by half-time that the Springboks would he faced with a hopeless task when it come to their turn to attack with the wind. The Wellington methods of attack, however, were early found wanting. The local backs felt Heir way with several sallies, but the big South African forwards proved nn impenetrable barrier. Markham, at centre, took part in those passing rushes, and acquitted himself well, and more than once when the visitors’ forwards attempted to break away he tackled them in great stylo. Several penalties were awarded the Springboks, who usually took scrums in preference to kicks, seeing that their pack was getting the ball. All this time play was continuously in the visitors’ half. King, Bruce, nnd Parker broke away and invaded tbo Springboks’ twenty-five, hut were quickly smothered. Later, Roberts saw a nice opening and passed to M. 'Nicholls, who disappointed the home team’s supporters by missing, and a counter-rush on the part of the Springboks saw .1. Michau, who was limping somewhat, , drop . a pass. Ryan gained applause for several serviceable kicks which penetrated the defenders’ twenty-five, and two of the resultant opportunities were lost through H. Nicholls running fruitlessly into the pack. The South Africans could make no headway in their kicking against the wind but while he gained but little ground, do Villiers, their full-back, played a safe game. Wellington continued to press. H. Nicholls pent the ball out to Roberts to M. Nicholls, who gave a bad pass to Markham when a decent pass to the three-quarters would have been dangerous to tho visitors. Following this. M. Nicholls had two unsuccessful penalty shots at goal, each from about 35 >' riTt ', a hack. The first kick was n good effort, the wind jnst carrying the leather away from the uprights. The second shot looked a fairly sure thing for Nicholls. A few minutes later Markham.. downed Meyer when the latter was beginning to feel his feet. The Smith African again got away, but was rmnrtly tackled by Siddells. who retrieved the ball and centred The Wellington forwards did most of the attacking. Parker. S. Shearer, and Moffit getting in some good work along the line, but the backs failed to improve on their efforts. Meyer was playing a fine defensive grinp for the Springboks, and was more inclined to use the line than tho rest of his side. Then the Springboks crossed into Wellington's twenty-five for tho first time and ecored. Zeller got away, only to be splendidly tackled by Siddells. The visitors still pressed, and Van Heerden missed at a critica 1 juncture. The Springbok forwards then took a hand in the attack, with the result that Clarkson and Mostert carried the leather over the line in the corner, the latter touching down. De Villiers failed to convert. . Smith Africa Wellington 0 After this Wellington gave tho Springboks little rest till half-time came. During a loose rush Ryan attempted to pot a goal. Tho ball went between the posts, but along the ground! A minute later H. Nicholls cut into tho pack and lost the ball, following which Roberts, iffuorIng an opening, potted at the goal, but missed by a wide margin. Roberts then rallied the Wellington backs for another onslaught, but M. Nicholls bungled in receiving. Then for the second and last time during the first spell South Africa invaded the home team’s twenty-five. Mellish broke the Wellington ranks and passed to Tindall, who, in hitting the ground after 'being tackled, got tho ball away to Van Heerden. The crack Olympic hurdler did not show any great turn of speed, and before long was hustled over the touch-line. From the lino-out Roberta cleared with a serviceable punt down field. A short spell of play took place in neutral territory, during which tho Springboks were penalised near tho touchline, about 45 yards back. King took the kick and landed a goal—an excellent kick. South Africa 3 Wellington 3 Inchided among the incidents which took place in the remaining few minutes* play before half-time were some smart fielding by Ryan, a good run by Aitken and n brilliant tackle on the part of Markham. SECOND SPELL. After Wellington kicked off a scrum took place about halfway. H. Nicholls sent tho ball to Roberts. Roberts transferred to M. Nicholls, who passed wildly when tackled, enabling the Springboks to intercept and initiate an attack. J. Michau, whoso leg was no longer giving him trouble, beat King behind the scrums —not the first time at that — and sent the ball to Zeller, who was pushed over the touch-line. Then Meyer got away, only to be smothe&d by Roberts. 11. Nicholls picked up out of the ruck and gave the ball to Roberts, who centred, but do Villiers fielded. Mostert set the Springboks pack in action, and things looked dangerous for Wellington, till Markham halted the rush. Wellington were awarded a series of penalty kicks, and this enabled them to keep the South Africans at bay. Siddells was twice smothered in an attempt to charge down the line instead of playing safe and lining. The Wellington backs made two big efforts to turn the tide of tho game in their favour, but they were too well marked. Once Mairkhain, the last man to receive, made a nice straight run, but there was no one with him. Van Heerden broke away on tho line for the Springboks, but he could not get properly set, and was easily accounted for. Mellisli stood out in several loose rushes organised by the- South African forwards, one of which was repelled by Ryan in great style. Siddells was now being bustled, and moro than once his fellow backs just came to his assistance in the nick of time. The South Africans commenced to worry Wellington with incessant forward rushes, and thrice crossed the defenders’ line in quick, succession. Then camo the outstanding incident of the day. J. Michau, the Springboks scrum-half, secured from tho, scrum in Wellington’s twenty-five, side-stepped once, and then, piercing the ranks of the defenders with an arrow-like run, ran round and scored between the posts. Do Villiers made no mistake wtih tho kick. South Africa s Wellington 3 Wellington attacked from the kick-off, and their backs flung tho ball about freely, but. to no effect. It was but a flash in the pan. J. Michau signalised the South Africans’ return to the attack with another spectacular piece of work. Receiving from the scrum in his own half, ho worked the blind, and, after putting in a characteristic straight run over fully 45 yards, deftly punted over the line, only to be beaten on the touch-down by Ryan. It was & great piece of work, and Michau deserved to ficoro. Alm out immediately af-

forwards de Villiers won many golden opinions by virtue of a penalty kick at goal from midfield, right on tho halfway line. It was a beautiful kick, and it just missed. Before long ha had another shot, this timo from ten yards inside half-way. Diespite tho wind the ball sped straight for its mark, only to strike the cross-bar anil rebound into play. Wellington were now well under tho ftpoll cast by the South Africans, who continued to attack till tho call of time. Mr. E. M’Kenzie, of Wairarapa, was referee. • SOME PASSING COMMENT TUT 1 , PLAY AND THE PLAYERS. (By "Old Timer.’’) "They came, they saw, they conquered •" This quotation is apt of the South African team of Rugby footballers, who made their first appearance in Wellington last Saturday afternoon. For some years past wo have been trying to live down our reputation of tho windiest city in the Dominion, but as far as these Springboks are concerned wo cannot even put up an argument, for Saturday afternoon was truly one of Wellington’s worst. The blast from the south had a real icy feelin"- in it, and as it was punctuated with a shower or two of rain, the conditions were about as bad as they well could be for tho playing of a game of Rugby football. As I write—twenty-four hours after the event—l feel how much better things would have been if the bad weather"hnd only come a day earlier. However, we have to take things as we find them, and tho prevailing question just now is, "What do you think of the South Africans?” and it is my intention in the following lines to give an answer to this question. First and foremost, they are a fine hefty lot of follows in tho main, although some of them gave me the impression they- wcro too big and burly to excel as Rugby footballers. Chatting with a friend after the game, his conclusion was that a “good big forward was better than tho average-sized man in tho front." With this I don’t agree, for tho simple reason that in a hard-fought ganio the big man is generally “all in” when the lighter man is still going strong. My opinion is that it the usual practice in Wellington of playing with two balls on a windy day had been followed tho South African forwards would have been timed right out long before tho conclusion of tho game. As it wns, those frequent spells -while tho ball was being brought back to the touchline helped the Springboks—and incidentally the more tired ones among the Wellington forwards—to keep Xoing to the end. In the reception given to the South African team by His Worship tho Mayor, the manager of the touring party inferred that they wore looking forward with a certain amount of pertubation to the meeting with tho Wellington team, and Captain Pienaar, in an informal "korero" at the Grand Hotel just prior to the departure of the team for Christchurch on Saturday night said that that first 1 forty minutes in the les th of the southerly wind was the most anxious time ho had ever had in his life in a game of Rugby football. And it is just those two things that have to be considered in reviewing tho showing of tho South Africans against Wellington. I believe they are a better side than this game would indicate— if not, they aro a long way removed from what we in these parts have always imagined a South African representative team to be. When tho Springboks prevailed over Wales in 190(1, doing something that the famous All Blacks could not do the previous year, their fame went abroad through all English-speak-ing .countries, and tho standard the South Africans were set on was a very high one. Those fellows with us have been proclaimed as the equals of their famous predecessors, but the facts I have just drawn attention to must have militated against their showing in the samo light. They were afraid of Wellington beating them, and therefore did not. exhibit any now features of Rugby football. Rather the reverse; they played the strict orthodox' game, even the versatile Van Heerdon not indulging in any of his sido-step-ping, hurdling runs we had heard so much about. Then tho other factor, the wind. This was altogether now In their experience, as was apparent from the fact that their big-kicking backs did not know how to deal with it. Tho low driving kick they did not show themselves possessed of, and the high kicks sent away by them generally got that far up in tho air that tho wind blew the ball back almost from whence it started. A. fellow scribe one time had it that a team was only so good as the opposition allowed it to be. This seems to me apropos here. The South Africans had come to New Zeatand with a big reputation—which, by tho way, has not been realised yet—and they found in the Wellington mon such determined tacklers that they were not given that freedom of movement necessary to develop the liner points of their play. Take the forwards, by way of example. We were told that the feature of tifeir play was hand-to-band passing, the men moving forward together, with the ball kept going from hand to hand all the time. That sample of Rugby football was not given an a IFing once during the game, for the simple reason that the man -with tho ball was generally upended before tho other fellows could get Into position. Whore the Springboks did l beat the Wellington team was on the line-out, Miohan’s extra height being the determining factor. The detailing of a couple of men to watch the big fellow could have easily made his usefulness of no effect, but as it was the South Africans gained little or nothing from this advantage. A dribbling rush—with tho tearaway forwards in the van—would have resulted many times if a Wellington man had Michau's chances, but mostly the man with the ball when he got it would turn his back on his opponents, douple his body up, and do a backward run for half a dozen yards, only to find himself and tho ball in chancery.

I am loth to believe, even after eayinp all this, that the Springboks showed their truo form in the match against Wellingtoi . I know that this year’s New Zealand t>am will not compare with tho famous All Blacks in all-round or individual brilliancy, but I feel confident that they will boat theso Springboks out of eight unless ffiiey have something up their sleeve that was not apparent on Saturday afternoon. That about the side as a whole—now a few words re the individual showings. Van Heerden was expected to do a lot of things, but he did not Impress a great deal. Ho had an excellent chance of moving the spectators to excitement on ono occaw'n—as a matter of fact, many held their breath for tho moment—but when ho was well in his stride, Siddells, tho Wellington full-back, up-ended him with a fine tackle. And, barring a couple of times in tho first spell, when the Olympic champion hurdler intercepted passes meant for Aitken, he was hardly noticeable. J. Michau, the half-back, was the finest liack on tho Springbok side. He was busy all the timo, running strongly, pess'ng wrtl, nnd he scored a fine try. Ho would do mo in any company. With the exception of de Villiers, the full-bock, tho men behind the Springbok scrummage were disappointing. Now anil ."gain nn individual would swing into action in a way that promised well, but it would only lx> a flash in tho pan. Zeller, Clarkson, Meyer, nnd Tindall nil gave ono this impression at times, but Meyer was tho only one that was at all persistent. In the forward division Michau was tho more conspicuous because of the size of him, and the unfailing way in which the ball was sent to him on tho iine-ou’t. Mellish and Ollivier were two fine forwards, and a similar remark applies to Pienaar. My own opinion is that if tho whole scrummage wns of Mellish’s weight —l3st. 121 b —and size it would bo a better pack than it is now with the ■burlier men in it.

Tho Wellington men played just as well ns I expected they would do. Tho selectors had got together a very nondescript side in the sense that too many of tno

men were playing in unaccustomed positions. For instance, there were four front-rank forwards in tho sovon, two locks, and the other man was playing on the side when ho generally plays in the back row. However they could expect tho scrummage to go down a solid compact body I cannot understand. The only men who were in their right positions were Standen and Hughes (hookers) and Moffit (lock). They did well against thoir heftier opponents, but that does not get away from tho fact that the forward division would have been a better one if Price had been played in the back row, and tho other places filled by men used to playing in them. And tho backs were similar. I cannot help saying that it was the worst-balanc-ed side, from the selectors’ point of view, that has ever been put in tho field to represent Wellington. H. 11. Nicholls (half) and E. Roberts and M. Nicholls (five-eighths) wcro all right, but they would have been happier if they had been playing the reverse way, the brothers Nicholls close up with Roberts on the outside. But it was the three-quar-ter line that made one wonder what haa happened to Wellington football. There was a time when we prided ourselves on our three-quarters, and to fill tho whole of the positions with five-eighths appears to ma to bo a veritable slap in the ftce to the men playing in those positions in ordinary championship games. Aitken is a centre, I know, and does well in that position, but I don’t think as they were placed on Saturday the trio I am referring to made an effective line. “Look at the fine defensive game he put up,” said an enthusiast to me, but, in my opinion, unless a three-quarter can score tries ho should bo left among the spectators. Siddells gave a spectacular exhibition at full-back, especially in tackling, but he was tackled several times 'before he got his kick in. Ke is a long way from an ideal full-back. Which all means, from tho way I look at things, that the South Africans would have been beaten li the Wellington team had been selected with any judgment. Of course, 1 am willing to admit that for tho success of the Springboks’ tour through the Dominion it is a good thing that they prevailed over Wellington on Saturday last, but I can't help being parochial in my feelings. It is pleasant to see the Black brigade carrying all before them, and the present-day lot are not going to do so unless tho fifteen is selected in a methodical fashion. A man has to bo a superlative player to bo played in a position ho is not accustomed to, and this is a fact that selectors of teams these days seem to forget. A SPECTATOR CRITIC "Banker” writes:—What struck mo on Saturday was what might be called "cesuafness” of the Africans’ gainc. Ihis impression may be duo to the difference in the methods of tho visitors as compared with tho more "bustling” play we are used to in New Zealand or it may be due to the avowed policy of the visitors in treating the provincial games as being relatively unimportant and making their prime object New Zealand's scalp in tho Tests. However this may be, many came away from Saturday’s game with a definite impression that the visiting combination is canablo of good deal better football than they have so far shown on the tour. To toe more precise: that the best fifteen of Hie twenty-nine visitors aro likely to prove a more formidable combination than is generally supposed. In wTHII manner did Wellington tail, and in what manner did the Springboks succeed? The answer is simple, and the answer to my mind fairly describes the game. Right from the kick-off the African forwards took charge, and in charge they remained more or less until the call of time. This is not to say the Wellington forwards were never in the hunt: they were. They played a sterling game -particularly Moffitt and Standen; but the Wellington pack met a better one. As for tho Wellington backs (from whom our salvation was to come), they were at no stage of tho game really inspiring. True, their opportunities were few—the Springbok forwards saw to that; but there was no "zip," no departure from the orthodox. The few attempts made at opening up play were promptly kUled by tackling as deadly as it could well be. Aitken was rarely noticeable, but then very little camo his way; Ryan made mistakes, but generally ho was safe, and his was the one effort of the game that for a fleeting second looked likely to end in a score. Tho inclusion of Markham was fully justified—his tackling and defence were first class, and when the ball came his way ho generally dealt with it in a workmanlike way. Ginger Nicholls sparkled but rarely—and has played better games; Roberts was sound and alwavs good, but never brilliant. Mark Nicholls, however, was never noticeable. Siddells gave a mixed display—the good predominating.’ At times one gets an uneasy feeling until lie gathers in the ball: when he does he rarely makes a mistake. His tackling was brilliant, and if only he studied and perfected the art of taking the ball on tho fall, what a full-back he would bo! On Saturday’s game, little can be said of the back division of the visitors—their forwards "carried tho baby." Van Heerden’e true quality has yet to be seen in New Zealand. On the other hand, Zeller did give a taste of his quality; he may be reckoned a dangerous three-quarter. TEAM LEAVES WELLINGTON ROUGH TRIP ON MARAROA. After the match the teams were entertained at dinner at the Grand Hotel. The gathering was purely informal, and at 8.15 p.m. the Springboks sailed for Lyttelton bv the Mararoa, which had been delayed half an hour in order to suit their convenience. The South Africans must have had an unenviable experience on the run to Lyttelton, as on account of the heavy southerly, the ferry steamer did not make ‘port till 3.40 p.m. Several of the South Africans are still on the injured list.' i G. P. Morkel, the full-back, is still troubled bv nn injury to his right arm. Henry Morkel, one of the star wing three-quarters, is still suffering from arm trouble. De Kock, half-back, is now well on the road to recovery. W. H. (Boy) Morkel, the vice-captain, whoso kneo lias been giving him trouble, will shortly be fit enough to take the Hones are entertained by tho visitors that all their injured players will have recovered in time'for their inclusion in the first test. . Mr. R. T. Bailey is accompanying the team on the southern tour as representative of the New Zealand Rugby Union. Before leaving for Lyttelton on Saturday night tho Springboks expressed themselves as well satisfied with the refereeing in their match against Wellineton. which wns in the hands of Mr. E. M'Konzie. of Wairarapa. the curtain-raiser The curtain-raiser to the big match was provided by sixth grade teams representing Wellington College A and Petone. Wellington College won after a fast open game by 23 to 0. Tries for the winners were scored by Do Chateau, Bailev (3), Hanan (2), and Robertson. 'Robertson converted one of the tries. CANTERBURY TEAMS TO MEET SPRINGBOKS AND TOUR NORTH. By Telegraph -Press Associatlr® Christchurch, July 23. The following team will represent Canterbury against the Springboks:—Fullback. .E- Evans; three-quarters, Ford, M’Cormack. Wilson; five-eighths, Deans, R Evans; half. H. Mullins; forwards, Carnegie (wing), Ellis, Munro, Henderson, Murray, Petersen, W. Cummings, E. Cummings. The following Canterbury team has been selected to make tho North Island tour;—Full-back, Orchard; three-quar-

ters. Ford, M'Cormack, Wilson; fiveeighths. Fitzgerald, R. Evans; half, H. Mullins: forwards, Carnegie (wing), Ellis, -.-Munro. Henderson, Smart (Kaikoura), A. Henry. E. Cummings, W. Cummings. Emergencies: Forwards, Dennehy; backs. W. L. Henry, J. C. Mullins. IN OTHER CENTRES MANAWATU GAMES. From Our Special Correspondent Palmerston North, July 23. The senior contests were resumed today in fine but bitterly cold weather. Western United were pitted against the Diggers, and scored a decisive victory by 17 pointe to nil. By this victory the former win the senior championship, and secure the Hankins Shield. Taking the season right through, tho wearers of the red and black jerseys deserve their success. Their principal strength lay in the forward division, which has been nursed throughout by two players of repute—Dustin and Harkness. The rear division is not too sound, although there are one or two promising players in this department—Mair and Perrin—who have played fairly consistently all through. The game to-day was not of an interesting character owing to the red forwards completely outclassing the opposing pack. At times there were flashes of good back play, Mair, Perrin, and Ingham being noticeable. On the adjoining grounds Old Boys tried conclusions with the Kia Toa. These teams were fnirly evenly matched, and for a good portion of the game the play was very even. Kia Toa scored first blood by means of a penalty, Johnstone finding the uprights with a nice kick. There «»as no further score at half-time. On resuming, Old Boys livened up somewhat, and pressed Kia Toa hard. Their first score was the result of a nice combined movement among the backs, which allowed Callender to sieze an opening and score in a handy position. M. Rodder converted. B—3. Tho Old Boys kept up the pressure, and it was not long before Bramwell took advantage of an. opening from a melee near tho Kia Tea’s last line, and scored well out. Hodder failed with the kick. 11—3. Strenuous play marked the closing stages, but no further score resulted. Two injuries were received simultaneously on adjoining grounds. C. Bryan, of the Diggers, suffered an injury to the head, as the result of a high tackle, and W. M'Minn. of the Kia Toa’s, sprained his ankle. Both players were unable to resume. Other results.—Junior (for Rogers Cup): High School 8, Kin Toa 0. Third grade: Western United 14. Old Boys 5. Fourth Grade: Gordons 8, Western United 3; Albion 3. Old Boys 0. g. MANAWATU REPRESENTATIVES. From Our Own Correspondent. Palmerston North, July 23. Tho following Mauawatu representative teams have been selected for next Saturday:—A Team, to meet Hawke’s Bay at Hastings :—Full-back, Swainson; threequarters, Glendinning, W. Bramwell, Leeder; five-eighths, I. Bramwell, Eglinton; half, Mair; forwards, Carroll, Skinner, Munro, Harkness, Dustin (captain), O’Reilly, Bucknell, and Deiderich (wing). Emergencies: M’Kenzie (back), and Anderson (forward). B Team, to meet Oroua Sub-Union at Kimbolton.—Full-back, Johnstone; threequarters, Callender, Perrin, Fairbrother; five-eighths, E. Hodder (captain), Ingham; half, Jewell; forwards, Lowe, Kiely, G alpin. Ryan, Boddy, Doherty, Butcher, and Sheehan (wing). Emergencies: Heald (forwards), and M'Sweeney and Yates (backs). IN THE -WAIRARAPA. By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Masterton, July 23. Masterton seniors defeated Greytown seniors to-day by 17 points to 9, and won the Wairarapa senior championship for the season. Carterton and Gladstone seniors gained victories over Featherston and Red Star seniors respectively. NORTH OTAGO DEFEAT SOUTH CANTERBURY. By Telegraph. —Press Association. Oamaru, July 24. The first Rugby representative fixture of the season was played in cold and windy, but fine weather, North Otago defeating South Canterbury by 12 points to 6. The winning forwards showed fine dash, which gave the backs nn opportunity. M'Mahon scored , a try for North Otago, and Mollison kicked three goals. Tho South Canterbury score consisted of two tries scored by Scott and Ward. The ground was in first-class order, and a fast, interesting game resulted. < AUCKLAND RESULTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, July 24. Grafton beat College Rifles bv 11 points to 6: Grammar Old Boys beat Marist Old Boys bv 9 to 7; Ponsonby beat Newton bv 15 to 8. SCHOOL GAMES Further results of matches played in the primary schools’ competitilons on Friday are as follow: — Senior A Grade. Lyall Bay 10, Wellington 3. For the winners, tries were scored by M'Leod and Best, H&nds converting two. Weine scored for Kilbirnie. Hutt District High School won from 1 Te Aro by default. Senior B Grade. Berhainpore 3, Now-town 0. Normal 3, South Wellington 3. Petono Wejst 9, Brooklyn 3. Marist 5, Petone D. 11.5. 3. Junior Grade. Karori 9, Newtown G. Terrace defeated Clyde Quay by 27 pointe to nil. Callaghan, Holdsworth, Cookson, Fordham, and' Paul did the scoring for the winners.