FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 10340, 14 June 1897, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. [By Rekerke.] The following are the results of the amior clubs up to date: —

KAIKORAI V. ALHAMBRA. Kiikorai repeated their performance of list year by defeating their old rivals at Bishopseourt on Saturday by a try to nil. These two club 3 generally fight out a close finish, and Saturday's match proved no exception to that rule. Torrance kicked off and Pimm returned to the halfway flag. For the first ten minutes Kaikorai were pressed, but from that out to the end of the spell the game was fairly even. A passing rush amongst the Kaikorai backs enabled Armit to distinguish himself by carryiug the leather into dangerous proximity to the Alhambra lines, where he was grassed by Pimm. Subsequently another good passing rush amongst the Kaikorai backs opened up what looked like a favorable opportunity to score, but the chance was lost by Williamson hand-baliing. Towards the close of thrt spell, from a dribbling rush, Ronald picked up and dished over, scoring a try. Maxwell attempted to convert the try but failed. In the second spell Kaikorai were mostly on the defence, and the Alhambra had two or three good chances to score, but none of them came off, most of them being spoilt by hard kicking. On oue occasion M'Kewen was all but over when Duncan brought him down in great style. Towards the close of the spell the Reds got a mark and a free kick. Both were in favorable positions, but Crowe failed to pilot the ball through the posts. Wood, Armit, and Duncan were in their best form. Jackson has been promoted from the Second Fifteen to scrum half, but will require a lot of coaching before he is anything like eiiicient. In the forward division Ronald, Wilkinson, an! M'Laren were the most prominent. Amongst the Red backs Pimm, Ross, Crowe, and Highley put in a lot of work ; while Kennedy, Given, and Coburn may be singled out from the forwards. Mr M'Connochie acted as referee. In the course of the second spell J. Torrance was ordered by the referee to leave the ground. Torrance was on the line-out and had received the ball when tie referee ruled he was off side. Torrance contended that he was not off-side, and the referee stated that if he questioned his ruling he would order him oft' the ground. Torrance then remarked that he could order him off if he so wished, but he would still maintain that he was not off-side. The referee thereupon ordered the player off, and he cheerfully obeyed. The matter will be made the subject of an inquiry by the Rugby Union. Alhambra intend to appeal against the try, on the ground that Ross forced the ball before Roland got possession of it. I'NION V. CAVERSHAM. This match, played on the North Ground, ended in a draw, neither side scoring. The game could hardly be considered a full test of either club's ability. The Union sent a weak fifteen into the field, Alexander. Harris, Logan, and Munro being absent, while Caversham's representatives had to battle as best they could without Lang and Captain Cavanagh. Besides this lowering of strength in regard to personnel, a full test was also impossible from the fact that the ground was in a dreadfully slippery condition. The men slid about as though on ice, and fell with the slightest touch, and it was not uncommon to see a kick cause the player to settle down awkwardly and ludicrously, to the amuspment of the onlookers. Under these circumstances it is unnecessary to describe the game in detail. It was mainly a contest between the forwards, in which Olson, Whelan, and Yates for Caversham, and Stalker, Beadle, and Stewart for the Union team were most prominent, and in this department the Union's generally had a little the best of it, but they never secured enough advantage to score. On the other hand, Caversham's backs seemed to play lather a better game than the rear division of their opponents, Lawry and Burgess being noticeably safe, and, though the forwards had the more numerous opportunities, this superiority of the Caversham backs served to equalise the chances of the teams. The Caversham passing was, indeed, the only feature of this strange and unexciting match, and their side was distinctly getting the best, of it towards the oall of time. Mr Restieaux acted as referee. PIRATE 3 V. ZISGABI'BICHMOm This match was played at Carisbrook on Saturday afternoon in tho presence of a fair number of spectators. The rain during the earlier part of the day had the effect of making the ground greasy, but though the ball was soon somewhat slippery the ground remained in very fair order. The Colors won the toss, and M'Farlane elected to play towards the Cargill road goal, with the wind slightly in h]3 favor. The Pirates kicked off, and making the game fast from the start, were not long in putting their opponents on the defensive. The Colors were several times forced down, and then they roused themselves, and, plaving with great vieor, carried the play into Blacks' territory. The play was somewhat slow, being a series of scrums relieved occasionally by short rashes. After half an hour's play Zingari-Richmond were still in the Pirates' twenty-five, and eventually from a scrum near the line the ball was carried across, and Bradley, dropping on it, scored a try for the Colors. Macfarlane took the kick, but the ball landed short. The Colors returned to the attack, but although they continued to press their opponents they were unable to score, and halftime was called with the ball in the Blacks' twenty-five. The in the second spell was decidedly of a more interesting description. Shortly after the kick off a ZingariRichmond back mulled a return, and the Blacks swooping down before the mistake could be retrieved centred play in their opponents' twenty-five. Priest and Macdonald were very aggressive, but R. Fordyce at full - back was safe, and put in a lot of useful work. After a determined attack for about ten minutes the Blacks broke through the defence, and Thomson was enabled to score. The kick at goal did not increase the points. After the kick-out the Pirates returned to t he charge, and Priest had a shot at goal from a free kick, but without success. After a series of scrums in neutral territory the Blacks broke aw&y, and the finest piece of play during the match was witnessed. Shaud got possession and r &n nearly to the ! twenty-five, when he transferred to Mac- I assey, who in turn passed again to Shand. Shand carried the leather to near the line, and, passing smartly to Macassey, that player transferred to Gregg, who crossed the line, and, running round, scored near the posts. It was a fine piece of play, and loudly was cheersd. Matheson took the kick, and placed an unmistakeable goal. This second reverse seemed to rouse the Zingari-Rich-mond somewhat, and for a few minutes they were very active. A. Fordyce and W. Smith each made fine runs into the Pirates' twenty-five, but, as they were not well backed up, no great advantage was gained. The Pirates made several efforts to score again, but without success, and when the referee (Mr D. Torrance) called time the leather was in neutral territory. The game thus ended with the score standing : Pirates 8 points, Zingari-Richmond 3. The Pirates team were superior all round, < xcept at the line-out, where the Zingari forwards gained lots of ground. In the scrums the Pirates were too good for the Colors, and in the loose the Blacks had the advantage. The backs on both sides had great difficulty in handling the bull, owing to its be ng so slippery. Macassey, Shand, and Hay played well, kicking and passing splendidlv. Macassey also tackled admirably. P. - and M. Priest, M'Donald, and Matheson wep the most conspicuous of the forwards, Farquharson working hard in the scrums. R. Fordyce, full-back for the Zingari, had plenty to do,

and saved his side time after time. Isaac and Reid were the best of the three-quarters, the former kicking very well. A. Fordyoe, playing as scrum half (in place of Smith, who was absent), did good work, getting away on several occasions, and M'Farlane ably supported him. Of the forwards, Caradus, G. and W. Smith, and Lane were about the best, W. Smith being especially good on the line. UNIVERSITY V. DUNEDIN. The noteworthy features of the above match, played on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday, were unquestionably the brilliant passing of the 'Varsity backs, the splendid place-kicking of Turton and J. B. Maodonald, and ihe grand recovery made by Dunedin in the second spell. Those who stayed away from the "Cale" missed a perfect treat, for a more scientific and better display of football than that given by the University backs haß not been witnessed in Dunedin this season. The Light Blues were never seen to better advantage, their short, sharp, accurate passing recalling pleasant recollections of the days when the Alhambra Club were in their prime. It is impossible to speak too highly of the clever work done by the University, and that they well deserved their victory was admitted by all. Playing with the wind in the first spell, they ran up 16 points, 8 of them being recorded in the first ten minutes. The game had not long commenced when J. B. Macdonald got possession of the ball, and transferred it to M'Ara, who sent it on to Armstrong. The latter ran to within a few yards of the line, and then returned the leather to M'Ara, who scored first blood near the posts. O'Shea made no mistake with the kick. The tries subsequently obtained by Fell, (two) and J. G. Macdonald were all the result of pretty passiog rushes, the ball being handled by J. B. Macdonald, M'Ara, Armstrong, and 0 Shea before it was qiven to the wing three-quarters. J. B. Macdonald converted one of the tries with a strong kick from near the touch-line, and he almost succeeded in registering another goal from near the same spot. The second spell was all in favor of the Dunedin, who, although they did not succeed in wiping off the 16 points deficiency, managed to rattle up half of that number before the final whistle sounded. They played with much more combination and dash, and their forwards gave the opposing vanguard a very warm time of it. The University forwards are not a strong pack, and had they been more successful in securing possession of the ball in the scrum a much larger score would have been credited to their side. They seemed to go to pieces in this spell, and their backs suffered in consequence. Smart passing by Connor, Mason, Eagles, and Stephenson saw the Dunedin crack scramble over the line near the corner flag. Turton fully upheld his reputation as a place-kick by sending the ball clean between the posts. Shortly afterwards the Dark Blues were awarded a free kick for an opposing player collaring Stephenson when he hadn't the ball, and Turton placed another goal from near the twenty-five flag. He and J. B. Macdonald are undoubtedly 'he two best long-distance place-kicks here. The only other work worthy of mention was two dangerous runs made by Fell, who got within a few yards of the line each time. Neill ('Varsity) made no mistakes, his kicking and collaring being first-class. Fell is a veritable greyhound, being without doubt the fastest three-quarter on the football field in Dunedin at the present time. He also proved himself a difficult man to tackle, and on one occasion he cut his way through the opposing backs in great style. He kicks well, and takes the ball with unerring judgment. He should give some of our reputed cracks a good "go" for interpro. honors. O'Shea played a perfect game, making several splendid openings for his wing men. J. G. Macdonald put in some real sound defensive work, and made the most of his chances. Armstrong and M'Ara surprised everybody by their smartness. They never once blundered at taking the leather, and one pleasing point about their play was their cleverness at beating their men before passing. The most useful back in the team is apparently J. B. Macdon dd, who seems to be able to play anywhere. At the beginning of the season I was afraid Otago would have much difficulty in pickirig a scrum half this vear, but after this match I don't thiuk the Selection Committee will have to look far for a half-back if this sturdy young player continues to show the same amount of tact and ability a3 characterised his play on Saturday. His passing out was a treat to witness ; while his 'cuteness, kicking, and collaring stamp him as a good all-round man. The most conspicuous in the forward division were Gregg, Hale, Fenwick, and M'Farland. The Dunedin backs were considerably weakened by the absence of Drumra and Mackenzie. Turton played full-baok, and did his best. Stephenson kicked and ran in his usual style. Eagle 9 put in some useful work. M'Donald was a rank failure at wing. throe, quarter. He is very much on the " green " side, but would improve with a little ooachin?. King was of great service to his side, being always about when wanted. Mason came out of his shell in the second spell, and played one of the best games since his return from Wellington. Connor did his share creditably. Isaacs and Rogerson were far and away the best of the forwards. Mr A. Downes acted as referee, his decisions being received with unanimous approval. > OTHER MATCHES. Alhambra Second defeated Kaikorai Second by (j points to nil —Alhambra Third defeated Ravensbourne Second by 8 points to 6.—Pacific and Otakia played a drawn game at, Mosgiel. neither side scoring.—Star defeated High School by 8 points to nil. — Kaikorai third defeated Union Third by 6 points to nil. —The match Star Second v. High School Second ended in a draw, neither side North-east Valley First defeated Albion First by 7 points to (j. —Union street School defeated Arthur street School by 11 points to s.—Kensington School Third defeated High street School Third by 6 points to 3.—High street School beat the Normal by 8 to 5. ASSOCIATION. ROSLYN V. RANGERS. The above teams tried conclusions on the Asylum Ground. The field of play was very sloppy, and anything like a good exposition of the game was entirely out of the question. The Roslyn winning the toss, Sligo for the Rangers set the leather in motion. The Blues at once assumed the offensive, and time after time were within an ace of scoring, but Kober's defence was good. By hard kicking and quick following up the Rangers pressed, but the Roslyn backs I quicklv cleared, and from a good passiog rush R. Brown scored. Shortly after 8. Brown added another goal to the score. The Rangers then warmed up and put in some good work, shifting the play into Roslyn i territory, where Sligo, with a good shot, j scored first goal for the town team. From this on till half time the Roslyn continued to peg away at the Rangers' goal, but Kober never played in better form, and cleared time after time what appeared to be a certain score. In the second spell the Blacks, with the wind in their favor, commenced a strong attack, but the Roslyn backs played splendidly and cleared in fine style. The play at this stage was fast and furious, the ball travelling rapidly up and down the field. The Rangers had decidedly the best of the game, but their efforts to equalise proved futile owing to the strong defence of the hill team. The Roslyn forwards them warmed up, and with good combination carried the ball to the Rangers' quarters, where Arlidge missed an easy chance of scoring. The game thus resulted in a win for Roßlyn by two goals to one. For Rangers, Kober played splendidly in goal; Ashton and North (backs) kicked well, the latter especially putting in Borne good work ; Middlemiss and Mollison were the pick of the halves. Holland, Mills, and Calder, in the forward division, played hard right through ; while Sligo was never seen to better advantage, his passing being of a high order. For Roslyn, Duff in goal had not much work to do, but what he had to do he did in good style; Calder and G. M'Millan's defence was sound ; D. M'Millan was the pick of the halves, and was ably supported by W. Dobson; Brown (2), P. M'Millan, Arlidge, and Dodd all played well in the forward division, but certainly should

have scored of tener, as they had the goal at their meroy time after time. MOENINOTON V. QUEKN'B PABK. Mornington met Queen's Park on the latter's ground, and after a fast and exoiting game defeated them by one goal to nil. The Park, who played with four substitutes, kicked off, and Adams almost immediately made a fine run, but Livingstone in goal proved equal to the oooasion. Keeping up the attack, Queen's Park were within an ace of scoring several times, but rash shooting on the part of the forwards, together with the sure play of Momington's goalkeeper, rendered all their attempts of no avail. A forward rush by Mornington transferred the play to the opposite goal, when, after a number of attempts, Loohhead was at last successful in scoring with a header. The remainder of the spell was all in favor of the hill team; but capital defensive play by Spraggon and Laing nullified all their efforts to add to the score. The seoond spell saw the play all in Queen's Park goal, but owing to bad bhooting by Mornington and good defence by the Park backs no furffier'score was made, the game ending as stated above. Coming to the Individual play, Adams was by far the best of the Park forwards, but met his match in Ward, of Mornington, whose defensive play was all that could be desired. Of the backs, R. D. Spraggon and Laing rendered yeomen's service. For the Mornington, Livingstone in goal played a fine game in the first spell; but in the second half his services were never required. Ward, Sparrow, and Anderson were the pick'of the backs, who one and all played a good game. Loohhead and J. Anderson were the best of the forwards. The game was controlled by Mr G. Pollock in his usual excellent style. (I KEEN ISLAND V. NORTHERN. Northern played Green Island on the latter's ground. After the kick-off the Northern seemed to have slightly the best of the game for a time, but the home team came with a fast rush, and eventually the ball was lodged through between the posts. Green Island broke away with another rush, and William Smith, after a few good shotß, managed to score. The Northern's turn came next, as, making a fast rush down the field, they managed to kick their first and only goal. When the second spell started both teams seemed to be pretty well matched until the home team got another goal, this ending the scoriug for the day, which made them ihree goals to the Northern's one. As the referee selected by the Association did not turn up to rule the game, it was necessary to select one on the field. This is not encouraging to the teams, but the referee on Saturday knew the game thoroughly, and gave fair play to both sides. OTHER MATCHES. Rangers Second defeated Roslyn Second by four goals to nil.— Green Island defeated Northern Second by one goal to nil.

Cluh. >, Mate a 0 hes. c 8 2 j a Points. h < Kaikorai Pirates Zin»r»ri-Richiuond University Duncdiu Alhamhra 5 5 . 5 6 • <! 5 5 3 3 4 1 2 - 2 1 3 - 4 1 63 12 44 9 33 25 43 27 51 46 14 21 Union Caversham ;. 7 z 4 1 6 1 " 32 12 85