FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 11252, 28 May 1900, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

[By Referee.] Tlie following are the results of Saturday’s' matches;— ' RUGBY.—SENIOR GRADE. KAIKORAI V. UNIVERSITY. Much interest centred iu this contest, which took place on the Caledonian Ground before a large number of spectators; and when the Kaikorai took the field without the veteran Duncan and Murphy (the forward) it looked any odds on the ’Varsity. Again, however, one of the glorious uncertainties of the game was witnessed, for the Blue-and-blacks, with a weak team, fairly turned the tables on (heir vanquishers of the past two seasons. The victory created much surprise among the “ knowing ones,” as the Light Bines were looked upon in some quarters as a " good thing ” long before it was known ! that Duncan and Murphy would not be playing. Recognising that his backs had little or no chance of successfully coping with the usually brillkyit play of the ’Varsity hacks, (laplain Sinclair wisely.confined the play aniong the forwards, and his vanguard, proving equal to the occasion, fairly routed the opposing forwards, both in the scrums and in the loose, and wore thus able to take charge of the play and win the match. They showed some dashing play, securing possession of the ball in the scrum, following up fast, and collaring their men in a clean ami determined style. They seemed to dash along with their minds made up to stop at nothing, and backed up by sound tackling and splendid touch-line kicking on the part of the backs, they were to the fore from the start to the finish of the game. The wing forwards, particularly Porteous, did ho end of "spoiling ’ work, and were a tower of strength to their side, although at times ovcr-oagcrness on their part gave their opponents many free kicks. The ’Varsityforwards arc a well-made and formidablelooking crowd, but for some reason or other they hayo not yet shown anything like the form that one would expect from such a heavy and likely-looking pack. Had they only shown their superiority in scrum work, tlie backs must have had the Kaikorai rearguard in I rouble time after time, but that was not to be, and on the day’s play the match was undoubtedly won by the best team. Playing with a light wind in their favor and the sun at their backs, the ’Varsity backs opened out well. They commenced handling the ball cleanly, but their passing might have been more effective had it not Jieeu of a straight-across-the-field style. Macdonald, lor instance, cut in once or twice, and then spoilt a good opening by bad passing or holding on too long. „ Orbell, who showed plenty of foot, made two good runs, and went elo;e to the lino before he was tackled. This attacking play of the ’Varsity put the Blue-aud-black forwards on their mettle, ami they at once treated the spectators to some fast,, willing work in the open. They were responsible for carrying play to the Light Blues’ line, where" passing' between Ready and Sinclair, who ran right up to the full-back and then gave Jackson a. clear run in, vas spoilt through the latter not taking the ball cleanly. The Kaikorai forwards kept up the onslaught, and at last their efforts^ were rewarded. The ball was carried over the line, and Porteous, making a dive for it, scored, through White hanging off and failing to instantly drop on the leather or touch it with his hand in order to force down, which he had plenty of time to do. Adamson failed to convert. The ’Varsity wakened up, and a dangerous passing rush among their backs proved resultlcss through Broad, after making a well-judged run, giving; a bad pass to White when close to the lifid. For one of the Colors handling the ball in the scrum Broad had a shot at- goal from a good position, but the ball went wide. On changing ends play centred, until a passing rush by the ’Varsity backs removed play to tlie Colors’ quarters, where Broad had" another unsuccessful attempt at goal. The Kaikorai forwards, working together as one man, again broke away, and were chief!v instrumental in placing the Light Blues’'line in danger. The Kaikorai backs ventured to tr, passing tactics when in their opponents’ qnaitcrs, but more than one good chance was thrown away through Williamson either failing to take the ball or passing wildlv. After repeated attempts Sinclair, whom the ’Varsity backs stood off—tackling appearing to be one of their weak spots—ran to the fullback, and then transferred to fjim, who 1 mossed the line unopposed, amidst great cheering. Adamson kicked a. poster. Porteous, who was in every scramble, went close to scoring on two occasions—once the ’'Varsity forced just in the nick of time, and on the next occasion this player touched down within a few indies of the line. Towards the dose of the game the Light Blues showed some of their true form, and a pretty piece of passing between Armstrong, who sneaked away smartly, M‘Ara, Macdonald, Broad, and White ended in the latter scoring. The same player took the kick, but no goal resulted. Play then became fast and furious, and for the next five minutes the ’Varsity attacked in groat style, amidst much excitement. They made strenuous efforts to add another score to their total, hub the Kaikofai managed to stall off their challenge, and when the whistle sounded time, leaving the Kaikorai winners by 6 points to 3, the play was in the centre of the field. Kerr, the Kaikorai full-back, performed all ho had to do—namely, kicking—without • making any mistakes. Wilkinson, on the wmg, also kicked well, but should put more dash into his play. Long and accurate touchline kicking was the feature of Jackson’s play at centre, while Sim has seldom played better. His speed stood him in good stead, and he was all over the field at times. His kicking, too, was an improvement -on the picvious Saturday. Ready, an emergency man for the second, who happened to be on the ground, was stationed behind the scrum, and, following out instructions no doubt, usually kicked into touch when the ball was heeled out to liira. At the same time, he showed that he could pass the ball out smartly and accurately. Williamson knows how to beat a man, but usually spoils his good play in that respect by erratic passing. He is also too fond of hanging on to the leather rather long. Sinclair handled his men with capital judgment, and besides playing His usually sound, safe game, was brilliant more than once. Cross was the mainstay of the forwards, and, never seeming to tiro, was here, there, and everywhere, showing dashing form in the open and working like a Trojan in the scrums. Porteous as a wing forward has few equals, and like Cross puts plenty of dash into his work. Adamson also showed out to advantage, especially on the line-out. M i Repa, the ’Varsity full-back, saved his side repeatedly with his sure kicking ‘ and stioug running powers. White ran well, but is not the ditshing player of last season. His kicking, too', was somewhat erratic. Broad is improving every Saturday, while the kicking and running of Orbell were all that could be desired. Armstrong was seen to advantage behind the scrum, sneaking away smartly at times, making good openings, and passing accurately. M'Araphiyed one of his usual games. Macdonald nerfonnod plenty of solid, useful work, but he still has to master the art of passing. , The forwards are big and - strong enough, fand should do better in the scrums. Giesgt Allen, and Fenwick were about the best, Mr Harris, who acted as referee, would have a clearer view of the players if he put

the ball in the scrum on the blind side more often than he did on Saturday. He would then ho able to detect much of the off-side play which escaped his notice. ALHAMBRA V. SOUTHERN. The meeting of these two clubs bad evidently been looked forward to witb interest, for a large attendance of the public assembled at Opobo. The ground was in splendid condition. Alhambra won tlie toss, and fleeted to play from the north end. Southern at once assumed the aggressive, and had Alhambra penned in their twenty-five for some time. Tlie Alhambra’s forwards broke away with a rush, and, carrying the ball to Southern’s line, Bond picked up and fell over. Tlie attempt to convert was a failure. After more play in mid-field Alhambra backs started a passing rush, and Bennett passed nicely to Stephenson, who scored for Alhambra. The kick at goal was again resultless. Southern carried play to Alhambra’s twenty-five, but shortly afterwards Alhambra once more started a dribbling rush. Stephenson got possession, and (united into mid-field. '■ Bennett fielded splendidly, and, passing to Hobson, -that player scored beneath the posts. Larkins was entrusted with the kick, and easily converted. Play was then confined to midfield for a little, and Southern rushed the ball to Alhambra’s line, where they were awarded a free kick for an infringement. The advantage, however, only resulted in Alhambra being forced. The hill men then started numerous passing rushes, and must have scored several times but for the obstinate defence of tlie opposing backs. Stephenson broke away, but was collared nicely ten yards from the line. Another fine rush between Johnston, Bennett, and J. Dey resulted in the latter player being blocked at the corner flag. Then from a scrum Knowles got the ball and jinked the opposing backs, scoring again for Alhambra. The kick at goal fell short. Alhambra continued to press their opponents until halftime whistle. On resuming tlie Southern were at once forced down and Alhambra assumed tlie aggressive. From a rush Johnston picked up, passed to Bennett, who in turn gave J. Dey the ball, but he I was stopped by I. a wry at the twenty-five Hag. Southern gamelv responded, and by a forward rush carried the ball over Alhambra s line, but Larkins succeeded in forcing down. Alhambra were now kept busy defending for about ten minutes, when Phillips broke away, bringing plav back to mid-held. More passing between Johnston, and Bennett and W. Dey carried the ball to the twenty-five, where from a scrum Knowles passed out, and Whinam, getting the ball, made a dash for the line, but lost, the ball, and a force-down resulted. A lot of even play now took place. Alhambra making hard efforts to score. From a rush W. M’Kewen picked up and got over the line, but bis try was not allowed owing to an infringement. A good kick by Lawry found the touch-line at Alhambra’s twentyfive, where shortly afterwards Knowles fumbled, and Southern forwards carried the ball over the line, Olson scoring for Southern. The kick at goal went wide. Shortly afterwards Southern were awarded a free kick in a handy position, but. the kick at goal fell short, and Knowles quickly returned play to mid-field. Southern again rallied and made strenuous efforts to score, but Alhambra’s defence was reliable, and the whistle sounded leaving the Ahambra winners by 14 (joints to 5. For the winners .Larkins at full-back was only fair. Stephenson, R. Bennett, and Johnston, were tie best of the remainder of the backs, who all played a good game—their passing was very good all day—-giving their opponents no end of trouble. The forwards all worked well. IV. M'Kewen, Hobson, and Mitchell seemed to be the most prominent. For Southern Lawry and Bennett played well, while we have seen Goodman play better. Olson, Allen, and Willett were the pick of the forwards, who all plaved a hard game, although overmatched. Mr R. Issacs officiated as referee, and gave every satisfaction. .UNION V. riRAXES. These two teams met ou the North Ground, both sides being weakened through the absence of several players. The Pirates suffered most, they not being in their best form after their trip to Christchurch. The game was a, capital one throughout, and although the Maroons succeeded in winning by 12 points to nil. the contest was not a, one-sided one by any means. In the first spell the Pirates showed ii]) in some fine loose rushes, invading their opponents’ quarters time after time, but the Union backs, by good passing, always manacred to regain tlie lost ground. I Safe tackling by the Pirates’ backs prevented j any score resulting from these passing runs, except iu one instance, when Duthio got the hall into his hands, and made off, passing to Thomson, from whom the leather went to Walker, and then to Bennett, who scored. Gow piloted the ball over the bar. The second spell saw the Pirates with an advantage at the commencement. Sparrow made a dashing run, and dodged tlie Union wing three-quarter and full-back, but was subsequently collared. Bennett made a sendeeable run, which took play to tlie Pirates’ quarters, where some hot work ended in the same player picking up smartly and potting a goal. Prom a mark Gow kicked at goal, but the attempt was resultless, and later on, play continuing in the Pirates’ ground, M. Priest fumbled the ball, and D. Mnnro, following up smartly, dribbled the ball over the line, where he fell on it. No goal was kicked. For the Union Adams, Munro, Thomson, Walkei;, and Bennett (backs) were the most conspicuous, while the forwards all worked well. Hislop was the pick of the Pirates hacks. The forwards showed capital form on the line-out and in the loose. Mr Mahone acted as referee. DUNEDIN V. ZIXGARI-RICHMOND. A fast game was witnessed at Montecillo, where the Zingari defeated the Dunedin in the last few minutes by a try to nil. Zimmri won the toss, and Dunne kicked off for Dunedin, who at once took the play into the Zingari territory. A good passing rush amongst the backs saw Mackenzie thrown into touch. Another good rush by Henderson, Connor, Watson, and Bragg enabled the last-mentioned player to get over the line, but he was thrown into tnuch-in-goal. The Zingari forwards now asserted themselves, and a combined rush down the field ended close to the Dunedin line. From a scrum Austin passed to Forclyce, who was thrown into touch right, ou the'line, and hard kicking by the Zingari forwards enabled Dunedin to force. From this out to the end of the spell the play was up and down the field, both teams getting on some good passing rushes. When half-time was called Dunedin were attacking. On th game restarting the Zingari forwards swept down the field, and on numerous occasions were only prevented from scoring by M 'Kay securing the ball and kicking splendidly into touch. All through this spell the Zingari were attacking strongly, their forwards completely beating the opposing team. Towards the end of the game their attack became more vigorous, both backs and forwards making determined efforts o score, but they were met with a stubborn resistance. With only about three minutes to go, a passing rush between Austin, Fordyce, Collie, A. Smith, and Turnbull ended in the latter being splendidly tackled by M’Kay right on the line, where, from a loose scramble, Abbott snapped up the ball and dropped across the line. The kick at goal was a failure. For the winners Marks, Smith. Fish, Turnbull, and Collie (backs) all played well, while Hobbs, Abbott, Stewart, Smith, and Campbell (forwards) were always to the fore. M’Kay was far and away the best of the Dunedin backs, his running and kicking being a treat to witness. Of the forwards Dunne, Watt, Eyre, ami Bremner were about the pick. Mr A. Spence had control of the game. JUNIOR MATCHES. Kaikorai beat Dunedin by 8 points to nil; Union beat Southern by 13 points to nil; Ravcnsbournc beat University by 8 poir.ts to nil.; Alhambra claim a win by default against High School. OTHER MATCHES. Ravensbourne Second beat Alhambra Third by 12 points to 5 ; High School Juniors beat Union street School by 6 points to 3. THE LATE TOWN CLERK. The funeral of Mr W. B. Taylor, late town clerk for this City, who recently died in Sydney, and whose body was brought thence by the Mokoia, took place yesterday afternoon. Soma 200 persons formed the procession from the house formerly occupied by the deceased to All Ssinl s’Church, where service was conducted by Dean Fitchett. -

Mr John Haggitfc played the organ, and there was a full choral service. The servios at the grave, in the Northern Cemetery, where the Masonic choir of the Lodge of Dunedin sang a hymn, was most impressive. A goodly number of Freemasons and bowlers were present, Mr Taylor having been a member of both bodies, and amongst those -who formed the funeral cortege. were His Worship the Mayor (Mr Chisholm), Crs Carroll, Gore, Dawson, Denniaton, Crust, Howlison, and Christie, Messrs!W. Swan, C. Haynes, and H. J, Walter (ex mayors), Messrs T. B.Fairbairn (acting town oletk), F. R. Chapman and J. R. Sinclair (city solicitors), S. H. Miram°, W. Ibbotson, H. Titohener, A. Taine, D. Dunran, R. Quin, H. Miles, P. C. Evans, A. Wadie, J. Low, J. Jacobs, J. Sim, P. M'Kenzie, J. Barron, J. Campbell, R. ' R. Donaldson, T. Dow, J. W. Davys, H. B Courtis, J, R, Morris, J. M‘Bean,,E. Oaten, and J. Carrington (Corporation employes), Hon. D. Pinkerton, M.LC., Messrs J. Allen and A. R, Barclay, M.H.R.s, Professoi Black, Dr - Gloss,, and Messrs J. Reid, J Marshall, tl, Hercus, J. A. Fothergill, L Maclean, J. M. Jameson, A. Judge, T. W. Whitson, A. Hamilton, W. Harrop, D. R. Eunson, and others. Dean Fitchett read the service at the. grave.