FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 12942, 4 May 1908, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

KTJGBY. —Results of Matches.— Dtcncdin 22 v. University 18. Alhambra 22 v. Union 3. Zingari-Richmond 9 v. Pirates nil. Port Chalmers 16 v. Taieri Rovers 9. Southern 3 v. Kaikorai nil. The following is a description of Saturday's games:— Dttnedin V. UxrVEBSITT. "A sensational game won on time" Films up the match played between; Dnnedin and University on the CaledonianGround. It was one of those displays of fast, dazzling football which the public like to see, and from the beginning to the close of the second spell both sides provided their supporters with plenty of genuine excitement. The 'Varsity are not the team they were—thev have lost so many good men—vet thev" are not a team to be trifled with. Thev still take risks, snap np chances that another team would be too slow to take, and with their speed and cleverness in handling the ball are ever ready to swiftly turn defence into attack. It is their pace that will always cause them to be a dangerous side. Their forwards are not so weak as some peoplo might imagine. They wore playing against one of the very best forward "divisions in town on Saturday, yet they were Dunedm'a superiors in hooking the ball. Tt was in the loose that the Dark Blues shone to best advantage, and with such a fine set of forwards it is just a question of whether the home team did not sacrifice their forwards too much for their backs, who, though a likely lot, are not the players to place too much reliance on. The Dvmedin have the men to enable them t.) vary their play, and that is what they want to try and master, reiving as much as possible on their forward's. Playing with the wind in the first spell the Dark Blues piled up 12 points to their opponents 5. It was a eve of Dunedin ittacking most of the time, and from a passing rush Snow got over, bping closelv followed by Stalker, who dashed through and scored a good trv. The Dark Blues were very confident, perhaps a little too much so The backs were running about a lot, and frequently took the risk of passinpr in their own twenty-five, instead of kicking and saving their forwards, who, however, in the finish proved themselves to be trained to the minute. Tarsitv got an opening, and they seized it with their customary quickness. Lomas passed out to -ni '■, ° ln turn sent il on to T)an<=ev This dashy player transferred to M'Ch»s--n?7,'s?ea} flye '"' who racod round Clarke at full-back, and scored in a good position Hay converting. The Dark Blues returned to the attack, and for off-side plav in front Snow kicked a goal, making" the score—Dunedin 9. University 5. A good break away by Stalker, followed up hv Fast forward work, ended in Snow scoring a try. which was not converted. It was in the second spell that the surprises came. With the wind in their favor the Light Blues aroused interest bv opening out in something like their old style. They were getting the hall in the scrums, and this was a big help to their backs, who mystified their opponents bv continually doing the opposite to wha't was expected of them. Dausey, for instance turned the play from one side of the field to the other bv one of his smart jinky movements, and, taking the Dunedin completely on the hop, he passed out to■ IVnku, who went over, no coal resulting. I hen came the sensational run of the day Dansey, getting possession near halfwav went through one after the other of the Dunedin backs, jinking in and jinking out. but keeping to the centre of the field all the time. He had passed the full-hack-but an opponent making across at him he P h SS tii 0 ü ß ? rrie ' who sim P , J' h"<3 to ground he ball between the post,. Hav converting and making the score-University 15, Dunedin 12. This complete alteration in affairs was received with much enthusiasm, and when Dansey soon afterwards broke away again and passed to M'Brid* who running down the line, cleverly avoided all opposition, and grounded the ball between the posts, Hav adding the major points, it looked anv* odds on the Light Blues. lime was slipping bv, r-nd there were only about four minutes'to go when the unexpected again happened, tut from the Dunedin this time. The Dirk Blues were the fitter team of the two and it was the lasting powers of vieir forwards that was to alter the comnlexi.m of things They are a team that 'die hard, and it was not out of the question for them to score again. Thev did so tw—not once, but twice—and 'won a fast i-i foresting game on time. From a passing rush in which O'Snllivan beat his man' i Stalker was given another chance, from I which he scored, Paton rising to the o"<\i I sicra by kicking a fine goal ngainst the i wind Prior to this M'Combie, U e nher | Dunedin wing three-quarter, had to leave the field witn a dislocated collar-bone' Two minutes to go. with University 1? to 17, the Light Blues' supporters were proclaiming a win when all of a sudden the j mighty and only Fitzpatrick, supported hv I Iviiney, was seen to he heading a for- I ward rush which was carrying all before it, M Chesney managed to stop it a from the line, but the next instant a ! scrum was formed, Dunedin hooked the-I ball screwed the scrum, and, amidst a i bunch of players who were over the line, ! Waters was the first man to fall on the! >al . Paton with another remarkably good kick, sent the leather clean the j posts. _ The whistle of the referee iMr W ' Ross) indicated that all was ve- si d so' ended a brilliant struggle in fi ror of Dnnedm by 22 points to 18. Alhambra v. Union

This was a line game from start to _x -f yt *? on € hj one-sided the interest was sustained on account of the openness tmL" 2***: , Ad ™ntaged in the first spell by the wind, sun, and the slight downward grade, the Alhambra forwards by sprightly and energetic work, were'the means of allowing Xees and Walker to secure tries in the first quarter of an < r i•, Wakening up. the Union centralised play for a time, but the stron" Red-and-hlack forwards were not to be denied, and again carried operations to the Maroons hne, and after the ball had been busily exchanged amon*- the -M----harobra backs Marston found a weal: spot and placed the leather over the line in n good Position. Harridge was successful with the lack. n-0. No relief folowed for the norm- team. Thev were kept warmly defending. Again the hill team'si forwards were the aggressors, and from the left hand corner of the field the ball was gracefully passed among their skilful backs, allowing H.-rrrhv an unexposed try at the right-hand corner. Harridge again converted. 14—0. This w.<o anything but pleasing to the Unionj who now on their mettle encouraged some spirit into their work, and to the end nf the spell the hill team were the defenders of a persistent attack, which wa,s lacking in judgment. When the teams ehamvd ends Union had the advantage, and commenced with a lively attack, and for off-side work by Flanagan they were given a free kick, from which Doii landed a good coal. 14—3. In some warm work which followed the Maroons showed toadvantage. It was merely a flash in the pan, however, and the hill' forwards took np the game in a very engaging mnjuier. A nicely picked np ban opened up some pretty passing, and Bennett, judiciously cutting in. scored the neatest try of the day. 17—3. The Alhamrxra forwards still maintained aggressive tactics, dangerously threatening the Union's line on several occasions. It was no use, however, and the backs had to be again called upon, arid Harrhy finished up a strong run of some twenty yards by racing over the line to a good try. Marston placed a good goal. 22—3 From this'out the play was of an even character, the Red-and-blacks winning a good spectators' game by 22 points to 3. The hill team, from the offset, showed their superiority both back and forward. The backs are heady, and make good use of the line. They are not afraid to throw the ball abont, and several of their passing boots were of a first-class order. Their forwards are keen and sprightly. They are a fairly heavy lot, and are bad in one particplar only—when on the dribble' they kick too hard.

Of the Union team- not.much need be..

said. They are an eager team, but lack combination. There was, too, on Saturday a decided weakness between the halfback, and the three-quarters. Again, their halves are much too slow. Mr J. Williams was a capable referee. Zingari v. Pirates. Not very many people went to Bishopscourt, but those who did saw a well-con-tested game, in which the losers died hard, and threatened reprisals to the end. Zingari had to face the setting sun and the - alleged hill in the first spell. Spite of this, it wa6 they who set the pace. Pirates hung to them well, and, being awarded a , penalty shot within striking distance, they had first chaneo of drawing blood. But a * good angle kick by Jenkins just passed out- £ side the near post. Next minute fumbling , behind the Pirates' scrum let the Zingari \ forwards away. The last lino of Pirates' \ defence failed very much as the first line P had done, and a free kick against the ink vaders was a godsend to Pirates. Jenkins's punt found touch. The line-out was followed by a scrum. Zingari got tho ball from it, and Kellan passed to the open, j Bowden, one of Zingari's five-eighths, sped L linewards, was tackled a yard from j "there," but passed, and Thomson (centre } three-quarter) scored near the corner. Alf s Low's kick was too low in its trajectory, , and so did not raise Zingari's score above j 3—o. Zingari still weighed on Pirates, and . the fondness of the Black wing three-quar- \ ter (Karetai) for hanging on to the ball did . the reverse of easing the pressure. Low's . penalty shot fell short, but the return kick . was up the centre, and what looked like a t sure mark in a choice locality was lost by ; two Zingari men going for it together. , There was some hard battling among the _ forwards. Low seemed leader 'in everv Zin- , gari attack, several of which Burt stemmed with timely marks. If they went further, l Jenkins met them with a cool front, safe . hands, and unerring line-kicking. Once ho l was overwhelmed without discredit to himself. By the time he had disentangled himself from a Zingari rush from midficld, . Collie liad dribbled through the posts. The ! ball coquettishly side-stepped when the t little man threw himself on it, but two . other Zingari men \rcie handv to nail it ! down, and they did so. Collie took the j lack himself—a very simple proposal—but , again the ball sidled away from his foot, as t it had done from his chest. Zingari thus r led by 6—o at half-time. The score staved . | at that for a long time after tlio interval, . j and it was Pirates who threatened to alter > ; it. From the scrums they got rather a [ 1 minor share of tho ball, and when they . : did secure it Strang, at half-back, was I ' hampered by its hanging in the back row. Consequently Pirates' attempts at the pass- ■ j ing game were not very dangerous. Jen- ! ■ kins had four rather long-range shots from , ; marks and penalties, but none of them toM. [ Karetai had no better luck in a dash on i : the blind side of a sctuui near the line, i Rice, the opposing wing three-quarter, '. forcing. Jenkins dropped at goal from tile ■ kick-in. but the pot did not boil, and ; , Pirates' fire died down. Zingari took play i to tho other end. and in a" forward rush | Spiers scored near the corner. The kick | failed, and so did another by Low directly ■ ! afterwards from a peanlty awarded against. ; Pirates ten yards in front of their goal. ; Zingari ran home comfortable winners by ' 9 points to nil. Mr Facer refereed really well in a game which was becoming rather ; willing towards the close. Port Chalmers v. Taieri Rovers. The above match, plaved at Carisbrook, furnished a keen strugle between two fine forward teams. The Rovers put in some very solid work in tho first spell, and *™ m » f . r ee kick MTntyro kicked a goal. the Taieri men were somewhat over | aYixious, and lost one or two good chances. I From a scrum, however, near the Port ! lino M'Leod got over, no goal resulting j 1 ort now began to pull themselves to- | gether, and G-. Doughterv. taking a pass | from his brother, scored a try, which was ! not converted. The Port forwards were j beginning to make things merry for their i opponents, and after some good work ; Salter scored, the totals being 6 all at half-time. In the second half both sides attacked in turn, and play for a time was tast and furious. Port were gradually getting the upper hand, and from a stron"' rush G. Doughtery scored, his brother converting. Keeping up a determined onslaught G. Dougherty, getting a pass rrom J avior. was again over., and once more W Doughtery added ■ the major points. The Rovers never gave up heart, and a Port man getting offside, Thomson lucked a goal, tho final score being Port lb points, Taieri Rovers 9. Mr A Hobson acted as referee. Southern t. Kaikorai. About 1,500 spectators assembled on -the Carisbrook Grouud on Saturday afternoon, and more than a good half of these ! Jfrl ihe K;lik orai-Soutliem encounter. ilie hill boys won the toss, and playea ! first spell with the sun behind them. Open ! forward play more or less favored the j Southern, who attacked strongly. Kaikorai were seriously threatened when a scrum iw. from thc linc went t0 lho Blaok- | and-VVhitcs, but Chambers made an inj ehftual pot. A free luck by the Blues* I full-back (Cameron) shifted play to halfway ! Kaikorai forwards carried a couple of I scrams from here, and Johnston's fast fol- | lowing up pinned the Blacks, who con I ceded a free kick. F. Johnson nearly ; kicked a goal. Honors about even—notli- : ing much in tho play. Southern forwards i gave their backs one or two good opporI Unities. From the scrum the whole of ! the backs—Fullurton, Kckhold, Chambers. : liarley, and Recs—made a warm, dano-erous ! sprint, the latter punting short past Cameron. . The Kaikorai back took the ball splendidly end ended an awkward Tush. Many times the heavy wave cf the KaikoTai forwards led by Thomson and Omand, split on the

solid rock of Kindley's defence. On the whole the hill forwards were playing the harder game, but still, thanks to the "kicking of the Black backs, the oval hnncr persistenly in Kaikorai's quarters. The" spelt finished without score, though Southern had slightly the ascendency. On changing ends the Black-and-White forwards pressed hard for some time, until a good concerted forward rush bv Adamson and Thomson raised the hill "ban-ackers' hopes high. F. Johnson missed an easy chance off a mark, and immediately afterwards Adamson just grazed the posts witli a pot. At once Southern started the best £ lt , play of the S a me. Fullarton, Eckhold. Chambers, and Harley carried the ball to the line, and Ogg, talcing a difficult pass, was hot-foot for the line, when Johnston up-ended him. Just on top' of this came the score, lucky to some extent, but yet the result of good play. Banna fumbled for a second taking a high return, and Rees charged down his' kick, and, following the rebounding leather, reached it a second before M'Donald. Eckhold failed to kick the goal. Southern 3—o. For the moment the Kaikorai rallied strongly, until Sheehan broke away on his own and'handed it on to Eckhold. Thenuggety five-eighth kicked low to Ha-ruia, and downed him before he could effect his return. Hanna hung on persistently, and Kaikorai were penalised in dangerous position. Eckhold failed to take the advantage afforded. Except for momentary spurts. Southern comfortably held the upper hand till the end of the game, when the figures read : Southern 3, Kaikorai nil. Mr C. Eyre was referee. SECOXD GRADE. Dnuedin defeated Union by 11 points to nil. Ravensbourne defeated Southern by 12 points to nil. University defeated Y.M.C.A. bv 23 points to 5. Alhambra beat Pirates by 15 points to Zingari-Richmond defeated Kaikorai bv 9 points to 3. THIRD GRADE. Dimedin and Alhambra played a drawn game, each side scoring 9 points. After a fast and exciting game, Kaikorai defeated Ravensbourne by 14 points Pirates beat Y.M.C.A. at Forbury No 3 by 33 points to nil. FOURTH GRADE. The High School defeated ZingariRichmond by 21 points to 3. Dunedin defeated Pirates by 12-points (4 tries) to nil. FIFTH GRADE. Union defeated Zingari-Richmond at' JfMonteciUo by 6 points to 3 <

IN OTHER CENTRES. Christchurch.—Sydenham' (6 points) beat Merivale (3 points); Canterbury College (14 points) beat Christchurch (11 points); Old Boys (nil) drew with Lhrwood (nil). Wellington.--Oriental (11 points) beat Petone (8 points); Poneko (6 points) beat St. James (3 points); Melrose (19 points) beat Southern (3 points); Wellington (6 points) beat Old Boys (nil); Athletics (30 points) beat Victoria College (nil). Auckland.—City beat Parnell by 16 points (two goals and two tries) to nil; Ponsonby beat Grafton by 36 points to nil; and North Shore and University drew, 5 points (one goal) each. NEW SOUTH WALES v. NEW ZEALAND. - Press .Association—By Telegraph— Copyright. SYDNEY, May 2. Glorious weather prevailed to-day, when tho "All Blacks" met New South Wales under Northern Union rules. The match was playod on tho Agricultural Ground, and about 15,000 people were present. The teams were : New Zealand.—Full-back, Tnrtill; three-quarters—Tyne, Rowe, Kelly. Wrigley; halves, Harder and J. Wynyard; forwards—Mackrell, Lile. Johnston, Cros.. Pearce, Wright. , Now' South Wales.—Full-back, Hedley : three-quarters—Shuitz, Messenger, DeVraut, Cheadle; halves, Rosenfield and Butler; forwards—G-raves, Hennessv, Rosewell, Lutge, O'Malley, Davis, Moi'r, Holloway. In the first spell New South Waler played the better game, putting more dash and fire into their work. For thc first fifteen minutes the "All Blacks' kept the play in their opponents' ground Bardcr drawing first blood with a penalty drop-lack, which sent the ball over tlv bar. This aroused New South Wales, who, with a fine passing rush, carried the ball to the New Zealand twenty-five, where Messenger marked, and kicked a good goal. The local team were not long in following , lp the advantage, for a fine combined rush ended in Shuitz crossing the Now Zealand line. Messenger added the extra points. A few minutes later New South Wales wore penalised in a scrum, and Turtill took the shot at goal, the ball going on the right side of the post. New South Wales again had thc "All Blacks" hi trouble, the local team';, passing being excellent. Cheadle got away, and, after making a feinting run, he c?-os?cd the New Zealand line, Messenger converting. After a.n interval of good play on both sides, a free kick for interferences resulted in Messenger again csormg. Tho " All Blacks," with a <rood rush, found it out on the home line. Barder got the ball from Wynyard and scored, but the angle was too difficult for Turtill to make anything of the kick n( goal. The scores at half-time were : New South Wales. 14: New Zealand. 7. Tn the second half New Zealand played against a breeze, but did not show anv form. As the result of a mark Messenger added a goal. His kicking was splendid. The Blues were down on the "AW Blacks" continually, running all over them. The New Zealanders were slow in handling the ball. Off a free kick Messenger made a great luck- from past halfway, and added another couple of points. In passing the "All Blacks" were outclassed by their opponents. The "All Blacks" fought hard in the last few moments, and. in a rough-and-tumble rush, during which the "All Blacks" displayed some _ roughness, Kelly managed to 'get over in the corner. The angle, however, was too awkward for Turtill to convert, and when the whistle sounded the scores were : New South Wales ... .„ ... 18 points. New Zealand 10 point.;. Critics who saw the match approve of the Northern Union game. The opinion is expressed that from the spectator;' point of view it outclassed the old Rugbv game. There can be no waste of time ois the part of the leading team. In connection with the vicious play the referee is considered more to blame than the players for allowing the outburst to go unchecked. SYDNEY, May 4. (Received May 4, at 9.37 a.m.) The 'Herald' says that many went to the match out of curiosity and remained to applaud. The differences between the old and new Rugby codes are in favor of tho latter. They all make for pace and attractiveness. Both papers attribute the New Zealanders' defeat chiefly to want of condition after the voyage. ASSOCIATION. FIRST~GRADE. Mornington A 5, Roslyn 1. Wakarf3, Maori Hill 3". Northern nil, Southern nil.

JiUK.M.WTON A V. HOSLTN. This match was played on the Asylum Ground before a fair number of spectators. 'Hie ground was in splendid order, and a good exhibition of the game was given, especially in the first half. Mornim»ton started the play against a strong sun, which for a time was very disconcerting to their backs. Robinson was the first to test the Colors' defence. From a neat centre bv Ritchie he headed into goal, but Allen was equal to the occasion." Robertson, the Colore' outside left, secured, and transferred to Smith, who shot wide. From the goal kick Bailey obtained possession, and sent m a hot shot, which Booklass just managed to guide over the bar. The resulting corner was well placed, and Bailey again nearly scored with a header. Nicholson was playing a good steady game, and passing well. One of his transfers Robertson missed badly, but Bailev was lying handy and with some very neat footwork beat three of the Blues, and shot without success. Booklass made a good save from a well-placed corner by Barrington. Ritchie took play well down, and transferred to Green, who sent in a hot shot, which Allen had difficulty in negotiating, and a scramble ensued m front of the Colors' goal. Young was responsible for shifting operations to a safer sphere. Nicholson next essayed a shot, but Booklass was ready, and cleared well. Ritchie brothers were a source of trouble to the Colors' backs. Their good play led up to the Blues' first score. Notman, being pressed, conceded a corner, and J. Ritchie placed nicely to his brother, who screwed the ball through the corner. Roslyn 1. On resuming Bailey passed to Robertson, but a good opening was lost, through the latter player being off-side. The Blues returned the attack, and Allen was called upon to save a high shot. Gilmour and Dow at this stage were feeding their forwards splendidly, taking the ball cleanly from the toes of the Colors' forwards. Nicholson, with a good throw-in, placed the ball well into the goal mouth, where Smith secured and headed to Robertson, who gave Booklass no chance with a low shot. Mornington L This success caused the Colors' forwards to liven up, and Bailey started play in the centre. . Tricking two opponents ho passed to Robertson, who drew Booklasß, and gave Craig a clear goal. Mornington 2. After this reverse the Blues attacked, and kept pegging away at the Colons' goal for about ten minutes, but without success, Robertson transferred play, and centred to Lainchbury, who lost a good opening when in front of goal. Green and Jopp were next prominent In an attack on the Colors' goal, 'and sent in soma good shots, without, however, finding the weak spot. Young, by sound defence" was fairly successful in keeping the Blues' forwards out of striking distance and giving his own forwards a chance. The next.

ecore -wns by Haig. Ho sent in a low shot, I and found Booklass else where. ' Morning-' ton 3. Lainchbury next made a good run, ] and after beating Dow centred. Booklass; foolishly came out of goal, and gave Ro- j bertson an easy goal. Mornington 4. | Bailey was repeatedly tricking the Blues'! backs, and making good openings for his forwards. Booklass was called upon to i save two good shots in quick succession, and one of the Blues' backs was penalised for handling, but nothing came of the penalty. The Blues again took up the at- ! tack, the ball passing from Butterworth to Ritchie, who sent in a beautiful centre to Robinson, but nothing resulted, the shot going outside. The next piece of plav was the prettiest of tlio day. The Colors' wards secured, and took play "along by short passes, until Bailey obtained possession. He feinted with his right foot, and wrewed m a good left-foot shot. Mornington 5. lbe whistle sounded time shortly" afterwards. Mr Jones was referee. Mornington A „ „. ... 5 goa i s . Kosl y n - .-. 1 goal. Wakaei v. Maori Hill. Mr W. Sinclair, ably controlled this match, played on the Northern Ground, vhicn was in fine condition. The play was fast, and evenly contested. In the first spell Maori Hill had the sunshine helping them, and secured two goals. Rigbv and Uilburn being the scorers. Towards the interval Wakan pressed hard, and Ussher was prominent in shooting skill. Earlv in the second half M'Donald scored for Wa-n-an. Both teams plaved all they knew and the game was lively. With a long shot 0 Beeby scored a third goal for Maori Hdl. An interesting bout of heading followed, and Clyde sent in a welldirected ball, obliging Smith to concede a corner. The kick was splendidly judged md M'Donald headed neatly 'through! .Maori Hill invaded again, but weak shooting and off-side tendencies nullified their .'fforts, and the. next noteworthy play eamo from Ussher, who worked Ins wav comfortably into shooting distance and drew the scores even. A likely chance to Bankier went over the bar, and a stinging drive from Ussher was brilliantly fielded by Smith, but no further 6Core was registered, the game ending— D Wakari „ 3 goak Maori Hill 3 goa]6 _ Northern- v. Southern. This match was played on Culling Park, and resulted in a goalless draw. A brisk breeae and a deplorably uneven ground -piled the play, which,' to say the least, was uninteresting. Northern had the sun and wind to their advantage in the first •spell, but failed to exceed that, quality of attack which may be described as dangerous to their opponents. In front of j;oal the inexperienced forwards were as strangers in a strago land. In the second spell the Southern, with a breeze helping them, also failed to score. Most of the players . kicked the ball too hard. The most outstanding piece of play was the :;mart way Jack, the. Northern goalkeeper, cleared a well-directed penalty kick by a Southern forward. Towards the finish Kortkern had two splendid opportunities to score. The forwards did not use them. A pleasantly-contested game, controlled by Mr Hannah, ended; Northern Xil. Southern „ Nil. SECOND GRADE. Southern 8, Roslyn 3. Ravensbourne 2, Wakari nil. THIRD GRADE. Southern 4, Maori Hill 2. Northern 3, Mornington 2.