BIG RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18382, 17 September 1923, Page 5

BIG RUGBY

BLACK VICTORY. AUSSIES LOSE THIRD TEST. The third test match was played at Athletic Park, Wellington, before 14,000 spectators. Except that tho weather was rather warm, tho conditions were ideal at the start for football —calm and overcast, with the turf fresh, springy, and fast. The interest of the public chiefly centred in the quality of the football rather than the result of the match, which was deemed a foregone victory for Mew {Zealand, based on the performance of Mow South Wales on tour so far. THE TEAMS. —New - Zealand.— M'Lean. Morgan, Lucas, Stewart. Doc. Nicholls, Paewai, IT. E. Nicholls (captain). Porter, Stewart, White, Ormond, Masters, Guppies, Irvine, Tunnidiffe. —New South Wales. — Crackenthorpe. Stanley, Nothling, Lowers. Loudon, Sheehan (captain), Meagher. Greatonex, Davis, Blackwood, Erby, Thorn, Ferguson, Taylor, Elliot. The Governor-General and suite were present at the match. Just after the teams gave their war cry rain commenced to fall lightly. FIRST SPELL. New Zealand lost the toss and kicked off from tho north end. After even play at midfield New South Wales gained a good position for attack. A lino kick and passing rush went out from (Meagher, Stanley, and Sheehan to Nothling, who was collared. The effort was renewed, and saw Nothling squeezed out amid excitement just on tho comer flag. New South Wales got the ball in the opening scrums, but Irvine, Stewart, and Guppies ran over the half and transferred play to New South Wales territory. Here New Zealand had a chance, but “Doc” Nicholls sent out a bad pass to Lucas. Paewai cut in nicely at the next attempt, but “ Doc ” Nicholls was tjrkled with tho ball. A scrum on tho New South Wales twenty-five resulted in Nothling getting the ball to midway, where M'Lean returned, the ball just dropping out back at halfway. New South Males got the ball on the line-out, but tho greasy leather (with tho steady rain) spoilt handling. From the scrum Paewai neatly transferred to Morgan, who swung in to deliver to Lucas. Again Morgan found the line with a good bounce out. Play went hack to halfway through a solo effort by Stanley, followed up by Oreatorex. This was further advanced by a speculator. From a scrum break-up a brilliant piece of work by Meagher, Sheehan, and Stanley in zig-zag passes pierced tho All Clack line. _ Stanley failed fr> convert in good position. New South Wales 3, New Zealand 0.

From the kidk off, within two minutes, a forward rush placed New Zealand within striking distance, and Stewart, following up finely, secured and scored. M'Lean failed with the kick. New Zealand 3, New South Wales 3.

Rain was now falling more heavily. The Blacks were attacking, but were sent back by a passing rush, Nothling topping it off with a kick near the comer flag, Tunnicliffe and Guppies relieved the danger. At this stage White retired with an injuiry to his eye. Nothling had a shot at goal from a penalty, but it failed. The New Zealand forwards finally relieved the situation, and forced play to the New South Wales line. New Zealand were penalised, and in a scrum lost the advantage. M'Lean, however, from a penalty near halfway kicked a splendid goal. New Zealand 6, New South Wales o.

Rain was interfering with the precision of the back play somewhat, but a beautiful movement between Paewai, Porter, “ Doc.” Nicholls, Lucas, and Morgan ended in a splendid try, from which M'Lean goaled. New Zealand 11, New South Wales 3.

New South Wales broke away at the kick-off, and fine line-kicking by Crackenthorpe and Lucas ended in advantage to Wales. The latter showed up well in a rush starting from a kick from a mark by Meagher. Loudon, running at full speed, caught the ball, and was nearly through. He passed to Sheehan, who gave it to Nothling, who was crowded out at the corner. A counter-rush by the All Blacks, led by Porter, left Stewart a long touch-iino run. He fell short, being finely tackled by Meagher. New Zealand, however, followed up the gain, and “Doc.” Nicholls, intercepting a risky passing rush by the New South Wales backs along their own line, scored near the posts. M'Lean kicked a goal. New Zealand 16, New South Wales 3.

So far the New Zealand back game was better than in the previous tests, and the forwards also, though comnletely changed, dominated the game. The Now South Wales backs were purely opportunistic and without system in their attack. It was all solo tricks, and the rushes frequently ended in touch after a promising start, with tries in sight. On the other hand, New South Wales got the ball in the scrums, and the individual forwards, notably Thorn, shone. The New South Wales line-kicking by Crackenthorpe and Nothling was good. Up to this stage there had been no incidents, but in a scrum near the New South Wales line Porter and Irvine received attention.

Tho Blacks continued to have the best of things, and good work was seen between Nicholls, Paewai, Stewart, and White, who 'was all but over. Fine work was seen here again between H. E. Nicholls, Paewai, “Doc.” Nicholls, and Lucas. A try was certain if Lucas had taken a difficult low pass. Sheehan was the most brilliant of the New' South Wales backs, dummying excellently and all but getting through, when the slippery turf let him down. Half-time went with the score : New Zealand 16 New South Wales 3 SECOND SPELL. Rain was still falling steadily, but not heavily, when the game was resumed. The ground was now muddy. White took tho field again. Both sides failed to handle the ball well at the redumption, and, with the rain increasing, the game soon fell to the feet of the forwards, New Zealand naturally predominating. The scene on the ground was now very like that in tho famous Springbok third test. The people were huddled together, taking shelter from the wet, and umbrellas were prominent. The first play of note was a fine mark by Paewai. Stewart was in evidence in an effort to break through on the wing from a line-out. From a scrum syds out Grealorex dribbled cleverly to halfway. Here New South Wales were penalised for off-side. Oracknthorpe returned the pen-

ally kick back to halfway. Stanley made a brilliant diving save at the feet of the dribbling Black forwards, headed by Ir-

vine. I rom a line-out 11. E. Nicholls cut out Paewai in a pass, but “Doc” Nicholls again passed too low for Lucas to secure, and tho advantage was lost. Tho Welshmen reached New Zealand territory with a dribbling rush and a line kick, but not for long. The New Zealand forwards, who were indefatigable, broke away again, and reached the Now South Wales twemyfive. From a scrum hero Nicholls got the ball in tho ruck, and passed to “Doc,” who feinted neatly, and passed to Lucas, enabling tho Aucklander to score easily between the posts. M'Lean kicked a goal. Now Zealand 21, New South Wales 3.

NVithin a few minutes the Black forwards, from near halfway, swept m an irresistible rush through the defence, and Tunnidiffe scored under tho bar. M’Lean failed with tho Irick. New Zealand 24, New South Wales 3.

Not to bo denied, the Blacks came at it again. Crackenthorpe, in difficulties, kicked towards tho line, and Stewart scooped it up, but failed to keep his balance, and the opportunity went. Later Grackciithorpo sent hack a punt from M'Lpau with a line-finder at halfway—a beautiful kick. M'Lean had a shot at goal from a penalty next, hut just missed the posts.

The rain slackened during the final quarter of the game. Though tho damage was already done to the game as an exhibition of back play, still the Blacks bandied the ball well when they were near the goal lines. In one attempt the ball passed between Irvine, White, “ Ginger ” Nicholls, “Doc,” Stewart, and Lucas. Lucas tried to duck in, but could not move fast enough on the sticky ground. . Here Porter came in for unmistakable attentions from Greatorcx and others, and the crowd set up a tremendous chorus of hooting and cries of “ Order him off.”

The referee (Mr L. Simpson) cautioned the offenders. Finally he awarded a penalty against New South Wales for obstruction, and M'Lean kicked a goal. New Zealand 27, New South Wales 5. Except for these regrettable incidents the visiting team were hardly in the rather drab picture under dull skies, with the players colored a common muddy hue with the ground. At last a splendid passing rush lightened the gloom, and Nothling topped oft" with an unopposed score behind the posts. Stanley kicked an ea-sy goal. New Zealand 27, New South Wales 8. With the game drawing nearer the close, and the rain reducing it to something of a scramble, there was an opportunity to judge somewhat of the play and players. To this point M'Lean had not much to do but what he did, he did well. His goafkicking was excellent for the dav. The wing three-quarters, Morgan and Stewart, both made use of the opportunities such as they were. Stewart had tho more chances, and used them. Lucas was a distinct success at centre. Paewai played a rather in-and-out game, but was worth his place. “Doc” Nicholls was clever,but passed too low. “Ginger” Nicholls was subjected to a good deal of handling by tho Blue forwards, but was eminently sound, and made good openings. Of the forwards, Guppies, Tunnicliffe, White, Stewart, and Irvine were conspicuous in an excellent pack. Porter was a host in himself at wing, but, ns usual, laid himself open to onslaught by his opponents. Of the New South Wales side Crackanthorpo was the most notable at fullback, with Sheehan and Nothling in the three-quarter line. Tho forwards wore outplayed by tho New Zealand pack. Further scores came to New Zealand in tries by Stewart from a passing rush started by Porter and a try from a forward rush by Lucas M'Lean failed to convert either try. New Zealand 33, New South Wales 8.

Finally Nothling kicked a fine penalty goal for New South Wales, bringing his side to double figures. New Zealand 33, New South Wales 11.

As a sequel to a determined attack, Paewai scored at the corner, and M'Lean kicked a beautiful goal. The bell for time went immediately. New Zealand 38, New South Wales 11. Mr L. Simpson was referee.

RESULTS OP TOUR, v. Wellington-Manawatu, lost, 29-16. v. South Canterbury, won, 23-16. v. New Zealand (first tost), lost, 19-9. v. Southland, lost, 31-9. V. New Zealand ’(second test), lost, 54-6. v, Hawke’s Bay-Poverty Bay, lost, 32-15. v, Auckland, lost, 27-11. v, South Auckland, won, 11-5. v. New Zealand (third test), lost, 38-11. VARSITY WIN TROPHY. MERIVALE BEATEN, 27-3. Drizzling rain from the south-west fell at Christchurch all morning, developing into a heavy downpour about 1 p.m., but tho rain had eased in intensity by the time tho match started. The miserable weather conditions naturally affected the attendance, which was much below expectations—not more than 6.0C0 being present. Tho stands were full, but tho unprotected portion of the grounds was minus the usual great crowd. The ground was very heavy, and was not improved by a curtain raiser between local third grade teams. There was no alteration in either team. Both had a rousing reception on taking the field. ’Varsity kicked off, and the Merivale forwards at once dominated the position, taking play to tho southerners’ twentyfive. Perry relieved with a fine kick to near halfway. Tho heavy Merivale pack were not to bo denied, and the 'Varsity were again defending. Penberthy (Merivale’s full-back) narrowly missed a goal from a free kick. Eventually short passing rushes by the Blue backs, in which M'Donald was prominent, removed" play to neutral territory, where a spell of uninteresting forward work followed. Passing between Perry, Lusk, Fea, and Mackereth removed operations to Merivalo territory, but tho advantage was short-lived, the Merivale forwards sweeping down to tho other end of tho field. A fino run by Webb, followed by a judicious kick, saw Merivale on the defensive, but tho greasy ground militated against the ’Varsity back machine getting properly in motion. M Cabe fumbled the ball in his own twenty-five, and the Otago brjrfcs swooped down oh him. Webb made a dash for the line, but was heavily collared by Masson. Otago kept up the pressure, but a force down relieved the home toam. Play was for some time at midfield. Then tho_ Merivale forwards gradually worked their way to the ’Varsity twenty-five, M'Donald clearing with a fine kick, Iho superiority of tho Merivale forwards was still greatly in evidence, but the ’Varsity defence was sound. Penberthy had another shot at goal from a penalty, tho ball falling short. By this time the players had a liberal coating of mud, and under prevailing coa-

ditions tho hades could not make much impression. Near halfway Penberthy cross-kicked, and M‘Donald, coming across, got possession and streaked for .the line. Ho evaded a couple of tackles and scored amidst loud cheers, after thirty-five minutes’ play. Mackereth failed with tho kick.

kick. ’Varsity 3, (Merivale 0. On resuming, M'Donnld was prominent’ in another fine run, and clever handling by the ’Varsity backs, particularly Webb, took play to Merivale line. A penalty kick relieved tho hard-pressed home team, and then tho Merivale forwards took, a hand, and midfield play followed. An outstanding feature of tho game was tho way in which tho 'Varsity backs started passing only to be frustrated by the state of tho ground and tho ball. Just before half-time tho Merivale forwards made a wild swoop down the ground, resulting in 'Varsity being forced. At this stage Doreen (Merivale three-quarter) went off injured, and was replaced by Blazey. A free kick by Merivale in a likely position was charged down by the ’Varsity, who then took, a hand at attack, but could not penetrate the home defence. Half-time sounded with play at halfway. So far the game had been very interesting, considering tho wretched state of tho ground. It was, in fact, rattling good bad-weather football. Tho Merivale defence, especially on tho part of their forwards, was particularly sound. Had it been otherwise tho ’Varsity would probably have had a good few points to their credit. Tho ’Varsity hacks showed many flashes of brilliancy, leading to the conclusion that on a dry ground they would have piled up a decent score. Time and again the greasy hall nipped a dangerous movement in the mud. The heavy Merivale forwards played a serious game throughout, and some of their rushes on the muddy ground were a treat to watch. Mcrivalo opened tho .second half with a characteristic forward rush, but tho ’Varsity backs stopped tho onslaught, and soon turned defence into attack per medium of Fea and Mackereth.

’Varsity kept up tho attack, play being remarkably open for tho state of tho ground. Great passing by M‘Donald and Mackereth camo to nothing, but a moment afterwards Lusk put in a fine run, and passed to a forward who transferred to M'Donald, who scored near the corner. It was a well-earned score, the result of clover passing. Mackereth failed with tho kick. ’Varsity 6, Mcrivalo 0. After a series of scrums in midfield, Webb speculated and Mackereth, gathering up the ball, streaked for the line, and crossed, hut apparently lost the ball, as no try was allowed.

Play continued in Merivale territory, tho 'Varsity knocking at tho door all tho time. Tho home defence, however, was sound, and tho forwards gradually worked the hall to past halfway, where Townsend stopped a dangerous-looking rush, and securing possession, put in a fine run. This was followed by a forward rush, headed by Pennycook, and again play was on tho Merivale line, a forward scramble ending in Williams scoring near tho post. Pennycook goaled. 'Varsity 11, Merivale 0. 'Varsity wore now playing all over tho Christchurch team. Tea, aftei a clever, dodgy run, passed to Owen, who crossed the lino near the posts. Pennycook’s kick hit one of the posts. 'Varsity 14, Merivalo 0. Immediately on returning Cabot secured tho ball and transferred to Hart. When tackled Hart shot the ball to Mackeroth, who crossed tho line. Pennycook kicked a good goal. 'Varsity 19, Merivale 0. A desperate rush by the Merivale forwards saw play in tho 'Varsity twentyfive for practically tho first time during the spell. It was only momentary, as the Otago backs were not to bo denied, and soon regained the upper hand. Webb raced down the line and put his boot hard into the ball. After passing the Merivale full-back, he kicked over the line and dropped on the ball for an easy score. Townsend failed with the kick. 'Varsity 22, Merivale 0. By way of relief from tho continual hammering of the. 'Varsity team, the Merivale forwards took a hand, and for a time the Southerners had a haste of defence work. Merivale’s attack, however, never looked very serious. Passing between Fca, Webb, and Mackereth gave Mackereth a splendid opening. He made no mistake, and ran round behind the posts. Mackereth converted his own try. 'Varsity 27, Merivale 0. Play now became very ragged, relieved once by a spectacular run by Mackereth, who spoiled his effort by a forward pass near the line. Just before the hell sounded Ford (tho Merivale three-quarter) scored near tho corner as the result of a desperate forward rush, headed by Carnegie and SergiRon. No goal resulted. Final : —'Varsity 27, Merivale 3. OTAGO'S VICTORY. SOUTH CANTERBURY BEATEN. On a muddy field and with rain falling most of the time, Otago plaved South Canterbury at Oarisbrook before about 1,000 spectators. Conditions under foot militated against anything in tho nature of spectacular football. There was plenty of incident, however, to keep the crowd interested, and the slipping of tho players in tho mud was amusing. Under tho circumstances the backs found the ball difficult to handle, and the game resolved itself into a tussii between the forwards, in which Otago proved superior. Otago did tho major share of the attacking throughout, and tho home forwards were much better in tho loose, having more control over tho ball than the visitors’ forwards, who, however, never slackened till tho end. .With a greasy ball and a heavyground, the backs could not bo expected to make a great showing, but under the circumstances they handled 1 the leather well. Dickinson played a good game ns centre, his handling of the wet ball and kicking being particularly good. Scott was generally safe as full-back, and Glengarry showed that he had learnt a lot as halfback on the northern tour. Edgier and Logan were the best of the visitors’ backs. Like all wet-weather games, there was a big clement of luck in the bounce of the ball._ Wilson, tho Otago wing-forward, retired at the end of the first spell, and was replaced by M'Ewan. FIRST SPELL. Tho kick off by South Canterbury wont out at tho corner, but from the throw-in Otago forwards, led by M'Mceking and Wilson, took play to halfway. Further brisk forward play confined play to South Canterbury territory, and the ball went out of bounds. Continued pressure by Otago forwards gave the backs some openings, but the handling, hampered by tho wet ball, was not good, and led to no result. •An attempted kick by Dickinson for off-side play by the vffiitors was charged down, but Dickinson regained tho ball, and initiated a passing movement, which was brought up, however, by good tackling. Scott earned applause for getting down to a forward breakaway by tho visitors. Jimmy Wilson showed some of his old form in breaking away from a scrum about halfway, and gaining much ground for tho homo side. Otago forwards woro making tho bulk of tho play, and the homo backs wore getting down in great style to any temporary breakaways by tho visitors’ forwards.

Otago’s first score camo from a scrum, from which Glengarry got tho ball away smartly. It was well handled by M'Bengali, Jeffs, Dickinson, and Ilftck, tho last named scoring at the corner. Dickinson’s kick went a trifle wide. Otago 3, South Canterbury 0. Off-side play by Otago forwards gave tho visitors a free lack, but Scott failed to goal. - A free kick to Otago for a similar offence gained the homo team some ground, and, following a few more vigorous rushes by the forwards, M'iUeeking flung himself over. Dickinson’s kick failed. Otago 6, South Canterbury 0. Otago continued to do the bigger share of the attacking, but several of tho forwards were playing off-side a great deal. Scott bad a chance to kick a goal for the visitors from a good position, but sent it wide. A well-placed kick by Mathieson put the visitors in an attacking position j but they could not force homo the attack, and Otago cleared, the forwards rushing play to halfway. Dickinson took a pass well, and, cutting in nicely, gave tho ball to Diack, who, after a good run, was tackled'by Lawson. Kicks by the visitor^

backs took play to the other end, and Ritchie dribbled well on his own to near the line. Misfiolding by Utago backs let Edgier through to drop on the ball and score. ■ Fairbrother failed to convert. Otago 6, South Canterbury 3. Otago forwards assorted after the kick olf, and after a loose scramble near the line Wise went within an ace of'scoring. Canterbury backs were gaining a lot of ground with good kicks, Otago hacks finding it hard to handle the heavy ball. From a scrum on the home side of halfway, Otago got the ball and attempted passing. Logan, however, neatly cut off a pass, and, running to the ime, beat the Otago full-back and scored almost behind the posts. Scott converted. South Canterbury 8, Otago 6. South Canterbury forwards showed a great improvement at this stage, and for a period of ten minutes made most of the play. They, were well assisted by their backs, too, who kicked rather than risk passing with the greasy ball. Otago forwards, however, again began to prove superior, and with loose rushes had the visitors busily defending. A vigorous rush led to Brien getting over. Dickinson’s kick went wide. Half-time was called shortly after, with Otago in an attacking position. Ota,go • ••• South Canterbury o SECOND SPELL. The game was resumed, with, the rain stiil drizzling mournfully. The' Greens scrambled play into Otago s territory, and after a good deal of slipping and kicking the hall went over the lino, to bo smartly forced by Diack. Otago gradually worked down the stand wing per medium of their forwards, and Glengarry marked in, a crush. From the kick two Blue forwards made a bold bid to gel over, but were held tip on the line, tho ball going out close to tho corner. A scrum, and Diack tried to dive through the crowd. He was brought down, and Stan Jeffs executed a fancy kick while spinning around in a sitting position, tho ball going out. Immediately afterwards Otago had a free kick for off-side, and Scott put the heavy ball over with a splendid kick. Otago 12, South Canterbury 8. Down came tho Blue forwards with a rush, and Lawson saved with, a hurried kick out. Then Jeffs took a_ good mark, but his kick was as bad as his mark was good. Tho Blues were not to bo denied, and another concerted forward dribbling rush brought play right to tho lino, where Brien picked tip and fell over for a try. Scott’s kick missed. Otago 15, South Canterbury 0. 'The South Canterbury tried to got going with a passing rush, but though the backs took the greasy ball well they could not gain much ground. A free kick to the Blues, and Lawson put in a dash, but Diack neutralised it with a free kick, which gained 40yds. Logan (full-back) shone in a run across the line. His kick was blocked bv Dickinson, who slipped while grasping the ball. Shortly afterwards Dickinson marked cleverly, and grub-kicked into touch. Play was hanging in Otago’s half, and when it went over Dickinson returned it, the forwards helped' it on, and Diack was grabbed while making for the line. Play clung persistently to the stand wing, where a prolonged series of lineouts took place. M’Dougall it was that shifted play, and his dash looked promising, till Lawson stopped it, and Logan carried on. Then Dickinson, took a hand, and, passing to Diack, tho latter made a bold md, until tripped up by the greasy turf. Tho ball went over, and into touoh-in-goal. Slippy, sloppy play, till Brien, following up a forward rush, forced himself over and scored. The South Canterbury charged too soon, but Scott’s untrammelled kick went astray. Otago 18, South Canterbury 8. The game continued a scramble, and from a loose rush tho ball went over. Edgier secured, and ran out, but Wi so tackled soundly, and Dickinson very nearly scored," the ball slipping out of his grasp at tho critical moment. The Greens shifted play determinedly, and Creighton almost forced himself through. A tough struggle ended with tho overturning of the corner flag. Out on to the stand wing again, and then a straggling attack by tho Greens ended in Spillano getting over. Scott's kick failed. A couple of minutes later tho bell rang, with the scores: Otago j ■ 18 South Canterbury 11 Mr A. Eckhold was referee. AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON. NORTHERNERS WIN GOOD GAME. Auckland met Wellington at Eden -Park. Tho weather was dull, but dry. About 5,000 spectators were present. Wellington played with the wind in the first spell. Play was soon in Auckland territory, and largely amongst tho forwards, Auckland showing np well and forcing the visitors back. , Wellington then broke away. Gregory' marked, and Mahoney's kick placed the visitors in a good position to score, but the ball was returned to the centre. Then at midfield Nicholls came through with a fine passed to Johnson, the ball going to Fratcp and Mahonev, who scored in a good position. Malcolm converted. Wellington 5, Auckland 0. Going on to attack immediately Auckland carried play to Wellington’s twentyfive, where' from the line-out Wright passed to Twomey, the ball going to Sheen, If worsen and Molloy, who scored. Ifwerfon converted and equalised tho scores at the end of three minutes’ play. Wellington returned to the attack. Nicholls started a likely movement, passing to Frater, but the ball went over the line, Gregory forcing. The game was now very fast. Another likely attack was stopped by, Molloy. Auckland rushed play to Wellington’s twenty-five. "Wellington wore carrying the scrums, and. breaking away, they brought play to the centre, where Svenson put in a fast run. Nicholls, Johnson, and M'Naught improved the position, and Auckland were on the defensive for some time. Ifwe.rson intercepted a pass, and, beating several men, passed to (Molloy, who dribbled ovet and scored. Ifwerson’s kick failed. Auckland 8. Wellington 5. Wellington returned to the attack. Svenson made a fine run, but was compelled to pass out of bounds. Shortly after this Nicholls broke away and passed to Svenson. Osborne in turn transferred to M'Naught, who ran round and scored behind tho posts. Nicholls converted. Tho spell ended : Wellington • 10 Auckland ° After tho resumption of play Ifwerson •had a fruitless free kick. Then an Auckland rush, in which Malloy, Wilson, Sheen, and Twomey participated, ended _ in Twomey scoring and Ifwerson converting. Auckland continued to attack, a free kick relieving tho visitors, but after a Wellington dash Auckland returned to tho attack,” Ifwerson having a fruitless free kick. After a <yjntinued attack Wilson dived over as the result of hesitancy by Nicholls, Ifwerson having a good 'but unsuccessful kick at goal. Tho Wellington hacks got going, carrying play to the twenty-five, Nicholls, Mahoney, and Johnson being prominent. Tho visitors showed good pace in another rush, and set up a hot attack, Mahoney attempting to pot a goal. From the dropout Ifwerson transferred play to the twenty-five, and then Nicholls attempted to clear,'his kick being smothered by O’Brien following up fast to score. Ifwerson converted. Tho visitors then looked dangerous, Righton saving. Auckland hotly attacked, Brunsell clearing for Svenson to make a line run to the ■'twenty-five. Then from halfway Brunsell passed to Nicholls fiom the base of a scrum. The latter passed to Johnson, who transferred to Mahoney, the last named scoring tho best try of the day. Nicholls converted. The visitors’ hacks made several rushes, playing being at midfield when time was called. Auckland 21 Wellington IS

SEDDON SHIELD. WEST COAST BEATEN. The Scddon Shield changed hands for the second time this season at Grcymouth, Golden Bay defeating West Coast by 3 points to 0. Tho weather conditions were wretched. Tho first spoil was evenly contested, and ended without a score. The visiters lasted better, their backs showing more enterprise than the local players. Near tho end of the game Rapp, following np his own kick, scored at tho corner. Final: Golden Bay ... 3 West Coast 0 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY'S WIN. A Sydney cable states that the Rugby Union competitions were concluded with the final for tho Slutte Shield, University defeating Globe-Balmain by 23 points to 14. MANAWATu"bEATS WANGANUI. This match was played at Palmerston North, and resulted: Manawatu 47 'Wanganui 9 OTAGO CENTRAL CUP. MANIOTOTO BEATS VINCENT. Itii-ECiAL to hie ‘Star.’] CLYDE, September 17. The intorcounty match for tho Topp Cup, Maniototo v. Vincent, was played at Ranfnrly. It was marred by a howling gale. Maniototo were fortunate enough to win the toss, and they succeeded in scoring five tries, two of which were converted, in tho first spell. Despite tho gruelling they had got, Vincent gave a good showing in the second spell, getting three tries and one penalty goal. Tho game ended: Maniototo 19 Vincent 12 Tho Vincent forwards were superior to their opponents, but tho Maniototo backs were too speedy for Vincent. HILLSIDE BEATS ADDINGTON. In order to save as much as possible the Carisbrook Ground for the rep. fixture, ■the match between, tho apprentices of tho Addington Railway Workshops and the Hillside Workshops for tho South Island Government Railway Apprentices’ Shield was played on the 6val. Conditions were unfavorable for a good exhibition, but a fairly interesting forward struggle was witnessed, the Hillside team winning by 10 points to 3. For the winners Hazelwood and Gray scored and Steward drop-kicked a goal, whilst Grenfell kicked a penalty goal for the losers. Hillside 10 Addington 3 WELLINGTON RESULTS. Poneke (22) beat Kuiwarra (3) in tho intermediate grade, and won the championship. In the senior school representative match Fcatherston. District High School B beat Wellington by 3 points. The Wellington junior representatives S walked over Fcatherston High iol (0). At Bishopscourt Maori Hill Bible Class defeated St. John’s Bible Class, 8-0. LEAGUE FOOTBALL. A match for tho Noithcm Union Cnp between Auckland (holders) and South Auckland (challengers) resulted in a drawn game, each side scoring 20 points. At Wellington Newtown (7) beat Hull (6); Petono (6) boat City (0).