FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13818, 3 August 1908, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGB" GAME

FIRST INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH.

The lack of interest in the South Canterbury - Auckland intcrprovincsal football match, the first of the season, was strongly evidenced by the attendance at Alexandra Park on Saturday (between 3000 and 4000). which was very meagre, for a representative game. The play did not contradict the general impression in the minds of Rugby football patrons that the exhibition would be tame. The first spell was dull nnd uninteresting, being chiefly remarkable for the number of opportunities missed by the local players. The second spell was certainly an improvement, and the Auckiandcrs did tho bulk of their scoring during this half, eventually winning by 27 points to nil. The arrangements by the Auckland Rugby Union officials were again all that could liedesired. Prior to the " big" match the Grammar School ami St. John's College played a "curtain-raiser,'' providing a neat example of Rugby as it should be played. The Grammarians won by 19 points to 3.

AUCKLAND V. SOUTH CANTERBURY.

THE VISITORS ROUTED.

The teams took the field at 2.55 p.m.. and South Canterbury winning the toss elected in play from the western end, which gave them the advantage of the sun at their backs, and also of a slight breeze. The 'teams were as follows: SOUTH CANTERBURY. Fullback: D. Scott. Threequarters: E. Eraser, G. Bradley, G. Spillane. Five-eighths: G. Coles, E. Hor'gan. Halfback: (J. Priest. Wing-forward: J. Roddick (captain). Forwards: M. Melville. J. O'Brien, 0. Fitzgerald, W. Scott, W. Carlton, A. Biuid, A. Smith. AUCKLAND. Fullback: Renwtck.

Threequarters: Wilson, Murray, Johnston. Five-eighths: Mageo and Bater. Halfback: Morse.

Wing-forward: Giliett (captain). Forwards: Herring, McGuire, Francis, Cunningham, Nicholson, Seeling, McGuire.

Colours: South Canterbury, green and black; Auckland, blue and white.

Francis kicked oft', and the ball was secured by Eraser, who found the line at little outside his own 25. Auckland then set tip a series of attacks, but their efforts on each occasion wore nullified by bad fumbling, frequent penalty kicks, and the policy of the South Canterbury backs in securing a mark wherever they could. The visitors on one or two occasions managed to break away, but, never got past the Auckland 25. When play was again in the visitors' quarters Gillett secured a mark, and Magee made an unsuccessful though good attempt at goal. After the game had proceeded for about 20 minutes in a dull, uninteresting style, the local representatives livened up, and put the visitors on their mettle. From the loose at centre Herring made a brilliant opening, ami carried the ball down to (lie 25, where he passed to Seeling. The latter transferred to Francis, who sent it on to Morse, and the latter scored. Magee converted: Auckland, 5; South Canterbury, nil.

On the resumption of play. South Canterbury carried the contest into Auckland's territory, but were driven back and were, obliged to assume the defensive again. From a line out '-close to South Canterbury's goal line Magee obtained possession, and passed to Murray, who. in transferring to Johnston, unfortunately threw the leather forward, thus losing what would otherwise have been a certain score. Nothing further of moment eventuated for the remainder of the spell, which ended : Auckland 5 South Canterbury 0 Tn the second spell the Auckland representatives, with the dazzling still at their backs, completely routpd their.opponents. At- first, in order to stave off [he attacks, the South Canterbury's backs relied on marking as much as possible, and. succeeded to such an extent that, the wearers of the blue and white were obliged to adopt a, different method by keeping, the ball within their own control. A fast passing rush on the part of Wilson, Murray, and Bater resulted in the latter nearly scoring, and this was followed by another unsuccessful attempt. South Canterbury then reversed the scene of conflict, taking the ball down to the Auckland 25, but failed to press home their advantage, and were driven back. From loose play in front of the South Canterbury goal, Morse whipped the leather out to Magee, and it passed from him to Bater, then to Murray, and finally to Wilson, who got across. Gillcttt's kick at goal went wide: Auckland, 8; South Canterbury, nil.

Auckland agaiu asserted their supremacy by taking the ball down to South Canterbury's line, where, from a throw out, Seeling got possession, and fell over. Magee took the kick, and was again successful in placing the oval between the posts: Auckland, 13: South Canterbury, nil.

Canterbury's efforts to stem tho tide were unavailing-, and as the result of a good opening, made by Bator. Johnston scored. Francis failed to convert: Auckland 16; South Canterbury, nil.

Almost immediately after Seeling scored his second try, which Magee failed to convert: Auckland, 19; South Canterbury, nil. The visitors then rallied somewhat, and put in, a commendable dribbling rush, which was stopped by Magee at half-way. At this stage Morse received a kick on the head, necessitating his retirement. The loss, while. a severe one, was not felt to any appreciable extent by the Auckland representatives, who romped over the disheartened Southerners. First Seeling scored, and Johnston converted, and tin - Meduire (Grafton)) crossed the line, RenwicK failing to convert. The game ended: Auckland 27 South Canterbury ; .. 0 Mr. A. Court officiated as referee. NOTES. Of the match little need be said in the way of comment. Though the Canterbury forwards were generally reported as being a very strong combination, still they could not be compared with the Auckland pack, who had all the best of it in the scrum and the line out, and were also conspicuous for greater dash. Such being the ease, the visiting forwards were unable to make much headway, and the team as a whole were consequently obliged to act on the defensive. With the exception of D. Scott as fullback, and Horgan as one of the five-eighths, the visiting backs showed little if any brilliancy, and generally adopted the safe though unspectacular policy of marking to temporarily stave off the attack. In the first spoil the Auckland team, notwithstanding their overwhelming superiority, gave a remarkably poor exhibition, fumbling the ball continually, but this was largely accounted for in the fact that they had the sun in their eyes. In the second spell, however, both the forward and back divisions were responsible for some particularly clever work, fast dribbling and passing rushes being very frequent Of the South Canterbury backs I). Scott and Horgan, as already indicated, were decidedly the best, and saved their side time and again. In the forward division W. Scott and Carlton, both South Island representatives, and Budd, O'Brien, and Roddick shone out most conspicuously. Wilson, Murray, and Johnston, of the Auckland backs, proved a very fine threequarter line, and were well fed by Bater and Magee, who both played sterling games. Morse as half more than justified his inclusion. Nothing but praise can be said of the Auckland vanguard, who all worked well together.

RUGBY UNION DINNER. The South Canterbury representative football team were entertained on Saturday evening by the Auckland Rugby Union at a dinner at the imperial Hotel, Mr. J. Arneil, vie/presideut of the Auckland Rugby Union, presiding. At the conclusion of the dinner, Vie usual toast list was honoured, tin? visitors stating that they had come to Auckland to learn something about football, their tour being an educational one. Mr. M. J. Sheahan, chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union, mentioned that it was 14 years since the last South Canterbury team had visited Auckland.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS MATCHES.

GRAMMAR V. ST. JOHN'S.

T?>*i Grammar and St. John'* hoy* were. accorded tho honour of playing this •'curtain r.'i,"t>r'" to the intffrprOTtiMjiai match on Saturday, and although the Oraiamariana won e.i.'iiy by 19 points to 3. th« gamci was by no mpiiru devoid of interest, the tictor* playing very pretty football fur their pdfliU. Th« first spell goorihg wast fairly ftfen, ending: (rfamraar. 5; St. John'*, 3. Dnring the matc-ii trifle were Korcd for f»r,Hinm.ir by Newell (2). Gordon (2), and Goodf,dlr>w, two being converted by Gordon. St. John's only score was tho result, of a penalty g".i\ kicked by IfwcMOn. Mr. G. Katiems r?ferei»d.

.JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE MATCH

AUCKLAND DEFEATS WAIUKU.

[from OCR owx CORRKSrONPKNT.]

W.MfKr, Saturday.

The football match between tiio Auckland junior representatives and Wainkn. played on the Domain to-day, was considered tb»? bo-it game vol witnessed hero. The teams were evenly matched, ami showed some really good fa.it play. What little luok there was favoured Auckland. For the visitor* Derran and Wynyard scored a try in the first and second .spells respectively, the shot at goal in both case* being a failure. Scot Wilson scored from a penalty kick for Wainkn, the fame ending: Auckland, 6; Wainkn, 3, Mr. Pervan was captain of the visiting team, and .Mr. S. Wilson of the local boys. Mr. Pclham was referee. The visitors were entertained by the Waiuku Union at the Kentish Hotel at a smoke concert in the evening.

The match between the Kohonga ami Tahtina Settlement (Wuiptpij Maori loams, played cm the Domain to-day, resulted in a win for the former by three points to nil, a try being obtained by Clark. Tho Northern Wairoa senior and junior tennis play Wainkn at the latter place on the 15th inst., when a good contest, is predicted. The mutch, Waiuku v. Northern Wairoa, played at Dargaville on. Saturday last, resulted in a draw, each side scoring a try.

OTHER MATCHES. Dominion v. Archhill: Dominion won by 14- points to nil. Trios were obtained by J. Fischer (2), Howie, and Batsman, ono being converted.

A. and T. Hurt v. Herald; Hen Alt) won by 19 points to 3. For the* winners tries were scored by (.'lark (2), Lonihan, M 1> ! - tyre, and B. Roper. Horspool converted two.

Brown, Barrett, and Co. v. Bond and Bell: Brown. Barrett, and Co. proved too (rood for their opponents, winning by 16 poin'.- to nil. Tries wore scored by Lopine, Hudson, Hadre'l, and Oedrles, Hadfeli «nd Schoflelrl converting one each. Mr. Chalmers was a most capable referee.

WAIKATO V. THAMES.

[IIY TKLKGRAI'H.— CORiIBSI'OKDEST.]

Thames, Sunday

The representative match played on Saturday between Waikalo and Thames was one of the most exciting contests witnessed at Parawai for a long time past. The. brilliancy of the Thames forwards in loose and line work was counteracted by the. splendid work of the visitors' backs; 'and repeated attacks made by the local vanguard were staved off by sure tackling and fine line kicking. Wab kato's backs gave Thames an eye-opener in the first five minutes. Fronra loose serum, the ball went through five * w si:: players' hands in a passing run, and Thames eventually hud to save. Although Harold Hay ward, Kinghan, and Snowline; were on the point ot scoring on several occasions, no score eventuated in the first half, and on exchanging ends it was confidently expected that Thames would win. The forwards attacked strongly, but the support from the local back division was of the weakest order. Eventually MeKeown, Hayward, Crawford, and Clark broke through Waikato's defence, and, in a loose scramble, Clark scored, Duffy kicking a '.splendid goal. • This reverse roused the visitors, and smart passing from Flynn to Coote, and back to Flynn, saw the latter, with a. clear run to Thames' line, scoring a nice try, which Callaghan failed to convert. Following shortly on this, Dttfty made* a splendid pot, tho ball jiist going outside. Waikato's second try was secured by Coote, who failed to add the extra points. Give-and-take play followed to the close, Waikato proving victors by six points to five. In the visitors' back division, all played well, especially Coote, Hughes, and Flynn. Turner, Clifford, and Thompson were prominent in the forwards. Harold Hayward again showed his brilliancy, .standing out as the best man of the day. In the fast open rushes ho was well backed by McKeown, Clark, Crawford, and Smith. McOollum, on the wing, played a good game; but, with the exception of Hefty. Kinghan, and Newdick, the local backs were completely outclassed. Mr. Chris. Johnston refereod. CITY V. SUBURBS (JUNIOR). In the junior match between City and Suburbs, tho former .won by 12 points to 3. PIAKO RUGBY UNION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN OORRESFON.DEX'r.] Tk Aboha, Saturday. The Piako Rugby Union matches to-day resulted as follows:—Matamata beat Te Aroha at Te Aroha by 6 points to 3. Morrinfvillo failed to send a team to Waihou, and Waihou thus won by default.

DUNEDIN RESULTS.

[BT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.]

Dtjnedin, Saturday.

The football matches were continued to-day in splendid weather. Dunedin sustained their first defeat of the season, being beaten by Southern by 6 points to nil. Zingari-R#.h-mond beat"Alhambra by 5 to 3; University beat Union by 15 so 3; Kaikorai beat Taieri Rovers by 9 to nil; and Port Chalmers beat Pirates by 11 to 8.

CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHitisiCHtJECir, Saturday.

The senior football matches to-day resulted as follows:Linwood (6) beat Sydenham (3); Albion (22) beat Christchtirch (nil); Merivale (11) beat. Canterbury College (3).

WHANGAREI RESULT.

[BY. TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT?.]

Whaxgahei, Saturday

In the football match at Kensington Park to-day North Ward defeated Wbakapara by 3 points to nil.

MERCURY RAY V. SOUTHERN.

[»r TELEGRAPH.OWN" CORRESPONDENT.]

Cokomakdel, Saturday.

The football match, Southern team v. Mercury Ray team, was played in the Kathleen paddock this afternoon. The weather was perfect, and a rattling good game resulted in the visitors winning by 5 point* to nil. Harry Smith scored a try, which A. Allen converted, for Mercury Bay. Allen played a good game right through. McSporran and Wilkinson did good work for the home team. The visitors were entertained by the local team at a dinner at the Royal Mail Hotel.

WELLINGTON V. WAIRARAPA.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Sunday.

The representative Rugby football match between Wellington and Wairarapa was played on Athletic Park yesterday in excellent -weather* and in the presence of about 2500 spectators. The country team were defeated by 30. points to nil. The game was too one-sided to be interesting, and many of the onlookers left the park some time before the match. was over. ' The visitors were simply outclassed in all departments and never had a chance from the kick-off to time whistle. McLeod, Roberts, J. Ryan, Evensoq, McGee, and Kardham shared the scoring honours.

WAIRARAPA MATCHES. [BY TELEGRAPH.*- PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] ASTER TO >.', Sunday. Wairarapa Saturday # juniors defeated Wairarapa Thursday seniors at Carterton on Saturday by 6 points to 5. For the winners Welch, and Desmond scored tries, while for the losers Tait scored a try, which MeGuinness converted

AUSTRALIAN" NOTES.. '*. ~>

: Between 6000 and 700*3 people iTttncsaadi a very keen and si itine* ; rattier rough gam** at the- Agri<;uif»r,d Ground ■•rta'\»tfcra»jV July 13, when. the Maori* reado their reap* pea ranee i» Sydney. The first h&U was, very fast and open, abd at. one time the Maori* - led by 10 points to nth hut, PA the intetval the scores wen? Intnl. Tb*» second half *** not so fast and inien><hiz, Aniridia adding 10 points to nil. Just tinder £.303 #*» taken at th« gate* Jv.ti before balf-tima Bt«dEfejf, tho AtMraiian fallback, retired hurt, Antlerson coming on i'» -n place. • , ' Referring to the visit of the Australian Amateur .Bushy team to the (Tailed King(ktm a writer in Ui« Referee $&s■*'. —"Sal quite the knottiest point of all in the selection of apt aw, In England the captain is a personality far greater than he h here as a rule, for In flu* country the is-i'sirajja Captain rarely rbpß to th* OfWJWII *« the- important 1 i?.tl*? duties that, fail to him. spaft from leading his roMi on tha field. A«*trails need* a captain who know.* tlw Rugby Union work?. and a roan capable o( ftxpf**** l iug ths sentiments of Australian sportsmen, find in other war* of " holding fob own" in any society. 'i ?.&*, it iiecm* to is*", is even more important than high ability as a. leader on the Belli, fir. Mnfjii 3m captain would be a good Selection; feed if he were in tho party, 11. A. .•-s»*-.» would be a good vicecaptain, and just the. man to wield the f**fwards into a combination id might. In hi* absence C, K. Mnrnin appear* to be (ha mb.it likely for fcfio post."

The selectors' of the Ri.igbv f.Pisif'ie team. Messrs. A. Bunion. D. Ltirge. A. K. liennelly (New South Wale*), and M. Doro and .?. Fiheiiy JQuecnslandl met recently, and decided iipon the following SO players _to comprise the team to visit. England, leavtfi| by the \\.=. Macedonia on AnsjiHt 15, with Mr. ,l. J, Giltinnn as mßnasier:—C. Hedley (Gb be), M. B-jlewski (Qtieenslandh A. Morton fN.S.S. fullbacks: 11. Messenger and D. Frawley (E.H.). F. CheadJe (New Sown, 1.. Bailey (Newcastle?, A. Gallon (Glelie). T. Atidermn (S.S.,*. •'. Devereans {N.S.J, ami W. Heidkr (Oueen.dajnll, threequarters: A. Hnrter (5.8.1, S. Dean {N.S,) A. rioUovvay (Glol-J. and A. K. Anleaark (Northern liirers), halves; W. Noble (Newtown!, .1. Davi-i. A. K. Hennery, W. Carili, .1. Roaewcll (South Svdnev), A. itardon, P. Moir, T. McCain (Glebe). S. ll'carce, 1.. .Tone.-", and 1.. O'Matley (E.H.), D. Lute* (X.S.). R. Graves (Ralmaiin), W. Hardcastlo ai-.d J. Fihelly' (tjueen.daiidl, forward». With ih- (,'xct'ptioti of Bolew.-U, HeiHke, Fihelly, and Hardrasfte, thosa aire all Ne* Snnth Wales; player*. The Rriti«li football team tHnnmenee tbrit Australian tour on Wednesday next with a match against New South Wales at. Sydney. Tho following is the list of Australian fixtures:-—

WwJnesdny, August s—N'*w .South W»lo*>, *« Sydney.

Saturday, Augtift 8 -Team for England, at Syd' in?'

Wednesday, Augu»6 li>—Westoni District. *» Bathurst.

s.'t'iiii.iv, August 15—MetMjwtlUn I'liion. it Sydney. Wednesday, August 13 Sorthern District?, at Newcastle Saturday, August 22— New South W»l«*. at Sydney.

'\Vo<ii!<'s<l:"', August 26-Queensland,' »'■ Bri»-' ban r».

Saturday, August 83—Qii«iMi»taml. »i Bri*h*nr. Wednesday, September 2-4iueei!«li>(Mt| at Dri*banc.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

The various division competitions of th« Auckland Football Association were resumed on Saturday. The'break' in the running of tho competitions was duo 'to the flooding ojt the Eden Park,' and other arrange is had " to bo made. Tim matches were played at the Domain, Victoria Park, and North Shore or Saturday.

Tho following are the results:-.

FIRST DIVISION.

CORINTHIAN V, V. IVANHOE.

Corinthian lost the toss, and bad the »<$ and wind against them, but shortly after the kick off they scored, although playing one. man short. Two more . goals were seorec before the whistle sounded for half-time. It the second spell Ivanhoc rarely passed th« Corinthian's half*, it being practically * . bombardment of the-Tvanhoe's* defence, goal* being scored by Whittle, Black well, Hart, and M. Walsh, who made his debut for tin Corinthians, tho game ending: Corinthian, 8; Ivanhoe, nil.

CORINTHIAN A V. W.Y.M.I. The W. Y.M.I, players made ".natters ifaerr) from tho kick off, and had hard luck in failing to net the ball. Vigorous play followed* in which . Corinthian bucks did some fine saving, their long kicks often putting- the young men .on the defensive. Both teams missed opportunities to score until near llin end of the first spell, when Whitehead scored the only goal for the Corinthians. Play was fast and furious in tins .second spell, W.Y.Mr, pressing Jho Corinthian goal for some time, and several easy chances to scorn were missed. Before the spell ended the young -men equalised matters by .scoring a goal from a penalty, .'and the game ended thus: Corinthian A, 1; W.Y.M.J., 1.

Mr. o'Dell refereed,

NORTH SHORE V. PONSONBY.

The marine suburbanites accounted for thd Poiisonby team, on their own ground ou Saturday, after » fairly interesting game, by three goals to two.

SECOND DIVISION. v, Arawa v.' Tabernacle: Arawa won f '* id* goals to three.

FOURTH DIVISION, Tabernacle v. Carlton: A drawn game, or* goal ca'ch. Ponsonby v. Y.M.C.A.: Ponsonby won bj three goals to nil. WELLINGTON. V.. AUCKLAND. The Wellington Football Association ■ has been inquiring -as to the prospects >>f a match with Auckland (luring Fleet Week, and as to the probability of the Auckland Association granting a stun towards the cost of a team's travelling expenses. The Auckland J Association has been granted the hh« of the j Victoria Park for Tuesday, August 11, and j on Saturday .Mr. Richardson, secretary of the ! local association, wired tho amount the Auck- ; land Association were , prepared to allow toj wards the cost <>'i sending a Wellington team j here. It 'm understood the amount is satisi factory to the Wellington Association, so thai | it may lx:» taken an practically certain that tin j nifitch will eventuate. As a ""curtain raiser." the Auclclband li team will play a game with an eleven from t!io British navy.

THE AUSTRALIAN GAME.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION'S DINNER,

There was. a largo and representative gathering in the .federal Club rooms or, Saturday evening, when the Auckland Australian Football Association's annual dinnet was held. The Mayor, Mr. A. SI, Myers, presided, being supported by tins president of the association, Dr. Inglis, and Mr. Donald McDonald, of Melbourne, There were also present the Auckland provincial members of the New Zealand League team* wlia leave today by the s.g. Monna for Melbourne, via Sydney, to take part in the Jubilee -celebrations of the game. Daring the Evening (ho Mayor made, re-ferenc-j to the approaching visit of a New Zealand team to Victoria', and wished th.> members- a pleasant voyage and a safe return. He also . referred -to the fact that there was plenty of room for the three different games of football now played in New Zealand.

A lengthy toast list was honoured, and many kindly withes were extended for the team's success in' -Victoria. A musical pr» gramme was also rendered, the following contributing items: Messrs. A. J.: Black, Bob Lloyd, Viiude and Varna, R. E&gleton, W. Smith, and G. James.

During the evening a number of presentations were made, the principal being the handing over of the premiership shield for 1903 season to the. winner,-, the Eden Chin. Mention was made, by the officer* of the Auckland Australian. Football Association to the generous assistance given by the Auckland Rugby Union towards the cost of -

th.> tour to Melbourne. ' . The Southern portion of the New Zealand Australian League football team arrived from the South yesterday, via the East Coast, in the s.s. Moana, and will proceed in the same vessel to Sydney.