FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13842, 31 August 1908, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

JNTERPROVINCIAL MATCHES

AUCKLAND BEATS TARANAKI.

Alt.xandka Park was the scene on Saturday nfternoon of another contest for the coveted Ranfurly : shield, the representative's of the Taranaki Provincial Rugby Football Union being the challengers. The Auckland Union's chosen baud of defenders were able- to withstand tho attempt to carry off the shield, winning by nine points to nil. Tho game as a " spectacular" one was not to be compared with that played between "Wellington and Auckland a fortnight ago, a groat deal of uninteresting play taking place. Tho fine back division of Taranaki attempted to open tho game, but, as Auckland's policy was to make the play close, the local men did not give the Taranaki representatives any more opportunities than they could possibly help, with tho result that passing rushes wero smothered quickly, and play was tonfined to tho forwards.

Tho attendance was estimated at about 1000. and it was disappointing, in view of the fact that there was such possibilities for k great game. The arrangements for the match were welt carried out by the union officials. The officers primarily responsible trcro Messrs. M. J. Shoahan (chairman), F. S. Murray (treasurer), and C. V. Lang.dord {secretary) of the Auckland Rugby Union, red they received assistance from the members ot tho committee and delegates of the union. The transport arrangements of the Auckland Electric Tramways Company were excellent, the crowd being conveyed to and from tho city expeditiously. i A "curtain raiser" was played before the representative match, between tho Waiuku senior.-} and the Auckland junior representative team. The display of football was very poor and lifeless,, and in sharp contrast to the play of the juniors tho previous week. The local team won by six points to three. A number of selections were played by West's City Band during the afternoon. TEE PLAY. When tho representative teams took the field Auckland won the toss, and Gillett elected to defend the western goal, having a strong wind and the sun behind his men. •The teams lined out as follows: —

TARANAKI. •'..' Fullback: A. Hardgrave. Threequartors: 0. Sheahan, D. Cameron, and E. Dive.

Jive-eighths: J. Hunter (captain) and H. Mynott. , * '

Halfback: B. Frewin. Forwards: J, Colman (wing), H. Whittington, C. Kane, Tamu, Pukere, J. Crowley, H. Rothery, and J. O'Sullivan.

AUCKLAND.

Fullback: A. Renwick. Threequarters: F. Wilson, G. Murray, J. Johnson.

Five-eighths: G. Bater and R. Magee. Halfback: ,7. Morse. Forwards: G. Gillett (captain, wing), F. Herring, J. McGuire, A. Francis, W. Cunningham, G. Nicholson, C. Seeling, H. Hayward.

The Taranaki team's colours were amber and black, and the Auckland's blue end white.

Colman. kicked off for Taranaki. and the first incident was a free kick to Taranaki. Morse secured and coming through well passed to Gillett, the ball going to Magee and to Bater, who dropped it. Play then iept at centre, the erratic action of the new bail used upsetting the calculations of the players. Colman came round a scrum too soon, and a penalty resulting, Francis took a kick at goal from near halfway, but the ball **«**uafcn alters. ■"Tiemw.j 1 fuurmu majWtfiß "CTrrfße" bail was secured by him and kicked upheld, and Bater marking Magee had a kick at goal that fell short. Hunter secured, and running round kicked, and three Auckland backs spoilt, the take. The ball was secured by Wilson, but his kick rebounded off a Taranaki forward, and O'Sullivan secured, and passed to Sheahan, who was tackled, and dropped the ball on the ground. O'Sullivan lost a certain score by knocking on when attempting to pick up right under the posts. Taranaki kept *ap the pressure, but eventually tho home team got relief by Dive _ kicking into touch in Coal. Play was lively, and was transferred briskly from one end of the field to the other, both back divisions throwing the ball about, much to the delight of the crowd. From a line out at halfway, Auckland's pack broke away, Gi'lett, Nicholson, and Francis takine the*ball down to the goal line, where Gillett lost a score by knocking on. Auckland kept up the pressure, Mageo and Morse showing fine work round tho scrum, and Hunter was equally brilliant in ' defence. Taranaki got relief by O'Sullivan breaking away. Gillett secured the ball, and made a brilliant run through Taranaki's backs,_ right up to the amber and black fullback, but his pass was knocked on by Seeling, and Taranaki got out of danger. Auckland then came back ; ■ to the attack, end Murray was given the ball by Morse, and Colman, in tackling him, yame sharply into collision, and both were thrown out of action, play being suspended for some minutes. On resumption Taranaki kept up a eolid defence, and a lot of close "' line out play followed. At the 2.5 line Colman got offside, and Gillett kicked a fine goal:

Auckland 3 Taranaki 0

Immediately play was resumed Myno:t secured, and the ball travelled rapidly from him to Hunter, then to Cameron and Sheahan, ana from the latter back infield to Mynott., The latter could not reach the ball with his hands, so took a "soccer" kick, but It was too hard, and Auckland forced. Colman took the kick out, and with a tricky short "drop" secured again and ran downfield. He was collared, and Cunningham sej cured, passed to Nicholson, and he to Herring. The latter did not hold the ball, but It was carried over tho line and '.Morse touchid down, the Auckland supporters getting > thrill under false pretences, for the ball >as brought back to where Herring knocked pit. Following incidents were an unsuccessful kick at. goal by Nicholson, and then mercurial runs by Morse and Gillett, and a good .defence by "Haxdgrave. From, a line-out Billeft secured, and fooling the amber backs ;lumped over Hardgraves and scored Auckland's first try. Mageo failed with the kick it goal: Auckland ... ... •« ••• 6 ; Taranaki • ••• \ '••• 0 Taranaki got no relief from the kick-out, lor play came back into their territory again, snd Myuott distinguished himself by rush Moppiag. Morse at this stage was particularly tricky round the scrum. From a scrum near the centre Frewin secured aad passed to Cameron, who sent on to Hunter, and ho to Sh<ahan. Murray broke up the attack V cleverly tackling Shcahm, and then searing the ball kicked well down field. Wn the attack set up Hardgraves effected } clover save. Time was called with the 111 in Taranaki's quarters, the score boing: 1 Auckland 6 % Taranaki. ... ■ 0 .Francis opened the second spell by kick«i off for the blue and whites. Mynott seared and kicked down held to Renwick, >2d he kicked out at 25. Play worked across *&1, and a penalty by Auckland forwards &n Colmait a chance at goal from right °& the half-way line. His kick fell short, •fed Gillett kicked upfield. Nicholson was *f*t, prominent in a forward rush, which £?ewin stopped, and in doing so hacUhis s! Jß ey torn off. Taranaki were now attack- % and Hunter, Cameron, ( and Sheahan JN prominent in a fine passing rush. Fine "tfence by Wilson, a short run from an interception by Bafcar, a sharp run .by Gillett, *m Auckland were into Taranaki's quarters, s misunderstanding between Sheahan and *%dgraves and the ball went into touch 10 Rds from Taranaki's line. A scries of close "& Packs and scrums ensued in the corner, wiere,, from a scrum, O'Sullivan broke Plough. Wilson fielded aiid gave a foot P«SB across field to Murray, who fielded the tolling ball beautifully, ran across field, and ►hen gave a short pass to Johnson. Tho *tter was immediately tackled, but cleverly pa#edbiick to Murray, who ran across and Jrojfed Auckland's second try, the honour of Huch was due to Johnson's "heady" play. duett's kick was unsuccessful, and the score Stood: -\ - r :■- ' Auckland * s . >*\' r [ ■»•*... ■•.•-.(.« :'*■■'•»* 9 'Xaxanaki M *.« ».„.., 0

Almost immediately on resumption Seeling got over the line in a sensational mariner, fairly hurling himself over; but as he was tackled in flight ho rolled into touch in goal Following this incident was a spell of forward play by Auckland, with the amber backs endeavouring to open up play,, a feature of which was Mynott's clever work and Hunter's twisty runs. Good line kicking'by Divo was followed by a magnificent pot at goal from half -way by Hardgraves, which just foil short. Play came upheld, and Francis was prominent in a forward rush. From a scrum Worse secured, and the ball went to Hayward to Francis to Seeling arid to Nicholson, who was tackled round the ball as ho fell over the line. A scrum five yards out was given, but' Taranaki heeled out and forced. Auckland came to the attack again, but the passir;. play was spoilt by Dive, who intercepted. Ho kicked downfield, but in following up was obstructed by Herring, and. Taranaki were given a free kick. Play at this stage became tiniru'-r----osting, and for some time both teams appeared to bo resting. The dulnes* w>g broken by a collision between Tamu's and Gillett's heads, the latter being dazed lor some minutes. From a mark Colman enlivened proceedings by a tricky kick <'.'!_ to Hunter, who secured and passed to Dive, who sent back to Colman, who, m endeavouring to centre, kicked too hard, a. d the ball went into dead ball area. Play worked right upheld, Herring and Scotifg being almost over. Taranaki got; relief by a forward rush, and then Hunter,. Cameron, and Dive were associated in a passing run, the latter when blocked centring, but there was no one following up, and the ball was kicked hack upheld, Nicholson being prominent in a long dribble downfield. he bell went shortly after, and Auckland lett the. field winners of the third challenge match ol the season, the final scores being:

Auckland. ... • jj Taranaki «■ - °

Mr. J. Williams refereed in a manner that left no room for doubt as to his capability to handle the toughest of games. He was paid the unique honour of being cheered by the public when he came on the fieb? to officiate. NOTES ON THE GAME. ' Saturday's game was just an ordinary first-class 'football match, with the glamour of the fate of tho shield attached to it. At times brilliant work was done, but more often the system of forward play conceived and developed in this province spoiled what would have been an attractive exhibition for tho patrons of the game. As Rugby is at present constituted, Auckland can be proud of its forward division, a pack, according to Mr. J. Hunter, captain of the .1 aranaki team, that has never had us equal in New Zealand provincial football. It is by its strength that Auckland retains the Ranfurly shield, the attempts to secure which have given so many fine exhibitions of tho game. . . The contest was not so attractive as the Wellington-Auckland match, but that may have been duo to the high wind blowing, a feature which went far to make tho taking of passes and high kicks difficult. _ Auckland plavcrs went on the field conscious of the ability of the Taranaki backs—Mynott, Hunter, Cameron, Dive, and Hardgrave— to "do things," and it was their policy to keep tho ball amongst the forwards, who could be trusted to more than hold their own against the Taranaki pack. As to the fortunes and misfortunes of the game, the local men must have, thrown away at least four or five easy chances to score, Against that, there were two distinct occasions when Taranaki should have scored. Tho luck of the weather was with the local team, for after playing with the advantage of a heavy wind and sun in the first sued, the disadvantage in the second half was minimised by a considerable drop in the force oE tho wind. _ The sun also became obscured about half-time. Hardgrave, at fullback for Taranaki. gave a fine display, but his kicking, although strong, lacked direction. His tackling was sure. Dive was the pick of the threequarters, Cameron, at centre, playing below form, and failing to come up to the game lie played in the third test match here. Tho five-eighths were the famous pair, Mynott and Hunter. On tho day's play, the honours of tho visiting back division should go to the former. ■ Hunter's swerves were particularly brilliant on many occasions, and his- general trick.iness was helpful when his side was in difficulties. Frewin, at half, was too close to Auckland's attentive pack to be seen much, but ho played a good game. The forward division of Taranaki were a heavy, quick-moving lot, who made matters interesting at times. Colman, on the wing, was not a great success, and was noticeable "ijrxrffstcJtr''pisy.' 'Oii»'sssfata iiw;'Hb'to-oou-trasting his play with his last appearance here as fullback in tho third test match, when his work was almost without blemish. In the loose O'Sullivan. was prominent, and other forwards to show out were Whittington, Rothbery, and Tamu, the latter playing up splendidly towards the finish of the match.

As Saturday succeeds Saturday the Auckland backs show improvement, until now, men, who during cup contests were hardly playing up to senior standard, are showing form, which bears favourable comparison with that of visiting '"star" backs. Kenwick was not convincing at fullback on Saturday, showing a lot of hesitancy. Wilson, firrit at wing and then at centre threequarter, was the pick of the line, although Murray also played a fine game. Johnson was again noticeable for sound, defensive work, and for his clever play when Auckland's second try wiu, scored. It was a fine example of how to rise to an occasion. Magee was as solid as ever at five-eighths, but his partner, Bater, was not as brilliant as usual. Morse continues to show improvement, and gave a very clever display round tho scrum.

Gillett gave a fine display at wing-for-ward, on© of the finest exhibitions he has yet produced. Ho had a hand in almost every piece of work that was going. The Auckland forwards played as a pack, and as the policy was to play close there was no one particularly prominent. There was much comment amongst the spectators on Saturday on the fact that the Auckland players' jerseys had no distinguishing numbers or letters. The Taranaki _ jerseys were all lettered, and the identity cf the players could thus bo easily ascertained by reference to the programme.

THE VISITORS ENTERTAINED. The Taranaki representative team was entertained at a. dinner in the Imperial Hotel on Saturday evening by the Auckland Rugby Union. Mr. J. M. Jems presided. (Amongst those present were Mr. .J. Malono, manager of tho Taranaki team, and Mr. A. Humphries, chairman of the Taranaki Rugby Union. A number of toasts were honoured at the conclusion of the dinner, find reference was made by the Taranaki men to the good feeling existing between the two unions. It was, they asserted, the assistance given to Taranaki by the Auckland Union that lad assisted to keen Taranaki in the front rank of provincial footbai. Mr. Humphries expressed the opinion that the Rugby laws needed a little altering, and if that was done on tho lines suggested to the New Zealand Rugby Union there need be no fear of tho game being supplanted as the great national snort of the Dominion.

The members of tho Taranaki football team, under Mr. J. Malone, left for home by the llarawa yestorday. At; Onehunga they wore seen off by Messrs. M. Sheahan, F. J. Ohlson, Murray, and C. V. Langsford, of tho Auckland Rugby Union, and Mr. George Gillett (captain) and members of the Auckland representative team. Accompanying the team wore a number of Taranaki supporters, a contingent of whom arrived on Saturday morning. As the. vessel cast off cheers were exchanged. Mr. J. Williams also left lor home yesterday.

WAIUKU V. AUCKLAND JUNIORS. Promptly at one o'clock the representatives of Waiuku and Auckland juniors lined up on tho field to take part in a return match. In the previous contest Auckland had gone to tho far end of the Manukau, and there beaten the countrymen on their own ground by 6 points to 3. Waiuku won the toss on Saturday, and played.with a strong breeze in tho first spell. Play was very ragged, and out of forward scrambles each side scored a try, Fricker getting across for the local men and Middleton for Waiuku, the spell ending 3 points all. . The second spell saw the visitors attacking far a considerable time, despite the handicap of a strong head wind. The play of the local men appeared lifeless until rear the end of the game, when they livened up, and from smart loose play tho ball came to Wynyard, who sent it on to Smith. Tho pass was not the easiest to take, but Smith secured the ball and ran over, scoring Auckland's winning points. The try was not converted. A certain score was lost, just on time, by Wynyard failing to pass at the / right moment. The game ended Auckland, 6; Waiuku, 3. Mr. H. Frost refereed satisfactorily. Shortly after the game started O'Brien's (five-eighths) wrist was badly sprained, and he had to retire, bis place being taken by Thomas. His brother, at fullback, played a fine game. McKinnon in the forwards played a game which stamps him as being too good for junior rank. A prominent player in the Waiuku team was the ex-representa-tive, Scott Wilson

wards.

WELLINGTON BEATS CANTERBURY/ AN INTERESTING CAME. [BY telegraph;—press association-.] WelliiSctox, Sunday. Glorious weather conditions prevailed for the Canterbury-Wellington match yesterday afternoon, and the game, which was witnessed by a crowd of 4000 people, proved most interesting. Wellington had the better of tho play, especially in the second spell, and won eventually by 11. points to 5. The teams took tho field as follows: — Wellington (black): Fullback, J. Ryan; threequarters. Matheson, Mitchinson, Evenson; five-eighths, Magee, McLeod; halfback, Roberts; forwards, Avery (wing). Ready, Hamilton, "Rangi" Wilson, A. C. Wilson, Rush, McKellor, Shadboit. Canterbury (red and black): Fullback, Doell; threequartors, Fryer, Mason, Aitken; five-eighths, Weston, Fry: halfback. Burns; forwards, McPhail (wing), Thompson, Mahoney, Baker, Menzies, Ward, Webb, Evans. Tho visitors won the toss, and Wellington kicked off against a strong wind, and with the sun in their eves. Rush sent the bail into tho reds' 25, where McPhail got possession. Ho instituted a passing rush, in which Gray and Mason also took part, play being shifted into the blacks' quarter. Shadboit got av.ay with the ball at his feet and invaded Canterbury's territory, but Mitchinson failed to tako the leather from a long kick, and he was smothered by tho reds. Burns and Gray got tho ball, and pierced almost to tije Wellington line, but Rush and Shadboit shifted play back into tho visitors' half. The blacks were awarded a free kick for offside play in Canterbury's 25, but Ryan's attempt at goal failed. Good kicking by Fryer and Webb saw the ball again near Wellington's goal, but MeLeod and McKellor brought it back. A few seconds later McKellor again got away, "Rangi" Wilson missing a pass, which, if taken, would have placed the visitors' line in grave danger. After a scramble Rush picked up the ball, and threw it to Avery, from whom it went to, Magee, who, although collared, just managed to fall over tho line. Ryan's kick went outside the posts, and tho score stood: Wellington 3, Canterbury 0. From the drop-out MePhail, Weston, and Aitken broke away, and Ryan had to save by kicking over the dead-ball line. From a kick by Ryan Fryer got the ball, and passed to Gray, who was standing offside. The kick gained a great deal of ground for Wellington, but Shadboit got offside, spoiling a fine forward rush, in which Avery and Rush wcro prominent. The reds workod slowly to the homo end, whero Evenson intercepted a pass and got well away. He transferred to Mitchinson, to McLeod, and back to Evienson, who was collared, and dropped tho ball. Magee, who was following closo behind, picked up the ball and scored in tho comer. Ryan again failed to convert, the.score thus standing: Wellington 6, Canterbury 0. The reds now livened up, and a passing movement, initiated by Burns, put the blacks' line in danger, Ward being blocked just on tho line. For about fifteen minutes Canterbury pressed the blacks hard, but without success. Eventually Roberts was caught napping, and, being unable to kick, passed to Ryan, who was' smothered on the line. Baker snatched up and foil over with several blacks hanging on to him. Weston converted with a fine kick, making the score: Wellington 6, Canterbury 5. Half-time sounded immediately after-

Although playing against the wind in the second" half the reds got away at the start, and for a time had Wellington pound up. Gray dashed away and kicked into touch, although he seemed to have a clear field in front. The. pressure was sustained, and tho ball eventually went into touch-in-goal. A fine rush by Mitchinson and Evenson gained a deal of ground for tho blacks, but tho latter was forced into touch before he had reached the line. McLeod got away, and after a dodgy run passed everyone of the red backs, but, losing his balance, he fell just before ho reached tho line. _ A serum was held, and from the ensuing scramble Magee picked up and scored. Ryan converted finely, and the score read: Wellington 11, Canterbury 5.

Roberta got the ball from the kick off, and passed to Shad-bolt, who sent it on to Evenson, the rush taking play right back to the reds' line. The blacks continued to press hard, but the red backs, especially Doell, played excellently in defence, and kept their line clear in a wonderful manner. Towards the end of the game Fryer made .thejhost,.nun...of. ;ll .tb«wd*y,.-'covering about "'two-thirds of the field, and dodging almost tho entire black team. He .was collared just before he reached! the line, and the blacks getting the ball rushed it back past half-way. During the last few minutes the reds were very hard pressed, and had to force down several times. The game ended in Canterbury's quarter, with the score: Wellington li, Canterbury 5. Mr. P. Mackie, of Wellington, was am efficient referee.

OTAGO BEATS SOUTHLAND. I

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Duxedin, Sunday.

Otago met and defeated Southland yesterday by 28 points to 6 in the presence of a large number of spectators. At the opening of the game the weather was perfect, but as play progressed tho wind strengthened, and by the finish was blowing very strongly. Otago were more fortunate than their opponents in this respect, as in tho first spell Southland had the advantage of only a light breeze, while in the second half Otago had a very, strong one. The ground was in splendid condition. For the first half-hour Southland held the advantage, but after that Otago asserted their superiority, and soon after tho opening of the second spell the result was beyond doubt. Otago's strength lay chiefly in the forwards, who generally secured the ball from the scrum, and put in some splendid work in the loose. Southland had the advantage in the line-out work, and they followed up well. Neither side gave a brilliant display in the back division, but the home team was slightly tho better in this department. - For the winners, who put on six points to their onnonents' 3 in the first half. Dougherty, O'Sullivan, Iviney, Stalker, Fitzpatrick, and McKcnzie scored, the tries of tho two last-named being converted by Pa ton, who also kicked two goals from marks by Iviney and Fitzpatrick. For Southland Miles and Broad obtained fries. WANGANUI DEFEATED BY HAWKE'S BAY. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Natieb, Sunday. The representative match Wanganui v. Hawke's Bay was played yesterday in beautiful ' weather, and resulted in a win for Hawke's Bay by 11 points to nil. In the first half a mark secured by Wall (Hawke's Bay) was converted by him, and Kenyon obtained a, try, which Wall converted. In tho second half the local side never gave their opponents a, chance, but the only score was an unconverted try secured by. Wall.

A WIN FOR WELLINGTON B.

[HI TELEGBAPH. --MIKSS ASSOCIATION'.]

Nelson", Sunday.

The match, Wellington B v. Nelson, was played yesterday afternoon, and resulted in a win for tho former by 21 points to 3. Tho turf was in splendid order, but a strong wind blew diagonally across the ground. In the first half, playing with the wind, Wellington put up 11 points, Gardner kicking a penalty goal, while Houlihan and Osborne scored tries, Thomas converting the latter. In the second spell Osborne and Murphy obtained tries, which were converted by Gardner and Thomas respectively, while Smith kicked a penalty goal for Nelson. The game was a fast one, "the visitors having the advantage in the forward work, but the backs were evenly matched, and the contest was moro even than the scores would indicate. OTHER MATCHES. . MARIST BROTHERS' OLD BOYS' TOUR. The Marisfc Brothers' Old Boys' football team leave to-day from Onehunga by the s.s. Takapuna, en route for Wanganui and Napier, where matches will be played against teams at each town. The St. Mary's team will bo met at Wanganui next Thursday, and the Marist Brothers' team of Napier on Saturday. The latter team is playing in the Hawke's Bay senior competition. The party will be under the management of Mr. E. Dervan, ' and - will comprise the following:—O'Brien (2), Dervan (2), Snoehan, Little, Lonergan, Tobin, Kean, Nolan, Lang. Johnson, Harris, Mahoney, O'Connor, Slade, Reardon, Simpson, Lynch, and another. , The team, which will return on Thursday, September 10, were tendered a farewell social on Saturday evening by the Old Boys' Club.

THAMES DEFEATS WAIHI. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] Waihi, Saturday. The Rugbv football match. Thames v. Waihi, played on the local recreation ground this afternoon, resulted in a victory for Thames br three points. The game excited considerable interest, and was well attended, the onlookers including a number of visitor* from. Thames and Upper Thames centres. The game was keenly contested, and in the first spell Thames, with a =..rong wind behind them, scored six points, Winder kicking two penalty goals. In the- second half Waihi obtained two tries, Morpeth and Truscott being the scorers, and Thames added ( a further three points, a try scored by McCallum. Thames thus won by 9 points to 6. VIGOROUS CONTEST AT ROTOEUA. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Rotorca, Saturday. Considerable interest, was evinced in the match played at Pukeroa Hill to-day between the Waikile team (holders of the Rotorua Rugby Union district championship and the Rangiuru team (holders of the To Puke Rugby Union district championship). Neither side had sustained defeat this season, so the relative strength of both teams was waehed with interest. The visitors started at a great pace, and soon scored a try, which was converted. This advantage they succeeded in maintaining throughout the spell. In the second half, with the elements in their favour, it was considered that the visitors would win easily, but it was evident. that the pace set in the first spell had tired them. Waikite put on two tries and a penalty goal in a very short space of time, making the score: Waikite, 9; Rangiuru, 5. This sudden reverse roused the visitors, who had hard luck in not scoring on at least three occasions. However, on the call of time another score went down to their credit, the game eventually , ending in Waikite's favour by the narrow margin of 9 points to 8.

MATCH AT WHANGAREI. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] Whang Saturday. In the Rugby - football cup competition North Ward and Whakapara seniors played a hard-fought game at, Kensington Park today, the result being a draw, each side scoring three points. A penalty goal was kicked in bo(Ji cases. The result of this match gives the cup to Whakapara. South Ward seniors won by default from Middlo Harbour. MATCHES AT TE AROHA. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] Te AROHA, Saturday. In the inter-union games played to-day Hamilton defeated Piako by 11 points to 3 whilst the match between the Hamilton anc Piako juniors was drawn, neither side sooting. INTER-COLLEGIATE FIXTURE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION.]

Christchurch, Sunday. A match was played yesterday afternoon between the Wangamii Collegiate School and Lincoln College. The game was a very interesting one, and until the closing stages, when the superior condition and combination of the Wanganui boys told, the agricultural students made a very good fight. In the first spell their forwards were rather better in the loose work than Wanganui, but the latter's backs handled the ball better, and their line-kicking was generally more effective. The game ended: Wanganui, 20. points; Lincoln College, 6.

MATCH AT WANGANUI.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WA?rCANUT, Sunday.

. A match between the Ruapehu sub-union and the Wanganui B team was played yesterday afternoon, Wanganui winning by 31 points to 6. FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph.—Press Association —Copyright. ::: ' {'Received August 30, 8.7 p.in.) "" Sydney, August 30. The Rugby challenge match between the Western Districts team, which recently defeated the Britishers, and the Metropolitan team resulted in a win for the latter by 11 points to 9, after a hard fought game. At the Victorian football carnival South Australia defeated Tasmania by 16 goals 20 behinds (116 points) to 7 goals (42 points). Victoria defeated West Australia by 13 goals 22 behinds (100 points) to 6 goals 8 behinds (44 points).

THE NORTHERN UNION GAME.

AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON. The Auckland League representative te*,m which recently defeated Wellington at Victoria Park tinder Northern Union rules will play a return match with the representatives of "the Empire City at Wellington nextSaturday. The team will leave Auckland next. Wednesday, and will probably play a match at New Plymouth on the way down. After the players have received out-of-pocket expenses and been recouped for loss of time, the proceeds of the tour (if fiancially successful) will be devoted to forming the nucleus of a fund for establishing clubs next season.

INVERCARGILL TEAM'S TOUR.

[by TELEGRAPH. association.]

Invercargtll, Saturday.

The Northern Union football team about to tour the North leaves for Wellington on Thursday morning, and contains many leading players.

THE GAME IN DUNEDIN.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Dunedin, Saturday.

Supporters of the Northern Union game are hopeful of gaining a strong footing hero before the- season is over. One of the_ promoters of the game, in conversation with a reporter, said " We have some 40 players, including many of the best men here, who have intimated their intention of playing this game. We propose running it on purely amateur lines, and intend' commencing practice matches in another week. Wo have secured the Caledonian ground, and will play Wellington on it on October 3, and also on the Saturday following. We hope to arrange a match against the Maori team for tho Saturday after that. On the last Wednesday in September wo play a match at Invcrcargill, and will pay players for time lost while away from Dunedin. We are not going in for professionalism. If the Now Zealand Union decide to improve' the present game wo shall be satisfied, but in the meantime wo intend doing our best to push the new game." THE ASSOCIATION GAME. In the matches under the auspices of the Auckland Association Football Union on Saturday in the senior grade Huntly beat North Shore by 2 goals to 1. There was no score during the first spell, but in the second half Bissell notched two for Huntly, while Sutherland netted the losers' only goal. Ponsonby seniors defeated North Shore first iuniors by 2 goals to 1, Barber and F. Ritchie scoring for the winners, and Oakton for North Shore. THE BROWN SHIELD. Owing to the inability of the Auckland Football Association tof raise sufficient, funds to send a team to Dunedin to defend the Brown shield, of which they are tho holders, the association has been reluctantly compelled to abandon ' the trip. This means that Auckland province will lose, by default, one of the collection of shields now held here by various athletic societies. It is exceedingly regrettable that this must be so, and it is to bo honed that some means can be devised to raise sufficient to send the team to Dunedin. The association officers have done their utmost to raise the amount, but have failed. The attention was diverted to some extent by the flooding of their grounds at Kingsland, a circumstance most unfortunate to local players. CORINTHIAN ANNUAL SMOKER. The Corinthian Association Football Club held its annual smoker on Saturday last, and had ft good gathering of "soccer" sup/porters, including 'the members of tbo^

Hurttlr Football Club, who were the guests of the home club. . The president, Mr. Geo. Kent, of the Corinthian Club, acted as chairman, and a good toast list was honoured. The programme, which was kept going till 12 o'clock, was ail..that "could bo desired, and the committee were we-U pleased with the appreciation of the- audience. During the evening Mr. Allen, of the club committee, was presented with a handsome travelling bag and rug, as a token of respect and esteem, by the members of the Corinthians, who wished him -good luck on his departure for England.