FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15307, 21 May 1913, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY' GAME. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Fbom every point of view 'the game between 'Varsity and City on Saturday was most pleasing. It was fast, fairly open, and, best of all, contested in the best possible spirit. Hard knocks were certainly given, but never maliciously, and the game must be written down as one of the cleanest, hardest, and" most spectacular club contests seen here for years. The play of the 'Varsity backs was particularly pleasing, and when they all Settle down into their places they should provide some fine spectacles. • • ■■ '. Right at the commencement of the game on' Saturday they gave a taste ,of their quality, two tries being scored in quick succession, as the outcome of excellent combined play. It looked as if City were in for a heavy defeat, but the red forwards quickly changed their tactics, and keeping play fairly tight, gave the brilliant blues little ground in which to manoeuvre. When the 'Varsity half did secure the ball there was always something doing, and, although Macky and % Co. failed to dftve home the attacks, the passing ruins had the spectators oft their feet time and again. In the last quarter of an hour, 'Varsity obtained the ball fairly regularly, and attack after attack was levelled at the City citadel »always, however, without success, although Macky just missed winning the game on at least two occasions. During this strenuous period the defence of the, City backs was superb, and credit, must also be given to Bruce and other forwards for backing-up so well. Had the team weakened in the slightest degreo 'Varsity would . have , won, . but Captain Stewart's team rever faltered, and honours', were easy when bell rang. Although they acted splendidly when on tho defensive, the' City backs were not, as a whole, impressive when attacking. Tho five-eighths were always slow to move, and, generally, the centre threequarter had to slow up to take his parses. With a more-dashing man immediately behind tho halfback City would have won, as the forwards generally managed to secure the ball in the scrums. With such dashing players ,on tho wings as Hogan and Wolfgram the five-eighths first duty is to get the ball to them as quickly as possible, and unless they can lie well underway by the . time . the half is readyto pass out from the scrum they mieht just as well kick as soon as they handle the ball. No five-eighths can expect to help his team over-much if ho stands to receive his pass from the scrum, and if City is to win the championship some changes will have to bo made in this important position. With regard to the forward play, it would be hard to ..find fault with cither pack. City, however, kept together better, and when it. came to close play, the reds were . superior to • the blues, whoso best work was done in - the loose. Two or three of the City pack, notably Bruce and Trcsize, were quite as good: in the loose a* any one of the 'Varsity men, but the pack generally was not as fast as the blue vanguard., ; 'Varsity had a pood deal tho best of matters in the first quarter, and in tho final stages thav had all the be"St of it, the honours in the second and third rounds going to City. The crowd wanted the blues to win. When one considers the general run of the play it must be conceded that tliev were perhaps just a wee bit unlucky. However, it was such a fine contest that inanv were quite satisfied when , the teams left ' the field with the scores even. ; . - i.. It is hard to single out any one of the 'Varsity backs a?, , being better than his fellows, but as Wilson scored : two very j clever tries he must get his fair share of the. limelight. The popular centre \was there when trouble was looming, and Gray could hardly wish for a betted centre when galloping for the line. Although he is deserving of all praise for his fine display, Wilson should discontinue the habit of cutting . after receiving from the fiveeighths. Geddes can always be relied on to run straight, and, as he. invariably beats his man, it is really only necessary for the centre to get in touch with his wing as quicklv as possible. Failure to do this on "Saturday cost 'Varsity at least one try, J ' ■ , 'When' Macky electrified the crowd at the match between Auckland and Wellington last season, he was hailed as a champion, and apparently expectations are going to be realised this year, as the speedy winger is giving of his very best. On Saturday he made the opposing line his objective every time, and only splendid tackling kept him out on many occasions. He was also sound on defence, and if he could only manage to cultivate the art of sidestepping he would be the most dangerous scoring man in. the Dominion. ' . , Geddes, 'Varsity's No. 1 five-eighths, strikes one as a more likely centre or No. 2 plaver. - His play on Saturday, however, was always good, so perhaps it would be unwise to change him. Gray is a solid little player, .and was always m the thick of. it, -while . Ross, though, somewhat slow in getting rid of the ball, is also deaeiving of mention. . , ' -*«■ , Darby' was not as convincing as Maclry oil the wing, but he did many fine things, notably his tackle of Wolfgram, when that speedy player looked certain to score. The fullback played a fair game. Wvlie stood out among the 'Varsity forwards as a clever forward in the loose, bjut he was not, altogether impressive when play . was tight. He is, however a fine line-out man, always being on the look out .for openings for the backs. Jiilkey Bamford. and Inkster are also good men, who will be again, heard of during tho season. . Easily the best man m the City rearguard,'if not on the field, was Stewart. He was here there and everywhere, and in view of the forthcoming, matches with New South Wales, his form is distinctly pleasing. Stewart is quite Tift to the present New Zealand standard; in fact, he is probably "one of the best centres in the Dominion at the present time, and no doubt he will get his reward when the "All Blacks" are being selected. In the match against Ponsonby on the first Saturday, Wolfgram was : not very convincing, but on Saturday lie played a very fine game, and it was hard luck- for Citv when .he was compelled to leave the field through injury. He made several dashing runs, and the' more work he was required to do the better did he play. Unfortunately, he will not be able to take his place in the team on Saturday. ■' Hogah is another man who is keeping well, and if City,can. only unearth a good five-eighth's the two wingers are going to be thorns in the sides of all teams. With rdgard' to tho fullback* little need be said, as. he made no mistakes. He was, however, just a wee bit ' over . confident at times.• . , • Bruce'stood out among the forwards for clever dashing, play. v He was good in the loose, and on the line out never shirked tho hard stuff, while his attempts to.assist the backs were always praiseworthy.. ' Tresize : also played hard—perhaps a little, too hard at times — was always in the'thick of it, as was Magee, who is rather inclined to play the man too much. However, it is not the writer's intention to ; say i anvthing , about rough play, as it was conspicuous by its absence, and the referee lmd no occasion txj warn any players. Let us hope all games during the season will be played in the same friendly spirit.' . . . ' . . J The Marist Brothers' team, by its victory over College Rifles on Saturday, ha« placed itself one , point ahead .of Ponsonby and University for the championship. Saturday's match was very flosely contested, but Maritt Brothers were unfortunate in not securing at least another try. Their team was • stronger than' on tho previous Saturday, Olsen ; being back in ' his old place behind the scrum. College Rifles were not up to their usual strength, two of the forwards Sutherland and Bedford—and <Jhe 'of tho five-eighths (Gordon) being absent. . \ «•. The M&rist Brothers', backs were stronger than the-opposing rearguard, and greatly ' assisted * their forwards by judicious line.;XV Mi ■'■"A'- V

kicking'. , In this respect J. O'Brien in particular deserves a word of praise, while B. O'Brien - and Snechan were also of much assistance. Tho attacking movements of the double blue rearguard • wero not well executed, and there is still room ( for improvement as far as combination goes. . Tho forwards wore generally successful in semiring the ball from the scrum, and Olson whipped it.away smartly, but hesitation, and inaccurate passing on the part of the other backs saw chances to score lost. Cornaga on one - occasion lost what- might have been a try by knocking-on, but ho atoned for his mistake by scoring later in tho —the only try of tho day. 'B. O'Brien and Sheehan played good all-round games. _ ' .Weston, the College Rifles captain, is the mainstay of the dark blue back division both as regards' attack and defenco. Ho is a >. sound tackier and a good ■ line-kick. On • Saturday, however, when Marist Brothers wero attacking strongly, ho took risks on two occasions by waiting for the ball to bounce. ■ In form Weston is one of 'the best five-eighths in the Dominion, ' and in view of the matches with New South Wales it is to be hoped that ho will continue to improve. Generally speal.-»». the play of the other College backs was ragged. At times, indeed, there were flashes of bright play, but the effort was not sustained. King is a clever young player, but he displays a tendency at times to run recklessly into danger. Hines gavo a good display, but his ground fielding was not as strong as usual. Cox played in the three-quarter line instead of Reed, and gavo a display which warranted his inclusion in the team. Another new player was Waymouth, who showed a good turn of speed, and tackled fairly well. His line-kicking, however, was decidedly weak. Tho forward play was more interesting than that of tho backs. Marist Brothers worked well in tho loose, and gained superiority . over their ■ opponents in the lineout , work.' • In the close, however, College Rifles seemed able to copo with their heavier opponents. • Several - time« fierce struggles waged near the College line, but each time the Marist Brothers' pack was hurled back. Downing '■ showed prominently, but obvi- «. ously did not use his weight to advantage. Callaghan, though not often in the limelight, worked hard in the close.. Carroll was always in the thick of the close play, but has played many better games. Barrett was prominent throughout/ and gave a really good display. To him must be given most . of the credit for Marist Brothers' only try, as ho was the player who started the movement ending in the score. Harris also played exceedingly well, and was always on the. ball. Though under full strength, the College Rifles' forwards put up a stubborn fight. Sellars and. Pountney, the front-row men, did yeoman service for their side, both in the open and close play. Mcllugh gave one of the best displays of his; side, and headed several good forward rushes. _ Walker and Jacobi both played solidly in the closo. Playing wingforward, Nesbitt gave another fine exhibition, following .up well, and tackling in deadly fashion. > The match on the, No. 2 ground, although not so fast as the City-University game, was, nevertheless, interesting. The teams wero fairly well matched in the forward divisions, the advantage, if any, resting with Ponsonby. ■ *■. b'l While tho, Ponsonby backs nursed their forwards as touch as possible, tho wretched work, of the Parnell rearguard kept the maroon forwards charging up and down the field continuously. Most .of the w(?rk of tho Ponsonbv backs wail clear cut, but the maroon backs' were quite disorganised, only two men playing up to senior form. * Sellars was tho best of the Ponsonby forwards, with Avery a good second, but Hall semnod quite content to stand off and wait for chances. > As in the opening match with City, Murray played a great game at: centre threequarter. Ho tackled and kicked right up to his best form, and ho was always there when there were forward rushes to be stopped. .. Sooner or later McGregor's hurdling tactics will get him into trouble, and the sturdy little winger would also do well to remember that lie cannot always beat , a team singlehanded. On Saturday he was very good at times, but on occasions he nullified good efforts by going too far with the ball. Parnell has a very fair forward team, and •when the backs gain a little combination, the maroons will extend the strongest of the teams. Hansch on Saturday played a splendid game, and ho shared the honour of being the best forward on the ground. It is pleasing to note the good form of Hansch, as Mo is ono of the most enthusiastic players in Auckland. , Wilson played his usual good game, and Muir also worked hard, but tho latter as yet has riot shown his form of last season. • Miller, a young giant, who stands 6ft Sin in his shoes, and tips the beam at 16st, will do well later on, but just at present he is sadly in need of training. Casey and Godfrey were the best of the Parnell backs, several of the other backs being not up to good junior form. , The training shod of the North Shore District Football Club was prettily decorated with flags last Saturday on the occasion of the opening of the A.R.U. junior competitions. ' N ; This innovation was favourably commented upon by the public of Devonport, several hundred persons "assembling to watch the home team play Newton. Tho game was fast and open, and resulted in a victory for tho home team by 11 points to 3, tries being scored for tho Shore by -A. Alford and H. McKubre.v, the former player converting one, and also kicking a penalty goal. N. Bater, at halfback, , was a great success, and G. Wilding at fiveeighths acquitted himself well. All the backs were good, however, and it is hardly fair to individualise. ,' , . The forwards were a very even lot., and- ' with moro: practice should develop into a first-rato combination. , 1 At Woods's paddock the fifth grade boys ( won . their game, defeating Marist Brothers \

by*. 6 points to 0. This game was also well worth watching, and was free from any element of roughness. The fifth grade team promises to become a very nippy fifteen indeed. . Next Saturday the first juniors meet Marist Brothers on No. 1 ground, Devonport, while the fifths contest Parnell, probably also at the marine suburb. Good musters are expected in the training shed for the current week. . ? PUBLIC SCHOOL FIXTURES. The Auckland public schools' competition will bo continued on Saturday, fixtures being as follows: — A Grade: Mount Eden v. Farnell, Beresford Street v. Newton East, Devonport v. Grafton (at North Shore), Richmond Road v. Ponsonby. B Grade: Onohunga v. Newton West, Nelson Street v. Avondale. Napier Street v. Mount-Albert j Bayfield v. Vermont Street. 0 Grade: Normal v. Edendale, Mount Roskill ,v. Newmarket, Ellerslie \y. To Papapa, Maungawhau v. Epsom. UNDER LEAGUE RULES. ' NOTES AND COMMENTS. The game between Ponsonby United and City Rovers' at Victoria Park on Saturday provided an exhilarating display of football. Several hundred . spectators journeyed to the park to see the match, (in not for one moment during the mime did they experience a dull moment. City were somewhat fortunate to snatch a single-point victory, for honours were, on the whole, very •even' in the first half, while in the second spell Ponsonby were, with the exception of a very few brief intervals, very warmly on the attack. The game was a fine spectacular one, and the ball travelled up and down the field at a great pace. Good condition was shown by both side*, arid the game teemed with clever manoeuvres and exciting incidents. A. Asher was. as usual, the outsifcapdin" player on his side, and ho initiated clover attacks time after time. The Ponsonby defenco was, however, very sOund, and tho reds crossed the line twice *t>nly in the first spell, and not at all in the second. The first try was the result of a fine run 'by Asher, who received tho ball from Robinson, his five-eighth, at the twenty-five, and dodged his way through half the opposing backs, eventual* scoring fairly wide out. Asher was a little lucky In. scoring the try, as he had his wing handy, and instead of passing out for a suro score ho elected to cut in at the last moment, with the result that he. just got over, and as it was a number of player's and spectators alike were very doubtful as to the merits of tho try. City's second score was the result of a very pretty piece of work. The reds were attacking strongly, and: one of the. Ponsonby backs attempted to relievo his side with a long high kick. Watcne, the City left wing, happened to be about tho twenty-five flag, and immediately; putting on pace, ho rushed at'top speed for tho kick, took the ball on the full, and ended a fino piece of work by scoring wide out, amidst loud plaudits of \ the spectators. City wero-6 points to the .good when tho second spell ended, and Ponsonby, on resuming, immediately commenced to ' try and redeem their position. McClymont, who will be remembered as the mainstay of last year's goldfields team, played centre for the blues, and was conspicuous in every Ponsonby movement in the second spell. His handling, kicking, and running were beyond reproach, and he showed decided cleverness in cutting in; Time after time ho had City, in trouble, and a slip at the last minute—or a piece of good luck as far as the City backs were concerned—were the ! only . things wh'ich stopped " v Ponsonby from scoring repeatedly. Tho ; blues' only, try was the result of -a 'good piece of, work by Roope, who secured about halfway, and 1 after -a . good run .

centred. E. Asher, the City- fullback, fumbled, and Irwin, following up fast, touched down.'. E. Asher played a very mediocre game right through. His handling was very unsafe, but the fates ; seemed to be ' with him, - and ho repeatedly succeeded in. recovering from his faults. The Ponsonby forwards' played a dashing game, and were undoubtedly superior in the scrums. Webb, the scrum-naif, played a good game, but in most of the movements something went wrong at the critical moment- Their backs also played well together, and with a little more < practice the team should be ,hard' to beat. The City team also worked well tobut everything taken into consideration, they were lucky to win. .The game was a hard one, but in no sense a rough one. A certain Ponsonby player >. was in somewhat bad odour with the spectators as the result of a previous match, and the spectators lost no opportunity of "rubbing it in " whenever' he was responsible for a hard tackle. However, no exception could possibly be taken to . any part of his play, and although he played a praiseworthy hard game, at no time did ho exhibit any roughness whatever. The game was stopped on several occasions for minor injuries, but none resulted from rough play. The other games played on Saturday call for little comment. Tho meeting of North Shoro Albion and Eden Ramblers proved an easy thing for the former. Eden are far from strong this year, and the side was still further weakened by tho ( absence of two or three of their players, including the captain (D. Kenealey), who did not take the field owing to a previous disagreement with his side. Only two short spells were played, and with the exception of one very brief interval North Shore were in their opponents' territory the whole time. They succeeded in running up 19 points to Eden's nil before the final whistle sounded. The game at Onehunga was also a onesided affair, Newton Rangers having by far the better of the game, although the Manukau forwards - showed good form on occasions. Tho Rangers eventually left the field with a margin of 17 points in their favour, v' The progress of the League game in Nelson, judging by the tone of a letter received by. the New Zealand Council- last evening, must be considered highly satisfactory. The league has secured Trafalgar Park, the Rugby Union ' stronghold, for every third Saturday, and also for June 3, which is the big day of the year as far as. the Union game is concerned. The letter further stated that the. league was very strong, as far as the prowess of its players was concerned, and a League team could be got together which would be far superior to any kelson representative Union team.. The Nelson League also proposes to play a representative match on June 3, and is very keen on a match with Wellington, to whom a challenge has already been forwarded. The council decided to grant the Nelson League permission to play the match if the challenge were accepted, and tho secretary was instructed to write congratulating Nelson on its progress and wishing the new league all success. ■ >• Hie Taranaki League is evidently suffering from the want of an energetic secretary. The New Zealand Council, at its meeting last night, received a letter from a New Plymouth enthusiast stating that the game in Taranaki was in need of a "lift up." He himself had been attempting to gather players of the game together, with a view to arranging a match, and although the players were very scattered, he had succeeded in arranging a North Taranaki v. South Taranaki match. The writer stated that a little outside assistance was badly needed, and he took it upon himself—having become tired of the lack of energy displayed by the secretary —to ask if it would be possible to arrange a match with Auckland. Such' a match would undoubtedly prove of great assistance to the game in Taranaki, and the council decided to have one arranged, if the Auckland League was. willing to do SO. ' ;, The sub-committee appointed by the New Zealand Council to arrange ' an itinerary for the New Zealand tour of the New South Wales team ,during the present season submitted a draft suggestion of dates and fixtures to the council at its meeting last night. In considering the matter, the committee has very laudably taken all the smaller leagues into consideration, with a view to giving each a chance and helping them to secure better footings financially. The committee reported that it had been deemed inadvisable to arrange a South Island match, to be played at Dunedin, owing to tlije risk attached to the matter of obtaining a ground', and. also because - it. was found almost impossible to work the match into the dates. The suggested itinerary was as follows: — at Wellington, July 23 play Canterbury (at Christchurcli), July 26 play Marlborough and Nelson (at Blenheim), July 30; play Wellington (at Wellington), August 2; play Wanganui (at Wanganui), August 6: play Hawke's Bay (at Napier), August 9; play Thames and Goldfields combined,. August 13; play New Zealand (at Auckland), August 16; play Waikato Leagues (at Hamilton), August 20; play Auckland (at Auckland), August 23; leave Auckland for Sydney, August 25. It was' decided to forward the suggestions to the New South Wales League for its consideration. The selectors of the New Zealand team to tour Australia are to be congratulated on their selection. With over 50 names to choose from, it will be recognised that their task was no easy one, and their final selection . gives room for little adverse criticism. Auckland has no less than 12 representatives out of the 22 chosen, and all have earned their positions.. The inclusion of the original " Opai" Asher will please everybody, more especially the Australians, who were anxious to see him in action again. " Opai" is now, close on 40 years of age, but is as brilliant and as clever, as Ifwerson ranks as One of the " topnotchers" in Auckland, notwithstanding his short experience of the League game. Webb is undoubtedly the best half playing the game in the Dominion, and it is to be hoped he will be .able to make the trip. Reke is the wqll-known Rotorua flier, and although the baby "of the team, he should shine amongst the " stars." The forwards chosen from local circles all deserve their - places. Clarke earned a reputation for

himself last year in the . ranks of the Ponsonby Union team. Mitchell and King . were members of the last New Zealand team to tour Australia, and the others all' have good reputations. Of the other members of the team Bradley and Kelly of Wellington were members of the 1911 team, as. also was W. J. Mitchell, the Canterbury threequarter, who also earned a name for himself as a New Zealand Union representative. Probstel is one of the most promising young players in Wellington, while Manning and Duval, the Hawke's Bay representatives, have every claim to the honour given them. In the forward ' division C. Byrne (Wellington) and C. J. - Pearce 1 (Canterbury) were members of Baskerville's. pioneer team in 1907-8. Pearce is said by those who should know to be about the' finest ."hooker" playing the game in any country. He will captain the team, and his knowledge of the game combined with his ability to lead his men ; should make him an ideal skipper. Hay ward, hails from the Thames, and is a good hefty forward, with a good knowledge of the game, while the remaining man C. Auld, of Canterbury, is a fast and clever player,/who 1 although playing only his second season of League football, has fully earned his place. On the whole the team should give a good account of itself, and should worthily uphold the honour of the Dominion. The New Zealand Council could not have selected two better men as managers of 'the team than Dr. Thacker, of Christchurch, and Mr. Brice, of .Wellington. The former is president of , the Canterbury League, and a great supporter of the game. Mr. Brice is a leading figure in League circles in Wellington, arid undoubtedly has the interests of the game at heart. Both are good business men, and if they * are able to make.-;the trip, the team will be in very good hands. Mr. Brice will be able to accompany the team* and Dr. Thacker is almost sure to 6, though some emergency might arise to prevent his going. In the event of such a contingency, Mr. B. M. Morton, of Auckland, will be asked to make the trip. Those players who have been selected to make the trip are reminded that unless their acceptances reach : the - secretary of the New Zealand League by to-night- they will be replaced by other men. ; .. .~ v ; ■: NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL. , : DOMINION TEAM'S TOUR. A meeting of the . council; of the New Zealand Rugby ■ League\ was held- last , night. : Present: —Messrs., D.W. McLean J . .'V . 'i-v, , r*. 1 :■ • V-: v. '•" v -•■•V'"

(president), A. Campbell, A. E. Powell, W. T. Wynyard, P. S. Usher, E. W. Watts, W. 0. Carlaw (lion. treasurer), and H. Oakley (secretary). _ It was decided, on the motion of the chairman, that a letter of condolence be sent to Mr. B. Brigham :in his late bereavement in the death of his mother. Mr." E. R. Judd (of New Plymouth) wrote with reference to-the state of the League game in Taranaki. , The game there, he said, was in need of a lifting hand, and he asked if it were possible! to arrange a match . with Auckland, to be played in New Plymouth. Mr. Judd continued that enthusiasts in New Plymouth were struggling to keep the game going, but found it very hard to do so without any assistance whatever. It was decided to endeavour' to arrange the match asked for. The Nelson Rugby League wrote m glowing terms of the progress of the game there. The letter stated that the league had promised to have an inter-provincial match on June '3, and a challenge had been forwarded to Wellington. The New Zealand Council was asked to grant permission for the match to be played, P ro ' A'iding that the challenge were accepted. The necessary permission was granted. Dr. H. T. J. Thacker (of Christchurch) and Mr. Brice (of Wellington) were appointed managers of the New _ Zealand team to tour Australia, providing they would be able to make the trip. On the motion of Mr. Campbell, it was decided not to send a trainer from New Zealand ,-with the team, but that the managers be empowered to engage a man in Australia if they deemed it necessary: It was decided, after some discussion, that the team should play a match at Wellington before leaving for Sydney, if a ground should be available, • and alsb to arrange a match for the team in Christchurch on its return if the boat connections were suitable. THE ASSOCIATION GAME. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The Evert-on team were at the top of their form at ■ Otahuhu on Saturday*. They fully upheld their reputation, and it speaks well for the enthusiasm of the players that they devote a considerable amount of time each week for training. On their, present form, they will •be a . hard team to beat, and slitjuld have no difficulty in retaining the laurels they have won in past seasons. The Everton forwards were in a shooting mood on Saturday, everyone of the line contributing a share. The sharpshooter of tho five was Shergolt, who made ■ a good start by scoring four goals by himself. -5 Reg. Boyne, <as captain of th© Everton Club .op Saturday, handled his, men like a veteran, setting a splendid example by his fine play and hard work., He received a very bad kick in th© first minute of the game, which put him out of action for some time. i , ; • Simpson, Stafford, and Price were the pick of tho Otahuhu team on Saturday, but several members of the team lacked a. knowled of their partners' play and capability, and there was thus a want of combination. > ... ...