FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18091, 16 May 1922, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME. NOTES AND COMMENTS. . Tho club championship competitions of tho Auckland Rugby Union were continued on Saturday "under conditions favourable to fast football. All tho matches were well contested, but in the Grammar-Newton and Marist Brothers-Eden contests almost runaway victories were recorded. The standard of play generally was an improvement on previous games this season, but thero is yet somo distance to go before a uniform standard is secured. The. best match, of tho season so far, and the finest exhibition of tho Rugby game for many seasons, was that at Eden Park by Ponsonby and University in. a thrilling battle of fitylos in which all. or nearly all. tho best phases of Rugby woro presented. Not alono was tho match memorable for the high standard of play, tho determination of defence aud attack, tho splendid combined, footwork of tho forwards, the crisp clover handling of the backs, tho tenacious tackling of both, and the superb pace and dash of tho whole, but its virtues were real in the spirit of play. Tho result was in tho balance to the linal whistle, and 1 tho rapidity of tho exchanges, with tho concerted work of tho forwards and backs in determined dofonco and attack and tho paco and dash, of tho whole created tenso excitement, relieved only when tho teams loft the field. In the first spoil tho game was fairly even, with both teams throwing tho ball about, while the second half was a thrilling exhibition of fast forward play, combined with daring and dashing attack by tho backs, in which. the University division showed superior pace and determination in ropoated assaults on tho Fonsonby lino. On the run of tho play there was little difference in tho merits of tho teams, but University was unfortunate to lose in a gamo in which their during in passing, thair dash in running, and tho erispness of their handling were delightful features. Only the combined stolid dofence of Ponsonby kept University out, every man tucklinfr with certainty when ho was not outpaced. University's Fine Combination.

Tho University team played with excellent combination throughout, and if the wdo can ropcat its form in remaining m&tehcs will bo a. hard team to boat. Of tha indiTidual players, NcNwnara played » Bound, safe panic at fullback, fielding the ball well, kicking with judgment, and taCKling solidly. Tho threequartor lino is a good one. with pace and dash, which qualities it uses to advantage. , Perry Placed a fine game on tho wins, taking the ball well and running with dash. Brinsden, in the centre, was sound, and took part in the majority of tho passing rushes, while Wiseman made the best of his weight and pace in a fast game. Hardy and Park were excellent at five-eighth, the pair combining well and opening up tho play in good, style for tho threeqnarter line. Hardy has feldom played better, and Park was right at the top of his form. Hopkins at hall was almost brilliant, and much of his work was of a high standard. Ho secured the ball well, and with short, swift passes, sent it out to his fellow bocks with delightful accuracy and precision. Milliken was prominent as rover, and of a fine pack of forwards there is little to choose, Brooker, Brendel, Keeno. Kecgan. and Molloy being specially prominent, with Wyllio and Millar working hard. The Ponsonby team is sound from front rank to final line, and there, is not a weak player in the whole division. Mcboy played a solid game at fullback, taking the ball well and kicking soundly with fine direction. The threequarter lino wa» overshadowed in paco by the swiftness of the stydonta' threequarters, but gave away nothing in solidity of attack and defence. Wade did not get many opportunities, but made tho best of those he did got. Matson was sound at centre, and was responsible for solid work throughout a thrilling game. McManus showed to good advantage at fiveeighth, and Donovan was in great form behind tho scrum, excelling in defonce and attack. Thomas was prominent as rover, opening up tho game in good style, and of a fine sot of forwards Righton. Dohorty, Williams, Marshall and McWilliams were the pick.

Grammar Out-pQays Newton. As was generally anticipated, Grammar Old Boys, who gavo their best performance to date, were too good for Newton, which, though greatly improved, still lack tho finishing touches- Newton worked hard throughout, but wore outclassed in tho finer points of the game.' For Grammar, Goodacre, at fullback, played a safe, cool game, and promises to become a fine fullback. Williams, on tho wing of tho threequarter line, used his pace to advantage, and showed characteristic dash in. the few opportunities that camo his way. Goodwin retired with an injured ankle in the first few mrautoa of tho game, and it is probable that Grammar will lose tho services of this dashing threequarter for a few weeks. V. Badeley, at centre, played his usual sound game, and his accurate place-kicking waß ono of the outstanding features of the contest. Tho fiveeighths. Tanner and. Peebles, played well, but Grammar yet miss tho services of Cis Badeley, who, it is hoped, will bo available shortly. Tanner, who, has been out of action through injuries, should be an acquisition to the Grammar back division. Wright at halfback, played a sound game, and scored a. clover try. The forwards were an. even lot, Clcal, Meal® and Knight working hard throughout, while Goodacre, a promoted junior, filled tho back division satisfactorily. For Newton. Little, at fullback, acquitted himself creditably, and showed a fair turn of epeed. Earl, the halfback, was in good form, and got through a lot of work with little assistance from his outside barks the best of whom was Halliday. who handled well. The forwards, though oulclaseed, worked hard, but have something to learn in the finer points of forward play. Some of the forwards spoiled their play by unnecessary tactics, and two players wero reprimanded by the referee. Nowton. have the weight and material for developing a formidable team, and with training and coaching in the finer points of the game, will extend some of tho leading teams. Closely Contested Game. College Rifles were without, tho services of Begg. the halfback, and Taylor, the back row forward, in the match against North Shore, on Saturday. It was a game as would havo suited the Btyle of theso two players, therefore the Jobs was more keenly felt. Dr. Begg is reported to be sufforing from a poisoned arm. but hopes are enter tained that bo will bo available again shortly. Pilling went up behind tho College scrum and performed, well in tho position, while a promoted junior in Austin, playing five-eighth with Hirßt, was a great success. This player promisee to develop into a first-class five-eighth, and with a little more experience should justify expectations.

The outstanding virtue of the College Rifles-North Shore match was that it was clo6ely contested, and a fine spirit imbued the play. While College Bines probably played a trifle below form, consequent on a. disarrangement to tho back division. North Shore played above it. and were decidedly unlucky in not scoring on more than one. occasion. Actually, North Shore lacked the finishing touches, and. in addition, were up against, a strong defensive side which allowed little in the way of tackling to pass it. On the run of the play a draw possibly would have been the best indication of the merits of tho teams, but there was the gulf of difference that whereas College Rifles invariably made the best use of tho chances North Shore failed to do so. Thy North Shore forwards in tlio second spell repeatedly over-ran their more experienced opponents, but tho Rifles' backs were so sound, on dofenc© that the Shore- i>ack could not break through- On more than one occasion almost certain tries were lost by North Shore through over oagernosa, and two penalty kicks in front of the goal were badly missed. Evidently place kicking is not a strong feature in Shore football. It would probably be worth while telling off a promising place kick to practice tho art with a view to future possibilities. North Shore is possessed of a fine pack of forwards, who only require,finish to ton off their possibilities. Somerville was tho outstanding player in the pack on Saturday, and-., was well supported by McGinlay, Young, Paitney, Boswoll and Fairgr&y, while Sticnbury was always prominent. Arkles, at half, was in good form, while Goldwater, Shore's capUiin, showed up conspicuously on d.ofonco. A tendency to go alone, instead of imparting some of tho play to his wings, is a weakness he should overcome. Mawson. a new arrival from the Merrivalo Club, Christchurch, is a promising nlayer. Of the other backs, Martin at fullback and Carruth at five-eighth, with White at centre, pls-yed storline football. Tho Collet:© Rifles forwards aro of good repute, Bagnall. Lane and Mclnnoa standing out prominently in a fine pack. Pilling, at half, us previously montioned, wag in fino form, while Hirst was sound on attack, and defence. Grierson was off his game, but Muir was the outstanding back on tho Geld, his try being ft clever effort. Barker, on the wing, did not get many opportunities, but Austin showed promising possibilities. College Rifles have a byo next Saturday, and will profit by tho rest to improve the foam play. Poor Standard of Play.

There is little to bo said concerning the match between Marist Bros. Old Boya and Eden. The standard of play was not up to senior grade form, though occasionally there wore flashee of good play on the part of tho Mariflt rearguard who showed marked superiority over their opponents. The worst feature of the Eden team's display was .the weak tackling, which was largely responsible for the high score registered against them. Tho E<lcn forwards did not suffer much in comparison with tho Mariet vanguard, but they received little assistance from . their backs, who with tho possible exception of MeKenzie. gave a very indifferent display. Of the Marist Bros, combination Thomas, at five-eighth, played well, whilo Malloy, at centre throo-quartor, was sound. Earlly, at halfback, played his usual good game, and O'Connor, at fullback, was safe. The forwards played well, the pick of the pack being McDonald. Power and R. Casey, who showed prominently in tho loo*©.

Tlio Auckland Rugby Union has; an mlevesting programme of matches to go through thin soason. and there is an exceedingly busy period before it in making arrangements that will meet all requirements. In addition to tho southern tour, which bulks largely, the union has arranged matches to be played at Auckland in tho near future. First on the list is the Maori team on its return from Australia., which is duo to play .Auckland at Eden l'urk on .Tuly 16. This dato J8 open to alteration aubject to the arrangements of the Maeri learn. Tho North and South Island match is to bo played at Wellington, on a dato to bo fixod. Th* New Zealand team will play a match at Auckland on tho day prior to tho team sailing for Sydney. Other matches arranged are *gainst King Country. August 19: Bay of Plenty. August 26: Northland. September 2: and Taranaki. September 16. Matches will also bo arranged probably with the Thames and GoldfteUls representatives before tho 3eaeon closes. Tho southern, tour of the Auckland representative team in an important one, and tho arrangements in connection therewith, .are causing the Auckland Union some anxious thought. It is eleven years since the last Auckland team made a, tour of New Zealand, and the. time ha-s now arrived, in order to keep faith with sifter unions, to make another tour. Now that tho amended rules have been adopted throughout Now Zealand it is recognised that tho southern unions will look to Auckland for a lead, and in thin regard it if essential that Auckland should bo represented by its strongest possible team. To send the best available team is the desire of the union, and in order to do this and to provide aeainst accidents it is necessary to provide for a team of 2o players. This will involve an expenditure of 'over £1000, but it in loas the expense than tho possibility of gettinc the best team away on a tour of three week* that is causing tho greatest anxiety. Naturally the selection of 2. r , players in going to interfere with the club fixtures, and. as the club spirit is a real thing in Rugby football in Auckland. Rome difficulty is anticipated. in getting the right men away. Tho union has done its best to make arrangements that will ontail a minimum of interferences with the club competitions, but as some interference is unavoidable it has been decided to placo the position before the clubs with a view to securing their co-operation in despatching a team fully representative and tho strongest available.

DEATH OF EDGAR T. NIXON. Tho news of the death of Edgar T. Nixon, tho well-known Grafton footballer,, at the early ago of 22, was received with deep regret by players generally and his many personal friends in particular. Of a a.uiot, unassuming disposition and a promising athlete, he was extremely popular 110 first came into prominence as a oncketer, when at tho age of 14 ho waa a member of the Auckland Grammar School first eleven, as a batsman and a fast bowler. He was a momber of the Grammar team that won the Heathcote-Williama Shield from the Christchurch Boys' High School at Chmtchurch, and for a period was captain of the team. As a footballer he playsd fullback and threequarter for the Grammar School. On leaving Bchool he played cricket in the Grafton seniors in summer, and in the winter as a threequarter for Grafton first grade. Aftor the war he played for Auckland as a rover and a fullback. It was as a rover that ho played in the opening match of the season for Grafton against College Rifles, and jubfied promises by playing a splendid game. That was his last appearance, for a day or two after ho fell a victim to the. typhoid epidemic. He was an enthusiastic oarsman, and for several seasons was a member erf tho Waitemata Boating Club, later joining St. George's Rowing Club, in which he had a seat, and the maiden fours and maiden pairs. Tho iunoral, which took place on Saturday, was largely attended, those present including representatives of the Rugby Union football clubß, the Auckland Rugby Union. .Auckland Cricket Association, and St. George's Rowing Club. Mr. J Arnoil. president, Mr. H. Frost, chairman, and Mr. M. J. Sheahan, vrce-presi-dent. represented the Auckland Rugby Union. Beautiful wreaths were received from tho Auckland Rugby Union and affiliated clubs. Cricket Association, St. George a Rowing Club, and King Country .Union. Owing to the death of Mr. Nixon, none of the Grafton teams took part in the competitions on Saturday.

SENIOR CADETS. The following are the results of Senior Cadete' matches played on Saturday :—-24th Company. Mount Eden, beat 24th Company. City. 17 points to 3- 37th Company B. Avondale, beat 25th Company. Mount Eden. 3 points to 0. 37th Company A. Avondale. boat 23rd Company. Kingsland. 6 points to 3. 32nd Company. Newmarket, drew with 40th Company. Onehunga: no score. 33rd Company. Epsom, beat 36th Company. Takapuna 12 points to 0. 17th A. St. Stephen s College, beat 17th B. St. Stephen's College. 23 points to 0 PUKEKOHE UNION. The club competitions under the auspices of tho Pukokohe Rugby Union were continued on Saturday. The grounds were, in good condition, and some excellent passing took place. The following are the results: — Juniors.—Ramblers. 3. beat White Star. 0. It was an even game throughout. City. 3 points, drew with High School. 3 points. City was tho heavier team, but High School made up tho difference by their combined play. Their handling of tho ball was much superior to that of their opponents. Seniors—Ramblers 8 points, v. City 9 points.—For Ramblers. J, Blako scored, and B Hart kicked a go»' ond also soored a try. For City. W. Bilkey was a tower of strength, making tho fir<*t soore. J. Sysemore and G. Lucas each scored a try. White Star. 23 T>oint« beat Kia Or* (Maori). 3 points. White Star had an easy victory, owing to want of combination by the Kia Ora team. Great interest is being diepNiyed in the union's operations, and proves that there is want for more players. The union is -providing play for 60 senior and 60 junior playere each week.

THE GAME AT PAEROA. Tho first round of. the Paeroa Rugby Union's Cup competitions wero concluded on Saturday, when Komata defeated West by 3 points to 0 at Paeroa. and Netherton defeated Hikutaia at Hikutaia by 6 to 3. Tho first round has ended in favour of tho Komata team with three wins. Hikutaia, West and Netherton each having one win to their credit. , In the junior division West defeated Netherton at Paeroa by 9 to 3. The West third grade defeated • School by 11 to 9. Football in this district has shown a great improvement this season, and by the district having been granted direct affiliation with the New Zealand Rugby Union, some good matches toward the end of the season seem assured. Tho newly-formed Thames Valley Union, which embraces Paeroa, Waihi. Te Aroha, and Hauraki Plains Unions, should be able to nlace a verv strong representative team in the field. Mr. R. Spraguo. of Te Aroha, has been appointed selector for the now union.

In their match with H.M.S. Philomel on Saturday, Y.M.C.A. gave tho best exhibition of combined play seen in Auckland this season, and the way they lasted through tho fast, gruelling game, gave ample proof that every member of the team is well trained. Their win was a well-deserved and popular one, and is especially creditable, as tho forwards were without tho services of two of their best players, Williams and Walbran, who are on the sick list. The fe'.bstitutes, Ren.sb.aw and Bach, wore a decided success. The latter, a fourth division player, who was playing his second match of the day, acquitted himself well, and was largely responsible for tho winning goal. Among the other members of tho attacking line it would be unfair to individualise. Milne, Catt and Eutwistlo all played clever and uiiitlfish football. The halfbacks were a vary solid trio. Clanachan was most conspicuous, but to Neesham must go a lot of credit for the persistent manner in which ho broke up tho sailors' attack. The fact that Hooper, with ten goals to his credit in two previous matches, was not permitted to score, speaks volumes for Noeeham's work. Fiebig, opposed to the speedy Heatly, was also very safe. The work of the two fullbacks, Coltman and Pitken. left nothinc to. bo desired. Tho latter w a very likely candidate for the vacancy in the Brown Shield team left by Braithwaitc.

Both goalkeepers in the match, Henderson, for Y.MC A., and Batty, for Philomel, gave excellent displays, and were Quite up to re preventative form. In Saturday's game tho warship's fullbacks were both decidedly off colour. Hopkins cleared well at times, but Bailey is not quick enough on his feet, when onpooed to younc and nippy forwards. The half lino did much better, with McElligott most conspicuous, and Corbett also nlaying well, but not up to his usual form. The forwards, opposed as they were by such a strong set of backs, did not. produce the team work shown in previous matches. Heatly, Sexton and Lewis were the beat on the day. At Devonport a much-improved Everlon side put up a great fight against North Shore. The home team were inclined to take their opponents lightly at the beginning, but soon found that their best efforts were necessary to necuro victory. For Everton, Baker, O'Connor, and Humphreys were the pick of the forward line. The latter player, a , now arrival to Auckland football, is playing consistently well, and should be considered when the trial fames are plavod to select the representative 4 eam. The fullbacks. Richards and Bennett, were very eafe. and Miller, in goal, tnado aome brilliant saves. As they were played on Saturday the North Shore team was an improvement on the previous eleven. The inclusion of Miller as goalkeeper supplied a long-felt want in tho team, and allowed Williams to go back to his place in the half line, where he performs well. C. Dacra and Alison play well together in the forwards, while the playing of Pnrritt, at centre, and Pealing alongside Woolley. also ; strengthens tha lin».

Ponsonby turned out with a very,strong aide on Saturday and had an easy win over Devonport Presbyterians by four dear coals. Dickson, a new arrival from, England, who played centre-forward , for the winners, gave a very fine display. He givcH the impression that he has played football in good company in England. Both the wine men, Simm and Innes, wore right on tho top of their form, scoring excellent goals from difficult angles. Both were selected to represent Auckland last year, and should be hard to keep, out this season. Mclvor also played well, and scored a clever goal. ... Although at tho commencement play in the Nortbcote-Corinthians match was decidedly patchy., the game developed into a fast and interesting contest in tho. second spell, and was not nearly so onesided aa the score might indicate. For Northcoto. Knott and Trcmain were tho most conspicuous forwards, while Corrin and Cob-in stood OUt among tho-backa. In the Corinthians', forwards. R. Webster, a-snembor of the prewar Evcrton team, played a sterling game. He was ably supported by Keane and Binfield. Thwaite and McLaren were the best of the defence. UNDER LEAGUE RULESNOTES AND COMMENTS. Interest in the senior grade competitions under Loague rules is developing as the season advances. It is gratifying to note that tho standard of play is improving with practice, and from now onward tho form of the teams should bo first class. Saturday's games at Carlaw Park were excellent and the crowds of spectators watching both contests were keyed up to a high pitch of excitement.

In tho game on No. 1 ground, between Marist Old Boys and Athletics, as the tide of battle flowed first in favour of one and then of the other, it was realised that a Homeric struggle was taking place and that the final little piece of luck in the game would decide the issue. This was. borne out by tho result. After Marist Old Boys had established such a lead that they appeared to have the game in Bale keeping, the Athletic players mustered up a remarkable finishing effort and scored two tries in quick succession. The first try was converted, and tho kick at goal from the second only had to be successful to nlaco Athletics one point in the lead. As Flynn prepared for tne'kick from a very easy position, the majority considered tho . game as good as won by Athletics, but it was not to be. Tho kick went wide and Athletics were still a point behind their opponents' score. Before they could gather themselves for another scoring effort the bell rang to cease play, and a great game was won by Marist Old Boys by one point. With the scores standing at 21 points to 20, it can be realised that tho gam© was full of welldirected action.

For the winners Murray at fullback gave a sound display. Ho was never bustled and got through a groat amount of work in good style. The threequarters—Gallagher. Cadman. and Stevens—all played well. . The first-mentioned has developed a habit of hurdling his tackier, and may strike trouble if tho habit be indulged in to any extent. Cadman did excellent work at centre and opened up tho game when opportunity offered. Stevens gives promise of becoming a very smart back, and is a decided acquisition to the team. Laing and Mmogue, at five-eighths, were responsible' for much good work. The former showed all his old elusiveness in attack and made many fine openings. The effort between him and Gallagher that completely beat tho opposing ba-cks and resulted in a score behind the posts was a particularly fine effort and deserved the applause it evoked. Ghent, at halfback, played his usual sound game. A Very Pine Pack.

The Marist Old Boys forwards make a very fine pack and play with great dash. It is difficult to single out any individual member of the pack for special mention. Singe, as usual, was always prominent in rushes, and at times handled the ball well in passing bouts. On one or two occasions he kicked when he could have passed and enabled his side to retain possession of the ball. However, he has apparently adapted himself to the League game better, than ho did last season, and should do etill better as the season progresses. Stormont broke away, well from the back row and took a prominent hand in tho passing bouts. The others all played with dash, and Duane's try was well earned. For Athletics Flynn made his first appearance for the season at fullback, and received an ovation. His game was not up . to his best standard, his fielding not being as clean as usual. Ho made some nice dodgy runs, but sometimes failed to get rid of the ball in time. He should show, improvement on his next appearance. Littlewood showed good form at threequarter, but an injury to his leg handicapped him toward the end of tho game. Vercoe, who was making his first appearance for Athletics, received a bad knock early in tho game, and thereafter was unable to do himself rustic©.. Grey, at ccntre-threequarter. improved ob. his previous efforts this season. He showed all his usual dash, and his two tries at the finish should have won the match for his side. If this player would only restrain his propensity for kicking the ball to his opponents he would go far in the League game. It was piea-sing to note that ho indulged less, in this weakness on Saturday than in previous games. Dufty and McGregor, at five-eighths, each bore a heavy burden in defence, and merged well from tho test. The formers goal from nearly half-way was a particularly fine effort. In Nicholson tho Athletics have a really good halfback. He sent the ball awsy to his supports in fine style, and also did an immense amount of work m defence. The forwards played well, and quit© held tr.eir own against the opposing pack. Awry wak great in breaking away, and assisted the backs in fine style. He also showed dash in the rushes, and tackled well. He was well supported by his colleagues, who maintained their pace to the finish. ; Ihe Athletics' hookers were superior, to their opponents, particularly in the second spell-

A Surprise for City Supporters. The Fonsonby-City gam© on No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park provided something of a surprise for City supporters. Last seasons champions were expected to be equally good this year, and their form m the early matches seemed to indicate that though the team would be rather lishter. than that of last yenr its pace and combination would irore than compensate for loss m weight., it now boons as though the loss of B- Laing from the backe, and Hawkes and Thomas from the forwards, has affected the team more ueriously than was at first made apr*Fonsonbx, on the other hand, sent a good team into the field, McClymont taking his place in the five-eighths, line for the first time this season. If this means that McClymont intends playing regularly for his club it will be a source of gratification to League supporters. He is probably the cleverest five-eighths in the Dominion, and ha« a great capacity for making openings and feeding hiß supports. With Neal back to form at halfback for. his old club, and Hing and McClymont m the five-eighths line, supported by A. McGregor at centrethrteQuarter. the Ponsonby back combination will take a great deal of. beating. Morman and Delgrosso are a pair of capable wing-thrceauarters, *nd Elliott B rattling good form at fullback. The Ponfior.by forwards also are shaping well this season. On Saturday Hanlon and Southernwood were particularly prominent and were well sunported by McNeil, Meadows, and Ccok The pack combines well, and i tno members maintain their form they will be ton dable opponents for any set of scrumn aceis 'hey are likely to meet this seasonFor City Paki played his usual sound gam/ at fullback. He is probably the most useful all-round League player in the Dominion being capable of giving a pood ci'-nwy in any position on the field Wetherall got throueh an immense amount of work, ana was the Pick of the City backs. Keenan showed good defence, but got few opportunities to eend the ball Away to. his backs. The City forwards were, beaten m the scrums, but held their own in the open. M.ackio and Townshend being the most prominent. it was onlv toward th* finish that City gave flashes of the* best form, but the effort came too late to avert defeat. ~'■-, ... , Newton and Fire Brigade had a fairly eood tussle at Grey Lvnn on Saturday. The Utter were in the lead at half-time, but early in the *ocon4i spell Newton turned the tables and led by 8 points. Toward the end of the name the Fire Brigade men. playing up in great style, had Newton very busy defending, but were unable to score. A Remarkable Game.

The gam© between Devonport and Richmond at North Shore was remarkable from the fact, that at half-time Richmond led by 10 points to 8. and failed to score in tho eocond npell. Devonport. on the other hand, added 16 points to their.first spell total, and scored a comfortable win. ... The results of tho first four matches in the senior grade under Le*gue rules leaves Mariet. Old Boys with a clear lead, having secured four wins. City occupy second place with three wins and a loss- Newton and Devonport come next with two wins, one lose and one draw each. Athletics and I onsonby have two wina and two losses each. Fire Brigade and Richmond have sustained four losses each. The oxhibition to be given by the .Maori players at Carlaw Park to-morrow will be watched with great interest bv local Leazue supporters. The form shown by the players in the trial mntch will determine tho selection of players to make the trip to Australia, and oe the touring team will meet the Auckland representatives on Saturday it should be well tested. Tt will cause little, surprise to find the Maori pleyers lacking in knowledge of the finer points of the League came, and it will be very remarkable if they show that combination so necessary, for ft.touring team to possess- Still. Maoris mak» fine footballers. Negotiations are still proceeding between the Auckland and New South Walon Leacuefl in regard to the proposed visit of the Queensland and Sydney University players. There appears to be every piwturt of satisfactory arrangements for the visit beinir compleW and tho University team can rest assured of a warm welcome from the Auckland League. Further improvements are to be cameo out at. Carlaw Park with the obiect of providing training facilities for players. One nf th« grounds 'will be illuminated with electric light to enable players to practise in the open during the evenings. , With the dressing sheds and other conveniences established at the Pa l *- the additional training facilities should do much to improve form of the players. . Reports from the country districts indicate that the League game is making good progress in various parts of the province. The game is well established at Hamilton and other Waikato centres, and the South Auckland League should again be able to place ft strong representative so* in the field.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. NOTES AND COMMENTS. With another round played in the Auckland Football Association's senior competition, Y.M.C.A. are still at the head of the list. The championship points gained by the various clubs to date are:— Points Ch. Team. P. W. L. D. for agat. Pta. Y.M.C.A. . . 4 3 0 1 8 3 7 North Shore 4 3 1 0 15 6 G Northcoto ... 4 3 1 0 17 13 6 H..M.S. Philomel .3 2 l 0 15 6 4 Ponsonby . 4 1 '2 1 9 7 3 Brotherhood 3 1 2 0 5 t> 2 Dvnpt. Pros. 3 I 2 0 4 10 2 Bverton .. 3 1 2 0 7 1G 2 Corinthians . 4 0 4 0 5 19 0