ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18168, 14 August 1922, Page 4

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FOOTBALL. THE-ItUGBY GAME. SUBSIDIARY COMPETITION. • SENIOR CLUB GAMES. Tlio subsidiary competition for senior clubs under the auspices of tho Auckland Rugby Union, was commenced on Saturday. All the senior clubs, with tho exception of Grammar Old Boys, entered teams, which, however, were weakened by the absenco of many prominent players taking part in representative matches with tho Auckland touring team and the Auckland team against Thames. Tho subsidiary teams wore made up in a great measure by promoted juniors. Little publio interest was shown in the eoniests, but tho matches were played with a fino sporting spirit. MARIST BROTHERS V. GRAFTON. The match between Marist Brothers an<l CLrafton was played at the Domain, resulting in a win for Marist Brothers by 23 points to 3. Marists wero tho first to score, Andexson scoring a try which Doherty con■ccrted. On resumption Grafton attacked for W. Lamb to score a try, which Hughes failed to convert. From subsequent play the Marists' forwards dominated, and tries wero registered by. Anderson ( L 2), Courtney and Loft, two being converted by Doherty and one by Anderson. Mr. G. Grigg was referee. NORTH SHORE V. UNIVERSITY. The match between North Shore and University wm played at Devonport, and resulted, after a poor game, in a win for North Shore by 17 points to 3. North Shore, was the first, to score. Faulkner scoring a try for Reid to convert. Miller scored the. only points for University with a try which lie failed to convert. Reid then kicked a penalty goal for North Shore, and later Corbett. Arkle. and Carruth scored tries, which wero not converted. Mr. H. Cliffo was referee. COLLEGE RIFLES V. PONSONBY. Tlie match between Collepo Rifles and Ponsonby. played at Victoria Park, was won by the latter by 11 points to t>. PlaJwas even in the opening stages, with Ponsonby having tho better of tho exchanges in forward play, and passing rushes. For Ponsonby. Gregory scored a try, which he converted, and Shirley scored a try and kicked a penalty goal. Wynyard and Wilson scored tries, which were not converted, for College Rifl#a. Mr. B. W. Hnyson was .referee, Newton defaulted to Eden. THE JUNIOR MATCHES. Second Grade. — The match between Grammar Oid Boys and Grafton in tho second grado match, played on No. 3 ground at Eden Park, resulted, after a closely-con-tested game, in a win for Grafton by 15 points to 14. The match created a. good deal of' interest, and was watched by a large number of spectators, who witnessed a fast, opon ga.tne. For Grafton Randall, McMillan and Thompson scored tries, which Gusparich converted- For Grammar La Rocho and Batty scored tries, one of which Partridge converted, and kicked two penalty goals. Grafton play Ellerslie next Saturday in tho Third Grade.—Thames, 13 points, defeated St. Heliors, 5. For Thames Wahatne scorcd a try, C. Cameron and McGregor kicked penalty goals, while Loekett potted a go&L Morgsji scored a try for St. Heliers, and Diamond converted. Fifth Grade.—+Parnell, 11 points, defeated Eden, 9. For the winners Brow scored three tries, Greathand converting one. Ponsonby, G points, defeated Ellerslk), 0. For the winners McNamara scored a try, and Young kicked a penalty s:oal. Senior Cadets Competition.—24th Company (Mount Eden). 8 points, defeated 37th. Company (Avondalo), 6. House Match&s—George Court. 19 points, defeated New Zealand Ext>reas > Company, 9. For the winners Hylton, McVeigh and Frost ficored tries, WaTd converting two tries and kicking two penalty goals; George Court Juniors. 13 points, defeated the Star Offico, 0; National Electrical Encrrneering Company, 3 points, defeated Turnbul! and .Tones. 0; Harbour Board, 20 points, defeated City Council, 0. SECONDARY SCHOOL'S MATCHES. GRAMMAR CHAMPIONS. GRAMMAR V. SACRED HEART. Tho secondary schools championship was decided on Saturday, when Grammar School defeated Sacred Heaxt College on the Show Ground by 9 points to 0. The match was koenly contested, but the Grammar back division,: with a fine forward, pack, proved superior. The game was in the balance for some time, but though Sacred Heart had a pood ell are of attack, the backs lacked tho pace and dash of the Grammtr vanguard, which, was constantly dangerous. A good deal of interest centred in the result from tho fact that if Grammar won, the ,sooon<laiy schools championship was decided, but if Sacred Heart was victorious the result waa in doubt pending the return match with King's College. Grammar attacked from tho kick off, but Sacred Healrt, relieved with penalties- A ckrvor dribbling rush by the' Grammar forwards eet the school team on attack, and opening up with tho backs Mccrystal scored the opening try, which was not converted. After this reverse Sacred Heart took a turn on attack, but Grammar Cam© ag;ain and Cashmono had. a shot iat goal which fell short. From the subsequent piay Grammar pressed the o.ttack, but Sacred Heart cleared,' only to bo driven, back by Grammar, who were attacking strenuously at half-time. The second spell opened with : Grammar again attacking, but Sacred Heart I with fine footwork took play to the Grammar j line. Attack and counter attack followed to the filial quarter, ■ when Clark scored the ! second try for Grammar. Sacred Heart • rallied after the reverse, and made fine efforts to score, but the defence! wa? sound, Just on time McLaren secured, and dodging the high tackles of hie opponents, scored a try which was not converted, and tho game ended: Grammar School 9, Sacred Heart a ' TECHNICAL COLLEGE V. KING'S COLLEGE. The match between Technical College rnd King's Ccliege was played at Manaere, resulting in a win for Technical C illege by j29 points to 0. Tho first qnartor was I evenly contested, and produced no scoto. The ! fecond was opened by Douglas scoring a try. The, same player next potted a goal, and Matthews 6«>red. a try which wag not convert*!. At half-time the score was 10 points to 0. On resumption of play Ruddell scored a.try, and in th* last quarter Pilkington scored. From a scrum Corlet son pcored a try behind the posts, and later Pilkington agiun Hcored. King's nttacked, but Technical came ugain for Ruddell to score between the pexits. Douglas converted two trie«». and the tamo endod; Technical College !!9, King's College 0. * MOASCAR CUP, The following itinerary has been arranged in connection with tho Moa-scar Cup. competition:— St. Patrick's v. Wanganui Technical College, Wanganui. Wednesday, Aueust 23. Winner of Auckland Grammar SchoolHamilton High School match to play To Aute, at Palmerston North, on Wednesday, Aujrust 23. Winner of second match to ploy off at Palmerston Nprth on Saturday. August 26. Winner of above to play Christchurch High School (holders of the cup), at Cliriet- ' church on Wednesday, August 30. -, POLAND MEMORIAL CUP. [BY TELEGRAM. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ; 'i'E AROIIA, Saturday. Tho second round of tho Frank Poland Memorial Cup matches waa commenced at Te Aroha to-day. There was a; large attendlance, and ideal woather conditions x>revailed. Piako had successfully defeated Waihi, Paeroft and Hauraki Plains in tlioi first round, and to-day played Hauraki Plains, again 1 winning a well contested and fast tgamo by 13 points to 11. ' Piako attacked) strongly from the outset, 'but no score was registered in the first spell. Soon after changing over D. Jty<an and Rosenfoldt headed a Pialco dribbling rush and beat tho fullback, Rosonfeldt scoring a try.. J. Magill' converted. Hauraki Plains, immediately forced tho pace and- from a nice pitece of concerted play Lang scored near the corner. Tborburn failed with the kick. Plains continued to | attack. but couidj not break through a solid defence. In tho third spell Adl-arn came through with the ball at too. and picked up right in front of thci goal, passed to Lyw, who scored a clever try. Thorbura's oliot was successful. Two minutes later Magill had a penalty kick, which proved successful, equalising the scores. Piako's fullback hung on too long and Thorburn kickcd a penalty goal. In tho la«t quarter the game was faster than ever. . K'itto , gathered in tho leather from somo loose i play and he stroakotl up the line, evading half-a-dozen Plains men and scored a try, tiaving rlin from his own twenty-five lino. Masi'd's kicV at goal was a beauty, mwking the scores, Piako 13, Hauraki Plains 11. Tho la«t ten minuter was full of incident, but no alteration was made to the scores. Mr. A. Dunston. of Waihi. was referee. A Brokenshire Shield match was also played. Hamilton Foresters (challengers) playing Te Arolia Forwters. Tho game was somewhat one-sided. To Aroha winning bv 17 points to nil. Gilpin, W. Campny, F Mdler G Miller andi C. King scored tries, T Y,V' wa ? co ' ,ver 'fd by Robertson. Mr. 1. Atkins referred. Te Aroha thua retains poaeeseion of tho shield.

OTAGO REPRESENTATIVES. [by TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, Saturday. The following team has been selected to represent Otago against Auckland next Saturday:—Fullback, Sinclair; threequart-erß, Stewart, Murray and Owles; five-eighths, Perry and Pea; halfback, McNaughton; forwards. Coombes, Munro, Sontag. Duncan, Knox, McMecking, Dickson, and Wilson. MATAMATA UNION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MATAMATA, Saturday. In the Matamata Rugby Union senior competition, to-day, Wairere defeated Patitere by 9 points to 0, and Matamata defeated Walton by 6 points to 3. Walton were leading in tlio competition, but will now havo to play Wairere in the final. * Matamata Juniors defeated Walton Juniors by 3 points to 0. Tho former will meet Wairere in the final. A win for the Walton senior and junior teams would have secured for them both, banners. TAUMARUNUI MATCHES. [BV TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAUMARUNUI, Saturday. Tho Rugby Tosulte to-day were:—Taumarunui. "11 points, beat Manunui, 0. Okahnkura, 11, beat Athletic. 10. UNDER LEAGUE RULES. CITY DEFEATS NEWTON. PONSONBY 15, RICHMOND 6. ATHLETICS AND MARIST WIN. The senior grade championship competition under Leapuo rules, was concluded oil Saturday and resulted in City emerging with championship honours for the season. City met Newton at Car Jaw Park, and after a fast and exciting contest the former won by 18 points to 12. Considerable interest was centred in the game owing to the fact that a victory for 'Newton would havo priced City and Ponsonby teams level for the premiership, and City had been defeated in succession by Athletics and Marist Old Roys. There was a good attendance at the match, the gate takings amounting to £164 ss. Marist Old Boys defeated Devonport by 22 points to 13. Ponsonby prevailed apainst Richmond'by 15 points to 6. and Athletics scored a comfortable win against Fire Brigade by 36 points to 5. CITY y. NEWTON. The game between City and Newton was opened with a dashing rush by Newton that Teached tho City fullback. Pak: stemmed the rush, and Wetherall kicked down field Gregory fielded the ball, and attended by Rope, set sail for the City line, the latter being sent into touch at the twenty-five. Fast work by the Newton backs kept City on tho defence, till W. Davidson, intercepting a psss, broke away to Newton territory. Gregory proved a stumbling block to a City rush, and a free kick to Newton gave relief. Somers broke, through with tho ball at toe, and Paki failing to field the ball, the way was open for the Newton players. Somers was outpaced, and passed. Poison gathering up the balh W. Davidson dashed up, and tackled the Newton halfback with the ball, and saved an almost certain score. Several passing runs were started by the Newton_ backs, but they were unable to pierco the City defence. Then the Citv backs had a turn, the ball goinK out to W. Davidson, who made an opening, and kicked. B. Davidson just failed to gather tho ball on the full, and lost a good chance. A City rush sent the ball over the line, a force resulting. After a period of play in midfield, a Newton rush reached, the City twenty-five, and Voysey had a fruitless shot at goal. Mitchell set the City backs in motion. W. Davidson being tackled at halfway. Tho Newton forwards rushed play to the City twenty-five, and tho fcall go?ng out to the hacks. Rope dashed down the line. When blocked, he transferred to C. James, who scored in a handy position. Poison added the goal points: Newton, 5; City, 0. Hard play ensued, with tho Newton players chiefly on the attack. Then B. Davidson broke away, an<J running his brother George into position, sent the latter a pass. G. Davidson kicked past the Newton fullback and raced for the ball, but failed to steady tho ball, which went over the dead ball line. Shortly afterwards, B. Davidson mnde a similar opening, and Wetherall . joining in, a fine passing run down the side lir.e saw Cr. Davidson take the final pass and sooro at the corner. W. Davidson converted: Newton. S; City. 5. Fast play followed, both sides endeavouring to open up, tlie game. A cross kick by Townsend was taken by Hope, but Hawkes, following fast, tackled the Newton threequarter. who lost the ball. B Davidson obtained possession, and outpacing tho opposition, scored City s second try. W. Dnvidson converted, making the 6cores at half-time: City •» •• ™ Newton . 5 On resuming, a City passing rush startc~ by Thomas saw the ball go out to t.. Davidson. who was tackled at the Newton twentylive. Another passing bout immediately afterwards saw B. Davidson cut across the field and pass iu to lownsend. 1 he latter reached the Newton fullback, but his pass to G. Davidson was faulty, and the ball went into touch. Maintaining the pace, the Lity backs jigain got going. W. Davidson, witn a short kick, gave B. Davidson an opening, and the latter made no Obtaining * possession ho dashed for tho Newton lino, and though tackled just managed to cross at the corner and score. W. Davidson failed to convert: City 13; Newton, 5. the kick-out, Ncvrton set ui> a hot attack. Aided by a penalty kick they Teached the City line. The ball went out to Cloke, who dashed for the line, but failed to get across. A hot battle ensued, but tho City forwards eventually cleared with a rush, xiie ISewton forwards retaliated in good style, and City, ' being penalised. Brown had a shot at goal, j Tho ball rebounded from a City player, and i Brown snapping it up smartly almost dodged over the line. A City rush cleared the danI ger, but Newton came back f,o the attack. ; The ball was sent out from a scrum to the • backs, and Rope getting the final pass, dashed over and scored. Clark converted: City, 13. Newton. 10. Keeping up the pace Newton attacked from the kick-out. Ihe forwards wore getting the ball from the scrum, and Cloke was feeding tho back's in fine style. A sustained rally by the Newton team saw the ball thrown about in great style. The atta'k was stemmed in the City twenty-five, but the forwards carried on, and Williams, picking up. dashed over and scored. Clark failed to convert: City, 13j Newton, 13. With the scores even excitement ran high. The Newton men showing great dash combined well in passing bouts, and kept City busy defending- Attacks were stemmed again and again. Then from a scrum in the City twenty-five the ball went out to the City backs. Lining up with the pace on thev swept up the field with the ball between thorn. W. Davidson • reached the fuliback and transferred to his brother George, the latter "outpacing his opponents and scoring behind the i>osts. W. Davidson added the goal points: City. 18: Newton, 13.- Hard play followed in midfield till W. Davidson, following up a low? kick, sent the ball out near the corner. From the ensuing scrum Mitchell eot the ball and dived for the line, but fa : led to eret through In a hot rally City were penalised, and Cloke sent tho bail o»t at ha'f-way. Fast give-and-take play characterised the remainder of £he spell, the game ending with tho ocores: City i. s. .: <« ,;18 Newton * 3 «• • • 13 MARIST OLD BOYS V. DEVONPORTDevonport kicked off and after a few minutes' even play in midfield, a long kick ' by Stormont saw Clarke tackled in possession near his own line. A minute later, from a penalty for o?fside against M. Scott, Stormont kicked a goal for Marist. Following the kick out Marist attacked. From a scrum near the centre Ghent whipped out the ball *o Stevens, who broke through nicely arid passed to Lynch.- The latter swerved past Clarke and crossed for a good try. Stormont failed to convert. A moment later Stormont broke away on his own but Clarke fielded his short kick nicely and saved. Marist back division were now throwing the ball about in fine-style, Stevens being very prominent. A break away by Devonport was nicely stopped \*f a timely mark by McNamara. Offside against Devonport sitw Stormont transfer play to the other end with a long kick, Clarke relieving. Devonport attacked and Hand cross-kicked in front of goal. Stormont saving. From a scrum near halfway Ghent broke away and ran up to the fullback. He passed to Gallaugher, who ran under the posts. Ghent converted. After a few minutes' even play Loveridge broke away. He passed to Singe, who gave Clarke the " dummy " and scored. Stormont kicked a good goal. Devonport attacked from tho kick out. Douglas picked up in the loose near the Marist twenty-five and, breaking through, passed to Webb, who scored in the corner. Hand missed the kick at goal. After a few minutes' even play Taylor snapped up the ball near halfway. He passed to Laing, who broke right through and transferred to Webb near tho Marist line. The latter player ran round behind the posts and scored. Taylor converted. Another passing rush between Douglas and Taylor was spoiled by the latter knocking t on when looking all over a scorer. The whistle sounded for half-timo immediately after, with tho scores: Marist Old Boys . , .. .. 15 Devonport .. 8 On restarting, Marist immediately attacked. Ghent opened up a passing bout, but a forward transfer spoiled a good movement. After a few minutes' glVe-and-takc play Ghent broke away from the centre. He passed to Bass, who gave to Singe, and the latter ran in under the posts. Loveridge converted. From the kick out Marist again attacked and from a mark by Loveridge Stormont kicked a goal for Marist. Play was now very fast, the ball travelling from end to end of the field. A passing rush started by Ghent saw Singe knock on right on tho Devonport line. Devonport took «

turn at attacking, keeping play in the Marist twenty-five for some time. Lamp picked, up in the loose and passed to Webb, who ran clean through the Marist defence and scored a brilliant try. Taylor oonvertec.. A fine passing rush by Devonport was Bto;ppea by Johnston intercepting. He passed to Bass, who was just stopped near the Devonport line by Laing. Even play followed for a spell until a fine passing run between Taylor and Laing took play to the Marist lino. Bass relieved, transferring play to the centre. The remainder of the game was fought out on even terns until the nnal whißtlo sounded, leaving the scores: Marist Old Boys .. > • • • ?? Devonport * • PONSONBY Vl RICHMOND. Even play characterised the opening <!""' ter o£ an hour of the game between Ponsonby and Richmond tennis. A forward rush by Ponsonby was just istopped on the luchmond line, and a minute later A. McGregor kicked a penalty . goal r , 1 onsonb>. Ponsonby attacked again from the kick-out., but a forward rush by Richmond transferred play to the Ponsonby territory. Butler snapped up the ball near the Ponsonby line and scored a try. The same player misst-d> tho kick at goal'. From the kick-out Ponsonby again took up tho attack, but faulty handling of the hall and good tackling oil tho part of Richmond prevented them from adding to their score before tho whistle sounded for half-time, with the scores: Richmond ® Ponsonby - On restarting, Richmond took up the attack and penned Ponsonby on their own line until a break-away by fling transferred play to the centre. From loose play near the Richmond line Littlewood snapped up the ball and scored a try. A McGregor added the goal points. A spell midfield play followed the kick-out until a I orison by forward Tush took the ball to the Richmond line From & scrum tlie ball caiuo out to Delgrosso, who got over. A. McGregor failed to convert. An attack by Richmond was frustrated by Hing. who turned defence into attack. The, ball went out to Delgrosso who scored under the posts alter a good run. Littlewood converted. Ponsonby continued to attack after the kick-out, but desperate tackling by Richmond kepi them out. Richmond took a turn at attacking, and from a scjum near the Ponsonby line Butler got over and scored a try, which he failed to convert. Fast give-and-take play followed until tho game ended with .Richmond attacking, tho final scores being: Ponsonby IS Richmond 6 ATHLETICS V. FIRE BRIGADE.' An early attempt was made by Fire Bripade to acore in their match against Athletics. Following the kick-off, a Fire Brigade rush reached the Athletics' twenty-five. Wareing had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a penalty. Piay swung to midfield, and Nicholson, obtaining possession, broke away, but was tackled. Loose play ensued and the ball was sent out to Grey, who kicked a nice goal. Shortly afterwards Dufty, Grey, and Avery combined in a good passing run, the last-mentioned being tackled close to the Fire Brigade line. Maintaining: the pressure, the Athletics made strenuous efforts to cross their opponents' line, but good tackling by tho Fire Brigade men kept them out. Eventually the ball went out to J. McGregor, tho AthiAtics' fullback, and he kicked a good goal from the field. Just after the kick out a penalty against Athletics gave Wareing a chance and he kicked a fine goal. Midfield play followed for a time, and then a passing bout by Athletics saw Grey take a pass from Avery and score near the corner. Yardley failed to convert. A similar movement immediately afterwards resulted in Grey again crossing the Fire Brigade line, Dufty failing with the attempt at goal. After some give-and-take play a good kick by Dufty again placed Athletics on tho attack and Webb, following up well, obtained possession and scored. Grey converted. Shortly before the spell ended Nicholson registered another try for Athletics, which war, not converted, and tho scores at half-time were: Athletics . .< .18 Fire Brigade . . .. * * * ' o The resumption of play after the interval saw Athletics immediately go to the at- ' „ J^ l /; , wc r e , BC !s moving by Nicholson and Dufty dashed through and scored. Yardley added the .goal points. Another dash by the Athletics players soon afterwards ended with Avery taking a pass from Dufty iuid scoring near the corner. Grey failed with the kick at goal. Play centred for a time, and then Lovett, for Fire Brigade, broke away with the ball at foot. He snapped it up smartly and dashed over the Athletics' line. Wareing failed with tho shot at goal. The remainder of the gamo was all hi favour of Athletics, and just, before the end of the spell Grey scored another try, which Lee converted. Tho game ended with the scores: Athletics 36 Fire Brigade ' .. 5 JUNIOR GAMES. & Second Grade.—City. 'JO points, defeated Devonport, 7; Ponsonby. 6, defeated Northcote, 5. Third Grade.--Ponsonby, 33 points, defeated Devonport :i. Fourth Grade.— Pa moll, 15 points, defeated Ellerslie, S. Fifth Grade.— Devonport, 5 points, and Manuk&u, 5. played a drawn game. Sixth Qrade—City A. 13 points, defeated Otahuhu, 4; Manukau, 0. defeated Richmond, 5. AUCKLAND V. lIAWKE'S BAY. LOCAL TEAM CHOSEN. The following have been chosen by tho Auckland League selectors to represent Auckland against Hawke's- Bay on Saturday in a challenge match for the Northern Union Cup at Carlaw Park:— Fullback, W. Davidson; threequarters, Delgrosso. Dufty, G. Davidson; five-eighths, B. Laing, Wetherall; halfback. Poison; forwards, Stormont, Lowry, Singe, Hawkes. Avery, Bas3, Reserves: Backs, Grey, Nicholson; forwards, Herring. Reed. AUCKLAND B'. V. CAMBRIDGE. The following B team has been selected to play o .match against the Cambridlgo League representatives at Cambridge on Saturday :—Backs, Gregory, Voysey, Sutton, E. McGregor, Wilson, Steven, Ghent, Little; forwards. Southernwood, H anion, St. George, Douglas, Mackie. Mitchell, Carroil. HAMILTON UNITED V. MATANGI. PLAYERS ORDERED OFF. [BT TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE, Saturday. The Hamilton United and Matangi teams mot at League Park, Cambridge, to-day in tho inter-League final. The game was played in fine weather before a fair attendance. Enjoyment ip the match, was marred by a certain amount of rough play, culminating in three Hamilton United and two Matangi players being ordered off tho field in the second spell. The first ha'.f proved very willing, although play generally was ragged and sadly lacking finish. . Tho secpnd spell proved more or less farcical, ending in a final score of 30 to nil in favour of Hamilton United. ALTERATION IN RULES. NEW SOUTH WALES PROPOSALS. CRITICISM OF " COLONIALS." [from our own correspondent.] LONDON, July 7. , " The half-dozen alterations suggested by the committee of tho Now South Wales Rugby League ill respect to the muchwanted improvements in • scrummaging and playing the ball," remarks "Forward" in tho Athletic Newo, " mark another parting of the ways between tho parent body and its Colonial adherents. Apparently the Colonial -organisation take only a very superficial notice of the parent body's amendments to rules, and tben follow their own inclinations. Iu this direction must lie the great danger, sooner or later, of a Lug rupture. " Every possible effort snould b<j made to keep the New South Wales League, the Queensland League, and the New Zealand League as closely in touch with the Rugby Football League as possible, but I regret to say that th© importance of this does not appear to be as fully realised as it should be even among legislators at homo. " Tho dangers and difficulties of two distinct interpretations of several -important rules occasioned trouble during the last visit of an English team to Australasia and I need not mention the uncertainty which existed when tho last Colonial tour to England opened last September. I thought the Leeds conference would have brought more nnift-.-ility in the future, but from tho evidence of tho last mail the Colonial authorities appear bent, on going their own wny, 1 need not give in detail the whole of the alterations suggested, for though noije can be considered as widely different, one or two will effect the main principle of o'ur laws." ... j Tlis Colonials propose, tho writer ftroceeds, that tho two front row orwards on the side of tho scrummage nearest to the halfback putting in the ball, mav lift their outside foot after the ball has been placed into the scrummage., but must not lift..either foot while tho. ball is being placed into the scrummage, or the inside foot while the ball is in the scrummage. This, of course, differs materially from our existing law, which prohibits these two outside forwards from lifting either foot during the duration of the scrummage. With all due respect to our Colonial friends I prefer the existing rule, though re i ere en have not interpreted their instructions in tho spirit intended Otherwise the trouble in that particular branch of scrummaging would now havo boon 'overcome. " The other alteration which, appeals moat to ia the lfcflt clause- in a, rather lonsthy

attempt to revise the ' play-tho-bftll' ™' e- , This clause roads: ' While the man tackled in playing the ball all players must keep clear of liim.' 1 was rather disappointed when the .rules revision committee completed their task without issuing a special instruction on the ' pltty the ball ' rule, for, in inv opinion, the interpretation ot this rule lust, season by both players and referees left very much to be desired. Fivo times out of six play-the-ball developed into a. mixed-up scrummage with haLf the playera engaged technically offside. I know the. Colonial players -were loud in their disapproval of our methods, but if the clause they suggest in to be accepted literally I should strongly support the alteration if only for the simple reason that, what is happening can be clearly seen, by everyone. ' THE ASSOCIATION GAME. SENIOR COMPETITION. THE PINAL ROUND. The- final round in the Auckland Football Association's senior competition played" on Saturday afternoon in id ea j weather. The result necessitates a final play-off lietween the two leading teams, H.M.S. Philomel and North Shore. At Victoria Park a crowd estimated at 3000 watched tho match between Norfcnoote and Philomel, and, although the latter team finally ran out victors by o goals to 2, the game was a splendid exposition of the code, in which interest was maintained right up to the final whistle. North cote were unfortunate in that their best half-back, Corrin, received injuries at the close of the first half, which practically rendered him useless for the rest of the game, although he pluckily remained on the field. Chi the Devonpcnt Domain a strenuously contested game resulted in a win for North Shore o\ er Devonport Presbyterians, also by 5 goals to 2. . „ The final for the Dacre Memorial Cup in the second division provided a good curtain raiser to the senior game at V ictoria Park, and resulted in a win for Y.M.C.A. over Ponsonby by 2 goals to 0. H.M.S. PHILOMEL V. NORTHCOTE. Northcote won tho toss and defended tho city end. Hooper setting the ball rolling for Philomel, who had the sun. at their backji. Play opened quietly, with neither Bide gaining any special Bidvantago and the ball a good deal out of bounds in the vicinity of midficld. A spurt by the wanahip s forwards saw some splendid headwork between lloopor, Sexton, and Heatley, but Calvin tackled surely and sont & powerful crosakick to his right. Lewis, of Philomel, secured, but put, back to his half-line when tackled by Abemethey, _ and Barkens, of Northoote. «ained possession and kicked upAeld for Tremain to force a corner without result.. A dashing oountor-attack by the sailors, which followed immediately. - ended in Margeson heading just over. Tho goal kick went to Corbett, who placed well to his centre-forward, and. an anxious time for Northcote followed. After throe coraer kicks to the warship in quick succession relief came through Heatley being rul«d offside, and a Beries of freo lacks to Northoote saw play reach Philomel's goal, wharo Hopkins cleared with a powerful and well-directed Play continued fast and interesting, with both, eets of forwards displaying skilful footwork and the backs defending well- ' A nice move on Northcote's left resulted in a shot from Knott, which Batty fielded well and punted out to his forwards. . After a fine wing run by Heatley for the sailors the Northooto forwards were back again, and Batty was callod upon to sav© shots from Tremain and Baker, which would have been more difficult, to stop had not the attacking forwards hesitated in front of the goal. A rush by the Philomol forwards saw Wallwork miskick and the. ball go out to Heatley. The outside right swung across a perfect centre, which Hooper took on tho full • and slammed into the back of the net, putting tho sailors one ud. Northcote Player Injured. The play that followed saw Northcote combine well, and shots wero taken by Knott. Baker, and Exloy, with McElligott prominent in defence- A sharp attack by Philomel resulted in some rather uickv wives by O'Dell, but tho pressure was maintained, and Hooper dashed in to send across to Soxton. who scored the sailors' second goal from close range Shortly after tho kick-off tho game: waa delayed through injuries to Corrin, who had to bo assisted to tho side-lino. Despite the. fact that they were a man short for the time being, the Northcote forwards immediately set up a hot attack, and Burford. on tho left wing, made a. smart run and pa-ssed to centre. Hopkins delayed in clearing and Baker followed up a.'t fast pace to score for Northcote with a stinging shot to the left comer. Half-time was called a few moments later, with the sailors attacking and the score two to on© in their favour. On resuming it was noticed that the Northcote team had been considerably changed round. Knott had dropped back to left half, while Burford was in the inside position, with Corrin playing on the left wing. From the outset clever play by Knott gave Baker the ball in a good position to senfi in a stinging shot, which Batty just turned over. Nothing came of the oorner. and the navy men retaliated with a sweeping rush, which. "Wallwork cleared in fine style. Back again, the Northcote forwards drew Batty, who fell with th© bail in his possession, McElligott getting back jnst in tune to clear from & tight corner. Pinal Stages 01 the Game. Keeping up tho pressure, and playing s with great daili and combination, the North- . cote forwards continued to endanger their opponents' goal, and Marsh was continually prominent in effective clearing work Eventually Corbett _ secured at raidfield, and placed well to his forwards, where Sexton secured to cleverly evade the defence, and go right through and score with a hot shot to the top left-hand corner of the net. After a resultless corner to Northcote. Heatley made a splendid run on the sailors' right, and passed to centre, where Hooper missed badly and Margison forced a corner. Nothing came of it. and play returned to midfiold. where Doree sent in a i rather soft, speculator, which O'Dell allowed , to bounce into the goal, increasing the L sailors' lead. Northcote now adopted the one back game, sending Wallwork up into the forwards. The move had tho result of stimulating Northcote's attack and Tremain was unfortunate to lose his footing when a fine opening occurred with Battjr out of goal. Northcote's pressure continued. and a penalty was awarded them a few minutes later for a foul against Wallwork. Knott took the spot-kick and mada no mistakes: Philomel, 4 • Northcote, 2. A few minutes from tho kick off, Corbett took a free kick awarded the sailors I about 40yds. from their opponents' goal. Tlie ball went straight to O'Dell. who fielded it, but went over tho goal line in doing so, giving the sailors another goal. The closing stages were well contested, but no further score resulted, and a splendid game ended with the scores: ' H.M.S. Philomel "5 Northcote < „. 2 Mr. J. Ball was referee. NORTH SHORE V. DEVONPORT PRESBYTERIANS. This game did not attract much interest, as it, was anticipated that North Shore would win easily. In the first half the Presbyterians took advantage of all their opportunities and at half-time were two up. North Shore played serious football ir the second half, and gave their opponents no chance of scoring. Goals for North Shore were scored by Pealing, C. Dacre, 'Alison, and Pcrrett (2). The final' scores were * North Shore . . . . . „ «. 6' Devonport Presbyterians .. ..2 JUNIOR MATCHES. Second Division.—Y M.C.A., 2 coals, beat 1 Ponsonby, 0. W. Lewis scored both goals for the winners, who becomo holders of the Dncre Memorial Cup for the season. Technical Old Boys journeyed to Henderson, where they defeated, the local eleven by four clear goals. Goals for Old Boys were scored, by Wragge (2) and O'Leary (2). i Third Division.—North Shore, 5 goals. beat Onehunga, .0. : Fourth Division.—Metropolitan, 1, beat Technical Old Boys. 0. Belmont, 2 goals, i beat Y.M.C.A., 0. North Shore and Devonport Presbyterians drew, 2 nil. Corinthians and Brotherhood drew, no score. t Fifth Division.—Belmont, 3 goals, beat Brotherhood. 0. St. Heiiers, 3, neat Mount Eden, 0. * , Prim.iry Schools' Competition,—Point , Chevalier, 2 goals, beat Pamell, 0. St. Heiiers. 3 goals, beat Mount Eden, 0 Primary Schools' Knock-out Cup.—Mount Eden. 5 goals, beat Devonport Presbyterian A, 1. Belmont C, 2 goals, beat St. Heiiers, I.