SOUTHERN NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, 21 July 1892, Page 24

SOUTHERN NOTES.

(FROM OUR CHRISTCHURCH CORRESPONDENT.) The three senior matches hero on Saturday did not create any surprise. First, East Christchurch easily beat Christchurch by three goals eight tries to a goal from a mark, which gives a very clear indication of the game, as the old club were never in it from the start, and allowed their opponents to run up the large total of 11 tries against them. Christchurch has lost their two usual halfbacks, Ewart having been injured and Berney having gone to tho North Island, besides which the two wing three quarters, Watt and Turton, are very erratic; consequently Mendelson has all the work to do, although they possess a useful full-back in Craddock. The play of the winners was excellent, their backs playing much better than usual. As is well known, their chief strength is in their forwards, and they were on their best behaviour. I doubt if there is a better club team ot forwards in New Zealand at present, and, although not over scientific, they make up for that deficiency by their willingness to woi'k. The Ponekes found this out when they met them early in the season, and they are a vastly improved team now.

Lin wood easily beat Sydenham, who since their visit to the Coast are anyhow. Several of the old players having retired as soon as the trip was over new ones had to be included, therefore they are without combination. The Lin wood, on the other hand, have vastly improved, and appear to be playing better each game, their backs adopt the fast game, and the forwards arc particularly good in the loose dribbling work, while they 7 havo not their equals in any of the clubs here in tackling. Ido not think they will be beaten again this season.

Merivale had a tough game with last year’s Junior Flag winner, the Kaiapoi, who all but held their own in the scrums, but the back play of last year’s champions proved too rauoh for them and they suffered defeat by 11 points. They have made a creditable start as seniors, seeing the difficulties a country team labours under lam told that it will cost the club £4O alone for drag expenses this season, as they have three teams and have to come some fifteen miles nearly every Saturday. Their forwards are a heavy, powerful lot, but they aro weak in half backs, and, although they have Balch, he is too much neglected to be dangerous.

Merivale showed improved form forward, but, T am afraid, are still unable to cope successfully with the East Christchurch. Their baeke, however, aro excellent, and White, Horner, and Lang are playing with splendid combination.

I was nob favourably impressed with the game between the ’Varsity and Canterbury College. There was very little difference between the two teams, except that the College team ‘ turned it up,’ as is usual with them when getting a trifle the worst of the game. Both teams are heavy, the Dunedin in particular having plenty of weight, three of their forwards being over 14 stone. At the commencement of the game the home team had a decided advantage, and put up 10 points, but after that the Dunedin team pulled themselves together, and potting a goal seemed to give them heart, for from that out they had much the best of the game, and eventually won easily. I feel sure at least four clubs here could beat the’Vai’sity team, I saw G-illon at Lancaster Park watching the games. He was favourably impressed with the play of the Merivale team. We are at a loss for good referees here. Now that the season is drawing to a close our two regular referees —Messrs Cottcrell and Harris—have given it up, owing to being on the Selection Committee, and state they cannot act and watch the players as well, consequently the teams here have to put up

with inferior officials. One of the games on Saturday was spoilt through being managed by a bad official. Otway, the new Auckland back, played an excellent game against Christchurch. He is a decided help to the Yellows. Wingfield played a good sound game for the Merivale Club. He is fast, and an excellent dribbler. Scrimshaw, who has been showing fine form this season, had the misfortune to be badly kicked a fortnight ago, and it is doubtful if he will play again. The spectators are becoming very troublesome at Lancaster Park. When they first started playing at the Park the crowd were Tery orderly, but since then they have gradually worked themselves inside the fence, and on Saturday crowded over the lines, and the game had to be stopped on several occasions. Next Saturday the beßt match of the season should eventuate, when Merivale play East Christchurch. At present the chances are slightly in favour of the East Christchurch, who gave an excellent exhibition of the game, and should they prevent the Merivale using their backs, they should win fairly easy. I hear an appeal is going to be made against one of the tries obtained by the Canterbury College against the Dunedin ’Varsity, on account of the player going beyond the dead ball line. I think it would he as well if the line was marked ; it would save a lot of trouble and disputing.