FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1169, 27 July 1894, Page 25

FOOTBALL.

FIXTURES. SENIOR SHIELD. July 28th —Athletic v. Wellington, No. 1; Petone v. Melrose, No. 5. JUNIOR SHIELD. July 28th —Wellington College v. Petone. August 4th—Wellington College v. Athletic ; St. Patrick’s v. Rugby. August 11th —St. Patrick’s v. Petone. August 18th—St. Patrick’s v. Athletic. Any matches postponed follow on after the last date in the order of postponement. THIRD CLASS. July 28th —Athletic v. Wellington College (By Half-Back.) Referring to the cable message from Sydney to the effect that the New South Wales Union had decided that all arrangements for a match with Otago must come through the New Zealand Union, a Christchurch paper says :—“ It is evident that the New South Wales Union is determined to support the New Zealand governing body, and we are exceedingly glad to see our friends over the water take up the stand they have. It is an exceedingly proper one—one in which they will be supported by all right-thinking people. We hope the N.Z.R.U. will take up a similar position with regard to the OtagoCanterbury match —that is in reference to any application to play the game. While we should be sorry indeed to see the match discontinued, we think it would be a great sign of weakness on the part of the N.Z.R.U. to grant permission. Canterbury knew, when joining, that the rules prevented affiliated clubs playing non-affiliated, and it will never do for outside clubs to be able to say we can always get matches by a little agitation. No, we contend Otago should be deprived, under the circumstances, of their annual game with Canterbury, whose people would no doubt be sorry at its discontinuance, but would, we are sure, support the N.Z.R.U. in carrying out jtheir rules fearlessly and impartially. If Otago cannot see their way to affiliate they must remain out in the cold.”

At the first meeting of the Christchurch Referees’ Association, a good many referees were present, who, after two hours’ deliberation, decided upon the following rulings : —Rule 2—A tackle consists in holding an opponent so as to stop his progress, or in throwing an opponent to the ground and keeping the hands upon him there, The knocking or throw forward rule to be strictly enforced. When the ball is thrown backward but on striking the ground bounds forward so as to come in front of the thrower, a throw forward shall not be

declared. To make a fair catch a man must hold the ball at the first attempt. If a player, being off-side, stand within five yards of an opponent waiting for the ball, an appeal for off-side, made before the ball is caught, shall be allowed. In case of a mark no player but the catcher shall handle the ball. The following rule will ““"be rigidly enforced“ Free kicks by way of penalty shall be given if any player having the ball does not immediately put it down on it being held.” When the ball is in the scrummage every man on each side must be on his proper side of the ball, otherwise an appeal for off-side may be allowed. When the ball, being behind the scrummage, is kicked back into the scrummage amongst the forwards, the forwards are immediately placed off-side.

Auckland and Taranaki play on Saturday.

S. Cockroft is now located in Napier, “ Sammy” plays for the Napier club.

Baumber was not selected in the trial match to take place next Saturday because he did not give a satisfactory reason for his absence from the first trial match.

Davidson is recovering from the injury to his leg, and I believe there is a chance of his playing again this season. As a full-back he has not been replaced yet.

L. Harley will play in the trial match on Saturday, his leg being quite well again. If he shows anything like his true form he will stand a big chance of being selected.

Hawke s Bay, I am told, will be very strong this year.

The Kaikorai men have improved their record. It now stands 244 points for, as against 4 against. They have played ten matches and won them all.

The Feilding team has won the Manawatu championship this year. They scored 104 points, and have not had a single point scored against them. A fine record.

A full-back on the West Coast named Benjamin is highly spoken of. Butland thinks he is one of the best men in New Zealand.

Trial matches in connection with the North Island and New Zealand matches will not be held this year.

It is reported that the Kaikorai Club, says “ Quidnunc,” may send a team to Wellington at the end of the season to play the leading clubs there, and it may also endeavour to arrange to play the Kaiapoi Club in Christchurch. Supporters of the club are anxious that a challenge should be sent to the New South Wales team to play a match in Dunedin.

The Rev. J. Hoatson is selector this Beason for the Victorian Rugby Union, whose fifteen play New South Wales in Melbourne on Saturday and Wednesday next. The New South Wales team also meet 3 the Next Eighteen vf Victoria on

Monday. In a letter to a friend in Christchurch he says : —“ I have had a couple of trial matches already, and there are to be three more. Amongst our fifteen will be Diamond (formerly of Otago), Beck (of Wellington Ponekes), two McKenzies (of Hawke’s Bay) —these amongst the forwards. Of the backs ‘Teddy’ Francis, Plante (of Canterbury and Stohr (Dunedin High School) are certainties. The Eighteen will comprise fully eight old New Zealand men also. My fifteen will, man for man, equal the New South Wales men ; I only want now the combination. Anyway we’ll give them good games.”

The Bathurst three-quarter, H. Read, and J. McMahon, the Randwick full-back, have been asked to come to New Zealand, and they have decided to do so. Both are good men.

The Western districts defeated the Sydney representative fifteen by 13 points to 12.

John W. Kilner, the author of “unwritten rules,” I observe, was to represent the Referee against the combined juniors in Sydney recently.

The New South Wales team, which plays Victoria on Saturday, is as follows: —W. Cobb, full-back; A. E. Roberts, S. Wickham and W. Read, three-quarters ; Webber and Smith, halves ; L. Lane and Henlen, wing forwards; Britten, Rankin, A. G. Fraser, L. Walker, Kirkpatrick, G. Moore, W. Webb, Allan Scott, Arthur Scott, forwards.

The trial match Possibles v. Probables, at Napier last Saturday, resulted in a win for the former by 14 points to 6.

The teams in the Nelson-Marlborough match last Saturday were as follow: Nelson—Full-back, Talbot; three-quarters, Hall, Harper (captain) and Levien ; fiveeighths, Dee ; half-back, Shalcrass ; wingforwards, Moore and Whiting; forwards, Hogg, Hargraves, Sadd, Catley, Woodward, Krahagan and Frank ; Line umpire, J. Cresswell. Marlborough--Full-back, T. Pugh; three-quarters, J. O’Dwyer, Robinson (captain) and Redwood; five-eighths, C. Ball; half-back, W. Carter ; wing-forwards, W. 0 Dwyer and C. Simson ; forwards, Morrin, J. O’Dwyer, Pat O’Dwyer, A. O’Dwyer, Knight, Jellyman and Stuart ; Line umpire, J. H. Smith. Marlborough won by seven points. Carter potted a goal an IJ. O'Dwyer scored a try.

J. Warbrick captained the Tauranga team against Auckland last Saturday. He received a great reception from the Auckland public. The Auckland toam won by 16 points to love. Oliphant, Ronayne, McGill and Donald scored tries, Oliphant converting two of the tries.

The following are the grounds and referees for matches to be played on Saturday, the 28th July : —Junior Shield —Wellington College v. Selwyn, No. 3, Mr R. C. Sim; Oriental v. Melrose, No. 4, Mr E. Batchelor ; St. Patrick’s College v. Athletic, No. 2, Mr B. Finucane. Thirdclass Cup—Athletic v. Wellington College, No. 5, Mr A. Erskine.

“The Cynic,” in the Sydney Referee, says : —“ In a letter I received from New Zealand during the week, the writer says that Tab. Wynyard, the well-known footballer, who is also a cricketer of no mean repute, would like to take up his residence in Sydney if he could secure a desirable position.”

The secretary of the New Zealand Union received a cable message on Wednesday from the New South Wales Rugby Union stating that the New South Wales team will come over to New Zealand on the same terms as the New Zealand team visited Australia, viz., as guests of the New Zealand Union, the visitors taking 75 per cent, of the gross gates, out of which advertising and ground-men shall be paid, with a guarantee of <£3oo.

The Marlborough representative team will arrive here this day week, and play Wellington on Saturday. They play the Bush districts on Monday, August 6th ; Manawatu, August Bth; Hawke’s Bay, August 11th; Wairarapa, August 14th; Nelson, August 18th.

It has been stated that an effort will be made to secure the use of Newtown Park for some of the principal representative matches this season. The City Surveyor states that the ground is not yet fit to play on, and he is opposed to it being used until next season.

The Secretary of the Poneko Club has written to the Secretary of the New Zealand Union asking whether there is any probability of permission being granted for them to play a match with the Kaikorai Club, the crack team of Dunedin, this season. Under existing circumstances there is little prospect of the match being played.

A new departure was taken in the NelsonMarlborough match last Saturday, Mr Crawshaw having sole control of the game, and having power to blow the whistle at every breach of the rules without an appeal. The system, says a local paper, was a decided success, and made the game faster and quieter. We should like the system tried in the representative trial match, which takes place at Petone on Saturday. D. McGill, who played for Petone last season, represented Auckland last Saturday against Tauranga. He scored a try. ASSOCIATION NOTES. Canterbury is again to have the tournament for the Brown Challenge Trophy. It was offered first of all to Dunedin, who it seems decided in a hurry when they refused it, as they now appear to regret having done so., There can be no doubt that for

the general good of the game the competition must take place either in Christchurch or Wellington, they being central and within easy access from all parts of the Colony. The first trial match took place at Hobson street on Saturday, and in spite of the sloppy state of the ground a very good game resulted. For the A team liousiaux (who only played because Jacks and Lauchlan were away) in goal proved himself very reliable, and I hope his merit will be eventually recognised by the committee. Shields played very well at full, rarely missing his kick.

Gibbs, his partner, was completely offcolour.

Courtney was the solid man in the right place. Henderson and Richardson made very good wing halves, but both suffered from the bad condition of the ground. Fraser and Fernie were a very fine right wing, playing well together and centring with good judgment.

Hailwood at centre showed some of his old form, scoring four goals. Hill was very good on the rush, but played with little or no combination. Glover played very well, dribbling and centring unselfishly. He was seen at his best. Paterson saved well in the B goal. McLeod worked very hard at full and showed up remarkably well considering weight. He played half-back for the Otago reps, last season. Brunton played very well, showing great improvement in his kicking. Abbott was the pick of the halves, playing with a will from start to finish.

Martin and Gamble also did well. Blair was very tricky on the right, but was not backed up. The same may be said of W. Lauchlan on the left. Bannister was the best man in the B team, dribbling well and passing with sound judgment. His speed alone should gain him a position in the reps. After next Saturday’s match some idea may be formed of Wellington’s strength.

A meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Football Association was held on Thursday week, Mr L. Tripp in the chair. It was decided that the Canterbury Association should have charge of the tournament, and the secretary was directed to communicate with the Christchurch officials with the object of inducing them to arrange the dates for the competition, so that Auckland could take advantage of the Mararoa’s August trip.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES,

PONEKE V. MELROSE. The above match, played at No. 1 ground, Petone, resulted in another win for the Penoke team, who scored 8 points to nil. The ground was in a very sloppy state, and got worse as the game progressed, most of the players at the conclusion of the game looking more like Thames mudlarks than respectable members of society. The game was essentially a forward one, and was on the whole interesting to watch. In the first spell the Melrose had the best of the wind; and a little the best of the play, but no points were scored on either side. In the second spell the Melrose, although playing against the wind, had by no means the worst of the game, the forwards especially playing well. Eventually, a mistake by Bourke, the Melrose full-back, enabled Roberts to secure the ball, and he whipped it out to Gage, who, although supposed to be full-back, was most of his time amongst the forwards, and who got over the line near the corner. The try was not converted. Near the call of time, Roberts, who was standing well out and really out of his place, got a lucky pass and slipped over the line, Wynyard converting the try. Woon, Green, Poland and Young were the best forw r ards and Wynyard an I Roberts the best backs on the Poneke side, while Soffe, Laughton and Campbell, forwards, and R. Bourke, J. Bourke and Warwick, backs, played well for the Melrose. Mr G. Fache acted as referee.

The Wellington-Petone heat was not played on Saturday, consequent on the wet state of the Show Ground.

JUNIOR SHIELD. The Orientals suffered defeat at the hands of £he Wellington College team by 5 points to love. Tripe touched down for the winners and McKenzie converted.

The Selwyn-Atliletic heat resulted in a win for the former by 6 points to nil, Madden and Redmond each scoring a try. The Wellingtons defeated the Rugby by 6 points to 5. In the first spell Smith touched down for the losers, and Bannister converted. Stuart then kicked a penalty goal for the Yellows, and just on the call of time Thompson scored a try, thus bringing the Wellington’s score up to 6 points. The Wellington second, who have only been defeated once, consequently win the Junior Shield. THIRD-CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. The Wellington-Athletic heat had to be postponed, owing to the wet state of the ground. ASSOCIATION TRIAL MATCH. The Association trial match, in view of. the approaching tournament to be held at Christchurch next month, took place at Hobson street on Saturday. The leading incidents were accurate kicking on the part of Hailwood (who placed two goals), beautiful passing by Bannister, and long kicking by Courtney ; Fraser and Brunton were also throughout the spell safe and serviceable. The game throughout was extremely interesting and fought with great vim and spirit. For the winners, who played with the better combination, Richardson, Henderson, Fraser, Fernie, Hailwood, Courtney, and, perhaps, Hill, who is too showy to be really first-class, were the best; and for the losers, Bannister and Abbott were the most prominent, Forsyth, Brunton, Martin and McLeod (an ex-Otago rep.) being also worthy of men- j twn.

The return match between teams representing the Wholesale and Retail Drapers was played at Petone Wednesday afternoon, the former fifteen proving victorous by 6 points to 3, after a fast and open game, which attracted a fair number of spectators. Early in the game Arnott scored a try after a nice piece of passing among the backs, but Osborne was unable to increase the score. The Wholesale players equalised matters before the spell ended, Bush securing a try, which E. E. Woon failed to convert. On changing ends the play was fast and furious. The back play of the “ big ” houses was a trifle too superior for the smaller fi’y, and Turnbull scored the winning point, but Woon was again unable to place a goal. No further scoring took place, the game resulting as above stated. Galloway, Shilling, S. Fraser and Turnbull (backs), Woon, Blacklock, Soffe and Glover (forwards) were conspicuous for the victors, the most prominent of the losers being J. Smith, Arnott, Osborne and Turner (backs), Hooper, Wallace, Herbert and A. Smith (forwards). Mr F. Bishop acted as referee, Mr W. Roberts (Retail) and Sayers (Wholesale) were the touchline judges.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright Sydney, July 22.

In the annual football match between New South Wales and Queensland, under Rugby rules, the former won by four points to three.

Christchurch, July 22

The annual match between the Otago University and Canterbury College was played at Lancaster Park on Saturday afternoon in lovely weather, The game was very even and open throughout, resulting in a draw, neither side scoring. Nino matches have been played between the two teams; Canterbury College has - won four, the University three, while two games have been drawn.

In the Senior Championship games some first-class football was shown. Merivale and Linwood played a great game, each side scoring 5 points. Christchurch beat Sydenham by 7 points to 5. Kaiapoi beat East Christchurch by 9 points to nil. Christchurch, July 20.

The football match Dunedin High School v. Christchurch High School, was won by the local team by 16 points to 8. Palmerston North, July 21.

In the football match between Taranaki and Manawatu, the latter was defeated by 8 points to nil. Heavy rain descended almost throughout the game. 11. Good scored a try during the first spell, and just on call of time Bayly crossed the line between the posts, from which a goal was converted. The game was stubbornly contested, the visitors having slightly the best of it.

Wanganui, July 19,

The football match Taranaki v. Wanganui was of too one-sided a nature to be interesting, and resulted in a win for Taranaki by 22 to 5, two goals and four tries to a goal.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM. The Sydney Referee suggests that New South Wales and Queensland should combine to send a team to New Zealand. The writer says a first-class fifteen could be I chosen to represent New South Wales in Sydney, but for an extended tour the backs are not quite class enough to oppose the best of the Maoriland backs. He says further: —“ We owe it as a duty to New Zealand to send absolutely the very strongest band that can be got together, for if the team sustains successive defeats public interest will soon grow lukewarm. The Queenslanders seem to be unusually strong in back men, whilst we, in three-quarters at all events, are weak. 11. P. Abbott will not go to New Zealand, and if you take him away our three-quarters are not up to first-class form. It means sure defeat to take away mediocre men, and having them laid out, to call upon others unused to playing in their positions to fill the gap. Two of the best, if not absolutely the two best, three-quarters —Abbott and Nelson —are in the University team ; two of the best half-backs —Moses and Veech —and some representative forwards are also among them, and this, added to the fact that other good men are on the injured list, renders it certain that neither the first backs nor the reserves will be strong enough. There can be nothing infra dig in asking Queensland’s assistance in this matter. In the interests of the game in New Zealand, it is very desirous that this team should be formidable. Its success will largely help to advance Rugby in Australia, for New Zealand will send us her most capable men to win back any laurels they may be able to pluck from the crown across the sea. The interchange of visits by first-class teams will soon make New South Wales and Queensland strongholds of Rugby at its best. But if wo send a weak combination to meet strong ones, we may rest as-1 sured that those repaying the visit will not be the most formidable, and all true lovers of the game know and feel that that would be a disaster.” REPRESENTATIVE TRIAL MATCH. In view of the Marlborough match, to be played in Wellington on Saturday, 4th August, the Senior Selection Committee met last night; to pick teams for a trial match next Saturday. The following are the teams: —B team —Bourke, A. Duncan, Wynyard (captain), Roberts, Bennett, Gage, White, Shore, Dacro, Hyland, Blacklock, Maber, Bishop, Kelly and Laughton. A team—ltoaclie, Ilales, Harley, Ross, Wynyard (captain), Pudney, Swindley, Jack, F. Young, Campbell, McLean, Pringle, Poland, McKenzie and Woon. Emergencies—Backs, Hunter, Merlet and Bourke; forwards, Green, Pownall and Taplin. Members of either team who are unable to play next Saturday must inform j the Committee on or before Thursday j night. The Committee intend to strictly j carry out the rule of excluding players who do not turn up next Saturday in any future matches or practices. The A team will

play in black or blue, B team in colours. Players are requested to provide themselves with the necessary jerseys.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION,

A meeting of the Council of the New Zealand Rugby Union was held at the Pier Hotel on Saturday evening, there being present: Messrs G. F. C. Campbell (in the chair); 11. J. McLean, South Canterbui-y; A. de Costa, Poverty Bay; 11. J. McCardell, Canterbury; C. Marter, Horowlienua; R. J. Malcolm, Wairarapa; A. T. Bate and G. Fache, Wellington; J. P. Firth, Nelson; T. S. Ronaldson, Taranaki; G. W. C. Morris, Auckland; J. Card and E. Batchelor, West Coast; I. Hyams and 11. Woon, Wanganui; Goldie, Bush Districts; and E. D. Hoben, lion. secretary. Mr F. Logan, president of the union, telegraphed, expressing regret that severe illness prevented his coming down to the meeting; and Mr Davy wrote that indisposition prevented his attending. Correspondence from the various unions was read and dealt with.

The Marlborough Referees’ Association wrote, asking whether rule 2, as to players being ahead of the ball while it was in thei scrum, referred to three-quarters as well as tc» wing forwards and to half-backs. The question was referred to the Appeal Committee. The Canterbury Union submitted the ruling of the Canterbury Referees’ Association, that the rule be so read. It was stated that the same point would have been submitted by the Wellington branch had they not been anticipated. The whole question was referred to the Appeal Committee for settlement. Letters from the Canterbury Union, asking that the decision of the committee in. refusing permission fpr the Otago-Canter-bury match to be played be reconsidered, were read. The Canterbury Union had asked the various affiliated unions to instruct their delegates upon the point, and this had been clone. After the Chairman had detailed the action of the committee in the matter, the Canterbury delegate moved that permission be granted. This was lost by 17 votes to 7, the refusal of the committee being upheld. The voting for permission was Canterbury, South Canterbury, and Poverty Bay; and against, Auckland, Taranaki, Wanganui, Horowlienua, Bush Districts, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, and West Coast. None of tha officers voted, the matter being left entirely to the delegates. The Marlborough Union wrote supporting the decision of the committee, and the Hawke’,% Bay Union in favour of granting permission.

Mr Ronaldson was elected to the Management Committee in place of Mr Wesney.

The Management Committee’s report: upon the representation question was adopted, representation to be as follows:—• Unions having under 15 teams, 1 vote; 15 and under 25, 2 votes ; 25 and under* 35, 3 votes; 35 and under 45, 4 votes; 45 and over, 5 votes. The subscription was fixed at 2s 6d per team.

Mr Hoben moved that the recommendation of the English Union:—“That the referee shall have sole control over the game, and may blow his whistle without waiting for any appeal,” be adopted, where both teams agree. The motion was carried.

Letters from Now South Wales in connection with that Union’s forthcoming tour were read. The team will arrive in Auckland on Thursday, the 23rd August, and leave Wellington for Sydney about September 25th. It was decided that it was inadvisable for the New Zealand Union’s team to return the visit of New South Wales until 1896, after the visit of a Queensland team in 1895. The North Island match was fixed to be played at Auckland on Wednesday, August 29th, and in lieu of the South Island match a New Zealand match will be played at Christchurch as suggested by the Canterbury Union. It was, however, resolved that if anything occurred to prevent the New Zealand match taking place at Christchurch it will be played at Wellington. Messrs Ronaldson, McCardle, Batchelor, Fache, Hyams and the officers ex ojjicio were appointed a Programme and Entertainment Committee in connection with the New South Wales team’s visit. Their, duty is to prepare a programme of matches and movements, and revise and consider the entertainment proposed by the various centres. A general programme will then be printed and issued to the unions. The visiting team will, if possible, proceed down the East Coast of the South Island before going to the West Coast. The details were left to the Programme Committee. The meeting decided to take action in the direction of obtaining legal status for athletic bodies, and appointed Mr Hoben to confer with the other New Zealand athletic governing bodies on the subject. The Hawke’s Bay Union’s suggestion to print the English rules of professionalism, case law and insurance of players, was referred to a committeo consisting of Messrs Bate, Marter and Fache. It was stated that much of the case law appearing in some of our union annuals was out of date, and not published by the English Union.

Mr Campbell moved, that if practicable a North v. South match be established as an annual fixture between the two Islands, the match to be a movable one, and the first to take place next year. This was carried. It was reported that branches of the Referees ’ Association at Taranaki, Canterbury, South Canterbury and the West Coast had been formed, and a number of reports were received testifying- to the good work done by branches already in existence.

A letter was read from the New South Wales Union asking whether in case of the New Zealand team being unable to visit Australia next year, they would return to the alternative terms, namely, 75 per cent. It was decided to inform the New South Wales Union that the alternative terms were still open, and that the team could come over upon the same terms upon which the New Zealand team visited New South Wales, Til? Appeal Committee wag

appointed to select the North Island and New Zealand teams.

WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION

A meeting of the Committee of Management of the above Union was held on Wednesday. Present—Messrs Davy (in chair), Bate Wynyard, McKenzie, Grant and Hodgins (acting hon. secretary). A letter was received from the secretary Marlborough Union agreeing to the terms proposed for the game with them on the 4th. Mr Grant was appointed to arrange in re their accommodation while here. The Committee also drew up a programme for entertaining them, and arranged several details in connection with the match. Messrs Bate and Davy were appointed a sub-committee to arrange for trains, and Messrs Davy, Wynyard and Grant a sub-committee to arrange for advertising and posting the town in connection with the match.

The representative practice match on Saturday next will be played on the Show Ground if the week continues fine, but if it should rain before Saturday the match will be played on No. 1, Petone. The Committee wish it to be known that the remaining Cup Matches are not altogether off, but will be played later on in the season; this announcement is necessary as an impression has gained ground that they were to be abandoned altogether. It was decided to postpone, after the 28th, the remaining fixtures for the,Junior Shield, in order that the Junior Selection Committee would be able to arrange representative practices. Junior representative practices will now take place on the 4th and 11th .August, and the Committee will after the 28th pick teams. Mr Wynyard was authorised to arrange for a gymnasimn for the senior and junior representatives. The following is the programme for the Wellington representative tour: —Leave Wellington Friday, the 24th August; play Hawke’s Bay at Napier 25th; arrive in Auckland 28th ; North Island match 29th ; play Auckland Saturday, the Ist September ; leave Auckland Monday, the 3rd; play New Plymouth at Hawera 4th; arrive Wellington September sth.