FOOTBALL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1628, 13 May 1903, Page 51

FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S GAMES.

PONEKE DEFEAT OLD BOYS. There was a very large attendance of the public on Saturday at the Athletic Park. The game played between Poneke and Old Boys provided a fast, open, and highly interesting contest; but Poneke had a little the best of the play all through, although Old Boys were a point ahead until the last ten minutes. In that time Poneke scored eleven points, and so won the game by 15 points to 5. Melrose and Oriental had a “happy-go-lucky” sort of match, the Melrose team winning by 9 points to 4. At Petone the local team defeated Athletic by 18 points to nil, after a game that was strictly one-sided. .Following are particulars of the contests:— PONEKE v. OLD BOYS. After Poneke -had skirmished in the white (Old Boys) twenty-fives, the whites ' cleared vigorously, gradually worked to red quarters, and there secured a try, Gilmer - scoring under the

posts after a loose rush of hacks and forwards. A goal was. kicked. s—o. Poneke soon bore down to Old Boys’ grounds, but were beaten back. Hard play ensued, Buddie doing excellent work at full-back for Old Boys, his kicking being especially good. Slattery marked for Poneke near the lialf-way line, and from this point Stevens placed a magnificent goal. 4r—s. The reds were several times near a score in the next half-hour, but strong defence by Old Boys, assisted by a want of unanimity amongst the red backs, and a further disposition of red forwards to substitute off-side play for legitimate Avork, kept the Old Boys’ citadel safe through resulting free-kicks. The second spall began with even play in the centre ; then Poneke came down to the white goal and looked dangerous, but a number of speculative kicks by the Old Boys’ "Lacks had better luck than they deserved, and so danger was averted. The reds came* on once- more, but an indiscreet kick changed a probable toy to a touch-in-goal. Old Boys inspected the Poneke goal from, very close quarters, but were kept off. Further hard, even play ensued, each side invading by turn, clearing by hard work and good luck in equal proportions, ana effecting no score, though once Old Boys got across Poneke line With the ball and lost it against the fence. Poneke got to dangerous quarters once more, and at last Gray made a splendid opening, and then passed to Twohill, avlio scored near Old Boys’ goal. The major points were not added. Old Boys now had to open up the game in an endeavour to increase their score; but the result was disastrous for them. Gray again broke through the Boys’ defence in fine style, as a result of which opening Stevens scored a try, lvhioh ‘was converted. 12 —5. Old Boys got up to Poneke lino after this. Avhence they had a free-kick at the red goal, but no score followed. The whites were evidently short of staying condition, and while they were in this state Twohill (just as time was up) ran right through them from half way and scored beneath the posts. No goal. 15 5. Mr Alex. Campbell was the referee. ORIENTAL v. MELROSE. This match needs little description. When the game was young, Goodwin ran in from the back dmsion and scored a try. No goal. 3—o. There followed scrambles of forwards, occasional dribbling dashes, here and there a fair passing charge by two or three backs, biut generally nothing brilliant. Just before half-time Callum scored the second try for Melrose, which was again unconverted. 6 —o. The second spell was a repetition of the first in the matter of tactics. F. Roberts potted wonderfully a goal for Oriental, and Calnan scored a try for Melrose, the final scores being Melrose 9, Oriental 4. Mr D. D. Weir was the referee. PETONE v. ATHLETIC. The Petone-Athletic heat, /which was played at Petone., resulted in. an easy victory for the former club by 18 points to nii. Within five minutes from the start Petone notched tAA’o tries, obtained by M. Ryan. The first score was the result of accurate passing betAA r een Hardham (who played in the three-quarter line cm Saturday) and the two Ryans. The town players, led by Redgrave, Charters and W. Hales, invaded Petone territory, but a sensational dash by Braid averted all danger. Shortly afterwards, Boyce (Athletic) was penalised for off-side play, the error improving Petone’s score by three points. P. Ryan, kicked a goal. Braid (2) and Hansen crossed the Athletic line during the second spell. The scores were not improved on. Toivards the close of the game, E. Hales made an unsuccessful attempt to land a goal from a penalty kick. The Petone team did not display the dash that was shown against Melrose, probably on account of the weak opposition of their opponents. Braid, Ryan (2) and Heberiey were the best of the Petone backs, Avho played Avitk a lot more combination than on the previous Saturday. Judd, Fraser, Wright and Driscoll Avere prominent among the forwards. The Athletic backs were unable to cope Avitb their heavier opponents. On more than one occasion McCarthy rose to the occasion, but the standard of his colleagues was not up to senior form. The forward division, included some “ passengers.” Redgrave, W. Hales, Charters and Bray, put in a lot of solid AA’ork in this division during the game, .which was controlled by Mr P. Mackie.

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. - ' The Melrose-Oriental match, contrary to expectations, resulted in a big win

for > the former. Melrose kicked otff,-: i. and - following up strongly, soon had the Avhites in trouble. T&e latter spent an anxious five minutes defending their lines, and a kick that was intended to give a short respite ended disastrously. Melrose marked in a good position, and Gilchrist placed a fine goal. 4—o. Melrose were again Avithin an ace of scoring, but the whites relieved Avith some good kicking. The advantage Avas only temporary. Oriental played lifelessly, and the colours? vanguard seemed to be able to make an opening Avheaever they pleased. The second; spell was commenced unde/T iufere equitable conditions, but the Melrose forwards were not to be denied, and Bishop, after another dribbling rush, got through. James kicked something that looked very much like a goal, but the “referee ordered a kick from the twenty-five flag. 7—9. Within a minute'from kicking out .Elliott was seen streaking for the line, but was caught before he could score. King scored soon afterward, and Gilchrist converted. 1% —0. Orientals got within measurable distance of scoring, hut time AVas called shortly afterwards. Melrose 12; Oriental, nil. *

Wellington were victorious in theup match against Jvia Ora (at EGutt) hy 11 points to 3. The game was a sure thing for the visitors from the outset. Foe Wellington Jago kicked a penalty goal and Williamson and Kivell scored, Hie latter’s try being converted by Boyes. Gorrie scored the only try for the losers. Southern and Athletic met at the show ground. The game was one of the best junior matches of the day. The first spell was fought out without* any score having been obtained. In the second spell, when matters seemed more in doubt than ever, a Southern player marked, and Mitcheson succeeded in his kick at goal. This was the only score of the day, Southern accordingly winning by 4 points to nil. Petone simply did as they pleased with Victora College on their own ground. When time was called the scores stood—Petone, 17; Victoria', nil. A'llander. Golding, Simpson, Nut tall and Ashcroft each scored a try for the winners. Ryan converted Golding's. Old Boys compiled 23 points in their match with St. Patrick’s College—Oo 1lege 3. The Avinners” score Avas comprised of seven tries, one of which was converted. McDonald scored for the College. THIRD-CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. Athletic and Poneke played a drawn game at Petone. Scores—3 points each. NeAvson got a try,, for Athletic and Mann for Poneke. Southern were defeated by St James’s by 3 points to nil. Bowden kicked a goal. Oriental defeated Wellington by 11 points to nil. Burch scored tAvice for Oriental and converted a try obtained by Jacobson. Petone IV. beat Melrose IV. by 15 points to nil. A game between Petone V. and Selwyn resulted in the former’s favour by 8 points to 3. St. Patrick’s College V. defeated Waratah by 19 points to nil. PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMPETITION. The public schools competit&jn waa begun on Saturday morning at Newtown Park, which is now absolutely the best football ground in the city. It has a superb turf upon it as a result of the great attention given t-o the place during the last two years hy the City Council, and the outskirts are in equally splendid condition. Newtown Park is now such a field as Sydney provides—springy by reason' of the fine turf and firm because of the solid soil beneath.

There were four games played at the park on Saturday morning—Newtown* v. Mount Cook, Petone v. Thorn don, Clyde quay v. To Aro and South Wellington v. r Brooklyn. The teams all showed scientific football, and reflected credit upon their tutors, and taking as a criterion the senior games played on the Athletia Park the same afternoon' the lads well , held their own in merit. There was a following of several hundred schoolboys to cheer on the con- „ testants at Newtown Park. The first two games were very evenly contested, and a draw resulted in each instance. Mount Cook and Newtown each failed to score, though each was very close fa doing so on occasions. Petone and Tho-rndon scored once each, but Petone' lost an excellent chance (just on time) through- a forward marking (when he wnq "backed by four others and only op-

posed by ono back)- instead of going on. Clyde quay had a good tussle with T'e Aro, but the waterside school eventually beat Te Aro by 8 points. South Wellington, which has a big, well-trained and clever team that will make a bold bid for tho championship, ran over Brooklyn and won by 19 points to nil. Tho boys from tho hilltop played pluckily against a superior team, and they were not by any means disgraced. The competition will bo advanced another stage next Saturday morning. It is. a condition of the contest that each team must he accompanied by a master, and it is satisfactory to notice that this rrulo is observed in a manner that hears testimony to a deep interest taken by tho masters in tho athletic as well as tho mental education of the hoys. Anyono with a Saturday morning unoccupied might do far worse than go up to Newtown Park to see the hoys play.

ASSOCIATION. Only two senior games' were played on -Saturday, and these resulted in a ctefeat for both the Shield and the Charity Cup holders. Tho match between St. John’s and Queen’s Park at Miramar was spoiled to a considerable extent by the prevalence. of a strong wind. Queen’s Park, who won. by one goal to nil, thoroughly deserved their win, for they played with more combination than their opponents. St. John’s have not struck their old form yet. The absence of Morrison in the attacking line has mad 9it lop-sided. The combination of the team as a whole was, in fact, defective, and it is evident"the halves and forwards will have to work with more cohesion if they wish to approach last year’s standard of play. The S wif ts-Dia-mcwid contest was played on Newtown Park, and resulted in a. win for Swifts by two goals to one. The game was well contested, but was not remarkable for any particular brilliancy. ST. JOHN’S v. QUEEN’S PARK.

St. John’s kicked off against the wind, and soon had the defenders of the Park’s goal in trouble. As the result of a serviceable ruin up the left wing and a smart centre, one of St. John’s •forwards was enabled to put in a shot which was knocked out of the goal mouth over the line. From a cornerkick which was given, Martin cleared •well down the field. A good rush was initiated by the Park right-wingers, but Mo Whan net, by clever foot-work, secured the ball, and passed it on to A. Mouat, who in turn sent it on to Vaughan, who was stopped before he was able to centre. Calloway, Bennett and Ferkins relieved, and charged down the field. Ferkins had a shot at goal—the ball going about a yard outside the post. Smellie and W. Mouat were next to the fore with a. good run on. the right wing, but the Queen’s Park half relieved by sending tihe leather out. The Park forwards at this stage commenced to play with more dash, and as the result, Amies, Nagle and McNair were repeatedly called upon to defend St. John’s goal. B. Clark, who was playing a splendid game, at half, and had a long shot at goal. The hall dropped under the bar, giving looms no chance to save. Queen’s Park, 1; St. John’s, 0. It was expected that St. John’s, with the wind in their favour, would prove victorious, but such was not the case. The Queen’s Park’s backs stuck to their posts gamely, and staved off the repeated attacks of the opposing forwards splendidly. Gordon, in goal, played a magnificent game throughout. Had the Queen’s Park uprights been in charge of a less competent player, they must have suffered defeat. A splendid passing run by* St. John’s forwards ended up iu Vaughan scoring, but the goal was disallowed for off-side play. Queen’s Park forwards did good work against the and got in several serviceable runs, one of which called on lorns to defend, which he did with a good deal of judgment. Williams, for St. John’s, at right, played with judgment and dash at this stage, as also did the Clark Bros, and Downes for Queen’s Park. After a piece of exciting play round the Park goal, the ball was kicked out, and soon afterwards the whistle sounded, with the scores—Queen’s Park, 1; St. John’s, 0. Mr A. E. Gibbs Ixad charge of the game. SWIFTS v. DIAMONDS. This game was played at Newtown Park, and resulted in a win for Swifts by 2 goals to one. The winners, who were without the services of Macdonald and Churchward, had slightly the better of the game. The principal feature of the match consisted of the forward dashes on both sides.which were cleverly stopped by the respective full-backs; otherwise the match was rather patchy. About a quarter of an hour from the start, Diamonds were awarded a. penaltykick’. Hathaway kicked the • ball into the goalkeeper’s feet, and no score resulted. The Swifts’ first goal was a fast shot by Muir, the leather glancing off one of the opposing full-backs and going under the bar. In the second spell the game livened up and some good play was shown. Anchor got away, and after a passing run between him and Muir, be centred, and Smith, following np well, completely beat Fitzgerald with a splendid shot. Towards the latter half Diamonds pressed, and after missing a good chance of scoring, they succeeded

in obtaining a goal—a good shot by Duffy. Shortly afterwards tho game ended. For the winners Stevenson, in goal, cleared well, and White, Duff and Courtenay defended well, while in the forward division Muir, Smith and Anchor played best. For Diamonds Fitzgerald saved several good shots, and Roberts, Swain and Burness played best for the backs. All their forwards played well, Duffy and Hathaway being prominent. Mr A. Williams carried the whistle. JUNIORS. The match between Pearls and Queen’s Park was played at Miramar on Saturday, and resulted in a win for Pearls by tw) goals to nil.

St. John’s defeated Rovers at Miramar on Saturday by three goals to two. The game was stubbornly contested throughout. Diamonds won their match with Swifts by two goals to nil. THIRD-CLASS. The match between Kaiwarra, and St. John’s resulted in a ’win for Kaiwarra by 11 goals to nil. The play of the winners was marked by splendid combination. it being above the standard of even junior play. The goals were obtained by Bowden 4, Bevan 3, Redding 2, and Overend and Hamilton 1 each. Petone beat Peai’ls by three goals to one, Castle 2, and Beard 1 scored for Petone and Martin for Pearls.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 9

Linwood beat Old Boys by fifteen points to nil • Sydenham drew with Christchurch (each a goal from a try) ; Albion (three tries) beat Merivale (two tries); and Lyttelton drew with Canterbury College (no score). DUNEDIN, May 9.

Alhambra (30) beat Union (4), and Southern (5) heat Zingari (nil).- The matches Kaikorai v. Dunedin and Pirates v. University were both drawn, neither side scoring. In tho Association games Roslyn heat Green Island by 3 goals to 1, and Northern beat Mornington by 6 goals to 4.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

AN IMPORTANT MEETING

THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR

The Management Committee of tlie New Zealand Rugby Union met on Thursday, the president of tlie union (Mr G. F. C. Campbell) in the chair. There were also present Messrs Alex. Campbell, G. Dixon, R. D. Isaacs, W. Coffey, D. D. Weir, A. Laurenson, G. C. Faclie, I. Ilyams (lion, treasurer), and A. C. Norris (lion, secretary). Removals of disqualifications from players by the Auckland and W anganui Unions were endorsed by tlie Management Committee. The Nelson Rugby Union’s applications for the removal of disqualifications from two players were refused. The following gentlemen were appointed to pick the New Zealand representative team for the New South WalesQueensland tour: Messrs F. Murray (Auckland), G. C. Facile (Wellington), F. T. Evans (Christchurch) and the sole selector to be this Aveek appointed by the Otago Rugby Union. The selectors are to meet (in Wellington) not later than June 20th to pick the team, which will leave for Australia on July 11th. This team is to play a match in Wellington on the same day that the voyage to Sydney is commenced. It was decided to suggest to the New South Wales Union that the last match of the tour be played at Sydney on Tuesday, August 18th, the team to leave for home from Sydney via Auckland, on Wednesday, August 19th. It was unanimously resolved that the North v. South Island match be played at Auckland on Wednesday, August 26th, teams to be selected by the aforesaid selectors for their respective islands. Mr A. C. Norris was unanimously elected to be manager of tlie New Zealand team on its tour of Australia. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Faclie and Dixon was appointed to revise the by-laws of the union, and report to the committee before the end of July next. INSURANCE OF PLAYERS. At a meeting of the Wellington Football Association last week a draft of rules for the insurance of players was submitted and approved. The following is an extract from the draft: The fund shall be held by the lion, treasurer, and shall be subject to the sole control of the Insurance Committee, in which body shall be vested the sole authority to deal with all matters relating to the fund and to these rules. The persons entitled to the benefit of the fund under these rules' are playing members of any club affiliated to the W.F.A.. who have been duly elected to such club, and paid their subscription and any moneys due to it. . Each affiliated club shall insure with the W.F.A. not less than eleven members in respect of each senior and junior team in such club, and there shall be paid in respect of each member the sum of Is 6d per season. Third and fourth-class teams may be similarly insured. The fund shall operate as from the l. r th of May. 1903, on or before which date each affiliated club shall effect the insurance provided for in clause four. Any person otherwise entitled to participate who shall not be included in the insurance so effected may be added after the 15th May 1903. upon application by his club and payment of the prescribed sum to the hon. treasurer of the W.F.A. An accident entitling a player to the benefit of tbe fund sh&ll be (&) snstnineci during the playing of any cup match, representative trial or representative game plaved under auspices of the W.l .A. between the referee’s _ whistles for commencement and termination of the game;

(b) not the recurrence of a previous injury or bodily defect; (c) such as to incapacitate the player from engaging in his ordinary business or occupation; (d) reported in writing to the hon. treasurer of the W.F.A. within three days of the termination of the match. Players sustaining an accident as defined in clause 7 shall be entitled—(a) to medical attendance and advice from such medical man as shall be nominated by the Insurance Committee free of charge, provided that the W.F.A. shall not be liable for medicines, drugs or surgical or other appliances; (b) t.o an allowance at the rate of <£l per week for every week or part of a week not exceeding four weeks, during which the player should be wholly incapacitated from engaging in his ordinary business or occupation. such sum to be apportionable from day to day, provided that no allowance shall be made in respect of the first week succeeding an accident. Before making any payment provided for in clause Bh. the Management Committee should be satisfied by its doctor’s certificate or otherwise that the accident * in question is within clause 7, and bv its doctor’s certificate that the player has been wholly incapacitated as mentioned for the period for which a claim is made. An authority addressed to a medical man for the treatment of a player under these rules shall be given by the referee in the match during which the accident -was sustained. The liability of the W.F.A. in respect of claims shall be limited to the amount subscribed by affiUated clubs, and their players, as provided by clause 4, and such further sums as shall be levied upon the affiliated clubs for tli© purpose of the fund.

Any dispute or contingency shall be decided by the Insurance Committee, whose decision shall be final.

RUGBY NOTES.

(By "Touch.”)

Fcotbryi last Saturday reached a far higher plane of proficiency than that which it occupied on tlie preceding Saturdays of this season.

There was a battle of giants when Poneke met Old Boys, and although the best team on the day’s play won the losers also came creditably out of the contest. This early in the season “Touch” feels justified in predicting that the championship will lie between three teams—Poneke, Old Boys, and Melrose l — l with a strong probability of the two firstnamed playing off for supremacy in tho second round. Poneke’s win last Saturday was the more creditable in that Wallace. Slater, and Mcßa9 were absent from the Red ranks. The Red pack is the mast dashing one that ha's represented tlie club for many seasons past.

The only Poneke back on oaturday who played consistently well was Gray. Re worked hard all through, ran straight anfi made good openings, and passed at the right moment. Twolrili aid a few good things, but his play as a whole was spoilt by nervousness, Tlie Old Boys backs gave an in-and-out display that was. nevertheless, at odd times a brilliant one. The magnitude of their task seemed to have unbalanced their judgment, and at times Cher© was an exhibition of huddled desperation and of wild speculating charges when c. ose pressed that was' lamentable from, a football point of vieiv. It must be said, however, that luck favoured these actions, and that the scores by which Poneke won were registered through instability of the White forwards, who failed to last out the final fifteen minutes of the game. U p to that time'they had played excellently. Reverting to the backs, it may be said that Buddie played on Saturady the. best game of his life. Once in particular he showed sound judgment by making a long pass when close pressed in his own goal, and thus (by taking a risk) averting an otherwise certain score. It was one of the actions which an unthinking man reprobates when it fails, but as a matter of fact it really illustrates that a. great mistake can be made by following a good general rule too closely. Cleland and Thompson did very well at half and three-quarter, while Stuckey showed improvement on his preceding Saturday’s play. All the Old Boys forwards did well for most of the game, but they are not yet strung-up. Upon their acquiring superior fettle, and upon the backs achieving coolness in defence and more precision in attack, rests the dab’s chance of championship honours l . It undoubtedly has the material to work upon.

The Oriental fifteen played halfheartedly against Melrose, and the latter responded by playing half-heartedly against Oriental. It is satisfactory to notice that Calnan retains all o-f the dash that characterised his play two years back. Callum, another man Aho went to the war, is back in Melrose ranks. Re, too shows the same fast clever work in the open that he was noted for in the season of 19C1. The Melrose backs were only middling. Claridge had not the same verve in his play that ne had last season; Wrigley this season seems to be only a very distant relation of the Wrigley of ‘1902; Taylor should reserve himself for the Veterans v. Referees annual matches. Bush and Roberts v/f re the best of the Oriental rearguard. The forwards played well, but not one of them exerted himself sufficiently to achieve weariness.

The inability of Wellington placekickers to perform the duties required of them grows in glaringness. In the three senior games played last Saturday only one goal was kicked from eleven tries that were- scored. It is true that in th© same matches three penalty and mark goals were secured from about a dozen field kicks but these only go in mitigation of damages. Last Saturday’s advice as to place-kicking practice by moonlight is now repeated, for the present inability of our players to place-kick goals is deplorable. • , “Second String” sends me the following comment on the Athletic Petone game: The Petone —Athletic, match, was a onesided affair, the former team having all the best of the bout. I do not think the winner’s score would have beeu so large

if any decent form had been shown by the Athletic back division. This lot is on the light side; a nd are not up to senior form. The passing displays were of the widest description, excepting a rush at tlie close of the gam© when the}' went down the field in great style. Tlie tackling was weak, and on Saturday’s exhibition I do not think tlie Blue and Black players will have many victories to record this season. E. Males was unable to stand up tojiis work owing to an accident which deprived him of liis football “bars” and his display was a long way below par. McCarthy was the pick of this division and repeatedly got his team out of many “corners” during the afternoon. The forwards played a brighter game than the back division, and hung on manfully to their sturdy opponents despite the fact of several passengers being present. W. Hales was prominent in the loose play, and was ass:sted by Charters, Redgrave, and Bray. The back play of Petone was a decided improvement on that of the previous Saturday. The passing was more of an even nature, and the kicking was gord, although at times the “line’’ was not found. This fault will prove expensive iu the future if not rectified. Braid was the best of this division, his dodgy runs nonplussing his opponents on more than one occasion, notably in the first spell when he cleared the Petone line. P. and M. Ryan assisted the attack, and Ileherley was also reliable. The last named player made several fine openings m tne sfiond. spell at half, which position he filled on account of Fraser meeting with a slight accident. The latter player filled the position of full-back for the major portion of the second spell. The Petone foxwards were inclined to take matters “easy.” and did not play up to the firm evinced against Melrose. Mardham was unable to lead his men on Saturday owing to Barber’s absence, and was in tho three>-quarter lino. Judd. NVriglit. and Fraser worked hard in this division, and Brice was well to the fore in ihe lcose play.

vV. J. Wallace, tlie Poneke five-eighth, was confined to his room last Saturday with an attack of influenza. He hopes to play in the Melrose match on Saturday. _ Aliclc Thompson, of the Poneke senior team, joined the ranks of the benedicts this week. The ceremony took place in Christchurch. The Poneke forward trained with the Merivale players during his stay in tlie southern city.

The London correspondent of the “New Zealand Times” wrote as follows under date of March 27tli:—On Saturday last in the presence of 20,000 spectators, the Scottish Fifteen beat England at Richmond by one dropped goal and two tries and so won the International Championship, thanks in " a great measure to tho grand work of their three-quarter line which included two Australians (A. B. Timms and R. J. Orr) at inside left and right respectively; one New Zealander (A. N. Fell), right wing; and one South African.(J. S. Macdonald). This quartette plaved grandly together but Timms was the “giant” of the" day. for he not only dropped the goal that gave Scotland the winning margin but played a strong game both in offence and defence his tackling spoiling several efforts on the part of the home team a.ndi his resource in attack being splendid. Fell and Macdonald were very able assistants. but Orr who was suffering from sore shins and was by no means fit made several blunders. On the whole, however, the credit of the Scots victory remained with the three-quarter line, which, as I have pointed out. ivas strictly “colonial.” The game was played under excellent conditions, both atmospheric and under foot, and was of a peculiarly exciting nature. The passing with both teams was mediocre, but more effective tackling ha.s seldom been seen. In the scrums the rural shoving of the Englishmen quite upset the careful packing pf the Scotch forwards, but in the loose the fine footwork of the latter was in marked contrast to the feeble work** of tlieir opponents. What advantage there- was to be obtained from the fresh south-westerly breeze the Scotchmen decided to 'take, and left England to- begin the game. The forwards followed well up, and there were a few scrummages about tlie Sco-ts “twenty-five.” But the Scots wheeled and worked the ball to tlie centre. Tlie rush of the Scots was checked by GamJin, and in spite of a “mark” by Timm®, the English forced the play. Simpson frequently gained ground for England by his clever punts into touch and Barrett broke up the Scottish combination in several* cases when danger was ahead. Though Scotland shoved well their footwork in the scrummage lacked effectiveness and the ball was constantly coming out to the Scots’ half-backs-. Here Simpson displayed wonderful quickness and resource; he and Timm® got on particularly well, and Timms was never reluctant to gain even a few yards when kicking promised more profit than passing. By skill outside the scrummage the Scottish were getting the better of the play, when Simpson (England) got; in a long kick which found touch. This was the beginning of a series of attacks that led to the first scoring £or England. From a throwin Brettargh was almost through, and then passed to Forrest, who got well in and scored a try. Fletcher’s kick at goal was spoiled by the wind and failed. This early score for England was followed by more pressure, but at length the Scots got the ball at their feet and dribbled to the centre. Orr and Knox opened the play for the three-quarters, and this work culminated in the dropping of a grand goal by Timms, who got in his kick with the players close on him. So with twenty minutes of the first half still left Scotland had taken the lead of a point. Even, ness marked the game for awhile. The English forwards shoved hard and tackled well, but the ball was mostly for the other side. Long kicking by Forrest of Scotland, and Simpson, of England, left the play about the centre. From a wellpacked scrummage close to touch bimpson (Scotland) ran round and passed to Knox, the ball changing hands among the fleet Scotsmen several times and Dallas scored the try. which he himself failed to improve on. In the closing ten. minutes of the first half the play was mostly for Scotland. Timms, with his kicking and running, was always dome,

great work for the Scottish, and Macdonald was thrice nearly through, Gamlin, however, defended in great style ancl prevented further scoring. Thus at halitime the record was Scotland, one dropped goal, one try; England, one tryWhen the game wa s renewed the attack concentrated on the Scottish right wing. Timms was well fed by Simson and he and Orr strove hard to get Fell thiough. Thrice in the right hand corner a score seemed inevitable, but Gamlin put in sound tackling and the Scots Avere fanally driven back. Timms got m a good kick and Gamlin failing to field the ball cleanly was tackled, and Simpson was carried over in trying to save. From the scrummage the English forwards worked the'bail co the centre, but the Scots forwards made a grand dribble and were only pulled near the goal-line. Timms seemed everywhere; but in some loose work the Englishmen dribbled right away and seemed certain to- score. Scotland were saved by Orr. .who got up m time to hold the ball near the goal-line. A quarter of an hour was loft for play, and there were scrummages about the centre. Orr followed up a kick, but the Scots blundered in passing and Kendall made a great run to the other end, and Dobson got through and scored a try for England The place kick failed, and Scotland still held the lead of a point. The excitement was now intense. England was penalised for “off-side,” and from the return kick Brettargh sent the ball straight down the field. and the Scots took the “breather’ afforded by a touch down. There avrs no other chance for England. In the last five minutes the Scots went at a great pace .giving no quarter in tackling or dribbling and Simson scored in the last minute. There was no goal from this last try, and a long and hard match ended in a win for Scotland bj ten points to s x. The record of the International Cham-

Scotland thus gets the “Calcutta Cup and England the wooden spoon.

JUKI OK NOTES,

(By “Tokomariro.”)

Outside of the comments on Saturday’s play which appeared in the “Times on Monday, not a great deal remains to b? said regarding the several matches. CEd Boys easily defeated St. Patrick s College. As already reported, the former scored seven tries (one of which was converted) to their opponents’ one. I lie back play of the- Whites (Old: Beys) proved, too much for the weak defence of the College. Old Bovs took every advantage of the weakness of their opponents’ rearguard, and worked a fast set of backs to the best advantage. With one . exception, the Blues’ backs made very gingerly attempts to tackle. They appear to imagine that an opponent’s neck is the received and accepted spot at which, to direct their endeavours to cellar. The sooner they begin to understand that such tactics do not pay the better will it be for their prospects of future success. One misses the Celtic fire and dash that characterised the play of the wearers of the Blue and White in the past. At present they seem to lack self -confidence, and as far as their unwillingness to tackle is concerned, it may be a desire to avoid violent contact with the extremely hard ground. Of the specific piay of both sides, it should be said the White- attack was excellent. From half to wing three-quarter a- mistake was rarely made. Seddon, at wing forward, though, makes far too little use of the pace he possesses. Were he to consider his side a little more and the possibility of injury a little less, he •would be worthv of a higher place in the club’s ranks. Geary and McDonald, in the College forwards, played well. Campion played well up to the reputation lie is creating for himself. There is too much individuality in the College team, however, and if players would forthwith forget their individual selves and selfishness and recognise the presence of other members of the team, a distinct improvement would soon he brought about. The College beys should endeavour to play a fast, open game. Tne W ellington juniors who journeyed to the Ilntt on Saturday had a good deal to say regarding the unsatisfactory state of the ground. There are several nasty holes and depressions that iooe like ancient watercourses, which might be attended to before next Saturday. Fortune favoured Petor.e on Saturday in a marked degree. Five wins on a single Saturday—from seniors downward —is a feat seldom attained by any club. Yet such was Petone’s luck. The juniors got a soft thing when they drew VictoriaCollege. Their score of seventeen points to nil was made up of six tries —all by different players—and a conversion by J. By an. ' Wellington placed another win to their credit by defeating Kia Ora. “Kiltie” McGrath, who plays in the van for Melrose, has not lost much of his old form. When one sees him heading a forward rush up the field, or beating half-a-dozen opposing front-rankers in a scrum, one feels inclined to express a little surprise that he is not amongst the seniors. Oriental played a lifeless game against Melrose. The forwards never seemed at home, and were afraid to even let the ball out of the scrum—not because they could not, but because they would not. The backs had practically nothing to do ; neither did they appear to be looking for work, judging by the repeated command to ‘'keep it in” whenever a scrum was taking place. It was a self-evident fact from the, commencement of the game that the Oriental vanguard would make no stand against their opponents, yet little or no attempt was made to introduce anything approaching back play. The backs also were an indifferent lot. and failed to make any capital out of several good openings. The few chances they had of scoring were invariably thrown away by some childish indiscretion or unskilled handling. Melrose (on the other hand) played a forward game, and 1 were well in

their opponents* territory the greater part of the time. Bishop, who made a quick recovery from the injury he sustained the previous Saturday, played a rattling game. The same “light be said of McGrath, and “Dug.’’ Molnnes. who was called on to fill a- place at the last moment. , , , Southern, after their somewhat cheap win against Melrose the previous foat-ur-day, joined issue with a tougher crowd than they bargained for when thev met Athletic .on 'the show-ground: last Satinday. A crowd of enthusiastic barrackeis closely followed the progress of the game throughout, and when Mitchesen kicked a goal from a mark great was +he ]oy of the Beds’ supporters. Saturday s play showed both teams to be composed of eager players—particularly Southern. The men are now beginning to strike true form, and seme determined tussles should be witnessed, in next week’s play. The show-ground fields were slightly improved for last Saturday’s games. The holes of which I spoke in my last budget were filled up, and the iron spikes and sundry other implements of war on pigeons had been removed. It is a pity that the owners of the ground could not see their way to reduce some of the grassy knolls and fill in some of the ancient watercourses. One ground—they are not numbered, so I cannot speak specifically—is particularly bad in this respect. “E ” sends me the following notes on the fifth-class game between St. Patrick s College and Waratah. which resulted m a win for the former team, by nineteen points- to nil:—“ln combination, pace and dash the College boys completely outclassed their opponents. The W avatar team has excellent material, but tlie members of it seem to be lacking in the knowledge of even the most elementaiy points in Rugby tactics. The game was played in excellent spirit, and the tliiit> eager boys gave no trouble to the refeiee, Mr Norris. The passing of /the College backs at times reached a high standaicij end the combined play and following up of their forwards would give a lessen to many senior teams. Were the Waratah team to centre their addition on the attainment of combination they niigh, provide their future opponents with a Iktlo more recreation. Hannan and \. hue in the hacks and Devcy and Petera in «.lie •forwards bore the orunt ox tlie College actaciv. Tire Waratah team possesses a very fair full-back. Tries for College were obtained by Butler (2), Hannan.C) and White. Two tries were converted. In the third-class fixture between be. James’s and Southern last week at the show eround, the former won by three points" to nil. Bowden—an olcl Association player—performed the unusual reat of ‘'placing” "a goal from a faying kick.

pionship is as follows: Pla,ved. Won. Scotland ... 3 3 Wales ... 3 .2 Ireland 3 1 England ... 3 0