FOOTBALL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1747, 30 August 1905, Page 48

FOOTBALL

THE RANPURLY SHIELD. WELLINGTON v. HAWKE’S BAY. The match between the holders of the Ranfurly shield (Wellington) and the Hawke’s Bay representatives was played at Athletic Park last Wednesday. Although fine overhead, and unusually calm,-the heavy rain of the early morning had left the ground very wet, and before the game had proceeded far, had been converted into a quagmire. The players were smothered in mud by the time the closing stages were reached. A well-con-tested game—though not by any means up to representative standard —made difficult by the sloppy ground and the greasy ball, ended in Wellington proving their title to still retain the coveted shield, their victory being gained by eleven points to three. Speaking generally the game was confined chiefly to the forwards. It was an amusing scramble. Mr Geo. Howe was referee, and his decisions gave satisfaction. The teams were os follow: —Wel-lington—Full-back, G. Spencer; threequarters, Blacklook and Ryan (wings), Henderson (centre) ;five-eighth, M. Sharpe; half Ramsden; forwards, Dodd and Watkins (front row), Wright (pivot), Cross and Spencer (side men), Gillespie and Wylie (back row), Warner and S. Wilson (wings). _ Hawke’s Bay—Full-back, Tomlinson; three - quarters, Mitchmson, McKellai (wings), Russell (centre); five-eighths, Ward and McCarthy; half, Payne; forwards, Walker (wing), McCarthy, RockJe (front row), McKnight (lock), Carlson and Cox (side men), Willis and Caldwell (back row). AUCKLAND Y. WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND’S TEAM THE WINNERS. On Saturday afternoon Auckland s Rugby fifteen defeated Wellington’s representatives by ten points to six points and became the holders or the Ranfurly Shield. Nearly 6000 people were present. Overhead the day was fine, and, notwithstanding the ram that fell in the early hours of the morning the ground was dry. It was a good game, hard, and very fast. Wellington played below its standaid m the foiwards, and that was where it was relied upon to win. The backs were just about as bad as they were expected to be. Auckland had the superior team, lhe.i forwards beat the local forwards again and again with long, fast rushes, and

their backs were a fine lot. Kiernan, the visiting captain, handled his team splendidly, and his direction of the attack was the main factor in Wellington's defeat. Mr Manning, of Palmerston North, was the referee. THE TEAMS. AUCKLAND. WELLINGTON. A. Newdick G. Spencer J. R. Wynyard J. P. Blacklook L. B. Todd A. McDonald W. McKenzie J• Ryan R. Magee M. Sharpe H. Kiernan A. Ramsden F. Herring E. L Watkms O. Dunning E. H. Dodd J. P, McGuire T. Cross v W. Trevarthen C. Gillespie A. Francis J. Driscoll A. Bonella J. Spencer J. R. McGuire W. Alexander M. Fraser W. Hardham W. Tyler W. Warner Both teams averaged a little over 12st any advantage being in favour ot Wellington. THE PLAY. Wellington lost the toss, and kicked off against a light southerly wind. They found their way into Auckland territory at once, hut a free kick drove them back. A good kick by Sharpe helped Wellington up again, but from a throwout the Auckland forwards broke away down the edge of the field, and finished up at Wellington’s twenty-five flag. Down there Francis had a shot at the home goal from a mark, but missed. From the kick-out Auckland forced themselves to the Wellington quarterline. In a scramble the ball Was centred, and full-back Spencer did not get it to touch in saving. Tyler got it, and rushed for a score. Instead, however, of passing in-field he hung on to the ball, and was thrown into touch at the corner flag. That was one try given away. Wellington had the greatest difficulty in keeping Auckland from crossing the line for some time. Finally, relief came. From a scrum Kiernan sent his backs away, but they lost the ball on the line. It rolled over, and Ramsden, who had been tossed out of somebody’s way, crawled up to it and forced down. Almost immediately after kicking out, Wellington were in trouble again, and this time they could not stop a score. Kiernan came threading through his opponents, and, coming to Spencer, handed the ball to Wynyard, who went over the line. No goal was kicked. Auckland, 3 points; Wellington, nil.

When play recommenced, Auckland hurried down field for some more tries, and Wellington saved itself again by forcing down. Little of interest took place until mishandling of the ball by the Auckland backs gave Wellington a chance to attack. McDonald raced upfield, and passed the ball to Blacklook, That player carried it for some yards, and if he had been backed up there was every probability of a try. However, nobody backed him up, with the - exception of two or three Aucklanders, who fell upon him with a great deal of enthusiasm. Wellington stuck to the ground it had gained, and on the twenty-five line, in front of the goal, G. Spenoer had a shot at goal. He ■missed it. Attacking again, Wellington got the ball from a scrum near Auckland’s line. The ball went to Sharpe, who attempted to cut in and through the whole Auckland team. When Auckland had finished taking advantage of that mistake, play was at the other end of the field. Mostly by luck, Wellington drove the Northerners back to half-way, but they wouldn’t stop there. They came dashing down time after time. Ryan stopped them more than once with good line-kicking, and once or twice off-side play gave Wellington a free-kick. In one of those attacks Auckland got its second score. McKenzie marked on the twenty-five line, and Francis kicked a goal. Auckland, 7 points; Wellington, nil. The spell ended soon afterwards. The southerly wind died away as the second spell progressed, and Wellington lost its much-needed help. The home players, with smart kicking and rapid following, brought play too close to Auckland’s line to be pleasant to the visitors. A free-kick to Auckland drove Wellington back, and following that up, Kiernan. by smart play, set Wellington desperately defending. Fierce work in Wellington’s quarters amongst the forwards. From a scrum, the Auckland backs went away, passing prettily, and they were stopped just on the line. The weight of defence was lightened by a free-kick to Wellington, but it was not lightened long. The Auckland forwards romped over their opponents in short dashes, and once a try to them was lost by the ball eluding them and going into touch-in-goal. In another rush they were penalised for a knock-on as they were going over the line. Blacklook stopped another dangerous rush by a smart mark, and yet another and equally dangerous rush was stopped by an iiifringement of “fclio rulos. "Wellington was shaken up considerably. Perseverance brings substantial reward sometimes. The last of the series of rushes smothered the Wellington backs. The full-back, Spenoer, was thrown aside as he attempted to kick, and Tyler dropped on the rolling ball. No goal. Auckland, 10 points; Wellington nil. Kicking out, Wellington flashed upfield, and in the fierce attack th© Auck-

land backs had their work out out to save their line. In _ saving there wa* some very open off-side play, and Spencer had two shots at goal in consequence. At the second attempt be, sent the ball over the bar. _ Auckland, 10 points; Wellington, 3 points. Auckland started away again aggressively, and by reason of fumbling amongst the home backs were almost immediately within a few yards of the line. Kiernan, of course, had the lead in that attack—any mistakes by th© other side were sweets for him. Under the Wellington posts there was a great struggle between the two teams. The men strained . and warred as though between them lay the Koh-i-noor diamond, and the finder, was the keeper. Above the roaring of the crowd could hardly be heard the referee’s whistle as it stopped play to allow squirming fallen bodies of men to rise and form themselves into momentary systematic scrums. Gradually Wellington drove the invaders backwards, and,. following their advantage, swept down-field. Then the battle re-commenced near the Auckland line. Play was stopped for some time because of hurts to Ramsden (of Wellington) and Todd (of Auckland). When the game was started again Ryan marked a flying ball on the twenty-five line, and drop-kicked ah goal. He missed the posts, and Auckland forced down.' For some little time play was uninteresting. Auckland had one or two place-kicks at goal from half-way, and brought the crowd’s derision upon them for wasting time. Then Wellington put on another fierce attack, and on Auckland’s twent3 T -five line a- northern man was penalised. G. Spencer was given another shot at goal, and was successful. Auckland, 10 points; Wellington, 6 points. That ended the game. T.vE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. VISITORS AGAIN DEFEATED. NELSON, August 23. The weather was fine and the ground in perfect order for the match Nelson v. Australia, but a fairly strong southwest wind blew. The match was played on Trafalgar Park before three thousand spectators. The scores at the conclusion of the game were: —Nelson 12 points, Australia 3 points. DEFEATED BY CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, August 26. Although rain fell last night and the morning was threatening, the weather was fine for the match between Canterbury and Australia, played at Lancaster Park this afternoon. The gatetakings amounted to £137. After a well-contested game, Canterbury won by 8 points (a goal from a try and a try) to 3 (a try). The home team deserved the win, as they had distinctly the best of the play, and but that'in the early part of the game the paasing of the backs was very faulty they should have increased their score. The Australians played in a dashing way at times, but they were met by sound defenoe, and mistakes at critical moments lost them good chances. The line-kick-ing of the Australian backs was much inferior to that of the Canterbury players. THE TEAMS. Australia. Full-back, Wickham; three-quarters, M. Smith, Penman, B. Smith, MoLean; five-eighths; Anlezark; half, Dore; forwards, Burden, Lucas, Oxlade, Richards, O’Brien, Hirschberg, Swannel, and Murnin. Canterbury. Full-back, Turtill; three-quarters, Foyer, Love, Gray; fiveeighths, Weston, Fraser; half, Burns; forwards, Horgan, Shannon, Murray, Chambers, Gaffney, Carlton, Pearce, s and Walters. Of the visiting backs the best were B. Smith and Penman. In the forward department O’Brien was conspicuous for his dashing work. Among th© Canterbury backs Fryer played an excellent game. THE PLAY. The visitors won the toss, and played with a light breeze behind them. The early stages of the game were fought out in midfield, but the Canterbury forwards gradually worked the ball to their opponents’ twenty-five, and as the result of too hard kicking the Australians were able to save by forcing. After the kick-out, the ball was soon back in the visitors’ territory. Then for some little time play hovered between the two twenty-fives. The forwards appeared very evenly matched, but although playing against the wind, the Christchurch men frequently gained a good deal of ground by their line-kicking. Erratio passing by th© reds enabled the visitors to carry the ball past their opponents’ twenty-five, but Pearoe, Gaffney, and Walter headed a forward rush to past the centre, and Fryer further improved the position by kicking out of touch well within the visitors’ twenty-five. The Australian forwards worked the ball back, but Canterbury soon returned, and Weston marked. Carlton made a poor attempt at goal. McLean kicked back, but a passing-run between Burns, Weston, Fraser, and Fryer again placed the visitors on the defensive. MoLean once more came to his side s rescue with a good kick. Neither side could claim any decided advantage until Pen* -

pian secured the hall and transferred to B. Smith, who, after a strong run, •ent it on to M. Smith, who scored near the corner. Wickham’s shot at goal was good. The ball fell short. Australia, 3; Canterbury, nil. Scrums in neutral territory were followed by an exchange of kicks,' the Australians forcing after a long kick by Turtill. The Canterbury backs essayed some passing, but gained little ground, until Fryer broke away, and reached Wickham, but a fumble by one of the players behind him spoilt the chance of scoring. Canterbury then set up a strong attack, but when the spell ended had failed to cross their opponents’ line. SECOND SPELL.

Proceedings opened with a brisk at tack by Australia, but a mark by Burns got Canterbury out of trouble. In the scramble that followed Burns’s kick,, Gaffney got possession and passed to Fryer, who, after a run down the touch-line, kicked across the field, and Gray, following up fast, scored near the corner. Fraser kicked a fine goal. Canterbury, 5 • Australia, 3. 'file home team kept up the attack, nut a lucky “speculator” by M. Smith shifted play to the centre of the field. Then the visitors set their backs to work, a passing-rush ending in Dore being pushed into touch a few yards from the line. Some fast work followed, but the Australian attack was met by very sound collaring. JdLorgan at length broke away with the ball at his feet, and Fryer hacked his work up by a good kick, which sent the ball out near IUo Australian line. At this stage B. Smith went full-back, and Wickham came up to the three-quarter line. Sound work by the Australian forwards removed pi ay to Canterbury’s half, but their work was neutralised by Turtill, who found the line well down field. Anlezark came up to the rescue of his side, but Fryer again put the Australians on the defensive, and from a pot at goal by Fraser the visitors were forced. Here another change was made in the disposition of the Australian backs, Penman and 13. Smith changing places. Canterbury were having decidedly the better of the game, and Burns, getting the ball from a scrum, began a passing-rush in which all the backs figured, Gray scoring his second try. F.aser’s kick at goal fell shore. Canterbury, 8; Australia, d. The Australians were then kept busy defending, but a timely mark by Dore relieved the pressure. Richards and Burden headed a dangerous rush, but fumbling spoilt an excellent chance, and Fryer was responsible for the removal of play back to the visitors’ twenty-five. Sound defensive work by Penman kept Canterbury ac bay, and the Australian forwards, headed by O’Brien, made several dashes, which were nullified by good kicking by the Canterbury backs. In the closing stages of the game Canterbury held the upper hand, but did not increase their score, though a shot at goal from a mark by Fraser went ■very near. Mr F. Evans was referee. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. DUNEDIN, August 26. The match Otago v. Southland was Elayed to-day in splendid weather, and i the presence of about five thousand spectators’ The game, which resulted in a win for Otago by 11 points to 3, was fast and interesting throughout, and, from a spectator’s point Qi view, one of the best played here for some time. The win was a meritorious one, as owing to an unfortunate accident (particulars of which appear elsewhere) Otago had to play with fourteen men for rather more than half the time. Southland had rather the best of the scrum work, but in the loose the home forwards showed up to advantage. The Otago backs were decidedly superior to their opponents, giving an excellent exposition in every department of the game. Southland lacked resource and combination. About five minutes after the start of the game Morton obtained a try for Southland after a good run down the line. Before half-time Southland were attacking strongly, and it was at this stage that Bailey was injured. Otago staved off the attack. Shortly after the resumption of play, Eokhold made a run, and then passed to Bonnet, who managed to ground the ball before being pushed into touch. About half-way through tihe spell Gilrav centred with a fine kick, and Murphy’s return being charged down, Mclntyre scored in a fair position. Towards the finish Southland became aggressive, and narrowly missed scoring. From a mark by Jenkins inside Otago’s twenty-five. Reid made a fruitless attempt to convert. Just on call of time, Gilray scored a third try for Otago, and Adams converted. MANAWATU v. HAWKE’S BAY. PALMERSTON, August 26. Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay played aC their annual fixture here to-day, the former winning by 9 points to nil. The weather was fine, though wintry, with a slight wind blowing. The ground was exceedingly sloppy, but, notwithstanding this, the game, particularly in the second spell, when Manawatu were on the attack, was fast |nd exciting. In the first half there was no score, but after crossing over tb« home team —which had been held

penned down—'managed to rattle on three tries. None of these were converted. The scores were the result of good back play. The Hawke’s Bay forwards were the better combination, but the Manawatu backs were faster, trickier, and safer than the visitors rear division. Furrie, Hewitt, and McNae scored tries for Manawatu. MANAWATU v. BUSH UNION. PALMERSTON NORTH, August 23. Manawatu defeated the Bush Union today by 20 point® to 8. The visitors were outclassed in every department. COLLEGE MATCH. CHRISTCHURCH, August 26. Teams representing Wellington College and Christ’s College met on the college ground this afternoon, when Wellington won by 32 points to 8. For the winners, Wilson potted a goal; Goodbehere, Hoby, Shannon, Grace, Thomson, McLean, and Hay each got tries. Hay kicked a goal. Hungerford and Parkinson, of Christ’s College, each scored a try, one of' which Saunders converted. The winners were superior in combination and kicking. Goodbehore’s fast running assisted others materially in scoring. A CLUB MATCH. Afc Berhampore the Waipuna Club, from Blenheim, was defeated by the Athletic Club by 14 points to nil. It was a fast, open game. Murray and Ward scored tries, Atkinson converted both, and Wilson potted a goal from a mark. ASSOCIATION. Senior fixtures were continued on Saturday, when Queen’s Park and St. John’s played a drawn game at Newtown Park—one goal each—and Diamonds defeated Swifts B by 2 goals to nil. Y.M.C.A. were defeated by Rovers by 3 goals to 1. The result of the above games makes the championship a certainty for Diamonds. A keen and interesting struggle took place between Marist Bros, and Sw'ifts for the final of the Third League Cup, the game ending in a draw of 2 goals each. There will be a replay next Saturday. JUNIOR CHALLENGE CUP. Diamonds B defeated St-. John’s B by 4 goals to 1. . THIRD LEAGUE HENDERSON CUPPetone defeated Marist Bros. B in the first round for this cup by 3 goals to nil. THIRD LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL. j.he Marist Bros. Old Boys met Swifts in this final, and commenced with a strong attack on Swifts’ goal, Gosling soon obtaining a goal. I—o- - was immediately in evidence for Swifts, and a Marist Bros, back by miskicking led the Swifts in. Sinclair equalised, and immediately afterwards Coventry placed his side ahead. 2—l. Lowe and Woolcott worked the ball up to Swifts’ goal, where Swinburne cleared well. A splendid long shot by Moßain was only inches wide. In tne second spell Marist Bros., assisted by a goodly number of “barrackers,” attacked with great spirit, _ and a fine shot by Lcwo placed his side on level terms. Swifts were hemmed in for quite a time, and only McLean’s good goal-keeping saved them. The greens, however, tired towards the end, and a great Swifts rush nearly resulted in a score, there being a big struggle in goal before the ball was finally cleared. There was no further score. Bowden, Taylor, J. Gosling, Woolcott, and Lowe played well for Marist Old Boys, as did McLean, Swinburne, Sinclair, Coventry, and Mcßain for Swifts, Marist Bros. Old Boys defeated Kaiwarra by a goal to nil. Swifts and Petone drew, one goal each. Marist sohool beat Y.M.C.A. by 5 goals to nil.