FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5678, 28 August 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY.

THE RANFUELY SHIELD. LOST TO WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND’S TEAM THE WINNERS. On Saturday afternoon Auckland a Rugby fifteen defeated Wellington's ieprosontatives by 'ton points to six ■points and became the holders of the Ranfa’rly Shield. Nearly 6000 people wore present. Overhead tho day was fine, and, notwithstanding the rain that fell in the early hours of tho morning, tho ground was dry. It was a good game, hard, and very fast. Wellington played below its standard in the forwards, and that was where it was relied upon to win. The hacks were just about as bad as they 'were expected to be. Auckland had tho superior team. The.r forwards beat tho local forwards again and again with long, fast rushes, and their backs were a fine lot. .Kiornan, t,he visiting captain, handled Ids team splendidly, and his direction of the attack was tho main factor in Wellington’s defeat. Mr Manning, of Palmerston North, was tho referee. THE TEAMS. AUCKLAND. WELLINGTON. A. Newdick G. Spencer J. R. Wynyard J. iilacklnck L- B. Todd A. McDonald W. McKenzie J. Ryan ■ R. Magoo M. Sharpe ft. Kiornan A. Ramsdcii F. Herring E. L.'Watkins 0. Dunning E. H. Dodd J. P, McGuire T. Cross W. Trovarthen C. Gillespie A. Francis - J. Driscoll A. Bonclla J. Spencer J. It. McGuire W. Alexander M. Fraser W. Hardham W. Tyler W. Warner Both teams averaged a little over l2st any advantage being in favour of Wellington. THE PLAY. Wellington lost tho toss, and kicked off agaimt a light southerly wind. They found their way into Auckland territory at once, but 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 tho field, and finished ap at Wellington’s twenty-five flag. Down there Francis had a shot at tho home goal from a mark, but missed. From tho kick-out Auckland forced themselves to the Wellington quarterline. In a scramble tho ball was centred, and full-back Spencer did not got It to touch in saving. Tyler got it. and rushed for a score. Instead, however, nf passing in-field lie hung on to tho 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 tho line for some time. Finally, relief came. From a scrum Kiernan ifent his backs away, but they lost tho ball ou the line. It rolled over, and Uamsden, 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 tho 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 tho ball by the Auckland backs gave Wellington a chance to attack. McDonald raced upfiold, and passed the ball to Blaoklock, 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 ex.aeption 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, Cr. Spencer had a shot at goal. He missed it. Attacking again, Wellington got the ball from a scrum near Auckland’s lino. 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 tho-field. Mostly by luck, Wellington 'drove the Northcrnifrs hack 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-ldcb. 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. Tho 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 bo 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 ensued in Wellington’s quarters amongst the forwards. From a scrum, tho Auckland backs went away, passing prettily, and they were stopped just ou the lino. The weight of defence was lightened by a free-kick to Wellington, but it was not lightened long. The Auckland forwards romped ever their opponents in short dashes, and once a try to them was lost by tho ball eluding them and ■ going into touch-in-goal. In another rush they Were penalised for a knock-on as they wore going over tho line. Blacklock stopped another dangerous rush by a omart mark, and yet another and equally dangerous rush was stopped by an infringement of tho rules. Wellington was shaken up considerably. Rersev■eranoo brings substantial reward sometimes. Tho last of the series of rushes smothered the Wellington backs. The full-back, Spencer, was thrown aside as be 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 tho Auckland hacks had their work out out to eavo their line. In saving there was some very open off-side play, and Spencer had two shots at goal in consequence. At tho second attempt he sent the ball over the bar. Auckland, 10 points; Wellington, 3 points, Auckland'started away again aggres-

sively, 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 the other side were sweets for him. Under the Wellington posts there was a great struggle between the two teams. Tho men strained and warred as though between them lay the Koh-i-noor dia-

mend, and the finder wars the keeper. Above tho roaring of the crowd could hardly he heard ...' referee's wh.stle as it stepped play to allow squirming fallen bodies of men to rite and form th< mwlvos into momentary systematic serum-:. Gradually Wellington drove the invaders backwards, and, following their advantage, swept down-field. Then tho battle re-commenecd near the Auckland line. Play was stopped for som-o time because of hurts to Ramsden ’(of Wellington) and Todd (of Auckland)’. When the frame was started aga'in Ryan marked a flying hall on the twenty-five line, and drop-kicked at 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 Well ngfon put ou another fierce attack, and on Auckland’s twentv-fivo lino 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.

OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. DUNEDIN, August 26,

Tho match Otago v. Southland was played to-day in splendid weather, and in tho presence of about five thousand spectators. The game, which resulted in a win for Otago by XI points to 3, was fast and interesting throughout, and, from a spectator’s point qt view, one of tho best played hero for some time. The win was a meritorious one, na owing to an unfortunate accident (particulars of which appear elsewhere) Otago had to play with fourteen men for rather more than half the tune. Southland had rather the best of the scrum work, but in the loose the home forwards showed up to advantage. The Otago bucks were decidedly superior to their opponents, giving an excellent exposition in every department of the game. Southland lacked resource and combination. About five niiniues after, the start of the game Morton obtained a try for Southland after good run down the Knc. Before half-time Southland were attacking strongly, *and _it Was at this stage that Bailey was injured. Otago staved off tho attack. Shortly alter tho resumption of play, Eckhold made a run, and then passed to Bonnet, who managed to ground the ball before being pushed into touch. About half-way through tho 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 attempt to convert. Just on call of time, G’lray scored a third try for Otago, and Adams converted.

MANAWATU v. HAWKE’S BAY. TRESS ASSOCIATION. PALMERSTON, August 26. Monawn tu and Hawke’s Bay played off 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 tho second spell, when Manawatu were on tho attack, was fast and exciting. In the first half there was no score, but after crossing over the home team—which had been held penned down—managed to rattle on three trios. None of theso were converted. The scores were the result ol good back play. Tho Hawke’s Bay forwards were tho better combination, butthe Manawatu hacks were faster, trickier, arid safer than the visitors’ rear division. Furrio, Hewitt, and McNao scored tries for Manawatu. COLLEGE MATCH. CHRISTCHURCH, August 26. Teams repi-esenting Wellington College and Christ’s College met ou the college ground this afternoon, when ■Wellington won by 32 points to 8. For tho winners, Wilson potted a goal; Goodbehore, 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. Goodbehere’a fast running assisted others materially in scoring. A CLUB MATCH. At Berhampore tho 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. On Saturday the "Evening Post boys defeated the "New Zealand Times” lads by 20 points to 3. Kay kicked a penalty goal for the losers. The losers had only twelve boys playing for them.

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 hy 2 goals to nil. Y.M.O.A. were defeated by Rovers by 3 goals to 1. The result of tfio above games makes the championship a certainty for Diamonds. A keen and interesting struggle took place between Marist Bros, and Swifts for the final of the Third Deague Cup, the game ending in a draw of 2 goals each. There will ■ be a replay next Saturday. QUEEN’S PARK v. ST. JOHN’S. This gam© was played on Newtown Park,' which was in excellent order. Mawson led a Park attack, which was well cleared by Ballingall, who was very safe at full-back. Williams and A. Mount set off down field, to bo stopped by Clapham, who returned the ball nicely to his forwards. Sharkey, by clever footwork, gained a lot of ground, but selfishness led to his losing the ball when in a good scaring position. Mawson again put ill a run, to bo stopped by Ballingall. Some good passing was adopted by Williams and A. Mount, but W, Mouat (off-side) spoilt tho opportunity. St. John’s kept up an attack for a time, only to find Clapham and Penlington (in goal) both very safe. Jones made a good opening for his forwards, who went very near to scoring. Fast even play followed to tho end of the spell. Both sides played with a considerable amount of dasih in the second half, some good work being done by Sparrow, A. Mouat and Williams for St. John’s and Clapham, Mawson, and Sharkey for Queen’s Park. Mawson was more prominent than in the first spell, and led one or two good attacks on St. John’s goal. Davidson put in a. good.centre, from which F. Clark scored on a second

attomnt. This reverse livened St. John’s mi, ant! it was not long before ti:-ev equal!--<-d Ihe , cores. Mr A. Williams finaliv blew his whi'tlo with the s: ores Clio Ml. DIAMONDS- v. SWIFTS B. Though Diamonds won by 2 goals to nil, the Sv.-’f:r. h>d their share of the r.lay. end ou lit certainly to have scored on one crt-sdcn. Goals were set-red in the fire; spoil for the winners by Duffy and Bitlmovd. niter some good play by the- forward-:. Churchward missed a good chance of scoring lor Swill -. and a fine shot by Lowe almost got past Fitzgerald. In the second h-If there was no further score. A long kick by Overcnd placed Swifts’ goal in jeopardy, but Robinson punched, away very finely. Lowo and .Mickle rushed tho ball to the other end of the field, where Roberts saved. Taylor placed nicc-ly to bis forward i, but Klson and Porks relieved the pressure. Lowo was again prominent for Swifts, but Taylor cleared. Hathaway put in a good centre ; Robinson, however, was v: ry smart in saving from tho foot of D. Roberts., The gaino ended without further incident. ROVERS v. Y.M.O.A.

Rovers had a fairly casv victory over Y.M.C.A. by 3 goals to 1. Burns, in goal .or the losers, again did well, and saved a penalty taken by Rcna-i. JUNIOR CHALLENGE CUP. Diamonds B defeated St. John’s B by 4 goals to 1. THIRD LEAGUE HENDERSON CUP. Pet-ono defeated Marist Bros. B in tho first round for this cup by 3 goals to nil. THIRD LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL. rhe 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. Coventry was immediately m 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 X. Lowo and Woolcott worked tho ball up to Swifts’ goal, where Swinburne cleared well. A splendid long shot by Mcßain was only inches wide. In tno second spell Marist Bros., assisted by a goodly number of ‘■'barrackers,” attacked with great spirit, and a fine shot by L~wo placed his side on level terms.' Swifts wore hemmed in for quite a time, and only -McLean’s good goal-keeping saved them. The greens, however, tired towards tho end. and a great Swifts rush nearly resulted in a score, there being a big strugirlo in goal before the ball was finally cleared. There was no further score. Bowden, Tavlor, J. Gosling, Woolcott, and Lowo 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 Pctone drew, ono goal each. r ~ , -Marist school beat Y.M.C.A, by o goals to nil.