RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6606, 24 August 1908, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY'S CONTESTS VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVE GAMES. A WIN FOR WELLINGTON. WANGANUI OUTCLASSED. PKEBB ASSOCIATION. WANGANUI, August 23. With tho exception of the British match tho largest crowd of the season witnessed tho representative match hefivton Wanganui and Wellington on Saturday afternoon. Wellington scored an tnsy win, outclassing their opponents in jvery department of tho game. Though ho Wanganui forwards played well, they were almost invariably beaten for the ball, and onco tho Wellington hacks got properly to work they outmanoeuvred tho local men. Wanganui were unfortunate in losing Seeling early in the game, and just after ho had scored and converted a try. Sontlicomho took his place._ Very soon after the kick-off Rnngi Wilson scored for Wellington ns tho result ol brilliant passing. The kick at goal failed. Almost immediately afterwards Ryan scored in nn easy manner and added the major points.—Wellington 8, Wanganui nil. The visitors continued their advantage and a few minutes later another try behind the posts was scored. Tho kick was resultles-s. —Wellington , I, Wanganui nil. Wanganui redoubled their efforts and managed to take the play to Wellington's twenty-five, where Keeling got tho ball and scored alongside tho posls. The same player converted, but immediately had to retire.— Wellington 11, AVangnuui 5. From tho kiek-01l ■Wellington rushed the play to Wanganui's line, whore flardlmm secured and snored, Mitchiuson kicking the goal.— Wellington 1(1, Wniignmii 5. the spell then ended. Early in tho second spoil Southcombo kicked a penalty goal for Wanganui Wellington 1(1, Wanganui 8. Wellington then became aggressive, and from a forward rush Hardhnm scored, tho kick being Tosnltloss. —Wellington 19, Wanganui 8. X’lay for soma minutes was in neutral territory, ami then Wanganui forced tho play into their opponents' twenty-five, where Abbott secured and dashed over in n good position. Southrombe converted. —Wellington 19, Wanganui 13. From this out Wanganui was kept on the defensive. Rush kicked a goal from a mark and Ilardhani scored a try, tho game ending in Wellington's favour by 25 to 13. Mr Tilley refereed satisfactorily.

MANAWATU v. SOUTHLAND. A DRAWN GAME. (From Oar Own Correspondent.) , PALMERSTON N., August 22. Manawatu and Southland mot here this afternoon in glorious weather. . It was a very oven game. McMeeco opened the scoring account for Southland by landing ft penalty goal. The next score was secured by Broad, who got possession and beat every back in turn, racing right through. Then Manawatu commenced to score. Ward landed a lovely goal from a free kick, and shortly after "Tiny” MoMitin evened matters by getting over from a scrum pass by Buchanan. In the second spell play was very even O’Connor scoring for Manawatu from the line-out and Ward converting. Just before the game dosed Pyle followed Broad’s example and scored a clever try. which McNeeco converted, making the'score eleven all. Mr Laws, of Wellington, was tho referee. WESTLAND v. MARLBOROUGH. AN EVEN CONTEST. PRESS ASSOCIATION. BLENHEIM. August 22. The match Westland v. Marlborough for the Seddon Shield was played today under pm'feot conditions, and m the presence of a good number. It resulted iu a draw with thirteen points each. O’Brien scored two, tries for Marlborough, converting both, and kicked a penalty goal. Renton scored two tries for. Westland, Irvine and Wade eonverting. Southern nl&O scored a try, which was unconverted. Tho game, which was hotly contested, was very Kven.

THAMES BEAT AUCKLAND, ELEVEN TO NIL, THAMES. August 33. Thames the Auckland A. Union representative team by eleven points to nil. The game was principally confined to the forwards, but was fast, willing and exciting. Thames scored two tries (ono of which was converted) and kicked a penalty goal. Thames had the best of, tho play,; their forwards’ fast dribbling rushes and deadly tackling being features of tho game, Smith (Thames) and McGuire (Auckland) were ordered off tho field for rough play. TUNIOB REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI. AUCKLAND, August 22. Tho only local match played under the Auckland" Rugby Union was tho Tara-naki-Anckland junior representative contest. which resulted in a win for Auckland by 11 points to 5. For the Taranaki team Stohr scored n try after a run of 75yds. Ho converted it, himself. This was the only score in the first spell. In the' second half Cross; Pricker, and Wynyard scored tries for Auckland. Dick kicked n penalty goal and converted Wynyavd’a try, Auckland thus win aing by "14 points to 5. OTAGO ON TOUR. THE TEAM SELECTED. DUNEDIN. August 23. Tho following players have been selected to represent Otago in their tour of the Dominion next month: Bucks, Dwyer, O’Sullivan, Don Chambers. Stalker, Eckliold, Dougherty. Sutherland, King: forwards, Fitzpartick, S. Casey, Williams. Patterson, McDonald. Johnston. McKenzie, Ivimey, Houston, Mitrhell, Patou.

NORTHERN UNION OAK'S. AUCKLAND DEFEATS WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND, Aupniefc 22. Tho professional football match played between Wellington and Auckland tea ins under Northern Union rules nt Victoria Park to-day attracted an attendance of about. SOOO. The match, which was followed with curious interest by the largo crowd ended in a win for Auckland by 16 points to 14. A feature of tho match wnfi tho goal kicking of W. Tyler, who kicked two goals from marks, two penalty goals, and converted one try. Auckland's tries were scored by W. Wynyard and Rowe. The WdTtington score was made, itp of four tries scored by King. Barber. TwoKlll. and McGill. 9. Spencer converted Barber's try. HAWKE’S BAY CONTEST. NAPIER, August 25. The game between Rovers (Hastings) And Pakipnki at Hastings on Saturday ended in a draw with a score of three points tach. Rovers thus come frst in the : Rugby senior competition. WELLINGTON B v. HOROWHENUA. Another representative match was flayed at the Athletic Park on Saturday

afternoon, the contestants being tho Wellington B team and Horowheniia representatives. The afternoon was a brilliant one and the conditions most favourable. There was an attendance of about 21)00 spectators. The game was not particularly scientific or interesting. THE TEAMS. Wellington—Full-back, N. A. Vnrcoe; three-quarters, 11. Eeavis, J. Flanagan, M, Poole; five-eighths, L. Sellars. W. Church; half, J. Tilyard; forwards, J. -Murphy, E. Houlihan, A. Cameron, E. Perry, W. Bell, D. Calcinai, E. Osborne, Gardiner. Horowheniia—Full-back, TIoro: threequarters, G. Cooke, Anderson, Wharaeo; live-eighths, Uma, S- Cootes; half, F. Cootes- forwards, Fraser, Parata, \\ iniala, .Saxon, McKenzie, King, Nelson, Hakarin.

Wellington kicked off with a .slight wind behind them and the sun in their face. A few minutes alter starting F. ■ botes made a good dash which got hjs side out of temporary difficulties, white a little later S. Cootes broke away from midfield and made a serviceable rim to the Wellington quarter, where he was grassed. The homo team speedily worked back, a scrum was formed imar the lino. Wellington got the ball, iilyavd slung it out to Poole, who thrown oyer tho lino and scored. I*’. Gardiner kicked an easy goal. Wellington •» ••• Horowheaua t) Wellington were not long in increasing their lead. They got on a forward scrambling rush from which Perry scored, Church failing to enhance. The visitors were forced immediately after. Prom the kick-out tho ball was returned, the blacks bustled the visiting rearguard, who stood looking at tho ball. Before they had realised what had happened Calcinai had picked up near tho lino and scored. Gardiner failed to enhance. On resuming Wharaeo and Anderson were responsible l for good solo dashes, but little ground was gained. Scrambling piny resulted for a lime, and then Gardiner, Tilyard and Osborne took tho ball down to tho visitors' territory, a scrum taking place on the line. Horov/hennn relieved, but were speedily driven back. Cameron made a splendid run, got near the line, and in a scramble Tilyard shot the ball out to Flanagan, who got over. Church failed to enhance, tho ball striking the post. Wellington Horowhenua ... 0 Hostilities being resumed, tho visitors by forward footwork got down to the ,Wellington quarter, where Houlihan was penalised for olf-side piny. Parata had a shot at goal unsuccessfully. The visitors maintained their advantage for a time, Fred Cootes and Cooke doing some good work near the line. But for faulty handling of the ball the visitors should have scored. A series of scrums eventuated on tho blacks’ line, but they eventually succeeded in clearing. Towards tho end of tho spell Wellington twice had their opponents in difficulties, Anderson twice forcing. The bell had rung for half-time, but the ball not being dead, play continued, Osborne ending matters by scoring. The try was not enhanced. ■Wellington Horowhenua ® Tho opening of the second spell saw Horowheniia aggressive, Wharaeo making a fine run, which, took him. near the line. The ball went across in front of tho goal, and in a melee S. Cootes had a pot, tho ball just going under the bar. Shortly after Uma and S. Cootes did some good passing, Wharaeo knocking on near the line. Wellington cleared their line, but wore kept busy, Horowhonua being full of ginger. King smothered a kick which placed Wellington m danger, but Vnrcoe succeeded in kicking out. Cooke a little later claimed a mark, which was not given, and he made a good dash, Wellington being forced shortly after as tho result of a long kick. The homo team on resuming gradually worked down field- When near their opponents’ lino the ball bounded on Gardiner’s chest, went over the line and Cameron scored. Church converted. ■Wellington 22 Horowhonua u The next Wellington score was a fine goal kicked by Church from a free kick. Play was uninteresting for a Jong time, Wellington having the best of it. Hoiowhonua then rallied and made an invusion of the blacks' territory. Tl l Gt did not long remain in occupation, Wellington scored again by a passing rush between Tilyard, Church, Gardiner and Flanavnn the last named touching down. Church did not convert. Just on time Gardiner, Church, Sellars, Flanagan and Poole got on a fine passing rush, Poole scoring. The game ended

Wellington Horowhenua u Mr P. Mackie was referee. WELLINGTON JUNIORS v. HOEOWHENUA B. A DRAWN GAME. Ono of the best games' in which Wellington players have taken part this season was that played at Manakau on Saturday afternoon between a Horowhenua senior “B” team and the Wellington Junior representative fifteen. The ground on which the match was played was « fine one, in excellent condition, and the weather was almost perfect, except that at the comencement of the game the sun was rather bright, and interfered wuh the proper fielding of the ball by the blacks, who played facing it. The game opened with fast scrambling play, neither side having much advantage over the other. Alter the first fifteen minutes the home team got away nicely and kept tho blades penned up, play being removed into Horowhenua s twenty-fivo on very few occasions. A kiflc was civcn the blues right in tho oontro of tlio field. The Wellington men wore surprised to sec tho ball placed for Ryder to have a shot at goal, but their surprise was greater when ho sent the ball clean between tho posts with a beautiful kick. Horowhenua, 3; Wellington 0. There was no other score in the first spell. When the teams changed over it seemed as if Wellington wdre bound to win, the homo men for tho most part appearing to bo spent. But such proved not to bo the case. Not long after the spell opened tho black forwards got away strongly, and Mclnnoss scored, Gorson converting. Wellington, 5; Horowhenua, 3. The blues then livened up, and swept down the field, and after a stern forward struggle on tho line R. Cootes scored a try in. tho corner, which was not converted. Horowhenua, 6; Wellington, 5. Again it was the blacks" turn to attack, and during some scrambling forward play Hayes picked up the ball, and dashed over tho line, scoring close to the flag. No goal was kicked. Wellington, b; Horowluhua. G. By this time the game seemed to be over, and tho blues* chance of winning seemed very remote. The blacks" position seemed all the moro se,curo when Rogden crossed the line after a dashing run. Wellington, 11; Horowhenua. (J. With only a few minutes to go the blues played with tremendous energy, and after a fmo run Bcvan got over. Amidst tho greatest enthusiasm Kopa+a converted, Horowhenua thus drawing level. Horowhenua, 11; Wellington, 11. Encouraged by this the blues kepet up the attack, and Wellington had great luck in not losing the match. At one time it seemed certain that jLiorowhcnua would score. After a pretty piece of back play N. Winiata secured the ball. Ho dodged several of the black backs and had reached the line, running at a great pace, when McDonald got down to stop him. Winiata was going so fast that he would have borne McDonald over tho line, but ho threw the ball to another player, the pass was mulled, and a glorious chance was lost. As soon ns the bail was put in piny again tho blues were awarded a free kick, and the bell immediately sounded. Rarely does a game ever last so long after “time” as did this game. The blacks and their supporters held their breaths as Ryder

went to take the kick, which was an . easy one. hut relief came when a burly 1 Wellington forward charged the ball ; down, ttorowheiiua were having all Uie-j befit of the play, and nothing seemed more certain thair that they would score.} The blacks strove desperately to get the i ball into touch, and so to end the, game, nut it could not be done. In defending tho line Twomey had his ankle sprained, and hud to be carried oli the fteld, and without his services the blacks were in worse plight than ever. A try for the blues seemed certain, when, providentially for Wellington, a Horowiienua man got off-side, when one of his companions might have had a clear run in, and tho blues were penalised. Wellington had a free kick, and the ball was sent into touch, a fine game thus coming to a sensational end. Tlio final score wars thui*—Wellington, 11; ilorowhemia, 11. Mr Mcßain made a careful and efficient referee. Early in tho match Wellington onlookers at the match received a great shock. Playing on tho left wing was a very large Maori. Frank Cootes. This man secured tho ball, and started to run with It. He dodged and slipped past several men, and then set off for the line. Jlis way was barred by Twomey, who bent down to “take him low," but before anyone knew what had happened Cootes had leapt clean over his opponent. In tho second spell he repeated tiie performance. Corson being the man tricked in tins case. Tuo leap seemed to be most dangerous, and those unaccustomed to it trembled for Cootes’s safety, remembering tho cases of Asher and “Barney” Annit, tho latter of whom met his death while doing an exactly similar thing on tlio Caledonian ground, Dunedin, several years ago, in an Otago- ■ Taranaki match. But Cootes’s feat created no surprise amount residents of the district, who talked with pride of one time when ho jumped over three men in tho course of one run. It is said that ho has employed the same trick for about twenty years. A peculiar point, which might not occur onco in a century, had to be decided by tho referee. Horowheniia # were awarded a free kick right on their own lino, and the ball was taken behind tlio line -so that tho kicker could have room. Tho ball struck the goal-post and rebounded right behind, out of bounds. The referee awarded a force down, and allowed the bluos to take the ball out to tho twenty-five. Ho stated as his reason that if tho ball hit the posts from tho playing field, and rebounded, it was still in play, and it was therefore- similarly not (lead in this case. As the* blues had not intentionally sent the ball out of bounds ho could not grant Wellington a scrum five yards out, and therefore allowed the blues to drop out from tho twenty-five. Tho point is ono which tho .Referees’ Association might very well discuss. REFEREES’ MATCH. A game which furnished spectators with plenty of amusement was played on tho Athletic Park between representatives of the Wellington and Petone Referees’ Association. Some of the shining lights of other days were relit for the occasion, and the result showed that time had not bedimmed their one-time brilliancy. The Wellington referees easily disposed of the pretensions of their opponents, defeating them by 20 points to 3. The game demonstrated that while the referees might know the rules in theory they are not so proficient in practice—or efse they disregarded for this special occasion the laws which they are called upon to administer each succeeding Saturday. There was a good deal of superfluous adipose tissue about some of the old-timers, but their rotundity did not prevent them from showing of that dash and resource which has resulted in their names being handed down : to football posterity.

ASSOCIATION GAMES SENIOR MATCHES. FIRST DIVISION. Rovers 3 Y.M.O.A 1 Diamonds 4 Thistle ... ... - Potone 2 Swifts 0 The Association sehiori competition was continued on Saturday afternoon under the best conditions;. Tho principal match was that played between Rovers and Y.M.C.A., on tho Basin Reserve, which was won by the former team by three goals to one. Diamonds defeated Thistle on Newtown Park by four goals to two, and Petono beat Swifts at Petone by two goals to nil. The fate of the senior championship is still in considerable doubt, although it is now probable that Rovers will be tho ultimate, winners. Diamonds, the runners-up, meet T.M.C.A. next week, and should they win the match will have to play-off with Rovers. In tho previous encounter between these teams this season Rovers were victorious. Rovers play Ramblers next Saturday, and should have no difficulty in winning the match. ROVERS v. Y.M.C.A. ,

The Eovers-T.M.C.A. game was fast and exciting, and was greatly enjoyed by the largo gathering of spectators present. Rovers had the best of the game, and it was only bad shooting which kept their score as low as it was. There was only ono goal scored in the first spell, although several fine opportunities were lost by both sides. Almost on half-time G. Martin scored for Rovers from a penalty. Shortly after the opening of the second spell Rovers again got away, and C. O'Shea beat Gofton badly. A few minutes later Cashman landed a third goal with a beautiful shot. Y.M.C.A. were on tho defensive almost throughout .the second spell, but a few minutes before the. call of time they broke away, and Gibson sent the ball between Rovers’ posts, the game ending— Rovers, 3; Y.M.C.A.. 1. Mr H. Mayer was referee. DIAMONDS v. THISTLE. Thistle openeu well in their match against Diamo'flds, and scored two goals in a very short space of time, one being secured from a corner kick, and the other bv Blackwood from the right wing. Before "the spell ended Diamonds had equalised, Hathaway getting two goals, ono from a penalty kick. Early in tho scicond half Duffy landed Diamonds’ third goal with a fine long kick, and some time afterwards Hathaway was again successful. Thh final score was—Diamonds, I; Thistle, 2. Mr J. Patou controlled the game. PETONE v. SWIFTS. Tho Petone-Swifls game Had jnststartod when Wright scored the first goal for the home team, this being the only score in the first spell, which was evenly contested. The second spell had been somo timd in progress before. Renal scored a second coal tor the suffiixban team. Mr F. Waddell carried the whistle. SECOND DIVISION. - ROVERS v. ST. JOHN’S 11. This match was played at Miramar on a ground which was under water, this interfering with the plaj' to a great extent The gamo was ot a very even nature, the winners, if anything, having tlui best of it. Goals were scored by B. Robinson (21, May and Clements for tho wfnnem and the left wing forward (2) and centre for St. John s. Rovers won bv four to three. SWIFTS v. MENTAL HOSPITAL. Swifts defeated Mental Hospital by 3 •mail to 1. 11l the first spell Thompson scored for Hospital and Robinson for Swifts. In the second half McLean and Millington added goals for Swifts. JUNIOR LEAGUE. The match Watcrsiders and T.M.C A. was fairly' evenly contested during the first half, and when the whistle blew for haif-tima Y.M.C.A. were leading by

tivu goals, both scored by King-well. A penalty wc.o mFvd ■>> V.M.G.A.’s. In tlio fiocond sue-1! Y.M.C.A. woke up, and scored fiix more goals, three to Kingvvell. one to Kitto, ono to Keif, and one to Macklin. iVateioulcrfi played a_ good game during the first hail, but foil to pieces badly during the second, giving V. 'defence very little to do. Playing for the Henderson .Memorial Cup Kaiwarra defeated V.M.C.A. by three to two. JUNIOR SECOND. Petone 3 Swifts 0 Y.M.C.A. A ... 5 V.M.C.A. B. ... 1 JUNIOR THIRD. Y.M.C.A. B ... 5 Newtown Church 1 Technical 3 Y.M.C.A. C ... 1 Brooklyn 8 Rangers B ... 0 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. BROWN SHIELD. Tiie following players have been chosen by Mr. G. F. Brodic, selector to the Wellington Association, to represent the province at the Brown Shield Tournament at Dunedin on September Bth, 10th, and 12th Goal ; F. Oldnan (Ramblers), Backs : T. Duignan (Rovers) \V. Roberts (Diamonds). Halves : W. Jackson (Ramblers), W. J. Taylor (Diamonds;, E. L. Renai (Potone> Forwards: B. Gwilliam and J, Ash (Wanderers), W. Gibson (Y.M.C.A.), C. O’Shea (Rovers), and A. G. Forbes (Y.M.C.A.). Extra Men : G. Irvine ('Wanderers) goalkeeper or back. Timperley (Y.M.C.A.) forward.