A BIG RUGBY DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7230, 12 September 1910, Page 5

A BIG RUGBY DAY

EEPEESENTATIYE GAMES THE DEFEAT OF OTAGO BY ■WELLINGTON. NINETEEN" TO SIX. Tho visiting Otago Rugby toam was iofeatod by the Wellington representa--si.Vf.-j at tho Athletic Park on Saturday, rho "gato" was probably tho largest of tho season, tho splendid attendance of spectators having been induced no doubt bv the expectation of a bard tussle. The fdlimo was not exciting, for although tho Otago for-.vaT.ls were easily the superior pa/jk, the Wellington backs were seen in clover defence, and the Otago rearguard, with tho one exception of G. Scott, wero a poor lot. The Hon. J. A. Millar was among the spectators who watched the match iruin. the guests' stand. I-'ollowing were the teams:— We lingt<V. full-back, Evensen ; threequarters: J. Kvnn (l.'etone). Mitehinson. 2nd Dawsou; "five-eighths. Kmvig and McLeod; ha,lf. !■'. Roberts (captain); forwards Irvine, Jlills, Leahy, Rap-on, Ferry. MolO-llar, Bruce, and H. Avery (l Otago: Full-back. O. Scott; threequarters, Watson, Ha rdi.igham. and Chambers- fivi-.-ijlht.h-. Me Dougall and Williams: half. KHd.old: forwards. A. Sivdt- Williams, I'alrnson, l'aton (captain) Gi'il'am. Shr.-hun, Mitchell, and Ivimey (wing). Mr I Francis was tho roleree. Tho much-talked-of power of the Otago forwards was shown to be a real asset .shortly after the home team kieked-on. From "a line out in the vicinity ol l.iie visit. tuentv-hve, Ivimey broke through at the hra<i of a willing pack, but Evensen saved with a smart kick. The local full-back was called upon to relievo two or three times in tho succeeding minutes. The visitors were Hiakin"- a most energetic commencement, oiiil Kckhold took a clever mark in a handy position. Faton. who might have been expected to goal surely, kicked rattier wide. ~, ~ . Play remained chiefly with the forwards, but onco when Otago obtained tho ball nicely from a scrum, Williams failed to accept a pass from Eckliold. and the- backs did not get away. For a epell tho game was nil up in the air." Both Herberts and McLeod assisted in a fairly strong defence by tak ing a couple of timely marks. Graham, an Otago forward, left the field with an injury to a finger of his left hand. The Otago full-back, Scott, drew attention to himself for his ability promptly to grasp a situation, and for his ready help. The AVcllington forwards were striving-hard to repulse an attack and were about to escape from their confine* ment round the goals, and just when the Otago men were wavering, Scott tame along, caught up the ball and dispatched it to touch. Shortly afterwards, further riown the field, he jumped high to make a saving mark. The Wellington clement of the spectators had a moment of -suspense when l'aton attempted a long penalty kick, the ball falling a few feet short of the crosa bar. This was awarded for off-side pTaj on the part of Avery, who was finding his opponent, Ivimey, rather hard t» deal with. ... It was, as manv people had predicted, a combat between tho visiting forwards and the home backs, and the question suggested itself: Which would last out.' At this atage it seemed that the welltrained local men would ultimately preThe game brightened up with a lightning run on the part of "Freddy" Roberts, who appeared to have become tired of the style into which the game was drifting. He had been chafing to be on the move. Running right into the teeth of the opposing backs, he was duly robbed of the leather, which, however, passed into tho hands of Leahy ana then Hills, the latter being brought down by MeDougall when close to the scoring line. ' A sharp retaliation was set up, Paterson, Ivinie-v, and Mitchell taking chiet part, but the attack was ' checked in mid-field. Thereupon the Wellington team combined together and kept the ball in then possession while they Inoved forward on the opposing lines. Mitehinson took tho ball up, but lost it in front of the goal. Another forward handled it, and finally McKellar dived over, amid applause. Kinvig added points for a goal. Wellington 5 Otago 0 When play recommenced, G. Scott, the Otago full-back, who was by this time one of the best-watched men on the field, saved a lot of ground for his side with a splendid kick. His well-judged actions received duo notice from an approving crowd. The Wellington football public are used to good kicking, \ but they were delighted with Scott as a line-fin.ler. He excelled any 10-oal exhibition of the past season. A fair attempt at levelling the scores was made by Otago before the match advanced much further. Hardingham chased the ball down three parts of the field, anu but for tho presence of Dawson, Evensen might have saved tho situation. However, the ball crossed the local goal line, aud from the scrum Otago scored. Eckhold Obtained, and passed out to Watson, who dived over Dmvmn's shoulder and touched down in the corner. Faton kicked unsuccessfully. Wellington 8 Otago 3 A second score was registered for Wellington just as the spell closed. The home team had pressed up into the Otago territory (against a light southerly), .and, as Eckhold was coming round his scrum to kick, Roberts obtruded himself in front. Before the ball could rise the All-Black had grasped '.t •tightly and went down with it on the scoring side of the goal line. It was a remarkable try, and earned for Roberts a hearty cheer. Avery made a good attempt at gcal, but the ball went a trifle wide. Wellington 8 Otago 3 As the second spell opened, the two opposing wingers, Avery aud Ivimey, came together inadvertently, and both were temporarily stunned. Hardingham took a mark from a passing rush across the field right in front of the Wellington goal, G. Scott sending tho ball over the bar with a good kick. Wellington 8 Qtago 6 Keeping on thelxill and playing in racing style, the Otago forwards brought proceedings- down to the- Wellington goal line. nnd. pressure being maintained, lU-bert* was compelled to force. The return upheld was brought about promptly by Avery, who was supported by I!ap»oii." but 'Williams saved byforcing. A subsequent effort by tho Wellington forwards saw Scott, the Otago full-back, in trouble. Ho was pushed over bv Averv before he could kick. The Wellington wing-forward picked up the ball, and passed out to -McLeod. who sent it on to Mitehinson. The centre three-quarter just got over and grounded the ball. Roberts failed with the kick. Wellington 11 Otago 0 In subsequent plnv. F. Williams (Otago) and J". Ryan (Wellington) wcr. injured. The latter remained on tho field, but was apparently suffering con *iderable discomfort with his knee. Williams was replaced by It. Graham. Wellington attacked and Roberts, Kin-

vig, Mitehinson, and Dawson got away, the la-t-nainc-d being collared. A fretkick was given against Otago, and Evensen had an unsuccessful shot at goal, the visitors forcing. 1 A free kick was awarded against Otago or. account of their wing failing to throw the ball in five yards at tho line-out. J. Eyan landed a good goal. Wellington W Otago 6 In a scrum near the centre of the field, those in the grandstand saw something uhich aroused' resentment, and lowered the high'opinion which hau ■been formed of th.' Otago forwards, i'errv, who was on tho side of thi- scrum was "ill-used bv an Otago man, his facebeing i-oughjv "handled. Otago wci-e forced from a long kicit by McF.ecd and. from the kick out. a straggling forward rush by Wellington resulted in th" ball going over tho line. Hi Ms fell on it. and Ryan kicked a beautiful goal from a difheuft angle. The r-ame ended. Wellington 19 Otago 6 TEAMS AT DINNER. After tho match the teams were entertained at dinner at tho New Zealander ltotet by the Wellington Rugby Union. Mr S. iirown, chairman of the management committee, presided, other officials of the union alto being present. Tho toast of tho visitors was proposed by -MiBrown and responded to by Mr H. 11. ri. White, manager of the team, who expressed thanks for their treatment here, and promised the Welhngtonians a pleasant time on their next visit to Dunedin. Tho toast of the Wellington captain was proposed by Mr I'. Sheehan, who credited F. Roberts with much of tho responsibility for the homo team's win. Mr Roberts briefly replied. A slu-m.p speech bv Mr Sheehan was responsible for much merriment. Yesterday the visitors were taken for an enjoyable drive. They return to Diiuedin by this evening's boat. rrciURES of the fast. HONOURS EVEN. The following table of records shows that of tho twenty-one Wellin.gton-Otago matches played, the teams have each won nine games, and three have been drawn. Tho results aro stated from Wellington's point of view : IS77—At Wellington. Lost, 4 goals 2 tries to nil. . 1870—At Christchurch, Won, 1 try to nil. ISS3—At Wellington—Won, 1 try to nil. 1885 —At Uunedin. Lost, 11 points to nil. ISS7—At Wellington. Drawn, no score. ISM—At Dunediu. Lost, 6 points to 3. 180 G—At W-dlington. Drawn, no scoro. IS97—At Dunedin. Won, 10 points to 6. 1898—At Wellington. Lost, 9 points to nil. 1899—At Dunedin. Won, 6 points to 3. 1800—At Wellington. Won, 8 points to 6. 1901—At Dunedin. Won, 10 points to 9. 19D2—At Wellington. Lost, 8 points to 1903—At Dunedin. Lost, 6 points to 3. 190-I—At Wellington. Won, 15 points to 13. 190,) —At Dunedin—Drawn, no score. . 190 G—At Wellington. Lost, 6 points to 3. 1907—At Dunedin. Lost, 9 points to 6. 1908—At Wellington. Lost, 15 points to 17. 1909—At Dunedin. Won, 13 points to 8. 1910—At Wellington, Won, 19 points to 6. NOT AS EXPECTED. THE DRAWN GAME AT BLENHEIM. A HARD TUSSLE. IP.OM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. BLENHEIM, September 10. All Blenheim and a good portion of residential Marlborough turned out to witness the return match between the Wellington B representatives and the Marlborough team on the Show Ground this afternoon. The day was fine, with a fairly strong breeze blowing diagonally across the ground. The visitors won the toss, and played with the wind slightly in their favour, but with the sun in their faces. Marlborough kicked off and immediately set up an attack. A free kick in a good position gave O'Brien a shot at goal, which lie turned to good account. .Marlborough. 3, Wellington 0. Soon after tho resumption Campbell had a shot from n. free kick, but missed, Marlborough forcing. The Wellington backs tried some 'passing rushes, from one of which Mr.thieson got over. Bradley failed with the kick at goal. Marlborough 3, Wellington 3. In a subsequent Wellington effort, Pyle- kicked too hard, the ball going out to touch in goal. Wellington used their backs for all they wero worth, and one or two pretty passing txrats resulted. Roberts took a mark, Campbell goalin;' accurately. Wellington 6, Marlborough 3. Cunningham stopped a Marlborough rush, by marking, and Daly missed the return, whereupon Wellington attacked vigorously. O'Brien eventually relieved with some good lino kicks. A long punt by McKenzie went over the line, and Marlborough forced. Pyle ram nearly in from an opening made by Grace. Horgan intercepted and saved a certain try. He kicked to midfield, where Cunningham marked, aud once again Marlborough were put on the defensive. A local passing rush looked promising, but Horgan 1 dropped the ball. Marlborough then became • and a pretty passing rush saw Strickland grassed near th'» Wellington line. Marlborough barrackeru shouted themselves hoarse, and thoir cries seemed to inspire the local vanguard. Several scrums took place on the WclUna-ton line, but the defenders oven. tually relieved. Neither side paid much, attention to the rules, and free kicks v,-Qi-e frequently awarded, Wellington getting the better of tho deal. A breach by Marlborough gave Campbell a shot, but the ball went wide. Roberts got over, but his try was disallowed, after soma hesitation on the part of the rsferee. A penalty for obstruction gave Wellington an easy chance, but Bradley's kick missed. Marlborough were dmmediatelyafterwards forced. McDonald marked near half-way, and O'Brien had a kick, which fell a little short. Half-time then sounded. Soon after tho game was resumed Wellington set up a determined rush, from which Hunter nearly scored. l An infringement near the centre gave Campbell a shot, but tho ball failed to rise. A long kick by Horgan put the visitors on tho defensive, and play livened up for a brief spell. Wellington wero forced from a long kick by Costello, and then Marlborough secured a mark in front of the goals, but O'Brien made a poor attempt with the long shot, after another period cf unintevrosting ulov. Grace got away, but Costello grassed him. Strickland retaliated for Marlborough, but Cunningham proved a stumbling-block. Curtayno intercepted when Marlborough, were nearly in, thus relieving the pressure. Wellington soon afterwards were forced. Marlborough men falling in a heap on the ball. From a Wellington passing rush Murphy was nearly in, and then R. Forbes got away. Marlborough attacked, and a passing rush was spoilt by C. Tloglnn dropping the ball. A free kick was awarded to Marlborough, but O'Brien's kick went wide. Southgate marked at the kick off. and O'Brien had another attempt. This time he succeeded. Wellington G, Marlborough 6. With only three minutes to go. play became very strenuous, and the Marlborough forward's instituted a great rush. A free kick relieved the visitors however, and tho whistle sounded time.

NORTHERN GRASP OF SHIELD. CANTERBURY'S CHALLENGE. EANFURLY SHIELD RETAINED BY ' AUCKLAND. SIX TO FOUR VICTORY. PBESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, September 10. Tho final Ranfurly Shield match of the season was played here to-day between the representatives of the Canterbury and Auckland Rugby Unions in glorious weather and before about 10,000 people. After one of the most exciting finishes over witnessed here the game resulted in a win for Auckland by 6 points to i. In the first spell Doell potted a fine goal for Canterbury, and there was no further score until ten minutes from time, when Harrison scored for Auckland, O'Leary missing an easy kick. The Auckland forwards were playing a des-

perate game, and, about a couple of minutes before time, W r ylie scored near the corner from a forward rush. The Auckland forwards were very rough at times. Bain had to leave the field, and quite a long delay was occasioned through Hutchins being hurt. THE TEAMS. The teams wero as follow: Canterbury—Full-back, Doell; threequarters, Gaithrie, Gray, Mitchell; fiveeighths, Hutchins, Cleary; half-back, Taylor; wing forward, Murray; forwards, Hasell, Bain, Shad-bolt, Oram, Humphries, Daily, and Auld. Auckland—Full-back, O'Leary; threequarters, Harrison, Walker, Wolfgram; five-eighths, Magee, Power; half-back, Ottersen; wing forward, Hall; forwards, Tyler, Sellars, Maguire, Cunningham, Francis, Hayward and Wylie. Mr A. Campbell acted as referee. AUCKLAND ASSERTIVE. There was practically no wind, > and the sun was not very bright when the teams filed out. Canterbury won the toss and" played with the' sun behind

them. After' some back and forth, play Auckland forwards got to work, and AVylie made a dash down tho line. A score looked certain, but he passed wildly and the chance was lost. Auckland forwards kept up the pressure, and play hovered about the visitors' twenty-five for scone time. Murray made an opening and carried the ball fifty yards downfield, but O'Leary relieved. The visiting backs were showing a lot of dash.. An;, land inado many attempts to score, but Canterbury's defence was sound. Play was centred in midfield for some time, .with a lot of close forward work going on. , Bain was prominent in a loose rush, and was hurt in the tackle. Canterbury were now having l(ie better of play. Taylor cleverly worked the "silly" side of the scrum and the Auckland pack broko through. Cunningham found himself clear of the visitors' backs, but he passed forward and another chance was thrown away. ■''- NOW CANTERBURY. -From, the scrum , deary.- broke away, and play Was' carried right to Auck-

land's twenty-five. A fine line kick by O'Leary saved the situation, ;'and for a while play remained in neutral territory with Canterbury forwards getting the better of things. From a line-out Murray set his backs going, and Gray looked likely to score, but Walker tackled soundly. In the resulting pla Shadbolt was temporarily" ' disabled. Gray shortly afterwards found the ljne near the corner, and, from the play out Doell potted a splendid goal just before the gong sounded for half time. Canterbury i Auckland 0 INTEREST AROUSED; FASTER GAME. •■ There was no wind, or sun when Oram kicked off in the second spell.' The ball was brought back, and from the scrum Canterbury secured. Taylor shot out to Cleary, .who made a- great run, which finished in touch two yards from the goal-line. The Auckland forwards relieved tlio situation, however, and kept .up--the- uttaek.- -Shanks; : went-on-.in";plQce' of Bain, and play had' hardly resumed

when further delay was caused on account of injury to Hutchins. The Auckland team at "this stage was playing a shocking game. A duel of kicks found Auckland backs wanting, and the forwards earn© to the rescue, making' matters very willing. The visiting backs were playing 1 the "safety" game, us' touch on every possible occasion. The frame became interesting, and when Canterbury backs set up an attack the excitement was intense. Canterbury kept the play in Auckland half for some time, but operations gradually worked into the visitors' half. In midfield Hayward broke through the ruck and made an opening. He passed to Francis, who sent on to Harrison, and the latter, taking a bad pass cleverly, dashed for the line. He cut in-field, and, beating four Canterbury men, scored near the posts. O'Leary failed with an easy kick. Canterbury 4 Auckland 3 THE WINNING TRY. From the play out the Auckland pack played with considerable dash, and, carrying play downfield, the backs secured. Harrison got across at the corner, but the ball was called back. From the scrum Francis almost got over, but Canterbury got temporary relief. The Auckland pack duly returned, and from I a forward rush AVylie scored. R. ,Mogee, kicked unsuccessfully, and the game ended amid cheers with the scoresAuckland . 6 Canterbury —•• 4 THIED-CLASS MATCHES. SEMI-FINALS IN LOCAL CHAMPIONSHIP. The curtain-raiser to the WellingtonOtago match at the Athletic Park on Saturday was a third-class contest, Ponoke V. Southern, one of the semifinals in the local championship. Ihe teams gave a good display of football, the passing of the backs being of a creditable standard. The advantage was with Poneko in the first spell, the team scoring eight points before the half-time whistle blow. A try was scored by Jenkins, and Morris, who converted, also kicked a penalty goal. On resuming after the interval, bouthern made the "game.vorv warm, and negotiated several telling passing rushes. The first score was from a penalty goal by Caliper, and subsequently Wetherell obtained a try, from an opening in the back division. Capper duly converted. Southern had the larger share of the ball until the final whistle, but no further scores were recorded. Mr Larway was the referee. After- a willing game, Oriental defeated Porirua by 16j>omts to 3. Play was fast and open. The scorers were : Oriental: McComisky (two tries), Stewart and McKeown (a try each), McKeown and Carmichael (a goal each from a try); Porirua: Hay (a penalty goal). Petano defeated St. Patricks College by 7 points to 3. THE CIVIL SERVICE TOURNEY. . WIN FOR RAILWAY. Another match in the local Civil Service Rugby tourney was played at Mu'.a.mair on Saturday afternoon. The Hallway Department team met and defeated representatives of the Advances to Settlers, Tax, and Valuation omces This was the second occasion on which the fifteens had engaged. They played last Saturday, but, as the result was a draw,, the match had to be replayed. The forwards of the combined team were the stronger pack, but the railway backs, on the other hand, were the superior combination, and the game was very evenly contested. At the close of the first spell neither side had scored. Opening up the game, the railway men entered into operations energetically on resuming. The combined team were "dofehoes. 1 ' A good mark was taken by Baxter (Railway) in a , likely position, but Dwan kicked fruitlessly. Unceremonious collaring on the part of the combined team saved the situation for a time, and then Railway benefited by a mark, taken by Sims. In a subsequent rally, a score was imminent, but the chance was lost through Young's failure to pass. The backs at last prevailed, and Railway's first and only try, was scored by Sims. It was not converted. Although the scores were not altered, the game was now pretty much in the hands of the Railway torn, whose best men were McKay, Treahy, Neilson, Young, Christophers, Dwan, and Sherwood. In the defeated team, Hill, Peart, Alley; and Gledhill played a, good game. Mr T. Jones was the refetree. TO OPPOSE CANTERBURY; WAIRARAPA TEAM. MOM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. CARTERTON, September 11. Following is the personnel of the Wairarapa team to play Canterbury at Carterton, on Thursday next: —Masson, K. Welch, N. MoKenzie, Tori, C. Groube, Ball, R. MoKenzie, Barry, O. and E. Skeet, H. MoKenzie, Hodge, Ross, and Desmond. Emergencies: Backs, F. Groube and Hawkins; forwards, R. Welch and Miller.

. "IN THE LAST MINUTE." MANAWATU DECLARED CONQUEBOES. FROM OUB SPBOIAIi cobbespondent. PAIMERSTON, September 10. The last important local Rugby match of the season took place here to-day, when- Manawatu and Horowhenua met for a deciding game. Both teams had liad-a win to their credit, Manawatu Slaving got the advantage in the first game and Horowhenua in the second. Tlie ground was hard, and the weather rather warm for football, but an interesting game saw the local men snatch .victory from their opponents in the last minute. Horowhenua led by 11 points to 3 at the close of the first spell, but, in the second, Manawatu gradually crept up till the score was 11 points to 9. Then, just on the call of time, Eamsdcn boke clean away in his own twenty-five, beat all opponents but the full-back, and passed to Stalker, who raced straight up field and scored behind the posts. He converted the try and the whistle immediately sounded. Newpda Winiata .scored .all three tries for Horowhenua, and the winners' tries were scored by Trevena, Baigent, O'Connor, and Stalker. BOUND FOE WELLINGTON. THE WAIEARAPA JUNIOES. PROJI OTTR SPECIAL COBBESPONDENT. MASTEETON, September 11. Following are the names of the Wairarapa junior players, who are to play Wellington juniors at Wellington next Saturday :—Full-back, G. Nielsen (Dalefield); three-quarters, A. Thompson (Masterton), H. Standan (Dalefield), and H. Playle (Dalefield); five-eighths, A. Welch (Dalefield) and A. Tait (Liberal); half, O'Brien (Liberal); forwards, C. Gallon, W. Hart, G. Hart, A. Playle (Dalefield), Masson, A. Golder (Liberal), Udy, and C. Cadwallader (Carterton). Following is the Wellington team : Rvder, Sullivan, E. Evan. Daly, Ellifie, Whitley. Little, Aker° F. Evan. Osborne. Hope, O'Meara, Kyne, Lindsay, and Shearer. Emergencies—Backs. P. Jones and Boyd; forwards, Lowe and Chirnside. The team w'U practise at the Pttone gymnasium on Wednesday night. EASY WAIEARAPA WIN. BUSH TEAM VANQUISHED. PROM OCE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. MASTEETON, September 11. At Masterton on Saturday Wairarapa seniors defeated Bush seniors by 27 points l to 3, after an uninteresting game. For |

the winners tries were scored by R. MoKenzie (two), Ross, Mason, Ratima, and K. Welch. Three were converted, one euch bv Miller, Ross, and R. McKenzie. E. Skeet also lucked a penalty goal. V, Andersen scored for the defeated team. BTJLLER HEAVY LOSERS. PEESS ASSOCIATION. GREYMOUTH, September 11. The interprovincial Rugby match, West Coast versus Buller, was played on. Saturday in perfect weather. There was a large attendance of spectators. In the first spell honours were very even, and no score resulted. In the first fifteen minutes of the' second spell, the West Coast team scored 13 points and added another try before the. call of time. West Coast, 1G points; Buller, nil. CHRISTCHUECH MATCHES. •*EBSB ABSOtJIATIOTt. uHKISTCHURCH. September 10. Canterbury beat "Elksmero by 21 pointn to 5. Canterbury beat Peninsula by 14 points to S. MATCH AT PETONE. The return football match between the Railway Workshops and Hurt duplication workers was played at Petone on Saturday afternoon," and resulted in a win for. the Workshops by 21, points to 15. Tne tug-of-war.w.as won by. the duplication team, after . a strenuous pull of three minuteV duration. The proceeds, £lO, will be devoted to tho anibulanc" waggou ■