FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7848, 10 July 1911, Page 4

FOOTBALL

THE RUGBY GAME ATHLETIC AND PONEKE BE AW. SOUTHERN TOO GOOD FOE PBTONE. ST. JAMES STIEE EEAD FOB CHAMPIONSHIP. BESULTS AT A GLANCE. Athletic 3 Poneke 3 Southern 8 Petone 0 St. James ........ 24 Wellington 3 Oriental 6 Melrose 5 Old Boys 13 Victoria College 3 Saturday’s Bugby matches attracted a large crowd to tho Athletic Park, where Poneke met Athletic on the No. 1 ground and Southern and Petono tried conclusions on No. 2. The former game ended in a draw after a splendid contest, of which Athletic had slightly' tho better. Southern inflicted a decisive defeat on Petone, who appear to have lost all their old dash and skill. Tho redoubtable St. James found Wellington a very easy proposition, and left tho field victors by 3-i points to 3. Melrose put up a stubborn fight against Oriental, tho final score— Oriental 6, Melrose s—showings—showing how evenly honours were divided. Old Boys hod little difficulty in disposing of Victoria College, whom they beat by 13 points to 3. There is no change as far as tho leading team is concerned as a result of Saturday’s games, St. James being still four points in tho lead. Tho position has changed somewhat as regards eocon-d place. Oriental having IS points. Athletic are third with 17 points, followed by Poneke with 16. The following championship table shows tho respective positions of the teams: — Champ.

Following aro details of Saturday’s matches:— PONEKE v. ATHLETIC. Tho phenomenal luck of tho Poneke team did not desert them in tho match with Athletic, and they needed every bit of it. to escape defeat. They were outplayed in. tho forwards, and although their backs wore perhaps the more dangerous in attack, they were opposed by a team of sound ladders, and Mitchinsou and Co. did not get very much of their own way. The game ended in a draw —a try by Athletic against a penally goal by Poneke—but Athletic were unlucky in missing a couple of tries. In fairness to tho reds ‘it may be mentionthat their best forward, Walshe, received a couple of severe knocks early in tho game which left him dar,ed and almost unfit to bo on the field. Athletic, losing the toss, kicked oft against the sun, and saved the distance of tho kick by fast following. An incipient Poneke forward rush was brilliantly stopped by McDonald, who also put tho side in a still better attacking position. Byan secured, however, from an awkward scramble, and the scene of play was removed to the bines’ side of half-way. A forward rush by Poneke, in which there was a deal of offside play, ■went well for thirty yards or so until Cunningham saved with a speculator. Tho 'ball was marked and Walshe hud a shot, hut a force down was tho only result. A splendid follow by the Athletic forwards had Poneke in trouble until Mitehinson camo round and effected a brilliant save. Athletic again broke away with the l>all at foot, but they wore called back for offside play, and Walshe found touch. A moment later Walshe tried at goal from another free, but the ball dropped under the bar. The blues’ forwards, still follow, ing hard, charged down the kick out, and from about half-way Evenson tried unsuccessfully at goal, very soon afterwards Walshe tackled Evenson hard and low, and neither man could rise after the shook. Walshe recovered, but Eveneon had to bo helped from the field to take a short rest. Blues were quickly attacking when nlay was resumed, and Eangi Wilson was almost over when he .was tackled and. forced out at the corner. A good Poneke forward rush took play down to tho blues’ twentyfive, and an unaccountable free lack gave Walshe a shot which lie missed. The blues retaliated at once, and Poneko were in a nasty, fix on their own lino, when Mitehinson cut loose and ran down field by himself. He was overhauled by Gosling in the reds’ twentyfive, and as he was practically unsupported, the attack broke down. A couple of seconds later lie bad the illluck to get hurt in a tackle, and ho had to leave the field. A couple of penalty kicks, supported by vigorous fast forward play, put the blues on tho attack again, and McTay marked within fair flange. Hvcnson’s kick was charged down, and the Poneke forwards rushed play into the blues’ quarter. Mitchinson* camo on to the field again at thi stage. A splendid ifiece of passing work down the lino by Mitehinson and Gardner ended in the latter being forced into touch at the corner, after shocking Cunningham heavily. The blues wore allowed to retrieve their position with a penalty, and sharp forward work helped them down to tho other end again, whore the reds had .an anxious moment or two. A long kick by Gardner, not taken by Cunningham, lot the reds up again, but only for a very short space. At the end of the first spell the blues wore still attacking.

The first incident in the second spell was a very decent passing rush among tho blue backs, which, however, broke down in the end through S. Wilson overrunning his man. The blues were at tacking in good style again, when foolish offside play in tho scrum allowed the reds to got out of their difficulty. A Poneke rush, and some ragged passing by Byan, Edwards and Kelly put the blues in. a tight comer, but a penalty saved the situation meantime. Blues were still on the defensive until EvenKon I intercepted a pass and made a good run down field, initiating a rush which was stopped, by Mitehinson on the Poneke quarter line. Beds were charged again in a few seconds, until the bine for- | wards worried their way up to midfield and then down to the reds’ line. Loose >play there was all in the blues' favour, but something always intorvened to prevent a score. Tho end of a very fierce, well-sustained attack was that Bangi Wilson took tho ball on the line, bumped 1 1 is way over and scored. Eveneon failed with the kick. Athletic - 3 Poneke - - 0 Frequent marks and exchanges of long kicks followed the drop out, but the i blues still had all the best of things, i and the ball was most of the time in | Poneke territory. A lively forward rush , by the blues ended in Murray getting over with the ball, but ho had the hardest of luck in being held up, and a fiveyardg scrum was formed. Poneke cleared and a fair forward rush started by iWjalah.o _put_ t,hq_b)Lues _ on__the ...defensive

for a minute, until long kicks saved. A lucky, one by Gardner found touch at the comer, and from a penalty in the line out he shot a beautiful goal. Athletic 3 Pcuneke 3 Again Til yard found the lino at the same spot, but a penalty saved the blues, and let them into an attacking position again. Murray missed a certain trv by dropping ‘a ball which should have "been easy, and a safe kick by Tilyard found touch at the quarter flag. A good kick by Gardner sent the blues back, and the spoil ended with play in mid-field. Mr Meredith was a perfectly satisfactory referee. SOUTHERN v. PETONE. On the No- 2 ground at the Athletic Park Southern beat Pctone by 8 points to o—figures which give a very fair indi cation of the respective merits of the teams. Southern took tho upper hand at the outset and though they had to defend pretty briskly at times, they maintained it throughout. The game was not a brilliant exhibition, but it was a hard, determined struggle, in which neither side gave or asked quarter. Southern kicked off and the ensuing exchange of kicks ended in play settling down about Southern's twenty-five, where some close, straggling but indecisive and uninteresting play occurred. This was of short duration, however, for Gallagher, getting the ball from a scrum near tbo half-way line, sent it out among the Southern backs. Donald, W. Houlihan and Johnson all handled the leather, and through their agency tho maroons reach ed within ten yards of tho Potono lino before the surprised bltios fully awoke and rallied their defence. They did so but it was too late. eluded a couple of defenders and cut in, where finding himself in trouble lie passed to the brilliant Bradley, who got over with out much difficulty. The scorer took the kick himself and landed a nice goal.

Southern 5 Petone 0 Such a decided and wholly unlooked for reverse so early in the game had a marked effect on Petone, who, from the drop out. invaded Southern's territory and tried hard to equalise. Their attack, however, lacked that sting and finish usually associated with a Petone assault, and tho defence with which Southern received them was equal to the best the maroons have shown this season, Petone, therefore, got no further than the twenty-five, where a string of desultory skirmishes, mostly in Southern's favour, occurred. Finally tho Southern backs got clean away and though each man as he received the ball was well tackled they got within a few yards of their objective before Parker sent tho ball into touch and brought Petono safely out of a tight corner. Petone, getting the ball from the lino out, attempted to retaliate, but tho backs handled tho ball with uncertainty and fumbling snoilt the rush. Hot work, characterised by strong aggressive tactics on tho part of Petone, and cool, but splendidly organised and very effective defence on tho part of Southern, marked the next few minutes. Ultimately Poiono were penalised and tho ball, going out on the blue twenty-five, removed the venue of play and opened tho way for some dangerous maroon attacks.. Petone, hard pressed but defending placidly, bad finally to seek refuge in forcing. At this time Dent received a blow with tho ball and had to retire with his face rather badly cut. From the drop out following the force, Petone again obtained a footing in Southern's twenty-five, and after some warm work they wero awarded a penalty kick in a favourable position. ,McFarlano made a very. weak attempt at goal, and Petone were immediately after thrown on the defensive again. Nothing came of tho attack and play became rather uninteresting. ’ McFarlane had two more penalty shots at goal, but failed hopelessly on each occasion. Half time sounded without further score and with tho teams in mid-field. The second spell was full of incident and play was fairly even. Southern, swifter in attack and cooler and more skilled in defence than their opponents, always held a slight advantage, and it was seldom that Petono found themselves Inside the maroon twenty-five. Their stay when they did get there was usually short, for Southern had a knack of substituting attack for defence when things looked serious. Petone usually managed to get the ball in tho scrums, but in every other department of tho game they were outclassed. Play had not been long in progress before Petone sought refuge in a force. They then initiated a sharp attack, which was suppressed before it became dangerous. McFarlano had another nenalty shot at goal, but met with no' better success than in his earlier efforts. After this Petone came again in the best passing rush they had yet started. The ball wont from man to man and Daly, the last of tho string of backs, was pushed into touch when inches only separated him from tho Southern goal line, Tho backs tried more passing work after this, but the excellence of the Southern defence nipped each in tho bud. L. Campbell was very noticeable among the maroons and played. a really splendid game as far as defensive word was concerned. Each team in turn went close to scoring, but it was not till the game had run almost its full course that Southern gained their second try. Bradley, who. had been plaving a beautiful game throughout, got* the ball from some tight work near the twenty-five, and terminated a fast, tricky run by scoring under tho posts. Houlihan failed with tho kick.

Southern 8 I’etono 0 Even play followed and the teams were in mid-field when the whistlo stopped playMr Kcilson was referee ST. JAMES v, WELHCNGTON.

St. James made a great pother in compiling 2-1 points against a weak Wellington team. The game was not lacking in paco, but neither team showed any brilliancy. Half an hour had elapsed before any seoro occurred, but probably St. James would have played bettor had they a little more respect for their opponents* The Wellington playors put up some fine individual performances. Lambert being particularly good. The forwards were hopelessly outclassed aa a pack, but taken singly they seemed quite equal to their opponents. The hookers got the ball in the scrums fairly often, yet not once to their own advantage. Wellington started with the sun and wind in their faces. Crewcs made a good run, hut Lambert stopped him and kicked to touch. Soon afterwards St. James had a shot at goal, but it proved the first of a long series of failures. Clark tided, Thomas tried, Eoberts tried, but without result. Penalties were freely awarded, and Lambert had a shot from a long distance. The wind was against him, but the ball fell short only by a few feet. After half-an-hour’s up and down play, B. Roberta placed a goal to St. James' credit. Directly afterwards he had two more opportunities right under the posts, hut without success. He made up for those failures shortly afterwards by scoring and converting a clever try. The first spell ended: — St. James 8 Wellington 0 Early in the second spell Lambert made a fine run, but was grassed by Hokita. He would probably have got through had ho tried to dodgo instead of 1 looking back for support. This happened two or three times afterwards with Wellington backs, who, after good runs, ! found themselves without a comrade ! within passing distance. Half-way ! through tho spell King, getting the ball | from a line-out, forced his way over, i Huberts converted. Than Hunt and Lambert between them carried tho bail right down the field, and Hunt scored Wellington's only try. From this out St. James had the game in their own i hands, and scored freely. B. Eoberts , kicked a penalty goal, and a try, obtained by Manning alter a scrum, was I converted by Clark. Then'King scored ; in a good position and -E. Eoberts made the most or the kick. - The game thus ended with tho score St. James £-1 Wellington 3 .wan .-referee.

ORIENTAL v. MELROSE. Dull play characterised tho match between Oriental and Melrose at the Hurt. Oriental did very poorly, their opponents', bavin" the better of the game right throughout. Play was mostly confineJ to the forwards, and on nearly every occasion the Melrose hookers got the ball out of the scrum. Of course, the absence of Roberts placed tho whites in a dis-. advantageous position, but still they ought to have done more than obtain practically an indecisive victory. Pooler was the first man to claim attention by his good work in nipping in the bud an Oriental vanguard attack. Tho game dragged on. until Kinvig obtained possession at halfway and by making an opening enabled Perry' to score a try. Akers’ shot at goal was not a success.

Oriental 3 Melrose 3 From the drop-out Melrose took the ball, down field to the corner, and for a while, things looked ominous for Onental. An infringement took place and the whites were awarded a free-kick., which proved to be their salvation. Relief was expressed when the whistle sounded half-time. Play in. tho first stages of the second spell was not too bright, but towards tho, close the Oriental forwards showed fight,, and it was only by watchfulness and, sound play that their opponents wero able to keep them out. About half way through the spell Oriental’s second try! was obtained by Mathieson, who had an| easßr ruu right from his own twenty-, live to the Melrose line. Akers again., failed to place the ball between tho uprights. The play which ensued was any-, thing but exciting, and the MdiTceiansl were in the superiority nearly the whole time. Towards tho doso and following a Melrose attack a scrum took place in, the Oriental territory, and from this the. reds obtained tho ball and Gilchristl scored. Tho shot at goal was taken by W. Marshall, who added the major points by a nice kick. Oriental ._ - 3 Melrose 3 The game closed with Melrose on the attack. Mr Evensen was referee. OLD BOYS BEAT COLLEGE. Thirteen to three was the tale of the. points bv which , Victoria College were, beaten by Old Boys in their match at; Karori on Saturday afternoon. It "was, au uninteresting and uneventful game, one which roused no sort of enthusiasm among the handful of spectators. _ Old Boys had really no difficulty at all in disiwsiag of their opponents, who took the field with fourteen men and played ono short for the first half-hour. The team,, indeed, was practically a junior combina-l lion. Nevertheless, it attacked for ai great portion of the first spell, though, tlicro was not very much to show there, for after all. Stainbon, ■ who w-as playing Italf for College, obstructed the Old, Boys’ attack considerably at times, and the white forwards did not make much headway against him. Bonanga had an. unsuccessful shot at goal for College early in the game, and a little later Staunton narrowly missed scoring from a free kick. The first score of the match fell to Old Boys. 80010 passed out to Grace, who transferred to Dawson, and he flashed across close to tho posts. Turner converted. Old Boys 5 College 0 Shortly afterwards Stainton kiokc-d a goal from a free and at half time the scores were: — Old Boys 5 College 3 The second spell had scarcely commenced when Boole scored after a. pretty run. The kick at goal failed. Old Boys 8 College 3 Uninteresting play was witnessed for-a considerable period, interrupted only when Din-nie scored Old Boys’ third and last thy. Mason successfully negotiated the kick at goal and the score read : Old Boys 13 College, 3 Tho rest of the game was without incident of any notable sort. ■ Mr W- C. Church was the referee. JUNIOR WELLINGTON v. SELWYN. This game was a poor and uninteresting one till a good way through the second spall, when both teams woke up considerably. The game was looked upon as a good thing for Wellington, but Selwyn had all tho better of tho play, and certainly earned a moral victory. From the start Wellington made it a forward game, their rushing tactics seeming to paralyse the Sehvyn defence. iWm a mix-up on the Solwyn line, Fraser secured and darted over between tho posts. Millar missed tho uprights by a few feet; 3—o. Selwyn gradually forced Wellington back to half-way, where Sheridan with a beautiful kick, sent the leather fairly between the uprights; 6—o. Roused by this reverse Sehvyn forwards took a hand in tho game and carried the leather right on to Wellington’s line, and gave the yellow players a very hot five minutes. Mulhauo had hard luck in not scoring. Getting tho hall from tho feet of the Wellington forwards, he beat Campbell, Hill, and Sheridan, only to _ lose tho leather when lie got over the line. Dwyer relieved with a good punt, which_ found the half-w;ay line. From the line-out Wellington started a dangerous looking rush, which came to nothing. At about this stage of tho game Bverard, a Sehvyn forward, had to retire, owing to linving received a nasty kick on tho head. He was attended to'hy three membors -of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who were on tho field. Coo-oca- came on in his place. Tiro Selrwyn backs then got going, and a try seemed assured, but Flack, instead of passing to, the men who were backing him up, lucked, and the ball went dead. Just before half-time Selwyn I were penalised for off-side play. Sheridan made no mistake about tho kick, and the score stood; 9 —o. The second spell was much more interesting than the first. Then Selwyn forwards dribbled the | leather alm<»t up to their opponents’ line, but Sheridan was not found wanting, and relieved the pressure with a. beautiful line Idck. The green forwards were, not to be denied, however. Dribbling down to the twenty-five Warner oenti-ed, his kick I being accepted by Burke, who just managed to beat Hill, and score. Walker’s | shot went wide; 9—3. Selwyn, in the ; next few minutes had by far the best of I the game, only being stopped by Sherij dan, who was here, there and everywhere. Selwyn came at it again, and Sullivan, after beating Johnson, passed tojlooper, who made no mistake about getting over. Flack safely piloted the ball over tho cross bar; 9 —B. With but a few more minutes to go Solwyn attar-bed desperately, but bad passing spoiled any chance they possessed. The score remained unaltered when time was called, Mr T. H. Jones was referee. ATHLETIC v. ORIENTAL. Athletic and Oriental played a fairly good game at Miramar. Oriental we.ro fortunate in securing a draw-, as the Athletic pack hold them well in hand till tho last few minutes of the game. Athletic kicked oif_ against the sun, tho magpie forwards immediately carrying the ball down to the blues’ line, but good work by Riddick saved the situation. A lucky speculator by Hutchinson found touch in _ Oriental’s twenty-five. The prettiest piece of play in the whole game was hero formulated by Johnson. Receiving tho ball from a scrum, Johnson whippet! it out to Whitehonse, who transferred to Riddick on the wing, that player dashing over and scoring a splendid try. Madden’s kick went astray. Athletic 3, Oriental 0. On resuming Athletic forwards again took charge or tho game, and from a melee on the line Luoni fell on tho ball and scored. Madden's kick was again unsuccessful; 6—o. Oriental then took a turn at attacking, but lack of ■ combination between tho hacks made tho effort a failure. Kvnc, who was playing a good forward game, dribbled _tho ...ball,

line. Meredith secured, but instead of passing to Battel-son. who was unmarked, went alone, and was lost. Athletic forwards cleared, and dribbled down field, when they w-ero stopped by Mclhvraith. who turned defence into attack and allowed Patterson to .score. Mcihvraith’s shot just passed outside the uprights; ‘6—3. Bor some time after this play wit, ‘Of a very straggling nature. A bright piece of back play, initiated by Johnson, relieved tho monotony. Securing the ball from a scrum ho sent it to Whitehcuso, •the hall in turn travelling to Riddick. Madden, and Pool, who boat Stubbs badly and scored in the corner. Patterson's attempt at goal was a failure; 9—3. Some more scrappy play followed, till a passin" rush. started by Bowman, successfully pierced the Wires’ citadel and allowed Iranian to score. Again Patterson’s kick was a failure; 9—6. Play zigzagged up the field, and a mark by Cowie in a good position raised Oriental’s hopes, but Mnllaney’s shot fell short. It seemed as if Oriental were l>oaton, hut a midden rush by Stubbs, Bowman, and Cowio found Athletic wanting, and the last named scored in the corner. Mullaney ■was again unsuccessful; 9—9. A few moments later no-side sounded with play in mid-field. Mr C. Ingram was referee. PETONE v. SOUTHERN. Potono defeated Southern by 11 points to 0. after a game which was all in. favour of the winners. Tho Petono back» .played a really good game, and the rather Weak defence offered by Southern did not 'bother them, in the least. Throughout Ithe first spell Petone attacked strongly, ■and from a loose rush A. Parker scored la try, which Whitley failed to convert. 'Petone 3, Southern 0. The next score came from a penalty kick by Whitley, .and the spell ended with Petone 6 points in tho lead. Petono got to work early in tho second spell and kept the pressure mp throughout. From a scramble in jfront of Southern’s goal J. Mooney gob lire boll .and scored. Whitley converted. Petone 11. Southern 0. The game ended without further score. PONHKE v. OLD BOYS. This game was played on tho Miramar Park and was by no means interesting. It resulted in an easy win for Poueke, For Poneke Elliott <2), Carlyle and Rollins scored tries and one was converted by Williams. Everest kicked a penalty for Old Boys. St. John’s won by default from St. James. THIRD CLASS Solwyn defeated Wellington by 10 points to nil. For the winners Leeksw hooper, Wisby and Lomas scored tries, land McPhoe converted two. Mr A, Thomson was referee. Athletic beat St. John’s by 8 points to 6. For tho winners Smith scored two tries and converted one. Mr J. Slinea was referee. Southern beat Porirna by 3 points to nil. 11. Twotney scored a try- for th® winners. Exchange beat Upper Hurt by 6 points to 3. Pemott and Murphy scored for the winners. FOURTH CLASS Petono beat Waiwetu by 9 points to 3. St. Janies beat Oriental by 9 points to 8. Southern defeated Selwyn by 18 points to nil. For tho winners Nelson scored two tales and Tavendale, Whaler and White one each. F. Russell kicked a penalty goal. FIFTH CLASS Petone beat Southern by 19 points to 3, Athletic beat Wellington College by 14 points to 3. MATCHES ELSEWHERE raoit oub own coeeespondzkt. MASTBRTON. July 9. Tho Rugby Union's competitions wer« continued in fine weather yesterday afternoon. The senior match at Carterton between Carterton and Red Star decided the championship for the season. In tho first spell N. Chamberlain scored a try for Red Star, and N. McKenzie for Carterton, the score being three all when tho whistle sounded. In the second half Desmond and August scored tries for Carterton, who thus won by 9 paints to 3. Red Star had three easv opportunities to score in the first spell, but lort them through over eagerness. The visiting forwards played well, but tho backs were weak. Carterton gave a splendid exhibition, both in the backs and forwards. During tho game K. Welch, of tho Red Star team, broke a collarbone. Carterton have thus won the senior championship for the second season in succession. , In a match at Gladstone tho local seniors defeated Mastcrton by 8 points to nil Eatima and Preshaw scored tries for’Gladstone, ono of which S. Mason C Championship.—Dalefield (9), Greytown (nil); Liberal (11), Red Star (3). Liberal is leading for tho chainp Third-class.— Rod Star (14), Liberal 1 (nil); Carterton (17), Masterton (nil). Red Star are leading for premier hon°UrS‘ PALMERSTON, July 8. Manawatu defeated Horowhcnua at Levin by 8 points to nib In local iunior matches Palmerston (14) beat Athletic (6); Old Boys (3) beat Kia Toa (nil). Palmerston thus wins tho chainpionship for the second time in suecosSl Third-class.— Feilding (9) beat Athletic (3): Kia Toa (19) beat Old Boys (nil). Fourth-class.— High School won by default from Feilding; Athletic (16) beat Kia Toa (nil). TEEBS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. July 9. The Rugby matches played yesterday resulted as followPonsonby beat University by 22 points to 11; Parnell beat Grafton by 12 points to 8, and City beat Newton by 36 points to nil. CHRISTCHURCH, July 8The Canterbury Rugby Union’s competitions were continued to-day in fine weather and on good grounds. After a fast and attractive game Albions suffered their first defeat of the season, being beaten by Old Boys by 6 points to 3. Merivale beat Linwood by 6 io, 3 after a rather uninteresting forward struggle, and Christchurch had an easy victory over Marist Old Boys by 34 to 3. Canterbury College were again unable to raise a team and defaulted to Sydenham. DUNEDIN, July 8. Senior Rugby matches were played today in fine weather and resulted University (12), Pirates (9); Southern <Bj, Alhambra (6); Kaikorai (8), ZiDgan Rich. mond (6); Taieri (23), Dunedin (0); Union (11), Port (9). AUSTRALIA UNIVERSITIES MATCH SYDNEY BEATS NEW ZEALAND. VISITORS BADLY OUTCLASSED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received July 9, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. July 9. The Metropolitan team beat the Nov Zealand Universities’ team by 22 point® to 6. The weather was dull and there wa-s an attendance of only about 200. The first half was a fast, even forward game, and ended, Sydney 6. New Zealand 3. The slippery ground prevented the backs on either tide from getting into motion. the second halt tho local men cut-

r,;av.-a the visitors t>a.!ly a«U wow-d 10 jx.inl.-. to New /.tiiliUKl s J. Farit' and Cni-Uyne tacit s»«wrwl a trj for New Zealand. THE LEAGUE GAME NEW ZBYLANBKUS St’CCKSSFCL. BEAT By Telegraph—Prear. Association—Coi>yngist. (Hre-in-t -'.Ay LKJSitolsL, July Tilt, Iregm- mate;. Irenvtvn NewZuv lmi.| ami Que-ariam! v.i.s played ■ day in ««<' ue.al.e:; au.l L: tore .... aEvnuITeidko and Muitayli rf(.lac-fd Trucinau, ■ihnirt, and Juuvs. and e, lee .s-iv h'n.ivr, .Wilt. d.iUll, Al'■ Duin id. , and tiun'iiu-J retmu'i-.l \\ :nm v. 'ee.-K ivk-oii S’linnivd'/ and Milne. lu the first naif flit. Z«ilainlfr» played with tin. wind and -'iiov.-ed to' l - 1 - *i-u-Jit Fii* binat ion. '1 lie Oue.j. ftat-JcUtl. but fumbled badly. I'iay v.-»s very fast and si ran non... and e.ra.l player;-. were finp-.-ranly (li-auled. J a a New ZcaJamlore hml mneh Pl.t- U't-tfi' m this half and badly beat ,fue (>ueenekuulrrs in Urn arruni. scoring meet ot Uieir points as a result. , Till' swoad half, uais viKoronKy contested, buth sides -in.win;; sinem.id cf,m--I>ination. The (mdtlinjf was deadly. Ph« New Zearlaudeis were frequently on the defensive; lent Queen-head h-t several cc-r-------tain trios tlmmidi lumbung when, close* to tho visitors' line. '1 he ehn'ii:;; sta;;. > were very i-irrliny. Queensbiud scored twice, the remainder of the points fccing the result of penalty kicks. At half-time «><• -score was New Zealand Ki, Queensland 2, and the gania eiirksl ■ New Zealand 18. Queensland li. Seny r er. M i-Dulia id, .Mitchell _ and S pens no scored tries for the wimicrs, Stayer ccmvertiiiK liirce. ASSOCIATION A BIG SUEPRISE. CORINTHIANS BE PEAT THISTLE. Corinthians 3 Thistle 2 Diamonds 5 Y.M.C.A 1 Swifts 6 St, John’s 2 Ramblers 2 Wanderers 0 Hospital 2 Rovers 1 Soturday’s matches were pluy-d in glorious weather and the various grounds were in excellent condition. Tho hihri'cet surprise of the season napiiened in the «anio on Iho itamu -Ireservo. Corinthians, who up till haluriliiy had not a single, victory to their credit, defeated Thistle, who wero bracketed with Swifts for top phw», by tkr-e-e goals to two. Following ar© details of the various games played CUROKTiIIANS v, TiLtSTLD. This game was played on tho Basin. Preserve before the largest crowd ot spectators that has assembled on this ground during tho px*e«siit season. Gormthians’ victory was duo to tho splendid work of their forwards, who brought off garitD pretty passing rushes. lUustlo took the field. minus tile services of anil, vvho wjis suffering from an injured leg, ids plaeo being taken by AV. AleArdle. 'Corinthians were early on the attach and but for faulty and weak shooting would, have scored earlier than they dici. Glapham and Dickson were playing a good defensive game for Thistle, and mainly through tlieix? efforts J.hißtic were able to remove play for a short ppell to more neutral territory; but Corinthians' combination 'was far better than that of Thistle, and from one of their combined forward rushes Hailey beat McAxdle and drew first blood- Corinthians 1, Thistle 0. Shortly before the spoil ended Ives scored from a penalty, making Corinthians 2, Thistle 0. Thistle started the second spell with a strong attack, ami Ash securing the ball t-.ct.c3wH to MoLeiuuui, who found the net. Corinthians 2, Thistle 1. The game now became very interesting, and Thistle were having tho bettor of the argument, but their shooting was not accurate and one or two chances were missed on tins account. Corinthians rallied, carrying play well down field, where Jamdeecm secured, and sending in a beauty, scored Corinthian s' third goal. Corinthians 3, Thistle 1. At this stage of tho game. Barns by, who had been playing a -good game, received an injury lo his mouth and luui to retire. The final eooro of tho match was obtained by Thistle, Ash converting a penalty _ kick, making the final score 3 to 2, in favour of Corinthians. Mr J, Al. Wilson referred DIAMONDS v. YAI-C.A. Diamonds and Y.AI.C.A. met at Kelbunne Bark, when Diamonds, after having the best of the play throughout tho game, won easily by 5 goafs to 1. Diamonds opened their scoring -account early, Black scoring after about ten minute*** play. Y.M.C.A, woke up after this reverse and transferred play to Diamonds' territory, but Roberts at full back was equal to the occasion, and Dia•mondsagain.attacked, but without result, Y.M.C-A. relieving • by good lacking on tho part of Coates. Smith secured and took tho ball well up field, but the •chauco was lost through ofi-sido and the subeequciit free kick eased tlie pressure ior XSamond-t. Tho young men. _ were not to bo domed and Smith, again ok'baintng tho ’bail, sent in a hot shot which Patrick fisted out; but Murphy was handy, and before tho goalkeeper oouid recover, ho had put the ball through. Diamonds rallied, but although hovering close to Y.M.C-A.’a goal, were unable to increase their score owing to bad shooting. About ten minutes before half-time A. Lowe found tho not. and tho spell ended. Diamonds 2, Y.M.C.A. 1. . The second spell was all in favour of Diamonds. Y.M .l'.A. seldom _ getting past half-way. Diamonds'’ third goal was scored by A. Lowe after good combined play by the forwards. Shortly after Burbush scored tho fourth, a rather easy goal. Y.3I.CA. new seemed to fall to pieces anil were kept hard at it defending. Eventually Roberts obtained possession of the ball, anil putting in a low fast sliot found the net. Tho game ended shortly after with the score—Diamonds 5. Y.M.C.A, 1. Roberts. Barnett, Eitzgerald and the brothers Lowo were conspicuous for Diamonds, while for YAI.C.A. Coates, Alabin, Jardine, Smith and Shaw' were always prominent. Mr J. P. Baton controlled the game. SWIFTS v. ST. JOHN'S. Swifts, winning the toss, played with the wind and sun behind them during tho first spell. Swifts got to work early and onlv missed a score by bad shooting on tho 'part of Soott. St. John’s relieved and carried play into their opponents’ territory, but Wilson and J. Pyesmith wore equal to the occasion and saved a dangerous rush headed by Gosney. Play now became fairly oven for. some time, till at last Swifts asserted themselves, and a good run and a timely pass by Scott to Mathieson saw the latter score. Swifts 1. St. John’s 0. The Saints were by no means downhearted, and carrying the game well into Swifts’ territory missed a couple of good chances by Amity shooting. Swifts’ second goal was obtained through tho agency of .Mathieson, w'ho found the not with a good shot. The St. John's now put in a determined attack, which ended in Shaw putting in a beautiful shot, and P. Pyesmith in goal, slipping at tho critical moment, tho ball wont th'cngh. Swifts 2, St. John’s 1. Tho spell ended with the score unaltered. Goals’ come pretty frequently in the second half. Swifts securing four and St. John’s one. Roberts, who played well throughout, obtained Swifts' third goal, nnd shortly after Harry obtained another goal for the reds, making the score 4 to 1 in favour of Swifts. St. John's for-

wards rushed up the field, and Gupney, eecnriog the hall, drove hard, finding the net. The concluding stages of the game were fought out in soiiu-durkne.ss, . file'linal—SwTfts'e’. St!* 1 John's -Mr L. C. Ifaytou reierel-d. ! UA.MM.EUS V. WANDERERS. 1 Mi-amar No. (I was occupied by RambI I-rs and Wanderers, and resulted in a j ! fairlv even tns .1... Wand-rers had a j I "ooi elnaee lo score shortly after the I coni nieneeinen t of the game, a penalty i lick being given them for an iG'iri ll 1 charge l,v a Ramblers’ forward. cbI SI. r however, cleared, and tho ball goI jog’out to til- ior.'.ards enabled Rami bless to set up an attack from winch ' Edwards scored. I’lav of » givr-anc- ! ],;.)||e;'. (TiMI-'f! lOE hOll’O 11 UK* Hlt OE I tki'i m-illifi- null- /D-i u‘4 ab!<* to claim an i advniitnge. The spell’ ended with Rambler- 1, Wanderers 0. , . Wanderers attacked from tho start or 1 the second spell, but through fnully i reliev'd 'iiu' lUC.-Mire by good plh.V Oil tllO part of Hart'and made II move to \Vanderers’ terrdorv, but I’arsons (liil-baei-:) va. uaineis.ibb- a.ad IVanderers drove their oooenents lo half-wav. where they managed' to held them fur a few minutes. •Ramblers' forwards, however, were not to h ■ denied and came on again, when trom a position in front of goal Cross scored. Wanderers seemed to lose heart after this reverse and plav became somewhat I disjointed. No further score resulted and the game ended in Ramblers’ favour hv 2 goal- to 0. ■for the winners Hart brothers. Webster. and Edwards nlavcd well. '.l'he best on Wanderers' side were Parsons. Rogers, and Hayward. -Mr H. Smith refereed. HOSPITAL v. ROVERS. Rovers iourneved to Porirna and suffered defeat at the hands of Hospital by li goals to 1. Elliott scored two goals for llosnitai. and Davis one. A. Low, 0 obtained IJovors* only goal- A. v> ilHams refereed. OTHER GRADES. SECOND DIVISION. Wadestowu and Brooklyn played a drawn game, each side securing a goal. Diamonds defeated Y.M.C.A. by -8 goals to nil. Vvheldon (5), Black, Lyiiuebiug, and Lowo scored. TIIIKD DIVISION' Pofone beat Johusonville B by 13 goals to nil. . Swifts and St. David’s drew, 1 goal Ct StVJohn's defeated Y.M.C.A. by C goals to 1. Zorn, ilopkirk, Denny, Morris and Box scored for the winners. Jolmsonvilio defeated Brooklyn by 1 goal (scored by Murphy) to nil. FOURTH DIVISION. Swifts defeated Diamonds by 4 goals to 1 Phillins (3) and Abel (I) scored for Swifts. lioberts kicked a penalty for Diamonds. St. David’s and Institute drew, no score. Y.M.C.A. beat Congregational by 0 goals to 3. FIFTH DIVISION. Institute defeated Rangers by 4 goals to 2. Swifts defeated Brooklyn by 2 goals to nil. Deys and Oakley scored- 1 SIXTH DIVISION. Marist A defeated Institute B by 3 goals to 1, Y.M.C.A. beat Ivarori by 2 goals to 1. Institute A defeated YM.C.A. by 2 goals to 1. Brooklyn beat Seatoun by 5 goals to 3. BEOWN SHIELD MATCH CANTERBURY RETAINS THE SHIELD. CANTERBURY 4, OTAGO 1. Canterbury met Otago on tho Addington Show Grounds last Saturday for tho Brown Shield. There was a record attendance fox* tho district. Among those present were Sir James Carroll and a number of members of Parliament. Canterbury winning the toss, Otago kicked-ofi against a slight breeze. Both teams were a long time in settling down to solid work. After ten minutes' play Ward (Canterbury) sent in a terrific shot, which Jack could not hold, but Norman did what was thought impossible and put tho ball over tho bar. After this exciting event play travelled up and down field. Three times McNish (Canterbury) miskicked, but Forest came to tho rescue and cleared. Simpson (Otago) made a great effort. Forest saving just in time. The first spell may bo put down as slow but very even, there being no score.

Tho second spoil opened sensationally. Norman, who had gone centre forward, passed tho ball to Bissitt, who dribbled within twenty yards of the goal and then passed back to Norman, who beat Jack all tho way. Canterbury 1, Otago 0. Tills happened after a minute's play. Only three or four minutes elapsed before another goal was registered, McDonald scoring with a soft shot. Tho game’ now became very fast, and both sides were playing excellent football. A penalty was given against D. Fullerton for handling the ball, and Wyness scored Otago’s only goal. Canterbury's third goal came from a good shot from twentyfive yards out by Norman,, and the fourth was the work of a master. Bissitt passed the ball to Ward, who got into a good position, but seeing that Bissitt in the meantime had improved his position gently passed the ball back, and Bissitt had no difficulty in finding tho net. Otago were always in the game but they erred in trying to do too much dribbling. Tho game, which was played in excellent sporting spirit, was a treat to watch. The star player for Canterbury was Ward, who played a great game. »Shepherd, for Otago, also played a grand game, but too much dribbling spoilt an otherwise effective finish. Where all did well further comment is unnecessary, and the next challengers will have their work out out to take the shield from Canterbury. The gate and stands brought in J33S. The spectators gave both teams every encouragement, and at the finish cheered them lustily. The game was voted the best exhibition of "Soccer ever seen in Canterbury. Mr K. S. Lithgow, of ‘Wellington, gave every satisfaction as referee. The teams wore Canterbury : Webster, McNish, Forest, Fullerton (2), Jones, Ward, McDonald* Bissitt, Norman, and Noakes. Otago: Jack, Elliott, Mayhow, Shepherd. Weynoss, Middlemarch, Smith, Rarity, Bailie, Simpson, and TabernackleAftex the match tho Canterbury Association entertained both teams at dinner, and a pleasant evening was spent in song and story. Previous winners of the Brown Shield— IS92 —-Wellington. 1901—Otago. 1393 —Otago. 1903 —Wellington. 1894 — Canterbury. 1906—Wellington. 1895 Auckland. 1007—Auckland. 1896 — Auckland. 1908 —"Wellington. IS97 —Ru ah in e. 1900 —W ell ingt on. IS9S—Auckland. 1910 —Canterbury. 1900 —Otago. 1911—Canterbury.

Played. Won. Lost. Dr'n. pts. St. James . 12 11 1 0 22 Oriental 12 9 3 0 18 Athletic ..... 12 8 • 3 1 17 P oneko 12 7 3 2 16 Petono 12 8 4 0 16 Southern .... 12 7 5 0 14 Old Boys .... 12 2 8 2 6 Melrose 12 3 9 0 6 Wellington .... 12 1 9 2 4 Yictora. College 12 0 11 1 1‘