TO-DAY’S RUGBY GAMES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7871, 5 August 1911, Page 10

TO-DAY’S RUGBY GAMES

INTERESTING CONTESTS TO BE EXPECTED. With tho end. of the local senior championship in view tho position between tho leading teams could scarcely bo more interaiing, there being but two points difference in tho four leaders. St. James, who looked likely winners early in the round, have now cord© down to the level of Oriental* whilo Athletic follow’ with one point loss; and then comes Poneke, two points behind the leaders, with some three Saturdays to go. Athletic may be expected to make a strong bid for victory against Petone this afternoon. The latter have been s playing several jnnioas in recent matches owing to the defection of the four brothers Ryan, who, however, will again take the field this afternoon. Southern, who have been showing excellent form lately, will meet Oriental at Petone, and the leaders will have to make the most of their opportunities to maintain their position. On the representatives of country unions of the North Island, who have been touring th© north, will bo pitted against the Wellington representatives, while on Saturday the South Island team will play the North Island team. This tour has been arranged with a view to bringing the claims of country players for inchtsion' in 'representative teams before ©electors, and already players of considerable promise have been unearthed. LEAGUE FOOTBALL RECEPTION OP THE WELLINGTON TEAM. PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, August L Th© Wellington. Football League representatives wore accorded a reception by the Auckland League at noon. The president of the Auckland League extended a hearty welcome. Ho said the ground problem was worrying many of the clubs, but be felt sure that before long tho New Zealand League would be in a position to help the smaller clubs in tho matter. iLr Perrotfc, manager of the Wellington team, speaking on tho subject of professionalism, said the members of the team each contributed J 36 toward/ the cost of the .trip, and had no guarantee they would get it back. There was little prospect of the money being refunded for some time to come.