FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10376, 3 June 1895, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME,

SENIOR FLAG MATCHES,

Kaikorai y. UNiVERsiTr,

. The match between the Kaikorai and University was .played on- Saturday afternoon at Bishopseomt, and resnltad in a decisive win for the former. : The game was very evenly contested for the, first 20* minutes, after which the ball was heeled out from a scrnm and secured by Duncan, who after a brilliant run scored behind the posts .for the Ksikorai, and the kick was taken, by. H. Wilkinson,;: by whom the. major point was registered. 'A' good passing rush subsequently resulted in Sinclair getting possession of the oval .and sporing, Wilkinkm being again successful with the kick, the >pell ending in favour of K&ikorai by 10 points to toothings In the second sptsll Kaikorai. kicked off, and shortly after Sullivan obtained a try, which Wilkinson failed to convert. . Directly after Sullivan was again conspicuous, a capital ruo being rewarded with success, but Wilkinson's kick was again a f*ilure. A fine forward rush ended inl-W. Wilkinson scoring, his brother failing in his attempt at goal. Before the call of time Sullivan again distinguished :hirneelf, but Wilkinson once more failed to enhance. Mr J. Croxford officiated as referee, and his decisions gave satisfaction; Scores: ; , ■ Kaikorai ... 22 points: University ... ■ Nil. Dunedin v. Pirates. • ; The first match of the season between the Duuedjn and Pirates Clubs, played on the Caledonian ground on Saturday afternoon, attracted a considerable number of spectators, who bad the satisfaction of witnessing an admirably fast and distinctly intere ting- match, which was efficiently controlled by Mr A. Doivnes. Stephenson winning the toss the Dunedin played for the first spell from the harbour end, so that they h»d the benefit of the assistance of a breeze. For the,first quarter of an houc the piay was very even, but then, from a loose scramble in the Pirates' quarters, Eogereon acored between the posts, and Keogh coverted. Shortly afterwards Mason, taking advantage of a clear field, potted from about the Pirates' twenty-five line and dropped a goal, and Mackenzie emulated his example a few minutes later, and Joud cheering greeted the goal which his kick produces. Thence on to half-time the Pirates pressed their opponents, without, however, scoring. In the aeeond spell the Pirates, with the wind behind them, at once aasuniftd the. aggiessive, and within 10 minutes Macassey was s.war<ied a free kick for obstruction, siid placed a goal. ThePiratesmainfcained theatUck on the Dunedin lines, and-.tbe success which had ai tended the efforts of the Dunedin players in potting s.t gosl evidently induced the Pirates i to Rdppt similar tacbics, for Thomson and Macarthar bot.h tried for a goal, from the field—the' former's effort going somewhat aud the latter's very wide. In a loose rush by the Pirates Carter looked like scoring, but was thrown back I into play, snd,the Blues, largely owing to the ' exertions of their three-quat ter backs, than carried the ball xip the field, and Mason and Williams uinde a,bold bid for a score, the former being held ou tho line. The Pirates | qloariug their quarters again assumed the! offensive, and the ball, bsiug kicked to Keogh bat missed by him, was pounced upon by Carter, who scored ■ a try, which Macassey failed to euh&nce. The rest of the game was of a give-and-take nature, and was unproductive of further score, the 'natch-ending : Dunedin ...13 points Pirates ...6 points •ZINGARI-RICBMOND V. UNION. The match between the Zingari-Richmond and Union Clnbs was playpd ah Monteeillo, *n<t was witnesf e:l by a large nnmbw of spectators. Mr F. H. Campbell'acted a<s referee, nud. though the game had occasionally to be stopped owing to encroachments upem the touch line, had not much difficulty in controlling players I and spectators. Tbe Zingari played for the first spell from the town end and thus hadVa glaring sun behind them. In the first few minus* s they carried tho ball up to the Union end, and a, free kick was granted them in front of the Maroons' goal, but the kick was charged down. A pacing rush placed the Union lines in danger shortly afterwards, and from a serum the ball was passed out to Williamson, who ineffectually potted at goal. In the remainder of the first spell the play, which was of a determined character on both sides, was chiefly confined to neutral territory. The second spell had hardly been started before A. Fordyce stole away from a scrum, and, aftnr running through to the Union three-qunrter-back line, passed to Williamson, who, eluding Larkine, scored between fch« posts. Though the chance was an easy oce Williamson's kick was unsuccessful. After this reverse the Maroohß played up with great spirit, and, mainly through the efforts of Harris, set the Ziagari defending. The b%U fsllieg into Gibson's hands he potted ineffectually, and a good passing rush, in which Smith, Harri=, Gibson, and Imrie took part, was only checked in time to prevent a score. A jinky run by Smith also was not stopped until the Zingari line was reached, and two free kicks were awarded to the Maroons, neither of which came to anything; but the Zingari then cleared their lines witn a strong rush, aud good passing among their backs let Cuaningham in at the corner. M'Farlane made a good but unavailing kick at a difficult angle. There was 'no further score before time was called, the match resulting: ZingariI Richmond 6 points Union Nil ' Caversham v. Alrambba. The match between the above tsams was played ou the Carisbrook ground, and was controlled by Mr W. Haydon. There were two or three changes from the original constitution of the teams, Peebles and Olson taking the place of M'Laren and M'Kenzie in the Cavershaai ! side, aud M'Kewen filling "M'Arthur's place in i the Alhambra ranks. Restieaux kicked og for i tbe Alhambra, who got considerably the best \ of the game in the first spell, the play being ! confined nearly the whole of the time to the Caverabam quarters. Gardiner, wbo got over the Gaversham lines near the corner, after a fine bit of passing between M'Kowen, Bequi- : lant, Currie, and himself, was the first to score Restieaus took the kick, but failed to convert

Shortly afterwards a good dribbling rash: by1 Cavert<h»m took the leather down the field paat the centre Bag for the first time during the game. Ross, however, stopped the msb, and play was soon again in tho C»versham quartern. A Bmsrb bit of passing between Webber, Erquilatit, Restieaux, and Gardiner nearly resulted in the latter scoriug, but Lawry cleverly saved his aide. A dribbling rush by the Alhambra culminated in Thompson scoring through au abortive attempt on the part of Lawry to stop the ball. Restieaux again failed with the kick. When the te<nn« crowed over the game became much faster, and'Caversham play*d considetably better than they had dove previously. One brilliant bit ot play on their p&rt was very warmly applauded by the spectators. M''Kersey, getting possession, psrsad to . Ui-quhart, 3 who while running potted a goal in fine sf.yle. When the spell was about half-way through the hard work done by the Cavergham men began to tell on them, and they were for the rest of the gama very hard pressed by their opponents and unable altogether to prevent the other side scoring. In one instance Thompson dropped on the ball as it fell out of Stalker's hands and scored, and subsequently the leather was passed from a scrum, to Restieaux, who scored. The kick in the first instance wos taken by Aitken, and in the second by Restieaux, but neither added to the score, and when time was called the game steed: ' Alhambra..., 12 points Caversham .;. 4 points JUNIOR FLAG MATCHES. Green Island v. Watjehouc-bjibn. The match between these teams, played on the North ground, produced an interesting contest. The play at tbe outseS was in the Green Island quartsrs, whence it was removed by a'good forward rush to the Warehousemen's 'tweoty-five, where it remained for the rest of the first spell.- On one occasion, a scrum being formed on their line, the ball was whipped out to Davidson, who had hard luck in not scoring, the Warehousemen being forced. The kick-out brought no relief to the Reds, for with an irresistible rush the Greens once more had them on the defence, but the spjeodid tackling of Hutchison aDd Campbell prevented any score. In-the second spell the Reds', forwards—Bcyauc and Callftghan being prominent—carried the ball to their opponents' quarters, and the Green Island were kept defending for some time, but eventually a good kick by Dexter brought the scene of play to the Reds' twenty-five. Kerf and Brown made strenuous efforts to score, which the tackling of Hutchison and Samson nullified. The Reds, playing with great dash, aided with good kicking by Reid and Dredge, caused play to centre, bat the Greens, not to be denied, swept all befere them, and Dredge stopped an ugly-looking rush. From this to the call of time the Greens worked hard to score, Kerr being conspicuous in this respect, bub the defence was too strong, and the whistle souiided time with the ball in the Warehouseman's twenty-five. Score: Green Island .... Nil Warehousemen. .. .<Vtf. .University Second, v. Zingari-Richmond ~.-■■.! ,;-■■-■:•; -■' Second. ■"■■''■ ;■ :"; '■;-■. ..-, In this match, which was played at Tahuna Park, play in the first-spell was fairly even. Towards the close of the .spsll a splendid passing rush by the 'Varsity backs resulted in Snow scoring between the posts, and Thompson placed a goal. The Zingari had slightly the best of the game in'the second spell, their backs handling the leather ia good sWle. Austin, Smith, and Bsqnilant were promiuent in several good passing rushes, and the latter at length dribbled over the 'Varsity liDe; a Ztngari player scored. The place kick was unsuccessful, and as no further score was registered the match resulted : University ... 5 points Zinjrari- ", • Richmond. 3pointi. Pirates Second v. Dunedin Second. The match between the Pirate and Duuedin Seconds was played at the Caledonian ground. Play was fairly even for a while, but excellent •passing by fche Pirates' backs let Hay in, the try not baing converted; Tlie satne player shortly after kicked a goal from a mark obtained inside the Duuedin'p twenty-five. In the second'spell £>liver for the Dunedin scored at the corner flag after a smart run along the touch line. The try was not improved.: 'Before time, from a scrum about the Dunedin's twenty-five, the ball'was passed out-to Gregg, who scored the second try for his side, the same not being converted. The final score was thus :' - ■ ,; Pirates ... 10 points Dunedin ... 3 points Union Second v. Otakia. This match, played at Mcsgiel, resulted in f a victory for the Union, for whom Beadle scored two tries and Manley one, W. Gibson converbiDg the three. Malcolm and D. Heenon each secured a try for Otakia, and Patterson converted one of them. Scores: - .--.'•- Union ... 15 points Otakia ... 8 points Port Chalmers v. KiiKoVii Second. ' The match Kaikorai Second v. Pott Chalmers was played on the tatter's ground. Soon after the commencement A. Hunter potted a splendid goal for Port, and this was the only score in a fast and open match. Mr Foster made a very impartial referee. Scores: Port Chalmers 4 points Kaikorai ... ... mi _ Melrose v. Cavessham Second. This match was played on the Asylum ground, and produced a fast and interesting game. For the- Melrose tries were scored by Burk, Mathews, Henley, and, Philips, and'goals were kicked by. H. Lambeth (2) and Philips (1). Goodman, Christie, and M'KeDzie played well for Caversham. Mr Robertson was referee, and gave every satisfaction. Scores:— Melrose .:. 19 points Caversham • ...- Ml OTHER MATCHES. The match Melrose Second: v. Caversham Third was played at St. Clair, and after a hard fougrfit game resulted in a win for tbe Melrose by one goal and' one try to nothiDg. Tries were scored by Dillon and Sinclair, and Murdoch kicked a goal. Watt and Sinithplayed well for the losers, whilst at full back Leatherland saved hip side time after time. . . The Stsr defeated the Ravensbourne by 15' points to 5. For the Star, Heaiey, Corbett, and Reid scored triei», <?»ch of which Walker converted. For the Ravensbourne, Patterson scored and Moeller converted. Mr M'Connochie acted as referee, and gave every satisfaction. The Port Chalmers Pioneers met and defeated the Rangers at Raveasbourne by one try (3 points) to nothing. The Pioneers had the best of the game throughout. ,- The Albion defeated the Port Juniors by 10 points to 4-. A. Chambers scored two tries, and Stewart potted a goal for the winners, while Facey potted a goal for the losers. The Southern defeated the Star Juniors by 18 points to nothing. Tries were scored for the winners by J. Ruesell (2), Cormack, Miscall, Hunter, and Buist. ASSOCIATION. .... Rangebs y./Thistle. The match between the above c'.ubs was played at Sawyers' Bay, and a keenly-contested game reiutted. The, Thistle were much the heavier team, and were materially strengthened by Aitken,, an ex-Home player. Altogether, their team was one of the bent they have been able to put in the field for some time. Play was very fast and even for the first half hour, the ball never settling well in one spot, though it invariably found its way back to the Thistle's half, where Morris, Aitken, and Borlase were p1 ay ing a great game. After several ineffective . shots by both sides a corner kick was given against the local club, and Harrop sent in a " beauty," which the goalkeeper could not hold, and fir3t blood was tcored for the Rangers. The Thistle forwards, beaded by Stuart, then made determined onslaughts on their opponents'goal, and were more than once within an ace of scoring, but the Blacks' defeccs was not to be broken through, and half time was called, leaving the visitors with a small lead. Playing . down hill the Colours made thinjre warm from the jump. Prom a throw-in by Irwiii, Cartsr took possession of the leather, and eluding the left wing backs, skot an unmistakable goal. When shortly afterwards Borlaae put his sids iv the lead by putting through a splendid high shot i'rom tha centre the excitement ran high. The Blacks, being called upon, rallied, and M'Laehisn staved off all his opponents in faultiest style, and passing to Pefe-rs at the right moment that player made the scores equal. Matters were now at an interesting stage, aod_ the Thistle forwards enme away with a combined rush, and a swift shot by Stuart was neatly put away by Kober. Not to be denied, they kept the Rangers penned down for some considerable time. Ash<-on'rt speed was of great service, and certain scores were time after time averted by his good judgment. The visitors came away with a passing rush, aad Sligo, eeeing a good opening on the right wing, pnt Harrop in possession and a goal was recorded, leaving the Rangers victors by a goal to fcho good. Irwin, and the backs already mentioned, and Stuart aad Jack (forwards) were in fine form for the Thistle. For the victors, all played a fair game, but M'Lachlan was the only one to surpass hirmelf. Mr Cleland made a capable referee. Scores: Roslyn 3 goals Thistle ... ...2 goals Blornington v. Northern. This match was playod at Moraington and was chiefly notable for the fast following up of the Mornington forwards. The forwards of the former tsam are very fast, and time after lime Rpoiled the return of the Northern halves. In the first spsll there were aoir.e good passing rushes on both sides, and judging by the applause of the spectators the game most have been very intecest-iDg. On changing sides the Morumgto;\ had a lead of two goals, but ifc was expected that playing down hsil the Northern would soou make up the difference iv the siy_>r*s, Morniagfcon still managed to forgo ahead and the game finished : Mornington ... 4 geala Northern ... I goal