FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12989, 2 June 1904, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO REPKESENTATIVE MATCHES,

APPROVED DATES. August 10—Against British team, at Dunedin. August 17—Against Southland, at Invcrcargill. August 20—Against Canterbury, at Christchurch. August a3—Against Hawke's Bay, at Napier. August 27—Against Auckland, at Auckland. August 31—Against Wairarapa, at Masterton. September 3—Against Wellington, at Wellington. ' September lOr-Against Southland (return), at Dunedin.

BRITISH RUGBY TEAM IN< NEW ZEALAND.

August b—Against Wellington, at Wellington (probable date). Au°ust 10—Against Otago, at Duneain. August 13-Again9t Canterbury, at Christchurch. . ■ August 17—Against New Zealand, at Welliugton (probable). Migust 20—Against Auckland, at Auckland.

BRITISH TEAM IN AUSTRALIA. The programme of tho English team at present stands thus:— June IS-Ncw South Wnles, at Sydney. June 22—W-cstorn Union, at Bathutet. June 25-New South Wales, at Sydney. June 29—Metropolitan Union, at Sydney. July 2-Australia, at Sydney. July 6—Northern Union, at Newcastle, July 27— Northern Border Unions, at Armidalc, July 30—Australia, at Sydney, Visit to New Zealand. August 27—Combined Country, at Sydney. August 31-Melropolitim Union. September 3-New South Wnles, at Sydney.

There is a probability of the inter-island match being played in Uunedin this season. Both Auckland ami Otsgo Unions offered liberal terms to tho New Zealand Union for the New Zealand-British match. Union • play their annual match with Oamaru on the Caledonian Bround on iho morning of Friday, June 3 (Prince of Wides's Birthday). , . Tho Canterbury representative touring team will probably not travel further than Wellington this season. Mr N. Galbraith will tour the colony with the British footballers as the representative of the New Zealand Rugby Union. Tho First and Second Fifteens of the Pirates Club visit Ohristchureh on Friday (Prinoe of Walcs's Birthday) to piny their annual fixtures with the Christchureh Club. Pirates seniors were to have played Southern on Saturday, but as they will be unable to get back in time, tho match will be played later in tho season. With tho object of giving country, visitors an opportunity of seeing & big Rugby gamo the O.K.F.U. has decided to play the Al-hambra-UnivCTsity match on- Friday (Prince of Walcs's Birthday) instead of Saturday, m originally arranged. This will leave only tiro senior matches for- Sr-hirday, the. Pirates Fifteen being in Christchureh creating; a by© for Southern. The To Auto team, which left Wellington for Sydney on Saturday, >yas constituted as follows:—Pine (captain), Erckoin, Tukero, Ilougo, Kangi, Poutawera, Momo, Wanoa, Hiroti, Stewart, Nacra, Grcnnell, Ellison, Broughfon. Tango, Whavetini, Walker, 'Turu, Kani, Tawhai, They will bo about three weeks absent from the colony. In tho opinion of a, Sydney the superiority of Warner's team to New South Wales at cricket was more pronounced than tho superiority of the Now Zealanders to New South Wales at football.

Pirates won their first match of the present season on Satnrday by decisively defeating Dunedin. It was a good win, and the Blacks are to ho congratulated on their fine showing. No other team in Dunedin has met with so much misfortune through the- incapacitation oE prominent players as Pirates, Hislop's loss was the most severely felt. The absence of this sterling player upset the whole combination of the back division, rendering it almost useless either ou defence or attack, The foregoing statement will probably bo construed as saying littlo for tho Pirates' backs, and of a, truth little can. bo said, for without Hislop they were invariably at sea and ineapnblo of doing anything on their own initiation. That one man should make so much difference in a team is deplorable, but it is so in tho ease of the Pirates, and now that their mainstay has rejoined them after soveral weeks' forced retirement I expect to hear of .tho Blacks accounting for several other gaines beforo the end of tho season.

Portcous, the aggre3sivo Kaikorai forward, played one of the games of his life on Saturday against Zingari. He did the work o£ half a dozen men,,and certainly received tho knocking about which should have been shared by that number. Nothing finer in wing forward play has been seen for many a day. He kept well on sido, being always behind tho ball, but when the moment came to get round, his movements were quick and sure. • '

Adamson's hoight gave him tho advantage on the line, where no gathered in tho ball with certainty, but having secured it, he was sometimes at a loss to know what to do. with it. Securing the ball on the line makes for several things, but chiefly a break-away with ball at toe or a quick half-.turn and pass. The Kaikorai captain generally tried tho break-away, but as he was always well marked, iittlo advantage was gained by that style of play. Had Adamson adopted the half-turn and quick pass from the line, tho back?' in waiting would bavo had a chance of sending the ball oil before the opposing forwards had disentangled themselves from the line-out. W. Harris, tho old Union and New Zealand representative footballer, was an expert at this style of play, and tho finest line man within tho writer's recollection. A fow minutes after tho commencement of the. game between Zingari and Kaikorai on. Saturday, Thompson, the foil back for the former team, received an injury to ihis shoulder. Little notice of the acoident was taken at tho time, and Thompson played through tho spell. At half-time it was discovered that he had sustained n serious injury to his. shoulder and collarbone, necessitating his removal to the Hospital for treatment. Thompson will bo unable to play again for three or four weeks.

Apropos of tho foregoing, in allowing another man to take Thompson's place, the Zingari and Kaikorai captains acted contrary to a ruling of the English Ru<»by Union which provides that in the event of a player retiring through injury his place may not be filled by any other player. This rule,

which camo into operation last season, is claimed by tho English Union to bo a- check on Tough play. Personally, I fail to sco how the E.K.U, Committee arrive at this conclusion. To my mind, it has the very opposite effect, and tho reason is apparent on tho surface. But ours is not to reason why. Tho English Union, tho controlling body of Rugby football, has passed certain rules, and it is for Rugby footballers to abido by them. In connection with tho foregoing, an incident occurred which for somo littlo time escaped the notice of the Kaikorai captain. When tho player,? had lined out for tho second spoil it was seen that Procter had been taken on vice Thompson; but instead of dropping back into the position recently vacated by the Zingari full back, Procter was put up amongst tho forwards and Curtis wa3 taken, out of tho pack to fill tho position of tho retired player at full. The game had been in progress somo 10 or 15 minutos when tho Kaikorai captain realised that a fresher man was now playing in the forward division. He thon drew the attention of tho Zingari captain to the faot that in agreeing to another man being taken on-in place of Thompson,'he did so believing that the newcomer would actually take Thompson's place at full hack, but as this was not what had been done, ho had only to ask that the player who hud joined the game at tho commencement of the second spell bn shifted to tiie position of full back. This was done, Proctor playing full back, and Curtis resuming his place amongst the forwards. To tho writer's mind,; the Kaikorai captain would have, been bottei , advised had he allowed matters to have remained asthey were, for fresh. as wxts tho newcomer. lie was not a forward of tho class of Curtia, who had been removed to the position of full hack, ami was therefore a good man out of the way. What passed my understanding at the time was why the Zingnri captain took out one of his best forwards to make of him a very ordinary full back. It (.iocs not often htmneti that x game is won, as was the case with Southern's victory over Allwmbra, without .the point credited beiiis actually genrcd. The- writer can only recall cno other instance in which such a thing did happen, and was similar to Saturday's incident This was in a match played on Csrisbrook several years ago. Arthur Morris had dribbled tho hall over the lino when ho was inierforod with by an opponent, and tlio refrt-ee, a? was tho case in the Alhambra-Southern match, awarded a try, as in his opinion ;i try would undoubtedly have been scored but for tlio illegal interference. In rcspoct to Iho incident on .Saturday, I ran only express surprise that a player with tlio experience and tho knowledge of tlio gamo which G'ivon, tho Alhnmbra forward, possesses should have, so far forgotten himself as to interfcro with an opponent chasing the ball. The Alhambra captain contends that had Given not interfered with Taylor no try would have been scored, as the ba'l was travelling ut such a rate of speed that it must have reached the dead hall lino he-fore the Southern forward could have readied it. That, of course, was a matter for the referee to decide, and Mr Williams mast have been satisfied that a try would undoubtedly have hon.n scored but for tho interference, and ruled accordingly. Why is tlio penalty for "foot up" in tho Ecrammago not more rigidly enforced, and tho players brought into lino with tho rules of tho game? In a. match I witnessed recently tho refcreo had great difficulty in putting tlio ball into liio jcnun through tho action of the players putting their feet up, yet ho did not think it necessary to enforce tho penalty. Of what use- aro rules making for tho improvement of Eugby football—and the foot-up rulo is ono of theso— if they aro not to bo carried out? If the feet of all tlio scrunimera aro on tho ground no difficulty is experienced in putting in tho ball, and no time is wasted, Tho ball is put fairly in tho centre of tL-.o scrum, and it is for tho cleverost hookera to got it out. If New Zoaland can heat the British Rugby team now on its -way out to the colonies (says a Sydney, enthusiast now in England) they will dofoat anything they aro likely to moot over hero. I notice that at a recent meeting , of the Wellington Boferecs' Assooiation it was resolvoct to strictly enforce tho law in refcreneo to awarding no ohargo where players on tho opposing side have one foot over the mark in cases of free kicks, marks, and kicks at goal. Otago roforeoa might with advantage strictly enforce this penalty also, In a match I witnessed recently tliero was not cne instance- throughout the gome in which tho players stood fairly on their marks in cases of free kicks, marks, and kicks at goal, and the referee did r.ofc penalise tho offending side on a single occasion.

Canterbury evidently anticipates a big ''gate"-for the match to bo played by their representatives against the British team on August 13. At a recent meeting of tlio C.K.U. it was resolved- that the New Zealand Union bo recommended 1 to roaiidor tho advisability of seeming; increased stand accommodation for tho match to bo played al Lancaster Park against the. distinguished British footballers.

A recent visitor from Ihvofcargill eays that on tho wholo the Southland forward play is equal to anything in Dunedin, and in backs Southland is an easy first. As tho visitor in question saw the ZingariSouthern match, rn which two of tho finest forward packs in town were- pitted against each other, the forward play ill Southland must bo of. a histh order. Certain it is that we hate nothing superior than tho Hingari fowrards, and if there is a better pack in Southland the club which claims them must take a considerable lot of belting. Had the Southland enthusiast scon the Zingari forwards getting to work in the second spell against Kaikorai on Saturday ho might have had reason to change his opinion The Wellington and Taranaki Unions liiivo each asked that tlieir anwa! fixtures with Auckland be sot down for Saturday, July 30.

Wellington lia3 challenged Auckland for tho Ranfurly shield this year. W. Hardcustlo, tho Globo footballer, lias gono to Queensland, and it is understood the northern State will benefit by his ability as a player. Thero is no denying the faot that Hardcasfclo has a good knowledge of all tho .points of. (he game. Ho lias the reputation of being a very fino coach. Fanoy paying £800 as a transfer feo for a football player! Yet this is what tho Manchester City Olub did to secure tho services of a forward. It is said to be a record price. The playor is regarded) as a firat-rato man, and so he should 1» for the money. It would be interesting to know what salary ho receives for playing. In England just now the timo for transferring has arrived, and there will doubtless bo many "bargains" made.

Rugby football championship matches were, continued on Saturday afternoon (wiree my Auckland correspondent), when Nowton beat North Shore by three points (a try) to nil, after a strenuously contested game, confined mainly to the forwards, l'onsonby beat Suburbs by 32 to nil, and City beat Pamcll by 23 to nil.

A Wellington appreciation: Ex-Dnnedinito M'Kay. who played, alternately at full back and wing thrcc-qnartcr for Poneke, made an impression with his lejt-foot punts. Ho used both the wind and lino splendidly. Morty Wood has turned a deaf ear to all appeals, and. has definitely retired from the game.

Tho Rugby County championship was brought off at tho Rectory Field, Blackheath, on April 9, Konfc opposing Durham, last j'car's winners. Tho result of a hard game was a win for Kent* by a goal and a try (8 points) to two tries (6 points). It is sovmi years since K-uiit last won tho title.

THE VISIT OF THR .BRITISH FOOTBALL TEAM. Dear Full Back.—Now that tho visit of tho English football team to our shore 3 is assured, it rests with tho footballers of tho colony to do their utmost to get into as good form as possible, as from all accounts iho Englishmen will be a hard team te beat. New Zealand on lier past performances must be regarded as tho premier colony at football, and it rests with our next representative team to uphold the splendid reputation which tho colony pos-sesses.

Tho team that visited Australia last season was undoubtedly the- host team that over left New Zealand, and it was apparent to all that its forte lay not so much in the individual brilliancy of the players as in tho combination, both back and forward, whioh it displayed after its first few matches. The Englishmen, when they visit Now Zealand, will have played several matches together, and consequently they aro oortain to possess combination, which must to a great extent bo lacking in tho New Zealand team; nnd it is nccdlcsj to point out to lovers of football that combination is nine-tenths of the battle.

It is improbable, that tho New Zealand representative team will have the opportunity of playing more than one matoh together previous to meeting tho Englishmen, and it such he the case one match will hardly suffice for tho men to know each other's play. If the team that played New SoutTi Wales oould bo eat together to meet the Englishmen wo would Iks certain that our men would render a good account of themselves, but from newspaper reports I observe that no fewer titan eight of the team have retired from the game, and it will bo a very hard task for tho Selection Oommitteo to satisfactorily fill their places. AVallaee, Wood , , Kiernan, M'Grogor, Harvey, Humphries, Duncan, Cooko, and probably others, have stated that they We given the game beet,

Even as individual players the loss of such champions must he severely felt, hut with their knowledge of each other's play la-nd thei combination which must exist ■amongst them, their loss is irreparable, and must bo .severely felt. I would urgo on the various football editors throughout tho colony tho advisability of impressing on tlio above-mentioned players (through the medium of their columns) tho. necessity of theso players reconsidering their determination. New Zealand will require her very best team, and wo ,oan ill afford to lose tho services of such tried and , valuable players at such a time. I think tbat if au appeal wero mndo to them tho majority would bo only too pleased to render their best assistance to New Zealand for this particular occasion, and this could only bo done by thorn, once more entering tho football arena. Trusting that the various football sonbes throughout tho colony will take the matter in hand,—l am, etc., Peo Patbia. Dunedin, May 27, 1904. [While agreeing in tho main with tho views expressed by my correspondent, I inoline to the opinion that the players ho mentions, having retired, they should not bo run after, but that wo should do all in our power to encourage tho young footballers at presont playing tho game—Full Back.]

RUGBY EOOTBALL AND RETfEREES. By Vsll Back. From the spectator's viewpoint, Ifio senior matches played under the Rugby codo rtre inoro attractive now ih.in has bce:i tho ease wth the earlier games of the previous season. Whether this improvement is due to tho players themselves or to the faei of tho roforucs putting'.tho ball into the. scrums matters little. The improvement is Micro, and the writer nopes thi-.t the. games will continue to he playocl in this manner. That tho rofercN aro doing a wjso thin;.; by putting the ball into tho scrums is evidenced everywhere. There is now no itnnecessary time wasted until all tho forwards get up to the f.cnmim.iging point before tho ball is put in—a frequent source of annoyance under tho old system,—and when the ball is put in the scrum it in placed there fairly, which could not be said when tho players .took upon themselves that duly. Tho innovation docs away with a lob of tho blillocking scrum work, which is never attractive and seldom useful, but vhich is frequently the cause of hacking and rough piay, On tho other hand, ifc open.; up tho game- wonderfully. Tho scrums are never tightly packed, for tho reason that no sooner are ilio required number of .-jilayera up to scrum point—and it only lequires two men to form a scrummage—tho ball )3 put in, and tho gamo goos on, Tho advantage* of tho new system are, or should be, apparent to tho meanest capacity—even to that, of some of our footballers. Tire forwards now raco up to tho scrums, wliero they tattoc!, and, 1 blush to say it, walked 'before, knowing , 'thai; 'tho referee will not wait before putting she ball in. Result: a fust and open game— forwards breaking through with ball at toe and actually taking part in dribbling rushes —au art in Rugby football which went out of vojuo with tho sterling pl.iycrs of the SO's. Any innovation which is for the betterment of Rugby footlwll such as tho one under discussion, should be oneouragod, which gives pause to say that I fail 'to see why the English Rugby Union his not insisted on referees putting tho bail into tho .scrummago instead of advising— as tJiey havo advised—tiiem to do so as little as possible. But of course there are qurie a legion of rulings laid , down by tkc head body in far-away England which wo in the colonies cannot understand. For example, what objection can there bo to tho introduction of a' ru'io providing that on the lineout the ball, when thrown, nvust reach a 10 yards limit, Anyone wiio lias watched tl'O hacking and haggling which go on in line-out-piny in senior matches every; Saturday can sec what an improvement eiieh a rule, would be, and what possibilities' it would open up. Tiie gamo would be open, consequently faster, and the hacking and bullocking which are more or J(*s associated with, "tight" line-outs would to a. very great extent bo eliminated from tho game, and when you eliminate fho-e illegal and dirty practices which go oni in scrum and , linoout you get at the source of tho trouble which leans up to rough play. Rugby football is to the writer's mind no rougher hero to-day than it was 10 or 12 years ago; bit: what has unfortunately come into vog'jo with the years is illegal ploy, and liy illegal play I moan foul play such as hacking snd tripping up, shoving a man on the. lino from behind when he ii about to tab the ball, crashing into an opponent after taking a mark, and practical of a like nature. For offences lileo these referees 'should to particularly severe, and when such an offence does occur the referoo should blow his whistle loud, long, and shrill, so that there might bo iio mistaking the intention, Jf referew paid more attention to this, and less to (trifling breaches of mies such as unintentionally .knocking 0. , ), which gives ro advantage to either side, but makes play slow and uninteresting, it would bo much better for Rugby football and Rugby footballers. Of course, I hear some roferees saying our duty is to'watch tho game and see that it is played according to tho rides laid down for it. Quito so, but you are also there to soo that the players play tho bail and not. as frequently happens, tho man. You answer in return that your attention is too much taken up with following tho flight of the ball to soo what, is going- on' olsewhero on (he field. To say so only reveals incompetence, to take- sole charge of n. game of Rugby football. It is just as important that you should do your duty when, you soe> a, glaring piece of illegal play as it in to blow your whistle when you seo the ball rebound out of a player's avms. There are instances innumerable which might bo quotedi in proof of the foregoing. But why go on? The refece has rot yet been born who can see ereryliiing that goos on in tho football field; but we hayo plenty of competent officials in our midst who, if they will only exerciee tho powers which the laws provide, can do much to improve the game of Rttgby football.

ASSOCIATION .VOTES. By Left Wing.

PROGRAMME OF NEW SOUTH WALES

TOUR. June 23—Play North Island at Auckland. July 2—Piny Auckland at Auckland. July 7—Play Wairarapa at Masttrion. July 9—Play Wellington at Wellington. July 11—Play Canterbury at Christclmrch. July 16-Play Otago at Diinedin, July 20—Play Southland nt Invercargill. July 23—Play New Zealand at Dunedin. July 30—Play New Zealand at Wellington.

The Second and Third Grades are not availpole, as Hie returns arc- not complete. The elevation of the standard of play has demanded a corresponding improvement in the capabilities of referees, and the Wollington Association lias now decided to' examine nil holders-of the whistle. This is a step in tho right direction, and might with advantage be taken up by the Otago Merees' Club. Some very questionable tactics were noticeable in tho match Northern v. Hangers, played last Saturday. The. game bedng closoly contested, and the hard efforts of. both sides to score made matters very willing,. Fortunately for one of tho players, the roferee did not notice his action, or there may have beon trouble. Referees have instructions from their committee to put down illegal practices, and any player cau"hf will be severely dealt with, as will all cases of intentionally rough and ungentlcmanly play. I observe tho Otago Football Asso6iation has accepted tho Butohere' colours, which are rod, white, and blue: that ia, blue and white jersey, with a red sash from shoulder and under arm. The red sash should be fully 3in or 4in wide, so as to bo distinguishable from the Northern colours. That tho Referees' Club is a lively body is ovidenced by tho fact that thoir secretary has forwarded to the O.F.A. a letter stating their disappointment that several of the grounds are not marked out ia accordance with Law 1, and they ask that the association give this matter their immediate attention. In this I entirely concur with the Ecferees' Club. It is not at all gratifying to any rcfereo to go on to a senior ground and have to keep measuring 18yds this way and 12yds that way, etc. It is a waste of time, and most annoying to spectators, who dp not always sympathise with a referee in the fulfilment of his duty. I was glad to =eo tho Oiago Football Association take tho initiative by donating £1 towards the immediate expense of the Beforces' Club. It is to bo hoped that clubs will follow the good example set by the O.F.A. There are such expenses as postage, stationery, typing notices, tramway and train fares, whistles, and certain other minor expenses that are not thought of by elubs, and it js not riglit that these should oome out pf individuals' pocket*.

The following transfers have been: granted to the Northern Club: Timlin and Permin from First to Second Grade, and Cameron and Irvine from Second to Third Grade , . John Timlin promoted from Second to First Grade, and K. Irvine's name added to the list of seniors.

It is tho intention of the Kaitangata Club to work up a bazaar to help towards paying the expenses of the teams travelling to Dunedin. 1 Eiuceroly trust the bazaar will bo a success. The Kaitangata Club has forgone tha idea of the visit of the New South Wales team to Kaitangata. In tho excitement attending - a corner kick in a Second Grade matoh on Saturday, an attacking forward involuntarily raised his hand and feted tho ball through the uprights, causing general amusement. Tho merriment changed to surprise, however, on both aides, when the whistle blew for a goal! Fortunately for the defenders, the goal did not affect their ultimate success. Tho match between Northern Second and Sawyers' Bay was keen from statt to finish. The Bay aro a heavier team than tho Northern, but the latter arc faster and quicker with tho ball. The game was spoilt to a certain extent by rough play. Early in tho game, Watson, right half for tho Bay, had to lenvo the field on account of a severe kick, and play was stopped several times jn later stages of tho gamo on account of men being down. Ballautyne and Jack, for the Bay, played a sterling game: The Sawyers' Bay goalkeeper was not up to his usual form, and let some easy shots through. The Bay forwards kicked hard into goal, and trusted a great deal to rushing the ball through. For the Northern, Black, in goal, played a good game, clearing his goal neatly and coolly. Tho toots played a hard game, and with tho he,lp of the half-backs, broko up tho Bay rushes. Middlcmass was the best of the. halves, working lite a Trojan all tho time. Sinclair and Irvino both put in good work. The Northern forwards all played the game, but Permin was not up to his usual form. Uttley generally beat his man with neat footwork, and passed out to ißrickell, who centred across tho goal, allowing Permin and Uren, who were always on the spot, to cut in and score. Timlin, at coutre, worked hard, and gave tho Bay goalkeeper considerable trouble. Mr Baugiian controlled tho game. When town teams journey to Jvarfang.itii as a rule the gamo is very willing, and tho match. Kailangatft v. Koslyu was no exception. Ifc was a groat "go " from start to iinish. In the first five minutes Roslyn should havo scored, but pvcr-c-jgerness on tho part of tho forwards lost a good chanco. The first goal scored by Kaitangata was tho ra-iulfc of offside play, besides tho fact that Smallbono was charged "when not in ■possession of or even playing , tho ball, (jf ooinw, nho referee judged otherwise, but it was hard luck for. Roslyn. Their second pxwl was a penalty given agair.oi Smallbono for taking more than two sterix in getting the ball away. For (-his goal Rosiyn have lodged an appeal against ■tho referee's decision.

TJio Ivaiiaiigato's strength lie.9 in iheir back division, the full kicks being powerful kickers, the loft back (specially sound! in defence. Middleman and tdio centre half put. in some hard work) and' placed well to their forwards.

Fergussou's presence in tho forwards' rank was greatly manifest. This player is particularly smart in his footwork, but, not content with chiding two or three players with tho ball at bis tot;, he trj'is to repeal tho perlomumcG, with Who inevitable result that ho lores the ball, with no ground gained and a possible chance of a scoro lost by his not centring. Hill, the outside right, put in some good work, especially in ithe iirst spell. Findlay was also prom:nent, chiefly on account of his tendency for offside piay. Tho hero of (he gamo a3 far. as Roislyn was'concerned was Smallbone, who played a really first-class gamo. In the second spe'l ho was called upon to clear his goal on several occasions, ami with (ho whole pact of the Kaitangata. forwards swooping down on tho goal ho camo ouli of (to ordeal with honour.

Of the backs, Newman was unquestionably fJie pick. Ho is very reliable, and uses splendid judgment. Kempston put in, a. lot of hard work, and seemed to bo the only man able to contend against Ecrgua-oa's manoeuvring. Tho forward; were greatly strengthened by tha inclusion of Siudoiwe, who has returned to bis old love. Ho was the means of starting come pretty passing work with tho other two forward.; an the- right, and when he imderstanda thoir style of play and Ussher takes up_ hi s portion in Iho field tho forward division will bo hard to beat.

So often does the question arise as to what right of retaliation is allowed to a player who considers himself unfairly treated that a word or two on tho matter may not be out of place lioro. Players must accept the absolute finality of tho law, that under no circumstances iFnaitever is a man allowed to retaliate on the fieM. Were it not so football would very soo.i take a very low place in tho athletic world. Implicit trust imisli bo place;! in tho referee who looks after Hie wrongs ns well es tho rights of evety player on tho ground With regard to tho penalty from which AaitangaAa scored their winning goal en Saturday,, some excuse, may be madte for the referee. His decision to give a penalty against the goalkeeper for carrying the bail was, of course, quite wrons;—a penalty may be given against -the goalkeeper only' for pushing with itlio hands/ But the spectators at Kaitangata aro numerically muM stronger than on, any Association' ground m Dunedin, and a man would need to bo very cool indeed 'to bo unaffected by (lie frantic shouting of such partial spectators

ENGLAND v. SCOTLAND, Bt An Ex-Dusnm.v Plater. Thg great soccer wont of the year took piece- amid ram, hail, and sno«- at Coitio Park, Giasffow, on Saturday, April 9, There, was an attendance of 50,000, but this would probably have boon, increased to nearly 80,000 had the wcatha , been more propitious. There were'4o entrances, and soino 20 to 30 police controlling the crowds at each. Inside the park I counted over 150 policemen on foot, but I afterwards Jeamed there were 200, with those mounted. At 3.30 the referee emerged from tho pavilion and placed tho bail in. the centre of tho ring;. A minute- afterwards tho teams appeared. In tlie first lalf the Scots had , very much tho best of the game, and gave Baddeley (the English goalkeeper some dangerous shots, but he was equal to them all. Templeton had rather hard luck with' a lightning drive, which struck ti'-o crossbar, and also one sont in from Brown struck tho post, which would certainly liare puzzled the goalkeeper. In tho second half England fairly outplayed' the Scots, and gave a. fine exhibition of football, winning by a goal to nil. By this victory England obtains the international championship. The positions are:

Goals Plyd. Won Drn. Lost Pfs. For Ags? England ..I! 2 10 6 0 3 Ireland ..3 1 1 1 3 S 4 Wales .. .1 0 2 12 3 4 Scotland ..3 0 2 12 2 3

NOTES BY FULL BACK. The following table shows.lho positions of tho teams in the Senior Grailo championship:— l'oints.' Clubl I § i I 1- 7 If . g £ O fc < 'Jit Zinjiari .Southern Kaikorai Alhambra Univereity Union Duneiliu Pirates G « 6U ,6 6 G ■0 5 2 0 8 2 5 ] 0 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 1 4t* '■> " 0 4S 22 10 2 10 18 C I 10 22 5 1 24 48 f> 0 27 33 4 U 3S 47 4 1 15 37 3

The following table the .TurioiB Assoointit Grado competition:— Club, Nortlicin .„ ,„ ,., Kaitanj-ata ... Wakari Roslya Southern shows tho positions of )u teams in itiio First « S IT 4 5 4 <1 S 4 0 ~i :\ 2 t 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 4 :t S .! 'ft f o" 1 2 0 1 1 1 T 7 ti 4 1 l