FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13385, 11 September 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO. v. WELLINGTON,

v A DRAWN GAME.

The match between football teams represen'tativo of Otago and Wellington provinces took place at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon..' "Weather conditions wcro anything but favourable, as l strong north-easter brought in a perpetual drizzlo of rain from tho harbour, and the ground was very sodden. Under tho cirtumstaaces gowl football was too much to expect. Tho attendance was good con-' jidering tho weather, something over 3000 ipcctators being present, Tho tcaim wore constituted as under:—

Wellington (Blacks).—Full back, G. Spencer; three-quarters—Sharps, Blacklock, and Eyan: five-eighths, Dawson; half back, Ramsden; forwards—Alexander, Knight, Collcrton, Gillespie, J. Spencer, Wyiie, Driseoll, Hardham, Gardiner. . Otago (Light Biues).—Full back, Borrie; three-quarters, .llacphcrson, Bennet,- and Giiray; jive-eighths, Adam? and Eckhold; half back, Collie; lor,ranis—M'lntyre, Spiers, Foote, Low, Thomson, Sheehan, Fitzpatrick, Porteous.

,Wellington won tho toss, and Otago Kicked off against the wind and the • rain, and becamo immediately aggressive. Maephersoiv all but got away, bufc Driseoll tackled him firmly, and a free kick relieved tho pressure. The visitors in lurn attacked, usinj' tho wind to advantage, and Borrie' the Otago full back, had a busy time. Passing among tho visitors' backs was nullified by good tackling. Ryan essayed to pot a goal, but tire ball fell short, and was called back for an infringement... Gardiner (playing wing forward for the Blacks) broke through from tho scrum in great style, but Maepherson saved, and tho local forwards, headed by G. Thomson, recovered their lost ground by a strong run. Hard kicking by tho visitors then caused , the Blues to force down twico in. quick succession. ' The Otago forwards again camo up.;the field with a great rush, which Blacklock stopped ' by marking cleverly, and play came , back again to Otago's twenty-five, where the Blues again forced down, tho Wellington forwards kicking too hard. Tho Otago backs were putting in some excellent work at this stage in tho way of 'line-kicking and fielding a difficult ball. Tho Blues - were again hard pressed at their twenty-five corner, whoro Eckhold averted tho danger and earned applauso by a lucky speculator that found touch at half-way. Otago then had a look in for a minute, Bennet getting in a clever return in the faco of a forward rush. Give-and-take play followed, play again coming into the visiters' twenty-five, but hard kicking by. the Wellington forwards soon sent the ball back to half-way. and Ramsden got in a good line kick that again nut Otago on the lefensive. Borrie then got into trouble, fumbling a high kick, and tho Blues had a bad time on their line, but eventually their forwards carried i'he ball well up the field, only to see it sent back by Spencer, \vh- found touch in their twenty-five. Good dribbling by the Otago forwards again carried the ball to half-wav, where Gardiner initiated the first really concerted attack of tho Wellington backs, which ended in Blackloek's running well and kicking and Otago forcing down. Ramsden r.cxt marked, and G. Spencer had an unsuccessful place-kick at ~-oal, from near half-way. repeating the e-weriment with like result a minute or two later. The visitors .■•gain attacked, and hard kicking compelled Borrie to force down. Adams next marked, and kicked into the hands of Hardham, who took a mark in fairly good position, and had a drop kick at- goal, which was only just unsuccessful. Smart ■passing followed among the visitors' backs, Ryan failing to accept a difficult pass when a scorc looked likely, and tho leather wont into touch. Otago again forccd down, and later a hard kick knocked Borrie off His feet, and tho hall travelling aver Otacro's lino the situation looked dangerous, but Maepherson and Eckhold raced for the ball, tho latter forcing down' in time_ to beat the Wellington forwards. Half-time was called with plav in Otago's twenty-five. The- second spell was very much a "repetition of the first, except that instead of being on the defensive the Blues were pretty . consistently attacking. It was obvious, however, that aftei the hard defensive game played by them against Wellington and the wind in the first spell the Otago plavera had none too much energy left, for tlie second, the result being that Wellington's defence proved strong enough to prevent the Blues scoring. Wellington started aggressively, and J. Spencer headed a strong rush. Play was keen in Otago's twenty-five, and Blacklock lost a chance' when ho failed to take a. pas«._ Maepherson then piit in a serviceable kick over the heads of the visitors' backs,, and Adams followed it up with another that heat the Wellington full back, wlio forccd down. Hay then settled down in Wellington's twenty-five, and the defence of the visitors was severely tested. Eventually by combined work the Wellington forwards took nlay right up to Otago's twenty-five, hut Borrie and M'lntyre put in serviceable kicks that recovered most of tho ground for the Blues. The Otago backs, getting the ball for once, put in some Dassing, but Bennet hung too long to the leather and was collared, and aft!"r hot play a kick by Borrie forced the visitors down. Later on Adams marked' and drop-kicked at goal from nearly halfway, but the ball was too heavy 1 to rise sufficiently, .and a force down was the only result; a result which was repeated a moment later when, from a mark by . M'lntyre, Adams had anothe. unsuccessful , shot. A bout of passing initiated by Mac- , phcrson gave the Otago backs a chance, hut j Bennet unfortunately potted at goal instead j of transferring to Gilray. Tho ball did not | rise from Bonnet's kick, hut was sent back lo Adams, who apparently marked in a good Tioaition. hut the mark was disallowed. The Blues still pressed, and the visitors forced twice at short intervals. Driseoll then put in some fine forward work, which . removed nlav to Otago's territory. Bennet ■ saving. Kckbold got in a high kick that i sent the ba'l into touch close to the visitors' line. Indiscriminate sort of play continued, the Blues bein? unable to cross Wellington's line, and the Otago forwards ( being unable'to secure the hall in the scrum. ; From a free kick to the Blues Adams had j an unsuccessful drop-kick at goal, the Blacks forcing down then and a moment later, when Collie kicked too hard in his own twenty-five. The visitors pulled themselves together, and got on a final rush, which Maepherson stopped brilliantly, and Bennet send the ball out at halfway, time being then 1 called, and the result of the game thus ' being— , 5

Otago Nil. Wellington' _ Nil. From a spectacular standpoint the game was very disappointing, though nothing much better could have been looked for in view of the state of the ground. The teams were very evenly matched on the whole,

Otago manifesting a. superiority in the back division, and. Wellington paving . a .superi-ority-.in tho' forwards,: owing, largely to V considerable advantage in . weight, which told on such a day- as Saturday! -tAfter .doing so well as to, stave ofT Wellington's ■ attack, which ( was,. however, decidedly*erratic, in the first, spell,' .it:- was expected that the Blues would have!slio.TO.stronger'attacking powers than they did spell; but Otago's attack was' no better than that of the visitors,'to which the blame ."must be in part attributed to the" fact that the ball very rarely came , out to. the Otago backs, being almost invariably secured; by Wellington, in, the scrum; However, tlio Blues as a team might \havo played a. much better game -to. 6uit ; tho' conditions, and they'attempted the. impossible too often in tho way of picking up tho ball. Tho .Otago backs gavo-a. good display in tho first spell,' fielding and kicking extremely well with a slippery, ball and tho wind against them. Borriogave a'creditable display at full back, though' called on to do some .difficult work aiid bustled at times. Adams excelled, especially in the first spell, in. taking the ball and in his line-kicking. Maepherson and Gilray did well what camo their: waj ; , but got few chances, and Eckhold at fiveeighths .played very soundly from start to finish of tho game, being ong of the mainstays of the Ota jo back team's defence. Bonnet has,played better games, and Collie was not seen to advantage. Of the Otago forwards, who all played a hard game, Porteous, Low, Thomson, M'lntyre, and -Sheehan were .particularly prominent. The AYellington backs gave a rather indifferent display 011 the whole, G.' Spencer, at full back, however, did all his work well, Blacklock 1 being tho best of the three-quarters and Ramsden doing some first-class defensive work in his position as scrum half. TJIO two Wellington wing forwards, Hudham and Gardiner, did a lot of spoiling work, and were always prominent throughout the game; J. Spencer, Driseoll, and Wylie being also conspicuous in a very solid vanguard, from which, however, tho New Zealand toam forwards Cross, Dodd, and Watkins were absent.. The, game was played in a friendly spirit except as to one incident, which evoked a demonstration from'the rowd—namely, the striking of an opponent by a Wellington player, who was in consequence cautioned by tho referee. Tho game was ably controlled by Mi- R.Barry, of Christchurch.

AUSTRALIA v. TARANAKI AND WANGANUT.

(Per United Press Association.) HAWERA, September 9. Australia 18 beat Taranaki and Wanganui 13. A large crowd witnessed the game. The spectators were very enthusiastic and impartial. • The game was fast and interesting throughout. The heavy rain did not make the ground bad, but it was a '-little heavy. The local team was as picked, except that Hunter replaced Thomas as five-eighth. The Australian . team was practically the same- as that which played Manawatu. Australia won the toss. Very tough fighting at midfield ensued, then Taranaki broke away, and shortly alter, the ball coming ous from ft line-out, liaidgraves got possession, and went down the field on '-.is own, and crossed the line with tho ball at his too, but the leather went into ttiuch-in-goal. Australia.soon relieved, and Woods shooting the ball out, a pretty run took the play to Taranaki's twenty-five, where M'Lean picked up from a scramble and looked liko scoring, but kicked into touch. Murnin then broko through by great footwork, but Colman shocked him. Tho Australians wero again passing,, but ran too slow, and even then, had Oxlade given M'Lean a gocd pass, the latter must, have scored. M'Lean was bumped out at the corner. Doro marked in front of the loeil goal, and Wiekham converted. Australia •!, Taranaki 0. Immediately after the start Lucas got the ball and "dodged through, and passed to Hirschberg, who passed to Woods. M'Lean got tlio ball, and streaked through, but Colman collared him and saved. Doro was the next to break through, but got blocked. Taranald then temporarily transferred play by means of Hardgravcs, who broke through, and passed everyone, but was overhauled and' thrown out near tlio corner. While Taranaki was in Australia's twenty-five Guy got tho ball, and made for the line. 110 dropped the ball-and' dribbled. Ryan came after him, picked up, and scored. Hardgraves made a splendid attempt at goal, but failed. Australia attacked, and Colman managed once more to save by collaring M'Lean, Taranaki relieved, and from a mark Hardgravcs kicked a good goal. Taranaki 7, Australia 4. Murnin here fractured his collarbone, and Colton replaced him. Half-time was called with Taranaki 7, Australia 4.. . . Penman, who had p'ayed a poor gamo in tho first spell, was put to full back in piaco of _B. Smith in tho second.- Swanliell received a very bad kick .iust above the eye, and had to bo taken oft. He was loudly applauded on pluckiiy resuming. Taranak: came away with a forward rush, and from a iinc-out Guscott scored. Hardgraves failed to convert. Shortly afterwards from a passing rush B. Smith ran in for Australia, but Wiekham failed to convert. Marvellous passing by the Australian backs resulted in M'Lean scoring, hut the try was not converted. Taranaki 10, Australia 10. M'Lean next scored, and B. Smith kicked a good goal. M'Lean soon again scored. Australia .13, Taranaki 10. Soon after Hardgraves lucked a penalty goal. Australia. 15, Taranaki 13. Just on the call of time, from a" passing rush Colton 6corcd, and the game ended:

Australia 18 points. Taranaki 13 points,

Mr P. Scoglund referced. The better team won. The visitors' passing was a treat to witness, whilst in tho latter stages of the game they put in a series of dribbling rushes which proved irresistible. In passing, cerum and footwork, tho homo team wero quite outclassed.-

POVERTY BAY v. lIAWKE'S BAY. (Pee United Psess Association.) NAPIER, September 9. The representative football match Poverty Bay v. Hawke's Bay was played hero this afternoon, and resulted ill a win for Poverty Bay by 9 points to 6. The winners played a rattling forward game, but the Hawke's Bay backs were superior. For Poverty Bay Sherratt, Sharp, and Row'o scored tries, and for Hawke's Bay Munro scored a try and M'Vay kicked a goal from a penalty kick.

THAMES v. AUCKLAND. THAMES, September 9. Thames defeated Auckland' by 7 points to 6. Tho gamo wa-s _ played under the most favourable conditions, but was principally confined to tho forwards. Auckland scored two tries, and Thames a penalty goal and a potted goal.

ASSOCIATION. . _ FIVE-ASIDE TOURNAMENTS. The Third Grade five-aside tournament was held at Mornington on Saturday. Fourteen teams competed, and tho victors were the Green Island team, who beat Mornington m the filial by 6 goals to nil. In the semi-final Green Island boat Milton, who had been showing exceedingly good form all day, and Mornington beat the Southern. Mr Martin acted as referee. The Schools' Five-aside Competition took place on Monteeillo on Saturday. Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, 20 out of the 25 competing teams took their places when called on. A great deal of enthusiasm was evinced by. the contestants, and many of the games were very exciting. ■ The Schools' Committee decided before the commencement of the tournament that it would be wise to shorten the spells to three minutes each, and this worked out nicely, and enabled the games to bo finished a few minutes past's o'clock. The finals in each grade were played with fivemir.ute spells, and in each case the, Christian Brothers' teams won by a narrow margin. In both grades extra time had to be played. The following are the results:— Senior. First Ronnd.—Collego No. 1 beat Kaikorai Np. 2.by 7to nil. Second Round,—Kaikorai No. 1 beat Normal No. 1 by 3 to nil, Christian Bros.' No. 1 beat Normal No. 2by |to nil. Christian Bros.' No, 2 beat College No. 2 by 3 to nil. Third Round.—College No. 1 beat Kaikorai No. 1 by 3£ to 3, Christian Bros.' No. 1 beat Christian Bros.' No 2 by 3 to nil. Final.—Christian Bros.' No. *1 beat College No. 1 by i to nil. Junior.. First Round.—Mornington No. 2' beat Fprburv No.' 1 by i to nil, Kaikorai No. 1 beat. Christian Bros.' No. 2 by 3 to nil Mornington No. 1 beat George Street by 3£ to nil, Maeaudrew Road Tjcat Albany Street by 3 to nil,- Christian Bros.' No. 1 beat High Street No. 1 by 3£ to nil, Forbury No. 2 beat High Street No; 2 bv 3 to iiil,

Second Round.—Mornington No. 2 beat Kaikorai No. 1 by 3i to 1, Mornington No. 1 beat ITacandrew Road* by 3 : to nil, Christian Bros.' No. 1 beat Forbury No. 2 by £ to nil. • • . Mornington No. 1 beat Mornington No. 2 by 6 to nil, Christian Bros.' No. l a bye. Christian Bros.' No. 1 beat 11 rnington No; Iby I,to nil.

TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND. ' / (Per United : Pbiss Association.) .. • , * AUCKLAND, September" 9. : The Association. football:.match. Tarariaki v. Auckland tfis\ played hero to-day,' and resulted in a draw, , both sides scoring 1 .goal,'"j Tho weather was fine,, and the. attendance numbered- a,bout 500. fn the first half Foreshaw registered a goal for Auckland,. and - . Sohoo!fie!d succeeded i.in accomplishing the same feat for th© visi-tors;-In tho second spell play was-very-' interesting, and both sides tried, hard, 'to Bcore, but without succcs?..: Throughout tho game the local men ;had 'a' I)it tho best of the' : play, and but forKtho display giveii . by" Frost (in goal) for'. thoviators .must have won. Schoolfiold, "of /the'.. Taranaki team, \vaa perhaps "tho best forward on tho field. : ■

Teams representing tlie /Ncw •.Zealand Express Company and Messrs Crust and Crust met at Montecillo on Saturday afternoon;'Knd after a most enjoyable and exciting game Victory rested iVitli the former by 9 points to 6. 'Both teams played vigorously,,: and there, was not a, dull moment from.start to finish.- For tho winners, Stuart, ;Black, and Timlin worked 'like Trojans; whilst for the losers, Olsen, Alexander, and Curtis were espcoially distinguishable. Mr Austin gave every satisfaction as* refciee. ■ V

The' team to repr&ent North'' Otago"in the match to bo;played against'Otago on Thursday'next' 'is:-®.' Taylor, J. Taylor,' Curr.in, Onglov, Sutherland; • tlttloy, Hay, Somervoll. Falconer;; : Brced,' llinty, Craw-' shaw, F. Taylor, ForSyth, and.Keaf; emergencies— Haiiiey, and Barry. •

' [Advt.] OFFICIAL PROGRAMMES, TO*, THE EDITOn. Sir,—l am exceedingly pleased that Mr J. J. Eckhoflt has .given mo tlio opportunity of publishing' the 'wholo facts'in connection with the football ; programmes issued last Saturday,.which aro as follow.—On my receiving permission from: tho O.R.F.U. to issue tlio official: programme, Mr J. J. Eckhoff was apptoached with a view to get ting tho advertisements, which .lie! agreed fo do on a 25 per cent, commission. ■ As ho had not called on the printers' with any matter on tho Thursday, I saw him, and ho promised faithfully to liavo it fixed up by Friday morning at tho latest. On Friday afternoon 110 could not be found, and I had to start and do tho best I could myself, and succeeded in issuing the programme in time. Not being satisfied with this, ho issued ail incorrect and misleading programme against me. Now, Sir, I ask your readers, in view of tho fact that I had paid for the right to issuo tho official programme, and had offered him a liberal commission to get tho advertisements, if such tactics can be approved of by any fair-minded business nian.—l am, cto., A, R, I/iwni. September 9. •