FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14897, 28 July 1910, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. Br Foll Back.

OTAGO REPKESENTATIVE MATCHFS August 17,—,-. Southland, at Invcrcateill ' August 27,-v. South Canterbury, at Sin. Sep ember l._ v . North Otago,' at Oamaru ten ™w *-* bep omber 7.-v. Wairarapa, at Miasterton September 10.-v. Wellington, at Wellington.

The second round of club matches will oomfado M Anjwt IS, the first interprovincial f.xturc-that against South-and-taking pl aC p on Wednesday, August 17, at Invorcargill. A trial match and the finals of Country Week will be held on Saturday August 20, and the match against the touring South Canterbury team on August 27.. On. Tuesday, August 50, the Utagp team starts on its northern tour, meeting North Otago at Oamaru'on Sep. Ob - ! C r l! lt P rbl,r y Christchurch, Sep. ™L 7 ; , Vft ;'' ar!ll! '* at Masterton, Soptombcr 7; tho tour concluding at Welling. ton on September 10. b A rathor.unusual rumour is in cireula.on concerning the alleged payment for loss of timo of certain mombere of the New /.calami team recently in Australia. As a rtuo I do not give ciedonce to irrcsnonsible sta.temonts of this nature, but the seriousness of tl )8 allegation demands an inquiry by the Otago Rugbv Union. There may be nothing in it, in which case those rcspoiistblo for the circulation of the story arc doing incalculable harm'not only to the members of tho Now Zealand team in particular but to the game generally throughout tho Dominion.

Since the visit of the Maori team and the American University, players wo have had tho mediocrity of our football shown up in a variety of ways, and all pointin"to the decline of the game. It is a' sad travesty on local football that a team of American University players who aro more tyroa at Rugby, compared to our own men and Who havo conic out to Australia and New Zealand to learn the finer points, sliould almost hold their own with a reprcaant'atu'e Otago fifteen. Tho Americans were not a great side, and an Otago team of a fow years ago would liave. beaten them, from front-rankers to full back, without the loss of a jersey. Not so to-dav; and the fact must bo faced that the standard of play in Dunedin k lower than it has over been in the history of tho game. The worst and most hopeless phase is the poor quality of our back play, which is without ono redeeming feature, and which a year or two since would havo been accredited second grade only. Certain it is that tho standard shown in tho Maori and American matches scarcely rose above that of junior football. What is the remodv for this deplorablo stato of our back play"? Certainly -not modification of rules or alterations thereof to suit players. This is only tinkering with the game; not raising tho standard of play and players, which is the primary object. If all the demands framed by colonial authorities for alterations in the rules were passed by the International Board and brought into operation to-morrow tho standard of the game would not be raised one degree. The game might be made moro open and more spectacular, but tho standard would be the same—the conditions of play would alono bo changed. Wo don't desire a change of conditions in a general sense, but we do desire a change from the crude exhibitions of the past two seasons. Playors wo do want; players who think and act; players with pace, dash, and initiative; _ players who know the value of the straight run, tho cutting in to beat a man, tlie giving of a pass wliieh is a pass and not a wild lob;, players of originality, yyho arenot afraid of breaking the most sacred creeds of Rugby in the eauso of the game.' These aro the men we want; yet it is just this type of player wo aro lacking to-day. Don't give us modified rules, but gira us intelligent players.

At the time of writing the date and vchkio of tho North v. South Island match have not yet been decided. *Now that alt the interprovincial fixtures havo been arranged- it may be expected that 1 the New Zealand Rugby Umion will fix the period and the , place. It is almost certain tin match will be played on Lancaster Park, Christchurch.

The decision of *he referee (Mr H. il'Farlanc) in awarding a free kick to University on Satuiday, when Brooks, the Alhambra full back, on being tackled threw tlie ball out o[ play, was a wit:e one. Mr M'Farlaao might have gone farther and awarded Univuisitj a try, but was evidently of opinion that a try would not have been scored under legitimate circumstances.

lii selecting the Otago team to meet the Maoris and the Americans our three selectors passed over the claims of Kardiiigliani,. tho cx-Christchurch player, whose club form-this season justified consideration, if not final selection. As a centre three-quarter Hardinejiam is a batter player than many give him credit for.

Mitchell, the Alhambra forward who -was selected for the New Zealand team to tour Australia, but who was unable to make' tho trip, turned out for Alhambra against University on Saturday. Mitchell was a triflo out of fonm, but has time to recover beforo the Otago representative team goes on tour.

By the way, I have heard it stated that Mitchell does not intend to tour with the Otago team, in which case, of course, ho will not bo considered. I cannot believe, however, that Mitchell is going to allow his feelings to te swayed in the direction of debarring himself from the northern tour if selected.

Nuku, the one-time Otago University piayer. who was selected to join the Maori team for Australia, but was unable to make the trip, joined the Maori team in Wellington and played centre against Wellington province. By fcho way, it is stated that Nulcu is returning to the- Otago University next season, and further that Ivyland, the wing three-quarter, who played such a fine game for the Maoris against Otago, will accompany him. The wish may only be father to the' thought,' but a three-quarter of the type of Rylnlid is badly wanted in local football. The Maori is the most dashing three-quarter we have seen in Dunedin for several years past. Otago could do with him in the three-quarter line this season.

S. Mynott and Stohr, two members of the Now ZeakuKi team, which returned to Wellington last week, were notified on the day of their arrival that their club (Tukapa) was to play Stratford, at Stratford, the next day, and wore asked to play. As it was too late to catch a train, a motor oar was KKfuisitioned, and tho pair left for Wanganui in order to catoh the morning train for tho north. When some six miles from their destination the supply oi- petrol ran out, and tho two footballers, together with the chauffeur, had to walk to Wanganai. However, Mynott and Stohr arrived in amplo time to catch their train.

Mr L. G. Abrams. at a mooting of the Metropolitan Rugby Union (Sydney), moved —" (1) That employers of members of the M.RU. who may bo selected' to represent the State or this union shall be reimbursed the amount of the player's salary or wage should leavt of absence" be granted ■him on full pay. (2) That the. Executive Cotwnittee frame' rules and conditions to striotly, carry out the above, to prevent professionalism. (3) That a special committee, consisting of Messrs Graham, Burleigh, Dickie, and the mover, be appointed to witiibss the Northern Union football games, and report at once as to the advisability of the competition matches beiii£ played next season under such rules (or improvements) and amateur conditions as laid down by this union." Resolutions numbered 1 and 2 wore defeated by 30 votes to 2, while number 3 lapsed for want of a secoi.dcr.

Tlis telegram from Auckland conveying intelligence that the Englishmen were not touring south was received with very "mixed" feelings in Northern Union circles in the South Island. Gaines were expected at Nelson and Dunedin, while Invcroargill also- thought it -had a chance of

RUGBY GOSSIP. Uw match for the Banfurly Slncld has been arranged to be played in Auckland on Au«u.»t °o Mitchinson's defection from the Wellington representative team'against the Maoris was on account of an injury to his ankle ■ Timmah are reported to have a very strong representative team this season-one wmoh should win more matches than they

It.» reported that Walsho and Bolwrt*. i selected, will be unable to proceed with the Wellington representatives on their northern tow.

The annual match between Christ's Colego and Otago High School) which was 1o have been played in Christchurch tost week, has been postponed until August 8 owing to the illness of some members of the Uvflrjo team.

The balance sheet of the Sydney Bugby ,m , ws pmfit oil tne niat<!ft account of HGB7, but on the general cash account there is an overdraft of £1271. The assets. ii?'«n r \? llow an MCOTa oVer KnbilUies of i1.i,610, the new Rugby ground being set down at its cost, £10,702 The crowd of 45,030 at the Knglsnd-Aus-tralaßia match in Sydney on July 9 is a record for the J3 n-side game in any part of he world. Sydney's record for any game of football is 52,000, at a New Zealand-New South JVales Eugby match, while that of Jingbnd is about twice as large again The defoit of the British team by the Transvaal to tho tune of 27 points to 8 must bo a highly disappointing result to English sportsmen. Defeat in ■ itself is not of any great importance, but such a reverse implies a rent. The first test match is to he played at Johannesburg on August

Through one cause or another Timaru has already lost Glasgow, Bain. Smith, and itaine, and Uns week they received the nnfcindestcut of all in the departure for Otego of Wiglcy, their best forward. Apart from his value to his club, Wigley's removal is to be regretted from the South Canterbury point of view, as he had fairly earned a place in the rep. team. Mr Meredith, manager of the New Zealand team recently in Australia, votes ■traucis, Of Auckland, a3,th<s finest fonvard in the New Zealand team, although New South Wales selecter J. R. Henderson declares that no finer forward display has ever been given on the Svdney Cricket bround than "Rangi" Wilson's in the larf f est match between Australia and New Zealand.

li'ree A*cw Zealand footballers took part n> the final for the Northern Lea-sue chamWOBSbip fEjißlnnrl) between. Oldham BJ id Wisnn.. For Oldham the veteran G. ¥ Smith, of the All Blacks, was playing wins three-quarter, and on the onnositi? side wcra Soeluvg, another All Black, in the .orwardst, and Uuneelott Todd at. centre .hroa-qiuirter. All three were prominent in the game, which was won by Oldham by 13 points to 7.

ASSOCIATION. By Lew Wjjhj. The following arethe names of some'of the players who will bo asked whether, if selected, they will be available to play for Otago against Wellington, at Wellington. Tlio list is not complete: — Goal—Knowles, Jack, Harrison. Full backs-Shepherd, Young, Elliott Irvine, M'lvor, Mayhcw. ' Halves-Garnett, Wyness, Harrison, Simpson, Fisher, Cameron, Colville. Forwards-Fortes, Lawson, Baillie, Barlow, Jas. Timlin, Tabernacle, Evans, Ramage, Gardner, Ritchie, Morton.

Tho following table shows the positions •on July 20 of toxins engaged in the

WEDNESDAY COMPETITION

C . . > if, * S •? h? 0 £ O Oao Southern A .... 10 8 1 0 47 11 18 Post and Telegraph A 10 7 1 2 51 U 10 Motnmglon A ■.. 10 7 2 l 4fi 14 is A. and T. Ingiis A.. 9 G 1 2 42 H H Penrosa'B .. ... ... 10 5 5 0 17 38 10 Jlommgion B( .. 9 2,7 0 10 41 4 Post and Telegraph B 10 1 7 2 9 33 4 A ' a ?d T- IngHs 8..-M 2 8 0 is 51 4 Southern B .. .10 1 8 1 13 35 i) 'Hie Wednesday competition has been a' very healthy :one this season, and the games have attracted a fair amount'of public interest. Tho nino teams have piayed in. one grade, and it is therefore not surprising that matches between A and B teams have sometimes been one-sided. A notable exception was the match between Post' and Telegraph A and B teams, which ended in a draw. Some feeling ■■has been displayed over the introduction into Wednesday clubs of prominent Saturday players, such as'Lawson and llusse i. According to present law'it seems the change can be mode providing tho Saturday player obtains a clearance from Ins old club. It is, however, a practice that may easily be abused. The Wednesday people still hope for a match against Southland this season.

Mr Edgar llitson, writing to tho Otago Daily Times, has bec.i gently castigating the Otago Football Association. Others have, at various times, essayed the use of the knout on the same body, .but they have mostly had axes to grind, and have finally desisted when tho vanity of beating the air was realised. Mr Ritson claims to have qualified as a referee in tho Homeland by passing the _ prescribed _ examination. In such case his opinion is entitled to respect. Mr Ritson will admit that tho laws of tho game do not provide for tho three possiblo decisions which ho slates are open to a referco when a goalkeeper lies on the ball. Therefore, there was occasion for the doubt which has existed amongst referees and players, and concerning which the 0.F.A., as in duty bound, sought to bring about uniformity of practice by referees by oxprcssing an opinion; In the absence of explicit laws on tho subject the practice followed at Home should bo adopted. Mr Ritson has set forth his statement as to tho Home practice. Strangely enough, the O.F.A.'s opinion was mainly influenced by the statements as to the Home practice made by two of tho delegates who hail from the Old Country. Tims, opinion as to what is Homo practice is divided. Next comes Mr P. Braithwaite, agreeing with Mr Ritson for the most part, but dissenting in one particular, insisting that a penalty kick should be given against a goalkeeper who intentionally lies on the . ball. Curiously enough, it seems that this same problem was discussed by the O.F,A. about seven years ago, the penalty kick referred to by Mr Braithwaite' being approved of by the O.F.A. in consequence of the habit one goalkeeper had developed of intentionally prostrating himself after clearing the ball, in order that attacking forwards might trip over his body. The discussion on the point leaves the question as it stood before—to the discretion of the referee. What must be. prevented is the danger arising from a melee tho goalkeeper is lying on the ground. The O.F.A.'s opinion was for the purpose of preventing that. Mr Ritson's three-fold decision aims at the same, and is admittedly logical, although, like the O.F.A.'s decision, not backed by the book. The whole. circumstances will now probably be submitted to the N.Z.F.A. for a ruling. One satisfactory outcome of the discussion is a revival of interest in the pro42S§al that the Referees' Club should be ro-

a visit'from tho English "missionaries", formed. I understand that Messrs Jones, who . would show Rugby followers and Braithwaite. and Eitson arc putting their othere which was tho immensely superior heads together, and it is hoped that the game. Secretary Corson, says a Southland upshot will bo a vigorous organisation of wire, has wired tho New Zealand League referees which shall be a source of strength protesting against the dropping of • the to the gamo next season, southern tour, and it is to be hoped that | Very little is heard locallv of what is tho protest, • will bear fruit. Should the; done by tho , council of the N.Z.F.A. ' loague decline to move, Southland will have I Otago's delegates in ' Wellington, however to be content with the excellent chances \ assiduous in attending theme-stings at headof Hamilton and Hughes for inclusion in : quarters, rarely figuro in tho correspontlie New Zealand team at Auckland'. Both • denee handled "by the'O.F.A. The follow--men arc well worth their place in any ing resume of 'business transacted at a team, amateur or otherwise, in New Zea- meeting of the counoil last week is of kind. general and special interest:— Though the alterations in the rules of In connection with the default of TaraRugby that were approved by tho Inter- naki in regard to the Brown Shield match national Board and adopted at the annual against Wellington, it was resolved that meeting of the English Rugby Union on their challange be declared void and their May 31 do not go nearly as far on tlie road fee forfeited. If they, desired a match in of reform as many New Zealanders would the future u re-challenge would bo neceslilsc them to go, the action of the union sar y. lias considerably mora significanoj than its 'I 1'« Canterbury Association in a letter more formal rcsolations disolose. The regretted that a North Island v. South adopted amee&ients were those that aro Island match could not bo played seeing nsw in force—namely, the addition of the 'hut 'a game of that description played at words "so that he cannob pass it" to the Christohurch would give the game an imdefinition of a tackle, (he rulings in regard- P e t' ,l? '" tne ''' district-, .to kick-off and kick-out, and the provision . T ' ,e New South Wales Football Associathat tho referee may award a goal'in the '' on wrote asking for a copy of rales case of a ball being illegally stopped in governing the Brown Shield competition - its flight. Tlie only proposal that did not 116I 16 ' 1 ' m " €W Zealand.—The secretary was find favour was the one relating to tacklin" instructed to furnish full particulars, over the goal-line, ''If a,player when over A letter was leceived from the secretary tho goal-line and in possession of the ball °ft'" 3 Association in answer to be tackled before thb ball is grounded the '''* of forming another club in ball sh-ill he scrummaged five yards from Invcrcargiil, stating that Northern Uniontho goal-line, opposite where the player was ' 5m was nmc ' l ' u ovidence, our) a club tackled." This proposal was referred back cons|,st ' n S °f ,nan y disqualified Rugby to'the International Board. C'ommentins iMors had been formed. Tlie matter bad on it in Sporting Life, Mr Hunish Stuart therefore teen loft ovor for the ]rresent. who writes with considerable authority on ' n, ° Aucic,;ultl Association wrote' asking matters pertaining to the government of for i»f or » wtion regarding the suspension football, states that the recommendation ?. f J 11 "' 50 " < obl S o > and ,& Iln £° n ? (W /t really involves a co.itradiotion in terms b»- lm ?ton). The secretory (Mr B. L. Salcause after altering the definition of a Inon ' ' nt ' ma * c<l f " at ns3 lw <i n0 wo ™ of tackle to read that a. player is tickled ]Ilu ' rifon ' s disqualification. It was resolved when he cannot pass, the board recom- lha , t ' *"° Otago Association be written to mended that.a pl ayer should bo regarded " ntl W a °'T! lar ett f ** }™*H to »!' (is tackled when he might score but could ssso5 sso « 1<ltlon '« , aslun ? for lists of all disqunlinot pa% It is not unusual however under > iwtms wltl > co - mes , of avideitcc, the fame thoold rule, for a p] ayw to score while J? U J"™ 11 *** 1 *° i' e J*" 01 * associations h« is tackled in terms of the new definition. th ?f ho "t *v W i i The suggestion now is that tho board should A len "/' hy dls ™ s . s,on 'f* P' ace Mto bhe , set rid of the apparent contradiction by J?***. <»* a* o "*"™ to *t »P °ff' merging the two rules into one boards. Tlie chairman considered that the present position of appeal boards was absurd, as the New Zealand Council bad the final vote, mid was in itself mi apno.il board. However, the .nw.'/fcer' would" he looked into when new rules v.-cro beincr drafted.