THE RUGBY GAME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18348, 12 September 1921, Page 6

THE RUGBY GAME

CANTERBURY v. OTAGO. HOME TEAM WINS BY 19 TO 14. OTAGO’S POOR GOAL KICKING. (Pbb United Pbesb Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 10. The match Otago versus Canterbury* was played ut Lancaster Park in the presence ot about 4000 spectators. Canterbury won an interesting game by 19 points to 14, but a draw would be a fair indication of the merits of the teams. Canterbury opened aggressively and the southerners were turned several times in quick succession. Canterbury were opening up the game and showing good combination, and after knocking at the door tor some lime thej) scored, Ellis breaking away from a lino out and touching down. The kick failed. Otago soon equalised the scores. The Blue forwards carried a scrum, and the ball readied Stewart, who eluded 'Orchard, and grounded behind the posts. Watson’s kick tailed. Otago pressed, but were soon sent back, and irom a scrum on the line E. Cummings obtained possession and scored lor Campbell to goal. A pretty piece of play by Henry, who beat several opponents, saw Canterbury’s score increased to 13, Campbell being successful in goaling. Canterbury at this stage were out-playing their opponents Ward was responsible lor a great dash, but Mullins overhauled him and prevented a certain try. A minute Later Otago worked the blind side, and Stewart scored wide out. No goal resulted and the spell ended with Canterbury leading by 13 points to 6. In- the second spell Otago played much better and early added to their total. . • Mr’Naugbton passed to Owles, to Stewart, , who raced across, but Harley was unsuccessful with the kick. Tight play followed for some time, and from a penalty for obstruction, Henry landed a fine goal. Otago rallied, but the defence was equal to the strain, and the visitors were forced baok. Mullins got possession from a scrum, and fooling the opposition with a dummy pass, scored a brilliant try, which Campbell failed to convert. Just on time Wilson broke away for Otago and passed to Ward, who scored behind the posts for Owles to ' goal, making the final points: Canterbury 19 points . Otago 14 points

GAME EVENLY CONTESTED,

OTAGO BACKS WEAK ON DEFENCE,

STEWART PLAYS BRILLIANTLY,

(Feom Otjb Own Coeeespondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 10. In weather of summer warmth and much more than summer stillness those old opponents in Rugby —Canterbury and Otago —met at Lancaster Park this afternoon before a crowd of about 5000 spectators. The game was very evenly contested, and Canterbury owes its victory to superior goal kicking, which was unusually good, three attempts out of four being successful, while that of Otago was poor. Though 'defeated Otago showed probably the most attractive attacking back play witnessed at the Park this season. It. was the weakness in the defence of their backs which was the main factor in Otago’s downfall. On one occasion a Canterbury forward, in a solo effort, dribbled the ball from a scrum eight or 10 yards from the line and scored a try without much attempt being made to stop him. Canterbury's second try was scored somewhat similarly, Cummings picking the ball up from a loose scramble and running across, witn the Otago five-eighths and centre clean out of position. The three tries scored by Otago were brilliantly-executed back movements, the ball passing crisply and accurately through a number of hands, and tries being obtained very cleanly. M’Naughton, at half back, showed considerable smartness in getting his backs going. The pick of the Otago backs, however, was Stewart, who displayed exceptional brilliance in attack, and scored three out of the four tries, and should hecomo a player of the highest rank. His pace and elusivenees were a source of danger to the Red-and-blacka whenever he secured the ball. Ward also played a fine game, and executed several capital movements, though the over-running at the ball coat him a probable try on one occasion,' if not on two. Watson, at full back, -was fairly safe, his fielding and kicking being the best features of his play. The Blue forwards did not pack as well as the Canterbury men, and their share of the ball in the scrum was consequently affected. In the loose forward movements they quite held their pwn, coming away with a number of good dribbling rushes of the character for which Otago was famous in bygoaa days. The outstanding forward was Patterson, who made the utmost use of his height and weight on the line-out, and was generally conspicuous in dribbling and following up. Highley and Coombcs were also in the picture frequently. The chief need of Otago seemed to be a reliable place kick. On the Canterbury side. Orchard played a very safe game at full, back. Dailey, at half back, and. Henry, five-eighth, also gave a good exhibition. Among the forwards, E. Cummings played an excellent game, marred by a weakness for being offside. Ellis and Jaokeon were the pick of the others.. The forwards bunched and followed up well, nipping in the bud numerous menacing movements by the smarter Otago backs. Both teams were without the services of some of their best players, but the display was a good one, and the interest in the game was maintained until the bell rang. The game, though hard, was played in the excellent spirit that marks matches between Canterbury and Otago. A fast pace was maintained throughout owing to the referee being more indulgent in regard to minor infringements than was the case, for instance, in the test match last Saturday against New South Wales.

RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH. TIIE HOLDERS DEFEATED. EASY WIN FOR WELLINGTON. PLAY BELOW FIRST GRADE STANDARD. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 10. The Ranfurly Shield football match was | played here to-day, and resulted in Southland losing by 13 points to 28. The attendance was fully 10,000. Lord and Lady eJellicoe were present. Ideal weather conditions prevailed, and the ground was very Sard. As an exhibition of Rugby the i?ame was not equal to first grade standard, it was open and faafc, and contained, many good passing rushes, but at times it was extremely ragged. Each side showed little combination, and many glaring mistakes were made by the backs. Southland backs were unreliable, and seldom fielded the ball cleanly. The visitors kicked off with the sun and breeze at their backs. Wellington were first to attack, but there was no vim in the movement. Bad passing amongst the local backs let Millar and Cockroft away with creditable dash, which was improved bv a kick by Diack. Misfielding by Siddells ended in Diack scoring in a good position. ~ Agnew, converted. Southland 5, Wellington nil. .As the game progressed play became fn«t., H. Nicholls repeatedly sent the Wellington backs away,- but the passing was most erratic. A rush, headed by Parker and Ryan, reached the Southland line, where the ball went dead. Nice work by Bell, St. George, and Diack followed, and I. Brown was jyiven an opportunity to pot a goal, but missed. A splendid opening by St. George was nullified by fumbling, and when the effort was repoatcd Wellington .forced down. A passing bout between St 'George, Hazlott, and Diack ended in L''Brown again potting without success, and the home aide relieved by a kick by Siddells. Southland were having the best of the play up to this stage, but their attacks were without cohesion. Presently Ryan came away from the scrum, and ran strongly, and when the opportunity to score was presented, it was spoiled by nn infringement. Again St. George let the Southland backs away, but the finishing touches were absent. Cockroft intercepted a pass, and, with the assistance of Agnew and Strang, hemmed Wellington down. Sdddells coming through and saving. The visitors continually threw away good "''Chances to score. Advantage was not taken of the sun and breeze, line kicking being more favoured than, the open game. \ run'"by Jackson was carried on by H. Nlcholls, De Clifton, King, Markham, and Hutchison. The last-named scored but King missed 'with the kick. Southland 5, ■fj'eUinjfton 3.

During a loose forward rush by Wellington, Mark Nicholls picked up the ball and passed well out to S. Shearer, who transferred to Algar. The latter kicked along the line, and Brown fumbling, King scored, but his kick at goal failed. Wellington 6, Southland 5.

It was now apparent that the visitors were not equal to the opposition, and Southland were mainly defending until a few minutes before the spell ended. Their tackling, however, was improving, but little cohesion was displayed. A strong Icick by St. George and failure by Siddells to return it, resulted in a loose scramble near the Wellington line, where Lopdell picked up and ran across. His kick at goal fell short. Southland 8, Wellington 6. The second half of the game opened with an attack by Southland, which melted away through want of sufficient vim. King had a shot at goal from a free kick without success, but from a later one Mark Nicholls found the cross bar from near the centre of the field. Wellington 9, Southland 8. St. George, who was easily the best back in the visitors' team, made really good openings, which were not made the best use of through want of support. H. Nicholls also excellent work behind the scrum for Wellington. Diack intercepted a pass, and got well awav but was collared by Algar. A dash by the Southland forwards stopped at the Wellington line. The ball went across, and M’Kenzio dived, but failed to secure a try by inches Wright and Gilmour flashed into nrominence for a moment, but .7, Shearer altered the position by a fast dribble. Southland sought relief bv forcing, and during a further attack by Wellington Bell got offside, and Mark Nicholls goalcd. Wellington 18, Southland 8. Wellington was gradually ginning the upper hand, and slightly better unison was being shown. A well-judged pass by 11. Nicholls was sent to his brother and on to HutchisSn. who foo'ed his opponents and scored under the posts. The maior ooints were added bv Mark Nicholls. Wellington 17. Southland 8.

Shortly afterwards Hutchison goaled from a mark. Wellington 20, Southland 8. Wellington’s next try was obtained by Gair. Nicholls again goaling. Wellington 25. Southland 8. Within 10 minutes of time H. Brown caught the local hacks napping, and scored an easy try, which Agnew converted. Wellington 25. Southland 13.

A rush by the Wellington forwards saw S. Shearer force his way over. M. Nicholls’s kick failed, and the game ended: Wellington 28 Southland 13

Air G. M'Konzie (Otago) was referee. In addition to St. George. T>iack, amongst the backs, and Cockroft, Millar, and Brett (forwards) played best for Southland. The hooking by Standen for Wellington was a feature of the game.

THE SPRINGBOKS.

AN EASY, WIN IN NELSON. BRILLIANT PASSING BY SOUTH AFRICANS. (Pee United Peess Association.) NELSON, September 10. The Springboks v. the Combined Nelson-Marlborough-Golden Bay match, played at Nelson to-day, was fairly even in the first spell, but the Springboks gave evidence of the possession of magnificent passing machinery. which, however, was little used until the second spell. Apart from the flashes of brilliancy which piled up ecores. the game was fairly even. Yerpoe, - the combined team’s full back, played a splendid game, taking the ball on the full excel lenfly, kicking with great judgment and certainty, and collaring with deadly effect. The first spell ended with the score 3 all—a penalty goal for the combined team and an unconverted try for the Springboks. The South Africans opened the second spoil vigorously. Phillips, accepting the hall from Barclay, found the lino at the South Africans’ twenty-five. The Springboks. attacking strongly, transferred play into the combined team’s territory, where a fine tackle by Snodgrass averted danger, and, a South African kicking too hard, enabled Nelson to force. A fine passing rush by Townsend. Morkel. de Rock. Strauss, and Meyer was foiled by a splendid tackle by Phillips. Morkel set his backs in motion again. The ball was sent out to Zeller, who looked dangerous until ho was well tackled by Vercoo right on the line The home forwards, working well together, relieved the situation. Strauss broke away, but was collared. From » loose scrum Michau took a good pass and dashed over, but Morkel failed to convert. A brilliant passing rush by Morkel, Strauss, an cl do Kock ended in the last-named cutting in cleverly and passing to Zeller, who scored between the posts. Morkel converted. Brilliant passing bouts by the Springboks enabled them to raise their score to 26. A Feature of the game was the rapidity with which the South African half backs started their three-quarter line in motion.

RESULTS OF MATCHES PLAYED. July 13, v. Wanganui.—South. Africans won by 1 goal from a try, 1 nanalty goal, and 1 try (11 points) to 1 penarfy goal and 1 try (6 points). July 16, v. T&ranaki. —Drawn; no score. July 20, v. Wairarapa and Bush District.— South Africans won by 3 goals and 1 try (18 points) to 1 try (3 points). July 23, v. Wellington.—South Africans won by 1 goal and 1 try (8 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). July 27, v. West Coast. —South Africans won by 3 goals from tries, 3 penalty goals, and 3 tries (33 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). July 30, v. Canterbury.—South Africans lost by 1 goal from the field (4 points) to 2 tries (6 points). August 3, v. South Canterbury.—South Africans won by 5 goals from tries, 1 penalty goal, and 2 tries (34 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). August 6, v. Southland.—South Africans won by 4 tries (12 points) to nil. August 10, t. Otcgo.—South Africans won by 1 goal from a try and 2 tries (11 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). August 13, v. NEW ZHiALAND.-rSouth Afrioans lost Try 1 goal from a try (5 points) to 2 goals from tries and 1 try (13. points). August 17, v. Maraawatu and Horowhenua. —South Africans won by 1 try (3 points) to nil. August 20, v. Auckland and South end North Auckland.- -South Africans won by 3 goals from tries and 3 tries (24 points) io 1 goal from a try and 1 penalty goal (8 points). August 24, v. Bay of Plenty.—South Africans won by 1 goal from try, 1 penalty goal, and 3 tries (17 points) to 2 penalty goals and 1 try (9 points). August 27, v. NEW ZEIALAND.—South Africans won by 1 goal from try and 1 goal from the field (9 points) to 1 goal from try (5 points). August 31, v. Waikato. —South Africans won by 1 penalty qoal and 1 try (6 points) to nil. September 3, v. Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay.—South Africans won by 1 goal from a try, 1 penalty goal, and 2 tries (14 points) to 1 goal from a try and 1 try (8 points).

September 7, v. Native team.—South Africans won by 3 tries (9 points) to X goal from a try and 1 penalty goal (8 points). September 10, v. Nelson, Marlborough, and Golden Bay.—South Africans won by 4 goals from tries and 2 tries (26 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). Summary: Matches played, 17; won, 14; lost, 2; drawn, 1; points for, 214; points against, 81.

TRAVELLING ARRANGEMENTS. MANAGER'S CAUSTIC CRITICISM. SOMEONE HAD BLUNDERED. (Pee United Press Association.) NELSON, September 10. The Springboks left by the Mnponrika <it 4.30, .proceeding straight to the boat without changing from their football attire, and a:rauigementa wore made for-a. bath on the bout. Aft no accommodation had been secured, it was arranged to give them the saloon. Baths wers prepared and accommodation set apart to enable them to change and get comfortable as soon aft possible. Choerg were exchanged between the crowd on the wharf and the Springboks ;:« the vessel left tho -wharf.

Mr Bennett, manager of the Springboks, speaking at the civic rccepTTon this morning. after thanking the Nelson public for their enthusiastic welcome, said that they came heio as amateurs as the guests of (ho New Zealand Rugby Union. The people had given them wonderful receptions, and they liacl thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed their stay. “My grievance.” said Mr Bennett, “is that we have had a lot of travelling. Because of the form in which you welcome us we have had a long programme of entertainment.' Wo found your football to be particularly strenuous. Every game has been a really bard one, but, there has been nothing brutal in any way, only real, earnest football, and of that, we make no complaint, but it, has had one effect—a number of casualties. Daring the last few weeks we have had a particularly strenuous time. We left Napier, had a night’s rest

at Wellington, and then boarded me boat. (Laughter.) We have brought only 17 players, and to tell the honest truth they aro the only available men we have; the rest are in Wellington undergoing treatment for injuries. In all due deference to those responsible for the boat, it was a most uncomfortable one, and there were no conveniences. Several of us could not get berths until we left Picton. You are not responsible, but somebody is. Fortunately the journey was not rough, others wise we probably would have had something very much worse to say. We have had a night’s journey —I will not say a night’s rest, because wo did not get any—and when wo arrived this morning expected to come to a comfortable home, get a room, and have a docent bath, but instead of this we were taken to our hotel, where wo stood in the vestibule like a number of uninvited and unwelcome guests, and it was due mainly to a few gentlemen, who were staying at the hotel, that a few rooms were placed at our disposal. We had breakfast, however, and perhaps felt a little bit better. Later a drawing room was placed at our disposal. When we left Wellington we were under the impression that to-day’s match started at 1 ©clock, in order to give us time to get a bath before we left. I do not know whether your people are so anxious to keep us hero that it has been arranged otherwise, and am astonished now to learn that the match will be played at 2 o’clock. I am now told that there is a possibility that we may not get accommodation on the boat, and to fie told that at the last moment is about the last straw. What we do want at this stage of our tour is comfort. If you want a fair run in tno test match we want every possible convenience and comfort in order to get fit—(hear, hear) —yet now we are told that we may not get back to Wellington until Tuesday. This will upset all our arrangements, and we will have no chance to get the team into fettle. Somebody is to blame for this. Why a body of visitors from overseas should be treated m this way I do not know. It is not a matter of finance. Wo have not asked much, and have carried out our own programme in every possible way and tried tip give as little trouble as possible. We do strongly object to being treated in an offhanded manner.” —(Hear, hear.) They were out to win, and they came with the first object of beating Mew Zealand in the test matches; it they could not they would be perfectly satisfied; but they would like to have been given a fair chance to win. 'They had nothing but the deepest gratitude for the wonderful way in which the New Zealanders had treated them, and if New Zealand ever repaid the visit he could assure them they would have the time of their lives in Africa. Referring to the match this afternoon, Mr Bennett said his team was out to win. They were going ‘‘all out,” and all they asked for was a fair fight. In conclusion Mr Bennett said he was sorry he had to make a “grouse,” but he thought it was time, and if anything he had said would remedy the complaint he would be very glad. Mr Bennett resumed his seat amidst applause.

In regard to Mr Bennett’s remarks as to the time at which the match was set down to start, it should be mentioned that the Nelson Rugby Union informed the New Zealand Rugby Union that the game was to start at 2.46. As no reply was received it was understood tlyit the Rugby Union had accepted the time. Regarding the accommodation, or the lack ot it, at the Masonic Hotel, the Nelson Rugby Union states that the accommodation was cancelled by the Now Zealand Rugby Union. Mr 11. Atmore, M.P., despatched the following telegram to the general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company at Wellington: —“Manager of the Springboks has complained that no berthing accommodation is available for return trip. Can you do anything in the matter? Please wire me.’’ He received the following reply: “No application made to .this office for berths return trip. Wo naturally assumed Rugby Union officials your end would be arranging accommodation with passenger clerk when booting. for Nelson. Advised Coombes (secretary of New Zealand Rugby Union) wire Nelson for berths return trip.”

AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI. (Pkb United PRRas Association.) AUCKLAND, September 10. The interprovincial match between Auckland and Taranaki was played at Eden. Park to-day before an attendance estimated at about 5000. The ground was hard and fast, and the weather -was perfect, with a light breeze blowing across the ground. Auckland won by 19 points to 9. The first score came to Auckland as the result of a clover passing rush, ‘Williams scoring on the corner. V. Badeley’s kick fell short. Fast play followed, and then the Auckland backs broke away again, Grierson scoring. V. Badeley’s kick failed. Halftime sounded with the score: Auckland 6 points. Taranaki nil. On resuming Auckland attacked, and then the visitors pressed, and were awarded a penalty, Hooker converting. Shortly after Helancler scored for Auckland, but M‘Cullough’s kick failed. Auckland 9, Taranaki 3. Play livened up in the last quarter, and Taranaki scored, Hickey getting over after a clever piece of work. Hooker’s kick failed. As the result of brilliant play by the B-irieley brothers, V. Badelev scored, and M’Cullough converted. Auckland 14. Taranaki 6. From a neat passing rush Williams next scored for Auckland, and M’C'ulloucrh converted. Taranaki then took a hand in attack. Earle picked up the leather, from a scrum in front, of the posts, and the visitors were awarded a free kick, which Malone converted. The final whistle blew with the scores:— Auckland 19 points. Taranaki 9 points. Auckland well deserved their win. The Taranaki forwards proved to be a speedy and untiring pack, but the hacks failed to support them satisfactorily.

SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT. KENSINGTON TO PLAY ARTHUR STREET Owing to the heavy rain on Saturday morninu the B Grade primary schools' seven-a-side tournament was postponed. The A Grade matches were commenced in the afternoon, eight teams competing. Messrs S. Styche and A. Bringans, who were in charge, had the games off up to time. The spells were of seven minutes' duration, without an interval, and if no score was secured at the end of the time play was continued, a force-down or a kick out of bounds counting against the defenders. A fair crowd attended the matches, the proceeds of which were in aid of the Kaikorai Band Ballarat Fund and the St. John Ambulance Association. Messrs L. Galbraith and E. Whittaken acted as referees. v FIRST ROUND. In the match Mosgiel v. Macandrew Road the latter played one man short. After several minutes' play Mosgiel succeeded in scoring u try, which was converted. Mosgiel 5, Macandrew Road nil. Macandrew Road compelled Mosgiel to force three times. There was no score in the second spell. Mosgiel 5, Macandrew Road nil. Musselburgh v. Normal.—Normal came on two men short, and after a few minutes' play Musselburgh scored two tries, the first not being converted. Normal pushed hard and potted a. goal, which ended the first spell. Musselburgh scored twice in the second half. but. failed to convert on both occasions. Musselburgh 14, Normal 4. Kensington v. 'Forbnry.—Kensington had the best of the game in the first spoil, and secured one try, which was converted. Some time later Kensington again scored, and Fcrbury succeeded in scoring just on time. Kensington 10. Forbury 5. High Street v. Caversham.—Caversham won by default. Albany Street v. Arthur Street.—After a fairly long spell of play Arthur Street succeeded in scoring a try. which was not converted. Arthur Street continued to have th" iidviintaga, aiv.l scored twice, but failed ro'eonvert. Arthur Six M.-t, 9. Albany Street nil. SECOND, ROUND. Musselburgh v. Mosgiel.—ln the first spell Mosgiel had the best of the game, and scored twice, both kicks failing. In tho second spell Mosgiel again nroved superior, and scored twice., but failed to convert one try. Mosgiel 14. Musselburgh nil. Caversham v. Kensington.—These teams \vere about evenly matched, and there was no score until shortly l.efore time was called, when Kensington secured a good try. which was converted. Kensington 5, Caversham nil. SEMI-FINAL.

Mosgiel v. Arthur Street, —Up till half-time neither side gained much advantage and no score resulted. Arthur Street gradually worked up the field, and play was confined to Mosgiel’s territory till a free kick relieved the position. When time was called there was no score, so play was continued. Mosgiel carried the ball to the Arth**r Street twanty-fivo, but, a mark relieved Arthur Street. Un and down play followed for some time, both teams being tired. After playing an extra 12 minutes Mosgiel succeeded in scoring at the corner.—Mosgicl 3. Arthur Street nil. Owing to (So strenuous game it was decided to play the final between Kensington and Mosgiel at a dat© to ho arranged later.

FIFTH GRADE. ZINGARI BEATS SOUTHERN. The fifth grade match between Zingari and Southern was played after the schools’ tournament. Southern kicked off from the south end, and after several minutes of mid-field play the Southern forwards carried play to the Zingari goal-line and compelled Colours to force. A long spell of up-and-down play followed,. Zingari attempted to get away from the scrums, but the Southern forwards smothered them. Off-side play behind the twenty-five lino gave Southern a chance, but the kick at goal was charged clown. Following a scrum in' the corner play opened out. The Southern full-back missed a kick, and a Zingari forward secured the ball and succeeded in crossing the line- The kick failed. Zingari 3, Southern nil. After about 12 minutes of uneventful play the Zingari team gradually gained the advantage and confined play to Southern’s twenty-live. At half-time the score remained—Zingari 5, Southern nil. On resuming play Zingari took up the offensive and caused the Southern players some anxiety, but good line-kicking relieved the position. After some time the Southern backs broke away, but the Zingari full-back forced. The Zingari team nearly succeeded in crossing the line, but good tackling by Southern saved the position. A spell of uneventful play followed. Southern made a great effort to score, but were unsuccessful. Shortly before time Zingari again sooted, but the kick failed. Zingari 6._ Southern Nil. Mr A. J. Haub was referee.

LOCAL MATCHES. Herbert, Haynes (6) defeated Arthur Barrett (3). Haig and Spence scored for tne winners, and Fraser kicked a penalty for the losers. In tlie Returned Soldiers’ Choir match Tenors beat Basses, 14-8. A match between Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co., Ltd., and P. Hayman’s, Ltd., resulted in a win for the former by 14 points tj 5. For K.P. tries were scored by Ireland (converted). Brown, Watson, and Swete; T’yrell scoring and converting for Haymans A special prize donated by Mr De Carle, tho oldest employee of Kempthornc, Prosser, Ltd., was won by W. Ireland. Mr Himburg proved a capable re feree.

A very enjoyable game was played between Hogg and Co. and A. and T. Burt’s electrical department, the latter winning by 8 points to 3. Hart and Allison scored for the winners. Hay converting, and M‘Dowell scared for the losers. Tile annual match between the representatives of Briscoc’a Factory and Warehouse was played at Bishopscourt on Saturday. A cup presented last year by Mr A. Harrop (factory manager)' for competition was won by the warehouse players, and the factory made a bold bid on Saturday to turn tho tables on their opponents, but a hard-fought, if not brilliant, game ended with honours easy, 3 points each—a try to factory and a penalty goal to warehouse. The game was ve-fought at tho annua' smoko in the evening, at which Mr Johnstone (general manager) presided.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL. .AUSTRALASIAN TEAM. Press Association—Rv Telegraoh—Copyright LONDON, September 9. Tito Australasian footballers have commenced practice at the Harrogate Association Club’s grounds, where they give an exhibition display to-morrow (Saturday).—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE THACKER SHIELD. ( Pun UNTTHI) I’HKSS association. • AUCKLAND, September 10. In a match for tho Tihackor Shield, the Ponsonby League team beat Petone by 18 points lo 13. The attendance was nearly 7000. The game throughout was highly exciting, and kept tho large crowds on the side-line in a state of great enthusiasm.