RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19259, 25 August 1924, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

HIGH SCHOOLS’ TOURNEY.

OPENING PAY’S PLAY. TIMARU AND OTAGO WIN. Np one plays more attractive and sporting football than tho boys of the lug high schools, and their annual tournament is always keenly looked forward to by the public generally. This year it is being held in Dunedin, and opened in ideal weather at Cnrisbrook on Saturday afternoon. The four teams participating represent the Christchurch, Timaru, Otago, and Southland High Schools. Play commenced at 1.30, when the two Canterbury teams met, and at 3 o’clock Otago met Southland. There was a large attendance of the public, and tho play was followed with the keenest enthusiasm. Last year tho tournament was held at Timaru, and the Timaru boys won the final match by the narrow margin of 5 to 3 from Southland. This year the contest between Timaru and Christchurch was very close and keen, and the issue was in doubt till the final whistle. Christchurch held tho lead till within a few minutes of time. Timaru caught and passed their score. The match between Otago and Southland lacked sparkle, and the visitors never looked the least like winning. ’ Otago asserted its superiority by 28 to 5. On Tuesday afternoon the tournament will be concluded, when tho two losing tennis, Southland and Christchurch, and tlie two winners, Otago and Timaru, will meet. CHRISTCHURCH v. TIMARU. THE TEAMS. Christchurch. —Backs: R. A. Buxton, R F. Sullivan, W. E. Merritt, M. F. Cnlder, C. A. Mchrtons, J. R. Crawshaw, C. 0. Harper; forwards —M. W. Simcs, J. H. Pickles, H. T. J. Thacker (captain), C. Chambers, A. G. E. Stirling. C. it. Williams, C. 11. Perkins, F. J. M'Millan. Timaru: Backs—R. I). Fulton, W. A. Arnold, E. M. Halstead, F. Mangos, W. A. Strang, D. F. Lindsay, E. G. Slade; forwards —11. B. Hunter, R. K. King, E. M. Martin, L. Brice ,R. G. Simpson, S. Blue, S. King, W. P. Marsh. Timaru kicked off with the sun at their backs, tho bail going into touch at the Christchurch 25. From the ensuing play Arnold marked, and had a shot at goal, which, however, went wide. Several scrummages followed, until an infringement by Christchurch gave Strang a shot at goal, which was fruitless, Mohrtens fielding and finding the line at halfway. Timaru returned to the attack, but play was very ragged, several attempts at passing by the Timaru backs breaking down. The Christchurch forwards, headed by Thacker, brought the ball to halfway by a nice loose rush. Here Halstead picked the ball up and made a nice run, but n faulty pass spoiled the movement Buxton, the Christchurch full-back, was particularly safe, and was driving Timaru back with fine kicking. From a scrum at halfway the -ball came to Lindsay, who made a fine run, but bad passing again spoiled the effort. Offside play by Christchurch forwards gave Lindsay a drop kick at goal, which just went outside. Mehrtens marked shortly after, and kicked out at halfway. From the line-out M'Millan made a good dribble through to the Timaru 25. From a scrum in Timaru territory Harper passe‘d to Mehrtens, who gave a bad pass to Crawshaw. Lipdsay (Timaru) snapped the ball up and ran straight from his own 25 to score under the posts. Strang converted. Timaru ~ „ •„ .. 5 Christchurch ■ 0 From the kick-off Christchurch set up a bustling attack. Merritt kicked through to the Timaru twenty-five and caught Halstead in possession, but the Timaru forwards drove back to halfway. After some ragged play at the halfway Mehrtens broke through with a jinky rim, Harper carrying on to tho Timaru line. From a scrum Harper went on the blind side, but threw away a certain try by giving a bad pass to Sullivan. Timaru infringed, and Merritt kicked a fine goal. Timaru 5 points. Christchurch 3 points. From the kick-off play hung at halfway. Merritt fielded a short cross kick and ran about 60 yards to score a fine try under the posts. Merritt converted. Half-time was called with the score:— enristohurch ... ... 8 points. Timaru 5 points. On resuming, Timaru set up a vigorous attack, but Christchurch drove back to halfway, where play for some time was confined to the forwards. From a loose forward rush Crawshaw picked up and .transferred to Merritt, who bolted down the Mine, avoiding several men coming across, to score a great try. The same player failed to convert. Christchurch 11 points. Timaru 5 points Timaru set up a hot attack, and attempted to score per tho medium of their backs, but the passing was very poor. A free kick gave Christchurch temporary relief, but Timaru returned again to” the attack. Timaru made strenuous efforts to break through, but solid tackling by Christchurch was stopping them. Merritt broke away with a nice run to halfway. Arnold was injured, being replaced ‘by Byers. Shortly after Lindsay marked ‘and just missed the goal with a fine drop-kick. Tho Timaru forwards were now assuming tho upper hand, and had Christchurch penned in their own twenty-five. From a scrum Slade passed out to Strang, who transferred to Lindsay, who sent on to Halstead. The last-named jinked through and went over the lino in a tackle to score a great try. Slrang kicked a fine goal. Christchurch 11 points. limaru * ... 10 points. Timaru returned to the attack, and attempted passing, but Halstead was caught in possession. After an exchange of kicks between the full-backs tho Christchurch backs broke away, and, the forwards carrying on, Fulton just managed to force in time. Play moved up and down the field at a great rate, but an infringement by Christchurch gave Lindsay a shot at goal which wont wide. The Timaru forwards were playing a bustling game, and from a scrum in Christchurch territory Slade passed out to Strang, who ran about 20 yards before he was grassed. Playing the ball on the ground gave a free kick to Christchurch, Merritt finding the line at halfway. The Christchurch forwards broke away in a loose rush, and took play into the Timaru twenty-five. Faulty' pasdn" enabled Marsh to lead hi s forwards back to halfway. After an exchange of kicks tho ball went into touch at tho Christchurch twenty-five. Slade started a passing rush, the ball going through all the tacks’ hands to find touch at the opposite side From here, Slade started another passing msh, tho ball being handled in turn by Strang, Lindsay, and Halstead, the lastnamed going over to score a fine try i>trnng missed. Timaru ... ... 13 points. Christchurch 11 points. Timaru now took command of tho game back and forward. Lindsay picked up at the side lino and throw wide to Strang, who threw (ho ball about 12 yards to Mangos, who ran in to score a nice try at tho opposite corner. Strang failed. Timaru 16 points. Christchurch H points. Timaru backs were attempting passing at every opportunity, and Marsh was feeding his backs well. Christchurch dribbled back to halfway, but full time was called immediately. Final score Timaru 16 points. , Christchurch 11 points. Mr H*. Williamson was referee. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. Tho match between Otago and Southland lacked interest in comparison with the display that preceded it. Tlie Otago boys more than held (heir own in all departments of the game, and there was never room for doubt as to tho ultimate result. Individually tho Otago backs were pood—particularly the wings, Bathgate and Irvine—but it was only in the final stages of the game that they seemed to establish a working understanding. Wild and inaccurate passing was a very frenuent feature of the play. Holden, the half-back, being often among the offenders. Some prolonged and clever passing bouts towards tho close helped to redeem the game from mediocrity. Tho Otago forwards combined well and worked solidly. The visiting team ns a whole tackled well and soundly, but wore weak on attack, and showed little knowledge of tho passing game. THE TEAMS. Otago.—-Full back —C. H. Duff; tbreopuartors—W. E. Bathgate, W. A. Priest. A. Irvine: five-eighths—G. A. Young, I*. R. Braithwaite; half-back —A. Holden; forwards—W. 11. Watson, C. J. Aitken, W. Torrance. W. E. Currie, D. T. Sutherland, 6 N. Jolly, A. Rodger, W. M'Arthur. Southland.—Full back—H. Gordon; throe-

quarter backs —W. Maher, H. Shirreffs, I. Manson ; five-eighths—M. M‘Curdy, J. R. Page; half-ba/ok—D. Rhind; forwards— N. Murray, D. Blue, C. Rout, G. Mitchell, W. Tapper, 0. Clapp (captain), T. Thomson, G. Graham.

Tho teams took the field at 5.20 p.m. and opened Hostilities with tho customary hakas. Otago played, from tho railway end with, their backs to tho sun. Play began evenly, and a free kick to Southland was put out at the corner. Southland attacked vigorously from the ensuing serum, but tlie Otago forwards took play back post halfway. Duff, tho Otago full-back, missed badly when speculating, but Irvine fell back and saved with a centre kick. Tho visitors were getting ihe ball from most of the scrums, but could not get a good passing movement going. A passing rush right along the Otago backs resulted in Irvine being brought down by Pago near the lino. Gordon, the Southland full-back, saved in the face of a determined rush, but Otago continued to press. Two Southland forwards broke away with a dribbling rush to half-way, but Young returned play with a magnificent line kink to the comer. After play had hung for a time in midfield a long kick compelled Southland to force. Nicely judged line kicking frequently gained ground for Otago. Otago were awarded two free kicks in succession and from tho second Bathgate had an attempt at goal from a fair position but he failed. Otago passing went right across tho field and M'Arthur ran well up the line before passing infield. The pass went astray, but in the scrambling play that followed Irvine picked up and dashed over Bathgate’s kick failed, Otago 5 Southland d Tho visitors rallied from this reverse and the forwards quickly took play to the Otago line. They could not hold the advantage, however, and M'Curdy marked in tho face of a strong Otago rush. In tho next tew minutes M'Arthur broke through and started a movement which ended in Bathgate scoring near the corner. Ho took tho kick himself but it fell short. Otago 6 Southland “ Southland were penalised for picking out of the scrum which followed tho kick, but Otago failed to turn the kick to much account. Many chances were lost by the Otago backs through faulty handling. Ihe Otago backs indulged in a good deal pf passing across tho field, but were usually iarnmed on the lino. Young got clean through' with the ball at his toes., but made a mistake in trying to pick up and lost a good chance. About tho Southland twentyfive M'Arthur seized an opportunity, amp following up his own kick, got right through and scored behind the posts unopposed Bathgate added the extra points. Otago ■'■i Southland ; Otago wore again attacking when halftime was called. , Southland made a vigorous Start m the second spell and rushed play to the Otago s twenty-five. Their success was short-lived, however. Gordon was conspicuous for a long run and kick that gained* 60 yards for his side. Otago came again and tho visitors had to force to save themselves from a difficult position. They quickly took play lo the other end of the field, and from a loose lino-out, Murray secured and dived across to score. Ho took the kick himself and made no mistake. Olago 11 Point'S * Southland 5 points In front of Southland goal. Young got tho ball from Holden, and giving tho “dummy,” trickily scored after a good run. Bathgate failed to add the extra points. Otago 14 points Southland 6 points Young got the ball from a bad pass and made a brilliant run to near tlie Southland lino before he was compelled to pass. Priest got the ball from a scrum immediately afterwards and sent it out to Irvine, who scored near the out-line. Bathgate made a poor attempt at goal. Otago 17 points Southland 5 points Very soon afterwards Irvine made a fine run through the opposition from halfway and scored near the outline. Bathgate’s kick again failed. Otago 20 points Southland 5 points Otago attacks were frequent after this, but Southland held them up often by marking, and play was kept at the centre for some time. Otago backs came into action in good form again, and Irvine, getting a long pass from Young, ran round tho opposition and scored. Bathgate failed to increase the ..score. Otago 23 points Southland 5 points Most of the Otago backs took part in a pretty piece of passing from their own end of the field. Eventually Bathgate, when jammed on tho line, passed in to Priest, who scored unopposed behind the posts. Bathgate kicked a goal. Otago 28 points Southland 5 points From a scramble following a line-out about the Southland twenty-five. Young dashed through and apparently scored, but ho was recalled, and play restarted witti a lino-out at the twenty-five. From a free kick Shirreffs attempted a goal from the half-way line, and the ball only foil short by a small margin. Otago backs wore now working better together, and indulged in several pretty passing movements. Tho game closed without any further score, the final figures being: Otago 28 points Southland 5 points Mr A. Eckhold was referee. OTAGO v. NORTH OTAGO. A POOR EXHIBITION. Otago met North Otago at Oamaru on ■Saturday. The Show Ground was in good order, but very hard. The game was watched by about 2000 people, and £63 was taken a.t tho gates. Otago cannot bo congratulated on their exhibition of back play—in fact, their standard in this department of was little above that of the Gam am players. Tho Provan-Ross-Robinson combination was not a happy one. In the second spell the Blues wore getting the ball from practically every scrum, and Johnston waa passing out smartly. Most of these attacking movements broke down before they got far, or else Wise or Morgan would be jammed on the touch lino before they received tho ball. There was indeed very little to enthuse over in the game, and the town players did not teach the sub-union players much. So much has been heard in Dunedin recently of tho play of Grainger, the Yellows’ full back, that his game was watched closely by the visitors from Dunedin. Grainger’s weight was given as list 111 b in tho guide, but he‘looks lighter than this. lie should not have been allowed to play on Saturday, as ho is still bound up consequent on a fracture of .ne ribs received some weeks ago. Maybe Grainger was determined to show that tho claims made by his admirers regarding his play were justified. It may be said at once that the Oamaru full back played a very creditable game. _ His kicking was powerful and he wont into a tackle with groat determination. His ground fielding, howevur, was not very clean at times. There was nothing in hia display which could prompt tho selectors to pick him for Otago over the heads of the Dunedin full backs. Still, seeing the physical disability he was suffering under, ho player! a serviceable and very plucky game. Even if ho were fit to represent Otago ho would not bo allowed to play this year at anyrato. THE TEAMS. Otago Full back. King; three-quarters—Wise, Morgan, Robinson; five-eighths, 1 Ross, Provan ; half back, Johnston ; forwards— O. Knox, Pennycook, Polwarth, Bricn, M'Dcrmolt, W. Duncan, Pierce; wing forward, J. Wilson (captain). North Otago. Full back, J. Grainger ; three-quarters—■ L. Smart, G. Sumpter, C. Zimmerman : five-eighths, P. Hargreaves, C. Rowe; half back, K. M'Donald; forwards— Fricker (Georgetown), Clclland, P. Reid, M'Leod, A. Galloway, W. Cameron; Laurenson; wing forward, T. Direen. Tho North Otago players had to face a strong sun. Tho Yellows at once attacked, • and their forwards hooked tho ball from a scrum near tho Blues’ twenty-five. The passing of the backs, however, broke down at Sumpter. Fast fallowing through by Wilson and a good run by Wise put the Blues in position, but the attack was driven hack first by M'Leod and then by M'Donald, Play became v,ery ragged. The Oamaru players were putting plenty of dash into their game. Grainger took a free kick, and punted well down to tho side line. M'Donald and Zimmerman started a good movement on the blind side of a scrum, but King found tho line at his twenty-five. Faulty back play by tho Blues followed. Ross kicked to Grainger, who fumbled and was collared with the ball. Knox and Pierce were in front of a good Blue forward rush, and Knox picked up and grounded the ball on tho lino. Tho referee ordered a scrum five yards out.

From the ensuing play Morgan ran strongly along the left wing, and tried to hurdle Grainger, but was pushed out as ho went up in the air. Oamaru then forced. Some crude play followed, but Zimmerman and Sumpter came away with a nice passing run which gained ground. Passing between Fricker, M'Donald, and Zimmerman ended in the last-named making a great attempt to get over at the left corner. The ball was kicked back, and Sumpter potted without success, Otago forcing. Shortly after Morgan missed with a penalty shot. A tricky run by Johnston took the Blues to tho Yellows’ line, where Wise marked. Ho punted high in front of tho goal, and, the Yellows failing to grasp the ball, Polworth ran across and scored an easy try'. Morgan kicked a goal as the whistle went for no charge. 6—o. The Yellows tried passing, but it broke down at Sumpter, and Pennycook, who played an outstanding game, dribbled back. The play vent to King, who ran along tho open side before kicking. 'The ball was carried right to tho Yellows’ Ijjie, and Robinson scored from a scrum. Morgan missed with tho goal kick. 8 -0. Give-and-take play followed. Morgan broke clear, but was caught by M‘Donald. Grainger made a good but unsuccessful pot at goal, and the Blues forced. Smart was not letting Morgan get away very far, but the Blue wing was being jammed on the line a lot. The Blues started passing at midfield, and a pass by Ross as ho was collared was knockc ■ on a yard or two by Zimmerman. Tiie ,cedy Oamaru wing secured again, aims'. mlc tho field and boat King, just dud jd the grasp of the übiquitous Pennycuoic, and raced on to score behind the posts amidst loud cheering. Hargreaves kicked a goal. B—s. Tho half-time whistle went shortly atcr. Grainger stopped tho first Blue attack, getting in his kjck as lie was collared, and stopped another rush immediately after. Tlie Blue forwards were getting ihe ball from the scrums. Wise got tho ball at the end of passing, but he was close to tho side line, and Grainger took him well. Then Pennycook ran on to the blind side and passed to Wise, who dashed over at tho right corner. Morgan missed tho goal kick. 11—5. Ross missed a pass, but speculated through to Grainger, who was collared with the ball. Good play Ir- Galloway and a run on the open side by King left play at midfield. There was now a jot of whistle and a lot of scrumming. The Yellows’ backs were standing up close to the scrums and getting into the straight-across passing of the Blue backs. Hargreaves punted hard, but tho ball went high over his and over the lino. Wilson and M'Dermott dashed through, and after a kind of handball between Rowe, Smart, and Wilson, the lastnamed dived on to the ball as it touched the ground and secured a well-deserved try. Morgan missed the goal kick. 14 —5. Pennycook snapped up the ball from the kick-off, ran, and kicked to Grainger, who fumbled, but saved well immediately afterwards. Galloway and Cameron were in front of a Yellow rush, which drove back tho attack Morgan kicked well, Grainger securing and starting a good passing rush. ’lhe Blues again attacked. Morgan being wall tackled by Grainger as ho raced along the side line. O. Knox made a nice opening before passing to Morgan, but Grainger stopped the movement. The Blues were now pressing their opponents, but the passing of the hacks was breaking down repeatedly. A free kick saved the Yellows, and then Duncan secured tho ball, ran along the loft wing, and beat a man with the “dummy” in the best Teddy Roberts stylo Before passing to Wise. The Yellows, with M'Donald, Read, and Direen prominent, now made desperate attempts to score. Sumpter was dragged down on the line, and a scrum was formed under the Blues’ goal posts. Pennycook broke away, but Rowe marked, Duncan stopped another attack by the Yellows, and thp whistle went with play at midfield. Otago 14 points. North Otago 5 points. Mr Ilinkley was referee. Tho game was not rough, but tho ground was very hard. Read, Wise, M'Dortald. Robinson, Grainger, Knox, Johnston, and Direen were temporarily laid out during the afternoon. OTAGO v. SOUTH OTAGO. VISITORS’ BACKS SUPERIOR. The match between Otago and South Otago, played at Balclutha on Saturday afternoon, was viewed by a large and enthusiastic gathering of spectators. Otago's win by 27 points to 4 was a well-earned one and a good indication of tho respective merits of the teams. Although there was no brilliant play on either side, the game was a good one from a spectator’s point of view. Otago’s superiority lay chiefly in the backs, who made the game fast and open. Newman was playing his first game at full-back, but he always managed to got his kick in. He did not get a great deal to do. Otago’s left wing. M'Donald. played a dashing game, and was kept working, as tho play was going mostly to his wing. Neipier (centre three-quar-ter) is very light, but stood- up to the opposition well, finding no difficulty in keening up with the fast Otago backs. Webb got very little to do. but he scored two good tries. Wills (second five-eighth) played a strong game, and was responsible for a lot of Otago’s attacking movements. The forwards were a heavy and hard-work-ing pack, and were better in the loose than the South Otago vanguard, but the latter secured tho ball in the majority of the scrums. The South Otago team was without tho services of M'Lean and M'Lauohlin, two of their best players, tho former being considered a full-back of no mean ability. Guff, however, filled that position, and played fairly soundly, although he made one or two mistakes. Melrose and Olsen, on the wings, are two players who would show up_ well with good inside backs. Tlie five-eighth line was weak, and Spillane did not show anything like his old form. Scott, at half-back, was a hard worker. Among the forwards Anderson, Drcnnan, and Moir played solid games, but South Otago’s great weakness was in collaring. The game was played in beautiful weather. THE TEAMS. Otago.—Full-back, Newman; three-quar-ters —Webb. Neipier, and M'Donald; fiveeighths, Callander and Wills; half-back, Glengarry; forwards —Highloy. Milne, Collett, Williams. Finlday, M'Millan, and M'Fwaii; wing-forward, Semple. Souii OP'-e -Full-back, Cuff; threequarter- Ritchie, and Melrose- fiveeighths, Spillane and Hurring; half-back, Scott; forwards—Moir, Harris, M'Donald, Mills,' Hanson. Stevens, and Anderson; wing-forward, Drcnnan. THE PEAT. Otago lost the toss, and kicked off with the sun in their eyes. After an exchange of kicks Webb centred, and tho South Otago’s return kick went straight out. Having gained this much ground the visitors continued to press, but tho Soutii Otago forwards responded with a rush which took piny to Otago’s 25. M'Donald was instrurtientai in saving. The homo Packs started a passing. - bout, but good tackling by the Otago forwards brought the effort to an end. Scrambling play followed until Melrose centred and Neipier secured and passed to Webb, who made a tine run up the lino. Passing between Xeipicr and M'Donald looked dangerous for the home, team, but Spillane saved. Newman, after a dodgy run, set the Otago backs in motion, hut tlie ball went out. Anderson and Mills were prominent in a South Otago forward movement, but Webb and Callander returned play up field. A good kick by Olsen gained ground for tho Yellow and Blacks. The Otago backs then set up a formidable movement, and after the ball had passed through the hands of Glengarry, Callander, Wills, and Neipier the last-named dashed over the line and scored near the corner, but Callander's kick was unsuccessful. Otago 3 South Otago , 0 -1 furring kicked up field, but tho Otago forwards brought the ball back. Callander was called on for some defensive work, and after a kick by Newman M’Donald picked up, and after dodging several opponents he ran in to score. Callander added the extra points. Otago S South Otago 0 The South Otago forwards carried all ncfore them with a strong rush, and Glengarry securing, kicked up field, but Cuff, with a well-judged kick, recovered the Tost ground. Olsen cleared in the face of an Otago rush, but the Otago backs get away and took play into South Otago territory. From a penalty kick Scott took play to the other 25. The same player ran up and secured, and, giving the dummy, beat his man, but passed in badly. Ritchie, however, picked up and potted a good goal. Otago .. .. S South Otago .. 1 Play was taken into Otago territory, and Spillane dashed over, but a scrum five yards out was ordered. Collett cleared by taking the ball at his toes. Ritchie potted when too near the goal posts, and the ball went underneath the posts, enabling Otago to force. Newman took play to mid-field, Olsen marked, but Webb took

the ball on the bounce, and after a run of about 25yds scored between the posts. Wills converted. Otago 13 South Otago 4 A good kick by Spillane gained about 30yds, and Melrose got away, only to be pulled out- by M'Donald. South Otago pressed, but the half-time whistle saved Otago. The half-time score was:— Otago 13 South Otago 4 From the kick-off Webb returned. Passing among the Otago backs was followed by a strong run by M'Donald, but a forward pass spoilt the effort. M'Donald made another attempt to score, but lost the ball. The home team forced. A good run by Spillane took play past halfway, and the forwards continued the effort. Newman cleared, but South Otago again pressed, and Otago forced just in time. Kitchie ran strongly, taking play into Otago territory. After passing by the Otago backs Wills sent the ball to Webb, and the latter fended off several players and forced his way over. Callander's kick was a poor one. Otago 16 South Otago 4 Cuff took play up field with a strong kick, and the South Otago forwards became dangerous. Highley, however, came away with the ball at his toes, and Callander carried the ball on and passed to M'Donald, who scored. Findlay’s kick fell short. Otago .. .. .. •• 16 South Otago 4 Webb speculated, and Olsen took the ball, and ran up the line, but good play by the Otago backs, in which M'Donald was prominent, brought play back to the 25. Another back movement was started by the visitors, and Wilis passed to M'Donald, the latter making a fine run to score behind the posts. Wills converted. Otago 24 South Otago f Milne and M'Kwan were prominent in an Otago forward rush, which compelled South Otago to force. Ritchie beat the opposition, but Glengarry returned. Stevens followed up fast, and collared Newman as he secured the ball, but the latter got his kick in. The home forwards dribbled the ball over the line, and Webb ran in and forced. Williams came away on his own with the ball at his toes, and Semple and Highley followed up, the latter scoring. Wills's kick w r as unsuccessful. The game ended : Otago .*. 27 South Otago 4 Mr S. White’was the referee. THE JUNIOR MATCH. EASTERN DISTRICTS DEFEAT OTAGO. Contrary to custom, the junior match between Otago and Eastern Districts was playod at Waikonaiti instead of Palmerston, before an attendance of about 300, which consisted of quite a largo proportion of ladies- The ground was in good order, but there was a fairly dazzling sun, which put 'the visitors at-a disadvantage in the first spell. The game was by no means a brilliant one. and the Eastern Districts were distinctly the superior team, their combination being better than that of the Light Blues, whose forwards were weak, especially in taking passes. The only Otago players worthy of motion were Soutar, Pearce, and Sinclair, who played in the’ front division. For the country team, Stewart, Burt, and Quinn played a fine game in the forwards, and Bray (threequarter! was another formidable opponent, very difficult to stop once he got going, and it did not seem to occur to the Otago players to cellar him low. Guyton scored the only try for the visitors, and the game ended in Eastern Districts’ favour by 14 points to 3. Otago kicked off with the sun in their eyes, and a few minutes later Te Tau, the country half-back, secured and passed to J. Spillane, who crossed the line, Stringer failing to convert. Eastern Districts S ooints. Otago Nil. The Blacks kept up their pressure, and Gunn (five-eighth) just reached the line, whore he was collared, the ball rolling over and Perry forcing. Nothing of any particular interest occurred within the next few minutes, but the Blacks managed to keep plav in Otago’s territory most of the time. Hiddlcstone (full-back) took a pot from the line near halfway, but though the distance was right the direction was faulty. A fine mark was taken by Griffin (Otago) just in front of the posts, but the kick at goal was a poor attempt Then I’ray nicked up from the loose, and, shaking off all his opponents, ho crossed at the corner and sprinted along behind the posts, where ho scored. Stringer converting. Eastern Districts 8 noints. Otago Nil. The Blues recovered a little in the opening stages of the second spell, and (hen play veered up and down -for a while, eventually settling down at halfway. Faulty passing by Otago spoilt a promising movement, and a mark by Kilgour did not gain any advantage. A long kick, however, relieved the position, but Eastern Districts returned to the attack, and Williams, breaking through, scored. Stringer failed to convert. Eastern Districts 11 points. Otago Nil. The visitors gradually carried the hall into the country twenty-five. Hiddlcstone secured and mistook the twentv-five lino for the goal line and attempted to force down. Guyton was not slow to take advantage of his error and scored in the corner. Souter’s kick failing. Eastern Districts 11 points. Otago 3 points. Once again Otago was compelled to force, and Kilgour initiated a fast rush. J. SpilInne securing and adding another try. Stringer again failed to convert. Eastern Districts 14 points. Otago 3 noints. After some uninteresting play the whistle sounded, with the score: — Eastern Districts 14 points. Otago 3 points. Mr W. Connor was the referee. OTAGO TEAMS. As the Otago team will not have a game next Saturday, the selectors have decided to have training at Carisbrook on Tuesday and Thursday nights. All those CHago players who went to Oamaru and Balc.lntha are expected to bo present. RANFUULY SHIELD MATCH. EASY WIN FOR HAWKE’S BAY. THE AUCKLANDERS OUTCLASSED. (Pee United Press Association ) NAPIER, August 23. The event of the season in Rugby football in New Zealand was the Ranfurly Shield match today, in which Auckland (challengers) wont clown to Hawke’s Bay to the tune of 23 points to 6. The first spell was very even hut in the second the holders wore much superior. Auckland lacked off, and a couple of lineout and a free kick to each side marked t,h opening stages. From a scrum the local backs made the first attack. Soon after a free kick was awarded Hawke’s Bay. From a difficult angle Yates just missed the goal posts. From a scrum Wright sent the ball out to K. Ifwersen, and the latter transferred to N. Ifwersen, who finished a nice run down the line with the first try of the match. K. Ifwersen missed the goal kick. Auckland Hawke’s Bay ... NIL

Auckland kept up the pressure, but Grenside and Blake broke through, and play was shifted to the other end. From a line-out Grenside accepted a long pass from Mardon, and scored under the posts. Yates converted. Hawke’s Bay ... ... ... 5 points. Auckland ... • - 3 points. Play hovered between the two twentyfives. The handling by the Hawke’s Bay backs was certain, and the Auckland forwards were doing well in the loose. Offside play spoiled Auckland’s opportunity when in Hawke’s Bay territory. Corkill sent the Hawke’s Kay hacks away, hut they did net got far, the tackling being effective. The visitors returned to the attack, and a line kick by Goodacrc went out at the corner. Hawke's Bav succeeded in clearing from an awkward position, chiefly by Auckland’s had handling. A free kick by Blake found the line at Auckland’s twentv-five. j. he visitors wore soon hook to half wav, hut the defending backs again penetrated to the challengers’ lerritory. Goodacre relieved with a line kick. Wright intercepted a pass when.a Hawke’s Bay attack looked dangerous. Further Hawke’s Bay movements were frustrated hv the strong defence of the Auckland backs, who did not wait till the attackers reached them. A clever attack by Fork ill was only stopped when ho passe,) to Walker, Soon after N. Ifwersen made a mromising solo effort, but Yates grounded lum. The Hawke’s Bay forwards bustled play ,fo the Auckland line, and Corkill marked right off an Auckland player’s boot, and kicked a goal. Hawke’s Bay 3 points. Auckland 3 points. Auckland attacked, and Kinvan, parking in a handv position, dropped a goal. Hawke’s Bay 8 points. Auckland 6 points. A groat chance was given to the Auckland backs by Wright, hut Kirwan left, hfs pass too late, and half time was called without alteration to the score. Hawke’s Bnvi attacked on resuming, and the first exciting incident was a pot shot by Yates, but the ball went a little wide. A series of line outs relieved the pressure on the Auckland line, enabling the visitors hv stages to reach the homo territory. The defending forwards returned play to the visitors’ half, where it remained for some time. Hawke’s Bay being unable to penetrate the defence. The game was not now so even as m (he first spell. Hawke’s Bav doing most of the attacking. An Auckland forward got offside at the comer, and Yates landed a beautiful goal. Hawke’s Bay 11 points. Auckland 6 points. The home side were now making the pace a cracker, and the challengers were kept busy on defence. Falwasser nearly got over at the corner, and then Yates tried another pot at goal, but missed. A free kick relieved the position, and from a scrum at half way the Auckland backs bad a chance, but Loft was too slow with his pass. Hawke’s Bay rushes again took play to the visitors’ twenty-five. From a scramble on the line Ormond scored. Yates missed an easy kick. Hawke’s Bay 14 points. Auckland ' 6 points. The challengers now worked np to Hawke’s Bay lino, hut the back movements lacked finisli. A long solo rim by Blake iust failed, his speed being a trifle lacking, but, the effort transferred the game to the other end of the field. The Aucklanders were now bustled, and Grenside got round on the blind side and scored at the corner. Yates missed the kick. Hawke’s Bay 17 points. Auckland ■ 6 points. The visitors again failed in attack by bad handling, and the Hawke’s Bay forwards took the ball to the Auckland line, where offside on two occasions nrevonted tries being scored. Eventually Falwasser finished a good passing rush with a try near the corner. Yates missed the kick. Hawke’s Bay 20 points. Auckland 6 points. Wylie retired hurt, and was replaced by Miller. K. Ifwersen had a shot from a free kick, but missed. A splendid piece of back play followed, the whole length of the field being covered, enabling Blake to score behind tne posts. Mardon failed to convert. Hawke’s Bay 23 points. Auckland 6 points. Time was sounded without further score. TARANAKI v. SOUTH AUCKLAND. (Fee United Press Association.) HAWBRA, August 23. After a match in which play was indifferent and not up to representative standard South Auckland and Taranaki drew, the fooro being nine all. Taranaki kicked oil against the wind, and as the result of a forward rush by South Auckland Taranaki was compelled to force. Play voered up and down the field with not much advantage to either side. Then the Blue (South Auckland) forwards broke away and Moslem put in a strong dash but was well tackled by Sinclair. Just after, as tbo result of hard kicking, Taranaki wore forced. Then the local forwards, headed by Hunt, Wallers, and Robinson, look play past half-way, where the ball came out to Johnston, who cut in, and after a nice dash sent to Ennis, then to Mouli, who dashed round and scored near the corner, no goal being kicked. The Blues pressed from the kick-ofi and set their backs in action, W'ighlmon, Suiinyhara, and Simmison participating in a passing rush, but they were stopped, and the forwards carried play right to the posts, where John-, ston forced. From a mark soon after Hamilton just failed to goal. Taranaki cleared and play went up and down the field in loose forward rushes. The Blues rushed play down the field. B. Finiayson made a great run which was stopped by Sinclair. A loose rush by the local forwards took play near the corner, where Ross secured and finished a pretty dash by scoring at the corner. The kick failed From the kick-ofi South Auckland carried the ball to the Taranaki line, where they were awarded a penalty which Hamilton converted. Wightman, after a kick out, made u strong rim but lost the ball, and Robieson snapping up set sail for the line. Ho sent the ball over to Ross, who failed to take the pass and a good chance nas lost. There was no further score at halftime In the second spell the Blues went up the field and B. Finiayson just failed to score. Again the Blue forwards got away and once more B. Finiayson failed just on tho line. Bade came tho Taranaki forwards and Walters, making a nice opening, passed to Patterson, who raced over. The kick failed. Spurred on by this reverse the visitors’ forwards went upfiold and uear the twenty-five Rhodes secured tho ball and after a short dash passed to Moslem, who put in a strong run and beat, the opposing backs badly, scoring near the corner. The kick was unsuccessful. Being only three points behind, the Blues redoubled their efforts and despite good work by the Taranaki backs they bud Taranaki on tho defensive most of the time. At length B. Finiayson got away, beat tho full-back, and when blocked sent the hall to Imerson, who crossed the line, making the scores even —nine all. After a rather dull and lifeless display tho game ended in a draw. Mr A, Nelson was the referee. GISBORNE CHAMPIONSHIPS. (Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, August 23. In the senior championship, Y.M.P. 7 points beat Celtic 3 points; Rovers three points beat Ngatapa nil. CHRISTCHURCH SENIOR MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 23. Merivale 22 points beat Old Boys 8 points. MARLBOROUGH v. NELSON JUNIORS. (Per United Press Association.) NELSON, August 23. Marlborough Juniors defeated Nelson Juniors by 16 points to 6. For the winners

Walker kicked a goal from a mark and ft penalty and converted tries by Thomas and Mills, and for Nelson tries were scored by Guy and Barton. PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL. FINAL OF BANTAM OOMPUTITION. On Saturday, at tho Oval 3, the Macandrow Road Bantam A team by defeating North-East Valley by 8 to 5, won the Bantam competition. North-East Valley were first, to score, Bell diving over from a forward scramble and converting hia own try. There was no further score at halftime. Ten minutes alter resuming Caskio, with a nice run on the blind side, scored at tho corner for Macandrew Road. Shortly before time ’Hansen finished off a passing rush between the Macandrew Road backs by scoring a nice try. Caskie converted. Final Score: Maoandrerw Road „. ... 8 points North-East Valley ... ... 5 points Mr R. M'Kcnzie was the referee. The Macandrew Road boys and their coach (Mr A. W. Alloo) have a record to bo proud of. Macandrew Road has won the Bantam competition for three years in succession. During this period the side has not been defeated once, and has saored a total of 740 points, while only 23 points have been registered against the team over the three years. N.Z. HARDWARE v. LAIDLAW AND GRAY. The annual match between New Zealand Hardware and Laidlaw and Gray was played at Tatiana No. 2 on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in an evenly-contested game in which the Now Zealand Hardware won by 15 points to 9. Tho tries for tho winners were scored by Holloway, S. Inglis. W. Inglis (2), and Milnes, and for the losers by Leadbetter, Gray, and Dyas. 'lhe game was controlled by Mr E. Turnbull. D.I.C. v. HALLENSTEINS. The annual match between D.I.C. and 11. B. was playod on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon. H.B. were victorious by 9 to 0. Tries were scored by iNisbet, Barclay, and Baker. Mr R. M'Konzio officiated as referee. CHAS. BEGG AND CO. v. M’GILL AND SON. Tho game between Chos. Bcgg and Co. and M'Gili and Son, played at Tahuna on Saturday afternoon, dnded in a draw, 9 points all. Tries were scored for Begg’s by Kerr, Gilson, Leathley; for M'Gill’s by M'lvor. Field, and Baker, Mr F. Fester was referee. INTER-FACULTY MATCH. LAW v. MINING AND SCIENCE. On Saturday afternoon teams representative of the Law Faculty’ ami Mining Science Faculty held their annual contest at tho Oval. A fast, interesting game resulted, in which tho Law forwards wore predominant. For the Minos, Aitken and Allen were the pick of the backs, while M'Cluggage played a sterling game in the forwards. For tho Lawyers, J. Stevenson, Sumpter, and Matheson were brilliant in the backs, while amongst a great pack of forwards Maloney, Dowling, Rivers, and Drumm were perhaps the best. Law kicked off against a strong wind, and Allan returned to the twenty-five. After several passing rushes by both sides M'lndoe succeeded in crossing the Law line. The legal fraternitv then attacked strongly, and after a. brilliant passing rush Torrance scored. Sumpter converted. Tho first spell ended without further score. Law 5. Mining and Science 3. In the second half the Law, aided by the wind, kept the play in their opponents’ twenty-five practically for the rest of the game. After some interesting play Sunderland broke away on the wing, and, when threatened, centred, where Maloney took the ball on the fly and. after eluding several opponents, scored a fine try. Tho Miners wore not to be denied, however, and Allan scored a try, but failed to convert The game ended; Law 8 points Mining and Science ... 6 points SOUTHERN FOURTH GRADE v. HILLSIDE APPRENTICES. The Southern Fourth Grade team 4 points defeated tho Hillside Apprentices 3 points. C. Marshall potted a goal for Southern and for Hillside N. Gray kicked a penalty. GAMES IN WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association 1 WELLINGTON, August 24. Pctone, having won (lie Rugby championship, Borhampore was chosen as the best senior team to contest the National Mutual Cup contest with tho premiers. The large attendance must have affected the “gate" at the Association football test, Chinese Universities v. New Zealand. Petone had a number of junior players included. Berhampore, who have shown greatly improved play this season, had their full strength, and jumped into their stride early, scoring two tries in the first spell. In the second half, in which Petone had the advantage of a slight wind, Berhampore kept up the pressure and scored their third try before Petone got moving. Tho champions made groat efforts to score, but Berhampore were playing splendid football, and maintained their superiority, running out winners by 12 points to 3, Berhampore 5 points beat Athletic 3 points in the final for the Junior championship. WEST COAST v. BULLER. (Per United Press Association.) WESTPORT, August 24. The return match Bullor and West Const was played yesterday in beautiful weather before a large crowd. Bullor won by 0 points (tries scored by Corby and S.

Davies) to five points (a try by Jamieson, converted by Walton). In the closing stages of the game West Coast made a big bid for victory. SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, August 24. Auckland Grammar School defeated New Plymouth Boys’ High School by 9 points to 0 in a match here yesterday. New Plymouth are the holders of the Moascar Cup, but the trophy was not involved in this match, which was a splendid exhibition of the code, the victory going to the better team who gave a brilliant display, and spoilt most of the High Schools’ attacks. \ AUCKLAND CONTESTS. (Feb United Pkeas Association.) AUCKLAND, August 24. Grammar 0.8. 34 beat King’s 0.8. 29; Mount Albert Grammar 14 beat Ponsonby 6. WANGANUI v. NELSON. (Pee United Press Association.) WANGANUI, August 23. Wanganui defeated Nelson in. a representative match to-day by 31 to 7 after an uninteresting game.

SOUTH AFRICA DEFEATS BRITAIN. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, CAPETOWN, August 23. (Received Aug. 24, at 5.5 p.m.) In the second test match. South Africa beat the British Rugby team by 17 points to nil. The first half was a dinij-dong struggle, the South Africans securing a penalty goal. In ’the second spell the visitors should have scored twice early. Thereafter they apparently lost heart and went to pieces.—Reuter.

i Many wolf cube have recently Iteenp taken from Russia to Southampton, where they are kept at the docks of the United ; States lines before being taken to America as pets. They make excellent watch-doga ; when trained. France took a census of its dogs last yean. The canine population was found to 6a 3,313,116