LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20087, 2 May 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

SEASON OPENED IN DUNEDIN. The first of the inter-club matches were played in Dunedin on Saturday in dull but fine weather. Considering tho quantity of rain that fell during the week the grounds were in remarkably good order. Two hard matches were contested on tho Caledonian Ground, but at tho end of tho second one tho playing area, which has a splendid sole of grass, showed very few signs of having been played on, _ The spectators consisted of a few enthusiastic supporters of tho contending teams. Tho senior matches resulted as follows; — City 8, Kaikorai nib Christian Brothers 32, Kaitangata ml. Athletic 53, Pacific 2. CITY v. KAIKORAI.

The match between City and Kaikorai -was played on the Caledonian Ground. A late start was made, and consequently the game was played in spells of half an hour each Kaikorai kicked off from the harbour end. A few minutes after the start City were penalised for a breach of the play-the-ball rule, and M'Donald had a fruitless shot at goal. City got three penalty kicks in quick succession, and from the last one they took play close to the Kaikorai line. From another penalty kick. Eckhoff had a shot at goal, and sent the ball nicely over the bar, from an acute angle. A fine run by Loeffler took play wall inside the City twenty-five, but fast following up by Fitzgerald shifted the scene of operations to the other end. Tho hill team gradually worked their way to midfield, where they got two free kicks, but did not make any headway. After a good deal of fast open play Fitzgerald broke away, and shifted tho scene of operations well inside the Kaikorai twenty-five, but the hill team soon cleared. Off-side play by City gave Kaikorai a penalty kick near midfield. A little later Kaikorai wore penalised at their own twenty-five and Eckhoff increased City’s score by two points as tho result of a very fine kick at goal. A free kick to Kaikorai at halfway was responsible for play being shifted to the City twenty-five, but a break-away by Kennedy ended up at the Kaikorai twenty-five, where Eckhoff had another shot at goal from a penalty, but without success. Good play by Connolly was tho next feature of the, gome. Another penalty against Kaikorai was used by City to advantage, Eckhoff adding another goal to his team’s score with a fine kick from near the touch-line. At halftime play was no&r midfield, and tho scores were: City 6 points, Kaikorai nil. , At the opening of the second spell Kaikorai attacked, but City immediately shifted play to halfway. Illegal. play by Eckhoff was responsible for Kaikorai getting a penalty kick. From another penalty kick near halfway, Loeffler had a shot at goal, but tho ball failed to rise. Play remained in tho vicinity of midfield for some time, neither team having any material advantage. From a penalty near halfway M'Donald had a shot at goal for Kaikorai, but tho ball fell short of the posts and a force down resulted. A passing bout by tho Kaikorai backs a little later took' play to the City end, but a force down -was the only result. City then broke away on a_ loose rush, which took the ball over tho Kaikorai lino, but the hill team averted a score by forcing down. Kaikorai retaliated fay . getting away on a fast passing rush in which the ball was thrown about freely. The bout was stopped Inside the Citv twenty-five, and a hard kick enabled tho defenders to force down. At this stage Jenkins had to retire owing to a nasty cut over the eyoConnolly was responsible for a fine nm, but a pass forward to Clydesdale spoiled an excellent chance of scoring. City kepi up the pressure, and got over the Kaikorai line twice, but owing to infringements bf the rules no scores were recorded. Shortly before time Kaikorai were penalised, and Eckhoff again made a success of the shot at goal with a splendid kick. A passin" rush by Kaikorai in the last few minutes looked promising, but nothing came of it, and when tho game ended play Was near midfield, and the scores wore; City 8 points. Kaikorai Nil. Mr G. Childs officiated as referee. ,

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS v, KAITANGATA.

The match between Christian Brothers and Kaitangata was started shortly alter 3 o’clock. The country tcair) was not up to full strength, but the vacancies were filled by Kaikorai players. Christian Brothers assumed the aggressive at tho start, and before long they got a penalty kick in a favourable position. E. M'Kewen had a shot at goal, and sent tho ball nicely over the Ipar. From tho kick out Kaitangata worked their way 'to tho Christian brothers’ twenty-five, and play ranged between there and halfway for some time. Goods runs by Quinn and Marriott were tho next outstanding incidents. From a passing rush started by Marriott Christian Brothers scored, Hunt getting over at the corner. _ J. O’Connor failed to convert. Christian Brothers scored again a few minutes later. After a fine run by M ‘Donald the ball came out to M'Kewen. who dashed over at the corner. Bennetts failed to convert. Kaitangata hold their own for a while, after which T. O’Connor sent Christian Brothers away on a passing rush, but Marriott fumbled tho ball. Kaitangata worked their way to the Christian Brothers’ end, but a hard kick enabled tho city team to force down. Kaitangata kept up tho pressure, and Christian Brothers wore busy on defence for a few minutes. From a penalty near tho twenty-live Prescott had a shot at goal, but the ball fell short. Kaitangata had a slight advantage for some time. From a penalty inside the Christian Brothers’ twenty-five Prescott had a shot at goal, but tho ball fell under tho bar. Christian Brothers then asserted themselves, and just before half time E. O’Connor scored in the corner after a scramble. Tho scc;cr took the kick at goal, but the ball fell short. At half time Christian Brothers led by 11 points to nil. At the of the second spell Christian Brothers quickly assumed tho aggressive, _ and overwhelmed the opposition, Marriott scoring at the corner after a fine piece of concerted work. Bennetts failed to convert. After a lot of open play, Christian Brothers set up a strong attack, and a lot of exciting play took place near tho Kaitangata line, but tho defence stood the strain very well. Kaitangata attacked for a few minutes, but Christian Brothers responded with tho brightest piece of play for tho day. M'Kewen broke away at his own twentyfive, and transferred to E. O’Connor about half-way. O'Connor had a clear run, and although ho was hotly pursued he kept clear and scored under tho posts. M'Kewen added tho major points. A few minutes later T. O’Connor broke away and ended up a fine rim by transferring to M'Carten, who scored at tho corner. T. O’Connor put a lot of vigour into tho kick at goal, but tho direction was wrong. Christian Brothers held tho advantage for practically tho rest of tho game. Shortly before time M'Kewen made a clashing run and scored at tho corner. J. O'Connor kicked a good goal. Kaitangata then made a determined attack, but it was soon stopped. T. O’Connor broke away and, after making n brilliant run, passed to M’Kewen at the Kaitangata twonty-five, and a lino effort, was crowned with another score. M’Kewen converted, and the game, which was controlled by Mr C. Snow, ended with tho Scores as follows: Christian Brothers 32 points Kaitangata Nil.

ATHLETIC v. PACIFIC,

Most of the Pacific Club’s senior player-, being absent from Dunedin, a full team was not available for Saturday’s match, but by filiing the vacancies v.itli_ jnnioi players from the Athletic and Kaikor.n teams, the game was played on tho Oval. It was more in the nature of a practiee match. ys Athletic played v. ifli a seasoned tide, and easily Overcame their opponents, although the half-dozen Pacific senior players and several of tho juniors gave a good account of lhem.-ch es. Athletic carried play to their ojrponeiiis line from tho kick-oil. but Pacific cleared, and after give-and-take play in midfield tho ball carries out to M'Kay, who ran half tho length of the field, and evading the opposition in his fust stride, scored Under the posts. I >. Sullivan converted. A few minutes later Thomas sent out a pass to Vorrnth. who pot over to score. Sullivan again converted. The next score was registered by Deimbton, who da.shcn along tho lino after the harks had made an opening. TliC.trv was not converted. A minute or two later (diver made a spectacular dash down tho field, and scored at the corner. Vorrath failed to convert. Pacific carried play to Athletic’s line., where a free-kick was awarded for an injjxUticmoiiL and Keen registered tho

first score for Pacific by kicking a penalty goal. M'Kay scored ni* second try by making a run down the field, and falling on tho ball at the corner. A. Sullivan failed to convert. Tho half-time score was: —Athletic 19 points, Pacific 2 points. A few minutes after resuming Vorrath started a passing bout. He sent the ban on to Webber, and the latter to Thomas, M-ho scored an easy try. Webber failed to convert. Thomas scored his second try as tho result of a forward rush, but M'Kay was not successful with the kick at .goal. The next score was registered by D. Sullivan, who ran through from half-way. Hunt converted. After a spell of play in I’acifio’a twenty-five, M'Kay, who from his own freo-kick, followed up fast, gathered in tho ball and ran through to score under the posts. The try was not converted. Tho final scores were;— Athletic ... 53 (points. Pacific ... 2 points. Mr J. Underwood was referee. IN OTHER CENTRES. MATCH AT AUCKLAND. (Psb United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 30.

A League football match between tho Auckland representatives and a team of the Auckland members of the New Zealand team which toured England M r as played before 10,000 spectators. A fast and interesting game resulted in the Auckland representatives winning by 24 points to 21. Tho scorers for the winners were List, Clark, Peckham, Wethorill, Littlewood, and Payne. Clark kicked one penalty goal and converted one try. Peckham also converted one. The scorers for for the members o the New Zealand team' were btenzies, Parkcs, and Brown (three). Dufty converted one, and Gardner converted one and kicked a penalty goal. The members of the New Zealand team led 19—10 at half-time, but thereafter their condition did not last as well as the Auckland representatives.

CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITION. (Feb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 30, Marist 13, Woolston 5. Hornby 11. Addington 8. Waimairi 21, Sydenham 3.

GAME AT WESTPORT. (Pbb United Press association.)

WESTPORT. May 1. Yesterday afternoon the first Rugby League match was played in Westport under ideal weather conditions, and with a fairly large attendance of spectators. The teams represented Inangahua and Buffer, the former winning by 13 to 12 after a fine exposition of the code. S

RUGBY LEAGUE’S DISPUTES.

MEETING OF PLAYERS. CRITICISM OF EXECUTIVE. i VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE, About 70 members of the Otago Rugby Football Loaguo attended a meeting which was hold in Mr H Divers’s rooms on Saturday night. The meeting was convened by Mr Divers in view of the fact that .(fie president of tho League (Mr J. T. Cooper) refused to accept certain motions at tin extraordinary general meeting held on April 27. The business of Saturday’s mooting was to consider tho chairman’s attitude and ruling, to consider the advisability of the removal of the registered office of tho Otago Rugby Loaguo from 152 High street, and to consider matters of general interest to the Otago Rugby League. Mr E. Longworth, wfio was voted to the chair, opened the proceedings by stating that they wanted to get down to bed-rock again Tho squabbling that had taken place was no good, and it devolved _on them to give the players the fair deal which they expected. They had lost a lot of ground, and tho sooner they got things cleaned up tho better it would bo. He fioped tho. League’s affairs would bo run in a way to suit tho players, because it was tho duty of tho officials to do all they could for those who took part in the games. Aparently another meeting of the League was to bo called, and they would then have a chance to put things on a proper footing. Mr Divers stated that Mr Cooper had seen him on Thursday evening by appointment, and they had discussed what had happened at the meeting on Wednesday. He had pointed put to Mr Cooper that tho latter had acted wrongly at the meeting, and had told him what he proposed to do. The circular which he (Mr Divers) had issued was ready for sending out. and Mr Cooper was asked if ho objected to it. Mr Cooper said it was quite all right, and he also stated that he would bo at tho meeting that night. Since then a letter had appeared in the newspapers over Mr Cooper’s name. Mr Longworth said they did not want any dirty linen washed that night. They wanted to work in harmony and keep out the dirty work. Mr J. Kennedy apologised for the absence of the Kaikorai players. Ho said they had a good first grade team and a good second grade team. Mr A. Clark said he was there in the interest of clean sport, and if tho members ot tho executive wore interested in clean sport they should 'bo present. He knew what the game was, and ho wanted them to get back to tho good old days, when everything was running harmoniously. Mr T. M. Gillies said they had scon somo good games that day, and ho wanted to see them going on throughout tho season. There was not much of a controversial nature to bo considered that night. Ho wuld move:—“That this meeting of financial members of clubs affiliated to the Otago Rugby Football, League disagrees with tho action cf the president, Mr J. T. Cooper, in not. allowing members to consider the business as set out in the extraordinary general meeting held on April 27, which had been properly called in accordance with the constitution, and in refusing to accept a motion which had been duly moved and seconded, disagreeing with his ruling, on the ground that such action was not conducive to the best interests of tho League.” Mr Gillies said he had moved that on Wednesday night, but the matter got no further. There was so much discussion that the matter was lost sight of. If that motion had been put they would have known where they stood. Tho position was one tor the mem bers to establish their rights, put they had not had an opportunity of doing that because the feeling of the meeting on Wednesday night was not ascertained. That was u pity. He thought the chairman had made an error of judgment in ruling the three motions out of order. The first duty of a chairman was impartiality, and in case of his having to give a ruling whether or not a motion was in order ho should be absolutely impartial. But a chairman's ruling was not final, and any member of a club or society could move that the meeting over-ruled the chairman’s ruling. In case of such motion being carried the chairman’s ruling was set aside, and if ho was not prepared to give effect to tho will of tho meeting bo shou'd withdraw from the chair. Assuming that the chairman's first ruling wa s correct there could ho no doubt that, he went wrong in ruling against Mr Scddon’s motion, and bis action in doing so was strong evidence of the absence of that impartiality due by every chairman or of ignorance. The principle was that such a meeting was the master of its own rules or standing orders and even tho Speaker of tho House of Commons must submit if the House by resolution refused to accept any ruling of his. Tho motion was seconded by Mr Whitty

Mr Divers referred to the chairman’s action at the meeting on Wednesday, and snid_ Mr Cooper was now prepared to admit that ho (Mr Divers) was correct. M p- Longworth said that if (ho executive wanted to “sit tight” it could do so in spite of any resolutions adopted by that meeting. The motion was carried. Air then moved—“ That this meeting of financial members of clubs affiliated to the Otago Rugby I.vague has no confidence in the present League executive, and that the Managment Committee as at present constituted under the rules carry on the fuiict'ons of the League.” Ho said it was quite evident from (lie remarks made by members of the different clubs that the present executive had not the confidence of members. It was also ap parent I'cat the members of the executive realised that they did not have that con lidemee, became they had announced their intention to resign. Tho motion was seconded by Mr Iloilo way. Mr H. Pring moved as an amendment “That the matter ho left over till afte> tho extraordinary meeting of the Loagmis held.” Tho amendment was seconded by Mr D Sullivan.

Mr Turnbull said he was prepared fcc support the party in power, whatever il was. He claimed to bo one of the oru'i - members of his club, and to have worked hard in the interests of League football. They now had two sides in the game, and after last meeting he was just as wise a. 1 he was before it was held. He believed that if matters had been discussed fully al i the last meeting the mooting that night would not have boon necessary. He hopee that at the next meeting everything wouh. be threshed out fully. Mr Blackburn said it was not fair to_o.sk the Kaitangata members to come into town two or three times a week to participate in the squabbles of the League. Mr Pring’s amendment was altered tc - read as follows“ That this matter be left in abeyance so as to sea if the present executive can come together.” Mr Holloway condemned the executive for calling a meeting and refusing members an opportunity of expressing then opinions wnen they attended the meeting The amendment was lost, and the motion, in the form of a request, wa: carried by a large majority. Mr Whitty moved—“ That the registered office of the Otago Rugby League be re moved from the office of Messrs H. H. S. White and 11. O'Kanc, 152 High street.” . The motion was seconded by Mr A. Watt. Mr Divers said the removal of the office must be undortauen bv the committee. The motion was carried. On the motion of Mr Gillies, it was decided—“ That tno foregoing resolutions, duly endorsed bv the chairman of this meeting, be conveyed by letter to Mr J. T Cooper (president of the League). Lnc mover said Mr Cooper was entitled to the courtesy of being informed what had taken , place at the meeting. Mr M'llroy said ho wanted to know hov the players wore getting on. In view o the way things were going at present the; could not ask anyone to play League foot ball. Two of the members of ms club hat been asked to back to Hngby. If thoi did not pet going they would be dowi very quickly. The Athletic Club coult get two solid teams, and so far it hat not lost any members. Ho wanted to set all the players pulling togcHer. Hi thought the last meeting was a disgrace ful one. Tlic bickering that had beei going on was going to cause ill-feeling u the clubs, and could not possibly be gooc for the game. The sooner the trouble wa finished the better it would be. Hit doc: not finish next week, said Mr M llroy "out goes Athletic.” The . speaker Bisc referred to the danger of losing grounds i the League did not use them. Mr Longworth said the League had con trol of its grounds from 1 P-m. on Satur days, and would not lose them. He wai i pleased to hear J.lr MTlroy b remarks That meeting was held for the purpose o helping League football, and to try' t< get things on a working basis again. Uiej had lost players since the annual meeting and they wanted to get things straightenct out again for the benefit of the players. Mr MTlroy said that Association football was making more headway than anj other cod*. If they could not get twe games on the Oval they would lose thal er Mr" Divers said that if a ground was noi required by one body it should be avail' able for another sports organisation. Uni vear the Rugby League had the use of th( Oval from 1 o’clock. Montocillo ran > o'clock, and another ground on East Fart Mr Divers went on to urge the appointment of Mr Harry Thomas as coach. H< I .s’id that if Mr Thomas were appointee j right away ho could do an immense amoiml of good amongst the boys. Mr Blackburn brought up the question of insurance. Ho said ho had referred the matter to Mr O'Kanc who would no commit himself. The speaker said he wa. against buying jerseys for players every year. "Wo are still waiting to see what” going to happen,” said Mr Blackburn, asked Mr O'Kane about jerseys if wo wok not playing on the Caledonian Ground, but ho would not commit himself. A Voice: Have a little patience. Mr Blackburn: Wo have been waiting for a long time, and the sooner things are cleared up the better, we shall bo pleased.(“Hear, near.") , . , , Mr Underwood; Can this meeting demand that tho executive should hold a meeting next week? .... . Mr LongworthNo. Fifteen members must sign a requisition. Mr Underwood: That is the only way to settle tho matter. . , . Mr Childs asked if it were a fact that 15 or 17 players had applied to the Rugby Union for reinstatement as a result of the bother in tho League ranks. Mr Longworth: I cannot say anything about that. ... .. ,l, Mr Gillies said they had to consider the players. Tho Management Committee consisted of the delegates from the clubs, and it should function now and carry on tho business. Ho did not think they need have any fear about carrying on for the next week or two. Ho thought everything would be fixed up within the next week. Mr P Prescott (Kaitangata): How do wo stand? They have thrown our delegate Mr Longworth said ho had gone through the rules that day, and he found that the Management Committee had tho right to deni with tho nominations of delegates, but Mr Sneddon was rejected by the executive. Mr Kennedy said Mr Sneddon s nomination was rejected on the motion of one vicepresident, seconded by another vice-presi-dent. Ho had entered his protest, but the position was that the Management Committee had been overruled by the executive. As long ns ho was a delegate from a club be was going to further the interests of League football,—(“Hear, hear. ) Mr Blaekbuni said ho was not pessimistic enough to. think that Loaguo football was going to die out, but supposing it did, what would become of tho assets? Ho thought tho around should be vested in such a way could be used for no other purpose than Loaguo football. , . , , . Mv Longworth read rule 43, which deals with the disposal of the assets in the event of dissolution. , ~, , Mr Divers said he thought Mr Blackburn’s idea was that the ground should bo vested in trustees, so that it could be used for no other purpose than Lea'-uc football. The speaker said he had kept clear of trouble, and was not responsible for what had qccuvred. He Had called that meeting in the interests of the panic, and had been urging the boys to go on. He did not want to see the game die out after the good work that had been clone. They wanted the players to go ahead independent of these little internal bi kerings. Ho thought that all (concerned wore going to do their best He was quite prepared to do his best tor the clubs, but apart from that he would not take part in the league a affairs. Ho thmrdit there were two or three in the league at present who would do no good there He did not want to take part in the trouble if there was going to be anv ("Hear, hear.”) Mr Iloiloway said he thought that some of * the plavcrs were too pessimistic. The game had been put on a very good footin-' They .were losing a few players bid, bo was sure that this trouble would scon bo settled, anti he hoped that members would push on. If they did that t'-ey \iould get two players back lor o'vii one who had gone over to Rugby. Mr Gillies moved a very hearty vote ot thanks to the chairman, and said he was v-rv pleased at the manner in which the meet nip. had been conducted. He was very pleased to hear the remarks made by some of the players. ihey were opitimistic in regard to the future, and ho hoped that spirit would continue. He knew they had had a hard row to hoc j, was probably owing to the fact that they had made so much money that they had had all the bother. He did not thir' lie was right to have a preponderance of voting power in the way that had been sought. It was the duty oi the executive to see that the players M ere catered for in the beat way possible, ;• he thought that things would be earned on properly within the next week. The motion was carried by acclamat‘<Mr Childs asked where the dissension existed. ... .v Mr Longworth: It is not among the plavcrs. , .. Mr Childs: It must be among the cxC '.Mr longworth: A few players have left owing to the dissension at hcadquartf.r« The chairman said he wished specially to thank the Kaitangata players for attending the meeting. If every club was as enthusiastic as Kaitangata the ’ericnc would do well. , , Mr Blackburn said ho wanted to thank -lie Kaikorai players who had assisted Taitangata that .lay.