RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23886, 14 August 1939, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TRIUMPH FOR UNION EXCITING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL OTAGO'S WIN AGAINST BUSH BRILLIANCE BY DARK BLUE BACKS By beating Southern on Carisbrook on Saturday by 9 points to, 6, Union set the seal on a wonderful performance this season. The wooden-spooners of last year won the Otago Rugby Union's 1939 grade championship in one of the most exciting finals for many years. The match created great interest, and a crowd of 12,000 saw Union fight off a desperate second-half rally by the Southern forwards and win by a penalty goal two minutes from the final whistle. Union's points comprised two tries, the result of outstanding individual efforts, and a penalty goal, while Southern scored through the medium of two penalty goals. This is Union's fourth championship, the others being in 1887, 1890, and 1916. Southern has won the premiership seven times, the last four being in succession from 1935. BUSH SIDE OUTCLASSED Also on the bill of fare for the day was Otago's representative match against Bush Districts. Otago won by 23 points to 12 a match that was characterised by hard forward play and brilliant form by the Dark Blue back line. Otago always had the game well in hand, and the interest of the dwindling crowd was kept alive mainly by the series of bright Otago passing rushes. Playing conditions were good. The ground had made an excellent recovery, and the weather was fine. A cold southwest wind was not appreciated by the spectators.

SENIOR FLAG FINAL UNION'S FINE ACHIEVEMENT NARROW VICTORY OVER SOUTHERN Formed in 1872, it can be stated correctly that Union, by its victory over Southern on Saturday, and its winning of the senior lag competition, achieved its greatest success in its long history of 67 years. Last in v the competition in 1938. and with ten wins in succession this year, Union has provided a remarkable contrast. The club has gone through some dark days,;arid has suffered some heavy defeats, arid no one will begrudge it winning the flag, for which it has striven so long, often with no hope of succecs.. There was great cheering for Union when the final whistle went.

There was not much between the two sides on Saturday. The Union forwards. did not play so well against the Southern pack as they did on the first occasion they met, or the Southern pac\ played better on Saturday than when they met previously. At any rate Southern out-hooked Union at the scrums, in the second spell particularly, but the Southern backs did not function well. The game provided mostly a stern tussle between the packs, with short passing movements now and then. Mathewson scored a spectacular try for Union, running from halfway, and Werner scored after a battling run in which- he broke away from two attempted tackles. In the last couole of minutes Silver kicked a penalty soal and put the issue of the game beyond doubt. D. Trevathan kicked two penalty goals. Twenty-five Denalties were awarded —14 to Jnion and 11 to Southern. The Teams The teams were:— Union.—Backs—R. Silver, D. Saul, D. Elder, L. Werner, R Mathewson, R. MnSkimming, B. Samson; forwards —W. Anderson, C. Jenkins, W. Richards. D. Glyfield. F. H. Vorrath, ,r . Newell. J. Walker. V. Gensik. Southern.—Backs—W. McLeod, W. J. A. Black. A Churchill, W. Foley, T. Trevathan, D. Trevathan. S. Robert; forwards—l Lawson. C. Quaid, G. McDonald, L. Hill, H. Holley, R. Edwards. L.' Niven, R. Neiper. First Spell Silver missed with a penalty kick at goal shortly after the start, and Union held their opponents at their twenty-five, some good line kicking by D. Trevathcn and T Trevathan following Black made a good run along the right wing, and was well tackled by Elder, and Union were then penalised at a scrum, D. Trevathan kicking a goal The game had b-en in progress 10 minutes. 3—o In Slyfield's Arms In one rush from a scrum at midfleld Slyfield picked Neiper up in his arras, ball and all, the spectators being highly amused at th.i incident. Silver gained 40 yards with a great line kick, and twice Werner made thrusting runs on the blind side of scrums. D. Trevathan was playing

Fine Opportunity Missed

Two Union Backs Collide

his useful game, but his outside backs were not showing much thrust. McSkimming saved his side in great style after Black had punted to Silver and the Maroon full-back had fumbled at his twenty-five. Spectacular Try Play went to halfway, where from a broken scrum, Robert passed to D. Trevathan. The latter sent on to his brother, but Mathewson flashed into the play, cut off the pass and streaked for the line with only McLeod to pass. He ran clear of McLeod and scored a spectacular try. Silver missed the kick at goal. 3—3. Werner's Determined Effort A few minutes later, Silver put his side in position with a long penalty kick. Hard work followed on the Colours' line, and Vorrath threw the ball to Werner, orf the blind side. Werner crashed into one attempt to stop him, swung clear, crashed into a second attempt to hold him. and swung clear again, and went over with two or three men on top of him, and was temporarily incapacitated. Silver missed the kick at goal. B—3. Black's Strong Run D. Trevathan missed with a penalty from a handy position, and then from passing Black, clear of everybody save Silver, set off down the side line, but the Maroon was equal to the occasion. Both sides were penalised freely, and McSkimming and D. Trevathan were holding their sides in position with line kicks. A thrusting run by Matheson, who punted as he came to McLeod, and good work by McSkimming had Southern under pressure. Foley was soundly stopped by McSkimming at the end of a promising movement by Southern. Just before half time, D Trevathan had a pot at goal, without success. The game so far had been fairly equal. ' Union 6 points. Southern .. .. 3 points. Union Under Pressure Union were soon struggling on their line. The Southern forwards, with McDonald now hooking instead of Quaid, were getting the bail from nearly every scrum. D. Trevathan missed with a penalty kick, and his pot at goal shortly after was charged down, and Vorrath led his

men to the attack. Union were penalised, and D. Trevathan kicked his second goal. 6—6.

Vorrath missed a fine opportunity when Samson ran along his left wing and near the line passed infield to Vorrath, who sent on infield instead of passing back to Samson, who hud a clear run in The Southern men were having the advantage territorially but their backs could not make orogress against the solid tackling. Black made a short break along his right wing, and then passed right across to Foley, who was caught iust in time.

D. Trevathan punted, and both Saul and Silver tried to take the ball, Saul being hurt and having to retire. J. Pollock came on. McSkimming received a lef injury shortly after and was replaced by R. Hayes.

Union's Defence Holds Southern made desperate efforts to break through the defence, but Robert was being harassed by the Union breakaways and was not getting the ball away well. At last a penalty by Silver shifted play from one end of the ground to the other, and in a no-man-standing struggle in front of the Colours' goal, Union were awarded a free kick. "Indescribable Confusion" Silver made no mistake with the kick, and amidst scenes of "indescribable confusion," as one man

described it, Union had won the senior competition of 1939. Union 9 points. Southern .. .6 points. Mr L. E. Macassey was the referee. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP THE FINAL PLACINGS The final state of the Otago Rugby Union's grade championship

CHAMPIONS TO DATE The table of the Dunedin club championship since 1885 is as lows:1885—Dunedin 1913—Ztngari 1886—Pirates 1914—Kaikorai i 1887—Union 1915—Southern 1888—Kalkorai 1916—Union . 1889—Xalkorai 1917—University A 1880—Union 1918—Pirates 1891—Alhambra 1919—University 1892—Alhambra 1920—Alhambra 1893—Kaikorai 1921—Kaikoral 1894—Kaikorai 1922—University A 1895 Kaikorai 1923—University A 189&-Kaikorai 1924—University A 1897—Kaikorai 1925—Pirates 1898—Kaikorai 1926—University A 1899—Kaikorai 1927—University A 1900—Alhambra 1928—University A 1901—Kaikorai 1929—University A 1902—Alhambra 1930—Alhambra 1903—Alhambra 1931—University A 1904—Southern 1932—University A 1905—Alhambra 1933—University A 1906—University 1934—University A 1907—University 1935—Southern 1908—Dunedin 1936—Southern 1909—Alhambra 1937—Southern 1910—Alhambra 1938—Southern 1911—University 1939—Union 1912 —Southern OTAGO v. MANAWATU TEAM FOR WEDNESDAY The following team has been selected to meet the Manawatu touring team on Wednesday:— Backs Full-back—R. Silver (Union). Three-quarters—N. A. Mitchell (Alhambra, captain), W. A. Perriam (Pirates). A A. Churchill (Southem), Second five-eighth—J. Berghan (University). First five-eighth—D. Trevathan (Southern). Half-back—P. Ongley (Pirates). Forwards Front row—C. Quaid (Southern). F. Graham (Pirates), G. McDonald (Southern). Middle row—F. H. Vorrath (Union), A. A. Parkhill (Pirates), W. McClelland (Tuapeka), R. Neiper (Southern). Back row—L. Naylor (Alhambra). Emergencies Forwards—P. Treacy (Dunedin), J. Barron (Taieri), J. Walker (Union). Backs—L. H. Simpson (University), W. Campbell (Pirates), W. A. Black (Southern). THE NORTHERN TOUR PLAYERS SELECTED The following players ha/e been selected to represent Otagu touring team on its northern tour. The team will leave for the north on Thursday:— Backs—R. Silver, W. A. Black, L. Werner (Union), N. A. Mitchell W A. Perriam, D. Trevathan, L. H. Simpson. A A. Churchill, J. C. Kearney (Maniototo), W. Campbell. D. Murray (Kaikorai). Forwards—C. Quaid, P. Treacy, T. Graham, J. Barron, L. Hill (Southern). W Jolly (Vincent), J. Walker, R. Neiper, W. McLelland (Tuapeka). W Gregg (Vincent). L. Navlor T Berghan, P. Ongley, G. McDonald. F H Vorrath, and A. A. "Parkhill were not available.

The players are asked to assemble for practice at Carisbrook at 4.45 this afternoon.

A WIDE MARGIN

OTAGO BACKS IN FORM VISITING FORWARDS STRONG IN THE LOOSE MANY BRIGHT MOVEMENTS The representative match would have been a very drab affair but for the enterprise of the Otago backs. The Bush side proved to be a particularly energetic one, and the hard rucking a d loose play of its forwards kept the Otago pack well occupied. Once the ball left the scrum, though, the comparison ended. The scort of 23 points to 12 does not adequately indicate the measure of Otigo's domination of the game. The Dark Blue back line had something of a picnic. The Berghan-Perriam-Mitchell combination functioned in highly superior fashion, and the crowd was well entertained almo every time it got moving. The Otago crum was the more successful from a ball-securing possession point of view, but the halfback. Simpson, and, in fact, all of the backs, were hampered exceedingly by the breaking of the Bush forwards and the daring smothering of the visiting b cks Simpson had a hard day, being the target of much attention from the Bush tor wards. They were round the scrum often before the ball and were not in a-hurry to get back again Berghan suffered similarly, and Mitchell had to intend with an opposite who frequently made his tackle or smother before the ball reached the Otago centre. As an attacking. unit th<- Bush back line was a negligible force, and the whole of the side's drive was in the loose rushes of its forwards. The Otago backs were quick to start passing from all parts of the field, and the forwards came into many of them Sometimes the pass-

ing was unnecessarily hard for closeformation passing, but the forwards combined well in this form of attack.

Berghan-Perriam-Mitehell

Mitchell was the dominating figure in the game, with Berghan giving an All Black display at first five-eighth—although he was tired at the finish—and Perriam also playing very attractive football although too often he tried to do everything on his own' and wasted good openings that he had made. His passing was most erratic. The form on the wing of D. Murray must have impressed the selectors. He showed plenty of pace, but the main value of his display was his ability to understand the players inside him, to keep with them and to keep them in t" e olay McCartney was not so mpressive. and the Taieri full-back, B. Wilkins. did not reproduce his club form. • Among the O go forwards, L. Naylor, P. Treacy and A A. Parkhill played excellent games, and T Graham was a successful rake. W. McLelland showed pace in the loose; but although the pack did reasonably well, Otago has still to produce 1939 form worthy of its reputation. Energetic Bush Forwards The Bush pack was well led by A. Mahoney, w' was one of the best forwards on the ground. r .-. Bailey and "* Wilkins kept after the ball all lay, and B. Smith was a tireless worker. It is not known whether he answers to any nickname among his friends, but from the way he went into everything on Saturday, boots first, "Tiger" would not be mavoropriate. I. Hay the full-back, did not start well, but later fielded and 'ticked well. The half-back, E. Lett, played a serviceable gamp and 2. Eddie, on the wing, showed some dash when he got an opportunity. The teams were as follows: — Otago (Dark Blue) .—Backs—B. Wilkins, D Murrry. N A Mitchell, S. McCartney, W A Perriam, T. Berghan, L. Simoson; forwards- L. Aitken T Graham, P Treacy, B. Barnes, A A Parkhill, J Barron, W. McLelland. L Naylor. Bush (Maroon and Blue).—Backs —I Hay, M. Harris, K. Elliott, C. Eddie, W Twentyman. S. Staples, E. Lett; forwards—M. Wilkins. B. Smith, B. Fergus, C. Rosyth, D. Fallaver, L. Bailey. B. Thomas. A. Mahoney. OTAGO ATTACKS QUICKLY Otago starting with the better end, followed Perriam's kick-off right into the visitors' twenty-five and looked very much like scoring in the first two minutes. Passing broke down but was patched up and Mitchell made a fine opening into the corner Berghan took the pass inside him and Dassed further infield instead of out again to the unmarked Mitchell. Otago passing swung across field again, and when Mitchell was tackled before the ball reached him, Perriam appeared to miss a good chance of going through. The Otago scrum was getting the ball consistently but the Bush forwards burst through to halfway. The ball came loose and a long pass was well gathered by Murrav. Mitchell ranged alongside him and started for the line from 35 yards out. He beat two or three men beautifully and ran over at the corner Perriam's goal made the score s—nil after eight minutes' play It was only two minutes before Mitchell sent Murray away. The winger's change of pace left the Bush full-back standing, and the try behind the posts was an easy one. Perriam missed, and the score was B—nil. Good Passing The visitors held, a position in Otago's territory for a few minutes, but Berghan and then Barnes took the ball on the ground back to their twenty-five Another strong, loose rush went well upfield. out apart from loose rushes, which were very Dowerful, there was no co-ordination about the Bush team's play W Twentyman had a good chance when

Otago was penalised in a handy position, but his shot went wide. The next incident was a swerving run from his twenty-five by Mitchell which set in train a slashing passing rush. Aitken spoiled it by not getting rid of the ball. The Dark Blues ! came back in a splendid passing movement in which half the backs and forwards took part. It was stopped at the corner, but Barnes went over from a ruck a minute later. Wilkins did not convert, and Otago led 11—nil after 20 minutes' play. A run by Eddie took Bush to attack, and when Twentyman missed another penalty hot, a long one, Otago passing again carved a path to halfway. A break from the scrum by Mahoney was countered by a long break by Simpson, who wasted a good chance by trying to go too far. The try was only delayed. The Bush backs crowded the Dark Blues in one passing rush, but Berghan drew two men next time, and Perriam went through for a smart try. Wilkins missed again. Otago 14 —nil. Vigorous Loose Pla^ The Bush forwards were very determined in the loose, and they smashed into Otago's twenty-five by vigorous spoiling The Otago inside backs had a hard minute or two, and Bush opened its account when Smith got over in a crush Hay missed from wide out. The Dark Blue were having a field day and Mitchell presented McCartney with a gift try only to see his pass knocked forward. The ball came back again, though, and Berghan found the way open and went over by the posts, he could not kick the goal, and the score was: Otago 17—3 Otago was starting passing from everywhere, but there was rather much hard passing instead of hand ing the ball on at close range The five minutes before half time were spent f.bout midfield, with Otago continuing to throw the ball about in the face of all-over-the-place tackling and spoiling. The score remained: Otago 17 points Bush .. .. 3 points. Scrappy Seconc* Half The opening tages of the second half were not very interesting, but the Bush programme of smothering the Otago backs was rather successful and the scene seeped down into Otago's corner. Smith was blocked in a scurry for the corner, but the ball came loose from a ruck and the half-back, Lett, lok a pass and dived thrpugh a o and over. Hay missed. Otago 17—6. The try was avenged quickly Berghan started passing cleverly, and with the Bush outside men concentrating on Mitchell, Perriam wriggled through. He was squashed, but Murray gathered a rolling ball well and ran over wide out. Perriam missed, d the board showed 20—6. Play was extremely scrambly now and tho visitors were holding their position in Otago territory. The crowd was crying for action from the Otago backs, and two bright rushes was its immediate reward. Simpson was not able to get t:.e ball away so steadily *his half, and Perriam was too often trying to beat the whole side on his own. The best movement of this half resulted in Murray scoring an attractive try. Berghan made the opening and

Perriam's pass left Murray with a clear run in. Parkhill missed a " sitter." Hay showed the Otago goalkickerr how it should be done by landing a good real from a fair angle a few minutes later. That made the score 23-9 with 10 minutes to go. Hay missed another loneish shot soon afterward. Then the Otago backs took charge again for a while. The game was dying a lingering death, but the visitors had the satisfaction of scoring another try before it breathed its last Their forwards had established themselves in Otago's corner, and Twentyman fought hi* way over. Hay missed and the final whistle sounded: Otago .. .. 23 points. Bush Districts 12 points. Mr H. C. Williamson was the referee. CANTERBURY TEAM TOURING PLAYERS CHOSEN (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 12 The sole selector (Mr V Craw) has selected the following team to tour the North Island, where it will play matches against Hawke's ?ay Auckland and Wellington:—G. T Nolan, J. S. Cartwright. J Ballantyne, R L. Roberts, W Burgess, A L Ellis, J. J. McAuliffe. P K. Rhind J Rainey. N. McPhail. D. Herman C Williams, Chandler. G. S Walter W. A Hearn. Emergencies.—Backs—F. Allen, A. G. Hunter; forwards—T. C. Knowles, Campbell (Ellesmere). THE GRANT CUP The annual Rugby challenge match for the Grant Cup between Eastern and Northern Southland was played on Gore Showground on Saturday the game being won by Northern by 9 points to 3 With snow falling intermittently, and the ground in a heavy condition, the game resolved itself in a forward struggle, and the superiority of the Northern pack carried the day The handling of both sets of backs was faulty and several good scoring chances were lost Northern's points came from tries by Sutherland (2) and Stewart, and Currie scored for Eastern. PRIMARY SCHOOLS' TRIALS The primary school representative trial match arranged fox the Oval to-day at 2.30 p.m. has been transferred to Hancock Park at 2.30 p.m.

RANFURLY SHIELD

THE CHALLENGERS BEATEN SOUTHLAND'S EASY WIN GROUND COVERED WITH SNOW <Per United Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Aug. 12. For the Ranfurly Shield challenge Manawatu v. Southland, overhead conditions were good, but the ground was exceptionally heavy, being covered with snow, except on the lines which had been cleared. The attendance was fair. Southland took up the attack, and Mahony. after a good run, was thrown out at the corner. The visiting forwards retaliated, and carried play downfield, only to be sent back. The Southland backs twice essayed passing rushes. The first proved fruitless, but the second enabled Sutherland to break away and score in a good position, Wesney adding the additional points. Southland jj Manawatu "

The players experienced great difficulty in keeping their feet and in handling the ball owing to the amount of snow covering the ground. So far there was very little back play. Southland was again aggressive, and Wesney was temporarily injured. A quick break by the Maroon backs enabled Saxton to cross the line for a good try. The kick missed. Southland 8 Manawatu • 0

Manawatu won two scrums, but Edlin was caught before he could get the ball away. The Manawatu forwards got moving, and O'Dea was prominent, but lost possession. Wesney was forced to leave the field and was replaced by Calvert. Southland overwhelmed a Manawatu forward rush, and a penalty kick by Sutherland failed to rise. Saxton found the line with a well-judged kick. Manawatu again rushed Maroon territory, but were repulsed, and Stewart was compelled to force as several opponents tore down on him. The players appeared tired, while the spectators lacked enthusiasm. Mahony almost scored just prior to half time, when the scores were unchanged. Early in the second spell Ward registered a penalty goal for a scrum infringement. Southland .. 11 points. Manawatu .. Nil.

The Manawatu forwards were showing aggressiveness, and the backs joined in, Deriner failing to take a pass. The Maroons retaliated, and Purdue passed out to Saxton, who sent on to Ward. He crossed for a try which he failed to convert.

Southland .. 14 points. Manawatu .. Nil.

J. Purdue initiated a dribbling rush that Stewart broke up. Edlin carried on, but Deriner failed to accept a pass. Later he got the ball away to Findlay. who found touch near the line. Manawatu maintained the pressure until Mahony broke away and was well stopped by Stewart The Southland rearguard was again in motion, and Sutherland crossed near the corner. Ward's kick missed. Southland .. 17 points. Manawatu .. Nil.

McKenzie started a movement, but it was stopped by Purdue. Scrambling play followed in midfield, until Saxton kicked down for Stewart to return. Graham was prominent in a Maroon rush, but was penalised, and Finlay's penalty kick was successful, making the final scores: Southland .. 17 points. Manawatu .. 3 points. A COLOURLESS GAME GROUND UNDER SNOW SOUTHLAND'S EASY VICTORY (Per United Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Aug. 12. Four inches of snow lying on Rugby Park made the Ranfurly Shield match with Manawatu to-day almost a farce. In a game completely devoid of concerted movements. Southland won by 17 points to 3. Efforts during the morning to clear the ground failed, because snow fell until mid-day, and lorries threatened to ruin the surface. Manawatu was given the option, but elected to make the game a challenge match. As against Otago last week. Southland monopolised the ball and made all the play, but concerted efforts were impossible. It was a day for individualists, the most brilliant of whom was A. Sutherland, the Southland winger and later centre. His covering up was superb under the conditions, and his two tries resulted from brilliant running. Stewart, the Manawatu full-back, did all that could have been expected of any full-back on the day, but he was quite unable to cope with the relentless hunting of the Southland park. Sutherland and Saxton scored in the first half, Wesney converting Sutherland's try, and then leaving the field with a leg injury.

At half time Southland's twentyfive was still covered by virgin snow, except for the occasional footprints of the full-back. Ward kicked a penalty goal and scored in the second half, and Sutherland pon-ed h's sernnH tv V Five minutes before the end. Manawatu crossed Southland's twenty-five for the first time in the game, and J. Finlay kicked a good penalty goal. THE SEDDON SHIELD BULLER BEATS GOLDEN BAY TWENTY-FIVE POINTS TO FOUR (Per United Press Association) WESTPORT. Aug 12. On a heavy sodden field with sleet and rain fallen° during the course of the play Buller (the holders) jtalled tff the Golden BayMotueka challenge this afternoon for the Seddort Shield Buller winning by 25 points to 4 The visitors had the better of the set scrums but seemed unable to adapt themselves to the muddy, slippery conditions particularly in the loose rushes where Buller ieally shone. The handling of the greasy ball by Buller backs w particularly impressive. A feature of the match

was that hardly a pass was dropped by the Buller players, and only sound tackling by some of the visiting forwards and' backs prevented the score being higher. For Buller tries were scored by J. Alexander, B. Neighbours, D. Strachan. C. Robertson, J Mallet and F. Neighbours, A. Dunn converting one try and Alexander kicking a field goal. Rayfell scored the Bay's only try, B. Fry converting.

A HARD-FOUGHT GAME

AUCKLAND BEATS HAWKE'S BAY

NINE POINTS TO SIX

(Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Aug. 12.

The Auckland representative Rugby team played its fourth fixture of the season at Eden Park to-day against Hawke's" Bay, and won by 9 points to 6. In spite of the fact that the ground conditions were very heavv after the rain during the week and in the morning, fast, open play of a high order was witnessed by about 14,000 spectators. With only three points separating the scores from seven minutes after the interval, the Hawke's Bay team was unlucky not to have added to its tally, as the forwards were superior to those of the Auckland pack in the last quarter of the match, although the scrummage and line out honours were against them. Bowman played a fine game for the visiting forwards and his fast breaking from the scrum nipped the Auckland attacks in the bud early McKenzie also worked solidly in the pack, his defence being particularly safe. Butler headed dribbling rushes and showed a fine turn of speed. Dyer at full-back was responsible for keeping Auckland's score down through his fine defensive play He kicked accurately and strongly, but was shaded on the day in this respect by the opposition guardian, Hare, who cleared with kicks that transferred play sometimes 50 yards up the field. The Hawke's Bay fiveeighths, Reid and Bradley, showed sound ability on the comparatively few occasions they were in possession and were better than Auckland's inside players, Brady and, Pearman. Auckland's five-eighths were not as brilliant as usual, although they executed some pretty movements. Pepper gamed the ball from the set scrums for Auckland 25 times to 11. W. N. Carson was the pick of the Auckland forwards. He was seen in some fine dribbling rushes and was sound on defence. Moffitt, Hull and McCrory played well. F. Solomon pleased on the side of the scrum after a long absence from selection. Tries for Auckland were scored by Pepper and Pearman, Hare kicking a penalty goal. Reid scored a try for Hawke's Bay and Dyer kicked a good penalty goal from a difficult angle. WIN FOR POVERTY BAY AUCKLAND DECISIVELY BEATEN (Per United Press Association) GISBORNE, Aug. 12. Auckland's second Rugby team suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Poverty Bay, the final scores being 25 points to 3 against the visitors. Auckland had the advantage in the scrums, but did not make much progress against the hard tackling --nd spoiling play of the Bay breakaways, who forced the inside backs to run across the field, and gave the wingers little room to work. Poverty Bay nad much the better of things in the loose, and the fast, heavy forwards consistently raked the field with dribbling rushes. Neither of the back divisions was brilliant. Three tries fell to Rogers, who played a freat attacking game, and M. O'Brien brought his total of points for the season to 102 by scoring two penalty goals, and converting two tries. Other points were scored for the home team by Smiler and Phillips. Auckland's points resulted from a try by Molloy. WANGANUI DEFEATED A WIN FOR KING COUNTRY (Per United Press Association; WANGANUI. Aug. 13. Wanganui was beaten by King Country in the representative Rugby match on Saturday by 14 points to 11. The Wanganui pack was well held by a team of virile forwards. C. A. Crossman, last year's North Island five-eighths, played a heady game, using his forwards with wellplaced centring kicks ■■ Wanganui was without its hooker, E J Callaghan and its centre, D. G Barton but on the day it had the better team of backs Tries were scored for King Country by Waretine, Francis, and Lane. Schroeder kicked a penalty goal and converted one try For Wanganui, Welsh, Hunter, and Shewan scored tries, and Hook converted one try.

MINOR UNIONS SOUTH ISLAND TEAM : (Per United Press Association) TIMARU, Aug. 13. The South Island selectors, Messrs R. R. Masters (Canterbury), A. A. Adams (West Coast), and A. J. Geddes (Southland) have chosen the following South Island minor unions' team to meet the North Island minor unions at Christchurch on Saturday next: — Backs Full-back.—S. F. Easton (North Otago, vice-captain). • Three-quarters.—W. C. Weenink (Buller), R. B. Lilley (Ashburtori), R. Cooper (West Coast). Five-eighths\—-J. Alexander (Buller, first), and A. Vaughan (WestCoast, second). Half-Back.-£k A. Kelly (Ashburton). Forwards Back Row.—B. Doig (Ashburtdn). Middle Row.—G. Mason (Buller), R. R. King (West Coast, captain), B. E. Newton (Ashburton). and C. Robertson (Buller). : - Front Row.—E. Strachan (North Otago), J. McKenzie (Ashburton), R R. Innes (West Coast): .;- : 'L x Reserves Forwards.—R. McKay (Nelson), R. Brown (North Otago). Backs.—N. Kotua (Nelson) arid D. Gillies (North Otago). :.\ NORTH ISLAND TEAM; ;', (Per United Prjbss Association)' \ V' Auckland; Aug, 13: The North Island Rugby selectors have announced the following team to represent the North Island minor unions in the match against South Island minor unions:— Backs Full-back.—Wi Repa (East Coast). Three-quarters.—C. Cunningham (North Auckland), R. Whitej(North Auckland), A. McAneny (Poverty Bay). Five-eighths. —C. A. ■; Gibson (North Auckland), P. Lambly (North Auckland). Half-back.—R. Codling (North Auckland). Forwards J. McNeile (Bay of Plenty), H/C. Anderson (Poverty Bay), Daniel Tuhoro (East Coast), G. Phillips (Poverty Bay), R. Rogers (Poverty Bay), J. Best (Bay of Plenty), W. J. Trusttum (King Country), C. C. ' Hancox (King Country). NELSON BEATS WELLINGTON (Per United Press Association) j. WELLINGTON, Aug., 11 In a representative match, Nelson.» beat Wellington senior second division representatives by 11 points to 8. ' , IN OTHER CENTRES WELLINGTON CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (Per United Press Association* WELLINGTON, Aug. 12. The final round of club Rugby match in Wellington was played on; Saturday in, ideal weather. Wellington won the championship arid College Old Boys the Hardham Cup. Results: — \". f\ .... Senior Championship Wellington 35, Marist Brothers Old Boys 20. Petone 6, Athletic 3. Johnsonville 16. Poneke 11. Hardham Cup College Old Boys 22, Hutt 19. •"-.; University 20, Eastbourne 3. Oriental 14, St. Patrick's Old Boys. 11CHRISTCHURCH GAMES UNIVERSITY WTVS CHAMPIONSHIP (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 11 Albion 11, Technical 10. Linwood 15, Athletic 10. University 10, Sunnyside 0. Christchurch 25, Southern 11. ':.'., Merivale 16, Air Force 8. University wins the championship. ' .;

is as follows:— Points Ch P. W L. D. F. A Pts Union .. 14 11 3 — 150 91 22 Southern .. 14 10 4 — 192 91 20 Pirates .. 13 9 3 1 198 92 19 Kaikorai .. 13 9 4 — 106 86 13 Alhambra .. 13 7 5 1 148 122 15 Dunedin ., 13 6 6 1 110 113 13 Taieri .. .. 13 4 0 — 116 213 8 University A 13 4 9 — 123 140 8 ZingariRichmond 13 2 10 1 75 136 5 University B 13 2 11 n 75 209 4