NOTES' BY FORWARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 1970, 22 August 1889, Page 26

NOTES' BY FORWARD.

The senior interclub matches were brought to a close last week, it haying been deoided to have a trial match on tie cqmiug Saturday. This being so, it i 3 now permitted- me to tabulate the results of the matches played during the year by the senior clubs :-*■

From the above it will be seen t lat for the second year in succession the Kaikorai Olub occupies the proud position of senior club without having suffered defeat. The Alhambra and Taieri both ooonpy positions with which they have reasonable ground for satisfaction. The Taieri Club especially should be satisfied with the result »f the season's play, as they occupy a higher position relatively to the other clubs than they have hitherto done. The Dunedin team failed to fulfil the promise of the beginning of the season, but the Union and ZingariRichmond Olubs have made as good a record as was anticipated. The Montecillo, Pirates, and University played disappointingly, and the High School were quiet inferior to the others. In addition to the nine matches included in the foregoing table, the Kaikorai Club also played a match with the Oamaru Athletics in the beginning of tbe season —when they were preparing for the contest, which did not .eventuate, with the Poneke Club—and that match goes to swell the list of their victories. The following Bhows the results of all the matches played during the season by the premier club :— August 19—v. Oamara Athletics, at Oamaru: Won by one goal and one try (four points) to nothing. May 18—v. Zingari: Richmond, at Asylum Ground: Won by two goals and one try (seven points) feo one goal (three points). May 25—v; Pirates, at Oarfsbrook: Won by .five goals (15 points) fco one goal (three points). June I—v.1 —v. Taieri, at Mosgiel s Drawn game; no score. June 15—v. Montecillo, at Kaikorai —Won by two goals (six points) to nothing. June 22— v. Dunedin, at the Caledonian ground: Won by one goal and oae try (four points) to one try (one point). June 29—v. Union, at the North ground: Drawn game ; one goal (three points) each. July 13—v. University, at Tahuna Park: Won by two goals and one try (seven points) to nothing. July 20—v. Alhambra, at Oarisbrook: Drawn game; one goal (three points) each. . August 19—v. Monteclflo, at Montecillo: Won by two goals and eight tries (14 points) to nothing. Summary: Matches played, 10; won, 7 ; lost, 0; drawn, 3. Points for, 63; points against, 13. The following players scored; — Davie, 5 tries; M'lntyre, 5 tries j W. Thojnpson, 4 tries; Keogh, 3 tries': Duncan, 3 tries; W. Miller, 2 tries j Jones, Claffey* D. Thompson, A. Miller, and Armit, 1 try eaob. W. Thompson converted 12 tries into goals, and Torrance converted 3 tries, and in addition kicked a goal from a mark and a goal from a penalty kick. ■ , A letter appeared in Tuesday's Daily Times over the signature of " Goal," suggesting that the O.E.F.U. should have a " Champion club" dag, the premier dub for one Beason to have the privilege of-flying the flag daring the next season. The Christchuroh Press makes the following remarks, several of which will find an echo in Ofcago:—"The Native footballers have certainly improved immensely in their play Bince they were'last here. We wish we could Bay aa muoh for their manners. . Their play, when they chose to exhibit it, was superb. For some reason or other, at the match on Thursday against Hawke'e Bay they took little pains to show what they could' do in the. way pf scientific fpotball, but some of their number exhibited their proficiency in lob-lolly antics on the field, and chaff of a not very high olasa oharaoter. On Saturday they did show what they could do in the way of play —perhaps because in the first spell- at any rate they were obliged to do so—and a really magnificent display of scientific' football it was. At the Bame time certain of their number distinguished themselves by the most discreditable language, some of it addressed personally to one of the umpires and the' referee. We can hardly imagine that they learned this from playing with English teams; and must' regard it as an accomplishment which they have originated on their own account. It is one whioh can well be dispensed with, and we trust that tbe respectable members of the team —for, we give them credit for possessing a few such among their number—will, for their own oredit, take the matter up. If not" they will find that the public will be disposed to afford but scant encouragement to Native teams in future, and tho particular offenders will probably discover that there are other ways of teaching decant behaviour to men who are evidently very muoh in need of such instruction." The annual match between Christ's College and the Otago High School will take place on Saturday week. The Ofcago boys should have no difficulty in winning. A Btubbornly contested matoh waß played at Cromwell on the 10th inst,, between the Cromwell and Bannookburn Clubs. A draw,was the result, each side 'scoring three * pointa. For.Ceomweil, Swan obtained a try, which he hhnßelf converted, and for, Bannockburn, Goodger secured a try, which was enhanced by an old friend and interprovinoial player in the person of W. J. Strong, who is the captain of hia aide. Strong now plays at three-quarter back, and is a tower of strength in that position, judging from the following extract from the Cromwell paper j—" Strong aa. usual formed a stone-wall, which it -was almost impossible for any- of the ' Oroniwell- boys to pass. That he is a dreaded enemy in the football field was evidenced by the manner he was dosed on as soon as the, ball was in his grasp." By tbe way, the referee in the match-bad a queer notion of his duties. A' ball was passed forward by one of- the Bannockburn men, and the Cromwell players stood expecting tbe sound of the whistle—a foolish thing to do, as many a team has found to its cost;—but no whistle went, and on the referee being appealed to, as bis reason for not ! blowing the whistle, he stated that only one of the umpires bad held up hia flog, and he could not stop tbe play till both umpires had appealed to him. If this practice were adopted extensively there would be very few stoppages in play, for experience proves that it is beldom in a match that both umpires allow the same appeal. Prior to tbe match the Cromwell footbal lers were presented with a banner by the ladies of the town, and'the captain of the olub, in acknowledging tbe presentation, went the length of saying that in all his travels through the Australian oolonieg be bad never seen a

more handsome banner than he held in his hands that day. He did not say how much he had travelled. The own correspondent of the Napier Evening News, referring to the match between ' Hawke'a Bay and Ofcago, says :— -*' When the teams appeared on the ground it was very evident our men were greatly over-weighted, the Otago, team averaging 12 8 and our fellows only sealing 11.4. We were sadly beaten by 16 points to nil. I wish I could bide my head somewhere. The Ofcago forwards simply ran over our men, their combination, passing, and following up being perfeot, and it quite killed our forwards. It was a forward game all through, and our fellows certainly did not play half the game they played againßt Canterbury —that ia, the forwards ; the backs played fairly well, but there was no passing at all, for the Otago forwards prevented that, ' Winape had no opportunities of ; displaying his running powers, Duncan, Taku, and Le Quesne collared well, although the latter missod his men at times. M'Rae and Lowry kicked well and showed good form. The Otago forwards were perfect; their backs I did not think bo much of." Dr R. H. Morrison, of Edinburgh University football and athletio fame, is thinking of returning home to Australia before the end of the present year. Morrison, though Australian born, was selected and played for Scotland! v. England at Rugby football, and made a creditable display at three-quarter back. G. .0. Wade, the Oxonian, who did such good Bervice for English international football, was also an Australian. As there have been all sort of rumours current as to the extent of the injury received by Downes in ' the Alhambra - Taieri match on Saturday, I may state that Dr Coughtrey does not consider the case in any way dangerous, and ! although Downes may not be able to play next Saturday, it is not to be supposed that he is in a critical state. A few days' rest, with careful attention, is all that is necessary to bring him to ; himself again. At a meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union held on Monday night the referee reported W. Wynyard and Taiaroa for i disputing his decision on Saturday. Tbe union decided to suspend them during their | pleasure and communicate this to other unions. A largely-attended meeting of those favourable to the formation of a football club was held in the Saratoga House, Waitati, on Saturday evening. Although .now rather ■ late in the season, it was decided to form a club at once, and so afford members an opportunity to obtain practice and an insight into the new rules and regulations of the game. The club starts with a membership of 30. Beflectiona upon the impartiality of the referee, Mr W. Wyinko, In the football match between Otago and Hawke's Bay were contained iv a Bpecia.l telegram in the Christchuroh Press, it being Btated that " the refereeing was very unsatisfactory," and that " the Hawfee'a Bay team were thoroughly disgusted with the referee." The telegram in question bore evidence upon its face of fcaving been forwarded by a member of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union, who, it might have been supposed, represented the opinions of his team. It is satisfactory, however, to note thit thla is not the case, for in Thursday's Press j the following letter appeared over the signature of Mr T. H. Lowry, the captain of the Hawke's Bay players s— " The Hawke's Bay football team regrets that anything disparaging to the referee in our match against Otago should have appeared in your paper. We all considered Mr Wyinks very fair indeed, and his decisions were always correct." The return match between the Alhambra and Taieri Olubs came off on the Caledonian ground in the presence of a large number of onlookers. The Alhambra men defended the southern goal, and had the wind in their favour. For a few minutes- the play was in the middle of the field, .but it was gradually worked into Alhambra territory; Crawford then carried it to the, centre before he was stopped. Here scrum followed scrum, and the game was somewhat uninteresting until the Alhambra made a good rush, carrying the ball into the Taieri twenty-five. The latter, with a determined rush, headed by the Allan > brothers, took.) the ball into the Alhambra ground; but Downes and Noel, by a yery'^ smart t piece of play (especially on Noel's part), took tbe ball to within a few yards of the Taieri goal line, Noel almost getting over. The Taieri, thanks mainly to the Allans, were successful in clearing their lines. A scrum was shortly afterwards formed in the centre, and the ball was heeled out to Downes, who most unselfishly passed to Noel. This player at once made off, and got over the line amidst deafening applause. Restieaux took the kick, but|it was a long one at a difficult angle, and the point was not improved., The ball was again set going, and play settled for some time in the centre, unfcii Ternent dribbled the ball over the Taieri line, but did not for some unaccountable reason take advantage of his chance, ' and no try resulted. ' Murdoch was shortly after given a free kick for off-side play by one or. two of the Alhambra men, but the ball was well returned, and for a little while it remained in neutral .territory. Then Restieaux and Downes succeeded between them in sending the ball into Noel's hands, and he was off once more, and again got over the line. Restieaux took the kick from about the same spot as previously, and this time he was successful. Just before this try < was gained Downes was hurt and had to retire. The injury,' which is internal, is not at all serious, and Dr Coughtrey states that; he , will be about again in a day or two. After ' the game started once more the Taieri backs showed up", well in passing,'and the ball was carried into the Alhambra ground, but Restieaux relieved his side by. nicely dribbling to. the centre, . where sorum after Bcrum . was formed. Then H. Allan and Murdoch came to the front, and mainly owing to their efforts tbe next scene of play was in close proximity to the quarter flag in the Alhambra ground. From a scram Stevenson secured the ball and was over the line in no time, but the kick, taken by Elder, was resultless. The Taieri men were now regularly warmed up to their work, and H. Allan by a splendid run gained a second try, but the j kick" by Elder was again a failure, and half time was called. In the second spell play, afc ' first centred for some time. Crawford had a, free kick, and by this the Alhambra gained a little ground. Shortly afterwards the ball was rushed into the Taieri territory, but only a force down resulted. Then play was again In midfield, both teams playing stubbornly and well. . The' Taieri backs indulged in some passing, but it was very reckless, and they actually lost ground. The Gibsons relieved their side somewhat, but the Alhambra soon regained the ground. Noel again showed up prominently, and was well backed up by Johnston and Crawford. The Taieri forwards, realising that their chances were fast declining, made a splendid combined rush and a scrum was formed within a yard of the Alhambra line. The leather was pushed over and Davidson fell on it and gained a try. The Taieri men were now jubilant, as there was a chance to equalise matters, but the kick— not by any means an easy one — was a failure, and time was called, the scores standing : Alhambra, 4 points ; Taieri, 3 points. Taking the play all round, it must be eaid that both, clubs have, improved since they last, met,

and the Alhambra men, at any rate, ace Btil trying to improve themselves. For the Alham- ' bca, besides those previously mentioned, Strong, Weitzel, Murphy, and Robertson showed up well ; and for the Taieri, Mackie, Oliver, MatheBon, and Davidson were several times prominent. Mr S. M. Park acted as umpire for the f aieri, Mr A. V.- Smith for the Alhambra, and Mr Wyinks was referee. The Eaikorai and Montecillo Clubs met on Saturday at the latter's ground for their return match this season. The Montecillo team included two or three second fifteen men, a fact which no doubt interfered with the team's play. From the kick off it was at once seen that the Kaikorai team were the superior, and the Montecillo were playing on the defensive nearly the whole game. The inclusion of Keogh in the Kaikorai Club's ranks greatly helped them, especially in their back play. They adopted the method of playing three half backs, which proved an undoubted success. The passing by both Kaikorai f orw&rds and backs completely nonplussed their opponents. Through the agency of Isaacs, and M'Naughton the Montecillo at -times cleared their lines, but thi3 was only momentary. W. Millar, Duncan, and A. Millar (forwards) played in first-class form for the Kaikorai ; Armit, Keogh, and M'lntyte, as halfs, passed to one another beautifully ; J. Davie also played in good form. For the Montecillo Morley and Bolton (backs) played best, and Isaacs, M'Naughton, and Beck (forwards). The game resulted in a win for the Kaikorai by two goals and eight tries (14 points) to nil. Tries were secured by W. Millar (2), Keogh (3), M'lntyre (2), pnncan (1), Armifc (1), Davie (1). W. Thompson placed two goals. Mr J. Marchbanks acted as referee. The Union met the University at the North ground on Saturday, and won by 14 points to nil. Wright kicked off for the Maroons, and j the Blues failing to return, Gordon crossed the line. No goal resulting Cook kicked out, but the Maroon forwards soon carried the ball near the 'Varsity 'line, and from a throw in Croxford got possession and crossed the line. The place kick, however, did not enhance the [ score. After the kick out some give and take play ensued, until from a scrum the ball was heeled out and transferred to Porteous, who cleverly dodged through some of his opponents and potted a splendid goal. Cook kicked oil for the Bluea, but the ball was giadually worked back to their line, when some excellent passing amongst the Reds' forwards enabled Porfeeous to get the ball, and running clean through the opposing backs, touched down between the posts. He took the kick himself and succeeded in registering the major point. Half time was now called, the score being Union 8 points to nil. Lovegrovo kicked off for the Blues, who seemed to play with a little more ! combination, and gave ,the Reds some trouble before they managed to clear their lines. The Reds' forwards, however, were not to be denied, and after indulging in some good passing, Gordon scored behind the posts, Porteoua again sending the ball over the bar. Soon after this M'Farlane, from a neat pass by Beadle (who had altered his position in the field to forward), crossed the "line, but the kick' at goal was a failure. The Reds still kept up the attack, and Porteous crossed the line, but the kick at goal did not enhance the score. Just on tho call of time Thomas secured the leather, and getting through his men in fine style touched down between the posts. Porteous was entrusted with the kick, but owing to some misunderstanding, with the placer of the ball it was put down rather suddenly, and the Blues were on it before :he had- a chance to kick. Cook,' Paterson, and Lovegrove were the best of the 'Varsity's backs, the latter's i kicking being of great service to his side. Of the forward division it would be hard to individualise, but Torrance, Campbell, and Makgill were most conspicuous. For the Union, all the backs played a sound game, but the palm must be given to Porteous, who was' undoubtedly the best back on the ground, his collaring and" picking up being excellent. The forwards played in their usual form, and had matters pretty well in their own hands, Wright, W. M'Farlane, and Beadle deserving special mention. The Port Chalmers First played a second fifteen of the Pirates Club at Port Chalmers, but as the latter team included Macdonald in place of one of the regular three-quarter backs who was unable to take part in the match* the Port Chalmers captain refused to acknowledge it as other than a mixed fifteen. The Pirates won by 3 points to 2. For the winning team all the backs and F. Stronach, Ashcroft, and M'Beath showed good form, while Ritchie, Bauchop, Davidson, and Matson played well for Port. The Union and University Seconds met on i Saturday at Tahuna Park, the game resulting in a win for the former by 8 points to 3. For the Union. Finnegan placed a goal from a free kick, and W. M'Leod, Munro, and Alexander scored tries, one of which Robson converted. For the University Anderson placed a goal from a try by Tennant. The match Ravensbourne v. Kaikorai Second was not played, owing to the Kaikorai not puting in an appearance. Heriot won their match with the Newington by C points to nil. The annual fixture Findlay and Co. (Limited) v. Thomson, Bridger, and Co. was played on Saturday last. After a well-fought battle the game resulted in a win .for the former by 3 points to 1 point. The match Caversham v. Taieri Second was played at Mosgiel and resulted in a win for the former by one goal (three points) to nil. Harming, Clark, Cunningham, and Andrews for the Caversnam ; Smeaton, Pram, Campbell, Christie, arid Renwick for the Taieri played well. Au Auckland telegram states that the following have been selected to represent .Auckland in the football match against the Natives : — B. B. Lusk, Breen, Jarvis, R. Masefield, Herrold, I Braund, Rees, O'Connor, Wells, J. Lecky, M'Kenzie, Heffernan, Murray, Poland, and Read.. The following team has been chosen to represent Auckland in the forthcoming Southern tour: — Full back, R. B. Lusk; three-quarter backs— C. Madigan, J. Brien, N. Masefield, W. J. Wynyard; half backs — A. Rees, A. Braund, M. Herrald; forwards — Wells, O'Connor, J. Herman, H. Poland, R M'Kenzie, Murray, Reed, Maynard, J. Baster, and Hobson. One forward has still to be chosen. The Northern v. Southern match which was played on Saturday was not by any means a first-class exhibition of the Association game, nor are the inter-club games likely to improve as fast as they should do until the members of clubs taking part in them study the rules more assiduously than they have hitherto done, and so qualify themselves for better understanding the game they are partakers in. The game resulted in a win for the Sonthern Club by five goals to one. For the winners J. Laing, Nicolson, Smith fin goal), and A. Carver were prominent, and Browning's screw kicking was very clever; whilst for the Northerners Rennison, Pountley, Grant, the boys Walker (in goal), and M'Leod were besfc. OAMAKuUbTES. The football season of 1889, as regards « Oamaru, is fast drawing to a close. Several interesting matches have been played here daring

the last month or so. The Athletics played the' Oamaru Club last month,' and won rather. easily. \by seven points to nil. Mr E, E. Morrison, of , Dunedin, was referee and gave every satisfaction. The Excelsior First have played four matches and won all easily. They played the' Waitaki High School on July 25, and won by two goals and eight tries to' nil. On August 1 they played the Oamaru Second, and won by two goals and a try to a try. On August 8 they played the Athletic Second, and reversed the verdict of the lust match by winning to the tnne of two goals and a try to a try. Their play was excellent, and the game was one of the best witnessed here this season. Barclay's play as centre three-quarter was a treat to witness, his kicking and running beiug first-class. ■ He dropped a neat goal in this, and one in the match the week before. They played a Maori team from Moeraki last Thursday, and won easily by 11 points to one. They have fulfilled my prediction of last season by securing the honour of crack juniors of North Otago for 1880. They have played eight matches, winning six and losing two, and scoring 60 points ' for 19 against them— a very creditable' record, seeing they were only formed last year. On Thursday, after the match, Mr James Miller, the captain of the club, who is on the eve of departure for the old country, was the recipient tfa hand* some gold scarf pin set in diamonds and rubies, It was subscribed for by members of the club, and shows the appreciation in which his fellov?clubmates held him. Touchunh.

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