FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1897, 12 June 1890, Page 28

FOOTBALL.

1 NOTES BY FORWARD. It is olaimed by the University Club that Porteous is leaving the Union to join them. A reprehensible aotion is reported to have occurred in the match on Saturday between the Second Fifteens of the Dunedin and the Pirates Clubs. It appears that when two or three times the sound of the whistle was heard the referee, on being appealed to, disclaimed having sounded his whistle, and on one of these occaions the Pirates, through playing on, obtained a try. As the referee is positive in his assertion, it must be evident that some person — probably a player, for there were hardly any but players on the ground — was blowing a whißtle of his own. If a player, the offender should be punished, if possible, though I do not know under what rule hia oonduot could be dealt with. In any event, if such a thing were to become at all common it would inevitably lead to all sorts of misunderstandings and disputes ; and if anyone were detected in the act of thus usurping a referee's privilege an example should be made of him. The result of Saturday's match gives tbe Dunedin Club a credit balance of two over the Pirates, the number of victories to the credit of the Blues being now [six, and the number that the Pirates have gained bring four, Eleven matches have been played between the teams, the odd one having resulted in a draw. In 1884 the Pirates first entered the lists as a senior team, and in that year they had to submit to a double defeat from the oldest olub of Otago. The measure of the defeat waß in each instance 4 points to nil. The Dunedin Club in that year included such well-known warriors as J. R Murray, Taiaroa, Robertson, Mills, and Rattray, each of whom was then at hisbest, while the Pirates players were comparatively inexperienced, so that it would have been idle to have expected anything but defeat for the junior team. In 1885 the Pirates again suffered defeat — this time by 5 points to love — in the only match in which t hey encountered the D.F.C. ; but in 1888, when they entered upon posses3ion|of the Carisbroojkground, much better results were obtained so far as they were concerned, and, as all members of the olub will proudly remind you, passed through the season without defeat. _ There were two matohes between the clubs in that year, and tho result was the same in each. A try apiece was obtained, but, while the Blues' scores were not enhanced, Drabble converted the tries of the Pirates, who consequently won by 5 points to 2, In 1887 the Pirates again won both the matohes, and by the same majority — flvelpoints to three— in each. J. B. Thomson was greatly in evidence in these. In 1885 one match only was played, the Blues winning by three points (a goal kicked by Hunter from a try) to nothing. Last.'year the clubs'met twice. The first'conteßt took place on the Caledonian ground and produced a draw — four pointß each — and in the second, after an exciting match, in which the Pirates started off with two goals in less than 10 minutes, the Blues won by 10 points to seven. The Taieri on Saturday fulfilled their declared intention of giving the Kaikorai a hard fight of it, and they deserve every credit for having succeeded in checking the unbroken series of victories which the last two years' premier team was indulging in, even if the oheck came in the nature of a drawn game rather than of a defeat. The result was all the more creditable to them for they had the advantage of the play and should have won — a fact which prominent members of the Kaikorai Club do not hesitate to admit, The Taieri forwards, who now form a splendid combination, played a fine game all through, their loose rushes being almost irresistible. The backs also showed up in a very favourable light and collared admirably, W. Elder and M'Donald excelling in this department. Of the Kaikorai forwards Dun- . can, Armit, Torrance, and Ballantine were the pick. The backs, with the exception of W. Thompson and Keogh, did not display anything like their usual form. Experience has taught the Kaikorai players by this time that they need not be surprised if a match with the Taieri should prove a tough affair. Last Saturday was the sixth ocoasion upon which tho teams have tried conclusions, and it was the third oooasion upon which the result has been a draw, the other three contests resulting in favour of the Kaikorai. A drawn game was the first one between the clubs — played at Mosgiel in 1886, and producing no score. In 1887 the Taieri visited Kaikorai and found that the home team were one too many for them, as they were defeated by a try to nothing. In 1888 two matches were played, both at the Taieri, and in both the vißiting team had the upper hand. The earlier of these matches was closely contested through- out, and it was only by a try (obtained by W, Thompson) that the Taieri were defeated. In the return match the Kaikorai won without much difficulty by five points to nil, the ecore being contributed by M'lntyre, who potted a goal, and Davie, who obtained a couple of tries. Last year's match w hich waa drawn, neither side scoring, will be remembered from the circumstance that grave complaints were made about the Kaikorai Club's followers breaking down fences at Mosgiel snd refusing to pay for admission to the ground.

Prior to Saturday four matches had been played between the Zingari-Richmond and University Clubs, Two of these were in 1887, in which year the Univorsity first appeared as a senior club, playing matches regularly with other senior teams, and the Zingari-Richmond also first appeared, the amalgamation between the Zingari and Richmond Clubs haviug been effeoted before the season commenced. The earlier of tho two raatcboo of the year was won by the Zingari- Richmond by three tries to ml, but the return match waß drawn, In 18S8, one match was played, which, thanks to the efforts of Cook and Thomson, the 'Varsity won by a goal and a try to nothing. Last year, in the only match that was played between the teams, the Zingari- Richmond had substantial revenge for their defeat of tho previous season, winning easily by three goals and throe tries to nothing. Including Saturday's match there have been five games played between the clubs. Of these the Zingari-Richmond have two, and the University one to their credit, the remaining two having been drawn. The ZingariRichraqnd's ecoreß amount to 16 points, and the University's to fivo points. The match on Saturday betwoen tbe Alhambra and Union was but the second that has been played between tho two cluba, This may appear strangG, but nevertheless it is a faot; no contests having taken place between them either in 18S7 or 1888, and only one last year. In that ons match the Alhambra asserted a decided superiority, ai they rattled up the large score of nine points to one. Tb.B nine points represented three goalp, all kicked by ReßMos.ux, from tries, one of which was obtained by himself, r,nd tho other two by Noel. It is a pity that such a poor exhibition of football vas afforded to the very large crowd of parsous who visited the North ground on Saturday in the expectation of seeing an interesting and scientific gamo. Tho play was of the old-fashioned description, tight ecrumß being frequent and prolonged, To a cortr.in extent the Union forwards made this the game, but

to a certain extent also one of the Union backs was responsible. The back I refer to is M'Lennan, 'whose persistent playing on the Alhambra side of the scrum, ready to pounce upon the opposing backs as they obtained the ball, was a most reprehensible feature of the game. It was to the Union forwards' interest to prevent the game from becoming too open, as they were inferior to the Alhambra in that class of play, whereas they more than held their own in the tight game, and there was no violation of either the letter or the spirit of the rules of football in their making the game what they did ; but the same cannot be said of M'Lennan's tactics. The game was not an exciting nor a very interesting one, but the play of M'Oleary, Briggs, Johnston, the M'Farlanes, and Henderson in the forward division was capital. Behind the scrum, Davis on the Union side earned golden opinions by his play, which surpassed that of either of the Alhambra half backs, of whom Restieaux was the better. Downes and Noel also showed up well, and Harris did good service for the Union. The latter tried a new full back, Deaker (formerly of the Zingari-Richmond), who ought to have been able to prevent Downes from scoring, his attempt at tackling the Alhambra three quarter back being exceedingly feeble. The Dunedin and Pirates Clubs genorally do their beat to get their strongest teams in the field when they have to meet each other, but both clubs were somewhat disappointed in respect of last Saturday's teams. The Dunedin hoped to enlist Lynoh's services, but that popular three-quarter back, though it town on Thursday of last week, waß unable to fill the place that was kept open for him. On the other hand, the Pirates were still without Lang, whose absence was sorely felt, as Black, who supplied the vacancy, did not show up at all. The result of the match was hardly a surprise, but few people would have been muoh put out in their calculations had the Pirates won or had the result been a draw. It now seems to be clear that the Pirates are not so strong as it was anticipated they would be, while the Dunedin, though weaker than last year, are much better than they promised at the beginning of the season to be, In Saturday's match the forwards were pretty evenly matched, and the loss of the Beryioes of Arthur Morris, who had to retire, owing to a kick, in the middle qf the second spell, was a serious blow to the Piiates, as ho was playing in hia best form at the time. About the most prominent forward on the Pirates side was Milne, who was playing for the First Fifteen of his club for the first time this year. Crosby Morris also did a tremendous amount work, and Wales showed better form than he has done in any previous match. C. Beck, Isaacs, and Hunter formed a powerful trio on the Dunedin Bide, and after them R. Martin, who was particularly serviceable on the line out, was the best. In the back division, Howison, Haggitt, and Harvey were the most conspicuous for the Blues, and Atkinson was about the best of the Pirates, neither Oran nor Macdonald exhibiting his usual form. A firm of musio dealers in Dunedin offered prizes to the persons who should succeed in tipping the winners of five out of six matches decided last Saturday. One of the matches was not played, and the other five were : — Dunedin v. Pirates, Kaikorai v. Taieri, Union v. Alhambra.fZingari- Richmond v. University, and Pacific v. High Sohool. Not one person succeeded in correctly guessing the results of all these matches. No doubt the two drawn games proved a stumbling blook, but nearly all the tippists also fell over the Dunedin and Pirates match, the latter being tbe favourites. The Alhambra were very generally " spotted " for their match, and there appeared to be a consensus of opinion that the Kaikorai would defeat the Taieri by a substantial majority. One tip gave the Kaikorai 11 and the Taieri 2 points I SATURDAY'S MATCHES. The match between the Alhambra v. Union clubs was played on the North ground on Saturday, when fully 4000 spectators assembled to witness the game. Ab the records of both teams are good, and as the Union had, not lost a match, the public were promised a good contest. It was a tight game, and no mistake — both sides fought and struggled their very hardest. Tho toss was won by M'Cleary, who eleoted to defend the northern goal. Shortly after 3 o'clock tho gnme started, and the Union early indulged in some very pretty passing among the forwards. The Reds soon found that their opponents were not to be lightly esteemed, as they for a time had all they could do to act on the defensive and keep their lines clear until Downes cut off a pass, and after running a short way finished up with a good kick into touch. The Union forwards were, however, not to be denied, and they soon had the play back again. Johnston then obtained a mark, and kicking high the Reds were enabled to get a good rush on. From a scrum the ball was smarbly heeled out to Crawfurd, who passed to Restieaux. The latter dashed away neatly and slipped past the opposing halves, and then cleverly eluding the centre three-quarter, passed to Downes who ran in and scored first blood. The vociferous applause showed the crowd's appreciation, but Reatieaux failed for a wonder to register the major point. M'Lenuan kicked off, but owing to one of the Union being in front of the ball a scrum was formed at the quarter distance, where the play remained for a time. Crawfurd and Restieaux made strenuous efforts to get away, but Davis and Crnxford were always in the way. Halttime was soon afterwards called. The second spell was started by M'Cleary, whose forwards backed up well and carried the play into the Union quarters, where bcrum after scrum took place, but the Rids were unable to get the ball out to their three-quarters, owing to the way in which the Union halves and wing players camo round tho scrum. Ife was then found useless to attempt to heel out, and Crawfurd had to ke<>p the ball in tho scrum. It is a great pity that this style of play is allowed to continue, as it will inevitably, if persisted in, spoil tho open scientific play of the backs, as a three-quarter-back rarely gets the ball. The only open play was trom the line out, when the two M'Farjanes, Briggs, and M'Cleary were the most conspicuous at getting away. M'Lennan made an attempt to pot at goal, but the Reds' centre three-quarter charged it down in good style. By a bit of bad play on the part of one of the Reds' three-quarters the ball was kicked into Harris' hand, and this player getting away nicely, started some good passing which was just stopped in time. The Union then pressed the Reds for a short time, until Briggs and Crawfurd camo away and carried the ball to the half-way flag. The Reds then mad^ a Pnal effort, as Baker getting possession of the ball ran very strongly and passPtl to Johnston, who was collared iv time by Deaker. Play was then takt'n back to the half-way, when the whistle went for no sid<', leaving the junior club victorious by one try to love.

The match between the Kaikorai v. Taieri teams was played at Moagiel, and aft^r a stubbornly-fought game resulted in a draw, each hide scoring a goal. Anderson kicked off for tho Taieri. Thn ball was well returned into touch, and from tho throw-iu the Kaikorai forwards

carried the ball well into their opponents' quarters, making things look rather warm for them. The Taieri forwards, however, led by Gibson, ■ Anderson, and Allen («11 of whom played a grand game), came down the field in grand style, carrying the ball to the Kaikorai twentyfive, where Elder, getting possession, made a bold effort to score, but was brought down close to the line. From the scrum that was formed Elder again got possession, and had a shot afc goal but missed, Kaikorai forcing down. Claffey kicked out, and the Kaikorai forwards following up well penned the Taieri backs. Duncan broke away from a scrum and passed to Sonntag, who started to run, but threw away a certain try by foolishly indulging in some of his "funny business." Fierce play then ensued in the Reds' quarters, the Blues making strenuous efforts to score, but again the Reds' forwards were equal to the occasion, and relieved their lines in fine style. Keogh, obtaining possession, ran well into the Taieri quarters, but he was too well watched to score. The Kaikorai forwards, by good play, carried the ball up to the Taieri line, when after a lot of fierce play the home team succeeded in relieving the pressure by a grand rush which was well stopped by Claffey. Simpson then dodged round a scrum and passed well to Keogh, who tried hard to get away, but the collaring of the Taieri backs was perfect. Grand passing on the part of the Reds' backs then carried the ball up the field, and placed the Kaikorai on the defensive. W. Elder then getting possession of the ball slipped through the Kaikorai forwards in splendid style, and scored close to the posts. The kick was entrusted to R. Elder, who kicked a good- goal. Shortly after this half-time was called. The resumption of the play saw a fierce onslaught on the Kaikorai line, but the Blues' forwards relieved with a good rush. Stevenson obtained a mark in front of the Kaikorai goal, but Elder failed to register another goal. From a loose rush of the Kaikorai forwards the Taieri were next compelled to force. Good play on the Kaikorai part soon had the Taieri again in trouble, when Duncan, getting the ball, ran to the line, *nd punting the ball over the full back's head, allowed Armit to run in and score. Owing to a misunderstanding the try was disallowed. The Kaikorai were, however, not to be denied, and kept pegging away in grand style, giving the Taieri a very warm time of it. After a grand piece of play, Keogh eventually scored a try and W. Thompson placed a goal, thus, within three minutes of the call of time, equalising the scores. The Zingari-Richmond v. University clubs met at Tahuna Park, where a very friendly though closely contested game ended in a draw, each side scoring a try. The high wind which prevailed made anything like a good display of the game impojsible, and caused the play to be nearly along one touch line. The University winning the toss, played the first spell with the wind, but the smart play of the Zingari-Richmond forwards prevented the attempts of the Blues' halves at passing, and for a considerable time kept the play well away from their goal line. Dunn, Jones, Rallinshaw, and A. Esquilant, of the Colours forwards, and M' Arthur, of the backs, were most prominent in this style of play, their efforts being neutralised mainly by good kicking on the part of Paterson and Mendelson. Well on in the spell Mendelson, following up a rush of the Blues forwards, scoured the ball and crossed the line after a smart run. The wind spoiled Montgomery's attempt. The spell closed with the Blues one point to the good. The second spell Btarted with a strong rush of the University forwards— Fitchett, Torrance, Watt, and Montgomery leading the way; but the dribbling of the Colours proved too good, and the scene was shifted to the 'Varsity quarters, where, after a loose rush, Rallinshaw at last scored. Edwards failed to register a goal. In this spell Mendelson and Montgomery both distinguished themselves by their running, while all the 'Varsity forwards played well-— Torrance, Fitchett, Campbell, and Andrews being perhaps the best. The backs also played a good defensive game, Menzies and Mendelson spoiling a lot of passing. Not long before time was called Winthrop had a shot at goal, and shortly afterwards the Colours got over the line again ; but the ball was brought back, and time was soon after called.

The match Dunedin First v. Pirates First was played on the Carisbrook ground, and after an exciting struggle ended in a victory for the former by 3 points (1 goal) to nil. Tin Pirates won the toss, and elected to play with the wind. After about 20 minutes play the ball went out into touch about a foot from the Pirates line. From the throw out Mitchell obtained possession, and falling over the line scored. Hunter took the kick, and placed a goal. The game was thence very even until call of time, the ball going up and down the field very rapidly. As is generally tbe case when these teams meet the game was played in the best possible spirit. No doubt one cause conducive to this was the excellent umpiring, the umpires giving their decisions without regard to side, and entirely ignoring the rule which seems to prevail in Dunedin football, that the umpire ought to be the sixteenth man for his bide.

The match Port Chalmers First v. ZingariRichmond Second, was played at Port on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the local club by four goals and one try (13 points) to nil. Platts, Osborne, Bauchop, Strachan, and H. Holding secured tries. H. Holden kicked three goals, and A. Hunter converted the first try. The game was played in the most friendly spirit, the decisions of the officials being received without demur.

The Kaikorai Second Fifteen defeated the Taieri Second by 5 points to 3.

The match High School v. Pacific was plivyed on the Asylum ground and resulted, after a friendly and enjoyable game, in a victory for the Pacific by one goal and two 'tries (5 points) to one try (1 point). In the first sppll King scored for the Pacific, and Watson by a good kick con verted the try into a goal. Brfore half time Summerill scored two tries, but the attempts at goal were fruitless. In the second spell Stephcnson by a splendid run Bcored for the School near the touch line, but though Taiaroa made a splendid effort he was unab'e to enhance the score.

The Dunedin Second played the Pirates Second on the Caledonian ground, a drawn game being the result. The former had the benefit of a strong wind iv the first ppell, towards the close of which B. Fulton smartly potted a goal for them. In tho second spell the Pirates assumed the offensive, s,nd M'Beath, Matthewson, and Roberts secured tries for them. No goals were kicked, however, and the result was as s f ated above.

The match Alhambra Sucond v. tho Union Second was played at Opobo, and resulted in a drawn game, tf\rh pide pcorin? two trios. In the first spell the Union played down hill, scored, and a try for tl'em was obtained by Alexander. In the socoi.d half the Alhambra had much the best of tho game, and should hava scored often, but their three-quarters were completely off colour. The tries wrc obtained by Lolliott, bkiteh, and GJ-ilks for their respective sides. The. mvcu Albambro Third v. Union Third wns played on the Maori Hill giound, and reBultcd in a drawn §anie, neither side fecoring. Tho former played with 11 meu.

The Caversham First met the University Second at Fitzroy and defeated them by 13

points to 3. Tries were secured for the Caversham by M'Laren (two), Leal (two), Grave and Dodds (one each), Leal placing two goals and Andrews potted a goal. The score for the University was a goal potted by Graham. The match Melrose Second v. Heriot Second was won by the former by 7 points to nil, AUCKLAND FOOTBALL. (From Our Own Correspondent ) June 10. — At the Senior Cup matches on Saturday, Ponaonby beat Selwyn by 10 point* to one ; Grafton beat Auokland by 19 points to ml. Both matches were interesting. The first raund of senior matches being completed the following is the reoord of the competing clubs :— Ponsonby : Won four matches ; points scored 34, points against 7. Gordon : Won two matches, lost two ; points scored 13, points against 8. Selwyn : Won one match, lost two; points scored 9, points against 23. Auckland : Lost four matches ; points scored 8, points against 43, ASSOCIATION RULES. The match Thistle v. Southern took place at the North-East Valley. The Southern won the toss, and the Thistle kicked off. The latter's forwards following up smartly, soon had the Southern backs in difficulties. P. Ross secured the ball and sent in a well judged shot, which baffled the goalkeeper. This reverse roused the Southern, who played better, and for some time neither side had much advantage. At length by good passing the Thistle worked the ball down the field and Crawford scored. The Southern rushed the ball from the kick off, and W. Carver almost scored, the ball glancing off the posts ; a few minutes later, from a free kick Grigg all but scored. The Southern men were now playing well, and were not to be denied ; and from loose play in front of goal Matheson scored for them. The first spell ended without further score. In the second spell the Southern had the best of the game, but the forwards were too eager to score, and the shooting at goal was wild. Morris, Ross, and Brandon headed a rush for the Thistie, carrying the ball to the Southern goal, where Morris sent in a shot beyond the goalkeeper's reach. Shortly after this the game was brought to a sudden termination by the ball striking a barb wire and bursting. As a second ball could not be procured at once, it was decided to stop, the game thus resulting in a draw in favour of the Thistle by three goals to one. The Thistle were fortunate in having Crawford in goal, who stopped some very difficult shots. The Roalyn and Burnside clubs met to try conclusions for the first time on Saturday at the •Caledonian ground, the field being in splendid condition. The teams were captained by Pollock (Roslyn) and SmVjh (Burnside). Early in the first spell the Roslyn forwards showed their superiority and scored, continuing a steady attack throughout the whole spell, half time being called with the score at — Roslyn, three goals ; Burnside, nil. In the second spell BarnBide showed much better form, and vigorously assailing the Roslyn goal had hard luck twice in not scoring, but, nothing daunted, played with remarkable pluck to the end. The Roslyn team had the advantage ia having in their ranks several recognised association " cracks." At the call of time the score stood — Roslyn, 7 ; Burnside, nil. The losing team are to be commended for the plucky manner in which they played a losing gime. If their half backs, who ere new to the game, will keep their places better and feed their forwards, and if the latter will play with more combination, we shall shortly have a better account of them. The Roslyn team, as a whole, played a good game, but especially the M'Millans, Haynes, and Thomson. For the losing team Smith, in goal, played a rattling game, while Hayward, A. Kain, Hamilton, and Aburn also deserve to be mentioned. The Ohristchurch Association held their usual practice at Hagley Park on Saturday. Sides had previously been chosen by Harper and Maude from a large number of players. Harper, losing the toss, kicked eff for the Whites from the lower goal. Watt stopped the rush of the Whites, and passing to Turnbull enabled him, in conjunction with Hall, to at once put them on the defensive. Raven and Rutherford, however, by a good dribbling and passing rush relieved, but the Colours were soon again busy around their opponents' goal, and managed to add three goals to their credit before change of ends. On play being resumed at half time the Whiter had the best of the game, but failed to score more than two goals, the Colours thus winning by three goals to two. After the match a committee meeting was held, and five new members elected.