NOTES BY FORWARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 30

NOTES BY FORWARD.

The senior inter-club matches for the season were concluded on Saturday, with the result, as will Toe seen from the following table, that the Alhambra are again to bo regarded as the premier team, with the Kaikorai as runnersup=—

The conditions of the charity tournament, which is to be played on Saturday, are practically the same as those which have governed similar tournaments in Dunedin for the last two years. The teams are to consist of seven men a faido, ami Rugby Union rules will be observed except in respscb to the scoring, which will be on the following lines : — A try is bo coun\ two points ; a goal from a try, three points ; a goal from the field, three points, except in the case of a penalty goal, which will only count one point ; and a forcedown half a point. Balls kicked dead or into touch-in-goal by the attacking side are not to count as forcedowns. Bach game is to be played in two spells of seven minutes each, but if at the call of time the scores are equal, or no score has been made, the teams shall play on for such further time as the committee may appoint.

T. Lynch was to have played for. Milton in the match last week against Roxburgh, but he was unable to get away from his avocation on the afternoon of the contest.

From the report of the match between Roxburgh and Milton, which appeared in the Bruce Herald, it would seem that the latter, though the lighter team, had much the best of the tussle.

"Bertie" Matkeson was hurt in the first match played against New South Wales by Queensland, and was unable to take part in the Bananalanders' subsequent matches in Sydney. A Rugby match at Newcastle, New South Wales, recently was described by a local scribe as consisting of bullocking play, black eyes, bleeding noses, and bobbed lips ; and other traces such as lame legs ; sprained ankles, torn jerseys, &c, were conspicuously visible, all of which bore evidence to the rough usage they had received in the scrimmages.

There is a well-known player in Central Otago whose imperfect acquaintance with the rules does not enable^ him to] know himself when he gets off-side in a game. "Oh!" he said, when asked a question about it, " they all shout out when I'm ofl-sido, and then I know."

A Sydney paper has, to judge from its report of one of the intercolonial matches between Queensland and New South Wales, determined the sex of a football. A ball, it appears, is of the feminine gender. Thus, in the report referred to, I read : — "P'Rourke secured, and a neat kick sent her into the home territory. . . . V. Reed brought her back, and some clever dribbling took her to the centre. . . . The visitors worked her to within the 25, where Hale picked up and carried her into the light blues territory. The latter worked her to the eastern side." . . . And so on all through the report.

An explanation of the defeat of the Queensland representatives by 18 Sydney juniors is furnished by the Sydney Mail, which says :—: — "At any time a difference of three men makes a huge handicap, but when the team which is allowed the concession is composed of healthy infants ranging up to 12st and 13st the odds

are overwhelming. Before speaking of the* match it should be remembered that the term, 'junior' as applied to footballers and cricketers, also does not refer to their ages, nor is ifc. necessary that a junior should bo a little boy. It is a very common thing to hoar a man nv.vkosome such remark as this, 'Junior! pooh, I remember him playing against our team 30 years ago. Yet such a remark is merely tho outcomo of ignorance, because a junior footballer is merely'onc who docs not play in tho senior competition bo his age what it may" Time was (the Mail adds) when a mixed Sydney junior team was nothing moro than a nibble^ but tho winners in the recent match could certainly leave out a couplo of men and thcu beat the New South Wales intercolonial team.

Once more the first fifteen of tho Alhambra club are entitled to be regarded as the premier team m Otago. In their matches with tho other senior fifteens they sustained but one defeat— that being inflicted by tho Kaikorai, whom they had beaten earlier in the season, but who had undoubtedly the best of the play in the return match. Besides the matches played with local teams, the Alhambra had during the season two important foreign fixtures—ono being with the Masterton club, who came to Dunedin in the hope of establishing their claim to bo regarded as the premier team of Now Zealand, only to have their hopes rudely shattered by a greatly superior combination ; and the other being with Merivale, on whom the Alhambra, a fortnight ago, inflicted their annual defeat. Including tho foreign as well as tho local fixtures, tho Alhambra played during the season 12 matches, of which they won 12, the other match— to which allusion has been made above — being lost. Their score totted up to 147 points, and there were only 31 points scored against them. The following details may prove of interest .—

April 21, v. Masterton.— Won ; two goals four tries (18 points) to one goal (4 points). May 21, v. Kaikorai.— Won; two goals one try (12 points) to two goals (8 points). June 4, v. Zingari- Richmond. — Won ; one try (2 points) to nil.

June 11. v. Union.— Won ; two goals two tries (14 points) to one try (2 points). June 18. v. Dunedin.— Won ; two goals one try (12 points) to one try (2 points). June 25, v. Kaikorai.— Lost ; nil to two goals (8 points). July 2, v. University.— Won ; two goals two tries (12 points) to nil.

July !>, v. Pirates —Won ; three goals two tries (18 points) to one try (2 points). July 23, v. Taieri.— Won ; three goals one try (16 points) to nil.

July 30, v. Union.— Won ; one goal six tries (17 points) to one try (2 points). August (i, v. Menvale.— Won ; two goals two tries (12 points) to one goal (3 points). August 13, v. Dunedin.— Won ; two goals two tries (14 points) to nil.

It would be idle to deny that the Alhambra team are not now so good as they were last season or as they were at the beginning of this season. Tho somewhat frequent changes that have been made during the year in the personnel have not been without their effect on tho combination in the team's play, which has latterly been not by any means so marked as formerly. Some of the older players, too, do not exhibit anything like tho form they used to display. Restieaux may be mentioned as a case in point. His goal kicking has been as reliable as ever — in proof of which consider the large number of goals obtained by the club during the season, all except a couple ot potted goals being from Restieaux's foot — but if it had not been for that it is quite likely ho might have been asked to make way for some other player. As it was, Johnston had in several of the later matches to be taken out of the scrum and played as an extra half-back in order to got the back forces of the team effectively into operation. However, tho club has again had a very successful season, and again a great deal of their success is to be attributed to their strict attention to training, while in most of the other senior clubs the disposition has been to regard training as a tax upon the individual that should be shirked as much as possible.

A correspondent from Bannookburn, who subscribes himself "Scratched Face," writes me drawing attention to the annoyance caused by players neglecting to pare their finger nails. " Many pursuers of the noble pastime" he says "rush into the field of glory, with those aids to scratching say a quarter of an inch beyond the extremities of their fingers. Consequently, wo see faces running with gore, and some players with their nails torn "off through being too long." My correspondent thinks a few worda in this column might lead to the cause of annoyance ceabing. He writes feelingly. Perhaps his views might be met by having an addition made to tho law which provides that " no one wec'iriug projecting nails, iron plales, or gutta percha onauy part of his bouts or shoes shall be allowed loplay in a match." Seriously, though, there is, I fear, good ground for tho complaint, and I hopo that Ibo mention of it will lead to players taking care in future to sco that their finger nails do not protrude beyond the extremities of their digits.

The following team has been selected to represent Canterbury for the tour in tho North : — Full back — F. Hobbs ; three-quarter backs— W. Mendelson, W. Lang, W. Balch ; half backs — G. W. Forbes, W. Price ; forwards — L. Ebert, A. Ebert, W. Samuels, J. Stokes, F. Evans, J. M'Kondry, F. Childs, A. Johnstone, W. Humphreys. Emergencies : Backs — A. Hobbs, A. E. White, G. Lee ; forwards— F. Haskins, G. Forrest, C. Giirrard.

The Cambridge Football Club, which is the crack junior team in Christchurcb, having accepted the challenge of the Pacific Club to play a match, the contest will take place in Christchurch on Saturday, August 27. The Pacific team lcavo here on the 25th, and previous to their departure a concert to provide funds to cover expenses will be held in N&umann's Hall.

The match Hokitika v. Westport was won by the Hokitika team by 10 points to nil. Hokitika thus won the West Coast Cup. The return match between the Alhambra and Dunedin Clubs, plaj'ed on the Caledonian ground on Saturday before a considerable number of spectators, virtually, was a run-over for the former, who won by 14 points to nil, and might have put up a very much larger score had they only played in anything like their usual form. The winners' team was tho same as that which defeated Mcrivalo on tho previous Saturday, with the exception that Haig played as substitute for Wells at full back ; and the Dunedin were weakly represented. Mr W. Wyinks held the whistle, and had occasion to use it freely, as repeated infringements of the rules were committed by both sides. In tho first spell the Dunedin defended tho goal at the Kensington end, and thus had a stifiish breeze in their favour, but very shortly after the start the Reds had them on tho defensive, and within 10 minutes Baker obtained the ball from a miskick by one of the Blues' backs, and ran in. The score was not converted, but Restieaux made sure of his kick when he was called upon towards the end of the spell to convert a try which A. Downes obtained, and at half-time the Alhambra had scored 7 points to nil. Tho play generally had been in the Blues' quarters, and the Alhambra lull back was only called upon to handle the ball once or twice. When the Reds crossed over it was thought

that, with the wind behind them, they would run up a big score, and the expectation was justified when, a few minutes after the resumption of play, Johnston secured a try, which Restieaux improved. From that point, however, there was no addition to the score for a considerable time. The play was inside the Blues' territory almost continuously, and a couple of kicks by Restieaux — one from a mark and the other from a penalty kick — sent the ball close to the goal posts, but their efforts to cross the Dunedin lines were futile — partly owing to the good tackling of Boyd, the Blues' full back, but chiefly owing to their own overeagerness and to their passing forward and fumbling — until Crawfurd made his way over, securing a try which was not enhanced. In the remaining play the most noteworthy incident was a drop at goal by A. Downes, which was such a close thing that the majority of those present thought the ball had gone between the posts, until they saw that M'Kenzie kicked out from the quarter distance.

The play does not call for much mention. The Alhambra forwards played what was, for them, a very inferior game. Esquilant was the best of them, but some of those who are usually very conspicuous took matters easily. On the losing side Isaacs played one of his cusLomary, hard-working games in the forward ranks, and he received most support from Turton. There were two or three " passengers " among the Blues' forwards — notably Darton, who did little or nothing but stand oit'-side outside the scrum. In the back division Crawf urd was most noticeable on the winning side, and Johnston, played as an extra half back, assisted him ably. Restieaux stuck to the ball too long before passing, and the three-quarter backs were in consequence not given much show. Stepheuson was decidedly^ the best of the Dunedin backs — his smart kicking being of great service to them — and Boyd tackled in capital style for a young player. Taiaroa muffed the ball very much, and M'Kenzie's reputation suffered considerably by his display. The return match between the University and Taieri clubs was played at Tahuna Park and resulted in a win for the Taieri by 2 points to nil. There was a fair attendance of spectators, aud the ground was in good condition. Gow played instead of Campbell for the 'Varsity. Montgomery won the toss, and played with a strong wind. During the first spell the game was mostly in the Taieri's twenty-five, where the 'Varsity had two easy free kicks. Porteous missed one and Montgomery the other. Subsequently the Taieri forwards took the leather up to within their opponents' twenty-five, and after a sharp struggle Stevenson got over, but lost the ball during a maul. Porteous made a splendid run down the field, and, getting past the full back, he rather foolishly passed to Mitchell, who failed to take the ball, and thus a chance to score was lost.

In the second spell the game was fairly fast, but on the whole even. M'Donald scored a try for the Taicri, but the attempt at goal was a failure. No other score took place. The individual form displayed on either side does not call for any particular comment. Among the forwards in the 'Varsity, Ross, Montgomery, and Alloo wero prominent, and of the backs, Collins, Haydon, and Porteous deserve mention. On the other side the forward play of Findlay and Johnston was good, aud Stevensou, M'Donald, aud Mackie were reliable in the back division. Mr W. Cran acted as referee.

The match Pacific v. Zingari .- Richmond Second was played at Montecillo in the presence of a large gathering of the public. The fact of the Pacific going north to play Cambridge, the crack junior team of Christchurch, caused their stylo of play to be closely watched and commented upon, and the opinion is that our crack junior club will give a good account of themselves and uphold the honour of Dunedin. football. In the first spell good passing and kicking were out of the question on account of the gale that was blowing. Zingari kicked off, and immediately got a free kick right in front, which was not improved upon. For 10 minutes the Pacific were on the defensive, and Zingari, encouraged by their supporters, tried hard to score. The IJlack-and-whites by combined play gradually worked the ball down to their opponents' twenty r five, where W. Thomson took a pass, and, running right through the Zingari backs, scored first blood for Pacific.^ He took the kick himself, but was not successful. After some give and take play the Pacific forwards got on a good dribbling rush, from which M'Farlane scored a try. Brady took the kick, which was a very difficult one, and made a splendid attempt, the ball just falling short. A few minutes before half time W. Thomson placed another try to his credit, which was not improved upon. At half time the score was : Pacific 6 points, Zingari nil.

In the second spell the wind had gone down almost to a dead calm, aud in consequence the spectators were treated to a good display of passing on the part of the Black-and-whites. Zingari, who were kept on the defence nearly the whole of the spell, were unable to keep back the attack made on their lines by their opponents, whose passing, kicking, and smart following up proved too much for them, and the Black-aud-whites quickly ran up other 16 points to their credit. Tries were obtained by J. Thompson, H. Lister (2), Smith, and King. W. Thomson and Brady each converted one of these tries. Gibb, in kicking at goal from a free kick, struck the post. The ball ran the whole length of the cross-bar and dropped into the field of play. At the call of time the score stood : Pacific, 22 points ; Ziugari, nil.

For the winners, Pollock at full back was safe, but did not show his usual brilliancy. W. Thompson was the pick of the three-quarters. Besides scoring two tries, his play all round was very safe. Gibb and Brady (who played on the wings in place of Cole, who has an injured knee) both put in some good work. Hambleton and Montague at half did useful work, the latter's smart passing being greatly admired. The forwards one and all played a good sirae, both in the tight and open, and it would not be fair to single out auy individual. For the losers, M'Arthur, Dunn, and Baird, of the forwards, were the about the best; but their comrades were not far behind them. They were badly supported behind the scrum, except by the full buck, whose line tackling more than once saved his side. Mr Austin gave every satisfaction as referee. The match Port Chalmers v. Alhambra Second was played at Opoho on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the Port team by 4- points to 3. The game was a very close and exciting one throughout, and the first spell ended with no score, but in the second both sides scored. T. Hunter and Lyle secured tries for the Port, and from a penalty kick the Alhambra scored a goal. The Warehousemen met the Caversham at Carisbrook, and after a really good game the former won by 7 points to 2. The first spell was very evenly contested, but towards the end of the second the Warehousemen had their opponents penned in on their lines for a considerable time. Haydon and Ker ecored tries for the winners, while Louden scored for Caversham. The match between the High School Second and Green Island Second resulted in a win for the School by 6 points to 2 (three tries to one).

For the Green Island Daves, Wilkinson, Brown, Simons played well, and for the School E. Macassey (2 tries) and P. Macassey (1 try), R. Turton, Macdonald (backs), and Miller, Inder, Allen, and M'Dougall (forwards) played well. In the match Bushrangers v. Golden Star, the Bushrangers won by 15 points to 6. An Auckland telegram states that in the football match Auckland v. Tauranga, the former won by 28 points to 12. Three thousand spectators witnessed the game. The Roxburgh football team, after suffering defeat at Balclutha and Miltop, visited Lawrence and succeeded in defeating the Lawrence team by two tries to nil.

A match between the Green Island and Fairficld Schools, played on Saturday last, resulted in a win for the former by five points to nil.

The Star beat Rossal on Saturday at Fairfleld by 20 points to nil.

The semi-final trial match arranged by the Otago Football Association was played on tho Exhibition site on Saturday, teams being constituted as follows : — Blues : Goal — Garden ; backs — G. M'Millan and Pollock ; half-backs — Salmond, M'Leod, and Dunlop; forwards — Walker, M'Millan (2), M'Donald, and M'Lauchlan. Colours : Goal — Beath ; backs — Easton and O'Connor; half-backs — Hallaway, Gillespie, and Calder ; forwards — Sharp, - Seott, Watson, and Duncan.

Watson kicked off for the Colours, and the ball being well returned by Pollock, Walker and M'Millan (2) started a combined rush, which ended in D. M'Millau scoring number 1 goal. The ball again being set in motion was soon taken into the Blues' quarters by Scott and Sharp, but only to let G. M'Millan return it well up the field to M'Donald, who soon let J. M'Millan score number 2 goal. After the kick off D. M'Millan started a good rush, which ended in his passing to M'Lauchlan, who was not long in scoring number 3 (a splendid goal). Sharp then obtained possession, invaded the Blues' quarters, and by a good pass to Scott the latter (who was playing with good judgment) scored the first goal for the Colours. G. M'Millan kicked well down the field, and by good following up on the part of .the Blues' forwards Walker was allowed to pass to J. M'Millan, who registered number 4 goal for the Blues. Half-time was called shortly afterwards

On starting the second spell Pollock was transferred to the Colours, enabling them to play 12 men against tho Blues 10. This had the desired effect, and Gillespie taking a good pass from Duncan scored number 2 for the Colours, Again and again the Colours' forwards, especially Hamilton, Scott, and Sharp, threatened the opposing goal, and but for the good play of the Blues' backs, they certainly would have scored. At 5 p.m. when Mr Hunter, who acted as referee, sounded the whistle for no side, the game stood : Blues, 4- goals ; Colours, 2 goals. For tho Blues, Garden (in goal), G. M'Millan, M'Leod, and Salmond (backs) and Walker, M'Millan (2), and M'Lachlan (forwards'), played well, the only fault being, that the lastnamed pjayer has a tendency to keep the ball too much instead of passing. For the Colours, Easton, Calder, Harraway (backs), Hamilton, Watson, Scott, and Sharp (forwards) played well, the combination between Scott and Sharp being at times very good. An Auckland telegram states that the following players have been selected to represent Auckland at the Association football tourney at Christchurch : — Goal keeper — Williams ; full backs — Chamberlain brothers ; half backs — Hough, Smith, and Gregg ; forwards — W. Heather, Cantley, Brown, Ramsey, Evans ; emergencies — King, Houlland, Burgess, Dacre. Auckland players leave next Monday.

\lhambra Kaikorai singari-Richmond L'aieri Pirates Dunedin University LTuion ft 11 12 10 12 14 10 11 £ 9 9 6 5 4 4 3 2 i i i 4 4 7 9 7 9 I 1 2 1 1 1 A 117 92 73 27 48 39 25 39 I 24 21 32 50 86 97 57 93 -