NOTES BY FORWARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 31

NOTES BY FORWARD.

A. Dowries was playing for the Alhambra on Saturday, but his absence from the team for a couple of Saturdays has affected his form and he was not so good as usual.

It was industriously spread about town after the match between the Eaikorai and Union on Saturday that Duncan had been so severely hurt that it was doubtful whether he would be able to play again this season. Duncan himself gave the lie to this report by walking briskly about the streets on Saturday night. The New Zealand Union team play the Western Districts of New South Wales at Bathurst on the 26th and a return match with New South Wales on the 29th inst.

It is said that after the receipt of the cable message stating that Mr Campbell, manager of the New Zealand Union team on the other side, had acknowledged the kind treatment the players received from the officers of the Wakatipu on the voyage across, Mr Hoben waxed wroth and vowed that Mr Campbell should account to him for thisi— with the accent on the "him." A few weeks ago I quoted the opinion of a North Island paper that D'Arcy was the best full back in New Zealand. It is a little peculiar now to find that the player in question has been shifted forward in the team that is playing on the other side. As a matter of fact D'Arcy, though a good player, is nothing extraordinary as a full back. The ' Otago Rugby Union received a curious telegram from the Hawke's Bay Union on Monday morning. It inquired what tEe Otago Union proposed doing with reference to South Canterbury and solicited a reply by the following afternoon, the inference being that the Hawke's Bay Union would then consider the communication from Otago with regard to the proposed tour of the colony, and that their action in the matter would be influenced by the attitude of Otago towards South Canterbury. When it is known that Mr Hoben was in Napier on Monday morning it will be understood how* the telegram was inspired. I am not aware that the Otago Union have yet considered the question of the attitude which, in view of the resolution — the reciprocal boycott — recently passed by the Canterbury Union, they should adopt regarding South Canterbury, but this I believe to be a fact, that they have never yet been officially apprised of the formation of the New Zealand Union ; and it is rather too much to expect that they should recognise a body of whose existence they are unaware except through the medium of the press.

A meeting of referees, called by the Otago Rugby Union, was held in the City Hall on Saturday night, and was attended by 15 gentlemen, Mr J. H. Chapman presiding. After some discussion it was unanimously resolved — "That it is advisable to form a Referees' Association, under the control of the 0.R.F.U." It was subsequently, agreed — "That all intending ! members submit their names to the O.R.F.U. committee, who shall approve of such names as they think fit, and those so approved shall form the association; that thereafter any person wishing to join the association shall be proposed by one member, seconded by another, and balloted for at a subsequent meeting, one blackball in five to exclude ; that Messrs Falconer, Smeaton, and Laurenson be appointed a committee to confer with the O.R.F.U. as to the constitution of the association, and report to a meeting of the association." After the defeat of the New Zealand Union representatives in Sydney on the Bth inst., the manager of the team cabled across to Wellington for four forwards to strengthen that division of the team in the third jnatch against New South Wales, which has been definitely arranged to take place in Sydney on the 29th inst. The manager suggested Oliphant and M'Lean (Wellington), M'Eenzie (Auckland), Good (Taranaki), and Watson (Wairarapa), from whom to select the four wanted. Mr Hoben immediately communicated with those named, also with Mr Logan (Napier) and Mr Henderson (Auckland), the remaining members of the Selection Committee, who approved the sending and selection. Leave was obtained immediately for all but M'Lean. The action of the union in sending additional forwards is not regarded favourably in Wellington. The Bannockburn team have defeated Clyde by 14 points to 2, and Cromwell gained a decisive victory over Alexandra by 13 points to nothing. "Quidnunc" writes in the Canterbury 'Times : " I have it on very good authority that the Taiaroa brothers intend taking up their residence at Kaiapoi next season, and that they have already signified their intention of playing for the N'Tu Ahuriri Club." I believe the Dunedin brothers leave for Eaiapoi this month.

The Wellington Evening Fress has refused absolutely to apologise for its remarks on Mr Hoben's conduct in connection with the dispute over the accommodation provided by the Union Company for the football team. Says "Quidnunc": "One man cannot make a team any more than one swallow can make a summer, but for all that it is very evident that the Alhambra team with Downee at centre three-quarter is a very different team to what it is when a substitute is occupying his place." The Referee, while conceding that the better team, without a doubt, won the first test match between the New Zealand Union team and New South Wales, complains that the New Zealanders' play was disappointing, as they were continually breaking the rules with regard to off-side play and the unfair manner in which the ball was placed in, and taken from

the scrums, as was evidenced by the great number of penalty kicks awarded to New South Wales.

R. Gray, of Wairarapa, will be the fourth footballer to go to Sydney, as Good, of Taranaki, is unable to secure leave.

A. Fordyce, recently of the Zingari- Richmond Club, is now playing for the Melrose Club in Wellington. He seems to have created a good impression up there, judging from the following remarks by a local scribe : " I was taken with Fordyce's play. He uses his head, passes well, and he has plenty of pace. A trifle light, perhaps, but this can be remedied in time. Fordyce is a decided acquisition to the Melrose Club."

At Christchurch on Saturday, footballers had (the Times says) only one drawback to complain against, and that was a strong westerley wind that blew down the grounds and that gave the teams plajing with- its assistance a great advantage. The north end at Lancaster Park was occupied by Linwood and Canterbury College, and although the College, aided by the wind, attacked during the greater part of the first spell, they failed to score, and in the second Linwood registered 11 points, and won accordingly. The south ground was the scene of the second meeting between Sydenham and Christchurch, and an even game resulted. Two minutes before time Sydenham was leading by 7 points to 6, but Christchurch just won "on the post " by a potted goal, the scores at the finish being 10 points to 7. East Christchurch and Eaiapoi played an uneventful game at the old' show grounds, the town team winning by 8 points to 2. ,~ Arthur Morris, the ex-Otago representative, left this week for South Canterbury, where he is to join his brother J. H. Morris, also an old representative, in farming.

It is reported that the South Canterbury Union will, at their next meeting, decide upon disaffiliating from the New Zealand Union.

Dr Moorhouse has sent in his resignation as a vice-president of the Canterbury Rugby Union, and consequently as a member of the General Committee, in consequence of an appeal being disallowed by the committee 'in connection with a match, during which the referee engaged made a mistake in the interpretation, of a rule.

Those who were supposed to be looking after the enclosure at the Caledonian ground on. Saturday cannot be complimented upon the way in which they performed their duties. It was, to say the least, curious to notice that a number of small boys were permitted to indulge in a game of football on their own account under one of the goal posts. It is hinted that the Alhambra will decline to meet the Eaikorai on Saturday week, except at Tahuna Park. The arrangement between the clubs, however, is that the Eaikorai are to name the ground for this match, the Alhambra having fixed on the ground for the former match, which, owing to bad weather, could not be played. Is it merely because of the decision of th 9 Rugby Union committee not to grant a proportion of the gate money that the Alhambra have taken a dislike to the Caledonian ground ? After their defeat by New South Wales in the second test match, the victory of the New Zealand team at Brisbane on Saturday was rather unexpected. . For the winning team Cockroft is reported to have played a magnificent game, and he was well supported by Lambie and Ellison. The play of Bayley, Butland, Harper, and.Jervis is also said to have been deserving of special mention. Jervis sustained a nasty injury to his jaw. The game throughout was very fast, particularly in the second spell ; and the visitors' were ' in good condition,' or they could not have stood the heat. The usual weekly meeting of the O.R.F.U. Committee on Tuesday night was attended by Messrs Chisholm (in the chair), Milne,' Martin, -. Montgomery, Waters, Wyinks, Stilling, Hope, , Chalmer, and Chapman. Permission was given ■ to the Pirates Club to transfer J. J. Cassells from the Clutha Club, he having returned to Dunedin for the remainder of the season. Mr D. T. Paterson, hon. sec. Alhambra Club, wrote stating that he had been authorised by the Eaikorai and Alhambra Clubs to apply for the use of the Caledonian ground on Saturday, 29th inst., and asked on what terms these clubs could get the ground.— lt was unanimously decided to grant the use of the ground, the match to begin at 3.30 if necessary, and the gate to go to the union. It was decided/t o await replies from the North Island unions before taking any further, steps in . the matter of the proposed northern tour. The secretary was instructed to invite gentlemen desirous of joining the Referees' Association to send in their names not later than Saturday, 22nd . inst., and Messrs Chalmer, Milne, and Waters were appointed a subcommittee to act with Messrs Falconer, Smeaton, and Laurenson in drafting aya v constitution for the association. A large number of, spectators witnessed the return match between the .Eaikorai and Union teams, at the Caledonian Ground, on Saturday afternoon. , The ground was too heavy for good back play, and the game was, in consequence, ' rather uninteresting, continued scrums being* the order of the day. Shortly after the start, Harris received a nasty cut over. the eye, but was able to resume after being attended to. About a quarter of an hour before time, Duncan retired, in consequence of a slight dislocation of the ankle. From the kick-off the Union forwards carried the play to the Eaikorai lines, and Harris dribbled over, but only a touch down resulted. After the kick out severe scrummaging took, place in the Eaikorai territory, until M'Laren, Qawne, and J. Torrance broke away and took the ball over the Union line, tout M'Lennan saved a score. Armit missed the kick out, and Beadle dribbled over the line, but the ball was . kicked out of bounds. Play was then oarried to the Union twenty-five, and Duncan dodged over the line near the corner flag. King failed with the kick. Shortly afterwards D. Torrance got across, but Eing again failed with the kick, and half time was called, the score being : Eaikorai 4- points, Union nothing. . In the second spell play rested about the centre for some time, and a long series of uninteresting sorums.took place, until M'Laren and Gawne dribbled over the Union line, but a touch down was the only result. The Union then gave the Blues a warm 10 minutes, until Rae obtained possession and ran to the. halfway flag. H. Wilkinson, M'Laren, and Armit dribbled down the field, and the 'latter scored between the posts ; but Eing was too slow in taking his kick, and it was charged down. The Union, aided by good kicking on M'Lennan's part, reached the Eaikorai territory, and more scrummaging took place until time was called, the score standing at : Eaikorai 6 points (three tries), Union nothing.

For the winners Duncan, and Davis were the best of the backs, the latter putting in some Sue defensive work. The forwards showed a decided disinclination for hard work, and seldom secured possession in the sorum. M'Laren. Gawne, and Ballantyne were about the best of the forwards. For the losers M'Lennan and Harris among the backs, and Beadle and M'Donald among the forwards were always in evidence; but the. whole team played

a fine game, and have greatly improved since the beginning of the season. Mr Montgomery made an impartial referee, and Messrs Downes and Macdonald acted as line umpires. The return match between the Alhambra and Zingari-Riohmond Clubs took place at Tahuna Park on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in a win for the former by 7 points (a try and a goal from a try) to nothing. For the Colours, Garaide played at half instead of Cooper, and Hobbs took Garaide's place among the forwards. A. Downes and Porteouß resumed their places in the'Alhambra team. In the first spell the Red* had all the best of the game, continually attacking th« Zingari line. The first try was obtained through GarBide, who got the ball, kicking across the field instead of out of play. The leather^ fell into the hands of Crawfurd, who slipped across the line and scored at the comer flag. Restieaux did not succeed in enhancing the score. Prior to the second try being obtained play was at midfield and the Zingari were ou the move with a good passing rush, which Restieaux intercepted, and as the Colours' full back was not in his place the Alhambra player had a clear field before him, and he scored between the posts. The try was converted into a goal, and there was no further score. In the second spell the Zingari, changing sides, had the benefit of an increasing wind, and put their opponents more often on the defensive. They forced the Alhambra down twice within a short period after the openiDg of the spell. On one ocsasion J. Garside got across the line, but, unfortunately for his side, the ball was called back. Towards the finish the Reds quickened the pace and got on some good rushes. On one occasion they got a penalty kick in a likely 'place, but nothing resulted. Subsequently, however, the Reds forced the Zingari men down several times. The Alhambra for the greater part of the second spell played two men short. Fitchett, who twisted his knee in the first spell had to retire, and subsequently E^quillant, having got a nasty kick above the eye, left the field. Notwithstanding this the Red< made things very sultry for their opponents . The latter appeared to play without any combination whatever, and at times were completely demoralised. Of the Zingari backs EsquiUant at three-quarter-back was the besb. J. Gamde at half played fairly, as did also his partner Austin. The rest of the backs exhibited poor form. As before stated, Restieaux gob his try through Fordyce being out of his place. Wilkinson, Dunn, and Campbell were the pick of the forward division. ! For the % Reds Porteous played a capital game at three-quarter-back, while Restieaux and Crawfurd also showed good form. Among the forwards Eaquillant and M'Laren were prominent. . Alex. Downes seemed to be out of form, and did not take the ball as well as U6ual. ! The return match between the Pirates and Taieri Clubs was fought out at Carisbrook on Saturday, and resulted, as on the occasion of the former match, in a win for the Taieti by 1 point. The ground was somewhat heavy after the rain in the morning, which made the game Blow at times. In the first spell Mann scored for the Taieri after a good run, but Findlay failed with the kick. Shortly after this O'Neill crossed the line, and the kick at goal ! was again unsuccessful. For the rest of this spell the Blacks kepb up a determined onslaught but were unable to score, half time being called with the score: Taieri .& points, Pirates nothing. The play in the second spell was uninteresting till just on the call of time. The Blacks obtained a free kick, from which Matheson kicked a goal. M'Donald, Flynn, O'Neill, and Pindlay were the pick of the Taieri, while Farquharson.Drewe, Grumitt, Hume, and Matheson played well for the losers— Hume, however, through overfiagerness, getting at times out of his place. The Pirates were without the services of Riach as three-quarter, Turner as half, and Morris among the forwards. l Matheson took Riach's place, while Beck played fullback, at which place he was a decided success. The game was played in the friendliest of spirit*. Mr Lauren«on made a very capable referee, his decisions being given promptly and satisfactorily. The match between the Caversham and Warehousemen at St. Clair Park resulted in a win for the latter by 5 points to 2. In the first spell the Caversham had rather the best of the game, but some splendid chances were missed by wild passing among the backs, and aUo-by clinging fco fche ball. The Warehousemen rushed the ball up to their opponents' line ones or twice, but good defence prevented any scores. Fos the greater part of the second spell the Warehousemen kept the Caversham pretty well on the defence, though the latter team's forwards also gave their opponents a good deal of trouble. Haydon soored for the Warehousemen near the corner flag, *nd Hutchison placed a splendid goal. For the Caversham, after a try by Emmerson had been disallowed, 'Lang got the ball from a sorum near the line, and after a short dodgy run crossed .the line close to the posts. M'Kejssey failed to convert. The match Dunedin Second y. Port Chalmers wag played at Port before a goodly number of spectator?, and resulted in a draw, each side fleeuring a goal from a penalty kick. The Port kicked off and followed up well. The Blues failing to return the ball, some loose play took place almost on their goal line, whore Port obtained a free kick for illegal tackling on the Blues' part. Hunter placed an unmistakable goal. Even give and take play followed till the Blues' by' a dribbling rush, in which Matheson was conspicuous, carried the ball into the Reds' -'twenfcy-five, where a free kick was obt«rine.d within easy range, bufc the attempt was a poor one.> A' little later, however, the Reds' were again penalised, and Maokay this time landed a neat goal, making the scores even. The second spell was almost a repetition of the first, except that there was no. score, tight scrums and free kicks being the order of the day. The match, between the Caversham Second v. Warehousemen Second resulted iv a win for the Gaversham by * points (a goal potted by J. Yates) to 2. The Warehousemen played a good game, passing in flue Etyle, but were deficient in following up. The Caversham had the best of the second spell, but were unable to cross the live. The match between the Fernbill and Standard Clubs resulted in a win for the latter by 13 points to 12. The Rangei 8 defeitei the SbE.r by 2 points ,t j nothing. The Darley Club defeated the Southern by 6 points to love. The Sawyers' Bay School team defeated Olydesdsli by 9'points to nothing. At Wellington tha Poneke Football Club on Saturday defeated Petone by 14 points to 2. This makes the cup a certainty for Poneke. At Auckland the ParneU Club defeated Ponsonby by 21 to nothing. As a result Parcell is certain to win the cup. Under Association rules the Northern and Roslya Clubs met for their third match this season at Roslyn on Saturday, /"and as the Roslyn had proved victorious on the two previous occasions the Northern were bent on securing a win this time. A fair number of spectators were in attendance to 'witness the game. D. M'Millan (Roslyn) kioked off, and G. M'Leod returned with « good kick, , The Northern pub in three or four

shots, but rash kicking only sent the ball behind. Their forwards, principally E. White, J. M'Donald, and Duncan were particularly aggressive, but Bunting and G. M'Millan were always at hand. D. and J. M'Millan showed up conspicuously in some good passing attacks on the Northern goal, but A. M'Donald saved in time. Play wa3 kept very fast right up to half time, no Boore, (being registered by either team. J. M'Donald (Northern) started the second spell, and G. M'Millan returned with a strong kick, but the ball was soon back in Roslyn territory, aud E. White putting in a good shot ecorcd first goal for Northern. Roslyn kicked off, but again the Northern swept down on their goal, and 0. M'Leod getting an opening secured the second goal for his side. The Roslyn now warmed up, and Hayward and J. M'Mill&n, putting in some good work, were ably assisted by Bunting and D. M'Millan, and the ball being carried up to the Northern goal and kicked over by one of their side a corner kick was given to Roslyn. Bunting took the kick, and placing tha ball well in goal, it glanced off one of the Northern players and went through. Being thus encouraged, the Ro3lyn again attacked, and a good rush on their part enabled Ross to shoot a splendid goal, thus equalising the scores. The best play of the day was then witnessed, both sides striving their utmost to secure the winning goal. v The Northern carrying the ball well down into Boston's quarters, J. M'Donald had a shot, but Ellis saved; and P. M'Millan getting possession, passed to D. M'Millan, who dribbled well up, and the Roslyn forwards carried the ball on with a determined rush and were rewarded by Wataon securing the third goal for his side. There was no further score, and the Roslyn thus won a very exciting and splendidly-contested game by 3 goals to 2. Mr J. Watson every satisfaction as referee. For the Northern the pick of the players were, J. and A. M'Donald and E. White, and for the Roslyn G. and D. M'Millan, Bunting, and Ross.

The following show; ilubs as the result o ilready played :— s the position of 1 if the interclub Ac senior matches Matches. iPoii ITS. Club. I § •8 .3 A A 129 100 41 47 41 13 20 19 Caikorai Jhambra )unedin lingari-RicliTuond Jnion 'aieri Jniversity 'irates 9 8 8 9 9 7 5 9 9 6 5 4 1 2 1 1 i 2 5 5 5 4 7 1 1 3 4 18 29 29 84 72 62 1081