SATURDAY'S MATCHES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 32

SATURDAY'S MATCHES.

The Rugby Game The first match of the season between the Union aud Alhambra Clubs was played oa Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a considerable number of persons, on the Carisbrook gronnd, whiab, despite recent rains, was in capital order, for tbe turf, though soft, was firm enough to bs not holding. The fact that the owners of the property have opened up some new drains contributed largely no doubt to the satisfactory condition of tha ground. The weather was very threatening throughout the afternoon, and it was dusk before the game ended. A player in each team, as the result of a singular lapse of memory, appeared on the ground without a Jersey, and both of them played iv nondescript; costumes that were neither a pleading sight to the public nor convenient to themselves. Mr H. Smeatou actod as referee, and the match, which was keenly contested throughout, was won by tho Union by a goal (5 points) to nothing.

The Alhambra played for the first spell from the pavilion end, and in the opening stages of the game had their opponents defending. With the play in the Maroons' quarter?, the ball was passed out to W. Elder, and that player, whose assistance has, after repeated applications to the Rugby Union officials, been secured to the Alhambra, failed to take the ball. The Reds, however, had another chance of scoring iinmGdiately afterwards, for a free kick was granted to them, and Restieaux tried without success to register a goal. Give-and-take play followed, first the Alhambra and then the Union having to defend their lines, and the first effective passing in the match was shown for the> former team by the three-quarter backs, but it did nob gain much ground. The Union forwards cleared their quarters with a rush, which was well stopped by R. Elder, and then Alexander, breaking away with the ball ab his toe, dribbled up to the Reds' lines, Ross stopping him just outside. M'Larcn shifted tbe play back, and fumbling by Minn let R Elder carry ib up to the Union quarters, where the Reds obtained a free kick from which Restieaux made a good attempt at goa) . The Maroons 6taved off the attack and then were again threatened by a capital passing rush, in which M'Kewen, J. Thompson, and Robertson had a part, Peake this time cloaricg hi j lines. The 'Reds kepb up the onslaughb, however, and gave the Maroons a very anxious five minutes, bub the defence waß sure, and when half-time was called neither side had scored.

The play in the first spell had been rather poor and uninteresting, but in the second spell a marked improvement was shown. For a considerable portion of the latter half, unfortunately, the light was so bad that ib was impossible to distinguish the individual player?. The play had nob been long resumed when, the Union attacking, Smith started a passing rash which resulted in a manner that was altogether satisfactory to his side, for after M'Lennan and W. Thomson had handled the ball it went into the possession of Minu, who dashed over the line and ecored the firat— and, as it turned out, the only — blood of the day. Thkick at goal was an awkward one, but M'Lennan. amid loud cheering, safely piloted the ball between the posts. After this reverse the Reds played up spiritedly with the hope of at all events, equalising matters, but the Maroons, determined if possible to maintain their advantage, stubbornly contested every foot of ground, and the game raged very evenly. The Reds were attacking warmly at one stage, and » free kick was granted to them a few yards from the Union line. Restieaux's attempt at goal was an admirable one, but was unsuccessful, and after this the Maroons had tbe upper hand. For the last 10 minutes the Alhambra bad to act on the defensive, and -just before time was ca'led they had a free kick given against them. The ball was placed for M'Lennan, who made a splendid effort, but while many who were in a position to givo a positive opinion declare that the ball passed between the posts, tho refaree, owing to the darkness, was unable to say definitely whether a goal was recorded or not. and cc ;lined to rule. Whether a goal was kicked then or not did not affect tbo result, the Union winning by 5 points to nothing, i The match between the Donedin and Pirates

was played at the Caledonian ground on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a few spectators, and resulted in a win for the Dunedin by 6 points (two tries) to 5 points. Driver took the place of Sullivau amongst the Blues. For the first half-hoilr the game was entirely | confined to the Blues' quu-fcers. The Pirates' forwards were Very aggressive, and tho Blues were compelled to put forth their ntmost endeavours to prevent a score. Eventually, through a kick into touch, tho play was shifted into more neutral territory, but Morris by a smart run carried the leather back again, and the Blues were forced. The game lagged a good deal after this, the Pirates securing one or two marks in advantageous positions, bub the kicks at goal proved fruitless in each instance. The Blues at last got away with some good rushes, and a dribble by Williams took the leather right down to the Pirates' lines. A try seemed inevitable, but an opposing back touched down first and a force resulted. M'Kenzie, Best, and Martin by some capital passing invaded tho Pirates' quarters, and after some close play near one of the corner flags Symonds got over the line and scored. - Mason took the kick, but failed to Improve the try. Some more good passing in mid-field between Mason, Beat;, and M'Kenzie followed, but the Blacks' forwards invaded the Blues' quarters, with the result that the Utter wera forced. Scrums in the Blues' twenty-five followed until G. Thomson, getting the ball from a pas*, scrambled across the line and scored. Priest took the kick, and registered an easy goal. In the second spell the Blues were more aggressive than in the firsb, and made the gamo much faster. A good deal of passing was indulged ia by the backs, especially between M'Kenzie, Bast, and Martin. After being forced the Blacks managed to get the leather down towards mid-field. Some loose play ensued, when the Blues again camo away with a rush. M'Kenzie, from a pass, secured the ball, and making a good run scored between the corner flag and the post 3. King took the kick, bufc failed to regictor the goal. The score thus stood : Dunedin 6 poiuts, Pirates 5. The game taken as a whole was not an interesting one. Both teams lacked combination, and this defect was particularly noticeable in the Dunedin representatives. Their passing was the bsst feature of their play, and their collaring was likewise good, but the Pirates generally had the advantage in the scrums, and in the first spell secured the loather nearly every time, thought his was not so i a the second. For the winners Beat played a rattling game, and saved his side time and again. Martin also made the besb of the few chances he had, bufc but he was seldom "fed." M'K-Dziealso put in some good work, though his passing afc times wa« wild. Maßon was decidedly " off colour," while Driver also missed some good chances. Among the forwards Turton, Williams, Symonds, M'Lean, and Kicg were tho best. Of the Pirates' backs Thomson, Maoarthur, and Johnston were the pink, while Holmes, Priest, Farquharson, and YoiiDg were the pick of the forwards. Mr F. H. Campbell was referee.

The match between tho Uuiv'orsity and Taieri Clubs was played at Mosgiel, and resulted in a drawn game, both sides scoring 5 points (a goal from a try each). About 10 minutes after commencing Herbert got the ball from a scrum, and transferred to Cran, who passed to Stephens, and the latter after a flue run scored. The kick »fc goal was taken by Stephens, who succeeded in registering the major point (University, 5 points). About a quarter of an hour before time the Taieri gob on a rush, and by f*st following up Mann scored for the Taieri, the kick being taken by BriDgans, who placed a splendid goal from a rather difficult angle. The University had much the best of the game, and time after time Stephens and M'Kay (the wing three -quarters) went within an ace of scoring. Mann and M'Donald, for the Taieri, defended splendidly.

All the University backs played well, especially Stephens and Herbert; asd among the forwards Boydell, Foot?, Platts, and Gregg were very conspicuous. For th<? Taieri Minn and M'Donald, the half back 9 , played very well, as also did Johnston and Bringans in the forwards. The enjoyment of tho game was somewhat marred in the first spell by the very evident unwillingness of the Taiori team to bow to the decisions of Mr Croxford, the referee, the local players seemingly nob having mastered the rulea re off-side play. In fact at half time the captain of th» Taieri, assisted by most of his team, deliberated for a quarter of an hour as to whether he should continue the game, while the Taieri supporters amused themselves by hooting and throwing mud at the referee. This is of course a highly intellectual way of backing up one's team. The game between the Kaikorai and ZingariRichmond Clubs was played at tho Kaikorai ground on Saturday afternoon. The ground was in very bad condition, and made anything like gcol play difficult. The Kaikorai won by 22 points to nothing Duncan won the toss for kaikorai, and M'Farlane kicked off for the Zingari. After a lotof give-and-take play, the first Foore waa obtained through the Zingari full back (Winthrop) uafortunately slipping, and thuß allowiug Duncan to run in unopposed between the posts. Woods took the kick, and scored the major pjinfc. Liter on, from a passing rush in Zingari territory initiated by Wilkinson, Artnit scored near the corner flag, but Kerr's kick at goal was a failure. Duncan was the next to cross the Colourb' line near the corner, and he ran round behind the posts. Woods failed to convert. A free kick was awarded to the Kaikorai for a breach of tbe rules, and Wilkinson placed a goal. After this the spectators were treated to an exhibition of good forward play by both teams — a dribble by Garside being particularly noteworthy. Another passing rash among the Kaikorai backs ended in Wco BBc >ring near the corner flag, but Kerr's kick at goal was not successful. Shortly after this half-time was called, tho ball then being in tbe Zingari's twenty-five. The first spell ended : Kaikorai 17 points, Zingari nothing. In the Becond spell, after some exchanges and several free kicks for infringements, chiefly on the part of the Kaikorai players, the game became very fast, and at length Armit scored from a pass by Duncan and Kerr placed a goal. The game ended : Kaikorai 22 points (three goalß and three tries), Zingari nothing. It may be mentioned that tho Zingari were without the services of Pollock for some considerable time in the first spell, and the absence of that player was undoubtedly a serious handicap to them. Mr J. R. Montgomery was referee, and Messrs K. Fordyce (Zi igari) and A. Miller (Kaikorai) acted as line umpires. „ The High School and University Second met on the Asylum gronnd cv Saturday, the game resulting in a wia for the School by 18 poiuts to nothing. Id the fir<(t spell Shand, secur ing the ball near the'Varsiby line, backed through tbe scrum and scored. No goal resulted. In the second spell the School, getting on a dribbling rush, Edwards with a hard kick speculated a most unexpected goal. Without losing any time the School again got on the ball, and J. G. Macdonald, after a good run, scored between the posts, and J. B. Macdonald converted. Soon after this A. Mackenzie secured the ball in the 'Varsity twenty-fly.', and, after a strong run, I passed to J. B. Macdonald, who crossed their

line and scored. No goal resulted. The School continued to give their opponents a hard time of it, and from a scrum almost on the 'Varsity line the ball was heeled out to Carter, who quickly dashed over and scored. The kick at goal was a failure. Shortly after this time was called.

The Pirates and Dunedin Second Fifteens made their way to Tahuna Park on Saturday, where they found the University's ground in perfect order — neither too soft nor too hard. The Dunedin won the toss, and, playing with the wind, at once began to press the Colours, and frem a scrum about the twentyfive Armstrong (half back) got possession and passed to Flint, who transferred to Connor, and that player, dodging the full back, scored in a favourable- position, a goal being registered. The Colours, "by dribbling rushes, in which Matheson and Orbell were conspicuous, carried play to the other end of the ground and looked like scoring, but Goodman saved. The Blues then invaded the Pirates half, and a neat passing run, in which Armstrong (2), Flint, Connor, and Kober each handled the ball, ended in the last-named scoring. The kick at goal failed. Subsequently Connor and Goodman, from penalty kicks, had shots at goal, both being very close. The Colours shifted play to the Dunedin's quarters before the end of the spell, and Hay potted without success. In the second spell the Pirates were sorely pressed for some time, and at length Davis, seeing his opportunity, dashed forward, and, getting a pass near the line, scored a soft try. Connor kicked a neat goal. The Blues had the best of the subsequent play, but there was no further score, and a fast and open game ended in favour of the Dunedin by 13 points to nothing. The Caversham Second journeyed to Port Chalmers to try conclusions with the local team, and succeeded in defeating them by 11 points to 4. Caversham won the toss, and the play at once became very fast, considering the wet state of the gtound, passing rushes being the principal feature of the game, neither side having any the best of it until T. Goodman got possession of the leather and, after a short run. potted a neat goal. In the second spell the play was of a give-and-take nature, both teams being evenly matched made desperate efforts to score, but the defence proved equal to the occasion, until Burgess got away and kicked well up the field. He followed up in good style and succeeded in again obtaining possession and scored, the kick being a failure. The Port then kept their opponents defending their line, and Hunter, snatching up the ball, potted a splendid gaol. Just before time was called Yates obtained a mark, and Goodman placed a neat goal. The Zingari-Richmond Second met and defeated the Eaikorai Second by 14 points (one goal and three tries) to nothing. Tries were obtained by Simmonds, Isaacs, Alexander, and Henney, one of which Henney converted by a splendid kick. The play was of a decidedly interesting nature, both teams playing well, but the superior passing among the back division of the Richmond team placed them points ahead of their opponents. The forwards were about an even match, but the winning forwards were very clever at securing the ball in the scrum, and were thus enabled to keep their backs well employed. The teams are to be complimented on the friendly spirit in which the game was played, the Kaikorai skipper especially setting a good example to both sides. The Zingaii-Richmond have won all their matches this season.

The Warehousemen played Green Island on Saturday on the latter's ground, and suffered defeat by 6 points (a penalty goal and a try) to 3 points (a try). The Pacific met the Melrose on the Asylum ground, which was in a frightful state. Waugb, after a good run, scored for the Pacific, and Irvine placed a goal. There was no farther score, and the Pacific thus won by one goal (5 points) to nothing. The Pacific Second and Melrose Second met at Tahuna^Park. For the Pacific Fagan scored and M'Kay placed a goal, and later on Peake scored, bat no goal resulted. About half-way through the second spell a Melrose player potted a goal. The Pacific thus won by 8 points to 4. The match between the Excelsior and the Northern resulted in a draw, each side scoring a try. The Southern defeated the Ferndale by 21 points to 4. Tries were obtained for the -winners by Fergasson, M'Kenzie, Allen, Grant, and Reid. Lawson potted a goal, and James placed one from a try. Pepperell potted a goal for the losers. The Association Game. The return match between the Rangers and Roslyn Clubs took place on Saturday on the Reclaimed ground. At 3.15 p.m. Sligo set the ball in motion, and the Rangers immediately pressed, but for want of better judgment they sent the ball over the line. Some exciting play followed in mid-field ; Roslyn, however, gradually worked their way up to their opponents' goal, where D. M'Millian prettily scored first bleod. Exciting play continued in mid-field for some time, till the hill veterans, buoyant over their success, broke clean away, and, combining in fine style, Watson was enabled to score the second goal for Roslyn. Fast and exciting play continued, and theßangers.by good manceavring, penned Roslyn in and around their goal, but their defence could not be broken. Roslyn then livened up to matters and by steady play pressed their opponents pretty hard. Peters had some tough work, and he distinguished himself. The Rangers, however, not to be denied, broke away and by smart play obtained a golden opportunity to Bcore, which they very stupidly threw away. Some very exciting play followed in a small pond that adorned the ground on this auspicious occasion, and the ball sticking fast in the mire the teams were unable to extricate it before half-time was called — the score standing Roslyn 2 goals, Rangers nothing.

On resuming, Roslyn at once assumed the aggressive, and Smith passing to Watson, that player scored a neat goal. The Rangers at once retaliated with a good rush and obtained a corner, but nothing resulted from the kick, fast and exciting play continued ; Roslyn finally pressed, and Smith made a neat shot : and scored, bat it was disallowed. More .exciting play was witnessed, till Roslyn obtained a foul right in front of their opponents' goal, and Heddlestone kicking smartly to Smith, that player sent the ball flying between the sticks. Peters kicked off, and some give-and-take play followed, till Brown, breaking away, went down the field very fast, and passed quickly to J. M'Millan, who shot a magnificent goal. Exciting play continued in mid-field. The Rangers had a look in now and again, but Roslyn never entertained .them long, and on paying the return visit J. M'Millan thought it proper to acore a goal in fine style. The Rangers again pressed, and Reid -tried a shot, bat without success. The Rangers continued to press, till Roßlyn broke away and made desperate efforts to score, but were unable to get the ball through the goal, ExcitiDg play continued, the Rangers finally pressing their opponents pretty hard, and Ashton, obtaining a chance, quick as thought scored a first goal for his side. Ellis kicked off, 4tnd Roslyn at once pressed. D. M'Millan

tried a shot, but without result. The Rangers, now playing well together, rushed the ball down the field, and Adams finally put it through. Fast and furious was the play that followed — Roslyn gradually working their way up to their opponents' goal, and Smith scored in splendid style. Some give-and-take play followed for a while ; Roslyn then commenced to pres9 their opponents, and continued doing so up to the call of time, the score then standing : Roslyn 7 goals, Rangers 2. Mr J. L. Salmond gave every satisfaction with the whistle.

The match between the Thistle and Zealandia Clubs, which took place at Sawyers' Bay, ended in a win for the Thistle by 2 goals to 1. Bradley scored for the Zealandia, and until near the end of the game no further score resulted, the Zealandia having very hard luck. About 10 minutes off time the Thistle livened up, and wich two good rushes scored each time. For the Thistle Johnson, Manning, Jack, and Crawford played well, and Middleditch was very safe at half, as were also the full backs. Of the Zealandia Jay, F. Butterfield, and Bradley were the pick of the forwards, and Hook and A. Butterfield were of great service at back. Mr Ross made an efficient referee, and gave every satisfaction. Really good play was spoiled at times by the roughness of the home team.

The return match between the Northern and Queen's Park was played on the Exhibition ground, and again the latter club had to accept defeat by 4 goals to 1. The game was hampered to a great extent by the bad state of the ground, which is now being freely used as a public road. Both teams were unfortunate in losing some of the most prominent players, their places being filled by substitutes who were not in the best of form. Notwithstanding this the game was well contested, each side trying their hardest to avert defeat, but for the good defence of Moncrieff, Tyrrell, C. M'Leofi, and Clark the Queen's Park might have scored, and had their combination been better, the services of the opposing goalkeeper would have been required a little oftener. The play of B. Crawford and White was very good, as was that of the back division. For the Queen's Park Easton and Hamilton at back, and Fraser, Fleming, and Macdonald (forwards) played well, the scorers being : C. M'Leod (1), Arneill (2), A. White (1) for the Northern, and Fraser for Queen's Park. Mr May acted ir\ the capacity of referee and gave every satisfaction, Messrs Clark and Mackenzie assisting as line umpires.

The Roslyn Second met the Northern Second at Roßlyn, and defeated them by 2 goals to nothing. Gillespie and Calder scored for the Roslyn. Arthurs, Calder (backs), Jackson, and Macky (forwards) played well for the winners, as did Clarke, Elder (backs), Wilson, and White (forwards) for the losers.

The match Rangers Second v. Zealandia Second resulted in a win for the Rangers, who scored 5 goals as against 1 by their opponents. Owing to tho boggy nature of the ground fast play was out of the question, but some very good passing was shown by both teams. The Zealandia captain having won the toss elected to play down hill, but even with this advantage at the end of the first spell the score was: Rangers 1 goal, Zealandia nothing. On changing over the Rangers added 2 goals to their score in rapid succession, which had the effect of livening up the Maroons, and after some very good passing J. Benfell scored for them. From this out play was very even, but the Blacks succeeded in registering two more goals. The winners all played well, showing excellent combination, and it would be unfair to single out anyone for special notice. For the losers J. Benfell (forward) outshone his compeers, his dribbling and passing being first class, while J. Hutton, Adams, and O. Benfell were the pick of the backs. Churchill (3 goals), and Pirie and Fleming (one goal each) did the scoring for the Rangers.