FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2671, 24 May 1905, Page 56

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FULL BACK. The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the contest for the First Grade Banner: —

The following players lave been selected by Messrs Evans iChristchuroh) and Harris (Otago) to represent the South Island against the North Island in the interisland match to be played at AVellington on June 3 : — Full back : Gillett. (Canterbury). Three quarters : Booth (Otago) Harper (Canterbury) Reid (Southland). J?ive-eighth.<< : Deans (Canterbury) Stead (Southland). Half back: Froser (Southland). Forwards : Casey (Otago) M'Nie (Southland) M'Donald (Otago) Corbefct (Westland) Johnston© (Otago) Learmont (Weetland) Newton (Canterbury) Horgan (Sotith Canterbury). The English International Board has decided to meet in July to deal comprehensively with the wliole matter of Rugby law reform. Having qualified by playing in Second Grade football, H. Porteous, the Otago representative forward, is back again in his old place on the wing of the Kaikorai pack. On Saturday, against the Southern, Porteous played a dashing jrame, being in the thick of the engagement throughout, and always there or thereabouts where the ball was. It is feared that Scannell, the Otago University half back, who was injured in the n-atch against Kaikorai last Saturday week, will be unable to accompany the student footballers to Sydney in July next. As Scannell is probably the finest defensive half back playing in Dunedin at the present time his loss to 'Varsity will be considerable. One of the cleverest five-eighths playing in the local Senior Grade competitions this year is a newcomer named Heale, who has joined Otago University, and plays behind the Light Blues^pack. Heale bails from Wanganui College. A Wellington writer is very anxious to kr-ow if it is correct that the New Zealand Union has receiyed-<a -communication from tho. English UniDn that an injured player cannot be replaced. In this connection it may be stated that the O.R.F.U. has asked ths N.Z.E..U. for information on the point, but so far it has not been forthcoming. At a recent meeting of the Referees' Association it was decided that referees should strictly enforce the penalty of a nocharge if players overstep the mark when about to charge. The association might have gone further and instructed referees to enforce the penalty when tho placer " fools " the men into inaiking -a false charge by feinting to place the ball on the ground. Also thay might instruct referees to more strictly penalise players who, on being tackled, do not immediately get up off the ball.

Donald Stuart, of Otago, is to be advised by the N^w Zealand Union of its regret at having to exclude him from the New Zealand team for the Old Country (says the Wellington correspondent of the Canterbury Times), the medical certificate as to his health leaving the union no other option, in tho matter. The executive is at one in its expressions of regret thai so fine a forward has been lost to the colonial combination. A northern representative is declared by the medical adviser to bo the sufferer from, a slight physical ailment, but in his eass it makes little or no difference to speak of.

The Ota-go University footballers, with an eye on the Sydney trip, danced with exceeding great joy when the telegram of advice from the New Zealand Union came to hand iast week apprising them that the N.Z.R.U. bad decided to adhere to the dates July 8, 12, and 15 for the New Zealand team in Sydney. The clashing of the New Zealanders' last match with the opening of the Otago University campaign in Sydney is not troubling the students in th« least. Their anxiety was to get to Sydney during the vacation, and they foresaw difficulties in that connection if the N.Z.H.U. had insisted on July 15, 19, and 22. As matters have, now been arranged satisfactorily the student footballers are going on with their preparations, for the trip. In order to avoid clashing with the New Zealand-New South Wales match on July 15 Otago University hopes to arrange with Sydney University to play the! opening match of tbe tour the day before that date. The three Otago players — Johnstone, Booth, and Casey — selected for the New Zealand team for England, are in rare form this season and playing to justify their inclusion. Booth, the Kaikorai threequarter, whose inclusion in the first 50 was openly smiled at when the names of the first half century were mentioned, is playing better Rugby than he has ever played in bis life, and, on present form, is well worthy of his place in the final selection of New Zealanders. M'Donald, of the Kaikorai, is a forward who- ie certain to see the South Island team, and! If he repeats the form he is at present showing, should have a good chance of labelling has portmanteau "England." Bennett, who has been playing wing three-quarter for Union thia season^ will probably not take hiß place again in the Maroon back division. An injury to hjja leg, ~ received « considerable- time ago, is causing him trouble; hence the decision. The evil of putting off insuring "to-day" is exexupMed in the case of Scannell, tfye University half back, who waa injured in a recent .game. Prior to the match in which he was injured Scannell was aekepl to. insure, bimsjjl in the. Footballers' Accx-

dent Fund, but he postponed doing so, and is no doubt feeling eorry now

The foregoing would serve to point cut to intelligent footballers (and I believe there are many such in Dunedin, despite Kipling's reference to "muddied oofs") the necessity of availing themselves of that worthy institution the Footballers' Accident Fund. It may interest my readers to know that up to the present 393 players have insured under class 1 and 63 under class 2— a total of *56 Players who insure under class No. 1 pay a subscription of 2s 6d for the season. The benefits accruing from this tc an injured player ie 30s per week up to eight weeks. Under class 2 the subscription is Is 6d for the eeason, with a benefit of 20s up to eight weeks. The insurance scheme up to the present is working well, but the* committee is anxious that more players should avail themselves of ito benefits. Of the total number (4561 already insured, no fewer than 115 of these arc country players, proving clearly the- foresight of the country footballer, who realises that if he is unfortunate enough to meet with an injury he is saved from the financial worry such an injury woiild entail were he not covered by the Footballers' Accident Insurance policy. Let it bo clearly understood that this fund 1 is not to put money into the coffers of the management, but to benefit footballers by insuring them against financial hardship should injury in the field overtake them. Any player who goes on the field uninsured is blind to his own interests.

It is stated that tho ban of disqualification has been removed by the New Zealand. Union in the case of a prominent Auckland player, whom it is thought will be a certainty for the New Zealand learn for England.

At this stage, when a New Zealand team is about to visit England, and certain membens thereof asked to contribute articles on the tour for New Zealand papers, the following motion on the agenda for the annual meelhiK of vhe English Rugby Union is interesting : "That the acceptance of duties corresponding to those of a newspaper reporter or occasional correspondent, will for the furore be held to professionalise any Rugby union player or referee,»under Ride 11 as to professionalism." I believe the New Zealand Rugby Union has decided not to send a trainer, with the team that tours the Old Country (says "Touohline.") Efforts are being made to induce the gentlemen composing that body to change their minds, and an application for the position is being sent forward by an ex-player who bas every qualification, and who would give satisfaction to all concerned. In the matter of pa/ment for his services, he desires to be put on the same footing as the players. I hope the New Zealand Union will close with the offer, and give the players the best possible chance of winning their matches. To my mind, for a. tour of this description a trainer is essential.

The Auckland Rugby Union football matches were continued on Saturday (wires my Auckland correspondent), when some very fair form was shown. The surprise packet of the day was the defeat of Ponsonby (26 points to 6) by City. Although the latter were slightly favourites, it wae not thought that there would be many points between -the teams at the finish. In a nutshell, it may be said that the .losers' severe reverse was due to their being outgeneralled. City sitting tight and giving them the ball" fn the first spell, and coming to light with a vengeance in the second haif, when their opponents were feeling the effects of tho running about they were given in the opening half. G. W. Smith, who, as already mentioned, is looking for a trip to England, played a good game, and I should say that he now has a decided chance of inclusion in the North v. South Island match, which will, of course, settle ■the ma-Wer one way or the other as far as he is concerned. Nicholson and Seeling, who have already been included in the touring combination, played right up to the top of their form, and should experience no difficulty in holding their places. Gallagher, of Ponsonby ; who is among those battling for a trip, is another that should not bo found far away when the final selection is issued, as his game on Saturday showed that he is as destructive as ever on the wing. In the 'other senior fixtures Grafton beat Parnell by 8 points to nil. Scobie Mackenzie was the best back on the winning side. Newton beat North Shore by 3 points to nil, the winners having none the best of it.

Tho agenda for the annual meeting of tbo EngJish Rugby Union, to be held this month, ie interesting. Mr W. Cail will propose, and Mr E. T. Gurdon second, that tho mode of scoring shall bo that adopted by the International Board at its recent meeting — viz., a try 3 points, a goal (from a try (in which ease the try shall not count) 5 points, a dropped' goal 4- points, a mark ißoal and a penalty goal 3 points each ; a field goal to bo abolished. The Rugby Union representatives at the recent meeting of the International Board proposed, in conformity with the wishes of the majority of their clubs, the following change in the scoring laws — viz., a try equals 3 points, a goal from a try (in which case the try shall not count) equals. s points, a droped goal, a mark goal, and a -penalty goal equals 3 points eaoh ; a field goal to be abolished. This proposal was approved of by the representatives of the Welsh Union, but was opposed by the representatives of the Scottish, and Irish Unions with reeard bo the value of the dropped goal, which they thought should still count 4 noints. On tihis point the vote was: Fot — England 6, Wales 2, — equals 8 ; against — Ireland 2. Scotland 2, — equals 4-. As by the by-laws of the International Board a majority of threefourthe is required to alter the law, the proposal to reduce the value of the dropped goal -was not carried. The Kent County will propose, and the Eastern Counties delegate 6econd. various changes in the lawe, some otf wihich ihave already been discussed and approved by the London R.U. Society of Referees at a recent meeting. The committee suggests that a, vote -be taken on eaoh point and the numbers recorded, that such alteration* as may be carried by a two-thirda ■majority 'be brought up before a special meeting of the- International Board, which will be held early in July, as recommendations of tibe union, and! .that a. special meeting of the unkax be called in September to veconsfder and decide on eaeih point, having? regard to the decision of the International Board. A Waipori "correspondent writes: "I/aft week a learn of footballers from the electric works journeyed to Waipori at the invitation of the Waipora Football Club to try conclusions in the ecientifio game of Rugby football -naih. the Waipori team. After arriv-

ing at Waipori greetings were exchanged and light refreshments partaken of. Both teams proceeded to the Waipori Recreation Grounds, and line umpires and referee were selected. Waipori won the toss, and elected to play with the wind. The first half ended with a try each. In the second half Waipori scored a try and a goal, Cartright kicking a goal from a very difficult angle. Thus ended a very friendly game- Waipori 8 points, Bushrangers 3. Cartright, J. Nicholson, Fraser, Oldfield, E. Searle, and , Haggitt played well for the winners ; while Goodman, Scott, Bolvie, Potts, Shier, and Kane did likewise for the losers. A strikingfeature of the game was the kicking of the Bushrangers, Kane at five-eighths using his feet splendidly. A little more practice and he will undoubtedly p<rove a hard nut to crack. The Bushrangers took their defeat very kindly. They were hampered by the loss of three of therr best players — Riley, Burwood, and Clothier. After the game was over the teams proceeded to the Bridge Hotel, where a very sumptuous supper was laid in Host Knight's best style. All and sundry did the eatables and viands justice. After supper the piano was set going, and pleasant evening was spent, everyone appreciating Host Knight's kindness and hospitality. At 9 p.m. a start was made on the rafcurn journey, under the guidance and care of the well-known wdiip, Mr M. Black. All arrived home safe, well pleased with the outing, and determined on some future occasion to regain the lost laurels." An Auckland telegram states that in Saturday's senior football matches City beat Ponsonby by 26 to 6, Grafton beat Parnell by 8 to nil, and Newton beat North Shore by 3 to nil. A Wellington telegram states that m Saturday's football matches Athletic beat Old Boys by 8 points to 3, Oriental beat Melrose by 16 points to nil, Petone beat Victoria College by 48 points to 8, Wellington and Southern drew with 3 points each. A notable event was the defeat of Old Boys by Athletic. Old Boys had an unbeaten record for this season, while Athletic for many seasons past has gained the " wooden spoon." The team at last is on the up grade, and on Saturday fairly wore down its opponents and gained a welldeserved victory. The scores were 3 points all until time was up, but at that juncture the Athletic gained a try. which was converted after the bell had rung. The team, received an ovation when leaving the field. Football in Wellington shows a decided improvement this season. Nine teams are contesting the Senior Championship, and four of the nine possess good - winning chances. Play is better than in previous seasons, and so far there have been no exhibitions of the brutality that disfigured some of the senior games towards the end of last season. A Christchurch telegram states that in Saturday's football matches Sydenhain 1+ (a goal from a try and three tries) beat Christchurch nil, Albion 14- (a goal from a. try and three tries) beat Menvale 4 (a goal from a mark), Linwood 29 (four goals from tries, a penalty goal, and two tries) beat Canterbury Coilege nil. NOTES ON SATURDAY'S PLAY". The feature of the Southern-Kaikorai match was the vim and vigour instilled into the game by the players of both teams, and there were occasions when the referee found it necessary to administer a caution for unnecessarily rough play. Apart from this, however, the game, considering the treacherous condition of the ground, was a fairly good one, albeit not an exhibition of scientific Rugby. In the first spell Kaikorai, having the advantage of the wind, kept Southern on the defensive. Very htble passing was indulged in by either side' in the first half, play being confined to dribbling rushes by the forwards and kicking amongst the backs. Not until within a few minutes to half-time did the Kaikorai backs open out in a passing rush, and from this rally Kaikorai scored. While the hill team had all the best of the first spell, Southern had the advantage in the second half, but their backs were not nearly so certain in their passing as on the previous Saturday, for the reason that the Kaikorai five-eighths and three-quarters swarmed in amongst them before the rush became dangerous. Kindley, the Southern full back, played a fine defensive game, but there was nothing exceptional about the three-quarter line, albeit Chambers made several good runs. Eckhold shone oxit in the position of fiveeighth, and was ably supported by Gillies. All the Southern forwards played vigorously. Leyden, Simpson, and Olson shining in the loose. On the Kaikorai side. Strang, at full back, while playing solidly, was inclined to speculate. In the three-quarter line, Armit and Dobson were conspicuous for good work. M 'Hardy excelled in stopping rushes. Of the five-eighths. Booth was the pick, his tackling in particular being very solid. Duncan did a lot of spoiling work, while Smith played pluckily behind a useful pack of forwards, of M'Donald, Porteous, Armit, and Adamson stood out conspicuously. Mr W. M'Donald controlled the game in a thoroughly impartial manner. Kaikorai ... 5 points. Southern ... 3 points.

The Pirates-Union match, played at the North Ground on Saturday, was, from start to finish, a hard-fought and muddy struggle, much more interesting than might have been anticipated, and as usual with First Grade North Ground matches, fraught with a good many amusing incidents and sideshows, the latter generally promoted by the Union barracker, who is blessed with youth. Partisanship extends even to the dogs on the North Ground, and there was nothing strange in seeing, presumably. Pirate and Union dog fighting out their differences unblushingly. The ground was a veritable mire in parts, and both teams handled the ball remarkably well in view of the fact that the footing was so treacherous. The falling was soft, however, and so an immaculate line umpire found as a player, disguised in mud, grappled him to save himself from falling, and both came down together. There was practically nothing to choose between the two teams. The Union, forwards were more successful in getting the ball,, but the passing of the backs waa very poor. For once in a way the Pirates back team showed up well, comparing favourably with their opponents. Their full back, Cohen, dipt really, well in th« second spell, and had plenty of work. Lama's played a very sound game at fiveeighths, and Fairclough played his best game this season at witrg thre^-quarter. The forwards all played a willing game, and Fenwick was specially prominent in the loose. Of the Union backs it srees without saying that Munro was the pick. Of th« three-quarters Littlejohn showed to most advantage, kicking and running well, while

Gray at full back was generally reliable. Kilgour at five-eighths passed very wildly. The forwards played a fast, hard game, Harris and Rowlatt being always to the fore. Considering the day the game was much more open than might have been anticipated, and at all times fast, the ball travelling up~ and down the field continuously. Mr A. Downes ably controlled the play. Pirates ... 8 points. Union ... 6 points.

For a long time the issue of the game between the University and Alhambra was in doubt, and it was only in the last quarter of an hour's play that the Blues •were assured of victory. The Alhambra never looked like a winning team, and probably the majority of the spectators •were of opinion that the University fully deserved their win. The University forwards played well in the loose, many of their tushes being very serviceable, but their opponents had the best- of the scrum work until towards the end of -the game, when the Blues were more successful in this, department. The Alhambra backs were not very successful in their passing rushes, little headway being made as a rule. They fielded the ball well, however, and the kicking left -nothing to be desired. The passing- game -was conspicuous chiefly by its absence during the first spell, but in the second half the backs took' more liberties, the University-especially passing with a good deal "of freedom, though not always with accuracy.. Wi -Repa- played a safe game as fulTT>ack for the University, arid, the threequarters gave a ? very creditable, exhibition. Gilray played brilliantly at times, but he showed -a fondness for getting too close to the ..forwards.'"'" ' Macpherson crowned a sterling performance by scoring one of the finest tries obtained for a lorn? time,- after a- brilliant run. " The other backs played well, and of a good' set of forwards, who played with dash and determination, Foote, G Thomson, Harrison, and Bartranv were the best. Dobson. the Alhambra full back, played 'a very safe game, but Bennet was the only .three-quarter who showed up to advantage. "King put in a lot of good work, but he was not as brilliant as usual. Coulter played well, bis passing and kicking • being well timed and serviceable.. Johnston stood out prominently amongst "the -forwards, his work all round being very Sood. He played hard from «tart to finish, and was . generally near the ball. M'Kewen and Given also put in some rood work. Mr D. M. Munro controlled the game in a manner that- gave satisfaction to both sides. University ... 8 points. Alhambra^ ... Nil.

The Zingari-Riehmond-Dunedin match, though' not a first-class exposition of Rugby, was nevertheless fairiv interesting. In the first few scrums the Blues secured the ball, but from that til] the end of -the first half things were 5 reversed. The hill team went in; for 'a good deal of peesing, but it did 3iot lead to *_ score, owing to one or other either keeping 1 possession too lons' or misdirecting" the leather.' Bolt was particularly at fault in trying to run too far with fche bait; instead of transferring, and he lost" several stood, chances in that way. Collie. repeatedly slipped away, from the sarum with the -lea/tHer, but there was a latitude allowed biim by his opponents that made- the matter rather an easy one, the tackling being of the high and ineffective order. Smith, at centre); .played really well, but has a bad habit ; of- passing with one hand. Low. the fiveteighth. ' was sound on the defence, though rather weak in attack. Thompson's disnlav at full back was good, though he on one occasion made the inexcusable mistake of speculating. Of the forwards Low waa. prominent throughout, while Stewart also did good work. The chief fault of the Blues' play -was the weak tackling near tbe scrum. Some good wbrk was done by ■Morris behind the scram, his kiokiner gaining much ground. Kelly was quite disappointing. He lost several opportunities frt .blind passing. O'Sullivan made a lot of igtround by kicking, while Watson was always sound on. defence. Teesdale made two or three strong runs, and had he shown more dash near the line would have scored on the' occasion •when he lost the ball after getting 1 over the line. The forwards were, /wath_one 'or two exceptions, an even lot, and it would be invidious to mention anyone. Mr SI BaUantyne had control .of the game, and he ' performed his duties with admirable discretion. Zingari ... 7 points. Dunedin „. 5 points.

PoiE its. ?aikorai Southern Jniversily singari ... Uhambra Duntdia ?\ rates ... Juion ... Club. 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 £i 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 [1 0 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 a 0 8 0 1 0 0 i 1 c £ SO 53 34 21 21 17 S 12 "5 < 12 14 7 17 28 32 40 45 8 6 4 4 3 2 2 1