SOUTHLAND RUGBY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 57

SOUTHLAND RUGBY NOTES.

(Faou Ou» Owk Corbespondzxt.) Results of Wednesday's matches: — Athletics 5 points, Pirates 3 points. ■Invercargill 5 points, Britannia nil. .■Star 6 points, Waikiwi nil. Wednesday was a day of cold and drenching showers, and as a consequence the grounds wexe sodden and dead, ;and the players hampered by virture of a wet and Blippery ball. Two senior matches occupied) tho attention of spectators on the Union's ground, while- Star and Waikiwi fought conclusions on the latter'e arena, which place, by_ the way, bore evidences of the recent rains to a marked extent. Athletics defeated ike. Pirates, iber<i-

by effected a surprise throughout football circles. The Greens had made several alterations in the personnel of its team, the newcomers considerably strengthening tho ranks, back and forward.

M'Grath and Keenan played high licks for "Ireland," the former kicking a splendid goal, and accounting for the game a? a sequence. The try scored by Kane for the Greens was the result of a beautiful bit of play. From a throw-in Koenan obtained. The ball went to Hughes, who whipped over to Giaco. This player drew the defence, and then passed to Mulvey, who after a brilliant run transferred to Kane, who had no difficulty in crossing. The Athletics' "threes" will be further equipped by the inclusion of Maley, lrte of the Britannia back division. On dit, the Greens are also on the tracks of a wellknown ex-rep, hooker, with a view to the front division of this fifteen.

Smith's try scored for the Pirates wa6 obtained by one of that player's dashes for the line upon the semblance of an opening. The said piayer will notch very high ere- the close of the season should he continue his present style of play. He is in the- front rank of the coming five-eighths, and plays a consistent and heady game, besides possessing a great amount of dash and energy,. The Pirates possess a splendid set rf forwards. Of a capable vanguard, Organ and Pettigrew perhaps account for much that is "solid football. On the loose work thej- sweep «41 "before tWra, and are an extremely dangerous association in anywhere near close quarters. W. J. Stead, who. it will be remembered, toured as vice-captain of the "All Blacks.'' played half back for the Star last "\\ edcesdav.

The barbed wire that keeps out tl.e poverty-stricken youth from the Union's ground was responsible for bursting two footballs last Wednesday. This might possibly be construed into false economy.

Apropos of the Rugby Union, the committee would be favouring patrons by providing flags with club colours for use of line umpires. There are only six clubsin Southland senior football, and the acquiring of four more flags, while a trifling item financially, would be a boon to the interested spectators. As things were last Wednesday, the flag representing the Pirates' (black) colours was red-blue, while the Athletics (green) was blue and white. "Strong Pirate," without in any way taking exception to what has been written regarding his own club, seeks for a further knowledge in that connection. Perhaps a brief analysis of tho thought that Jed to the writing of the paragraph will provide sufficient enlightenment Last season, the S.R.F.U. instituted an inquiry re alleged betting in connection with Southland football. The writer of these notes, then, in referring to this year's play wished to convey the hope that there would be nothing arising out of the game to give cause for further criticisms or the making necessary of any more inquiries by the ruling body. It was unfortunate that the item should have appeared to reflect upon the Pirates. However, it vp.s net the intention of the writer that such should be the case. With the fact that the Pirates were this year strong in numbers and talented in calibre originated the idea of reminding players that for thoir own sake and Southland football the game for the coming season would be of a character irreproachable and honourable. Saturday's grade matches resulted as follows : — Warehouse 6 points, Traffic nil. Workshops 11 points, Civil Service nil.