RUGBY GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2929, 4 May 1910, Page 60

RUGBY GOSSIP.

The Auckland Rugby football championship opens on Saturday, May 7. A. T. Waddell, the Auckland and North Island representative forward, has left for England. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union will be held in Wellington on Thursday, May 12. There is evidently no falling off in Rugby football in Wales. At the CardiffNewport game 30,000 spectators were present. City and Ponsonby (Auckland) will both be strong again ihis year, a* most of tbn crack players will again be seen oat i:\ their club's colours. Harry Dansey, the old Canterbury v ■: sentative, who has been stationed in I>" edin during the lost few years, rece::. ' left for a trip to England. Two prominent Wellington players in i . Roberts and F. Mitchinson, reported at various times as .about to retire, made their appearance on the field on Saturday last. The dates on which the Maori team will play in Sydney have not yet been decided, further required information from New Zealand being expected by the Sydley authorities at any time. F. G. Ilandford, an English international forward of last season, now on a visit to Sydney, has just received a cable message from England inviting him to join the British team to tour in South Africa. Dr Howard Bullock, the New South Wales Rhodes scholar, made his debut for Oxford against London Hospital, and made a favourable impression. He stands over

six feet high, scales 14st, and is a forward of the aggressive order.

The North v. South Island game will probably be played before the New Zealand *oam go to the other side, says a Christchurch writer. The Canterbury Union intend making a bid to have the match Played at Christchuroh.

The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Mail states that the German Emperor has Ordered that football should be compulsory in the army, with the hope of increasing the physical and moral value of the troops. Hie Majesty is also introducing the tug-of-war and athletics on the track.

It is understood that George Tyler, of 'Auckland, will not have charge of a whistle this season, but intends to don the red and black jersey for his old club. There appears to be some doubt yet whether the North Shore and Newton Clubs,, Auckland, will be able to place a senior team in the field this season. .Some Maori clubs are libelled thus in the North: —" An old dodge with Maori clubs is to form themselves into another club when they owe a union a few pounds in fees. Like the Chinese the Maori is hard to identify, and, as far as the Wairarapa is concerned, players belonging to defaulting clubs have been allowed to play without question, it being considered too great The New. Zealand representative team will play their first match in Sydney on Saturday, June 11. probably against New South Wales, and will play a return match on the following Wednesday, June 15, after which they will visit Brisbane, and play there on Saturday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 22. On their return to Sydney a game will take place with an Australian team oh June 25. Even the Scottish Rugby Union is not exempt from the troubles caused by the partisan violence of spectators. An assault was recently committed upon the referee at Hawick in a match with Gala, and the Union Committee has been compelled, while exonerating the Hawick Committee, to forbid the club from playing on its own ground, or within ten miles of it, for the rest of the season. The once-brilliant New South Wales wing - three-quarter back, C. White, has joined in the Rugby League movement, for he is a member of the selection committee of the league. White will be remembered by New Zealanders as the player who, suffering from an injured collarbone; was given a trip through New Zealand as a visitor with a representative team as. the guest of the New South Wales Rugby Union. Mr Wj Fuller, captain of the Merivaie (Ohristchurch) Senior Rugby fifteen, met with a Dainful accident while working in the Addington Railway Workshops a few days ago. - He was engaged undjr a railway ear adjusting a gas-holder, when an explosion occurred, severely burning his face and hands. He .vas treated at the •hospital. Mr Fuller was unable to play with his team on Saturday in the opening round, of the Rugby Union's-competitions. With regard to the. amendments to the laws of football recently approved by the International Board, Mr G. H. Mason (president of the Canterbury Rugby Union) states that the alterations are so slight that thev will have little effect on the game. They have nothing to do with the recommendations of the Colonial Conference which was held in Sydney recently. Those recommendations can hardly have been considered yet by the International Board. In returning thanks for re-election to the presidency of the Auckland R.F.U., Mr A. E. Devore said that many years had elapsed since he was elected to this ■position; it was 20 years ago. During that time many changes had taken place, • in players, management, and the game itself; in fact, the 'games as played 25 years ago, and now were said to be two diiter.>nt games, and, as a matter of fact, they were. The change had been for the better. The Northern Union team is considered bv colonials who have jeen Northern Union football in England to be a very ■powerful combination. The jiames of a few noted players are absent, and it is believed that these men could not see their way clear to cceepting the terms offered. The English team will play two matches at Sydney before the opposition programme of the ■ Rugby Union ' smarts with the first match of the New Zealand team. From Vancouver comes the report of the death of Mr H. E. Kayll. who relayed for England against Scotland in 1877 _as one. of. a pair of backs, his oartne.r beiner 'A. W. Pearson. One of the best back' players of the day. Kayll. who was a member, of the Sundeyland F.C.. was also an athlete of exceptional ability. As a pole jumper-he won an amateur championship at Lillie Bridge, and he is said to have, cleared lift . lin. at a meeting at Ilkley. .besides making his mark in long and high jumping and winning .prizes over hurdles and' a.t distances from 100yds •„o a quarter of a mile. The coming of the Americans to Australia and New Zealand this year marks the beginning of, a fresh era in international football. With the experience to be gained on this tour the_ Americans may be. "exnecfed to develop into competitors with New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa for popularitv on the fields of Great Britain. The Rugby game, retaining as it does the tackling of the .American s-ame and substituting for the latter game's ■roughness and massing, of nlayers clean, bright, cohesive movements,. is sure to- become very popular in America. And. if so. it iriav not be many years before an All American team is capable of beating anv nation"! or. colonial team. a task to keen a check of the Maoris." The New South Wales Rutrby Union Council has approved of the fixturps for the New Zealanders, the American Universities, and the On<ienslander« for the cominc season. Following, are the details: — Queensland. — S.aturdav. Mav 28 —Sydney. Wednesday, June I—Sydney. Saturday, June 4—Newcastle. Monday, June 6 —Armidale. - New Zealand. — Saturday. June 11—Sydney. Wednesday, June 15— Sydney. ?.. - .■-•■,%.•.■-•=:. Wednesday. June 22—Brisbane,-. •-"■•'■• • Saturday;'June 25—Sydney. . ■■':•:■•• ■' •>< i ii* American' _. "/; Th£ ot American University 'player's will be in New South Wales from June .18 to Tiilv 9 Fixtures and location of some have iS been arranged. The team will be in New Zealand from July 16 to Jul* 30.

O.E.F.U. COMMITTEE. The regular weekly meeting of. the O.R.F.U. Committee was held on Monday evening, Mr F. H. Campbell presiding. Messrs Isaacs and Brodie being the only two available as delegates to the New Zealand Union, it wae left to the president and Mr Harris to appoint another delegate if it became necessary. L. Forrester wrote on behalf of the *orbury School applying for the use of the Carisbrook Ground on Tuesday afternoons for practice. —Granted. The Secretary of the Alexandra Club wrote stating that permission had been, granted to hold a seven-aside tournament on the -20th inst. His club had applied to the Vincent Sub-union for permission to hold a tournament on this date, and it had been granted. He asked if this was in order.—Granted 1 ; seven-aside tournaments to be referred to the O.R.F.U. G. F. M'Kellar wrote that owing to circumstances hie spare time was so much taken that he would not care to become a delegate to the Otago Rugby Union.—Received. * . The Secretary of the' New Zealand Union wrote as to two days being devoted to the annual meeting that it appeared probable that the meeting would not be a long one, and that one day was likely to suffice. —Received. F. Scales wrote suggesting that the Railway Department be approached as to puttine- on an extra carriage for teams going out" to the Taieri, on account of the overcrowding. He also suggested that matches at Mosgiel start at 2.45 p.m.—Railway Department to be notified each week; matches to start at 2.45 p.m. The Secretary of the Ravensbourne Club wrote stating that owing to mest of their last year's players having left the club, and for other reasons, they were unable to fulfil the engagement to play Third Grade. He asked that there be a Fourth Grade team.—Club to be referred to Flag Rule 3. The SfiowUrv of the Vincent Sub-union (J. M'K. Miller) wrote as to his appointment to the position he held, and submitted for the approval of the committee that the name Bannockburn be included as a Senior team in place of Matakanui; that 10 per cent, of the gate n oney of all 3lub matches be paid to the sub-union as maintenance; that all fixtures published by the' Committee of Management must be played on the dates arranged, unless weather conditions were unfavourable, when the home team delegates must notify the secretary of the visiting team by wire; a fine of £1 Is to be inflicted on any club not fulfilling its engagements-, unless the sub-union considered the excuse justified. There were also other suggested rules. —Vincent Subunion to be asked for a oodv of its bylaws.

Thomas Patersnn wrote asking for a transfer from the Pirates to the University Club.—Transfer granted, subject to applicant getting a clearance from the Pirates Club.

The Secretary of the Southern Club wrote asking that the matter of the transfer of A. Hunt from the Alhambra to the .Southern Club be reconsidered. . Hunt had only played as a substitute on one occasion.—Hunt to appeaxr before the committee if he wished the matter reopened. A. Martin, referee in the Kaikorai-Union First Grade match, wrote stating that he had had to caution a Kaikorai player for tackling- another player after he had got rid of the ball.—The olayer's nam© to be placed on the caution list. AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES' TEAM. SYDNEY, April 28. The New South Wales Rugby Union has received a cablegram stating that the following American team has been selected to tour Australia : ■ Full backs—D. "Wiggins (California University), Brown (Stanford University). Three-quarters—Harris, Watts, Morris, Evans' Sanborn, and Roth (Stanford). Halves—Elliott, Allan, and Peat (California), Mitchell (Stanford). Forwards—Phieger, Hardy. Swartz, Mark wart, Northcroft, Bennett (California), Dole, Cheda, Crawford, Horton, Ebb 'Stanford), and Leavitt (Nevada University). The team excels in tackling and keenness.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. WELLINGTON, April 28. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met to-night The New South Wales Rugby Union, writing .vith reference to the visit of the American Universities' team to Australasia, stated that it was not feasible for the team to play at Brisbane. The date set down for the games in Brisbane were June 18 and 22, which were now taken by the New Zealand team'6 visit to that city, and any subsequent dates (apart £ rom the expenses of transit) would clash with the big fixtures. The secretary was therefore informing the Queensland Rugby Union of this fact, and he thought they would realise that the advantage gained by the early appearance of the New Zealand team would compensate them for the loss of the American, matches. The New South Wales Committee was also arranging, as requested by Mr W. T. Parata, for the Maori team to visit Brisbane, so that with the New Zealand team, the Maoris, and the New South Wales team Queensland would have a good of big football. The alteration would enable the American Universities to open ; n Sydney on June 18, and would allow j£ seven matches in Sydney. It was therefore thought that a fixture might have to be arranged for the New Zealand team in Sydney on June 25. It was suggested that the New Zealand Rugby Union leave the matter of arranging the fixtures in New South Wales to the latter union's committee, as an adherence to the programme previously suggested was now impracticable. —It was decided to leave the matter to the incoming committee. Mr Langsfovd telegraphed from Auckland that he could not accept the position of manager of the Maori team, leaving Auckland on May 13. Mr Parata wrote in this connection, asking that a member of the New Zealand Rushy Union be appointed to fill this office. —The Question was referred to the annual meeting. Notice was given by the Taranaki Union to move at the annual meeting—" That £IOO be voted by the New Zealand Union to the Alfred Bayley memorial'fund." ' ~.. An appeal was forwarded •by the Manawatu Union from the Foxton Sub-union regarding boundaries. —As the Management Committee had no jurisdiction-, the matter was referred to the Manawatu Union. The Marlborough Union appealed against the suspension by the Management Committee of J. O'Dwyer.—A committee was set up to consider the appeal.

The New South "Wales Union cabled approving- of the arrangements in regard to playing a match between the New Zealand team which is to visit Australia and the Wellington representatives on June 3. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. The serious business of local football began on Saturday with the first round of flag matches under the auspices of the Otago Rugby Union. The standard of play for the opening matches, though by no means high, was no lower than it ha 6 been for the* past two seasons. The majority of the senior teams were made up largely of young players promoted from junior grades, who may be expected to show better form as the season advances. The amended rules, as confirmed by the International Board, were brought into operation on Saturday, and played under for the first time. Southern v. Dunedin. The match par excellence, so far as the general public was concerned, was the contest between Dunedin and (southern, The weather was gloriously tine, and a large crowd assembled on tne Caledonian Ground to witness the game. The winning ot fcne toss did not count for much, but Eckhold, the Southern captain, being so tavoured, elected to play with the slight breeze blowing, Dunedin defending the harbour goal. Paton kicked off for Dunedin, ana the DarK .Blues swarmed down on the Black-and-Whices, who quickly cleared and set up the first attack on tne Dunedin line. Clarke rushed to the rescue, and, with a clever run, penetrated the Southern defence to the aalfway hag. Southern came away with a counter charge, and set up an attack on the Blues' line. . For 10 minutes the Black-and-Whites attempted to break through, but their attack -lacked system. For an infringement by Southern Paton had a place kick at goal, but the ball fell short. Still attacking, O'Sullivan marked a kick from Eokhold in front of Southern's goal. Paton's effort from half way flew wide. Southern jow rolled Dunedin back on defence, but the indifferent passing of the Southern backs crippled the attack, and Dunedin cleared by sheer da6>h of the forwards, with Skinner in the van. O'Sullivan, securing the ball, raced through the Southern defence and over the line, securing the first try of the match. Paton failed with the kick at an acute angle, and the whistle sounded half time.

After the drop out Southern made several attempts to open up play with their backs, but the faulty handling and the fast following up of the Blue forwards crippled the movement. Southern now infused more dash into their play, and one splendid rush almost ended in a score, but Robertson, the Blues' full back, forced in time. Southern now took a hand in the attack, and- in a scramble J. Irvine fell on the ball, and was awarded a try, which Clancy failed to convert. Southern carried the play in spasms to half way, where Eckhold picked up and kicked to the Dunedin full back, who cleverly marked. Paton's kick was fielded by Clancy, the Southern full back having a shot at goal, the ball falling short. A bad speculator bv the Blues saw Williams, the Southern wins; three-quarter, mark in a handy position, from which Eckhold kicked a goal. This gave Southern 3 points to the good, and excitement ran high. Dunedin played desperately to get on terms, but Southern fought with renewed vigour. Fortune favoured the Black-and-Whites, for just on time, from a cross kick and a dribbling rush down the field, which beat the Dunedin full back, Swanson scored. Clancy failed to convert, and the game ended: Southern ~ ~ ,#*■ -..- 9 points. Dunedin '... ... 3 points.

The result of the match was somewhat unexpected, the Dark Blues being generally regarded a 6 having the stronger side. ' On the' run of the play there was little difference between the opposing teams, but Dunedin showed to the best advantage, both back and forward for three parts of the game. It was only in the last twenty minutes that Southern put any real life into their play, and it was the infusion of the extra dash, encouraged by the first try, which turned the game in their favour. Du.nedia should have scored more in the opening- spell had their backs played less to the line in the passing rushes. The passing and fielding of the Blues' backs was accurate enough, but there was no attempting 'o cut in. the attack being invariably driven straight across the field. The Dunedin forwards played well, yet there was a lack of combination, the dribbling rushes being confined to two or three players. Of individual players on the sides of the vanquished, Robertson, a new man. was somewhat uncertain at full back, but showed promise, and will improve with a few more games. O'Sullivan was easily the pick of the Dunedin three-quarter line, while Clarke at scrum half stoo<J out for good work on defence and attack. It was not the scrum half's fault that the Blues' backs did not score again. Of an even lot of forwards Skinner stood out head and shoulders above any man in the Blue pack, and was probably the best ».).' -pund forward on the ground. This season Southern team is composed of quite a number of young players, mainly drafted from last year's Second Grade fifteen. The forwards have physique in ' the their favour, and ai-e the makings of a dashing pack At present they lack experience and knowledge of the finer arts of the game. The back division of the Southern team is almost wholly composed of new blood, and like the forwards show a want of originality slid initiative. Clancy, the full-back, is the makings of a really good player. He kicks well with either foot and finds the line Williams is the best of the three-quarters who. who are not an international lot E-ckhold behind the scrum did a lot of useful work; but found it somewhat heart-breaking- to play to his backs. The forwards are young and vigorous, but lacking method and combination. The pick of the pack on Saturday were Leith, Irvine, and Sheehan. Mr A. Downes controlled.,the game. University v. Pirates. The first spell of this game, played on Carisbrook No. 2 Ground, could scarce have been duller from a spectacular point of view, but the second rjoriod made ample amends. At half-time. Ph-ates led by B—o. yet so brisk was the play ill the next round ihat the University came through with a score of 21—14 in their favour.-The'Univer-sity kicked off, opening, from -the- eastern end, but were exceedingly 'slow in-.'getting to work. .Pirates, on -the other,:.'hand, played with more- dash and ,ori-the-whole had decidedly the better of'the-first-spell. Shortly after the cominencenient, Lomas put in a good run down the line from about tho twenty-five. a«d got over near the corner. Black converted, and placed Pirates 5, University 0. A few minutes

later, a free kick being given against the light Blues, Black landed a good goal. The second spell opened Badly for the Blues, as from a mark, Black landed another good goal, making the deficit to be wiped out 11 points. Then, however, the' University rallied, and in less than ten minutes had changed the position to 13 —ll in their favour. Dansey first had an unsuccessful shot at goal, and then Millard dashed over from the loose, and scored. Borrie landed a good kick, and in another minute or so University pressing home* hotly, Gus Ongley, with sheer force, got over in a good position. This time, however, Borrie was unsuccessful. Some open work ensued, and Duthie had a great chance for a score, but was well collared. A moment later Potter got in, and, converting the.' try made the total 13. The score remained at this for a little time while the Pirates strove to recover their lost ascendancy. But the University was a totally different team now from what it was in the first spell, and despite the efforts of the Blacks, for whom Lorn as was playing a great game, successfully held their own and returned the attack with interest. Good work by Borrie took the Blues dangerously close to the line, and from a scrum for an infringeme'nt, Monte Ongley dived through. Borrie converted with a nice kick, and a little later repeated the performance from a mark by Millard. Play till the call of time was even and interesting. Amongst the Pirates backs, Lomas was working hard, and Calder at the defensive position was very safe. The forwards, though possessing some weighty memb6i'6, were working resultlessly till within five minutes of time, when the Pirates' forwards broke away, and a score was given. The kick at goal failed and the game ended with the score:— University «*•• ... _ 21 points Pirates ..i- .... ... ... 14 points In the whole game Dansey was the most conspicuous figure. His dash was refreshing. Several times he broke through and initiated movements which with capable support would have been succeissful. Reid, on the left wing, was prominent at times, but seemed to lack the capacity to improve opportunity. Duthie, his colleague on the other wing, played a solid game, and Uttley, at full back, was reliable. The forwards put in more work in the second spell than they had showed in the first, and with gratifying results. Freyberg, Seed, Potter, and Ongley played fairly solidly while Maeintyre, for hi 6 weight, stood out well. Of the Pirates, Calder was a safe full back, but of the other backs the only one to catch the eye was Loma*s who was, in fact, to the Pirates what Dansey was to the University. Of the forward line Black was very prominent for good work, and Stevens occasionally showed welcome vigour. Sibbald was also in good form, but speaking broadly, individuals were not conspicuous for outstanding play. The decisions of the referee, Mr H. Lawry, were very fair. •• Kaikorai v. Union. An evenly-contested match was played at Bishopscourt before a fair number of Onlookers, resulting in a win for Kaikorai by 3 points to nil. During the first half play was practically devoid of interest. Union got two chances, but threw them away, and Kiakorai made thr-ets unsuccessful shots at goal. For some time play was evenly, if clumsily, balanced. Kaikorai warmed up towards the end of the half, and attacked in a series of well-sustained rushes, showing good combination. Union, forced to adopt defensive tactics, fought doggedly. Union delivered a determined attack at the resumption of play. Then the Maroons got offside, and Kaikorai, making the most of a free kick, almost got home behind the Union line. The Maroons retaliated, and drove play back into Kaikorai's territory, which tor some minutes remained the centre of effort. At about midway, Ivimey, for a knock-on, kicked to tthe corner. Kaikorai easily smothered the follow-on, and upset all calculations with a clever passing rush, in which M'Leod (wing three-quarter) deftly outflanked the opposition, but lost the leather. A subsequent rush by Kaikorai proved quite as dangerous. Play went on merrily by the Union posts, and from a scrum close to the line the ball went out. The Blues pressed hard, but Libtlejohn relieved. Two Kaikorai men were laid out, and W. Johnson retired with a hurt knee. Union, by sheer weight, pushed l play to the other end, where they were penalised. Littlcjohn was assisted to the shed with his left arm slung. Kaikorai again assumed the aggressive, but ? aikd to carry the last line of defence. 'Jnion then knocked a promising passing 'nset to pieces, and turned the tide. Kaikorai reforming just in time. The Blues had a narrow escape at the corner. Richmond marked prettily, but, Kaikorai beingpenalised for a trip. Union came on with an overwhelming charge. Ivimey" passed four men. but passed forward, and Kaikorai rushed the field, and attacked persistently. Close en time Union was penalised, and Walter Strang kicked a fine goal from a careful place. On the sound of the whistle the score was: — • Kaikorai ... 3 points. Union ... ... Nil. Neither team was exactly in form. The number of young- players on either side was somewhat remarkable. All hands worked hard, but taken all round play was not brilliant. Kaikorai's forwards may become promising. Both teams adopt sound principles, .of defence. Mr Martin was the referee. ZINGARI-RICHjMOND V. PORT CHALMERS. The Zingari-Richmond-Port Chalmers match was a forward game throughout, and resulted in a win for the Zingari. after a good contest. At the jump the Port forwards made the pace, Macpherson taking the lead, and. overwhelming- all opposition. Play was confined for several minutes in the Zingari quarters, and from a scrum in front the Port got the ball, which went from Doushertv and Wilson to Watson, who scored and" afterwards converted. The Zingari forwards made a strong attack, and, owing to Perry lying on the ball, were awarded a free kick, which A. Patterson turned to advantage by registering a goa'. With the score: Port 5 points, Zingari 3, it was anybody's game for some time, the ball travelling up and down the field without any apparent benefit to either side. ■ A second free kick was given, to the Zingari. which A. Patterson again made use of by kicking another fine goal. Patterson, who was playing a good game for his side, infused some of. his spirit into his following, and •althpugh Port, stub-; boi-nly held... its, p/wn .. ,'rbav a considerable time, towards the" end'of the spell,"Patterson succeeded t in niching .up smartly, at half-way from ..a loose 'scrum,'and, 'running;' right through,'' he'VcoreiT r a : try. During the remainder'of the play the Zingari had the best of the game in every department, and it was only by stubborn defence that the Port team prevented the score from being further added to. Mi' W. Dey, the

referee, controlled the game to the satis> ■ faction of both sides, and when the final whistle sounded the score was: Zingari-Riehmond ... 9 points. Port Chalmers 5 points. Both teams showed fair form for th<B beginning of the season, Dougherty, Watson, and Wilson, for the Port, and A. Pat« terson for the Zingari showing to best advantage. Alhambba v. Taiebi Eovees. This game wais played at MosgieJ on a hard, dry ground. There was a strong, breeze blowing, but it died down soon after 1 the commencement of the game. Alhambra attacked from the start, and continued Ix> press their opponents until from & good passing rush initiated inj Green's territory, Thompson managed to draw first blood. The attempt at goal was unsuccessful. The Rovers livened up after this reverse, and gradually worked their way into Alhaimbra'e ground, where Taieri were awarded a free-kick for offside ' play by White. Scott took the kick and registered a good goaf. The Greena again attacked with a strong forward rush, ' but Muirhead marked, and effected a temporary clearance. Alhambra forced their - way into Taieri's territory, where Marsdea had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Aftetf some give-and-take play Alhambra* started a good passing rush, which carried play right up to Taieri's line, where a. certain • try was lost by Bemnet passing toward to Thompson, who was persistently keeping too far up. A period of uninteresting play followed, until Reds again attempted to play the passing game, but to no purpose. The. second spell opened with Alhambral attacking, and Marsden had an unsuccessful shot at goal. From a loose set an Grant broke well away, but was for ed out, and from the ensuing line-out he . Red forwards came away with a vigor ma rush into Taieri's territory, where Gruift marked and relieved for the time, bu* Alhambra were not to be denied, and front a passing rush Bennet scared in a good position. Marston registered the majai points.-' Alhambra had the best of the ensuing play, but Scott,' the Taieri *nl* back, was playing a very sound game, a»4 repeatedly saved his side from danger, The Green forwards carried play pa:st half* way, where Watson marked, and Scott registered a splendid goal. From a Jocea scramble Thompson broke away, but wan well tackled by Grant. Scott was putting in some good defensive work, and nullifying the efforts of Alhambra. From a, scrum inside Taieri's twenty-five Morrisaa broke awav with the ball at his feet, but Fhxtlay saved by a lucky speculator. Mtsirhead initiated a promising passing nidi, and the ball travelled to Thompson, who had no difficulty in crossing the lwe. Marston converted, and the game erwfecl shortly after with the scores— Alhambra • 13 point* ," Taicri-Rovers 6 points For the first of the ssason the game wsa . a fairly cood, though at times, uninteresting, exhibition of football. The pa«s. ing was not of a very high older, and on occasions, simply carried play from ma side of the field to the other.. Tfcs , Alhambra back division was superior to that of their opponents, which lacked except in one or two instances—notably boots ~ —most of the essentials that go,to make a gord back team. The strength of the - Taieri men lay in their forwards, who W - their opponents in every department of tie game except the line-out. The Red[forwards lacked dash and vigour, and it behoves them to show some # improvejnsne if tbev are to maintain -their reputation. This dees not apply to Mitchell who was m-obablv the best forward on the- fieW For Taieri. Tanisey, Watt, M'Donald. arcd . FincPay played well in the forwards. Scott Grant and Watson in the ;acks, whOe for Alhambra. Mitchell Williams. «a£ Morrison in the forwards, ; and MT)ougall. and Muirhead in the baefc% played well. Mr M'Farlan*. made aa efficient referee. SECOND GRADE. Southern A defeated Alhambra aft Tahuna Park by 15. points to 3. S.JUaWj Gomer, Irvine, Bezett scored tries for the w?n™ers. Mr T. M'Taggart -nade an efficient referee. , TT«i«n. Ravensbourne met and defeated Umoa by 15 points to nil. .For Ravensbourne, Robertson was the mainstay of the bach* while of the forwards Smith, Olsen, ami Booth played well. Tries were obtained _by Barker (3), Olsen, and Minn. Faulkaer and Wilson played well for Union. THIRD GRADE. Southern defeated Alhambra by 6 points to nil. Dray and Ruttledge scored tries for the winners. FOURTH GRADE. Southern defeated Zingari-Richmond b$ 15 points to 6. M'Donald, Scott, and Heffernan scored tries for the winners* . M'Donald also kicked two penalty goals. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. CHRISTCHURCH, April 30., • The following are the results of the First Grade football matches flayed this afternoon :—Albion (11). beat Old Boys (3), Linwcod (8) beat Sydenham. (3) Christ- - church (24) beat Canterbury College Merivale (47) beat Manst Brothers (ml .