FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3099, 6 August 1913, Page 51

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURES. The following are the Otago representative fixtures for the season: August 16—v. Canterbury. August 23—v. South Canterbury. September 6—v. Wairarapa. September 13—New Zealand v. Australia. September 17—v. Wellington. September 27—v. Southland. AUSTRALIAN RUGBY TEAM’S TOUR IN NEW ZEALAND. Wednesday, August 27—Versus Auckland, at Auckland. Saturday, August 50 —Versus Taranaki, at New Plymouth. Wednesday, September s—Versus Wanganui, at Wanganui. Saturday, September 6—Versus New Zealand, at Wellington. Wednesday, September 10 —Versus Southland, at Invercargill. Saturday, September 13—Versus New Zealand, at Dunedin. Wednesday, September 17—Versus South Canterbury, at Timaru. Saturday, September 20—Versus Now Zealand, at Christchurch. Wednesday, September 24—Versus Marl* ' borough, at Blenheim. RUGBY. Br Poll Back. ZINGARI-RICTIMOND WIN PREMIERSHIP. The senior inter-club matches were brought to a conclusion on Saturday. For the first time in the history of the club Zingari-Richmond have won the premiership, scoring 23 points out of a possible 26. The following table shows the positions of the teams in the Senior Grade Compcti-

PREMIER CLUBS OF OTAGO. The following is a list of the premier cluba of Otago since 1885, with the season’s record of each :

It has been said that in the multitude of council there is wisdom, but the seer could never have sat on the selection committee of football teams. However that may be, the selectors of the New Zealand team for California are being’ subjected to the usual criticism from the disappointed centres. I well remember when the. New Zealand team for Great Britain was selected a torrent of criticism was poured out over the selection of that team, which afterwards made football history. I remember many other teams that were so criticised, and the selectors of the present New Zealand team are only being subjected to the criticism that is as old as the lulls. The selection committee has not yet been appointed that will general satisfaction, and the present

committee has but fallen into the errors inseparable from the system. It may be, as in the past, that the claims of certain players have been overlooked, or, if not, they have not been recognised. Inis fact will never be quite understood, least of all by the authorities of those centres whose players have been passed over. It seems to me a natural assumption that where tour men each representing a province are appointed to seiect a team from all the players in New Zealand that those provinces which they represent will have the preponderance of representatives. Injustice is inevitable with such a system of selection, and there is no doubt that injustice has been done to certain players in the selection of the present team. The claims of certain eilington and Southland players have been ignored, if they were given any consideiation. Yet it is possib.e ma-u --o ton and Southland been represented on the Selection Committee the claims of such players as Kamsden and Mitchinson, of Wellington, and M’Ncece, of Southland, would nave been seriously entertained and every possibility of their inclusion in the New Zealand team. The pity is “ iat “ ie system of selection of New Zealand teams does not admit of absolute justice being done. , Taking the team as selected, it is a good side, and one calculated to uphold the honour oi the dominion. O'Leary, oi Auckland is a good full back, and a line placekick. He did not take pan in the mtcrislaud match, but his form in club football this season has ooen suen as lo justly n.s inclusion. Having some regard for U. Scotx of South Umteroury, as a lull duck, I am’ sorrv that he did not got a trial m the inter-island match. Possibij had he been afforded such trial he would have been considered for the New Zealand team, as two full backs on a three months tour in America would not have been out of place. The three-quarters are a good lot, and but little exception can bo taken to tne players chosen. Cuthiil, of Otago, was regarded as a certainty on his form, and Lynch, of South Canterbury, justified lus inclusion. M‘Gregor, of Auckland, has been playing well, and at the top ot bis toim is a good man. Koborts, ot iaranaki, does not appear to have played well in tne imeiisland ina/cti, tliougn iliat luct would not debar him U he is a good man. fersoiiauy 1 would Have preferred .Uitcnmson, of Nv elliugton, wno, aitnough he Jias only come out again after spenuing some time m tl'e country, p,ayeu uumantiv »u tne u e.lirigvonAuckianu and \v eiaugttm- ji u ori in-wius. The selectors were advised of Mitcninson s return to lorm, and umeso they ignored him owing to some lapse concerning ms nomination no must have gone in. Another emprise is the omission ot Kamsden, who is acknowledged to be one of Uie best liveeightiis paying in New Zealand. A recent accident temporarily put him out ot the game, but the Wellington selector subsequently wired the selectors ot tiio Now Zealand team tnat Kiunsuen was lit to play. At the time the nominations for the Aow Zealand team closed that ot liumsden was not in, and though the selectors were subsequently advised tney probably considered only the nominations before them. Geddes, of Auckland, appears to have played poor.y at livu-eigmns in tn« iruer-nmina maten, but tho Auckland selector has evidently such faith in him tiiat ho was found a place in tho team. Gray, of Canterbury, wo know to be a smut, clever, and intelligent player. MTvcnzio, of Wellington, goes in as one of tho five-eightns, wmon causes me to refer again to his tejun mate, Kamsden. I saw M’Kcnzie and Kamsden in action last year, and was greatly impressed with their play, and this season a well-known authority informed me tho Wellington pair were the best combination in New Zealand, inis makes it tho more regrettable that Kamsden has not been included in the New Zealand team. In tho dearth of half backs the selectors would have no hesitation in selecting E. Roberts, of Wellington, and Taylor, of Canterbury. The forwards, with so many good ones to choose from, must have presented some difficulty. Williams, of Otago, I know not only to be a good hooker, but a demon in tho tight play. Tho same remark applies to Sellars, of Auckland, who was one of the best forwards in tho Auckland team against Otago last season, and who is playing well this year. Southland hail a grievance that Ridland was not selected. I cannot speak authoritatively of this player, but he is highly praised locally. Atkinson, of West Coast, has been chosen for the position of lock, a selection one is not prepared to dispute if, as one understands, he was the only lock forward nominated. Other forwards included arc Cain and Dewar, of Taranaki; Downing, Wylie, and Bruce, of Auckland ; M‘Donald, Douglas, and Graham, of Otago. On his club form this season the latter is fortunate in being included, but ; as I have said before, Graham on tour is a bettor forward than those who have not seen him outside of Otago realise. It is no doubt on the strength of his touring form that Graham has been selected in the New Zealand team. It is only fair to tho Otago selector (Mr V. Cnvanagh) on tho New Zealand Selection Committee to state that Messrs Gallagher and Mynctt wore favourably impressed with Graham in the matches against Auckland and Taranaki last season. With the inclusion of Kamsden and Mitchinson. of Wellington, and M’Noece. of Southland, the New Zealand team for California, good as it is, would have been improved. Tho season of club football in Dunedin was concluded on Saturday without any fanfare of trumpets or blare of brass bands. Tho premiership had been practically decided before tho end came, hut taking a lino through the crowd which assembled at the North Ground on Saturday many looked for tho unexpected in the defeat of Zingari hv Union; hut it never happened, and Zingari is declared the winner of tho premiership for the season 1913. Premiership honours have never been attained by tile Zingari team before, and the fact that the name is written at the head of the list for the fust time in the long years of grade competition cal’s for congratulation. There has been no marked superiority about the Zingari team nor any specially distinctive character about the play; but the tram has been able to more than hold its own in the majority of engagements, and in those contests in which defeat threatened Zingari was able to ward off. It has been eaid that Zingari is a lucky team to be where it is, and fortunate not to have been beaten in some of its engagements. Those who thus argue particularly refer to the match against Southern, in which the latter team had Zingari on the defensive for the best part of the game but could not score. Zingari certainly deserved to lose thal match, hut only to a better scoring team than Southern proved on the day. It was Uot that Zingari’a defence was so sound

as that Southern’s attack was so unresoureeful. There were other matches in which the Zingari team had close calls, but they managed to withstand these, and the record, one defeat out of 13 engagements, is undeniably to the team’s credit. The Zingari team had a good pack of forwards, of which Davidson, Symonds, Smith, and Patterson were as .fine a quartet as any club team could wish to carry. The backs were fair, with a good full back in Bond and a particularly promising three-quarter back in Baird, who will make his mark in Rugby football. . Kaikorai, runners-up for the premiership, would have occupied the highest position had the team played as well at tho opening of the season as it did towards the conclusion. It took the Kaikorai team a. Saturday or two to settle down to anything bkc combination, and meanwhile the team had to suffer a couple of defeats. Having acquired combination and settled into a stride the Kaikorai team played good football, in which tho distinctive feature was the splendid work of the forwards and the reliability of the backs. There was nothing brilliant "about the Kaikorai team either in play or players, but in its solidity .and reliability lav its strength. On the disbanding of the Taieri Rovers tho Kaikorai team acquired tho services of Scott (full back) and H. M’Ronalcl (forward). Needless to say. the acquisition of iho Taieri representatives strengthened tho Kaikorai team, already strong in young players. The team was ably led by A. M’Dona'd, who in later matches of the club season showed his best form, and has since been honoured by selection in th * New Zealand team for California. While it was the combination of tho Kaikorai team that made for its success, individual players stood out. In addition to the captain there was Woodrow, a splendid forward of the fast and dashing type, also H. M-Donald, the ex-Taieri player, and Cameron, a forward of the nuggety typo, clever with his feet. The team was wel served with Dryden behind tho scrum and Sinclair and Richardson at five-eighths. Scott, at full back, was inconsistent, and, while ho p'ayed one or two good games, never rose to his form of two years ago. Last year’s premiers (Southern) never really rose above themselves, and wnile they put ” iup several isolid games lucked tho scoring ability to finish off the attack. A most disapointing team in this respect was Southern, who, if they had developed their backs instead of playing so much to the forwards, might have been in tho premier position to-day. It was frequently noted that the Southern forwards would work the play to the line, but after getting into an attacking position tho team generally failed to score. There is no curiosity about this. (Southern proved to be the least resourceful team in town. No team in tho competition probably got more ball to play with than did Southern, and no team did less with it. Instead of playing the whole 15 in an engagement Southern invariably played eight forwards and two backs a scrum ha’f who passed tho out, and a five-eighth, who kicked to the line. The rest of tho team were practically staged; only brought into tho scheme of attack after long neglect. No development was allowed in the back play of Southern, and consequently when the three-quarters wore given the ball they were so unused to the confidence that they did not know what to do with it. There was. material in the Southern backs which only required developing, but this material was _ allowed to pass unheeded. Then, too late in the season, a mistake was made in playing Morrison at five-eigths when he would have served better in the pack. This reconstruction did not help Southern, who during the season’s play made such poor use of their backs as to deny themselves the one real opportunity of retaining tho premiership. Southern had a useful, though not always reliable, full hack in Reidy, and a really good three-quarter in Andrews, who, if ho had been given more chances, would have scored several tries sacrificed to too much blind-side play. At one stage of the season Eckhold promised to develop his neglected attacking powers; but the Southern system was too strong, and he drifted back, or was he playing to instructions? Eckhold's defence, however, was as sound as usual, and against tho Maoris wo saw that he is capable of opening up the game. The Southern forwards had plenty of weight, and made up tho heaviest pack in town. Douglas stood out during the season for consistent play, and was easily the best forward in tho team. The departure of several of the University players of tho previous season, notably Cockroft, Alexander, and Molloy, threatened to weaken the ’Varsity team of 1913; but it was surprising what a good side turned out to represent tho Royal Blues. In place of Alexander there was discovered in Harris a wing three-quarter of exceptional merit. Harris had previously played five-eighths, a position for which I still think he is eminently suitable; but having tasted success at three-quarter Harris is not inclined to change. Still, to get the best out of Harris he must lie fed—not bunched on tho side line,—but fed with a possible chance of an opening where hie pace and dash will have full sway. I write this in view of tho representative engagements ahead. The loss of Cockroft was more than counterbalanced by the playing of Cuthiil at centre. At first the University captain was inclined to play a lone hand—his great strength and fending powers encouraging this to some extent; but later he developed team play with great benefit to his side. In (Svdney recently Cuthiil greatly impressed tho critics, and in the inter-island match the ’Varsity captain played a fine game. His inc'usion in the New Zealand team for California naturally followed, and the honours are well won. Of the other University backs Withers showed excellent, form on the wing, and is a promising player, who will develop into a Macpherson. of whom his style of play is reminiscent. Childs played consistently well behind the ’Varsity scrum, and I will be surprised if he does not represent tho province before the season is out. The Royal Blues had a good pack of forwards, but the two players who stood out above their follows vere Fisher and Kidd. University ns usual furnished the brightest and most attractive exhibitions of the game, and the wish is expressed that other teams will endeavour to follow the example. Both Wellington and Southland are d:s---------satisfh-d with the selection of the New Zealand team for Calfornra, but in reply as to dissatisfaction with the selection of the New Zealand team to tour California. Mr N. Galbraith (chairman of th" Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union) has made the following statement to a Post reporter ; “In making the orig'na! selection.” he said, “the New Zealand Rugby Union on •Tune 21 sent a circular to all affiliated unions, asking for nominations for both

the North and South Island teams and the team to make the Californian tour, such nominations to reach us not later than July 7, Nominations were duly received, but, those from the Wellington Rugby Union not being in by July 7, representations were were again made to that body, and the nominations eventually reached us on July 9. The Wellington players nominated were Roberts, M’Kenzie, Ramsdcn, Wilson. Gillespie, Paton, and Kinvig. Of the larger unions Auckland nominated 13 men, Canterbury nine, and Otago 15. For obv'ons reasons the New Zealand Management Committee had to revise the various lists before sending them on to the selectors for the Californian tour. After revision the list was forwarded to the selectors, who met at Christchurch on July 26. “In connection with Mitehinson I may say that I myself, in company with the vast majority of the football public of Wellington, was surprised when I found that that player, on the form that he was then showing. was not nominated by the Wellington Union, either for the North Island team or the Californian tour. The reports received of the Auckland-Wellington match clearly indicated that he had returned to his old form, and I was more surprised still when, after that match, the Wellington Union did not see fit to forward Irs nomination to the New Zealand Union. Mr Meredith apparently realised at the last moment that Mitehinson was worthy of inclusion, and he then took the unusual course as an individual of apnroaching the selectors direct through Air Mynott. with his opinion as to the qualifications of M’tehinson and Ramsden. Although his telegram was apparently received and delivered in Christchurch there is no indication that it was put before the selectors. In fact, we know that the majority of the selectors were under the ’mnrea-sion that their selection had to be confined to the list sent to them by the New Zealand TJn'on. Un to the present moment Mitehinson’s nomination has not been received from the WcTngton Union, which i« th« nroner body to forward it to the Now Zealand Union. An endeavour has evidently been made to •vf rbe Maine on the selectors of the New Zealand team, but this, in my opinion, is not fa r. There is no doubt that an injustice has been done to Mitehinson, but for that, injustice neither the New Zealand Union nor its selectors are responsible.” A Southland crit'c refers to the selectors as a “happy family.” and states that the hnnnv fami’v worked matters out; — Auckland six men, Otago five. Taranaki four, and Canterbury three, Wellington two. South Canterbury one. and West f/o.aet one. Arguing on the North Island v. South Island game, for example, the •nen now representing Canterbury. South Canterbury. Wellington, and West. Coast duly earned their places, but on what basis were the major tv of the combination selected. South Island won f he match hv a verv substantial margin of points, and the v : ctorv is said to have been in a large measure due to the superiority of the southern rack. Does this mean that the Ot>eo forwards proved the’r superiority, seeing that three who took part in the eonfes+ and one. Graham, who stood on the feneUi'ne as an emergency, have been nicked for New Zealand? Reports in the public nrints do not bear this out. private accounts fail to support it. and actual results certainly do not Justify it. Graham could not get into the South Island Fifteen only one of the se’ectors eou’d sneak as to his form of this year, and yet he becomes one of the favoured few. How was it 'lope? n+her men who d-M not kike part In the Rout-h v. North fixture have certainly been chosen, but they have already been seep out in big football games in the North Island th : s season, and their form has been fully disclosed. This brings us down to matters nearer homo. Frontrow performers have, of course, been chosen and of these the wr’ter will ask how Williams (Otago 1 is superior to South’•ander J Ridlaud. who has already represented New Zealand with credit, and is thoroughly conversant with big football re ouiremonts? Rvlland played ns well, if not better, than Wil’inms at Christchurch, and it is therefore fair to ask how the northern members of +he .Selection Committee iudared the pair outside the match of Saturday last? However, the fact that the Dunedin man had a friend at court may have just I'dd enough i n his favour tr > g p t him to the coveted position. Southland sent another forward to Christchurch for iudgmmo backed by the opimon of followers of the game at this end, such as W. Stead. D. Hamilton. C. Purdim. F, Tvimey (all players famous in New Zealand’s Rugby history, and very capable judges at that) and otliers. who was claimed to be one of the finest packman yet turned out in the South Island, or anywhere else for that matter. M'Neoco is credited from many northern sources which are thoroughly reliable with having on Saturday last had no superior as a tackier, a line-out player, or a scnnnmor, and every account of the match published shows that ho was to be found keeping up with his backs and taking part in the passing manoeuvres, and yet what do wo find? Mon whom he undoubtedly outplayed have boon selected in preference. Can the football public of Southland be blamed for saying that “ kissing goes by favour.” M‘Neece is in his prime as a player, and has youth, strength, weight, pluck, and knowledge on his side, while it will he doubted by those in a position to know if any packman selected for the New Zea’and team can run faster, kick further or more accurately, or handle a ball as well in transferring as the Waikiwi player. Tho writer has no hesitation in penning tho foregoing, or more if necessary, and in justification hardly needs to point out that something of a similar nature was experienced when tho famous AH Blacks were selected. On that occasion un “ influence” was at work against Southlandors which prevented C. Purdue from being selected, and very nearly succcdcd in keeping W. Stead out of the team, but it did not nuito work its way. This. “ influence ”• or spirit of intrigue tends to parochialism, and the idea that to get a large number of players in a New Zealand team without due regard to merit reflects honour on « certain province. In the meantime Southland followers of Rugby can be assured of the fact that they have not received ” n square deal.” This is the general opinion in Christchurch Rugby circles, the members whereof had every chance to form an unbiassed judgment at Lancaster Bark on tho occasion of the North v. South conte.it last week. TEAM FOR CALIFORNIA. WELLINGTON, July 30. The following have boon selected to form tho New Zealand team for California: — Backs.—O’Leary (Auckland), Cuthill (Otago), M’Grcgor (Auckland), Lynch (South Canterbury), Stohr (Taranaki), R.

Roberts (Taranaki), Gray (Christchurch, Geddes (Auckland), E. Roberts (Wellington), Taylor (Christchurch), M’Kenzie (Wellington). Forwards.—Murray (Christchurch), Sellars (Auckland), Williams (Otago), Gain (Taranaki), Atkinson (West Coast), Downing (Auckland), Dewar (Taranaki), Wylie and Bruce (Auckland), M'Donald (Otago). Graham (Otago), Douglas (Otago). The members of the team are to notify tho Management Committee of the New Zealand Union by August 9 whether they can make the trip. They arc to assemble in Wellington on September 5, where thoy will bo medically examined by Dr M’Evcdy. NEW SOUTH WARES TEAM FOR NEW ZEALAND. , SYDNEY. August 3. Tho following will compose the League team for New Zealand Full Backs.—llallct and Fraser. Ihree-quarters.—Broomham, Messenger, Frawloy, Algie, O. Deane, U. Deane, and Hack Thompson. 1* ive-eighths.—Cubitt and Norman. Halves. Halloway and Johnson. Foi wards.—Pearce, Courtney, M‘Cue, Sullivan, Haddock, Craig, Murray, Coord, Curran, O’Malley, Cann. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. The weekly meeting of the O.R.F.U. Committee, held last night, was attended by Messrs Harris (chairman). Nelson, Sandes, Miscall, Low, Thomson, White, Priest, Brown, Wilson, Dunne, Stuart, Sinclair, Cavanagh, and Dr Evans. CORRESPONDENCE. J. King, referee in tho match Kaikorai v, Kavensbourne, played at Bishopsoourt last Saturday, reported having ordered F. Beeby, of the former team, off the field for tripping an opponent.—lt was decided to ask tho referee and player to appear next Monday night. ilio Secretary of the Vincent Sub-union wrote stating that it was understood that tho Maniototo County intended sending a representative team to Dunedin at tho end of the season to play one of tho city teams. As Ids club would play a return inaJch with that county this year ho suggested that tho match be played at Dunedin while the Maniototo team was there.—lt was decided to reply that the committee had no knowledge of tho Maniototo County sending a team to Dunedin, but that if both teams could arrange to play hero on August 30, it would grant each of them ono-third of the net gate. G. M’Laren, Balfour, wrote asking if tho committee could not see its way to have a reunion of ex-representative players on the Friday night preceding the match Australia v. New Zealand, to be played at Dunedin. Tho matter was referred to a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Thomson, White, and Brown, for a report. T. Gwynne, referee in tho Second Grade match Dunedin v. Port Chalmers, played last Saturday, wrote stating that ho i|ad occasion to order off the field a Port Chalmers player named Driver for rough play. Ho also had to report a great deal of rough play and bad language by both teams, but principally by the Port Chalmers team He had found it necessary to caution tho Port team on more than one occasion. In the second spell it was oniy by a threat to stop the game that a temporary improvement was obtained, but towards tne end of the match the Port team again resorted to its former tactics. Had it not been that time was nearly up he would certainly have stopped tho game.— It was resolved to request tho referee, tho player ordered off, the captains, and the scrum half of the Port Chalmers team to appear before the committee next Monday. SUSPENSION REMOVED. A Wednesday player for the Locomotive team named Keen, who had been suspended for failing to attend a previous meeting of the committee to answer a charge of questioning the referee’s decision in tho match Locomotive v. Alhambra, played at Montocillo. appeared before the committee. In reply to tho chairman, ho said ho had asked the referee where he got his ruling from. The referee told him to be careful. He laughed at him, and was ordered off the field. —Keen then retired, and it was decided that the suspension imposed on him bo removed. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. FIRST GRADE. Zingari-Richmond v. Union. There was a very largo attendance of spectators at tho North Ground on Saturday to witness tho trial of strength between Zingari-Richmond and Union. It was half expected by some that tho Union team would by a lucky chance register a win against their opponents, but notwithstanding the fact that all the members wiere in good form and played a good game the superiority of tho otner team was quite apparent, and it was plain at half-time that unless something untoward happened Zingari-Richmond would win by a big margin. This proved bo bo tho case, tho team placing further scores to their credit during tho second half, thereby securing tho coveted position of champion team for tho 1913 season. Tho weather conditions wore ideal, but tho lato heavy rain made tho ground very heavy in places, this hampering the players considerably at times. Tho game was a fast ono almost throughout, and afforded plenty of interest and entertainment to tho spectators. Taken collectively tho two teams appeared to bo fairly evenly matched, anti it was mainly by the skilful play and tho exercise of judgment on tho part of individual players that Zingari achieved such a decisive victory. Tho dash and activity of tho winning team’s rearguard resulted on several occasions in additions to tho score, and from tho beginning to the end of tho game tho backs played a consistently good game. Zingari-Richmond ... 20 points. Union 3 points. Mr A. Downes was referee Ai.itvMiiiu v. KAtuou.u There was a lair attendance at tho encounter between Alhambra and Kaikorai on Carittbroell No. 1 ground. It wa» generally anticipated l.hal. the Blue ;iJid Hindis would have a fairly easy task in disposing of tho Red and Hindis, but the unexpected happened. Alhambra 5 points. Kaikorat ... 3 points. Mr W. J. Witsivi controlled the game. Dunedin v. Southern. Tim contest between Dunedin and Southern on Garlslirooli No. 2 ground was witnessed by a handful of spectators. Tho Southern team wore white badges on their arms as a tribute of respect bo tho memory

of their late senior vice-president, Mr D. Stevenson. Uninteresting- play continued Dunedin 6 points. Southern 3 points. University v. Pirates. Owing to the fact that many of the University and Pirates’play ers had been selected to play in the Old High School Boys’ matches op Saturday, the fixture between these two teams was abandoned. SECOND GRADE. Southern defeated Zingari by 9 points to 3. For the winners Douglas and Berwick scored and Randal kicked a penalty goal. For the losers 801 l kicked a penalty goal. The Southern thus win the Hag. Dunedin defeated Port Chalmers by 12 points to 3. Tries were scored for the winners by Jones (2), White, and Shannon. Nelson scored for Port. Kaikorai defeated Ravensbourne by 6 points to nil Tries were obtained by M'Dougall and Reid. THIRD GRADE Southern beat University by 24 points to 5. FOURTH GRADE. Southern beat Union by 39 points to nil. Southern win the Fourth-grade banner. Only 11 points were scored against them, and they have an unbeaten record. FIFTH GRADE. Mosgiel defeated Alhambra by 22 points to 8, thus winning the Fifth-grade banner. Trios were scored by Kirk, Hawke, O’Neill, and Turnbull for the winners. Turnbull converted two tries ami kicked two penalty goals. For the losers Pringle scored two tries and Welsh converted one. Southern beat Union by 9 points to 3. SCHOOL MATCHES. Macandrew Road defeated CaA'ersham by 5 points to 3. Maoarthur scored, and Pearson converted for the winners. Wukari beat Anderson’s Bay by 9 points to 3. For the winners, 11. Gibb, W. Gibb, R. MTntyre scored. Musselburgh defeated Albany Street by 6 points to 3. Sneddon scored both tries for the winners. Forbury School A heat Kensington by 9 points to nil. Jamee Mitchell scored all the trios. MATCHES ELSEWHERE. AUCKLAND, August 3. The Rugby matches were played yesterday under most unfavourable conditions. Rain fell all the afternoon, and the grounds were wet and greasy. Ponsonby defeated University by 3 points to nil, College Rifles defeated Parnell by 9 points to 6, and Marist Brothers defeated City by 3 points to nil. The game between Marist Brothers and City ended in uproar. Neither team had scored two minutes from time, but right on time Dennehy, who had retired to the side lino through an injury, returned to the field, and, being unmarked, secured the ball from a kick by City fullback and scored. The City players disputed the try, and about 300 spectators invaded the field and prevented the kick at goal from being taken. Feeling ran high, and as the' outcome of alleged trouble on the field a player and a line umpire fought in the dressing room. WELLINGTON, August 3. Saturday’s Rugby matches resulted as folloAvs :—Victoria College beat Lonoke by 29 points to 16, Petone beat Athletic by 9 points to nil, Wellington beat St. James by 9 points to 5, and Melrose beat Oriental by 13 points to nil. INVERCARGILL, August 3. Star (23 points) beat Southern (5 points). Waikiwi (11 points) beat Invercargill (6 points), and Athletic (3 points) beat Winton (nil). The club games have concluded, Star winning the premiership. WAIKOUAITI v. PALMERSTON. A largo crowd of spectators witnessed the above match on Saturday at Palmerston. Excitement ran high owing to Palmerston leading by 2 points for the banner. The game from the start was very stubbornly contested, both teams playing hard. By fast following up Maxwell scored for Waikouaiti in the first spell. In the middle of the second spell J. Maxwell secured the ball, and after a fast dodgy run scored the second try amidst excitement. From this out Waikouaiti had the best of« the game, winning by 6 points to nil. On points both teams are level for the banner. The final match will be played at Waikouaiti on a date to bo arranged. For the winners Maxwell. Allcook, Gallands, do Lautour, and Hallum played well, and for the losers Diack (2), Pagan, Twining, Harrison, and M'Cabe were the pick. Mr Dey officiated as referee. SOUTH OTAGO BANNER. WON BY OWAKA. About 500 people gathered from all over South Otago to witness the final match at Balclutha on Saturday for the senior banner. The Toko men were 1 point ahead in the competition, and the majority of the spectators considered that they could maintain the lead, but Owaka played a solid game right through, and, aided by a measure of luck, came out winners by 2 points. Toko faced a light breeze and dazzling sun in the first spell. For the* first 15 minutes they had Owaka penned in their twenty-five, but, mostly through overeagerness, all their efforts were nullified by free-kicks or force-downs. Owaka, who were slightly superior in the backs, worked uy the field by means of open play, and Patterson kicked a goal from a mark by Ayson. Shortly after A. White led an Owaka dribbling rush, from which Spence scored, Patterson failing to convert. Directly after the kick-out Owaka attacked again, being brought up to striking distance by a passing rush between Ayson, M’Lonnan, Foa, Tobin, and Wilson, and the ball was kicked hard over the line. Reid, the Toko threequarter, thought lie had plenty of time to force, but the Owaka forwaids hustled him, and he missed the bull, Duff scoring. Patterson again failed with the kick. Half-time was called shortly after. 11 now looked to bo all over for loko, and not even the most sanguine thought that they could make up a 9 points’ deficiency against a solid defensive team like Owaka. To make matters worse S. Pouley (fullhack) and C. Lane (five-eightlis) on the Toko side were both badly kicked on their heads. The former retired, and a substitute came on, while Lane was too, dazed to ho of much service. From the kick-olf in the second spell the Toko forwards played a groat game, surging over the Owaka men repeatedly. Twice their efforts were rewarded, Brady and Stevens each scoring from dribbling rushes. When both

tries were converted and Toko were 1 point ahead, the excitement became intense. For some time Toko continued to hold the upper hand, but could not increase their score. Ten minutes before time the referee (Mr L. Edwards), who controlled the game fairly and satisfactorily. gave a free-kick to Owaka on a point with which many of the spectators did not agree. Patterson, from a difficult angle, kicked a goal, once more putting Owaka in the lead. The loko men then made desperate efforts to win, but in vain, and time was called with the scores, Owaka 12 points Toko 10 points. On the play all through Toko should have won, for they did most of the attacking. Following is the list of winning teams since the banner competition started: 1902, Toko; 1903, Toko; Ciutha; 1905, Owaka; 1906, Owaka; 190 1, Owaka; 1903, Owaka; • 1909, Kaitangata; 1910, Owaka; 1911, Owaka; 1912, Owaka; 1913, Owaka. The Toko Club has been runner-up nearly every year. POVERTY BAY v. HAWKE’S BAY. GISBORNE, August 2. The Poverty Bay team, who are challengers for the Ranfurly Shield and vho will meet Auckland next week, defeated Hawke’s Bay on Saturday by 12 points to 3. The match was fast, and the Poverty Bay backs played brilliantly, three tries being scored from passing rushes. The scorers were Miller (2) and Carrutlmrs. Tait kicked a penalty goal for Uhe winners, and Holder did the same for Hawke s Bay. NEW SOUTH WALES v. QUEENSLAND. SYDNEY, uigust 3. The match between New South Wales and Queensland was won by the former by 25 points to 6.

tion : — i4 a C ’5 d o '■d d U £ bo «3 a Team ,S 1 s t-. jS e£ ,jS s £ 64 & u Zingan-Kichmond 13 11 1 1 120 42 23 Kaikorai 13 10 3 0 170 46 20 Southern 15 9 3 1 121 55 19 University 12 5 7 0 79 89 10 Alhambra 12 4 6 2 69 88 10 Port Chalmers ... 12 4 7 1 64 83 9 Union .. 12 4 8 0 64 122 8 Dunedin 12 2 8 2 41 136 6 Pirates 11 2 8 1 67 123 5

Tear. Club. P. w. L D. Points for. aerst 1885~Dunedin .. 8 5 1 2 41 8 1886—Pirates 10 8 0 2 61 1 1887 —Union 10 7 1 2 36 15 1888 —Kaikorai .. 7 6 0 1 20 3 1880 —Kaikorai .. 9 6 0 3 59 13 1890 —Union 10 8 1 1 52 9 1891 —Alhambra 9 9 0 0 76 11 1892—Alhambra 10 9 1 0 117 24 1893 —Kaikorai .. 13 13 0 0 163 4 1891—Kaikorai .. 13 13 0 0 260 4 1895 —Kaikorai .. 8 6 0 o 157 C 1S9G —Kaikorai .. 8 8 0 0 107 7 1897 —Kaikorai .. 10 9 1 0 102 23 1S9S—Kaikorai .. 9 7 1 1 84 17 1899 —Kaikorai .. 13 9 1 2 100 26 1900 —Alhambra 12 9 1 2 108 34 1901 —Kaikorai .. 9 7 2 0 5? 26 1902 —Alhambra 12 12 0 0 150 5 1903 —Alhambra 10 6 0 4 (81 13 1901 —Southern .. 11 8 1 o 70 25 1905 —Alhambra 11 8 3 1 86 55 1906 —University13 11 1 1 121 45 1907 —University 16 11 8 3 301 69 1908 —Dunedin .. 12 11 1 0 143 45 1909 —Alhambra 13 15 0 0 106 53 1910—Alhambra IS 11 1 1 165 62 1911 —University 14 12 2 0 126 85 1912 —Southern .. 13 11 2 0 179 58 1913 —Zingari-Kich-mond 13 11 1 1 120 42