FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 52

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURES. The following are the CKago represents tive fixtures for the season: September 6—v. Wairarapa. September 15 —New Zealand v. Australia September 17—v. Wellington. September 27 —v. Southland. AUSTRALIAN RUGBY TEAM’S TOUR IN NEW ZEALAND. Wednesday, August 27—Versos Auckland, at Auckland. Saturday, August 50 —Versus Taranaki, at New Plymouth. Wednesday, September 3 —Versus Wanganui, at Wanganui. Saturday, September 6 —Versus Now 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 New Zealand, at Christchurch. Wednesday. September 24—Versus Marlborough, at Blenheim. RUGBY. Lsi Full Back. The members of the South Canterbury team left Dunedin on Tuesday for Gore, where they meet a team from the Eastern Districts on Thursday. On Saturday South Canterbury play Southland at Invercargill, where the tour finishes. ’J hero is no representative fixture in Dunedin on Saturday next, but efforts are being made to arrange a match between the Zingari and University teams at the Caledonian Ground jn aid of the. players’ accident insurance fund. Dunedin Past and Present will be played as a curtain-raiser. The president of the Otago Rugby Union (Mr H Harris) was taken by surprise at the meeting of the O.R.F.U*. on Monday evening, when the manager of the South Canterbury v siting team (Mr Fraser), after eulogising the president’s kind offices, presented him with u tie in the South Canterbury colours. A distinguished patron of the Otago-South Canterbury match at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday was Mr Tom Lynch, the onccfamous Otago three-quarter back, and father of young Lynch, the South Canterbury and New Zealand three-quarter. Here is surely a ease of a worthy son of a worthy s : re. The public’s team, or the team inspired by the public and selected with some trepidation to represent Otago against South Canterbury, played up to expectations, and justified further confidence, ft is not anticipated that any rad cal changes will bo made for the next interprovincial engagement —that against Wairarapa on Saturday, September 6. With the exception of Cuthill (who will be in Wellington with the other members of the New Zealand team), the Otago team against Wairarapa will practically be the same as did duty against South Canterbury. Reverting to the South Canterbury match, there is little fresh to add to that already told, but it, may be remarked that the change in the pack worked for good in the scrums, Otago getting the ball practically throughout the game. Still, there is the feeling that with this great advantage the Blues did nothing particular with it. Nor will Otago profit materially from possession of the ball until there is a proper understanding at five-eighths. Harmony has never exited in the five-eighths division this season, and cannot possibly exist while the policy of playing a slow defensive fiveeighths with a fast attacking player is resorted to. Take the selectors’ choice. Williams and Eckhold, or Eokhokl and Williams —it matters not how they are placed, they can never combine either with each other or with the three-quarter line. Temperamentally they are opposed to it, and neither one nor the other has the primary idea of team play. Both nlayers are useful in their respective spheres—Eckho'd on defence, Williams on attack, —but unless they combine themselves, and again combine with the three-quarters, no good will ever by playing these two representatives _ at fiveeighths. One player is the antithesis of the other, and neither brilliant enough individually to compensate for lo c s of combination. It ■'« not the fault of Williams nor yet (ho fault of Eckhold, In temperament and style thev are opposed, and no amount of practice could possibly alter their dispositions or bring them into harmony. Each plays his own irarno, and will continue to do so for all time. The selectors have secured a good forward team outside of the “Californians,” have at last recognised the best wing forward in Dunedin, have had a sound halfback thrust upon them, secured a useful three-quarter line and full back, but have so far failed to improve the five-eighths. Until this weakness is remedied and made strong Otago will have a team divided against itself, and such a team cannot stand. Anv doubts concerning the wisdom of placing Watson full hack for Otago were Quickly dispelled by the rehabilitv of his fielding and the accuracy of Irs kicking. In estimating the qualities of the Port Chalmers representative in last week s issue for the position of the last line of defc.nco, I had been largely guided by the performance of Watson on tour with the Otago team last season. It may bo remembered that Scott was unable to tour, and Watson in all the important matches in the north was played full back. In the worst games Otago out up, notably against Canterbury and Wellington.and in the best against Taranaki and Auckland, there was no more consistent or reliable player than Watson. Tins season he had been ‘playing three-quarter for h:s club, but the old full back form was there, and he might have been chosen full back for the Otago team before this. Not a brilliant o’ayer, but undeniably sound and reliable, Watson is a good man for the position The University three quarter line did well within limitations. The handicap of an illassorted five-eighths, a greasy ball and faulty passing did not help to show up .any brilliancy of attack, esnecia’lv as the sting h;ul a'reaily been drawn by the state of the ground. Harris looked eagerly for work, and found some in out-of-way places, but whore it should have come from there was nothing doing, or done so badlv that the Varsity flier had no chance. Harris is a dashing player, hut ho is neither juggler nor a contortionist; yet from the passes he received it must have been imagined that lie was a Cinquovalli and a Ferry the Frog in one. Cuthill suffered all the handicaps of the day. but was it visions of the Golden Gate that loomed in the mind’s eye of the young New Zealand centre that put bim off his

usual game? To this Californian tour is being attributed much of the strange form noticeable in recent matches, but Outbid is not the type likely to be effected by it. Apropos.of the young University centre who created a sensation with the New Zealand University team in Sydney, Cuthill has been referred to as “a coming star” and the most brilliantly promising all-round back New Zealand has sent to Australia for years. “If the snow-haired stalwart young Scot, who gallops like a runaway horse, and exceeds the speed limit when ho is dashing round the corners of the scrum, »r through the mob of backs waiting for him, and has rho rare quality of turning almost beaten defence into devilish attack, who is full of grit, and (nibbling over with enthusiasm for the gamo ho is destined (always bar accidents) to ho a star in, and his shown thus earlv that ho can load men, : s a. sample of Now Zealand's Rugby deterioration, then Mr Parata and others must have been travelling about with their eyes closed. Here, Cuthill has been likened to Abbott, and praise for a footballer could not go much further.”

The ball did not often come the way of Withers in the match against South Canterbury, and ho had practically nothing to do. The University player, however, showed extreme pluck in going down to rushes when they came Irs way. One rush in particular, entering dangerously into Otago territory, Withers brought up all standing with a determined dive right at the feet of the Green pack. In the second spell Withers was guilty of interference, tackling Lynch when that player was about to receive a pass. It was close to the Otago line, and Lynch had an excellent chance of scoring but for the interference.

The Otago five-eighths played a lone-hand game with little idea of team p’ay. Eckhold was sound on defence and Wi'liams made one or two breaks away, but lost his supports and, being blocked, had resource to punting, which merely gave control of the ball to the opposition. Williams’s cutting is very pretty, but it ceases to be effective when he repeatedly cuts away from his backs and strands himself in front of the enemy. Herein is realised the weakness of team play at five-eighths. The play of the Otago forwards was a great Improvement on that of the previous Saturday in that in place of inertia and sluggishness there was evidence of dash and vigour in the movements. The Blues packed a good scrum, even if there was not always the full weight behind, and secured the ball; but it was in the close-formation footwork that the real merits of the forwards were displayed. These close rushes took a power of stopping, and the Blues repeatedly got into close quarters with the enemy by these tactics. Pride of place must bo given to Skinner for his fine dashing game as wing forward, and, when it is remembered that he had in Coles one of the best wing forwards in the South Island opposed to him, the merit of his gamo is more pronounced. For several seasons Skinner has failed to receive due recognition in Otago representative football, the reason advanced being that he loses his head near the lino. As one wellknown authority remarked on Saturday after the match, “It is a pity that some of the other Otago forwards would not lose their heads if by losing their heads they" could infuse into their gamo the clash, pace, and vigour of Skinner.” The Dunedin representative is not a perfect forward, but for the few mistakes he makes ho pays back tenfold. Other forwards who stood out were Patterson, Fisher, and Woodrow.

South Canterbury -was represented by a good team —probably the best that the province lias sent on tour, —and its showing against Otago on a treacherous ground furnished evidence of what the team might ho capable of under better conditions. Given a dry ball and a fast tun, the match on Saturday would have been specially interesting, and probably not the least interesting the manoeuvres of the visitors’ backs The forwards excelled in the loose, and stood well up to the work on the line, but they were beaten for the ball in the scrums. The backs handled the greasy ball well, and their kicking was more powerful than that of the local division. Scott played disappointingly at full back in the first spell, his chief weakness being getting to the ball. In the second, however, he fielded the high mints from ’he Otago backs with a degree of accuracy that frequently upset the scheme of attack. A good deal of curiosity was centred in Lynch; but the young New Zealand wing rarely handled the ball, and bad no opportunities of showing his worth. It struck me, too, that he was probably “resting.” for ho took no risks in getting into rhe play nor showed any inclination to follow up his kicks. Coekroft, the ex Otago centre, was one of the best backs on the ground, and showed much of his old-time skill and cleverness, lie handled the ball well, and kicked with fine power, and was the one man in the South Canterbury back division to take advantage of the wind. B. Moore played promisingly, and was always looking for work. The physique of the South Canterbury three-quarter line was impressive, all three players standing well end being over 13 stone each in weight. A. Spillane, the South Canterbury captain, played a fine game at five-eighths. His defence was particularly' sound, and in handling the ball lie easily outclassed bis vis-a-vis. On a dry ground lam sure Spillane would have furnished some bright, open play. Harley, the ex-Southcrn player, was fair, and W. Spillane. behind the scrum, did good work considering the handicap of playing behind a pack beaten for the ball in the serums. The forwards lacked combination, but there were two or three good individual players in the pack. Tlorgan was one of these—a forward who was always on the bail.—and Dalton and Coles. The latter is a fine wing forward, who follows up fast and is a sound tackier. South Canterbury claims 'hat Coles has not yet been beaten.

After holding the. lease of the Caledonian Ground during the football season for the past 18 years, wo understand that thero is every probability that the Otago Rugby Union will not be an applicant for the ground next year. At present the union pays £175 per annum for the use of the ground, and, from what wo can gather, some of the members feel rather annoyed that the society has decided to, in future, 'ot- the ground by tender—not on the score of the decision now come to by the owners so much as that the union was not given the opportunity of saying whether or not it was prepared to pay any advance whhh might have been demanded on the £175 rental now charged. After holding the lease of the ground for so_ long, members of the union maintain that it should have received

a little more consideration from the society. \v lien the tenders are actually called, there as reason to believe that both the Otago Football Association and the promoters of the League game will be found putting in prices lor tile lease of the* ground.

1 here is still at tne back of the lioael of the Now South W ales student of the play (says a Sydney writer) a belief that Now Zealand <j prowess ended —perhaps only teuiporari.y. but still ended—with the dazz.mg tiiiimpns of the real, original, and only Ad Blacks, as the pert young person m ”La Mascotto would have phrased it, and that the equality, and even superiority, began with the defeat of the 19J7 team by 14 Points to nil, which will bo talked oi till the crack of doom on account of Messenger's diving try. What would they have said if they Had seen Duncan M’Gregor’s two scores against Sivwright’s groat collection of Bnlisncrs, which so fully presented the fascinating mechanicalness of Welsh back play? S.nou tno 1907 debacle it has to bo remembered that Now South Wales has gone League mad, ’ to quote one of the manageis of a recent Dominion side, and the s align tor of New Zealand has been continued. The important fact that New Zealand in the mam has remained faithful to the old game, and consequently retained practically all its star players, seems to have escaped notice. 'i lie result has been, however, that, judged from the true standard of New Zea and play, very indifferent sides have been put against the now and sweeping enthusiasm of the thirteen game, in which so i.ip.dly does a. mediocre union man develop into ”a world-beater” that the view sometimes expressed, that it is a game in which every Rugby gocse becomes a swan, seems to be justilied. It is certainly remarkable that players who were not thought much of as Unionists become much more prominent in the League game. A Union player once explained this in this way: “It is easier to play, thcrlTare fewer men on the field, and consequently more running about. Wily, it some ot the real top-notchers, such as Hunter, Wallace, Deans, Woods, Duncan, Roberts, had been seen with their brilliant individualism, the effect would have been paralysing!” Mr George M‘Laron, the old Otago representative, will rejoice to learn that, inspired by his telegram of some weeks ago, the Otago Rugby Union has decided to hold a reunion of ex-representative players on the night of the Austrahan-New Zealand test match in Dunedin on Saturday, September 3. The function la to bo on an elaborate scale, and is to take the form of a dinner smoke concert in the Art Gallery, at which members of the New Zealand and Australian teams will also be present. The defeat of Auckland by Taranaki for the Ranfurly Shield has inspired an Auckland writer to delve into the past and unearth the names of some of the famous old players well remembered in Otago. It is now 26 years ago since the representatives of the Queen City of New Zealand and of the “butter province” first met in a contest on the football field, the match taking place at Auckland in 1887. Taranaki possessed a big, heavy team in those days—-both back and forward—while Auckland could lay claim to some top-notohens in J. Arnoil, A. E. Braund, J. Braund, T. Brown, \V. Elliott (New Zealand Native team, 1888-1899), J, Lccky (New Zealand team, 1884), R. B. Lusk, C. Madigan (New Zealand Native team.), T. B. OlComior (New Zealand team, 1884), E. Mills, C. Marshall, 11. Poland, Bob Whiteside (one of the greatest three-quarters Now Zealand has ever seen), W. T. Wynyard (New Zealand representative), and F. A. Twiname. A strenuous struggle saw Taranaki emerge victors by 1 point (a try) to nil.

Auckland returned the visit two years later, meeting the wearers of the amber-and-blaok at New Plymouth. There wore in the ranks of Auckland in those days such well-known exponents of the game as “Doss” Jervis (New Zealand representative), M. Herrold (New Zca'and representative), F. S. Murray (New Zealancf and North Island representative), J. Lecky, W. T. VVynyard, T. B. O’Oonnor, R. MTven/.ie (New Zealand and North Island representative), R. Masefield (North Island representative), R. Maynard (New Zealand Native team), R. B. _ Lusk, H. G. Riesling, W. Hobson, W. E'liott, A. E. Braund, and J. IlelTornan. Auckland gained a substantial win by 6 points to nil. The match next year took place at Auckland, the home team gaining a very easy victory by 8 points to nil. One of the keenest struggles between the unions took place at Hawera in 1891- Some of those who did battle for Auckland in that year were R. Masefield, “Doc” Murray, \V. E liott, A. E. Braund, “Doss” Jervis, 11. G. Kissling, I. Mills, R. M'Kenzie, H. Poland, R. Bruoe, F. Gaudin, C. Pcimaligan, C. Stone, A. Tanfield, and A. Smith. Taranaki had among her players W. Thomas, R. Lusk, Alf. Bayly, W. Baylv H. Good, F. Bayly, Mund, D. Hughes, F. A. Pearson, A. Davis, Lambie, 11. Courts, Kingsley, and T. Kivcll. When time was called the score stood at 3 all. Taranaki sent a team to Auckland in the next season, composed of most of the players mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Auckland included in her team R. Bruce, A. E. Braund, “Doc” Murray, R. Maynard, T. B. O’Oonnor, R. Masefield, C. Marshall, 11. G. Kissling, C. Speight, 11. Dacre, and W. Elliott. The homo team won by 1 point (a try) to nil. Another close game was played at New Plymouth in 1893, Auckland winning by 4 points to 2. Taranaki had a splendid team in 1894, J. Larnbio, Alii© Good, Alf. Bayly. Walter Bayly, Dan Hughes, “Snip” Allen, “Skinny” Humphries, Hugh Good, and Lusk being among her players, and, coming up to Auckland, defeated the wearers of the blue-and-whito to the tune of 14 points *°Auckland got her own well back at New Plymouth in 1895, and made a draw of it, there being no score. But in 1896 Taranaki won easily bv 16 points to nil, the game being played at Auckland. Auckland got her own well back at New Plymouth in 1897, when she ran over her opponents bv 23 points to nil. In 1898 a' draw (no score) was recorded at Auckland, and since then the games have resulted as f0110w1899, Auckland won. 18 to 3; 1900, Auckland won. 19 to 3; 1901 i Auckland won, 5 to nil; 1902, Auckland" won, 21 to 3: 1903, Taranaki won, 6 to 3; 1904, Taranaki won. 3 to nil; 1905, Auckland won, 6 to 5; 1906, Auckland won, is to 5: 1907 (at Now Plymouth). Taranaki won, 5 to 3; (at Auckland), Auckland won. 12 to 8; 1908, Auckland won, 9 to nil; 1909 (at Taranaki), Taranaki won, 6 to 3; (at Auckland), Auckland won. 18 to 5; 1910, Auckland won, 16 to 9; 1912 (at Auckland), Auckland won. 6 to 5; 1913, Tarnnaki won. 14 to 11 (at Auckland).

H. M'Donald, ihe ex-Taicri Rovers an Kaikorai forward, met with an accident a few days ago, and has been temporarily laid aside. He was working in the mine at Green Island, and had tno misfortune to get jammed between two trucks. The accident might have resulted seriously, and that it has not so resulted has been attributed to tno physical fitness of the Kaikorai forward.

The Green Island Club has a worthy supporter in Mr Atkinson, who is the prime mover in the effort to have Green Island recognised as a senior club. At the Rugby Union meeting on Monday evening Mr Atkinson graphically advanced reasons why Green Island should be admitted as seniors. Ho traced the history of the club from its infancy, and was prepared with chapter and verse for every question put to him. and frequently put members of committee right on certain incidents that had happened in the junior career of the club. It was his oratory and earnestness that carried conviction as much as h;s argument, but his assurance that Green Island could place four teams in the field decided matters in his favour, and the committee decided to recommend the delegates at the annual meeting to admit Green Island as a senior club next season.

Away back in the vanished years, when footbaU was in its infancy so far as Dunedin was concerned, Opoho Ground was merely a wind-swept waste of bush. But by hard work the budding football enthusiasts of the day managed to clear a space sufficient for a fair-sized playing ground. As years went by improvements were carried out, and Opoho became the recognised home of the Alhambra Club. Many great players learned the rudiments of Rugby on the hill ground, and it is expected that a big percentage of these will again be seen in action on Saturday, when the Alhambra Past v. Present match will be decided. Ibis match, an annual one, is always looked forward to keenly, and this year the lady friends of the club arc determined that the catering arrangements will surpass even those of last year. In the evening the annual smoko concert of the club will be held in the Masonic Hall. JUNIOR PREMIERSHIP. The following are the positions of the junior teams in the various grades for the season just closed:— SECOND GKADE.

OTAGO RUGBY UNION

Tho weekly meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was hold on Monday evening, the president (Mr 11. Harris) in the chair. ' The Southern Club was granted permission to make a presentation of a rug each to Messrs Dougina and Graham prior to their departure with the New Zealand team to California. , Tho Secretary of the Vincent Sub-union wrote advising that owing to tho Maniototo Union not sending a team to Dunedin this soflson it has boon docidod to play the match Maniototo v. Vincent on August 29. The Now Zealand Union notified that the disqualifications had been removed from H. M‘Leod and G. Osborne (Wellington) and W. Keen (Otago). Mr Atkinson, of the Green Lsland Club, attended and advanced reasons why tho Green Island Club should be admitted as a senior club next season. —Mr Thompson moved, and Mr Wilson seconded; “That the committee recommend the annual meeting of delegates to admit Green Island as a senior club.” It was decided to hold the reunion of exrepresentative players on the night of the Australian-New Zealand match on September 13, the function to take the form of a dinner and smoke concert in the Art Galleiy Hall. , , _ , Permission was granted to the luapeka Sub-union to hold a seven-a-eide tournament on September 6. THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, August 25. The Australian touring team, which arrived by the Maheno yesterday, was tendered a reception this morning by the Mayor and the officials of the Auckland Rugby Union. .. ™ When seen after the reception, Mr Dyer (captain of jhe visitors) said they had a strong side, although eight of those originally selected were unable to make the trip. Ton of tho team visited California last year, and, taken all round, the combination was a good one. The forwards were a fairly heavy pack, and the backs wore a nippy lot. The general opinion in Australia was that Rugby had succeeded in regaining its lost position, and the present team compared favourably with other teams that had visited the dominom. The trip across was a fairly fine one, but several of the team suffered from seasickness, and preferred to stay on deck instead of going below for meals. Messrs Morgan (manager). Thompson, and Roberts had, unfortunately, contracted influenza, and the two former were confined to their beds. The team practised at Alexandra Park this afternoon, and will practice again tomorrow morning.

THE CALIFORNIAN TEAM. WELLINGTON, August 25. Atkinson, the West Coast forward, who ■was selected to go to California with the Mew Zealand team, has notified the Rugby Union of his inability to make the trip. OTAGO V. SOUTH CANTERBURY. A DRAWN GAME. The South Canterbury team met Otago at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday. The fine weather of the week broke early on Saturday morning, and when play started late* in the afternoon it was to the accompaniment of a driving northeaster with drizzling rain. South Canteibury was represented by powerful forwards and a good back division, which included amongst others Lynch, the Ncw t Zealand representative, and Cockcroft, the ex-Otago player. The Otago members of the New Zealand team, with the exception of Cuthill, were standing out of the Otago team ow mg to vaccination troubles. It was a remodelled team, therefore, that took the tied, and special interest w T as taken in its foruj. Ih© treacherous ground and greasy ball drew the sting out of any brilliancy in the back divisions, but favoured a high standard of forward play. At the outset there threatened to be a battle of styles. The South Canterbury forwards attempted to pick up in the loose rushes, but as this style of play left them stranded the visitors changed their game and thereafter resorted to footwork which Otago rarely de sorted. Hard, smashing dribbling rushes; with occasional skirmishes by the backs, were the order of advance. In the first spell, with the wind in their favour, South Canterbury were mainly in the ascendant, and they seized the two chances which came their way to score tries. Cockcroft did not repeat his form of the match against Canterbury, though the conditions were much the same, and the fries were not converted. In the second spell the Otago forwards, assisted by lofty kicking by the backs, harassed the visitors and repeatedly flung them back on their line. Faulty passing, when it was not the slippery state of the ball, upset a combined system of attack. Otago had numerous chances, but only two boro fruit. A penalty goal by Cuthill and a try by Patterson. Otago is alleged to have scored another try off a kick back by South Canterbury, but the visitors escaped the score. On the run of the pay Otago had slightly the better of the exchanges; but a draw is a fair indication of the game. The merits o the teams could not be accurately guaged on the day; the state of the ball handicapping team play and individualism The attendance numbered about 3000.

Following were the teams: — South Canterbury (Grcen-and-Black). — Full-back, D. Scott 11.8:. three-quarters — T. Lynch 13.4, K. A. Cockcroft 13.2, B. Moore 15.0; 'five-eighths, J. Harley 9.0, A. Spillane (capt.) 12.12; half-back, W. Spillane 13 0; forwards —W. Dalton 14.0. M. Horgan 12.1, T. Langford 13.5, W. Moore 12.10, PI Edmiston 11.8. D. Burke 13.2, C. Cowan 13.6, and G. Coles 13.4. Otago (Dark B’uc). — Full-back. 14. Watson 11.0; three-quarters—R. L. Withers 10.6, J. Cuthill 13.0, O. K. Harris 11.4; five-eighths, A. Eckliold 10.6. F. Williams 10.4; half-back, H. Childs 11.4; forwards — S. Casey 12.2. W. Russell 12.0, A. Patterson i 4.0. J. Irvine 14.3. T. Woodrow 12.4, G. Fisher 13.0, .1. Mowat 12.8, and J. Skinner 13.0.

Referee, Mr W, J. W’ilson THE PLAY.

The wind was driving fiercely from the north-easi, sweeping the ground from end to end when the teams took the field. Canterbury had been favoured by winning the toss and played from the \ harbour goal. Patterson kicked off for Otago, and from the line-out South Canterbury started a passing rush. The ball was nicely handled by the five-eighths, and a pass to the centre gave Cockcroft a gcod chance to sethis team in an attacking position with a kick to the Otago twenty-five. Cntliill raced round the tail-end of a loose scramble, but his subsequent kick was' driven track by i the wind to the touch-line. The Blue forwards came away with the bull at their feet, but after a loose scramble Childs kicked hard .to the South Canterbury fullback who was collared as he stopped the rush. Cockcroft came to the rescue, and attempted to get through on his own. The Otago forwards were going great guns to the visitors’ twenty-five when off-side play by Edmiston gave the Blues a free kick. The ball was greasy and Cut.hill failed to make it rise. The Blues swept down on the Ball and carried it over at the corner where Harris, coming up fast on the left wing, just missed scoring. South Canterbury forcing. Immediately following the kick out Eckhohl had a free" kick, but with no success. The Blue forwards, playing with rare dash ami resolution, were now going dean through tlie Green pack, but when near the line they failed to hold the greasy ball. At this stage it appeared as if the Blues were going to romp clean over the visitors, who wore thrown into confusion. A. Spillano, the South Canterbury captain, rallied his team * and led the way for a clearance by passing out to Cockroft, who made excellent use of the wind, and found the Otago twentyfive. Matters looked black for Otago when Williams was collared by Coles with the ball, and (he Greens drove the Blues back on the line. The Otago forwards came away with the ball at their feet, and delighted the spectators with the dash they were infusing into the play. The backs, too. wore playing more reliably than usual though they found the greasy ball extremely difficult to hold. The Green forwards were playing without much combination, but the backs were kicking with good effect. B. Moore, the Greens’ left wing three-quarter, speculated, and, the ball flying past Watson, the Blue lino was in danger until Cuthili ran round ami saved. Cockcroft was making good use of the wind, but was lacking in judgment, the ball going over the Otago line, instead of reaching touch, ami the D Blues forcing. The Otago forwards were battling hard against the wind, and camo away with a fine rush, which Cuthili improved by finding the line in the visitors’ tweny-five. * A free kick to the Greens was fielded by Childs, who sent the visitors back again. The Otago backs were now gaining ground by good line kicking, and Watson was doing particularly good work when the ball w as driven down to him by speculating kicks of the Green forwards. Eventually the visitons pushed Otago back, and a good chance of scoring was lost by a knock-on. After a desultory fight, on the Otago line play swung to the left touch, where, from a line out, there was a scramble, and Dal-

ton scored. The kick at goal by Cockroft filled. South Canterbury 3 points. Otago Nil. The wind and driving rain were handicapping Otago beyond measure, and South Canterbury continued to be aggressive. The forwards kept the ball on the ground and rushed over the line, but Otago forced ;n time. From a line-out Fishery and Woodrow came away, but a good kick sent Otago back. There was a gap in the defence, and Cockroft, following up fast, had no difficulty in falling on the ball as it went over at the corner. Cockroft made a good, but unsuccessful, attempt from an acute angle, and the score stood: South Canterbury ... 6 points. Otago Nii.

South Canterbury, using their feet to good purpose, were now harassing the Otago backs, but the Blues’ forwards shiftetd the scene of action to the Green's twenty-five. Childs swept round a scrum, and play hovered in front of the visitors’ goal. Patterson and Skinner headed a determined rush, and the latter brought the South Canterbury full back down with a splendid tackle. Play was now hot near the visitors’ line, and a passing rash, which Childs opened by flinging out to Williams, who passed on to Harris, promised to result in a score, but was crippled by the subsequent pass to Cuthill -missing fire. Instantly play swung across to the opposite wing, but tho Otago backs failed to handle tho greasy ball. A. Spillane out off a pass and kicked to the centre, where Cuthill and Harris mulled tho return, but Watson earned applause by finding a good lino. Williams came through on his own, but lost his supports, and punted to Scott, the Canterbury full back taking an easy mark. Subsequent play scrambled in midfield, and Cuthill. finding' the line, the whistle sounded for half time. -

The second spoil was opened by South Canterbury with a determined rush, in which the forwards used their feet with good effect. The visitors skirmished for cn opening, but Harris kicked clear, and Withers, following up fast, tackled Harley, who hung on to the ball, lick hold utilised the penalty kick by punting high to the centre, and Moore kicked to the line for defence. From the line out W. Spillane got away, backed up by the Green forwards. Withers intercepted the pass, but failed to hold the ball, and the Greens, with Edmiston in the van, were away again. Cuthill stopped the rush, but was tackled before he could get in his kick, and the Otago line was in grave danger. Otago rallied, and Childs kicked high to the Greens’ fid! Iwck. who. when bustled by the fasi-f: bowing Blues, passed back to A. Spillane, who stopped the rush by finding touch. Play swung in front of the visitors’ goal, and it appeared as if Otago was to be rewarded. A bad pass out was missed by Cuthill, but Harris came up fast on the right, and drove the hall over at the corner, the University wing just failing to touch down. The Greens were now being badly worried, and they twice sought relief in forcing. Otago continued .hammering at the line, and Ha iris missed an almost certain try by racing in front of a pass from Cuthill, the ball going into touch. The Greens carried a scrum, and the forwards, led by Horgan, invaded the Blues’ territory and set up a hot attack, winch might have culminated successfully Hut for a wild pass to Cockrolt in front, of the goal, which fell harmlessly, and Otago cleared. Harris kicked hard down to the Greens’ full-back, who evaded Skinners tackle —the Dunedin man was the only one to follow up—and found touch with a defensive kick. The Greens were again iji trouble, and a rush, headed by Skinner and Woodrow, threatened to penetrate the defence, but Skinner kicked too hard, and the visitors forced. The kick out brought no relief to the Greens, who, after stemming a series of attacks, saw Childs mark and Cuthill kick a goal. South Canterbury 5 points. Otago 3 points.

ibe score had been long in coining, for several good opportunities had been thrown away, but the Blues came again with lofty punts, which were testing tile fielding abilities of the visitors’ backs. Scott was doing good work, and saving his side repeatedly by sound taking and defensive kicking. Then' Williams intercepted a pass, dribbled cleverly, and, nursing the ball with the whole of the Otago pack behind him, penetrated all hut the last lino of defence. I lay swung to the corner flag, where South Canterbury kicked back, and an Otago forward, falling on the bail, scored what appealed to be a try. South Canterbury was fortunate in gett iug off without a score being registered against them, but a minute later Cuthili kicked high, and, Lynch missing the return, the Otago forwards swarmed on to the line, and Patterson scored. Cuthill missed the kick at goal. South Canterbury 6 points. Otago points.

After the kick out. Coles (the wing forward), let South Canterbury loose, but Watson, who had been playing consistently was equal to the occasion, and drove the visitors Lack. Another rush hy the Green forwards was phickily stopped "by Withers diving down at their feet. From the subsequent play Cuthili raced across to the right and gave Harris a pass, but the University player was jammed on the touch line. Otago skirmished first to the rigid, then to the 'eft, without result. Then Coles opened up a quick forward movement for the Greens, v.ho were racing into the Blues’ territory. W. Spillune passed to Lynch, who was blocked hy Withers, and the line of attack was broken in front of the Blues’ goal. At this stage \V. Dalton v.'cs carried otl' the field with an injured ankle. Fairbrother replaced him immediately, and 'the game went on. Eckhold centred, and the Bine forwards, following up, got under the ball just as Scott fielded. Fisher’ tackled the Canterbury back, and a score seemed imminent, but the Greens withstood thn final attack, and the game ended South Canterbury 6 points. Otago 6 points. HIGH SCHOOLS’ MATCH. WIN FOR SOUTHLAND. The annual match between the Southland and Otago High Schools was played at Carishrook. on Saturday morning, and resulted in a win for the former by 8 points to nil. The ground wasi fairly heavy, but the weather was fine and the conditions generally favourable to a good display. The teams were as follow; Southland. —Cole. Millar, Duncan, Groig, Reid, Cupplcs, Morris, Brown, Carter, Codj% Smith, Moffan, M’Caw, Raines, Cameron (captain). Otago.—Blackley, Jofcoate, L. Park,

j Robertson, R. Park, Inglis, Mitchell, Malcalm, Churchill (captain), Secular, Hutcheson, Lewin, Kclrnan, Easter, M'Lean. The standard of play was distinctly high, and both teams opened up the game in line style, the backs showing remarkable apti- ■ tude in the art of passing. The teams were [ fairly evenly matched, but Southland gave | evidence of useful coaching, and showed a ■ better knowledge of tactics than their op- ! ponents. The southern backs wore a speedy ! lot, but they had some difficulty in hand-

ling the greasy ball, and it is safe to say that they would have scored more heavily on a dry ground. Each side had an excellent set of fopwards—probably much bettor than is usual with school teams,- —and a

really good exhibition was witnessed in this department. The line-kicking of the backs I was also a feature of the match, that of ! Colo, the Southland full back, being parti--1 cularly effective. The whole of the scoring was done in the first spell, the greater part : of which was in favour of Southland. A vigorous onslaught by the visiting forwards saw the leather kicked over the Otago line, and Blackley, in a mis-directed spirit' of sportsmanship, attempted to clear by finding the line. The ball, however, re bounded off Greig, who had followed up fast, and this player scored a somewhat simple try. A. Reid kicked a good goal. The second try was obtained by Millar, who received a transfer from some loose forward play and dashed over, -scoring a good try at the corner. Reid’s kick at goal failed. Those two reverses seemed to galvanise the Otago forwards into a renewed degree of activity, and they laid a close siege to the Southland lino for some time. A succession of scrums took place almost under the visitors’ goal posts, and during this period Otago must be accounted very unfortunate in failing to obtain a try. j In the second spell there was a good deal of even play, but, the local forwards appeared to stand the strain better than the Southland men, and made numerous attacks on their opponents’ line. The defence of the visitors was very severely tried, but it proved equal to the tost,, and they were never in any real danger of defeat. r J hefine lino-kicking of Read and Colo was a constant thorn in the side of the local forwards, who, led by Secular and- Easter, were frequently dangerous. This spell was without any incident of note, and the game ended: i Southland 8 points | Otago Nil j Mr E. Clancy was referee. OTAGO JUNIORS v. WAIHEMOWAIKOUAITI. ; WIN FOR THE FORMER. I The Otago Junior Roprftcntatives played a match w.t-h a team representing Waihemo. and Waikouaiti districts on Saturday, this event serving as -a curtain-raiser to the Otago-South Canterbury game. In the first spell the visitors, having the advantage of a stiff breeze, which swept the Caledonian Ground from end to end, kept Otago on the- defence for the greater part of the time, ami several times lost opportunities of scoring. As it was, however, the spell ended with honours oven. On changing ends, Otago shower) to better advantage, and, although the visitors repelled their attacks several tunes, they gradually- invaded their opponents’ territory. From a scrum Jones got over, and Reid converted. A little later M'Dougall took a naes from Anderson within easystriking distance, and, cutting iiq scored Otago’s second try. Edwards s kck at goal failed. The visitors then took a hand, and Harrison, Galhmd, and ■ Allcock were conspicuous in the work which followed. They continued the attack, but did not get much beyond half-way. Otago soon invaded again, and Anderson scored a good try from, a scramble which ensued close to the line. Red failed with the kick, i The game ended soon afterwards, the scores being;— Otago 11 points Waihemo-Waikouaiti ... nil Mr F. Foster controlled the game. i WELLINGTON v. TARANAKI. WIN FOR THE FORMER. WELLINGTON, August 23. The match Wellington v. Taranaki was spoilt by rain. The ground was in a very sloppy condition, which materially affected the play of both sides. Before long the j playing area was a veritable quagmire and I the players more or Jess unrecognisable, i The Wellington backs were much superior | to the visitors, but the forwards were fairly : evenly matched, the local men having more j staving power. 1 Wellington kicked off against a very slight 1 northerly wind. The Blacks were awarded ! a free kick for an infringement, but Patou’s i kick fell well short of the posts. A long kick by a Taranaki back put Wellington defending, Eve.nson saving nicely. Loose play in midfield gave the forwards an opportunity of displaying their merits. The visitors at this stage exhibited superiority in the ! loose. Brown found touch two yards from

j the Wellington line. M’Kenzie relieving with 1 a speculator well up the field. In and out play followed near the centre line, the greasy nature of the ground and the hall rendering accuracy impossible. Every now and then the Taranaki forwards would break away,

hut nothing resulted. The Blacks then took a hand, aiid the forwards worked up to the Taranaki twenty-live, but a free kick relieved, Loveridge finding the line with a magnificent kick. Brown marked, and Hawkins had a shot at goal, the hall striking the cross bar and bouncing into the field. Wellington forced. After an interchange of kicks Taranaki were awarded a free kick for offside play by Mitchinson, but Hawkins again failed with a not too difficult kick. Wellington then swept down the field with a mighty rush. A scrum was ordered under the visitors’ posts, and the bail shot through the Wellington hacks, Taranaki being well on it. E. Roberts wont down, then Evenson and a visitor collided, and tho Black full back went down. Ryan endeavoured to stem tho rush, but lie got a kick on the head. It was all accidental, of course. Play was suspended for three minutes, and Roberts retired, Nunn replacing him. Taranaki attacked again, but the defence was too solid. Wellington came again with a forward rush, and all but scored. Hill forcing just in time. There was plenty of life jn the game, but little individuality. • The visitors once more rushed play down field, grid play remained in the Wellington twenty-five for some time. Cameron centred, and a score looked imminoni, but

a knock on spoiled the effort. The visitor* persisted, however. .The forwards, headed by tho burly Tamil, were right on the lino, but again tne slippery ball eluded the aggressors, Wellington forcing. Tho Blacks retaliated; tho forwards, by clever work,

taking- play the whole length of the field, and Taranaki forced. Several times both sets of backs essayed passing bouts, but each effort failed, and forward play was reverted to.

The second spell opened with Taranaki attacking. Ryan cleverly intercepted a pass and centred. The forwards were on to it, but a force resulted. Taranaki forced again almost immediately afterwards. M'Kenzie set out with the ball, beat two men, and sent it on to Nunn, who dropped it after a melee. The ball went out to Kinvig on the wing, but ho lost it just on the line. M'Kenzie inaugurated a passing rush in which he had associated with him Nunn and Mitchinson, but another force resulted. Wellington wore now having the best of the game, both forwards and backs playing well. The forwards rushed down the held and overwhelmed the opposition. Half u dozen rushed over the line, M‘Kuv falling on the ball. H. Paton converted. The Blacks continued to harass the visitors, who could not get past half-way. VS ellington were awarded a. free kick at the twentyfive, and H. Paton landed a nice goal. Some of the Taranaki men were now playing a particularly rough game, and M'Leod was cautioned after he had temporarily' disabled Ryan. The Blacks again attacked, and went within an ace of scoring from some forward scrambles on several occasions. No side was sounded with the Blacks attacking. the scores being: Wellington 8 points. Taranaki Nil. AN EASY WIN. The annual match between the second fifteens of the Otago and Southland High Schools was played at Invercargill on Saturday in fine weather, and won byOtago by 40 points to nil. Four tries were secured for the winners by Holmes, three by Morrow, two by Doull, and one each by Bryce and Roy-. Hutchison converted two tries and also kicked a goal from' a mark. AUCKLANI) PREMIERS! 11P. AUCKLAND, August 24. With the exception of one shower the weather was fine yesterday' when the final of the Senior Rugby Championship, between Marist Brothers and Ponsonby, was played. After a most exciting game Ponsonby won by r 18 points to 14. Ponsonby are premiers for the season. MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH, August 24. The football matches yesterday resulted as follows:- —Canterbury (11 points) beat Peninsula (5 points), Waitaki Boys’ High School (17 points) beat Christchurch Boys’ High School (9 points), and Canterbury College (23 points) beat Victoria College (11 points). SUVA COMPETITION. Private advice has been received bycablegram to the effect that P. Sheehan’s “All Blacks” have won the. Governor’s Shield in Suva. Sheehan is the well-known Southern player, who went to Suva some months ago. CANTERBURY v. SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, August 20.

The representative football match between Southland and Canterbury was played today in beautiful weather. Canterbury won by 9 points to 8. The first score was secured by Biggar (Southland) as the result of a dribbling rush, and M'Neoce converted. Southland had all the best of the game in the first spell, their forwards playing a fast and glorious game. In the second spell Sandman (Canterbury) scored early, getting clear away. Hassell converted, thus equalising the scores. Southland a next score was the result of a passing rush, Forde getting over, but no goal resulted. Just on the call of time, when Canterbury were pressing hotly, Amodeo secured the ball and potted a neat goal, thus winning the game for the northerners.

TARANAKI DEFEATS! MANAWATU. PALMERSTON N., August 20. The Taranaki representatives defeated Manawatu to-day by 9 points (throe trios) to 3 (a try). The weather was lino and the game was fast and open throughout, in the first spell Taranaki had the advantage of a strong wind, but Manawatu were able to hold their own until near half time when, after a pretty passing bout; Cameron scored for Taranaki. No goal resulted. Boon afterwards the Manawatu forwards asserted themselves, and Johnston crossed the line. The try was unconverted. For more than half the second spell Manawatu had the visitors penned in their own territory, but the Taranaki hacks, who were superior to the local backs, made great efforts, and the strain told on the condition of Manawatu. lioveridge and M'Leod each managed, near the end, to scramble across the line, and added 6 more points. Neither of the tries were converted. Manawatu were twice within an ace of scoring. The visitors’ forwards were undoubtedly inferior in pace, cleverness, and combination to the Manawatu forwards, but their backs, though not very fast, were cleverer in handling the ball and in tactics. 'Taranaki were all out, and were lucky to win by a margin of 6 points. WIN FOR MARLBOROUGH. LEVIN, August 20. The representative Rugby football match Marlborough v. Horowhcnua was won by Marlborough by li points to 5. The game was open and close oy turns. Horowhcnua attacked for two-thirds of the time, but lacked the combination necessary to drive home their advantage. Marlborough were never brilliant, but always safe. MARLBOROUGH v. WAIRARAPA. CARTERTON, August 21. The weather was bright with a slight wind dewji the held foi the MarlboroughWairarapa match. Marlborough won the toss, and played with the wind at their backs. From tire start it was evident that the forwards wore evenly matched, but the back division of the Marlborough team throughout the first spoil surpassed Wairarapa. Midway in the spell Dunklcy (Marlborough) made a long kick near his own twenty-five, and the forwards chased the leather right down to the Wairarapa full-back (Vales), who mullet! atrociously, and Pigow picking up scored in an easy position. Lane converted. Closely following the kick-off Costello (Marlborough) took a mark near the Wairarapa twenty-five and Jackson put the bail over the bar, giving Marlborough a lead of 8 points. Wairarapa livened up, and with a loose rush the forwards carried the ball up the field. Close (o the Marlborough lino Brough picked up the hall and crossed the line, but the kick at goal was a

failure. Give-and-take play ensued until tin call of the spell, but 'Marlborough had easily the best of the game. Wairarapa was continually on the defensive, but there- were occasional dashes of brilliancy among the forwards. Desmond, Hodge, Brough, 11. M'Kenzie, and Johnson were mainly conspicuous.

In the second spell the positions wore completely reversed, anil Marlborough could do nothing to stave off the attacks. Within eight minutes Brough and Matson scored, neither try being converted. Five minutes later, from a long kick by M'Kenzie, Tait from a fast run picked up the ball, beat the full-back, and scored, M'Kenzie converting. Marlborough accepted a forco twice, and then M'Kenzie kicked a. goat from a mark. About midfield Marlborough essayed a passing rush. Matson cut m cleverly, securing the ball and racing for the lino, kicking over the full-back, but the ball bounced away from him and a forward scramble ensued, from which Darvill (threequarter) got over the line. M'Kenzie failed to convert. The second half was fast and interesting, the baJi being thrown about vigorously by both sides! Mr B. M'Kenzie was referee. NORTH OTAGO v." SOUTH CANTERBURY. OAMARU. August 21. The match between North Otago and South Canterbury was won by the latter. In the first spell Lynch ' and Cockloft potted goals for the visitors, Cockroft from half-way, and Moore and Lynch scored trios, Cockroft converting one. Harrison kicked a goal for North Otago. In the second half the North Otago forwards overshadowed the opposing vanguard made repeated onslaughts on the visitors’ line. Harrison kicked another goal from a penalty, and Lee scored a try. South Canterbury were unable to score in this spoil, and it was only the good play of Scott, Lynch, and Cockroft that saved them from defeat. Harrison, Crc.slin, Lindsay, and Falconer were prominent, for North Otago, but all the forwards played a line game.

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 21 The Auckland and Taranaki B teams nnjt to-day. A fast and interesting game resulted in a win for the Auckland team by 9 pointy to 3. The visitors’ backs showed superior combination, find their forwards were too good in tiro scrum. Tries were secured for Mho winners by M'Donald, Frostick. and Barclay, and for tlie losers by Carroll. None of the tries was converted.

Ten m Won. Lost. Drawn. Champ Pts. Southern 12 1 0 24 Kaikorai 10 1 2 22 Zingari 10 2 1 21 Dunedin 8 6 0 16 University A. 6 5 1 13 West Taieri . . 5 7 1 11 Havensbonrne 4 7 3 10 Alhambra 5 8 0 10 Union 4 8 1 0 Port Chalmers. 4 9 0 8 Pirates 4 9 0 8 University B . 1 11 0 2 Southern THIRD 11 GRADE. 0 1 23 University 1) 2 1 19 High School 8 2 3 18 Zingari r 3 2 16 Kaikorai t! 5 1 13 Union 5 G 1 11 Pirates 4 7 1 9 Dunedin 3 8 1 7 Port Chalmers. 2 10 0 4 Alhambra 0 12 0 0 Southern FOURTH GRADE. 0 1 15 Zingari .. 5 o I 11 8 Kaikorai 3 3 2 Alhambra 3 4 1 0 7 Union 2 G 4 High School 1 6 1 3 Mosgiel FIFTH 8 GRADE. 0 0 16 Zingari 6 2 0 12 8 6 Alhambra 4 4 0 Southern 3 5 0 Union . 2 G 0 4 High School .. 1 7 0 2 WEDNESDAY COMPETITION. Loco. 8 3 0 16 Union A G 4 0 12 Alhambra 4 6 0 8 Union B 3 8 0 6