NORTHERN UNION GAME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 53

NORTHERN UNION GAME.

AUCKLAND DEFEAT WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND, August 23. Auckland once more, demonstrated their right to the Northern Union Cup this afternoon by defeating Wellington. The match was played In tin- presence of about 8000 spectators, and was by far the host seen hero this season. Wellington played a great game from beginning to end. and were very unfortunate to lose by a single point. Right from the start they attacked, and before the game had been in progress more than a few minutes Barber dodgexi across and registered the visitors’ first try. He failed with the kick. Very fasUpiay followed, and then Ifwerson tool: a mark near the lino and kicked a fine goal. All hough Auckland attacked hotly there was no further score till half-time. On resuming Wellington returned to tho attack, but were soon driven back, and eventually from a long kick Weston folio wed up fact and scored. Webbs kick proved fruitless. Wellington responded with a great rush, but wore ultimately driven back, and Ifworson raced round and stored. Webb converting. Even play followed with an undoubted advantage to the Blacks, and Finlayson, by boating his man jxadly, instituted a great passing rush, which prided in Proebstel passing liack io the full back, who scored for Wellington. Barber got possession in the ruck, and dived over. Bradley converted, and thus gave Weliinton the load by one point. Auckland then took the offensive, and eventually ffwerson put bis side in the load by kicking a fine goal from a free kick. There was no further score, and the game ended Auckland 12 points Wellington -... 11 points. N.S. WALES v. CANTERBURY. HOME TEAM OUTCLASSED CHRISTCHURCH, August 24. The New South Wales League team d» feated Canterbury yesterday by 45 poinU to 5. Canterbury kicked off against the wind, and the visitors being penalised Pearce kicked well into their twenty-five. A passing rush by Now South Wales was nicely intercepted by Smith, but he slipped. Ilallett relieved with a line kick, and the forwards hooking cleverly sot the backs off, but the tackling was very sound. Frawlev had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a penalty. The visitor., at this stage were passing beautifully. Play hovered close to the local twenty-live, and from a cross punt l,y Algio, Frawley was almost over. Kruse kicked down to Ilallett, and the full-back, coming round, potted a splendid goal. Ilallett kicked well down the field to Mitchell, who returned to Cubitt, that player making a tine run. ilallett snapped the ball up and passed to "Algie, who ran through and scored. Frawley did not improve matters with the kick. Immediately afterwards Canterbury were penalised, and Frawley kicked a goal. The visitors attacked persistently and strongly. A kick by Ilallett was fumbled by Mitchell, who kicked across to Frawley, who ran over at the corner. The same player failed with the kick. With Canterbury attacking Dean snapped tin* ball up and passed out to Thompson, who gave the ball to Frawley, the speedy wing easily out-pacing Mitchell, and scoring behind the trusts amidst applause. Frawley easily converted Tho visitors brought off some clover pieces of passing, and after some lively exchanges Cubitt passed to Dean, who scored. Frawley’s snot at goal was rosnltiesa. Tito visitors were he.-juig the local forwards badly in tho scrums, and a timer piece of work by Thomson and Frawley ended in tho latter being pushed out. Half-time sounded with the scores: New South Wales 18 points. Canterbury Nil. In tho second half Smith brought off a nice mark when tho visitors were attacking close to the line. From a RCi'iuu in tho local twenty-live Coyne worked tho blind side and passed out to Algie, who dashed over. Frawley failed with the I;From

play in front of the Canterbury goal a passing rush by Cubift, with Thompson and Dean, ended in the last-named scoring behind the posts. Frawiey missed with an easy kick. Morris and Nuttall were prominent in a forward rush, but the visitors came away in 'a passing bout and Frawiey ran round unopposed, Cain converting. Canterbury then livened up and the forwards, putting plenty of dash into their play, had the visitors hard pressed. From a loose rush Shanks dashed up and scored behind the posts. Smith easily converted. Immediately afterwards a passing rush by the visitors saw the ball kicked over the line, and Thompson dashed up and scored. Courtenay broke away from a rush, but Mitchell intercepted. By compact play the visitors’ forwards took the play to the Canterbury line, and after some exciting work Courtenay scored. Frawley’s kick was resultless. Keeping up the attack Cubitt secured the ball and zig-zagged through a host of opponents, passing to Thompson who transferred to Algie, and this player running round behind the posts. Cain converted, and time was sounded with the score: •New South Wales 45 points. Canterbury ... r 5 points. (Continued on page 3.) SYDNEY Y. PADDINGTON, SYDNEY, August 24. In the football League final Sydney defeated Paddington by 70 points to 42. MESSENGER RETIRES. SYDNEY, August 25. At the finish of Saturday’s match, when North Sydney defeated Eastern Suburbs, Messenger announced that he had played hia last game of football. ASSOCIATION. Bi Lht Win a. The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the Senior Cup competition : . -m

Tho round of Senior matches on Saturday did hot disturb the relative positions of the two teams, Kaitangata and Northern A, one of whom must provide the Cup winner. Tin's was only to be expected in view of the fact that Northern A had only their B team to contend against, while Kaitangata had to swallow another unpalatable mouthful in the shape of a win by default. Taking the positions of Kaitangata (23 points), Northern A (21 points), and Mornington B (19 points), it will be seen that should Mornington B defeat Kaitangata on Saturday, and should Northern A boat High School Old Boys—and neither match is by any means a foregone conclusion—Kaitangata and Northern A will bo level for the premiership. In such case a play-off will take place. Kaitangata's chances against Mornington B will not bo improved by the fact that the men from the coal village had not a match on Saturday to keep them in form, while Mornington B had a keen game calculated to improve both wind and muscle.

It is unfortunate that Culling Park will not be available for such a keen, attractive game -as that between 'Kaitangata and Mornington B promises to be. The state of the park is quite unusual, and duo to the fact that the drains won’t carry the water away. Ali tlio grounds had dried before Saturday hist, and were only a tritlo greasy .because of the light drizzle that was falling at the time. The Otago Rugby Union have come to the rescue in their customary sporting manner, and the two principal fixtures will be played on Tahuna Park No. 1 ground. The round on Saturday made it clear that Kaitangata, Northern A, and Mornington B will play off for the Charity Banner. If Maori Hill continue upsetting the calculation* of their “superiors’’ by defeating Roslyn-Wakari, Mornington A may yet make the fourth competitor for the banner if they can dispose of Christian Brothers. Maori Hill are achieving triumphs the memory of which should make them all the more determined to rebuild a strong club next year. On this point, I understand that Mr P. Young and some other enthusiasts of like calibre intend to make determined efforts to put the club solidly ou its feet again. The grit of the Maori Hill team is a theme for admiration, and already a senior p’ayer has told me of Irs intention to join Maori Hill Club next year with a view to assisting in any way in his power to strengthen the club. Other players from the stronger clubs may perhaps take a similar view. Whatever happens, the club must not be allowed to become moribund. In two successive weeks Maori Hill have gained honours at the expense of two teams of considerab’e repute. Both Mornington A and High School Old Boys were frankly surprised when they found they had to “dip”—as the Soccer men on H.M.S. New Zealand would express it —to the team occupying the humblest position on the Cup ladder. “Maori Hill deserved to win”—that was the tribute of one of the vanquished on Saturday last. His explanation as to how it was done was to the effect that Maori Hill backs got to the Old Boys’ forwards with rare spirit, and prevented them from being dangerous. Whenever Race met the ball, simultaneously he mot two Maori Hill backs, and it was a determined policy of this sort that made the duties of goalkeeper Booby fairly comfortable. Then, again, while Hi<;li School Old Boys had easily the greater snare of the attack, Maori Hill forwards, out of about live opportunities before their opponents’ goal, managed to make good thrice —a high average. High School Old Boys hod to play substitutes for Nicholson (out of town) and Hcv (injured). Maori Hill’s goals were scored by Jeffries (2) and Leslie.

The domestic engagement between Northern A and Northern 13 calls for little comment beyond the remark that in view of their position on the Cup ladder Northern A showed doubtful wisdom in making sport of the game instead of making it the occasion of a serious practice for tho event of the succeeding Saturday. The Gardens ground suffered from its old complaint—a subsidence along the route of the underground watercourse —as tho result of the flood weather; but thanks to the efforts of the City Corporation it was playable on Saturday- James Harrison appeared as fidl

back for Northern A, and played a forceful game In the race for supremacy Mornington B have definitely outdistanced their elder brethren, or shall we say that they hgve proved to demonstration their competence to teach their grandmothers to suck eggs. The young chaps have twice beaten the veterans, and are now three points ahead of thorn. This is quite creditable, and perfectly healthy for the club, provided the seniors accept the position in the proper spirit—as no doubt they will—and the young lads avoid an undue inflation of the cranium. The B’s had the match won at half time. It was their sterling defence mainly that made the result possible. Harkncss was a flawless last hope, but the credit was mostly duo to Hickey, Pratt, Plunkett, Finlinson, and M'Farlane, in about that order. Hickey was very forceful, and was rarely found wanting, whi c Pratt did splendid work throughout. The work of the B forwards, viewed as a whole, would not impress a spectator who regards the five units in the front rank as parts of a smooth-running machine. Especially in the first spell the most favoured policy was to drive the ball ahead and trust to Providence for the rest. Campbell and Tabernacle, however, frequently worked the wing in approved manner, while Booker did some nice individual work on the opposite wing Campbell was probably the best forward for the B's. The A forwards had better football methods than were shown by the younger generation. Simpson, if lacking in dash, and deferring to anyone who may come against him when it is a matter of heading, gave perfect passes to Logie, who occasionally overran the ball. Forbes, although he shirked nothing, seemed cast for a very insignificant jiart, and Vernon worked hard without accomplishing much that was dangerous G. Campbell delivered some fine long shots, but hung too far back and rarely fed his forwards. Bummed up, however, the failure of Mornington A forwards was duo not so much to lack of thoughtful effort on their part as to the smashing-up tactics of the B back division. In order of merit the A backs might be placed thus—Shadwell, Young, Baillie, Frazer. Kelly had one of his off days, and did some curious things. Stanley, in goal, played with confidence, but in point of experience he was considerably behind Harkncss. Apart from the play, the game had its diversions. For instance, Campbell of the B team started play in the second spell smoking a cigarette—an unwarranted behaviour which surely must have escaped the notice of his captain and the vigilant referee. On one occasion Frazer was called from the centre half to throw out the ball for Baillie—an altogether extraordinary variation. Although the men were all members of the same club, the game was as keenly contested as though the teams represented rival clubs, and while the game was quite friendly there were occasional passages in which unflattering opinions of each other seemed to be exchanged. It was amusing to sec G. Campbell stop playing on one occasion to wither with a reproachful look his brother of the B, who had just “got one on to him.”

But the best touch of comedy, which ended with a touch of the tragic, was provided by an ardent, barrackcr for the A. In the early stages the whole neighbourhood was assured and reassured that Mornington A were the best team on the universe. As the game proceeded and practical demonstration cast suspicion upon the assurance, the assertion weakened down to a less confident announcement that the A’s ccu’d “beat them on points, anyhow.” Just after halftime the voice was missed, and the owner was found to bo one of the principals in a very unscientific bout of fisticuffs behind one* of the goals. Whether the voluble barracker shared his favourite team's ability to “win on points” “Left Wing ’ bad not the opportunity to ascertain; but certain it is that for the remainder of the game Mornington A had to plug away without the encouraging voice. Roslyn-Wakari were rather sorely put to it to defeat a Ravcnsbourne eleven which included two substitutes. Surely it is rather late in the day to be shuffling a team. The latest freak was to take the invaluable half back (Currie) and make him a forward. The experiment nearly cost Roslyn-Vv akari the match Currie is " too shrewd a centre half to be shifted to any loss rcsponsib.e position. Simms seems to have lost the brilliance he displayed earlier in the season Green Island and Christian Brothers will i,lay off at the C'eur for the Second Grade Cup.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The weekly meeting of the Otago football Association he'd on Monday evening, was attended bv Messrs A. MTlutchon (chairman, Jas. Haig. Cocking. Cameron, B. Connor, Hao. Rigby, Gordon. J. Connor, Beebv, Sinclair, and Martin. Attention was drawn to a published statement to the effect that the association had approached the Caledonian Society with an offer of £SOO per annum for the lease of the Caledonian Ground. The Chairman reported that he had contradicted the statement —Action approved. In connection with the recent suspension of a player for the use of bad language, the Chairman expressed the opinion that some uniformity of action bv referees with regard to players using bad language was desirable. Twice lately the association had boon required to ferret out cases of bad language, owing to the fact that refeiees l,ad not taken sufficiently drastic action. In cases where bad language was used it was the association’s desire that referees should immediately order the offenders off the field.—Mr Haig thought the hint given at the previous meeting was sufficient. He thought referees were alive to the fact that players should be ordered off for using bad language.—Mr Cameron said he had seen referees move away to avoid homing “language.” He moved: “That the attention of referees bo drawn to the use of bad language, and that they be recommended to order offenders off the field for such offence.”—Mr Rao seconded the motion, which was carried nnanimon-sly.

SAT UR DA Y ’ S MATCH ES. FIRST GRADE. Morxingtok A v. Mornington B. On a dry hard ground swept by a strong bleak wind Mornington’s two senior teams met for their return match. The meeting on the home ground was made the occasion of ladies’ day, and a number of ladies braved the elements. Mornington B 2 goals. Mornington A 1 goal. Roslyn-Wakari v. Ravensbodrne. The Clear was in good order for the match Rosly n-VTakari v. Ravensbourne. The

latter relied on one or two of their Third Grade team to fill up vacancies. Roslyn-Wakari 2 goa’s. Ravensbourne 1 goal. Maori Hill v. High School Old Boys. Although playing substitutes for Nicolson and Hey. High School Old Boys were backed by popular opinion in the expectation of a victory over Maori Hill, the team then lowest on the list. Popular belief was not shared in by Maori Hill, who proceeded in a practical way to reveal the fallacy of popular expectation on this particular matter. By a policy of strict and instant attention to the School forwards the moment they got the ball, the Maori Hill backs effectively extracted the sting from the attach of the Old Boys’ clever vanguard. The Hill forwards, in their turn, when they got opportunities—which did not occur very frequently—made straight and hard for the goal-mouth, with the result that when Mr Dansey’s whistle announced that the game on the Oval was concluded Rigby. Kerrigan, and Bceby had scored n goal each for Maori Hill, while the best High School Old Boys could lav alongside that achievement was one goal, scored by Peake the younger, who filled Hoy's place. Maori Hill 3 goals. High School Old Boys ... .1 goal. Northern xV v. Northern B.

The encounter between Northern seniors at the Gardens Ground was not taken very seriously, the result being regarded as a foregone conclusion. In the first spoil the A’s made their position secure by scoring two goals, both by Bailcs, from openings by Timlin and M'Donald respectively. In the second half the methods were of the free .and easy order, members of the A team paying little regard to positions. The B’s were easily inferior, and, in addition, had suffered the loss of their goalkeeper, Hogg, who was injured. Two additional goals were registered by the A’s, Timlin and Fudge being the prime agents. Mr James Timlin controlled the game. Northern A 4_go,als Northern B Nil Kaitangata v. Christian Brothers. Christian Brothers havng failed to get together a team to travel, Kaitangata had to bo content with a win by default. As the Cup competitions close after next Saturday, Kaitangata will have no more Cup matches on/ their home ground this season. SECOND GRADE. The two top teams in the Second Grade competition, Christian Brothers and Green Island, met at Montecillo. Victory meant the cup for Christian Brothers, who had a lead of two cup points. Green Island, however, managed gain the decision, after a bard-fought tussle, by 2 goals to 1. For the winners, who on the day showed a slight superiority. Grant and Diehl scored. The result places the two teams level, well ahead of the other teams in the corapctiMornington defeated Roslyn-Wakari by 3 ,goals to nil, Haig (2) and M’Farlane being the scorers. THIRD GRADE. Roslyn-Wakari defeated High School Old Boys by 6 goals to 1. Leyden (2), M‘Lcod (2),' Boyes, and Farquharson scored for the winners, and C. Stevenson for the losers. Mornington defeated Green Island by 3 goals to 1. „ , , _ Northern boat Christian Brothers by 5 goals to 1. Auld, M’Laron, and Dyei scored for the winners. FOURTH GRADE. Mornington beat Northern by 7 goals to nil. Conn (4), Lockett (2), and Henderson scored. Green Island B defeated Southern by 7 goals to 1 SCHOOLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP. The final for the Schools' B Grade competition was contested by Christian Brothers and Mornington at Montccillo. Christian Brothers annexed the cup, beating Mornington by 3 goals to nil. O’Neill (2) and Dwvcr were the scorers. Christian Brothers have also won tjic A Grade banner, and were runners-up for the C Grade trophy. XEW SOUTH WALES V. VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, August 24. A match between New South Wales and Victoria was drawn, each side scoring one goal. WEDNESDAY MATCH. Otago v. Southland. The following team has been chosen to represent the Otago Wednesday Football Association against Southland, the match to be played at Dunedin on Wednesday, August 27 : Goal, W. Taylor (Inglis); full backs— J. K. Brown (Post and Telegraph), J. W. Gooclmanson (Post and Telegraph); half-backs--J. Harvey (Inglis), D. Kirkncss (Mornington), P. Swan (Mornington); forwards—J. Wallace (Mornington), W. Wallace (Mornington), D. Ross (Post and Telegraph), J. M’Faull (Southern), J. Patterson (Southern); emergencies—forward, E. Plunkett (Mornington); half-back, M. M’Kcnzie (Post and Telegraph); full back, F. Forrester (Southern). The above players will meet at Mr I. Curtis’s rooms this (Monday) evening, at 8 o’clock, to elect a captain and receive jerseys. Mr A. Richardson has been appointed referee.

"O Q c o to d S p. 1-. J3 o S i* S 1 OB •a a 3 Ph £ S P o d a Kaitangata. 14 11 2 1 44 19 23 Northern A 14 1C 3 1 49 27 21 Mornington B ... Roslyn-Wakari ... 14 8 3 3 40 27 19 14 8 5 1 38 30 17 Mornington A ... 14 8 6 0 59 31 16 H.S. Old Boys ... 14 6 7 1 47 40 13 Christian Bros ... 14 5 8 1 37 34 11 Maori Hill 14 3 10 1 21 54 7 llavenebourne ... 14 3 10 1 20 41 7 Northern B 14 2 10 2 21 55 6