FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 53

FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES. Otago.— September 10.—Against South Canterbury September 12.—Against Canterbury. September 17.—Against Wairarapa. September 19.—Against Wellington. September 22.—Against Blenheim (pro 'bably). Wellington. — September 5. —Against Auckland. September 10.—Against Taranaki. September 12.—Against Wanganui. Wairarapa. — August 9.—Against Manawatu. August 13. —Against Taranaki. August 15. —Against Wanganui. Southland.— August 19.—Against South Canterbury August 22.—Against Wellington. August 27,—Against Taranaki. August 29.—Against Auckland September 2.—Against Wanganui. September 5. —Against Canterbury. Canterbury.— ' August B.—Against South Canterbury, August 15. —Against Auckland. August 20—Against Taranaki. August 22. —Against Manawatu or W.aa« ganui. August 27.—Against Wairarapa. August 29.—Against Wellington. „ SYDNEY UNIVERSITY TEAM IN NEW ZEALAND. August 22. —Against Canterbury College. August 26.—Against Otago University. August .29. —Against New Zealand University at Dunedin. September 2. —Against Otago University. September 5. —Against Victoria College. September 9. —Against New Zealand University, at Wellington. NEW ZEALAND TEAM IN AUSTRALIA, July 22. Against Northern Districts, at Armidale. July 25. Against Queensland, at Brisbane. July 29.—Against Queensland, at Brisbane. August I.—Against Australia, at Brisbane. August 5. A match in aid of the Olympia Fund. August S._— Against N.S. Wales, at Sydney. August 15. —Against Australia, at Sydney. RUGBY. By Full Back. of T lhe *° Uowin F table shows the position t.on :- U 1 thc First ! Jrade competi-

It did not take long to demonstrate the shoyt-s.eiKod policy oi the .New Zetland isdecLon Committee— Messrs darns Wilson ana Gallaguer—m . itoosnig only tmce tnrce-quarters lor the AH juiac* team Z W Australia.- In the very match dot end,ge was knocked cut, and Crckroft uas sem over post Haste, as’it were to fill 1’ i# V g Cd ? Cy ' • , lu tle meantime Taviox—first half back with the New Zealand,'te am-S bemg played out in the three-quarter“in“ Commute ° g;Cai reasoning- tile Selection Cani ° t( ] tlle conclusion that, though extra forwards, extra naif backs, and extra lull backs were necessary to accompany the team only three tnrce-quarters were required, I do not know, that it was not wise in its generation in so doing has now been proved. Graham’s display as a wing forward in the New Zealand-Australia first match has not brought him much glory. The Sydney Morning Herald, is particularly severe on Graham, and says: —“Graham doubtless played'the game which ho is accustomed to in his own country, but according to the strict reading of the offside rule he was an illegal obstructionist from first to last. Wing forwards of his stamp are nothing more than aimless jostlers, who do more harm to their own side than anything else. On two occasions his • glaringly unfair methods led his opponents to retaliate with their fists.” J am not aware whether Graham played wing forward when he was in California with the All Blacks last year, but the Herald is wrongly informed when it states that “Graham doubtless played the game which he is accustomed to in his own country,” as Mr Cavanagh, the coach of the Southern team, says that Graham has never played as a wing forward for the Black and Whites, that nc is not a wing forward, and that the All Blacks had consequently no right to put him in this position. As regards the reference to “fists.” the remarks of “Touchlino,’ in the Free Lance, are particularly apropos. Commenting on the League game between Wellington and the Englishmen, ho writes: —'After watching the Englishmen I was not surprised, regarding the many accidents that happened in their matches in New South Wales, Why? Because many of the visiting team showed themselves to be very quicktempered. The game had been in progress but a few minutes when one of the Englishmen used the boot on an opponent. Later on. a Wellington forward ran into a straight left. ,and yet another had his nose rubbed into the ground. If these things happened the same way in Sydney it is not bevond the-realm of practical politics in football to imagine that the Now South Welshmen would bo looking for opportunities of getting one back on the opposition. I am not saving that these things assisted towards the Englishmen having to finish some of their matches short-handed, but the thought came to mo last Saturday that they might have helped in that direction.” Watching the Universitv-Duneclln mat ch on Saturday I could not help trunking that if Bond had been in the back divi.dorv of the Dark Blues it would have had a. firming uo effect on his comrades. Bond is a good allround man, and has been of great service to his side already this season. I was

rather surprised therefore when I was informed by a Dunedin player on Monday night that Bond Had been practically forced to stand out from Ins side because a iciiow back would not shift from ms usual position —where ho had not been an altogether conspicuous success—to another position in which he had played a particularly gqpd game earlier in the season Ot the two men referred'to I certainly think that Bona is the more serviceable to h» side . but apart altogether from that P oin “> A appear that there is something wiU a management which allows 01 nw Wto the Th°e Tahuna ark ’ we ‘ haw become so U handled cicely by the Light Blue backs that nei Laps. the age spectator is becoming V ] av 0 n 8 should to tho“ffibdl every occasion tncj a ;P* " - f i does no t. arena, and is disappointed h . dJ is So far as the rearguard of Exhibition, concerned they ga\o a y - , then fcportorllj fumbl. OS ».th to hJI and then sr„°„c,', .-m. to them to h =ec their efforts time and again rendered “futile by faulty back play by th Takin- Ck the game all round, however it provided an interesting exhibition of foo - ball University again played the fom tnre S. S TeviS b sry f cannot J%* consider the back team o ? w the has been in any way advantaged_■ by experiment. Last Saturday Outh* POafdi, »n S^ s l TcJPrilfm on tho SUSmncr lir.c I.KI passing to Withers No doubt tho 'Vaiertr bacb J»™ not got thoroughly t h a T point. b'o foinrd that“n th. event ot their being on to play a hard game say, g^m S into |Ao. r nr Voftcr results by sticking to tne GC . C ° n : sed New Zealand style than by tryin» other methods which have > the past proved unsuccessful against the Now • Harris played, another fine .game Mr th, students, his first try, when he took a “punt- ass’ ’ across field on the fly without losin"' lis pace, being a particularly fine effort Were tho All Black team for Australia U bo picked to-morrow Harris would, on his present play, be a certainty. tor inclusion Withers, on the opposite wrng, also Saved well, and showed groat dash m h.s runs down the touchlme, after oathciing m passes from all sorts of angles. Cutlhill I ™nt down to a heavy tackle from a Dunedin forward in the first half and appeared to take things a bit easy thereafter. In the second half he exchanged places with Burtenshaw at full back, but on latter getting hurt came mto the three-quaruci. line again. Wilson and M'Mullah worked wed together in getting the ball away, fctobo Kidd Pilling, and Fisher {until he received an injury to his ankle) nlayed solid games m the Light Blue forward ranks Skinner, tho Duned.m wing forward, was in tho thick of the play from start to finish, and his tackling was a feature in upsetting the passing amongst tho students backs. Haynes played his usual honest game, as did also Woods. Of .the Dark Blue backs there is nothing to be said. “Knocking on and throwing forward are propelling the ball by the hand or arm in the direction of the opponents in-goal. —Laws of -the Game of lootball. This ' rule appears explicit enough, but nevertheless it is interpreted in various ways by different referees. Last Saturday, foi instance, I noticed a back' run forward with outstretched arms to take a pass; ho fumbled the ball between Iris hands for a second, and then dropped it, and tho whistle immediately blew for a knock-on. In this case the player did not throw forward or propel tho ball in the direction of the opponents’ in-goal; he simply carried it forward between his outstretched hands. Neither ho nor his side gained the least advantage—it was not even an infringement of the rule quoted above —and yet the game was subjected to one more of those irritating delays witnessed every Saturday. There is no doubt in my mind that the knock-on rule deserves to bo interpreted m a far broader spirit than at present obtains. Some referees appear to carry out the rules according to the strictest' letter of the laws, and allow nothing whatever for the atmosphere, spirit, what you will, of the game. Another point which has a most pernicious effect on the game is connected with throws-in from ?#.ie lino. It is not hard to throw a ball in straight to a lincout; but it is also through carelessness very easy to throw in crooked. How many of our referees wait to see which side gains an advantage when the ball is not thrown in straight to tho line-out forwards? Not many. And yet if they did wait, what a wonderful effect it would have in brightening up the game, and it would soon be' found that the man who could not project tho ball at a direct right angle to the touch-line would be the exception and not the rule. Taking all the circumstances into consideration it becomes increasingly evident that it lies with the referee whether a game shall bo fast or slow and distinctly uninteresting to both players and spectators alike. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. The weekly meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was held on Monday night, and was attended by Messrs Harris (in the chair), Miscall, Sinclair, Priest, White, Sandes, Stuart, Cavanagli, M‘Taggart, Brown, Nelson, Low, Wilson, Dunne, and Dr Evans. The North Otago Sub-union wrote stating that all arrangements were being made for its match with the University Club, to bo played at Oaniaru next- Thursday. Mr W. Brown was appointed to accompany the team as manager from the union. The matter of appointment of referee was left with the North Otago Sub-union. A telegram was received from the Marlborough Union, stating that Tuesday, September 22, would suit it admirably as to the date on which to meet the Otago touring team. On the motion of Mr Cavanagh it was decided to extend the tour of tho Otago team to enable it to meet the Marlborough representative fifteen. Permission was granted to tho Dunedin Locomotive Club to travel to Waimato to play the Christchurch Locomotive team on

July 27 for the Challenge Cup, the name of the manager of the local team to bo submitted to the union. It Was decided to reply to the Boiler Union, stating that the Otago team would be prepared to play its touring team in Dunedin on August 22. Permission was granted to the Dunedin Boys’ High School First Fifteen to travel to Christchurch on July 23 for the purpose of playing the annual match with Christ s College, the manager’s name to be submitted to the union. Tho North Otago Sub-union wrote forwarding an appeal from its decision by the Excelsion Club. The Excelsior Club had appealed against tho decision of the referee in giving a scrum five yards out, in the match played by it against Vchletio, instead, of awardjng a try . Tho point was that some spectators were standing on tho ingoal area, and the ball struct one of them, and that the Excelsior team maintained that a try ‘ would have been scored had not the ball being obstructed by tho spectator. The referee had stated that ho did not consider a try would have been scored, and the North Otago Sub-union thereupon dismissed the appeal.—The union decided to also dismiss the appeal, the referee being tho sole judge of the facts of the ease. WELLINGTON REFEREES’ TROUBLE. WELLINGTON, July 20. As a result of tho dispute between the Wellington Rugby Union and tho Referees Association a meeting was hold to-night, at which a now Referees’ Association \v as formed. Mr E. Wylie was elected chairman. It is stated that the new association is assured of a strong membership, and application is to be made immediately for affiliation with the New Zealand Association. At present tho old Referees Association is not taking any part in the conduct of matches, having declared its intention to enjoy a “ vacation ’’ ponding tne Rugby Union’s acquiescence in tho request that its representative on the Appointment Board be removed. This tho union refuses to accede to, hence the formation of the new body of referees. .. j SATURDAY’S MATCHES. FIRST GRADE. University v. Dunedin. The match University v. Dunedin was played on Tahuna Park, tne Carisbrook Ground being considered in too heavy a condition. The game was not marked by much sustained, attractive football, the backs on both sides failing on many occasions to handle the ball cleanly. However, the rearguard of the Light Blues at _ times showed glimpses of their true form. Withers running well and taking some passes from difficult angles, while Harris, who scored three tries, gave a very creditable display, seeing that he was generally called upon to make his own openings. Fortune and Jeffs were tho most prominent of tho opposing backs, but at critical moments they appeared to experience great difficulty in gathering in passes, and their passes, in turn, seldom reached their objective. The forward play, taking it all round, was of a rather ragged discription. University 30 points. Dunedin Nil. Mr E. Clancy was referee. Zingari-Richmond v. Alhambra. In spite of the heaviness of the ground at Bishopscourt: the match between ZingariRichmond and Alhambra provided a contest which was fast and interesting all through. The Alhambra forwards played a splendid game and never lost heart, though the odds agamst them most of tho time wore great. They were not supported at all by their backs, who failed to handle the ball with anything like the skill or accuracy that might have been expected, even on a wet ground. Zmgari-Richmond, on the other hand, pressed continually, and the backs and forwards worked together with fair consistency. They scored steadily, and had the advantage all through tho game, with a persistence that must have b.een heart-breaking to their opponents. Zingari were without the services of Collie, Bond, and Davidson, but the substitutes held their own ably. Zingari-Richmond 25 points. Alhambra 3 points. Mr Ward was referee. Kaikorai v. Pirates. The above teams —the one at the top and the other at the bottom of the competition —met at Tahuna Park on Saturday. Tho superiority of the hill team was apparent from the kick-off. Pirates, although having many good individual players, played with very little combination. Once, in the second spell, their backs got in a nice passing rush, which gained a big stretch of ground, but this was practically the only occasion on which they displayed any bright play. For Kaikorai, Scott played very soundly, his long, sweeping kicks finding touch unerringly. Hanna, too, did good defensive work, but persisted in netting out ot position, and taking tho ball on occasions when he should iiave left it to the full-back or tho wings. _ Pink made a successful debut on the wing, and Duff took Dryden’s place. Kaikorai 20 points. Pirates Nil. Mr R. Heron was referee. Southern v. Poet Chalmers. The match Southern v. Port Chalmers was played at Ravensbourno on Saturday afternoon. Southern 14 points. Port Chalmers 3 points. Mr J. Doy was referee. (SECOND GRADE. Pirates defeated West Taieri at Outram by 15 points to nil. Holmes scored three tries, Allen one, and Fairmaid potted a goal. Southern suffered their first defeat this season at the hands of Zingari-Richmond, by 6 points (a try by Henderson and a penalty goal by Torrance) to nil. MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, July 19. The second round of the Auckland Rugby Football Union’s Senior Grade championship was concluded on .Saturday, in fine weather. City boat Marist Bros, by 6 points to 3. and Ponsonby beat College Rifles by 17 points to 3. The championship points are;— University 14, City 14, Ponsonby 11, Marist Bros. 7, Old Boys 7, College Rifles 4. University a,nd City will play off for tho championship, probably next Saturday. WELLINGTON, July 19. Following are tho results of Saturday’s matches: —University beat Athletic by 10 points to 3; Wellington beat Oriental by 11 points to 3; Petone boat St. James’s by 44 points to nil; Poncko boat Melrose by H points to 6. University’s defeat of Athletic

who still load for the championship, was a groat surprise. CHRISTCHURCH, July 19 Following arc tho results of Saturday’s matches: —Old Boys beat Christchurch by 8 points to 6; Mcrrivalo beat Linwood by 11 points to 5; Albion boat Sydenham by 16 points to nil; University beat Marists by 12 points to 10. DANNEVIRKE DEFEATS MANAWATU. DANNBVIRKE, July 15. The Dannevirke Rugby Sub-union representatives beat Manavvatu to-day by 9 points (two tries and a penalty goal) to 5 points (a converted try). The game was a forward one, and devoid of science. PALMERSTON v. WAIEOUAITI. Tho Palmerston senior football team met Waikouaiti on Saturday 11th for the fourth match lor tho banner. Tho ground was very wet. Waikouaiti, in the first half, scored 3 points, and had on the whole tno best of the play. In the second half Palmerston pressed all tho time, but were not able to score, and' tho game ended: Waikouaiti 3 points, Palmerston nil. THE AUSTRALIAN GAME. MELBOURNE, July 15. It is proposed to form a company, called the “ Australian Footballers, Limited,” with a capital of £10,030, to send two teams to tour the world, leaving in January. The teams will play at Panama, the United States, England, France, and South Africa. The prospectus is being issued this week. NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLERS. SYDNEY, July 15. At Orange the New Zealand footballers had a runaway victory against the Western Districts. The scores were 59 points to 10. This is the largest score ever put up by any New Zealand team in Australia. The previous best was 53 points to nil, against the Northern Districts in 1903. The ground was very heavy, and rain fell during the afternoon. The-team was cordially welcomed on its arrival. July 15. The manager of the New Zealand team states that all the members indignantly deny the rumour that three of them are likely to go over to the league. Sir R. C. Munro-Ferguson (Governorgeneral) and Sir Gerald Strickland (State Governor) have notified their intention of being present at Saturday’s match. TEST MATCH WITH AUSTRALIA. A WIN FOR THE VISITORS. SYDNEY, July 19. The first Union test match between New Zealand and Australia was played on the sports ground yesterday in the presence of Sir R." C. Munro-Ferguson (Governor-General), Sir Gerald Strickland (State Governor), and about 9000 spectators. Recent rain had made the ground heavy and slippery, and constant showers during the afternoon did not improve the conditions. A strong, choppy cross wind did not favour either team. Play opened with fast forward play, the New Zealanders attacking. Forward footwork by the Australians took the play to the New Zealanders’ line, but the attack was repulsed by consistent play by the Maoriland pack. Fierce attacking on the part of the New Zealanders followed, the play eventually veering to the centre for some time, when the Blues assumed the aggresive. There was heavy play in the New Zealand twenty-five, following which ineffectual forward play was the order ot the day, varied by a little kicking on the part of the backs, when there Avas loose play in the centre. The Blues rushed the ball into the New Zealanders’ country, and Thomson took the ball over the line. The Blacks, forcing, saved the situation temporarily, but the Blues continued- to attack, and the Maorilanders Avere forced to act on the defensive. From a scrum at five yards the New Zealanders cleared their territory by a fine kick, and were again aggressive. From an “ off-side ” the Blacks Avere granted a kick, and found touch in Blue country. From the “ lineout ” Ryan got the ball, and passing took place from Black to Lynch, Avho failed to take the pass. The Ncav Zealanders, however, continued to press, until a touch in goal relieved the pressure, and Australia forced the play in the centre, where the Blues Avere granted a free kick. ForAvard work took the ball into the New Zealanders’ twenty-five territory. The visitors relieving, play Avas returned to the centre. The Blue forwards were still attacking, when from loose play in the centre the Blue backs got aAvay, Flynn making a fine run, but the Ncav Zealanders pulled him doAA'n and cleared the way, and play returned to the. centre. From a scrum Graham broke aAvay, and footed the ball doAvn the field. Dwyer cleared, and finding “ touch,” the New Zealanders made a short dash for the Australian citadel, but the attack failed. Ncav Zealand Avas still attacking when the whistle went for halftime, without any score on either side. On resuming, the New Zealanders gained the advantage of the wind, which had been veering since the first half. The Blues opened an attack, but the Ncav Zealanders forcing the play in the centre a forward rush took tho play into Blue country. Ryan picking up the ball, lucked over the line, the Blues touching doAvn. Play centred in Australian quarters for some time, when a free kick gave the Blues an advantage, centre action shifting the play into the New Zealanders’ country. The New Zealanders temporarily relieved the pressure, but the Blue forwards, playing a fine game, continued acting in the aggressive. An interchange of long kicks between the two full backs

resulted in O’Brien finding touch Avith a fine kick, Avhich relieved the New Zealanders. The Australians returned undaunted, and their attack forced the play over the Maorilanders’ line, but the situation was saved by a touch doAvn. The New Zealanders Avere again hard pressed, when Wogan fumbled the ball, giving them a reprieve. With an irresistible rush the Ncav Zealand forwards took the ball into -Australian ground, and fine Avork.by Francis enabled M'Neece to score a try, Avhich Graham converted. Nbav Zealand 5 Australia Nil. Play remained in Australian ground for some time, Avhen determined action removed it to half-AA’ay. The -New Zealanders picking up the ball from a lineout, E. Roberts passed to Lynch, and, cutting inside, took Lynch’s pass, but Avas brought down near the Australian line. The locals rallying cleared, and by concerted action shifted play into the Maorilanders’ tAventy-five. From a kick by Lynch the Blue three-quarter line got moving, a fine run being stopped by R. Roberts and Taylor. By a brilliant but unsupported run Ryan took the ball into the ‘Australians’ twenty-five, Avhen he Avas pulled down. The New Zealanders, gathering round, attacked hard, the Australians Avith difficulty repulsing. Putting in a final effort the Blues returned to the attack, finding touch. A kick by E. Roberts relieved the dangerous pressure. Play hung at half-Avay, the Blues still acting in the aggressive when “All-Black” forward work took the ball into the Australian twenty-five. The Maorilanders Avere still attacking Avhen the whistle blew. Final score:— ■ Nbav Zealand 5 Australia Nil. Throughout the game the forwards on either side had all the play, the backs being unable to get moving owing to the slippery ground and ball. The New Zealand pack proved -superior in scrum and footAVork SYDNEY, July 20. Roberts, captain of the New Zealand team, summed up the match thus: “It was a hard game, and should have been drawn.” 1 The manager (Mr R. M. Isaacs) declared that a draAV would more correctly have represented the character of the game. “ Your forwards,” he said, “ did give us a shock.” The Daily Telegraph declares that the New Zealanders expected to Avin handily, but they did not, and for half the time had to defend as only Nbav Zealand champions can. This was due to the surprising dash and resource of the opposing forAvards. It Avas primarily a forward battle. The Herald says : “ Even the most sanguine of the Australian supporters never anticipated such a magnificent bid for the forward supremacy as Avas made by the Australian eight. The Australians Avere more aggressive throughout; the New Zealanders’ wonderful defence, superior tactics, and kicking saving them from defeat.’’ THE QUEENSLAND MATCH. BRISBANE, July 20. 'lhe Queensland Rugby Union’s team for the match against New Zealand on Saturday next Avill be : Full-back : E. Francis. Three-quarters ; S.' Francis, Flynn, Green, Smith. Half-backs : Russell and Park. Forwards : Morrissey, Williams, Perkins, Murphy, Byrne, Thompson, Birt, Lloyd. Reserves : Kreutzer, Wilson, Brown. Smith, Healion. THE FIRST GAME. HOW THE NEW ZEALANDERS SHAPED. (From Our Oavn Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 13. Tho weather conditions for Saturday’s match were ideal, and all in favour of fast play. The day was beautifully fine, with a slight nip in tho air, and what little Avind there Avas blew diagonally across the ground. The game was in many respects a disappointing one. It AA’as tremendously fast and full of incident, but there was almost an entire absence of concerted movements by either side. This defect will probably bo remedied by the visitors, who were playing as a team for tho first time, but something better Avas expected from the home team, tho back division of Avhich played together in New Zealand last year, and this season four times against Queensland. The start of the game Avas of a sensational nature the home team scoring a try within 30 seconds of the kick-off. This put tho crowd in good humour, but from then onward tho locals never looked like winning. But for our wretched attempts at goal kicking tho score might easily have been in the vicinity of 40 points. E. and R. Roberts. Ryan and Lynch could not got the- ball near ’the posts; though, strangely enough, tho one goal R. Roberts did kick was a very fine one. As Loveridge sprained his ankle early in tho game, he was replaced by Taylor who played with a good deal of dash. Soon after coming . on tho field ho got a clean pass from Ryan, and finished up a stroll" run by scoring between the posts. His fast following up was also tho factor which produced M'Neeoe’s try. It will not bo surprising if ho is played in the threequarter lino during the rest of tho tour. Tho r>amo was undoubtedly won bv our forwards, who gave a fine display. Towards the end of the first spoil both packs Avere run to a standstill, but the half-time interval, which Avas longer than usual, put fresh Vigour into them, and in the second spell tho pace was tremendous. Perhaps the only two forwards who did not show their true form were Murray and Irvine, the latter being too short ot condition to do much in the loose, though he held the scrum together finely* Tho

pack as a whole was very solid, and frequently pushed its opponents clean off the ball. Wilson and Cain were a little ahead of the others, the former being in the thick of everything. They all tackled finely, and in that respect saved the backs a groat deal of work. With a little more condition they will probably prove themselves superior to any pack which has yet visited Australia. The backs as a whole were somewhat disappointing in the matter of defence, though there were notable exceptions. O’Brien, after his early fumble, gave a magnificent displav of full-back play. Ho fielded finely, and his lino kicking could not have been improved upon. Ho never failed to find touch, and often gained fully 50 yards by his kicks, and when tackling never failed to grass his man. Lynch was somewhat disappointing, owing to his failure to show his usual pace and dash. In the second spell this defect was not so pronounced, and he then* did useful work. Loveridge shaped well for the little while he w’as on the field. R. Roberts started off well, and made one ran early in the game, but later on seemed somewhat hampered by his duties as captain, and though his work generally was sound, hardly played up to his reputation. Black was useful, but, like Lynch, did not make full use of his pace. Ryan, who was played with the view of stiffening the defence, was very solid, and a tower of strength to the side. Ho also attacked very strongly, and made some fine openings for others, in addition to scoring three tries in the first spell. E. Roberts was disinclined to go down to the rushes, but otherwise played finely, and soon became a favourite with the spectators. His passing was clean and effective, and ho was prominent in most of the attacking movemenfs. Though their display as a whole was not convincing, the backs showed that when they settle down they will take a lot of stopping. To put it mildly, the homo backs were disappointing, and the side as a whole failed to press homo their opportunities. At times two or three or four players had the ball with them, and only one Black to boat, but always did the wrong thing, and throw away a certain score. The full-back, Dwyer, failed to play up to his reputation, said was freouently caught with the ball. Wood, the half-back, was far too slow, and might with advantage bo replaced by a faster and younger man. Mr Pauling handled the game well. and. while he was quick to penalise breaches, did not use too much whistle. As he is one of the local selectors, and also coach of the team, he was placed in a rather invidious position, but rose to the occasion, and gave no cause for complaint. The ground, which is not a largo one, was fairly filled, and the union officials were well pleased with the attendance at the match. The spectators followed the game closely, and were impartial in their applause. The teams dined together after the match, when the speeches were commendably brief. Later on our party visited a 20-round boxing match between Saylor and Shugruex. On Sunday we were the guests of Mr Davo Smith, the New Zealand boxer; at a harbour excursion, which proved very enjoyable. To-night the toam will attend the Amateur Swimming Club’s ball, and tomorrow (Tuesday) will leave for Orange, where they are to plav a match against the Central-Western Districts, and return to Sydney on Thursday. The manager has received a reqncs* from the Victorian Rugby Union to visit Melbourne and nlay a match there. It is not probable that the invitation will be accepted. The team as a whole are sound and well, bu* in all probability Weston’s iniured leg will prevent his playing for some little time.

a C A t'c < o >■. d d o -jj f 3 | 3 d. i University Kaikorai Southern Zingari-Richmond Dunedin Alhambra Union Port Chalmers Pirates r, . £ d Q P-i "5 Ch -G o 12 10 1 1 240 59 21 11 . 12 11 12 12 11 12 11 9 7 7 4 4 3 2 ■0 1 3 3 5 6 9 11 1 2 3 1 2 1 0 136 152 110 77 55 48 46 17 32 55 •51 125 120 130 143 165 19 16 15 11 9 8 5 0