FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 58

FOOTBALL.

By Full Back.

RUGBY.

FOOTBALLERS AND THE WAR.

The honour of being the first Otago footballer to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at the front falls to Corporal Charles W. Saunders, of this city, who will bo remembered as a five-eighth in the Pirates senior team of 1908. He was a bright, nippy player, as we knew him, and keen on the game. Corporal Saunders gave up football six years ago, when he went to servo an an engineer at sea, and subsequently loft for England, where he enlisted on the outbreak of the war. He is a brother of Walter Saunders, an enthusiastic supporter of football and for some time secretary of the Pirates Club. That distinguished honours have fallen so early to Corporal Saunders has given great satisfaction to his friends in his native city. It should bo mentioned that his eldest brother is serving with the New Zealand Field Artillery at the Dardanelles.

Several soldier-footballers of Dunedin were in town last week on, leave from Trentham, where they are training for the big game at the front and otherwise keeping_ fit by playing football with the three senior teams which have been established at New Zealand’s great training ground. International honours greater far than those to bo won on the football field are theirs and for all those \yho elect at this crisis to serve the nation. The football training, combined with the more serious and perhaps more strenuous military exercises, are keeping the men extraordinarily fit, and one had only to see these soldier-footballers to realise that health and strength were being benefited to a fine degree. In a chat with a prominent Otago player down from Trentham I remarked on the improved appearance of the men, and said that some of them looked as if they had health for sale. “This is the life,” ho replied; “and if those fellows who are remaining behind only realised it there woidd not bo a single man left in Dun-edin—-they would be all at Trentham, training for the front. I found my football training standing me in good stead at Trentham, and all the footballers there arc of the same opinion. Besides,” he added, “ we have three good senior teams, as you can imagine, with the pick of Now Zealand players to choose from. Indeed, at the present time there could be selected from the men at Trentham a team which would do credit to the Dominion if sent on tour. When you know that such fine players as Wilson, Auckland and New Zealand three-quarter; Murray, Wellington and Auckland three-quarter; Lynch, New Zealand centre and South Canterbury representative; Cameron, the Taranaki fiveeighths ; Weston, of Auckland; Teddy Roberts, the halfback of the last New Zealand team; and Ross, half back of Auckland, who was regarded as bavins' a good chance in the New Zealand team which toured Australia, are some of the backs, and that the forwards include several of the best players in the Dominion, yon will realise that a fine team could bo selected from the soldiers at present training for the front.” [Since the foregoing was written a team practically composed of the players named mot an Auckland Fifteen at Auckland on Saturday in aid of the Patriotic Fund, defeating the local representatives by 15 points to 5. —JfxTLu Back.] The Otago footballer down fr.om Trentliam is a good player himself, having represented this province in the three-quarter line; but he confesses not to be class enough for the bset fifteen that could be picked from the men at present at Zealand’s military training ground. “Still,” he said, “I am good enough for the Trentham O team, which includes several well-known players, and we have hopes of defeating the crack A team before the departure of the next reinforcements. Lynch, the New Zealand centre, and son of Otago’s old represervative, is playing wonderfully well with the Trentham A team, his last game being quite a revelation.” The Otago soldier-footballer left me to boyd the tram back to Trentham. With a smile on his lips and a light in his eye he flashed, “I’m going back to the life, and to fight to the death if; needs be.” After this who will not endorse the words of Colonel Selby, who said “he had heard abuse of football, cricket, and other sports, but when the history’ of the war came to be written it would be found one of the reasons for the British- success had lain in the spirit with wliich we had gone into the fight. That spirit, if it had not been the principal motive, had at any rate been helped by the sports and games which Englishmen had played.” The fighting in France, with its spirited attack and stubborn defence, and those forward-rushes on the Turkish lines at the Dardanelles by the Australians and New Zealanders, reminding one of a rush on the football field, is proof of the value of sport in war. There is no stop nor stay to the footballer determined to got to the front. Since my last notes several other prominent players have enlisted, and are leaving with the next Otago contingent for Trentham. Among others there is that fine forward of the Kaikorai team, Hughie McDonald, who was a member of the Otago touring team a couple of seasons ago. A splendid type of manhood. he is just the stamp I should imagine would delight the heart of the recruiting officer. That M'Donald will make as good a soldier as he is a footballer I have not the slightest doubt, and that he will be in the van of the forward rushes on the enemy’s lines, be that enemy Turk, German, or Austrian, wo may be sure. I mention in passing that M'Donakl filled a gan_ in the Kaikorai ranks on Saturday against Zingari-Richmond, and scored a try.

Another Kaikorai player, this one of many years standing, so many perhaps that ho dare not look back, has enlisted, and is off to tho front, via Trentham. T. Cubitt—everyone knows him —has been a member of the Kaikorai Club for upwards of 20 years, yet not too old to play football and fight for Ids country. He has filled a gap in either First or Second Grade Kaikorai teams since the season opened, and now he is off to fill a gap in the firing line. Nor will it he his baptism of fire when the Turkish shrapnel bursts around him, for he served in the Boer war, so knows what it is to hear the whistling shell and see the flecks of dust kicked up by the bullets of snipers. The Cubitls are a sporting and soldierly race. Fred Cubitt, one of the best and most hard-working members of the Kaikorai Club, as he was one of tho best forwards, is already at the Dardanelles, having, with other Otago mounted men in Egypt, volun-

teered to join the infantry rather than miss the fighting, only did not call it fighting in a recent communication. Fun is what he called it. Maybe it is, and maybe _it isn’t. Anyway, Fred Cubitt is not missing it, be it fun or fighting. Perhaps alter all that has been said in these notes concerning Kaikorai players and the war, the wonder will be expressed that there are many Kaikorai players loft who are eligible for the front. As a truth there are not; and so many Kaikorai players have gone into the battlefield that tnere is being experienced the utmost difficulty in keeping any teams on the football field. It is already known that this club has had to withdraw its Second Grade team from the competition owing to players having gone to the war and the difficulty of filling their places; but it is not known that die senior team is seriously threatened. Indeed, it has been suggested that the First Grade team should be withdrawn from the competition also. Last Saturday the seniors were nearly half a dozen short of the full complement, and men had to be picked up on the ground to fill the vacancies. Only 11 to 12 players are available each Saturday, and as there are no juniors left in the club to promote, it means that tho team goes on the field short-handed each week, and trusts to luck to pick up substitutes on the ground. On Saturday there was the unique spectacle of Mowatt and Woodrow playing in tho three-quarter line, and substitutes filling the gaps in the pack, one of whom is alleged never to have played football before ! Altogether there were five substitutes playing in the Kaikorai senior team on Saturday. Of course this is extremely distressing, and as the club has no juniors to promote it is in an awkward predicament. The suggestion to withdraw tho senior team should not bo entertained so long as a team of any sort can bo put in tho field. It matters not if Kaikorai or any other team in a similar position is beaten in every engagement so long as the game is kept going for the benefit of those who cannot go •to the Avar and for those who are in training for it. Those who suggest that the Kaikorai senior team should bo withdrawn ai'B evidently losing sight of the fact that although many have gone to the front there is still left a team which, Avith the assistance of recently retired players, would make up a first-class fifteen. Take the premier team of last year. There are seven married men who cannot, and cannot be expected to, go to tho front while single men are aA-ailable. Six of these were in the fine pack of forwards which practically won tho premiership for Kaikorai last season—A. M’Donald, Herd, Duncan, Mowatt, Ritchie, —while a seventh, Dryden, was the half back. In addition to seven of last year’s premiers there are Hpmer, who has played some years in tho club; Barnes, the old Taieri forward; and Kirkwood, a country player. Ten married to start with out of the 15. Five others are available, three of whom have offered their services to the nation, but unfornately. haA'e been rejected oAving to minor deficiencies. This, then, Avould be the Kaikorai first fifteen, with three men Avho have played in the Second Grade team to fill the gaps if necessary. The team, too, would have the assistance for some time yet of Woodrow and Osbourne, Avho. although they have been accepted for service, cannot go immediately. In all the circumstances, then, difficult as it may appear, the Kaikorai Club should be able to retain a good first fifteen in the field. With the men now playing and with the assistance of retired players it would bo against the whole snirit of Kaikorai in sport and war to Avithdraw the senior team from the competition. It is the duty of old players to rally round and give the .club a hand in this the proudest moment of its existence, Avhen its senior team is threatened with extinction owing to the fine resjaense made to the nation’s call. Position or Teams. The following table shows the position

In a recent issue reference was made to the splendid response to the call to arms of members of the Union Club, and it was then stated that so few reserves were loft that the Maroons would experience d : ffi culty in keeping complete teams in the field throughout the season. The secretary now advises that another half-dozen Union men, including R Fogarty (captain of the F’rst Fifteen), T. E. Connor, J Duncan, R. K. Bayliss, J. Wilson, and C. Beck, have left the joys of football to take up arms, and left for Trentham on Saturday. Altogether, with J. Crawford, A. Burns (who, I regret to say, are among tire wounded). H. Church. S. Ryan, J. Aitken, and J. Little (whose names were missed from previous lists), the Un’on Club has fnrmshed 55 members to the New Zealand Forces—a splendid record truly,—and as more members intend leaving with the Seventh Reinforcements, the club will bo hard pressed to keep its engagements. An appeal is made to past players to rally round and give the old club a helping hand. This appeal should not be'made in vain. If we cannot go and fight ourselves, the next best action is to relieve those who can.

So far it is not known what members, if any, of the Dunedin Club.- will be leaving with the Seventh Reinforcements. The oldestablished club has sent so many of Dark Blues to the front that few remain who aro eligible for active service; and the same difficulty here, as elsewhere/ is reported to keep the colours flying. Other losses than those occasioned by the war are being sustained by Dunedin, and in th’s connection I regret to record that owing to an injury received in the match against ’Varsity. Skinner, the best forward in the team, and one of the most dashing players in the province, will probably be unable to play again this -eason. An injury to the knee is the trouble. Dunedin will sorely miss Skinner from the pack in its f m. gagements. and regret is expressed that such e fine player and good sportsman has been put out of action. The Kaikorai Club, too, is sending more of its members into the firing line, and the best traditions of the race are being

maintained by the wearers of the i ellknown blue-and-black colours. The officials • of the club are giving every encouragement to recruiting, ana, indeed, are going

farther by hinting to players Avhom they think should go to the front. As a truth, there are foiv members of tho Kaikorai Club now remaining avlio are eligible for tho sterner game at tho Dardanelles and “somewhere in Franco and Belgium.” It should be knoAvn, too, that several who arc playing football are not doing so from choice. They have offered their scrA-ices to the nation, but, OAving to minor deficiencies, haA-o been rejected. These men, of whom there are half a dozen in the Kaikorai Club, arc to be sympathised Avith, and if the public was aware of the circumstances that keep them off tho battlefield, it would bo more tolerant in its criticism. Fortunate are those Avho are able to shoulder a rifle and play the man’s part. Of these congratulations are extended to T. WoodroAV, the Avellknown Kaikorai forward and Otago representative, who has enlisted, and Avho loaves shortly for military training at Trontham; also NoAvman, the front-ranker; Armstrong, the halfback; and Osbourne, the threequarter. Tho latter has only been kept back so long by home responsibilities; but the other day he left for the West Coast, to arrange for his departure. The players named are Avell-known First Grade men who have done good service on the_ football field, and will, Ave feel sure, do infinitely greater service on tno field of battle. Two prominent and hard-working Second Grade players.—W. Wilson and W. Hadlee —are also off to join the Se\'enth Reinforcements, making up the line record to date of the Kaikorai Club of 40 active, 20 ex-players, and some 20 honorary members, who are either in the firing line or in training for it. EA'idence is forthcoming, too, that Kaikorai players have been in the forefront of the fighting, G. W. Crossan, and O. Harwood having been wounded at the Dardanelles.

Tho proud part the Kaikorai Club and Kaikorai players are taking in the Avar is rendered prouder still by the departure of that Avell-known ex-Otago forward and refee, Rob Adamson, Avho left Avith the Otago contingent of Now Zealand’s new unit (Lord Liverpool’s Own) on Saturday. Good luck go with him .and the others Avho have answered the nation’s call. One more reference to the Kaikorai Club in connection Avith tho war. Tho Second Grade team has been withdrawn from tho competition owing to the difficulty of placing a complete fifteen in the field each Saturday, occasioned by the shortage of players and the multitude of soldiers! If Otago’s quota is short, it docs not seem reasonable to look for the 'recruits on the football field.

First off the football ground and first into the field of battle, Pirates has sacrificed its First Grade team to the great cause, and still more of the All Blacks are going to the front to join those already there. E. Uurrie, A. E. Duncan, and A. Jamieson loft on Saturday with Lord Liverpool’s Own for Trentham, where a numbei of Pirates have been in training for some time ready to depart with the next reinforcements. Prominent among ihesc is the old Pirates forward, Smeaton, who has received a commission in the Battery, and R. M'Kollar, last year’s wing three-quarter, a sergeant in the same company. The Pirates list to date is 65 soldier footballers, with more to follow when they are wanted. _ On top of this and, at such a time as this it is surprising to hear of objections being raised to certain players taking part in Second Grade football. There is the case of Craigie, for instance. Last year this player was a member of the Alhambra First Grade team, and this year obtained a transfer to Pirates, which club, as everyone knows, has its First Grade team fighting at the Dardanelles. In the circumstances, it was right and proper that Craigie should be allowed to play in the Pirates Second Grade team this season* The Southern Club has entered a protest on the grounds that it is unfair to players in Second Grade football. In any other season, when matters are normal and when half the members of all the clubs are on the football field and not on tho field of battle, this protest would be worth considering; but not now. The primary object of the Rugby Union this year should be to assist recruiting and to keep tho game going for the benefit of those who arc forced to remain behind. The winning or losing of matches this season should bo of no moment to Southern or any other club, and the objection to Craigie playing Second Grade football in the special circumstances is, to say the least, doubtful sportamansh p. Rules and regulations governing the game at ordinary times should be relaxed this season where it is necessary to do so, and in circumstances like, and similar to, the one under discussion. If the Rugby Onion uphold Southern’s protest a player is forced out of the game or compelled to join another club. Neither course is desirable or necessary. In such an event, it may bo that Pirates would find a way out of playing its Second Grade team in the First Grade competition, even though to do so would bo to invite defeats in every engagement. The Alhambra Club is well in the van of city clubs the members of which arc rallying round the flag. Since the publication of Otago’s roll of honour many other members of the Red-and-blacks have to be added, making up to date the fine total of 54 players who are at the front and in training for the firing lino, with more to follow. The names of S. Brown, J. Walker, G. Cassells, and J. Saunders, who went away with the Main Expeditionary Fores, were inadvertently omitted from the original Ist. Other members who left to join New Zealand’s unit last week are D. Eckhoff, A. Page, J. R. Harwood, F. Wright, and V. Schawmann, while D. Mathcson, R. Anderson, W. Fanil, and W. Manly have passed the medical test, and will leave with tho Seventh R-inforcoments.

Included among the members of the Zingari-Richmond Club who have recently volunteered for active service is that d forward of two seasons ago, T. Smith, who captamed the “ Colours ” in 1913 when the tofnii won the premiership. Zingari-Richmond met a team from the Athletic Club, Oamaru, _ at Montecillo on Thursday, and scored a win by 17 points to 3. Neither side was at representative strength, and the visitors laboured under the further disadvantage that the season has not commenced in Oarnaru as yet. A fast game took nlaco (a little too fast first spoil for the condition of the men), and there were occasional flashes of good football. Davidson scored first for Zingari, chopping in cleverly on the heels of a back rush. In the same spell Tillyshort got over. In the second half Davidson kicked a goal from a mark, and Patterson and Hessey scored, Pellowe converting the last try. Halfway the second half the visitors made a brisk attack, and Sidon scored. Mr A. Downes controlled the game.

SAT CRD AY’S MATCHES. • ( FIRST GRADE. * University t. Southern. Tno game of the season, so far, wae

played at Carisbrook on Saturday between University and Southern. The weather was perfect for football, and there was a larger attendance than usual. For the first time this season, too, there were expressions of appreciation and demonstrations of excitement. The match throughout was keenly interesting, the game being fast and spectacular with few dull moments. All or nearly all the best phases of Rugby were introduced, and the various movements on attack and defence were cleverly executed. University was without the services of Black at centre and Wilson at five-eighths. Park filled the vacancy in the three-quarter line, and Valentine paired with Currie at five-eighths. The heavy Southern forwards dominated the game, and, with their backs fielding safely and finding the lino, the Black-and- Whites were always, more or less, on the offensive. The light University forwards stood up to the work well, and the backs exercised all their cleverness and pace, but for the first time this season those virtues failed to carry reward. On the run of the play Southern deserved their win, though there were occasions when University looked like saving the game. Southern 9 points. University 5 points. Mr J. Uoy was referee. Zingari-Richmond v. Kaikoeai.

The attendance at Tahuna Park to witness the match between Zingari-Richmond and Kaikorai was very scanty, but this gives no indication of the nature of the game, which, notwithstanding that both sides wore playing a number of Second Grade players, proved a fast, open forward struggle. To the last both teams were very keen, and throughout the whole of both spells the pace was so hot that quite a number of stoppages had to be made through players being temporarily incapacitated ; indeed, one of the Kaikorai men had to retire, allowing his place to be filled by a, substitute. Zingari-P.iehmond ' ... 26 points. Kaikorai ... 10 points. . Mr J. Himberg oontrolk d the game. Union v. Dunedin. Union played a fine, open game. All their players arc in good trim, and were smart to take the chances that came their way. Dunedin played without combination, and time and again missed favourable openings. The final score was: Union 37 points. Dunedin 6 points. Mr R. Heron was referee. Port' Chalmers v. Alhambra. Saturday’s football match between Port Chalmers and Alhambra, First Grade teams was contested at Ravensbourne. The weather w r as perfect, but the spectators were very few in number. FOURTH GRADE. Alhambra defeated Southern at Opoho by 34 points to nil. Tries were scored by G. Gilliek (3), M. Cameron (3), and P. o‘Connor (1). 0. Marston converted four tries, and A. Rutherford one, and Marston kicked a penalty goal. Zingari-Richmond defeated H’gh School by 11 points to nil. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. CHRISTCHURCH, Juno 5. Rugby results to-day were as follow: Merivale 14 points v. Old Boys nil; Linwood 6 v. Albion nil ; Christchurch 26 v. Marists 3; Sydenham 19 v. University 9. THE LEAGUE GAME. NEW SOUTH WALES v. QUEENSLAND. SYDNEY, Juno 5. New South Wales defeated Queensland by 53 points to 9. THE LEAGUE GAME. SYDNEY, June 7. In the league football match to-day Now South Wales defeated Queensland by 39 points to 6.

ASSOCIATION. Br Left Wind.

The following table shows tho positions of the teams in the Association Senior Cup

Consequent upon Saturday’s matches, no team in the Senior Cup competition is now pointless. Christian Bros., the last team to “show colour,” won their match against Ravensbourne on the Caledonian Ground by 3 goals to 2, and thus rise one rung on the ladder, leaving Southern with one point for a drawn game on the bo? tom rung. Ravensbourne have slipped down to third place, a point behind Old Boys, while Northern occupy a familiar place at the top.

Delay in com monc.ing Senior matches should not be tolerated. Slackness in this, as in other matters of discipline, is the surest way to discourage public interest in the game. Among the “ other matters ” are tne appearance of players in other than their club uniforms, a multiplicity of captains, and the use of undesirable expressions on the field. Every one of these objectionable features was represented at the principal ground on Saturday. Ravensbonrne were late—not five, but 17 minutes. The cause was obvious, for even then they commenced with only eight men, three more iohing in as the game proceeded. If Ravcnsbournc are a struggling club, they deserve sympathy and consideration, but not to tbc extent of allowing them to bring* the O.F.A. management into disrepute, as they d’d on Saturday. As to talking on the field and the m triplication of captains, both sides were guilty. It is frank, but fair, criticism to say that the captain who allows his men to appeal and raise their voices ad nauseam isn’t worth his salt. Referees should he down on “talking.” And, concerning uniforms, a properly-run club will always have one or two spare uniforms at the pavilion in case of emergency. A point to which very little importance seems to ho attached is the colour of the knickers. If they should be white, let them bo white, and not a pani-coloured confusion of white, blue, and black. Christian Bros, deserved their 'first win They gained it by superior merit. True, they met a weakened Ravcnsbourne; but that was no fault of Christian Bros. A

spirit of disintegration seemed to afflict Ravcnsbournc, and it was not until they got a goal that they seemed to develop some spirit, and then it was to late. Greens nad Bbaplevon back in goal, and were profited thereby. The game was by no means brilliant, but it had its flashes, notably m the case ot two brilliant runs from his opponents’ “ twenty-five ” by Newman — ttie first a goal-getter, the second frustrated by French; a great shot from the outline by Casey, which found the not, and a wonderful screw shot from M‘Gregor. Christian Bros.’ forward line was fairly good, Newman being the star. llungerlord played a sound game at back. Tarleton was good in parts, and Casey was reliable. French did callable work in Ravensbourne’s goal-mouth. Kelly was sale. MTvor played centre half, but his performance was spiritless and without distinction, fie had a scoring opportunity in the shape of a penalty kick, but failed to improve the occasion. Rodger once more came to his club’s assistance when there was a shortage. Fie was easily noticeable throughout tlxo game because of his Zingari jersey.

Mcrnington management atso showed up rather badly on Saturday, only nine men being available at the commencement. Later R Jack came to the club’s rescue, making a fourth forward, i make room with pleasure for the following comments on the Morn ington-Green Island match by a shrewd observer:

-luc game I consider the best I have seen lor years, it was certainly the fastest, piay surging rapidly ironi one goal to tlie otner. xne play on botn sides was of a nigii order. (jiroens 3 forwards combined well, and. repeatedly worked! right through, but eitner tailed to snoot or shot witaiy. M’AJlun, on Greens’ right, yeas specially prominent. J. Grant piaycd solidly, but uoes not kick as accurately as or yore, ihe full backs had a tendency to crowd the goal, and this was responsible lor at least one goal. Darkness was not up to usual form.

•' Mornington played their best game for many* a long (Jay, and well uescivtU tiioir win. The backs at every opportunity fed JLSooker, who was easily mo star player on the ground. By excellent comb.nation with Gouid and Smith, Hooker was given many opportunities, winch were usually availed oi. Had Mornington had their lull forward lino, the score inust have been larger, jor many tine centres went begging. Smith and Gould never played tetter. The halves 'had a strenuous day, but acquitted tneniseivos well. The backs, too, wore solid on defence, but miskioked occasionally, ftcid, Mornmgton’s custodian, had a day out, and but lor one fatal m.stake played excellently, brmgiiig oh some beautdui saves.” hast and fairly interesting was the play in the match between .Northern and Soutuern at the Gardens. Nortlicrn never seemed hko losing, although Southern put some great ettort' into tneir work. Too much individual play seemed to be the latter’s downfall. Une man cannot beat a team. Time and again Southern seemed to suiter through lack of combination, although at times the insides played wolh together, and, led by Ashton, ted the wings well. But it was only to find their exertions wasted by goat shots trorn either wing. Simm put in some good centres, but there were always a couple of insides waiting idle, and with more chance to score than yimm had. Southern's loft wing was very wcak,_ and he found in M‘Laren a tougn proposition to pass. Ashton led most of Southern’s rushes toward goal, and showed that tie has not lost his cunning. On more than one occasion ho had Northern backs thinking. Tie proved too good for Smith most 3 01 the time. Southern’s centre half put in good work throughout, and fed his lorwards well. BraithwaitD, at full back, played a good defensive game, but Jacks judgment m clearing. With the Southern backs there was unnecessary line-finding. Tiho outstanding player in the Southern team was Scott, a junior, it is said, brought in for the occasion to defend goal. The writer has not seen such a good display for a season or two. Scott dealt with numerous Northern onslaughts in a most efficient manner. He had many hard shots to deal with from Campbell’s foot, and one, he admitted, he did not sec. His display throughout was full of merit.

Northern's team seemed to be lost on their own ground, this being their first match on it this season. It did not take long, however, for them to get into their stride, and once they got going the goals followed. Poor shooting lost them many goals. Auld and M’Laren, at full back, did not play with the same combination as usual. Black, in goal, was safe, but had not much to deal with. Smith was very much off colour at centre half, and Dryden did hot seem to bo at home. Miller was Northern’s best back. He does an enormous amount of work, and fed Hay and Timlin well throughout. Hay does not seem to be himself alongside Timlin. Timlin put in some solid work, and his goals came via Campbell and Hay. Campbell did not overexert himself, but was always there when a goal was wanted. He is an unselfish player, and gives many good chances to his colleagues. Northern’s forwards were well supplied with the ball. The wings placed in good centres —the cause of four of the goals at least. Hay and Donald worked each wing well, the latter with more than usual dash. Kaitaixgata Club, although not taking part in the Cup competition this year, have decided to remain affiliated to the 0.F.A., and look forward to occasional contests with Dunedin teams. One such engagement has already been enjoyed, High School Old Boys, a team deservedly popular > Kaitangata people, visiting the mi; _ township on Juno 3, and winning by 0 goals to 4. The Kaitangata Club has provided no fewer than 20 recruits for the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. The names (if supplied) will bo added to tho O.F.A. s Holl of Honour, and published in this column. The advent of the compulsory Saturday half-holiday has brought about tho discontinuance of the Wednesday competitions, and, likewise, the disbandment of the Otago Wednesday Football Association, which has been one of tho healthiest sport executives of any which have attempted to run Wednesday competitions; and this was no doubt duo to the successful management of those in control. The Wednesday Association was formed in 1906, although prior to this, from tho year 1803, matches were arranged for under the auspices of the O.F.A. It is interesting to note that the present president (Mr J. A. Milburn) was at that meeting elected to the dual position of hon. secretary and treasurer. At the last meeting of tho O.F.A. the executive of the Wednesday Association attended and handed _ over the books, together with the trophies—a challenge shield and three cups. In doing so the late president (Mr J. A. Milburn) suggested that an extra Senior competition lie arranged for the shield, and that the cups

bo used as trophies for tho Juniors, thb understanding being that should tho Wednesday holiday be reverted to, tho trophies be o-iven back to the association on its being re-formed. The following is a list of tho trophies, with tho various winners inscribed thereon : PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE SHIELD, Presented by CL Illingworth, first President. Won by— Post A Telegraph 1907 Southern A 1911 Southern 1908 Southern A ...• ... 1912 Laidlaw & Gray 1909 Mornington A ... 1913 Southern A 1010 Mornington A .... 1914 CHARITY CUP. Won bySouthern 1903 Southern A 1910 Northern 1904 Penrose A 1911 Southern 1906 Southern A 1013 Southern 1907 Mornington A ... 1918 Southern ... ... 1908 Mornington A ... 1914 Laidlaw & Gray 1009 PIVE-A-SIDE CUP, Presented by Mr P. Braith waite. Won by— Roslyn No. 1 ... 1903 Penrose 1911 Butchers 1904 Southern A 1913 Roslyn 1906 Mornington No. 1 1913 Laidlaw & Gray , 1909 Mornington No. 1 1914 Cup for Junior Grade, -presented by Mr I. Curtis and Mr F. Gorrie, 1911, won by A. and T. Inglis’s B team, 1911; Hairdressers’ B team, 1912. Following this tho Junior competitions lapsed, and the cup was then used as a trophy for a Senior Cup tie competition in 1914, Mornington A being the winners. ‘ SATURDAY’S MATCHES'. FIRST GRADE. The match Southern v. Green Island is to be played later on if necessary, and tho Northern v. Christian Brothers match, claimed by default by the former, and which is subject to a decision by the O.F.A. on receipt of referee’s report, have not been included in the above table. Christian Brothers v. Ravenseourne. Tho Ravensbourne-Chriatian Brothers match was over 15 minutes late in starting owing to the former failing to muster a full team. Eventually 10 men took tha field. Christian Brothers 3 goals. Ravensbourne 2 goals. Mornington v. Green Island. The Green Island and Mornington match was played off at Culling Park. Mornington won the toss, and, with two men short, played with the advantage of tho sun at their backs. Mornington 4 goals. Green Island 2 goals. Northern v. Southern. Tho Gardens Ground was in good condition. Northern won the toss end played Northern 7 goals. Southern ... 3 goals. SECOND GRADE. Mornington defeated Christian Brothers at Mornington by 7 goals to nil. iSmith (3), Jelly (2), Brady, and Kennedy scored tor the winners. THIRD GRADE. High School 2 goals, Southern nil. Burgess and Geddes scored. Christian Bros, and Maori Hill played a drawn gamo, 2 goals each, on the Clear. Collins and Clements scored for the former, and Muirhoad for the latter. Northern 2. Mornington 1. Scorer for Northern, Wilde (2). Mosgicl Rangers 3 goals beat Old Boyd 2 goals. Scorers for the winners: R- ScottA. H. Scott, and J. Ellis. FOURTH GRADE. Green Island 2, Southern 1. Maori Hill 2 goale beat High (School 1, Old Boys defaulted to Northern. SCHOOL MATCHES. Christian Brothers C 6 goals, defeated St. Patrick’s C.nil. For the winners Paterson (4). Traill (1), and Burrell (1) scored. High School A defeated Mornington by 7 goals to nil. High School B drew with High Street, 2 goals each. High School C lost to Green Island by 4 goals to 1. Christian Brothers A defeated George -Street A by 11 goals to nil. For the winners, M'Cauighlan (4), Salmon (3), Spain (2), Brown, and Robinson were the goal-getters. Christian Brothers D 6 goals beat Bt. Patrick’s nil. For the winners Patterson (4). Burrell, and Traill were the scorers.

of the teams; — *-l o '+5 m bo d 4^ .S *o ■T3 d 42 12 a d 51 i & Lost, 5 M Q a 'o .3 '3 CU fcfl rt Southern ... ... 4 4 0 0 54 8 8 University 5 4 1 0 85 17 8 Z ingjiri-Richmond 5 3 2 0 64 31 6 Kaikorai 4 2 2 0 34 52 4 Alhambra 4 1 2 1 15 17 3 Pert Chalmers ... 5 1 3 1 15 72 3 Dunedin 4 1 3 0 12 65 2 Union 5 1 4 0 49 66 2

competition: — u o -£2 T3 | o d a '5 k. rt A o o * a U tn 0 ,2 cS JO & & s £ A rH* C3 C5 O Northern 5 4 1 0 23 11 8 Old Boys 5 3 1 1 12 8 7 .Havens bourne 5 2 1 2 11 9 6 Mornington 5 3 2 0 13 12 6 Green Island ... 4 1 3 0 8 11 2 Christian Bros. 4 1 3 0 , 7 11 2 Southern 4 0 3 1 7 19 1