FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 49

FOOTBALL.

SOUTHLAND COMPETITIONS. The following is the latest statement of the positions of the teams taking part m the Southland competitions: GALBBAITH SHIELD. «, i i i

CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITIONS. The positions of the various teams in the competition are as follow:

WELLINGTON COMPETITIONS. The concluding stages of the second round of the Wellington senior championship show the positions of the various teams to

AUCKLAND COMPETITIONS. The club championship points now

COMPULSORY RUGBY. ADVOCATED BYIiIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS. At last week's meeting of the Otago High School Board of Governors a deputation consisting of Messrs E. C. Reynolds, S. Solomon, K. 0., D. Calder, and W. J. Strong (representing the Otago High School Old Boys' Association)', waited on the board with reference to the athletic side of the education of the boys at present attending tho High School. Mr Reynolds stated that members of the Old Boys' Association who were present at the recent Rugby matches between the Otago and Waitaki Boys' High Schools' teams realised that the time had come when something should be done in the direction of making Rugby football compulsory in the Otago Boys' High School, if the school was to hold its own with other secondary schools in tho dominion. He was voicing the opinion of the Old Boys' Association in stating that sport should form a large proportion ©f a boys' education. The experience gained by a boy in the field of sport was • valuable equipment for him in later life.

Ho believed that most of the school duxes woro boys who had ta-ken a prominent part in the school's sport. The Old Boys' Association would like the board to consider seriously if something could not he done to improve the sport of the school. Mr Solomon said that the deterioration of the school from a Rugby point of view had been brought to his notice by the results of the recent matches in which the school had taken part. He would remind those present of the fact that it was 48 years since he was dux of the school, and that was why he now took such a keen interest in it. Otago had taught the rest of New Zealand how to play football, but now had to take second place. At the present time the teams representing the Otago High School were inferior to those representing any of the other secondary schools. It had been suggested by experts that in the higher grades of the school Rugby should be the game. Mr Strong said he doubted if sufficient time was devoted to physical training in the school. Physical training was responsible not only for the physical but the mental development of the boys. He thought "Soccer" football had been introduced into the High School about 15 years ago. There was no doubt that "Soccer" had got a. strong hold in the primary schools and that was responsible for it being carried into the High School. He would recommend that while the younger boys at the High School should be allowed to choose which game of football they would play, after they reached a certain age Rugby should be made compulsory. More time should be given to sport and physical training in the school. There was a need for organised games which shoalcl be co-related with sport. Mr Calder said it might be a difficult matter to compel boys to play Rugby, but it rested with the teachers to put the boys on their honour to assist the school in their national game. Mr Reynolds said he had noted that during the past 10 years the Otago Boys' High School had not won a single game against Christ's College. He admitted that the boys stayed a little longer at the latter institution than in the local High School. Mr Gallaway stated that the one subject that had been given more attention to recently by the board than any other was the physical training of the boys. He could not agree that boys who wished to play "Soccer" should be compelled to play Rugby. He considered that it would be fairer to refer the matter to an expert in physical training to say which game would be better for the boys. Mr Stephens said that if an alteration was made in the, physical training system in the school an alteration in the games of the school would follow. Mr Strong pointed out that the local High School was handicapped for the want of a suitable soorts ground, and stated that Christ's College had 10 grounds on which football could be played. Mr Sidey thanked the members of the deputation for conferring with the board, and trusted that they would always place any matters before the board that they thought weo for the good of the school. NEW ZEALAND UNION. WELLINGTON, August 21. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met to-night to consider the reply from the Auckland Union to the instruction issued by the Management Committee that, pending a general meeting of delegates,, no amended rules were to be played :'n Rugby matches. It was moved that the Auckland Union be suspended under Rule 37, but the motion was lost by 4 votes to 3. The voting was: For—Messrs Marris, Piki, Slade; against— Messrs Howe, Cook, Captain Crawford, and Captain Jones. Mr Marris announced that as a result of the vote- he could not see his way to continue as a member of the committee. He considered that the tactics adopted by the Auckland Committee called for some action. SOUTH OTAGO SUB-UNION. CRESCENT WINS PREMIERSHIP. After a play-off for the South Otago Rugby Cup on Saturday week, which resulted in a draw, the Milton v. Crescent (Kaitangata-Stirling) teams again met on Saturday at Tialclutha. Despite continuous rain there was a good attendance of spectators, and they got their money's worth. A single effort at back play resulted in the winning try. From a scrum Hughes sent the ball out, and Botting streaked across at the corner. This was tho only score. The game was a strenuous forward one throughout. The Crescent vanguard always predominated, their knowledge of Soccer standing them in good stead in the weather and ground conditions. Crescent thus wins the premiership of South Otago. The Cup contest was keenly fought out in the South Otago sub-district, Kaitangata winning the play-off against Toko by 3 points to nil. On Saturday a South Otago returned soldiers' team played a combination selected by the sub-union, the result being—South Otago, 17 points; Returned Soldiers, 6 The- following team has been selected 'to represent South Otago against the. Eastern District (Gore) : (Full-back, Cuff (Toko); three-quarters, Shepherd (Toko), Prescott (Kaitangata), Josephs (Kaitangata); five-eighths. Cowan (Kaitangata), Heads (Toko); half. Prabblo (Romahapa); forwards, Baird (Kaitangata), Hansen (Kaitangata), Whelan (Clutha), H. Anderson (Clutha), Barron (Kaitangata), Costel'.o (Toko), Gribben (Kaitiangata), Hewitt (Toko). AUCKLAND~RUGBY UNION. AUCKLAND, August 20. Tho Auckland Rugby Union, after discussion in committee, passed a resolution that the old rules, as required by the New Zealand Rugby Union, be played in Auckland for the remainder of the season. AMENDED RULES. AUCKLAND, August 25. " 1 am perfectly satisfied from the. match on Saturday that your new rules j have developed a better style of game," declared Mr T. Buchanan (manager of the Taranaki football team). Ho added that this view was shared by 'Mr R. Masters, a member of the Taranaki Union, and Mr Malone, of New Plymouth, one of the selectors of the North Island this year. Mr Buchanan stated that he intended to make no secret of his liking for what he termed "the better gamo evolved in Auckland, and he had already communicated his ideas on the

subject to the Taranaki papers after having viewed the game on Saturday. The following are the results of Saturday's matches: FIRST GRADE. The following table shows the relative positions up to date of the clubs engaged in the Senior Grade competition:— g

♦University B defaulted to Southern, Kaikorai, and Zingari-Biohmond. Dunedin defaulted to Port Chalmers twice this season. t The match between Southern and Port Chalmers, won by the former, was subsequently awarded to Port Chalmers on account of Southern having played a Rugby League player. UNIVERSITY A v. ALHAMBRA. In comparison with the displays given by University A this season the exhibition given by them when opposed to Alhamibra on Saturday afternoon on the Caledonian Ground was exceedingly disappointing. The ground was certainly very heavy, but that in itself is insufficient to account for the apparent drop in form. The real reason would probably be found in the high carnival in which the students have participated during the week. For the first time this season not one of their many efforts at passing resulted in a try—the only try registered was due more to a solo effort on the part of Perry. Credit must be given to Alhambra for the fine game played by their forwards and the great defence of the backs. But for the deadly tackling of both backs and forwards several tries must have been game ended : v University 6 points. Alhambra ... Nil. The game, though a vigorous one, was fought out in a clean spirit between the players. Sincock, Gillick, and 0. Fitzpatrick (full-back) played well for the Red-and-Blacks, and the forwards were a hardworking, even set, Cameron (lock) in particular playing a solid dashing game. KAIKORAI v. UNIVERSITY B. This match, which was played at Carisbrook, did not provide any football beyond the ordinary. The game ended: Kaikorai 26 points. University B 5 points. Mr Leith was referee. PIRATES v. DUNEDIN. The match between Pirates and Dunedin, played at Bishopscourt On Saturday afternoon, proved rather a hollow victory for the former team, both forwards and backs possessing too much speed for their opponents. The ground was in excellent order, and the playing area was well sheltered from the wind. Each team played one man short. The final score was: Pirates 29 points. Dunedin Nil. Mr W. Facer was referee. ZINGARI-RICHMOND v. PORT CHALMERS. On Saturday afternoon Zingari-Richmond met Port Chalmers on the latter's ground bun unfortunately i heavy downpour made the field difficulty for play. Result: • Port Chalmers 6 points. Zingari-Richmond 6 points. SOUTHERN v. UNION. This match was played on the. North Ground before a fair number of spectators The game was keen from the start, and except for some illegal tackling on the part of both teams, was singularly free from per-alty decisions. The Southern forwards were rather too heavy for Union, and the latter team had made several alterations in its dispositions with not altogether happy results; otherwise the score would certainly have been more equal. Reidy, at fullback, and Withey and Bain, amongst the forwards, were towers of strength to the Black-and White pack, while Gillam (who played the best back game on the ground), R. Knox, and Pringle were most prominent amongst the Reds. Marks did not play his usual game. The game ended: .Southern 6 points. Union ... , .'. ... Nil. SECOND GRADE. Ravensbourne defeated Kaikorai by default. Alhambra won their match against Pirates by default. THIRD GRADE. Alhambra defeated Kaikorai by 8 points to 3. The final for the Third Grade banner between Taieri Rovers and Pirates was played on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon, and provided a fast and interesting contest. Play was mostly of a forward character, in which department the country players showed to advantage. With the wind in their favour in the first spell, Taieri secured a lead of 6 points—a try by Oliver and a penalty goal by Scott. In the second spell Pirates did the major part of the attacking, but were* able to register only one try. The game thus ended in a win for Taieri Rovers bv 6 points to 3. FOURTH GRADE. Pirates- A defaulted to Port Chalmers. Southern beat Pirates B by 8 points to 3. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. TOURNAMENT AT TIMARU. TIMARU, August 25. The Secondary Schools tournament was opened to-day in splendid weather, and there was a large attendance. In the first game Christchurch defeated Southland by 9 points to 6. Tries wero scored for the winners by Dickson, Carleton, and Crawford. For Southland M'Ken zie kicked a penalty goal and Holz scored a try. ChristcVirch had possession of the bail most of the ti'ne, but until the- closing stages their attack lacked sting. AH their points were obtained in the last 20 min*ites. In the second game a strenuous and ex citing tussle ended in Otago defeating Timaru by 14 points to 13. In the first quarter Dickinson kicked a penalty goal rnd Watson scored a try. which Dickinson converted for Otago.' In the second quar ter a Timaru back was penalised for offside play, and Dickinson kicked a goal. Glenn scored for Timaru and Boys converted, making the half-time scores—Otago, 11

| points; Timaru, 5. In the third spell Boys kicked a penalty gcal for Timaru. in the last quarter Marflin scored for Otago and Earl for Timaru, Boys converting from the touch-line. Thi game was exciting all through, and was one of the hardest fought school contests see i here. The tournament will be completed on Thursday. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. EASY WIN FOR THE FORMER. (From Ouh Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, August 27. Otago met, Southland to-day, in fine weather, and there was a large attendance. The ground was a bit heavy. After the first 15 minutes, in which Southland were unlucky in not scoring more than once, Otago had the upper hand, and the spell ended with Otago leading by two tries, scored by Marks and Begg, to nil. In tho second half the visitors' backs, aided by fine combined work amongst the forwrads, dominated the play, and Holmes (two), Begg, and Sim scored tries, Campbell converting one. . The final scores were: Otago 20 points. Southland Nil. At the opening of the game the Otago combination appeared to be weak, while the Southland forwards were working well together. Before many minutes had elapsed, however, the visitors obtained the dominance, which they retained during practically the rest of the game. Otago showed marked superiority in the scrums, and Begg, at half, got the ball away to his backs on almost every occasion. The play of the Otago backs was very pretty, and splendid passing rushes by the three-quarter line were responsible for not a few of the scores, Holmes being a continual danger. On the other hand Southland's back play was seldom much in evidence, although their forward work was at times dangerous. The Otago forward play was also good. Before the game had been in progress .more than a few minutes O'Connor, playing-v'on the wing, was injured in the knee, and his place was taken by Marks, Knox (emergency) going into the scrum. Southland won the toss, and were favoured with a mild sun. Play was tight in the opening stages, Southland holding the Blues in hand, although the _ latter had the advantage. Good line kicking by Jeffs soon put Otago on the offensive, and the forwards pressed hard, a penalty bringing relief for the home men. Shortly afterwards a series of loose forward scrambles resulted in a- scrum, from which the Otago hookers got to the ball to Begg, who passed it to Jeffs. The latter sent it to Hutchison, who, on being collared, delivered it to Marks, who crossed the line. The kick at goal failed. The Blues' forwards again attacked, and only good tackling stopped a spectacular rush by the backs. The Southland position improved, and the forwards essayed an attack, which was well stopped. Shortly afterwards Holmes secured the ball, and with a good swinging run took play into Southland's territory. The Otago forwards came with a passing rush, and the ball went to Begg, who scored a good try. The end of the spell saw Southland again in danger. Southland attacked after tho resumption of play, but Jeffs got possession, carrying the ball to Shand, who, however, returned it to the halfway line. Here Holmes secured it, and after a fine run straight down the line scored, the try being converted by Campbell. Southland rallied temporarily, but the next # few. minutes saw the Otago rearguard again attacking. From a scrum near the line Holmes secured the ball, and with an elusive run he got over. Ah interchange of long kicks between the opposing backs resulted in an alternation of play mostly inside the home half. Sim (wing forward) got the ball from the centre, and scored after a brilliant sprint. About 10 minutes before time Hutchison and Begg put in some clever work, which resulted in the latter scoring. Southland were being pressed when the whistle went. AUCKLAND AND TARANAKI. EASY WIN FOR THE FORMER. AUCKLAND, August 22: The representative match between Auckland and Taranaki was played to-day in the presence of 10,000 spectators. The game needs little description. Auckland winning by 42 points to 9. In the first, spell Taranaki showed some promise, and at half-time the scores were: Auckland 19 points, Taranaki nil. Auckland held the upper hand throughout the second snell, although Taranaki succeecded in crossing the home line three times. CHRISTCHURCH FOOTBALL. CHRISTCHURCH, August 23. Marist Brothers won the championship of the Canterbury Rugby Union by defeating Linwood by 14 points to 8. The Christ's College first fifteen were to have left to-night for Wellington, to take part in the annual inter-collegiate football tournament there, but owing to several cases of scarlet fever at the college the trip was abandoned and the college will not take pai-t in the tournament. QUEENSLAND v. N.S. WALES. BRISBANE, August 24. Queensland beat New South Wales by 25 points to 24 TOURNAMENT AT ALEXANDRA. (From Ouh Own Correspondent.) ALEXANDRA, August 26. The local football season was closed last Saturday with a combined tournament and patriotic gala. The proceedc. which will reach £lO5, are to be devoted to tho fallen soldiers' memorial. PALMERSTON v. SHAG POINT. . PALMERSTON, August 26. A football match, played on tho local ground last Saturday between the Palmerston and Shag Point teams, resulted in a win for the latter by 6 points to 3. Mr J. M 'Ritchie acted as referee. SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT. TIMARU. August 26. The school football teams were given a motor trip to Geraldine, the party being taken in 15 cars. Tho boys had a ramble in the native bush, and were hospitably entertained by friends of the Timaru School. CANTERBURY RUGBY UNION. CHRISTCHURCH. August 26. A meeting of delegates to the Canterbury Rugby Union to discuss the proposed amendments of tho Auckland Rugby Union to tho constitution of the New Zealand

Union and the laws of tho game was held to-night It was decided to give the delegates to the_ special meeting of the New Zealand Union a free hand in the matter. It was pointed out that three of the five new rules favoured by Auckland had been in force in Canterbury for years. It was also agreed that tho delegates should support the Southland Union's proposal that in celebration of peace the disqualification of I/Cague players be removed, exception, however, being taken to a proposal to report such removal to the English Union in the event of it being decided upon. NEW ZEALANDERS IN AFRICA. CAPETOWN, August 20. The New Zealand football team defeated a Pretoria team by 5 points to 4. THE LEAGUE GAME. AUSTRALIA v. NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, August 23. The league match Australia v. New Zealand was played on the Basin Reserve before a large gathering.« The ground was in good order, and the weather was fine, with very little wind. New Zealand commenced with a good attack, but Halloway relieved. The New Zealanders tried to open up the game; but passed wildly. Bad passing by the New Zealand backs let Horder away, lad after side-stepping four players beautifully he scored, and Oxford converted. The New Zealand forwards "then broke nway, but good work by Prentice saved. The Australian backs indulged in passing; but faulty handling spoilt the effort, and New Zealand returned to half-way. Johnston, Cubitt, .and Gilbert were prominent in a fine passing rush, which was well stopped by Duftv, and New Zealand forced. Shortly after an attempt was made by Oxford at goal. The New Zealand forwards shone out well, and Scott was to the fore. Ifwerson, picking up, scored, and Dufty converted, making the score 5 all. The passing of the Australian backs was well stopped by Bradley. Passing between Horder, Gilbert, and Cubitt forced, the New Zealanders. Offside play spoilt a promising New Zealand passing rush. Good work by Halloway and Johnston took play to the Now Zealand line, but Dufty was responsible for staving off the attack. A good run was made by Ifwerson from half-way, and from a mark by Bradley Dufty narrowly missed kicking a goal. From a passing "rush by the Australian backs Johnston cut in and scored. Oxford's kick failed. A good passing rush by the New Zealand backs was spoilt by Morris missing the ball, and a dodgy run by Illes carried it nearly over. Passing by the Australian backs, aided bv good kicking by Sweeney, relieved, and Bradley made a fine effort to- break through, but was well tackled. The New Zealand forwards were fretting the ball, but their passing broko down. Headley and Dufty were- responsible for good efforts, and from a free kick Dufty kicked a goal, making the score: Australia 8, New Zealand 7. Fmm tho kick-out Bradley, after a fine dodgy run, passed to Walters, who sent the ball to Morris, who was offside. Horder picked up, and the ball passed to Cubitt, to Gilbert, and to Robinson, who missed it, spoiling a good effort. Williams was responsible for a good dribble, which took play well down the field. Horder intercepted a pass from Neal, and by side-stepping beat seven men, and scored. Oxford converted. Passing between Halloway and Johnston let Gilbert over, and Oxford aarain converted. Several attacks by the New Zealanders broke down, and at half-time play was in midfield. r . Soon after tho recommencement JNeal was injured, this affecting his subsequent play. From a good dribble by Avery, Ifwerson got possession of the ball, and scored, bringing the score to: Australia 18, New Zealand 10. Ft.st open play by both sides followed, until, from a long kick by Dufty, Sweeney gained possession of the ball, and after a good run passed to Gilbert, who scored Oxford converted. Play hovered around half-way, and from an Australian centre kick Dufty potted a magnificent goal, the score now being: Australia 23, >.-ew Zealand 12. Shortly after this Morris picked up, and, evading two opponents, centred. Ifwerson gained possession, and, outpacing the opposition, scored, Duftv converting. After some fast play Dufty had a shot at goal which failed. Instead of forcing, Horder ran and passed to Cubitt, who centred. Ryan passed to Burge, who scored. Oxford's kick failed. The New Zealanders attacked strongly, but the defence was sound. From a free kick Dufty kicked a goal. From the kick-off Watkins- charged Duffy's return, and scored. Oxford converted. . Australia were throwing the ball about in good style, and passing between Halloway, Johnston, and Cubitt enabled the last-named to score. Oxford converted. From a passing rush by Johnston, Gilbert, and Cubitt, the last-named again scored. Horder's kick failed. The New Zealanders made numerous fruitless attacks, and eventually Dufty kicked a penalty. Fine work by Johnston and Burge enabled Ryan to score, and Burge converted. In further fas* work the Australians forced, and the New Zealanders were attacking when time was called, with the scores: Australia ... 44 points. New Zealand ... 21 points.

1 a 1 -s 3 3 -3 a 23 1 0 s •3 o ft '3 1 Star . 7 6 0 . i 73 19 12 Athletic . 8 8 0 3 47 34 10 Waikiwi ;.. . 7 6 0 2 70 26 10 Invercargill . 7 1 0 6 24 94 2 Bluf . . 5 0 0 5 13 54 0 WEDNESDAY JUNIORS Inveroargill . 7 6 0 1 104 18 12 High School . 6 6 0 0 46 20 12 Collegiate Star . 6 . 6 3 3 0 0 4 6 52 32 48 64 6 6 Athletio ... . . 7 1 07 16 . 71 2 Athletic defaulted to High School twice, and Collegiate defaulted to Star. SPORTS PROTECTION BANNER Publio Service 12 7 1 4 111 71 15 Bluff . 11 7 0 4 82 75 14 Banks and Law . . 12 4 2 6 82 111 10 "Union . 11* 3 1 7 60 68 7 * Union have to play Bluff at Bluff. SATURDAY JUNIORS. Collegiate . 11 7 2 2 69 18 16 Bluff . 9 6 1 2 . 49 32 13 Public Service 9 5 2 3 32 40 12 Woodlands . G 2 1 3 35 13 5 Union . 9 0 0 10 12 86 0

' -ci 1 a is a I o' c S I' 3 £8" g '8 to Marists . ... 11 0 1 207 28 11 Linwood . ... 11 0 1 170 53 11 Merivale . ... 6 2 4 143 00 7 Old Boy's . ... G 1 6 121 83 H Christohurch . ... 5 0 7 111 118 5 University . ... 3 . 1 8 81 177 3J Albion ... ... .. . ... 3 0 9 61 180 3 Sydenham . ... 1 0 11 42 231 1

be as follow:7Won. Lost. Drawn. Points Athletio 10 1 1 21 Poneke 7 1 4 18 Petone 8 3 1 17 Selwyn 5 5 2 12 University ... • 4 G 2 10 Oriental 1 10 1 3 Wellington ... • 1 10 1 3

stand: — 1 i fcb a ■a 9 a j § .3 i t c CO College Bines Grammar* . 11 . 10 1 9 6 1 1 2 o Oi 225 152 87 19 82 14 University*! . 10 7 3 0 200 105 14 Grafton* . 10 6 4 0 149 114 12 Ponsonby . 11 5 5 1 171 126 11 Marist Bros. . 11 4 7 0 104 112 . 8 Parnell*t . 10 0 10 0 33 311 0 ♦Drawn match (12 all), to be replayed . *tOne match postponed. ___ _

. i a 4 1 s a Ji 1 3 1 I O to C4 a PS University A 13 12 0 1 332 64 26 Kalkorai 14 12* 2 0 167 69 24 Port. Chalmers 14 7t 8 2 47 97 16 Alhambra 14 8 6 0 130 97 ' 16 University B ... 13 7 6*' 0 100 87 14 Southern U 6* 7t 1 121 88 13 Zingari-Hichmond 14 5* 7 2 97 162 12 Pirates ... ... U 6 7 2 197 145 12 Union 14 4 10 0 80 83 8 Dunedin 14 0 .14* 0 21 341 0