FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3522, 13 September 1921, Page 37

FOOTBALL.

THE SPRINGBOK’S TOUR. NARROW WIN OVER MAORIS. NAPIER September 7. The match Springboks v. Maoris was played this afternoon in the presence of about 6000 spectators, and resulted, after a hard game, in a win for the visitors by 9 points to 8. The Springboks’ team was as follows:—De Villiers, Van Heerden, Meyer, Weepner, Zeller, Townsend, Tindall, “Boy” Morkel, Ellis. Kruger, Van Rooyen, Du Plessis, Harry Morkel, Mostert, Sholtz. In the first spell Zeller scored from a passing rush in which (he ball went to Townsend from a lineout, and was handled by all the backs. De Villiers failed with the kick. The Maoris a little later carried play to the visitors’ quarters, and Tapsell goaled from a free kick. Play was fairly even, but the South African lineout play to the backs was superior, arid they were many times set in motion, but the defenders tackled well and kept them out, the spell ending with tlie score unaltered. The Maoris had the advantage of a substantially helpful breeze, but their opponents’ defence was very solid, added to which the Maori backs did not handle the ball well. Playing with the wind in the second spell it was expected that the South Africans would make it a runaway game, but the Maoris played with more vim, and fully hold their own. Townsend, for the visitors, played a fine half-back game, and repeatedly set his backs in motion, but only- on two occasions were they successful. From a neat movement the ball went from a lineout and was handled by all the backs, finally going to Van Heerden, who crossed. De A illiers again missed the goal. Later Blake apparently marked near the visitors’ goal, but it was not allowed. Townsend broke away and raced down the field, supported by Zeller. On reaching the fullback he transferred to Zeller, who raced for the line, but was overhauled when a few yards away by Blake. However, the ball rolled infield, and Townsend picked up and dived over, though apparently pushed into touch before crossing - , and the crowd demonstrated. The place kick failed. Tho Maoris rallied strongly, and set up a hot attack close to the Springboks’ goal, where Garlick dashed over and Tureia goaled, making the scores 8 points to 9. There was much excitement in tho closing stages, as play fluctuated from one end of the ground to the other, but the South Africans were rather better than their opponents. Time was called with tlie position unaltered. The South Africans’ fine combination between the forwards and backs was the feature of their play, especially from the lineout. Their exhibition was much more attractive than in Saturday’s match. The Maoris put up a very creditable showing, their play indicating that with a game or two together they would be a hard side to beat. The backs fielded and kicked well, but lacked effective combination i.i attack. The weather was fine and the ground hard. Air J. F. Peake (Christchurch) was referee. AN EASY WIN IN NELSON. NELSON. September 10. The Springboks r. the Combined Nelson-Marlborough-Golden Bay match, played at Nelson to-day, was fairly even in the first spell, but tho Springboks gave evidence of the possession of magnificent passing machinery. which, however, was little used until the second spoil. Apart from tlie flashes of brilliancy which piled up scores, the game was fairly even. Yercoe, the combined team’s full back, played a splendid game, taking the ball on tlie full excel lenr.ly, kicking with great judgment and certainty, and collaring with deadly effect. The first spell ended with the score 3 oil a penalty goal for the combined team and an unconverted try for the Springboks. Tho South Afr icans opened tho second spell vigorously. Phillips, accepting the ball from Barclay, found the lino at the South Africans’ twenty-five. The Springboks, attacking strongly, transferred play into the combined team’s territory, where a fine tackle by Snodgrass averted danger, and, a South African kicking too hard, enabled Nelson to force. A fine passing rush by Townsend, Morkel, de Kock. Strauss, and Meyer was foiled by a. splendid tackle by Phillips. Morkel set his backs in motion again. The ball was sent out to Zeller, who looked dangerous until he was well tackled by Yercoe right on the line The home forwards, working well together, relieved the situation. Strauss broke away, but was collared. From ;• loose scrum Micliau took a good pass and dashed over, but Morkel failed to convert. A brilliant passing rush by Morkel, Strauss, and de Kock ended in the last-named cutting in cleverly and passing to Zeller, who scored between the pasts. Morkel converted. Brilliant, passing- bouts by the Springboks enabled them to raise thenscore to 26. A feature of the game was the rapidity with which the South African half backs started their three-quarter line in motion. RESULTS OF MATCHES PLAYED. Summary: Matches played, 17; won, 14; lost, 2; drawn, 1; points for, 244; points against, 81. MANAGER’S CAUSTIC CRITICISM. NELSON, September 10. The Springboks left by the Mupourika at 4.30, proceeding straight to the boat without changing from their football attire, and arrangements were made for a bath on the boat.. As no accommodation had been secured, it was arranged to give them the saloon. Baths were prepared and accommodation set apart to enable them to change and get comfortable as soon as possible. Cheers were exchanged between the crowd on the wharf and the Springboks as the vessel left the wharf. Mr Bennett, manager of the Springboks, speaking at the civic recepTfon this morning, after thanking the. Nelson public for their enthusiastic welcome, said that they came beie ns amateurs as the guests of tho New Zealand Rugby Union. The people had given them wonderful receptions, and they liad thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed their stay. “My grievance,” said Mr Bennett, “is that we have had a lot of travelling. Because of the form in which you welcome us we have had a long programme of entertainment. We found your football to he particularly strenuous. Every game has been n really hard one, but: there has been nothing brutal in any way, only real, earnest football, and of that we make no complaint, but it has had one effect a number of casualties. During the last feuweeks we have had a particularly strenuous time. We left Napier, had a night’s rest, at Wellington, and then boarded the boat.

(Laughter.) We have brought only 17 players, and to tell the hoijesi truth they are the only available men we have; the rest are in Wellington undergoing treatment- for injuries. In all due deference to those responsible for the boat, it was a most uncomfortable one, and there were no conveniences. Several of us could not got berths until we left Pic-ton. You are not responsible, but somebody is. Fortunately the journey was not rough, otherwise we probably would have had something very much worse to say. We have had a night s journey— l will not say a night s rest, because wo did nut get any—and when we arrived this morning expected to come to a comfortable home, get a room, and have a decent l>ath, but instead of this we were taken to our hotel, where we stood in the vestibule like a number of uninvited and unwelcome guests, and it was due mainly to a few gentlemen, who were staying at the hotel, that a few rooms -were placed at our disposal. W e had breakfast, however, and perhaps felt a little bit better. Later a. drawing room was placed at our disposal, j \\ hen we left W ellington we were under tlie impression that to-day’s match started at 1 o clock, in order to give us time to get a bath before we left. 1 do not know wnetiler your people are so anxious to keep us here that ii has been arranged otherwise, and am astonished now to learn that the match will be played at 2 o'clock. I am now told that there is a possibility that we may not get accommodation on the boat, and to be told tnat at the last moment is about tne last straw. \\ hat we do want at this stage of our tour is comfort. If you want a fair run in tne test match we want every' possible convenience and comfort in order to get fit. (hear, hear) —yet now we are to.d that we may not get back to Wellington until Tuesday. This will upset all ouv arrangements, and we will have no chance to get the team into fettle. Somebody is to blame for this. Why a body of visitors from overseas should be treated in this way I do not know. It is not a matter of finance. We have not asked much, and have carried out our own programme in every possible way and tried to give us little trouble as possible. We do strongly object to being treated in an offhanded manner.”—(Hear, hear.) They , were out to win, and they came with the first object of beating New Zealand in the test matches; if they con I d not they would be perfectly satisfied; but they would like to have been given a fair chance to win. They hud nothing but the deepest gratitude for the wonderful way m which the New Zealanders had treated them, .and if New Zealand ever repaid the visit he could assure them they would have the time of their lives in Africa. Referring to the match this afternoon, Mr Bennett said his team was out to win. I hey were going "all out,” and all they asked for was a fair fight. In conclusion Air Bennett said he was sorry he had to make a “grouse,” but lie thought it was time, and if anything he had said would remedy the complaint he would be very glad. Mr Bennett resumed his seat amidst applause. In regard to Mr Bennett’s remarks as to the time at which the match was set down to start, it should be mentioned that tho Nelson Rugby Union informed the New Zealand Rugby Union that the game was to start at 2.45. As no reply was received it was understood that the Rugby Union lid accepted the time. Regarding the accommodation, or the lack of it. at the Akisonio Hotel, the Nelson Rugby Union states that t!te accommodation was cancelled by the New Zealand Rugby Union. Air H. Atmone, M.l’.J despatched the following telegram _ to the general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company at Wellington : —“ .Manager of the Springboks has complained that no berthing accommodation is available for return trip. Gan you do anything in the matter'/ Please wire me.” He received the following reply : “ No application made to this office for berths return trip. We naturally assumed Rugby Union, officials your end would be arranging accommodation with passenger clerk when booking for Nelson. Advised Coombes (secretary of New Zealand Rugby Union) wire Nelson for berths return trip.” CANTERBURY v. OTAGO. OTAGO’S POOR GOAL KICKING. GIIIH.BrCHURCH, September 10. The maten Otggo versus Canterbury was played at Lancaster Park in the present.) of about 40CO spectators. Canterbury won an interesting game by 19 points to 14, but a draw would be a fair indication of the merits m? the teams. Canterbury opened aggressively and tlie southerners were forced several times in quick succession. Canterbury were opening up the game and showing- good combination, and after knocking at the door for some time they scored, Eliis breaking away from a line out and touching down. r J lie kick failed. Otago soon equalised the scores. The Blue forwards carried a scrum, and the ball reached Stewart, who eluded Orchard, and grounded behind tho posts. Watson’s kick failed. Otago pressed, but were soon sent back, and from a scrum on the line E. Cummings obtained possession and scored for Campbell to goal. A pretty piece of play by Henry, who beat several opponents, saw Canterbury’s score increased to 13, Campbell being successful in goaling. Canterbury at tins stage were out-playing their opponents. Ward was responsible for a groat dash, but Aluilins ocerhauled him and prevented a certain try. A minute later Otago worked the blind side, and Stewart scored wide out. No goal resulted and tho spell ended with Canterbury leading by 13 points to 6. In the second spc-li Otago played much better and early added to their total. M’Naughton passed io Owles, to Stewart, who raced across, but Harley was unsuccessful with the kick. Tight play followed for some time, and from a penalty for obstruction, Henry landed a line goal. Otago rallied, but the defence v.as equal to the strain, and thy visitors were forced back. Mullins got possession from a scrum, and fooling the opposition with a dummy pass, scored a brilliant try, which Campbell failed to convert. Just on time Wilson j broke away for Otago and passed to Ward, who scored behind the imsts for Owles to | goal, making the final points: Canterbury ... 19 points j Otago ... 14 points The three tries scored by Otago were br il I iuni ly-oxeeutcd back movements, the ball passing crisply and accurately through a number of hands, and tries being obtained very cleanly. M Naughton, at half back, showed considerable smartness in getting ids backs going. The pick of the Otago Lacks, however, was Stewart, who

displayed exceptional brilliance in attack, I und scored three out of the four tries, and should become a player of the highest rank. His pace and elusiveness were a source of danger to the Red-and-blacka whenever he secured the ball. Ward also played a fine game, and executed several capital movements, though the over-running of the ball cost him a probable try. on one occasion, if not on two. Watson, at full back, was fairly safe, his fielding and kicking being the best features of his play. WELLINGTON DEFEATS NEW SOUTH WALES. ROUGH PLAY BY NEW SOUTH WALES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 7. One of the most gruelling and exciting football matches that has been seen in W ellington, and perhaps m New Zealand, for many a year was that between New South Wales and Wellington, which resulted in the first defeat of the visitors in New Zealand by 16 points to 8. Early in the game tile New South W ales team, playing with the wind, almost at once began to show the superiority of their back play. They fooled the local men with their feints at passing. They took the ball cleanly, and made openings with remarkable quickness; while their pas.-mg and their speed were really brilliant. It was the Raying power of the local forwards, the dejence of their backs, and especially that of the full-back (Siddells) that saved the Wellington team, and eventually gave it the victory; but so far a.~ brilliant back play is concerned the work of the visitors was an object-lesson to New Zealand footballers. Back play is undoubtedly the weak spot in New Zealand Rugby to-day. Our men made but- a poor show in comparison with the New South Wales backs; even the famous Roberts was simply not in the same street with them. The score of three all left the game at an interesting stage at half-time. New South Wales had rather bad luck in just missing a possible try before half-time was called. With the wind in their favour the chances were now slightly in favour of the Wellington men, and it was not long before they gained a somewhat lucky try, the New South Wales full-back missing the bail altogether, and allowing a fast following up Wellington man to score. There was loud cheering, which was renewed with vigour when a goal was kicked from the try. Pla y now became fast and furious, each side attacking alternately. The visitors’ backs especially made strenuous efforts to cross the Wellington line, hut the local men's olefence was impregnable. Soon the Wellington players were following up a high kick, and a score resulted, and another splendidly-kicked goal aroused the onlookers to intense enthusiasm. For with a margin of 10 points now in their favour it seemed safe to predict a win for Wellington. The New South Welshmen, struggling in desperation to cross the enemy’s line, were not taking the situation very well, and their play now became decidedly rough. One of the Wellington men received a kick in the face, whether accidentally or otherwise was not quite clear, but a doctor was signalled for, and put two or three stitches in the wound. The Wellington man wanted to resume playing to "get a little of his own back,” but he was persuaded to retire, and another took his place. Fists were being used in the scrums, and there was some hooting from the crowd. Then a New South Wales pi aver deliberately j charged one of the Wellington players, who was not within a couple of yards of the ball, sending him flying on to the ground, where he lay for some little time as the result of the shock he had received, which was due to this flagrant breach, llooling came from all round the ground, and was continued for some seconds. For this breach of the rules Wellington was allowed a free kick, and decided to have a shot at goal. The ball was placed behind the centre line, and a truly magnificent -hot sent it right between the posts and over the bar. This just retribution roused the "pectators—now somewhat excited owing to the rough play to loud and continuous cheering. Then the New South Wales backs attacked once more. Their quickness of initiative, brilliant sprinting and passing claiming the admiration of all. Agam they wore foiled, but soon afterwards from a scrum near the goal line one of them dashed over on the blind side and scored a try, from which a goal was kicked. So ended a memorable match, one that abounded in exciting incidents, and ore that proved conclusively (he netessity That exists for a remodel!u.g of the back play in New Zealand Rugby football. SOUTHLAND v. WAIRARAPA WI.Y FOR SHIELD HOLDERS CARTERTON. September 7. Southland and \\ airarana met at Grevtown to-day in ideal weather, a slight breeze blowing up the field. ‘Southland, having won the toss, elected to play with the w; d against the sun. Flay throughout was of a forward nature, and Very even in 1 11 o first .-pell, but Southland showed more dash and determination in loose work. H. M. Brown, White, Budd. and Hiller showing frequently to advantage. The hacks of both sides were faulty at handling, Wairarapa making glaring mistakes. Forward rushes carried play up and down and made the pace willing. From a Southland attack the ball came back to J. Brown, the full-back, inside half-way, and, taking time, he potted a beautiful goal. Shortly after Southland again pressed, but kicked the ball too bard. Torrance, instead of forcing, attempted to rush and kick for the line, lie was smothered and from the ensuing ruck the ball was feebly kicked by a Wairarapa back, and marked bv Lop-dr-ll in front of the grab Ho easily coaled Southland 7, Wairarapa nil. Wairarapa pressed several times, but could not score. At ihe opening of the second spell Wairarapa was aggressive, but Southland was beginning to play better in the backs, and steadily forced them hack into Wairarapa territory. The home forwards got possession and carried play by a dribbling rush to (he Southland goal. Here the defending hack-- fumbled badly, and Desmond scored by the goal. Toriance coilverted. Southland 7, Wairnr -. 5. Wairarapa again pressed, and was a. .in thrown back. Then the 1 lame 1 euk i bio Ice away, I ami Grouhe, after a good run, cut in and transferred to the forwards, who completed the work, Desmond again scoring, this time at the corner. Torrance failed with the kick. Wairarapa 8, Southland 7. This success by Wairarapa spurred Southland to vigorous action, and Wairarapa had an exceedingly hot time. From the ruck the bill went to O’Kane, who immediately transferred, and it was passed through javoral hands to Diack, who nut in a hril-

liant run and scored. The kick at goal failed. From this Southland continued to be aggressive, but could not score again, and the game ended: Southland, 10 points; Wairarapa, 8 points. MOASCAR CUP. RETAINED BY CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, September 7. The final Moascar Cup match between Christchurch Boys’ High School and Auckland Grammar School attracted an attendance of several thousand at Lancaster Park. The weather was ’very fine. After an even and interesting game Christchurch, the first holders of the cup, succeeded in retaining the trophy by three tries to nil. The better team won on the clay’s play, and if it had a goal-kicker it would have added several points to the score. Low, Hay, and Werven scored for Christchurch. At the conclusion of the match the cup was presented to Carleton, the captain of tile winning team, bv Major H. Hurst, D.S.O. Colonel Young, O.C. Southern Command, said that the splendid enthusiasm shown in the competition was in itself a fine thing. AUCKLAND GATE RECEIPTS. AUCKLAND, September 5. The gate receipts at the Auckland-Spring-bok-s’ match were £2IOO, and at the second test match £llOO. RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH. THE HOLDERS DEFEATED. WELLINGTON, September 10. The Ranfurlv Shield football match was, played here to-day, and resulted in Southland losing by 13 points to 28. The attendance was fully 10,000. Lord and Lady Jellicoe were present. Ideal weather conditions prevailed, and the ground was very hard. As an exhibition of Rugby the game was not equal to first grade standard. It was open and fast, and contained many good passing rushes, but at times it was extremely ragged. Each side showed little combination, and many glaring mistakes were made by the backs. Southland backs were unreliable, and seldom fielded the ball cleanly. The visitors kicked off with the sun and breeze at their backs. Wellington were first to attack, but there was no vim in the movement. Bad passing amongst the local backs let Millar and Cockroft away with creditable dash, which was improved by a kick by Biaok. Misfielding by Biddells ended in Diack scoring in a good position. Agnew convened. Southland 5, Well in gt on nil. As the game progressed play' became fast. H. Nieholls repeatedly sent the Wellington backs away, but the passing was most erratic. A rush, headed by Parker and Ryan. reached t lie Southland lino, where the ball went dead. Nice work by Bell. St. George, and Diack followed, and I. Brown was given an opportunity to pot a goal, but missed. A splendid opening by St. George was nullified by fumbling, and when the effort was repeated Wellington forced down. A passing bout between St. George, Hazlett, and Diack ended in I. Brown again potting without success, and the home side relieved by a kick by Siddells. Southland were having the best of the play up to this stage, but their attacks were without cohesion. Presently Ryan came away from the scrum, and ran strongly, and when the opportunity to score was presented it was spoiled by an infringement. Again St. George let rhe Southland backs away, but the finishing touches were absent. Cockroft intercepted a pass, and. with the assistance of Agnew and Strang, hemmed Wellington clown. Riddells coming through and saving. The visitors continually threw away good chances to score. Advantage was not take n of the sun and breeze, line kicking being more favoured than the open game. A run by' Jackson was carried on by IT. Nieholls, Do Clifton. King. Markham, and Hutchison. The last-named scored but King missed with the kick. Southland 5, Wellington 3. During a loose forward rush by Wellington. Mark Nieholls picked up the ball and passed well out to S. SBicarer. who transferred to Algar. The latter kicked along i he line, and Brown fumbling. King scored, but his kick al goal failed. Wellington 6, Southland 5. It was now apparent that the visitors were noi equal to the opposition, and Southland were mainly defending until a few minutes before the spell ended. Their tackling, lie mover, was improving, but little cohesion was displayed. A strong kick by St. George and. failure by Siddells to return it. resulted in a loose scramble near the Wellington line, where I.opdell picked up and ran across. Ilis kick at goal fell short. Southland 8, Wellington 6. The second half of the game opened with an attack by Southland, which melted away through want of sufficient vim. King had a shot at goal from a free kick without success, but from a later one Mark Nieholls found the cross bar from near the centre of the field. Wellington 9, Southland 3. St. George, who was easily the best back in the visitors’ team, made really good openings, which were not made the best use of through want of support. 11. Nieholls also did excellent, work behind the scrum for Wellington. Diack intercepted a pass, and got well av.av but was collared by Algar. A dash by the Southland forwards stopped at the Wellington line. The ball went across, and M'Ker.zie dived, but failed to secure a try by inches Wright and Gihnour flashed ini,j prominence for a moment, but J. Shearer altered the position by a fast dribble. Southland sought relief bv forcing, and during a further attack by Wellington Bell got offside, and Mark Nieholls goaled. Wellington 12. Southland 8. Wellington was gradually gaining the upper hand, and slightly better unison was being shown. A well-judged pass by if. Nieholls wa: sent to his brother and on to Hutchison, who fooled his opponents and scored under the post*. The major points wore added bv Mark Nioholl . Wellington 17, Southland 8. Shortly afterwards Hutchison vnaUd from a marl,. Wellington 20. Southland 8. Wellington's next, fry was obtained by Hair. Nieholls again coaling. Wellington 25. Southland 8. Within 10 minutes of time IT. Brown caught the local backs napping, and scored an easy try. which Agnew converted. Wellington 25, Southland 13. A rush by the Wellington forwards Saw B. Shearer force his way over. M. Nieholls’s kick failed, and the game ended: Wellington 23 Southland 13

In addition to St. George, Diack, amongst the backs, and Cockroft, Millar, and Brett (forwards) played best for Southland. The hooking by Standen for Wellington was a feature of the game. AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI. AUCKLAND, September 10. The interprovincial match between Auckland and Taranaki was played at Eden Bark to-day before an attendance estimated at about 5000. The ground was hard and fast, and the weather -was perfect, with a light breeze blowing across the ground. Auckland won by 19 points to 9. Tlie first score came to Auckland as the result of a clever passing rush, Williams scoring on the corner. V. Badelev's kick fell short. Fast play followed, and then the Auckland backs broke away again. Grierson scoring. A'. Badeley’s kick failed. Halftime sounded with the score : Auckland 6 points, Taranaki nil. 5 On resuming Auckland attacked, and then the visitors pressed, and were awarded a penalty, Hooker converting. Shortly after I [elander scored for Auckland, but "AFOtillough’s kick failed. Auckland 9. Taranaki 3 ; Play livened up in the last quarter, and Taranaki scored, Hickey getting over after a clever piece of work. Hooker’s kick failed. As the result: of brilliant play by the Badeley brothers, V. Budeley scored, and M'Oullou.gh converted. Auckland 14, Taranaki 6. From a neat passing rush Williams next scored for Auckland, and M’Cullotigh converted. Taranaki then took a hand in attack. Earle picked up the leather from a scrum in front of the posts, and the visitors were awarded a free kick, which Malone converted. The final whistle blew with the scores:— Auckland 19 points. ’Taranaki 9 points. Auckland well deserved their win. The Taranaki forwards proved to be a speedy and untiring pack, but tho backs failed to support them satisfactorily. THE CHRISTCHURCH GATE. CHRISTCHURCH, September 5. The gate receipts at the test match between the New Zealand B team and the New South Wales touring team on Saturday amounted t-o £1258. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. CHRISTCHURCH, September 6. Some caustic comment on the general coiKiuct of last Saturday’s test match against Now South Wales by the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby l mon and the selectors, and also °n the treatment of players before and afver the selection for that match and for the next tost match against the Springboks, }vas made at to-night’s meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union, especially by the chairman (Mr S. F. ’Wilson). Eventually it was decided ‘‘to condemn the method of selection and the treatment- of players after selection for test matches, and the unbusiness-hke manner adopted by the Management Committee of the New Zealand 1 nion regarding the mobilisation of the New Zealand team for the match against New South Wales.” FIFTH GRADE. ZINGARI BEATS SOUTHERN. The fifth grade match between Zingari and Southern was played after the schools’ tournament, and resulted in a. win for Zingari by 6 points to nil. Zingari 6. Southern Nil. THE GOLDFIELDS TOUR. The manager of the Goldfields’ tour (Mr G. Nelson) kindly supplies me with the following : The team was as follows Forwards— W. Brown (captain), R. Knox (vice-captain), IT iiighlev, J. Berwick, F. Wilson, K. Scottj C. W. Boyd, C. L. Stevenson, J. Gow, J. Geary. L. Carnegie and J. Brien joined the team at Roxburgh to replace J." Gow and J. Geary, injured at Ranfurly. Backs —A. H. Scott, A. R. Arthur, 11. A. Jacobs, W. Cameron, C. M. Louis, If S Watson, R. H. Roberts, T. Wills, J. Webber. W. Fea and J. Perry joined the team at Baldutha. Result of Tour.—August 18, v. Maniototo, lost, 6 points to 15 points; August 20, v. Vincent, lost, 0 points to 5 points; August 23, v. Tuapeka, lost, 4 points to 6 points; August 25, v. Tapanui Districts, won, 11 points to 6; August 27, v. South Otago, won, 11 points to 6 points. The team left Dunedin by the Central train on Thursday morning, August 18. and arrived at. Ranfurly at 1 p.m. The match against Maniototo Sub-union was played at Ranfurly the same afternoon, the Maniototo players winning by 15 points to 6. The play in this match was very ragged, and at no time was any high-class football shown. The much-discussed 15. Naylor is a forward who showed good form on the day, but in my opinion he would not displace any of the Otago representative loose forwards. All the same, he must be classed as a very useful player. Moran is also a good, hardworking forward. The "tea m suffered many injuries in this match, and it was necessary for Cow and Geary to return home, the former suffering from a badly strained shoulder, and the latter from a dislocated collar-bone. A. 11. Scott also suffered a slight injury, but was able to continue the tour. We thought our luck was right out, but fortunately the team did not suffer any further losses during the tour. All the team are loud in their praise of the dinner supplied by the Maniototo Subunion after the match, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. T must thank the proprietors of the hotel _ (Mrs Median and airs Harrington) for their kindness and attention to onr team, but particularly to the three injured ones. On Friday. August 19. we travelled by train to Clyde, arriving there about- 5 p.m. Wo were met at the station by members of the Vincent Union and the Clyde Football Club, and made to feel at home right 1 nv.ny. Rome members of the team went I to a dance in the evening until 10.30. | On Saturday wo played the Vincent SubI union at Clyde before a large crowd of J spectators. A very fast, open game (withI out any bvillin-nt. play) r-.'-nlu-d in a win for I Vincent by 5 to nil. In the evening we | were tho guests of Vincent Sub-union at dinner (6 p.m.), and afterwards were enterj laineij at a dan.--' in tee r !--e."ll Hell. Altoi gather a very fine week-end was spent in I the Clyde district, everyone assisting to i-"d; on lovable. Mr D. Cahill. the referee in this match, controlled the game in first-class style, and I have no hesitation in classing him in the first flight of referees in New Zealand. On Monday the team left for Roxburgh. As the weather was beautifully fine this

trip was greatly enjoyed. The journey took about three hours, the motor men not hurrying things so as to give the team a chance of studying tho district-. At Roxburgh we were met by officials of the subunion and welcomed in good style. We played Tuapeka Sub-union, and after a very even and fast game Tuapeka won by ~6 points to 4 (a potted goal by Tommy Wills). Our team showed better combination in this game. Gordon, a five-eighth for Roxburgh, showed very good form. He tackles and kicks well and knows how to get past opponents. I would like to see this player in Dunedin for 12 months and I am sure he would be amongst the best. On Tuesday evening after the match we were entertained .at dinner and later at a dance. This proved a very enjoyable function. All the members of the team attended. I must not overlook the motor drive arranged for Tuesday morning by the Roxburgh people, numerous cars taking the team to the surrounding sluicing claims and old dredge workings. This drive was much appreciated by the team, and I am much indebted to our friends who were responsible for this tine outing. On Wednesday morning we left Roxburgh at 9.45 for Tapanui in motor cars—the same cars as wore used on the journey Clyde to Roxburgh. This was a glorious trip—fine weather, good drivers, and a good morning tea at Rae’s Junction ass-sting greatly to make everyone feel hi good spirits. Me arrived at Tapanui about 1 p.m., and here said good-bye to our motor friends. 1 would here like to thank Mr Earle, of Roxburgh, and the other drivers of his largo cars for their attention and courtesy to tho teams during our motor journeys. Wo had not a single stop for engine or other motor car troubles. During our stay at Tapanui we were well looked after by the Rugby officials. A dance was aranged for our players for Wedn sclay nigl it. As this was the night before the match I instructed all players to cease dancing by 10.45. It was a hard notice to give, but it is pleasing to state that not a single player overstayed the given time. The game against Tapanui Districts was played at Tapanui on Thursday at 3 p.m., a very fair game being the result, our backs showing up better than in their other games. Watson, scrum half, and Wills, fiveeighth, played very fine football. Watson scored three tries and converted one, scoring the whole 11 points secured by his side. In the evening our team was entertained at a concert in the public hall, a very happy evening being spent, our players assisting with a number of items. On Friday the team journeyed from Taparnii to Baldutha by rail, arriving at Clutha about 3 p.m. The majority of the team visited the butter factory, being shown over the works by Mr Claude Cappel, who showed us the various cream tests, etc. This was very interesting to those present. In the evening tho team was entertained at a banquet at which Mr Malcolm, M.P., members of Clutha Council, and the Rugby Subunion were present. This was a very fine gathering, and we were well looked after by our Rugby friends.' The Clutha officials were very disappointed at a number of tho Otago Union members not coming down to this function and the game as they had promised. The Clutha people are keen on their football, and a visit from a few of our union’s officials would have been very pleasing to them in more ways than one. Saturday morning was spent in looking over the large freezing works at Baldutha, members of the teams being conveyed there by motor car and shown over the works by the management. the game against South Otago was the best of the tour. Our team was strengthened by the inclusion of Fea and Berry, and gave a very good exhibition against the strongest team we had met on the tour. Fea (liveeighth for South Otago, is a very nice player). He is a brother of Fea, Otago’s five-eighth. Other players also showed good form. We won this game by 11-6. At the conclusion of this game tile team had just time to dress and catch the express train for Dunedin. We arrived in town at 6.53 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, after a very enjoyable tour. I must express my deep thanks to Mr Yv. Brown (captain) for his attention to the team. He was the. right- man in the right place, and his conduct was an example for all travelling players to follow. 1 must also tm.uk the proprietors of ail the hotels we stayed at for their kindness and attention. \Ve were well cared for at all times. Ihe team themselves were a very happy family, and were easy to look after, causing their manager very little trouble indeed. Ihe weather throughout- the tour was beautiful, and this added greatly to our comfort in travelling. I must not overlook the railway people, the stationmasters at all places on the journey, also at Dunedin, doing all they could for us, and I feel greatly indebted to them. From conversations, speeches, and gatherings on the tour, the outstanding feature was the selecting of the Otago team and representation on the Selection and the Management Committees. in discussing these matters 1 always made it clear that 1. was not sneaking tor the committee, but more to try and discover some way for better representation oil the eommitttee of the parent body in Otago. I have no doubt that in ihe near future the sub-unions of the Otago Central will bring these matters under the notice of the Otago Union. The men who occupy the official positions in various sub-unions we visited are very earnest men, and their wish is that Rugby football shall progress in their centres and in New Zealand generally. I would like to suggest that in future tours of the Central, a strong pack and a good fast set of backs be sent. It is our duty to send a team that can give a good exhibition of back play. LEAGUE FOOTBALL. AX STB ALASI A N TEA M. LONDON, September 9. Tho Australasian footballers have commenced practice at the Harrogate Association Club’s grounds, where they give an exhibition display to-morrow (Saturday). THE TIT U.’KEII SHIELD. AUCKLAND, September 10. In a match for the Thacker Shield, the Benson by League team beat Petone by 18 points to 13. The attendance was nearly 7000. The game throi igho.ut was highly exciting, and kept the large crowds on the side-line in a state of groat enthusiasm.

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ASSOCIATION. OLD BOYS WIN THE CUP. A large crowd, numbering fully 700, gathered at Culling Park on Saturday to witness the final for the Senior Grade between Old Boys arid Kait.anga.ta. Kaitangata’s supporters were much in evidence, soma 200 having come into town to see the match. Both teams gave of their best, and a really fine game, closely contested, resulted in favour of Old Boys by 3 goals to 2. Old Boys’ forward line was considerably strengthened by the inclusion of Race, who took Clarke’s position, the latter having gone out of town. Kaitangata won the toss and played with the sun behind them. Old Boys were slow in settling down, and Kaitangata had the upper hand at the stait. Moody (Old Boys) relieved a dangerous attack by the visitors, and Deakcr, in goal, fisted clear a high shot from the right wing. Good play between Fraser and Logan changed the position of play, a fine attempt by Race being smartly cleared by the visitors’ goalie. Kaitangata immediately returned, and Allan stemming tho onslaught, a spell of even, play followed. Campbell and Rarity failed to take advantage of a good clearance by M‘Auley, and Old Boys’ forward line, combining well, a scramble ensued in front of Kaitangata's goal, but Race’s shot was blocked. The visitors continued to keep up tire pressure, out could not, got, within striking distance, both Moody and Kennedy doing good work on defence. Kennedy transferred play to the other end, where Race’s shot was safely cleared by Wynne. Play swung' back, but Munsie fumbled badly and Moodv (Old Boys) gained a round of applause for a couple of lino returning kicks. Old Boys’ halves played too close up ami gave their backs a lot of unnecessary work. A corner kick to Kaitangata was cleared by Deaker, and play hovered round half-way for a period, until Allan, by clever play, made an opening. Race finishing off with a great shot from about 20 yards out. Old Boys 1, Kaitangata nil. Old Boys’ play now showed considerable improvement. A well-placed corner kick was cleared by AFAuley, who transferred to his forwards. Allen _ (Old Boys) failed to clear a high dropping ball, and Munsie slipped through and gave Deakcr in goal no chance. Old Boys 1, Kaitangata 1. Even, interesting play continued until half-time was called without alteration to the scores. Old Roys opened ihe second spell briskly, and almost immediately Race went near scoring with a neat header. Combined play by M ‘C'a w and Dunn on Kaitangata's right looked dangerous, and two corner kicks were conceded m quick succession, but both were safely cleared by Old Boys. The visitors, playing pretty and correct football, were striving hard to gain tho lead, and Allen went near to letting them through, but Moody saved in the face of a hot attack. Dunn followed with a fine centre to Rarity. on the left. who netted with a hard shot. Kaitangata 2, Old Boys 1. Kaitangata continued to dominate the play, and a high shot by Dunn just missed the mark. Play swung back and forward at a great pace. Hurraway (Old Boys) had an ineffectual shot from 30 yards out. A beautiful pass by M'Caw to Rarity ended in a resultloss corner "being forced. Both Fraser and Alloo, with clever play, worked the bail to Kaitangata’s. goal, where Logan brought the scores level, amidst great excitement. Immediately from the kick-off Old Boys attacked strongly, and after a couple of ineffectual corner kicks Race again goaled with a lightning shot—two goals having been scored in five minutes. Old Boys 3, Kaitangata 2. Clever play by Race and Logan again had the miners in trouble, but Richardson saved smartly. M’Auley was also prominent in saving his side, arid transferred play to the other end, where a hot rally ensued, Allen eventually clearing. The play was now very fast, and Kaitangata, in a strenuous endeavour to equalise, transferred one of the backs to the forward line. A brilliant shot bv the visitors’ centre-half was equally as well saved bv Deakcr. The one-back game was checking the OKI Boys’ advance. Kaitangata succeeded in forcing a corner, and this was cleared by Allan, whilst Deaker brought off a couple of fine saves towards the close. Air R. Brown was referee, and the game ended: Old Boys 3 goals Kaitangata 2 goals At the close of the game the teams assembled in front of the pavilion, and the cup was presented to the Old Boys by Air S. SI. Myers president of the Otago Football Association). Cheers am l a haka by the Old Boys for Kaitangata uere replied to by Kaitangata giving cheers for this season's cup winners. PREMIERS TO DATE. 1895 — Roslyn (Rangers runners-up). 1896 —Roslyn (Queen’s Park runners-up). 1897 — Roslyn (Rangers runners-up). 1898 — Wakari i Roslyn runners-up.;. 1899 — Roslyn (Northern runners-up). 1900— Roslyn (Southern runners-up;. 1901 — Roslyn (Southern runners-up). 1992 —Roslyn (.Northern runners-up). 1303 —Northern (Kaitangata runners-up). 1904 —Northern (Wakari runners-up). 1305 —Kaitangata (Wakari runner3-up). 1906 Northern (Kaitangata runners-up). 1907 — Northern (Mornington runners-up). 19U&—Northern (Wakari runners-up). 1909 — City (Northern runners-up). 1910 — Northern (Ravensbcurne runners-up). 1911 — Mornington (Kaitangata runners-up . 1912 Mornington (Kaitangata runners-up). .1913 —Kaitangata (Northern A runners-up}. 1911 • Northern (Kai mgata i 1915 Mornington, equal, runners-up). iiJ.Lu —(No trophy) Mornington (Northern runners-up). 1917 — (No trophy) Nor.lie: n (Mornington runners-up). 1918 — Southern (Mornington runners-up). 1913 — Northern (Southern runners-up). 19*20—Kaitangata (Old Boys runners-up). 1921 —High School Old Roys (Kaitangata runner s-u n>.

A valuable discovery was made on Monday of last week, when i ; ki Waitura, an old lesident of Riverton, who was engaged in ploughing his section on the Kuik. unearthed no fewer than 15 Maori axes or chisels (reports the We-iorn Star). S«>nie of the specimens wore two feet in length and beautifully polished. An an indication of their value £5 was refused for one of them. Taki \\ aitara, who is 77 years of age, lived with hi.- grandfather on the spot where the curious were found, and is overjoyed at finding the relicts fashioned by his ancestors.