FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 43

FOOTBALL.

THE SB RING B OK S’ TOUR. REJOICINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA. CAPETOWN, September 17. The result of to-day’s wonderful match at Wellington was received with unbounded satisfaction as a Stung end to a magnificent tour. Whatever disappointment may be felt at the indecisive outcome of the test matches is swallowed up bv gratification at the success of the tour, which is regarded as a complete vindication of Springbok tactics, and of appreciation of the splendid sportsmanship of the New Zealanders. DEPARTURE OF THE TEAM. After a quiet day at their own request, the Springboks sailed on the 19th by the Tahiti. Thousands were present at the enthusiastic send-off, cheers and countercheers ringing out. The visitors are unanimous in declaring that they had a splendid time in New Zealand. The following cable from the South African Rugby Board, addressed to the president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, has been received: Honours easy, probably the most fitting termination to an eventful tour Trust our men have shown that Rugby Union football can still be played according to its best traditions, and thus foster amateurism. Phase accept our best thanks for toe generous and unbounded hr spit, a! it you and the, people of Now Zealand have hr en good enough to accord to our players. Hope to welcome your representatives to the land of the Springbok in the near future. Steel. the New Zealand wing threequarter. lias been awarded the cup for the best back in the three tests. Jf e also secured the medal fo- (he host 1 net- in (he third test, and Van Rooyen that for the best forwaid. Others who have been awarded medals in previous games are Michau, G. Morkel. H. Niriholls. nnP Beilis. At ti meeting of pressmen in Wellington a protest was made against some remarks bv Air Slade, of the New Zealand Rugby Union Management Committee, in stating that reputable journalists should get, theninformation direct-, and not through the keyhole. The protest was considered at a meeting of the New Zealand Union in committee, when a resolution was passed regretting that Mr Slade, while stung by

inaccurate reports and press criticism, should have made the remarks he did without giving a full explanation of the circumstances. STRATH-TAIERI. MIDDLE-MARCH, September 19. The football season in the Strath-Taieri was brought to a close on Saturday afternoon by an interesting match between the married and single players of the district. After a tough contest the game ended with the scores 3 all. Amongst the married men were former Southland and Maniototo representatives.

WELLINGTON DEFEATS AUCKLAND. WELLINGTON, September 21. The football match between Auckland and Wellington for the Ranfuriy Shield was played thin afternoon. Auckland were the challengers The attendance was upwards of 4000. The weather was fine, and the ground soft. There was a breeze from the north. Auckland had the advantage of the wind for the first half of the game. _ Play opened with a rush by tfie \\ elliilgton forwards, which was neutralised by offside tactics and excellent line kicks. As the game progressed it became faster, and was open and interesting. There was a, iot of desultory forward scrambles, but the scene was ever changing, and was greatly appreciated by tne spectators. The first score was secured by Wellington. From a scum in the Auckland territory Mat’heson passed smartly to B. Algar, and the ball went to Nictiolls, then to Markham, and on to Jackson, who bounded over the full back and scored. King was not successful with the kick. Wellington >5 points, Auckland nil. A combined rush by the Wellington forwards followed, and Nicholls improved the position by a dribble, Ifwersen making a splendid save. At this stage Wellington was showing to best advantage, and but for the fine defensive wo.u of Earle the score may have been increased. Pressure was maintained, and a concerted movement by the local backs, which were supported by the forwards, ended in J. Shearer crossing. Nicholls missed a simple kick. Wellington 6 points, Auckland nil. Auckland became aggressive for a while, and Earle marked in a good position, but the kick went wide. A loose forward rush by Auckland, followed by bad fielding of the bail by the Wellington backs, enabled V. Badeley to secure a try, which he failed to convert. Wellington 6 points, Auckland 5 points. The bull was thrown about by each side in the approved style, and the tackling was good. Strenuous forward play, which was open and hist, hennaed Auckland to the line. The backs were associated in a fine piece of work, and King missed an easy kick almost under the goal from a penalty. C. Badeley headed a rusii, and Ifwersen kicked at goal without result. Nicholls made a lone-handed effort, and smart passing among the backs resulted in Williams obtaining a try, which v . Badeley converted. Auckland 8 points. Wellington 6 points. In the second spell Muir replaced Finlay. Wellington attacked at once, and D. Algar cross-kicked to Williams, who misjudged the flight cl the ball, and B. Algar scored. Nicholls goaled. Wellington 11 points, Auckland 8 points. The local team attacked again by passing rushes, relief coming to Auckland through Earle, who cleverly picked up and eluded opposition. Treziso and l.i'Lean carried on the movement, and Nicholls kicked act ass die line, B. Algar saving by kicking to the dead line. Cheered on by an impartial crowd, Auckland played with great dash. Attack and counter-attack followed in, quick succession. Miliken got nicely away, and then Earle, the Badeley brothers, and Smith made a determined onI slauglit, C. Badeley scoring. His kick j failed. Auckland 11 points, Wellington 11 points. After Auckland had been forced, a brilliant passing rush -’among the Wellington backs ended in Jackson hurdling Muir, and scoring. Nicholls failed with the kick. Wellington 14 points, Auckland 11 points. Williams made a useful run, and passed to Miliken, who had i an open field, but took a pass offside, eni aiding Wellington to save by a tree kick. The game surged from side to side in Auckland territory, and presently the ball was seen sailing between the pests. Nicholls had potted a goal. Wellington 18 points, Auckland 11. Undaunted by the reverse, | Auckland put up a splendid fight. An ! infringement took place under the Wellington goal, V. Badeley having no difficulty in goaling. Wellington 18 points, Auckland i 4. The exhibition was ex-

hilarating, each team d-oing its utmost to gain mastery. A strong sprint by Jackson, and the failure of Muir to let go the ball was responsible for Nicholls adding a further goal to Wellington. Shortly afterwards, from a struggle on the Auckland line, S. Shearer shot across to Nicholls, but the kick at goal did not enhance the score. Wellington 24 points, Auckland 14. The local team’s final try was the outcome of smart work by B. Algar. Picking up the ball in a loose rush, he cut in and fooled two opponents, and handed the ball to Nicholls, who raced over. This try was not converted. A few minutes before the call of time one of the best pieces of play of the afternoon took place, when Auckland were attacking.

Earle shot the ball out from a scrum, and after several backs had handled it Ifwersen ran unopposed behind the. posts. V. Badeley goalod, and the game ended: Wellington 27 points, Auckland 19. Wellington thus retains the shield, and will play Otago for it on Saturday. In the curtain-raiser match Wellington B defeated the King o ,ntry representatives by II points to 6. For the King Country, Heise "scored a try, and for Wellington, Troy (2) and Al’Cube scored tries, and Thomas converted one. OTAGO v. HAWKE’S BAY. A DRAWN GAME. HASTINGS, September 21. The Otago-Hawke’s Bay match was placed in ideal weather, and resulted in a hard, even game. The scores stood at 3 all iu'i before half-time, when Otago secured a try, and the bell went with Otago 6 points, Hawke’s Bay 3. Changing over, Otago had the best of the game until halfway" through, when the Bay broke away and later scored an unconverted try, making tlie scores 6 points all. The game ended five minutes later. SOUTHLAND v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. The Southland team played the final game of its tour on Wednesday, when it met South Canterbury at the Athletic Grounds. The weather conditions were the worst under which Rugby has bec-n played in Timnru for a great many years. A very hard but friendly contest ended in a win for Southland by five points to three, the South Canterbury team holding the upper hand in the first

half, and Southland in the second. After 30 minutes of exciting and even play H. Scott secured in Southland’s twenty-five and passed to Ward, who was collared by Gilmour just short of the goal line. Southland staved off the attack, and pushed out to the twentyfive, but from a lineout Ward burst’ through and dribbled past Lynch and O’Connor, and Shea dived for the ball, one or other being awarded the try in a fair position. A. Scott’s kick went just outside the near poet. South Canterbury, 3 points; Southland, nil. Play was confined chiefly to Southland’s territory for the rest of the spell, but there was no further score on either side at the cail of half-time. Play was resumed without an interval, but three of the Greens had left the field, and Cockroft led a rush through a gap almost to the goal line before they returned. The ball went out at the corner, but an attempt at passing lost ground for Southland, and a penalty gave further- respite to the defenders. Play was carried up and down the field for some time, the Southland backs frequently making attempts at passing, but their efforts were all without success. Their forwards then made a bold bid for a score, and from a line-out the ball was kicked over South Canterbury’s goal line between the posts. Storey did not go down to force, and An near speculated for the dead ball line and missed, allowing Bell to fall on the ball. In any case a try had been awarded for obstrueland, 5 points; South Canterbury, 3 points, tion. Agnew got the ball just inside the post, and put Southland in the lead. SouthEast scrambling play followed during the rest of the spell, and in the closing minutes the Sou hland vanguard set up another attack, and the Maroons were awarded a free kick, but it was marked by Tutty, who put the bail out, and time was called with scores unal.ered: Southland, 5 points; South Canterbury, 3 points. JUBILEE SMOKE SOCIAL. An enjoyable smoke social to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Union Rugby Football Club was held in Kroon’s Social Hall on the 22nd, Mr J. Hope (club president.) presiding over an attendance representative of the various sports bodies and football clubs in and about Dunedin. A number of toasts were proposed and duly honored, and an enjoyable evening spent. OTAGO v. WELLINGTON. BLUES NARROWLY DEFEATED. WELLINGTON, September 24.

There was glorious weather for the Ranfuriy Shield match, played at Athletic Park to-day. About 10,009 people were present. The teams were as follows: Otago.—Full back, E. Watson; threequarters, E. Stewart, G. Owles, F. Ward; live-eighths, F. Perry and V. Hawke; half back, F. M'Naugliton; wing forward, W. Knox; forwards —F. Highley, W. Coombs, (hookers), A. Paterson (lock). J. Richardson, C. Sonntag, 11. llarty, O. Davidson. Wellington.—Full back, Siddelis ; threequarters—D. _ Algar, Markham, Jackson ; five-eighths, M. Nicholls and B. Algar; hall back, H. E. Nicholls; wing forward, E. King; forwards—Standen. 8. Shearer (hookers). Duncan (lock), W. Ryan, Bruce, J. Muir, Parker. At the commencement Otago attacked with plenty of vim, and were awarded two penalties in quick succession. Perry failed with the kick at goal. Wellington, mainly through the agency of H. Nicholls, who was playing a good game behind the scrum, and Jackson, their fast wing, got their backs going, but Otago’s defence was very sound. The Otago forwards were keeping up their reputation, end did good work in the loose. They wc.c awarded another penalty, but Owles failed, though not by it very big margin. It was the forward division which was mainly responsible for the first Otago score. Patterson secured

near Iho Welling ton goal line, and a pretty peice of work saw Owles struggle, over. The crowd loudly cheered the fine bit of combined work. Richardson failed to convert. Otago, 3; Wellington, nil. It was not long, however, before the Wellington backs combined in the best manner. Wellington were assisted by poor handling by the majority of the Otago backs, and they went very near to scoring on several occasions The champions’ first try was most unexpected. Wellington had been worrying the Otago defence for a considerable period, and a scrum was ordered near the goal. The_ ball was hooked to H. Nicholls, who cooiiv potted a magnificent goal. Wellington, 4; Otago, 3. Later Coombs (Otago) was injured, and had to retire. He was replaced bv Wilson. Up to this the game had been full of dash, but there were

greater t.tings to come. There was a line out in Wellington’s twenty-five. After throwing in the Kill King whipped round arid was in to score. King failed with ihe kick. Wellington, 7 : Otago, 3. Then came Otago’s turn again. The forwards

were playing with great dash and any mistake on the part, of the Wellington backs was quickly taken advantage of. Ilawke made a great, run down the field, and was collared near the line, but he managed to pass to Owles, who scored under the posts. Richardson bad no difficulty in converting. Otago, 8; Wellington, 7. Just prior to this Wilson apparently scored after a great run by Stewart-, but'a five yards’ out scrum was ordered. For the remainder of the spell the Otago defence was found badly wanting, and a nice forward rush by Wellington saw Ryan pass to Duncan, who scored an easy try. The kick at goal failed. Wellington, 10; Otago, 8. Wellington were attacking when the bell rang, but (ho ball was stiff in play. M. Nicholls secured from a ruck, and wriggled ids way through, and scored. He took the kick himself, but failed. Wellington 13, Otago 8, was the score when half time was called. With the sun and wind behind them. Otago made the pace in the early stages of the second spell. The forwards were going great guns, Richardson (the All Black) showing out prominently. These wore anxious times for Wellington, but the superlatively good defence of the local team, notably D. Algar, kept them out. The game had developed into a grim struggle between fine forwards and brilliant backs, with Otago having much the better of it. At length Wellington obtained relief, but Perry returned with a fine line kick, arid again the local men had to withstand a severe onslaught. After play had hovered for a while about tile half-way, Owles got the ball out to Stewart, who made a great sprint down the line, only to be pushed out at the corner. It was the worst hit of luck in the game. Stewart’s splendid effort evoked great applause. Play occasionally moved up to Otago’s territory, and then matters looked serious for_ the visitors. However, Otago came again, the backs doing better than in the first spell. A particularly dangerous rush by Otago saw the latter awarded a penalty, but to the surprise of everybody Richardson missed a very e>a.sy shot. This was followed by

M’Naughton, Hawke, and Owles combining in a promising movement, but bad luck was their companion. A little later Otago were awarded a penalty, but the kick by Owles was charged down, and play shifted to th.) other end. From this on the game was full of incident. Otago was only 5 points behind the champions, and were holding out well, but their backs were not equal to pushing their efforts home. After lively bouts of play the game ended without further score. This closed the Rugby season ,n Wellington, and the local 6ide holds tlis Ranfuriy Shield till next year. Mr H M’Kcnzie was referee.

The Otago forwards were certainly a fine lot, and quite outplayed their opponents; but, with perhaps two exceptions, the Otago backs were not first-class—-indeed, if the efforts of the Otago forwards had been seconded by backs as good as those on the Wellington side the southern team might easily nave won the shield. The Otago full back, especially in the first spell, was lamentably weak, and his poor fielding of the hall and the mistakes no made _ practically accounted for the difference in the scores.

The game was a better exposition of Rugby than the match between Wellington and Auckland, played on the same ground a few days ago. Early in the struggle it became evident that it would be a question of whether or not the Wellington backs’ play would more than offset tile brilliance of the Otago forwards, and most of us who had seen the Wellington team in action this season thought that it would. TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND. NEW PLYMOUTH, September 24. The match between Taranaki and Auckland was played to-day at Pukekura Park under perfect weather conditions and on a dry ground. There were about 3000 spec t a tors. The All Blacks, Kingston, West, and Fogarty, played in the Taranaki team, and with ifwersen (Auckland) gave additional interest to the match. The game was keenly contested throughout, both side? making it as open as possible, with the result tha'i there was a good deal of spectacular play. The game was full of incident and interesting throughout, the spectators often being roused to enthusiasm by forward rushes and passing bouts on both sides. Taranaki gained a victory by 21 points to 10. On the day Taranaki was much the better team, outclassing the visitors m most departments. The local team played a great game, reminiscent of their titanic struggle against the Springboks’ forwards. They were superior to Auckland in the loose and on the line-out, whilst in the scrum work honours were

easy. ’ihe Taranaki backs gave a surprisingly good exhibition in attack, whilst their defence was sound. The Auckland rearguard did not get too many chances to drive home their attack, though they were very dangerous at times. The game was played throughout in the friendliest spirit, but there were several minor casualties Lusk and Coutts (Taranaki) and Ifwersen (Auckland) having to retire. Kingston. the All-Black full-back, started playing as a wing three-quarter, but retirements caused him to play centre three-quartei and then full-back, where he gave a great exhibition. Auckland won the toss, and played in the first spell with the sun and a slight breeze against them. Play throughout the spell was fairly even, each side being within an

ace of scoring, but there was no score until near iho end of the spell, when Kivcll got over from a forward scramble. Kingston failed to goal. The spell ended: Taranaki 3, Auckland nil. Taranaki attacked hotly in the opening stages of the second spell, and after being nearly over Hickey potted a beautiful goal from well outside Auckland’s twenty-five. This reverse roused Auckland, and a beautiful passing bout through all the backs to Williams, on the wing, saw tne latter in-

pass to Ifwersen, who scored, and Badeley goaled. Fast up and down play followed until Hiekev secured and potted a second fine goal. Later from a forward rush Fryday got over, and Kingston goaled. The Auckland forwards now took a hand, and from the loose Nicholas got over and Badeley goaled. Auckland again attacked, but Kingston p : eked up in his own twentyfive and' galloped past halfway, where he out in a flicking infield kick, enabling Hooker, who followed up fast, to score between the posts. Kingston again kicked a goal. The game ended soon after with the score :

Taranaki 21 points. Auckland 10 points, Mr F. Julian was the referee.

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH. BLENHEIM, September 24. Summer conditions prevailed to-day for the final Seddon Shield game of the season, when West Coast, the challengers (9 pouts) were defeated by Marlborough (19 points). Play was of an interesting character. _ In the first spell Marlborough scored 11 points, tries being obtained by O’Brien and Byrne (2). O’Brien’s last try was converted by Fitzgerald. The visitors opened the scoring early in the second spell, Deere scoring. The try was not converted. J. O’Brien scored again for Marlborough, Fitzgerald converting-. Shortly afterwards Gunn crossed the line, the try being unconverted. The Coast made several rallies in the latter part of the game. Moua t and Steel scoring tries, both being unconverted. The visit ing backs were prevented from operating freely owing to the vigorous play of the home forwards, who were much superior in the loose. Marlborough retains the shield for the season. SCI IDOLS’ SKYKN-A-SIDE. The final of the above tournament, Kensington v. Arthur Street, was played on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday morning. After a hard-fought game Kensington won by 3 points to nil, Marshall kicking a penalty goal. THE PIRATES CLUB. As a wind-up to the season the Pirates Football Club played a series of three matches at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon, and rounded the day off with a smoke concert at night. LEAGUE FOOTBALL. THE AUSTRALASIAN TEAM. LONDON, September 24. The Australasian League footballers defeated the Hull-Kings ton Rovers by 26 to 6. The weather was tine, and the attendance 13.000. In the early stages of the game the Rovers were vigorous and fiery, but the visitors soon penetrated the home defence’ and kept the upper hand. At half-

time the Australasians were 13 points to the Rovers’ 2. Blinkhorn, Cray, and Border secured tries and Norman converted two. Bradshaw got a penalty goal for the Rovers. Shortly after the start of the second spell, as the result of illegal play, Bradshaw kicked two penalties. The visitors maintained their superiority to the end. Border was particularly brilliant, adding three tries, two of which Norman converted. —A. and N.Z. Cable. ASSOCIATION. THE SKERRETT CUP. The contest for the Skerrett, Cun. whidh was presented last year by Mr C. P. Skerrett, K.C., Wellington, for competition among the secondary schools of the dominion, resulted in Otago Boys’ High School (holders) defeating Christian Brothers’ School (challengers) by 11 goals to nil, thus retaining the*tropby, which the Dunedin team won in 1920, when it beat the Normal School, King Edward Technical College, and Christian Brothers’ teams. Keen interest was shown in the match, which was played at Culling Park, and the spectators were well rewarded by witnessing an excellent exhibition of the Association game. From the beginning of too game High School had the advantage, as the Christian Brothers’ team could not with* stand the combination and strong attacks of the winners. The following were the teams:—Otago Boys’ High School-—W. Douglas, J. Buchan, S. Duncan, S. M‘Donald, J. G. Forbes, L. Merchant, T. Sunderland, G. P. Bardsley, A. Imrie, L. G. Pryde, and A. H. Grubb. Christian Brothers —B. O’Reilly, J. Roughan, A. Burrell, A. Hendren, J. M’Citughan, W. M’Cormack, A. Lister, R. M’Olintock, J. M'Carten, M. Walsh, arid J. Hally.

High School won the toss, and kicked off witih a north-east wind behind them. They attacked on the Christian Brothers’ (Green) left, but the position was relieved till High School pressed on the right, and a centre by Forbes to Buchan resulted in the latter man shooting low. After a spell of play in Green territory, the Christian Brothers attacked on the left, O'Reilly and Roughan making a nice dribble, which was repulsed by Pryde. O'Reillv again attacked, but

offside play spoilt his opportunity, and Greens continued to press, but nothing resulted. High School then worked hard.

after a miss by M’Garten and a. centre by Forbes but Buchan played offside, and the Greens’ free kick relieved. After a spell of close play in Christian Brothers’ territory Duncan secured a fine centre, from. M Donald, and shot into the net. Shortly afterwards Buchan scored. The Greens then attacked strongly, but gained no advantage, as the School defence * was too sound. For some time play remained in Green territory, but tho School carried toe play down the field, and again scored. Midfield play followed for some time, ti 11 High School broke away, and a long shot was

uccessful. Commencing the second spell, Christian brothers took up the attack, but High

School relieved, Pryde kicking up field till M’Donald and Forbes took the play into the Green twenty-five, and a pass to Douglas followed but the return was mishandled by Halley, Duncan scoring. Shortly afterwards Duncan again scored, and Douglas immediately followed suit. Sunderland then kicked another goal. M‘ Donald was back-charged on shooting, and Forbes scored on the following penalty kick. Fairly even play followed till Forties broke away, and put in a high kick which found the net. Otago Boys’ High School 11 goals. Christian Brothers Nil. Mr W. Smith acted as referee. FI V E-A-SIDE TO UR NAMENT. A senior five-a side tournament concluded a most successful season, 12 teams competing at Culling Park. The games were palyed in five-minute spells with intervals of two minutes, and they were keenly contested. In the final match, Alornington A v. Northern A, Alornington put up a good game. Alornington A 3, Northern A nil.

LADIES’ ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. CHRISTCHURCH, September 24. There was a big crowd at English Park this afternoon to witness the first ladies’ interprovincial association football match played in Canterbury. Trie teams (Wellington and Canterbury) were loudly cheered as they came from the dressing shed. The Canterbury girls had adopted the timehonoured red and black colours. Their dross consisted of black jerseys with wide rod bands round the centre, loose black shorts and long stockings. Their caps showed the feminine touch, being made in black with red bands and flowing rod tassels. The Wellington girls, although they have been playing longer than their Christchurch sisters, had not reached the stage of wearing shorts. Their dress consisted of a neatlooking gvnasium costume of navy blue with light blue stripe and attractive looking cap in light and dark blue colour. All the players wore business-like boots. From t!ic outset it was evident that whatever ideas the crowd may have come with, the girls at least were certainly out to win. The only score of the game was registered bv Canterbury, who thus won by one goal to nil. A Wellington girl had made the great mistake of using her hands to pick up the ball in the penalty area and the referee promptly spotted the breach. The free kick awarded to Canterbury brought about the desired result, Miss Poyuer kicking a goal. “That’s the way,” roared the crowd, but Wellington were nippy, and having learned the lesson were not going to be caught napping again. At the end of the first’ spell the girls were showing signs of tiredness and the brief respite was very welcome. Wellington made strenuous efforts ti) even ’up the scores, but the teams were too evenly matched, and the game ended without any alteration in the score. As they walked off the field the crowd surged round the girls and congratulated them freely on the excellent game they had played. Throughput tlie game there were humorous incidents in plenty, which kept tlie crowd constantly amused. SOCCER AND LEAGUE. SYDNEY, September 25. Tho ladies’ League football match in Sydney drew 5000 spectators, and the soccer match in Brisbane 10.000. Flay was lively and tries were plentiful, but goals scarce. Curiosity more than play attracted the crowds.