FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3609, 15 May 1923, Page 58

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. MATCHES AT DUNEDIN. Maoris v. Otago—July 14. Southland v. Otago—August 11. Wairarapa v. Otago—September 1. Manawatu v. Otago—September 5. South Canterburj' v. Otago September 15. First test match, New Zealand v. New South Wales —August 25. OTHER MATCHES. Otago v. Canterbury, August 25; v. Taranaki, August 29; v. Auckland, September 1; v. Wanganui, September 5; v. Wellington, September 8. Payne trophy match, between premier teams of Otago and Canterbury (at Christchurch) —September 15. South v. North Island (Wellington)—August 4. TEAMS IN AUSTRALIA. Maori team leaves New Zealand for New South Wales. June 11. By Full Back The much-travelled “General" Booth is back in New Zealand once more—this time from Sydney. He writes me from Wellington under date May 3 to announce his return. “Just got here in time to attend the great N.Z.R, U. meeting. Strong debates :'n re new rules, which N.S.W.R.U. now considers to bo indissoluble with the game out here.” Ranfurly (8 points) beat Naseby (3 points) at Ranfurly. M. Hore kicked a penalty for Naseby and Gregory kicked a penalty for Ranfurly. J. Pringle also scored a try for Ranfurly, which Gregory converted. The Naseby schoolboys visited Ranfurly and played the boys there. Three Naseby boys—A. Moore, D. Dowdle, and G. Fennessy—were a good deal bigger than any of cbe others, and t'no former did all the scoring for Naseby, getting 24 points and converting three tries; D. Dowdle converted one, making the visitors 32. Ranfurly got 11, Dowling scoring and converting a try, and Whitson and some other boy getting a try each. The small boys played well, but Moore’s size and weight were too much for his opponents.—[The weight limit should be introduced into country football on similar lines to those obtaining in the town school teams. Of course, there is a wide difference in five attendances at, the town and country schools, but the rule must be the greatest good for the greatest number. It would, I know, be a hardship, but big, heavy boys should certainly not be allowed to play against small boys.] The_Otago Union has agreed to loan the South Otago Union the sum of £SO at 6 per cent., reducible to 4 per cent, if interest is paid within 30 days of due date. Toe offer has been accepted, it being considered a very good one. The balance sheet of the N.Z.R.F.U., presented to the thirty-first annual meeting of delegates on Thursday, disclosed a substantial loss on the year’s working. The loss for the period April 1, 1922. to December 31, 1922, was £lßl7 15s. The Moascar Cup contest lost £l9B 17s of the union’s funds, the North v. South match played in Auckland showed a loss of £392 18s 6d. the tour of New South Wales lost £484 13s sd, the Maori tour of New South Wales lost £195 Is 9d, and the Wellington v. Auckland match lost £63 4s. This loss notwithstanding, the New Zealand Union has a balance of between £13,000 and £14,000. A fine record stands to the c-redit of the Blake family, the members of which have in turn been prominent players for St. Patrick’s College. This season the Celtic seniors in Hastings will have four Blakes, all brothers, in the team —“Billy,” Maurice’ Jack, and Roby. It is reported from Hastings that. Roby, who was at St. Patrick’s College last year, promises to equal the reputation of bis now famous brothers, who have all gained representative honours. Another brother, Phil, who was killed at Lrallipcli, also played for Celtic, after captaining St Patrick’s College, and represented Hawke s Bay. Phil and Jack have represented the New Zealand Maoris. One of the Blake family. I imagine, played m Dunedin last year in the Hawke’s Bav team. The return match between Toko and Milburn resulted in a win for the former by 8 points to 3 points. V. Cuff scored two tries for Toko, one of whidh Hassett- converted, and Fowler scored for Milbtirn. A combined team from England, .Scotland, Wales, and Ireland is to tour South Africa next year. ENGLAND v. SCOTLAND. One of the hardest Rugby games ever contested by the representatives of England and Scotland for the Calcutta Cup ended at Inverleith in a victory for Engrland by a goal and a try to two tries, or 8 points to 6. The Scottish hacks were possibly not quite so enterprising as those of England, but that apart there was practically nothing to choose between two splendidly matched teams. The Scottish pack plavcd up to their reputation. Gracie was the brains of the Scottish three-quarter line, and Liddell had some good passes, but the English forwards and centres were through too quickly to give the Harlequin player much real scope. England, who owed so many victories in the past to the inspiring influence of Davies, did not have to look to him so much this time for success, and while his fielding of Kershaw’s many fine passes was as good as ever, he did nothing abnormal in attack, and certainly was shaky at times in defence against the Scottish forwards. The first score fell to England after 23 minutes. A fine passing movement, in which most of the backs took part, ended in Smallwood runninjf over with great dash. Eleven minutes afterwards Scotland got < n terms. Gaining possession from the s;rum near the English linqs, MT.aren cut tnrough to score, but Browning failed to ccnvert. There was a tremendous struggle in the second half, and at length Scotland went ahead with a try by Gracie. Drysdale failed to convert. Scotland’s lead was only three points, and in half an hour England went ahead again. Intercepting a pas i in his own 25, Locke raced away and punted well into the Scottish half. Vojce caught the ball and got over with a great dash for Luddington to convert the try with a splendid kick. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. At the weekly meeting of the executive •f the Otago Rugby Union, a letter

was received from the Vincent Subunion stating that it was strongly of opinion that it should be permitted to participate in ihe Otago Union’s insurance scheme.—lt was decided that the union could not take in the Vincent- Sub-union. — A communication from the Vincent Suhurnoni regarding the removal of the disqualification of two of its players was held over to enable the committee to look into the nature of the offences of the two players referred to. NEW ZEALAND UNION. TEAM FOR ENGLAND. Mr Harris, one of the delegates from the Otago Union to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union, reported on the business which had taken place at the meeting. He said that it was the most successful meeting that they had ever had. It was certainly the largest. Every union had been represented. The representation consisted "of 97 delegates, and although there were not actually 97 delegates present-, 97 votes were east on various motions brought up. That, he thought, was a record, and he did not think they had ever previously had all the unions represented. A deputation from the union had waited on the Minister in connection with the amusement tax. It had received a very sympathetic hearing, and it was quite possible that- the tax would be removed very shortly.—(“Hear, hear.”) The opinion had been expressed that the tax was an unfair one, seeing that their game was an amateur game. The subscription to the governing body had been altered to 3gs a union, plus Is a team. This was a big reduction on the charge proposed by the Management Committee. It meant that their union would nay about £9 or £lO as against £5 12s 6d. The voting power of the affiliated unions had also been altered The speaker said that it was unfortunate that the South Island unions were outvoted by two to one. The voting power had previously been 63 to 30 against the South Island, and now it would be 43 to 20. He thought this was an unfair differentiation, and was brought about by the fact that in the North Island there were separate unions which really ought to be sub-unions of the major unions. In Canterbury and Otago they had endeavoured to discourage the formation of small unions,, and they had fostered to the best of their ability the formation of sub-unions. Otago could form four separate unions, and then their union would be left with as many teams under its direct control as some of the unions in the North Island. It would, he considered, have been fairer to give the various unions an extra vote or so according to the number cf sub-unions _ they had affiliated to them. The resolution regarding the abolition of the wing forward, brought up bv Mr Dean, had been ruled out, because it affected the rules of Rugby. There was nothing in the laws to say how a club should play its men. The” delegates had endeavoured to have the South v. North match played at Dunedin. There were also very strong requests to have the match played at Invercargill and at South Canterbury. In view of the fact that Otago had been given a test match against New South Wales they had not pressed their claim very hard. He thought the match would be played at Wellirigton—it was a difficult thing to get players to go from Auckland to Invercargill, and vice versa. They would probably find that in the future all the South v. North matches would be played at Wellington. The question of sending a team to England in 1924-25 had come up. A cablegram had been received from Mr Wray, the New Zealand representative on the Management Committee at Home, to effect that it had been decided to wivite a New Zealand team, and stating that a letter was on the way. Nothing was decided on pending the arrival of the letter. It had been suggested by Mr Fache that before it was decided to send a team Home a special meeting of delegates should be called to consider the matter. —(“ Hear, hear.”) A resolution had been passed in connection with primary sehool competitions that these should be open to all schools without any restrictions, except weight and age. In this connection the Canterbury Union was in much the same position as Otago. The Canterbury Union had suggested that they should play a representative schools match, the boys to be selected from the whole of tho schools in Otago, both State and private. He had informed them that he did not think that there would be any difficulty in arranging such a match. Mr Nelson said that one tiling that had impressed him was the enthusiasm shown by the delegates. There was no doubt that the delegates were taking up their work in connection with football in a proper spirit—they were working for the game, and the game solely. One could not help feeling, however, that there was just a little bit of selfishness in the working of the Management Committee, and he did not think it would be any great hardship if the head office of the union was shifted for a year or two, even if it went back to Wellington eventually. He thought that the day was coming when there would be two unions—one in the North Island and one in the South Island. Mr Harris: I hope not. Continuing, Mr Nelson said that he did not think the time was far distant when such an arrangement would bo come to. He did not think it would make much difference to the game, provided the two unions could see their way to appoint a beard to run international matches. Mr Nelson said that he would like to refer to one of the Otago delegates, Mr Harris. He coni d assure them of this, that in Mr Harris their union was represented by one of the best delegates who attended the meeting. There was not one delegate there who had more facts—correct facts—at his finger ends, so to speak, than Mr Harris, and he thought their union was lucky to have a delegate of his stamp.—(“Hear, hear.”) Mr Dunne said that this had been tire first annual meeting he had attended. He had gained a considerable amount of information. and be had been quite impressed with the enthusiasm shown by delegates. PAYNE TROPHY MATCH. The date of the Payne Trophy match was fixed for September 15. SUGGESTED IMPERIAL CONFERENCE, WELLINGTON, May 9. The first meeting of the newly-elected Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union was held to-night. Mr S. Deans was elected chairman. Messrs Hornig and Deans were appointed delegates to the Olympic Council. The recommendation of the annual general meeting to appoint five selectors from each island was adopted. It was decided to invite unions to send in the names of thoso whom they considered would act as selectors.

It was decided that applications for reinstatement be decided on their merits. It was agreed to write to the New Zealand representative in England advising him of the desire for an Imperial conference on the rules, South Africa and New South Wales to be asked to support New Zealand. South Africa, in 1924, is suggested as the place and time of the conference. The unions are to be circularised and asked to secure the co-operation of all old players. On the question of the amusement tax being raised, it was reported that a 'deputation had waited on the Hon. J. G. Coates, who had promised to place the matter before the Prime Minister. It was left to Mr Glenn, M.P., to arrange the deputation to the Prime Minister. The* following committee were appointed: -Finance—the chairman, Messrs Little and Wyiie; Referees' Appointment Hoard—Messrs Little, Wylie, and a representative of the New' Zealand Referees' Association; Mopxcar Cux> Committee—Messrs Kit to., Little, and Hornig. FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND. LONDON, May 5. In the Rugby League championship final Huddersfield defeated Hull Kingston Rovers by 15 points to 5. The Association season has ended. Liverpool, with 60 points, has ‘won the first League championship for the seoond year in succession, and Sunderland, 54 points, are next. Stoke and Oldham, with 30 points, are the two lowest, and are relegated to the second League, whereas Notts County, 55 points, winners of the second League, and West Ham, 51 points, lunners-up, are both promoted to the first League. West Ham’s goal average secures their promotion in preference to Leicester City, who are level on points. Bristol City, 59 points, are the winners of the southern section of the third League, and Nelson, 51 points, are tlie winners of the northern section. Both are promoted to the second League. PIRATES v. KAIKORAI. Pirates played Kaikorai at Carisbrook. The weather was beautiful overhead, the ground was in good order, and there was a Kaikorai 14 points. Pirates 11 points. Mr A. J. Haub was referee. He ordered off Dow towards the end of the game for hanging on to Morgan after he had kicked the bail. Dow had been previously warned for t.h:s offence. He also cautioned W. Dunoan for questioning his decisions. ZINGARI v. SOUTHERN. The match between Zingari and Southern did not draw many to the Caledonian Ground. Southern put up a most creditable figiht against their formidable oppon- ■ onts, and indeed held the lead for nearh three-quarters of the game. The Southern forwards rather more than held their own, but their backs were weak in attack, and it was the superiority of the Zingari backs that eventually won them the game. The play throughout was very ragged and devoid of anything in the nature of thrills. Zingari 11 points. Southern 3 points. Mr Marston was referee. UNIVERSITY B v. DUNEDIN. University B defeated Dunedin by 17 points to 3 at Tahuna Park, where there were very few spectators. The Dunedin team was the lighter of the two, but proved to possess a fast forward pack that nearly held it own with its heavier opponents. The University backs were too fast for Dunedin, and their fine combination often resulted in spectacular play. The Dunedin team held its own in tho earlier part of both spells, but the Light Blues lasted much better. University B ... 17 points. Dunedin 3 points. UNIVERSITY A v . UNION. The match University A v. Union was played on the North Ground on Saturday afternoon before a fairly large crowd of spectators. The ground was rather heavy, but this did not seem to worry the Univer sit,}' players w'ho right from the start had the game practically all their own way. Dr Perry, who played for the first time this season, was prominent throughout the game, as also was Fea and Porritt, Sinclair distinguished himself with his goal-kicking. For Union, Taverner was the most prominent player. Final score: ' University 53 Union 0 ALHAMBRA v. TAIERI. There was no outstanding feature about the match Alhambra v. Taieri played at Mosgiel on Saturdav, but the game was a good one nevertheless. Alhambra showed up well in passing rushes —a qualification Taieri lacked. The game ended —Alhambra 6, Taieri 5. SECOND GRADE. Union beat Southern by 12 to 8 after a hard game. For Union tries were scored by Perry and Brien, and two penalties were kicked by Stevenson. For Southern, Peterson scored a try, and Mitchell converted it. and also goaled a free kick. Training College 12 beat Pirates B 0. University D 8 beat Zingari 6. University C 9 beat Ravensbourne 6. Alhambra 45 beat Dunedin 0. Port Chalmers 3 drew with Taieri Rovers 3. THIRD GRADE. Kaikorai 12 beat Southern 6. Dunedin 16 beat University F 3 Pirates C 9 beat Pirates D 3. Alhambra 39 beat Training College 0. FOURTH GRADE. Zingari A defeated Kaikorai A by 33 to 0. Tries were scored by Ball (2), Smith (2), Crawford (2), Fraser, Mattingly, and Deuehrass. Goals were kicked by Ball (2) and Smith Alhambra B 15 beat Y.M.C.A. B 6. Y.M.C.A. A 9 beat Ravensbourne 0. Southern A 8 beat Union 0. Alhambra A 12 beat Taieri Rovers 0. Pirates 6 beat Dunedin A 0. Port A 11 beat Green Island 10. FIFTH GRADE. Dunedin D 14 beat Port Chalmers 3. Pirates 20 beat Ravensbourne 0. Alhambra 8 beat Union 0. AT OTHER CENTRES. TIMARU, May 12. Old Boys 22 beat Star 0. Zingari 8 beat Alhambra 7. Wailii 17 beat Teinuka 7. SOUTH OTAGO, May 12. Senior. Clutha 23, Clinton 6. Uwaka 17, Toko 5. Junior. Crescent 6, Milburn 3. Clutha 8. Romahapa 0. CHRISTCHURCH, May 12. Merivale 24 beat Marists 6; University 26 beat North Canterbury 3; Christchurch 9

beat Linwood 3; Old Boys 17 beat Syden-ham-Lyttelton 8. j , WELLINGTON, May 13. Saturday’s games were held in good weather. Pctone 8 beat Athl etie 3; Or:ental 8 beat Poßeke 6, Old Boys 12 beat University 8; Berhampore 12 beat Selwyn a; Wellington 16 beat Hutt 8. WANGANUI. May 12. Rugby was continued to-day in fine weather. There was a large attendance. Ivaerau 32 beat Marists 0; Old Boys 23 beat Ratana 5; Pirates 11 beat Wairoa 3. AUCKLAND, May 13. Grammar Old Boys 18 beat College Rifles 3; Marrst Old Boys 40 beat Newton 3 ; Ponsonby 24 beat North Shore 6; Grafton 27 beat Suburbs 0; Eden defaulted to University. EMPIRE CONFERENCE. LONDON, May 11. IMr Wray says lie considers that the New Zealand proposal to holt) an Empire Rugby Conference in South Africa to deal with tho rules and conduct of the game is impossible, as it is unlikely that the four British unions will be able to send their best representatives, and the conference would probably be ineffective. The English Union, he said, would most likely insist on the conference being held in London.LEAGUE FOOTBALL. CHRISTCHURCH, May ’2. Hornby 14 beat Sydenham 0; Addington 15 beat Linwood 14; Kaiapoi 2 drew with W colston 2. WELLINGTON, May 13 Hutt 11 beat City 3; Newtown 16 beat Central 8. AUCKLAND, May 13. Marist Old Boys 11 boat Newton 5; Athletic 37 beat Richmond 8; City Rovers 24 beat Devonport 10. ASSOCIATION. By Cobxer Kick. Indications point to a keen contest for the cup this year. My inquiry from most of the clubs engaged in the First Grade competitions elicits the information that their prospects are good. The departure of several players with Lhe New Zealand team to Australia will affect certain clubs for the first two months’ games, but this should be more than made up on the players’ return, as on a trip of the kind members of the team are bound to benefit from tho experience gained on tour. The players to represent New Zealand on the Australian tour are now selected, and whilst it is perhaps not what some of us expected, I think it will be generally admitted that the sole selector has done his job well. Seven of the plavers have previously represented the dominion against the Australians. The team’s strongest point is in the forward line, and, speaking of forward play, some players are recognised for their scoring proclivities and others for tho subtleness in making openings for the other forwards, and these qualities are often combined in one player. Campbell (inside left) is perhaps the finest exponent in New Zealand to-day of the combined points in forward play, whilst Ballard, who plays on the left wing, is. one of the cleverest outside men seen in this position here. His amazing dexterity in trapping the ball and making- off in the one action was a revelation to Dunedin players. In the match against the Australians here, rarely did he fail to swing the ball across once he had control of it. Of the Auckland representatives in the forward line (Dacre and Innis) neither have played in first-class football in Dunedin, but according to northern reports are fully deserving of their places. Dacre" represented New Zealand in the third test last year, and Innis is an ex-Musselburgh school boy. Jones (Taranaki) and Thomas (Wellington) are unknown quantities at this end of the Soccer world, but no doubt Selector Salmon is fully aware of their capabilities. In the half backs I opine the team, will not be as strong as when it included Corbet at centre half. Brownlee, who played right half in the first test at Dunedin, although not up to the standard of Corbett, will, it is generally supposed, take the latter’s position. Kissock, however, if he takes on the trip, is a likely player for the position. According to Wellington papers he is a recent arrival from Home, and a very fine player, who great-ly pleased the spectators who saw his play last Saturday. The writer further states- his correct position is full back, but his club, after playing him at centre, are not likely to shift him. He is endowed with height, weight, and plays with great coolness and judgment M’Arthur is the other half from Wellington, and apparently is playing up to form, his game last Saturday being described as outstanding in the position of right half. Two of the three full backs selected (M’Auley and Braithwaitel played in the three tests last year. The third back, Flood (Canterbury) has represented Canterbury on many occasions in the past. He has a strong, powerful kick, and plays a good, solid game. The goalkeeper selected, Craxton (Auckland), held the position in the three tests against the Australians. In the first test in Dunedin he showed sound judgment and coolness. It seems to me however, a short-sighted policy to take only one goalkeeper on the tour, as goalkeepers are just as liable to accidents as other players in the field. Of the local players selected, R. M’Auley (Kaitangata) showed in the three tests last year that be is a. reliable left back. He kicks equally well with both feet. and. altogether, is a very cool and steady player. J. Dryclen (Northern) : A cool, resourceful half back, very smart on defence excelling on wet and heavy grounds. Inclined to be getting a bit on the slow side, but his anticipation and knowledge of tactics atones in some respects for this. The hard, fast grounds of Australia may prove troublesome. Balk (Maori Hill): A very fast and tricky player, lacking a spice of dash in his game. Has been the mainstay of a weak club for several seasons. Alongside such forwards as Campbell and Co. there is no reason to doubt that Balk will prove as effective as Cook, of Southland, did last year. * A. Donaldson (Southern) : A versatile player, who can play equally well at full back, half, or forward. Learnt the game in Scotland. Very fast and a good shot, but inclines to solo work. FIRST GRADE. TAIERI v. MORNINGTON. The meeting of Mornington (last year’s cup winners) and Taieri at Culling Park failed to produce the keen game expected. 1 There was only one team in it, and Moru-

ington did not give a glimpse of their usual dashing play. They were, however, without the services of Catto and Johnson, jun., whilst Newman received an injury in the first spell which kept him out of the rest of the game. Scores:— Taieri 7 goals. Mornington 3 goals. SOUTHERN v. MAORI HILL. , The above match was played at the Clear, before a fair gathering of spectators. Final result: —- Southern 2 goals. Maori Hill ... Nil. OLD BOYS v. SE AC RIFF. The first match of the season was played at Seacliff, and a hard game resulted in a draw, each side scoring 5 goals. KAITANGATA v. MOUNT ZION. These teams met at Kaitangata, and although the ground was in a greasy state some fast and neat play was shown by both teams. Kaitangata played with only 1C men for the first 20 minutes cf the game, Stevens, through a misunderstanding, arriving late. The game, which was controlled by Mr Clarkson, was won by Kaitangata by 2 goals to 1, Rarity anil Munsie scoring for the winners and 1 ’resent j for Mount Zion. SECOND GRADE. Maori Hill 2, Old Boys I. Northern 7, Technical Old Beys 2. Southern 5, Mornington 2. THIRD GRADE. Post and Telegraph 11, Maori Hill 0. Southern 2, Old Boys 1. 1 ethnical Old Boys 2, High School 1. Mornington 0, Y.M.C.A. 0. Northern 4, Taieri 1. FOURTH GRADE. Technical Old Boys 5, Mornington 3. Northern 0, Old Boys 0. Normal 3, Y.M.C.A. B 1. FIFTH GRADE. High School A 7, Technical College B 0. Technical College A 5, High School B 0. Mornington 4, Taieri 2. IN OTHER CENTRES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 12. Nomads 6 beat Thistle 0. Rangers 6 beat St, Albans 2. Sunnyside 2 beat Western 1. AUCKLAND, May 13. Harbour Board 4 beat Thistle 2; Ponsonby 10 beat Brotherhood 0; Philomel 4 beat Y.M.C.A. 1; North Shore 2 beat Northcoto 1. WELLINGTON, May 13. Watersiders 3 heat Hosoitai 0; Diamonds 1 beat Thistle 0; Y.M.C.A. 5 beat Wellington Gas Company 0; South Wellington 4 beat Swifts 2; Brooklyn 8 beat Y.M.C.A. B 0; Karori 1 drew with Marist 1. ASSOCIATION TEAM’S TOUR. WELLINGTON, May 11. The trouble over the payment of steamer fares in connection with the visit of the New Zealand Soccer team was settled this morning. Mr Salmon, secretary of the New Zealand Association, received a cable from Australia stating: “Passage money has been paid into the shipping company. Wellington office being advised.” PARIS, May 10. At Association football England beat France by four goals to one.