FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 42

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. MATCHES AT DUNEDIN. Ma oris v. Otago—July 14. j Southland v. Otago—August 11. Wairarapa v. Otago—September 1. Manawatu v. Otago—September 5. South Canterbury 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. New Zealand University team in New South Wales—May 26, v. Sydney University; June 2, v. Sydney University j June 4, New Zealand and Sydney Universities v. New South Wales. Maori team leaves for N.S.W. June 11. NOTES. By Full Back A departure from the usual procedure in determining the senior championship winners has been made by the Wellington Management Committee. At the end of the first round the teams are to be classed in two sections, the six teams leading at that stage of the competition being placed in one section, and the remaining five teams in the other. Each section will play ' a complete round of matches, and the points obtained will be added to the championship points standing to the credit of the teams at the end of the first round now in progress. Steel, the All Black, of Grey mouth, has accepted a challenge by W. Nahr (\\ estport) to run 220 yards at Westport on June 14 for £IOO a side. South Otago Matches.—Senior Grade: Toko 14 v. Clinton 3, at. Milton; Crescent 9 v. Owaka 3. at Kaitangata. Junior Grade: Crescent 19 v. Owaka 3, at, Owaka. Rornahapa 6 v. Toko nil, at Romahapa. Milburn 9 v. Clutha 5, at Milburn. Oamaru Old Boys (16 points) beat Maheno nil; Excelsior 5 points beat Athletic nil; Celtic 9 points heat Windsor 5 points. There was an attendance of about 2000 spectators, at Invercargill Rugby Park for the fifth series of matches in the Galbraith Shield competition, the weather being fine and the ground in good order. The star attraction of the day was that between Waikiwi and Invercargill, but it did not reach expectations, tire majority of the game being a battle between two great packs. Blue (Invercargill) backs indulged in passing on occasions, but many of the rushes did not gain ground, going right across the field. Play sparkled up in the second spell, in which Richardson scored a great try for Waikiwi. The great Waikiwi trio—Richardson White, and Clark — made some dashing loose rushes, which were a source of freouont trouble to the opposing backs. Waikiwi won by 5 points to 3 points. The Pirates-Marjfts match provided a much more spectacular exhibition. both sets of backs combining well. Pirates won by 9 points to 8, but a draw would have been an equitable result. Star (7 points) is leading in the Flag Competition, with Pirates and Waikiwi 6 points each. In the Melrose team that won the senior championship of the Wellington Rugby Union in 1902, ihere were five Spencer brothers—Tom, Bill, George, Walter, and Jack. Alf. Warbrick, a member of the Native team that Toured the wor Id in 1838. is still to be found at the old address at WhakaI'pwarcwa. He has been a guide under the New Zealand Tourist Department for 36 years. The Canterbury “rep.” tram is going to take a lot of picking. There will no doubt be a number of surprises. By the looks of things, youth will predominate, and a number of last, year’s “reps.” will find it extremely difficult to win a place. There is a wealth of inaterial to pick from. Take the full-backs as an example. Robinson (’Varsity, away with the New Zealand ’Varsity team), Orchard (Christchurch), Brown (Linwood) —in fact, practically every club’s full-back is a cut above the ordinary. Pemberthy’s (Merivale) goalkicking must be considered; and now Ilnrr.s has bobbed up and shows them all points. The same thing is evident right through. The team will take some picking. UNIVERSITY TOURING TEAM. DEFEATED BY MANLY. « SYDNEY, May 23. Manly, last season’s Rugby premiers, defeated the New Zealand University team by 1.3 points to 8. The visitors led at the interval by 8 points to 5, but the superior combination and pace among the Manly backs, was responsible for the New Zealanders defeat. For Manly Pym (two) and Smith scored tries, Mingay kicking two goals. For New Zealand Riggs and Brodie got tries, Diack converting one. May 27. The New Zealand and Sydney Universities’ second test match was play'ed in fine weather. During the first half the local players had command, showing apparent superiority, particularly in the work of the hacks, but the game, as a whole, was scratchy, neither side seeming to do justice to itself. At half-time the home team was leading by 18 to 3. On resuming, New Zealand put more vim into the game, and, with excellent work, the three-quarter line, well supported by the other backs, changed apparent defeat into well-merited victory. The final scores were : New Zealand 26, Sydney 18. Thomas, Macdonald, and Murray secured tries. Diack converted two and also kicked penalty and field goals. The general opinion expressed was that the New Zealand football was considerably below previous standard. A WAIROA INCIDENT. WAIROA, May 21. The Wairoa Sub-union is faced with a football crisis. The country teams last Saturday refused to play unless granted transportation expenses. The union refused, and only three lower grade games were played. There was no appearance of players in five other senior and junior games. The union last season paid these expenses, which were so heavy that its funds were crippled. The League is striving to’get. hold of the Maori players and public works men.

FOOTBALL TEAM SUSPENDED. WAIROA, May 22. As a sequel to the country teams refusingtc play matches without payment of transport expenses, the sub-union last night unanimously decided to suspend during its pleasure the Nxxhaka Club, which was the cause of all the trouble. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. WELLINGTON, May 24. The New Zealand Rugby Union has decided that the Maori team should leave Auckland on June 8 for Sydney. As the result of an inquiry from the Duller Union, a motion was carried expressing disapproval of official contests being held on Sundays. Thirty-five applications for reinstatements were considered, and all save three were granted. The New South Wales Union is to be asked to change the date of the match Maoris v. Metropolitan, in order to give a week's interval b2 tween the first and second tests. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competition :

UNIVERSITY A v. PIRATES. University A met Pirates at Carisbrook on Saturday in ideal football weather The game was watched by about 8000 people, and they were treated to a splendid exhibition of fact, spectacular football. Final scores:— University A 36 points. Pirates 8 points. SOUTHERN v. ' UNION. This match was played at Bathgate Park. A one-sided game ended with the scores; — Scores: — Southern 27 points. Union 3 points. ALHAMBRA v. DUNEDIN. The match at the Caledonian Ground between Alhambra and Dunedin was very ragged, and repeatedly both teams lost good chances of scoring. The Colours’ forwards were too strong for the Dark Blues, and their inside backs were also superior. Spectators were not numerous, and were rewarded with an uninteresting game. Scores: Alhambra 20 points. Dunedin 3 points. KAIKORAI v. UNIVERSITY B. The match between Kaikorai and University Tf wa« played at Tahuna Park before a small attendance of spectators.. Dickinson and M'Meeking, who were absent from the Kaikorai team, were replaced by M'Ghio and Williams. Allan, Dunne, Gilberd, and M’Lean played well for the Light Blues, and Duncan, Perry, and Sonntag (forwaids) and S. Knight, Crossa.n, and Fountain (backs) were the pick of the Kaifcorai side. Scores:— Kaikorai 21 points. University B 8 points. ZINGARI v. TAIEIU ROVERS. Zingari had practically a walk-over in the first spell of their game with Taieri Rovers. The afternoon was very suitable for football—a keen air and ilttle sun. There was a fair attendance of spectators. Zingari good combination and speed, and the Rovers could take a leaf out of their book in relation to passing. The- Rovers, however, showed an improvement in this respect in comparison with their play against Alhambra a fortnight ago. Hie Rovers’ weight told in the scrums, -and they seldom erred in collaring. The _ backs of both teams left little to be desired in kicking. Scoies: Zingari 22 Taieri Rovers 0 SECOND GRADE. Pirates A 11, Southern 5. Pirates 15 8, ’Varsity C 3. Zingari 20, Taieri Rovers 0. Kaikorai 3, Alhambra 3. THIRD GRADE. Pirates C 15, Kaikorai 9. Green Island 45, Pirates D 0. Alhambra 9, Dunedin 0. FOURTH GRADE. Ravensbourne 35, Taieri 0. Tries by Boag (3j, Evans, Grifien (2), Nash, Reeves, P. M’Pherson. Gallon potted a goal, and Boag converted tries. Zingari A 6, Alhambra A 0. Fraser and Douchrass .scored for the winners. Dunedin 6, L T nion 5. Kaikorai 30, Port Chalmers A 25. Y.M.C.A. 9, Pirates 3. Southern A 6, Green Island 0. Y.M.C.A. 17, Kaikorai B 0. FIFTH GRADE. Ravensbourne 20, Y.M.C.A. 5. Alhambra 15, Green Island 0. Port Chalmers 3, Union 3. Southern 6, Pirates 0. Dunedin A 36, Dunedin B 3. STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. LAST WEEK’S MATCHES. A Grade. Caversham 11, Musselburgh 5. Albany Street, 14, High Street 6. North-East Valley 24, Forbury 0. St. Clair 17, Normal 6. Arthur Street 51. Kaikorai 0. Macandrew Road 9, Ravensbourne 6. B Grade. Maori Hill 41, Forbury 0. Arthur Street 11, North-East Valley 0. Kensington 6, High Street 3. Bantams. Musselburgh 35, Moray Place 0. Macandrew Road No. 1 40, Normal 0. Forbury No. 1 33, High Street No. 1 0. Caversham 3, Kensington 0. Macandrew Road No. 23, North-East Valley 3. Ravensbourne 39, High Street 0. AT OTHER CENTRES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 26. The following are to-day’s results of Rugby:—Christchurch 16 beat Old Boys 3; Marists 24 beat Sydenham-Lyttelton 3; Linwood 14 beat North Canterbury 0; University 14 beat Albion 6.

AUCKLAND, May 27. j Ponsonb;.- 14 beat University 13; Marist ] Old Boys 17 boat College Rifies 5; Grafton j 23 beat Newton 9; Grammar Old Boys 47 beat North Shore 0; Auckland Suburbs 6 beat Eden 3. WELLINGTON, May 27. Poneke 4 (polled goal by Hall) belt Marists 3 (try by O Callaghan). Eight thousand people were present. Poneke scored against the wind. Marists were on the attack most of the second spell, but Poneke’s defence was admirable. Old Boys 20 beat Oriental 9 ; Petone 32 beat Hutt 0; Wellington 19 beat Selwyn 3, Berhampore 17 beat University 6. TIMAPvU, May 27. Interest in football circles at South Canterbury centred on the N meeting of Old Bovs (unbeaten this season so far) and Zingari (second in the League). A great game resulted: Zingari 12, Old Boys 9. Other results: Celtic 22 beat Temuka 8; Waihi 3 beat Star 0 - INVERCARGILL, May 26. There were large attendances. The grounds were heavy and the weather threatening. Light rain fell. Star 21, Pirates 3. Invercargill defeated Bluff. Star is now leading bv 3 points. BALCLUTHA, May 26. Crescent 10, Clutha 6. Owaka 31, Clinton 3. Junior. Crescent 15, Clutha 12. MILTON, May 26. Toko 8, Milburn 6.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL. CHRISTCTIURCTI, May 26. Addington 14 beat Woolston 4; Hornby 24 beat Linwood 3; Sydenham 16 beat Kaiapoi 8. # AUCKLAND, May 27. Marist Old Boys £4 beat Ponsonby 9; Athletics 16 beat Newtown 15, City 25 beat Richmond 9. ASSOCIATION. By Corner Kick. The itinerary of the New Zealand tour in Australia has been revised, and a letter from the New Soutli Wales Association states that the new dates are as follow so far as they have been arranged: — May 24th, Granville; 26th, Sydney; 29tli, Newcastle; June 2nd, Brisbane; 4th, Brisbane; 6th, Nambour (described as a picnic match) ; 9th, Brisbane (first test) ; 13th, Maitland; 16th Newcastle; 33th, Melbourne; Juiy 7th, Sydney; 10th, Lithgow. Leave Sydney for New Zealand July 13th. Taieri had a gpod run up to Seacliff on the 19th and a' hard, friendly game was witnessed by a goodly number of spectators. M‘Caw (hall) and W. Haniin (forward) were unajale to travel, and their places in the laieri team were taken by substitutes, three of the five goals scored in the match came within the space of 12 minutes. The Mount Zion-Maori Hill match, played at Kaitangata before about 500 spectators, was cleanly contested from start to finish. Maori Hill were without the services of Bennie, Pride, and Walker through injuries, their positions beirtg ably filled bv M’Donald, M’Lennan, and Fraser. Prescott was an absentee from the Zion forward line, his place being filled by veteran Bill Thompson. Mount Zion won by 2-1, but the Hill team were very unlucky not to manage a draw. Prominent for the Hill were M’Lennan, Kennedy, and M’Cormack. Others playing a good, serviceable game were M’Donald, Turner, Robinson, and Wallace. The outstanding players on the Zion side were the brothers Thompson at back and Anderson and Kitoh Thompson in the forward division. Veteran Colin CJampbell and Kitto (a. promoted junior) also showed up well in the halves. Kitch Thompson got Zion’s first goal with a header. Anderson secured their second from a scramble. Maori Hill’s goal was scored by Kennedy, being very smartly taken. NEW ZEALANDERS’ OPENING xUATCH. DEFEATED BY GRANVILLE. SYDNEY, May 24. At Association football, Granville, the 1922 champions, defeated the New Zealand team by 3 goals to 1. The visitors were first to score as the result of a penalty for handling, Kissock finding the net. Granville for the major portion of the first half stormed the New Zealand goal, Burks goaling from a penalty through Braithwaite handling, and Fairweather netting from a penalty for an illegal charge. play in the second spell was more evenly balanced, though Granville peppered their opponents’ net more frequently than the New Zealanders did the local goal. Watson drew Craxt-on from the goal-moutli. Winter netting the ball before the New Zealand goalkeeper could regain hi 3 position. Campbell shortly afterwards bustled the ball and Aitchison through the Granville goal, but the score was disallowed owing to illegal interference. There was no further score. NEW ZEALAND AND NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, May 27. At Association football, New Zealand and New South Wales played a drawn game — 2 all—in the presence of 10,000 spectators. The Blues had the advantage early in the game, but as the New Zealand players became accustomed to the Hard ground they showed improved form. New South Wales opened bv Bourke netting after a brilliant run from centre. Dacre equalised from a transfer from limes. Campbell anti Donaldson combined in an excellent aggressive movement, the former netting a neat goal, which was disallowed. The decision was doubtful, and was received with disapproval by the crowd. Not only the <*mlookers but the visiting team were dissatisfied over the referee’s ruling regarding the disputed goal, which New Zealanders contend was fairly theirs, and puiceU uiem m a winning position. The second half was for a period more or less desultory, players kicking the ball aimlessly about the field and not attempting to dribble or settle down to scientific methods. New Zealand had the better of the exchanges, and Balk, who was ferred from centre forward to outside left, passed to Baker, whose shot hit the top of the net and fell inside. 2—l. Within a few minutes of fidl time the referee penalised Kissock for a charge, and Phillips netted, making the score 2 —2. New Zealand played with the luck against them, but their form was ICO per , cent, better thaar on Thursday. Braith-

waite and C’raxton amongst the backs, and Balk, Innes, and Dacre, among the forwards, played the best games. The following table shows the positions of the First Grade teams to date:

FIRST GRADE. OLD BOYS v. KAITANGATA. Ivaitangafca made their first appearance this season, at Culling Park, when they met Old Boys. They were not so strongly represented as usual, having four juniors filling vacancies. Old Boys halves predominated over the vis tors’ forwards, arid they gave their forwards every opportunity to make the play. Scores: Old Boys 3 goals. Kaitangata Nil. NORTHERN v. MAORI HILL. These teams met in the second match at Culling Park. Bennie did not turn out for Maori Hill as expected, and his place was taken by V allace. Northern had the best of the play, the final scores being: Northern 2 goals. Maori Hill Nil. SEACLIFF v. MORNINGTON This game was played at Seacliff in the presence of a good number of spectators, the proceedings being also enlivened by the presence of the St. Kilda Band. The game, a most pleasant one right through, ended in a win for the home team by 5 goals to 1. Speaking generally, the forwards on both sides played a good game, while Diekel and L. Johnson ably defended for Morningtor ; and the same can be said for the Anderson biolheis and the half-backs for Seacliff. Result:— Seacliff . . 5 goals. Morninglon 1 goal. MOUNT ZION v. TAIERI. Taieri put up the better game, but failed to score. Mount Zion 2 Taieri 0 SECOND GRADE. Northern 2, Morninglon 1. Old Boys 3, Southern 0. Technical Old Boys 2, Maori Hill 0. THIRD GRADE. Post and Telegraph 0, Taieri 0. High School 3‘ Old Boys 1. Mornington 3, Maori Hill 1. Y.M.C.A. 4. Southern 0. Technical Old Boys 2, Southern 1. FOURTH GRADE. Mornington 2, Y.M.C.A. 0. Northern 2. Normal 2. Technical Old Boys B 2, Southern 1. Old Boys 0, Maroi Hill 0. FIFTH GRADE. Technical College A 3, Northern 0. Mornington 8, Technical College C 0. Port Convent 11, Technical College B 0. Taieri 7, Southern 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. A Grade. Musselburgh A beat Kaikorai. Musselburgh B 9. Normal 0. Anderson’s Bay A 3, Normal 0. Anderson’s Bay B 2, George Street 1. Maori Hill 2, Moray Place 2. Bantams. Anderson’s Bay 4, Moray Place 1. Musselburgh I 4. Musselburgh II 0. Musselburgh IT 2. Musselburgh HI 1. Musselburgh I 3, Musselburgh 111 0. Musselburgh II 2, Normal 6. AT OTHER CENTRES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 26. Results: —villa 1 beat Thistle 0: Lyttelton 5 bear St. Albans 0: Western 2 beat Nomads 0; Sunny side 3 beat Ashburton 0 ; Ashburton beat Rangers by default. AUCKLAND. May 27. Ponsonby 4 beat Northcote 3; North Shore 3 beat Philomel 2 : Y.M.C.A. 3 beat Thistle 2. WELLINGTON, May 27. Watersiders 4 beat Karori 1; Hospital 6 beat Welgasco 0; Diamonds 0 drew with Y.M.C.A. A 0- Thistle 3 beat Marist 2; Scottish Wanderers 2 beat Swift 0; Institute 1 beat. Brooklyn 0; South Wellington 3 beat Island Bay 1. TIMARU. May 27. Rovers, the senior championship leaders, were defeated by Rangers by 2 to 1. in a rousing encounter; Watersiders 3 drew with Hearts 3.

University A 1. s § 5 1 0 s' 1 0 li 155 Points "'against. i II 10 Kaikorai 4 0 1 02 34 0 Zingari 4 1 0 81 21 8 Alhambra 3 1 1 68 23 7 University B ... 5 2 3 0 51 86 4 Pirates . 2 2 0 77 50 4 Duned i u 1 4 0 34 81 2 Southern 1 4 0 42 03 2 Union 1* 4 0 8 124 2 Taieri Rovers 5 1 4 0 22 81 2 * Won by default against Tort Chalmers.

% jS £ < £ >> a v ■~L n« O Send iff . ... 3 2 — 1 11 6 5 Old Boys . ... 3 2 1 <) 5 5 Mount Zion ... 3 2 1 5 3 4 Southern . ... 2 1 — 1 2 — 3 Taieri . ... 3 1 2 _ 0 8 2 Kaitangata ... 2 1 1 — 2 4 2 Northern 2 1 1 4 3 2 Mornington ... 3 2 1 4 12 1 Maori Hill ... 3 — 3 — 1 6 —