FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3619, 24 July 1923, Page 43

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. MATCHES AT DUNEDIN Southland v. Otago—August 11. \\ airarapa v. Otago—September 1. Manawatu v. Otago—September 5. South Canterbury v. Otago—September 15. first test matcii, New Zealand v. New South Wales—August 25. OTHER MATCHES. Otago v. Canterbury, August 25; v. ffaranaki, August 29; v. Auckland, September 1; v. \Y anganui, September 5; v. Wellington, September 8. 1 ayne trophy match, between premier teams of Otago and Canterbury (at Christchurch) —September 15. South v North Is’and (Wellington)—-August 4. By Fux-n Back The Otago team were set a hard task on the 14th when they met the Maoris, and if the Maoris "played against New South Wales like they did against Otago, then all I can say is that the Welshmen must have a pretty solid combination. The Welshmen, it will be remembered, won all three tests. Taking Saturday’s play light through, no one can deny that the better team won. And the Maoris certainly should have won. I have no desire to make any excuses for the Otago team, but on the one hand we had players who have been on tour and have a great deal of combination ; on the other hand, the Otago side was playing together for the first time. Moreover, some of the players had not had a game for the past three Saturdays, and one or two of them had not fully recovered from the effects of influenza. The Black forwards did not start off too well, and were slow in moving up to the scrums, but once they got into their stride they well held the opposing pack. It was not the pack, however, that enabled their side to secure the victory ; it was the speed of the backs. The Black backs got plenty of ball, not only from Mill, the scrum half, but also from Jacobs, the wing forward, and they quickly moved into the attack. Their combined movements, however, often lacked finish. The ball would be handled well by two or three men and then recklessly thrown away. The Black backs, moreover, on many occasions, did not run far enough before getting rid of the ball, and on oilier occasions they tried to go too far. The team had a fine quartet behind the scrum in Mill, Kingi, Bell, and Potaka (and Peim when Potaka had to go off), and these four kept their opponents busy when they got the ball. One thing was very noticeable at times, and that was how the backs broke through the central defence and left the way quite clear for the line. Tlad the Maoris taken advantage of all the opportunities which came their way they must have scored several more points. The three-quarter line stood well up in line with the scrums, and if their side did not get the ball they wore always on the move to come through on to the opposing backs. It seemed to me that at times th-’y were allowed too much latitude hy (he referee in these movements—that they were, in fact, off-side. The Blacks were particularly strong in their inside backs, and it was here the play was started which gave them the victory. Their full-back, Amohanga, was not too safe at times, and in the second half especially neither Barclav nor MacGregor, the wings, had a great deal to do. _ Halfway through the second half it looked as if Otago might win after all, but in the last few minutes the Maoris, after losing at least a counle of very promising chances hy over-anxiousness, broke clean through the defence, and Mill went over unopposed and round behind the goal-posts. The Maoris had a fine general in their captain, the powerful Jacobs —15st 71b—who has played on many football fields, and a couple of very good forwards in Gemmell and Taiapa. The Maoris had the better of the exchanges in the line-outs, but the Blue forwards had the. advantage in the dribbling ruses. As already stated, Peina (centre three-quarter) and Kingi, Bell, arid Mill were a fine quartet behind the pack. They are mostly straight runners, and they vary their tactics wcil. Bell, however, is inclined to stick to the ball too long. The Otago inside backs were mostly stifled when they tried to initiate passing movements. They had to contend against the opposing backs coming through on to them, and, moreover, the Black forwards quickly got across the field to block their progress Not one passing movement from the' scrum resulted in a score for Otago. Hart scored one try after M’Meokmg had made a fine run up the centre of the field; M‘Meekin<r scored another by a solo ettort of ter bumoing of? a vigorous tackle, and Perry and M’Donald secured their tries more bv individual effort than concerted back play. The plain reason why Otago backs could not get free for passuig movements was that their opponents were too fast and got to them too quickly. 1 hat appeals to me as the explanation of the unimpressive display from the Otago scrum to the centre three-quarter. Then, again, the Black backs varied their play so much! that they many times quite threw the defence out of gear, and the back division c-ot rteht out of nositinn. It was on these occasions that the Blacks swarmed through the gap straight to Sinclair. Ihe Blnctc backs had the confidence and experience gained from playing together, and the Otago team lacked both these advantages. Sinclair played a very sound game at full back. ilis kicking v as well timed ov ci forcibly executed, and his tackling really deadly He was the best back on his side, and fully justified his inclusion in the team. The three-quarters were not up’ to interprovincial standard. ff heir collaring was weak and too high, and both M’Donald and Dickinson failed to net back to their places quickly. M’Donald was the best of the trio, and ran well when he did get the ball. Perry, outside five-eighths, played his usual solid game. He had plenty of hard stopping to face, and he was in the thick of’ it from start to finish. Dusk shaped well enough behind the scrum, but he did not get the ball nooked to him quickly. Fea improved towards the end of the game, when he tried to go more on his own. The Otago first five-eighth, however, stood too far back from his scrum half, and the Maori players followed the passes and got to Berry at once. If the Olago backs had punted down field now and again instead of letting the Maoris make play off their passing they would have done much better. The Otago forwards put up a sound game, and, with more combination, will prove a

solid proposition. It appears to me, however, that the scrum could be belter balanced. Munro should go ii.fo the front line, and M‘Meeking take li:s place as side support. The forwards lasted out the game well, and they had a heavy task, as not only had thev to hold the heavier opposing pack but they also had to do a lot of running about' to slop the opposing rearguard. Duncan deserves mention for the manner in which he saved his side by anticipating attacking movements and getine back to the last line of defence. He saved at least two very likely chances of scoring by the Blacks by going down as practically the last man and played a solid game right through. Hart played a fangame at wing forward, but .Jacobs was too powerful and too experienced a player for him to handle. All the other forwards played a hard game. M'Meekmg was inclined to get offside at the start, but he thereafter played a fine game. Summing up the game, I cannot say that much fault is to be found with the personnel of the Otago pack. It could, however, be further strengthened. The back division will certainly have to be strengthened. W e have now no first-class centre three-quarter —Watson is the best—and it cannot be said that M’Donald or Diack are the two soundest wing threequarters in Dunedin to-day. To put it plainly we have now discovered that wo have been forming too high an opinion of our backs. In all the games played against the other provinces last year the Otago backs never had to face such a fast, olever quartet as Mill, Kingi. Bell, ana Peina and the Maori men quickly showed up- the weaknesses of our rearguard. We have two or three three-cuarters who for speed and attacking ability once they have the bali could not be beaten in New Zealand. Rut thev are not footballers m the fullest sense of the term. For instance they wou-'d not stand comparison withi a wing like Maokereth as a footballer. The University wing oan run. kick with judgment, pass, make an opening, and can score tries. Pome cf our wing three-quarters can certainly kick, but tney cannot say with any confidence in which direction the ball is going to go once they have put their foot into it. It seems to me that some players could with advantage practise kicking. These arts cannot be learnt by simply playing and collaring in Saturday matches. Some of our senior players have, moreover, got into senior football too quickly. HIGH SCHOOLS’ MATCHES. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 18 Palmerston North Bovs’ High School defeated the Wairarapa High School, at Palmerston North, by 46 points to till. -The Palmerston North High School second fifteen defeated Dannevirke High School by 21 points to nil. MAORIS BEAT SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL. July 18. Six thousand spectators witnessed the meeting between the Maoris and Southland. The weather was fine and the ground was yielding but not holding. A steady easterly wind blew across the ground. Southland kicked off against the sun, and a great forward rush broke through the Maoris’ defence. R. Oughton kicked, and Brown, following up, fielded the ball and went over. Agnew s kick missed. Hurteen minutes’ play saw Barclay go off with an injured leg, Roberts replacing him. The Southland forwards were superior in the tight rushes, and Brown fielded a kick from a ruck, scoring after a ten-yards’ dash. Agnew converted. Another forward rush saw the Maoris force, and then the Maori backs got going in a series of movements, M'Gregor being collared at the corner. Soon after Mills was grassed a yard short of Uie goal posts. M’Gregor again narrowlymissed scoring, being tackled at the corner by Richardson, who was hurt. In the second spell Southland forwards ripened with an attack, but when the Maori backs got the ball they made ground with fine passing rushes. Bell and Mills were brilliant in defence, and Southland were forced. The Maoris carried most of the wrums, but in the loose play the home learn had the upper hand, and from one assault which bowled over the Maori defence R Oughton kicked too hard, Bel! forcing For some time the Southland forwards kept up the pressure, and then a penalty relieved the Maoris. The latter’s backs broke away, M’Gregor going out near the corner. Richardson put in a fine lonehanded dribble for 20 yards, but Tuki saved well. Play worked back to the centre, and then Mills beat the opposition badly, passing to Bell, who pierced the defence with a clover run and scored. Jacobs’s kick missed. From a penalty shortly after Tuki’s kick missed by inches. After some hard forward play the Maoris worked back with three penalties. Tuki putting the last one over. Then the Maoris woke up properly, and began handling the ball with forwards and backs. Walker and Matene were prominent. From a back movement Walker got possession and passed to Matene, who scored easily under the posts. Matene converted. The Maori backs looked dangerous again with passing, and were attacking at the close of the game. The Maori passing was far too good for Southland, who owed most of their success to the fine display by their forwards. Mills and Bell were the best backs. Tn the last 10 minutes the game yvas brilliant. The final scores were : Maoris 11 points. Southland 8 points. Mr A. 11. Stott was referee. CANTERBURY DEFEAT MAORIS CHRISTCHURCH, July 22. The tour of the Maori team was concluded yesterday, when the Maoris were defeated by Canterbury by seven points to three. The day was dull, and the second half of the game was played in a drizzle. 'Hie attendance was between 7000 and 8000. The home side owe their win to their forwards, who played superbly. The backs gave a fair showing. The Maoris were a trifle stale, but their defence and footwork were excellent. For the greater part of the first spell the Maoris were penned in their own twenty-five, but strive as they would Canterbury could not get over the line. The only score in this half was a dropped goal by St. George, the Canterbury half-back. 'I he score would have been greater if the home side had possessed a place kick, as several easy chances were missed. When the game was opened out bad transfers by Canterbury’s centre three-quarter brought progress to a standstill. The second half was most exciting, the play being open throughout, both sides attacking with vim. The Maoris were very noticeaiblo for offside play, and were continually penalised. Peina took a pass from Potaka and left M’Oa.be standing. He tried

to sidestep (he full back (Evans), who collared him, and Canterbury breathed a sigh of relief. The play swept from one end of the field to the other, o-ich side being robboc! of openings by deadly tackling. The Maoris at length scored. Mill passed to Bell, who eluded several opponents and made for- the line. Harris grassed hrn. but he rose again and just put the ball over the line. A simple kick failed. The Maoris became still more aggressive, and Gemmell just missed scoring, M’Cxfce beating him to the ball by a fraction of a second. Canterbury worked down to the other end, and from a line-out M’Cabe went over at the corner amidst tremendous cheers, no goal resulting. There was no further score. UNIVERSITY A BEAT UNIVERSITY B The postponed match between University A and B University was played on Caledoiran Ground on Wednesday afternoon. The ground and the ball were very slippery but the game was, on the whole, a good one to watch. The A’s played in their usual colours, and most of the B’s turned out in black. The B s forwards hold their own right through the game, but the A’s backs were a trifle more accurate in their play than the opposing set. The only two scores obtained were within five minutes of the start and of the finish of the game respectively. Results: University A 8 points. University B Nil. TARANAKI BEATS MARLBOROUGH. STRATFORD, July 18. Taranaki met Marlborough this afternoon, winning by 17 -points to 6. The weather was good and the ground dry. In the first spell, from a free kick to Taranaki. Brown goaled. Brown scored a try from a passing rush, the kick failing, and the same player kicked a penalty goal. In the second spell Wilson scored a try for the visitors, the kick failing. Taranaki attacked and Hart scored, the kick again being unsuccessful. Taranaki scored a further try, and Brown kicked a goal. Within a few minutes of time Gunn kicked a goal from a mark, the game ending:— Taranaki 17 points. Marlborough 6 points. The visiting forwards held their opponents well, shining in the line-outs and holding their own in the serums. The Taranaki backs outclassed their opponents. SOUTH CANTERBURY BEAT CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, July 18. At Lancaster Park to-day South Canterbury defeated Canterbury bv 11 points to 3 after a hard game. The visitors showed superiority in every department, their forward work being particularly good, while their backs proved safe under adverse weather and ground conditions. In the first spell South Canterbury led by 3 noints to nil. a try having been scored by Ritchie after a fast forward rush. Canterbury equalised soon after the commencement of the second spell, M’Oabe scoring after a nassing rush. ,By clever footwork the South Canterbury forwards outplayed Canterbury, and Ritchie and Mathieson scored tries, one of which was converted by Scott. The Canterbury backs were very weak on defence with a few exceptions, and their display was altogether disappointing. SOUTH ISLAND TEAM. CHRISTCHURCH, July 18. l'he following team has been selected to Represent the South Island against the North Island:— Full Back. —Sinclair (Otago). Three-quarters.—J. Steel (West Coast), Mackereth (Otago), Snodgrass (Nelson). Five eighths.—Bell (Southland), Page (Canterbury). Half Back P. M’Carthy (Canterbury). Forwards. — Ving forward, W. Knox (Otago); hooka-s M’Meeking (Otago), B. M’Cleary (Canterbury); lock, L. Williams (Otago); supports —J. Richardson (Southland), L. Peterson (Canterbury); back row —G. Stewart (Buber). R. Stewart (South Canterbury). Emergencies.—Back, W. Reid (Nelson) M’Kay (West Coast). Forwards —E. Snow (Nelson), R. Tunnicliffe (Buffer) SATURDAY’S MATCHES. POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the relative positions of the teams engaged in the senior grade competitions:—

UNIVERSITY A v. ALHAMBRA. The second round of the inter-club matches commenced on Saturday, and at Oarisbrook University A met Alhambra before a crowd of about 5000 spectators. Perry was unable to play for the students, and Diack took his place at five-eighths. The state of the ground did not permit of a curtain-raiser being played. The game was a tough and even straggle till about halfway through the second spell, when the student backs definitely got the upper hand. In flushes the play was brilliant, especially for such a heavy ground, but it W'ould faff again to the level of ordinary push and scramble. Leydon and M’Dougall were invaluable to Alhambra, and King at fuff back frequently saved well. In Sinclair University had an ideal fuff back, and the three-quarter line—Stewart, R. Webb, and Maekereth—proved a very formidable combination. Fea was, as usual, very much in evidence, frequently nonplussing the opposition with his sudden and unexpected movements. Both packs played solid bustling games, keeping hard on the opposing backs. The refereeing attracted the unfavourable attention of a considerable section of the crowd, who challenged its impartiality and objected to the too frequent use of the whistle. Scores: University 15 points. Alhambra 5 points. KAIKORAI v. ZINGARI. A keen game on the Caledonian Ground between Kaikorai and Zingari resulted in a win for the former by H points to nil. The ground was a little heavy, but the play became fast after the opening stages, and the Kaikorai forward pack found the opposition quite strong enough. The Kaikorai backs weir somewhat superior to the

Zingari sot., though neither proved particularly brilliant. Result: —- Kaikorai 14 points. Zingari Nil. UNIVERSITY B v. PIRATES. The confert between University B and I’irates, which was decided on the Tahuna Park No. 1 ground, ended in a win for the former by 21 points to 19. DUNEDIN v. UNION. Union and Dunedin met on the Tahuna No. 2 ground. A rather one-sided game ended:— Dunedin 19 points. Union Nil. SOUTHERN v. TAIERI ROVERS. Southern and Taieri Rovers met at Mosgiel, and the former proved the victors by 16 points to 0. In the first spell Southern scored 11 points. From a mark a goal was kicked for Southern. Neiner scored a try, but the kick failed. West then scored, and Highley converted. Tn the second half no score was registered until almost on time, when Fox got across for Southern and Highley converted. The game ended: Southern 16 points. Taieri Rovers Nil. SECOND GRADE. Pirates B 5, Port Chalmers 3. Zingari 11, Pirates A 9. University D 8. Kaikorai 6. Training College 24. Union 3. THIRD GRADE. High School 9. Kaikorai 3. Zingari 14, University 5. Pirates C 41, Dunedin 0. Port Chalmers 28, Pirates D 0. FOURTH GRADE Zingari B 8, Southern B 0. Y.M.C.A. A 24. Kaikorai A 3. Zingari A 7, Port Chalmers A 5. Alhambra A 22, Dunedin A 5. High School A 22, Port Chalmers B o. Kiakorai B defaulted to Alhambra B. High School O defaulted to M’Glashan College. Y.M.C.A. B 27. High School B 0. Southern A 17, Taieri Rovers 0. Southern C 9, Technical College 7. FIFTH GRADE. Alhambra 12, Ravensbourne 0. Dunedin D 23, Pirates 0. Port Chalmers 11, High School E 6. Dunedin C 6, High School F 3. Y.M.C.A. defaulted to High School D. Southern 17, LTnion 0. Zingari 10, Green Island 0. heiiCARAPA DEFEAT HAWKE’S BAY. CARTERTON. July 21. The Wairarapa. and Hawke's Bay representatives met at Carterton to-day, the ground being very heavy after several days’ rain. The sky was overcast, and when play commenced a light drizzle tell, and consequently both ball and ground were greasy. Hawke’s Bay played during the first half with a light southerly in their favour, and strong, heavy forwards, led by the Brownlee brothers, troubled Wairarapa greatly. Play for the most part was in Wairarapa’s twenty-five, but frequently the home players broke through and invaded the visitors’ territory. Sound defence by both backs and forwards prevented Hawke’s Bay from scoring. Wairarapa, with the wind in their favour in the second spell, dominated the play, and Hawke’s Bay endeavoured to keep the game tight, the visitors for the greater part of the time being kept on the defensive Again and again the Green (Wairarapa) forwards dribbled the ball to the Hawke’s Bay line. From a rush by Hutchison, Desmond, Q. Donald, Willoughby. and Knowles the ball came to J. Donald, who crossed the lino, and Cundy kicked a poster. Wairarapa continued to attack, and only occasionally did Hawke’s Bav get. into neutral territorv. The game ended without further score. Wairarapa winning by 6 points to nil. Mr H. J. M’Kenzie was referee. The attendance was between 3000 and 4000. MARLBOROUGH DEFEAT WANGANUI. WANGANUI. July 21. Marlborough defeated Wanganui after a fast and even game by 17 points to 16. The weather was fine, and the attendance was about 4000. SOUTH OTAGO. Senior Grade.—Crescent (15) beat Clutha (6). Owaka (0) drew with Clinton (0) Junior Grade—Orescent (14) beat Clutha 5; Romahapa defaulted to Milburn., NORTH OTAGO v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. OAMARU, July 21. The South Canterbury-North Otago representative match, after a keen contest, resulted in a draw-. North Otago secured one try and South Canterbury a penalty goal. JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE MATCH WELLINGTON, July 21. l’he junior representative Rugby match, Canterbury v. Wellington, was played this afternoon in wet weather and on a sopping ground The first spell was very even, with no score. In the second half Ilali scored for Wellington, and Potter and Slattery each scored for Canterbury. All the scores were the result of forward play, the scorers being carred over the line by' sheer weight. The game ended : Canterbury 6 points. Wellington 3 points. IN OTHER CENTRES. WELLINGTON, July 21. Athletic 1, Wellington 3; Poneke 6, Murists 6; Petone 29, Berhampore 9; Oriental 3, Hutt 0. AUCKLAND, July 22. The Rugby championship was won by Marist Old Boys, Grafton being the run-ners-up. Saturday’s results:—Marist 5, Grafton 0; Grammar Old Boys 10, Ponsonby 5. Other matches were abandoned owing to influenza. '

LEAGUE FOOTBALL. AUCKLAND. July 22 City 35. Newton 3: Devonport 19, Richmond 10; Athletic 17, Ponsonby 9 CHRISTCHURCH, July 22. Results:—Woolston 7. Limvood 6; Hornby 6, Kuiapoi 0; Addington 6. Sydenham 6. ASSOCIATION. By Corner Kick. There is a possibility of two intorprovincial matches being played here this season. Canterbury have challenged Otago for the Peter Dawson Cup, but so far no date has been arranged for the match. Timaru are also likely starters, and, like Otago, they are troubled with the question of finance. It is to be hoped the projected visit from Wellington will eventuate, as a team from the northern city, including Campbell, Kissock, Ballard, and Brownlee, who made history .for New Zealand Soccer in the tour in Australia as well as other New Zealand representative players should provide a game against the pick Otago that would be worth seeing. There has been one great want in Soccer football here of recent years, and that is matches against other centres. The benefits to lie gained from inter visits of the kind are inestimable, and would, I am sure, reflect themselves in better club displays, which would be the means of attracting more financial suprx>rt to the game. The following is a report of the final test match culled from the Sunday Times: ‘‘New Zealand made only one alteration in the team which delivered the goods in Sydney. Brownlee stood down in favour of Dryden. the left half who played such a wonderfully good game the nrevious Monday against New South Wales. The attendance, which was estimated at 15.000. established a Soccer record for Australia. New Zealand began with a great burst, but Gibb rallied his men and they had the best of matters until the interval. Maunder put the crowd in great heart by heating Craxton. and Australia turned round in the lead. Earlv in the first half, during a melee, Gibb handled in the penalty area. New Zealand stopped playing and appealed for a penalty, but it was not given, 'lb ere was a sensational resumption in the second spell. Ballard secured and passed to Campbell. He shot from 25 vards without hesitation, and into the net. The ball sailed at express speed. He was mobbed by his comrades, and a minute later he was mobb-d again. Daere pushed the hall past the backs just as ho did on Monday at Wentworth Oval; Campbell dashed in and pushed the ball into the net by throwing himself fuff length and doing the splits. Campbell ought to have done the hat trick when rflnv was resumed, the ball bouncing away from him when he was unmarked, a few yards out. Plav quietened down tiff T.ennard and Storey had hard shots intercepted. Braithwaite headed away a fast one from Lennard, and Craxtcn parried a great drive from Storey. Campbell was laid out 20 minutes from the start, with a kick on the ankle, but he resumed after attention. Lennard had bad luck when a swift drive going straight at the net hit Braithvvaite, and Craxton’s goal underwent a marvellous escape when Thompson crossed six yards from the post off the goal-line. The ball was so fast that it beat, his colleagues. Half an hour from the start Campbell made history. He completed the hat trick for the second time in the present test series. Ballard gave him the hall 20 yards from the goal. Campbell did not wait, and Austin bad no chance with his terrific grounder. Australia’s forwards were very ragged now, and the crowd began to melt away, quite convinced the All Blacks would win. Campbell kept his men attacking, and they did not leave anything to chance. Thompson led an isolated attack, but he found Braitbwaite too clever, and when Lennard. the sharp-shooter, fastened on the ball, New Zealanders surrounded him. They fought out everv yard, and declined to take a risk. Half a minute from the close Innes electrified the crowd with a beautiful solo run. He crossed from the line. Campbell was on the premises, and swept the ball into the net. The final whistle went, and Campbell was carried shoulder high from the field. New Zealand were second favourites when play was resumed, but, as predicted, they showed marvellous combination. Australia’s six defenders were run off their feet, and wonderful shooting by Campbell did the rest. He equalised, and then scored three more goals. Australia could not reply. Campbell, Kissock, and Braithwaite were outstanding figures in the New Zealand team. At the close, Campbell was seized by lits comrades and the crowd, and they hoisted him above their heads and carried him to the dressing room. The crowd, which assembled in great numbers. demanded his stockings as souvenirs. He threw them these. The team gave their war cry. and received an ovation. Undoubtedly, the better side won. The winners’ display after the interval was masterful. but the match will always be remembered as a wonderful triumph for Campbell, who followed up his hat trick in the second test by scoring all four goals to-day.” RETURN OF NEW ZEALAND TEAM. WELLINGTON, July 17. The New Zealand Association football team arrived by the Manuka to-day, and was entertained to-night by the New Zealand Football Association. The team was accorded a most enthusiastic reception. It was congratulated on winning the “ashes,” which were brought over from Australia, and which would still further cement the bonds between the two countries. It was stated that on and off the field the men had behaved splendidly. They had had a splendid time on the "other side,” and had experienced great hospitality. In the tests the Australians admitted being defeated on their merits. Campbell, who scored so sensationally in the test matches, said that in the second half of the last test the New Zealanders played magnificently. “I never saw anything like it,” he added. ‘‘The team played in a manner that was irresistible.” CHINESE TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, July 17. The sum of £ISOO (of which £OOO has been provided by the New South Wales and Queensland Associations) having- been guaranteed towards £3OOO estimated to be required to finance the visit of the Chinese University Association team to Australia the JNew South Wales Association has decided to "proceed with the venture. Arrangements are being miade for the team to arrive on August 4. It will play five matches in New South Wales and two in Queensland and depart on September 11.

POSITIONS OF TEAMS. Th? following table gives the relative positions of the First Grade teams to date:

KAITANGATA V. MAORI HILL. Culling Park was a trifle heavy when Kaitangata and Maori Ilill met for the first time this season. The All Black, M’Auicy, was m Kaitangata’s team, likewise All-Black Balk appeared for Maori Ilill. An interesting game resulted:— * Kaitangata 1 goal. Maori Ilill Nil. SEACLIFF v. SOUTHERN. The above match was played at Seacliff before a good attendance and resulted in an easy victory for the Hospital team. Ihe ground was in a very heavy condition and the greasy ball was full of tricks, and found many of the players in difficulties. Southern having only six senior players, included five juniors in their eleven. Seacliff, losing the spin, kicked off, and immediately set up a brisk attack and went close to opening the score until Baldock cleared included five juniors in their eleven. Scores:— Seaeliff 9 goals. Southern 1 goal. NORTHERN v. TAIERI. These teams provided the second game at Culling Park. J. Dryden, the New Zealand rep., turned out for the Black-and-Whites, playing in the position of left half. Scores:— Northern 2 goals. Taieri 1 goal. MORNINGTON v. MOUNT ZION. Mornington met Mount Zion at Mornington, where the playing area was in a very sticky condition. The Hill team proved to be rather too good for the visitors. Scores:— Mornington 4 goals. Mount Zion Nil. SECOND GRADE. Old Boys 3, Northern 1. Technical Old Boys 2, Mornington 0. THIRD GRADE. Tost and Telegraph 5, Southern 0. Technical Old Boys 10, Maori Hill 0. Old Boys 3, Y.M.C.A. 2. High School 2. Taieri 1. Mornington 4, Northern 0. FOURTH GRADE. Y.M.C.A. 5, Southern 0. Normal 1, Technical Old Boys 0. Mornington 3, Old Boys 1. IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, July 22. Nort-hcote 4, Philomel 3; Ponsonby 3, Thistle 0; North Shore 3, Harbour Board 0; Brotherhood defaulted to Y.M.C.A. CHRISTCHURCH, July 22. Nomads 4, Rangers 3; Sunny-side 1, Lyttelton 0; Ashburton 3, Thistle 1.

University A .. P. w. L. D. Points. For Agst. Pfcs. 10 10 0 0 246 36 20 Knikorai 10 8 1 1 207 48 17 Alhambra 10 6 8 2 116 56 14 Zingari 10 5 4 1 186 77 11 University B .. 10 5 5 0 119 143 10 Southern 10 5 5 0 93 116 10 Pirates 9 4 5 t 154 114 8 Dunedin 10 2 8 0 65 161 4 Union 10 2 8 0 25 231 4 Taieri Rovers.. 10 1 9 0 31 210

OM Bovs ... P. W. L. P. Goals. For. Ag*t. Pu. ... 8 6 — 2 23 7 14 Sen cliff’ ... 8 G 1 1 32 12 13 K aitangu ta ... 8 5 2 1 10 6 11 Mornington ... 8 <1 2 2 18 18 10 Northern ... 8 4 3 1 18 13 9 Southern ... 8 2 4 2 g 21 6 Taieri ... 8 1 G 1 12 23 3 Mount Zion 1 G 1 11 22 3 Maori Hill ... 8 1 G 1 6 16 3