FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 48

FOOTBALL.

By

Full Back.

RUGBY. FIXTURES. The following matches will be played in connection with the selection of the All Black team : May 21 (Wednesday). —Possibles v. Probables (teams comprising North Island pi ayers), at Wellington. May 21 (Wednesday). —Marlborough, Nel6on, and Motueka-Golden Bay v. West Coast and Buller, at Wellington. May 24 (Saturday).—Canterbury and South Canterbury v. Otago and Southland, at Invercargill. May 23 (Wednesday).—Possibles v. Probables (teams comprising South Island players), at Christchurch. May 31 (Saturday).—North Island v. South Island, at Wellington. June 3 (King’s Birthday).—Possibles v. Probables (teams comprising players from both islands). NOTES. At the last meeting but one of the Committee of Management of the Otago Rugby Union Mr D. M. Stuart (one of the selectors for the Otago-Southland trial team) made the statement that if the •Otago players got their due eight of them would be in the South Island team this year. I presume that the eight players would come from the following:—M-'Meek-ing, Munro, Williams, C. Sonntag, Perry, Morgan. Stewart, St. George, and Dickinson. [Morgan has since notified his inability to play in the trial matches.] At Twickenham, on the occasion of the match between England and Scotland, two of the survivors of the first English and Scottish match of 1871—viz., F. Stokes, Blaekheath, captain of the English team, and Sir John Luseombe, a member of the cid Gipsies F.C., were present. He was the dullest boy in the school, and even when the teacher hit on the appealing idea of asking the elass to describe a football match in essay form, he could find nothing to say. The rest of the class scribbled away for dear life, but the dull boy could do nothing but bite the end of P.is pencil! At last when the hour was drawing to a close, the unfortunate scholar wrote in desperation, “A heavy fog covered the ground, and the match had to be postponed.” Julius Dunne, who has resigned the treasurership of the Otago Rugby Union, and who has been promoted and transferred to Christchurch, left for the north on Thursday morning. Collins was in the full-back position for the Dunedin Club on Saturday, it being his first game this year. The veteran “Punch” M‘Dougall turned •out again for the Alhambra on Saturday. There were four pairs of brothers playing in' the recent Kaikorai-Alhambra match—the two Sonntags (Kaikorai), the two Knoxes (Alhambra), the two Glengarrys (one on each side), and the two Callenders (one on each side). Joyce, the ex-Pirates forward, is thus referred to by “Dropkicfe” in the Wellington Post: A good forward at work is really worth watching, and Joyce, of the Wellington Club’s senior team, is certainly a good forward. “He's a tiger to toil,” remarked a spectator at the Kilbirnie Reserve on Saturday, when referring to the efforts of this player in the scrum, and this description just about fills the bill. Short, but particularly strong and stout of build, Joyce holds his fellow-players together in the heavy work, now and then varying his tactics by breaking through lone-handed and seriously bothering his attackers before he is finally forced to the grass. His broad dimensions make him very hard to shift, and he takes quite a lot of watching in the line-out, where he is always dangerous, especially when within the territory of the opposing team. In Joyce the Wellington Club certainly has a decided asset. Thus “Five -eighth” in the Dominion on the refereeing of an old Dunedin player in the Wellington v. Berhampore match:— A word of praise must be given to the referee, Mr Leith, who was sparing in the use of the whistle, and who used the ’vantage rule to the fullest extent and in the way that it ought to be used if Rugby is to be at all brightened to a game worthy of attention by all classes of people. His was an eminently just controlling of the game. What a great asset the Nic-holls family are to the Petone team. Four of them were playing against Oriental—G. Nicholls (full-back), “Doc" Nicholls (centre threequarter), M. Nicholls (inside five-eighths), and H. E. Nicholls (half). The Sydney University Amateur League Football Club is expected to tour in Tie North Island next June. It is expected that it will play a match against the Christchurch Marist team at Christchurch on June 18. Footballers at Palmerston were singularly unfortunate on Saturday week, no fewer than three sustaining more or less serious injury. T. Mitchell had three ribs broken, A. M'Kinnon received a compound fracture of the collarbone, and J. Johnston a severely injured knee. All three are members ot the Palmerston team. Townsend, who is playing for University B, is showing fine form this season. the present selectors is that there are too many of them—three would have been ample. As to their knowledge of play and players there need be no uneasiness. The Otago people, liko a good many ether people in the four centres, have never got over the idea that a New Zealand team should be picked from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with a few country players thrown in as makeweights. The whole trend of Rugby in the last few years in this country has gone to show that football skill is more widely diffused now than ever before, and it shoqld not he necessary nowadays, as it waa at one time, for a country player to take his wares to one of the centres in order to gain recognition. I did not stress the point that the work of the three ex-selectors had been quite satisfactory, but what I did stress was that they had been appointed to pick teams to win matches, and that the teams had won them. Of course, Hawke’s Bay would not consider any team satisfactory unless it included Gemmell, Mill, and several more Hawke’s Bay players. It will be interesting to note how many Hawke's Bay men get in the All Black team to go home. THE WING FORWARD. T should not be at all surprised if the AH Black, team to go Home this year plays

without a wing forward. As I have written on previous occasions, the tactics of the wing forwards in the 1905 team were the cause of considerable feeling amongst the British players and spectators alii.. 3. Moreover, there can be no question that the wing forward is expected not so much to play football himself as to prevent the opposing backs from playing it. It is not a pleasing sight to see two stalwart forwards pushing each other about with a total disregard for the whereabouts of the ball. They are to all intents and purposes obstructionists, and they might as well be placed outside the touch line to carry on ’heir argument. The remarkable feature about wing-forward play is that a very large majority of the administrators of the game in New Zealand look on it with disfavour, and yet they make no move to do away wiht this feature of the game as it is played to-day. I often wonder whether it would not be better tactics with some ol our clubs to put eight, or even nine, forwards into the scrum and try to push the other side off the ball. Play the forwards for all their worth, gain possession of the ball, screw the scrums, and come away with dribbling rushes. Dribbling rushes are becoming a lost art. Forward play has become too stereotyped and it lacks originality. Week after week we see forwards playing to their backs, and continuing to do so even when their backs are monotonously losing the advantage gained. It is disheartening play for the forwards, and tney could not do any worse if they took the game into their own hands and instructed their backs to play to them, instead of their playing to their backs. In the old days, before the amended kick-into-touch rule was introduced, Eckhold, the Southern half, won many a game for his side by playing to his forwards, as he knew his backs were weak. Certainly the new rule adversely affects my argument to some extent, but if the forwards can keep possession, even under the new rules they can win games where their backs cannot. I do not think any follower of the game could argue that the standard of forward play in club football is up to the standard of, say, 20 years ago. It was a hard matter for a forward to get into an Otago representative team in those days, and many a solid player who would have no difficulty in securing his representative cap to-day had at that period to watch the representative games from the bank. I would not go so far, however, as to say that a representative New Zealand forward team could not be picked equal to that of the 1805 All Black team. In my opinion the pack that took the field at Lancaster Parle in the second test against the New South Welshmen could hardly have been excelled. That pack simply swept the opposition before it. It would have given the 1905 pack the game of its life. “A DOLOROUS OUTCRY.” The Otago papers, in the dolorous outcry they raised about the jettisoning of last year’s selectors, stressed the point that their work had been quite satisfactory (says the Hawke’s Bay Tribune). Otago critics may have been satisfied, but if so they were easily pleased, for the selection of New Zealand teams in the last two or three years has been nothing short of atrocious. Some of the players picked apparently would do no wrong in the eyes of the selectors, and wore persevered with in spite of repeated failures. The great fault about A TACKLE IN RUGBY. The rule bearing on a tackle is one that lends itself to considerable argument, and for the benefit of a correspondent I give three examples of it : 1. A player is grasped by an opponent and is brought to the ground but is not sufficiently held to prevent him passing the ball. He may pass the ball whether it has touched the ground or not, provided it is done immediately. 2. When a player is grasped and brought down by an opponent and the ball touches the ground but the player is not sufficiently held to prevent him lifting the ball and placing it over the line a try should be allowed, provided it is done immediately. 3. When a player running for the line is grasped by an opponent and brought down, the ball touching the ground outside the line, but player and ball slide over the line, a try should be allowed. POSITION OF CHRISTCHURCH TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the Christchurch teams at the end of the third round:—

MEETING OF OTAGO UNION. The Committee of Management of the Otago Rugby Union met on the 12th. The president (Air H. H. S. White) occupied the chair. He extended a welcome to Mr T. Woodrow as a member of the committee. It was decided to write to the North Otago Sub-union and ask if it was prepared to meet a Dunedin mixed team at Oamaru on June 3. This fixture was suggested as a result of a resolution passed at the annual meeting of delegates. .A. Fraser applied for a transfer from the Zingari Club to the Alhambra Club.—To stand down for 12 months. R. W. Smith was granted a transfer from the Albion Chtb (Gore) to the Pirates Club. D. Darracott applied for a transfer from the Zingari Club to the Kaikorai Club.— To stand down for 12 months. It was decided to appoint Mr H. Leith, of Wellington, to represent the union on the deputation which is to wait on the Government from the New Zealand Sports’ Protection League in connection with a request for relief from the payment of the amusement tax by sports bodies. The Secretary reported that the gat_o receipts from the Kaikorai-Alhambra match came to £73 5s 9d. The question of the Kaikorai and University match being postponed from May 24 was discussed at some length. It was pointed out that Kaikorai would have four of its team playing at Invercargill for Otago-Southland against Canterbury and South Canterbury, and that University would have two men engaged in that match. It was decided" to refer the matter of an alteration in the date of the match to the Flag Committee for its favourable consideration

MANIOTOTO SUB-UNION. A general meeting of the Maniototo Rugby Sub-union was held at Ranfurlv on the 9th; present—Dr Harrison (in the chair), Messrs Jas. Clouston, T. C. Hore, Jas. Armour, J. Fraser. T. Forrester, J. Griffiths, W. Rutherford, F. M‘Knight, and J. Churchill. It was decided, on the motion of Messrs M'Knight and Fraser, that Mr R. Mee be selector of the county team to play in Dunedin on June 4. Tt was moved by Messrs Hore and Armour that Middlemarch Club play Dunstan Creek and Matakanui on May 30 and 31.—Carried. The following players were re-graded:— R. Paterson, W. Helm, A. Strode, J. Goddes, and Jas. Scott. The secretary was instructed to ask all referees to keep a close watch on rough play, more particularly in Second Grade matches. The Moa Creek’s application for affiliation was declined, as the club is out of the radius of Second Grade for the Maniototo County. The Middlemarch Club was granted permission to enter a Second Grade team. A motion was adopted that the sub-union saw no reason to alter its decision in regard to Hannah’s disqualification. F. Kippenberg and B. Smith were granted transfers from Matakanui to Dunstan Creek. The committee was instructed to re-draw the Second Grade fixtures after May 10. No further re-grading of players will be granted. ALL BLACKS’ TOUR. LONDON. May 10. The Sunday Observer publishes a lengthy letter signed “T. Fletcher, Wellington, New Zealand,” deploring the Scottish Rugby Union’s decision not to arrange matches against the New Zealanders. (Matches have since been arranged.) Fletcher contends that Rugby in New Zealand is as genuinely an amateur game as it is in Scotland, and that the rules regarding amateurism were not contemplated for overseas tours, which are on a different footing from interclub matches in Britain. Most New Zealanders lose all, or the greater part, of their wages during the seven months of a tour. The allowance of 3s daily is only for hospitality purposes. —Sydney Sun Cable. CANTERBURY AND SOUTH CANTERBURY TEAM. CHRISTCHURCH, May 13. The following will represent Canterbury and South Canterbury against Otago and Southland in the All Black trial matoh at Invercargill on May 24: —Fullback, D. Fairbrotber (South Canterbury); three-quarters, A. Robilliard and W. Elvv (both Canterbury), and P. Storey (South Canterbury); five-eighths. G. Lawson (South Canterbury), and N. P, M‘Gregor (Canterbury); half-back, W. Dally (Canterbury) ; forwards—H. Parker. W. M'Bride, R. Stewart, and E. Fairbrother (all South Canterbury), J. 11. Parker, T. Milleken, R, R. Masters, and B. M‘Cleary (all Canterbury) ; reserves, O. Turpin (Canterbury) and R. Logan (South Canterbury). H. D. Morgan has notified his inability to go to England with the All Black team, if selected, and will not play for OtagoSouthland against Canterbury-South Canterbury. His place in this trial match will be taken by A. N. M‘Donald, the University wing three-quarter. -MAORI CHAMPIONSHIP. AUCKLAND, May 12. The Maori Rugby championship match, played at Eden Park to-day before an attendance of about 3000, was won by the Northern Division team, who defeated the Southern Division by 18 points to 8. The winners retain the Te Mori rose bowl. The game was fast and open, but rather disappointing, especially ihe first half, but a better exhibition was given in the latter stages. There were many exciting interludes. and both sides threw the ball about, but the passing was often wild, and the play lacked the finish which might have been expected. The forwards showed up well in the loose. A number of good passing bouts and many fine individual efforts were originated by the backs, but wild passing gave great opportunities for interceptions. The Northerners had the advantage in the early stages when play remained mostly in neutral territory. The Northern forwards were superior, but the Southern hacks handled the ball better than their opponents.’ Penia was injured, and was replaced by N. Paewai. The winners’ first score came when Matthews broke from half-way and scored, Fryday converting. A hot Southern attack was well stopped by Mill. Then Fatwasser was obstructed by Nepia when he had a clear run in, and a penalty try was awarded. The kick failed. These were the only scores in the first spell. Play on resumption was fast and exciting. The Southern team was aggressive. Broughton was injured, and was replaced by Peni. then Nepia raced 'througn his opponents, and N. Paewai scored a try, which was converted. Dashing play by the North ended in Barclay scoring a try. which he converted. The South attacked strongly, but good tackling kept them out. Mill started a passing bout., from which Matthews scored and converted! A run by Potaka from half way resulted in Hartley scoring a try, which Jacobs converted. The final score was: Northern Division ... 18 points. Southern Division ... 8 points. For the winners Barclay and Mill were the best of the backs, and in the forwards Ormond, Gemniell, and Matthews were always prominent. For the Southern team Nepia played a great game, his handling being perfect, and he was somewhat wasted at full back. Hartley, Potaka, L. Paewai, and Kingi were conspicuous in the forwards, and Jacobs, Broughton, George, and Matene did good work, Jacobs being the best. Broughton had to retire injured. After the match the trophy was presented to the winners. WANGANUI AND WELLINGTON COMBINED TEAMS. WANGANUI, May 16. The trial match between Wanganui Combined and Wellington Combined Rugby teams was played to-day in fine weather. There wasian attendance of about 6000 persons. Owing to the dry ground the game was much faster than the previous trial game at Auckland. It was keen and hard, with a wealth of incident. Although both sides showed but little cohesion in attacking work, the standard of individual play was good, with Sinclair, M. Nicholls, and Porter as possibly the outstanding trio. The game was lively from the outset, with the teams endeavouring to got their books

going. Badeley put in a good run and carried play to the Wellington end, where Sinclair had an ineffectual shot from a free kick. A hard rush by the Wanganui forwards pressed Wellington until H. Nicholls saved. Play was very keen, but ragged, and passing runs by both sides broke down. Bell’s, West, and Carroll led a rush to the Wellington end. Beilis made a good dash for the line, but his pass was knocked on. The Wellington forwards worked play to their opponents’ end, and the Wellington hacks enlivened the game with a couple of passing runs that had sparkle but not the necessary finish. 11. Nicholls broke through cleverly and Stab kicked. Sinclair made a brilliant save. Faulty handling by Svenson spoiled two promising movements, but in the midst of some ruck play in front of the pests H. Nicholls dropped a beautiful goal. Wellington immediately took up the attack and the defenders were penalised. F. Booth kicking a tine goal despite the angle. Wanganui got two penalties in quick succession on the Wellington side of half-way, hut on each occasion Sinclair failed to get the direction. Passing between Bacieiey, Byrne, and Brown put Wellington hard on the defensive, but the defence was very sound. Porter started a passing run, and the ball travelled to Booth on the wing, who was collared light- at the corner. Play was lively, both sides attacking in turn. In the Wellington twenty-five Badeley sent to Byrne, to Potaka, to Brown, to Sturt, the last-named racing across in a good position. Sinclair failed to convert. Half-time came with play at mid-field, and the score was: Wellington Combined 7, Wanganui Com bined 3. \vith the object of giving the reserves a trial, the teams were rearranged for the second session, Einnis, Johnson and Sirovs replacing Bailey, Potaka, and Galpin in the Wanganui Combined team, and Thomas replacing Willoughby in the Wellington Combined side. The game was spectacular on resumption, each side attacking in turn. Brilliant play by Sinclair brought the next score. He made a dodgy run along the touch line and kicked through, and following fast smothered Walters’s return. Hart, in support, snapped up the ball and raced across at the corner. Brown kicked a beautiful goal and put W anganui in the lead. After a period of strenuous hut desultory play Sinclair raised enthusiasm by side-stepping his way right through to Walters, who tackled cleanly and saved a eertain score. Both sides were making the game open, and the ball was thrown about in good style, but infringements constantly spoiled moves that promised well The Nicholls brothers worked in unison, and were the pivot of the Wellington backs’ attack. On the Wanganui side of halfway 11. Nicholls sent to M. Nicholls, to Booth, to Svensoh, and, although the last-named was tackled, he got over near the flag. It was a brilliant piece of concerted work marked by straight running and crisp passing. The angle was too wide for M. Nicholls. In the closing stages Wellington Combined, playing with great dash, had slightly the better of the exchanges. Thomas forced his way over the line and scored beside the posts. M. Nicholls converted. Byrne started a passing run, and West scored between the posts. Brown converted. Both teams tired in the concluding stages. The final score was: Wellington Combined ... 15 points. Wanganui Combined ... 13 points. NORTH ISLAND SELECTIONS. POSSIBLES v. PROBABLES. WANGANUI, May 16. The selectors have chosen the following teams after witnessing the second All Black trials:— Possibles. —Full-back, Sinclair (Taranaki) ; three-quarters—Lucas (Auckland), Svenson Wellington; centre), Kirwan (Auckland); five-eighths, Cook (Auckland) and M. Nicholls (Wellington); half-back, Wright (Auckland); wing forward, Porter (Wellington) ; hookers, Swain (Wellington), A. Donald (Wairarapa) ; lock Harvey (Wairarapa); supports, Pringle (Wellington), M'Lean (Auckland); breakaways, Cripples (Bay of Plenty), West (Taranaki); emergencies—Badeley (Auckland), Moynihan (Ilorowhenua). Probables. —Full-back, Nepia (Hawke’s Bay) ; three-quarters —Grenside (Hawke’s Bay), Brown (Taranaki; centre), Hart (Taranaki) ; five-eighths, Johnston (Taranaki) and Paewai (Hawke’s Bay) ; half-back, Mill (Hawke’s Bay) ; wing forward, J. Donald (Wairarapa) ; hookers, Irvine (Hawke’s Bay), Lomas (Auckland); lock, Righton (Auckland) ; supports, C. Brownlie (Hawke's Bay), M. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay); breakaways, M‘Nab (Hawke's Bay), Knight (Auckland). Emergencies—Byrne (King Country), Ross (Wanganui); half-back, 11. Nicholls (Wellington). UNITED STATES BEAT RUMANIA. PARIS, May 11. At the Olympic, at Rugby, the United States beat Rumania by 37 points to nil. CLUB FINED. LONDON, May 13. The Association Football League has fined the Newcastle United Club £7so —a record fine for an English league—for playing nine reserves against Aston Villa shortly before the Cup final.AN UNFORTUNATE CRICKETER. LONDON, May 10. Ducat, of Surrey, while practising at the nets, was hit by a ball which broke his left arm. He recently broke his tee at- football. BADELEY’,S INJURY. Rugby football enthusiasts will learn with regret that Y. Badeley, who was injured while playing in the All Black test match on Saturday, will probably retire from football. Badeley has almost recovered from the effects of the concussion he suffered (says the New Zealand Herald), but he will remain in the hospital for a few more days. FIRST GRADE MATCHES. The following table shows the relative poistions of the teams engaged in the senior

PIRATES v. KAIKORAI. Pirates met Kaikorai at Cansorook oil Satin day. The match, which was watched by about 6600 spectators, provided some spirited forward play, with a flash now and again ot back play, more partioularly by the Pirates rearguard. Ihe game ended:— The Blacks attacked at the opening of the second spell, and then give-and-take play followed. The Black forwards were more than holding their own with the Kaikcrai vanguard, whose backs were certainly not serving them well. A scrum was formed in the Kaikorai territory, and Wilson gave a short pass to St. George, who sent out to Jeff's. Morgan immediately sprinted forward, ready to take a pass, but Jetts gave the "dummy,”' tooled the opposition, and scored. Morgan missed the goal kick. 9 —6. Reckless play followed, mostly confined to the forwards. Morgan missed with a free kick, and Kaikorai forced. Sound play by Munro, and then Pierce, stopped a Colours’ rush, and from loose play the ball was thrown out to Wise., on the right wing. The Black three-quarter ran diagonally to the corner, outstripping the opposition, and scored. Morgan missed the goal kick. 12—6. The Kaikorai forwards rallied again, and a hill man made a desperate attempt to go over near the goal posts, St. George forcing. Wilson showed out in some clever dribbling from loose play, and Dickinson also put in a good dribble, which might have ended in a score, but the Kaikorai could not hold the ball. Then Crossan saved splendidly from a rush headed by Wilson. The Blacks were now having' the better of the exchanges, and tile game ended: Pirates 12 points. Kaikorai 6 points. Mr Mars ton was referee. UNIVERSITY A -v. SOUTHERN. University A and Southern met at tha C’aledorian Ground before only a moderate gathering of spectators. The game proved to be a most interesting one, particularly in the second half, when Southern for a time were leading. Their forwards were too strong for the student pack, and frequently broke throogh. The University back combination was not working with the smoothness that might have been expected, and the ball did not reach tile wings nearly as often as it should. Perry seemed to be off his usual game. Among the younger players in the Southern pack Hogan and Frye were conspicuous for good work, and Popham was another useful hard worker. The final scores were: University A 21 points. Southern 17 points. Mr J. Sutherland was referee. ZINGARI-RICHMOND v. UNION. Saturday was a day of jubilation for the I nion players and their supporters for it marked the occasion of their first score of the sonson. The match was played against Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo, and the j few spectators who were present were i treated to an interesting display of football. | Just before half-time E. Watson, the Zini gari centre three-quarter, was laid out in I endeavouring to collar M'Dermid, and required medical attention for concussion. The ground was very hard, and, although Union put up a good fight, they lacked the combination of their opponents, whose backs outclassed those of the Reds. Semple, wing forward for Union, played a splendid game throughout, and was instrumental in extricating bis side from many a tight corner. M'Dermid and Robertson were also prominent among the forwards, while the only outstanding player in the rear division was Smith (half-back), who took several good marks. Johnson was the best of the Zingari forwards, though Garside and Brien also played well. Eckhoft, whose usual place is among the forwards, was playing in the back line, and adapted himself well to the new position. Clydesdale and M'Naughton, also in the backs, played sound games. The scores were: Zingari 15 Union 6 Mr J. Himburg was the referee. DUNEDIN v. ALHAMBRA. The match Dunedin v. Alhambra attracted a fair attendance to Tahun Park No. 1 ground on Saturday. The ground was in excellent condition, and the game, which was won by Dunedin by 6 points to 3, proved an interesting one. The game was not spectacular, and the backs did not show up to the same advantage as the forwards. Alhambra had the advantage of a slight breeze in the first spell, and they made the most of their opportunities and put Dunedin on the defensive. The game finished : Dunedin 6 points. Alhambra 3 points. Mr Connor was referee. UNIVERSITY B v. TAIERI ROVERS. The match University B v. Taieri Rovers, which was played on the Tahuna No. 2 ground, the former winning by 14 points to 3, proved a well-fought game. The Blues, however, were certainly much below their usual form during the first half of the game, and the whistle blew without either side having scored. The Taieri men had tile better of it, if anything, during the first spell, and it was not till well on in the second half that the Blues showed their superiority, and when their backs began to play well the scoring commenced. The Taieri team put up a very plucky fight, the forwards playing a particularly good game. Scores: University B 14 points. Taieri Rovers 3 points. Mr R. Herd was the referee. SECOND GRADE. University C ! 13, Taieri Rovers 3; Training College 56, Union 7; Port Chalmers 33, West Taieri 0; Ravensbourne 3, Alhambra 0; University D 20, Zingari-Richmond 8. THIRD GRADE. Union 11, Dunedin 3; Southern A 8, Southern B 0; Y.M.O.A. 5. Green Island 3; University IC 11, Pirates B 5; Alhambra A 35, Alhambra B 3; Training College 14, Y.M.O.A. B 3. FOURTH GRADE. Southern 12, Kaikorai 5; Pirates 12, Green Island 0. FIFTH GRADE "Y.M.O.A. defaulted to Southern; Dunedin 3, Zingari 0; Pirates 63, Port Chalmers 3. PRESIDENT’S GRADE. Southern 36. Geren Island 0; Zingari 6, Port Chalmers 0; High School F 23. Alhambra 8; Teehnica 1 College 29, Pirates 0. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. Old Boys 11 points beat Christchurch 10 points; Linwooa 15 points beat Albion i

points; Merivalj 22 points beat North Canterbury nil. WELLINGTON GAMES. WELLINGTON. May 18. Athletic 4 points boat Marists 3 points; Oriental 13 points beat Poneke 11 points; Old Boys 9 points beat Selvvyn nil; Petone nil drew with Berhampore nil; Wellington 9 rioints beat Hutt 3 points. WEST COAST GAMES. GREYMOUTH, May 18. The Buller Rugby representative team defeated West Coast bv 5 points to 3 points. The weather was fine. It was largely a forward game. Davis scored a try for Buller. Schadiek converting, while Steel kicked a penalty coal for West Coast. The combined West Coast-Buller team to play Nelson, Marlborough, and Golden Bay is as follows: —O’Neill, Tunnicliffe, Bell, Stuart, Bannister, Schadiek, O’Regan, Grice, Reynolds, Griffiths, Davies, Steel, Davis, Moynihan. Goodali; emergencies—Jameson and Corby. LEAGUE FOOTBALL. CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. Marists A 16 points beat Hornby nil; Addington 24 points .beat Woolston nil; Marists B 23 points beat Linwood nil. ASSOCIATION By Corner Kick. The need of a stand at Culling Park has been fully realised on more than one ocasion when a cold, biting wind is blowing. The playing area at the Park has deteriorated somewhat from recent years, last year’s flood having left a number cf hollows over the ground. The association have applied to the St, lvilda Council to have the grass cut, but as an increased rental is now being paid they should demand that the area be kept in order. 'i'i>e New Zealand Football Council are not all satisfied at the entries received for the Chatham Cup. Writing to the local association this week the secretary stated the council hoped to received additional entries from local teams and advised that Wellington would have no objection to the competition being worked in conjustion with club games, provided the final team to represent Gtago was reached by a required date. According to a report in a Wellington paper it was stated that ten entries had been received from Wellington, eight from Auckland, one from Hastings and one from South Island clubs. The Oamaru Rangers Chib have notified their wish to compete and the entry has been sent on to Wellington. The other entry from Otago is Seacliff, the present holders, who are fully alive to the honour of retaining possession for another year. G. Anderson, the well-known SeaclilT back and Otago representative, is at present suffering from an injured knee, received in the recent Navy match. The executive are getting to work earnest in connection with the early visit of the Chinese University team. Latest advices are to the effect that the team is due to arrive at Wellington on July 15, and should be in Dunedin two or three weeks ' later. The executive have asked Wellington to pencil in July 30 for the match against Otago and August 2 for the first Test to be played in Dunedin. These dates do not clash with any big Rugby fixture and if the use of Carisbrook Ground is granted the record attendance supplied bv the Australian visit should be beaten. The Chief Training Instructor on 11.M.5. Repulse is responsible for the statement that tue Chinese play a very fine game. OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The weekly meeting of the executive oi the Otago Football Association was held on the 12th in the secretary’s office. Mr H J. Duncan was in tne chair. With respect to the application of the Southland Football Association for a visit from an Otago team, it was decided to reply that tne Otago Association could not see its way clear to send a team to Invercargill at present, but would consider it alter the Chinese visit. If was also decided that the association -would not be in favour of regarding the match played at Invercargill as a I’eter Dawson Cup challenge. An apology from the referee (W. Robinsou). who failed to fulfil his engagement in the match Navy v. Otago on Mav 3, was received and his explanation accepted. Application for the’ following transfers were received and referred to the Transfer Committee:—E. Harraway (Old Boys), from First Grade to Second Grade; A. Holden, T Bowie, and D. M‘Gregor, from Maori Hill: and W. Morrow from Kaitangata to Technical College Old Boys. " lie secretary of the New Zealand Footled! Association wrote advising that the Chinese University team was due to arrive at Wellington on .July 15. and should bn in Dunedin about two or three weeks later. A draft itinerarv would be forwarded within n few days, and bo asked fhe local association to pencil in dates. —It was decided to ask the Now Zealand Council to pencil in July 30 for the Otago match, and August 2 for the first tost. Mr F. Rutherford (secretary of trie Referees’ Club) brought tin the matter of players anpea-ring in all sorts of uniforms, and informed the executive that bis club hm! instructed its referees not to allow any F"-st or Second Grade players, from next Saturday, to take part in any game unless in the chib’s uniform. —Tt was resolved to support the referees in tho matter. ENGLISH CUP wrewps BEATEN BY SPANIARDS. MADRID, May 13. The English Cup winners, Newcastle United, tour ne Spain, were bcofen by a Spanish eleven by 1 goal to nil at Bilbao. MEETING OF NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL. Y\ ELLINGTON, May tfi. At a meeting of the council of the New Zealand Football Association it was stated that the cost of br-nying a team from England next year would be £II,OOO. to be allocated as fo’iows:—New South Wales and New Zealand, £3OOO each; Queensland £2900 • Victoria, South Australia, and Wesiraiia' £IOOO each. A letter was received from the secretary of tiie Canadian Football Association which explained how the hitch arose in the negotiations with New Zealand. The invitation cabled from Australia v.as telephoned to him a 3 from New Zealand, and it was not till later that it was found to be from Australia. Not having heard in the meanwhile from New Zealand, it was supposed that the latter had lot the subject drop, and arrangements were concluded with Australia. The secretary sa d he was sorry that his

association had been the cause cf tho disagreement, avid hoped that the differences would be healed. FIRST GRADE MATCHES. .The following table shows the relative positions of the teams in the Senior Grade : Goals Cup

NORTHERN v. ICAITAN GAT A . The meeting of these old rivals drew a. fair attendance on the Gardens ground, which was in good order. Northern took tho field with nine men; Brundell arrived late, and Sheehy took the place of M‘Donald, who was absent. Kaitangata. winning the toss, played down hill, and in -the opening stages kept tho Northern defence busy. Mr Robinson was referee. Result: Northern 3 goals. Kaitangata 1 goal. SEACLIFF v. MORNINGTON. This match was played at Seacliff on Saturday before a large number of patients and local residents, and a hard and even game, marked by strenuous play from start to finish, ended in a win tor Seacliff. The scores were: Seacliff 3 goals. Mornington 1 goal. SOUTHERN v. MAORI HILL. This game was played Culling Park tinder the control of Mr 'Ghent, and resulted in an easy win for the Southenders. The. playng area was much improved from the previous Saturday, and this state was responsible for the better control af the ball which was noticeable. Some unncces sary feeling was in existence, and the game was marred by about a dozen accidents, fortunately all of them of a minor nature. Scores: Southern 5 Maori Hill 0 OLD BOYS v. TAIERT. In the match Old Boys v. Taieri, played on the Oval No. 3 ground. Mr W. Smith was referee. Result: Old Boy: 7 Taieri 1 SECOND GRADE. Southern 4, Northern 2. Old Boys 2, Y.M.C.A. 0. THIRD GRADE. Post and Telegraph 2. Maori Hill 0. Technical Old Boys 2, Old Boys B 1. Old Boys A 3, Northern 3. FOURTH GRADE. Y.M.C A. 2, Maori Hill 0. Technical Old Boys 2, Normal 0. Southern 3, Port Convent 1 FIFTH GRADE. Northern 2, High School B 0. Port Convent 10, Southern 0. Mornington 2, Y.M.C.A. C 0 Technical College 4, Ravensbourne 1. CHRISTO!IURCH GA MES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. Villa 3 goals beat Rangers 2 goals; Kaiapoi 6 goals beat Y.M.C.A. 3 goals; Sunnyside 2 goals drew with Western 2 goals; Nomads 5 goals beat St. Albans 1 goal. WELLINGTON M ATCHES. WELLINGTON, May 18. Seniors. —Marist 2 boals drew with Y.M.C.A. 2 goals; Petone 4 goals beat Seatoun 3 goals; Thistle 6 goals beat Karori nil; Brooklyn drew with South Wellington 2 goals; Scottish Wanderers 7 goals beat Welgasco 1 goal ; Hospital 4 goals beat Diamonds 3 goals; Institute 5 goals beat Swifts 2 goals; Watersiders 2 goals beat Y.M.C.A. 1 goal. THE CHINESE TEAM. SYDNEY, May 17. It is stated that endeavours are being made to arrange for several games locally with the Chinese Association football team which is now en route to New Zealand. NEW SOUTH WALES v. CANADA. SYDNEY. Mar IS. (Received May 3LB, at 5.5 p.m.) New South Wales defeated the Canadian Association team by 5 goals to 2 in the presence cf 18.000 spectators. The visitors’ display was disappointing, and lacked the pop and sparkle of the previous week. Their altered tactics misfired, the team substituting cross-field transfers for short passing which was so effective previously. Mosher was off-colour in the early stages of the game, and allowed a couple of goals which should have been saved. Masters, who was included in the local forwards with Bouvke, proved a veritable thorn in tlie Canadians’ side. The local team’s speed was in marked contrast to the comparatively dispiriting exhibition of (heir opponents. It is contended that the Canadians are "sing time for sight seeing which should be devoted to serious training. Thompson, Ward, and Masters goaled before the interval, and Bowman for Canada. Tn the second spell Mellienr. Smith, and Masters netted for New South Wales, and Forrest for the visitors ENGLAND DEFEATS FRANCE. PARTS, Mav 17. At Association football England beat France.-

Old Boys W. D. L. For. Comp. Aest. Pts. 3 — — 104 5 3 Christchurch 3 — — 74 14 3 Merivale 2 — 1 62 46 2 Albion 1 1 1 17 9 li Lin wood 1 — 2 31 44 1 University 1 — 2 17 66 1 Sydenham — 1 2 6 77 4 N. Canterbury — — 3 3 63 0

grade competition P. w. L. D. Points For. Agst. Flag rts. University B ... 4 4 0 0 85 23 8 Pirates 4 4 0 0 60 9 8 University A ... 3 3 0 0 57 25 b Kaikorai 4 3 1 0 68 15 6 IHnedin 4 2 2 0 31 48 4 Alhambra 4 2 2 0 20 27 4 Zingari 4 1 3 0 29 34 'j Southern 4 0 4 0 26 46 0 Taleri Rovers... i 0 4 0 12 61 0 Union ... 3 0 3 0 6 96 0

Sea cl iff P. w. 3 3 I,. D. For. -- 12 Ag.-t. 1* t 4 (> Old Bovs 3 2 1 0 2 Northern 3 2 1 3 4 Mornington .. 3 1 l 1 6 5 3 Southern 3 1 2 g 10 2 Kaitangata ... 3 1 2 4 7 2 Maori Hill 3 1 2 5 10 Taieri 3 — 5 17 —