FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3724, 28 July 1925, Page 53

FOOTBALL

RUGBY NEW ZEALAND WINS ASHES. SYDNEY, July 26. New Zealand won the ashes by 17 to 10 after New South Wales were leading by 10 to five at the interval. Twelve thousand spectators watched the New Zealanders invade the Blues’ territory right at the commencement of the game, and only strong tackling by the New South Wales backs prevented a score. Quinn reversed the position by sprinting cleverly to the New Zealand line. The local threequarter line then moved down the field in an all-conquering rush, but an aimless pass prevented a certain score. Brain and O’Rourke repeatedly penetrated the defence of the All Blacks, but the move nients invariably lacked the final touches. Wilson-II all fed the three-quarters well when opportunity - offered. After further give and take play the Blues received a penalty and Wearing opened the scoring with a goal. The visitors hotly replied. Parkes and Brown were prominent, and then from an infringement by the home team in a scramble Dufty kicked a penalty goal to equalise the scores. Tlic first try was the result of a swift move on the part of Carr, who gathered at Hop speed and sent the ball to O’Rourke, who dodged two opponents before sending Brain across. Wearing converted. Hardman scored soon after, Wearing’s kick missing by inches. The visitors then scored a penalty try which was awarded through Brown being interfered with after parting with the ball. The All Blacks quickly assumed command in the second spell. O’Brien gathering from a weak kick by Finn, struggled over, Dufty failing to convert. WilsonHall crossed a few minutes later, bringing the totals to 13—10 in favour of the visitors, whose forwards at this stage were combining with the backs in pretty movements. Dufty added twi penalty goals before the final whistle. TOO MANY ‘DEADHEADS.” AUCKLAND, July 26 To send a team ox footballers to Sydney and then find that the free list at the opening match numbered oyer 7000, to be exact 7100, is not encouraging, and does not point to big profits being received at the conclusion of the tour. This is the experience of the New Zealand Rugby League, and it is not surprising that the New Zealand Council feels that the free list has been considerably overdone. Important football matches will always attract a big crowd in Sydney, and when it is remembered that fhe New Zealanders last season defeated the Englishmen in two of the three tests played in the dominion, it was quite in order to expect a big crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground when the New Zealanders met New South Wales. A fortnight ago a cablegram, giving details of the game, mentioned the attendance at 25,090, but the New Zealand Council has since received advice from its financial manager at present with the team, that the free list totalled 7100. The “gate” fell just a couple of hundred short of £2OOO, but this sum would have been considerably larger but for the remarkable number of “deadheads.” The New Zealand body expected a free list of course, but did not anticipate anything like that which obtained, and was of the opinion that, with the exception of the Cricket Association, members who have tl eir own stands on the ground, practically all who patronised the matches in which New Zealanders took part would be called upon to pay. Apparently this is not to be, and it may be taken as certain that the dominion’s share of the profits, if any, of the tour will fall a long way below expectations. INTER-ISLAND MATCH. INVERCARGILL, July 25. The annual match between the South Island and the North Island was played at Rugby Park to-day under miserable weather conditions. It was showery during the morning, and the game was played during the greater part of the two spells in heavy rain. The Southland people were very disappointed that such wet weather was experienced while footballers from all over New Zealand were visiting their chief town, as they have had a remarkably fine spell of sunny days right through the winter. The ground became very heavy as the game went on, and under the circumstances play was mostly confined to the forwards. There were, however, sufficient bright passing movements, though they seldom went far, to show that had the ground been dry, the spectators, of whom there were a wonderfully large number considering the unpropitious weather, would have witnessed a brilliant display of football. Apart from the blemishes in the play consequent on the greasy ball there were many blemishes in the spirit in which the game was played. There was a lot of tight play amongst the forwards, and at times there were far too many sheer displays of strength between the men, irrespective of where the ball might be. One could not congratulate some of the players upon tho blocking tactics they adopted, or upon thp manner in which they pushed over opponents who were waiting to take the ball. The Blacks (North Island) had a lot of free kicks given against them in the first spell for infringements at the scrum, and Porter was the principal offender. As already stated there was far too much vigour introduced at times, and if this is to be the recognised system of playing big fooball in New Zealand, then the game is going to suffer. The game ended: North Island 16 points. South Island 5 points. Mr R. Torrance was referee.

RECORD OF RESULTS. The results of the matches between teams representing the North and South Islands are as follows:

Summary: Matches playeil, 21. North won 12, South won 7, drawn 2. Points for: North, 286; South, 186. NOTES ON THE GAME. By Full Back. The gate receipts for the match came to. just over £9OO. The New Zealand Rugby Union takes 85 per cent, and the Southland Union 15 per cent. During the course of the game I made the remark that if some of the All Blacks played in England as they were doing on Saturday no wonder their style of play had not proved altogether popular in some quarters. By a strange coincidence an ex-footballer who has played in big games both in New Zealand and England made exactly the same remark to me during the course of a conversation in the evening. Harris, full-back, made three bail mis takes during the afternoon, particularly when he let the ball go straight between his legs. His kicking was not powerful, and in an endeavour to kick the ball out on the bounce he failed at times to get the line altogether. His play was not up to All Black form, but, as a matter of fact, he should not have been playing at all, as'he had a badly injured shoulder. A dog interfered with him on the occasion when he slipped and Cooke went past him. Nefcia was safe, but neither was his kicking very strong. Harris and Nepia do not feature the run along the touch line like Stevenson, instead of kicking, and it would certainly strengthen Harris’s play if he did. Robilliard was the best of the wing threequarters, and played with intelligence right through. lie was always trying on a definite system, and ran, kicked, and collared, as opportunity offered, with judgment. Few opportunities, however, came the way of any of the wine- three-quarters. Steel was starved in the second half, Falwasser did nothing outstanding, and Collier is not yet up to All Black form. Blake, the North Island centre, did nothing outstanding, but Reid, the centre, thoroughly justified his inclusion, rie is a game player, and he needed to be at times, and put up a very useful game for the Whites. He is quick to seize an opportunity, keeps right up with the play, and impressed me as being likely to improve greatly once he gets a fair experience of big football. The play of Mill and Dailey, the halfbacks, was followed with great interest, and on the day I would say that Dailey gave the better exhibition of all-round play. Mill gets the ball away from the scrum very quickly, and he was getting more of jt than Dailey. He is also muck to get into passing movements. Dally, however, varied his play more behind the scrum. He also sent the ball out very quickly, and in defence played an outstanding game. On one occasion he grabbed big Maurice Brownlie round one leg after he had beaten two or three of the opposing forwards, and stopped him. Dailey, indeed, was in the picture from start to finish. Cooke showed glimpses of the brilliant play which put him in a class by himself as a five-eighth. He is very clever and elusive, and dashes into an opening in flash. One co-uld quite imagine that on a dry ground he w'ould prove a very dangerous attacking player. M‘Gregor did a lot of defensive work, but could not get •clear in attack. Bell was right off his game, and Langlands did not do anything, out of the ordinary. Of the forwards Irvine (hooker) plaved a sound game, and led several dribbling rushes. The two Brownlie6 also worked hard in the heavy work. Porter, wingforward, did his best work in the second half, when he stood back from the lino outs, and started passing after receiving the ball from Mill. Masters played a solid game for the Whites, and stuck to it from start to finish. M'Cormick was a tiger in the tight stuff, but has something to learn of the finer points of the game. Stewart was very prominent in the first half, but was well watched in the second. Richardson also played a good game, and showed judgment in anticipating the run of the play. Had it been a dry day, some of the heavy forwards would have been very tired before the game ended. As it was, the heavy ground and the heavy ball enabled them to keep close to the play and also prevented the back machinery moving at speed and continuity. The fact that the forwards were thus able to keep the play tight to a great extent no doubt caused the element of roughness introduced at times. The northern forwards knew more about the game than the southern pack, and the fact that the backs also had a little better combination enabled them to secure the victory. Though heavier than the southern pack, the northern men had nothing the better of the exchanges in the tight work. A good place-kick could have won the game for the Whites. FIRST GRADE COMPETITION. KAIKORAI DEFEATS UNIVERSITY. Only throe Rugby games were played on Saturday, \ill taking place at Tohuna Park. Kaikorai defeated University A by 15 points to 9, practically assuring Pirates of the banner. Pirates defeated Alhambra by 6 points to nil. The game between ZingariRiohmond and Dunedin resulted in a win for the former by 9 points to 3. All junior matches wore postponed.

POSITION OF TEAMS.

MARLBOROUGH v. BULLER. BLENHEIM, July 25. The first match of the season for the Seddon Shield was played to-day between Marlborough and Buffer, and was won bv Marlborough by 15 points to 3. There was a record crowd present, and the weather was fine. Buffer relied entirely on theij forwards, who were lighter than the opposing pack, but they were extremely clever. As the game proceeded, however, the Buffer hacks contributed to their side’s defeat by indiscriminate kicking up field with tne result that their forwards wore themselves out chasing the ball. The Marlborough forwards then resumed the ascendancy, and the magnificent Marlborough back team were able to get into action again and again. Only the safe tackling by Kearns, the Buffer full-back, and the übiquitous Beard (five-eighths) prevented Marlborough putting up a big score. As it was, Marlborough scored five tries—all in the second half—but the heavy ball was a factor in the poor goal kicking, no tries being converted. The scorers were Connolly, Hodson, J .O’Brien, Phillips, and Washington. Buffer’s only score was a penalty goal by Kearns. WELLINGTON v. SOUTHLAND. WELLINGTON, July 26. Tho Wellington team to play Southland will be chosen from the following:—Backs— Walters, Svenson, Johnson, Bedell, Hickey, F. Tilyard, Love (University), M. Nicholls, Warwick; forwards—B. Wilson, Shearer (2), Martin Smith, Sly 7, Young (Selwyn), Porter, Thomas, O’Regan, Matheson (Wellington), Duncan (Athietic). AUCKLAND MATCHES. AUCKLAND, July 26. An Auckland Rugby team defeated a Thames team by 22 points to 11. The ground was wet, and ■ the game was not brilliant. At half-time Auckland led by 16 points to 3. The Auckland Commercial Travellers beat the Wellington Commercial Travellers by 9 points to 6. HARDING SHIELD. WHANOAREI DEFEATS NORTHERN WAIROA. DARGAVILLE, July 25. The second Rugby football game for the Harding Shield was played to-day in fine but windy weather, on a ground somewhat heavy. The contesting teams were Northern Wairoa (holders) and Whangarei (challengers). After a good game, of which the holders had slightly the better, Whangarei won 11—6, three tries (one converted) to two tries. HAWKE'S BAY MATCHES. HASTINGS, July 25. Marists Old Boys 8, Havelock North 7. Hastings 8, High School Old Boys 5. Pirates 28, M.A.C. 3. WAIRARAPA GAMES. MASTERTON, July 26. Red Stars 17, Masterton 11. Carterton 3, Featherston 3. Grey town 31, Mart inborough 6. WELLINGTON RESULTS. WELLINGTON, July 26. Petone 29. University nil. Old Boys 28, Poneke 14. Marist* 18, Oriental 4. Atheltic 21, Berhampore 4. Wellington 33. Selwyn nil. The defeat of Poneke came as a great surprise. Poneke are now leading by three points in the championship contest. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. CHRISTCHURCH, July 25. Old Boys 25, Lin wood 3. Mervile 19, University 6. Albion 11. North Canterbury 3.

LEAGUE

NEW ZEALAND DEFEATS NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, July 23. After a hard game New Zealand beat New South Wales by 21 points to 13. A dominating feature of both teams was the determined tackling, which, although appreciated by the spectators, effectually circumvented all efforts at enterprising play. Brisbane, at centre, played brilliantly for the visitors, his tackling being deadly* and his trickiness in attack was of the first order. Dufty kicked six goals, but otherwise defended weakly. The New South Wales combination proved weak. Hardman shone among the forwards, but the backs were dislocated by the effective tackling of the New Zealanders. Laing was omitted from the visitors, who won the toss, and elected to play against a strong wind. Dufty drew tirst blood, with a penalty goal, and then Brisbane struggled over, Dufty converting. New Zealand threatened again, when a penalty was awarded New South Wales. Wearing scored and converted, 7-5. -Hardman crossed soon afterwards, and Wearing converted. Dufty piloted another penalty over the bar before the interval, 10-9. Immediately following the resumption of play, Dufty landed a penalty, and Mouatt added three points, 14-10. The visitors, playing with clockwork precision, added five points through the medium of Brisbane and Dufty. The last-named added another goal, bringing the visitors’ total to 21. Ne*v South Wales, in a despairing effort, railed to overtake the visitors. O’Rourke crossed, but Wearing's attempt was weak. Full time arrived without an addition to the scores. E ina-1: . New Zealand 21 New South Wales 13

The following are the results of Saturn lay’s matches: Athletic, 14 points; Kaitanguta, nil. Christian Brothers A, 21 points; Pacifio B, 3 points. City A, 35 pointsj; Pacifio A, nil. City B, 6 points; Christian Brothers B, 2 points. AUCKLAND RESULTS. AUCKLAND. July 26 City 6, Marist Brothers 5. Ponsonby 25, Athletic 5. v Devonport 11, Newton 3. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. CHRISTCHURCH, July 25. Marists A 23, Sydenham 3. Addington 9, Marists B 3. Hornby 9, Waimairi 5.

ASSOCIATION

ENGLISHMEN IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, July 25. At Association football England defeated Australia by two goals to nil. The attendance totalled 8000 and the gate receipts £370. The weather was perfect. England liad slightly the better of the exchanges. Early in the tirst half Batten had a shut from a penalty, but it went wide. England were hard pressed, but on such occasions showed they were not afraid to pass back to a man who was unmarked. Charlton opened the score by shooting a goal from a penalty against Australia* The Australian defence saved the situation repeatedly, Robinson, the goalkeepei, be. ing in excellent form. A third penalty shot against Mitchell for upsetting Elke* when he was well placed was sent over the bar by Graham. Elkes had spectators spellbound with his wonderful individual play. The half-time score was one to nil. The second goal for England came shortly after the interval, when Batten scored, the greasy ball slipping through Robinson’s hands. The best players for England were Charlton, Graham, Elkes, Batten and Simms, and for Australia Robinson, Mitchell, Aiken, Edwards, Ecclcs and Masters. V England has won all five tests. Total goals: England 22, Australia 4. The best scorers were Batten 10 and Simms eight. FIRST GRADE. Cup competition games were resumed on Saturday when Seacliff in the “A” division further enhanced their position by defeating Northern by the narrow margin of one goal to nil. High School Old Boys, who have still to meet Seacliff, defeated Kaitangata on the latter’s ground by four goals to one. In the “B” division Southern defeated Maori Hill by three goals to one and Morninglon beat Mosgiel by four goals to three. The following tables gives the position! of the teams: —

♦Southern and Mosgiel played a drawn game which owing to a disputed goal, the match is to he replayed later on. “A” DIVISION. The following are the results: Seacliff, 1 goal; Northern, nil. High Skhool, 4 goals; Kaitangata, 1 goal. Southern, 3 goals; Maori Hill, 1 goal. Mornington, 4 goals; Mosgiel, 3 goals* WELLINGTON GAMES. WELLINGTON, July 26. Charity Cup final: Marist 5, Thistle 1. Y.M.C.A. 4, Hospital 0. Scottish Wanderers 1, Institute 1. Swifts 3, Johnsonville 2. CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITION. CHRISTCHURCH, July 25. Sunnyside 2, Western nil. Nomads 5, Rangers 1.

Date. Plaved at Won by Scores. 1897—Wellington North 16-3 1902—Wellington South 20-14 1903—Auckland South 12-5 1904—Dunedin Drawn 3-3 1905—Wellington North 26-0 1906—Wellington North 9-5 1907—Christchurch North 12-0 1906—Wellington North. 12.5 1909—Wellington South 19-11 1910—Christchurch South 14-10 1911—Wellington North 19-9 1912—Napior North 12-8 1913— Christohurch South 25-0 1914—Wellington South 8-0 1919—Wellington North 28-11 1920—Wellington North 12-3 1921—Christchurch North * 28-13 1922—Auckland South 9-8 1923—Wellington Drawn 6-6 1924—Wellington North 39-8 1926—Invercargill North 16-5

The position senior compel it of P. teams engaged in g now as follows : — Points W. L. P. Fur. Aget. the Flag Pts. Pirates 19 62 24 University A ... 12 10 2 — 207 90 20 Kaikorui 12 8 3 1 182 83 17 12 6 5 1 99 100 13 Alhambra 12 3 4 5 Go 65 . 11 Southern 11 650 145 115 12 Dunedin 12 4 8 2 84 139 10 Taieri Hovers ... 10 1 7 2 8!t 96 4 University B ... 10 1 8 1 79 189 3 Union 11 0 11 — 37 275

“A” DIVISION. Goals Cup P. W. L. D. For. Agst. pts. Sea cliff 2 2 — — 6 1 J High School O.B. 2 11 — fi J) 3 Northern 2 11—43 2 Kaitaugata ... 2 — 2 — 2 9 — “B” DIVISION. Goals Cup P. IV. L. D. For. Agst. pts. ♦Southern 1 1 — — 3 \ * Mornington ... 1 1 — — * 3 f Maori Hill 2—1113 l Technical College 1 — — 1 — """ ‘ ♦Mosgiel 1 — 1 — 3 4