FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3775, 20 July 1926, Page 53

FOOTBALL

By

FORWARD.

RUGBY. INTERPROVINCIAL, FIXTURES. The following are amongst the fixtures fixed for the season:— August 14. —Otago v. Southland, at Dunedin. August 25. —Otago v. Southland, at Invercargill. August 28.—Dunedin v. Christchurch champion teams (Payne Trophy), at Dunedin. September I.—Southland v. South Canterbury, at Invercargill. September 4. —Otago v. South Canterbury, at Dunedin. September B.—Southland v. Canterbury, at Invercargill. September 11.—Otago v. Canterbury, it Dunedin. September 15.—South Canterbury v. Canterbury, at Timaru. September 18.—Otago v. Wellington, at Dunedin. September 22. —Southland v. Wellington, at Invercargill. Hawke’s Bay v. South Canterbury, at Timaru. September 25. —Otago v. Hawke’s Bay, at Dunedin. September 29.—Southland v. Hawke’s Bay, at Invercargill. THE ALL BLACKS. METROPOLITAN DEFEATED. SYDNEY, July 14. The weather was line and bright /or the match against the Metropolitan team and the ground was in good order. Alley re placed Harvey in the All Black forwards. The attendance was 7000. The All Blacks won the toss and played with the wind. Following the kick-off, New South Wales attacked and George made a quick rush through, but Cooke with a powerful line-kick drove the local men back. Then New Zealand were penalised in their own territory and Hesslein kicked a good goal from an acute angle. Play quickened up, and George again figured in a prominent movement. Nicholls relieved with an exc-Ment kick. A heavy All Black attack was nullified by Nicbolls kicking into the dead ball area. The All Blacks continued to press and after a movement in which the ball passed through the hands of many of the backs, Blake crossed and scored in a good position. .Nicholls’s kick was a poster. The New Zealanders were again pena Used in their own quarters and Hesslern made a good but unsuccessful attempt at a goal. The ball returned to half wav, where Nicholls made an opening and passed to Cooke near the Blues’ line, but the latter lest possession. However, Finlay son was close up and secured the ball and dived over. Nicholls converted. Play had then been in progress for 20 minutes. The All Blacks continued the pressure and 10 minutes later after a fine passing movement Robilliard scored right at the corner. Nicholls converted with a magnificent kick. The All Blades again came on but hard kicks by Nicholls and Cooke saw the ball go into the dead area. From a scrum five yards out the blind side was worked beautifully and Elvey scored, Nicholls again adding the major points. Just on time splendid work by Porter, who kicked hard across the line, ended in Knight following up fast and falling on the ball to score. Nicholls’s kick was successful and the half time score was: In the second spell Waddington replaced Turleton in the Metropolitan team. A weak kick by Stevenson gave the Blues an opportunity, but Cooke drove them back. They came again and as the result of an offside infringement by New Zealand Hesslein kicked a splendid goal. Play improved all round, the Blues attacking vigorously and on four occasions the All Blacks obtained relief by forcing. Brownlie secured the ball in the open and set the backs in mdtion and Robilliard after a dodgy runs scored at the corner. Nicholls’ kick was unsuccessful. A fine dribbling rush by the All Blacks took the ball dangerously near the Blues line, but a knock-on spoiled the chance. Play hovered at the centre, becoming close and hard. Robbiliard broke away beautifully, but was grassed by George. Johnstone, obtaining possession, made a dashing run, but was hauled down close to the visitors’ line. The All Blacks returned to the attack, and, after a nice piece of work, Porter scored under the posts, Nicholls having no difficulty m converting. The Blues then got going and play hung in the New Zealand quarters for some time. Then Morrissey, breaking through brilliantly, transferred to Thomson, the latter scoring under the posts. Hesslein converted. The home team continued to hammer away, and a few minutes later Blake was offside over the imaginary line in a line-out, and, a penalty being awarded in front of the goal, Hesslein succeeded in piloting the ball over the bar. New Zealand 31 points. Metropolitan 14 points. There was m further score, and the game ended with the Blues attacking strongly. COMMENTS ON THE GAME. SYDNEY, July 14. The match lacked the spectacular and thrilling interest of Saturday’s game. Nevertheless, it was sternly contested throughout. In the second spell the ran of play territorially was in Uie home side f s favour. They showed excellent stamina. Nineteen penalties were recorded against the All Black*, due to surprising breaches, and seven against the Blues. The possession of the ball from the scrums went 17 times to the Blues and seven to the AU Blacks. There were many neutral scrums.

The Blues, through lack of combination, lost several chances. The All Blacks fumbled and overran, and resorted too much to line kicking when with the wind, and the leather four times went into the dead area. The All Blacks’ play generally showed an improvement The game was clean and moderately fast, but scrappy in parts Finlayson was the best forward on the ground. Hazlett and Knight played excellently, and Elvey, Robilliard, Nicholls, and Cooke were the best of the backs. Porter was also prominent, but Stevenson was not impressive. SECOND TEST MATCH. SYDNEY, July 17 For the second Test match between New beutli Wales and New Zealand the weather was dull and inclined to chilliness, but without wind. box was replaced by Laycock in the New South Wales team. New Zealand won vthe toss and Morrisev kicked off. Fumbling by the All Blacks immediately placed the Blues in an attacking position, but a free kick relieved. The All Blacks retaliated with a heavy forward rush. Ross saved by finding the line. Crossman, standing over the imaginary line in a line out in front of the posts gave Nicholls a kick which missed narrowly. The All Blacks continued to attack 1 ut King found the line at the centre. A bad forward pass by Blake put his confrere off-side and Ross unsuccessfully essayed to kick a goal The pace increased and Crossman was prominent in a splendid lun which carried play to Half way where owing to offside play by two All Black forwards Ross again unsuccessfully ti’ed to kick a goal. Then an obstruction by a Blue man gave Nicholls a kick which fell just short of the posts. Thorn broke away from a line out to be caught by Stevenson and the All Black forwards brought the ball safely away. Finlayson from a line out tried to set the backs in motion, but the efforts were r.ul lified by fumbling. A nice run by Elvey brought play near the Blue’s line but he was unsupported. Boss again kicked well up and from there the Blues attacked strongly. Finlayson saved by marking under the posts and finding the line at the twenty five. The Blues continued to attack tlie All Blacks’ line. Ross being prominent in. good work. Mill showed up in a dashing run which transferred play to the Blues’ quarteis. The All Blacks were penalised and Ross relieved. The All Blacks attacked again but the ball went out at the Blues’ line. Nicholls attempted to pot a goal but failed. From a scrum on the New South Wales line, followed by an All Black dribbling rush and passing, Elvey hit the corner flag. The next feature was a tremendous burst by the Blues, the ball going out on the All Blacks’ line. Sparkling play followed and Ross attempted to drop a goal, the attempt falling short. Elvey by a nice run brought play to the centre. Hard play on the Blues’ line twice saw the ball go across the field, hut the visi tors were unable to pierce the defence The Blacks continued to hammer away with play at high pressure. Meagher relieved with a magnificent line kick. Amidst tremendous excitement Meagher was caught running round the scrum, giving Nicbolls a kick with which he placed a nice goal from the twenty-five line on the near side. Five minutes remained to half-time. Ross with a magnificent kick, sent the ball out at the New Zealand line and from the line out Morrissey unsuccessfully attempted to drop a goal. Following Nicholls’s kick-off in the second half, the All Blacks immediately began in a businesslike manner with a strong attack on the Blues’ line. Ross relieved with an excellent kick, play going to the centre. Ross again obtained and kicked to Stevenson. Foote, following up ouickly, downed the Otago man and the ball went out to the Blacks’ line. From the lineout brilliant passing by the Blues’ backs and forwards was finished by Woods scoring in the corner. Ross’s kick failed. The Blues were penalised in midfield, and Nicholls’s kick fell just short. Cross man then made a brilliant run, but he was unsupported and play returned to the centre. The All Blacks set up an attack which was nullified by offside play. Frcm the loose the ball came right across the field and after several exchanges among the New Zealand backs Elvev brilliantly dashed o>ver at the corner. Nicholls’s kick failed. The game hung in the New Soi th Wales quarters, the All Blacks attacking with tremendous vigor, but the home defence was very stubborn. Play at this stage was thrilling and the pace was very fast. From offside play by a New Zealander in front of his own posts, well out, Ross with magnificent kick equalised the scores The Blues had a turn at attack, but Stevenson saved this with a long kick. The pressure continued and Stevenson thrice forced. Crossman thrilled the crowd with a meteoric dash down the line, but Wtevenson hauled him down. The last five minutes were most exciting. Play went up and down the field and some brilliant passing rushes by hi th sides were witnessed. With three minutes to go Mill opened up play in midfield and short transfers among the backs saw Svenson in possession. After a fast dodgy run he grounded under the poets and Nicholas added the major points. The All Blacks engineered a final attack. Cooke burst through and the ball went to Elvey who was grassed at the corner. The final whistle sounded with tho score:-* New Zealand 11 points. New South Wales ... 6 points. AN IMPROVED DIBPLAY. SYDNEY, July 18 Th© scores fittingly represent the play by both sides. Almost the only lapse in defence by the Bluee cost them the game. It was a mo6t dramatic finish to a wonder.

ful game. The second half was excep» tionaliy brilliant, spectacular, and fast, The game surpassed the first Test in many features, notably the defensive measures of both sides. Ross's d'splay was again brilliant The All Blacks sh wed a general im« provement in pace, stamina, determination, and finesse. All the inside Lacks operated freely and passed in the best fashion. The forwards gained most possession in the scrums and also on the liueouts. In the latter department Finlayson was repeatedly prominent in setting Mill’s supports in action. The forwards adopted solid pushing and “shock” tactics in the serumbs, using their superiority in weight in a most pronounced manner and screwing effectively. They participated in several dribbling rlishcs which gained much ground. The visitors displayed greater versatility and resource in attack, although several of their passing movements gained little ground. The All olacks were penalised 18 times and the Bines 10 times. Obstruction was common. Porter on his play to-day was irreproachable. Cook and Mill were the best of the backs, though Elvey and Svenson were brilliant. Nicholls was prominent in defence and indulged in much kicking. Stevenson made several recoveries, showing improved fielding but his kicking was faulty The forwards are hard to individualise, all contributing honestly especially in the ruck. The attendance at the match was 32,000. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. PIRATES DEFEATED BY ALHAMBRA. The weather was ideal for football on Saturday, when the Rugby Union first grade competition advanced another step. Alhambra sprang a surprise by defeating Pirates by 13 points to seven after one of the best forward games seen this season. The University A and B game, although bright at times was characterised by a lack of the dash which is usually associated with these teams, and resulted in an easy win for the former. RESULTS OF GAMES. The day’s games resulted as follows: University A ... 21 University B ... 6 Alhambra 13 Pirates 7 Kaikorai 26 Union 19 Zingari 15 Taieri Rovers ... 13 Southern 8 Dunedin 0 POSITION OF, TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams engaged in the first grade competition :

Union 12 0 12 0 67 284 0 ALHAMBRA v. PIRATES. The match between Alhambra and Pirates was played at Carisbrook on Saturday before an attendance getting on to 7000. The weather was fine, with no wind, but the ground, particularly in the centre, was heavy and slippery. The Alhambra forwards kept well on their game right through, and made a lot of play off the faulty handling of the Black backs. One could not admire the tactics of the Pirates* team. In the second spell especially the Pirates’ forwards hooked the ball well, St. George sent it out, and then the Alhambra men took their opponents man for man as the ball went through the chain. The passing would break down, and the Red-and-B.lacks would dribble down the field--and still the Pirates persisted in their ineffective methods. Pirates opened from the railway end, and in the first stages held the Colours in their own twenty-five. Knox and Coombes came through at the head of a solid forward rush, but Allan, the Blacks* right wing-three-quarter, kicked back, and the Alhambra were again on the defensive. Walker missed with a free kick, and Knox led another rush of the Colours’ forwards, Allan kicking out. Callander cut into passing by the Black backs, and gained a lot .of ground, and missed with a penalty, shot immediately after. Pirates forcing. Knox showed up in another attacking movement, running and then passing to Buchanan, on the left wing, and Stuart saved a dangerous situation for his side with a speculator. Give-and-take play followed, and Robinson missed wiYh a penalty shot. The Black forwards dribbled to the Colours’ line, where from a scramble the ball was kicked back to Robinson, the Pirates centre potting a good goal. 4—< o. A good run by Bnchanan along the left wing, and a punt, saw the Blacks in deep trouble. Robinson saving with a lucky kick which just reached the line. Stuart saved in the face of another forward rush, and the Colours’ passing broke down at Callander. The Colours’ forwards commanded a solid attack, Maule saving with a hard kick to Callander, who potted. Pirates forcing. Good play i»y Knox, Coates, and Glengarry saw play again on the Pirates’ line. St. George relieving the pressure, and from passing at the centre Robinson made a great run along the left wing, then throwing infield and the movement breaking down. A good kick by King and clever dribbling by the Colours tarried play to the Blacks’ territory, when a Pirates man went clear through the opposition, being collared just short of the Colours’ goal line. Knox was in front of a retaliating movement. He then kicked hard, and Buchanan got to the hall first. He picked up weir and raced along .the left wing for some 35 yards, outpacing everything, and scoring a good try. Callander missed the goal kick. 4—3. The Alhambru came again, but their backs were passing before coming to their opponents. A scramble took place near the Blacks* goal line, and after Glengarry had palpably played the ball on the ground Gillick was awarded a try. A free kick shoud certainly have been given against Glengarry. Callander kicked a goal. B—A. Wise came on in the second half in place of Morgan. Twice 'ad passing by the Pirates’ backs let the Alhambra men through, and then three free kicks in succession were given against the Colours, Walker missing a shot at goal with the third, arid the Colours forcing. A run and

high kick by Walker put his side in position, but once more tne passing from the Blacks’ scrum failed and the Colours went clean through the defence, a free kick bringing the defenders timely relief. King potted in the return, and Pi ates forced. The Blacks now had a turn at attack. RobinsoJt mado a nice opening, and passed to Wise, who dropped the ball. Graham failed to take a pass from St. George, and* another scrum was formed shortly after on the Colours’ line The hall was kicked through on the blind side, where Wise snapped it up. He badly beat, Buchanan, but was then hurled against the cornet flog, and had to go off Pearce, the Pirates’ tx-captain, coming on after some delay. Give and take play followed. A hard kick by Buchanan forced Pirates, and then play came back to the Reds’ twentyfive. where Buchanan made a good run, but was caught under the chin as he went past a Pirates’ man, and fell heavily Pirates, however, could not throw off the persistent attack of the Colours’ forwards. Callander had another pot and Pirates forced. The Pirates’ backs continued to telegraph, as the saying goes, what they intended to do. M‘Cormack, Alhambra forward, had to go off and Hay came on. Callander cut into passing by the Black forwards, and hard play took place in the mud at the centre of the ground. Glen garry had a shot from a mark a long way out, and Pirates came away with a good passing movement to the centre. The Blacks were now getting the ball' from practically every scrum, but their passing was realiy losing them ground. Pirates now came with a great rattle, but it was only a flash in the pan, hard ground kicking" taking play to the Blacks’ line. The ball was kicked well over the goal line, and in a race J. Callander got there first, and he also kicked a goal.— 13—7. The whistle then went Alhambra 13 points Pirates 7 points Mr A J Haub was the referee. UNIVERSITY A v. UNIVERSITY B. The game between University A and University B was all in favour of the former team, although the B’s put up a good fight. Neither side appeared to be extended fully, as was only natural after three days and nights of attending to capping duties. The A’s pack played soundly and at times completely over-ran the opposing side. Nevertheless there was an absence of dash in most of the movements The B’s kicked off towards the Workshops and immediately carried play into the A’s twentv-five. where Holden cleared from a scrum and set his backs going. The ball returned to the B’s end of the field, where scrambling play resulted till Mathieson cleared with a* good kick. Play centred in midfield for some time till the ball went from Pacey to Diack, to W r ebb. who beat M’Clvmont badly and got to the twentv-five before centring. From the ruck Ross gathered in and sent out to M’Clymont. who streaked down the line only to be brought down by Webb in the twentv-five. Again M‘Clymont got away and a dangerous movement broke down in front of the goal. Play veered to halfway. where Hindenach picked up and, with a good run. got to the twenty-five fcefore handing over to Bibby. The latter in-passed to Diack, who beat two opponents badly and scored behind the posts. Ho converted his own try. University A 5 points. University B nil. For the ensuing five minutes the B’s were defending vigorously. and the leather went out to Webb, who got across near the corner. Diack’s kick at goal iust fell short. University A 8 points. University B nil. From haifwav the B pack broke away, and initiated a determined onslaught on the A’s line. The advantage was only momentary, however. and a flashing A back movement saw plav centre in the B’s territory, where an infringement by the latter gave Diack u shot at goal, which was unsuccessful. The A’s backs now began to throw the ball about and were seen ’ to advantage in a series of bright rushes which, however, were met with a sound defence. Eventually Bibbv picked up and centred at the B’s twenty-five, where a race for the ball between Webb and Byers resulted in the latter forcing Immediately after the return Webb obtained possession and dashed down field to give a nippy little overhead pass to Diack. who dived across. He converted his trv. University A 13. University B nil. Another A forward rush resulted in a scrum on the B’s line, where offside plav by the latter gave Dunne a shot, which missed badly. The B vanguard now took charge and cleared the way for the backs. The ball went from Ross to M‘Lean to M’Clymont and back to M‘Lean. who scored near the corner. Wells’s kick at goal was unsuccessful. University A 13 points. University B 3 points. The A’s were attacking when the half-time whistle blew, with the scores standing: University A 13 points. University B 3 points. On the resumption of play the B’s vanguard came to light with a determined rush which over-ran the opposition, and had them penned in their own territory, till Pacey, with a good run, took the ball to midfield. Here loose play was the order of the day till a vigorous counter-attack by the B backs pushed the A’s back on to their own line. From a scrum on the line, Byers attempted to scramble across, but Diack cleared. The B’s came again, but two or three promising rearguard movements were marred by faulty passing. At last, Horsley picked up from a ruck and whipped out to M’Clymont who got over near the corner flag. Wells’s attempt to convert was unsuccessful. University A 13 points, University B 6. A determined sortie by the A’s backs followed, but Mathieson cut into a dangerous movement in front of the B’s goal and passed to M'Clyinont, who took the boll into the A’s twenty-five lefore being collared. Again the A’s forwards got away with the ball at their toes, and transferred play to their opponents’ end, where a back rush initiated by Holden, resulted in Diack going over at the corner. His attempt to convert failed. University A 16 points, University B 6 points. Further hefty rushes by the A’s broke down time and again in the face of the B’s stubborn defence, and from the A’s twenty-five Mathieson broke away and relieved for the time being. The next few minutes saw play hovering round halfway, till Pacey Holden, and Diack com bined in an attractive passing rush, which pushed the B]s back to their own end of the field again, where what looked like a certain try was marred by fumbling. Play was even till Diack secured and in passed to Bibby, who ran in unopposed and ■cored between the posts. Diack converted. University A 21 points, University B 6 points. From tn«* return a vigorous ocunter-attaok by the B’s saw play quickly transferred to the A’s twenty-five, where

Hendra picked up and handed to O’Kegan, who narrowly missed scoring. The whistle went with the A’s attacking, and the game ended in the A’s favour with the scores:— University A ... .. 21 points University B 6 points Mr G. Marston controlled the game. SOUTHERN v. DUNEDIN. The game between Southern and Dunedin did not attract a great deal of interest, only a few watching the contest which took place at Tahuna Park For some time after the kick-off neither side could claim very much of an advantage. Then Southern were placed in a position to attack, but a good kick l»y Butler relieved. Southern were again, however, aggressive. The game was neither spectacular nor interesting, the Southern team being generally in the supremacy. They were fairly often on the attack, but nothing tangible came of it. After persevering effort, which to some extent was negatived by the Southern five-eighth’s failure to send the ball out to his backs, passing amongst the Colours’ backs enabled Peterson to come round behind the posts, the try being converted by Prebble. Southern 5, Dunedin nil. On resuming, Southern came very close to scoring again from a forward rush led by Lewis. With half time close at hand Peterson narrowly missed getting across. In the second half Dunedin initiated an attack, and Southern were forced. The Southern full-back, Neipier, gained ground for his side, and a good passing rush amongst the Southern backs carried play to the corner flag. Soon afterwards Butler missed an easy goal for Dunedin from a free kick. In a loose rush amongst the Southern forwards considerable ground was gained, and Dunedin marked. The Dunedin team assumed the attack, but it was short-lived. The defence of Southern was too solid to be broken through easily. A Southern rush, in-which Maher was prominent, shifted play to Dunedin territory, Hayes relieving with a good line kick. Owing to Peterson hanging on too long Southern missed a good chance of scoring, and play continued generally favourable to Southern. Lewis made a dash for the line, but a pass forward defeated the object in view. Shortly before (he finish Prebble, from a scrum in Dunedin’s twenty-five, sent the ball out, and M'Mullan scored, but M‘Kerrow failed to convert, and the result of the match was:— Southern 8 points Dunedin Nil Mr J. Sutherland was referee. KAIKORAI v. UNION. One of the surprises of the day was the score that Union put up against Kaikorai at Bishopscourt. it was not exactly first grade football, but the second spell was a considerable improvement on the first. The passing was bad on both sides, and Kaikorai gave the Reds many chances, so that if Union’s team work had been better the result might possibly have been different. Callendar and Fountain -were Kaikorai’s two best players, while for Union Blagdon (in the front line), Allen (full-back), M'Pherson (wing three-quarter), and Elliott (wing forward) were well in the foreground. The score of 26 points to 19 in Kaikorai’s favour is probably a fair indication of the respective merits of the two teams on the day’s play. Kaikorai opened the attack and a few abortive passing rushes followed. A chance was lost when Knight whipped the ball out to Callendar, who missed it. A few minutes later the home team were penalised near their own line, and the ball was safely piloted over the bar by Churchill, who thus drew first blood for Union. Kaikorai were giving a good many chances, but as they were usually well inside Uttion territory, they managed to save in time. Eventually Callendar gathered the ball in from a rush and scored Kaikorai’s first try. The scorer failed with the kick. Callendar again got away and sent out to Fountain, who was collared in time. A scramble near the Union line resulted in Quirk crossing over and scoring. Callendar again failed to convert. From the other corner Sinclair got over in the same way, and again Callendar missed with the kick. At this stage Kaikorai’s passing showed a slight improvement, and a few minutes later Fountain got going from half-way and ran across unchallenged. Perry converted. Just before half-time Callendar took advantage of an opening, and whipped the . ball out to Perry, who scored, thus bringing Kaikorai’s tally ud to 17. Not long after the resumption Callendar made another opening, and transferred to Fountain, who scored. Callendar’s kick failed. Perry got away, but passed wildly, and Union captured a good deal of territory with a long dribbling rush. The ground, which at no time was in good order, looked something, like a ploughed paddock at this stage, and the ball was also very difficult to handle. Union continued to make, inroads into the Kaikorai defence, and eventually Stephens got away and sent to Blagdon, who scored near the corner. Churchill converted with a good kick. KaiJcorai made another effort and Callendar ran straight through and scored, but failed to convert. Again Union got away, but they were unable to hold their ground for long. For some time they were defending their line strenuously, but ultimately Kaikorai weakened, and the Reds were able to get away once more. Churchill took a free-kiok, the ball rebounding from the side post. Union followed up, Lucv. who led, getting over nicely, and Churchill converting. Encouraged by their success Union pressed home a determined attack, and it was not long before another free-kick came their way, Churchill sending the ball well and truly J/er. Kaikorai made a desperate effort to relieve, and brought play to halfway, where it hung for several uneventful minutes. However, the backs managed to break loose and Laing got going and scored betyeen the - posts. Perry’s kick failed. Callendar made a fine sprint from half-way, but was neatly collared by Allen, who was the only man there to stop him. Union were given another opportunity shortly after, M’Pherson (wing three quarter) passing to Elliott (wing who scored. Tne kick failed. The whistle sounded immediately after with the scores: Kaikorai 29 pojnts. Union 19 points. Mr J. Atcheson was the referee. ZINGARI RICHMOND v. TAIERI ROVERS. Zingari-Richmond met and defeated Taieri Rovers by the narrow margin of 15 points to 13. It was only in the cloeing stages of the game that the Colours were able to gain the few extra points that decided the match.

Taieri kicked off with the wind, and in the first spell made excellent use of their advantage. They took the ball well down field ana held play in the Colours’ territory for some' time, before a good kick by Heazlewood sent them racing back to their own twenty-five. Give-and-take play of a more or less interesting nature followed. A good passing rush by the Colours, in which Brooks and William* and Kindley took part, broke down before a great deal of ground had been gained. Taieri rushed, and Taverner just missed with a free-kick. Findlay, however, was more successful a minute later, notching three points for the Green Taieri 3 Zingari nil. Not long after, Findlay played the ball on the ground, and Ileazlowood, from a free-kick, opened the scoring for the Colours. Taieri 3. Zingari 3. Zingari immediately attacked and took play to the Green twenty-five, where, after a scrum five vards back G. Calder managed to force his way over. Heazlewood did not convert. Zingari t>, Taieri 3. From a line-out Standring gave the Colours’ backs a chance, but no progress was made before the passing collapsed at the centre. Grieve got the ball from a scrum for the Greens and sent it out to Sligo, who passed to Rogers in time for the latter to score a try, which was converted by Bathgate. Taieri 8, Zingari 6. A few minutes later Grieve again secured the ball from the scrum and passed to Bathgate, who scored. Taverner converted. Tai?ri 13. Zingari 6 Half time saw the scores unaltered. In the second spell Souter did not reappear, his place being taken lay Pearce. Wildgoose was responsible for ‘ Zingari’s first score after the resumption. This player secured the ball from a line-out. and, after Kindley, R. Calder, Procter, and Williams had handled it, Procter secured possession again from a clever bypass and scored. Heazlewood failed to convert. Taieri 13. Zingari 9. A Green forward rush was repulsed, and the Colours’ backs started passing, but the effort broke down. Another essay was made, and this time Orr scored. Healewood again failed with the kick. Taieri 13 Zingari 12. Soon afterwards Burt (Zingari) injured his knee and had to go off. He was replaced by Kilgour. Brooks secured the ball from a scrum and passed to Orr who scored the final try of the game. Heazlewood again failed to convert. Taieri’s energetic attacks were repulsed until tha whistle blew with the scores : Zingari-Riehmond 15 points. Taieri Rovers 13 points. Mr J. Himburg controlled the game. Second Grade. Ravensbourne 15, Alhambra nil. Union 21, University D 8. University C 20, Pirates 11. Third Grade. Southern 8, Training College A 6. High School 3, University E 3. Alhambra 15, Ravensbourne 3. Union 15, Zingari 11. Fourth Grade. Alhambra 21, High School nil. Union 7, Dunedin 5. Zingari 20, Southern nil. Y.M.C.A. 28, M'Glashan nil. Fifth Grade. Port Chalmers 16, Dunedin G. Zingari 18, Ravensbourne 3. iYaikorai 10, Green Island 3. Southern 14, Pirates 3. Sixth Grade. Pirates 16, Zingari nil. High School 31, Southern nil. Port Chalmers 9, Alhambra 3. EASTERN DISTRICTS MATCH. Waikouaiti 13, Seacliff nil. IN OTHER CENTRES. WAIRARAPA GAMES. MASTERTON, July 18. Carterton 10. Red Stars 5. Featherston 18, Gladstone 3. Greytown won by default from Masterton. NAPIER RESULTS. NAPIER, July 18. Pirates 6, Hastings 3. Marists 6, Technical Old Boys 6. Celtic 36, High School Old Boys 6. CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITION. CHRISTCHURCH, July 18. Old Boys 12 beat Christchurch nil. Albion 11 beat Linwood 3. Merivale 26 beat University 9. INVERCARGILL. Pirates 20, Star 14, WELLINGTON. University 14, Poneke 3. Athletic 29, Selwyn 3. Oriental 6, Hutt nil. Marist 16, Old Boys 9. Petone 21, Wellington 6. ROUGH PLAY IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, July 17. Sensational charges of rough play are likely to cause a big stir in Canterbury Rugby circles shortly. The Old Collegians’ Club alleged that a player was deliberately kicked on the head in a match against Kaiapoi. The union held an inquiry, and held that the affair was an accident. Now the Old Collegians press for a further inquiry. They threaten to take Police Court proceedings, contending that the union heard none of their witnesses, of whom seven are ready to give evidence. MAORI TEAMS TOUR. ’AUCKLAND DEFEATED. AUCKLAND, July 17. The Maori Rugby team to tour Britain and France gained a notable victory by defeating Auckland by 13 points to 12 points at Eden Park to-day. The third hockey test match between New Zeuland and the Indian Army team was played prior to the Rugby game, the double attraction drawing an attendance of 18,000. The gato takings were £1720. The game did not reach a brilliant level, but was always fast and exciting. The magnificent play of the Maori forwards, especially in the second spell, made success possible, because the backs showed little combination. In any case, the slippery ball made passing movements dim cult. Auokland made desperate efforts in the dying stages of the game to avert defeat, but the Maoris made a stout defence through which the home team could not break. Auckland held the advantage in the backs, but their "stand and deliver”

passing tactics were pursued to too great an extent. The deadly tackling of the Maoris also prevented the Aucklanders from opening up the play to the usual extent. The home forwards played a good game, but they found the solid opposition of the Maori vanguard too strong. Play was very drab in the first spell, at the end of v/hich Auckland led by 9 points to 8. In the second half however, both teams played with refreshing dash, and the game shifted from end to end of the field with amazing rapidity. The closeness of the scores added further to the interest of the game. Maori teams are popular with the pub lie because of the picturesque nature of their play. While the slippery nature of the ground wa9 against electrifying bursts of speed or dazzling tactics, such a 3 Native teams in the past have displayed yet the 1926 team bids fair to keep up the Maori tradition. for doing the unexpected and taking risks. A feature of the play of the Maori team was the dashing work of the forwards, every man playing his best. Rev. P. Matene was outstanding, but Ilaupapa and S Gemmell also played with great dash, the latter shining more particularly in the second spell. Barclay stood out among the backs, although he showed all the roving characteristics of a wingferward. The diminutive half, Shortland. gave a very plucky display, although the Auckland rover generally had his measure. Others to gain prominence were Bell, M’Donald. and Kingi. Falwasser got few chances. Batty was the king of the Auck land pack, while Hook and Cammick were splendid on attack. Among the backs, notwithstanding that he was well marked, Lucas did some very effective work. For the Maoris tries were scored by Han papa and S. Gemmell. Matene converted both and kicked a penalty. For Auckland Hook scored three tries and Reid one. None was converted. ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE. AUCKLAND, July 15. The doubt that , the passage money for the Maori Rugby team’s tour of France had been paid over by the French Rugby Union has been dispelled by a telegram received from Mr F. D. Thomson, head of the Prime Minfster’s Department. As the result of an interview by the Maori Advisory Board with Mr Thomson recently, the Prime Minister telegraphed to .Sir James Alien, the High Commissioner, for an explanation of the 'matter. The following reply has been received by Mr Thomson: ‘‘With Reference to your cablegram oT July 12 concerning the Maori football tour, the French Rugby Union has informed Mr C. J. Wray, representative of the New Zealand Rugby Union in England, that the passage money has been paid to the P. and 0. Company in Paris, but he is verifying this, and he also requires France to make satisfactory arrangements to secure the payment of the return passage. He is now hopeful that everything will be satisfactory, and he will cable later. (Signed) Allan.” A number of the Maori team which is to play a match against Auckland on Saturday, arrived at Auckland to-day, and more will arrive to-morrow. The team will leave Wellington for England next Friday The team for Saturday’s match is as follows: Full-back, R. Bell (Southland). Three-quarters.—Falwasser (Taranaki), Potaki (Wanganui), Barclay -(captaTn, Hawke’s Bay). Five-eighths.—M'Donald and H. Phillips (Marlborough). Half-back.—Shortland (Hawke’s Bay). Wing-forward.—Pine Haupapa (Bay of Plenty). Forwards.—Rev. P. Matene (North Auckland), W. Wilson (Hawke’s Bay). Dennis (Poverty Bay), S. Gemmell (Hawke’s Bay), Rika (North Auckland', J. Gemmell (Hawke’s Bay, O. Olsen (North Auckland}. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS INCOMPLETE. WELLINGTON, July 17. Advice has now been received in con nection with the arrangements for the Maori Rugby tour from the office of the High Commissioner, London, that as further difficulties have arisen the pay ment of the passage money for the team’s tour has heen cancelled in the meantime. The New Zealand Rugby representative in England (Mr O J. Wray) is desirous of knowing whether the tour is to be pro coeded with and whether the Maoris are prepared to finance it themselves. A _ reply has been sent from tbe Prime Minister’s office to the High Commissioner to the effect that the New Zealand Rugby Union advises that it is holding' a special meeting on Monday afternoon, and that if advice of payment of the fares has not been received by that time (5 p.m.), the tour will be cancelled. The reply also states that the team is already assembling, and the outfitting has been completed. MAORIS v. WELLINGTON. . WELLINGTON, July 17. The following team has been chosen to represent Wellington against the Maoris on W ednesday next: Taylor, Sutton. Grenfell, Tait, M’Kenzic Corner, H. E. Nicholls, Jessop, o‘Regan. Warden Moffitt, Tyree, Pringle Taylor, and Thomas. Emergencies: M‘Kay, South, Edgar, and Fitzgerald. — 1 MATCH IN OAMARU. TOWN v. COUNTRY. There was a large attendance at tho Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon, when the first representative fixture of the season was played between a team from the North Otago Sub-Union and the country Committee’s team. The Greens (country) kicked off against the sun. Offside play by the Groons gave T. W. Direen an attempt at goal, but the ball struck the post. A free kick awarded the Greens in a difficult position was converted by Shadwell. Country 3 points Town Nil The Yellows continued to attack. From a line out in the Greens’ twenty-five Waldron took a good mark, but his kick gave little advantage. M'Kerrow made an opening. and Sumpter, after a good run, scored under the posts. T. W. Direen failed with the kick. Country - 3 points Town 3 points The Greens continued to press, and threatened their opponents’ line. Clark ’saved by a force. Another good piece of play took plaoe when Kent got the ball and, beating his man, passed to Sumpter, who scored. Hopley converted.

Town 8 points Country 3 points Blackmore gathered the ball from the ruck and sent to Kent, who transfered to Sumpter, the last-named sending a difficult pass to M’Kerrow, who lost and then recovered. and scored in the corner. Hopley missed with the kick. Town 11 points. Country 3 points. The Greens attacked briskly, M’Leod leading. With the ball in neutral territory Sumpter secured, and after a good run transferred to Blackmore, who evaded several opponents and scored a good try, which was not converted. Town 14 points. Country 3 points. The Yellows attacked again, and another chance was taken by Sumpter, who, with Blackmore. broke through the Green defence, the latter scoring. Direen failed to convert. Tow'n .. ..- 17 points. Country 3 points. Sounness soon made an opening, and Kent scored under the posts. Hopley s kick went wide. Town 20 points. Country 3 points. Following an attack by the Greens, the Yell .s relieved to the line. Half-time ended without further score. The second spell opened with Country attacking. A passing rush was instituted by the Greens, and a free kick awarded them in front of the posts gave Shadwell a shot at goal, in which he was successful. Town 20 points. Country 6 points. The Yellows took the ball into the Green’s territory, and Sounness making another opening, delivered to Hopley, who sent to Sumpter, and the last-named scored in the corner. Clark failed to convert. Town 23 points. Country 6 points. The Green forwards worked down the field, and a score seemed imminent. From a serum five yards from the line Waldron got the ball and scored in the corner. Shadwell failed to convert. Town .23 points. Country 9 points. The Greens were offside, and Clark’s kick added further to the Yellow's score. Town .. 26 points. Country 9 points. The ijreens were penalised for obstructing. and Hopley made a good kick at goal. The Yellows dominated play for a while. Sumpter sprinted across the field, and from a following kick T. W. Direen scored. His kick at goal failed, but Waddell evaded him and scored. His kick failed. Town 29 points. Country 9 points. With a few minutes to go the Greens put in a strong attempt to reduce the Town’s lead. Waddell got the hall and put in a good run. Sumpter tackled him. The Greens broke away again, and, led by Waldron, got close to the Hue. Wills Town 29 points. Country 12 points. The Greens broke away .. ain, and led by Waldron got close to the line. Wills dodged in and scored under the posts. Voyce converted. Town 29 points. Country 17 points. The Greens put in another strong attack, but the Yellows held the ball in Green territory. From the loose Sumpter picked up cleverly and scored between the posts. His kick failed. The game ended:— Town 32 points. Country 17 points. Mr C. Mollison was referee. REFEREE WARNED OFF. CHRISTCHURCH, Juiy 16. At a meeting of the Ashburton Rugby Sub-union A. Shannon, a referee, was warned off all Ashburton Rugby grounds till the end of next season for joining with the crowd in hooting the referee during a match at Rakaia. Six members of the Rakaia senior team were disqualified for one week for leaving the field. NOTES. A University back should get out of the bad habit of constantly appealin’?. On July 10 his hand was being raised time and again in an endeavour to attract the attention of the referee. It proved a waste of time and energy. No other city in Australia takes its football as seriously as Melbourne. _On a recent Saturdav in Melbourne 162.500 people watched t* e various Australian code football games. In Sydney, on the same day, 49.000 attended at all codes of football. The attendances ir Sydney were made up as follows:—League Rugby 34.000, Rugby Union 6600, Australian rules 6000. and Soccer 2700. At the conclusion of the Hutt-Selw.vn game at Athletic Park (says Wellington Post) a prominent Rugby official was heard to remark: “Well, that’s the worst game I have seen on the park for 20 years.” As the observer was a keen Rugby enthusiast, the not have been made > with >ut justification. Whether or not tlie game was the worst played on the ground for a score of years, spectators at any rate were provided with a poor exhibition of Rugby. The two teams, in view of their benig at the bottom of the championship competition, were expected to provide, if not a sparkling contest, one sufficiently interesting to hold the attention of the crowd. This, however, Selwyn and Hutt failed to do, and for a great part of the time the match was a ragged scramble between the two forward packs. There was practically no combined either team, and the play throughout was below that expected of teams branded “senior." Certainly, the ground was on the heavy side, but nevertheless the sodden state of the turf cannot be blamed altogether for the inferior exhibition. The Selection Committee has secured training quarters at the Central Battery, St. Kilda, and players selected for practice are requested to be in attendance at the Battery on Thursday next at. 7.30 p.m.

LEAGUE. FIRST-GRADE COMPETITION. Athletic and Christian Brothers gave a sparkling exhibition on Culling Park on Saturday afternoon despite the fact that the ground was in a rather slippery state. Christian Brothers were without the services of Cusack behind the scrum, and his absence no doubt made a good deal of difference to the backs Christian Brothers’ forwards worked well together, and it was the solid work of the pack that saved them from being defeated by a larger margin. Hansen and Fitzpatrick played at the top of their form. ' T. O’Connor again played pplendidly. He was always on the ball, and can be classed as one of the best, if not tho best of. League forwards in Dunedin. The Athletic backs showed improvement, but they lacked combination in the early part of the game. Vorrath was at his best, and played a good all-round game, while the nippy Webber gave one of his best displays. M‘Kay was not very prominont in the early stages, but he livened up later, and it was due to the splendid work of Webber, Vorrath and M’Kay that Athletic still retain the lead in the competition. H. Thomas, the League All Black, who played at full-back, did not give a good account of himself. Both sides played a fast open game in the second half, every movement being crammed with bright incidents. Webber frequently made some fine openings for his side, while he was often seen in some spectacular solo runs. . The match between Pacific and Kaitangata. played on Culling Park in tho early part of the afternoon, was also attractive. Pacific, # who have shown such vast improvement of late, were far too good for tho miners, who appeared to be very weak in the back division The local team had Kaitangata on the defensive from start to finish, and Pacific finished up with a substantial score. On the Oval. City had no difficulty in defeating Kaikorai. City’s backs were in good form, and it w 7 as mainlv due to their cohesion that City came out with such a larger tofcai of points. The games resulted as follows: Athletic ... ... 16 Christian Bros. 9 City 31 Kaikorai 10 Pacific 27 Kaitangata ... ° POSITIONS OF TEAMS. The following table shows the positions of the teams engaged in the senior comtilion:_ Points p W L D F A FP Athletic 9 8 - 1 173 46 17 fit. 9 8 1 Christian Bros. ... 9 5 3 1 114 100 11 Kaitangata 9 2 7 - 61 148 4 Kaikorai ' J ~ g ™ i Pacific - 9 1 8-65 151 2 ATHLETIC v. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS A few minutes after the kick-off M‘ll- - carried play almost to Christian Brothers’ line with a fine dribbling rush. The Greens cleared the danger zone, and the next minute Athletic were called upon to defend their line. The Green backs then started a passing movement, which was broken up by a forward pass. Athletic worked their way to midfield, but only for a moment, as Christian Brothers again carried play to their opponents line. Bennetts missed an easy kick at goal awarded for an infringement. Thomas and M’Kay were then seen m a passing dash, but they were called back owing to an infringement. Athletic rushed the rlav to the Greens line, but solid work by the Greens’ forwards cleared the danger zone. D. Sullivan had an unsuccessful shot at goal a minute or two later. The first score came as the result of fast following up by Walker, who fell on the ball after several of his own side had over-run the leather. Dixon failed w ith an easy kick at goal. Athletic then came down field with a rush, the ball being smartly handled by most of the backs. The rush was stooped within a few yards of the Greens’ line. Fox then made a spectacular solo run, but was brought down within 20 yards of his objective. Christian Brothers, as the result of combined play, carried the ball quickly upfield. The ball came out smartly to Walsh, who evaded two opposing backs and scored in a liandy position. T. O’Connor failed to convert. Christian Brothers again set up an attack, and another score looked certain, but a pass was intercepted smartly by Webber. The Greens kept up the attack, and after some fine passing movements E. O’Connor scored near the corner. Fitzpatrick’s kick landed short. Athletic then had Christian Brothers on the defensive, but the Greens were accorded relief with a free kick. A minute later Vorrath made a good but unsuccessful attempt to register a score from a free kick for an infringement. Another fine passing movement by the Christian Brothers’ backs was spoilt by a knock-on. Hansen intercepted an Athletic pass, dashed for the line and passed out. Pring cut off the pass, and play went out of the danger zone. Almost immediately Vorrath picked up, and. evading the opposition, scored in a good position. D. Sullivan added the extra points. Half-time score: Christian Brothers 9, Athletic 5. Christian Brothers set up a strong attacking movement when the game was resumed. Athletic, after a brief setback, recovered, and play hovered in neutral territory for some minutes. A fine bit of passing by the Athletic backs was brought to a doad-end through a forward pass. The Greens were hard pressed, but the forwards cleared with a dribbling rush. Thomas stemmed the tide by picking up smartly, but he was auickly grassed. Again the Athletic backs came away. M‘Kay passed out to Vorrath, who got over at the corner. D. Sullivan failed to convert. The game now became fast and strenuous. Christian Brothers, as the result of good play, worked their way to Athletic’s twenty-five, where Athletic were kept busily defending for several minutes. Again the ball travelled unfield, and the next minute Christian Brothers were called upon to defend their line. First Vorrath and then Webber were almost over, but each man was brougnt down by good tackling. After some strenuous play in Christian Brothers ’twenty-five the ball came out to Webber, who sent it on to Vorrath. The latter passed out to M‘Kay, who pushed his way over with a man hanging to him. MTlroy failed with the kick at goal. Good play by Christian Brothers carried play to Athletic’s line, where the Greens fought hard to score. The ball was thrown about among the backs, but the solid defence put up by Athletic could not be pierced. After being

penned almost on their line for some time Athletic cleared, and play was quickly transferred to the Greens' twenty-five. Vorrath picked up from the loose and wormed his way over to score in a good position. D. Sullivan added the extra points. Almost immediately the Christian Brothers’ backs came away in a fine passing rush. The ball was sent on to Fox, who evaded several opponents and then short kicked. There was a hard race for the ball, and an Athletic man forced. Athletic again worked their into the Greens’ twenty-five, where, after some strenuous play, Denniston had a shot at goal. Dunwoodie and A. Sullivan made a dash for the line, but a knock-on spoilt a certain score. T. O’Connor was immediately afterwards prominent. He followed up last, but was pushed out at the corner. Athletic came again, and Webber was twice within reach of a score. The game ended with Athletic still pressing, the final score being: Athletic 16 points. Christian Brothers .. 9 points. Mr C. Snow was referee. PACIFIC v. KAITANGATA. Pacific set up a strong attack from the kick-off. but Kaitangata held their own, and the ball travelled quickly between the two twenty-five marks. Play was uninteresting for a time. Keen then secured and worked his way through the opposition. When collared he passed out smartly, the ball eventually reaching L. Davis, who scored near the corner. Timlin's kick at goal fell short. Kaitangata rushed play to Pacific’s twenty-five, but they were soon sent back . as the result of a dribbling rush by Timlin, who carried play to Kaitangata’s line, where W. Bryant secured and scored wide out. Timlin failed to convert. Pacific set up another strong attack, in .which several backs participated. The movement was started by Keen, who fed his supports splendidly, and Timlin was grassed just when a score seemed certain. Kaitangata then became aggressive. Oliver secured, and, racing almost the full length of the field, was almost over, but was collared within a yard or two of Pacific’s line. Forrester then secured, dummied half a dozen men, and kicked over his opponents’ heads. Oliver, following up smartly, beat the Pacific full-back and scored in a good position. Prescott converted. Pacific again carried play to Kaitangata’s line, where the pressure was relieved by a series of scrums. Maxwell made a beautiful opening, and kicked across to L. Davis, who raced through the opposition and scored behind the posts. Keen failed to add the extra points. The Reds were awarded a free-kick for an infringement, and Timlin added two more points to Pacific’s score. Almost immediately afterwards Pacific were awarded another free-kick for an obstruction, but Timlin’s shot at goal went wide. Kaitangata came away with a rush but they were unable to pierce the defence. The miners were attacking when half-time was called. Pacific 11, Kaitangata 5. Immediately the game was resumed the Kaitangata backs showed an inclination to hang on to the ball, and the side was soon in difficulties Pacific carried play to their opponents’ line, where a feeble kick by one of . the visiting backs enabled .Maxwell to get possession and score at the corner. L. Davis took the kick at goal, the ball striking the bar. Pacific kept up the pressure, and after some loose play Wall worked his way over to score in a good position. Keen converted. Pacific immediately pressed home another attack, which kept Kaitangata on the defensive. The visiting backs were then seen in a passing bout, which gained a slight advantage. T. Crook and Prescott were prominent in this movement. Kaitangata, taking advantage of the movement, kept Pacific on the defence. Another passing rush resulted in Oliver scoring in a fairly good position. Prescott failed to convert. Pacific immediately came away with a rush, the ball being smartly handled by several backs, and Timlin dived over at tno corner. L. Davis failed to increase the score with the kick at goal. After some uninteresting play in midfield, Keen made an opening and set his backs in motion. The ball came out to L. Davis, who beat several opposing backs and raced round to score under the posts. Davis converted. Nothing further of note happened before the call of time, the final scores being: Pacific 27 points. Kaitangata 8 points. Mr S. Devereux was referee. CITY v. KAIKORAI. It was well after 3 o’clock when the game between City and Kaikorai commenced on the Oval. City opened with seme good passing, and had Kaikorai on the defensive for a time, but the good work by the forwards and sound defence of the Blue backs kept them out. Then Kaikorai took a turn at attack, and from a penalty Mackey kicked a good goal. Play was even for a time till Moore (Kaikorai) broke away, and kicked along the line, where Cameron and -desdale fumbled, allowing Kennedy, who came up quickly, to score. The kick at goal failed. Play remained around half-way tor a time, until Kaikorai set up an attack and carried play to the City twenty-five, but the defence was too sound. kaikorai started a parsing rush, but Clydesdale intercepted and took play deep into Kaikorai territory, where, from a scramble, Tait dived over at the corner. Eckhoff failed with the kick. Kaikorai 5, City 3. City continued to attack, and Jacobs and M’Cabe took play once more to the Bues’ twentyfive, but a knock-on spoilt the movement. The Kaikorai forwards, playing well together, set up a determined attack, from which Johnston iust failed to score after a good run. From a penalty Mackey kicked a good goal. Kancorai 7, City 3. The next incident of note was a good run by Cameron, but the Hill forwards, packing well, let their backs awav, and Holloway scored. M’Donald failed to convert. Kaikorai 10, City 3. A few minytes afterwards Eckhoff made a fine solo run, and, kicking over the head of the opposing full-back, scored in a handy position. H© failed to add the extra points, and the spoil ended with the scores: Kaikorai 10, City 6. From the beginning of the second spell City attacked, and, after a good dribble, Tait scored. Eokhoff again failed with the kick. Kaikorai 10, City 9. City again attacked, and M'Cabe scored. Eckhoff failed with the kick. City 12, Kaikorai 10. City continued to press, but a break away by the blue forwards took play to the other end of the field. Then City relieved, and Clydesdale potted a goal. City 14, Kaikorai 10. Cameron and Eckhoff started a passing movement, the latter bullocking his way across to score. The same player failed to convert. City

17, Kaikorai 10. A few minutes after Connolly scored, and Tait’s shot at goal was unsuccessful. City ZO, Kaikorai 10. City were now running all over Kaikorai, and after the best passing rush of the day, in which all the backs handled the bail, Eckhoff passed to Connollv, who outpaced the opposition, scoring a good try behind the posts. Jacobs tailed to convert. City 2. Kaikorai 10. Citv continued to carry all before them and Newton went over. The shot at goal went wide. City 26, Kaikorai 10. Another good passing rush ended in Connolly scoring. This player broke the record of misses, and kicked a nice goal. Time was called a few minutes later, with the scores: — City 31 points. Kaikorai 10 points. AUCKLAND GAMES. AUCKLAND. July 13. City 11 points, beat Ponsonby 8 points. Devonport 24 points beat Richmond nil. Marists 19 points beat Grafton 2 points. RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM. AUCKLAND, July 15. The council of the New Zealand Rugby League has been advised by the agents of the steamer Tainui, by which the New Zealand team will travel to England, that the departure of the vessel has been postponed from August 7 to August 14. Mr T. Tuohey asked whether it would be possible for them to sail by another route, and suggested the players should go via Australia. It was finally decided to notify the English League of the difficulty and ask that the itinerary of the tour be arranged accordingly. OTAGO TOURING TEAM. The following players have been selected to represent Otago in the northern tour: Backs: Clydesdale, Oliver, Hansen, M‘Kay, Eckhoff, Vorrath, Webber, Sullivan, Jacobs, Hickey (if available). Forwards: Rogers, J. O’Connor, Fitzgerald, T. O’Connor, E. O’Connor, Cameron, A. Sullivan, Davis. Any of these players who are not available are requested to notify the selectors as soon as possible. ASSOCIATION. ENGLISH CUP MATCH. WELLINGTON v. OTAGO. NARROW VICTORY FOR HOME TEAM. The interprovincial Association football match between Wellington and Otago proved a big attraction at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday. The match was the first to be played here for the new cup presented by the English Football Association. Auckland and Wellington have met nreviously this season in a match for this trophy, and Wellington was defeated by 4to nil. Though many attempts have been, made in past years to arrange matches between Wellington and Otago it so happens that it is now 18 years since these two provinces last met. 'lhe importance of the occasion and the general improvement in the standard of play during recent years led spectators to expect a sparkling and high class exhibition of the game. Each team included several New Zealand representatives. The bright mild weather was everything that could be desired and the ground was in good condition if a trifle heavy. There were come 3000 spectators present, and if be play was not always brilliant it was at least consistently fa_st, open, and interesting. On the whole most will probably agree that Otago was somewhat fortunate in securing a victory. The Wellington halves made a very strong and clever combination, and held the home forwards fairly easy. Burke was considered by some experts to be the best he on the ground. The Wellington full-backs were also very sound, and Ewing, in goal, came through a long afternoon with credit. Caskie, tho Otago goal-keeper, put up a splendid performance, • though it must be admitted that on at least two occasions he was a trifle lucky in getting out of danger as he did. Proctor was the most outstanding of the home forwards, and proved himself a very dangerous man when within striking distance of the goal. Wallace and M’Cormack showed considerably improved form after they had changed places in the second spell, and Latimer and Duncan were also responsible for some nice combined work, particularly in the early part of the game. Anderson and Cooper were invaluable in defence The visitors had the upp6r hand more than half the time, and it is probably to the poor shooting of their forwards more than anything else that they owe the loss of the match. Particularly in the second spell shot after shot went wide. The issue of the game was really in doubt to the last minute. THE TEAMS. The teams took the field as follows: WELLINGTON (Yellow and Black). Goal J. Ewing. Full-hacks, L. M’Girr, R. E. Fitzgerald. Half-backs—J. Burke L. Reylings, C. Trott. Forwards—W. Cudby, J. Logan, J. Lothian (captain), M. M’Elligott, R. M‘Leod. OTAGO (Royal Blue). Goal, J. J. Caskie.' Full-backs, G. Anderson (captain), R M’Auley.. Half-backs—J. Dryden, W. R. Cooper, J. A. Scouller. Forwards—C. A. Lnttimer, 8. Duncan, W. C. Proctor. M. Wallace, R. M’Cormack. THE PLAY. Wellington kicked off, and immediately attacked, G. Anderson clearing. Play swung swiftly to the other end of the field, where Duncan put in a shot which Ewing cleared. A moment later he had to clear another from M’Cormack. Wellington forwards came through on the left M’Leod over-ran a pass, and allowed Otago 4o clear. A spell of even play followed, till Anderson sent his forwards away with a power ful kick. Only a goal kick resulted. Combined play by the Otago forwards Proctor, Wallace, and M’Cormack—took place in front of tho goal, and M’Cormack skimmed the bar with a shot across the mouth. Otago returned to the attack, and Ewing saved a hot shot from Duncan. The home team kept up the pressure, but suddenly Wellington broke away on the left. Anderson failed to intercept, and M’Leod receiving from Cudby. was left with a clear shot at close range, which Caskie had no chance of intercepting. Wellington M . ... 1 goal Otago ... ... ,« Nil

Wellington returned to the goal area, and Lothian had a couple of shots, the ball eventually going over for a corner. The corner shot was vigorously repulsed by the Otago defence. Combined play in midfield followed till Latimer sent to Duncan, who passed on to Proctor. Proctor tricked his man, and obtaining a clear chance, sent in a beautiful shot that skimmed just be neath the bar. Wellington 1 goal Otago 1 goal Beautiful play bv Wallace, Duncan, and Proctor enabled the latter to get in another pretty shot from an awkward angle. Wellington 1 goal Otago 2 goals Duncan and Proctor were combining nicely in attacking work. The Wellington left wing again broke away and sent in a cross snot that looked dangerous for Otago, but Cooper saved at the expense of a corner. The kick was cleared by M’Auley. A spell of mjdfield play followed, from which Wellington emerged with the advantage, but the left wing went over. They came again, and after good play by the visitors’ inside men. Cudby shot right across the mouth of the goal. Again he sent in a shot which Caskie fumbled, and was romewhat lucky in saving. A free kick was given against Cooper in front of the Otago* goal, but the shot went wide. M’Girr made a good opening for the right wing (M’Leod), who transferred in to M’Elligott. who scored with a high shot that found Caskie to# far out. Wellington ... 2 goals Otago 2 goals The game continued fast and exciting and four goals had now been scored in 25 minutes. Wellington, showing improved form, dominated the play, and Caskie had to clear on several occasions. Cooper and Anderson were doing most valuable defence work, and broke up tho visitors’ rushes time and again. Lothian put in a long distance shot along -he grass, but it went just outside. A shot by M’Leod was somewhat luckily saved by Caskie, who later deflected another shot over the bar. The visiting half-backs were the dominating feature of the play, and the Otago forwards seemed to nave lost their initial combination. Ewing stopped a shot from Proctor, and M’Cormack put in another that lacked direction. Jhere were a few more exciting moments in front of Otago’s goal, and M’Auley was prominent i clearing to half-way. Duncan sent on to Latimer, who crossed, but Ewing cleared. The ball travelled swiftly from end < end of the field. Combined play between Duncan and Latimer allowed Latimer to centre neatly to the goal mouth, where Ewing and M’Cormack collided heavily, with the result that Ewing was temporarily laid out. One of the visiting backs cleared to ‘the side line. Otago again attacked from the right, and Duncan shot across from the goal mouth. "ood play by Wellington halves and forwards followed, and Cooper handled outside the penalty area. The free kick proved of no advantage, and Otago broke awav till Proctor was pulled up for off-side play when in a good position. lie returned to the attack, but the shot went outsideReylings once more opened up play for his forwards, Lothian placing out nicely to M’Leod. who shot high, from far out. The visitors gave Otaeo a strenuous time defending, and M’Auley and Cooper were prominent in keeping them out. Play quietened down somewhat, and M’Cormack had a shot from wide out. The last incident of the spell was a free kic-k to Otago, which Dryden placed nicely in front of the goal, but the advantage could not be nressed home. During the latter half of the spell Wellington had been doing the greater part of the attacking. On resuming after the interval Wallace and M’Cormack changed places on the left wing. Otago wer-* the first to attack. Duncan started a movement in which the ball went on to Proctor and M’Cormack, and finally to Wallace, who dropped in a heautiful sharp angle shot from the outline. The sun behind the ball made the position difficult for Ewing. Wellington 2 goals. Otago 3 goals. Proctor shot from well out, but Ewing saved, and the ball went over the line. Wellington endeavoured to break away on the left, but Anderson blocked the way. Play swung across to tho right, and a shot by M’Leod went over. M’Leod centred from the corner of the field, and Lothian, in the goal mouth, evened the score by cleverly heading it into the net. Wellington ... 3 goals. Otago 3 goals. Fitzgerald drove off an Otago attack with a powerful and well-placed kick, but the home team returned again to within striking distance if only for a few moments. Wellington again asserted themselves, particularly on the left wing, and a number of ineffective shots were sent in. Poor defence by Otago backs gave them most of their opportunities. A shot from M’Elligott' went high over the bar. The home defence seemed disorganised. M’Corfhack broke away, and took the ball right down the field, but Ewing came out and saved effectively. Time and again shots by Wellington forwards went over the line. Otago broke away to near the visitors’ goal, but M’Girr saved well. From a throw-out Cooper sent on to Wallace, who had a wild shot from well out. Latimer had an opportunity from the right, but his shot lacked direction. A minute later he received from Cooper and shot over the bar. Otago seemed to have taken a fresh lease of life, and Proctor put in a ground shot, with which Ewing had no difficulty in dealing. Scouller bumped Lothian, but a free kick was awarded Otago. Following the free kick, Dryden placed to Wallace, whose shot struck the upright and rebounded to Proctor. Froctor put Otago ngain in the lead with a hard drive into the net. Wellington 3 goals Otago 4 -goals Good play on Otago’s left wing made matters dangerous for Wellington, and Proctor shot, but it was deflected over the line by a Wellington man. Anderson won applause by breaking up an attack and kicking well down the field, but the visitors retained possession and again attacked. Caskie saved a shot sent in from the right wing, and play suddenly returned to the Wellington goal area. A nice bit of play took place on the visitors’ right. The ball was swung across Otago’s goal, but Cudby just failed to head it in. Proctor was heavily charged by M’Girr, but continued playing. Latimer brought the ball down the wing and centred to Proctor, who struck the crossbar with a stinging drive, the ball going over. Wellington took a corner kick, which Caskie punched over, and another corner Lick followed.

Clever individual play by M’Cormack put Otago in scoring position, but Ewing proved equal to the demands of the occasion. Another shot by Proctor went astray. Only two or three minutes of play now remained, and Wellington made th* running till Latimer came away down th# line. Ewing fisted out a nice centre front hint, and a shot from Wallace struck tho side of the net. Latimer shot into Ewing's arms, and he cleared to the sideline, this being the last incident of the game, which ended: Wellington .. .. .. .. 3 goals Otago 4 goals Mr W. P. Smith was referee. ENGLISH TOURING TEAM. VANCOUVER, July 13. At Windsor, Ontario, the English team defeated Essex by five goals to two. - OTTAWA, July 14. The English Association footballers do* feated Ottawa All Stars by 8 goals to 1. OTTAWA, July 15. The English Association Football team has concluded its matches in Canada without defeat by winning at Montreal its twentieth consecutive victory when it defeated the Eastern Canada All Stars by 2 goals to 1 STRIKING A REFEREE. On July 12 the Management Committee of the Otago Football Association further considered the incidents arising out of the Maori Hill-High School Old Boys match at Prospect Park on Saturday week last, the referee, Mr Preston, having intimated that he could produce evidence which would identify the player who had struck him. The evidence was heard in committee and the decisions arrive dat were confirmed in open meeting as fellows: Mr Cook moved that Martin be suspended until the end of the 1927 season, in view of the fresh evidence brought forwn d charging him with striking the referee. This was seconded by Mr Smith and the motion was carried. This penalty is in concurrence with the one imposed at last week’s meeting when the player was suspended till the end of this season for jostling the referee. The referee also made a definite charge against Morris, captain of the Maori Hill team, for refusing to give the name of a player when requested to do so by the referee, and in his case it was decided to write Morris expressing the committee’s strong disapproval of his action in refusing to give the name of the player when asked to do so. BRAHAM-DUNCAN INCIDENT. Mr J. Gilchrist, referee in the First grade match. Northen v. Mornington, which was played at the Gardens on July 10, reported that he had cautioned J. Duncan of the Northern team for dangerous charging of the Mornington goal keeper and had ordered off H. Bra ham, of Mornington, for rushing Duncan and taking up a fighting attitude. This case was also considered in committee and it was decided that Duncan’a name be placed on the cautioned list and that Braham be suspended for two playing Saturdays. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, July 15. The Council of the New Zealand Football Association upheld the appeal of the Northern Club, Dunedin, against the decision of the referee in the game against Seadiff on June 12 The game is to be replayed if necessary. The council also upheld the appeal of the Mornington Club, Dunedin, against the match against the Southern Club being awarded to the latter. The match is to be replayed if necessary. The New Zealand Referees’ Association ruled that “a man cannot be offside from a thrown down oy the referee.” The English Football Association trophy ground charges were agreed upon as follows :—Auckland and Canterbury—2o per cent, gross gate, minimum £2O. maximum £4O; Wellington. £l2 10s over ground charges Otago £4 over amount paid the owners.of ground. It was decided on account of the expense of £l5O that no North v. South match should be arranged this year. The action of the Otago Association in suspending W. R. Martin, of the Maori Hiii Club, until the end of the 1927 season for striking the referee was confirmed. It was decided to send a cablegram to the. Canadian Football Association definitely, accepting its terms for the sending of a Canadian team to New Zealand during 1927. A Scottish team is to be invited to visit New Zealand during 1928.

p. W. L. D. Points. F. A. F.P. University A 12 11 0 1 258 84 23 Pirates 12 8 3 1 192 110 17 Alhambra ... 12 8 3 i 129 71 17 Kaikorai ... 12 7 3 2 155 90 16 Zingjari 12 6 4 2 123 101 H University B 12 6 5 1 165 122 13 .Southern ... 12 6 6 0 123 125 12 Taieri Rovers 12 3 9 0 99 177 6 Dunedin ... 12 1 11 0 69 232 2