FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3776, 27 July 1926, Page 51

FOOTBALL

RUGBY. THE ALL~BLACKS. THIRD TEST MATCH. SYDNEY, July 20. Ford wag omitted from the New South Wales team. The weather was perfect, and a slight wind favoured the Blues who won the toss. The attendance was 15,000. Even play followed the kick-off and then offside play by the All Blacks put New South Wales in a good position, but they were unable to f<3low it up. The All Blacks set up an attack and carried the ball to the Blues quarters, but were penalised, Ross kicking to the centra. The Blues were prominent in some ineffectual passing rushes, play being confined mostly to the Blues’ half. Then New South Wales took the ball well down the field and the All Blacks were penalised in their own twenty-five. Ross attempted a kick at goal, but was unsuccessful. A free kick was awarded the All Blacks, and Finlayson followed up quickly, but the Blues forced. The AH Blacks came again, Ross saving with a good line kick. The Blues were caught offside and Nicholls attempted a kick from almost the centre, the ball going just outside the post. A fine run by El vey was nullified by offside play, Ross returning to the centre. From a scrum Porter sent the backs away and play was taken to the Blues line, where a knock on saved. From the ensuing scramble Svenson dashed over, and scored in the right corner after 15 minutes play. Nicholls failed to convert. New Zealand 3 points. New South Wales Nil. Fumbling by the Blues saw New Zealand again on the attack. Following a kick through by Nicholls, Ross was brought down on his own line by Cooke. The Blacks continued the pressure, but Svenaon was forced out at the corner. The Blacks were again penalised, Rom finding the line well up. Splendid opening work by Porter and Elvey was spoiled ty a knock-on. The defence was almost beaten at this stage, New Zealand having the better of the game, territorially and otherwise. Wallace was prominent iD a good run which took the ball to the Black’s quarters, where the defenders were penalised, but Ross made a poor attempt. An aggressive Blues’ rush was stopped* by Knight marking. Play became harder, and was marked by strenuous tackling. Woods had to leave the field, being replaced by Telford. Following another penalty the hall went out in the Blues’ quarters but an offence by New Zealand relieved. A Tousing Biue attack took the ball out close to the All Blacks’ line. Owing to an infringement the Blues were awarded a kick, in front of New Zealand’s goal, but Ross missed it. The Blues returned to the attack, but Cooke found the line near half way. The closing stages of the first spell became more intense. Ross made a splendid run and the ball was carried over the All Blacks’ line, but was forced. A splendid burst of speed by Porter threatened the Blues line till he was hauled down, and Ro6s found the line with a long kick. The half time score was: — New Zealand 3 points. New South Wales ... ... Nil. The resumption saw even play in midfield. The All Blacks attacked, but Ross made a wonderful kick which sent the ball out at midfield where the All Blacks were penalised. Plav was carried on to the visitor’s twenty : five through Stevenson being slow in taking the ball. High tackling Dy the Blues enabled the New Zealanders to work back. A long kick by Finlay put New South Wales again on the attack, Svenson relieved with a useful kick. Crossman almost kicked a goal when the All Blacks were again penalised in their own ground. An All Black passing Tush was spoiled by a knock-on. The Blues returned to tbe attack, and a good run by Wallace took the ball to New Zealand’s territory, where Ross had another unsuccessful attempt from a penalty. The game, which was mostly in the All Blacks naif, was being confined to the forwards, and there were several minor injuries. Then the Blue backs combined in some nice movements, but the opposing forwards got in among them and broke them up. An ugly rush by the visitors was stopped by offsida play. Koss returned with a long kick. The All Blacks were prominent in a passing rush which was stopped by Ross marking. Continuing their pressure the All Blacks were awarded a penalty near the line which gave Nicholls an opportunity with which he made no mistake. It was an easy kick. Zealand 6 points. New South Wales Nil. The blues rallied, Stevenson being called upon to stop some good movements in which Finlayson assisted him. The Blues’ attack persisted, and ground was gained by a series of Hne kicks. The All Blacks, coming round the scrum, were penalised, and Thorn attempted to kick a goal, but the ball fell short. A penalty against the Blues inside half way gave Nicholls an opportunity for a shot, bat he missed. Roes, running up, transferred to Thorn, who was offside, and this time Nicholls kicked a nice goal. New Zealand 9 points. New South Wales Nil. Just on time Cooke made a magnificent individual dash. He snapped up the ball from the ruck, and the Blue backs being well out of position he raced through from half way out and scored, Nicholls converting. The final whistle sounded immediately after, the game ending:- . New Zealand 14 points. New South Wales Nil. COMMENT ON THE PLAY. The game throughout never attained the excellence of the preceding games. It was inclined to raggedness till tne final stages

when both teams showed to better advantage. The All Blacks’ continual battering tactics finally wore down the Blues' defence, and two scores were obtained in the last few minutes. The visitors gained meet possession from the scrums, but their attack often lacked a successful issue, owing to mishandling. There were frequent stoppages, particularly in the first spell, due to penalties and in some cases the referee’s decision was difficult to interpret. In the second spell more scrums were gained by the Blues who attacked vigorously, but spasmodioally, and showed a lack of their usual cohesion. In the backs Rosa was again superb, his line kicking uncanny. The All Blacks were superior in the vanguard, gaining the ball in most of the line outs and rucking more successfully. The Blues were unlucky in not registering at least two penalties, but on the day’s play the better side won. Stevenson played serviceably, and Elvey and Mill were the best of the backs, though Svenson and Nicholls were both prominent. Brown’s inclusion at centre was an improvement. Cooke was well marked but was conspicuous for fine kicking. Porter played at the side of the scrum successfully, and all the forwards contributed their quota of hard work, Finlayson and Stewart being the most outstanding. July 21. The Sydney Morning Herald, commenting on the All Blacks’ match, says: “The visiting forwards were, as usual, in form, but the backs gave a vastly superior display to that seen in the previous matches. The passing was delightfully crisp, and the only fault was that frequently the players overran the baU or passed forward. Had this not been so the margin in the visitors’ favour might have been considerably greater. They again had a distinct advantage in securing the bail from the scrums, and the fine understanding between Mill and Nicholls and Mill and Porter kept the local backs in an anxious frame of mind. The skill with which the New Zealanders initiated attacking movements was an outstanding feature. On each occasion that one of their number received the ball he was immediately supported by comrades anxious to share in the advances. Mill, Cooke, and Elvey were again prominent. Porter is a great general. His sense of anticipation, to quote an onlooker, is uncanny. The visiting vanguard did well in every match. “For the home team Roes played superbly. but the remainder of the home backs were disappointing.” The Daily Telegraph says: “Starting off with great dash, the New Zealanders played all over the opposition, throwing the ball about brilliantly and thrilling the crowd with some great passing bouts. That line of sweeping Black jerseys appeared to be irresistible. Again and again it battered its way towards the New South Wales citadel, and it was not good defence which kept out the Blacks, but their own impetuosity. Twice, owing to the forward passes, certain tries were missed after the opposition had been overcome.” MATCH AGAINST VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, July 25 The Rugby Union match New Zealand against Victoria was played on Carlton Oval on Saturday. The climatic conditions were unfavourable; and the ground was very heavy as the result of sharp shdwere overnight. In the morning a fresh breeze blew diagonally across the ground. Svenson replaced Brown in the New Zealand team. The attendance was 12,000 • Victoria won the tess and took advantage of the wind and sun. Porter kicked off. After a period of ragged play in the centre of the field, Victoria became prominent in an initial attack, Elvey, Cooke, and Blake relieving with line kic.vs. A fine passing movement followed, t.:e ball going through several hands, till Blake sent it to Elvey, who got over. Svenson failed to improve the score. Play had been in progress seven minutes. Victoria returned immediately to the attack Svenson was taking a kick to clear when the ball was charged down, and Smith fell on it and scored for Victoria. Abbot’s attempt at goal was resultless. The i>ew Zealanders knocked back on the line-out, and all the backs handled the ball in succession', till Elvey crossed at the corner. The angle was too much for Svenson to convert. Various short exchanges between forwards followed, then a fine movement ended in Hazlett crossing, Svenson adding the major points. The home forwards then set u-p a rush which enabled Smith to score again for Victoria, after 20 minutes play. No goal resulted, and the scores stood: — New Zealand 11 points Victoria 6 points. As a result of a collision with a Victorian player Porter retired hurt with a strained knee, and Finlayson replaced him. A great dash by Elvey ended in his passing to Mill, who scored between the posts and Svenson piloted the ball over the bar. M'Causland headed an ugly Victorian rush, compelling the All Blacks to force The visitors then took another turn at attacking, a Cooke-Blake effort ending in the latter touching det/n for Svenson to convert. Elvey scored his third t v as a result of brilliant interchange passing, Svenson again converting. Almost immediately afterwards Elvey ran brilliantly through all the opposition twice, Svenson kicking a goal each time. Close on half time Robilliard scored, but Svenson failed with the kick. New Zealand 39 points Victoria 6 points. On the resumption of play Blake pased to Robilliard, enabling him to get over at the corner Svensen’s kick was abortive. Svenson almost ran through the Victorians, who forced The home forwards then made a fine v rush, M‘Neilage and Lane coming into the movement, but the latter failed to score, although given an easy chance, Bheen intercepting. Victoria returned to the attack, but Sheen saved with a line kick. Cooks also effected a

tine save. Alley got off side, and Feck kicked a penalty goal for Victoria. Stewart was the next All Black to get across, but Svenson failed with the kick . After minutes play Victoria livened up again, and Lane scored, but Weeks’s kick was valueless. New Zealand 45 points Victoria 12 points. At this stage the Victorians showed to better advantage and were persistently at. tackling. A passing rush bv Finlayson and Brownlie landed the ball in Cooke’s hands, md he got over, Stewart converting. a great effort by Sheen ended in his dodging across, but his kick at goal failed. Cooke next got across, and added a goal himself. Just on time Peek scored another try for Victoria, which was not converted. The final scores were: New Zealand 58 points Victoria 15 points. The All Blacks gave a wonderful pyrotechnic display of spectacular Rugby at its best. Gathering the ball in from every conceivable place and position they started interchanges of passing with splendid certitude, which bewildered the opposition, and roused the crowd to demonstrations of delight Elvey’s meteoric runs were dazzling in their effect. The Victorians lacked combination, though individually they were brilliant on occasions; and they displayed pluck and determination throughout the game, which was fast despite the heavy going. The referee gave a liberal interpretation of rulings. A good standard of play was maintained throughout. Five of the Victorian team are Maorilanders, also the referee. The visitors’ combination, methods, and physique and the "ame generally created a favourable impression on the public. The visitors averaged a stone heavier per unit. All the visitors showed up equally well, but Elvey was outstanding for his running and Svenson was consistently fine in kicking. The best players for Victoria were Lane, M‘Neilage, Rae, Peek, Smith, M’Causland, and Abbott. Mr Alanson, the New Zealand commissioner, on being interviewed stated that the visit and the match had been a wonderful advertisement for the Dominion. He hoped for a continuance of the visits. THE NEXT MATCH. SYDNEY, July 24. The All Blacks will return here on Tuesday, and will meet a powerful New South Wales team on the Show Ground on Thursday. The New South Wales team will go into training quarters to-night. MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED. SYDNEY, July 19. During the week-end the members of the All Black team, accompanied by the officials of the New South Wales Rugby Union, visited the Church of England section of the Rookwood Cemetery, where a memorial tablet was unveiled on the grave of R. W. M’Gregor, a former New Zealand representative. The ceremony was performed by Porter and Lomas (representing the Thames Club) Many tributes were paid to the deceased, and several wreaths were laid on the grave. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. PIRATES DEFEAT UNIVERSITY A. The Rugby Union first grade competition provided some close contests on Saturday, the only game in which there was a wide margin of points being that between Southern and Taieri Rovers. Pirates defeated University A by one point, the Blues having previously had an unbeaten record. Union had their first win in a lengthy period, beating Dunedin by 9 points to 8. The competition will be concluded next Saturday, but the results of the matches cannot affect the position of University A, which has already won the flag for 1926. The following are the results of the day’s games:

POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams engaged in the first grade competition Points.

UNIVERSITY A v. PIRATES. The match between University A and Pirates attracted a very large crowd to Carisbrook on Saturday. The ground was in first-class order, and there was not a breath of wind, but the weather, maybe, was a trifle warm for thi9 period of the year. With all the conditions highly favourable, the spectators were justified in expecting a good exhibition of football, but instead they were treated to a colourless display- by the Blues, particularly the backs, with the exception of Mitchell. Some of the passing by the'Blue backs was very poor, otherwise they would probably have turned defeat—their first of the season—into victory. The passing by the Blacks’ backs also left a lot to be desired, but their forwards held to their game well, and it was only when their lock (Maule) had to go off in the second spell with a broken collar-bone that the Blue pack were able to throw back the attack and pierce the defence of the Blacks at all effectively. Lindsay, Webb, and one or two of the usual forwards were not playing for the A’s, and Morgan, Wise, and Malloch were unavailable for Pirates. The Blues played from the railway end, and after even play at the centre Jackman dribbled through, and Graham assisted the effort with a speculator. Stewart secured from • line-out .which followed, and

punted, Nicholson (full-back) marking in front of his goal posts. Morete picked up from the side of a scrum and started his backs, Diack kicking and Graham marking well. A fine line kick by Diaek and a dash by Bibby (who was well taken by Walker) put the Blues In position, but the Black forwards came away with great dash, and fumbling by Hanan saw his side nader hard pressure. Graham punted the ball across the goal mouth, hut the move was not effective, and then Robinson made a great attempt to battle throught ight under the posts. The Blue forwards. Hindenaeh and Christie in front, shifted play pa6t the halfway, and after an exchange of kicks and faulty passing by the Blue backs, Mitchell potted without success, the Blacks forcing. Cooper headed a Pirates’ rush, but kicked too hard, and Mitchell kicked out at his twenty-five. The Blacks were now hard on attack, but their passing was too slow, and their backs were not running up to their opponents before getting rid of the ball. Graham got a pass at the Blues’ twenty-five, and ran and punted past Nicholson, but was then glaringly obstructed, and the Blues forced in a hurry. A beautiful kick along the line by Nicholson gained 40 yards, and Mitchell forced the Blacks with a high kick. Soon after St. George just missed with a pot, the ball going under the posts. St. George then treid to battle over from a scrum, Mitchell driving back the attack with a line kick. The Black forwards carried the play back, and from a ruek St. George passed to Graham, who made a good opening, but could not get through, and from a forward scramble the Blues were penalised right in front of the goal posts, Robinson sending the ball nicely over the bar. 3—nil. The Blue backs joined in a promising bit of passing, but Pacey tried to go too far, and Mitchell potted, the Blacks forcing. Allen put his side on attack again with a well-judged kick, and Graham short-punted across to Walker on the left wing. Bibby fumbled the ball, and Walker gained possession. He broke away from Bibby’s grasp, and also struggled past another man, but with the goal line a couple of yards away he lost the ball and a sure try. The play swung across the goal mouth, where Robinson was successful with another penalty shot. 6—nil. The play went to the Blacks’ twenty-fire, and Walker collared Bibby as he raced for the corner flag at the end of passing. Diack just missed with a penalty shot, and St. George did not force, but ran and gained a lot of ground before passing to Walker. Just before half-time Morete had to go off, and “Abe” Munro made his appearance on the ground amidst loud applause. Diack missed with a penalty, and the bell went, 6—nil. On resuming Pacey made a good run, but was grabbed by the ankle from behind. Walker shortly after was collared by Pacey as he raced along the left wing, and then the Pirates forwards took charge of the game. The passing of their backs, however, was losing them ground, and the backs were also standing too deep. At last Jackman picked up in the loose and the ball went to Walker about the centre flag. He made a great fending run along the line, and hurled himself over at the left corner. He failed ith the ilace kick. 9—nil. . Maule was injured, and Pearce took his place. Martin and Christie headed a fine Blue rush, but Bibby was well collared at the end of passing. Diack punted when he should hatfe passed to Hanan, and lost a chance. The Blue backs came once more, and Mitchell cut clean through the defence. He was supported by Bibby, but threw away a sure try by trying to go over himself. He fell on his shoulder as he was collared, and had t go off, Ross coming on. The Blue backs now commenced to throw the ball about more than ever, but their attack lacked method, and was jamming their men on the line. The passing repeatedly broke down—the efforts, indeed, were at times most crude. Twice Walker gained applause for sound play, and Robinson also was proving a stumbling block to the attacking movements. Holden gave the blind side a turn, but this was also fruitless. The Blues hammered away at the defence till Walker jumped into their passing snd ran to the centre peg before Ross brought him down with a great tackle. Jolly, who played a very sound game at full-back for the Blacks, drove another attack back with a splendid kick, and then Ross was twice brought down near the line, and Holden was collared on the line at the right corner flag. From the throw-in Dunne went over, and Diack kicked a fine goal. 9—5. A lengthy kick by Bibby was not fielded cleanly by Jolly, and he was collared near the left side line. The Blues’ passing again failed, and the play swung across to the opposite wing. The ball was flashed out to Diack, who, amidst great excitement, gave Hanan a clear run in. Diack was entrusted with the lek, and the referee whistled a “no charge.” Diack unfortunately handled the ball, and the referee again blew his whistle —for a “no kick.” The bell then rounded. Pirates 9 points. University A 8 points. Mr Haub was referee. KAIKORAI v. ALHAMBRA. , When Kaikorai and Alhambra lined up for the kick-off at Tahuna No. 1, there were tome notable absentees from both teams. Alhambra was without Knox, Griffen, and Harbrow, and T. Sonntag and Dew were missing from the Hill team. An old-timer, M'Dougall was to be eeen in the Alhambra ranks. The game was not without incident and Kaikorai only car ried off the honours in the last few minutes, when Callander potted a fine goal. Alhambra kicked off and Kaikorai started a movement that gave them the uppei hand, which they held easily for the first 10 minutes A nice passing rush among the Blues ended in .Perry scoring Callander failed to convert. Kaikorai 3 points, Alhambra nil. The Alhambra backs made several attempts to gain ground by means of passing rushes, but the defence of the Hill team was sound. A fierce attack broke down as ft'result of an infringement, and from the free-kick Kaikorai took play to the Alhambra end, where they looked like scoring »n several occasions. At last Cal lander passed to Fountain and enabled the latter to score behind the pos(s. Callander failed with the kick. Kaikorai 6 points, Alhambra nil. A few minutes later King, at toll-back almost got Alhambra into trouble again by missing a high kick by Callander, but the Reds cleared, and started several passing rushes, which, however, proved ineffectual. Kaikorai wero

making most of the play, but frequent infringements enabled their opponents to clear. A smart run by Bucnanan into Kaikorai territory resulted in a slight advantage for the Reds. Callander (Alhambra), and Glengarry each took a free kick with no result. After a fierce struggle on the Alhambra line Buchanan got away, and a short punt gave him a chance to beat his opponents and score. Glengarry failed to convert. Kaikorai 6 points, Alhambra 3 points. With plav in midfield and no further score, the half-time whistle was sounded. In the early stages of the second spell Alhambra made a bold bid to score, and it was only an unduly hard kick in a fast dribbling rush that robbed them of a try. The attack broke through the Kaikorai defence, but a Hill back forced in time. Alhambra tried again, however, and this time Wyllie started a good rush which! ended with Coates scoring in a good position. Callander added the extra points* Alhambia 8 points- Kaikorai 6 points* Kaikorai were now hard pressed, and a good deal of play took place in their twenty-five. Callander cleared for the Blue?, and for a few moments it seemed as if Kaikorai’s effort must bear fruit, but King saved the situation. From now on the game see-sawed up and down the field. Callander made a great attempt to kick a goal from a free kick from half-way for Kaikorai. but the ball struck the posts* Kaikorai followed up and held the Reds at bav for some time, but Alhambra wero slowly gaining ground, when Callander secured the ball about 10 yards from tho half-wav line and landed a beautiful potted goal. Kaikorai 10. Alhambra 8. Just before time Coombes got over for Alhambra, but the try was disallowed on account of a pass forward. The game| ended soon after, with the final scores: Kaikorai .. 10 points Alhambra 8 points Mr A. Eckfiold was the referee. UNIVERSITY B v. ZINGARIRICHMOND. University B met Zingari-Richmond oni the No. 2 ground at Tahuna. The ground was in good order, and the weather conditions were ideal. The display of both! teams was a thoroughly disappointing one, and not at all up to first grade standard. Though University held the lead all the first spell and for a good part of the second, Zingari quite deserved their win, for they were doing by fa*.* the most of the attacking. The students played a disorganised game, and their handling of the ball was exceedingly weak, though it must be admitted that the accuracy of Zingari was little, if any, better. University kicked off, and desultory play took place for a time about mid-. field. A passing movement along the' students’ three-quarter line gained them considerable ground, but a free kick set the Colours attacking, and University was compelled to force. The Zingari forwards had the students’ defence bustled, and were coming round on them from the scrums very effectively. Zingari were throwing the ball about freely, while the students were relying more upon dribbling. About midfield Aitken secured the ball and transferred to Miller, who ran right in and scored at the corner. Wells added the extra points with a good kick. When play was resumed Heazlewood was conspicuous ir a good run through the greater part of the opposition. He had an unsuccessful place kick from near the side line, and then Aitken and Byers got well away down the field. Play returned to midfield and hung there again somewhat monotonously. Miller got clean away near his own line, and kicked after running strongly. Heazlewood got there first in the race with him for the ball, and a force-down resulted. The students continued to press, and were rewarded with another try, which Byers secured , at the corner. Wells made an ineffective attempt to convert. University 8 points, ZingariRichmond nil. Zingari had another spell of attacking, and kept the students penned up on their line. Free kicks several times relieved the pressure upon the students, who were still defending, however, when half-time was called. Zingari were the first to attack in the second spell, and University forced. Mishandling by the Blue backs contributed to keep Zingari within striking distance, but their attack lacked plan and combination. Orr got away on he right wing and was thrown out at the corner after a good* run. From the line-out Orr scored, but Heazlewood’r kick failed. At this stage Todd retired injured from the Zingari forwards, but he soon returned again. Persistent hammering away at length brought further result to Zingari, when Proctor snapped up the ball in a haudy position, and, dodging light through, scored under the posts, -teazle vood s kick evened the scores—B all. The student* rallied . f tei this and invaded Zingari territory for the first time during the spell. Aitken sent out a long pass to Miller, who cut in and scored, but Wells 8 kick was resultless. Zingari promptly rushed play to the other end of the field, and M‘Ewau scrambled over at the corner and scored. kiv failed. University B 11 points, Ziingari-iuchmond' 11 points. The Colours followed up thia success by again attacking and Proctor, securing in front of th goal, scored after a smart, dodgy run. Heazlewod again failed to convert. Brooks marked in a fair position, but his kick just missed. Muir was caught with the ball right on his own line, and a force followed. This, was practically the last incident of the game, which resulted: Zingari-Richmond •• 14 points. University B .. .. 11 points. Mr G. M’Kenzie was the referee. UNION v. DUNEDIN. lAfter a long succession of losses Union secured a win over Dunedin at Carisbrook on Saturday. Although the margin was narrow (9 points to 8 points) the Maroona deserved to come out on top on the day’s plav. as the backs came to the fore in a surprising fashion, and in the second half, particularly, they combined in some bright and nippy movements, which at times had the Dunedin defence nonplussed. Union kicked off from the Hillside end, and an attack by the Maroons, led by M’Dermott, took play into the Dark Blues’ twenty-five. Here scrambling play sulted till Hayes relieved with a good line kiolc. and the ensuing 10 minutes saw Dunedin carry play into their territory. From a serum on Union i twentvfive Burrell secured and handed out to Baker, who passed to Cullen. Tha lastnamed made a good run. but was brought down on the line. A vigorous counterattack by the Moroons pushed Dunedin! back into their own twenty-five but the

Dunedin defence was sound and play returned to inidtield. Union’s forwards broke awav. but the rush was stopped by Haves who found the line near the half-wav mark. Offside play by Dunedin save Union a penalty- but Churchill's kick went wide. Union then made a vigorous onslaught on the Blues' line but were repulsed, 'ihe ball went out to the backs .and a nippy movement initiated by Stevens ended in Mulhcrn being thrown out when within scor ing distance. Another Maroon back movement looked dangerous, but it broke down through fuulty passing. The Dunedin pack now livened up, and took the hall at their toes to Union’s twenty-five, where a free kick taken by Butler, fell short. Cullen and Shiel were prominent in a passing rush which broke down on the twentvfive Again, the Blue forwards pressed, and had Union defending vigorously at the call of half-time. The second spell opened with a valiant Blue sortie on the Maroons’ line which, however, was relieved by a good kick by Stevens. Immediately after Hendry picked up from a scrum near half-way and whipped out to Stevens. The later handed to Mulhern, who ran well down the field and passed to Maepherson. who dived over near the corner. Churchill failed to convert. Union 3. Dunedin nil. Union gave the Blues no respite, and again the ball went out to the rearguard, but the forwards came up and More beating two opponents badly, scored near the corner. Churchill s kick at goal, though good, was unsuccessful. Union 6 points. Dunedin nil. An enterprising hack movement by Dunedin from the Maroon’s twenty-five saw play centre in Union’s territory, where the B'ue vanguard took charge, and Delahunty registered Dunedin’s first score. Butler converted with a good kick. Union 6 ooints. Dunedin 5 points. Dunedin came back again and for the next five minutes Union were penned in their own territory till Maepherson cleared with a good kick. From a line out. Hendry secured and handed on to Maepherson. who gave a wild pass and spoiled what looked like h certain score. Offside play gave Union a penalty, which Churchill put over with a good kick. Union 9. Dunedin 5. The Maroon pack assumed the offensive, and for a time had Dunedin on the defensive till a penalty relieved and took play into neutral territory. Play hovered around this quarter till the Union backs again broke away and began to throw the ball about. It went through four hands, and finally reached MacpherBon, who was grassed on the line. A desperate counter-attack by the P.lue vanguard completely over-ran the Union defence, and a had fumble by the latter’s full-back (Stubbs) let Collett across on fhe call of time. The try was not converted, and the game thus ended Union .. .. 9 points Dunedin 8 points Mr It. Watson was referee. SOUTHERN v. TAIERI ROVERS. The match between Southern and Taieri Hovers was played at Mosgiel, the former winning after a somewhat ragged game by 16 points to 6. Neither team combined well, though the Southern players showed a better understanding of each other’s play than did the home team. The game became very fast towards the end, the Taieri Rovers playing better than during the earlier stages Southern kicked off towards the railway line and started a passing rush in the Greens’ twenty-five, but the movement broke down. Taieri Rovers were soon compelled to force The Colours kept up the pressure, and after passing among the forwards Lewis was collared when nearly over the line. A good kick by Vickers relieved. Following another Southern attack Mattingly secured and passed in-field, the .ball going to Lewis, who scored. Prebble’s kick at goal failed. Southern 3, Taieri Hovers nil. The Greens then took the . offensive* but Neipier was instrumental in taking play back to half-way. The Taieri f Rovers’ forwards begnn to play with more dash. Murdoch and W. Geary heading rushes that found Southern in difficulties. The Colours worked their way back to the centre of the field, but Vickers relieved with a couple of strong kicks. With a series of line kicks Southern set up an attack in the Greens twenty-five, but infringements spoiled the effort. Eventually from a scramble near the Taieri line Prebble fought his « way through and passed to Lewis, who scoted behind the posts. Prebble converted. Southern, 8; Taieri Rovers, nil. After give-and-take play Petersen marked a few yards inside halfway, and kicked a fine goal. Southern, 11; Taieri Rovers, nil. Taieri were compelled to force only a couple cf minutes afterwards. Lewis secured from a scrum and sent to Judge, who was tackled when nearly across, Taieri again forcing. W. Bathgate had a good chance to kick a goal for the Greens from a free kick, but the ball went under the bar. Shortly after the kick-off m the second spell Lewis broke away on his own, but Peterson, with a clear run in, knocked on flora his pass. Passing among the Taieii backs followed, Scott having an unsuccessful attempt to pot a goal. Southern quickly returned to the attack, Peterson gaining ground with a dash down the wing. The Southern forwards carried the ball across the line, Pearce kicking out of bounds. Peterson was nearly across a few minutes afterwards, but Taverner tackled him well from behind. For some time the Taieri Rovers’ forwards had the Colour-* •penned on their line, but eventually Southern forced... M‘Mutton, the Southern centre, failed to field a long kick from Wilson, and Taverner broke away with the ball at his toes. Neipier fielded the ball cleverly and kicked out. Taieri again attached, and Southern forced. Neipier followed up a long kick, and charged down Vickers return, the ball going from Hore ‘•to Lewis, vho dived across to score his * third try. Prebble converted. Southern 16; Taieri Rovers, nil. Lewis injured his leg and had to retire. Shortly afterwards Simpson took his place. The Greens pressed on the Southern line, and from a Bcrum the ball went from Rogers to Scott to W Bathgate, who scored. Find lay failed to convert. Southern, 16; Taieri Hovers. 3. Both teams were playing with noK dash now, and the ball travelled np ana down the field in a series of fast rushes, until Taieri were awarded a free kick in front of Southern’s goal, and W. Bathgate put the ball over. The game •nded shortly afterwards with the scores: Southern 16 points. Taieri Hovers .... 6 points, lir J. Higginson was the referee.

Second Grade. Zingari 23, Alhambra 3. Union 14, Taieri Rovers 3. Pirates B 6, Pirates A 5. Third Grade. Alhambra 21, Y.M.C.A. nil. Port Chalmers 27, Pirates C 7. University E 9, Pirates A 3. High School 40, Gr&en Island nil. Fourth Grade. Zingari 10, Southern A 5. Pirates A 16, Union 5. Alhambra A 31, High School 5. Pirates B 9, M'Glashan 3. Dunedin 21, Y.M.C.A. nil. Fifth Grade. Southern 6, Kaikorai 3. Zingari 3, Port Chalmers nil. Alhambra 16, Pirates 8. Sixth Grade. Alhambra 17, Green Island nil. Port Chalmers 12, Zingari nil. Dunedin 18, High School B nil. IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, July 25. North Shore 26, Grafton 6. Marists 36, Newton 26. University 14, Ponsonby 13. Manukau 11, College Rifles 6. NAPIER, July 25. Martists 6, Hastings 6. Pirates 3, Celtic nil. Technical Old Boy’s 27, M.A.C. 16. In the junior representative fixture Napier defeated Hastings by 11 points to 3. WELLINGTON, July 24. Athletic 14, Marists 5. Petone 21, Poneke 3. University 8, Oriental nil. Berhampore 11, Old Boys 3. Hutt 12. Wellington 3. CHRISTCHURCH, July 24. Old Boys 7, Linwood 5. Christchurch 21, Uuiversity 9. Merivale 28, Albion 6. NELSON DEFEATS GOLDEN BAY. NELSON, July 24 Nelson defeated Golden Bay at Motueka by 13 points to 9 after a hard and fast game. HOROWHENUA v. MANAWATU. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 24. Horowhenua defeated Manawatu at Palmerston North by 28 points to 8. WAIRARAPA v. BUSHvDISTRICTS. CARTERTON, July 24. Wairarapa and Bush Districts met at Carterton in boisterous weather. A Leavy westerly gale was blowing, which prevented accurate kicking and handling, the game developing entirely into a tussle between the forwards. Wairarapa drew first blood from a pretty passing movement, R. Booth touching down at the corner. The kick at goal was disallowed for wrongful handling. No further took place till just on the call of the first spell, when a spasmodic rush and a lucky kick sent the ball out at the Wairarapa corner. Harvey secured from the throw in and scored at the corner. The kick at goal was unsuccessful. The second spell was very monotonous, but Wairarapa had more scoring opportunities than Bush. Neither side scored, and the game ended in a draw. RANFURLY SHIELD. CHRISTCHURCH. July 20. The Canterbury Rugby Union to-night decided to challenge Hawke’s Bay for the Ranfurly Shield, conditional upon the match being played at Christchurch. CHARGES OF FOUL PLAY. CHRISTCHURCH, July 21. The Canterbury Rugby Union again last night discussed the charges of foul play made by the Old Collegians’ Club against a member of the Kaiapoi Club, and decided that, as the referee did not see the alleged kicking on the head incident, the union could take no action, for the referee was the sole judge of a gale. TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA. CAPETOWN, July 23. Official: The New Zealand Rugby Union has accepted an invitation for a team to tour South Africa in 1928. THE MAORI TEAM. DEFEATED BY WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON. July 21. Before an attendance of 4000 Wellington defeated the Maoris by 28 points to 16. I he game had its brilliant moments, but these were almost buried in the long spells of ragged scrambles. Neither side handled the ball with certainty, and there was not enough team work. The teams were: ’The Mr oris got the ball from the opening scrums and Shortlund fed his backs. Bell kicked up field, but Taylor found touch. Corner and Mackenzie were passing wildly, and Mackenzie was well collared when ho attempted to “dummy.” The Maori backs were throwing the ball about, but they were failing to get under way. The Wellington forwards made a great dribbling rush up the field. Nicholls worked the blind side and sent the ball rut to Tait, who passed back to Thomas. The latter was hemmed in. but Nicholls came up to take a pass and score. o‘Regan failed to convert. A passing bout by Kingi. Bell, and Phillips caused anxious {moments to the Wellington supporters, and from an infringement Matene opened the Maoris’ score with a fine goal. Bell and 3 points. Wellington 3 points. Bell and Falwasser broke away, but were soon stopped. From a line-out Tyree broke clean away and sprinted 25 yards before passing to Moffit. Warden and Pringle i’oined in the passing run, which covered lalf the length of the field, and ended in Pringle scoring near the posts. o‘Regan handed the ball twice while placing it and forfeited his kick. Wellington 6 points, Maoris 3 points. Falwasser made a good run and passed to Gemmel, who scored. Matene goaled from the side line. Maoris 8 points. Wellington 6 points. Both sides were seen in exhilirating passing rushes. In the Black rearguard Bell and Barclay were constantly dangerous. Tyree marked from a ‘dribbling rush just before halftime, and kicked a good goal. Wellington ••• ® points Maoris 8 points A minute after the resumption Nicholls potted a goal from 39 yards out. Welling-

13, Maoris 8. Matene broke away from a scrum, and was tackled by Taylor, but Barclay, who was following up, secured and scored an easy try, which Matene converted. Wellington 13. Maoris 13. Good piny by Barclay and Falwasser saw Wellington defending hard, but the Wellington forwards cleared again. The Blacks pressed, and Barclay was collared just short of the line. The ball was forced, and from the kick-out the Wellington forwards took « hand in matters. Taylor fielded an attempt to clear and potted a second goal. Wellington 17, Maoris 13. The Wellington backs got going, and Tait passed infield to Thomas, who crossed in the arms of a couple of Maoris. O’Regan failed to oon/ert. Wellington 20, Maoris 13. Shortly after kick-out Kingi went off, and was replaced by Wineera. Matene also retired, anil Dennis filled the gap. South made another of his characteristic dashes, and cutting in drew the full-back and gave Sutton a clear run in. O’Regan converted. Wellington 2 s,Maoris 13. Thomas dropped the ball when he had a clear run in, but from the scrum Nicholls went round on the blind side, and Tait dashed over at the corner. O’Regan failed with the kick. Wellington 28, Maoris 13. Falwasser did the spade work in a fine try that fell to the lot of the Maoris. lie swerved in-field and passed to Wineera, who scored, but he could not convert his try. The final bell sounded with the scores:— Wellington .>* 28 Maoris Mr Parata was referee. DEPARTURE FOR SYDNEY. WELLINGTON, July 23. The payment of £2OOO by the French Rugby Union, which was announced today, relieved the anxiety that was felt by the public and the members of the New Zealand Maori Rugby team well as by the New Zealand Rugby Union, regarding the team’s tour to France and Britain. Cabled advice was received that the return passages had been paid. The team left for Sydney by the Marama this afternoon to connect with the Narkunda, by which vessel the tourists will travel to Marseilles. Messrs W. T. Parata and H. Harris are travelling with the team as joint managers. In England Mr Harris will represent New Zealand at the Imperial Rugby Conference. As representative of the New Zealand Olympic Games Association, Mr Harris will also confer with officials of the British Olympic Association on matters of common interest. The New Zealand Rugby Union tendered a farewell to the tourists this afternoon. They received an enthusiastic sendoff. . It is unofficially gathered that, in addition to the £2OOO paid by the French Rugby Union, the English Rugby Union has guaranteed to the i rench Rugby Union £250 for each of the 15 matches now scheduled to be played in England and in Wales. SOUTHLAND-OTAGO MATCH. INVERCARGILL, July 19. At a meeting of the Rugby Union this evening the Railways Department advised that excursion tickets wouMbe issued on the day of the Otago-Southlanil match at Dunedin. The express south would be delayed enabling the excursionists to see the whole of the match and catch the train at Caversham on the return journey. It is anticipated that a large number will make the journey

Pirates ... 9 University A ... 6 Kaikorai ... 10 Alhambra 8 Zingari - 14 University B 11 Union ... ... ... 9 Dunedin 8 Southern ... 16 Taieri ... 6

p. W. L. D. p. A. F.P. University A. 14 11 1 1 266 93 23 Pirates 16 9 4 1 201 116 19 Kaikorii 14 H 4 2 222 128 18 Alhambra 14 8 4 1 137 81 17 Zingari 14 7 4 2 137 112 16 Southern 14 7 6 0 139 125 14 University B. 14 6 6 1 176 149 13 Taieri Rovers 14 6 10 0 99 193 6 Dunedin 13 1 12 0 77 241 2 Union ... ... 13 i 12 0 76 292 2