RUGBY

Otago Witness, Issue 3783, 14 September 1926, Page 52

RUGBY

By

FULL BACK.

Tue following are amongst the fixtures for the season: September 15.—South Canterbury v. Canterbury, at Tiraaru. September 18. —Otafro v. Wellington, at Dunedin. September 22.—Southland v. Wellington, at Invercargill. Hawke’s Bay v. South Cj. terburv, at Timaru. September 25.—Otago v. Hawke’s Bay, at Dunedin. September 29.—Southland v. Hawke s Bay. at Invercargill.

MAORI TEAM’S ITINERARY. September 16.—Preliminary game. September 19. —Lyons. September 22. —Grenoble. September 26.—Marseilles. September 30. —Narbonne. October 3.—Toulouse. October 7. —Clermont-Ferrand. October 10.—Paris. October 16.—Somerset. October 21. —Newport. October 23. —Sw'ansea. October 27.—Yorkshire. October 30. —Harlequins. November 3. —Devon. November 6. —Cardiff. Novmeber 11.—Gloucester. November 13. —Llanelly. November 18. —East Midland November 20.—London Coun; November 24. —Hampshire. November 27. —Leicester. December 1. —Lancashire. December 5. —Bordeaux. December 9.—Limoges. December 12. —Bayonne. December 16.—Pau. December 19. —Beziers. December 26.—Paris.

Notes. The first inter-State University Rugby Union contest between Sydney and Melbourne teams took place in Sydney recently. Sydney put her strongest team, captained by Sheehan, in the field, and won by 29 points to 8. The Welsh Rugby Union is anxious to frame a rule to upset the tactics of wing forwards. With the object in view a new rule has been adopted, and is now being applied, which penalises any forward who gets in front of the front row of his own forwards before the ball has left the scrum. It is hoped that this rule will lead to greatly improved three-quarter play, but there is expected to be some confusion when Wales meets other Rugby countries. Followers of Rugby who have been under the impression that the production of big forwards in Auckland has ceased since the northerners introduced the amended kick-into-touch rule must have received something of a surprise when the visitors filed on to the field for the match against Wellington (says the Wellington Post). In the line were several stalwarts who, when the play opened, indicated that weight, and height were not their only qualifications. They were young and keen, and showed speed, vigour, and an amount of cleverness. Properly developed, they will serve Auckland well in the future. The standard of Auckland’s back play was not represented by their performance in the game. Auckland can field a very classy set of backs, and with such forwards coming on as those who were seen in action against Wellington, the northerners can look forward with much confidence to the future. For a more or less scratch team Auckland performed well.

WELLINGTON CHAMPIONSHIP. The consistency shown by Athletic throughout the 1926 Rugby season, which will go down in the annals of the Wellington Rugby Union as one of the most successful on record, from a club standpoint at least, was rewarded on Saturday, when the championship leaders proved too tongh a proposition for the improved University side, and thus placed the result of the premiership beyond all possible doubt (says Wellington Times). Like most clubs, Athletic have experienced lean years—they were last champions in 1915 —but with sheer determination they have worked up the material at their disposal and built up a team which has justly deserved its ascendancy to the top of the ladder. Playing attractive football, the students also produced a complement whose progress could not be stayed, and who earned the distinction of relieving the monotony of former years, when Petone and Poneke were always the principal contenders for the championship. With two such splendid -teams in the final, it is little wonder that principal interest was manifested in the clash, and upwards of 12,000 enthusiastic spectators assembled at Atheltic Park. And they were not disappointed, for the different tactics employed by the contestants provided bright football throughout. Territorially, University held an advantage, but that only enhances their opponents’ victory, and speaks volumes for the defence of the Blue-and-Blacks, and their ability to grasp every available scoring opportunity. Sparse attendances greeted the majority of the other games, which revealed some surS rises, notably the defeat of Bcrhampore y Hutt, the draw between Poneke and Oriental, and Marists’ win over PetoneV THE RANFURLY SHIELD. Hawke’s Bay is to play Canterbury at Christchurch on September 18, and it is understood the match will be for the Ranfurly Shield. After the match five of the northern players will return to Napier. It is also understood that the other matches to be played in the south by the touring northerners will not be shield matches. It seems to me that the holders of the Ranfurly Shield are receiving far too much latitude in regard to the play for the shield, and I am not referring to the attitude of the Hawke’s Bay Union alone. The whole system appears to me to be wrong. The shield was given, I take it, for the premier team for the year, and if the holders go on tour and lose a match, the shield should automatically pass from ♦heir possession. It is no fault of the

other provincial teams that the holders cannot get away their best team, and if it be held that a touring team is not usually representative of the full strength of its province, then the teams that have to go to the holders’ province are always placed in the weaker position. The holders, in fact, have the advantage. The spirit of the shield competition is thus defeated. When Wellington came south with the shield some years ago and lost to Southland, the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed, if I remember aright, that the Southland Union should have the right to play matches for it on the Invercargill ground, to enable the irtiion’s finances to be strengthened. Here, again, the spirit of shield contests was defeated. It is time the New Zealand Rugby Union went fully into the shield competitions, and revised the system of challenge.

If Otago should beat Hawke's Bay. they will have beaten the premier team of New Zealand. The value of the defeat would be depreciated, however, because Hawke's Bay had not their best team, but that would not be the fault of Otago. Yet when the Otago team goes north on tour they seldom, like other touring teams, are at their full strength, but if they desire to plav awke’s Bay for the shield they have to meet a team at its full strength. The posi-

tion is quite illogical. The position gets down to this, that if the holders lose a shield match on their own ground, or anywhere else, it should become the possession of the victors. Anvwav, there aro far too many shields, for all branches of sport in existence to-dav. The spirit of the game should come first.

CANTERBURY v. SOUTH LAND.

INVERCARGILL, September 8. Rugby Park was in a water-logged condition to-day for the representative match Canterbury ersus Southland. There had been heavy rain overnight, and it continued through the morning. When the teams took the field pools of water lay all over the playing area. In spite of the inclement weather conditions, about 4000 people were present. Southland had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half. Southland attacked from the kick-off, but Scrimshaw' relieved to halt-way. The antics of the players to keep their feet brought roars of laughter from the crowd. Canterbury came away in a passing bout, and Loveridge kicked out at the twentyfive. Ilow’den and Scott broke away, but S. Carleton saved well. Hazlett was conspicuous for a fine solo dribble. He kicked over the line, but was beaten by Scrimshaw in a race for e ball. Roberts (Southland) retired injured and was replaced by M‘Kenzie. Lilburne made a great save in the face of a Southland forward rush, Loveridge carrying on to the tw’enty-five. Loveridge broke away, but was well tackled bv Clelland. Canterbury continued to attack. Lilburne made a good but unsuccessful attempt to convert a penalty. From the drop-out Robilliard received and raced across the field. He passed to Loveridge, who kicked through. Robilliard followed up fast, and, Clelland missing the ball,- the Canterbury man scored at the corner. Lilburne missed with the goal kick. Canterbury 3, Southland nil.

Resuming after half-time, Canterbury set up a strong attack, but the slippery ball eluded the forwards. Canterbury continued to have the better of the game. From a line-out all the backs handled, and Loveridge scored a good try wide out. Lilburne kicked a great goal from the touchline. Canterbury 8, Southland nil. The Southland forwards came back with a good rush, but were repulsed by Mullan, who was playing a fine game. Canterbury had the better of the ensuing play, and Southland were compelled to force several times. _ The Southland forwards came back in a good ish, and Canterbury were penalised for offside, but Kilby missed from a handy position. Southland kept pegging away, but their efforts were nullified by the defence of the Canterbury backs Lilburne finally relieved the pressure with a good kick to half-way. In the dying stages of the game Southland had some anxious moments, and Canterbury were still attacking when time was called. Mr R. Barnett was referee.

POVERTY BAY BEATS BAY OF PLENTY. WHAKATANE. September 8. Poverty Bav defeated Bay of Plenty by 22 points to 6 points at Whakataue to-day before a erood attendance. A strong southwest wind was blowing. The local team put up a eood showing, but the visitors had superior combination, enabling them to score freelv. WELLINGTON’S TOURING TEAM. WELLINGTON, September 7. The following Wellington Rugby team will leave for fne south next week to play matches with Otago, Southland, and Canterbury : Backs—Mulheron, Sutton. Bedell, South, Mackenzie, Walpole, M'Kay, Bramwell, and Warwick. Forwards—Osborne, Warden MartinSmith, Tyree, Edgar, Taylqr, Young, Sly, Jessup, E. Barry, Burns. Porter, M. Nicholls, and Svenson (Wellington’s All Blacks) are not included. WELLINGTON-HAWKE’S BAY CONTROVERSY. WELLINGTON, September 7. In connection with the controversy over the Hawke’s Bav-Wellington Rugby match for the Ranfurly Shield, in which Wellington was decisively beaten, some discussion took place at to-night’s meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union. The secretary of the Hawke’B Bay Union said in a letter that some of the Wellington press criticism was not only prejudiced, Btit was in bad taste. The writer, on behalf of his union, asked the Wellington Union to dissociate itself from the criticisms that had appeared in certain papers, as such action would carry great weight with the sporting public of Wellington. One member of the Wellington Union said that the remarks in the papers had nothing to do with the Wellington Union. Those present agreed that no good purpose would be served by further discussion of the subject. The Chairman said that perhaps a mountain had been made out of a mole hill. “We are neither censors nor dictators.” he said. “As a Management Committee we have no quarrel with the Hawke's Bay Union, with which we have been on the best of terms.”

After further discussion it was decided that a small sub-committee, to which the chairman would be appointed, should be set up to draft a suitable reply to the Hawke’s Bay Union.

HAWKE’S BAY v. CANTERBURY, NAPIER, September 7.

The players to go to Christchurch next week to represent Hawke’s Bay in the Rugby match against Canterbury have been selected. They are: Backs —Nepia, Grenside, Blake, Cooke, Johnson. Mill, Corkill, Paewai, McDonald; forwards— Walker, Swain. Irvine, Mahony, C. Brownlie, M. Brownlie, Craven, Single, Borst, Campbell.

SOUTHLAND RUGBY UNION. INVERCARGILL, September 10. Following the resignation early this week of the thrso selectors, Messrs P. Donnelly, A. 11. Stott, and D. J. Hewitt, consequent upon criticism levelled at them because of the indifferent displays given by the Southland Rugby team in representative fixtures this season, the union has appointed Mr A. J Geddes 6ole selector for the remainder of the season.

OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. In weather more suited to cricket than football Canterbury met and convincingly beat Otago at Carisbrook on Saturday afternoon. The match was watchgd by about 10,000 people, round about £SBO being the gate receipts. The game was fast, with plenty of open play, and the result went to show that the selectors will have to strengthen the Blue pack, by replacing at least a couple if not three men. If Jackman is brought back to wing-forward the result will be that the “stopping'’ in the open play will be strengthened very materially, notwithstanding Jackman’s worth in the scrums. The Blue pack were beaten in the line-out play, and in the close rushes they also had the worst of it. With the exceptions of Hindenach, Jackman and Sonntag, the Blue forwards lacked dash. In the scrums there was not much difference between the two sides. Some of the attempts at collaring of the Blue forwards—notably when Lilburne went clean through the team —were simply shocking. Next Saturday Robinson should be available as centre three-quarter, and the selectors will also have to consider making a change in the five-eighths There question that a change should be made, and if the selectors know their job they should be aware of the weakness on Saturday. Heazlewood, with, the exception of a costly mistake when he failed to stop Robilliard, played a good all-round game, fielding and kicking well Webb was hurt early in the game and should have gone off. He was not in the picture at all on Saturday, though the ball did not come his way much. When it did the Otago winger found he had no chance of running round Robilliard. Hanan made one or two good runs, but his kicking is not strong. Ross was the mainstay of the defence in the inside backs. His cut-in when he chopped the defence in two and gave to Hanan was a clover piece of work. Holden (half-back) did not handle the ball in anything like his usual style, and Townsend Bathgate failed to impress. Townsend’s passing was erratic and illtimed, and his cross punt to Robilliard’s wing was bad tactics.

.Lilburne, the Reds’ full-back, was the star performer for his side. His kicking, running, collaring, and his fine iudgment were never at fault throughout the game, with one exception, when he failed to field the ball in the second spell, but even in this instance he stopped tne ball with his knees There, was really no danger, however, under the circumstances. Lilburne gave one of the finest display? at full-back ever seen on Carisbrook. Robilliard played a sound game at wing three-quarter, and he scored two tries by sizing up the position quickly. Both tries were really given to him—one Sy Heazlewood and the other by Webb—and Robilliard must be complimented on seizing the chances. Robilliard runs with great determination, and is a good man to have on one’3 side. M*Gregor, the All Black five-eighth, was good in patches, giving glimpses of the form which has won him football fame, but it seemed that the oack division of the Reds was thrown out of gear a lot when Brodie was shifted from half-back to second five-eighth, and Harris went to centre. Mullan, however, gave quito a good exhibition of half-back play. The work of the Reds from the scrums was not much better than that of the Blues, and their backs fumbled and mishandled many, times, and thus broke down the movements. The Rod forwards, however, were always there to save the mistakes of their backs. In fact, this was one of the most noticeable features of the game—the manner in which the Reds, both backs and forwards, came through to save when mistakes were made. The Blues could certainly learn a lesson here. Gray, Waghorn. and M*Cormack were a trio of grafters all through. The teams were as follow: CANTERBURY. Full-back, H. Lilburn 11.6. Throe-quarters—G. Loveridge 12.12, S. R. Carleton 11.3, A. EL O. Robilliard 31.11. Five-eighths—J. Harris 11.3, N. P. M‘Gregor (captain) 11.3. Half-back, J Brodie 11.13. Forwards—l. Gray 12.11. A. M'Cormack 13.8, G. Leahy 14.1. H. Godfrey 13.3. B. Waghorn 13.3, P. Ward 14.0, J. Jeffries 13.0, G. Scrimshaw 12.1 (wing forward). OTAGO. Full-back, L. Heazlewood 11.10. Three-quarters—R. Webb 12.4, L. G. Towjnsend 11.10, C. Hanan 11.4. Five-eighths—W. Bathgate 10.10, I. Ross 11.7. Half-back, A. Holden 10.6. Forwards—L. More 12.4. J. Ilindenach 11.10, B. Dunne 13.4, 0. Sonntag (captain) 14.4, P. Burt 14.0, C. Jackman 13.8. J. Todd 13.8, C. Lewis 12.J0 (wing forward). THE PLAY. The Blues had to play against the glare of a strong sun. Gray marked from the first line-out, Townsend returning to Loveridge, and Ross kicking back to the Colours r twenty-five, where in a scramble Webb was temporarily laid out. On the throw-in the Blues were given a free kick, led a Red forward rush past half-way, and Heazlewood made a good but unsuccessful attempt, the Reds forcing. Ward Heazlewood kicking to the line. The Red forwards kicked hard to Heazlewood, who marked at his twenty-five, but -a Blue man got in front of the kicker and a scrum was formed. The Blues broke through the first set scrum, Harris saving well, and Lilburne then forced the

Blues w'ith a hard kick, much amusement being caused by the referee ordering a policeman from the back of the goal line on to the side line. The Red forwards continued to press, but the serum work on both sides was very scraggy. E'rom a scrum at the Blues’ twenty-five Brodie passed to MGregor, the All Black fiveeighth kicking too hard and the Blues forcing. Bathgate speculated hard to Lilburne, who returned to Heazlewood, the Blues’ full-back running and kicking to the Reds’ twenty-five. Holden and Townsend joined in passing, Townsend kicking to Scrimshaw, who marked. Burt in turn also marked. The . lues carried play to the Reds' twenty-five and strongly attacked. Off-side play gave the Blues a free kick, Heazlewood just missing, and the Reds forced. The game so far had not been marked by any finished passing movements. Brodie stopped a strong forward rush by the Blues, and a scrum was formed at the Red’ twentyfive. From a scrum Brodie passed to M'Gregor, who gave to Harris, and then on to Robilliard. Robilliard brushed off a tackle by Townsend, and went through a half-hearted tackle by Heazlewood. scoring a good try after a*run of 50 yards. Lilburne misses the goal kick. Canterbury 3 points. Otago Nil. Lewis and Holden led a promising attacking movement, and the ball was sent by Ross to Townsend, who passed to Webb. Webb dashed along the right wing, and w'as well tackled by Robilliard. He threw infield to Townsend, who was collared on the line. Webb secured again and ran across in front of the goal posts, but his pass went astrav. and play came back to Townsend, who marked. Immediately after Hanan made a fine dash along the left wing. Play swung across to the other wing, .and Ross was nearly over, Lilburne saving well and kicking past half-way. The forwards on both sides were inclined to lag, and neither pack was playing well together. Plav went to the Blues’ twenty-five, and the Reds opened w r ith a nice passing movement, Harris being pushed out near the Blues’ line. Ross cut off a pass and handed to Bathgate, who ran well to Loveridge, and play was taken to the Reds’ territory. Ross stopped a fine forward rush led by Ward and Waghorn, and then M‘Gregor nt clean through the defence and passed to Harris, who gave to Carlton, the lastnamed scrambling over after falling. Lilburne kicked a goal. Canterbury .. .. 8 points. Otago Nil.

Passing went across to Hanan. who was well collared by .Loveridge. Carleton went off, and Mullan came on at half-back, Harris going to centre three-quarter. The Red forwards were now breaking through the opposing pack, and they continued to press. Passing by the Blues broke down at Townsend, and M’Gregor started his backs again, Robilliard forcing Heazleyvood, who hesitated in taking the ball, into touch-in-goal. From the kick-off M‘Gregor forced with a hard return. An exchange of kicks favoured the Reds, and from a line-out the ball went back to Lilburne, ho shot clean through the defence and passed to Gray, who scored beside the posts, the referee accompanying him in his run. Lilburne kicked a goal. Canterbury .. .. 13 points. Otago .. Nil.

The Blues were forced again from another hard kick. Lilburne returned the kick-out, and got to Heazlewood on his line before the Blue full-back could return. Brodie secured from a scrum, but the Reds’ passing broke down, and Sonntag led a forward rush to half-way Robilliard stopping the movement The Reds continued to hold the advantage, and Lilburne missed with a penalty shot. Scrambling forward play took place at the Blues’ twenty-five, and there Ward and Gray put their side in position again. The Blues had a turn at attack, Lilburne returning to his twentyfive. Holden secured from a scrum, and went on the blind side well into the defence, but a bad pass to Hanan went astray. Holden started his backs again, Harris stopping the movement at Townsend. Open play followed, Waghorn and Mullan shifting play to Hanan, who ran back well. The Reds were being penalised a lot foy off-side play. Muddling play by the Blue backs followed, and the Reds again attacked. Passing by the Blue backs saw Bathgate kick to Lilburne, who returned to Heazlewood, Grimshaw sending back to the Blues’ twenty-five.- The halftime bell then went with the scores:— Canterbury 13 points. Otago Nil.

The Reds now had a turn of playing against the strong sun, but it soon sank behind the hills. A hard ground kick by Grimshaw put the Reds in position, and passing went across to Webb, who fumbled. Robilliard snapped the ball from his fingers, and dashed along the right wing to score at the corner. The game had only been going a minute. Canterbury 18 points. Otago Nil. A long cross-kick by Townsend saw Robilliard force just before Webb could get to the ball. Holden tried the blind side from a scrum, but his pass went wide, and another attack by the Blues saw Bathgate soundly tackled. Lewis and Dunne shifted play to the Reds’ line, but Holden again failed to get his backs going. Lewis led another forward rush, and kicked over the line, and Gray and Leahy failing to grasp the ball Lewis fell on it and scored a lucky try between the posts, lleazlewood converted. Canterbury 18 points Otago 5 points Jackman and More led a fine Blue forward rush, but Robilliard picked up and kicked back to Heazlewood, Mullan then finding Hie line at half-way, Heazlewood marked in the face of a Red forward rush, but bid fielding by the Blues lot the Red* right back. E’rom a scrum at the centre Holden passed to Ross, who cut clean through tho defence to Lilburne, and then threw out a lonp; pass to Hanan on left wing, the University wing three-auarter going round behind the posts. Heazlewood kicked a goal. Canterbury * 18 points Otago 10 points The Reds came with a rattle. Scrimshaw •running well and passing to Loveridge, who was grabbed right on the line. The Reds tried the other wing but Robilliard was caught with the ball, aud Hindenach saved by Kicking past half-way. From loose play Townsend ran to Lilburne and punted over the line. In a great race for - the ball M‘Gregor got there first, hi ’ : v ß for the ball causing him to lie lu. out for a minute or two. Gray aud Ward wore in

front of a slashing Red forward rush, but then Hindenach beat Mullan for the ball and dribbled past half-way. Jackman was in front of a great rush, which Brodie stopped on his line, and Holden and then Hanan wore within an aeo of struggling over. Solid scrumming took place on the Reds’ line until the ball went into touch in goal. Lilburne returned a high kick by the Otago full back splendidly, and Robilliard cut into Blue passing and raced along the left wing, being caught from behind by Webb. Loveridge was almost over on the opposite wing immediately after, the Reds’ passing breaking down. The Red forwards broke through the opposition, and a scrum was formed in the Blue twenty-five. Brodie, Harris, and Robilliard showed up in a pretty passing run, the last-named being pushed out at the corner flag. From the ensuing line-out Mullan battled over. Lilburne missed the goal kick. Canterbury 21 points Otago 10 points Holden went off injured and St. George came on in bis place. Waghorn broke away, and Mullan handed to M'Gregor, who cut in, but was dragged down under the. posts. Heazlewood secured and ran round to the open, and passed to Hanan, who kicked clear of the field, but the ball rolled out at the Reds’ line. Play immedi ately went back to half-way. Hanan failed to field a high kick, and the position was dangerous until the Reds got off-side. After an exchange of high kicks St. George secured. but kicked right into the arms of \iaghorn, who had a clear run in to score beside the posts. Lilburne converted. Canterbury 26 points Otago 10 points For an infringement the Blues were given a free kick, and Heazlewood kicked a fine goal from 40 yards out. Canterbury 26 points Otago 13 points Townsend gave Hanan a long pass, and he gained a lot of ground before being pulled down by Loveridge. The Red forwards. led by Gray, burst clean through the* Blue pack, but a high kick by Heazlewood sent play back to the Reds’ line. Exciting plav followed in the Red twentyfive, and Heazlewood had a peualty shot wide out. but missed. From the kick off the Blues were caught napping—nobody wanted the ball—and Jeffries and Godfrey led play deep into tho Blues’ territory, Jackman and Hindenach dribbling back to half-way. Leahy and Gray headed a great forward rush to the Blues’ line, but Loveridge knocked on from a high pass. The Blues were given a penalty and then faulty handling by the Blues let Harris right to the line. Passing by the Blues saw Bathgate’s kick charged down and Harris ran and passed to Brodie, who lost the ball right on the line, a scrum being formed. Play went back to the Reds’ twenty-five, but Loveridge made another good run and the Reds attacked again, Ilindenach relieving the pressure with a nice dribble. Give and take play followed, and the Reds were forced from a line out. Time sounded shortly after with play at midfield. The final score was: Canterbury 26 points Otago 13 points Mr A. Eckhold was the referee. TEAMS ENTERTAINED. Tho two teams were the guests of the Otago Rugby Union at the City Hotel in the evening. Mr D. M. Stuart presided. A lengthy toast list was honoured, including “Tne King,” “The Winning Team,” “The Otago Team,” “The Otago Union,” and “The Chairman.” Best wishes for Canterbury’s success against Hawke’s Bay on Saturday next were expressed by all the local speakers. The Chairman safd he was of opinion that trophies such as the Ranfurly Shield were not doing the game any good, but he wished the team that had been chosen to contest it in the South Island every success. Mr P. Harrey (Canterbury) proposed the toast of the referee (Mr A. Eckhold), and said they were more than pleased to have him to referee the game with Hawke’s Bay. The Chairman proposed the toast of the host and hostess (Mr and Mrs L. F. M'Cormack), who, he said, were always ready to do their best for footballers. The toast was enthusiastically honoured, and the gathering broke up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES. The mstch between the Canterbury and Otago representative juniors, which was played as a curtain-raiser at Carisbrook, was fast, open and full of incident. In the first spell play was even, although Canterbury frequently gained the advantage through the high tackling of the home team. The visiting backs were combining well, the score at the end of the first spell being 17—14 in Canterbury’s favour. From the beginning of the second half Otago outplayed the visitors, and after establishing a lead proceeded to take their total to 39. The backs handled the ball well and showed initiative in attack. There were several combined movements by the Canterbury side. Tho teams were as follows:

Otago.—Full-back, S. , Faulks; threequarters—l. M'Leod, S. Porter, C. Davis; five-eighths—J. W. Horsley, J. Griffen; half-back, E. Crawford; forwards—T. Watkins, It. Souter, F Sims. S. Banwell, J. Swan, I*, limlnow. R. Giny, A. 11. Malcolm.

Canterbury—Full-back, C. Stew-art; three-quarters —A. Cunningham, L. T. Cole, E. Harfier; five-eights—S. Faulkincr, A. Allen; half-back, J. Elliott; forwards—E. Rich, R. M'Hugh, T. Fletcher, G. Hill, J. Gibb, R. J. Gibb, R. Smith, F. Bowes. Otago kicked off with the sun in their eyes. The ball was returned to M'Leod, who kicked, but regained and dashed over to score before the ball had been out of Elay. Souter failed to convert. Canterury’s first score came only a few minutes afterw-ards. Harfier securing after passing and dashing along the wing and round bertind the posts to score. Elliott converted. Davis marked at the visitors’ twenty-fito, and from his kick Watkins followed through to score Porter was unsuccessful with the kiric Otago 6, Canterbury 5. Otago had to force from a hard kick, the Canterbury backs returning to the attack. Cunningham, however, was brought down near the line. Stewart, the visitors’ full-back, ran through the Otago team, but Horsley brought him down, and Otago again forced. Harfier came away again with the ball at his toes, hut Faulks brought off a fine save. The efforts of the Reds were at last vt-

warded, and after passing Faulkiner cut iu and scored. Elliott converted. Canterbury 10, Otago 6. Otago began to throw the ball about in good style, but a counter-movement by the Reds gained 50 yards. M'Leod was sent aw’ay on ;he wing, but he stopped to pass infield when a few yards from the line, and a try was lost. Swan headed an Otago forward rush to Canterbury territory, but Hill brought play to half-way again. From a dribbling rush Harfier picked up and dashed over to score. Elliott was unsuccessful with the kick. Canterbury 13, (Hago 6. Bad passing lost Otago chances of scoring, but Banwell picked up in a loose rush and crossed. Souter converted. Canterbury 13, Otagcrll. Elliott potted a go.il -for the Reds a few minutes afterwards, and this was quickly followed by a penalty goal by Souter, the spell ending Canterbury 17, Otago 14. At tho opening of the second spoil Davis saved in the face of a forward rush, and a long kick by Faulks took play near the visitors’ line From a loose rut=h Malcolm sent to Banwell, who scored. Souter failed to convert, and the scores were left equal. Bad fielding by Stewart enabled Banwell to gain possession and score his third try. Souter converted, and Otago was again m the lead. Davis started passing, but an infringement stopped the movement. Tho ball was sent out to M'Leod who streaked along the wing and scored at the corner. Souter failed to add the extra points Otago 25, Canterbury 17. The ball shortly after went to Porter, who handed to M'Leod, and the latter crossed the line. Faulks’s kick failed. Otago 28, Canterbuiy 17. Canterbury were soon compelled to force, and M‘Leod, after another fine dash, hit the corner flag. After all the Otago backs had handled the ball Davis was sent across wide out. M'Leoci failed to convert. Cole twice attempted to goal from free kicks, but was unsuccessful. Porter again secured and sent to M‘Leod. The wing three-quarter lost the ball, but Crawford was on the spot, and he picked up and dived over. Porter was unsuccessful with the kick. Canterbury’s first combined movement ended in Harfier being forced out. Davis charged down a kick, and Canterbury hurriedly forced. Misfielding by Stewart, when the ball was over the line, gave M'Leod another chance, and the fast winger picked up and scored his fourth try. The scorer converted. The game ended: Otago 39 points Canterbury 17 points Mr J. Peat was the referee.

IN OTHER CENTRES

AUCKLAND BEATS TARANAKI. AUCKLAND, September 12, 'The Auckland Rugby representatives defeated Taranaki by 19 points to 13 in a return-match, thus reversing the result of a previous match at New Plymouth. The game was fast and spectacular, u noticeable feature being the sweeping dribbling rushes of the Taranaki forwards. Auckland, however, played with more method than the visitors. Quick breakingup tactics were employed, and both sets of forwards prevented back play from being other than sectional. The issue was strenuously contested throughout, and the match abounded with exciting incident. Tries were scored for Auckland by Holmes (two), Catlicart, Casey, am) M'Williams, Hutler converting two. For Taranaki tries were scored by tiny. Hohaia, and Walter, two being converted by Brown.

AI.L-BLACK ORDERED OFF. AUCKLAND, September 12. In the Teace Cup Rugby match at Thames, in which Thames successfully defended the trophy against a challenge by Hamilton, a feature was the ordering off of an All-Black. Mr W. Meredith, the wellknown referee, had charge of the game, in the course of which A. Lomas, of Thames, on All-Black of several years’ standing, had a clash with J. Hooper, of Hamilton, and the result was that both players were ordered off.

HAWKE’S BAY. NAPIER, September 12. In the final of the Lane Cup knock-out competition on Saturday Technical Old Boys defeated Hastings, the season’s champions, after a fine game, by 24 points to 18.

WELLINGTON MATCHES. WELLINGTON. September 12. In the challenge match for the National Mutual Cup. between University and Athletic. Tait scored a try for the latter in the first spell. In the second half University failed to rise to the occasion, and suffered defeat bv 11 points to 7 points. For Athletic Pope and Tyree scored the additional tries, Svenson converting one. M‘Kay scored an unconverted try for University. St Patrick’s College Old Bovs defeated Wellington College Old Boys bv 20 points to 12 points.

CANTERBURY B DEFEATS WEST COAST.

CHRISTCHURCH, September IR. The Canterbury B team defeated tho We6t Coa3t representative fifteen at Lan caster Park to-day by 37 points to 7 points. Tho weather was beautifully fine and there was a large attendance. The Canterbury team was a strong one, four players who were unable to get away with the touring team included. The visitors, though outclassed, played a hard, determined, game, and their tackling was deadly. Their seven points were gained by a try by Thomas and a potted goal from the field bv King, who put over a great shot from inside the half-way. . The Ford and Oliver combination in Canterbury's five-eighth line was always dangerous and at times brilliant. Llyey played a characteristic game, sidestepping through the opposition, but had not scored up till the time of leaving tho field with a leg injury. . , « , The scorers for Canterbury were: Ford (2), Oliver (2). Dickson (2). Millar. Walker, J. Robilliard and Turpin converted four and Nixon one. < ... In a curtain-raiser Sydenham luniors defeated Magpies (West bv 5 points to 3 points.