FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 50

FOOTBALL

THE ALL BLACKS THE FOURTH TEST. ALL BLACKS BEAT SPRINGBOKS. CAPETOWN, September 1. New Zealand crowned its 1928 tour in South Africa by a magnificent win over the Springboks to-day, scoring a potted goal, two penalty goals, and a try (13 points) to a converted try (5 points). This is the first time South Afrca has been' beaten on the Newlands ground for 37 years. The match was played on a raindrenched area in bleak, bitterly cold weather, but notwithstanding these conditions a crowd of 25,000, in a happy frame of mind, watched the game. THE TEAMS. The teams were as follow:—■ NEW ZEALAND. FULL-BACK. H. Lilburne (Canterbury, 11.2). THREE-QUARTERS. A. C. C. Robilliard (Canterbury, 11.8). F. W. Lucas (Auckland, 11.6). B. Grenside (Hawke’s Bay, 13.6). FIVE-EIGHTHS. M. F. Nicholls (Wellington, 11.0). L. M. Johnson (Wellington, 12.3). HALF-BACK. W. C. Dailey (Canterbury, 10.10). FORWARDS. R. F. Stewart (South Canterbury, 15.1). J. Swain (Hawke’s Bay, 13.2). S. Hadley (Auckland, 12.6). M. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay, 14.3). I. H. Harvey (Wairarapa, 15.12). B. Finlayson (North Auckland, 15.4). W. Hazlett (Southland, 14.7)'. R. G. M'Williams (Auckland, 14.5). SOUTH AFRICA. ' BACKS. Tindall, Van Niekerk, Rousseau, Van der Westhuizen, Morkel, Bennie Osler, De Villiers. FORWARDS. Mostert, Daneel, Van Druten, Louw, Du Toit, Pretorious, Oliver, Nel. Referee: Mr V. H. Neser. THE GAME DESCRIBED. After both teams had given their war cries the Springboks kicked off against a slight wind. Taking the ball from the first kick McWilliams slung it far across the field to Lucas, who beat his man and sent Grenside away, only to be pushed out near the twenty-five line. From the following scramble Nicholls, with a good kick, put New Zealand near the Springbok line. After Johnson had been caught with the ball in "his possession a penalty came to New Zealand, and Nicholls placed a goal from the twenty-five yards’ line. ALL BLACKS 3 points. SOUTH AFRICA .. .. Nil.

New Zealand was thus 3 points up in the first three minutes. Immediately the All Blacks started to open out in passing rushes, but a brilliant .forward manoeuvre by the Springboks swept play to the other end, where Johnson, at-

tempting to save, miskicked, and established his opponents on the New Zealand line.

A series of intensely exciting scrums followed. At last the ball was shot out to Van der Westhuizen, who potted but missed. A heavy shower then pelted down, and these squalls continued throughout the match. Hazlett put New Zealand in a good position again with touch kicks, but Osler sent the eager All Black pack back with his fine kicking. A roar from the crowd grew to crescendo when the Springbok backs got moving again. Osler got the ball and potted, the kick going wide. Finlayson, Hazlett, and M'Williams headed a great rush down the field. Then came a kicking duel between the backs, which finished with New Zealand on the attack.

Stewart and Pretorious came to grips following a melee, and Stewart was warned. In the next scrum Hazlett was cautioned, free kicks being given to South Africa on both occasions. Pretorious and Mostert showed up in a clever dribbling rush. Then the Springbok backs got moving again, and Van Niekerk caused a thrill by a fine run, but was keeled over by Robilliard and Lilburne, Dailey saving a dangerous position with a touch finder.

There was another brilliant bustling rush of the All Blacks’ forwards to the Springbok twenty-five, where Osler again saved with a good kick, following which there was some fierce forward struggling near the halfway. The next minute the crowd were on their feet when Osler short-punted over the heads of the New Zealand backs. Lilburne got the ball, but Van der Westhuizen kicked it from under him and raced on ahead of Grenside and Lucas and fell on the ball under the posts to score a rather lucky try. Osler converted. ALL BLACKS 3 points. SOUTH AFRICA .. .. 5 points. New Zealand then put in some dashing play. The backs opened out, and, with quick work, Dailey and Nicholls cut in cleverly. Play swung across to the other flank, where a scrum was formed. Again Dailey fed his backs, and Johnson, when tackled, sent a grubber pass to Nicholls, who picked up in a flash and potted. The ball hit the post and bounced back infield. Determined work by the New Zealand forwards kept’ the Springboks on the line. Then came a strong attack by the visitors’ backs, which was met by an equally stubborn defence. Twice Dailey worked the blind side, and twice Robiliard was almost, over, being thrown on to the corner flag. In one dash he had his knee damaged. New Zealand kept up a terrific attack in whirlwind rushes till a penalty was awarded them, and Nicholls landed a beautiful goal from the side line. N E \V ZEALAND ~, ~ 6 ■ points SOUTH AFRICA .. .. 5 points Half, time’ then arrived, with New Zealand one point up. Certainly they had had all the best of the play. ’ '

Immediately on resuming the Springboks started a dazzling forward attack, led by Mostert. Osler had a pot shot, which missed, from the loose, but the Springbok forwards maintained the onslaught. A magnificent counter attack headed by Hazlett, M’Williams and Brownlie, took play to the South African twenty-five. Again Dailey set his machine moving, and the ball travelled along the chain to Grenside, who was upended by Morkel. Round the next scrum shot Dailey. Again he short punted, and caught Van der Westhuizen napping, but Tindall managed to clear in time. Next there came a spell of hard forward attacking by the Springboks, but the All Black defence was never under suspicion. Splendid work by the. All Black forwards, who were playing the game of their lives, took play- to the Springbok twenty-five. Dailey and Johnson broke round a scrum in a. brilliant move, but an inward pass was caught by Pretorius, who cleared. The New Zealand backs twice got away'with good thrusts, but offside play once gave Osler a chance to send them . back. Then came a unstoppable dribbling rush, in which Hazlett, M‘Williams, Swain, Finlayson .and Hadley did great work. Hazlett and Swain carried on after the movement had gone 30 yards and the latter capped it with adept individualism by scoring a beautiful try at the corner. Nicholls’s kick fell a few feet short. NEW ZEALAND .. ~ 9 points SOUTH AFRICA .. .. 5 points Back went the All Blacks to the attack, the rearguard often handling the greasy ball cleverly. The game had hardly started again when Nicholls went in to first five-eighths. Dailey Whipped the ball away from a scrum, and from the twenty-five line at a diffi-, cult angle Nicholls potted a great goal that made New Zealand’s position definitely secure. NEW ZEALAND .... 13 points SOUTH AFRICA .... 5 points The Springboks started a last desperate rally, but only once looked really dangerous, when Rousseau held on too long in a passing rush. They were still trying to save the day when “ nd side ” sounded. Final score: NEW ZEALAND .. ..13 points SOUTH AFRICA .. .. 5 points NOTES ON THE GAME. Brownlie was carried off shoulder high by the New Zealand supporters, and the huge crowd swarmed on to the field to congratulate the rest of the team. The New Zealanders were delighted at squaring the rubber, and -the Springboks were very satisfied they had not lost it. It was a great and memorable game, in which Che solid scrumming of the All Blacks and the brilliant kicking of Nicholls won the day. The New Zealanders played as a team, and showed the best New. Zealand form. Before to-day the All Blacks appeared palpably stale, but light training during the week gave them a chance to pick up their form again. In this hour of a fine’ victory it is a hard task to assign merit, for every member of his side played brilliantly. Nicholls, of course, was the hero of the match, although it was to the

magnificent play of the All Black forwards that New Zealand owes its triumph. The presiding genius of the All Black backs was Nicholls. He appeared to direct the storm, which for the greater part of the game raged near the .Springbok line. To-day Nicholls did for New Zealand what Osler did for South Africa in the first test. Dailey and Johnson never failed in the defence, and were both clever and quick on the attack. All the three-quarters put in good work when they were given the chance, but it was not the day for three-quarter movements. Lucas showed shrewd anticipation in breaking the Springbok attack. Lilburne, in the fact of fierce attacks, never faltered. His kicking was good and his tackling deadly. No praise would be too much for the brilliant New Zealand pack. They were plainly masters of the situation in spite of tiring scrummaging. Swain and Hadley showed remarkable dash in loose work. Harvey kept the scrum together firmly, shining at times in the open. Finlayson, Hazlett and M'Williams were probably the best forwards, and Brownlie again produced his usual fine test form. ALLEGED UNFAIR CRITICISM. INQUIRY TO BE URGED. NAPIER, August 31. An in< l uir y into certain unfair press criticisms of some members of the All Black team at present in South Africa is to be urged upon the New Zealand Rugby Union by the Hawke’s Bay Union. Mr N. A. M'Kenzie introduced the subject at a meeting to-night, when he expressed the opinion that the New Zealand Union should take some notice of the reports, which, he said, were biased and a reflection on certain members of the team. The manager of the team should have supervised the reports before they came to New Zealand, and any spiteful reference should have been de- ’ leted. Mr T. Fletcher, a member of the New Zealand Union, who was at the meeting agreed with Mr M < Kenzie, regretting that players should be criticised behind their backs. He did not think the criticism came from the reporter who went away with the team. The worst criticism came from an Auckland source and v - s wired round the country. He thought the union should sub-edit the reports. Trouble arose from personal criticism from private sources. Mr Fletcher thought the Hawke’s Bay Unions motion would strengthen the New Zealand Union in any effort to stop unjust criticism of players who were not here to protect themselves.

RESULTS OF MATCHES. ALL BLACKS’ RECORD. 22 MATCHES, 16 WINS. 5 LOSSES. TjJ’ h . e following table shows how the All Blacks fared in the matches they played on their tour: —

Summary of matches: Played 22, won 16, lost 5, drawn 1. Points: For, 339; against, 144.

RUGBY

By Full Back. OTAGO’S ENGAGEMENTS. September 5, v. Southland, at Invercargill. September 15, v. Wellington, at Ddnedin. September 22, v. Southland, at Dunedin. NEW SOUTH WALES TOUR. September 5, v. New Zealand (first test), at Wellington. September 8, v. New Zealand (second test), at Dunedin. September 12, v. Southland, at Invercargill. September 15, v. New Zealand (third test), at Christchurch. September 19, v. Marlborough, at Blenheim. DEACON CUP MATCH. . September 29. —At Invercargill.

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. “Puzzled” (Middlemarch) writes: (1) “ If a player throws the ball forward and ah oppopent makes a fair catch and calls mark, what is the ruling (a scrum or a mark) ? (2) Does the advantage rule apply? (3) Some referees pule on the first breach, the throw forward.” (1) This point is governed by Law 10, clause (a), and Law 14, clause (a). The mark must be given, even although the referee has blown for a throw forward. (2) Yes; the advantage rule applies to an infringement of the rules made by a player throwing the ball forward. The referee should wait to see if an advantage would be gained by the non-oftending side. In the case quoted above the advantage of a mark was gamed instead of a scrum only. (3) In this case there is only one breach—the throw forward; but in the case of a player running with the ball, and passing forward to one of his own players who has over-run the man with the ball, there would be two breaches of the rules —the throw forward and the fact that the player who accepts the pass is offside. Ihe referee should blow for the first breach—a pass forward —and award a scrum. If the player who accepted the pass was “ wilfully ” waiting offside, then the referee should blow for the second breach —the offside—and award a free kick. The referee should, if in his opinion the pass was a “ wilful ” pass forward, award a free kick against the player who passed the ball. The . ick should be taken at the spot where the man was when he passed. In the case of the offside player the free kick should be given at the spot where the offside player took the pass. No hard-and-fast rule can be laid down. It is solely a matter for the referees discretion whether the pass was a “wilful” pass forward, or whether the offside player’s action was ” wilful ” or otherwise. JUNIOR COMPETITIONS. The following are the results of the Junior Grade competitions:— SECOND GRADE.

NOTES. A great deal is being made of the fact that Mr W. F. Hornig, manager of the All Black team in South Africa, ,s not sending reports of the tour to the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union. I have been asked what he would have to report. The tour in South Africa is controlled by the authorities there. Ido not know whether Mr S. S. Dean sent out reports of the 1924-25 tour of the All Blacks in England, but I do know that Mr H. flarris, co-manager of the touring Maori team, did not. Moreover, the manager of the Waratahs did not submit a report on the tour of his team until their return to Sydney. This report was published in pamphlet'form

It would be very interesting to know why Sonntag could not get into the South Island team, fle is about the best forward in Dunedin, and he was available. Otago had one forward in the team (Marslin) and Southland three. In the team selected to play against the New South Wales team at Wellington on September 5 neither Otago nor Southland lias one forward. I eterson, the ex-Southern three-quarter, playing at full-back for Wellington Manawhenua, potted a goal for

Full-back,” — Recalling your loyal adherence to New Zealand’s traditional scrum formation (which, incidentaHA’. "? S ? 0I J dem ned by less authoritative critics;, 1 have pleasure in presenting you .with the following extract from a special despatch to the Christchurch Sun, written evidently by one of the plavin<? members of the team. He writes: “Now, coming back to Saturday’s game agam (the match at Kimberley; drawn, 18— q rr „ n ?' e „A lad le satisfaction of winning sei uni after scrum in the last part of the game, simply because the forwards were determined to shove as they can do mGht a h kS Were n °- t g< ? lng as well as th ey might have gone in defence, and it was get^thc 1 1 ° °- ther sida should no? hot * • b ’• , 1 .reiterate everything I tion 5 ,? ko ” fc , our scrum formaif ’nrnv-i 1 'i 11 \{ hat there is nothing like it provided the weight is put in It is important, too. that the lock «-o°n ‘ w'1 h - as m ” eh as ever he can as veil winch is not the rule in New Zearow men on r fi metllO< / ° f packin « the front fnc nnrl- A tbe f entre ,nan of the oppos-t’-at^isiiallt 176 ' 611 * 8 ni i OSt tke screwing t..at usually comes when two sets of New

OTAGO v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. HOME TEAM BEATEN. Otago met South Canterbury on Wednesday afternoon at Carisbrook under ideal veatlier conditions. The game was fast, and the dominating factor was the plav of the visiting forwards—a solid, bustling pack who outstayed the Otago vanguard The play of the Blue pXck, on the other hand, was disappointing. They certainly came away now and again and loose rushes, but some of the forwards were slow to get up to the play. The collaring of the Otago forwards was also at times lamentably weak. With the Colours’ forwards more than holding their own in the tight play, the Blue backs—in the second half particularly—did not get a great deal of the ball. Matheson, Bradanovitch, Webb, and M Clymont show cd, however, that they were in good form, and had their forwards cleared the way for them they would have put up an even better show Holden (scrum half) seldom had the ball hooked to him cleanly from the scrums, and the visiting forwards—of whom Halstead and Stevenson were outstanding—paid him particular attention. Even, however, allowing for these disadvantages, Holden did not shape well, and his usually sturdy defence was noticeable by its absence. He would not go down on the ball, and his ground fielding at times was erratic. Nicholson gave a fairly sound showing at full-back. Davis, the Otago wing-forward, was badly outplayed by Halstead, who repeatedly broke away from the scrums to go through weak tackling and gain ground for his side. Stewart, Sonntag, and Carnegie were a trio of solid grafters from start to finish. It is rather significant that Carnegie, who is not a fast forward, was at the head of more than one rush towards the end of the second spell. . Marslin was prominent in the loose in the first spell, but was not so noticeable in the second. The visiting backs were not a clever combination in passing movements, but they were solid in individual work, and they fielded the ball in the air well. They c-lso came back quickly to save when their side was in trouble. Roper (half-back), Gaffaney (five-eighths), Trotter and Scott (the wings), and Connolly (fullback) played to their forwards with some and their collaring was excellent. Scott is a very strong runner, and he took some stopping, and Trotter had a good swerve. The whole of the South Canterbury forwards kept hard on their game throughout, and apart from Halstead (wing-forward) and Stevenson! W. Manning, and M'Bride were about the pick.

Otago kicked one goal from six tries, and South Canterbury three goals from six tries, and a penalty goal. The teams were as follow: — SOUTH CANTERBURY. Full-back—L. Connolly. Three-quarter backs—H. A. Scott (captin), G. MTntosh, B. Trotter. Five-eighths—A. Gaffaney, R. Judge. Half-back—D. Roper. Forwards—J. Gibson, J. M‘Bride, R. Bassett, W. Manning, A. Stevenson, T. Manning, G. Giddings, E. Halstead. OTAGO. Full-back—C. Nicholson. Three-quarter backs—G. M'Clymont L. Churchill, R. Webb. Five-eighths—M/ Matheson, N. Bradanovitch. Half-back—A. Holden. Forwards—J. Stewart, L. More, J. Donnelly, L. Carnegie, C. Sonntag, I. Glendining, E Marslin, H. Davis. The final scores were:— South Canterbury 27 points Otago 20 points SOUTHLAND BEATS CANTERBURY TWENTY-FIVE POINTS TO SEVENTEEN. INVERCARGILL, August 29. Playing under ideal weather conditions Southland defeated Canterbury in the representative match at Rugby

Park to-day by 25 points to 17. The ground was in good order, and the attendance was 3000 to 4000. For some time play was even, but the visitors were not seeing much of the ball. In the second spell both teams entered into the spirit of the game, giving a bright exhibition, and the interest of the spectators was maintained to the final whistle. At half time the visitors led by 11 points to 6, but Southland improved considerably in the second half, the final score being 25 points to 17 .in favour of the home team. The teams were:—

Southland (Maroon). —Oughton, Barnett, M'Auliffe, Murray, Porter, Bell Johnson, Roberts, Howden, Batchelor’ Birc!, O’Driscoll, M'Leod, Southern, MEwan.

Canterbury (Red and Black).— Mehrtens, Chesley, Galbraith, Loveridge, Mullan, Hay, Page, Clark, Cottrell, Lawson, Jackson, Manchester, Tom Robinson, Toby Robinson, Fookes. MANAWHENUA v. TARANAKI. PALMERSTON N., August 29. In the presence of 4000 people Maiiawhenua registered the first win of the season to-day when it defeated Taranaki by 20 points to IG. The. game was played in bright sunshine. Manawhenua had the better of the first spell, registering 14 points to Taranaki’s 8. The home rearguard gave a most improved display in this spell, passing and handling attractively. After the interval, however, the Taranaki players asserted themselves very vigorously Their backs showed up better in this half, and the forwards fully held their own with Manawhenua. Manawhenua deserved to win, but Taranaki were a weaker team than that which established a hitherto unbeaten representative record. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. The following team has been selected to represent Otago against Southland, at Invercargill, on Wednesday next: — Backs.—-Nicholson, Fountain, F. Donnelly, Webb, Matheson, Haughton, M‘Lean. Forwards.—Stewart, More, J. Donnelly, Carnegie, Sonntag, Glendining, Clark; wing-forward, Marslin. Emergencies.—Giles, Davis. Holden, Bradanovitch, and M'Clymont (emergency) will be in Wellington for the first test match, against New South Wales. PAYNE TROPHY MATCH. OTAGO UNIVERSITY BEATEN. The visiting Canterbury College team defeated Otago University in the Payne Trophy match at Carisbrook on Saturday by 17 points to 15. The game ended sensationally. Within a very short time of the final whistle Bradanovich potted a lightning goal for the home team, and it appeared as if all Otago had to do was to hold the visitors for the last few minutes to get home with a victory by one. However, the Canterbury attack was too good, and right on the call of time the visitors secured the unconverted try that gave them the game by the narrow margin of two points. The spectators could not complain that there were no thrills in the latter stages of the game. In less than a quarter of an hour the score changed from 14 to 6 in favour of Canterbury to 17 to 15 in the visitors’ favour. Weather conditions were ideal for football, and the ground was in good order. The crowd numbered about 5000. The match was a little disappointing in the first spell, but after half time the Otago forwards began to put more vim into their play, and the game became more open and spectacular. There can be no gainsaying the fact that the better team won. The Canterbury forwards were in fine form from the outset. The University forwards packed a three-two-three serum, but it did not have the effect of giving the home team any great advantage. The fast and open play that the public generally expects interuniversity matches to produce was not a feature of the game, though the home backs made some brilliant concerted efforts in the latter stages of the second spell. Combination was lacking most of the time on both sides, the Canterbury College backs making up for it with a great deal of clever individual work and opportunism.

It is doubtful if Carisbrook has been the scene of such enthusiasm this season as that which was displayed for the few minutes when Otago had their noses ahead, "after Bradanov.ich’s smart pot. The crowd let itself go, and the last 10 minutes of the game were of that thrilling nature calculated to keep every eye on the ball. The final -whistle blew just after it was seen that Loveridge’s attempt to convert the last-minute try had failed. The teams were as follows:—

Canterbury College.—Full-back, R. H. Sherwin, 10.4; three-quarters—L. Loveridge 12.0, J. Galbraith 10.2, C. Chesley 12.12; five-eighths, J. R. Hawkes 10.7, D. G. Grant; half-back, L. S. Dewar 10.5; forwards—C. H. Perkin 13.2, R. G. Drummond 11.2, A. Y. Montgomery 14.2, G. J. Burrell 14.4, J. B. Jackson 13.8, N. W. Simes 12.0, M. Eales 11.0, S. F. Fookes (wing forward) 12.13. University—Full-back, D. Stevenson 12.7; three-quarters—R. Webb 12.7, Matheson 11.10, W. G. M'Clymont 12.0; five-eighths, Houghton 12.5, Bradanovich 11.0; half-back, M'Lean 10.10; forwards —Christie 12.0, Porterfield 12.7, Henley 13.1, Wells 12.7, Blue 12.10, Gray 12.4, Martin 12.0, Jolly 12.0. Otago attacked strongly from the kick off, but a passing rush by the backs broke down just past halfway. A minute later a determined rush by the visitors had the home side vigorously defending right on its line. Chesley very nearly got over at the corner, Stevenson pushing him out just in time. Stevenson relieved the position with a kick that found the line near halfway, and a free kick taken by Bradanovich took play, to the Canterbury twenty-fi .-e. Give-and-take play followed for some time, until

Fookes started a passing rush, which ended when Loveridge was pushed out at the corner by M'Clymont. From a sc. uni that followed the line out Dewar got the ball smartly, and went round to score. Chesley was unsuccessful with the kick. Canterbury College 3, Otago University

A strong Otago attack took play to the visitors twenty-five, and Houghton got a long way with a clever cut in before he was grassed. A Canterbury infringement . gave Stevenson a chance to open Otago s score, but he missed an easy kick. The game was travelling from end to end of the field, and Otago was defending only with difficulty every time the visitors got near their line. Stevenson saved the situation in good style, when Loveridge centred after being caught on the line, but the ground gained by a good line kick was soon lost, the Canterbury breaking through from a line out almost on their own line. After taking a good deal of buffeting the Otago forwards began to make some headway, and for a while they made all the play. They carried play to within striking distance of the visitors’ line, where Bradanovich attempted a pot, which was charged down. A few minutes later Stevenson was again unsuccessful with a free kick. Otago started another good rush, but the tackling was deadly, and Matheson’s only hope of scoring was his attempted pot. The ball would not rise. The best movement of the game up till this point as far as Otago was concerned allowed M'Clymont to get very near the Canterbury line. He was crowded, however, and passed infield, Bradanovitch just missing scoring. Another free kick to Otago was taken by Henley, whose attempt went wide. Matheson and Webb were prominent in the next home rush, but the visitors’ defence was too good. Canterbury, -who had been defending solidly for about 19 minutes now got away to halfway. Chesley got the ball and made hot foot for the corner, being pushed out after a great run. The home team repulsed the attack, but it was renewed, only to be stopped by Stevenson marking in the face of a rush. At this stage Martin went off injured, and was replaced by Abel. Canterbury’s next score came after a dash for the corner by Loveridge, the winger getting the ball away infield to Galbraith in time for that player to get over. _ The kick, which was taken by Loveridge, failed. Canterbury College 6, Otago University nil. There was no further score before half time, though Chesley very nearly got over at the corner. Blue had to retire hurt just before the spell ended, and his place was taken by Aitken.

At the commencement of the second spell the Canterbury College backs made a determind sally, and carried piay right into the home twenty-five, where Stevenson stopped them. A second rush was repulsed as a result of a mark by M'Lean. Bradanovich, with a fine kick from a penalty, put his side in a strong position, but the defence was too sound. The University forwards were "working hard, but the visitors -were taking no chances with their defence. The home team’s first score came from a penalty kick. From about 30 yards out Henley landed a fine goal. Canterbury College 6, Otago University 3. Bradanovich was again responsible for putting his side in a good attacking position, but the visiting forwards beat back the attack, and Canterbury was given a shot at goal as a result of Bradanovich’s offside play. Chesley’s kick went under the bar. Otago now got away in a great rush, and play "was carried amid excitement to the opposing twenty-five. Here M'Lean snapped up the ball from a serum and transferred to Henley, who just managed to get across near the posts His attempt to convert failed, the bad hitting the upright. Canterbury College 6, Otago 6. The visitors came away strongly, and Galbraith and Chesley came very near scoring. The first attack was repulsed, but Grant made in opening for Chesley. The winger, however, was well tackled, but not before he had sent the ball back to Grant, "who got over well out. Loveridge converted with a great kick. Canterbury College 11, Otago University 6. The College backs got away again, and Grant, Hawkes, Galbraith, and Loveridge handled in a movement that ended when the last-named kicked to Stevenson, who found the line. Several spirited attacks by the visiting backs met with a similar fate. Both the wingers were getting plenty to do, but the Otago defence was fairly sound. Webb made an endeavour to get away, but he was brought down before he had got far. He had his revenge a minute later, however, when he spoilt a promising bit of work by Fookes and Simes. Loveridge had another shot at goal from a penalty, but the ball fell short. Hawdies got the next try for the visitors, securing from Dummond and dashing for the corner, where he just got over. Loveridge could not convert. Canterbury College 14, Otago University 6. The game now livened up surprisingly. The Otago forwards put in some excellent work, and the backs made some determined attacks on the Canterbury line. M'Lean, Houghton, Bradaovich, Mathieson, M'Clymont "was the order in which the backs handled the ball in an exciting rush that ended with the winger being forced out near the line. Another attempt a minute later also broke down, but Webb was in the right place and snapped up the ball in time to make a characteristic dash for the corner. He beat two opponents and scored behind the posts. Stevenson converted. Canterbury College 14; Otago University 11.

The game was speeded up considerably now, and the spectators had reached a great state of excitement. Hougliton and Matheson got away, but they were blocked. The latter tried to pot but it was charged down. A minute later Otago was awarded another fre kick, but Stevenson missed. Bdaranovich received from M'Lean and made a clever cut-in by which he beat several opponents, but there was no one in a position to take a pass, and the effort went for nothing. From a scrum, M'Lean secured, and set his backs going, but the movement did not go far. Bradanovich received from Houghton, and added four points to the home score with a faultless pot, thus giving Otagq the lead for the first time in the game. Otago University 15, Canterbury College 14. Otago, hoivever, could not hold the Canterbury forwards, who set off in a haxt

rush. M'Lean was instrumental m stopping the onset, but his kick to relieve the position was fatal. Mgntgomery got the ball and passed to Simes, who sent it out to Chesley. The winger was blocked and let the forward have the ball back again, and Simes sent it back to Chesley in time for the latter to get over well out. It was a well-deserved try. From the time the Canterbury men fielded M'Lean’s kick till Chesley got across the .combination was very creditable. Loveridge was unsuccessful with the kick. The final whistle was blown after the Kick, Canterbury thus winning the match and the Payne trophy, the scores being: Canterbury College 17 points. Otago University .. 15 points. RAILWAY WORKSHOPS GAME. The curtain raiser was provided by apprentices from thcsskddington and Hillside Railway Workshops, the Canterbury team winning by 12 points to 10. NEW ZEALAND v. NEW SOUTH WALES. Sorter to captain - all blacks. WELLINGTON - , August 30. Porter has been appointed captain, Cooke vice-captain, and Mr A. J. Geddes manager of the New Zealand team to play New South Wales. The All Blacks at present in South Africa have been asked to play in Melbourne on their way home. The terms have been sent to the manager to see if they will suit the team. HAWKE’S BAY DEFEATED. NAPIER, September 1. The New South Wales touring team played the Hawke’s Bay representatives here to-day in perfect weather conditions except for a fairly strong breeze, before 6000 spectators. A bright open game resulted in a win for the visitors by’l9 points to 6. The visitors were very smart in all departments, but dropped a great many passes, and enjoyed a large share of luck. Hawke’s Bay won the toss, and the visitors kicked off against the wind. The home side opened the attack and attempted a couple of passing bouts, which were broken up by sound tackling. A long kick by Yates went well behind, and New South Wales were forced. Anstis sent the local backs away, and a dangerous assault was again arrested by* sound tackling. New South Wales almost immediately got going. Towers picked up cleverly in the loose, and made a good run before transferring to Hemingway, whose pace took him over to score a nice try. The goal kick was missed. New South Wales 3, Hawke’s Bay nil. A series of line outs followed in the home territory, and a couple of timely marks were useful to the defenders. Two Bay forwards broke away with the ball at their feet, and Blake at top speed gathered the ball, and just as he was tackled handed on to Setford, who was able to beat a Blue man and touch down. Yates’s kick failed. New South Wales 3, Hawke’s Bay 3. A Blue passing bout made very little ground till the ball reached Smairl, who ran well down the line before his pass infield was intercepted by Blake, who found the line. Passing by the visiting backs carried play towards the Bay tine, but Anstis smashed the attack by a smart interception. A repetition of similar tactics by New South Wales this time saw Yates stumble, leaving Towers a clear run in. Smairl converted. NewSouth Wales 8, Hawke’s Bay 3. Speedy following up allowed the New South Wales backs to get away. Three Bay men w-ere required to tackle Smairl, and in consequence, when the latter passed infield Burge had no opposition, scoring an easy try. Smairl missed the kick. New South Wales 11, “Hawke’s Bay 3. The play was all of the loose variety, in which the visitors were surer in handling, and more speedy than the home side. Fast, open exchanges ended in Smairl once more finding the Bay backs out of position, and another try was scored. The goal kick failed. New South Wales 14, Hawke’s Bay 3. Yates atttempted to pot from halfway, missing narrowly. Bay were aw-arded a penalty, but Yates missed with the kick. A couple of good chances for Bay were spoiled by the lamentably tame efforts of Russell on the right wing. • Soon after the start of the second half Yates, following up a high kick, beat a Blue man for the ball, and transferred to Steere, Heffernan, and Huxtable, the last-named scoring. Yates missed w-ith the kick. New South Wales 14. Hawke’s Bay 6. An unfortunate incident occurred soon after. The referee found it necessary to warn a Blue forw-ard, and within a few seconds ordered O’Connor off the field. Bay played the visitors at their own game, throwing the ball about among the backs and forwards, and a little surer handling might have brought results. Yates was unable to make capital out of two penalty kicks. New South Wales initiated a number of somewhat irregular attacks, but two force downs were the only result. For a long time play fluctuated betwe m the two twenty-five lines without much brilliance on either Bide. When defending Bay kept the game tighter, making it more difficult for the speedy New South Wales backs to get going. A chance did come eventually, however, and Hemingway ran round behind the posts and Barley converted. New South Wales 19, Hawke’s Bay 6. Time was sounded a minute later. Hawke’s Bay-had the better of the game in the second spell, and only their faulty handling kept them from scoring. ORDERING OFF INCIDENT. NAPIER, September 2. The ordering off of O’Connor from the field in the New South Wales v. Hawke’s Bay match yesterday is explained to be due to the offender deliberately charging into a man who had got rid of the ball immediately after being cautioned for the same thing. The game was becoming willing and the referee (Mr W. O’Neill) considered that drastic action was necessary. The spectators, though not questioning the wisdom of the referee’s action, bore O’Connor no ill-will, and heartily applauded him as he left the field.

VISITORS DEFEAT WANGANUI. WANGANUI, August 29. After a bright open display the Waratahs defeated Wanganui to-day by 20 points to 16. What appealed most about the visitors was their open play and passing, the ball being thrown about in a very unorthodox style. Wanganui played an inspiring game, and responded well to the call for greater efforts. When their backs were to the wall they set up a rigid defence. The home forwards held the mastery, sweeping through the Waratah lines in fast rushes during the second spell. At one stage, half way through the second spell, Wanganui was actually two points in the lead. Malcolm at half-back and Westfield at fullback were outstanding figures, the former’s fast passing and the latter’s cool fielding being exceptionally inspiring.

WELLINGTON v. TARANAKI. WELLINGTON, September 1. The match between the Taranaki and the Wellington Provincial Rugby teams was played at Athletic Park this afternoon. Although exciting the game was very ragged, there being little of that back display usually prominent in representative fixtures. Throughout the visiting forwards played a great offensive game, , but the pace of the Wellington rearguard told in the end, the final scores being: Wellington 20, Taranaki 17. The teams took the field as follow: — Taranaki. —Collins, Hohaia, H. W. Brown, Crawford. Johnston, Owen, C. Brown, A. Guy, Wills, R. Guy, Espin, Ike, Walter, Murphy, Robinson' Wellington.—Heazlewood, Ramson, Mackay, Peterson, Chaney Mackenzie, Porter, Coman, O’Regan, Wilson, Shearer, Blacker, Sly, Jessup, Coulston. Wellington kicked off into a light northerly with such sun as there was in their faces, meeting the fierce, loose rushes by the Taranaki forwards with determined resistance. Ike, the visiting lock, soon proved his worth as a goal kicker, early in the game hitting an upright with a kick from a few yards outside the twenty-five. Breaking through, the Taranaki scrummagers trapped Heazlewood in possession, and from a scrum near the posts Porter’s offside play enabled Ike to open the visitors’ account. Mackay, who was in fine form, gained possession and dashed down the field, but Hokaia fielded his centring kick. An infringement about five yards witnin halfway allowed Ike to notch another penalty. Up and down play of a very unfinished nature followed until Brown found touch in the Blacks’ territory. From a line out Porter handed to Mackenzie, who, selling the dummy successfully, passed on to Mackay, who was too fast for the opposition. Ramson converted. Wellington began to look more aggresive, Owen finding it necessaray to force, but before long the Taranaki forwards, led by A. Guy, Espin, and Walter, worked down the line, the first-named diving across at the corner. Ike converted. Half time found the visiting forwards still full of fight. Taranaki 11, Wellington 5. Rare speed was revealed when Wellington assumed the aggressive at the commencement of the second half. Ramson kicked well into the Yellows’ territory, followed up fast, and Chaney, who accompanied him. dived over. Shearer converted. Straining every nerve, the visiting forwards stormed their way upfield, and from a scrum at the Blacks’ twenty-five Brown sent Crawford over on the blind side. Ike’s kick missed. From a scrummage on the twenty-five line, Hokaia raced down the blind side for Walters to dive over. Collins failed with the kick. The home players were making strenuous efforts to wipe out the deficit, Edgar and Ramson--both coming within an ace of scoring. After a lengthy exchange of free kicks, play brightened up somewhat. Ramson, Chaney, Mackenzie, and Mackay participated in a rush along the line which ended in Taranaki forcing. The breeze had freshened, and with its assistance the Blacks were now doing most of the attacking. A neat interception by A. Guy let the visitors away, but Peterson and Ramson soon returned play to the Yellows’ line. A score seemed inevitable, and finally Coman dashed over at the corner. Ramson converted. Wellington were now only two pon./s behind, and Porter started a clever movement. From Shearer the ball came back to the wing-forward. who crossed and Shearer converted. Wellington 20, Taranaki 17. In the course of the game Wilson had been replaced by Edgar, Chaney was replaced, by Broderick, and Brown, by Carter. In a last rally, Crawford and Johnson looked as though they would break away, but the end came without further score. Wellington .. .. 20 points. Taranaki .. .. 17 points.

SOUTH CANTERBURY’S TOUR. DEFEATED BY SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, September 1. Southland defeated South Canterbury to-day by 9 points to 8. Rugby Park was slightly greasy, and there was a strong sun and wind blowing straight down the field. It was not a brilliant game, but was always solid and interesting. . The visitors’ forwards were a very fine pact, and were - ably led by Halsted, who played, a sterling game. The hacks were more impressive than the local rearguard, handling cleaner and showing strong defensive qualities. The home forwards played well, and it w’as left to them to carry the day. The teams were:— - southland.—Oughton, Barnett, Murray Geddes, M'Auliffe, Bell, C. Johnson, Cockroft, Southern, Bird, O’Driscoll, Batchelor, Howden, Roberts, M'Ewan. South Canterbury.—Connelly, Scott Fountaine, Trotter, Gaffaney, Judge, t! Manning, Roper, Giddings. Stevenson Waple, W. Manning, M'Bride, Bassett’ Halsted. The visitors had the advantage of the sun and wind in the first spell. South Canterbury were early aggressive, but M'Auliffe relieved with a long kick. The

visitors came back with a strong rush and from a ruck Gaffaney picked up to race over. Halsted missed the goal kick. South Canterbury 3, Southland nil.

Southland came back with a nice passing rush, but the visitors broke back. Founthrough and punted over the full-back s head, and Trotter raced through to touch down. Halsted converted. South Canterbury 8, Southland nil. Midfield play followed and Barnett showed out in two nice runs. The visitors were penalised for lying on the ball, but Barnett’s kick dropped short, from a line out Bird received and passed to Barnett, who was pushed out at the corner flag, and the visitors relieved. Southland were penalised just inside halfV' ay, but Halsted s kick, although a good one, went wide. The home forwards showed up in a neat passing bout, but solid tackling, which throughout marked c e visitors’ play, ended the movement. South Canterbury carried the play to the home team’s twenty-five. Trotter kicked, but in a race for the ball Bell got there first to force. The visitors continued on the offensive, but a free kick relieved the pressure. They continued to attack, ana a free kick gave Halsted a chance but the ball struck an upright and bounced back into the field, and M'Auliffe found the line at halfway. Howden was injured and carried off, being replaced by Metcalfe. . Half time was called with no alteration to the score. On resuming, Southland were early aggressive, and from a scrum at the twentvnye Koper relieved. The home side kept at it and Geddes put in a good run, but was pushed out, and the Colours’ forwards carried play back to midfield. The home backs came away with brilliant passing in which Geddes showed great speed. He passed in to M'Ewan, but the latter was tackled from behind and the ball went out. The home side kept at it, the forwards breaking through, and from a scramble on the line Johnson dived over. Barnett missed the goal kick South Canterbury 8, Southland 3. Spurred by this reverse the visitors set up a_ hot attack, the backs combining m a nice moverent, but Trotter was pushed out. McAuliffe put Southland on the attack with a line kick which went out at the corner. From the throw in a ruck ensued, and Batchelor picked up to score wide out. M'Ewan missed with the kick. South Canterbury 8, Southland 6.

Southland kept up the pressure and a hot rally ensued on the line, but a penalty to the visitors gave relief. The home forwards returned to the. attack, but offside play gave Halsted a chance to relieve. Southland were soon back, and the backs swung into action and M'Auliffe cut in nicely, but M'Ewan got offside and the Colours’ forwards came back to halfway. Cockroft broke away in a good solo run to put Southland on the offensive. The ball went out at the corner flag and from a ruck following the throw in M'Ewan received to score. Barnett’s kick went under the bar. Southland 9, South Canterbury 8. Johnson put the home side on the attack again with a good line kick, but a penalty eased the pressure. The visitors’ backs swung away in a pretty run, but Oughton made a good save when things looked bad for Southland. A mark by Roberts gained ground for the home side. Halsted put the visitors in a good position with a beautiful line kick, but Johnson cleared. A further line kick by the halfback put Southland on the offensive, but the Colours’ forwards broke through to clear. Time was called without further score, and the game ended:— Southland 9 points. South Canterbury .. 8 points. NELSON v. MARLBOROUGH. NELSON, September 1. After a hard fought game in which Nelson led against Marlborough by 10 points to 3 until well on in the second spell, a draw resulted—lo all, Nelson retaining the Seddon Shield. The game was played in perfect weather, and the attendance was in the vicinity of 5000. The local men held the upper hand in the first half, but in the second the Marlborough backs were superior, and but for the stubborn defence would have got through on a number of occasions. MANAWATU v. BUSH DISTRICTS. WOODVILLE, September 1. The game between Manawatu and the Bush Districts was played in fine, but windy, weather. The ground was in good order, but the attendance was small. Bush undoubtedly had the better of the game, but lacked the necessary finish. Manawatu took full advantage of every opportunity and dominated the game over the last quarter of an hour, winning by 24 points (five tries, one converted, and a penalty goal) to eight (one converted try and a penalty goal).

AUCKLAND v. NORTH AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, September 1. Auckland (23 points) defeated North Auckland • (22) in a scrambling game. Tries were scored for Auckland by Finlayson, Olsen, L. Knight, L. Hook, and Linton. Wanoa and Jenkin kicked penalty goals, and Jenkin converted one try. Tries were scored for North Auckland by Gould, Ryan, Waterman, Litt, and Wilkinson, two being converted by Waterman. who also kicked a penalty goal. WAIKATO v. WANGANUI. HAMILTON, September 1. Waikato beat Wanganui Rugby representatives here to-day by 11 points to 8. The forwards were evenly matched, but the Waikato backs were superior to those of the visitors. The first half ended:— Waikato 8. Wanganui 5. Anderson and Quin scored for Waikato, and W. Bourke converted a try. Wanganui were awarded a try for obstruction, which M'Lean converted. Luck scored in the third quarter for Waikato, and M'Lean kicked a penalty goal for Wanganui. CHRISTCHURCH RESULTS. CHRISTCHURCH, September 1. Merivale 26, Technical 21. Old Boys Albion 6. Christchurch 11, Linwood 5. WANGANUI MATCHES. . WANGANUI, September 2. Kaierau 24, Technical Old Boys 20. Mariste 14, Old Boys nil.

UNIVERSITY CLUB THE PREMIERS. SYDNEY, September 1. The University Club won the Ritgby premiership. JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES. The following team has been selected to play Eastern Districts at Palmerston on September 15: —Full-back, Clouston, three-quarter—M'Donald, Guthrie (captain), Pritchard; five-eighths—Young, Griffen; half-back, Jagusch; forwards — Ferguson, Watkins, Treloar, Collier, Bell, Gordon, Trotter; emergencies—Potaka, Gourlay, Borrie, Watson. Training takes place at Carisbrook on Thursday, at 7.30. Any player not available is to notify the secretary as soon as possible.

LEAGUE

By Forward. OTAGO TEAM. The members of the Otago team started their northern tour on Wednesday, when they set out for the West Coast. The team’s remaining fixtures are as follows : — September 5, v. West Coast, at Greymouth. September 8, v. Canterbury, at Christchurch. September 12, v. Wellington, at Wellington. September 15, v. Auckland, at Auckland. September 19, v. South Auckland. .. Unfortunately, some of the players originally chosen were unable to take part in the tour, and the strength of the team will be affected to som; extent. The absence of Blazey, T. O’Connor, and M. Quinn will be severely felt, but the men selected to replace them have shaped well c.uring the season, and there is still a chance that the team will do fairly well. . The following players proceeded to the West Coast:—Clydesdale, Eckhoff, ConE.°. n ; v MKewen, Timlin, Nepier, Cusack, ▼ *^ ownsen d, Holloway, Woodhouse, J. ° Conndr, T. Hunt, Harbrow, Hicks, and Cameron. There is a possibility that Blazey and Davis (Pacific) will be available for the matches -against Canterbury and Auckland. The team is at present under the management of Mr M'Keefry. with Mr E. Watson as coach, but Mr H. Divers wili take charge at Christchurch at the end 01 next week.

THE THIRD TEST. Referring to the third test match the Lyttelton Times says:—“New Zealand, with A Townsend (Otago) as hooker, won most of the scrums in the first spell though shortly before half time there S aS notl ceable improvement in the English pack. Parkin saw more of the bad from the scrums in the second half, during which the English backs, in spite ot deadly tackling, opened up the game in a fashion at times suggestive of the highest international form. Of the New Zealand backs, Peckham was the most outstanding. His half-back play was notable for quick passing and some clever runs including one or two attempts at hurdling which, like the hurdler, crashed • He was wonderfully elusive and daring, " . 1 attack as his forte. Wether ill was tricky, and Prentice’s hard tackling left no loophole for escape. Goodall was the best forward on the ground, while Eckhoff, the Otago back who was played as breakaway forward, was quick to make the play open, and reliable on defence.” ' NOTES. The sum of £4OO was taken at the gates at the exhibition match between England and New Zealand in Invercargill. *^- s a , resu Jt °f winning the third test match the English team will have the satisfaction of taking back to England two silver cups, one from Australia and tlie other from New Zealand. The New Zealand cup is being presented by Mr J. Gleeson. , a contest for the Norman Cox Memorial Cup at Greymouth the West Coast schools’ team defeated Canterbury by 7 pointe to 3. The visitors were not used to tne heavy conditions. The New Zealand team has done better against the Englishmen than the Commonwealth did. Sunshine was experienced for every match played in New Zealand. The Englishmen placed a wreath on the grave of Mr Baskerville, one of the pioneers of Rugby League in New Zealand, m the Karori Cemetery at Wellington. The case of Burgess, the English forward who was ordered off the field in the second test match at Dunedin, was considered by the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last week. The chairman, Mr C. A. Snedden, said the Otago League had been asked for a report on the incident, and no action could be taken until it was received. In the opinion of the manager of the New Zealand team "(Mr W. J. Taylor), the’ New Zealand forwards were quite equal to the English pack, but the visitors were superior in back play. The English inside backs. Parkin, Rees, Askin, and Fairclough, were probably the best in the world in the League code. The forwards had plenty of pace, and their handling was sure. In the course of conversation with a Lyttelton Times representative on Saturday, Mr Osborne, manager of the English team, said: “Next year an Australian team will tour England, and in four years’ time from now we expect to be able to send another League team to New Zealand, where I think that the standard of play has improved marvellously since 1924, when an English combination was last here.’’ Football enthusiasts will regret to learn that “Angry" Cross, who, 20 years ago, was one of New Zealand’s best-known forwards, is in hospital in Wellington suffering from spinal trouble. He represented NeXv Zealand in Rugby, and in 1907 was with the. New Zealand League team in England. Enthusiasm prevailed at the civic reception tendered, the English Rugby League players in Christchurch on Friday (says the Sun). The room was packed with people, and many failed to find seats. The Mayor (the Rev. J. K. Archer), who welcomed the visitors, said he was sure that there was room in New Zealand for all codes of" football, and it

seemed that it was time the people should try to cultivate between the codes friendly relations. The Englishmen were also welcomed by Dr Thacker and Mr J. K. Worrall. The speakers for the visitors were Messrs Osborne, Hutchins, and Parkin. The Greymouth correspondent of the Christchurch Press states that the West Coast Rugby League has purchased 10 acres of land at Coal Creek for the purpose of making a football ground. It has been necessary to do this owing to the support accorded the code by the Greymouth public. The centre will be the first sports body on the West Coast to own its own ground. It is intended next year to provide four playing areas. TOUR OF ENGLISH TEAM. FINANCIAL RESULTS SATISFACTORY. „ AUCKLAND, August 27. financially it has been the most sue? ecssful tour ever made by an English Rugby League team," said Mr F. C. Hutchins, one of the managers of the English team which sails for Vancouver tomorrow “Before we left England we knew that tlie tour would cost us about £12,000, but when the last match was played in Australia we had made £7OOO clear profit. The New Zealand tour has paid its way, and after two matches are played in Canada on the way’ back there should be record figures to show,” Mr Hutchins said. The gates in New Zealand were as follows.—At faupiri £l5O, first test in Auckland £l9OO, Auckland province £4OO, A " c „ kla ? d £l6OO, Greymouth £250, Buller £6OO, Invercargill £4OO, third test at Christchurch £BOO. The team had had splendid receptions everywhere, the manager sa hb and the missionary work accomplished would be invaluable if it were followed up. Mr Hutchins had something to sav about the secoond test game played at Dunedin. Quite candidly, I must say * that the refereeing was weak, and there were some incidents which should not have occurred, but the Dunedin press work was both inspired by partisanship tor another code, and lamentable. The dld n<d me rit the scathing criticism Zealand^ 3 teleffraphed a]l over New Hutchins said they had been impressed both by the support of the league game in New Zealand and thgeneral improvement in the playing standard of their opponents. It was a much higher standard than they had been led to believe in Australia. The real playing requirement in New Zealand was more concentration on physical fitnoss and development m the direction of open play instead of concentrating on defence.

MAXWELL CUP COMPETITION. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS BEATEN. The matches in the Maxwell Cup Competition were continued on Saturday in splendid weather. A fairly strong breeze was in evidence, but it did not interfere with the play. The ground was dry and fast; in fact, it was perhaps a shade on the-hard side, thanks to the exceedingly fine weather experienced during the week. The absence of the players in the Otago representative team was severely felt, especially by the City and Christian Brothers Clubs. The former failed to put a team in the field against Athletic, and the. latter tasted defeat for the second time during the season, this time through the agency of Pacific, which played a remarkably fine game, and fully deserved a win. The games resulted as follows:—• Pacific, 16 points; Christian Brothers 7 points. Kaikorai, 16 points; Athletic B, 12 points. Athletic A won against City by default. POSITION OF THE TEAMS. The following table shows the position of the teams engaged in the Maxwell Cup Competition:—

> OTAGO TOURING TEAM. BULLER EASILY DEFEATED. WESTPORT, September 1. The Rugby League match played on Victoria Square to-day between' Otago and Buller was won by the former by 38 points to 10. The weather was fine, but the ground and the ball were greasy from the heavy early morning rain. The visiting backs combined much better than those of Buller, who were inclined to run all over the ground instead of straight. The first spell ended: Otago 20, Buller 5. For the visitors tries w’ere scored by Woodhouse, Cameron, Cusack, and Cyldesdale, three being converted by Eckhoff, who also kicked a penalty goal. Goodall scored for Buller, and LongstaS kicked a penalty goal. In the second spell Otago added 18 points and Buller 5. For Otago tries were scored by Cusack (2), Townsend, apd Cameron, and Eckhoff converting two and kicking a penalty goal. For Buller Goodall scored a try, and Bernard potted a goal.

AUCKLAND CHAMPIONSHIP. AUCKLAND. September 1. Devonport beat Ellerslie by 33 to 16, thus winning the senior club championship. City 17 beat Richmond 2. Newton 10 beat Marist 2. THE THACKER SHIELD. CHRISTCHURCH, September 1. In the Thacker Shield contest Marist 16 beat Sydenham 9.

Teams Player. Points AcralCountry Club .. .. Won 11 *"3 Capetown Clubs .. 3 Griqualand Won 19 10 Transvaal o 6 free State (country) Won 20 o Transvaal Won o Western Transvaal . . Won 19 8 Natal Won 31 3 South Africa (first test) Lost 0 17 Northern Districts .. Drawn 18 18 Rhodesia Won 44 8 South Africa (second test) Won 7 6 Pretoria Districts .. Won 13 6 Free State Won 15 11 N.-Eastern Districts Won 27 0 Border Won 22 3 Border Won 35 . 3 Eastern Province Won 16 3 South Africa (third test) Lost 6 11 South-western Districts Won 12 6 Western Province .. Lost 3 10 South Africa (fourth test) Won 13 5

Points Flat? Pirates A .. University C P. w. L. D. F. A. Pts. 13 13 12 12 1 1 230 312 40. 65 25 24 Ravensbourne 13 11 1 1 ] 29 43 23 Training Col. Kaikorai Zingari Southern .. Port. Chai. University D Pirates B .. Union .. ,, Alhambra .. West Taieri Taieri .. .. Dunedin 13 13 14 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 9 7 7 7 4 5 5 4 4 3 1 4 4 6 6 6 7 8 7 9 10 10 11 2 1 3 1 2 2 1 197 90 105 69 111 132 73 103 98 53 52 45 110 81 114 107 128 101 100 130 154 38 226 210 18 16 15 14 11 11 10 10 8 6 4 1 THIRD GRADE. P. W. Points Flag Alhambra A L. D. F. A. Pts 13 11 1 1 175 45 23 Southern .. 13 10 1 2 194 11 22 Kaikorai 13 9 2 2 148 25 Zingari Pirates A .. Port Chai. 13 13 13 10 9 8 3 3 4 1 1 167 96 140 70 42 20 19 19 University E 13 8 174 99 16 High School 12 7 4 1 144 59 15 Alhambra B 12 7 5 135 75 14 University F Pirates B .. Training Col. 14 13 12 6 5 3 8 7 9 1 100 78 40 94 117 170 12 11 6 Union A .. Ravensbourne 13 12 3 2 10 10 — 42 23 184 250 6 4 Y.M.C.A. .. 12 1 11 17 175 2 FOURTH GRADE. P. Points Flatr W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Zingari A.. Pirates .. .. 12 13 11 10 1 -2 1 158 245 41 75 22 21 Southern 12 8 3 1 124 72 17 Dunedin 12 8 4 133 58 16 Alhambra A 12 7 3 2 160 41 16 Kaikorai .. 11 6 4 1 101 96 13 Green Island 11 6 5 106 93 12 High School.. 11 5 6 — 63 116 10 Y.M.C.A. .. ■12 5 7 —— 60 62 10 Taieri .. .. 11 3 6 2 73 93 8 Alhambra B 12 4 8 66 183 8 M'Glash.an .. 10 2 5 3 53 74 7 Port Chas. 12 3 9 75 186 6 Zingari B.. 10 2 8 40 160 4 Technical .. 11 1 10 — 42 155 2 FIFTH GRADE. P. Points Flag W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Southern .. Pirates .. .. 12 12 10 8 1 1 1 3 178 227 15 18 21 19 Zingari .. .. Dunedin 12 7 3 2 117 30 16 12 7 4 1 168 42 15 High Schl. A.. 12 5 6 1 91 170 11 Union .. .. 12 4 6 2 42 91 10 High Schl. B.. 12 1 11 —— 56 322 2 Kaikorai 12 1 11 — 15 208 2 . Port Chalmers and Green Island withdrew. PRESIDENT’S GRADE. P. Points Flag W. L. D. F. A. Pts. High Schl. A.. 10 10 —— — 221 37 20 Ravensbourne 11 9 1 1 167 30 19 Taieri .. .. Southern 11 8 3 —. 218 34 16 11 7 2 2 153 63 16 Alhambra A 11 7 3 1 235 38 15 Union .. .. 11 4 4 3 133 48 11 Green Island.. 10 4 5 1 154 50 9 High Schl. B.. 11 4 7 — 122 179 8 Zingari 10 3 7 53 209 6 Alhambra B 10 2 8 27 240 4 Kaikorai 9 1 8 — 325 2 Dunedin withdrew.

Pts Cup P. W. L. D. For. Agst Pts Athletic 3 3 0 0 42 21—6 Christian Bros. 3 2 1 0 56 27—4 Pacific 3 2 1 0 39 30—4 City 3 1 2 0 30 26—2 Kaikorai 3 1 2 0 32 55—2 Athletic B 3 0 3 0 30 70—0