FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3987, 12 August 1930, Page 20

FOOTBALL

RUGBY.

OTAGO FIXTURES. kugust 13.—Hawke’s Bay, at Dunedin, kv.gust 23.—South Canterbury, at Timaru (Charity Saturday). lugust 30.—Wellington, at Dunedin. September 6—Southland, at Dunedin September 13. —Payne Trophy, at Dunedin. September 13— North Otago, at Oamaru. September 20. —Canterbury, at Dunedin.

BRITISH TEAM’S TOUR.

FOURTH TEST MATCH. WON BY NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, August 9. Before a record crowd of over 40,000 persons New Zealand had a decisive victory in the fourth and last test against Britain this afternoon by 22 points to 8. The game was an exhilarating one from start to finish, with the New Zealand team attacking two-thirds of the time, and it was remarkable for the number of times the home forwards secured the ball, thus allowing Corner to set his backs going frequently. With the exception of brief spells in the first half and the opening 10 minutes of the second half the British forwards were defending, though it was not till fairly late in the game that the New Zealanders could be said to have the game well in hand.

Porter scored twice for New Zealand, Cooke twice, Batty and Strang once each, and Strang converted two tries. For Britain, Novis scored a magnificent try after cutting in, leaving the defence completely beaten, Parker kicked

a penalty goal

and Black converted Novis’s try. The British full-back, Bassett, had a lot of work to do and with one exception, when he was too far away to recover, and let Cooke in for a try, he proved himself a safe last line of defence.

M’Williams, M’Lean, and Porter worked wonders in the New Zealand pack, though every member of the team justified his inclusion. Corner, Lucas, Strang, and Cooke shone in the back division.

Spong was the best back on the field, and frequently had the defence puzzled with his swift, elusive runs. Murray and Bowcott played soundly, Murray being particularly enterprising in evading Porter’s attentions, and Novis, Aarvold. and Reeve made the most of what opportunities came their way. There was no doubt at all as to which was the better team.

Britain won the toss, and there was a thrill from the start when Porter kicked off and caught the ball on the rebound from one of the British forwards, whose comrades, however, packed round and a line out was formed on the halfway line. Britain hooke 1 the ball, and Murray passed to Spong, to Bowcott, Aarvold, and Reeve, who put in a short run and found the line a + New Zealand’s twentyfivefl Both forwards and backs however, combined in returning play to halfway, Lilburne and M’Williams being prominent. From the first set scrum Britain hooked the ball neatly, and when Spong received from Murray he got in one of his characteristic speedy runs, but was held up, and M’Lean and Cottrell headed a dribbling rush that took play back to halfway. M’Lean and M’Williams got the ball at their toes from a line out, but a genalty for offside play let Britain clear. Nepia allowed the ball to go over the line, thus giving his side a drop out from the twenty-five. Farrell got offside when the forwards ■were scrummaging in neutral territory, and Nepia found the line. From a scrummage Corner sold the dummy, and

though he was smothered by the British forwards he managed to send on to M’Williams, who forged ahead for a few yards and passed to Porter. New Zealand’s first try came when the latter hurled himself across the line. Nepia took the kick, but missed. New Zealand .. .. 3 points. Britain Nil. Within three minutes Britain had equalised. Murray and Spong combined well in an exchange of passes. Cooke intercepted and a scrum was formed. New Zealand was penalised, and Parker kicked a splendid goal from five yards inside New Zealand’s halfway. Britain 3 points. New Zealand .. .. 3 points. Scrumming followed until Porter stopped an attempted break away by Murray and Ivor Jones. Murray got offside. Nepia found the line well down, and from a scrum Corner was given the ball, passing out along the line to Cooke, who clapped on the pace and passed to Hart, but the latter was pushed out by Reeve. Again getting the ball, Corner worked the blind side and passed to Hart and M’Williams. For a spell the forwards dominated the contest, and play was concentrated near the British line. Eventually an infringement allowed Britain to clear. Strang, Lilburne, and Cooke handled in a passing bout and Cooke cut in. endeavouring to make an opening for Lucas. He lost possession, but Strang was handy and picked up and attempted to “ pot.” He missed, and Aarvold forced. Black and Beamish started a

rush by the British forwards, which gained 50 yards before Nepia stopped it. From a scrum in New Zealand’s twentyfive Murray sent the ball out along the line to Novis, but the latter’s pass was well intercepted by Nepia, who brought off a great save. Spong was prominent in evading Strang and Corner, but Porter headed a counter rush successfully beating off a tackle and passing on to Lucas and Cooke. The centre was clean away with Hart in support, when he was called back for an infringement, and New Zealand lost a practically certain try. Ivor-J ones secured from a scrum and broke away, supported by several forwards; but Porter and Lucas stopped the movement. Porter was penalised in a line out, and Parker missed another shot at goal. Corner set his line going. Lilburne cut in and sent a pass back to Strang, who went over for a great try. He missed with the kick. New Zealand .... 6 points. Britain 3 points.

Corner worked the blind side to advantage on several occasions, and New Zealand steadily gained ground until in a scrum not far from Britain’s line M’Lean was penalised, though he did not appear to be offside. Evidently some of the New Zealand forwards had some remarks to make about the ruling, for Porter was called up, and the referee had a brief but convincing chat with him.

O’Neill and Rew headed the British forwards in some hard work that took play to half way, and from here Corner passed out to Strang and Lilburne. The

latter short punted and accompanied Cooke in a fast follow-up that caught Bassett in possession. From the scrummaging that followed Corner, Batty,

Hore, and Lucas combined in a rush that ended in Britain forcing. For the remainder of the spell Britain was defending, and at the interval the score was New Zealand .. .. 6 points. Britain 3 points. Murray put the ball in motion in the second half, and the British for-

wards, following up quickly, gained a good deal of. ground until Corner took a neat mark and found the line. Britain secured from a scrum, and the ball went out along the line to Reeve, who

was held up, and Aarvold, who was in support, was smothered by Cooke. Murray went through the pack in a solo effort, but lost possession. A hot British attack ended when Murray was penalised, and Nepia found the line well up.

Lilburne, Cooke, and Lucas started a passing rush, which ended well in British teritory. A scrum formed, and the ball again came along the line to Cooke, who sent out a long pass to Hart, cutting out Lilburne. Hart was collared, but in the scrummaging that followed the ball was kicked over Britain’s line, and Cooke produced a great turn of speed to win the race for possession and score well out amidst wild enthusiasm. Strang’s kick missed. New Zealand .. .. 9 points. Britain 3 points. Play went at an even greater pace after the kick off. From a lineout, after a great kick by Bassett, a British forward kicked high, and Nepia was tacked by Rew, who had followed up quickly. Both Nepia and Rew were hurt, but the game did not stop for some minutes. A scrum was formed, and from here the ball was sent along the line to Novis, who had come in to centre, Aarvold having taken the wing position. Novis cut in beautifully, and left the defence completely beaten. He ran 40 yards for a splendid try, and scored und'er the posts. Black converted. New Zealand .. .. 9 points. Britain 8 points. Three minutes later New Zealand scored again. Aarvold fielded Porter's kick off and found the line. From the line out Corner secured the ball and sent out a beautiful pass to Lucas just as the British forwards were breaking through. Lucas performed a similar feat to that of Nicholls in the third test and

cross-kicked. Unfortunately for Britain Bassett fumbled, and before the backs in support could retrieve the mistake Cooke had come up, kicked across the line, followed up, and scored. Strang converted. New Zealand .. 14 points. Britain 8 points. Play was held up for a few minutes when Spong hurt his thumb. The next sensation came when Corner brought off a wonderful save after Beamish, Rew, Farrell, and Welsh had broken through to New Zealand’s twenty-five. Spong was again hurt, and took some time to recover from the effects of a kick on the thigh. Murray evaded Porter and Corner in coming round the scrum, and punted over Nepia’s head. Lucas took the ball on the bounce and was smothered in goal as he forced. The British forwards were playing much better at this stage. Aarvold was given the ball on the blind side, and cross-kicked, but New Zealand just managed to force in time. Strang, Lilburne, Cooke, and Lucas handled, the two lastnamed inter-passing until Lucas was pushed out. From the line out Cooke had a shot at goal, but missed. Porter scored a~ wonderful try when he secured from about 10 yards out, and dodging through to the line hurled himself over with two defenders hanging on to him. Strang converted. New Zealand .. 19 points. Britain .. .. .. 8 points. Lucas was penalised for obstruction, and Parker took another kick at goal and

missed by very little. Novis attempted a “ pot,” but. it was well astray. Britain won applause when Ivor Jones secured

from a scrum and passed to Spong, Reeve, and Novis, all of whom inter-passed at top speed and took play in a flash to the New Zealand line, where a heap of New

Zealand and British players went over the line together. A scrum was ordered, and Porter and Corner cleared to the twenty-five. Seven minutes before time Lucas hurt his knee, and though he carried on he was limping badly. He changed wings with Hart, but was immediately faced with the task of bringing Reeve down after the British line had handled from Spong to Bowcott and Reeve. A trick kick from a penalty after Porter had got offside failed to produce results, Porter smothering the movement at its start.

The ball was kicked through to Bassett. The full-back ran up and passed to Novis and Aarvold, the last-named being pushed out on New Zealand’s twenty-five line. Corner and Cooke followed up a short punt and caught Bassett in possession. A lin» out was formed, and M’Williams, Batty, Lucas, and again Batty handled in quick succession, Batty going over for a try which Strang did not convert. New Zealand .. 22 points. Britain 8 points.

A series of line outs saw New Zealand gain ground. M’Lean went over the line with several British players on top of him. A scrum was ordered, and time called with New Zealand still hammering on the line, the final score being: New Zealand .. 22 points. Britain .8 points.

The crowd stormed the field when the players were walking off, and several of them were “ chaired.” There was wild cheering long after the teams had reached their dressing rooms, and the scene was

tone of the most enthusiastic ever .vit ncssed at Athletic Park. Guided by wireless megaphones the crowd dispersed slowly, but in an orderly way, and for more than an hour afterwards was streamiii;. down the various roads leading from the park.

SCENES IN THE PARK.

CROWD ESTIMATED AT 42,000. WELLINGTON, August 10. If all the motor vehicles brought into use to convey the public to and from Athletic Park on Saturday were placed in procession, allowing 20 feet for each car, they would have made a line approximately 25 miles in length. Their passengers probably accounted for about a quarter of the vast crowd which witnessed the final test match. The traffic department's tally, taken by experienced men, was 6180 motor vehicles of all kinds, and the estimated number of spectators 42,000. At 6.30 o’clock on Saturday morning at the main gates, some 50 people had formed the head of the queue, which was to swell to great dimensions later. A few of them had been there since 4 o’clock, they said, and they were seated on boxes or sacks, and were making breakfasts of sandwiches, etc., with the aid of thermos flasks. The gates of the park were opened at 9 o’clock and the large crowd then assembled soon took up their places for a four or five hours’ wait. Apart from those who gained admission, there were probably 4000 or 5000 people who occupied “ free seats ” on the banks and hillsides around the park, and on roofs of houses and similar points of vantage. At Wellington South School the playground was thrown open by the School Committee for parking purposes at a fee of Is, in charge of Scouts, and the committee will reap about £lO as a result. The grounds of the Lewisham Hospital were similarly used, and also numerous vacant sections.

Of course, there were many early birds who took something other than flasks of

tea, and bottles were dropped in any convenient corner or under the staging. Boys with an eye to business were soon going round with sacks collecting, several lads securing full sacks, which they slung over their shoulders and carried away to turn into cash at bottle stores at a penny each Hundreds of spectators carried benzine cases, etc., into the park to use as seats or stands, and abandoned them at the close of the game There was also a great rush for these, one lad being smart enough to have a good-sized truck in readiness, and he secured enough firewood for weeks to come. Due, no doubt, to the influx ot some 12,000 outside visitors for the Rugby test Wellington ran out of bread on Saturday, and housewives who delayed purchasing their week-end supplies until a late hour, found it imposisble to purchase supplies.

VISITORS ENTERTAINED.

A FAREWELL DINNER. WELLINGTON, August 10 The gathering at which the British team was entertained to dinner by the New Zealand Rugby Union w-s one of the most memorable of its kind, as except for the visit to Nelson, it was the final function of the tour, and practically a farewell to the visitors. Parliament was represented by the Prime Minister (Mr G. W., Forbes), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr J. G. Coates), the Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H. E. Holland), the Minister of Native Affairs (Sir Apirana Ngata), and the Speaker (Sir Charles Statham), who is also the president of the New Zealand Football Association. A Potable feature of the gatherinc was the remarkable number of members of All Black teams from 1903 onwards who have represented New Zealand in the Dot minion and in overseas tours, together with members of old British teams which have toured New Zealand in years gone by. Among these latter was Mr Munro, who captained the first representative team to visit New Zealand In 1870. Then came Mr Harding, leader of the British team of 1900, Mr J. Kis'ick whn captained the Army team, and Dr P. M'Eyedy, who was in the Harding 1904 team and the Anglo-Welsh team of 1907.

The old All Blacks were: G. Nicholson (1903-5), E. E. Booth (1905-7) F. Roberts (1905), W. J. Wallace (1903-5), J. Hunter (1905), J. Corbett (1905), “Mona” Thompson (1905), A. M’Donald (1905), E. Roberts (1913). There were also present the following of the 1920 teams and later:—H. E. Nicholson. J. S. Svenson, A. E. Bellis, M. Brownlie, J. Tilyard, J. H. Parker, B. M'Cleary, H. Brown, B. _ Algar, J. Moffitt, and those who were in the New Zealand team on Saturday, including C. G. Porter. Porter announced that he had brought his representative career, which has been a memorable one, to a close that day, as he would be playing no more. Dr J. G. Adams, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, presided, Mr James Baxter, the manager of the British team, being on his right, and F. D. Prentice, the captain, on his left. Next to him was Porter, captain of the New Zealand team, and in front of the two captains were an All Black and a British kewpie wearing the respective colours. It was the last opportunity they would have, said the president, of hearing the toast of the British team, and while congratulating the New Zealand team on its meritorious victory, he congratulated the British team upon its wonderful solid fight in such a hard game, and both teams upon the fine spirit displayed. While they were proud that New Zealand had gained the honours in the series of test matches, they were conscious oi the fact that they could not have had a better team or a better lot of sportsmen than the British team. Their visitors would appreciate in such a young country how difficult was the task of management and arrangement of such a tour with a maximum of comfort and a minimum amount of travelling in order that they might have a chance of seeing some of the splendid rivers, bush and mountain scenery, and the thermal regions. The chairman then mentioned the presence of the captains of old British teams, and members of old All Black teams, all ot whom were accorded musical honours. The Prime Minister said he had played the game a little in his younger days. . He had been asked the difference between

the game as played in the old days and now; and the only thing in common was that they played with the same sort of ball. It had improved tremendously, and was much faster, and if the speed was increased much more the players would require wings. On their return the Britisn players would be able to say how the games attracted interest and, whether played ir. town or country, drew people for miles around who wished to see the British team in action. The team's spirit had been that which had made the name of Britain in the past in all branches of sport. Each team could feel that it was a great game and that there was no disgrace in not being able to put up a majority of points. Dr M’Evedy spoke of the mission of the British team apart from the sporting aspects of the tour. The British team had played the game on and off the field, and was the most popular team which had ever visited New Zealand, playing an open game whether winning or losing. He was sure that inestimable benefit would i be derived from the tour. The toast was enthusiastically honoured Mr Baxter first expressed regret at the injury to Mark Nicholls and other New Zealand players. He went on to say: “ Your forwards to-day were magnificent, and I take my hat off and give you full marks for the splendid way in which you showed how the game is played.' Whether a game was won or lost mattered very little eo long as it was played as it should be played. He urged them to continue to play the rame according to the rules laid down in the Old Country Before leaving he would like to express the most grateful thanks of the British team for all that the Rugby Union and the people of New Zealand had done for them. The travelling had been somewhat severe, but it was part and parcel of the tour. If they had been regarded as missioners, he hoped they had fulfilled their mission. They hoped to be equally good missionaries for New Zealand when they reached Home again.— (Applause.) The toast of “The New Zealand Team " was proposed by Mr Prentice, who congratulated the All Blacks upon their magnificent and decisive victory that day. If there was any excuse for the British team, perhaps he would put it down to the wonderful entertainment they had received while in New Zealand. * “ We much enjoyed the game this afternoon,”

he said, and I hope you will eay that- we lost it decently.” Porter’s name was coupled with the toast. The New Zealand captain agreed that it had been a hard and strenuous game. The All Blacks had appreciated the sporting, way in which the British team had played. The New Zealand team had had to go hard to win. “ This is my last game for New Zealand ” said Mr Porter “ I have had a long career in Rugby football, and this is a very happy ending io my career.”

Mr C. D. Aarvold proposed the toast of ‘The Referee,” and Mr Sutherland responded, congratulating both teams, and especially the British team, upon the way in which it accepted the verdict. He would cherish the memories of that game for many years to come.

VALUE OF THE TOUR.

BENEFICIAL TO THE GAME. WELLINGTON, August 10. The great interest taken in the visit of the British Rugby team has resulted in record attendances in the various centres. Questioned regarding the profits of the tour, Mr S. S. Dean (chairman of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union) said the actual amount would not be known until all the returns had been received from the various unions. At the present time he would not like to make a forecast. The profits would be spent in helping the various unions to purchase and improve grounds. It was very apparent from the type of play adopted by the present British team, proceeded Mr Dean, that they had profited by the experiences gained from the visit of the 1924 All Blacks to Great Britain. The present combination played a type of football very different from that which was encountered by the 3924 team. During that tour the great strength

of nearly every team the All Blacks played against lay in the forwards, whom they found hard and tight scrummagers, and particularly good in the art of dribbling. The present British team had developed an open style of play similar to that of New Zealand teams. With reference to the rulings of the game, Mr Dean said that Mr James Baxter (manager of the British team), in his various speeches, lin'd made it quite clear that the International Board was prepared to consider the request made by the overseas dominions for representation on an Imperial body, yet to be established. The conditions laid down were that the various unions must first of all give their assurance that they would adopt the rules and rulings of the Imperial body. This now placed the onus upon the various unions affiliated to the New Zealand Union to fall in line if such representation were desired. Personally, he thought the opportunity should be accepted. It, was his intention to recommend to delegates at the next annual meeting of the New Zealand Union that they should accept the position, and so obtain a seat on the representative body to be formed. He thought it would be agreed by all that the games played during the present tour had produced first-class exhibitions of Rugby' and had also proved that the game was fast enough for the.’players. Provided the recommendation was-adopted by the delegates to the New Zealand Union, it meant that the international rules would have a general application throughout the Dominion. He felt confident, judging by the expressions heard at the last annual meeting of delegates and discussions with members of various unions throughout the Dominion, that the recommendation would be Carried.

“ The present tour of the British team should prove of great benefit to Rugby throughout New Zealand,” said Mr Dean. “ They have proved a very popular combination, and their sporting style of play has won the well-deserved, ap-

proval of the Dominion’s Rugby enthusiasts.” Every facility had been given to the British team to see as much of the Dominion as possible. To the Maori race particularly he would like to express his appreciation of what they had done in the way of entertaining the visitors. Members of the British team highly appreciated the kind interest taken in them by the Maoris. A review of the tour of the British team through New Zealand would be made at a later date.

RESULTS TO DATE.

The British team has now played 20 matches, having won 14 and lost 6. It has scored 379 points, while 192 have been registered against it. The following are details of the matches played: < May 21—v. Wanganui, won. 19—3. May 24—v. Taranaki, won, 23—7. May 28—v. Wairarapa-Bush, won 19—6. May 31—v. Manawhenua, won, 34 —8. June 3—v. Wellington, lost, B—l2.8 —12. June 7—v Canterbury, lost, B—l 4. June 11—v. Buller-West Coast, won 34—11. June 14—v. Otago, won, 33 —9. June 21—v. New Zealand, won, 6 —3. June 25 —v. Southland, won, 9 —3. June 28 —v. North Otago-South Canter-bury-Ashburton. won. 16—9. July s—v. New Zealand, lost, 10—13. July 9—v. Maoris, won 19—13. July 12—v. Hawke’s Bay, won, 14—3. July 16—v. East Coast-Poverty Bay, won 25—11. July 19—v. Auckland, lost 6—19. July 26—v. New Zealand, lost 10 —15.

July 30—v. North Auckland, won 2S-5. August 2—v. Waikato, won 40—1 G. August 9—v. New Zealand, lost 8—22.

NORTH AUCKLAND MATCH, WHANGAREI, August~s. The official figures give the attendance at the. Britain-North Auckland match as 7535. The gate takings totalled £930. Both figures are a record for the district.

RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH.

OTAGO OVERWHELMED. INVERCARGILL, August 6. The Otago team was soundly trounced forward and back at Rugby Park this afternoon. In the first spell the Otago men never once got to the Maroons’ line, and in the second they could not hold their position when they did get to Southland territory. The ground was in good older and there was a bright sun most of the afternoon, with hardly a breath of wind. The weather conditions were, therefore, favourable to a good exhibition of the game, and it was left to the Maroons to give it. The Maroon forwards played with great dash from start to finish, and at times they simply burst through the Otago pack and started dribbling. How they managed to beat the Otago vanguard in this manner is hard to explain. Otago was fielding the heaviest pack sent to Southland for some years, but it could not hold its opponents. With the Otago forwards generally under pressure, the Maroon back were able to make plenty of play, and it must be said that they quite outplayed the Otago backs, who had little method in attack, and time and again also failed to anticipate or check the attack of the Southland backs. It must be admitted that not one of the Otago backs showed to advantage. Loder, however, tried hard to get the ball away, but generally his forwards failed to hold' the Maroon forwards off him, or Laing fumbled. The score shows sufficiently well what happened to Otago, and if ehe is to win in her matches against the northern visiting teams.the Otago selectors will have to make several changes both ’ n the backs and in the forwards. If the Shield holders can reproduce the form they showed against Otago this afternoon they will take some beating in their other matches with outside teams. Sonntag played his usual honest game for Otago, and strove hard in the line outs to get the ball. His throw back

from the line outs to Loder in an attempt to start the Blue backs was not generally successful, the Southland forwards breaking through too quickly. As a matter of fact, there appeared to be a distinct weakness in the Otago forward play both in the scrums and the line outs. In the scrums it seemed as if the Otago pack was breaking up too quickly, anc thus letting the Maroon forwards through. Stichbury and Allen were about the pick of the other forwards. C. George, M'Kenzie, Purdue, Metcalfe, and Galt were a quintet of Southland forwards who put plenty of dash into their P‘ay, but for that matter every Maroon forward was right on his game. Holden played a sound game behind the scrum, varying his play nicely on attack and promg as solid as ever in defence. Webb, whose weight was given at 13st in the guide, came on when Sharpe was hurt, and his bursts, head thrown back, along the side line quite electrified the crowd. Hie teams were as follow:— OTAGO. (Dark Blue.) Backs.

Full-back—S. Faulks 12.5. Three-quarters.—J. Proctor 12.0, A, Stewart 9.7. D. F. Lindsav 13.7’. I^Fivc-eighths.—L. Giles ’12.0, R. Laing Half-back.—G. Loder 11.4. Forwards. J. Stitchbury 13.0, R. Souter 12.8, J. Jackson 14.7, C. Sonntag (captain) 14.0, E. Collett 13.0, J. Allen 12.8, L. Carnegie 13.9, C. Finlayson 13.9. SOUTHLAND. (Maroon.) Backs. Full-back.—W. H. Norris 11.0. Three-quarters.—E. H. Diack 11.7, G. I orter (captain) 12.4. J. H. Geddes 12.4. Five-eighths.—L. Niven 11.0 and R. Sharpe 11.4. Half-back.—A. H. Holden 10.0. Forwards. L. George 13.3, C. George 13.6, H. M Kenzie 13.7, I. Galt 14.7, G. Purdue 14.3, T. Metcalfe 13.3, W. Southern 13.8, R. Bell, 12.6. At half-time the score was : Southland 13 points Otago Nil The final whistle showed the score : Southland 37 points. Otago 5 points. Mr J. Collins, of Christchurch, was the referee.

RESULTS OF ALL MATCHES.

The following table show’s the results of all Ranfurly Shield matches played since its award to Auckland as New’ Zealand champions of 1902. In that year Lord Ranfurly, then Governor of New Zetaland, presented the shield to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union for interprovincial competition, and as Auckland had defeated Canterbury, Wellington, and Taranaki, it was decided to give Auckland the honour of being the first holders. It was not until 1904, however, that the first challenge game was played, Auckland losing its first game to Wellington, by six points to three. Since 1904 101 challenge games have been played, the Southland-Wairarapa game at Carterton last season, when Southland annexed the shield for the second time, marking the centenary challenge. Unions which have held the shield are:—Auckland. Wellington. Taranaki, Southland, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Manawhenua, and Canterbury. LIST OF HOLDERS. 1902-1904 Auckland. 1904- Wellington. 1905- Auckland. 1913- Taranaki. 1914- Wellington. 1920- Southland. 1921- Wellington. 1922- Hawke’s Bay. 1927 Wairarapa. (won on protest) 1927 Manawahcnua. 1927-1928 Canterbury. . 1928-1929 Wairarapa. 1929-1930 Southland. 1930 Southland.

HAWKE’S BAY DEFEATS NORTH AUCKLAND.

HASTINGS, August 6. Before 2000 people on Nelson Park, Hawke’s Bay defeated North Auckland by 27 points to 17 points in a game full of thrills and spectacular movements, the second spell being one long series of sensations. The final score was : Hawke’s Bay .. .. 27 points. North Auckland .. 17 points.

TARANAKI DEFEAT WAIKATO.

HAMILTON, August 6. In an exciting encounter, which, despite the slippery nature of the ball and the greasy conditions, was fast and open, Taranaki defeated Waikato by 17 points to. 11 points. There was no score up to right on the call of half time, when Hunt landed a beautiful kick from the field to hoist the first points of an interesting match. It was a hard and fast game in which both sets of backs gave a good account of themselves, and on occasions delighted the crowd with sparkling passing bouts, in which, despite the slippery ball, the handling was sound. The first spell was in the visitors’ favour, with Taranaki to the fore in the first quarter of the second spell.

CANTERBURY v. WANGANUI.

THE MATCH ABANDONED. CHRISTCHURCH, August 6. The Rugby match between Canterbury and Wanganui, set down for to-day, has been abandoned owing to the flood. The Wanganui team will return to-night.

ST. ANDREW’S BEATS M’GLASHAN.

The annual Rugby match between M'Glashan College and St. Andrew’s College (Christchurch), which was played on the Tahuna Park No. 3 ground on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in a win for

. the visitors by 14 points to 11. St. Andrew’s played with plenty of dash in the first half, in which all their points were scored, and the backs combined in some good movements. The home backs saw little of the ball, and the side was usually on defence. In the second spell M'Glashan played with greater vigour, and put on 11 points, while the visitors failed to score. The handling of the St. Andrew's backs was faulty, and the home forwards frequently broke into their movements. The ground was in surprisingly good order after the recent heavy rain. The visitors were well served by their full-back (Jamieson), Camm on the wing, and J. S. Wilson (five-eighth), M'Kenzie. the wing-forward, also being prominent For the home side W. Thomson (fiveeighth) and M'Kenzie, behind the serum, were outstanding. The teams took the field as folloivs:— ST. ANDREW’S: 5 (Royal Blue). • Full-back, Jamieson. Three-quarters — Stevenson, Brown, Damm. Five-eighths, J. S. Wilson, Parsons. Half-back, Judson. Forwards —Monk, F. J. Wilson, Symes, * Ballantyne, Monson, Ensor, Crawford, M'Kenzie. M'GLASHAN. (Red,-Yellow, and Blue). Full-back, Scoular. .' Three-quarters—R. Thomson, E. Stevenson, B. Stevenson. ■ Five-eighths, Anderson, W. Thomson. Half-back, M'Kenzie. Forwards — Burnside, Ross. Begg, Brookfield, Chisholm, Lee, Bell, Smith.

COUNTRY MATCHES.

MANIOTOTO-VINCENT v TUAPEKAWESTERN DISTRICTS. A DRAWN GAME. When these two teams came out the ground in places had been well churned up, and it was rather remarkable how the play buhg in the bad patches. The game ended in a draw; —no score-r-and this about indicated" the''merits of the two sides. The Green forwards’ 'were more than holding their own towards the end of the game—which was played in 35 minute spells—but the" Colours’ backs went down to the loose rushes in great style. The outstanding players were R. M'Skimming, J. Redding, A. Lawry, R. Aitchison. J. M'Pherson, L. Manuel, Lischner, Turnbull, Cavanagh, and MTntosh. The Colours had the keener and cleverer backs, and had the ground been dry the Tuapeka-Western Districts team would have proved a hard proposition. The teams were as follow:—

Maniototo-Vincent (colour, Green). — Full-back, G. Hesson 12.0; three-quarter backs —R. M'Skimming 12.4, F. Donnelly 11.10, J. Leask 12.10; five-eighths, Churchill 11.10. H. M'Skimming 12.0; halfback. Cameron 10.0; forwards—Clark 12.7, Pringle 12.10, A. Lawry 12.5, P. Moran 12.10. W. Clouston 13.3, J. Donnelly 13.0, J. Redding 13.10, Dougherty, 12.6. Tuapeka-Western Districts (colours. Blue and White). —Full-back, Lischner; three-quarter backs —R. Aitchison, S. Macdonald, J. M'Pherson; five-eighths, D. Manuel and L. Manuel; half-back. J. Marsh; forwards—J. Cavanagh. M'lntosh, Miller, S. Ottrey. Turnbull, Bayley, A. Patterson, R. Olliver. The greens played from the St. Clair end and after a period of even play AitchiiPul: * n a llard ground kick, and Al Pherson, on the opposite wing also broke through with hard ground kicking, Hesson saving in fine style. Even play in™ at - t,le centre - and then Turnbull, R Olliver. and Patterson were in front of a good dribbling rush, which went to the Greens’ twenty-five, a free kick pulling up the movement. Marsh then started his backs in a likely looking movement, but Macdonald dropped his pass. Ihe Colours’ forwards went through with a dribbling rush, but F. Donnelly stopped the movement and kicked M‘Phe~--son getting the line at midfield. ’ A delay occurred while the referee removed some mud from a player’s eye. F. Donnelly gamed ground with a penalty kick, and the Greens went to the attack, R M'Ski nming forcing the Colours with ‘a hard kick. Both sides indulged in hard ground kiCKing. and some desperate scrummages. took place m the soft spot in front of ne grand stand, with little advantage to ® al ’® r ™ de ; Tle , 9 0,0nrs ’ inside backs were emitter and keener on their play aXolfc 9’ reen i nside backs - Loash a break tnrough on the left win.- but Lischner secured and got the line.” There was no .spell at half time, and the 2-'°l Ur<3 had tke of the P l na y . 1 n® Green forwards were breakJhrough past the Colours’ twenty-five when L. Manuel went down on the ball and stopped the movement. The attack went on, and after a scramble the Colours forced. Loose forward play ended at the .. Greens twenty-five, but hard ground kicking by J. Donnelly and Clark shifted play back, Lischner gathering in the ball And kicking .to the line in good style. Lischner was called on to save hie side immediately after. He picked up the greasy ball, made a dash through several of the defenders, and carried play to the Greens’ twenty-five. The Green for- . wards were now breaking away from the serums, but Marsh-. and L. Manuel were going down on the ball and checking the attack. The play hung at the muddy patch in front of the stand, and some desperate scrumming took place. R. M'Skimming stopped a rush by the Colours’ forwards with a clever ' mark, and the backs exchanged high kicks. The kicking of the backs was not, however, directed to saving their forwards, and they could not, moreover, restrain themselves from putting the ball over the side line when it would have paid them better ~to keep it in play. In the closing stages of the game the Greens had the Colours . under pressure, but they could not hold them at their twenty-five. J. Donnelly then led a dangerous-looking rush to the Colours’ line. Lischner saving in the nick of time.. The Greens came again, and the Colours forced. The game ended shortly after with play in neutral territory.

Mr H. C. Williamson made a judicious referee, letting the game “ run on,” and ignoring trifling infringements.

EASTERN DISTRICTS BEAT SOUTH OTAGO. ...

As could be expected on such a sodder ground, the game between Eastern Districts and South Otago, won by the former by 12 pouts to 5, consisted mainly of forward scrambles. The forwards were evenly matched, and played with plenty of dash,, the backs in most cases kicking to the line when they gamed possession. Eastern -Districts, whose score included two penalty goals, had the better of the play in the second half, the superiority of their inside backs, Murray and Guthrie, being mainly responsible for their win. There was, however, not a great deal between the teams, both of which frequently made the mistake of kicking to the open. The teams took the field as follows:— Eastern Districts (Black). —Full-back, B. Ward 11.0; three-quarter backs—N. Wright 11.6, G. Morrison 10.10, W. Hanna 11.0; five-eighths, S. Guthrie 9.10. A. Murray 11.10; half-back, L. Perriam 11.2; forwards—R. Ellison 11.10, O’Connell 11.8, E. Lonie 12.1. C. Sutherland 13.5. A. Crossan -12.6, Aitpheson 13.0, I. Lang 12.4, W. Quinn 12.10. South Otago (Royal Blue and White). — Full-back, T. Kitching; three-quarter backs—A. Middlemass. E. Booth, L. Muir; five-eighths, A. M. Miller, H. Jackman; half-back, A. Woodhead; forwards—H. Barnett, A. Hansen. B. Harraway. K. M'lntosh, E. Wilson, J. Garden, E. Richardson, G. Jones.

Eastern Districts attacked immediately after their kick off, but they were soon -driven back into their own territory. The Blacks took the offensive aga n with a series of line kicks, but Jackman led a return rush. Then Murray and Aitcheson carried the ball over South Otago’s line, and a force down resulted. Play went up and own the field in a series of forward rushes. Guthrie and Murray broke through when the South Otago backs fumbled, and Lonie carried on to within a few yards of the line. Middlemass, however, speculated and followed up to send the ball out nearly at halfway. M'lntosh led a forward rush for the Blue tnd Whites, who attempted passing without success. They were well inside the Blacks’ twenty-five when they were driven back by a free kick. They quickly took the

offensive again, but a hard kick enabled the Blacks to force. Rumbling by the South Otago backs let the Blacks through. There was a scramble on the line, and the Blacks were awarded a penalty, Sutherland kicking a goal. Eastern Districts 3, South Otago nil. Shortly afterwards Miller miskicked, and the ball went towards the wing. Middlemass went through with the ball at his toes. Just before he reached the line he was obstructed, and the referee awarded a penalty try. Wilson converted. South Otago 5, Eastern Districts 3. Play centred round halfway for a time at the beginning of the second spell. A‘ penalty put the Blacks on attack, ind lifter a scramble the ball was carried over the line, and Guthrie fell on it to score. The kick was charged down. Eastern Districts 6, South Otago 5. South Otago then took a turn on attack, but they were driven back by a scries of kicks. Murray led a rush almost to the line, where South Otago was awarded a penalty. Guthrie regaining most of the lost ground. Play returned to halfway, where Guthrie punted down the centre of the field. Murray following up and taking the ball over at ’.is toes to beat the Blue and Whites and score. Sutherland’s kick failed. Eastern Districts 9, South Otago 5. A minute later Sullivan succeeded in goaling from a free kick. The game ended shortly afterwards with the scores: — Eastern Districts .. 12 points. South Otago .. .. 5 points. Mr J. Hayes was the referee. '

CITY v. COUNTRY.

FAST BUT RAGGED GAME. The country team which met a Metropolitan side at Tahuna Park on Thursday lacked, naturally enough, combination but nevertheless their backs joined up in one or two good passing movements in. the second spell, and they registered a well-deserved win by 14 points to 3 points. The Metropolitan rearguard, on 'the other hand, also did not function very often, and when the Blue backs did make an attacking move they had to. face deadly tackling which broke up the thrust very quickly.. It was noticeable, moreover, that one country tackler was generally sufficient to stop an opponent—two or three were not required, as is sometimes

the case in bigger' football. . The country forwards played with any amount of dash, but they were inclined to kick too bard in the loose work, and give the other side possesion. Their hooking from tbe scrums was not as clean as that of the city players. On the afternoon, however, they showed themselves a hard-working, determined pack, fast to the ball, and they kept • the opposition very busy all the time. It may be added that the country backs a'so kicked too hard, and gave the other side the ball. If they really had to part with the ball the short punt or grubber kick, particularly against the wind, would have paid better. One or. two of the country backs kicked when they had a player in support. The strong south-west wind interfered with the game very materially, and helped to prevent concerted movements.

Ward fielded the ball well in the air, but was not so good when the ball was coming to him on the ground. M'Pherson was shaping well at wing threequarter, but when Perriam was hurt he whs brought into scrum half, and was not quite so comfortable in his new position. L. Manuel was then the first five-eighth. R. M'Skimming second, Churchill centre, and Lischner went to wing three-quarter. The find of the afternoon was H. M'Skimming, wing three-quarter. He was reported to be playing good football in Maniototo. and he played a sound game in his match on Tuesday. Yesterday he proved himself to be a determined runner, hard to stop, and when stopped got back into the play again, and his tackling left nothing to be desired. He scored two tries by going straight and hard for the line. The other backs were very sound in defence, and they tried more than once in the second spell to open up the play, making good progress at times. Sutherland, Lawry, Hansen (quite a youth), and Clark were a particularly solid quartet of workers. The teams were as follow:— Metropolitan Team.—Full-back, Titchener; three-quarters—L. Griffen. Ross, M'Cullough; five-eighths, Ewart. Haughton; half-back, Prebble; forwards—Lucy, Garside. Matheson, Watts, Niven, Milne, Peacock. Fitzgerald.

Combined Country Team.— Full-back, Ward (Eastern District); three-quarters —H. M'Skimming (Maniototo), Lischner (Western District), M'Pherson (Western

District) ; five-eighths, Churchill (Maniototo), Manuel (Tapanui); half-back. Perriam (Eastern District); forwards — Clark (Maniototo), Hansen (South Otago), Millar (Western District), Sutherland (Eastern District). Clouston (Vincent), Lawry (Vincent), Patterson (Tuapeka), Aitchison (Western District). The Metropolitan team (blues) had the advantage in the first spell of the wind, but the Greens at once attacked, Titchener being collared under his goal posts. M'Pherson held his’side in position with a good line kick, but then Ross kicked high and the ball went out at the other end of the field. The Blue backs tried passing, but the Greens stopped the movement with solid tackling. Haughton forced the Greens with a hard kick, and Millar showed up in a good run to the halfway flag and relieved the pressure on the Greens’ line. The ball was dribbled past Griffen, and in a scramble.Perriam picked up and scored. Sutherland missed the goal kick, 3—nil. Twice Manuel got the ball in passing, and twice he kicked against the strong wind instead of passing. Ross forced the Greens again with a hard kick, and Watts was collared on the line at tbe end of passing. A free kick helped the Greens, and then Perriam -was hurt and R. M'Skimming came on. H. M'Skimming made a dash along his right-wing, and the Greens set up a desperate attack, the Blues forcing. Titchener showed up in a run and passed to Peacock. A serum was formed and Prebble. passed to Fitzgerald on the short side, the latter dashing through to score a good try. 3 —3. The half time whistle then sounded.

Assisted by the wind, the Greens quickly attacked, and from a scrum M'Pherson passed to Churchill, the ball then going to H. M'Skimming. who made a strong dash and scored. The kick at goal missed 6—3. Hansen broke through along his right side line and from a serum M'Pherson gave a short pass to H. M'Skimming on the blind side, the Maniototo player scoring his second try with a strong run. Sutherland missed the goal kick. 9 —3. The Blues now had a turn at attack, and twice they joined up in good passing movements, but they could not quite pierce the defence. On tbe second occasion Whitts was caught near the Greens’ line. The Greens came again, and Lischner passed to Manuel, who was thrown at his

left corner. From tight play in the opposite corner, M'Pherson sent out smartly to Millar, who scored, Sutherland kicking a fine goal. The final whistle then went. Country Team ... .. .. 14 points. Metropolitan Team .. 3 points. Mr A. M'Gregor was the referee.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES.

DUNEDIN. ALHAMBRA AND KAIKORAI LEVEL. As the results of the senior Rugby matches on Saturday left Kaikorai and Alhambra level at the head of the com petition, they will play off on Saturday next to decide the winner of the flag. Alhambra defeated University B by 8 points to 3, and Kaikorai had a decisive win over Pirates by 26 points to 7. lhe leading.teams, each have 22 points, and University A has third place in the competition with 20. Southern has shown improved form during the season, and takes fourth place with 19 points. The results of the matches were as follow: —

POSITION OF TEAMS

The following are the positions of the teams engaged in the senior competition:

KAIKORAI v. PIRATES. Their backs showing better combination than in any previous match this season, Kaikorai beat Pirates at Logan Park by 26 points to 7 in a game which was generally interesting, and in which the teams strove to make the play open Though Kaikorai led at the end of the first spell, there was little between the teams, but Kaikorai had much the better of the second half, in which the backs went well together. Pirates received a good share of the ball, but except on one occasion Giles was collared when he cut in, the backs frequently failing through going too far on their own. Kaikorai p.ayed well as a side, and mistakes were tar less frequent than . in previous matches. . Watte (Kaikorai) and Smith (Pirates) played particularly good games in the forwards Barber scored no fewer than 1/ of Kaikorai’s points. An exchange of kicks followed Kaikorai s kick off, Pirates being the first to attack. The Blue and Blacks soon launched a counter movement, which His.op stopped by marking in good style. Kaikorai kept up the pressure, however, until they were penalised, and then the Blacks held the territorial advantage for a time, the backs joining in movements which aid not gain much ground. Then Giles lost a possible score when he went too far with Fraser outside him. Giles kicked after further passing, and Barber was caught in possession. Easton picked up. but kicked over the line, and enabled Kaikorai to force. The Blue and Blacks had a brief spell on attack, and then .Fitzgerald sent , his backs-away, in a passing rush which gained a long stretch of ground. _ The Pirates backs secured again well inside the Kaikorai twenty-five, but another good chance was lost when Giles sent out a bad pass. Eventually Kaikorai forced. Then the Blue and Black forwards set up a hot attack, and Barber succeeded with a penalty shot from well out. Kaikorai 3, Pirates nil. Kaikorai was soon on attack, however, mainly as the result of a speculator by Lucy. Botting secured from a serum a couple of yards from the line and dived across to score, Barber converting. Kaikorai 8, Pirates nil. Fraser, Milne, and Hook started a good rush for Pirates, the backs carrying bn, and tue ball going out at the corner. The Blacks remained on attack, until Perry picked up when Fraser missed a pass, and ran to the twenty-five before kicking. Johnston fol-

lowed up fast, and kicked over the line, Walker just getting to the ball in time to force.’ Pirates returned to the attack, and remained on the offensive until half time.

. Pirates started passing on the resumption, but Easton could not hold his pass. The ball swung the other way, and Fraser made a bold bid for the line. Fitzgerald carried on when the winger was collared ? and a scrum was formed a couple ot yards from the line. Kaikorai was penalised, and Walker failed with a shot from right in front of the goal. Barber had gone up to centre and M'Farlane had taken his place at full-back. Bouterey sent his backs away with a beautiful pass, and Giles cut in in great style to send on to Hislop, to Fraser. The lastnamed lost the ball, but recovered it, and scored at the corner. Walker’s kick failed. Kaikorai 8 points, Pirates 3 points. Johnston ran round behind a scrum, and weak tackling let him through the Pirates backs. He lost the ball, but Kaikorai kept up the pressure. . Ross broke through weak tackling again, and passed, to Watte, who transferred to. Perry, the last-named scoring in a good position. Barber converted. Kaikorai’ 13 pointe. Pirates 3 points. The Blue and Blacks were quickly on attack again.' A scrum was formed well inside the Blacks’ twenty-five, and Ross ran round cleverly .on the blind side and passed to Lucy, who scored. Barber’s kick failed. Kaikorai 16, Pirates 3. Kaikorai were mow doing all the attacking,' and Pirates had to force. Fraser fielded a long punt, and tried to beat Barber. He w ; as tackled in possession, however, and Barber picked up to run across without opposition, and scored behind the posts, converting his own try. Kaikorai 21, Pirates 3. At halfway the Pirates forwards started passing. Hook dribbled . over the line, but Barber reached the. ball first and forced. Pirates kept up the pressure, and the ball was sent out. to Giles, who potted a good goal. Kaikorai 21, Pirates 7. The Blue and Blacks continued to do most of the attacking, and after passing Barber scored, and again converted. Kaikorai was attacking when the final whistle sounded with the scores: Kaikorai 26 points. Pirates 7 points. Mr J. Peat was the referee.

ALHAMBRA v. UNIVERSITY B.

Alhambra met and beat University B at Carisbrook on Saturday in a fairly interesting and even game. The Blues, however, Lad plenty of opportunities to win the match, but their half-back, Francis, was very erratic in his play, and more than once quite upset the combination of his rearguard by his unexpected tactics. Tile Colours had the distinction of having more free kicks given against them than any other club this season, and had Francis given some of the other members of his side a chance with the early kicks instead of taking them himself the result might have been different. Alhambra played from the Cargill road end, and after indecisive work Williamson kicked out at the Blues’ twenty-five. The Colours attacked, but a free kick against them checked the effort, and passing by the Blues saw Clouston collared, and play resting at halfway. Somerville, wing three-quarter, made a dash at the end of passing, but was pushed out at the Colours' left-hand corner. StephensonWright got offside at a scrum, and Callander punted to Francis, who started passing in the Colours’ territory, Dovi being collared and a free kick being awarded to the Blues. Francis missed the goal kick. Play went to midfield, where L. Griffin put in a long kick, Phillips, the Blues’ full-back, who played a very safe game all the afternoon, getting the line at his twenty-five. A bad pass by Francis at a scrum let Frood break through, and from loose play Callander cut in nicely to his right wing and gave Wilson a clear run over. Souter kicked a fine goal. s—nil. The Blues had a turn at attack, but the referee did not see palpable offside play in front of the goal by an Alhambra man. He saw a similar infringement shortly after, but Francis missed with a fairly easy shot. Bad passing by the Blues’ backs let the Colours through again, and Callander punted to Dovi, who found the line at his twenty-five. The Blues did not gain much ground from a penalty shot, and Callander dribbled nicely to Cooke, the Blues’ centre, University then being awarded another free kick. Williamson and L. Griffin made short runs, but sound collaring stopped the attacks. The Colours’ forwards were getting the ball from the scrums, but their backs did not know what to do with it, and were kicking far too much to Phillips. Once more the Colours were penalised, and then Gifford charged down a kick by Callander in front of the Colours’ goal. From a serum Wilson made a good run and relieved the pressure. The Blues tried again, and after Dovi had been collared in a short bit of passing Cooke picked up and set sail for the line. With a try in sight he took a flying pot, and missed badly, the Colours clearing. The Blues were put on defence, Phillips clearing with a fine line kick. The Colours were penalised again—and the referee pointed an admonitory finger at a Colours forward—and immediately after were penalised once more. The free kicks were not, however, assisting the Blues much, as the ball was not reaching the side line. The Blue forwards carircd play to the Colours’ line, where a kick by Callander was charged down, and Stephenson-Wright was almost over. Ragged play followed, and the half time whistle went. s—nil. The Colours’ backs started passing, but it was not effective, and it was usually left to Callander —who was doing a great deal of work —to pick up the ball arid kick, out or up-field. From a scrum at the Blues’ line Gillick threw to Callander, who punted over the line, University forcing in a hurry, Callander, who had followed up fcist, falling and injuring himself. He was replaced by O’Connor, an ex-Merivale player. The Colours’ forwards now gave the opposition a busy time. Williamson forced the Blues with a hard kick, after receiving the ball in a passing rush, and then two Blue men tried to take a mark, and both miased, the Blues being again hard pressed. Play went back to midfield, where Dovi picked up, but was caught by a foot as he tried to break through, and fell. Gillick then ran and flopped heavily on the Blue fiveeighth, who was taken off the field hurt and carried away on a stretcher. The crowd made a demonstration against the Colours' forward, Irwin came on. A free kick to the "Blues stopped a rush by

the Colours, and play went to the Colours’ line, a Blue forward going over, but being held up. Passing by the Blues went right across the goal mouth, Clouston being collared with the ball. Strang missed with a penalty, the Colours forcing. The Blues attacked strongly, but the passing of the backs was very mediocre, and was getting them. nowhere Alhambra had a- free kick, but the Blues attacked again, Francis missing with a pot at goal. Francis had a likely chance to feed his backs, but he turned into the tight play and the opportunity was lost The Blues were now making all the play Irwin made a good run and passed to Francis, but the latter threw forward when near the Colours’ line. The Blue backs were getting plenty of the ball, but were fumbling, and then a bad pass from a scrum by Francis let the Colours right away to midfield. The Colours went to the Blues’ twenty-five, where Souter kicked a fine penalty goal. Phillips, the Blues' full-back, was getting plenty to do, and though he was not always gaining much ground with his kicks, he was nearly always getting the line. StephensonWright broke into Alhambra passing, and dribbled well up-field. The Blues carried the movement on, and the ball was taken over the line. A scrum was formed, and then the Blues were awarded a penalty, Strang kicking a goal. B—3. Francis started his backs from the kick out and some ground was gaine<* but from a scrum Francis tried to throw clean out to his centre three-quarter, who failed to take the ball, and hard ground kicking took play right to the other en<» of the field. Some wild play followed at the Blues’ twenty-five, but the Colours’ could not finish off their attack, and the final whistle went shortly after with the ball at midfield. Alhambra .. 8 points. University B 3 points. Mr A. Eckhold was the referee. UNIVERSITY A v. TAIERI. The match between University A and Taieri was played at Tahuna Park, when principally through the superiority of its back division, the students scored a runaway victory, winning by 41 points to 15. University kicked off, and from the return Bradanovich initiated a passing movement in which the ball went to Haughton, who gained a good piece of ground before being brought down. From a scrum near the twenty-five, Loder sent out to Bradanovich, who cut the defence in half before sending M'Kenzie over near the corner. The attempt to convert was unsuccessful. _ University A 3, Taieri nil. The Taieri forwards, with tne ball at their toes, broke through and got deen into Blue territory, but the movement broke down. From a scramble near half way the students’ rearguard got possession, and M’Kenzie securing, sprinted down the line, centred to Fookes. ran round to take Fookes’s pass again and scored between the posts. Lindsay con verted; University A 8, Taieri nil. Lei by M‘Leod and Findlay, the Taieri forwards again came away with a solid dribbling rush which took play to halfway. Here Liddle kicked through a gau and found the line near the students’ corner, and for the next couple of minutes the Blues were on the defensive on their own line. Gradually the Blues worked back to the twenty-five, where Fookes picked up and set sail down the field. He caught the defence al] napping with the exception of Duff, who made after aim and caught him on the line. Fookes dropped the ball, but Smith, coming up fast, got there in time to touch down Lindsay converted. University A 13, Taieri nil. The Taieri pack set :p another strong offensive which drove their opponents back inside their own wentyfive. Again catching the opposition out of place. Fookes picked up on his own twenty-five and. after a 50 yards’ sprint, down the line, inpassed to Bradanovich, who ran over easily, Lindsay converting. University A 18, Taieri nil. Again the University backs swung into action and for a time Taieri were on the defensive Finlayson, who was playing at first fiveeighths for Taieri, went away on his own and put his side on the attack. Duff continuing the movement only to be thrown out on the corner. Another spirited sprint by M'Kenzie transferred play to the other end of the field. Findlay, Muir head, and Pearce were prominent in a rush by the Taieri vanguard, which com pletely over-ran the opposition and resulted in M'Leod getting over from a scramble on the students’ line. Findin» failed to convert. University A 18. Taieri 3. Immediately the ball cam<* into play again Haughton secured from a scrum and. drawing the defence, cleverly handed to Fookes near the twenty-five The last-named in turn transferred to Smith, who scored near the corner. Lm<l pay converted with a good kick. Uni ver pity A 23, Taieri 3. Taieri went to the attack, and the pack worried the studentback to within a few yards of their line From a scramble the ball went out t<> the wing to Duff, who centred, and Fin Jayson, jumping for the ball, secured and dived over. Scott missed the kick at goal. The whistle blew immediately afterwards with the half time score: Um versify 23, Taieri 6. Immediately on the commencement ot the second spell, Bradanovich initiated a passing movement on Taieri’s twenty-five and the ball went to Fookes, who put in another great run to send M'Kenzie over behind the posts. Lindsay converted University A 28, Taieri 6. With a series of short rushes the visiting pack worked its way down to University’s end of the field, and for a few minutes the students had all they could do to keep their line intact. The Blue backs, however, turned defence into attack, and throwing the bal’ about freely, worked back to halfway • Taieri were not to be denied, and set up another determined attack to press back to the opposing twenty-five. Here Broad ley got possession from the loose and, using his weight, struggled over with two men hanging to him. His kick at goal was unsuccessful. University A 28, Taieri 9. A flashing movement by the Blue, backs travelled from twenty-five to twentyfive, where Abel picked up and ipade a good opening for Thomas, who scored between the posts. Lindsay converted Uni versify A 33. Taieri 9. Soon after the kick off Jackson picked up near halfway and went through the defence to the twenty-five, where he passed to Grey, who ran over near the posts. Lindsay added the extra points. University A 38, Taieri 9. The Taieri forwards launched a d>s per ate sally on the Blue line and go-

within striking distance, where Duff, coming up fast, took a difficult pass and, after a determined run, scored near the corner the attempt to convert failing. University A 38, Taieri 12. Again the students backs came to light with a speedy passing rusji, and after going through them, all it went to Smith, who sprinted across. Lindsay’s attempt to goal was unsuccessful University A 41, Taieri 12. A last desperate sally by Taieri drove the students back inside their own line, and just on the c.all of time Moffett dived over. The attempt to convert failed Scores:—

University A .. ..41 points. Taieri 15 points. Mr W. Connor was referee. SOUTHERN v. UNION. Southern met Union at Bishopscourt. and after a fast and interesting game, won by 22 points to nil. The ground was very heavy, with a greasy ball as a result, but the Southern backs put up an excellent performance, handling with precision and dash throughout the contest. Only the stubborn defence of the Union pack warded off a heavier defeat. After a long period of very even play Southern instituted a fast passing movement, which Union were unable to stem, and Strachan scored wide out. The kick failed Southern 3. Union nil. Shortly after wards Southern again made a dashing foray into their- opponents' territory Strachan again rounding off a good pasting movement by securing a try. The attempt at goal failed. Southern 6, Union nil. For the remainder of the spell play was very even, neither side obtaining much advantage. Shortly after the commencement of the second spell it became obvious that Southern had their opponents completely outclassed. From a scramble near midfield Southern made a good break away, which resulted in Sutherland dashing over to score an excellent try. No goal was kicked. Southern 9. Union nil. The manner in which the following try was secured was particularly amusing, from the spectators’ point of view. Union were penalised in their own twenty-five, and Prebble took the kick. The goal apparently did not go between the posts, but

the only line umpire on the spot signalled a goal. The whistle did not blow, however, but the Union men, thinking that it was a goal, let the ball lie. Wilson then sauntered across the line and touched down, the referee awarding a try to Southern. The kick at goal failed. Southern 12. Union nil. Niven and Casey both founded off good passing movements by scoring tries shortly afterwaids. Prebbie kicking two good goals, and after a further period of fairly even play, the game ended: Southern .... .. 22 points Union Nil Mr Burton was the referee.

ZINGARI v. DUNEDIN.

Zingari and Dunedin met at Bathgate Park, where the ground was inclined to be on the heavy side. The Zingari backs were_combining well, but little advantage was gained, as the Dunedin defence was hard to break through. The first movement of note was initiated by J. Procter. who broke through well. S. Procter then secured the ball and continued, a mark being taken by- Hayes, who found the line. Fulton broke away, but he was brought down heavily. The play was mostly of a give-and-take nature at this time and was very ragged. From a melee near Zingari’s line, Fulton secured and potted a goal to give his side the lead. Dunedin 4, Zingari nil. The Colours then attacked, but Dunedin was soon back again, play later being returned to midfield.- Milligan (Zingari) set his backs in motion, and the ball travelled to J. Procter, Caradus, and back to Procter, who took a mark just outside Dunedin’s twenty-five. His kick at goal was unsuccessful. Zingari continued to press, and a scrum ensued on Dunedin’s line. The defending forwards hooked the ball well, allowing the situation to be saved. Play was then returned to halfway. The Zingari backs went away again, and the forwards carried the movement on, S. Procter being prominent. J. Procter then secured, and made a determined dash for the line, only to be forced out at the corner. A scrum ensued, and Cahill relieved the position with a useful line kick. The Blues then transferred the play to Zingari’s line, and it had returned to midfield when the half-time whistle sounded with the score. Dunedin 4 points, Zingari nil. Dunedin attacked shortly after the interval. Titchener relieved, and the Colours, backs went away, taking the ball

to Dunedin’s twenty-five, where the defending team was penalised. J. Procter made a fruitless attempt at goal. For some time afterwards Zingari continued to press, Caradus putting in some excellent work. The Dunedin forwards then broke away, and took the ball to Zingari’s twenty-five, but J. Procter assisted largely in turning the tables. The brightest spot in the game was then seen. From their own side of halfway, Leith and Brown (Dunedin) went away on their own, taking the ball at their toes, and Leith • went over at the corner. Marshall’s kick was not successful. Dunedin 7 points, Zingari nil. Almost immediately afterwards Zingari attacked, and from an infringement in front of the Dunedin goal, Titchener kicked a nice penalty. Dunedin 7 points, Zingari 3 pointe. Zingari’s next score was brought off by Macky, who, near the opposition’s line, eluded two or three men by clever footwork, and went over. Titchener failed to add the major points. The game ended without further incident, the scores being: Dunedin .... .. 7 pointe Zingari 6 points Mr H. C. Williamson was the referee. ' SECOND GRADE. Uniyersity C 22, Pirates B 6. Alhambra 5,-Kaikorai 3. Zingari 12. Training College nil. THIRD GRADE. Southern 6, Alhambra A nil. Pirates A 6, High School 3. Taieri 9, Pirates B 6. FOURTH GRADE. Union 18, Alhambra 9. Technical 3. High School 3. FIFTH GRADE. Pirates 12, Christian Brothers 9. High School 6, Southern 3. SIXTH GRADE. Southern 10, High School nil. Dunedin 11, Union 3. Alhambra 14. Christian Brothers 9.

OTAGO TEAM.

MATCH AGAINST HAWKE’S BAY. The following Otago team has been selected to play Hawke’s Bay at Carisbrook on Wednesday:— Full-back.—Lindsay. Three-quarters.—M'Skimming (Maniototo), Giles, Procter. Five-eighths.—Bradanovich, Fookes. Half-back.—Loder. Forwards.—Hore, Hook. Sonntag, Carnegie, Finlayson, Allan, Miller (Western Districts), and Laing wing-forward). Reserves.—Backs: M'Kenzie, Francis, and Haughton. Forwards: Earle, Jackson. and X>ucy. The following players were not available:—Collett, Souter, Christie, Bathgate, and Stichburv.

NOTES BY FULL BACK. Collett, Souter, Stichbury, and Jackson were included in the team which played against Southland last week. The fact that neither Collett nor Souter is available for the match on Wednesday, will not weaken the Otago pack, taking their display at Invercargill as a guide. As a matter of fact, Souter has not shown out in club football this season. Laing is to be tried at iwing-forward, but why he should be picked for this position and Finlayson put into the pack I fail to understand. If Laing had been dropped and Finlayson placed at wing-forward the Otago pack could have been materially strengthened. It is unfortunate that Christie is not available, as there is one thing which the University forward will do. and that is put keenness and vigour into his play. Perhaps Miller, the country forward, who comes into the team, will supply this very necessary asset in a good forward. Earle, the Alhambra forward, has been selected as first emergency. On what I have seen of Earle’s play there are many better forwards in Dunedin to-day. For one thing, he badly lacks experience, and he also has an inclination to skirmish in the tight play. Everyone who saw M'Skimming play with the country team last week will be pleased that he has been included in the Otago team. He is full of energy, and alike in defence and attack, shows that he is there to do his very best. His display will be watched with the keenest interest. The inside backs are about the best we have available, but I would say that M'Kenzie ■ is a better wing three-quarter than either Giles or Procter. As the rearguard is

selected, I imagine that Procter would make a better centre than Giles. Procter can pass, and he shows no disinclination to pass when opportunity offers. CANTERBURY DEFEATS HAWKE’S BAY. CHRISTCHURCH, August 9. Holding the heavy Hawke’s Bay forwards on a wet ground, Canterbury secured their first interprovinciai win in the match this afternoon, by 12 points to 3 points. The game was not a good exhibition of football. Neither side revealed its best form. The Canterbury forwards, though lighter, were faster in loose play, and the home backs were definitely superior. There were about 9000 spectators present. The teams were as follow:—Hawke’s Bay: E. Evans, Harvey, B. Grenside, N. Gillespie. J. Setford, P. Botherway, G. Geddis, S. Gemmell, N. Wanoa, R Cairns, C. Campbell, N. Roach, W. Wilson, W. Heffernan, H. Rolls. Canterbury: A. W. Roberts, R. S. Thompson, R. N. Williams, S. R. Carleton, C. Oliver, D. Hay, T. F. Mullan. R. K. King, W. Pease. N. Porterfield, J. E. Manchester, C. H. Perkins, Toby Robinson, F. Howell, A. Carson AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI. AUCKLAND, August 9. In a scrambling game at Eden Park this afternoon the Taranaki touring team was very lucky to draw with Auckland. The home team scored two tries; while Taranaki’s points came from a try and a penalty kick, which was ruled as a goal, although the ball fell well under the crossbar. Neither side was at full strength, five of Auckland’s best men being absent in Wellington for the fourth est, while Taranaki was unable to get its best side on tour. The conditions were bad, the ground was heavy and slippery, and a light rain fell at intervals during the game. Play, therefore, was mostly confined to the forwards, and was largely of a scrambling nature. The game ended: Auckland 6 points. Taranaki 6 pointe.

WANGANUI v. NORTH AUCKLAND. WANGANUI, August 10 In the representative Rugby match at Wanganui on Saturday North Auckland showed disappointing form when they were defeated by Wanganui by .15 points to 6. Rain fell towards the end of the game. Wanganui owed their victory in a large measure to the straight running of the backs —Duncan, Morgan, and Lowe. For the visitors Wells scored a try, and Sellars kicked a penalty goal. For Wanganui the points were gained by tries scored by Duncan and Simpson, a field goal by Stewart, and a penalty goal by Morgan.

Alhambra . . . :■ s University B . . 3 Kaikorai . . . . 26 Pirates .. . . 7 University A 31 Taieri . 15 Southern 22 Union . 0 Dunedin .. • 7 Zingari . 6

P. w L D. Points. Flag F. A. pte. Alhambra .. .. 14 11 3 — 158 64 Kaikorai .. .. 14 10 o 2 156 84 22 University A .. 14 10 4 — 269 112 20 Southern .. .. 14 9 4 1 128 93 19 University B . . 14 S 5 1 153 142 17 Pirates .. .. ‘14 8 6 — 153 138 16 Taieri .. .. 14 3 9 2 88 128 8 Union .. .. 14 3 11 — 81 231 6 Dunedin .. .. 14 3 11 — 68 151 6 Zingari .. .. 14 1 11 2 71 182 4