SPORTING.

Southland Times, Issue 17002, 28 March 1912, Page 3

SPORTING.

(Notes by "Sir Modred”). Handicaps for the first day of the Riverton R.C.’s Easter fixture are due to-morrow (Friday). The withdrawal of Fisticuff and Jack Aahore left a field of’ seven to set the ball rolling for the First Handicap Hurdle Race, which opened the S.R.C.’s Autumn meeting. Feathers tone, a recent winner in Canterbury, was selected Os most worthy of support and he duly pulled his backers through, but Warsaw, Who was making his first appearance in public as a fencer, gave him a good race. The winner was well handled by G. A. Pine, Warsaw jumped carefully and Without much dash and his race should do him good as a hurdle performer. Seagull (Sea Lion—Flirtation) was running well when he came down at the back of the course. Both horse and rided escaped unhurt. Kurahaupo failed to stay, and Freak did not quite race up to expectations, but may have found the race to© fur for him. Freak and Plnul (third)' XDay race better over a shorter distance. A. McKenzie, who has not ridden much In Southland for some time past, piloted Sous, but had a rough time of it, his mount showing greenness.

The scratching of Vincent left nineteen to do battle for the Southland Class Trot, and the ancient Darwin was the public's fancy, but he did not prove dangerous, while Wild Lou, who was next in order of favouritism, misbehaved and completed a round without Once striking her gait. S.M. looked like Winning easily, but tired over the final part of the Journey and suffered defeat by a narrow margin from Rory, who was winning easily when he left his feet, but Green handled him cleverly and he came again. Silverton and Doughboy performed best of the others, but Midge lost a shoe and Regina Bell tired while rapidly getting on terms With the leaders. Silverton, the other placed horse, gave a good display, but, as usual, was not by any means a lucky contestant.

Great Interest was taken in the Southland Cup Handicap and the eight starters were fairly evenly- supported. A good race resulted and an exciting finish Was witnessed, the outsider of the field. Queen’s Prize, winning narrowly from Routine and Obolus, while Dlrectoire, Walju and Parable were all within striking distance, the last-named showing well In the straight. The winner looked a greatly Improved mare since her last appearance In'public, and her owner received many congratulations on the result of his work as an amateur trainer. Obolus ran well but hardly saw the journey oat, although it was only In the last two ol* three strides that a good stayer, in Routine, got up and de-

prived him of second money. Magdalen ran well for a mile, and Directoire look- • ed like a winner at the end of nine furlongs. Alfreds lost a lot of ground by racing wide turning out of the straight, and hardly ran as well as was expected, while Walju was galloping on in the latter stages of the race.

No less than seventeen competitors faced the barrier for the Roslyn Hack Handicap, and Muircock, Gryta and Paulette found most favour, but they had no say in the finish and Aphaea, who was cleverly ridden by J. McComb, snatched the prize in the last few yards from Abo, who was made rather much Use of'over the first five furlongs, otherwise the verdict might have been reversed. Aphaea paid a surprisingly large dividend. considering that she ■was trained and ridden by McComb. The consistent Speybank ran best of the others, but Silvario and the Canrobert colt. Colbert, were well in, the fighting line when the post was reached. Quite a number of starters disappointed their connections, but this was only to be expected where a number of green racers took part and some unavoidable bumping occurred shortly after the starting signal was given.

The Flying Handicap provided an interesting contest, as the whole of the thirteen horses figuring on the card went to the post and all had their admirers. Sombrero, who looked as fit as ■hands could make him. and also claimed the benefit of the apprentices’ allowance, held a slight call in the wagering over Benzowen and Palisade, but he failed to do th,e trick. Benzowen strode avyay from the opposition in rare style over the latter part of the six furlongs and won in dashing fashion, while the favourite had all he could do to stall off Buff Gauntlet at the business end. Palisade, the gentleman of the field on looks, was above himself, Gold Sail found the going not to his liking, a remark which also applies to Grafton Laddie, but Fisticuff and Pure ( Gold, two hurdle jumpers, battled out the distance in brave £tyle and finished near, the leaders. Fisticuff was specially taken out of the hurdles to play a part In the sprint journey.

Another big field took part ip the Invercargill Trot, for which Bell B. was made one of the strongest fancies of the day, but she was never prominent ind Nora Burley scored a very easy win from a back mark. The winner returned l long price. Judging from appearances, several of the starters were somewhat frightened of the favourite and failed to realise that she was not dangerous until victory was almost assured to Nora Burley. Lady Montlflore travelled ‘well for E. J. Dwyer and gained second plac'e.

Magdala claimed most attention of eleven starters for the County Handicap, but he did not get a very clear passage from the barrier and could not get nearer than third at the finish to Lord Frederick, and Miss Signal. The winner, a son of the Carbine horse George Frederick, was bred in Australia and Imported to Southland in company with several other novices, by a patron of J. Thlstleton’s establishment. Miss Signal ran better than usual in gaining second berth, but Golden Webb failed to stay, and Bold Venture was very sore on pulling up.

There was heavy wagering on the Tradesman’s Handicap, for which Gapon and Walkaraka carried the bulk of the Investments, but a surprise was In store. Gapon looked like coming in by himself at the home bend, but he tired in the run home and Seekashore drew away to score by several lengths. Feodor struggled Into third place, but Waikaraka got a bad passage and was not prominent. The success of Seekashore was well received, as her owner has been very unlucky during the past and present seasons.

The lawn gate receipts and attendance returns were above the average of coresponding meetings, while the acceptances for to-day are easily the best ever gathered in for the second day of any fixture promoted by the S.R.C. SOUTHLAND B.C, AUTUMN MEETING. THE FIRST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS SUCCESSFUL. INTERESTING SPORT AND PROFIT-' ABLE RETURNS. After heavy rain overnight' and a threatening morning, the Southland Racing Club’s Autumn meeting opened yesterday afternoon in -bright sunshine and a |heated atmosphere at the Club’s East Road property. The weather conditions continued favourable up to about three, o’clock when rain . commenced to

fall again and steady showers continued thenceforth until some time after the last race had been decided. There was an autumn record attendance in the lawn enclosure, but the outside portion of the course was not extensively patroAised. Although the crowd was of very fair dimensions for this period of the year. Visitors were to be met with from many racing centres of the South Island, and Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin and other parts of Otago, furnished representatives, while practically every town in Southland supplied Its quota to the total. There was also a large gathering of Invercargillltes, and satisfaction was expressed at the large percentage of the fair sex in evidence—a sure sign that the.Club’s gatherings have attained a pleasing share of popularity. The proceedings were smartly conducted, and very little time was lost after the field for the opening race took up position, therefore onlookers keenly Interested had but limited spare lime throughout, but there were quite a number who regretted that there was an absence of music to enliven the occasion. The last rape was decided shortly after scheduled time, and town and country patrons were thus able to reach their homes in comfort and with

punctuality by road and rail. The racing track was In good order, but somewhat holding during the early part of the afternoon, and was drying and improving fast, when rain fell again and the going eventually became both slippery and heavy. Speculation was brisk, and the sum of £8,991 was passed through the totalisator, as against £7,807 and £4,605 on tlie corresponding days of the Autumn fixtures of 1911 and 1910 respectively. The starting of the hurdles and flat races was in the capable hands of Mr PI. Piper, of Christchurch, and the veteran accomplished his work in excellent style, while Mr W. ■ Norman, of Wlnton, was successful •• in sending two exceptionally large fields of trotters away neatly with the aid of the electric starting-clock. The racing was always interesting, and several very close finishes were enjoyed, while the fields were probably the largest all round ever witnessed competing in Southland. Only one favourite prevailed during the afternoon, in the Hurdle Race, to be precise, and thereafter handlcapper A. Jones had reason to congratulate himself on the result of his efforts, as the dividends ruled above the average for the remainder of the day. No less than six running into double figures or abouts.

The meeting was well managed and the Stewards were active throughout, but, as the competition appeared fair and above board, their duties were rather of a pleasant description. As usual, the machinery of the secretarial department moved smoothly and consistently, and the head operator. Mr W. A. Saunders, added another to his list of successes In this direction. Results: — FIRST HANDICAP HURDLE RAtiE, of 80 sovs. Second horse 7 sovs., and third 3 sovs. from stakes. One mile and three-quarters. 1 H. Sherwln’s b.g Featherstone, byBirkenhead —Keepsake, 6 y-rs, 9.11 (G. A. Pine) . . • ■ .. 1 3 Baird and Sharp’s ch.h Warsaw, aged. 9.8 (L. Hegarty) . . . . 2 2W. T. Hazletfs b.g Pinul. aged. 10.3 (S. Smith) .. .. ... 3. (Winner trained by G. A. Pine). Also started: (5) Freak, 9.11 (W. Weir), (7) Eons, 9.3 (A. McKenzie), (4) Kurahaupo, 9.0 (W. Retter), (6) Seagull, 9.0 (L. Coleman). Kurahaupo was first to show out with Epus next, but

the latter hit the first fence and dropped back to the field. Freak led to the second jump with the field in close order. At the stand Warsaw was slightly in front of Freak and Seagull, with Kurahaupo in the rear of the field. Seagull fell at the back and Featherstone went in pursuit of Warsaw, with Plnul making up ground fast. Featherstone joined Warsaw, and the pair crossed the last obstacle in company with Plnul In close attendance. A good race home resulted in Featherstone winning with something in hand by- half a length, Pinul third a length and a half away. Freak was six lengths away fourth, closely followed by Ecus. Time, 3 min. 25 secs.

SOUTHLAND CLASS TROT, of 100 so vs. Second horse 10 sova., and third o sovs from the stake. Class 5.15. Optional. Two miles. 6 I. T. Martin’s b.g Rory, by Gossoon, aged, 12 secs (J. J. Green) 1 11 Jas. McEwan's b.m S.M., by Kentucky Yet, 5 yrs, 14 secs (J. Finlayson) .. .. . • • • .2 9 A. Robertson’s ch.g Silverton, aged, 12 secs, harness (T. Tilson) 3

(Winner trained by J. J. Green).

Also started: (10) Happy Lad, 21 secs (W. Dawson). (14) Observer, 21 secs (M. McLaren), (4) Top Note, 20 secs harness, (E. J. Dwyer), (3) Midge, 18 secs (J. Boyle), (2) Wild Lou, 18 secs, harness (G. Wallace). (1) Darwin. 16 secs (R. Logan). (19) Gaming Bill, 16 secs (“Mr Rowlands”), (13) Ladymaid, 16 secs (T. Blee), (17) Diving Belli 14 secs (J. McCubbin),' (16) Doughboy, 12 secs (Gardiner), (8) Sweet Child, 12 secs (A. McLellan), (15) Experiment, 11 secs, harness (R. Jamieson), (7) Miss Becky, 11 secs (Jas. Pine), (12) Monsoon, 11 secs (J. R. Forbes), (5) Master Patchem, 6 secs, harness (E. McEwen), (8) Regina Belle, 3 secs, harness (J. Smithel). Wild Lou at once went into the air and never recovered, running last all the way. Passing the stand the first time S.M. led from Sweet Child, Doughboy, Rory, and Silverton, with Regina Belle moving up fast, from the rear. At the back S.M. was still in front, while Rory moved into second place, with Sweet Child and Silverton next. S.M. tired somewhat at the turn, where Rory got on terms with her, and Silverton made a good run. Rory -took command at the distance, but broke, and S.M. again showed in front. Rory came again and after a good finish won by a bare length, S.M. beating Silverton by two lengths for second money. Sweet Child wa& fourth. Doughboy fifth. Observer sixth, with Monsoon, Regina Bell and Midge next in order. Time, 5 min. 4 4-5 secs. SOUTHLAND CUP (Handicap), of 150 sovs. Second horse 15 sovs, and third 5 sovs from stakes. One mile and a quarter.

8 A. Provan’s b.rh Queen’s Prize, by Day Star —War Medal, aged, (In-

clud. 6 lbs over), 7.7 (M. Pankhurst) 4 “E. Renshaw’s” ch.m Routine, aged, 8.4 (J. Olsen) 3 Welfare and Thomson’s b.h Obolus,

5 yrs, 7.13 (A. H. Wilson) ‘ (Winner trained by Owner)

Also ran: (7) Parable, 9.11 (J. MeComb), (1) Walju, 8.10 (F. Yarr), (6) Alfreda (allowed 5 lbs), 6.11 (J. Wormald), (2) Dlrectoire (Includ. lib over and 5 lbs allowance), 6.13 / (E. Griffin). (5) Magdalen, 6.12 (R; Berry). After causing delay at the post Routine jumped out quickly, but was-cut out. Dlrectoire made the running through the straight from Obolus and Magdalen, with Walju next, and Alfreda last. Magdalen joined Dlrectoire going up the hill, and Parable moved up from last place. Magdalen and Dlrectoire ran to the first turn In company, with Obolus, Queen's Prize and Routine closing up. Obolus was just heading Dlrectoire and Magdalen as heads were turned for home, while Routine and Queen's Prize were in close attendance. A fine race in the straight resulted In Queen’s Prize winning by a length from Routine, with Obolus a short head away third - . Dlrectoire was fourth, Waiju fifth, and Parable close up sixth. Time, 2 min. 15 secs.

ROSLYN HACK HANDICAP, of 70 sovs. Second horse 7 sovs, and third 3 sovs. from stakes. Six furlongs. 10 W. Crossa»'s b.f Aphaea, by Stepniak—Brltomart, 3 yrs, 9.10 (J. McComb) .. . . .. "l 6 E. W. Sharp’s b.g Abo, by Finland

—Zillah, 4 yrs, 8.5 (J. Blee) .. 2 5 H. Rodger's cli.g Speybank, 3 yrs, 8.0 (R. Berry) . . 3 (Winner trained by J. McComb).

Also ran; (1) Mulrcock, .8.12 (A. McKay), (8) Cocoon, 8.5 (J. Rae), (4) Comedy Queen, 8.2 (L., Jellings), (3) Gryta, 8.0 (J. R. Kann), (14) Lady Margaret, S.O (M. Pankhurst), (2) Paulette, 8.0 (J. Olsen). (7) Silvario, 8.0 (P. Milne), (17) Colbert, 7.7 (E. Griffen), (9) Glen Royal. 7.7 (A. H. Wilson), (13) Lady Isabel, 7.7 (D. Andrews), (11) Musketator, 7.7 (F. Waddell), (12) Overland, 7.7 (D. King), (16) Pine Grove, 7.7 (J. Wormald), (15) Sombra, 7.7 (J. Pankhurst). drew to the front at the end of a furlong and led by four lengths to the straight, where Aphaea and a field In packed order closed up. An excellent race in the straight between Aphaea, Abo and Speybank, ended in the first-named winning by a head with Speybank half a length away third. Silvario was fourth and Colbert fifth. Time. 1 min. 19 secs.

Glen Royal did not reach the post and took no part in the race.

FLYING HANDICAP, of 85 sovs. Second horse 7 sovs, and third 3 sovs from stakes. Six furlongs. 3H. Harding's ch.g Benzowen, by Benzoin—Wattle Bird, 5 yrs, 7.12 (F. Waddell) .. .. .. 1 1 A. Chisholm’s br.g Sombrero, by Simmer—Toque, aged (allowed

5 lbs), 6.13 (J. Wormald) .. 2 9 H. Cunningham’s b.c Buff Gauntlet, 4 yrs, (allowed 5 lbs), 8.12 (Cann) 3

(Winner trained by C. A. Campbell)

Also ran: (6) Thistledown, 9.9 (A. H. Wilson), (11) Lupulite, 9.1 (A. McKay), (4) Gold Sail, 9.0 (L. Lloyd). (5) Kostroma, 9.0 (L. G. King), (8) Fisticuff, 8.12 (L. Hegarty), (2) Palisade, 8.4 (J. Olson), (7) Grafton Laddie, 7.12 (M. Pankhurst). (12) Peerless, 7.0 (J. Pankhurst), (6) Pure Gold, 7.5 (R. Berry), (10) King Torrent, 7.4 (E, Cox). Pure Gold was first out from an uneven start, but Lupulite quickly supplanted her. Along the back Benzowen ran past and showed the way to the straight. In the run home Benzowen huld hia own and

won by a length and a half from Sombrero, who beat Buff Gauntlet by a similar distance for second place. Fisticuff was close up fourth, Pure Gold fifth, and Kostroma sixth. Time, 1 min. 17 2-5 secs.

INVERCARGILL TROT, of 75 sovs. Second horse 7 sovs, and third 3 sovs from stakes. One mile and a half.

10 A. L. Gerrard’s br.m Nora Burley, by Young Burlington—Norlaine, 6 yrs, 5 secs ("W; Dawson”) . . 1 11 “W. E. Hamlin’s” ch.m Lady Montlfiore, by Quincey—Maritana, 6 yrs. 9 secs, harness (E. J. Dwyer) 2 2 A. Bank’s b.g Richmond Grove, 5 yrs, harness CT. Tilson) . • 3 / (Winner trainer by Owner).

Also started: (1) Bell 8., 14 secs (E. McEwen). (6) Clara Bell, 14 secs (T. Blee), (5) Dolly Rodgers, 14 secs (J. H. Hill), (7) Hartford. 14 secs (A. Matheson), (15) Lady Nelson. 14 secs (R. Townley), (13) Lily R., 14 secs (W. N. Wilson), (12) Mnrconigram. 14 secs (Thos. Stewart), (14) Blackball, 13 secs (J. Y. White), (3) Decoy, 12 secs (A. McLellan), (13) Kensaw, 12 secs (J. Boyle). (4) Miss Laurie, 12 secs, harness (T. McCurdy), (9) Lady Merlin, 5 secs (R. Logan), (8) Olive Child, 5 secs (R. T. Horan), (16) Bella Abdallah, 1 sec (T. Kirkwood), (17) Evening Star, 1 sec (“Mr Rowlands”), (16) Rory (includ. 3 secs penalty), 3 secs behind scratch. Nora Burley took charge after half a mile l>ad been covered, and eventually won by eight lenghs from Lady Montlfiore. With Richmond Grove close up third. Rory was fourth, Dolly Rodgers fifth, and Lily R. sixth. Time, 3 min 51 secs.

COUNTY HANDICAP, of TO sovs. Second horse 7 sovs,'and third 3 sovs from stakes. Open to horses trained in the Counties of Southland, Wallace, Lake, Clutha, Vincent, Tuapeka, ami Maniototo for three months prior to date of meeting, and that have not won a total of £IOO, nor one stake exceeding £3O in value at time of nomination. Seven furlongs. 6 "Mr Benalla’s” b.g Lord Frederick, by George Frederick —Zither, 4 yrs, 8.0 (F. Ellis) .. .. 1 5 P. Price’s ch.f Miss Signal, 3 yrs, 9.0 (L. Hegarty) .. ..2 1 J. Beck’s b.g Magdala, 4 yrs, 8.0 (R. Berry) . . . . . . '3 (Winner trained by Jas. Thistleton). Also ran: (4) Paulette, 8.12 (L. Lloyd), (7) Summertime, 8.7 (W. Weir), (10) Bold Venture, 8.5 (F. Yarr), (8) Colours Flying, 8.0 (M. Pankhurst), (2) Fitzosborne, Bio (J. Blee), (3) Golden W.ebb, 8.0 (J. Olsen), (11) Seamore, 8.0 (J. Pankhurst), (9) Tohupai, 8.0 (E. Grlffen). Golden Webb made the running followed by Lord Frederick and Paulette to the first turn. Lord Frederick took command before reaching the straight, and won from Miss Signal by a length and a half, with Magdala close up third. Fitzosborne was fourth, and Golden Wpbb fifth. Time, 1 min. 35 secs. Tohupai failed to leave when the barrier rose.

TRADESMAN’S HANDICAP, of SO sovs. , Second horse 7 sovs, and third 3 sovs from stakes. One mile. 6 T. B. Mclntyre’s ch.m Seekashdre, by Castashore —-Pleasure Seeker, aged, 6. 12 (R. Berry) .. 1 I "N. Bennington’s” blk.g Gapon, aged, 7.12 (A. H. Wilson) .. 2 4 .Jas. Hymer’s br.g Feodor, 6 yrs, 8.0 (P. Milne) .. 3 (Winner trained by R. McNay).

Also ran: (2) Waikaraka, 8.13 (F. Waddell), (3) King Try. 8.0 (F. Y r arr), (5) Wairaki, 7.8 (M. Pankhurst), (7) Auchmhor, 6T2 (J. Wormald). From a good start Wmikaraka was cut out and dropp4d back last. Gapon made play and raced along the back in advance of Feodor and King Try. At the home turn, Gapon, who looked to have the race in hand, began to tire, and Seekashore came with a good run, beating him home by four lenghs. while Feodor finished third, three lengths off. Wairaki was fourth. Time, 1 min. 47 2-5 secs.

SECOND DAY ACCEPTANCES. The following are the acceptances for to-day’s races ; SECOND HURDLES of £BO (one mile and a half) —Fisticuff 11.8, Featherstone 10.9, Pinul 10.2, Warsaw 9.12, Pure Gold 9.5.

NEW RIVER CLASS TROT of £IOO (one mile and a half) —Decoy, Happy Dad. Maori Chieftain, Survived 20 secs, Top Note 17. Lady Merlin, Lady Montlflore, Olive Child and Y'oung Edith 15, Wild Lou. Midge 14, Darwin, Bella Abdallah. Diving Bell. Doughboy. Dummy, Evening Star, Franzalena, Miss Becky 11, Monsoon 10, Sweet Child 8, Commanderite 7, Vincent scr.

AWARUA HANDICAP of £125 (one mile and a distance) —Parable 9.7, Waikaraka 8.10, Routine- 8.8, Queen’s Prize 7.13, Gapon 7.12, Wairaki 7.4. Alfreda 7.0, Directoire 6.12, Magdala 6.10.

MYROSS WELTER HACK HANDICAP of £7O (six furlongs) Aphaea 10.10, Featherstone 0.12, Muircock 9.5, Cocoon 8.12, Speybank 8.9, Silvario 8.9, Comedy Queen 8.9. Gryta 5.7, Paulette 8.7, Caseshot 8.0, Colours Flying, Summertime. Glen Royal, Fitzosborne, Golden Webb, Lady Isabel, Overland, Pine Grove, Sombra and St. Wattle 7.7.

PRESIDENT’S WELTER HANDICAP of £BO (seven furlongs)—Benzowen 9.9, Grafton Laddie 9.0, Seekashore 8.11, Peerless 8.10, Sombrero 8.11, Pure Gold 8.6, King Torrent 8.5, Eous 8.0, Abo 7.11. DISPOSAL STAKES of £7O (seven furlongs)—Cuirosettia 9.2, Jolly Friar 9.1, Gold Dredge 8.8, Larkspur 8.5, Freak 8.1, Auchmhor 8.0, Radiator 8.0, Lady Margaret 7.12, Miss Signal 7.12, Vale 7.11, Summertime 7.0, Musketator 7.0.

DASH TROT of £75 (one mile)— Wild Coon, Roan Queen, Marconigram, Lady Nelson, Innocent, Dolly Rodgers 14, Kensaw, Miss Laurie 33, Imperil 11, Richmond Grove 10, Miss Becky, Lady Merlin, Sirrah J., Young Edith 9, Monsoon, Franzalena 8, Sweet Child, Nora Burley 5, Duncan McGregor scr.

WINTER OATS HANDICAP of £9O (one mile) —Waiju 8.10, Obolus 8.3, Feodor 8.0, Palisade 7.13, King Try 7.11, Seekashore 7.11, Gold Sail 7.10, Peerless 7.0, Dlrectoire 6.12, Magdalen 6.12.

FOOTBAZ.X., THE RUGBY GAMS OPENING DAY. The local clubs held their opening games for the season yesterday, and considering the counter attractions the attendances, were fairly good. A number of young players took part in the games, and infused a vim which otherwise might have been lacking. The play was, of course, of a somewhat ragged

description, as is the case at the beginning of a season ; but each of the clubs has received reinforcements who will make a material difference to the strength of Southland football. On the other hand, several of Southland’s last year’s prominent players have, owing to various reasons, been compelled to cease playing, and their faces will be misled. It is quite on the cards, however, that two or three prominent men who were missing last season will be numbered among the "muddy oafs" this year. It is not too much to say that already indications are pronouncedly in favour of a most successful season. This feeling is encouraged when one gets into touch with the younger players who are, one and all, most enthusiastic. Southland football has during the past few seasons been somewhat disappointing, although it lias been steadily Improving, and this season it is hoped that the form that was shown by Southland in 1903 will be re-produced. That year Southland had probably the best provincial team in the Dominion, and suffered only one defeat, which was ungrudgingly admitted to have been undeserved, and the two tries which were scored by "Doddy’’ Grey, playing at the time for Wellington, were extremely lucky ones. Nevertheless they spoiled Southland’s otherwise unbeaten record. Adverting to yesterday’s games, it must be said that the forwards all round promise well, and if trouble comes to the province the back division will probably have to bear the blame. Without being unduly optimistic, however, it seems safe to assume that results will prove entirely satisfactory, and this assumption is helped along by the knowledge that already the players arc assisting themselves to get into condition.

CBZCXBT. JUNIOR GAMES. APPLEBY DEFEAT Y.M.C.A. On the Appleby ground yesterday afternoon, a game was played between the Appleby junior eleven and Y.M.C.A. “8..” the former winning by the margin of 72 runs on the first innings. Y.M.C.A. batted first and in the early stages, with three wickets down for 32. looked like making a stand. But the later batsmen could make no headway against the bowling of Wells and Pellowe, and added only two runs to the total. Lilico (12) was the only batsman to read) double figures. Wells secured 6 wickets for 15 runs, and Pellowe 3 for 2. for Appleby. The Applebyites passed Y.jM.C.A.’s total for the loss of.two wickets. The innings terminated for a total of, 106 runs. Butcher (23), Groves (28). and Hide (14 .not out) were Appleby’s highest .scorers.