SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 18971, 19 June 1923, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Entries for the leading events of the Grand National meeting close on June 29. Hawke’s Bay J.C.’s Winter meeting opens to-morrow and concludes on Thursday. The final trotting event of the season is due at Timaru Hunt meeting on Saturday, July 21. Seven different sires were represented by the winners at the Napier Park meeting on Saturday. Provided he starts, Ranui (11.4* will have to carry a good horse's weight in Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase. A. McDonald, one of the cleverest crosscountry riders seen out in many years, has won 26 races this season. It is interesting to note that Box Seat, Rat an a and Wild Briar have left the care of J. Bryce for N. Price’s stable. Her owner desired to send Chimera to the stud, but her mentor secured another •eason’s racing for this sprinter of class. Mr G. L. Stead will probably leave for Sydney next month with his home-trained team including Royal Box and Tarletcn. The Wanganui studmaster, Mr G. M. Currie, owner of Absurd, has left, for Australia, intending to spend the winter in Sydney. Prior to the last mail to hand leaving England. H. Gray had a win on Tjandi, a two-year-old by Pommern, the youngster •tarted second favourite. The Melbourne Cup is not the only Victorian race with a record (301 > entry this season, as Caulfield Cup has attracted 280 ■ominations—record figures. ‘‘Whalebone’’ reports in Auckland Star that Kohu was very sore after falling in the G.N. Steeplechase, and doubts are expressed to his ever racing again. Auckland owners are expected to be strongly represented at Trentham’ next month, a fact encouraging the belief that a strong northern contingent will be present at the Grand National fixture. The fact that Oranga had to be destroyed —the result of a kick when at the post for the Great Northern Hurdles, should convince Aucklanders that the “pen” in use at Wingatui is very useful for fractious horses. Prior to his departure for Hawke s Bay, the novice hurdler Blur. Socks gained many friends at Trentham, but it has to be placed on record that he f&J.ad badly at Napier Park meeting. There may be a different story to tell following on the Wellington R.C. Winter fixture. The Absurd colt which Mr W. G. Stead could not send to Australia, owing to an injury to one of his feet, is a particularly well-bred youngster, and his pedigree lines are interesting in the south, as his dam was produced on somewhat similar lines to Mr W. T. Hazlett’s crack matron, Simper (imp.l. Mr Stead’s rising two-year-old is a son of the English mare Shrill by Llangurn—Valve, by Velasquez—Gas, by Ayrshire—llluminata. In ihe case of Mr Hazlett’s mare, Simper’s g.anddam, Chelandry, is by Goldfinch—llluminata. In the event of Mr Stead’s youngster growing out of his trouble some curiosity will be expressed as to whether he is a worthy son of the great Paraffin family from which Illuminata descends. It is hinted that it has been practically fettled that Poanui is to contest the big southern hurdle races in the near future. He has been going on ihe right way at Ellerslie since the close of the Auckland R.C.’s Winter meeting, and there is no doubt about his ability when he is really well, while he has proved that he is a proficient jumper. The Te Aroha correspondent of Auckland Star reports that the Te Aroha Trotting dub has decided to confer with the Thames and Cambridge Clubs with a view to the Government being asked for a two days' trotting permit to be held this season in aid of the three clubs mentioned. Until representatives of the three clubs meet the tourse on which it is desired to hold such a meeting will not be decided upon. It is almost a solid conviction in the minds of racing men resident south cf Auckland that sporting bodies in the northern province are receiving preferential treatment from the Government, what with country clubs racing in the capital towns of the province and special totalisator facilities, they are tertainly not being overlooked. The English-bred hurdle racer Great Fun was not produced at the Auckland R.C.’s Winter meeting, but northern scribes report that he is working consistently on the tracks. His racing experiences at Hawera are said to have been very beneficial to him, while he is wearing an improved appearance. At the clearing sale of Mr W. Howard’s horses at Gisborne recently a former Gisborne Cup winner, in the Multifid—Cricium gelding, Cleft, came under the hammer, and was sold for a guinea. No bids being forthcoming when the auctioneer, Mr F. Gray, offered the old gelding for sale, Mr Gray finally turned to Mr Howard and remarked: “I’ll give you a guinea for him.” “Right!” responded the owner, and Cleft was knocked down for a solitary guinea. At the same sale the Malster—Condiment mare. Sweet Corn, a smart galloper in her day, realised only 12 guineas. In 1922 the English Derby was worth £10.625 to Lord Woolavington, who won it with Captain Cuttie. A win in last week’s Derby carried £11.360 (£lO 860 to the owner and £5OO to the breeder of the victor’. If appearances are not deceptive, Mr C E Twist, of Hawke’s Bay. secured a bar gain when he purchased the brood mare Fairy Gold from the Douglas Estate at, 110 guineas, not the price of the stud fee of Absurd, to whom she is thought to be in foal. Fairy Gold is the dam of Maioha, Hetaua, Toa Taua, Mountain Lion, Golden Sky and Goldshine. The Wanganui trainer, F. Tilley, promises to hold a strong hand with two-year-olds next season, as he has five in hand, including the brother to Tukia, a halfsister to Kinsem, a Spearhead youngster, and a colt by Panmure out of Ayah. Auckland can boast the possession of a , larger number of English-bred horses in | training at the present time than any olbrr ! portion of Maoriland. During an interval in the racing at Ellerslie on June behalf a-dozen of the imported gallopers *werc sprinted up the straight and carried them»el ves in a well behaved manner. Mr William Clark, the most successful Australian owner in England, in an interview with the London representative of the Sydney Sun. says that the great success of Australian jockeys is a feature of the present racing season. They all appreciate the greater elbow room permitted in English compared with Australian races, as well as the improved riding conditions generally. Given fair mounts, the Australians are, he says, almost unsurpassed on the long-striding English courses. Carslake is particularly successful at Newmarket though he is too heavy to get many mounts. At present he has the highest winning average, Frank Bullock is peerless jn any course, particularly with two-year Dlds. He is third on the winning list, close behind the ex apprentices. Elliot and Joo* Frank Bullocks sod was greath

benefited by his visit to Australia. It is remarkable that George Smith, after his wonderful successes last year did not ride his first winner until his forty-fifth race this season. Townsend and Walker have created an excellent impression. The Woottons (Prank and Stanley) are building up a reputation for developing apprentices as • race winners. With advancing years Beauford is falling into flesh (writes “Cardigan” in the Sydney “Arrow”). There is nothing strange in that, perhaps. Most men do likewise, most horses, too; but few thought the Newcastle flyer would follow the beaten track. However, it is a fact, and his trainer, S. Killick, told me at Newcastle last Saturday that his champion is “as fat as mud.” Since Beauford decided to rid himself of his rider and go for a gallop round the highways and byways ! of Newcastle prior to the last Autumn . meeting, he has been spelling at this I trainer’s stables. In fact, he has been leading a life of leisure, and it agrees I with him. I asked Killick whether he I thought he would have any trcuble in getting the horse into racing condition again, now that he has put on so much condition; but he was emphatic that he would not. “He is a most contented customer,” he said, “and has the manners of a goed horse. In fact, he is almost human in his intelligence.” Killick is not a talkative man, but I believe he considers the spell Beauford has had has done him the world of good, and that in the spring he will be even better—if that is possible—than ever before. If so, and if Killick does not know then nobody does, the invading New Zealanders and the best of our own horses are in for a sorry time. The distances of the spring weight-for-age races will also be more in his favour than those of the autumn, and he may tackle the Randwick Plate on the final day. If he is bigger and stronger than ever before he may stay better; and as the Randwick Plate is on the last day of the meeting, he might yet test David and the three-year-olds over two miles. I don’t suppose there is any possibility of his going to Melbourne for the Cup meeting. He is a bad traveller, and possibly Killick would not take the risk, with Mr Mackay away in England. The annual social held under the auspices of the members of the Wairio J.C. took place at Nightcaps on Saturday evening, and was pronounced to be the most successful function of its class so far organised by the well-known Western District turf institution. Mr F. Boyle presided over a gathering of over one hundred members and visitors, who were treated to a very much appreciated oyster supper, followed by an entertaining musical programme and a toast list supported by sportsmen representing the political situation and various branches of outdoor sport and pastimes, from cricket to racing. HAWKE’S BAY JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR WEDNESDAY. (Per United Press Association). NAPIER, June 18. WOODLANDS STEEPLECHASE (two miles).—Seadown 12.3, Multive 11.0, Noble 9.6, Ruamanuwhiri 9.5, Blue Hall 9.3, Master Oriflamme and Mahia 9.0. WHAKATU HURDLES (one mile and threequarters) Nukumai 10.11, Tri’ooulet 10.9, Eerie 9.9, Bodyguard 9.7, Palm Oil 9.6, Rapid Stride and Tresor 9.0. HAWKE'S BAY STEEPLECHASE (about three miles).—First Line 10.12, Whipcord 10.7. General Raven 10.5, Dick 10.1, Gold Scene 9.10, Zeus 9.0, Gang ’Awa 9.0. HAWKE’S BAT HURDLES (about one mile and threequarters) .—Otauru Kid and Kail 10.9. Alteration 10.3, Vagabond 10.6, Complex 10.3, Killard and Kyoto 9.13, Woden 9.9, Highway and Silver Stride 9.0. WINTER HANDICAP (one mile and a furlong).—Birkenella 10.7, Pink Rose 10.6, Westerner and Fera 10.4, Doleful Ditty 10.1, Slave Mart and Heather King 9.10, Highway 9.7, Soldier’s Love 9.5. Kingly, Polonett, Perplexity, Merry Bells, Miss Gazeley and Birwick 9.0. LADIES’ BRACELET (one mile and ahalf).—Toa Taua 11.9. Mervolia 11.5, SilLady, Complimentary and Maunga HERETAUNGA HANDICAP (six furlongs) .—Barrier 11.1, Civilform 10.12, Strategy 10.10, Aratura 10.1. Battle Kn ht 9.10, Kilbird 9.9, Bagdad 9.8, Tenterf: Id and Island 9.7, Kaotane and Patuku 9.5. Askari 9.2, Suspicion, Mosthenes and Kahiakatea 9.0. DANNEVIRKE RACING CLUB. HANDICAPS FOR WINTER MEETING. WELLINGTON, June 18. HANDICAP HACK AND HUNTERS’ HURDLES (one mile and a-half).—Rowan and Triboulet 10.13, Mountain Peer 10.10, Crowhurst and Toa Taua 10.9, Whizz Bang 10.1. Eerie 9.11. Diamond Nap 9.9, Naughty and Jackaroo 9.3, Admiration, Muns, Whariti,. Peep ’o Day, Kumana, Forenoon, Gaze, Romer, Kauropa and Sailor King 9.0. JELLICOE HANDICAP (six furlongs).— Elcullus 10.9, Atapo 10.8, Happy Days 9.13, Ma Boughal and Moonstruck 9.11, Stream 9.4, Hapatoa 9.3, Carnbee, Sonny Boy and Arizcna 9.2, Lady Passenger and Prideaux 9.0. MANGATORO HANDICAP (six furlongs i .—Strategy 10.13. Passionless 10.5, Amber Tips 10.3. Island 9.12. I’Amour 9.9, Askari 9.8. Big Push 9./, Mountain March 9.2. Vitella, Jackeroo. Crown Gem and Suspicion 9.0. DANNEVIRKE STEEPLECHASE (about two mile? and a-half).—Whipcord 118. Otauri Kid 11.12, Merry Owen 10.10. Raumanuwhiri 9.5, Bill and Blue Hall 9.2, Master Oriflamme and Sailor King 9.0. HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE 'about 2 miles).- Oak Rose 11.11, Whizz Bang 10.9. Ramanuwhiri 10.2. Bill 9.13. Master Oriflamme 9.9. Form 9.7, Malin Head, Kawana, Sailer King and Makuru 9.5. OTANGA HANDICAP (one mile and aquarter).—Strategy 10.9, Tenterfield 9.12. Kilgour 9.11, Askari 9.10, Battle Knight 9.7, Detroit, Red Bob and Patuki 9.5. Bonibrook 9.4, Big Push 9.2, Crown Gem, •Soldier’s Love and Suspicion 9.0. ORINGI HACK WELTER (seven furlongs).—Fera 10.6, Birkenella 10.5, Soldier’s Love 10.3, Slave Mart 9.13, Hallowvonia, Ma Boughal and Moonstruck 9.10, Stream 9.3, Ihapatoa, Merry Queen, Big Chief and Naughty 9.2, Elvaette, Merry Bells, Awangawanga, Apo, Eolthenes, Miss Miss Garance and Miss Gazeley 9.0. DANNEVIRKE HUNT CLUB. HANDICAPS FOR ANNUAL MEETING. WELLINGTON, June 18. HUNT CLUB HURDLES di miles).— Crowhurst 11.13. Oak Rose 11.3, Munns 9.13. Whariti 9.12. Forenoon, Kauropa, Gaze, Roamer and Blaze 9.7. ASHCOTT HACK HANDICAP ( 6 fur longs) .—Elcullus 10.10, Atapo 10.9, Happy Days 10.0, Ma Boughal and Moonstruck 9.12, Mountain Peer 9.11, Stream 9.5, Ihapatoa 9.4, Big Chief, Arizona and Carn bee 9.3, Awangawanga, Lady Passenger and Prideaux 9.1, Miss Gazeley 9.0, DANNEVIRKE HUNT CUP STEEPLE CHASE (about miles).—Oak Rose 11.13, Orleans 10.13, Raumanuwhiri 10.4, Master Oriflamme 9.11, Ahfu and Form 9.9, Bent Wade 9.7. RAKAITAI HANDICAP (one mile and 50 yards).— Strategy 10.12, Amber Tips 102, Tenterfield 10.0, Askari 9.12, Battle Knight 9.11, i’Amour 9.9, Detroit and Patuki 9.7. Big Push 9.5, Fera 9.3, Eerie 9.2. Mountain March, Vitella. Soldier’s Love, Jackaroo, Suspicion and Admiration 9.0.

TE MATAU HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE (about two miles).—Ahfu and Form 10.13, Kauropa, Sailor King, Walker’s Ridge, Bent Wade and Baroness 10.9. AKITIO LADIES’ BRACELET (one mile and a-quarter).—Larkspur 11.3, Awangawanga 10.11, Gaze, Roamer, Uncle Bob, Bent Wade and Baroness 10.7. ! KAITOKI HACK WELTER (7 furlongs) ; —Birkenella 10.8, Soldier’s Love 10.6, Slave i Mart 10.2, Hallowvonia, Ma Boughal and i Mopnstruck 9,13, Stream 9.6, Ihaupota 9.5, J Sunny Boy and Arizona 9.4, Elvaette, i Merry Bells. Apo, Elothenes and Miss Gaxance 9.3, Prideaux 9.2.

GOLF

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. HAGEN’S IMPRESSIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright). LONDON, June 17. Speaking of the Open Golf Championship, Hagen said that the Americans competing did not do themselves justice. The weather conditions were awful. “Havers,” he said, “ is a good golfer, but I beat him at Leeds. I do not think either of us played well at Troon. ”

TENNIS

HONOLULU, June 17. Anderson and Hawkes defeated J. Castle and Dick Cook, Hawaiian members of the Davis Cup team, 6—2, 6—2. DAVIS CUP MATCH. LONDON, June 17. Playing at Manchester in the Davis Cup. Lycett (England) defeated Flaquer (Spain' 6—o, 6—l, 6—l. Count de Gomar defeated Wheatley, 4—6, 10—8, 6—l, 6—2. Lycett and Godfree play Flaquer and Count de Gomar in the doubles on Tuesday. SWITZERLAND DEFEAT ARGENTINE. GENEVA, June 17. Aeschlimann and Sautter (Switzerland) defeated Villegas and Robson (Argentine) 6—2, 9—7, 6—3. Switzerland thus wins’ the tie, having won three games out of five. PARIS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP. PARIS, June 17. The tennis championship resulted:— Mixed Doubles.—Mademoiselles Bourgeis and Cochat defeated Mesdames Billont and Hirsch, 3 : —6, 6 —3, 6 —4.

BOXING

WELLINGTON BOUTS. WELLINGTON, June 18. At Petone to-night, Tommy Fairhall, Australia, knocked out Paul Hannah, New Zealand. The contest was willing throughout, with Fairhall always superior. The first round was fairly even, but -from then on the Australian displayed superior ringcraft. In the last round Hannah was badly punished and met disaster from a left hook, followed by a right jolt. Barnes defeated Black on points, after a willing contest. The bout practically decided the Amateur Featherweight title of the Wellington province.

BOWLING

EASY WIN FOR NEW ZEALAND. ‘ SYDNEY, June 18. New Zealand (183) beat Maitland (108).

HOCKEY

NEW SOUTH WALES TOUR. INTER ISLAND MATCHES DECIDED ON. (Per United Press Association), CHRISTCHURCH, June 18. At the meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Hockey Association it was decided to hold separate Island tournaments. Auckland and Otago are to be asked to undertake the charge of the respective games. July 4 was fixed as the date for the Manawatu v. Hawke’s Bay challenge match. The invitation was accepted from the New South Wales Association to send a team on tour from that State and Victoria, and Mr C. Bellamy (Canterbury), W. Manning (Wellington) and L. H. Norton (Auckland) were appointed selectors. It was agreed to play the inter-island match at Wellington on August. 18. Owing to the lack of support from North Island associations it was decided to abandon the idea of bringing out a team from England.

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY UNION. WEEKLY MEETING. The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the Southland Rugby Union was held last night. Those present were: Messrs T. Meredith (Chairman), L. Foster, W. Carswell, H. Kilby, P. Scully, D. Stalker, A. H. Stott, A. Courtis, G. Fortune, and J. Mawson. The President’s action in granting a transfer for W. Morris from Bluff to Winton and H. Blee from Pirates to Waikiwi was endorsed. J. Potter was granted a transfer from Bluff to Pirates. It was decided to advise the Bluff Club that their protest against Makarewa on the ground of that club playing two players from other chibs was not in order, not having come through the proper channel and not being accompanied by a protest fee. A request from the New Zealand Rugby Union for a list of referees capable of controlling interprovincial matches was referred to the Appointment Board. Members supported the chairman in bis advocacy of a limited number of referees being listed, and not the number of names that was stated to have been sent forward last season. The New Zealand Rugby Union wrote stating that nominations of players for the inter island match would be received up till July 17. Referred to selectors. The Eastern District wrote in reply to the Union’s suggestion for the Town v. Eastern match that it desired to play on July 11. Mr Stalker stated that this date was not suitable in the opinion of the selectors, as it was too close to the Maori match of July 18. They desired to give men who might possibly be injured in the TownEastern match a chance to recover, and they might want Eastern men during the fortnight that it was desired to have available before the Maori match. It was decided to advise the Eastern Sub-Union accordingly. Waikiwi Club asked permission to withdraw from the second grade competition on Saturday, and be allowed to enter a junior team on Wednesday. The letter regretted that the Union should have been put to the trouble, but the present application was due to the unsatisfactory state of busi- I ness firms, players not knowing their holiday. This, and a request from the Marist Club to enter a team in the same competition, were referred to the Flag Committee. Waikiwi asked that (heir application for the transfer of Robinson. Broad, Blanche, Wills and Hawkes be withdrawn, on account of previous application.—To be advised that Robinson and Wills, who had been granted transfers, must put in fresh applications, the others not requiring to take any action as their previous applications had not been dealt with. In response to a communication from the Otago R.U., it was decided to suggest September 26 as the date from the return Southland-Otago match. Star Club were granted permission to enter a first grade team in the Saturday competition. W. Matheson was granted a transfer from Pirates to Marist, provided personal application was made. W. Kan* was alsi,

transferred from Albion to Marist subject to a personal application and clearance. Invercargill Club wrote asking to be allowed to withdraw from the Wednesday Senior competition. It was decided to make representations to the club to endeavour to carry on and assist the Union in the situation which it found itself at present. Mr R. McDonald, president of the Central Sub-Union, wrote forwarding suggested rules for the Sports Protection League banner. The writer stated that the rules he had suggested had not yet been considered by his Sub-Union. Briefly, Mr McDonald’s suggestion was that the Shield should be a challenge trophy open to the Sub-Unions, the rules being similar to those governing the Ranfurly Shield. It was decided to thank Mr McDonald for his valuable suggestions, and to forward copies of same to the Sub-Unions. The letter was held over until the Sub-Unions have indicated their opinions on the subject. The groundsman. Mitchell, wrote asking to be of his duties. The opinion was expressed that the groundsman was a very good man for his job, and that it would be a pity to lose him. It was decided to 20 into the matter in an endeavoul to retain the groundsman’s services. REPRESENTATIVE TEAM COACHING. Mr Stalker reported in connection with the coaching of the representative team that the Drill Hall had been secured for Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The final lecture would be given on Thursday and the selectors would like to have a good deal more senior players present. Thirty players would be picked after next Thursday to attend at the Drill Hall. Mr Stalker continued that it had never been decided whether the selectors should coach the players. It was really not. part of their work, but the selectors had desired to give every possible help. The chairman asked if the selectors desired the Union to appoint coaches. Mr Stalker said that this was not necessary, unless the Union desired the selectors to take it on, and if so they would go straight ahead. They proposed to got on to practical work, based on the lectures already given. The chairman said he thought that it would be a good thing if the selectors got some assistance. Mr Stalker said they were only too willing. and the president continued that he would like to see Mr Grace associated with the selectors for the backs and Mr McGrath tor instruction in tackling. Other members supported the suggestion, stating that Mr Grace had done splendid work with the Marist team and that Mr McGrath would be of great value in teaching the players tackling and defensive protection. It was decided that the question of coaching and training should be left in the hands of the selectors with the recommendation that they should obtain the services of Messrs Grace and McGrath and others available. It was also decided that club fixtures should be continued when the team was away on tour. During the discussion, Mr Stalker stated that the team selected for the match with Eastern District on July 4, if this date could be arranged, would be practically the representative team for the Maori match, with the exception of any men it might be decided to include from the Eastern District. WEDNESDAY’S GAMES. The following fixtures were passed for Wednesday:— —First Grade.— Marist v. Winton, 2.45 p.m., No. 1 area. Star v. Invercargill, 2.15 pun., No. 2 area —Second Grade.— Pirates v. Marist, Western, 2 p.m. Invercargill A v. Winton A, Park School, 2.45 p.m. Invercargill B v. Winton B, Winton, 2.45 p.m. Star v. Southern, Southern, 2 p.m. Waikiwi a bye. WESTERN DISTRICT RESULTS. (From our own Correspondent). The football match at Nightcaps on Saturday between Otautau and Nightcaps teams for the Banner contest was of considerable interest. The winner of the match will play Orepuki for the final round, and Saturday’s play placed Nightcaps in that position. That team will now require to win every successive game, and one of the other competing teams will need to beat Orepuki, to enable Orepuki and Nightcaps to have another play off for the final decision. Otautau placed a fairly strong team in the field, but missed the sendees of Grieve

who was down with the influenza. This made it necessary for Finnegan to play half-back, upsetting the usual combination. Otautau again lost the toss, and played the first, half against the sun. Nightcaps also fielded a strong team, especially among the forwards. The first half of the game was strenuous going, Nightcaps keeping the visitors well within their own 25, but seldom letting them get past the half way line. Nightcaps drew first blood. M. Dixon got the ball and dashed down the line, and despite all the efforts of Otautau’s men, I he kept going until Matheson brought him j down in the corner of the field. But his I momentum carried him over the line for a I try, the kick failing to convert. After this j the Nightcaps team continued to force the ! pace, and shortly afterwards Dixon again ! got across, following a splendid passing rush, and scored in the same place. The visitors made a very determined attempt to even things up, but the Nightcaps combination was too strong, and they were forced back continuously, and kept on defensive tactics until half-time. In the second half the visitors faced the odds cheerfully, and set to w r ork with good effect, so that they had Nightcaps on the defensive most of the time. But it was apparently more than they could do jto score. J. Matheson was unfortunate on several occasions. Once he got the ball over the line, but it was kicked out of his reach into the dead ball line. On another occasion his cross-kick was unlucky, the bounce beating Hope when he had no one to pass to. Otautau had at least three shots at the goal from penalties, but the distance was too far. Smythe started a good dribbling rush from mid-field, which took the ball through practically to the line, but the Nightcaps' full-back saved the score. From this time on the home team I plainly had the best of things, and carried j play to the other end where a penalty for off-side was given against the visitors. Jaggers took the kick, and dropped it for a goal, which the referee gave as a poster. For a moment the Otautau men stood doing nothing and Duggan charged up and made a dive at the ball, which he just failed to reach. After this the game was confined chiefy to bouts of kicking in mid-field and when the whistle sounded the score was Nightcaps 6, Otautau 0. Mr J. Wilson acted as referee. Otautau and Riverton met on the Otautau Recreation Ground on Wednesday. The game was one of the best seen at Otautau this season. The home team secured an advantage from, the kick-off, and made a vigorous attack which was kept up for a considerable time. But Riverton afterwards cleared to half-way. The Otautau backs were making strong efforts to open iup the play, and finally succeeded. The ball was dribbled out of the ruck to Grieve, and was passed to Finnegan, to Irving, to Spence, and transferred to Matheson, who dashed with it down the line, fending off several opponents, and he scored about half-way out. Thus Otautau made the first score in a quick passing rush. But Grieve failed to convert. Riverton made strenuous efforts to even things up, and their forwards carried the play into Otautau’s territory, where a clearing kick was charged down, and a score resulted, with Foster goaling. From this on the play was very even, and the ball was kept travelling from end to end of the field. The half time whistle sounded with the score 5 to 3 in favour of the seaside. Otautau made a vigorous attack, on change of ends, and were several times very near scoring, until a penalty for an illegal tackle enabled Grieve to put the ball over the bar with a good kick. After this the play quickened up a good deal, and Riverton gradually worked their way up-field, but the home team sent them back by some good combination back and forward play. “Scotty” Baird got his hands on the ball from a scrum, and scored wide out, and Grieve failed to convert. From the kick-off again the visitors set up a hot attack,, and Clouston was unfortunate in not making the scores even, for he failed by a few inches in potting a goal. From now on Otautau had the game in their own hands, and kept Riverton on the defensive, until the whistle sounded the close of the game, the scores being Otautau 9, Riverton 5. Mr A. C. Mills was referee.