FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 18 (Supplement)

FOOTBALL

(By “Onlooker.”) I i HONOURS BOARD ( The following table shows the points, and * how scored, obtained by individual mem- j bers of first grade teams competing in the j Galbraith Shield series:— , Goals. Total. (

Half-pi-rates. Blues walk the plank. _ Weight triumphs. Which four Stars made the Southern I cross, and which two were the pointers? Is Geddes faster than Manson ? The Blue wing raced the Black for the ball from a level start. Geddes should develop a fend or a side- ' step if he wishes to avoid being tackled every time he meets an opponent. Bird would be one of the best of the Black forwards if he did not break the rules by charging on the line and getting in front. He’s a tiger for work. Burnett played a fine game for Blues. He’s a versatile forward with plenty of brains. Kerse played his best game this season, and put it over Johnston. He wants to learn to give better passes. Cheers for Jack Lilley! He kicked a goal from a try last Saturday, the first of the season. Potted goals were as common as potted j meat last week. Campbell, Cavanagh and Crosbie, full-backs all and C’s as well, were the culprits. Blues will be hard put to it to field a decent fifteen to-day. Cec Mills, Tiny Kerse. Thompson and Matheson were crocked against Pirates and are unlikely to be seen out this afternoon. I McCallum (Southern) broke his nose during the progress of the Star-Southern I mill. To-day’s Park games: Star v. Blues, No. 1; Pirates v. Southern No. 2. What happened to the bells for callingl time last week. Rumoured that the Referees Assassination cut their tongues out. And most of the senior referees desire the bell. Cut it out Ref. Ass. Don’t let the • idea that the parent body re-instituted the bell ringing worry you. After all that same body is in the position of dictator. Wairarapa whangs Hawke's Bay at last. Hooray! Last year 14 —77, this year 15—11. Congratulations to Mr. Arthur Geddes on his re-appointment as one of the select band. Many spectators, and players too, expressed themselves strongly on the poor refereeing on the Park last week. Far too many airs were played, most of them encores. Charlie Diack has now’ reached the half century on the Honours Board. He should just about hit the century before the season ends. Southern Philpott is well up the ladder, thanks to hie trusty boot. Pirates were lucky to be awarded one of their tries, for a penalty to Blues would have been the referee’s decision had his view not been obstructed. Cockroft, kneeling on the ground, picked up the ball and flung it out for Geddes to snap up. It was a clear case of handling the ball on the ground. There was also a doubt as to whether Geddes grounded the ball, for he appeared to be lying on his back with the ball on his chest after Manson's tackle. The incident meant three points against Blues at a critical time. Senior Rugby in Invercargill is at a low ebb if the Pirates-Blues match is any criterion. For gross mishandling and wretched passing last week’s game would take a lot of beating. Compared with the standard of play in Christchurch Club football, the display by Pirates and Blues was second grade —and poor at that. Fortunately there are some country backs who can play senior Rugby. Otherwise it would be a sorry’ outlook for Southland’s 1927 season. The forwards cannot be blamed for the atrocious football. They battled hard throughout and unselfishly fed their puerile backs as often as they possibly could. They would have been quite justified and probably wiser if they had gone in for some short snappy passing themselves, for it is a moral certainty that they W’ould have done better than their backs, because it was impossible for them to do worse. The Blue inside backs were much better than the two Pirate five-eighths. Both Ottrey and Norris played serviceable games, the latter covering up many mistakes. But the three-quarter line was weak on attack ' and undid much of the good work of the rest of the team. Credit must be given to Todd, McKay and Manson for the way they tackled. Manson hugged Geddes’ knees every time the Black runner came near him. Todd was equally deadly. When Hazlett got away clear it was McKay who chased and tackled him, and the Blue centre nearly succeeded in upsetting Diack when the latter bolted away. Manson did some foolish things, but he continues to show improvement. The palm for rotten Rugby must, however, be yielded to the Pirates’ five-eighths, especially Pickering. Pay’s worst fault, apart from general mishandling, was to let Charlie Johnson break through twice without offering the slightest resistance. Picker-

ing was the stumbling-block-in-chief, though. He either went too far and was tackled before he could pass out, or he failed to take Pay’s transfer. Yet there is splendid stuff in this young player. Time and again he cleverly beat his man, but why on earth did he undo all his good work by going yards too far. A nippy transfer a little earlier would have earned him high praise instead of groans from Black supporters. Diack, except for his bad break in passing prematurely to Geddes (a certain amount of credit for which is due to Cheyne), played a fine game and twice at least saved certain Blue tries by his backing up. Geddes showed that he is an easy man to tackle and his display generally was not impressive. Calder was solid, and Mills very sure. Until the Blue forwards got tired out with pushing against the heavy Blacks and with being let down by their backs they gave the Pirate pack all they wanted. In the first spell nearly every scrum was carried by the Blues and Charlie Johnston made good use of the ball. Towards the end of the game, however, the Black forwards could do what they liked, and the Blues left some very glaring openings that were fully exploited by their opponents. At times the Black forwards gave some atrocious displays of tackling. Five men one after the other went for Cheyne round the neck. Needless to say, none of them got him. The Blue pack tackled much better. A local footballer who saw the Christchurch and Albion teams meet recently, informs me *hat the standard of pack play in that game was five hundred per cent, better than anything he had seen in Invercargill this season. I’m not surprised. Burtenshaw and Blair again bore the brunt of Southern’s hard forward work against the heavier Star pack. The former not only did his work in the scrum but also got out and worried the opposing backs into hasty and poor passes.

There is no better line-out man in Southland than Shaw. Endowed with a pair of sure hands and with legs befitting Spring-heel Jack, he grabs the leather in nine out of every ten throws-in and makes good use of it. No waste product about this lad. Just a bit more devil wanted in his play and he’s in the running for Springbok land. Star are just a nine points better side than Southern and no more. Well, figures

speak for themselves. ’ First round, Star 15, Southern 6; second round Star 21, Southern 12. Two good displays of full-back play were given in the Star-Southern game. Cavanagh had more rush-stopping to do than Campbell and consequently showed up a shade better than his vis-a-vis, but nevertheless, Campbell’s work was clean and crisp. The Southern last line is as cool as a cucumber. He takes and fields perfectly, can kick like a mule and tackles with the vigour of a man twice his weight and inches. Alf. Mitchell’s coirs are Improving with every game. Cohesion among the backs, at least the absence of it, is their chief fault. A little 5 p.m. or early morning practice should help to remedy this. The forwards, light as they are, are tigers all and stand up to their bigger opponents in great style. Mayson, at lock, should use his weight more. Physically, he has all the attributes of a dashing forward, but to lack pep. Hughes and Brown, apart from Cavanagh, were Southern's hardest working backs Bert McEwan seemed to be in trouble all day. Referee Miller ruled him out of order on several occasions for obstructing Bobby Oughton. It wasn’t Connolly’s fault Star’s score was not larger. He gave his backs plenty of ball, but they failed to give it air. Many attempts were made at chain passing, but almost every one failed through dropped passes. Guy Oughton handed out his transfers all right, but the men outside him didn’t want them. Joe McAuliffe made some slashing solo runs, but after beating half the opposition decided to hang on to the ball. He was responsible for Star’s first try; thereafter he endeavoured to play Southern himself. Star will require to handle better to-day to repeat their first round victory over Blues. It takes a good man to measure up to Son Whites test of a champion Rugby player, and the veteran considers that A. Cave, the giant young policeman who made his first appearance in first grade football in Christchurch with the Christchurch team,

is going to make an All Black (says the Sun). That is enough to indicate, at any rate, that Cave is something beyond the ordinary. Cave, who is about twenty-two years of age, came to Christchurch with the last batch of young constables from the depot. He had previously played for the Rawene first grade team in the North Island, but has not had much experience in the game. A great virtue is that he knows he has a great deal to learn, for his team mates say he is always asking questions on points of play. A non-smoker and a non-drinker, this fine young athlete trains for about an hour each day in Hagley Park. 'Hie desire of the New Zealand Rugby Union that the visit of the British team to its country should take place in 1929 instead of 1930 as now arranged is another indication of the value placed on these international tours by the Dominions (says an English exchange). The only doubt whether their request will be favourably considered by the International Board is the fact that South Africa may desire to return the visit of the British team two seasons ago in the same period. “At the moment there is a number of these international tours already arranged. We visit the Argentine in the summer; a few months later New South Wales will be playing over here, and at the same time New; Zealand visit South Africa. If South Africa comes to England in 1929 and we go to New Zealand the next season, there will have been an uninterrupted series of games between various parts of the Empire for four years. Yet we still hesitate to give the Dominions proper representation !’•*

COUNTRY DAY East goes West. Wakatipu rises and floods the South. Central succumbs to Northern nuggets. The cock o’ the North—Aubrey Lee. The country can breed good wings. Overheard after Country Day:—“Great Scott! The town’s end will come when it plays country.” Siamese twins —Scott and McLeod. Watch them together in loose rush after loose rush. The most unpopular man on a football field—the referee who blows the whistle every minute. If Townsend’s sun is setting in the West it’s a glorious sunset, but I think we will see the phenomenon of a sunrise in the West, for when Algy goes on tour with the Maroons he will eclipse his record with ; the Otago touring team. McDonald, as several Western men learnt to their cost, is as hard to stop as ever. There is no wing to equal him in town. He’s a fair kick, too. Davidson was the ’andy man of his team. Did a solid lot of defence as well as shine in attack. Walker is a fast runner, and must not bo lost sight of for representative honours. Nicholson was a fine full-back when he played for ’Varsity and showed that he still is. It’s to be hoped his shoulder won’t trouble him again. Eastern’s inside backs were not up to their three-quarter line’s standard. Dempster was all right at full-back but poor at fiveeighths. What a glorious forward Bruce Scott is! There is no one in town to equal him for opening up the game and leading dribbling rushes. If the selectors can’t find a place for him and McLeod there’s something strange. McLeod is scarcely a whit behind Bruce. What about him for the Maroon lock? Both teams had fine packs and they never let up. If anything Western had the better of it. The outstanding forwards for Western were Prendeville and McCoy. Here are another two that the selectors don’t want to overlook in trial games. As a team the Western backs, well as they played, were not in it with Eastern; but the wizardry of Algy at five-eighths more than evened matters. Volumes could be written of Townsend’s magnificent play. He was here, there and everywhere, looking as clumsy as a young elephant but showing the nimbleness of a mountain goat in avoiding false steps. Having to make all his own openings he succeeded beyond the dreams of possibility and dominated the game as a schoolmaster his flock. Despite a bad cold he lasted well, though he was not quite conspicuous in the second spell as the first. If he doesn’t fly into the reps., it will be surprising, for there is no five-eighths in the same class in town. He and Diack—the best man at his wedding, by the way—should go excelI lently together, especially since Algy has I learnt what double harness meaps!

What a great game the next clash between Eastern and Western should be! I shouldn’t be at all surprised if last week’s decision is reversed, for the better side, as a team, is Eastern. Still with the gallant Western forwards, Townsend’s generalship, and the same support his backs gave him as on Country Day, the Blacks will need to give of their best if they hope to avenge themselves. I must not omit to bestow a word of praise on the Western backs, particularly the two wings, for the heroic way they stood to the task of upending McDonald and Co. Did you notice the way Townsend tackled his man? Right down at the ankles. It’s the correct way, too, and is seen far too seldom. Shanks from all accounts has failed to produce the form he showed last season. He did what was asked of him when he came on in Nicholson’s place last week. It is a pity his play in club games in Gore has been so poor, for Shanks gave some finished displays for the Maroon’s last season. The big man in the back row of the Blue pack was a grafter. Crosbie is a finished full-back and was the next best to Nicholson. The country backs can handle the ball more surely than the town, but the latter’s kicking is better. McDonald played a fine game for the Central forwards. Hunter McKenzie came to light towards the end. W. McKenzie is a three-quarter who rarely does anything wrong and who would disgrace no team—not even a rep. side. Jack Forde’s foot is as prolific as ever. Central will be much stronger when next they clash with a sub-union. There were many notable absentees from their ranks. Why did Dick Johnston assume the role of spectator instead of shining behind the Central scrum? Who was the skipper in the morning game who won the toss and decided to play with the sun? He must have been surprised on taking the field to notice Old Sol at North-east East, and shining directly across field. Six players stood out in the Green-Blue encounter—two wings, two front row men and two wing-forwards. Judging by the number of good punters seen out in the Wakatipu—Southern clash, an S.P. merchant would make his fortune in these districts. Barnett and Feehly were two strong wings for Wakatipu. If they played in town they would soon earn places in senior teams.

Hamer is quality if he isn’t quantity. Saunders is a hooker who revels in loose work. Hamel knows how to make the ball shoot back to his half. . . Farrant carried a bit too much condition, but showed a good knowledge of the wingforward game. Sellars was little behind him. There were nineteen unsuccessful penalty shots at goal in the Wakatipu—Southern match. “Stuffy” Hazlett has got very rusty m the backblocks. George Cleland seems to have his future behind him. A Lumsden luminary—Lee, the nippy half. . , It would almost seem as if those responsible arranged the country matches in order of merit—to suit the gate as it were. The morning game was about as ragged as it possibly could be, the first afternoon game showed a slight improvement and then the Easts and Wests came out and topped off a good tourney witji a sparkling display.

That country football is going ahead in standard and popularity no one will gainsay. Many were the individualists who showed that they knew and could play Rugby. It only needs a bit more coaching and practice in concerted work and the goods will be delivered in such quantities that the Town youth will have to dig in and produce better. That’s if they don’t desire to take a back seat and witness a team comprised wholly of sub-union representatives do battle in the inter-pro. fixtures. Even at this stage, it is on the cards that a country team will lick the best from the town. On King’s birthday displays, Eastern, althought defeated by Western, have the best combination of the six sub-Union teams, and it shall cause “Onlooker” no surprise should they successfully defend all challenges this season for the right to hold the Sports Trust Cup. While individualism played a big part in the showings of Wakatipu, Northern and Western, combination (a sure match-winner) stood out, both forward and back, in the Eastern side and for this reason alone I am prepared to predict that they will not only hold their own with the other sub-Union teams, but also with the best town team. The Country this year have got the men, and it is to be hoped they get justice when the Southland team is being selected. Here are the “morals”: Townsend, Nicholson. McDonald, A. Lee, Scott and McLeod.

ON FORM PICKING THE REPS. NO. 1 TEAM (SOUTHLAND). This week there will be three teams to give fans something to talk about. The first team is the Southland team, selected from players in town and country who have shown the best form during the season. Country Day was a godsend—to “Onlooker” for one. It provided the material lacking in town teams suitable for a representative side. Several sub-union backs are included, whilst room has also been found for a forward or two. The more I look at the side chosen the more I like it, and venture to suggest that when the final numbers go up announcing Southland’s team to meet Otago here on July 27, the selectors will have differed very little, if at all, from it. The No. 2 team is the usual weekly “on form” team chosen from players participating in last Saturday’s games on the Park, while team No. 3 is a combination selected from country players who displayed form on Country Day. NO. I TEAM. NICHOLSON, (Eastern) GEDDES, DIACK, McDONALD, (Pirates) (Pirates) (Eastern) TOWNSEND, G. OUGHTON, (Western) (Star) A. LEE (Northern) ROBERTS, C. MILLS, (Pirates) (Blues) HAZLETT, BATCHELER, SHAW, (Pirates) (Pirates) (Star) SCOTT, McLEOD, (Eastern) (Eastern) W. JOHNSTON. (Pirates) NO. 2 TEAM (TOWN). CAVANAGH, R. OUGHTON, DIACK, GEDDES, NORRIS, G. OUGHTON, C. JOHNSON, ROBERTS, MILLS, HAZLETT, BATCHELER, SHAW, BURTENSHAW, BURNETT, KERSE. NO. 3 TEAM (COUNTRY). NICHOLSON, '■ (Eastern) WALKER, DAVIDSON, McDONALD, (Eastern) (Eastern) (Eastern) McIVOR, TOWNSEND, (Western) (Western) A. LEE, (Northern) SAUNDERS, HAMEL, (Wakatipu) (Southern) HAMER, McLEOD, PRENDEVILLE (Northern) (Eastern) (Western) SCOTT, McCOY, (Eastern) (Western) FARRANT. (Wakatipu)

RANFURLY SHIELD HAWKES BAY’S WATERLOO. TWENTYFIFTH CHALLENGE SUCCEEDS. After successfully defending 24 challenges for the Ranfurly Shield, the great combination in Hawkes Bay failed in the 25th— Wairarapa’s. Wairarapa challenged the previous holders on four occasions prior to their winning challenge (which robbed Hawkes Bay the opportunity of beating Auckland’s record of successfully defending 26 challenges in succession), and in their 1926 attempt were thrashed to the tune of 77 to 14. What a reversal of form! Cooke, Irvine, Harvey and Co certainly did the trick for Wai-’ rarapa. Commenting on the game a Napier writer says:—“ln the shield match Cooke was easily the most outstanding player on the ground. He repeatedly made openings for his backs. Roache, the Wairarapa full-back, was very safe. Cundy won the game for Wairarapa with his four penalty goals. All were splendid. J. an Q. Donald, Harvey and Irvine were the best of the visiting forwards. “The best forward on the ground was M. Brownlie, who played a magnificent game. He was ably supported by his brother Cyril, Swain and Gemmell. Blake was off his game at centre threequarters. B. Grenside played well throughout and had a worthy helper in his younger brother, N. Grenside. The latter was transferred in the second half from the five-eighths line to wing-threequarter, and the alteration made a noticeable improvement. The other Hawke’s Bay backs were weak. The challengers certainly fielded the better team and gained a meritorious victory. B. Grenside was removed to the hospital in the evening suffering from a bruised kidney. His condition is not serious.” HISTORY OF THE CONTESTS. Hawke’s Bay first came into possession of the shield through defeating Wellington by 19 points to 9, in 1922. That season Hawke’s Bay withstood challenges from the following provinces as under: —Bay of Plenty, 17—16; King Country, 42—8. From 1922 Hawke’s Bay held the shield against all challengers as follow. —1923.— Wairarapa, 6—9; Wellington, 10—6; Poverty Bay, 15——0; Canterbury, 9 —B; Horowhenua, 38—11; Auckland, 20—5. 1924. —Wairarapa, 30 —14; Poverty Bay, 46—10; Nelson, 35 —3; Auckland, 23—6; Manawatu, 31 —5. 1925.—Wairarapa, 22—3; Canterbury, 24—18; Southland 31 —12; Taranaki, 28—3; Wellington, 2(h—11; Otago, 34—14. 1926. —Wairarapa, 77 14; Wanganui, 36—3; Wellington, 58—8; Auckland, 41 —11; Canterbury, 17 —15. Auckland held the Ranfurly Shield from 1902, the year it was donated, until Wellington defeated it in 1904. Auckland regained possession in 1905, and held the shield until 1913, when Taranaki defeated it. This was Auckland’s 27th challenge. Hawke’s Bay withstood 24 consecutive challenges, suffering defeat on the 25th challenge. The Ranfurly Shield has been held by the various provinces as follows: —1902 to August, 1904, Auckland; August 1904, to August, 1905, Wellington; August, 1905, to August, 1913, Auckland; August, 1913, to September, 1914, Taranaki; September, 1914, to September, 1920 (including war years), Wellington; September, 1920 to September, 1921, Southland; September, 1921, to August, 1922, Wellington; August, 1922, to June, 1927, Hawke’s Bay. JUNIOR JOTTINGS ROUND THE GRADES.

Bluff had no easy win over Star at the Port on Saturady, winning by only three points after a hard game. Star did not get into their proper stride during the first half and Bluff were able to gain eleven points, but in the second spell Star put more ginger into their tactics and Bluff had to accept the role of defenders for a considerable proportion of the time. Harris, Bluff’s winger, was a marked man from the outset and was rarely given an opportunity to break away. Hamilton kept his backs working hard and was instrumental in gaining one of Bluff’s scores. Silvester and Clark also scored, one try being converted by Dixon.

Broughton played a solid game for Pirates seconds on Saturday. He was not afraid to give it a go and was one of the hardest workers in the team. He has a nice turn of speed which he knows how to use while his handling is very clean. He caused the spectators no little amusement when he attempted a pot on one occasion. Either he was bustled or “ran unsighted” for when his boot flashed through the air with great force there it and the ball did not connect. The energy he had used caused his foot to go well into the air, and the rest of his body being unable to follow it, there could be only one result. “Thank God there were no thistles,” he was heard to murmur. Blee at full back was very dependable and cleared in good style on several occasions when things were looking dangerous for Pirates. Archer is a bustling type of forward and while his condition lasted was responsible for some solid work. He rune with his knees well up and is a very awkward man to tackle. Riddell (Star) added materially to his side's score gaining a try and kicking two goals. Hamilton also kicked a good penalty and Hunt completed the score with a try. Calder as full back for Blues was a tower of strength to his side. On very few occasions did the ball pass him, his handling being as clean as could be desired. Invercargill thirds are a very nippy team this year. High School B did not get a look in last Saturday. Blues certainly know how to pile up the points. Southern and High School A staged a great battle, Southern proving the viitors by the narrow margin of two points. Waikiwi fourths have been trying for a win for a long time now and on Saturday just scraped home against High School by three points. Practically every Saturday a paragraph appears in this column about the amount of talking that takes place in the lower grades. In the Pirates v. Marist third grade match this was very noticeable, two players, the respective wings to be exact, behaving like two little children, and all over who should have the throw-in. After the Marist wing had almost burst into tears, and the Pirate wing refused point-blank to throw it in the matter was amiably settled and the game proceeded. Pryde, High School's half, has been nursing a broken nose since last Saturday. This kept him out of the ’Varsity match last Tuesday. Technical and Invercargill fourths waged a battle royal on Eastern reserve the former winning by one point. McManus, half back for Marist played a great game. He is a game little fellovz and not afraid to give it a go. Wybrow, Marist’s full-back is very safe. He has a hefty boot when it comes to converting. Fulton was safe on the wing for Marist. He has plenty of speed. Barrell is improving in his play. His try was a good one but he hadn’t the pace to carry him over if he’d received the ball a few yards further back. King hooked well for Pirates. He is a tiger for work and helps his side well in forward rushes. Want of training was evident in the Pirate thirds. It’s the second spell that counts Pirates. Mclntosh played his usual good game at first five for Pirates but he should not try to go on his own to often. Ladbrook, Pirate winger, talks to much and is rather slow in coming up for his passes. He stands in too close and too far back. Black’s full back, Jones, did not appear too sure of himself but should improve with every match. The game is new to him. The Marist backs were too good for Pirates, who were too slow and did not watch where they threw their passes. This is a fault that could be easily remedied at > practice.

Trotter on the wing played a good game and always gave it a go but he should cut out running back. Robinson, behind Pirates scrum, was always there but did not get many chances. He left his kicking boots at home on Saturday. Roberts played well in the Pirate forwards. Star thirds have had three slack Saturdays. Too many days off won’t suit them as regards combination. To-day will tell a tale. EASTERN DISTRICT NOTES (From Our Correspondent.) A big crowd and a lot of enthusiasm at the Showgrounds on Wednesday. Wyndham secured a well-deserved and popular win. But the light blue forwards were just about cracking up when the final whistle went. Improved footwork was seen, but the tackling was not always good. Pioneer backs were passing better, but some of them have a lot to learn about rush-stopping. Brown’s display was much better than his last showing at Gore. 4 Moffitt was playing a sterling game until he was injured. Wyndham almost overwork McDonald. He was well marked all day. Nicholson kicked well, and defended well, but did not shine on attack. Richardson stood up to a hard gruelling pluckily. The fast loose play of the Wyndham forwards was very effective, but they were beginning to feel the lack of weight before the game was over. What’s wrong with the second grade? Pioneer defaulted, and Albion took the field with about ten men. Many thanks to the Southland Sports Trust Fund for the Challenge Cup. The defeat of the Eastern representatives by Western came as a surprise to local followers of the game. The re-arrangement of the back division consequent on Nicholson’s injury must have made a difference to the Blacks, but there is no necessity for excuses or apologies after such a well-con-tested game. One might hazard a guess that the Combined Sub-Unions’ team might just about extend Town this year. The position in the first grade competition is now as follows:

Should Wyndham be able to defeat Mataura at Wyndham next Wednesday, they will be in a very strong position, having then only the two weakest teams to beat before annexing the Wallis Shield. In the second grade Mataura have 9 points and Pukerau have 8. Also ran, Pioneer and Albion.

In the third grade High School lead with 10 points, having won all their matches to date, compiling 106 points while only 9 points have been registered against them. Pioneer have 6 points, Edendale 4, Wyndham 3, and Albion 1. SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR AN ALL-EUROPEAN COMBINATION. NO NATIVES TO GO. The mention by Mr S. S. Dean at the New Zealand Rugby Union Executive meeting of a decision to omit Maori pla_> era from the Rugby team for South Africa, was probably made in the interest of frankness and general understanding in New Zealand, states the Auckland sporting correspondent to the Dunedin Star. It came as rather a shock in 1921 to both Maori and Pakeha, to find that the South African footballers showed a distinct distaste to playing a Maori fifteen. The remarks of some of the South Africans in the heat of the game at Napier, when the Maoris had their opponents fully extended (the Springboks won by 9 points to 8) strained the native hospitality almost to breaking point. As a consequence, this difficulty about including Maori players in the team to South Africa, was discussed in 1925, and the Rugby Union’s assistance in sending the Maori team to France and Britain last year was given with the view of having the team for South Africa an all-European combination. The New Zealand Union is at present engaged in having this decision broadcasted to the Maori race in order that there may be no misunderstanding to disturb the happy relations existing between Pakeha and Maori players in the Dominion.

Tries. Con. Pen. Pot. Pts. Diack (P) . • 5 16 1 0 50 Geddes (P) . . 8 1 0 0 26 Philpott (Sn.) . . 1 6 3 0 24 Lillev (Sr.) . . 1 1 5 0 20 C. Mills (B) . . 1 1 3 0 14 Clark (B) . . 3 0 0 1 13 A. McKay (B) . 2 3 0 0 12 R. McKay (Pl . 4 0 0 0 12 R. Ought on (Sr.) 4 0 0 0 12 Pay (P) . . 3 0 0 0 9 Manson (B) . 3 0 0 0 9 Pickering (P) . 3 0 0 0 9 McAuliffe 'Mi . 0 0 3 0 9 Campbell (Sr.) . 0 2 0 1 8 Cockroft (P) . . 2 0 0 0 6 Maher (Sn.) . . 2 0 0 0 6 McNeil (Sn.) . . 2 0 0 0 6 3. McEwan (Sn.) 2 0 0 0 6 3ird (Pl . . 2 0 0 0 6 Cleland (Bl . 2 0 0 0 6 Howden (Sr.) . 2 0 0 0 6 Hughes (Sn.) . 2 0 0 0 6 J. Johnson (Pi o 0 0 0 6 W. Johnston (P). •j 0 0 0 6 Cockroft (Sr.) . 2 0 0 0 6 Cavanagh (Sn.) . 0 0 0 1 4 Thompson (B i . 1 0 0 0 3 Batcheler (P) . 1 0 0 0 3 D. Murray (Sr.) 1 0 0 0 3 Shaw (Sr.) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Padget (Sr.) . 1 0 0 0 3 Calder (Pl . . 1 0 0 0 3 Brown (Sn.) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Burtenshaw (Sn.) 1 0 0 0 3 O’Driscoll (M» . 1 0 0 0 3 Hazlett (P) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Thomas (P) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Archer (P» . . 1 0 0 0 3 White (Ml . . 1 0 0 0 3 Norris (B) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Bell (Sr.l . . 1 0 0 0 3 Hunt (Sr.) . . 1 0 0 0 3 Connolly (Sr.) . 1 0 0 0 3 Scully (Mi . . 1 0 0 0 3 Wilk (M) . . 1 0 0 0 3 C. Todd (Bl . . 1 0 0 0 3 Kerse (B) . . 1 0 0 0 3 M. Sheehan (M) 1 0 0 0 3 Cosgrove (Mi . 1 0 0 0 3 Totals . . 83 30 15 3 366

Played won lost drawn Pts Pts Shield for agst. Pts. Wyndham 5 4 1 — 59 36 8 Pioneer 5 3 1 1 61 43 7 Mataura 4 2 1 1 57 23 5 Edendale 5 1 4 — 25 65 2 Albion .. 5 1 4 — 33 68 2