RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 20791, 4 June 1929, Page 8

RUGBY

COUNTRY DAY EASTERN DEFEATED BY TOWN WESTERN AND CENTRAL WIN ' BIG CROWD PRESENT The annual Country Day matches were played on Rugby Park yesterday morning and afternoon, six teams taking part. Wakatipu Sub-Union was the only district not represented, a Town team beiug substituted to make up the draw. Playing conditions were a trifle heavy, but some good football was witnessed. There were big attendances at both sessions. The main attraction was the Town v. Eastern game. Town proved much too superior and won by 33 points to 3. Contrary to expectations Central scored a decisive win against Northern, holders of the Sports Trust Cup. Two potted goals by F. Anderson materially assisted Central, but their play in the second spell made the victory fairly well-deserved, though Northern were the better team in the first half. Southern put up a good fight against lheir stronger opponents from the Western District, but had to acknowledge defeat by 24 points to 3. TOWN (33) v. EASTERN (3) By nine tries, one convcrteil, and a field goal (33 points) to one unconverted try (3 points) the Town team administered a crushing defeat over the visiting Eastern District team in a game which was a fair exposition of the Rugby code when it. is taken into consideration that neither side had previously played together. The game was not as one-sided as the scores would indicate, however, but the home team carried too many guns in the back division and here the game was won. Honours were fairly even in the forwards, Town, if anything, having a shade the advantage in loose play, while Eastern were just a little superior in scrummaging and in tight work. Neither side played faultlessly, and although there were some spectacular movements, there were many occasions when mistakes in handling and transferring nullified likely-looking scoring efforts. Town’s defence was sound, however, and a mistake was quickly retrieved. Not so with Eastern, who failed to take advantage of their opportunities and also made too many mistakes in back play. The game was full of interest, the keen rivalry between the two districts keeping the mixed crowd of town and country supporters in a happy frame of mind throughout. Eastern disappointed with their display, but it must be admitted that they were pitted against a fairly strong town team. As a trial the game would not be of much assistance to the selectors who could not get past the Town representatives on the day’s play. McLeod, a Southland representative forward for several years past, was an exception and until he was forced to retire owing to a nose injury he demonstrated that he is playing at the top of his form. Woods (half-back), Fitzgerald and Sewell were the only backs who played fairly well, Fitzgerald, at centre, showing ability and possessing much pace. On the Town side, Mahoney was the outstanding forward, and next in order of merit were Metcalfe, Agnew and Southern. Holden, Bell and Porter worked well behind the scrum and made many openings for the backs. Stubbs was the best of the three-quarters and Norris gave a grand display at full-back, topping it off by scoring a good try. The teams were — Town (Maroon) —Norris; Stubbs, A. McKay, Pickering; Bell, Porter; Holden; Leopold, Agnew; Mattingly, Southern, Metcalfe; C. George, L. George; Mahoney. Eastern (Black) —Webb; Sewell, Fitzgerald, Davidson; McConnell, Millar; Woods; McMillan, Waters, Richmond; McLeod, Fleming, Gray, McQuillan; Norton. The Play. The biggest crowd that has been on the Park this year was present when Town kicked off, play settling down at half-way after the initial exchanges. Holden got his backs moving from the first scrum and the way they handled gave the crowd an idea how well they were going to perform later. Each man was drawing his marker well and giving good transfers. Inside seven minutes the first try came, a splendid effort by the backs terminating in Pickering running round his marker and outpacing Webb to score a good try. McKay kicked a poster. Town 3 Easternnil McLeod led the Black forwards in a good rush to the Reds’ 25, but Bell got back smartly and cleared. The Black forwards broke from a lineout, Woods beating Holden and giving Sewell a go on the short side. Holden bagged him and eased the situation with a good kick. Eastern kept their advantage and securing from a scrum, Woods gave his backs a chance, but Millar sent out a bad pass and cost his side half the paddock, Bell chipping in and sending his backs away to establish play at Eastern's 25. Norris accepted a clearing kick and made a grand opening down the grandstand wing for Pickering. The Pirates’ man hesitated and instead of returning to Norris sent infield, his pass going begging. Norris was waiting unmarked outside and a good chance was lost. Play swung to Stubbs’ wing where the Star wing combined in good work with Holden and looked like scoring. He was held up and the ball came back to Holden who potted unsuccessfully. Possession in the scrummages was breaking even, but the Black backs were crude in their passing. Not so the Red backs, who made gains every time. Holden was getting the ball away well and Bell and Porter were making some splendid openings. From a scrum in front of Eastern’s goal, about the 25, Holden went alone, and cut through Eastern’s five-eighth line before sending on to Bell. The Blacks’ back line was out-positioned, and the rest was easy for Porter, who received from Bell and scored in a handy position. McKay missed. Town 6 Easternnil Eastern forwards worked play to Town's 25, but could not hold the position, and more passing by the Red packs saw Pickering get a good chance, but he again delayed instead of running hard for the corner find passed infield. A Black back intercepted and cleared. Up till now the Reds were superior and looked like putting up a big score. Getting a fair share of ball, Eastern’s backs lacked cohesion and whenever they did get moving the ball went straight across field. Stubbs potted and missed and a moment later Porter secured and cut in to the posts. With only one man to pass and both McKay and Pickering outside of him, Porter left his transfer too late and a certain try was lost, Sewell intercepting and knocking on. Eastern had a period on defence until Norton cleared with a big kick to half-way. Norris was playing soundly and whenever the Blacks broke past half-way he sent them back with good fielding and kicking. Fitzgerald put in a nice run for Eastern. He badly fooled McKay and gained a big slice with a kick which went out within yards of the corner flag. Richmond and McMjllan broke clear and had only Norris to b’eat, but the Red fullback proved equal to the occasion and

brought off a magnificent save. Sewell next made play for Eastern. He ran strongly to Norris and passed to Norton, who dropped the pass. Holden got back, and cleared and the Reds set up another attack. Norris started the movement at half-way, Pickering carrying on to the 25, where Agnew came into it and gathering in his stride raced over and round to touch down behind the posts. McKay goaled. TownU Eastern ... nil Second Spell. Stubbs was prominent in a side-line dash which took him to the corner flag, Millar, who had been shifted to full-back, making a good tackle. From the ensuing line-out Bell secured and passed to Stubbs on the short side, the latter scoring after a determined dash. The kick missed. Townll Easternnil The Red backs were now going well, although McKay was sending out bad passes to his wings at times. A melee near Eastern’s goal saw Southern dive short and from the resultant scramble Holden worked the blind for Stubbs who over-ran his pass. Holden got the ball again from the next scrum and sent, to Bell who was collared, but Holden again secured and potted a smart goal. Town 48 Easternnil McLeod retired hurt and Maley replaced him. Pickering next made a great run down the Press strip wing. He was held up near the line and the ball was booted back to Bell near half-way. Bell coolly foot passed infield to Porter, to Stubbs. The Star man made a dash and sent on to Norris at the 25 who broke through a tackle and sold Davidson a beautiful dummy before topping off a great rally for a try. Norris received a round of applause for his good work. Mattingly failed to goal. Town2l Eastern nil The Blacks rallied and the next five minutes of play was fought out in Town’s 25. Eastern’s forwards worked hard, but the backs could not pierce the Red defence. Porter. Norris and Bell were collaring well and several attempts were thus thwarted on the Reds’ line. Woods tvas at last rewarded for bis perseverance. He sent Fitzgerald away who made a good opening for Sewell, the last-named, who had been working hard, going over at the corner after a determined run. Davidson missed. Town2l Eastern 3 Holden, Bell and Stubbs indulged in passing which took play to Eastern's 25, where Stubbs made a good attempt to fling himself over at the corner. He was not to be denied as receiving from Holden the next moment he broke through Millar's tackle and grounded at the corner. No goal. Town 24 Eastern 3 Town had matters much their own way now and were playing all over Eastern. Bell badly fooled his markers and cut the defence in two. Running to the full-back, he changed direction and gave the ball to Mahoney, who scored near the posts. Holden missed. Town 27 Eastern 3 Metcalfe scored Town's next try. Holden and Agnew made play for Town, Agnew securing Holden’s punt and kicking over the line. In the race for the ball Fitzgerald got there first but failed to force and Metcalfe beat Stubbs, also in support, for the try. Porter's kick missed. Town3o Eastern 3 A final rally gave Town their ninth try, C. George scoring after Metcalfe had taken the ball to near the line. Pickering missed the kick and the game ended shortly afterwards in semi-darkness. Final score: Town 33 Eastern 3 Mr W. J. Anderson refereed. WESTERN (21) v. SOUTHERN (3) It was generally anticipated that the Western District team would prove too strong for Southern and this anticipation proved accurate. There was not, however, a difference of 21 points on the day’s play. In tight work the big Western forwards were superior and in the back division Western were much more of a combination, but the slashing loose work of the . Green forwards gave Southern many chances of scoring, chances that were lost through lack of finish or bad luck. Nicol was about the pick of the Western forwards, with Findlay; Purdue, McKenzie and McCoy doing good work. Dixon was the best back. Chamberlain, though far from brilliant, was a safe full-back. All the Green forwards were excellent in the loose, possibly Buckingham, Haldane, Stirling and Fleming being cleverer than the others. Shand was the safest back, but none were worth enthusing over. The teams were: — Southern (Green and White): Scott; Ericson, Sheldon, Golden; McCallum, Shand; McKenzie; White, Fleming; Stirling, Haldane, Hurle; Buckingham, Holland; Miller. Western (Black and White) : Chamberlain; Dixon, McKay, Hunt ; Sangster, Arthur; O'Halloran; Mills, Greer; Purdue, Ryan, McCoy; Nicol, Findlay; McKenzie. The Greens kicked off against a dull snn. Sheldon gathered in a long grubber and centred, but McKay returned and Western forwards followed up, with McKenzie at their head and had Greens busy defending. Sangster sent out a wild pass when a Western rush looked promising. Within four minutes of the commencement Mills was given a chance to goal when the Greens infringed. His kick was successful. Western 3 Southern .. 11 The White pack was a solid one, but their lighter opponents were making up for this by good loose work. Nicol broke away well with Findlay in support, but a poor transfer spoilt a good chance. With a series of hard kicks the Green forwards took play right to Western’s line, Chamberlain saving by kicking into touch-in-goal. McKenzie initiated an effective blind side movement which gained 60 yards, but again an infringement, by the White backs spoilt a good opportunity. The rearguard work of both teams was so far very crude. The White vanguard followed up an opening made by Dixon and took the ball at their toe for twenty yards, when Purdue picked up and scored a soft try. Greer’s kick went under the post. Western 6 Southern 0 The Whites were seeing more of the ball and were throwing it about fairly freely though somewhat aimlessly. Shand was conspicuous for good play in the Green rear. It paved the way for a good but unsuccessful attempt at goal from a penalty by Sheldon. An exchange of illdirected kicking, with Greens the worst offenders, resulted in the Green full-back getting out of position. No one fell back to replace him and four Whites, with O’Halloran at. their head, had a clear field in front of them. The half scored. Greer was unable to goal. Western 9 Southern .. 0 Spurred on by this reverse the Greens attacked strongly and made Western force

twice. Nicol headed a retaliatory rush which' nearly bore fruit. Hunt ran into position, to pot, but his kick was too low'. Buckingham, Holland and Haldane did some good loose work for Greens and Western had a taste of defence for a time. In this department the Whites did not shine. McCoy • broke from a line-out, but was grassed after a good run. Purdue nearly gave Dixon a try, the big forward running strongly down the line. Indirectly the movement bore fruit, for after a succession of scrums, Findlay crossed. Purdue’s attempt to goal from the corner was a good one. Western .. 12 Southern 0 Southern were attacking when half-time came a few minutes later. Western began the second spell with a clean heel from the first scrum and spectacular passing. A free to Greens brought relief. Play continued to be very open, McKenzie being to the fore on several occasions for Whites. Nicol was also going well for Western. Findlay took a smart mark 25 yards out and gave Whites three more points with a neat kick. Western 15 • Southern' 0 Several good passing bouts were provided by the White backs, who were playing much better than before the interval. Golden made a gallant dash for Greens, but was a little late in getting rid of the ball. Purdue came close to scoring after taking the ball down the line at his toe. The Greens for five minutes were right on Western’s line and had very bad luck not breaking the ice. Findlay intercepted in a bout of Green passing and set sail upfield. He was well supported and received again at the end of short passing to score in a handy position. His kick at goal failed to rise. Western 18 Southern .. 0 The Greens were by no means downhearted and set up a vigorous attack on Western’s line. At last their efforts were rewarded for Sheldon kicked a fine goal when Purdue got offside. Western 18 Southern 3 Nicol registered three more points for Western by good following up and a bright finishing dash. The try was not converted. Western 21 Southern 3 Splendid loose work by the Green forwards gave the Whites a hot time defending. The best play of the day was then seen, both sides playing with great dash for five minutes.. Then came a dull period save for good work by Nicol, one of whose dashes was finished off by Mills picking up and sending Sangster over. No goal resulted and the game ended: Western 24 Southern 3 Mr J. Oughton was referee. FRIENDLY MATCH. While the Western-Southern game was in progress teams from the Lumsden and Invercargill Clubs played a friendly match on No. 2 area. The Town side proved the stronger, winning by' 21 points to nil. CENTRAL (17) v. NORTHERN (8)_

The reputation the Northern District has won as the holders of the Sports Trust Cup made the Greens favourite against Central who were furthermore without the services of H. McKenzie, Galt and McDonald. The run of play in the early stages of the match bore out the general expectation that Northern would win, but the passing bouts of the Greens were more spectacular than effective. Central attacked considerably less than Northern, but their attacks were far more dangerous, and half-time came with the score 9 —3 in Central’s favour. After the interval the Reds steadily gained the ascendancy in play as well as in points, and aided by two potted goals from F. Anderson's boot they ran out, winners by 17 points to 8. The play of Bill Hazlett was watched with interest. He was a tower of strength in making the Greens’ pack, but otherwise was not at all conspicuous, lack of practice no doubt telling against him. Tither, until he tired near the end, was the Greens’ best forward. Richards also played well. Arthur Johnson again showed that he has the makings of a great half. His passing from the scrum was very good. Crosbie was often brilliant, but went a shade too far. Standing too far from his half is another fault. Shallard shows promise. The Red pack went very well, every man taking a full share of the work. Connolly is a better half than the Reds have had for some time. Laing was safe, but slow through an injury. Anderson’s defence no less than his two potted goals won the match for his side. The game was an excellent one to watch, particularly the first spell, when the standard was appreciably higher than in club games in town. The teams were: — Central (Red and Black). —Dawson; Anderson, Calder, Thornbury; Laing, G. Lindsay; Connolly; Boyle, Wilson; Gregory, Anderson, Strang; Horner, Clark; Tomlin. Northern (Green and Black).—Shallard; Muir, Keown, Mcßride; Wellman, Crosbie; A. Johnson; Richards, Farrell; Hazlett, Matheson, Manson; Small, Tither; McAuliffe. Northern were the first to show up, Johnson sending his backs away after a melee in midfield. Crosbie’s pass to Wellman went astray and Laing let the Reds attack. Shallard was equal to the occasion, however. The pace was very fast and there was every indication of a bright game. Northern kept throwing the ball about, but the passing was badly directed. Crosbie and Laing gained applause on their respective sides by clever play. The Red forwards worked play up to within ten yards of the Green line, but Hazlett, Tither and McAuliffe transferred operations to halfway and a good kick by Wellman further improved matters. Crosbie cut in sweetly and Wellman followed him, but a Reel blocked the pass between them. Crosbie was playing well, and was applauded for a clever short punt and follow up. Several nice openings were made by the clever little Green half, Johnson, and the Reels were hard pressed to prevent a try. Crosbie had a shot at goal from a fair position, but the kick went wide. Although the Greens were doing the bulk of attacking it was the Reds who drew first blood. Clark secured at half-way, ran to Shallard, who hesitated whether to tackle him or wait. Clark punted over the line and though Shallard got back first it was the Central player who touched down. The ball rolled over as F. Anderson kicked at goal. Central • ■ 3 Northern 0 Some very pretty passing was seen from the Green backs, but something went wrong at the critical moment in each bout. Connolly got away nicely from the scrum, but his short punt was fielded before his wing could get to it. Muir made a sortie on the right wing that put Greens well on attack, but Dawson found the line with a hefty punt. Richards was seen in some clever footwork. Laing stemming the rush. The tackling of the Central inside backs was keeping the Greens from doing damage with their passing bouts. Poor play by Dawson let Greens right, on Central’s line. Dawson made amends a moment later when he bustled his vis-a-vis. The repeated rearguard movements of the Greens at last bore fruit. Muir secured near the line and Keown and Wellman handled after the wing, Wellman going across at fhe corner. Crosbie found the angle too difficult. i Northern 3 Central 3

Richards had a long shot from a penalty. The kick went well astray. Hazlett centred judiciously, but Laing’s sure taking saved his side. A great break from the scrum by Connolly took the half right to the Green full-back. He passed out, but the Red recipient was bagged. A try came indirectly from the movement, a grubber being followed up by the Red forwards who caught Shallard in possession. Strang dribbled across and touched down. Laings kick just missed. Central 6 Northern .. .. • 3 A long spell of Green attack which proved fruitless was followed by a momentary Red attack which brought a try. A feeble clearing kick by a Green back was snapped up by Lindsay who handed on to Laing. Laing found himself blocked at the corner, so decided to lake the dangerous course of turning inwards and hurdling over a tackler to score. He failed with the kick, and half-time came immediately with the score — Central p Northern 3 The first feature of the second half was a great break by Crosbie. He spoilt it by sending out a |>oor pass. The Greens, as in the first spell, were mostly on attack, but the backs were going a little too far before passing. Laing by intercepting cleverly transferred play. The Greens were soon back again. Crosbie failed with another easy chance of goaling from a penalty. Play became less open and remained at half-way. There were stoppages owing to injuries to Boyle'and Wellman. Headed by Gregory the Red forwards swept down into Green territory. Hazlett cleared with a hefty punt which was fielded by F. Anderson, who ran into position and potted. The ball hit the cross-bar, hung there and fell over to the delight of Red supporters. • Central 13 Northern 3 The Greens decided it was time they began to score a few points and both backs and forwards were associated in an effective rush. Misfielding by Dawson helped them and Crosbie ran across under the posts and converted. Central 13 Northern 8 F. Anderson took a clever mark a few inches from the touch line. He was doing a lot of good defensive work for Reds. The Green hookers continued to give Johnson plenty of ball, but the Red tackling was too deadly. Keown was another thorn ni the Greens’ ranks, his wild passes spoiling several good chances. Reds were on attack for five minutes at the end of which the backs were seen in one of the few concerted movements they wore able to produce. The ball travelled out to Andersen, who shook an opponent partly clear, and potted from right under the posts. For the second time he was successful. Central 17 Northern 8 The Greens rallied but before they could do any damage “no-side” blew. Mr E. Budd was referee. THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR TRIAL MATCH AT WELLINGTON. HARD AND RUGGED GAME. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 3. This afternoon in a match at Athletic Park, the available Rugby strength of the Dominion contended for places in the New Zealand team which is to tour Australia. Though anything like combination could not be looked for in the conglomeration of players drawn from all parts of the Dominion, not a little individual brilliance was in evidence and the material was on hand to shake it down into a quite respectable playing force after the team has had a few games. A noticeable weakness was in scrummaging. Many times the scrums, after going down, buckled and the players went sprawling on the turf. It was freely admitted that radical steps will have to be taken to put things right in this department of New Zealand Rugby before the British team arrives next season. The teams took the field constituted as under: Probables (Black)—Full-back, G. Nepia (East Coast) : three-quarters, K. A. Rushbrook (Wellington), W. 11. Carlson (Wanganui), J. H. Geddes (Southland) ; five-eighths, R Cundy (Wairarapa), C. Oliver (Canterbury) ; halfback, W. C. Dailey (Canterbury) ; wing forward, R. McEwan (Southland) ; hookers, B. Palmer (Auckland), K. Reid (Wairarapa) ; lock, C. Sonntag (Otago) ; side of scrum, A. Kivell (Taranaki), W. Reside (Wairarapa); backrow, R. Bird (Southland), J. Baldwin (Taranaki). Possibles (White) : Full-back, L. Hazelwood (Wellington) ; three-quarters, M. Anderson (Waikato), C. Stringfellow’ (Wairarapa), 11. Waterman (North Auckland) ; five-eighths, 11. Lilburn (Canterbury), L. Hook (Auckland) ; half-back, E. T. C. Leys (Wellington) ; wing forward, C. G. Porter (Wellington) ; hookers, R. Souter (Otago), A. Cottrell (Canterbury) ; lock, F. R. Steere (Hawkes Bay) ; side of scrum, R. G. McWilliams (Auckland), H. Rika (North Auckland); back row', Freitas (West Coast), A. Mahony (Bush District). W. C. Dailey led the Probables, while C. G. Porter captained the Possibles. Whites had the advantage of a light northerly breeze and the sun in the first spell. Steere beat Nepia in a dive for the ball and Heazelwood goaled with a fine kick. It was not long before Porter went over for a try in a handy position which Heazelwood just failed to improve. Dailey was playing a very heady game behind the Probables pack. The Blacks then opened their account. Passing between Waterman, Oliver and Dailey ended in the Probables’ skipper crossing the line to run round right behind the posts. Nepia’s attempt at goal hit the upright and rebounded. The scrum work was anything btu good. Each time the packs went down, the Black scrum would collapse like a house of cards. In some very hard tackling McWilliams was injured and had to retire, Snow (Nelson) taking his place. Lilburne, who was playing a finished game at first five-eighths, for the Possible backs, broke away and made a strong run which sent Hook over between the posts. Heazelwood easily goaled. Lilburne again made a beautiful opening which let Stringfellow away and the Wairarapa centre, swerving and dummying, went through to score a pretty try. Heazelwood made a splendid kick and Whites led by 18 points to 3. The selectors tried out some new players in the second spell. On (he Probables side Trotter (Mackenzie County) replaced Rushbrook at wing-threequarter and Mase and Carlton took the places of Bird and Palmer in the forwards. On the other side D. Johnston (Taranaki) replaced Lilburne at five-eighths, C. Johnson (Southland) took Ley’s place at half and S. Batchelor (Southland), E. Marslin (Otago) and F. R. Thomas (Poverty Bay) replaced Steere, Freitas- and Palmer in the forwards. The opening of the second spell was marked lay some very effective tackling. Each player was downed as soon as he received the ball and the field was strewn with prostrate forms. Nepia did a cool bit of work when he shook off Waterman behind the Black goal line and kicked out at (he quarter mark. Porter started a passing movement in midfield, but Trotter intercepted and streaked at a great pace for the goal line. Oliver missed a beautiful chance to score by stumbling just as he took the pass. However, the White forwards were in strong support and Coulston scored close to the posts. Cundy made a weak attempt to goal. Heazelwood was a trifle too cool when he ran back beyond the quarter mark to get in Irs kick. The ball rebounded from a burly Black forward and a White player got offside which enabled Nepia to land a good penalty goal.

Dailey was nearly over from a scrum and a little later Kivell hopped over the line for Nepia to kick another goal. The scores were 18 to 14 in the Whites’ favour. Souter here retired with an injury and was replaced by Palmer. The standard of play was now a great improvement on that of the first spell. Heazelwood, playing an excellent game at full-back, intercepted a pass in his own twentyffive and made a sensational run to the Black line where Nepia held him up. Eventually Thomas crossed for a try, which .Heazelwood failed to improve. Dailey sent out a long pass which let Oliver away and the Canterbury five-eighths raced away to score in the corner. Nepia goaled with a sensational kick and the Possibles’ lead was reduced to two points. Sonntag (Otago), the lock, twice showed up with strong thrusts from line-outs. From a scrum at the centre the ball shot out to Dailey and he let Trotter away. He sent the ball back to Dailey, who went over for his second try, which Nepia just failed to improve. Nepia pleased the crowd with some big punts to the line. From a five yards’ scrum Johnson let Waterman over on the blind side. Heazelwood failed at goal and a hard and rugged, if not altogether brilliant game, ended with the board reading: Possibles 24 Probables 22 THE ALL BLACKS TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA: BERT GEDDES INCLUDED. Wellington, June 3. The six Rugby selectors met after the trial match to-day and chose the following players to make a tour of Australia this month: — Full-back: G. Nepia (East Coast). Wing three-quarters: B. Grensido (Hawkes Bay), H. Waterman (North Auckland), J. 11. Geddes (Southland). Centre threequarters: S. R. Carleton (Canterbury), C. Stringfellow (Wairarapa). Five-eighths: 11. Lilburne (Canterbury), R. Cundy (Wairarapa), C. Oliver (Cantcrburv), L. Hook (Auckland). Half-back: W. C. Dailey (Canterbury). Wing-forward: C. G. Porter. Hookers: B. Palmer (Auckland), A. Cottrell (Canterbury), R. Souter (Otago), K. Reid (Wairarapa). Locks; E. R. Steele (Hawkes Bay), C. Sonntag (Otago). Forwards: R. G. McWilliams (Auckland), A. Kivell (Taranaki), W. Rika (North Auckland), W. Reside (Wairarapa), A. Mahoney (Bush District), E. M. Snow (Nelson). One half-back has still to be selected to bring the playing strength up to 25 players. RE I’ RESENT ATIVE GAMES ■WELLINGTON DEFEATS CANTERBURY. Christchurch, June 3. In an interprovincial Rugby match, Wellington beat Canterbury by 23 points to 16. Tlie weather was dull and there were counter attractions which accounted for the attendance being only moderate. The northern side fielded its best team, the idea being to try out some of the younger players with a view to discovering how they were likely to develop. Also, representatives of both provinces were playing in the All Black trial at Wellington. Canterbury were a few points in the lead at the end of the first spell but very soon after the opening of the second spell, it was apparent that Wellington were more likely to win. Within- five minutes they scored a penalty goal and converted a try which put. them four points ahead. Thereafter, Wellington ever lost the lead. Play was fast throughout and the players stood the fierce pace remarkably well. The Wellington forwards dominated the local pack in scrums and lineouts, but the red and blacks fought gamely. The first score of the game resulted from the Canterbury forwards following up last a good piece of forward play. The best of the visitors pack were Sly, Shearer and Cullimore who used every opportunity to open- up the game from the lineout. The Canterbury forwards who stood out were Suckling and Manchester while Scrimshaw did much good work as wingforward. Johnson was the brains of the visitors’ attack. Without him Wellington could not have won. Next to Johnson, the best back on the field was Hart, the speedy Canterbury wing threequarter who scored a couple of brilliant tries. Wylie, his vis-a-vis, had no chance with him when Hart had any room to work. Pelham gave a good display at five eighth with Johnson. Page was reliable behind the Canterbury pack and Julian Wellington half, after an indifferent opening, showed pluck and initiative. Page was instrumental in making the first Canterbury score. He broke away from half-way and took the ball near the line. A short punt bounced off the Wellington fullback and Brown ran up and scored an easy try. Roberts converted. Canterbury 5 ■WellingtonNil For Wellington, Shearer kicked a fine goal from a difficult angle. Canterbury 5 Wellington 3 At this stage of the game, the pace was very fast and the spectators cheered as the complexion of the game changed rapidly. After an attack by the Wellington backs had broken down, the Canterbury backs ran away with the ball and finally Hart set off at top speed for the line. None of the ’Wellington backs could get a hand on him and he scored in a good position. Canterburylo Wellington 3 Wellington’s turn came next. Sly went away near the Canterbury twenty-five and the "movement swung out and then in again, McPherson scoring in a good position. Shearer failed to convert. Canterbury 10 ’ Wellington 6 Brown had hard luck when in a fine Canterbury rush he got over but lost the ball. Canterbury were defending at halftime with the scores unchanged. Early in the second spell, Pelham kicked a penalty goal for Wellington. Canterbury 10 Wellington 0 Wellington came back at once and Pelham was over in a trice. He converted his own try and Wellington led by 14 to 10. A scrum near the visitor’s line gave Canterbury an advantage and Norrie, the last to handle, scored a simple try. Roberts failed with the kick. Wellington 14 Canterbury 13 Johnson soon put Wellington on attack again and from a scrum he whipped the ball to Peterson who knocked over the corner flag in scoring. Shearer s kick failed. ■Wellington47 Canterbury 13 Johnson made another opening on the Canterbury twenty-five and Pelham, next in order, cut out two men before passing to Peterson who had a clear run in. Shearer missed the kick. Wellington 20 Canterbury 13 The next try also was Johnson’s who beat the whole Canterbury team. Thrusting and swerving his way to the line, he scored a wonderful try. "Shearer missed again. Wellington 23 Canterbury 43 The home side attacked hard after this series of reverses and presently Hart set off. -He emerged from two determined

tackles and scored wide out. The kick at goal missed. Wellington 23 Canterburyl6 Canterbury were attacking for most of the remaining time but there was no further score. HAWKES BAY DEFEATS WAIRARAPA. Napier, June 3. In a game remarkable for the large number of stoppages, mostly through injuries, Hawkes Bay defeated Wairarapa at Napier this afternoon by nine points to three. It was a hard and fast game, but by no means a faultless exhibition of the code. The winners had easily the best of play for two-thirds of the time and in the first half had Wairarapa solidly defending for three-quarters of the spell. The Bay team showed much more spirit and enterprise and were a great deal more nippy than their older opponents. Ruru (a Te Aute College boy) played a wonderful game and was chaired off the field. Wairarapa opened their score with an unconverted try by Jury. Five minutes afterwards Kebble, wing forward, dropped a splendid goal from the field and later the same player scored from a ruck, Mill converting. The attendance was over six thousand. TARANAKI BEATS WANGANUI. Wanganui, June 3. A fast open game marked the opening of the representative Rugby season when Taranaki defeated Wanganui on Spriggens Park by 22 to 17. Wanganui had the best of the first spell although at half-time the scores stood at eight to three in Taranaki’s favour. On resuming Taranaki, showing dash in forward play and better combination among the backs, piled on the points until their score stood at 22. In the last 15 minutes, Wanganui were superior and quickly ran their total up to 17. Wanganui’s last try was sensational, the ball being handled by seven players. It was converted from close to touch by a brilliant kick as the final whistle sounded. AUCKLAND DEFEATS WAIKATO. Hamilton, June 3. The Auckland Rugby representatives defeated Waikato by 25 to 17. Play in the first half was even, the Waikato backs handling well. The Auckland forwards were solid and had the best, of the scrums. The Auckland backs combined better in the second half and Waikato’s defence weakened. Abbott, right wing, was the most prominent scorer for the winners. POVERTY BAY BEAT BAY OF PLENTY. Gisborne, June 3. At Rugby, Poverty Bay defeated Bay of Plenty this afternoon in ideal weather before a large attendance by 22 to eight. For the winners, tries were scored by Langlands (2), Murland and Walters. Carrington and Thomas converted one each and also kicked a penalty each. Howell and Tama scored for Bay of Plenty, Kingi converting one. NORTH OTAGO BEAT SOUTHERN MAORIS. Oamaru, June 3. The South Island maori team were decisely defeated by North Otago at Oamaru to-day by 25 to 11. The visitors, having their first game, lacked combination and were beaten in all departments. The game was fast and open with many brilliant flashes of back play. UNIVERSITIES’ TEST NEW ZEALAND TEAM. Wellington, June 3. The sole selector (Mr N. Mullard) has chosen following team to represent New Zealand against Australia in the second university test match to be played at Wellington on Wednesday afternoon:— Full-back: Bush (Auckland); threequarters, Loveridge (Canterbury), Carter (Auckland), Mac Kay (Wellington); fiveeighths,' Mackenzie (Wellington), Hawkes (Canterbury) ; half-back, Ixjys (Wellington); wing forward, Jolly (Otago) ; hookers, Hindenniarch and Douglas (Otago); lock, Blacker (Wellington) ; side of scrum, Henley (Otago), Edgar (Wellington); back row, Deiderich (Wellington), Perkins (Canterbury). THE WESTERN DISTRICT APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES. The following referees have been selected to officiate in the second round of the competition: • SENIORS. June B:—Ohai v. Otaut.au, at Ohai, Mr Jamieson; Nightcaps v. Riverton, at Nightcaps, Mr McCrostie; Orepuki v. Orawia, at Orepuki, Mr Lyng. June 15:—Ohai v. Orawia, at Orawia, Mr Booth; Nightcaps v. Orepuki, at Orepuki, Mr Mac Gibbon; Riverton v. Otautau, at Riverton, Mr Mosley. June 22:—Ohai v. Riverton, at Ohai, Mr J. Prendeville; Nightcaps v. Orawia, at Nightcaps, Mr Booth; Otautau v. Orepuki, at Otautau, Mr Jamieson. , July 6:—Ohai v. Nightcaps, at Nightcaps, Mr Lindsay; Orepuki v. Riverton, at Orepuki, Mr ‘Miller; Orawia v. Otautau, at Orawia, Mr Mac Gibbon. July 13: —Ohai v. Orepuki, at Ohai, Mr J. Prendeville; ’ Nightcaps v. Otautau, at Otautau, Mr Lyng; Riverton v. Orawia, at Riverton, Mr Booth. JUNIORS. June B:—Ohai v. Otautau, at Otautau, Mr Miller; Nightcaps v. Riverton, at Riverton, Mr Mosley; Orepuki v. Orawia, at Orawia, Mr Wyeth. June 15:—Ohai v. Orawia, at Ohai, Mr Wilson ; Nightcaps v. Orepuki, at Nightcaps, Mr Prendeville; Riverton v. Otautau, at Otautau, Mr Miller. June 22: —Ohai v. Riverton, at Riverton, Mr Lyng; Nightcaps v. Orawia, at Orawia, Mr Mac Gibbon; Otautau v. Orepuki, at Orepuki, Mr Weir. July 6: —Ohai v. Nightcaps, at Ohai, Mr Wilson; Orepuki v. Riverton, at Riverton, Mr Mosley; Orawia v. Otautau, at Otautau, Mr McCrostie. July 13: —Ohai v. Orepuki, at Orepuki, Mr McGregor; Nightcaps v. Otautau, at Nightcaps, Mr Jamieson; Riverton V. Orawia, at Orawia, Mr Wyeth. CENTRAL DISTRICT DRAW FOR SATURDAY/ Following are the fixtures and referees for Saturday, June 8:— —Senior.— Drummond v. Waianiwa, at Drummond; Mr G. Agnew. Limehills v. Ryal Bush, at Ryal Bush; Mr R. S. Balch. Dipton v. Winton, at Winton; Mr J. Forde. —Junior.— Drummond v. Dipton, at Dipton; Mr A. McLeod. Winton v. Hokonui, at Hokonui; Mr W. Moylan. Limehills v. Ryal Bush, at Limehills; Mr E. Galt.