RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 21420, 15 June 1931, Page 8

RUGBY

SATURDAY’S, GAMES. BLUES SPRING .SURPRISE DECISIVE WIN OVER STAR PIRATES BEAT OLD BOYS The second round of the Galbraith Shield competition was commenced at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon when the ideal weather conditions and the change-over to the uniform half-holiday attracted a crowd estimated at well over 2,000. The ground was inclined To be heavy after recent rains, but the standard of play was not to any great extent affected. On the contrary, in the case of the Blues-Star game, the public was treated to an exhibition of bright, open football voted the best yet seen this season in local club matches. Blues victory by 22 points to 4 came as a great surprise and was well-received by the large crowd present which from start to finish was kept in a state of sustained excitement by the keenness of the struggle. Pirates defeated Old Boys by 14 to 9 after a match in which the losers showed much improved form upon previous displays. Southern made their re-appearance to meet defeat at the hands of Waikiwi by 22 points to 9. This match does not count in the Shield competition, the inclusion of Southern being merely to provide a match for the “bye” team each week. At Balfour in a Grant Cup match Eastern defeated Northern by nine points to six after a hard game in which the display of the winners was disappointing compared with their fine showing at Invercargill on Country Day. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES At the beginning of the second round of the Galbraith Shield competition, the position of senior teams is as follows: —

BLUES (22) v. STAR (-1) As stated above, the result of this game was in the nature of a surprise because on the occasion these two teams met in the first round of the competition Star defeated Blues by eight points to six. While it was expected that a close game would result on Saturday, few prophesied that Blues would display the all-round superiority they did. By gaining possession of the ball on the majority of occasions and by carrying the greater number of scrums which were frequent during the course of the game, they inaugurated back and forward movements which sorely tried the Star defence.

Blues' five-eighths line was strengthened by the return of Lindsay Niven. This player made all the difference to the Blues’ back division against Old Boys, and on Saturday he was like the famous Scarlet Pimpernel, here, there and everywhere. He was responsible for the remainder of the backs gaining greater confidence in their possibilities. McKay played a dashing game for Blues and, in fact, so well did the players combine that it is difficult to single any particular one out for special mention. Members of a victorious team, they all did their bit. The teams were:— Invercargill (blue and black): Sullivan; Henderson, McKay, Bruce; Grant, Niven; C. Johnston; Malcolm, C. George; Cook, Southern, Clode; Mclntyre, L. George; Kerse. Star (blue and white): Campbell; Giller, Frampton, Stubbs; Riddell, Lock; Connolly; Donnelly, Lilley; Sinclair, Hennessy, Paget; O’Toole, Purdue; Mahoney. The Play. Blues attacked right from the whistle and within a couple of minutes kicked across the line. In the race for the ball Campbell got there first to kick it well out. Star cleared from the twenty-five kick but, a few moments later Henderson gained a lot of territory by a solo run down the touchline on the far side. Speculation by a magpie back got his side into trouble, and an infringement in a handy position to the goal saw Niven’s kick go far out. Blues kept up the pressure and Johnston, gaining possession on the far side, dashed over to score a well-applauded try on his own. The kick missed. Blues 3, Star 0. A retaliatory attack by the Star backs ended at Stubbs who was obliged to kick out to save trouble. An exchange of kicks between Kerse and Campbell was productive of no material advantage and play centred around halfway. A bad pass from Grant to McKay resulted in Star swarming all over the defence and for a few moments it seemed as if a score was inevitable. Blues, however, came away in a loose rush but weak passing by the backs who were standing too deep marred their effort. Still they got near enough to the Star goal to make things uncomfortable for the Magpies and Campbell was given a busy time until the forwards carried play back to halfway. Campbell kicked out near the Blues’ corner flag, and from the line-out Star made desperate efforts to get across) Stubbs was in too close, however, and the movement failed, play swinging back to the halfway line. Donnelly set off along the sideline, closely attended by O’Toole, but the ground gained was lost through an in-, fringement. A crisp passing movement by Star ended with Giller going down to a solid tackle. Offside play on the part of Star resulted in Blues gaining a good deal of ground from the penalty awarded them. Another passing rush by the Star backs brought play back again to midfield, but Blues returned to the attack and although Stubbs broke it up, they got into a handy position to the posts, so much so that McKay did not have to over-exert himself to kick a penalty goal subsequently awarded the Blues. Blues 6, Star 0. The scene of action changed with remarkable rapidity, and some solid play was witnessed outside the Blues’ goalmouth. There was an interruption for a iew moments while the referee had a talk io players and then the unexpected occurred. The ball went out to Campbell who, coolly picking it up, kicked a splendid field goal which evoked a roar of applause from the grandstand. Blues 6, Star 4. Stung by this, Blues rushed play into Star’s twenty-five. By kicking out, Giller gave his side a much-needed breathing spell and from the ensuing line-out Star cleared. Blues were a force to be reckoned with, however, and L. George with head down forced his way over. The kick failed. Blues 9; Star 4. , Initiating a Star attack, Campbell crosskicked, but the manoeuvre failed and halftime sounded with no alteration to the scores. Second Spell. Play was fast on resumption and in the opening exchanges Blues were very prominent. Star since the interval had altered their scrum formation, Sinclair going into the front row and Lilley into the back. Malcolm figured in a solo run and a few moments later from an ensuing scrum near the corner flag Niven passed to Grant who burst through a tackle to over unopposed. The kick missed. Blues 12, Star 4.

[Star attacked and Stubbs, gaining possession, kicked and followed up well, but the ball was forced before he got there. Blues then staged a very pretty passing movement which brought the crowd to its feet in its excitement. The whole backline participated and broke through the opposition. ,Grant ; outwitted Stubbs, and McKay, the last to receive, ran round shaking off a number of defenders to score right under the posts—a very fine effort. Grant goaled. Blues 17, Star 4. Star now had a turn at attack and Lock got away well to the corner flag. Stubbs was not fast enough coming up, however, and his failure to gather in his pass resulted in the loss of a sure try. The ball went out and from the line-out Blues cleared. After a spell of fairly even play* Grant gained possession and set off accompanied by Niven to whom he passed. The latter returned the ball, but an infringement pulled up a most promising movement. Blues kept up the pressure and although Star were awarded a penalty for offside play, they were unable to turn it to account, and Niven, gaining possession, found his way through a gap to score under the posts. Grant took the kick at goal, his first attempt being charged down. Awarded a “free charge” he made good use of the kick. Blues 22, Star 4. ■ From now on the crowd was kept in a state of sustained excitement, bright, open play being witnessed as the two teams put all their energies into the struggle. Stubbs, who had reversed positions with Lock, started off a Star attacking movement which broke down, partly as the result of splendid play by Mclntyre. Stubbs made a further attempt to break through on his own, but was unsuccessful. Malcolm was seen in a futile attempt to return the compliment. Stubbs regained possession and passed to Frampton, who fumbled, and then made the mistake of tackling Malcolm who did not have the ball. Blues attacked strongly, but Campbell cleared to the line just at the right moment. Frampton then set off in the opposite direction in a solo dribbling effort, but was pulled up near the Blues’ twenty-five flag. A long kick downfield which was followed up by Henderson and McKay looked dangerous, but Star saved and carried the attack back. Riddell, Campbell and Stubbs were very conspicuous in an in-and-out passing rush which just failed to get there, however, Niven being the stumbling block. A solo effort by Johnston took play to .halfway, but Lock and Mahoney brought it back again to Blues’ twenty-five, where Star were attacking at the end of play, the final score being:— Blues 22 Star 4

PIRATES (1-1) v. OLD BOYS (9)

The narrow margin of five points separating Firates and Old Boys in their match commenced on No. 1 ground and completed on No. 2, gives a good indication of the even nature of the game, a feature of which was the improved showing of the whites. The half-time score was B—38 —3 in favour of the black o and the final 14—9. The pace almost throughout was fast, a slowing-up on. the part of both teams being evident in the final stages. Old Boys forwards infused plenty of life into their efforts and held the Pirates well, their defence at times being particularly solid. With new blood in their team, Pirates impressed with their general display. The teams were:—

Pirates (black and gold): Murray; Geddes, M. Harrington, Morrison, Sharpe; W. Thomas; G. Thomas; Carter, Peterson; Metclafe, Duff, Richardson; Robertson, Spencer; McEwan.

Old Boys (white): Braithwaite; A. Harrington, Mitchell, Hamilton; McCallum, Hislop; Mennie; Francis, MacFarlane; Boyee, Lynch, Squires; Baillie, Beadle; Gardner.

Pirates attacked from the outset and an infringment saw Murray miss a penalty kick at goal, the ball just going on the wrong side of the post. The Pirates backs started off in a passing rush which was effectively smothered by the Old Boys forwards and the whites, turning defence into attack, carried play into the blacks’ twentyfive. Thomas cleared with a good kick and a loose rush by Pirates ended up in the ball going out in Old Boys’ territory. Play for some considerable time was ragged, neither team making use of the territorial advantage they gained in succession. Peterson figured prominently in a black sortie on Old Boys’ goal, but naught came of the movement. Pirates kept up the attack and M. Harrington with a neat turn of speed cut-in but a sure try was lost through McEwan knocking the pass forward. Old Boys got the breathing space they wanted and cleared, but the blacks were not to be denied. G. Thomas smartly picked up the ball, passed to Geddes who returned it to allow Thomas to get over. Murray added the major points. Pirates 5, Old Boys 0. Pirates were again prominent a few minutes later in a loose rush which carried play into the whites’ territory but Mitchell cleared to half-way with a long kick. Braithwaite stemmed a further attack by taking a good mark and his clearing kick to past half-way gave his team much-needed relief. The scene of action then changed back to Old Boys territory and Sharpe, adeptly cutting out his man, swiftly transferred to Geddes who got over unopposed. No goal resulted. Pirates 8, Old Boys 0. Old Boys registered their first score a few minutes afterwards when with a sweeping rush they carried play to Pirates’ line. A. Harrington was seen to advantage but kicked the ball too hard and enabled the blacks to force. A few moments later Old Boys were awardeel a penalty in a handyposition and Squires made no mistake with the kick. Pirates 8, Old Boys 3.

The second spell opened with Old Boys being called upon to withstand some heavy assaults by the Pirates’ forwards and from a scrum G. Thomas s,ct his backs in motion The ball travelled across to Geddes who after a fast run went out near the corner flag. A. Harrington then provided a thrill by gaining possession and dashing right off to the Pirates twenty-five. Out-paced by an opposing back he passed out to Mitchell who kicked through and followed up to score in a handy position. No goal resulted. Pirates 8, Olds Boys 6. Good passing movements by the Pirates backs eventually' bore fruit, Morrison getting across to score after a loose rush. The kick failed. Pirates 11, Old Boys 6. Pirates kept up the pressure and a few moments later Geddes gained possession and put in a good run from half-way to beat two opponents and score conveniently to the posts. The kick again missed. Pirates 14, Old Boys 6. Both teams then let up somewhat and play became uninteresting. Old Boys were awarded a penalty on account of offside play by Pirates and Squires turned the kick to good account. Pirates 14, Old Boys 9. Play was fairly even up to the final whistle which sounded without alteration to the scores. WAIKIWI (22) v. SOUTHERN (9) The match ■ between Waikiwi and Southern, commenced on No. 1 ground and then shifted over to No. 2, was for the most part ragged, Waikiwi emerging victorious by 22 points to 9. Southern did not display the same combination as their opponents but, improving as the game wore on, did not make the game entirely a walk-over for Waikiwi. The teams were: — Waikiwi (red and black): Ferguson; Watson, I. Smith, Stevens; Woodfield, Mitchell; Montague; Myers, Busby; Dick, Dagg, Redmond; Sheffelbein, Ward; L. Smith. Southern (light blue) : Cavanagh; Allison, Marshall, Kerr; Fletcher, Adams; Frost; Bagrie, Conkin; Pay, Pascoe, McLeod; Wilson, McFadyen; Hamilton. In the first spell Waikiwi took advantage of weaknesses in the Southern backs to,

amass most of their points, the score at half time being 14-0; but in the second spell Southern offered stouter resistance and scored nine points to Waikiwi’s eight. For the winners I. Smith scored three tries, Watson two and Woodfield one. Watson and Woodfield each converted a try. For Southern Frost scored a converted try and Fletcher potted a good goal. JUNIOR MATCHES SOME WELL-CONTESTED GAMES. The competition among junior grades was advanced a stage further on Saturday when a number of well-contested games were witnessed. At Biggar street Star succeeded in defeating Bluff by 14 points to eight and Blues accounted for Pirates by 36 to three in the second-grade, while on the Kennings ton ground a secondgrade match between Rirnu and Waikiwi resulted in a win for Waikiwi by 12 points to nine. The StarBluff game was an extremely even one, but by hard struggling Star finally gained the advantage. Sievwright, winger for Star, played an outstanding game. Condtions underfoot on most of the grounds were in a typically wintry condition, thus being scarcely conducive to fast or brilliant football. An entire absence of wind or sun helped to counter-balance this, however. The results of the various games were as follow:— SECOND GRADE BLUES f 36) v. PIRATES (3). Playing at Biggar street Blues proved superior to Pirates by 36 points to three. Pirates had not a full team, but put up a stern fight against over-whelming odds. Tries were scored for Blues by Bailey, Stevens (2), Fairweather (2), and Couling (2) ; Bews, Lee (2) and Foster succeeded with conversions, while Watson potted a goal and Foster kicked a penalty. The only score by Pirates was a penalty from the boot of McEwan. Among the scores made by Blues the two outstanding efforts were by Stevens and Couling. STAR (14) v. BLUFF (8). At Biggar Street Star commenced the offensive from the beginning and very shortly D. Lorimer dashed over to score a try which Halpine converted. Bluff retaliated, resulting in Sylvester scoring a try which he converted himself. Before half-time Pasco scored for Bluff and Sievwright secured a try for Star, the half-time score being eight—all. After a give and-take struggle throughout the second half Sievwright and Leith scored further tries for Star, neither being converted, with the result that Star won by 14 points to eight. WAIKIWI (12) v. RIMU (9). Playing at Kennington under excellent conditions Waikiwi secured their first win by 12 i»ints to nine. Play was very even throughout, and the only marring feature was the inability of the country team to field a full fifteen. Waikiwi’s win was the result of four free kicks which were successfully turned to account by Harvey and O’Kane (two each). For Rimu Wyeth and O'Connor each succeeded in scoring a fine try in the first half, while Baird, on the wing, crossed the Waikiwi line in the second half. The halftime score was six—all. THIRD GRADE OLD BOYS (37) v. RAILWAY (3). Old Boys scored a decisive win over Railway by 37 points to three. The game was played at Biggar street. Tries were scored for Old Boys by Derbie (4), Cowie (3), Hind, Henry, blastic and Shand. Raines and Derbie each succeeded in converting a try. Railway’s only score was a penalty kicked by Henley. At the Showgrounds Blues drew with Borstal A, the game ending with the score at 13 —all. On the Borstal grounds Clifton defeated Borstal B by six points to three. FOURTH GRADE BLUES (16) v. OLD BOYS (0). Blues defeated Old Boys at Biggar street by 16 points to nil. O’Kane, Sutton, Dawson and Insall each scored tries, while Thom potted a goal. The match was fast but ragged, with Blues holding a territorial advantage. Gillan, full-back for Blues, had to retire with an injury. MARIST (9) v. WAIKIWI (0). Playing at Waikiwi Marist were- victorious over Waikiwi by nine points to nil. Both forward packs played well, Stone and Robertson being prominent among the Marist team. Stone scored two tries and Soper one for Marist. HIGH SCHOOL A (31) v. BORSTAL (0). On the Borstal grounds High School A beat Borstal by 31 points to nil. The points for School were gained by Blick, Springford, Crowther, Robertson and Georgeson. STAR (16) v. HIGH SCHOOL B (5). At Queen’s Park Star beat High School B by 16 points to five. Tyne (2-), Anderson and Tinnock scored for Star, while School’s points were made up by a converted try by McKenzie. TECHNICAL (36) v. RIMU (4). At. Tweed Street Technical’s backs were too fast for the opposition,. with the result that Rimu were beaten by 36 points to four. Milne (3), Maxted (2), Scott, Wane and Forde scored tries for Technical, Maxted converting four and potting a goal. W. Baird potted a goal for Rimu. FIFTH GRADE BLUES (17) v. TECHNICAL (7). At Biggar Street Blues beat Technical by 17 points to seven. Sutherland, Bishop, Marks, Fletcher, and Johnstone scored tries for Blues, Sutherland converting one. Heads potted a goal and Rowley scored a try for Technical. CENTRAL DISTRICT SATURDAY’S RESULTS. SECOND ROUND COMMENCED. Under excellent weather conditions on Saturday afternoon the second round of the Hamilton Shield competition in the Central District was commenced. ’ The junior competition, which is still in its first round stages, was also continued. The results of Saturday’s matches make Tittle difference as to the positions of the teams. Winton have maintained their lead of three points over Dipton, the premiers of last season. The detailed results were: WINTON 10 v. DRUMMOND 0. At Winton, Drummond made a bold bid to down the leaders of the competition, but without avail. The game was a very ragged exhibition, with the rear divisions of both teams giving a poor display. There was a fair crowd in attendance. From the kick off Drummond attacked strongly, the forwards being superior. The maroons made desperate attempts to open up the play, but their backs either hung on too long or fumbled badly. Drummond on the other hand favoured a tight game, in which they were superior. The commencement of the second spell promised open football, but the movements broke down when they looked dangerous. Robertson broke away for the maroons, the movement being carried on by J. Murphy, who opened Winton’s account by scoring under the posts. Anderson added the major points. Ragged play followed, with both teams attacking at intervals. At this stage

Pierce and Bell, of Winton, were compelled to ■ retire, being replaced by Forde and Clarke. A little later from a rush B.' Balch crossed for Winton for Ar.de.son to convert, making the score Winton 10, Drummond 0. A few minutes later the final whistle sounded with the score unaltered. Mr W. Moylan controlled the game. DIPTON 9 v. HEDGEHOPE 0. At Dipton the home team defeated Hedgehope by 9 points to nil after a somewhat interesting game. In the first half the visiting forwards dominated the play, while after the interval the Dipton pack took possession. For Dipton tries were scored by Thornbury (1), Magee (1) and Sparks (1). The half-time score was 3-0 in Dipton’s favour. Mr G. Cleland was referee. LIMEHILLS 13 v. HOKONUI 6. Thirteen pqjnts (two field goals and a converted try) to six points (a penalty goal and an unconverted try) was the result of the Limehills v. Hokonui fixture at Browns in Limehills’ favour. The game was a fairly open one, with both packs giving their backs plenty of ball. The score at the interval was 8-0 in favour of Limehills. In this spell Dawson kicked a fine field goal from well out, while later W. Calder landed a “pot,” which luckily went over after hitting the posts. In the second spell W. Reid added to Limehills’ score by scoring and converting the try, while for Hokonui, King kicked a penalty goal and M. Forde scored a try. At the final whistle the scores were: Limehills 13, Hokonui 6. Mr R. S. Balch controlled the game. JUNIOR. At Ryal Bush the home juniors defeated Winton by 6—o. Playing on their own grounds, the Waianiwa juniors accouned for Dipton by 15—0. POSITION OF THE TEAMS. HAMILTON SHIELD COMPETITION.

NEXT SATURDAY’S DRAW. The draw and referees for next Saturday have been compiled as follows: Senior '. Winton v. Limehills at Limehills (A. McLeod); Dipton v. Drummond at Drummond (G. Cleland) ; Hokonui v. Hedgehope at Hedgehope (R. S. Balch). Junior: Limehills v. Dipton at Dipton (J. North); Ryal Bush v. Hokonui ,at Hokonui (R. Reid) ; Drummond v. Waianawa at Waianiwa (G. McKenzie) ; Hedgehope v. Winton at Winton (M. Kean). GRANT CUP MATCH EASTERN WIN TROPHY. NORTHERN FORWARDS GO WELL. The first Grant Cup match between teams representative of the Eastern Southland and Northern District Sub-Unions was played at Balfour on Saturday afternoon. In view of the fact that Northern are the present holders of the Amateur Sports Trust Cup and that the Easterners had decisively defeated the Town representatives on Country Day, the fixture was invested with more than the usual interest accorded country games, and as a result there was a record crowd present. Among the visitors were Messrs A. J. Geddes (selector), A. H. Courtis, T. Meredith and C. A. Belsham, of the Southland Rugby Union. 'The game resulted' in victory for the Eastern team by nine points to six after a hard game in which the sparkling back game played by the Eastern team on Country Day was conspicuous by its absence. Indeed the game as an exhibition of bright and open Rugby was a disappointment. The Eastern back division had been altered from that which played Town and did not function at all well. Holden, ostensibly a half-back, -was played at second five-eighth, and while he shone in individual work, he was not a good link. Northern forwards surprised and in the second spell in particular were generally superior to the Eastern vanguard. The first spell was all in favour of Eastern, but the home team took charge in the second half, and if they had put the many chances they received to advantage must have run out good winners. Several easy chances of goaling from penalties were missed. The outstanding players were Mcßride, Crosbie and Johnson (backs) and Mcßae, Naylor and Small (forwards) in the Northern team, and Grant, Holden and Ussher (backs) and Herron, Agnew and Ashby (forwards) in the Eastern side. Mcßride impressed as a winger and Mcßae and Naylor appeared to be well up to the best senior standard of forwards. After the game, Mr J. Campbell, president of the Northern District Sub-Union, presented the cup to the captain of the Eastern team (N. McLeod), congratulating the winners on their success, and expressing the hope that when the Northern team challenged the holders they would be able to wrest back the trophy in a game in which as good a spirit would be shown as had been evident that day. The teams were as follows:

Eastern (black)—Webb, Townsend, Grant, Pickering, Holden, O'Shea, Ussher; Agnew, Johnstone, Churstain, Ashby, McLeod, Irwin, Herron, Todd. Northern (green)—L. Soper, Mcßride, Crosbie, Muir, Wellman, Fraser, Johnson; McAuliffe, Mcßae, Naylor, Keown, Tither, Small, C. Soper, Richards. The Play. Eastern were the first to settle down and had all the best of the opening exchanges. Grant put the visitors on attack with a nice liner to the green 25, but good 'forward play enabled the greens to work back to half-way. A. Johnson set his backs going and in loose play in Eastern’s 25 a black back was penalized for offside play. Crosbie opened the scoring for Northern with a good goal.—Northern 3, Eastern nil. Herron and Agnew led a black forward sortie into Northern territory, and a penalty to Easter gave Holden a chance to equalize the scores. He kicked a poster. The Eastern backs were getting a fair share of the ball, but owing to the resolute tackling of the Northern backs gained little ground. Most of the play up to now had been contested in Northern’s half and Eastern looked like having matters much their own way. Ussher opened up for his backs from a ruck only to see O’Shea bagged in possession and a good chance lost. Mcßride snapped up a waiting ball and relieved the pressure for Northern with a dashing run which gained 35 yards before the winger was pulled down. With support here Northern may have scored, as the black backs were out-positioned. Webb was tested a minute later, but proved equal to the occasion and found touch outside the 25. Then Churstain started a sweeping forward rush which led to Eastern scoring their first try. Herron, and Todd helped to break down Northern’s defence and the ball was booted through to L. Soper, whose weak clearance went into Pickering’s arms. The Eastern man took the ball in his stride and went for the corner. Confronted by Mcßride, he in-passed to O’Shea who sent back to Pickering, the latter going over near the corner for a good try. O'Shea failed to improve the position.—Eastern 3, Northern 3.

Eastern kept up their advantage and almost immediately were attacking in Northern’s 25. Ussher was prominent in opening up the play only to see his transfer dropped by Agnew. A moment later however Todd made amends by starting the backs on a movement which ended in Grant scoring. Todd passed to Holden who

cross-kicked cleverly to a gap in Northern s defence. The bounce of the ball favoured Grant, who had flashed through, and dummying and side-stepping Soper, the centre went over for an easy try. Webb failed to goal.—Eastern 6, Northern 3. Play had not been particularly bright. Northern were playing a spoiling game and a hitch in Eastern’s scrum saw the ball coming out very slowly to Ussher. Naylor, at the side of the Northern scrum, was very smart off the mark and did much of the spoiling. As a consequence there were plenty of stoppages for minor infringements. A good chance was presented to Eastern when the black backs got going in a passing rush after a line-out. All handled well, but Grant sent a high one to Pickering who was unable to capture the ball when in a good scoring, position. Frequent passing rushes by Eastern followed and practically all of the play was confined to Northern’s half. One rush went slantwise across the field and ToWnsend was given the ball when there was no room to get through. He was pushed out right at the corner flag. Northern’s full-back (L. Soper) retired hurt and was replaced by R. Sutherland. Hectic play on the green line was repulsed with determined tackling, the .green backs doing very well to keep Eastern out. Crosbie lifted the siege with a good clearance to the 25. Holden showed up in individual play, but was not linking up with O’Shea and Grant too well, and much of the combined play shown by Eastern on Country Day was missing. The standard of play was well up to country standard, but in view of the promising reports about Eastern's backs the crowd was disappointed. Eastern continued to have much the better of the game for the remainder of the spell, but could not increase their score.

Second Spell.

Northern were a new team in the second spell and. probably discovering that the visitors were not such a formidable combination after all, did the bulk of the attacking. As a result they were more successful than in the first spell and with an ounce of luck in their goal-kicking would probably have reversed the result. On the other hand Eastern fell away and were not a shadow of the team which so soundly trounced the Town team on Country Day. Both O’Shea and Holden overdid the short punt and as Northern’s backs were standing deep, the greens were able to recover. McAuliffe and Mcßae got possession from scrums three to one by Agnew and Johnstone and had the forwards kept charge of the ball the greens would have been even more successful. As an attacking combination the green backs were only patchy but all were responsible for good individual effort.

From the kick-off the greens set up an attack and had Eastern hard pressed. Johnson was getting the ball from nearly every scrum and trying to open up the play. Eastern’s defence was good however and Northern found it difficult to get through. A green back movement ended when Muir kicked too hard and the ball went into touch in goal. Northern forwards kept hard at it and gave their backs plenty of chances. They were out-playing the Eastern vanguard. Crosbie had a great chance to equalize from a penalty in a fairly easy position but his kick dropped short. For the next ten minutes Northern had Eastern defending in their half, but the homesters lacked finish and could not score. Holden at last brought relief to Eastern. He made a great opening, but gave a bad pass to his supports. A delay while Johnson relieved a spectator of his jersey in lieu of the one he had had torn from his back caused a bit of amusement. Spare green jerseys appeared to be at a premium. The respite seemed to work wonders with Eastern. Immediately upon resumption Ussher got his backs away and a rush which commenced in the middle of the field saw Townsend score Eastern’s third try. Grant had cut in smartly, but lost possession and from the following play which caught the green backs all out of position, Townsend dashed in t,o score. Townsend failed to convert.—Eastern 9, Northern 3.

This reverse spurred Northern to greater effort and a long kick by Wellman caused Eastern to force down. The drop-out was returned similarly and Eastern again forced. Northern forwards, led by Mcßae and Naylor, rushed play back to Eastern’s line and Small was prominent in a melee which endangered Eastern’s . line. Eastern were subdued for the time being and Northern did everything but score. The crowd was delighted and cheered Northern on. A penalty right in front was missed by Crosbie, the ball hitting the cross-bar, and the home supporters were disheartened. Not to be denied the greens kept up the attack and following a scrum right on Eastern’s line were nearly over. Eastern forwards tried hard to clear but Johnson’s accurate fielding and kicking kept them penned in their 25. The green half back was very prominent in this style of play and earned much applause. Play was hard and rugged and mostly confined to the forwards with the Northern pack still dominating the play. Agnew relieved the monotony of things by figuring in a great breakaway which took play from 25 to 25. He kicked past Sutherland and looked Tike putting on another try for Eastern when Crosbie came back with an amazing burst of pace and kicked out five yards from the goal line. It was a good save on the part of Crosbie. Eastern secured from the line-out and attempted to break through, but Grant’s cut-in was stopped and the situation saved. Back went the Northern forwards, Naylor in the van, and Webb was in difficulties. The black backs rallied round and saved a score. Northern were awarded yet another free kick in a good position, but Crcsbic again failed to goal an easy one. At long last the greens were rewarded for their tenacity. Passing by the backs saw Wellman and Crosbie make ground before passing to Mcßride, who, despite the little room to work in, beat both Pickering and Webb badly to score the best try of the day. This effort stamped Mcßride as a winger above the average. He showed pace and determination and employed an effective side-step in the narrowest of spaces. He was applauded for his good work. Crosbie missed the goal.—Eastern 9, Northern 6. This was the final score. Northern forwards Icept hard at it till the final whistle, but beyond raking the opposition, could not equalize. Final score: Eastern 9 Northern 6 IN OTHER CENTRES DUNEDIN MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, June 13. Varsity A 8 v. Southern 5; Kaikorai 6 v. Alhambra 0; Pirates 40 v. Varsity B 6; Zingari 9 v. Taieri 3; Union 6 v. Dunedin 0. CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. Christchurch, June 13. The football matches played here to-day took place in bright, warm sunshine. The results are:— Merivale 24 v. Old Boys 0; Linwood 11 v. Albion 8; Varsity 27 v. Athletic 11; Sydenham 5 v. Christchurch 0. The position of the teams in the championship are:—Merivale 8 points; Christchurch 6 points; Sydenham 6 points; Varsity 5 points; Old Boys 4 points; Linwood 4 [xiints; Albion 3 points; Athletic 0 points. WELLINGTON MATCHES. Wellington, June 13. Varsity 11 v. Miramar 11; Athletic 9 v. Berhampore 0; Old Boj r s 5 v. Oriental 3; Eastbourne 19 v. Petone 14; Poneke 16 v. Hutt 6; Marist 21 v. Wellington 14. AUCKLAND MATCHES. Auckland, June 13. Senior: Grammar 11 v. Technical 3; Ponsonby 18 v. University 7; Grafton 3 drew with City 3; Marist 0 drew with College Rifles 0; Training College 0 drew with Manukau 0.

P. W. L. D. Points. Sh. Pts. F. A. Pirates 5 5 0 0 94 48 10 Star 5 3 2 0 77 41 6 Waikiwi 4 2 2 0 31 66 4 Blues 5 2 3 0 70 46 4 Old Boys 5 0 5 0 40 111 0

— Points Shield p. W. L. D. F. A. P. Winton 6 6 — — 78 18 12 Dipton 6 4 1 1 59 25 9 Lirnehills 6 3 3 > — 56 66 6 Hedgehope 6 2 3 1 35 45 5 Drummond 6 2 4 — 29 44 4 Hokonui 6 —■ 6 — 17 76 —