FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 26, 15 September 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

o SOUTH CANTERBURY v. CANTERBURY. (Per Press Association.) Tiniaru, September 14. South Canterbury defeated Canterbury Rugby representatives to-day by 19 to 3. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. Wellington, September 14. The management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met this evening, Mr W. Galbraith presiding. There wore present: Mcessrs R. M. Isaac, Kelly, Cromhie, Naughton, and J. D. Avery (secretary). The Wanganui Union notified that it had passed the following resolution: —“That a letter be written to the New Zealand Rugby Union asking what steps it intends taking witli a view to improving the game of Rugby, and bringing the same more into favour with the public from a spectacular point of view, and to meet the growing competition of the Northern Union game, and at the same time reducing players’ risks.” . Mr Cromhie remarked that college football proved that there was not much wrong with the game, Mr Naughton moved—“ That the matter be referred back to the Wanganui Union and that it be pointed out that the best mode is to bring it forward at the next annual meeting as a notice of motion.” The chairman said the question of any alteration to the rules was a matter for the consideration of the delegates at the annual meeting. If Wanganui had any improvements to suggest they could ho brought before the delegates at next meeting. Mr R. Isaacs: “We should point out that they need not necessarily wait till the annual meeting.” Mr Kelly suggested the following motion—“ The Management Committee have no power to alter the laws of the game, and if they require any altera-1 tion it should bo brought forward by motion at the annual meeting, for the consideration of delegates.” The committee, ho said, should point out that they had no power to make any alteration to the laws of football. Finally it was decided, “That the proposed alterations have been considered at two special meetings of delegates, the result being that certain suggestions were sent Home to the English Union, some of which suggestions were adopted. If the Wanganui Union propose to make any further alterations they should, bring them before a mooting of delegates by notice of motion.” Dr. McEvedy and Mr Cromhie were appointed the Union’s representatives at a meeting which will be held thtis evening for the purpose of considering separate representation for New Zealand at the Olympic Games. The appeal of McDonald against hip disqualification by the Otago Rugby Union was upheld.

AUCKLAND (6) v.. TARANAKI (3). A HARD-FOUGHT GAME. There were about three thousand spectators at the Recreation Ground, New Plymouth, yesterday, to witness the match between Auckland and Taranaki. Both teams had put up good records on tour, and yesterday’s match was looked upon as deciding the Rugby premiership of the Dominion. The morning was fine, but during most .'of the time the game was in progress there was a steady soaking rain, which made it highly disagreeable for spectators, in addition to making it difficult for the players to show their best .work. The Auckland forwards were the best pack on the ground, and heat the home vanguard in every direction, being especially clever in gettm- the ball from the scrum—in fact, it was the exception to see Taranaki get the ball. The visiting forwards swept down on the homo backs, who wore quite unable to display their passing powers. The ball, also, was very greasy,. making accurate passing or kicking difficult. The Auckland backs were ( safe on defence, taking the greasy ball with great accuracy, and any passing there was was done by them. The first spell was entirely in Auckland’s favour, Taranaki being on the defensive most of the time, and only once did they look like scoring. In this spell the visitors crossed the homo team’s line on two occasions, and Taranaki were frequently forced. Play was more even in the second spell, though Auckland was getting the upper hand when no-timo was sounded. 1 ■ ’ * The spectators were mainly of the male 1 persuasion, the weather _ being against the presence of the fair sox. A largo proportion of the attendance consisted oP visitors from outside. People from down the coast came along in great numbers in motor-cars, motor-waggons, and traps, and the trains were well filled visitors from central and southern Taranaki. The special train which left Stratford at half-past twelve was particularly well patronised. By the time New Plymouth was reached it was a decidedly long train, and both going and returning there was not a vacant seat. A largo crowd of Stratford enthusiasts made the trip, and other centres were well represented. Mr. E. McKenzie, Carterton, gave every satisfaction as referee. The teams took the field as lollows: Auckland—,7. O'Brien, i)..Stewart, D. McGregor, G. Murray, J. O’Leary, W. Goddes, Thomas, F. Hall, .). Barnett, H. Hayward, A. Bruce, A. C. Wilson, W. Cunningham, G. A. Tyler, F. Herring. Taranaki— Dewar, Whittington, Tamu, Young, Hawkins, Cain, Osborne, Column, Brown, McLeod, My not I, Prince, Stobr, Cameron, Hill Soon after tbo kick-off play gravitated up towards Taranaki’s end, and i (roc kick put Auckland in a danminus position, Taranaki seeking re'ief by forcing soon afterwards. Anckand continued to press, and kept play in the enemy’s territory. A scries of scrums took place on the line, from ijio of which Taranaki again forced, ■'ho kick-nil’ put Taranaki at case, and duty ,hcn quickly worked play light

down to Auckland’s lino, amidst much enthusiasm among the .spectators, hut Auckland saved, and with the help of a tree kick, they slowly took the hall to Taranaki’s end. The hall went out near the corner, and from a scrum following the throw-in, Stuart worked ti;o blind side and scored. The kick at goal failed. Auckland ... ... 3 Taranaki ... ... ... 0 On resuming play went up and down the lieht. . A lino attack by Auckland was spoilt hy offside play, but the visitors continued to press, and a long spell of tight play in Taranaki’s quarters (followed, 't hen the Auckland hacks set up an • attack, which had all the appearance of being successful, hut the last handler c-i the hall was bumped out just on.the lino. Taranaki forced, and an exchange of long kicks which followed ended in Taranaki getting into the enemy’s territory. Their stay was short, however, and the hall was edged towards the other end of the field. Taranaki got some advantage from another exchange of long kicks, bul play soon gravitated down their cud and a free kick relieved when the bal was dangerously near their line. Another free kick brought Tfiranaki further relief, hut thou Auckland set uj an irresistible forward rush, widen took tiic ball down to the lino. Frou a scrum here the bad came out cleanly to the Auckland hacks, but thong! the position was good, a pot at goa: failed. Play still hung in the hoim team’s country, and a score hy Auckland was narrowly averted. At thi; point Taylor came on in place o. Whittington, who was hurt. A nic< lino kick put Taranaki over the half way line once more, and play was kept-in the vicinity for a good spell. At last, however, an Auckland inai broke away with the ball, and then was nobody between him and the Hn< hut Hill, Taranaki’s full-back. Hill made no mistake about the tackle. Play continued in Taranaki’s twentyfive. The hall went out at the corner, and shortly afterwards, and just he fore half-time was sounded, McGreg or dived over the lino. The kick failed. Auckland 6 Taranaki ... ... ... 0 Taranaki made the pace when the second spoil opened, and took plaj to the visitors’ quarters. Stohr too); a shot at goal, which narrowly missed going over the bar. Play went up and down the field for a time. Then Taranaki 'got a free kick, with the help of which play was taken to the visitors’ end, - where it remained foi .some time, the work being very tight. An Auckland forward rush looked dangerous, hut the situation was saved by a good kick. Auckland attacked again, but a clever mark saved Taranaki. Auckland hael a shot at goal in a good position, hut the hall wenf wide. In their own twenty-five Taranaki were given a free kick, In means of which they transferred pi a.' to Auckland’s twenty-five. On Auckland’s side of half-way. -Taranaki wore awarded a free kick, and Stohr puf the ball nicely, over the bar. Taranaki ... ... ... 3 Auckland ... ~. ... 6 After an exchange of long kick? Stohr had another shot at goal ii Auckland’s territory, but the ball fek short. Give-and-take play followed. Taranaki set up a strong attack, but the Auckland defence was too sound and play was coon back in tire horn*, team’s quarters. Here Auckland had a shot at goal in a good position, buf the home forwards smothered tin kick. Play was in Taranaki’s quarters when no-time was sounded, with the score standing— Auckland ... , ... 0,5 Taranaki ... ... ... 3