OUT DOOR SPORTS

Observer, Volume XXXVI, Issue 39, 3 June 1916, Page 10

OUT DOOR SPORTS

[By Old Timer.]

FOOTBALL

OUTDOOR sports, and particularly the football games, were all affected by the boisterous weather conditions which prevailed on Saturday last. From early morning the appearance of the sky was none too promising, and by noon a fairly high puffy wind was blowing, accompanied with rain.

These conditions showed no abatement when the time came for starting the various games, the rain falling more heavily as the afternoon advanced, culminating in a steady downpour before the close of the day's sport.

. Under these circumstances, spectacular football was not expected, the advantage being with the heavier teams, whose slogging tactics were more suitable on the day.

The Rugby Game

The Auckland Rugby Union's Championshio fixtures were advanced another stage on Saturday afternoon last, as stated in the opening pars, under adverse weather conditions. As a result of Saturday's games the three leading teams in the senior grade are:—Marist Brothers Old Boys, University A, and Grammar School Old Boys A, with four points each. City is in fourth position with two points, whilst the four remaininc teams are still in a pointless condition. •Several accidents, happened during the afternoon's play, but happily none of them were of a serious nature. Lang, one of the City backs, retired through a knock on the knee, and Dickenson, for University B; received a nasty cut on the hand, the wound being caused through: a spike. Four senior games were played, and in each case the winners got into double figures, the losers failing to score. The following is a short resume of the senior games:— Grammar School Old Boys A v. Ponsonby.—This match was played on the Epsom ground, and resulted" in a win for Grammar A by 19 points to nil. The first quarter ended with, no score on either side, and at the close of the first half Grammar had 8 points to the good. In the third quarter, Grammar further added to the score, making their total 19 to nil. The last quarter was not played, the teams mutually deciding, tlie shelter sheds were the better place. Mr Wetherill was the referee. Marist Bros. v. Grammar School B.—Up to the end of the first spell the game was fairly even, Marist holding the advantage by 3 to nil. The second half was all in the Tykes' favour, the game ending: Marist Bros. 12, Grammar School B nil. Mr Cliffe was the referee. City v. University B.—This match was played on the Eden Park, No. 2 ground, and resulted in an easy win for City by 34 points to nil. University 'played a game uphill fight against a superior combination, but were never really in the hunt. Mr T. Marshall was referee. University A v. Grafton. —No. 1 ground, Eden Park, was the convincing ground for this game, and the match' was the best of the series. The first three quarters of twenty minutes each passed without any score on either the play up." to this stage being given up to attack and counter-attack, neither

side holding the advantage, for long. In the last twenty minutes, however, University asserted themselves, and, from a dribbling rush, Hayman scored and Boucher added the points. In another few minutes Maxwell got going, and another score was registered, Boucher being again successful with the kick. Grafton then made a bustling attack, but the whistle sounded noside, leaving University winners by 10 to nil. Mr A. Donovan was the referee.

Owing to the number of enlistments, and also to the age restrictions, the College Rifles' team has withdrawn from the A.R.U. first grade competitions. The withdrawal necessitated a redraw. Owing to the altered arrangements, the following will be the senior fixtures for Saturday, June 3rd:—Ponsonby v. Marist Bros. Old .Boys, University B v. Grammar School Old Boys A, University A v. Grammar School Old Boys B, Grafton v. City.

Five entries for the third grade competitions (16 yeaas and under) have been received. The following are the matches for June 3rd: — City v. Marist Brothers Old Boys, Newton v. Ponsonby, Parnell a bye.

The referees' controlling the games under the jurisdiction of the A.R.U. have been instructed to strictly enforce rule 40 of the cup section rules, which requires the captain of each competing team to hand to the referee, before the commencement of the game, the full list of players. The referee shall refuse to start a game until each list is handed in, and any team so offending shall forfeit the match. If neither side supply the necessary list, the match shall be declared void.

The members of the Referees' Association have been asked to report, from time to time, in regard to the condition of the various playing arenas, to the ground committee. This committee consists of Messrs F. J. Ohlson, A. Twiname and H. Frost.

Returned sick and wounded soldiers, and those on leave from the training camps, are to be invited to be honorary guests of the A.R.U. at the various matches during the ensuing football season.

Mr D. Gallagher, the Union's selector* for many years, having joined the ranks of the enlisted, Mr G. Nicholson has been appointed to the position as sole selector.

A suggestion has been brought forward and generally agreed upon to arrange rep. matches against-the selected from the Maori colleges and secondary schools. As a result of these matches, it is proposed to select the Auckland Union's first grade team to play a team of returned soldiers and men on leave from the training camps.

Last Saturday's weather conditions were naturally against a fair criterion as to what the season's Rugby games will be like. Taking the opening day as a guide, however, some very interesting football should eventuate, and it is reasonable to expect that the public will, as the players become more seasoned, attend the games in larger numbers.

The present opportunity is a golden one for the youths of the district to show their prowess. In former years attention was' generally centred around the senior games, and in some respects the junior ranks were not encouraged to the extent they might have been.

Owing to the altered circumstances, the "scene has changed." Youth is to be encouraged in the Rugby code. New players are being introduced into the finer points of the game. The result should only end in one direction—the improvement and betterment of the national game of New Zealand.

The management committee of the A.R.U., whilst admittedly alive to the present opportunities, must not lose sight of this very important fact: "That from these same youths and juniors of to-day we

look for the seniors and representatives of the district in the near future." It is to be hoped that not only the management committee but also all supporters of the Rugby game realise this fact, and, if they do so, should endeavour to assist the controlling body in every way possible to bring this season's efforts to a successful conclusion.

A matter which has been brought under my notice is the question of the Epsom grounds and grandstand. My informant made several suggestions in this respect regarding improvements, but perhaps the above hint will be all that is necessary. From a player's point of view, the grounds should be at least reasonably playable, and from the public point of view a little comfort is also desirable.

Rugby football in Taranaki this season will be conducted on entirely new lines. The competitions are to be confined to the senior cadet section. It is expectedi that a large entry will be received, and, from a private source, I learn that the soldier lads are full of enthusiasm over the decision to hold these competitions, and have entered keenly into arrangements. A success in this new departure is practically assured.

Arthur Wilson—better known as "Rangi"—is (says an exchange) in camp at Trentham. The Wellington and New Zealand representative forward is the third member of his family to don khaki.

At a recent meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union it was decided "That all returned soldiers in uniform be admitted to the matches free of charge." At the same meeting it was also agreed "That in order to encourage interest in football free admission be granted to the east stand in Lancaster Park, unless when otherwise advertised."

Included in a list of awards for service in the field, issued in March last, is Lieut. F. M. Stout, the English international Rugby forward, who receives the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and resource. Lieut. Stout was a member of the teams that visited Australia in 1899 and South Africa in 1903. He was also vice-captain of the team led by the Rev .W. Mullineaux, who, by the way, recently arrived from America and enlisted in the New Zealand forces.

The League Game.

As with other sport the players under the Northern Union code felt the stress of weather conditions. All the senior fixtures, however, were played, and in spite of the downpour some interesting football was witnessed.

The principal game of the afternoon was the match City Rovers v. North Shore, played at Devonport, both these teams having, an unbeaten record for the season. The teams were well matched, and the game resulted in a draw, 3 all. A criticism of this match is given below.

. The championship points, as a result of Saturday's play are as follows :—City Rovers and North Shore 5 points each, Grafton and Otahuhu 4 points each, whilst Newton Rangers and Ponsonby have failed to reach the point stage.

City Rovers v. North Shore Albions.—City met North Shore on the Shore ground on Saturday, and after a hard and willing tussle in the rain and mud the game ended in a draw, 3 points each. McAneny (full-back for Shore) played a fine game, his coolness and accuracy in handling the ball greatly pleasing the spectators. He appears to be the best full-back out this season. Nicholson, wing three-quarter for Shore ? played a fair game, his pace standing him in good stead. He was unlucky on more than one occasion in not scoring. Bouvaird showed plenty of pace and scored Shore's try, which according to criticisms after the match was a doubtful one, the referee having to appeal to the line umpire for a decision. The League would be well advised to supply line umpires at the principal matches, as it is not fair to players, nor eyen club offi-

cials who take the flag to be criticised as was the case on Saturday at the Shore. J. Paul, three-quar-ter for Shore, Avas very sound, and was the 'best defensive man on his side. It is a pity that this player does not watch the ball, as he was noticed on quite a few occasions roughing men up after they had got rid of it. S. Walters, Shore's star forward, played his usual good game. He is undoubtedly playing up to his best form this season, and is a tower of strength to his side. Bailly also played well, but discounted good work by his tendency to get off side. It is a pity he does not lose this habit, as otherwise he has not many superior as a good bustling forward. Trot, Paul and Chapman deserve to be mentioned as playing well, but like a good many more men all their play is in the thick, consequently the limelight does not reach them. Opai Asher, full-back for City, was very sound. He handled the greasy ball well, and is an undoubted acquisition to the full-backs of Auckland. E. Asher, on the wing, was patchy. His tackling was good, but his handling of the ball was weak. It seemed to be one of his off days, which occur occasionally during the season. Clarke, playing five-eight for City, is a new man in the team, and is a decided acquisition. He plays at about 12 stone, is good both on attack and defence, but was a little hampered on Saturday through it being his first game. W. Davidson and Williams played well, but Williams' passes could be better, as he has a tendency to shoot them low, which defect he would be well advised to remedy. Sutton, City's other wing, did an immense amount of work, and did it well. City were fortunate in securing this man. He played for the Goldfields previously, and on Saturday's game he was eoual to any man on the ground. Rukatai, Sbeehan and McAubrey (another new man) were the best amongst tho forwards, Rukatai playing with his old dash of a few years back. He gave away a few free kicks, but on the whole is improving as regards offside play. Duggan, City's hooker, was not so successful as usual at getting the ball, but he is only very young yet, and with more confidence will soon be up to his form of last season. S. Barchard played a good bustling game, and so did Tresize, but the latter player did not # showout to such advantage as in _ his match against Newton the previous Saturday. Perhaps the rain and mud did not suit him.

Grafton v. Ponsonby.—This match was played at Victoria Park, and after a willing "go" resulted in Grafton's favour by 10 points to 6.

Otahuhu v. Newton Rangers.— The main ground at Victoria Park was occupied by the a:bove teams. The suburban boys, however, were too strenuous for their opponents, and on a slippery ground were victorious to the tune of 15 points to 2. Mr A. Ferguson was the referee.

A number of junior fixtures were also played, the winners, almost in every case, showing a fair margin of points to the good.

Notes.

Mr W. Shaughnessey, late secretary of the Junior Advisory Board, and of the Sunnyside Football Club, who was on final leave from Trentham, was recently presented with a wristlet watch by the members of the League as a memento of his connection with the game in Auckland and to mark the esteem in which he was held by those associated with him in the control of the game generally. Mr Shaughnessey, after thanking the donors for the useful gift, mentioned that it had been proved beyond doubt that the recruit from the athletic field showed his superiority over the ordinary civilian recruit, during the camp manoeuvres and general training incidental to camp life, going through the hard marches without feeling any undue strain on account of his superior physical condition, brought about by his exertions on the football field, and similar training grounds. His motto apparently is: "Play football, and keep fit."

Mr Sinclair, tlie organiser of the Telegraph Messengers' Football Club, is a recent arrival to Auckland from Christchurch, Avhere he has played in the senior grade in past seasons. At present Mr Sinclair is assisting in coaching the messenger boys, and in all' probability Avill shortly be found donning the jersey for one of the Auckland city teams. Jack Stannaway, one of last season's representative selectors, donned the jersey for Otahuhu (oAving to a shortage of players) in their match against Grafton on May 20, and it is generally recognised that through his superior knoAvledge of the game Otahuhu Avere enabled to come out victorious. Privates White and Brennan are on final leave from Trentham. On Saturday afternoon last they put on the jersey in place of the khaki, and played for one of the local clubs. Private Donoghue (also on leave) one of last year's representative players, Avas out assisting the Otahuhu Club in their match last Saturday. Mr Jas. Carlaw, president of the Ncav Zealand League Council, is also an energetic worker for the Auckland body. At a recent meeting Mr Carlaw submitted a surveyed plan of the proposed neAv grounds, shoAving the suggested scheme for the laying out of the playing area and the vicinity. The grounds committee, realising the necessity of having everything in readiness as soon as the grounds are A'acated by the present tenant, are Avorking assiduously towards getting all the preliminary work arranged, so that no time will be lost Avhen the time cmics to take over control. At a recent meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Football League the chairman (Mr J. CarlaAv) in moA'ing the adoption of the report and balance sheet (previously circulated) said he desired to correct a press statement that OAving to pressure brought to bear by the Auckland League the NeAv Zealand Council had backed doAvn on its proposal to tour NeAV South Wales last season. After all arrangements had been made for the tour a Avave of patriotism swept the country consequent on the neAVS of the landing at Gallipoli, the members then did not feel disposed to carry out the arrangements. At the same time news Avas received that many prominent League players had fallen at the landing. For the first time the seriousness of the Avar Avas realised in New Zealand, and the resolution to abandon the tour Avas unanimous and spontaneous. Mr R. Benson endorsed Avhat the chairman had said about the abandoned totir, and mentioned the fact that the policy of carrying on the game Avas to keep the men fit, so as to be able Avhen the call came to do their duty.

The Association Game

The opening of the season for Association football took place on Saturday last under rather damping circumstances. The high Avind, accompanied Avith driving rain, made things very unpleasant for the players. The result of enlistments has made its stern hand felt amongst tbe players associated with the above game. There are practically no players of military age left, whilst the present teams when lined up all bear a very youthful appearance. Whilst the officials in charge of affairs have had some difficulty in keeping the game moving this season, they have' the satisfaction of knowing that the paucity of players has been the result of the "country's call," and that their members have nobly responded. The folloAving is a summary of the results of Saturday's games:— Third Division. — Richmond v. Everton: The former won by four goals to nil. Everton were unable to put a full team in the field, and had to utilise several players of a lower grade,

Fourth Division. — Everton v. Devon port Presbyterian: The first half was fairly even. Everton showed more combination in the second half, and eventually Avon by 3 goals to nil.

Fifth Division.—Everton v. Technical School: Everton were again successful, winning by 3 goals to 2. The school team gives promise of ■being a good combination with practice.

Sixth Division. — Belmont v. Northcote: This match ended in a draw, with no score on either side.

(Continued on page 22.)