OUT DOOR SPORTS

Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1, 9 September 1916, Page 10

OUT DOOR SPORTS

[By Sphere.]

FOOTBALL.

The. Rugby Game

THE chief attraction in Rugby circles was: the cadets' representative match between a combined country team and a side chosen from the Auckland Association. The weather remained fine, although the sky was overcast and at times threatening, but, with the ground in good condition for play a very interesting game resulted. The country team took advantage of the wind and attacked strongly, Dean making several unsuccessful attempts to goal.

The country backs essayed several passing bouts, but were either too slow or threw the ball wildly. An Auckland back mulling a catch gave Gavin an opportunity to score which he did not lose. Country continued to press, but through sound defensive tactics by Warren. Auckland was kept out of danger. As the game progressed, Auckland showed up a little better, putting in more solid work and keeping Country on the defensive. Fisher at last got over, although the kick failed.

With the evening of the scores, the game looked anybody's, but for Country Johnson, got over after a passing rush, the try being converted. Shortly afterwards, Simpson scored for Auckland after a hot attack, the spell ending with the scores: Country 8, Auckland 6. The second spell saw both sides alternately attacking, with Auckland forwards prominent, although the back division had little to do. The game ended: Country 13, Auckland 12.

The college grounds at Richmond were the scene of the annual fixture between Sacred Heart Past and Present. The occasion is always made a social one, and, with the large committee of ladies providing refreshments, a most enjoyable afternoon was spent by both athletes and friends.

The match proved a most interesting one. The Old Boys led until well into the second spell, but after a most vigorous series of attacks, College finally placed themselves in the lead, the scores showing: College 11, Old Boys 9.

A Southern contemporary writes: —While the cable has informed us of many famous footballers known to New" Zealanders who have given their lives for the Empire, it has "neglected to mention the latest to make the supreme sacrifice. I refer to J. L. Williams, the Welsh international three-quarter, who toured New Zealand with the British team oaptairaed by Arthur F. Harding in 1908. As a correspondent who toured New Zealand with that team, I saw much of "Johnny" Williams, and struck up a personal friendship with the Welsh footballer. There were three players by the name of Williams in the British team of 1908, and in order to distinguish them they were called respectively "Johnny, 5 ' "Jack" and "Jerry." "Johnny" was the Welsh international three-quarter who recently died of wounds in France; "Jack' was the Welsh international forward who, on returning to England after the New Zealand tour, was given an appointment in South America, where he died shortly after from fever. "Jerry" Williams was the little half-back from Lancashire, the comedian of the team. As a personal friend of "Johnny" Williams, I deeply regret to learn of hie death, and the regrets, I ani sure, will be

shared by those who had the pleasure of 'meeting him on the New Zealand tour. As a three-quarter back he got few opportunities i show his worth in New Zealand, but I saw him score two or three fine tries won by sheer pace. He was the fastest back in the team.

The annual smoke concert of the Auckland Rugby Referee's Association was held in the Tiffen on Saturday evening last. Mr A. Nicholson, president of the Association, occupied the chair. There was a large attendance, including representatives of the Rugby Union and various clubs. A lengthy toast list was honoured, and a fine musical programme was gone through. The following toasts were proposed: "The King," by the chairman; "Our Boys at the Front," by Mr Wetherilt; "The Rugby Union," by Mr Nicholson, responded to by Messrs Ohlsen (chairman) and Tilly (secretary); "Affiliated Clubs," by Mr Cliffe, responded to by Mr Bonella; "Kindred Sports," by Mr Hayson, responded to by representatives present; "The Referees' Association," by Mr MeElwain, responded to by the president; "The Ladies," by MiMeredith, responded to by Mr D. Stewart; "The Press," by Mr Webster. Among those who contributed towards the musical portion of the programme were Messrs Cliffe, Meredith, D. and H. Black, O'Malley, Hintz, Kelly, Grey and Coma, the juggler.

The League Game. The chief attraction on Saturday last centred in the final of the second grade knock out competition between Ponsonby and Otahuhu. The match, played at Otahuhu, attracted a big attendance, the proceeds of the gate being donated to the Children's Hospital Equipment Fund. In the championship competition the Otahuhu team provethe winners, but on Saturday last had to lower their colours to Ponsonby.

The match on the whole was a good exhibition of the Northern Union code, and Ponsonby well deserve their win.

Southernwood and Arty Rae were the star performers for the blue and blacks, and, for juniors, gave promising examples of their capabilities. When next year comes round these two lads will have to be reckoned with in senior football.

The annual trip to the Thames was undertaken by the Thames Old Boys and Richmond,, supported by junior teams from Ponsonby and City.

Mr Benson represented the League executive, and was accompanied by Messrs Davidson and Thompson, representing the Junior Advisory Board and Referees' Association respectively.

About 300 excursionists journeyed to the Goldfields. per p.s. Whakatere. The Auckland City Band, with their new silver instruments, was an added attraction, and rendered sweet music, to the delight of the travellers.

The game was an exhibition match "between the Richmond Rovers and Thames Old Boys Chi

and was controlled by Ted Price, of the Thames, a well known referee of the Rugby days.

On Saturday next, arrangements have been made for the Lower Wai* kato representatives to visit Auckland, when they will be matched against the premier club, City Rovers, at Victoria Park. The game will be free to the public, but a small charge will be made for the stand, the takings to be given to the Waikato League's ground fund at Ngaruawahia. The visitors will be entertained in the evening by the City Club at their annual smoko, when the various championships won during the season will be presented by the League officials.

The City Club's senior team have been challenged to play a match by a team of returned soldiers, the proceeds of the gate to be given to the Soldiers' Club.

The game will probably be played at Devonport, full particulars of which will be duly given to the public later. The soldiers' team will include Fitzgerald and Thompson, of City; Seager and Oolson, of North Shore; Ifwerson, of Grafton; and other notables.

It is interesting to note that Dick FelloWes, Newton's champion on the League executive, has enlisted.

The Association Game. Second Division.—The only fixture under the Association code on Saturday was decided between North Shore A and Northoote, the iatter winning by 4 goals to I, after an exciting struggle.