FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10440, 20 April 1912, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

OPENING OF SEASON. THia AFTERNOON'S GAMES. MJDRIVAIiE (15) v. CHRISTCHURCH (0). SYDENHAM (11) v. ALBION (3). LI WOOD (15) v. MARISTS (5). OLD BOYS (9) v. CANTERBURY COLLEGE (0). XKXT SATURDAY'S MATCHES. Old Boya v. Albion. Linwood v. Merivale. Christchurch v. Miaripts. Sydenham v. Canterbury College.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. Tho Canterbury Rugby Union competitions were commenced in beautiful weather this afternoon. The grounds were a trifle hard, but not excessively so, and the conditions were- all in favour of enjoyable gamee. The standard of play was not high, although bright patches were numerous. Albion, last year's champions, were beaten by Sydenham who lasted better than Albion in both departments. Merivale wero altogether too good for Christchurch, who appeared to exhaust themselves in the opening half and Limvood boat Marists comfortably. At tho Show Grounds Old Boys won from Canterbury College, but it was a more oven game than tho scores suggest. . At Lancaster Park tho sum of £3O 0s Cd was taken at tho gates. MERIVALE (15) v. CHRISTCHURCH (0). Merivalo met Christchurch on the now oval at Lancaster Park, and at times the play was worthy of the occasion, tho Merivalo forwards being especially conspicuous for dashing, open play. Following were tho teanio: - Christ-church—Backs: J. O. Mullm.s, F. Cook, A. R. Jacob-on, A. M'Donald, D. E. Millar, L. W. Tosswill and H. 0. Moore. Forwards: W. L. Browne (wing), W. A. Peade, L. F. Sapsford, A. A. Paterson, A. J. Morgan, C. L. Dobson, W. J. Walter and E. Button. Merivale-Backs: L. A. Cade, IV. H. Thomas, W. B. Fuller, H. Jackson, C. Kruse, P. Cleary, D. Sandman. Forwards: N. Carnegie, E. Hasell, C. Hegarty, J. N. M r Guffog, W. Menzies, W. Sergison, W. Maxwell and A. E. Shadbolt.

Christchurch kicked off and attacked following on a long kick, but Cade cleared, and a forward rush carried the game to the half-way flag, whore a period of desultory play ensued. A good line-kick by Fuller placed Christchurch in danger ; and Sandman, got the ball well away from a scrum, but the passing went wrong M'Donald picked up cleverly and relieved the pressure with a dash along the line. Scrambling play in midiield occupied some considerable time. A mark by Moore was taken by Patterson, who mado a creditable attempt at goal. A fine opening from a kick by Miller was spoiled by a slovenly pass by M'Donald. Directly afterwards Miller marked well within rango and Patterson's effort at goal was excellent in direction, but slightly economical in length. Good line kicking by Merivale relieved a well-sustained attack by Christchurch, and Hasell made a fine attempt at goal from a penalty. A sharp run by Cleary followed by a transfer to Thomas gained a lot of ground. From a scrambling forward-play M'Guffog scored and Haeell added the major points with an excellent kick. Merivalo continued to attack, but spoiled two or three chances by over-running. A dash by Shadbolt gained ground, and the pa»ss was well handled by Hasell, but the following pasa was wide. Merivale worked down to their opponent's line, and when in a fine attacking position, Thomas tried a drop kick that did not rise. Merivale forwards kept Christchurch on the defensive, until long kicking by Miller moved play to the other end, and a likely chance among the backs was spoiled by Toswill holding too long. On resuming after the interval. Christchurch forwards carried play to their opponents' lino, but a good defensive kick and fast dribbling by the Merivale forwards exactly reversed the position. When in an attacking position a good passing bout was spoiled by Carnegie dropping his pass. Again the Merivale forwards worked into a fine position, but directly the ball got among the backs disaster followed, Fuller being responsible for the breakdown. Merivale forwards continued a hot attack, ,aiid Cade dropped a goal in reply to a weak kick by an opposing back. "Christchurch wore kept almost continuously on tho defensive for tho first half of the second spell, until Hasell kicked another goal from a penalty. Cade made a good run to the line, and from a scrum the ball wont to Cleary, and thence to Fuller, who scored, Sandman failing with the kick. Christchurch then showed a little moro energy, and a good follow-up by Dobson nearly resulted in a score. From a penalty Walter had an unsuccessful shot afc "goal. Good massing between Tosswill, Jacobson and M'Donald resulted in the last-named being thrown out at the corner flag. "No side" was called with play in mid-field. Merivale won by fifteen points (one goal from a try, one potted goal, ono penalty goal and a try) to nil.

SYDENHAM (11) v. ALBION (8). Sydenham and Albion met on tho South Ground at Lancaster Park. In tho first half play was very even, and though Albion had the wind at their backs, Sydenham kept the ball on their opponents' side of half-way for quite half the spell. On changing round, Sydenham soon had their opponents in trouble, and, aided by a couple of good potted goals, they had Albion beaten before tho spell was half through. Play generally was fast and exciting, but was characterised by a good deal of offaide play. Following were the teams: Albion: Backs— A. Henry, W. Turner, J. Weston, O. Hardingham, J. Murray, G. D. Gray, P. Burns; forwards—G. "Webb (wing), C. M'Konzio, H. Luke. L. Atkinson, J. M'Mahon, A. Morris, J. Raino and W. "Ward. Sydenham :—Backs —A. E. Doell, M. Smith, E. Eraser, J. Howisou, H. Watson, L. Hutchina, W. Russell; forwards—D, Gordon (wing), W. King, W. Lyes, D. Bamford, T. Kirton, J. 4uld, L. Freeman nnd It. Kennedy. Albion won tho toss and played with tho wind. By kicking to the touchline Sydenham kept their opponents on the defensive for the first quarter of an hour. Albion were twice penalised for off-sido play, and .llowison and Doell had fruitless shots at goal. A long kick 'by Henry found touch at tho Sydenham twenty-five, whore Sydenham were penalised and Gray kicked over the line, compelling Sydenham to force. Play was removed temporarily to midfield, where the Albion hacks obtained possession. A nice piece of passing ouded in Luke scoring near the cornor. ATcst oil's kick went wide. Albion 3, Sydenham nil. Sydenham now attacked, and Dooll _ had a. shot from a penalty) forcing Albion. The latter endeavoured to keep the game open, and a beautiful passing rush, in which (any was conspicuous, ended in Hardinghnm being pushed out at the corner. A force helped Sydenham. Doell had an easy shot from a penalty, hut Ibe hall went wide. A good forward rush by Sydenham was spoilt by off-side piny. In the second half Sydenham made good use of the wind, "and a shot by Watson from _ a mark just missed the post?, Albion forcing. A second force-down came immediately afterwards. From tho drop out Howison took" tho ball and potted a magnificent goal from mid-field. Sydenham 4. Albion 3. A few minutes later Doell took the hall near the halfway and potted a goal with a kick that was even better than K'.•.'■■'soi-'u as the angle was more dill'- '.'•'' Sydeiv

ham 8, Albion 3. These reverses roused the Albion men, and, as Sydenham also gained encouragement, _ play became- fast and-exciting, Albion Lad an excellent opening, but' Turner held on too long. A fine piece of dribbling by King and Auld took play to Albion's line, but King overran the ball. Russell passed out from a scrum, and Feasor, cutting in, made a. good opening, and then transferred to iiowisou, who got over the line, but lost the, hall. Sydenham now had their opponents beaten, and kept them penned. A bout of passing carried play to Albion's line, where Hutcbings fen on the ball and scored. The kick at goal failed. Sydenham winning by eleven pointy (two potted goals and a try) to three points (a try). Mr C. Jiasell was reieree.

LINWOOD (18) v. MARISTS (5). Linwood met Marists on the west ground, a poor game resulting. Following were the teams: Limvood.—Backs—J. Taylor, N. Pavnc, R. Pierey, A. E. Nome, A. Cress, C. Greeks, G. Caldwell; forwards—V. Lane (wing), W. Bensley, E. Empson, A. Fox. W. Cummmgs, J. M'Lachlan, J. Harvey and W. Shaw. Marists.— Backs—G. Seabourn, R. Malonov, C. Baker, M. O'Mallcy, P. Amodeo, S. Murlit, W. Mahony; forwards —T. O'Keele (wing), W. M'Quinn, T. Slattery, TV., Griffin, A. Fanning, C, Burney, H. Kennedy, G. Mahony. ■,.-.. Marists started play by kicking off against the wind, and after an exchange of kicks hy the hacks plav settled down at the Marists twenty-five- lino. W. Mahony marked when Limvood looked dangerous and cleared his line, but the Limvood forwards, headed by Cummings, soon had Marists defending, and the latter had to force. Lane marked in a good position, but Greeks failed to improve. From the kick out Caldwell started a passing rush, Greeks, Piercey and Pavno' handling the ball, but no score resulted. Then from a scramble near tho lino Pierey scored. Payne- got tho goal with a fine kick. Limvood 5, Marists 0. Soon after play was restarted, Caldwell ■. secured the ball from a scrum and Bet his hacks going, Payne scoring, but he failed in tho kick at goal. Linwood 8; Marists 0. Just before the end of the first half Payne scored his second try, Greeks failing with the kick. Lin wood 11; Marists 0. On changing ends, bad fielding by Seabourn placed his side on. the defensive, and for tho greater part of the spell Marists were kept busy defending their line. _ W. Mahony secured a mark, and with a crass-kick enabled. M'Quinn to score near tho post. W. Mahony kicked a goal. Limvood 11; Marists 5. Very shortly after the kick-off, passing by Greeks, Pierey and Norrie let tho latter oyer. Payne was not successful with the kick. Limvood 14; Marists 5. Close to time, W. Mahony marked on his own goalline, and from tho kick Payne obtained possession and potted a goal. Tho final score was: Linwood 18 points (a goal from a try, a potted goal and three tries); Marists 5 points (a goal from a try). Mr 11. Cockayne was referee.

OLD BOYS (9) v. CANTERBURY COLLEGE (0). Old Boys met Canterbury College at the Show Grounds. Following were the teams :~ Old Boys:—Backs—J. Bain, E. Taylor, A. Brooke, G. Owles, R. E. Boag, D. Deans. H. Taylor; forwards —H. Simpson, R. Livingstone, T. Crawshaw, L. Parson, G. Drake, H. Wallace and T. Bain (captain). Canterbury College—J. Xorrie, C. Young, W. Simmers, W. Mansell (captain),' \V. Rule, T. D. Smith, R. Livingstone, R. B. Blank, N. Burnett, J. A. Gordon, D. O'Connor, F. Johnston, S. Parr, L. B. Hutton and W. Sutelg. Old Boys, playing fourteen men, kicked off against tho breeze, and play remained in the centre. College obtained possession of the ball, but the initial passes wore resultless. H. Taylor made a long kick alongside the touchlino and Norrio was charged. Simmers kicked back well to the centre, where Old Boys made an attempt at passing, but Brooke was collared. Simmers had a long shot at goal, and play hovered on tho Old Boys' line for some time, Tho Old Boys forwards gained l ground and enabled Taylor to start a couple of passing rushes, but the College tackling was good. Young made a dodgy run, but Bla-nk spoilt the rush by passing forward. Drake and Wallace wore noticeable for some good play, but College were making good use of the touchlino. After Wallace had made an ineffectiil dash for the line, long kicking put the Old- Boys on the defensive. Livingston') made a neat foot-pass to Young, who ran well, but in kicking forced Old Boys. Boag and Parsons were tho leaders in an Old Boys' dash, but Livingstone oamo back and then passed well to Smith, but the next pass was intercepted and Old Boys got away. Bain had a long shot at goal, but College came again and wore attacking at half-time. On resuming, play remained in the centre for some time. Old Boys' passing was futile and with their extra weight in tho scrums, College were easily holding their own. Young was prominent for a dodgy run and then tho full-backs had a turn at long kicking. Rule and Livingstone had gained ground and a passing rush initiated by r. Bain Raw Simpson kick out at tho College twenty-five. Here Old Boys wi-.ro awarded a free kick and J. Bain kicked a goal. Tho College forwards, headed by Johnston, dribbled past Bain, but Boag relioved. Mansell and Young made short runs, but after a histy kick by Boag, Brooke made a clever footpass to E. Taylor and the latter scored. Tho attempt at goal was a failure. Livingstone got his backs under way, Simmers, Young and Mansell making a dash for Old Boys' lines. A big kick by Brooke relieved tho. pressure and JNforrio was collared in Jus own quarters. After some uninteresting play Bain kicked a beautiful penalty goal from halfway. Tho best passing rush of tho day now took place, Young making a fine run nnd then passing to Simmers. Mansell, who was nest, lost a certain score by dropping the ball. Drake and Parsons headed an Old Boys' forward rush to the- centre and Simpson kicked out. Final scores: Old Boys nine, Collego nil. Mr W. Duggan was referee.

JUNIOR FLAG. Playing on the Canterbury College Ground, Merivale" defeated Canterbury College by 20 points to 0. For Merivalo tries were obtained by Nixon (2), Smith and Roid. Saunders and Scott converted one try each. Mr F. Hickinhottam was reforeo. Playing on Sydenham Park, Sydenham defeated Old Boys, after an* even Same by 3 points to nil. Austin scored a try, Mr Hooper was referee. Maiists met Kaiapoi at Kaiapoi nnd defeated the local team by six points to three. Birmingham and Austin scored for M'arists and Archer for Kaiapoi. After a fast and interesting gamo, Lin wood, defeated Christohnrch by 11 points to nil. Cummings (2) 'nnd M'Cullough scored tries, and JEdmonds converted one try. Mr J. 11. Grover was rel'eren.

PRESIDENT'S CFP. Boys' High School, in their match against M'nrist Brothers, ran un fortv points to three, Hickmott (three). Milliken (two). Petro (.four* and Smith (two) scored for Bovs' Hiirh School. Milliken (two). Petro. Hickmott nr.d Ouinov converted tries. Commons kicked a penalty for Marist Brothers. Mr R. X. Hrittiin was re force. The canir. between Merivale C and .Albion V> resulted in an easy win for Morivalo by forty points to nil. The piny lasted only forty minutes. Mr W. Bound was referee. Plaving on Cliristchurch ground, Lyttelton defeated Christcliurcli A by twelve point l ! to five. L. Serra (three) and Thomas scored for Lyttelton. Phillips scored for Christchurch and Do Mans converted tho try. Mr H. Seward was referee. Limvo>'' A. beat Albion A. on the Linwoot*' irv'diK by si.% tp.Jiii, "Wjlits

and Murray scored for Limvood. Mr Binns was referee. The game between Christ College and Kaiapoi resulted in a win for College by thirty-one points to nil. Tries were scored by Bush (2), Lauden (2), Barnett (2), Stitt, Pinkney, Harrison and Hopkins. Lauden converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. Mr J. ±. Weston was referee. Old Boys after a very good game beat Christchurch B. on Old Boys' ground by thirty-three points to nil. Tries were scored by Hickmott (3), Alladycc (2), Otley (2), Luttrell and Guthrie. Luttrell (2) and Guthrie converted tries. Mr Ellis was referee. Sydenham easily defeated Canterbury Coliego on Sydenham Park by twentvnino points to eight. For Sydenham Jones (3), Pollock (2), Thornton and W ilsou scored tries. Columbus and Kennedy converted a try each. For Canterbury College Bell and Flanagan, scored and Flanagan converted one try. Mr J. H. Grover was referee. FOURTHCLASS. Christeliurch turned out with nine men, and wero_ easily beaten hy Linwood by 38 points to six. For Linwood. Wigg (2), Armitag-e (2), Bennett (2), Murray (2), Sterling (2) and Cronin (2) scored tries, and Murray converted one try. For Christchurch, Cross and Penlington kicked penalty goals. Mr A. Alexander was reieree, * Merivale defeated Marist Brothers by 22 points to nil. Rosmond (3), Varney and M'Leod scored tries, and Evans converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. Mr L. Hardi© was referee. Christ College mot and defeated. Merivalo B on the Christ College ground after a fast game. White and Grigg scored for College and Smith for Merivale. Mr W. 0. Templeton was referee. FIFTH GRADE. Nprtbern defeated Sydenham at Lancaster Park by 38 points to nil. Derrett scored four tries, Sandman two, Ford two, Brosnan two, Baynes one and Warren one. Derrett converted one. 'ASSOCIATION GAMES. Nomads (White) met Burnham on South Park this_ afternoon, tho game resulting in a win for Burnham oy C goals to nil. Nomads (Blue) met Sunnysido, the game resulting m a draw, each side scoring a goal. Y.M.O.A defeated Sydenham at St Albans Park bv 8 goals to 2. Macdonald (2), Brunt (2), Hawkins (2), Hettrick and Bruorcan scored for Y.M.O.A.