SPORTS AND PASTIMES

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14657, 21 May 1921, Page 14 (Supplement)

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

FOOTBALL. THE RUQBY PASTIMk. (By "Drop-Kick.")

The following table shows the position ot the senior teams engaged in the Hamilton Union's competition at the close of the first round: —

City v. Old Boys. ". . The big majority of the crowd at Steele Park on Saturday watched the match on No. 1 ground, nevertheless those that witnessed the No. '2 ground game saw one of the llnest displays of the Hugby code that has ever been witnessed in Hamilton. As one can imagine by the number of points (4?j the game was fast and spectacular from start to finish. Jn fact, then was hardly a dull moment throughout the piece. The points do not by any means indicate the difference between the two teams. If Old Boys had made the most of their opportunities like their opponents the game would have been much closer, and could have ended in a win for Old Boys. Another thing that marred their play was the failure of the full back to take the ball clean. In fact 1 think he only, suceeded In doing this twice during the game. One thing is certain, and that is full back is not Prosser's place. A pleasing feature of the match was tlie clean and silent way it was played. The "nagging" that lias been one of the principal features of football in Hamilton this season, and which sounds so exasperating to the spectators, was conspicuous entirely by its absence, and it is to be hoped that the other clubs will take a leaf out of their book in this respect. Neither team was at its full strength, both Peebles and Thompson being out <pf the Old Boys' team, while thai good player, Mac Johnston, was on the line owing to injuries received in the City-Frankton match. However, witti the dcllciencies in the teams both Bides went to work with a will, and were responsible for throwing wie leather about in line style. Aided by Weak tackling at times the ball went UP and down at a great rate, neither gide seeming to tire. . One- of the finest l:ries that eould possibly be witnessed fell to the lot of the Old-Boys. They were defending hard at the time, and were almost over When Marks secured possession a couple of feet from his own line. Beating seseral men he threw the ball out, and it travelled the length of the ifield, going through more than half tha team before Gilmour, who handled twice, touched down amidst much applause. For City, Hunt, with the exception of a couple of occasions, did everything that was asked of him in a creditable manner. The three-quarter line all played well, G. (Jlarkin (on the wing) replacing Marcroft (centre) in the. second spell. He got more chances there, and scored a line try. It is a pity that Marcroft's knee is not sound' as he is a very clever player. The five-eighths (Peach and Buckingham), were in fine fettle, the former's attacking being exceptionally good. ''. Buckingham, was again the best of the ... backs, and is showing much better form than previously. The way he backed .up his men or; Saturday was really good. Mathieson (half) played • • Iris best game to date, and cleverly fooled the opposition on several occasions. The forwards worked strenu- "-'• ously throughout the game, and there was little between them. To sort out ! the best I would pick Christie, Sowman and Bateman. • For Old Boys, Prosser (at full) was weak. He seldom look the ball on the tfull. Marks was the pick of the threequarter line, and got through a tremendous amount of work. This player is a hard man to stop, and in this game beat several players on numerous occasions before being brought down. His handling and kicking were of the best, Lcnihan gave a fine exposition of the game, but did not get the same work as his skipper. This boy has played very consistently this season, and I shall be very surprised if he does not gain rep honours in'the A team before the season has far"'advanced. O'Suillivan showed greatly improved form on his previous game.. Gibbons played well, but has done, better in previous sanies. Cowley Shaped really well, bit would have done tetter on a couple of occasions had he passed the ball out. Howe gave one ol his best displays, a;id made some fl'ie openings. A. McGregor was the pick oT life forwards and is playing very consistently. Fitzgerald and Gilmour Stood out most prominent of the others. Frankton v. St. Mary's. The Frankton-St. Mary's game proved a battle royal between the forwards, and although St. Mary's held their first spell three points advantage for quite a long time the Blue ami Placks' persistent efforts eventually told their tale. When the sidss changed over for the last spell, Frankton were the side with the wind advantage, and they drove down many .very hot attacks, though they did not even make as much use of the wind as they might have done. Eventually success came their way when Hamilton scored a try in the north-eastern corner. It was a very fine piece of work indeed, and completely baffled the Green and White forwards who were not expecting anything of the nature. However, we are told that we have to pay for our education, and let's hope that this will bear fruit, even at cost of a game. It was soon plain that Frankton were to be a further very disturbing element in this quarter of the game. They pressed frequently after the draw-level in play, but met with some stubborn defence by the St. Mary's, who were a fast tiring pack. Eventually the fruits of victory reached out Frankton's way when D. Warren landed a great goal, a:ded by the breeze. That settled the issue, and although St. Mary's got back to within striking distance after that, they were never what one could term actually dangerous through the space from this until the "no-side" signal was given. While in many respects the game was a pleasing one to watch it was so predominated by the forward activity that back play, for the main part, kepi its prominence to the individual and not the collective. Perhaps, however, it is only fair to state that Close followers of the two teamss expected to find it so, with packs so near the equal as these two are. Frankton played a better game all over than 1 have seen them produce at any time this season. The forwards particularly improved on what they had given on their prior couple of appearances, wcognlslog no doubt that it required

their very best if they were to win the day for their side. The scrum worn success, of course, meant a lot to them, and at heeling out Hooper and Shaw, with those behind giving support as it should be given, clear!? demonstrated that Hie pack is tha leader in this important respect. In ■'» pack, the members of which all played consistently good games, it is hard to individualise, hut 10. the writer's viaw Hooper and Hamilton were the bright particular stars. The former always does more than his share, and is in deed a star forward for his weight. Hamilton's always heady work was clearly capped by the studious try annexed when play was getting towards its "now or never" stage. Warren was also a great toiler of the hard type. He takes a consistent and competent share in Li.u mostly unseen work that counts so much for progress, and is actually the building up material for the scoring men to prolit from at the end. The Frankton backs seemed to realise the proposition that was against them, and gave their forwards a lot of aid on the day. Cassells, Warren and Cibson were always to the forefront. Stout's game was certainly the best he has shown this season. Bailey was safe if not brilliant, and Bishop's further acquaintance with his pack certainly improved his play from that of the preceding week. He was noticed trying a lone-hand dash on one occasion, which was not so very far from success. The full back, Fake, performed moderately well for his first appearance of the season, and in an important position at that. However, it cannot be correctly said that he did not give his team some anxious moments, a situation the creation ot which was aided by fast following opposition. There is not sufficient life in the StMary's attacking line close to the scrum. If they had it beiiind a pack of the prominence of the Green and Whites they would have innumerable opportunities to score tries. As it Is at present much of the forward labour fails to earn the reward which should be its due. As was only to be expected the pack was tiring very fast in the closing spell of Saturday's contest. Forwards cannot keep going for ever under these conditions. Individually they might, but it is the collective prominence we write off. Even the reliable Mathieson was far from being on his best game on Saturday. It was obvious at times that his knee was troubling him. The three-quarter line (Coppin, Jaques, and BulcraU) was fair in the individual sense, but the wings were never asked to do the job that they are really there for. Until St. Mary's can qualify to get the ball out there the forwards' task will remain much more difficult than n should otherwise be. Scrums are not the only point from which passing can be initiated. Tockcr, a new man in the five-eighths line, gave glimpses ot promise. Morgan was only fair, while McEnteer was weak behind the pack. While both sides failed lo make the most use of the wind in their kicking towards the northern goal, St. Mary's backs showed the principal neglect. With the pack fresh a high dropping ball placed near the defenders' goalline would have created, with fast forwards, many awkward situations for the backs. Certainly this was resorted to at times, but not utilised to the full value it presented with the breeze. S. Clarkin was alone the one fully cognisant of it. He played a heady game, giving his backs very material assistance. It was a great goal by his boot. For general all-round strict forward Farrelly was the best of St. Mary's, with Devine again a prominent figure. It is a good pack taken all through, but a couple of them will continue to jeopardise their teom's chances by getting off-side. They were repeatedly r/etcctcd on Saturday, but they failed to benefit by the warnings. If a man errs thus in part of the field he is just as liable to do it in another. When attacking near the line or defending round his own goals the risk that is entailed should be indelibly fixed on the seoutcr's memory. However, it is very hard to convert even some footballers from their erring ways. Jottings. Lovers of football will regret to hear of the accident to that line forward, Norman Hamilton, of the Frank r ton team, who had the misfortune to have a cartilage slip in the match against St. Mary's last Saturday, and has since been confined to his bed. It is more than likely that he will be incapacitated for the remainder of the season. This player was selected to represent Auckland in that town last season, and on his game there was chosen for the Auckland touring team, and accompanied them south. He seemed lo be playing better this season than last, and it looked as if he would have added further to his football laurels. His loss will be severely felt both by his club and the Hamilton rep. team. During the week I happened to meet J. Brown, Who played for Frankton last season, nursing an injured shoulder, the effects of having the ligaments torn in a match at Cambridge the previous Saturday. It will be a couple of weeks before he is all right again, but hopes to don the jersey later on in the season. His loss will be greatly felt by Cambridge, as he is a forward of the vigorous bustling type. One cannot help being struck this season with the number of our good footballers who can only kick with one foot. This is a thing that is most noticeable in every game that has been played so far. I am at a loss to understand this, as it is only practice that is needed to educate a player to kick with both feet. Surely these players must know what a great handicap this defect is, and it is a wonder that they do not try and rectify it. THE LEAGUE CODE. (By "Verax.") An exceptionally good game was the curtain-raiser to the big match on Saturday. One feature of it was that it disclosed some promising talent. In fact, some who distinguished themselves, will not be far away when the rep. jerseys are being handed out. Prickett played a line, unselfish game in the Hamilton forwards. The try that Hines scored was a clever piece of work, due principally lo the initiative of Prickett. Shirtliffe and Mawhinncy, in Hoi Hamilton forward line, also shone in the limelight. G 1 ilfe was one of the star barks on the field, and deserves his place in any rep. team. It was very pleasing to "Verax" indeed lo see the way he distinguished himself in the big game after playing in a gruelling curtainraiser. "Verax" inns' not forffH to mention Llalphe, who tor a youngster al the eeme. showed distinct promise. Ho

will be heard of again. Ryan Uhe captain) handled his men well. Cronln and Troup were sound, both in 'defence and attack. The Cambridge men were mainly only new at the game, but nevertheless put up an exceptionally good fight. McLennan, Mclvor and Hawes deserve special mention for their work in the back division for Cambridge. Duncan, Drinan and Wilson also deserve mention. The first rep. game of the season provided brilliant football. Not for a long time has there been such fine, spectacular, open play as that provided in this clash. Menzies, the Cower Waikato winger, and Wilson-Hall, the half-back for the same team, did more than their share of the work. F. J. Wilson, the forward, played a hard, solid game, and seemed to be tireless. He was selected to go to Australia with the New Zealand team, but owing to business arrangements, had to decline. Avery and Booth both played exceptionally fine games. As usual, Dufty, always a spectacular player (and an unselfish one) occupied a good deal of the limelight. His kicking was superb. Special mention must be made of the two Stewarts, who were especially good in the passing rushes. All the Cambridge men deserve praise for the game they played, and the fine unselfish way they handled the ball. Hemingway, unfortunately, had to retire owing to an injury to his ankle, which has kept him at home during the week. Payne played an open, heady, game, and is a useful player for any team to have, because he is just as good in the front line as in the back division. "Verax" cannot understand whs] he did not catch the selector's eye. Manning, a hard worker from start to finish, played his usual good game. He was responsible for some good openings on Saturday. "Verax" was pleased to sec that the New Zealand selectors agreed with him that S. Walters was one of the best forwards in New Zealand, fyy picking him for inclusion in the Australian tour. Cast night he was presented with a gold medal by the Hamilton Hugby League in honour of hem? the first South Auckland player to be chosen in a New Zealand team. Clarkin was right off colour, not playing his usual good game by any means. HOCKEY. (By "Left Wing.") No nets up last week. Why? That the game has taken a new lease of life was well evidenced last Saturday, when five matches were played on the Park. At present'there are eight men's teams and four ladies' teams playing competition games. The High School Club also has four teams in its competition. The ground shortage is a great handicap, and I sincerely hope, the Association will be successful i'n its endeavour to secure tine more ground at least. As evidence of the keenness shown in the competition, two teams have been formed in the Ngahinepourl district, some of the players having to travel over 40 miles for a game. The A team will be a hard nut to crack. They should be well up at the end cf the competition. The B team is composed of players mostly new to the game, but, if keenness is a guide, should make into a fine combination when they have mastered the finer workings of the code. The matter of talking at the referee was again conspicuous last Saturday. This is regrettable, as it upsets the game altogether, and causes players to commit indiscretions that would otherwise not occur. One or two players should bear in mind that the referee is not there to give their interpretation of the game, and that his ruling is final. Some sticks on Saturday were oversize. The stick must pass through a two-inch ring. This rule is to be enforced by the referee. I noticed a player, when taking a free hit last Saturday, missed the ball —and walked away. The ball is his until he hits it, providing he does not give sticks at the first attempt. Old Boys v. St. Paul's. The game right through was most interesting. The form shown by St. Paul's was a very great improvement on the previous week's game. Their back division was quite good, but the forwards failed to work together. The team benefited much by the inclusion of Smith in the half-line. This player can always be depended upon to do useful work. He knows where to send the leather when he gets it. Gardner (in goal) was alway s on the alert, and stopped several shots. He makes good use of his feet. Dcnsem and Lindsey played improved games. The forward line were generally too far back, crowding their defence. This fault rather delayed their attack, and gave Old Boys time to look round. Booth and Bradley, on the left, were the best, while Olds (centre) was always toiling. The forwards would do well to cultivate the short passing art. It is a "winner" every time. Old Boys were in good fettle, and played up to form. The forwards worked well together, and made many good rushes. Worsley had no luck in the circle. The back division was very sound, and enabled the attack to be driven home continually. Allen and Sleel did some line driving at times. Sneddon was sound, but a little slow in gelting in his hit at times. Hamilton v. United* The Hamilton-United game was responsible for some very fast play. In the first spell United held a slight advantage in a strenuous tussle, leading by one goal to nil. On changing round, United's defence was broken by Jones, at full-buck, wandering about anywhere but in his correct place. The Hamilton forwards soon found the weakness, and, making the most of it, rattled up a good score. Rivers (full-back) worked hard for United to stem the attack, but had too much country to look after. The remainder of the team were responsible for good solid work right through. The Hamilton team, in the second spell, played a much improved game, and pierced the United defence often. The forward line came down in good style, and rattled on three goals in a short time. Booth, on.the wing, played up lo form, centring well. Conradi, Sweeney and Tyler were sound in the attack, and each scored. Tail, on the left wing, is a little slow iir getting in his centre, and is inclined to lake the ball down the line 100 far. Except for this fault, In." plays a good game on the awkward side of Hie held. The halves were up with the game all Hie time, and with the full-hacks were responsible for keeping down United's score in the first spell. Smyth is inclined in wander. Tyler played a little 100 r.ir up at limes. He did a lot or work at centre. Fullowes, on the left wing is very steady, lie has Hood control ol' hack slick work. Bennett ami lin Flmi, at lull-hack, did some solid defensive work. Hennott's direction is a little erratic at time*.

Other Games. The Franklon-Nguhinopourl B game was not responsible for anything startling in the way of combined play. Frankton were too for the "B's." Ngahiucpouri B will make a good team. The material is there, and they arc keen. Some of the older players in the "A" team could give a few blackboard lectures to the new players, which they would certainly appreciate. Of the Frankton team, 1 noticed dittos peppering at the goal fauly often. He is very sudden in the circle, but his direction was off on Saturday. Flynn and Lentfer were showing glimpses of their old form at times. The remainder of Hie team were playing up to form, but 1 think were not worrying a great deal owing to a more or less easy game. Ngahiucpouri A had a good shooting practice against Y.M.C.A., who were short handed. The score was 14 goals to 2 when time was called. However, Y.M.C.A. have no reason to be down-hearted, and when they have mastered the art of keeping their positions, will be able to put up quite a good showing. They are inclined to wait at times. Don't stop till the whistle tfoesl GOLF. LOCAL JOTTINGS. (By Niblick.) Play at the links last Saturday was slow by reason of the team of ten having gone to Cambridge, and also from the fact that there was no club competition in progress. Seldom have the links presented such a deserted appearance. However, those who did gu out, in spite of the heavy wind, had a most enjoyable day. Members of the Farmers' Auction and the New Zealand Dairy Association staff, fought out a match. The match was one of four aside, and needless to say, was very keenly contested. The result, a draw, has not satisfied the contestants, and they are taking the earliest opportunity, that is to-day, of reachino- - ilnaiily regarding the comparative skill of the golfers of these business houses. The individual results were: Bray (N.Z.D.A.) beat Simpson 3 and 2; Westwater (N.Z.D.A.) beat Barton 4 and 3; Quicke (N.Z.D.A.) lost to Alexander on the last green; Kirkman (.N.Z.D.A.) lost to Barnett 4 and 3. The result of the Cambridge match came, somewhat as a surprise to local players. The Hamilton Club sent over its strongest possible team. Cambridge were not at their full strength, being without Mervyn Welis, yet the result of the match only favoured Hamilton by one game. This indicates that the Cambridge players are really fine golfers, and well endowed with the temperament necessary to match players. The Hamilton team speak very highly of the Cambridge course. Its sporting qualities and its condition lclt little to be desi-rcd. During next week, commencing on Wednesday, and continuing over Thursday and Friday, the Winter Show tournament will be held at St. Andrews. The principal event, the Winter Show Cup, will be decided by match play. All players play in their handicaps, and consequently the location of the winner is difficult to pick. The Cup has been won previously by limit men, and also by men on scratch, while in between markers have scored. It presents a great opportunity for the "dark horse." The final for the Cup will be played on Friday, probably in the afternoon. Entries so far have come from Wellington, Auckland, To Aroha, Cambridge, and several of the local players. Other competitions during the tournament will be medal and bogey handicaps. Any local players will be eligible to play in any single competition without entering for the whole of the tournament. Two golfers were discussing the merits of a lady member, and one asked his friend how she played with him the other day. "Oh, not bad," was the answer. "She went round in about a hundred strokes, and only two thousand words 1" The official circulars in connection with the British amateur and open golf championships were issued by the Royal and Ancient Club, St. Andrew's, last month. The amateur championship will be played at Hoylake, Liverpool, beginning on May 23. The entrance fee was two guineas, and entries were due on April 23. The cables have informed us that all the leading amateurs have entered, including Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet and "Bobby Jones," admittedly the three best amateurs in U.S.A., and in the opinion 01 some very competent judges the three best amateurs in the world to-day. The open championship will be played on the,Old Course. St. Andrew's, on Thursday and Friday, .Tune 23 and 24. In the event of a tic the competitors will play two additional rounds on Saturday, June 25. Eighty golfers (and all tieing for the 80th place), to be qualified by the championship committee, will be entitled to compete. If there arc more than 80 entrants, two qualifying rounds of 1.8 holes shall be played by strokes on Monday and Tuesday, June 20 and 21, over the New and Eden courses at St. Andrew's. A new condition is that the committee has the right of declaring ineligible to compete anyone who, in its opinion, has acted in a manner detrimental to the best interests or to the spirit of the game. The prize money of £225 will be divided as follows: —First, the championship gold medal, value £25, and £75 in money to the winner of the championship, if a professional; second, £i<l; third, £25; fourth, £ls; fifth, £10; sixth £10; seventh, £7 10s; eighth, £'.' 10s; ninth, £5; tenth. £5. "DONT'B" FOR GOLFERS. A list of "Dont's for Golfers" has been prepared by Mr J. Wyn Irwin, the secretary of the Hagley Club, Christchurch, from various books on goll', and some of the hints are well worth noting. The following is the list: — 1.1) Don't fail to learn and strictly observe the rules and etiquette of golf. (2j Don't waste time on the teeing green. Six seconds is amply time after the ball is teed up, in which tu address it and drive off. (3) On a crowded green don't play out a hole when you haven't the least possible chance of halving. ti) Don't try your putts over again when anyone is wailing to approach on to the green. Always replay a missed putt when by so doing you annoy no one. (5) Don't stick the pin into the greens whilst you are putting. (6) Don't walk across I lie line id jour opponent's putt. Go eilher behind it or the other side of the hole. (7) Don't fail to charge your score with a penalty-stroke, even it your opponent or caddy did not sec it. (8) By pressing the club down heavily behind a ball in addressing it through the green, its line can be vastly improved, but it is just as honest lo do it as it would be to pick Hie pocket of Ihe medal winner and steal his medal. !») Don't be Ihe first lo give up !h> si arch, when your opponent loses his ball. D'ju'l talk tuu much, bull ia a

game of silence and thought, The greatest abomination is a player who talks from the first tee to the eighteenth green, (11) Don't wear shoes which have high heels; they spoil the green, and what is bad —your golf. (12) Don't use dirty balls, Goll paint is cheap, (13) In playing foursomes, don'i. apologise for each bad shot. Your partner, If intelligent, will appreciate the fact that you did not play badly on I -impose. Mi) Don't forget that you have a partner if you are playing a foursome If he is superior consult him some times on what'you should do. If you ;;re the better player do not expect too much from your long-handicap friend; remember how badly you yourself played when at his stage. (15) Don't disqualify yourself by playing on to a putting green before (he match on medal days. (10) Don't lose your temper. If you lose your temper, you lose everything —self-control, self respect, judgment, decency of language—and of course, the hole and probably the match. (17) Don't press. _ (18) Don't allow your head to rTTO or fall during the swing. (19) Don't take your eye off your ball, never. (•10) And when the game is over don't explain or complain. CRICKET. THE AUSTRALIANS ABROAD. LIST OF CENTURY-MAKERS. (By "Cover Point.") The following Australians have scored centuries on the present tour of England:— 177—Macartney v. Leicestershire. 109 —Bardsley v. Leicestershire. 162 —Collins v. Surrey. 104 (not out).— Gregory v. Yorkshire. 132 —Bardsley v. The Services. The amount of play the Australians have been engaged in since the tour started has indicated to readers that the tour contains too many fixtures, and supports the Australians' versions we have read to this effect in the cables. After finishing the contest with the United Services at Portsmouth, they had then to contest with Essex at Leyton over three days. To-day they are down to commence their game against the Gentlemen of England at Lord's. That match will continue over Monday and Tuesday, while on Wednesday and Thursday of next week Oxford University will be their opponents. On the Saturday they start out on the first Test against England, at Nottingham. So it can at once be recognised that the players have little time for a spell, other than that which is given by the standing down from a game. Certainly, too long away from the wicket is a drawback, but the other side of the picture can be overdone as well. Warren Bardsley put up his second century of the tour, against the United Services, at Portsmouth, and the probabilities are that he will rank very high on - the averages of the lour, if he does not actually top them. Macartney, of course, will be hard for these honours. At the start of last season, when test selection was forecasted of the Australian team to meet the Englishmen, there were many authorities who did not favour Lardslcy"'s inclusion. He finished up seventh out of fourteen in the batting average over the tests played. In nine innings he was once not out, his highest score 57, his total runs 311, and his average 38.87. Macartney was at the top with 86.66 average in four innings, once not out, highest score 170 runs, and total 260 runs. It has been prophesied that the lefthander will do well on English wickets, and he has certainly opened the proceedings in an auspicious manner. While the results in some of the games played on the tour so far have indicated that the Australians are not supermen after all, they have not struck a wicket as yet which is absolutely to their liking. This has been disconcerting to the younger members of the . team particularly, but it is good to have such experience early in the tour. It will have been noted that the younger brigade was fairly well utilised in the match against the United Services, in which they came through satisfactorily with the bat. For the Test matches against England, on English wickets, the Australians will require to be right at their top in individual form and in team fighting strength when handling Hobbs, Hendren, Woolley, Douglas, Knight and Co. Cricket in tests is very strenuous, and the Australians are getting a valuable litting out for the job ahead. Essex, who appeared against the Australians this week, did better in the English County Championship of 1920 than might have been expected. The wickets at Leyton were good. Nine victories in 24 matches were counterbalanced by nine defeats. There was nothing brilliant in the record, but Essex did not have a team that could be looked forward to wilh more than a moderate amount of success. The veteran element of the side militated against brilliant work in the Held, and the bowling depended to an alarming extent on the English captain, J. W. H. T. Douglas. The latter had a good season, both as a batsman and a bowler, scoring 1087 runs, and taking 114 wickets for less than 20 runs apiece. It was an exceptionally heavy season for Douglas, but he had little choice in the matter. Reeves gave his captain valuable help after rain, but he was quite harmless on hard wickets. Louden was the'disappointment in bowling, and while Dixon took the wickets, he was always very expensive. The besl feature of the County cricket by Essex last season was the batting of Russell, who was given a place in the team for Australia, where he found the altered conditions against him, however. His great batting foe the county reached 1750 runs, with only two hundreds to help him, and he had an average of 42. His biggest success was 197 against Middlesex, the champion county, at Lords. The Rev. Gillingham was also showing first-rate form with the bat until an injured knee caused him to stand out for several weeks. Percy Pcrrin, for many years Hie best of Essex balsmen, could not reproduce his form of 1919. He could see the. ball as well as ever, but his legs were not what they had been —no matter for wonderment, at. 44 years of age. Russell, Douglas. Gillingham and Perrin represented all there was of real class in batting. C. D. Mclver, always a zealous player, could not make many runs, and Freeman was another disappointment compared witli 10 19 form. 11. M. Morris was a prominent fieldsman last season. Essex's far most notable victories were over Middlesex., by four runs, nfter ;i desperate finish, and against Sussex. .1. \V 'l'. Douglas, li7 and 128, v. Worcestershire; Rev. Gillingham, 151, v. Sussex, itnd 12* nut out, v. Hampshire; A. O. Kusspll, 197, v. Middlesex, and I lis. v. Hampshire, wen. Hie ronlur.s getters for ICssex in County championships last season.

BOXING, ( By "Left Lead.") The game is very quiet in these parts. Everybody interested in it are asking just now, and have been for m me time, when the annual meeting of the local association is coming off. The secretary informed the writer that the books wore now in the hands of the auditor, and with the completion of that job he would be"ready to get his report and balance sheet out and go ahead with arrangements for the meeting. Benny Leonard, of New York, lightweight boxing champion of the world, will shortly engage in several bouts in England and France. An item of interest to all students of the game, and particularly those who arc anxious to take up the art of selfdefence, is the announcement of a class opening in Hamilton. The class will be conducted by Mr Fred Williams, ex-heavyweight champion of New Zealand. Only a limited number of pupils can be taken, and those anxious to learn the art through an accredited source should apply early. Mr Williams' address is next Faville's, opposite the Courthouse In Victoria Street. Harry Stone recently had an easy win over Ned Fitzgerald, at Sydney Stadium, recently. It was a one-sided battle with Stone leading round after round, finishing with a wide margin. Endeavours are being made to match Billy Slade (the recent conqueror or Clabby) and Albert Lloyd, at Sydney, for June 4. Lloyd says he can make the cruiserweight limit of 12.7. If the match comes off, it will be Shade's last on this trip of a successful turn in Australia, Seeing Lloyd was held to be having the better of Clabby when he injured his foot in a meeting at Auckland last year, it would be interesting to see the result with Shade. COURSING. FEATURES AT ENCLOSURE. ;..'•' (By "Slipper.") i The programme for the Hamilton Club's first meeting of the new season was issued during the week. Indications are that there will be , good entries for the absolute Maiden and the All-Aged Stakes, which are to be decided on June 16th arid 17th. The work at the club's new enclosure is now very well forward, the club members being constantly engaged. When completed, the enclosure's appointments will make it one of the most up-to-date in Australasia. The planning out of the enclosure has been the special study ol prominent members of the club who are deserving of the best congratulations of all enthusiasts for the efforts they are putting into the work, and the great success they have attained. While the length of enclosures may vary somewhat, the local club's is approximately 700 yards from slips to escapes. At every area of the ground the dog from the slips can get a sight of its quarry, so exact are affairs planned out. This is an important matter in the detail which naturally demands the most exacting attention. From behind the baulks the hares are assembled, and arc driven down a drive on the right of the enclosure to the hare receiving area, which is situated 100 yards from the slips. This holding paddock, and all the appointments inseparable from the despatch of the hares are secreted in a clump of trees out of sight of the dogs. The ilrst instant the latter get a sight is immediately the hare leaves his position from the releaser box. There are two of these boxes, each holding twelve hares. On each box are three leavers, and one official is concerned in the releasing duty. He also is out of sight of those at the slips. The draw of the hare is known to eaoh pair of owners with dogs concerned at the slip, and the number of the hare released is indicated on a post at the edge of the hare enclosure so that any mistake in releasing can be immediately aware to the dog owners, which is, naturally a provision that will be very readily appreciated by the latter. Every hare is examined before it is permitted |in the enclosure prior to boxing, and in that respect there is immediate detection of weak hares and their prevention from being released. Further the hare enclosure is such that there is ample room for holding the hares in addition to those awaiting release from the boxes. "No waits and no delays" is an essential slogan for recognition when the great number of events it will be necessary to get off daily at the Australasian Waterloo Cup meeting is concerned. There are seven escapes, each 12ft by 6ft, and they are fixed 6 feet back from the baulks. Immediately to the front of the escapes, and in a line with the baulks battens are raised a distance of 18 inches, the prime object of which is in the causing of the dogs to jump and break their gait as the hare dives for cover. These and other arrangements make Hamilton Club's new enclosure lay out on a very up-to-date scale, and 1 am, certain that the prominent coursing men who are to visit here from other parts of New Zealand and Australia during the first week in August will be surprised at and appreciative of the. very up-to-date enclosure which will be prepared at Frankton for them among others. One is only doing bare justice in writing that the Hamilton Club members responsible for the layout and erection of the appointments there have done their job splendidly. Purely a labour of love, it shows how keen those responsible for the work are that coursing should flourish as it must undoubtedly do in these parts. However in that prominence the selfsacrificing labours of the enthusiasts in the club count a great deal. The Cambridge Club has decided to run another open meeting on June 3rd, on the Leamington side of the town, on the properties around "Dingle Dell." This will be for 16 all-aged dogs at £1 each, and will be opened to all registered dogs in New Zealand. Mr Millier, of Dunedin, has been appointed to represent Cambridge club on the board .of the National Coursing Association of New Zealand. HIBERNIAN SPORTS ENTRIES CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY. Athletes arc given a final reminder that the entry close date for events to bo decided at the Hibernian Sports meeting at Steele Park, Hamilton, on June 3rd, close on Wednesday evening next with the secretary, Mr Aubrey (. bitty. A very line programme has been drawn up by the Society, and the support which promises to be given to the meeting is such that an afternoon of good sport will be provided. Casli and amateur runnings events, chopping and wrestling competitions figure on Hie list, tor which good money ami trophies are provided. A further feature of the programme will be s e ven-a-sidc competitions under Rugby and League codes. This is confined !<• one team from each club, and gold medals will be awarded to the members of the winning team iu each code.

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