INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue X, 3 September 1904, Page 20

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL.

TARANAKI DEFEATS AUCKLAND. A HARD GAME. TARANAKI, 3; AUCKLAND. 0. The annual match between the above inter-provincial teams took place at Epsom on Saturday, and after a very evenly-contested game Taranaki left the Held victorious by 3 points (a penalty goal kicked by Frewin) to nil. Auckland, who played against a strong breeze in the first spell, more than held their own, and at half time, with the score against them only 3 points, it was thought that with the wind in their favour Auckland would score an easy victory; but the contrary was the fact, as the Taranaki team, throwing away no chances, played a solid defensive game, and occasionally took a hand at attacking, and managed to prevent Auckland from scoring, although on several occasions they went dangerously close. The second half was disastrous to the Auckland team, first Gallaher having to retire with a wrenched knee, then Nicholson with a broken nose, while Murray, who played mi to the end, was found at the conclusion of the game to be suffering from a fractured collarbone. The match attracted a large crowd, it being estimated that there was close upon ten thousand present, the sum of £4(50 being taken at the gates. Ml' P. Mackie officiated as referee, and Messrs M. Keefe and Young as line umpires. The teams lined out as follows: Auckland. —Full-back, W. Harrison; three-quarters, Carlaw, \V. Murray, A. Renwick; five-eighths; R. McGregor; half-back, II Kiernan; wing forwards, D. Gallaher, Seeling; forwards, G. Tyler, A. Sandal], Cunningham, G. Nicholisoji, AV. Mackrell, Joyce, Hayward. Taranaki. — Full-back, Dr. Fookes; three-quarters, E. Burke, J. Hunter, 11. Abbott; live-eighths, H. Mynott; halfback, Frewin; wing forwards, Guy, R. Duthy; forwards, J. Thomas, F. Glasgow, J. O’Sullivan, W. Glenn, R. Douglas, Young, McKay. 11. Mynott captained Taranaki and R. McGregor the local men. Taranaki won the toss and elected io defend the eastern goal, having a strong wind and the sun at their backs. NOTES ON THE GAME. It. was a hard-fought game, but by no stretch of imagination could it be called a brilliant one. Right from the jump it was a trial of strength between the two sets of forwards, and two more evenly matched teams it would be hard to find. First one side and then the other gained the advantage, and although Auckland badly missed Nicholson and Gallaher when they were compelled to retire, it is doubtful if the result of the game would have been altered had they remained on the field. The backs on both sides showed solid defence, but the attacking ability displayed was of a very moderate order; in fact, it is questionable if either division would have scored if they had played on for another couple of hours. McKenzie's absence was sadly felt by Auckland, as he is n long way our best scoring back. To individualise the players: Fookes, at full for the visitors, was very safe. Of the threequarters, Abbott was the most brilliant, ami got ,t hrough a lot of work; his linekieking was excellent. Hunter, in the centre, played a solid game, his defence being perfect; on more than one occasion he nipped a dangerous Auckland attack in the bud. Bourke, on the other wing, was fair; his tackling was his strong point. Mynott, at five-eight, beyond doing a lot of stopping, was not very prominent, and the Taranaki report that he was the best five-eight in New Zealand was not verified by his display on Saturday. Frewin, at centre, was useful, and got the ball out to hia

backs in good style. The goal he kicked won the match for his side. Guy and Duthie, on the wings, got through a lot of work, but showed a tendency to offside play, a lot of which escaped the referee. The forwards all played well, and it is hard to separate them; probably O’Sullivan and Thomas were the most prominent. Of the local men, Harrison, at full, although not quite up to his last week’s form, was very safe. The free-kick he gave to Taranaki cost his side the match. Of the three-quar-ters, Renwick was the pick. Not one of the three displayed any great attacking ability, but their defence was perfect. The kicking could have been improved upon, as on several occasions they failed to find the line. McGregor, at five-eight, played his usual solid! game, his tackling and stopping being first-class. Kiernan, behind the pack, was not nearly so successful as on the previous Saturday. Be is not keen on those forward rushes. The two wings, Seeling and Gallaher (until the latter retired), played well. Seeling especially heading a lot of rushes, while his deadly tackling was of great advantage to his side. Doran, who replaced Gallaher, was not. very prominent. As with the Taranaki team, it is hard to pick out an individual forward, all playing well; Joyce showed out a bit more than usual, but the pack was a very even one. The two teams sat down to dinner at the Royal Hotel on Saturday evening after the match. Mr A. E. Devore (president of N.Z.R.U. and A.R.U.) proposed the toast of the Taranaki team, the toast being responded to by Mr Mynott (captain) and Mr Alf. Bayley and Mr Bellringer (chairman and manager of the T.R.U. Committee). Mr W. Young proposed the toast of the A.R.U. Management Committee, Mr M. J. Sheahan (chairman) responding on behalf of that body. The gathering closed with all hands joining in and singing “Auld Lang Syne.” CANTERBURY V. OTAGO. A DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY. OTAGO, 20 POINTS; CANTERBURY, 9. CHRISTCHURCH. Monday. Saturday's match between Canterburyand Otago was one of the most uninteresting of the Important games played in Chustchurch for a long time. With the wind in their favour In the first spell the local team gave a very poor exhibition, and missed many opportunities of scoring. In the second spell they played with more vigour, lint were quite unable to prevent t heir opponents from scoring repeatedly. Many of the. forwards played sluggishly, and the backs were without combination and method, and liatidled the ball badly. The visltois, after playing a good defensive game in the first spell, took full advantage of the frosh breeze behind them in the second. Their forwards were at least as good as the local vanguard, and their backs wore safe, faster, and in every respect imicli superior. The decisions of Mr Norris, who acted as icferee. did not give by any means unequalled satisfaction. The final score was Otago 20, Canterbury 9. OTAGO V. AUCKLAND. The Auckland train to play against Otago on September 3 will be picked from the following: Phillips, Gerrard, McKenzie, Carlaw, Renwick, Asher, McGregor, Kiernan, W. Tyler, Fraser, Mackrell, G. Tyler, Joyce, Trovarthen, Cunningham, Nicholson, Seeling, Hayward. AUCKLAND OLD BOYS’ MATCHES. The semi-final of the Old Boys’ competition* was played at Alexandra Park on Saturday. when Parnell defeated Ponsonby by six points (two tries) to nil. WAI 111 FIXTURES. WAI ITT, Monday. XValhi. like Auckland, suffered a reverse on the sports field on Saturday, being defeated hi the rep. football match against Karnngahukr by 3 points to nil; and in the hoekey match against Auckland by two goals to one. Bramble, for Kara-

ngahake, scored a try, which was not converted. Air Shaw, of Paeroa, gave every satisfaction as referee. In the junior division. Rovers boat Silver Stars by 6 to 3. For the winners, J. Truscott and W. Donnelly secured tries, and Colin Campbell scored for the losers. PAEROA BEATS PIAKO. PAEROA, August 27. s A football match, Paeroa v. Piako, was played here this afternoon, ami was won by the local team by 17 point to 5. About the middle of the second sp a the Piako team, being dissatisfied with the referee, left the field, only two of their number remaining on the ground. For Piako, Lennard scored a try, which was converted, and for Paeroa, Ricketts (2), Siicock, and Clarke scored, and H. Sorensen converted one of the tries and kicked a penalty goal. The action of the Piako team in leaving the field is described as being most childish. The match between the Piako and Karangahake juniors, played at Mackytown on Saturday, resulted in a win for the latter* COROMANDEL UNION. COROMANDEL, Saturday. The Rugby Union Cup match (Kennedy Bay v. Manala) was played in Bates’ paddock to-day, and resulted in a draw, there being no score on either side. Air Mai tinson acted as referee. BAY OF ISLANDS V. WHAKAPARAi A football match Wa§ played here on .Sat* urday, Bay of Islands versus Whakapara. The former won by 9 to 6. R. kicked two penalty goals and Ilangstort scored a try for Bay of Islands. Jones and Keogh each scored a try for Whakiu* para. HAWKE’S BAY MATCHES. NAPIER, Monday. In the game between Marist Bros.’ Old Boys and ex-Students and the Napier High. School, the former won by 8 to 4. The match Mercantile and Insurance v. Banking and Legal resulted in a win for the former by 18 to IG. Sheer good football, combined with a slice of luck, brought about a victory for the Mercantile and Insurance combination. Teams representing the Ranfurly Rifles and the Napier Rifles played a match on the Recreation Ground, and after a hardfought battle Raufuriys were declared thd winners by 11 points to 7. The casualties were one wounded—a member of the Napier Rifles, who had to retire on account of a knock which he received. The final match for the junior cup, Hastings sub-union, between Rovers and Havelock teams, was played at Stortford Lodge*A great deal of attention was given to the game, as both sides had a good reputation for the season. The result was a win for Rovers by 3 points to nil. The play was chiefly confined to the forwards, and was on the Havelock side of the half-way for most of the time. M A NA W A T U Fl XTU RES. PALMERSTON N., Monday. The Mauawatu v. Horowhenua representative match played on the show ground here attracted considerable interest, the home team being expected to give the beat exposition of Rugby of the season, particularly in regard to attacking. The play of the local men was, however, disappointing, and although they had the visitors almost at their mercy throughout the game, and* won by four tries (12 points) to nil, their display left a lot to b.e desired. The game W’p.s j-alher below rep. form, and breaches of the rules by the local men, which gave relief ta I he Horowhenua team again and again, were heartrending. The exhibition by Mana wain was the worst seen this season. The first ivy scored by W. Smith was gained by one of this player’s clevm’ jumps on the which carried hiin viirht over the goal-line. W. Boon sts-ured the second try after a magnificent dribble. A pass from Boon to Furrie enabled the latter to score, and “Paddy” McMinn notched the fourth by following Furrie up. The Horowhenua men stuck Io their uphill task pluckily, but were nu match for the home team. HOROWHENUA REPS. LEV’IN. Monday. The following team was selected to rci>resent Horowhenua against the. Hush Union, to bo played at Weraroa on Wednesday:—Potts, Totl, Winiaia, Taliurl* Smith, Allan, King. Phambers, Chalk, Smith, Tims, Varata, Cooles, Nelson. Emergencies: Backs. R. McClelland, McKenzie, Dunn, and Whareo; forwards. Bartholomew, Whnreo, Anderson, and P. WlnlatC

WAIRARAPA DOINGS. MASTERTON. Monday. The football match arranged to take place Itetweeii Clerks ami Trades was postponed Till September Bth, owing to the inclement weather. At a meeting of the Management Committee of the Wairarapa Thursday Union, It was decided on account of players being unable to get away, that the toms to Wellington, Nelson and Golden Bay be abandoned this season. The secretary was instructed lo arrange S match with Daunevirkc juniors for 14th September, to take place at Woodville. The match against Wairarapa Saturday juniors was fixed for Thursday next at Carterton the annual rep. match with the Hush Union will be played at Hamua next Saturday. The team to represent Wairarapa will be nearly the same as that which placed against Wellington in the return match. TO REPRESENT WANGANUI. WANGANUI, Monday. The following players have been picked to make the trip to the South Island to m.’rv Ca " terhur y' South Cauterj/’? n, Ota 80, and Southland: . I! .‘Holland, Sheehan. Thomson, Mirohell. Symes, Butler, Takaraugl, and Dodgshnn, forwards, Corby, Sheehan. <; Thoninson. Murray. Roekell. Scott. Wall. Davis, mrn'Xn n ?“ erton - 'l’ennent. Montgomerie and Bell, it is understood that the Manaviatn junior representatives will plav the local juniors on Saturday next in Wanganui. laranaki are nnalde to send a junior rep team to Wanganui this season, but will arrange matches next year. , EMPIRE CITY FIXTURES. WELLINGTON, Monday. mDeh ® u « l, y championship let( ’? e V. st. Patrick's College 17 to “, v,ctt O’X for the Collegians It The wm., ?? ga . ve th , ell2 tbe championship, the winners, whose backs opened up some ipretty passing, were undoubtedly the superior team. J Tim fourth-class match, Athletic v. St, ot f* tollege, was won by Athletic The llftli-class game. Athletic y. Oriental, was pot played, one of the teams objecting to start as there was uo crossbar on the goal posts. St. James defeated Southern (fourthclass) by 9 to 3. St. James B and Wellington College (fifth class) played a drawn .game, the score being 6 points each. St. Patrick's College, by defeating Wellington College A by 14 to nil. carried off the fifth-class chainpionship. The match between Wellington Wednesday representative and Wairarapa Thursday Union representatives, arranged for 'Wednesday next, has been abandoned owing to the country players not being able to get a team to travel. On Saturday next Petone and Poneke play off their tie for the senior cbamoiouahip. Great interest is being taken in the match. In the public school matches Brooklyn defeated To Aro by 37 to nil, and Clyde Quay beat Mount Cook by 28 to nib ft WELLINGTON V. JUNIORS. WELLINGTON. Sunday. The annual football match between the Wairarapa and Wellington juniors was played here yesterday and won by Wellington by 9 points to nil. Wairarapa brought only *l3 men, filling the vacancies with local players. There was no score in the first spell, and though the visitors were on the defensive nearly all the second spell it was not till 20 minutes before time that .Wellington broke through. Tries were then obtained by McKcllar, Campbell, and Francis. IX.TERCOLDEGIATE TOURNAMENT. » WELLINGTON, Monday. The annual intercollegiate tournament commenced here to-day. The Wanganui and Wellington Collegiate teams tried conclusions. The game was fast, the rival rearguards giving a good exposition of passing in the first spell the home team scored two tries, one being converted;. while the visitors! crossed their opponents’ chalk mark on two occasions. Shortly before “no side” Parkins notched two tries for Wanganui, the final tally being Wanganui 12; Wellington S.

NEW SOUTH WALES V. QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, August 27. In the football match New South Wales defeated Queensland by eight points to nil. ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND THIRD GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP. Tabernacle A v. Corinthian A (six a side tournament).- The first spell ended in Tabernacle leading by one, IL Webster scoring. in Uio second spell Tabernacle secured two more, Langdate and Brockbanks scoring, and the game ended: Tabernacle 8. Corinthian 0. Tabernacle team thus wins the third grade championship badges. Forintliians v. 11.M.5. Psyche.—The Corinthian team, which goes to New Plymouth this week, played « team from H.M.s, Psyche on the Domain on Saturday afternoon, the result Ueing: Corinthians 5 goals, Psyche 2 goals.

CLOSE GAMES AT MIRAMAR. WELLINGTON, Monday. The Assuciat ion matches were played in line weather, and were remarkable for ckwo finishes. Throe of the senior games resulted in a draw, and one in a single goal victory. This last mentioned result was effected in the St. Johu’s-Petone match, which ended in a win for the town team. The Petone team, which has shown more improvement of late than any team in the competition, made a good tight against St. John's. The town men played against the wind in the first spell, and attacked vigorously neatly the whole time. They combined excellently and effected several scientific passing runs, but their shooting at goal was poor. The only score in the match was effected In this spell, Brodie notching a goal with a post shot. I’lay was very ragged in the second half, the shooting being particularly wretched, and the game ended St. John's 1. Petone nil. Hovers and Y.M.C.A. played a drawn game, two goals each. In the first spell O’Shea ami Boyd scored for Rovers. Hodge and Miller doing likewise for Y.M.C.A. in the succeeding half. The Swifts v. Diamond match was stubbornly contested and resulted In a draw, one goal each. White scored for Swifts in the first spell, and Roberts for Diamonds in the following half. WELLINGTON V. NELSON. NELSON, Monday. The Interprovincial Association foothall match Wellington v. Nelson was played, here on Saturday, and resulted in a draw, each team scoring two goals. Hodges and Robinson scored for Wellington, and Sherbrook and Radcliffe for Nelson. AUSTRALIAN CAME. A UCKLA ND CH AMI’IONSHI V. The Australs and Auckland Imperials played off on Saturday for the premiership on the Domain Cricket Ground, and a fast and Irtferestlng game resulted. For the first half-hour the Imperials had the best of the game, and at half-time the scores were: Imperials 11 points to Austral’s 9 points. In the second half the play of the Austral team improved greatly, and Pratt, Moss, Brew, McColl, Dwight, and Co. brought off sonfte good exchanges, and gradually wore the Imperials down. Although the Imperials played very hard and Johnson, Sandford, Breese, and Birch put in some good runs, the Australs won comfortably by 29 points to IS. For the winners, McColl and Pratt, following, played splendidly. Ash, Ay les, and Tongue, in the back line, did some good solid work. Hobday, Abfaltoo, and Moss did great work forward, and towards the finish Dwight and Brew did well. For the Imperials, Sandford played a great game and was easily the best man on the ground. Johnson, Birch, Forster, Breese, and Hill were the best of the others. NEWTOWN LEADS AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Monday. The Newtown Federal Club met at Miriniar on Saturday, when the former won by 27 points to 13, and that club is therefore now in the lead for the Stewart Dawson trophy. A match was played at Petone between Petone land City clubs. Petone won by 15 points to 12.