All-round sport

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 207, 12 July 1894, Page 1

All-round sport

By

Hurdler.

FOOTBALL CONTESTS. V July 14—Auckland R.U. v./Franklin R.U. July 21 —Auckland v. Tauranga ■ ' \ July 28—Auckland v. Taranaki '; - ; < August 4—Auckland v. South Canterbur > August 25—North Island v. New South Jales at Auckland .F August 29 —Auckland v. New South Auckland v. Wellington during last of August CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTSFIRST JUNIORS. " July 14. Suburbs v. Ponsonby Parnell v. City Newton v. North Shore ' r . ■, -., -- , SECOND JUNIORS. , ''•i.v'fji ParneU v. Newton City v. Ponsonby Grafton A v. Grafton B OTHER MATCHES. July 14. Terrace v. Beachcombers (Surrey Hills) Britomart v. Roseberry (Domain) r ‘', : |

Football. ■ ■

Notwithstanding that Saturday .lastMi turned out a beautiful day for foothttnE the attendance at Potter’s to witness second, (and last) practice match betwfllH the possible and probable rep. honours was very small. ing teams competed:— A team —Fullback, KisslirM|BßMjSgmm quarters, Roberts, McPh ai halves, McDonald, Bullock, towards, Anderson, Heffernan, Murray, Rhodes, Stone, C. Speight Valentine. B team —Fullback, Masefield ; . quarters, McGill, Flynn, halves, Edmords, Roynarie ; forw Brady, Donald, Gittos, Hallamore, Hobson, Moore, H. Speight, WilliamS»Qs and Wright. " The absentees were Peace, Oliphant from the A team, and Warnoß||| from the B team. McPhail, Bullock, Murray and Flynn filled the positions of those abseHffi Immediately after the kick off tHHE backs of either team indulged in interesting exchange of long kicks, which the A team had slightly the beßi|| the ball going into touch in their ponents’ 25. From the throw in Stoiß|||| Murray and Rhodes were prominent iiflgE dangerous rush, which was well by Masefield, who kicked well up field. Roberts returned, and a serumal was formed in the B’s 25. The latter W were too powerful .for the A forwards, but Braund cleverly secured the ball and made a quick pass to Bullock, who transferred to Breen, the latter enabling McPhail to get in at the corner by a well judged pass. Stone took the kick, but the ball fell -short. Uninteresting play followed the kick off, until a fine dribble by Hellamore carried the leather tb midfield, where Edmonds picking up smartly passed out to Flynn, who a run to the opposing fullback, and then sent the ball on to Rishworth, who drew first blood for the B team by getting in near the corner flag. No goal resulted. A 3, 83. _ Stone kicked out, and Flynn j returned with a splendid punt, the ball I going Out near the A’s goal line. I Loose play, followed the throw in, " and the ball went out at the 25 flagß From the throw in the B forwards on a capital rush, which t*sndec|B| in Hallamore securing B’s second try.Bj Edmonds' converted —B 8, A 3. again kicked out, and fast following up by Rhodes prevented a return. Theß forwards replied with a determined rush, . which was well stopped by Braund, made a short quick pass to Bullock, tyK||| the latter lost a splendid chance througnWl passing wildly, and Masefield kicked well W down the Held. From a scrum formed iii the centre of the ground Braund againj j obtained possession of the oval, and after making a smart dodgy fun. passed

the best run of the in g al I - th e opposing backs, MRtT mcceeded in getting over the ||HB&ut lost a try through being collared in attempting to get behind I VUT cpnminosts. For lifting the feet in a ■&0I formed in the B’s 25, the latter in- % penalty kick. Stone made a attempt at goal, the majority of Illßctaiors considering that the ball went |Buirlv over the cross bar. Uninteresting Bwfollowed the kick opt, and half time nded a few minutes later without alteration in the scores. kicked off in the second spell for and a poor return by one of backs enabled the former to almost j^B&le ’ball over the line, but Masefield the rescue with a fine kick. HBBbrts returned and the ball went out in 25. From the throw in, the B started a fine rush which IKripd the leather to the' A’s 25, where ÜBaii sent into touch. The throw in enthe B backs to get on some nice after repeated efforts, McGill j sjjeeded in registering B’s third try. f lygoAl resulted —A 3, B r 1. Another R’ .run on the part of the B backs ended in a score, but Stone, JVirray, and Rhodes replied with a fine pite of dribbling, and transferred the piitAo the 82 s, where Breen, picking up /><sn>ftiy and dodging the B backs, crossed __ tlyjiine between 'the post. The kick at goal was again a failure —A 6, B 11. For the next-few minutes there was nothing but scrums and line work, the greater strength of the B forwards gradually working the play down the line until play was in dangerous proximity to the A goal line/ From some loose play which took place here, Speight dashed over the line /And Registered B’s fourth try. Edmonds to convert- —B 14 Ab. The kick ■out resulted in A’s being again called on Xfend, Donald, Braund, and Breen g in some fine work'. ■. The B team ■fOs» however, now playing a fine game, B the attempts of the A backs to relieve side being fustrated by the fine kick|Mk*£f Masefield, who kept gaining a few BHrds on each return. During the last of the game the A forwards termined effort to clear their in carrying the ball BHHBOB.ntre flag, but Masefield again HRm obstacle, and sent the ball inin the opposing 25. From the Khrow in, the ball was passed out to RishBvorlh; who again crossed the line and Bran round behind the posts. Edmonds difficulty in converting —B 19, From 4his until the end of the Mme the play was exceedingly fast, but took place, and the contest as before mentioned. Although I was prepared to witness a BBfeaFotriiggle for supremacy between the teams and even a win for the B team few points, I was nevertheless glßeatly surprised at the severe and proH&unced defeat inflicted upon our prorep ” team. In my notes of last IgKek I drew attention to what I con||Blered the fallacy of playing three halfand it was the advantage which B division possessed in playing only halves and having an extra forward ; Bdkih made their chance of giving the A Keam a' keen struggle appear to my mind Brather probable. Saturday’s game, how- ■ •ver, cannot be regarded as an even conk tpist, for "leaving the points of 19 to 6 out _ bf the question, the game was one-sided from start to finish, and in favour of the B. team in every department of the gamp. Tfhe probable team was certainly minus I the services of several good men, and th 8 fact should not be forgotten when reviewing the contest, but even had the absentees taken part in the game I do for a moment consider that the result -rWOttld have been in favour of the A division. Elliot would Have strengthened the backs, but would Oliphant have strengthened the forwards ? I for one bonsider that he would not.- Nor am I | inconsistent in expressing this opinion I ’ and at the same time maintaining that | Oliphant is a player well worth a place in team. Had Oliphant been present K Saturday the A vanguard would have robbed of a forward. Fred Murray, Brho is a first-class scrumager, took Oliplace, and had the latter been he would of course have played on the wing and left six forwards to work in the scrum. As it was, they had seven workers in the scrum and then had no chance against the opposing nine Jnrards. I;' I could not help remarking on SaturyAay that the B vanguard obtained a very great advantage by unfair play. On 1 almnat every occasion on which the ball nlaced in the scrum by a B player it given to hi. own for-

wards. This enabled them to let it out quickly to their backs, and while, as I say, it was an advantage to them, it would not have been an equal advantage to the A forwards had one of their players “pointed” in the same way. And for this reason. The very moment the B forwards found that their opponents had possession of the ball they could easily have pushed the A forwards off their feet before the latter had time to heel out. Two practice matches have now taken place, and the team has been subjected to several alterations. But with what beneficial result it is difficult to find. In each practice it has been demonstrated in an undeniable manner that six or even seven forwards cannot play nine, yet the committee refuses to be guided by facts, and it will be seen from the team chosen for Saturday next that the scrum again consists of six men, not all of whom by the way are accustomed to scrum work. So far as deriving any advantage from the practices is concerned, it must be considered that two Saturdays have been absolutely wasted. Kissling at fullback for the A team was not altogether a success. He was not responsible for allowing the other team to score, but his play was of a rather indifferent kind, and his kicking was by no means brilliant. On Saturday’s form Kissling could never get a place in the reps as a fullback. Roberts got few chances to distinguish himself. On two occasions, however, he made good runs, and should have scored. Roberts got right behind the line after evading five or six men, but allowed himself to be collared before grounding the ball. He did not appear to take much interest in the game on Saturday. At centre threequarter Breen played a sterling game, and put in a lot of defensive work. His tackling and punting was really good, but his passes were too high, and one was intercepted by an opposing player. Breen made a good run and scored. McPhail is a better man than many thought, but is not class enough for a “ rep ” team. He possesses a good turn of speed which he psed to advantage when he scored, and will no doubt improve as the season progresses. Bullock, who played in Elliott’s place, got off some nice pieces of play, but holds on to the ball too long. He missed several chances on Saturday. McDonald was not as good as on the previous Saturday. His play was almost confined to defence, which makes a great difference. Braund made the most of every ppportunity, which he had to make for himself. His forwards failed to give him the ball, but he got off several “ passes ” from stopping forward rushes, and also by picking up smartly from loose open play. Ike Mills was not so brilliant as on the previous Saturday, and caused Edmonds little or no trouble. His following up was, however, a source of annoyance to the opposing backs. Anderson has a habit of standing back a few yards and making a run and jump at the ball when thrown in from the line. This is all very well when it comes off, which by the way is about only once in a season. It would be far better for Anderson to stand q'uietly on his mark, and’if he did secure the ball to at once pass it to his backs. He appeared to graft in the scrum and did some good work in the open. Rhodes was the pick of the A forwards, and played a clinking good game. His following up was a treat to witness, and he led many of the rushes. The player throwing in the ball should not forget Rhodes on the line. Fred Murray was not jn the best of condition, and was inclined to tire towards the close of the game. C. Speight and C. Stone were handicapped through being centre forwards. They were unable to secure the ball in the scrum for the reason previously mentioned. Each, however, did his fair share of work, and put in some good line work. , Valentine was none too good at handling the ball, and would have scored once had he picked up cleanly. Heffernan was not conspicuous for anything brilliant. Masefield played a great game at fullback. With one exception when he missed Roberts his game was the best fullback game of the season. His fine kicking proved a great help to his side, and brought forth rounds of applause. McGill again played a first-class game, and deserves his ,place in the team for Saturday next. He is a fine scoring man, which feature should be absolutely essential in every rep. three-quarter, He is,

moreover, strong in defence, and possesses splendid pace. Flynn played centre three-quarter m Warnock’s place, and shaped remarkably well./ With more experience he will become as good as the best of them, and should gain his cap next year. Rishworth again proved what a good man he is. He crossed the line twice in capital style, but has a bad habit of passing forward. But for the latter fault he plays a sound game. # Edmonds and Ronayne also put in a lot of work. The former got off a lot of passing, but does not appear to make the most of his chances. He has not yet learned to pass at the right moment, but playa a good game at tackling, kicking, and stopping rushes. Ronayne’s game was marked with great dash, but he should not run into the thick of the forwards. Of the B forwards I liked best the play of Hallamore and Gittos. Hallamore was constantly on the ball and made no mistakes, dittos performed his work as centre forward in a creditable manner. Hr was also clever on the line and started numerous rushes. Of the remaining forwards Brady, Moore and Speight appeared to do most towards the success of the team. At a meeting of the Selection Committee on Monday last the following team was chosen to play against Franklin on Saturday:—Fullback, R. Masefield, threequarters, T. Roberts, H. G. Kissling, D. McGill; halves, W. Elliott, F. Edmonds, G. Ronayne; forwards, E. Anderson, H. Donald, R. Hallamore, P. Heffernan, P. Mills, R. Oliphant. W. Rhodes, and 0. Speight. The team to represent Franklyn is as follows :—Fullback, C. M’Oough ; threequarters, P. Condon, J. Cranston, J. Rolston ; halves, 8. Shaw, H. Hogan; forwards, J. Luke, W. Luke, Hyde, Hogan, Cornthwaite, T. Graham, Brownlee, J. M’Kean, G. M’Kean ; emergency backs, D.Roulston,P.Findlay; emergency forwards, T. M’Chrystal, P. Munro. It will be noticed that considerable alterations have been made in the Auckland team since last Saturday. Masefield takes the place of Kissling at full - back, and the latter is put in Breen’s position at centre three-quarter. McGill is placed in Peace’s position at wing three-quarter. Of the half backs Edmonds and Ronayne, who were originally chosen and then put out of the team for Braund and McDonald are again given places as centre and wing half respectively. In the forward division Stone and Valentine are put out to find room for Hallamore and Donald. The following districts are represented in the selection: —Parnell 6,"Newton 4, Ponsonby 1, Grafton 2, Suburbs 1, and City 1. Considering that the players not in the team at present will not be afforded any further opportunity of proving their claims to places in the> team, since the remaining Saturdays prior to the match against Taranaki are taken up with contests against Franklyn and Tauranga, it may be fairly assumed that the above team will be that which will battle against Taranaki. Against Franklyn and Tauranga Auckland should certainly win, and win easily, and if she cannot—then I pity her chances in the remaining fixtures for the season. This being so, it is more than probable that the only alteration which will take place for our first Interprovincial match will be the inclusion of Jervis, whose arm will no doubt by that time be all right. In the event of Taranaki being represented by as powerful a combination as that which visited in Auckland in 1892 I certainly think that our boys will require to be at their very best to avert defeat. The team which plays on Saturday next is far from being a strong combination, and the fact of its meeting a team with no more experience than that of the Franklin boys, is a matter over which the Auckland Rugby Union should rejoice. Were our opponents op Saturday either Wellington, South Canterbury, New South Wales or Taranaki, my selection would be the visiting team. By the date of the first Interprovincial match the team will, however, have had several games together, which will doubtless enable it to acquire a little of the combination which it at present so much lacks. Since the final selection it has been a question of considerable difficulty with many footballers to discover for what possible reason certain men have been thrown out of the team and others put in. K The A team being beaten so badly, of course necessitated some alteration in our reps, but it is. manifestly evident that the committee has effected the alterations

without even regard to ordinary common sense. In support of my assertion I offer the following facts: In the first practice match the two centre forwards for the A team were Hallamore and Stone. Appearently under the belief that Hallamore was unfit for the position the committee - on the following Saturday placed Halla more in the B team, and he wisely played in the back row of forwards. Stone is then partnered as centre forward by C. Speight, and the pair are opposed by H. Speight and Gittos, who perform their duties in a capital style and secure the ball on every occasion. The committee, evidently under the opinion that Stone was to blame for the A forwards being beaten, wisely exclude him from the team, which is perfectly correct, ‘for a centre forward who under fair circumstances cannot get possession of the ball has no right in the team. Now any three school boys who have just arrived at the age of reason (let alone a body of old experienced players entrusted with the selection of a provincial team) would at once recognise that it was logical to fill Stone’s position by either H. Speight or Gittos, whose proved superiority caused Stone’s exclusion from the team. The committee, however, fail to see this, and make their action still more ridiculous and inconsistant by selecting Hallamore, with whose play on the previous Saturday they were dissatisfied. I do not wish it to be understood that I oppose Hallamore’s inclusion in the team. Personally, I consider him. a really good man, who is well worth a place, and I have all along advocated his claims to a cap ; but strange as it may seem, it is the inconsistency rather than the sound judgment of the committee which secures for the province so good a man. Hallamore s case has converted into a strong conviction an impression which I always entertained, viz., that if a forward wishes to win his cap the best way calculated to defeat his object is to play centreforward in a practice match, a position in which he cannot shine and is little seen. The match between Ponsonby 11. and North Shore 11. proved a very interesting “ go,” resulting in a victory for the former by 6 points to 3. The match was played on No. 2 ground at Potter’s in the presence of a large number of spectators, many of whom journeyed over from the Shore. The game itself was a fast, interesting and exciting contest, and following immediately after the splendid game on the previous Saturday between Ponsonby 11. and Grafton IL, caused many to believe that our juniors play equally as good football as the senior teams. The Shore boys played with great dash, and got on jnany passing and dribbling forward rushes which nearly ended in scores The passing of the Ponsonby backs was, however, too consistent, and enabled their side z to register two tries. For the winners Heaps and Graham each crossed the line, while Walker kicked a fine goal for Shore from a penalty kick. I was very much taken with the fine play of Heaps, who made many good runs. This young fellow has the makings of a great player, and he was the recipient of frequent applause for his kicking and running. This last win makes, the first junior championship almost a certainty for Ponsonby. In the remaining junior contests Grafton v. Newton and Suburbs v. City, the former in each case won by default. In the second junior division the only < match plaved was that between Newton and Grafton B. The former put a strong tsam in the field, which came as a sur? prise to the Newtonites. Newton, however, won after a close game by 3 points to nil. Mills scored a try for the winners. Parnell beat Ponsonby by default. The match between Grafton A and City also fell through. I notice by Sydney files to hand that the New South Wales team has started practice in view of their coming visit to New Zealand. Their style of play is two wing forwards and two half backs. I have been shown (writes “ Halfback ” in the Sydney Referee) two private letters from Dunedin residents, who complain that the N.S.W.R.F. Union are, by their not accepting the invitation of the Otago (N.Z.) Union to play their provincial team, endeavouring to coerce Union into joining the New Zealand Union. I might point out, in referring to this subject, that the N.S.W. Union being the guests of the N.Z. Union, and travelling on its initiative, can only play at such places as they should arrange them to visit, and that should the Otago Union desire to test the strength of the visiting team, they would have to approach the N.Z. Union to that effect. Ted O’Hare’s offer to take charge of

the “rep” team, which will undergo a thorough course of training, has been accepted by the Rugby Union, and I am sure it will not be Ted’s fault if the boys fail to give a good account of themselves. Ted trained the team which beat the Englishmen and also that which travelled ri£ht through New Zealand. He also had charge of the teams which defeated the Maoris both before and after their return to England. The Union has secured the Metropolitan ground for training purposes. The following are the positions of the first and second junior chamionships -

N.B.—Matches played on May 12th between Newton and Grafton A., and Ponsonby and Grafton 8., have to be re-played. NAPIER FOOTBALL. ... [by wire] '' July 10th. The second round of the Senior Cup matches was commenced on Saturday 'last. The Napier met and defeated the Caledonians by 17 points to love, after a fairly good game. Both teams were weaker than usual, Napier being without the services of Caradus and CoQroft, whilst Macfarlane, Knight, Bear, Munro and Johnston were absent from the Caledonian ranks. The first spell was greatly in favour of the Caledonians, who kept their opponents hard at work the whole time to save their goal. Notwithstanding this, Napier scored three'points during the spell, Walker kicking a penalty goal In the second spell Napier woke up, and assisted by the difference in weight, which was greatly in their favour, they added another 14 points to their score. Bennett obtained two tries, and Hume and Weisman one each, Walker converting one try, Walker, Bennett, Hume and Donnelly were the pick of the Napier backs, and Wilson. Ryan and Murray of the forwards. For the losers Laws, Miller, H. Kelly, and Nolan did good work behind the scrum. and.P. Kelly, Toohey and Poynter were the best of the forwards. The Pirate—County match resulted in a win for the farmer by . 8 points to 6 after a very rough game. . The County had very hard luck in losing the match, as Caulton made several splendid attempts at potting goals. In one instance the ball rebounded into play off the bar. Williams and Swan scored tries for Pirates, one of whjch O’Connell converted. Peeti Scored a try for the County, and Caulton kicked a penalty goal. Cullen,Caulton, Herio,Mc Donald and Peeti played best for the County, while Caldwell, ; .the O’Connell’s, tSwan, Williams and Cheer showed good form for the Pirates. The Napier 11. defeated Caledonian 11. by 7 points to 6 after an uninteresting game. Beaumont scored a try and Wood potted a goal for Napier. Clarke and Cameron obtained tries for the Caledonians, who showed best form. The third fifteen match, West End v. Hangers resulted in a win for the former by 14 points to 8 after a good game. > TARANAKI FOOTBALL. ■ (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) , J ul y 6 * A Meeting of delegates was held at Stratford on June 30. Present—Messrs G. T. Bayly, president (in the chair), T. I C. Fookes, Stratford; S. Humphries, Star, D. Hughes, Waimate; G. Syme, Hawera. Resolved, “ That a branch of the Referees- Association be formed in connection with the Taranaki Rugby Union, and that the Rev. C. C. Harper, Messrs G. Syme, R. S. Hirshberg and J. Campbell be appointed members of the association, with Mr F. C. Smith as hon. secretary.” The following dates were arranged for the matches to be played by the Taranaki team away from home:— Taranaki v. Wanganui, Wednesday, 18th July ;>■ Taranaki v. Manawatu, Friday, 20th. July; Taranaki v. Auckland, Saturday, 28th July. The Thames match is to left to the team. Resolved, “ That the challenge of the Bush Rugby Union for a match at Hawera be accepted.” Re-

solved, “ That the dates for the South Canterbury and Wellington matches be left to the management committee to arrange, having regard to the wishes of the visiting teams.” The following resolution was passed :—“ That when the selection committee has chosen the men to take part in the trial matches the names be handed to the secretary, and each man be asked to keep a strict- account of all expenses incurred in attend-, ing the trial matches, and further, that when the final selection has been made the individual members of the team be asked to keep a careful record of all hotel and travelling expenses borne by them, and submit same at end of the season to a finance committee to consider these accounts, and that such committee be authorised to make such refunds to the claimants as in their opinion the funds of the Union will admit; that the finance committee consist of the hon. secretary, hon. treasurer, and Mr G. Syme.” Resolved, “ That trial matches be fixed for Saturday, 7th and 15th July, the’first to be played at Hawera, and the second at New Plymouth.” The following committees were appointed for the matches which take place at the Northern and Southern centres : —North End Reception Committee: Messrs O. Samuel, J. B. Roy, J. Paul. W. Harden, S. Humphries, W. Baly, R. Tate,, Dr. Leatham, Dr. O’Carroll, H. Hammond, E. Jacob, T. A. Hempton, P. R. Carthew, T. L. Ward, F. Watson, A.- E. A. Clarke, N. King and C. B. Lever, with power to add to their number. Managing Committee, North End : Messrs J. Paul, W. Harden, S. Humphries, and C. B. Lever (hon. sec.). South End Reception Committee: Messrs G. T. Bayly, G. Syme, C. E. Major, F. Riddiford, H. Gibbons, Dr. Westenra, F. V. Lysaght, J. Campbell, A. W. Budge, Harry Good, J. R. Stewart, Gilbert Pearce, Rev. C. C. Harper, W. G. Malone, F. A. Tyrtr, R. S. Hirschberg, H. Bayly, S. Adamson, H. Southey. Managing Committee, South End : Messrs W. G. White, T. C. Fookes, G. Syme, and F. C. Smith (hon. sec.). Resolved, “ That this Union approves and endorses the action of the New Zealand Union in withholding its permission for the Canterbury-Otago provincial match.” The following new rule was. passed :— “ That clubs desirous of bein£ admitted to the Union must be duly proposed by one and seconded by another of the associated clubs, and be elected by a majority of votes on a vote by ballot at a meeting of delegates ; such clubs shall pay an entrance fee of £1 is.” The Selection Committee met on Saturday at Stratford, and picked the following teams to play a trial match at Hawera on Saturday, 7th July : —A Team . Full-back, Robinson ; threequarters, Marshall, A. Bayly, A. Good ; five-eighth, S. Humphries; halves, W. Bayly, A. Humphries, A. George; forwards, Pearce, Buchanan, J. Lambie, Livingston, Ryan, Watson, Wells and Sangster. B Team-; Full-back, Rauche ; three-quarters, H. Good, Allen, Tom Hempton ; five-eighth, Lusk; halves, Pearson, C. Bayly, Laing; forwards, McMillan, Creig, Cullen, Hughes, Davis, Hawkin, W. Lambie and O’Carroll.

It will be seen by the list of fixtures that the Taranaki reps, will play Wanganui and Manawatu before Auckland, and as these matches will undoubtedly give the team practice and combination I am of opinion that they will just about beat the Aucklanders.

The Star and Waimate clubs played off for the senior premiership of the province at Hawera on Friday, the result being a draw, each team scoring a try. A. Humphries and A. Good were the respective scorers. The result will necessitate another match between the teams.

Star 11. beat 'Kaitake by a potted goal to a try at Oukura on Thursday. Birch potted the goal for the winners, and Rutherford scored a try for the losers. The winners have won every match so far this season. A close and exciting game is anticipated when Star 11. meet Tukapa I. in the return match. Star 11. beat Tukapa 111. by 9 to 3 points on Thursday. The Junior Union have upheld the Tukapa 11. protest against Stratford 111., and awarded the game to the former. In the Star-Hawera senior match, played at Hawera on Friday week last, there were several knock outs. Laing, on the Star side, got disabled, and E. Humphries, another Star back, got his nose badly damaged. On the Hawera side one player got his right elbow sprained, and another got hi* left elbow broken. x In the Star 111. v. Tukapa 111. match two of the latter got laid up temporarily for repairs.

Several of the games in this district this year have been characterised by rough play. The Taranaki rep. team will be picked after the trial match at Hawera and New Plymouth, and I shall take the earliest opportunity of forwarding the names, with comments, in order to give the Aucklanders an idea of the foemen they have to meet at the end of the month. The Wellington reps, apparently intend this season to return tne Taranaki’s visit of 1885 The Stratford-Waimate senior match was played at Stratford last Saturday, and resulted in a win for Waimate by a try to nil. The game, which was played in pouring rain, was uninteresting to witness, as the sloppy state of the ground and the greasy condition of the ball rendered good play impossible. Tom Hempton has come out again, and has a probable chance of being included in the rep. team. Tukapa I. on Thursday week last defeated Inglewood I. by 20 points to nil. The same day Star 111. defeated Inglewood 11. by 15 points to 3. [by wire.] July 10. Messrs Syme, Tate, and Hirschberg have picked the following rep. team to represent Taranaki:—Backs—J. Robinson (Star), A. Bayly (Stratford), L. Allen (Star), T. A. Hempton (Clifton), R. B. Lusk (Stratford), J. Laing (Star), W. Bayly (Clifton), H. M. Good (Waimate), A. Good (Waimate). Forwards —J. Buchanan (Hawera), W. Saughter (Eltham), J. Lambie (Waimate), D. J. Hughes (Waimate), Watson (Stratford), Wells (Clifton), McWilliam (Stratford). The team is subject to alteration. A practice match will be played here on Saturday next.

First Juniobs. P. W. L. D. Pts. for Agst. Ponsonby .... 8 7 1 0 84 29 Grafton 8 6 2 0 50 43 North Shore .. 8 5 3 0 87 40 Parnell 7 5 2 0 98 36 Suburbs ...... 8 2 6 0 37 91 8 1 7 0 > 9 49 Newton 8 I 7 0 37 91 Second Juniobs P. W. L. D. Pts. for Agst. Newton 8 8 0 0 84 7 Grafton A...» 8 7 1 0 36 21 Parnell 9 5 4 0 32 50 Grafton B .... 8 2 6 0 26 33 Ponsonby .... 8 2 6 0 25 44 City 9 0 9 0 16 71