FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1116, 31 August 1911, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

" The semi-final of the Auckland Rugby Union Cbampiqnsl)ips was played at Alexandra Park on Saturday last,, when the two teams Marist Bros, and University met to see who should have the honour of contesting the premiership with City. The game was well contested throughout, the play being mainly |n the hands of the forwards, and in this department of the game the Marist Bros, had decidedly the best of it, evpntually winning an exci ing contest by '8 points to nil.

The weather although showery in the early part of the afternoon cleared sufficiently to give a dry ball, although the ground w.qs heavy and a strong easterly wind favoured the defenders of the eastern goal. The fixture between Ponsonby and G'rafton was not played, but Parnell and Newton with the assistance of juniors took the field and played short spells, the former winning by 12 points to nil.

MARIST BROS, v- UNIVERSITY.

The teams lined out as follows: Marist Brothers. —Full-back, J. O’-

Brien; three-quarters, B. O’Brien, Curran, White; five-eighths, Little, Tobin;' half‘ Shpahap; forwards, Harris (wing), O ? Connqr, Barrett, McDevitt, Grace, Dennehy, Grace, Herring.

University. -— Full-back, Borrie; three-quarters, Geddes, Wilson, Macky five-eighths, McDonald, Wilkes; half, Ottersen; forwards, fßilkey i(wiiig), Sextpn, MdPavitt, Bamford, McDuff, Hunt, Qriersqn, Ramsay.

The play—First Quarter. Marist Bros, won the toss and elected to defend the eastern goal, having the advantage of a strong wind. McDuff kicked off for ‘Varsity, play settling in touch near half way. From the line Wilkes got away for the blues and reached the full-back, when he punted over O’Brien’s head, and the forwards taking up the attack carried the ball over the line but lost it, the leather gqing info touch in goal. On resuming Bprr|e received the kick-out and got the touch line in

Mapist’s 25. The Bros, broke away, bu t a timely mark by Macky put them on the defensive. Lpose open play by ’Versify in which Geddes put in a solid run, saw the Bros, line in danger, but for taking the pass pffside ’Varsity were penalised, and O’Brien’s kick found the light blues quarter. ’Varsity retaliated with a dash by Wilson, who kicked high. Macky followed up fast and spoilt the return, the ball going out at half-way. Grace put in a smart bit of work for the Brps. and had Borrie in trouble, but the support was not there and the students cleared their line. The Bros, still pressed home their claim, 'but kicking hard across the line Borrie forced.

The kick-out was marked by Curran, but no advantage was gained. Sheahan led a forward rush into ’Varsity’s quarter, and just as things were looking sultry for the students Geddes gathered in the leather and got to centre before being collared. The Bros, secured from the scrum, Little to Tobin to B. O’Brien, who was grassed by Macky. The Bros, were having the best of it and Sheahan crossed, but being held before he got over, a five yard scrum was ordered. A free to ’Varsity gave them relief, the ball going out at their quarter. From the throw-in loose play followed, and McDevitt snapping up the leather made a splendid attempt to pot, the ball striking the bar came back into play. For some seconds a score Ippked certain for the Bros, when McDonald picked up and sent out to Geddes, who raced down the line removing the danger. The bell sounded change ends with play at halfway flag.

Second Quarter.

An exchange pf kicks ended in play settling near half-way. The light blues got away from the line, but the tackling of the Bros, was pretty solid and little advantage was gained. Sheahan opened up the play and sent to Little to Curran, the lattei’ failing to take cleanly. ’Varsity were now making strenuous efforts to score, but McDonald, on more than one occasion kicked too hard, thus giving J. O’Brien an opportunity to clear his line. In fact O’Brien’s line kicking was a strong feature in the game, he was playing to save his forwards. Little made a faulty kick, which would have cost his side a score, but fortunately for him the ball went into touch-in-goal. Man in front at the kick-out gave a scrum at Marist’s 25 line, where Ottersen secured and passed to Macky to McDonald, who punted high and ’Varsity were in hot attack — O’Brien saved with a timely punt. The students returned to the attack and were in a good position when Wilson failed with his kick. The Bros, taking advantage of the mistake saw Curran off at top, but he kicked instead of passing and Macky seepring got his side out of trouble. A good deal of interchange of play followed in which the ’Varsity backs made frequent attempts to break through, but the fine defence of the Bros., assisted by the well-judged kicking pf J. O’Brien kept them in neutral ground. A sensational piece of play deserving of a score was initiated by Ottersen sending to Wilkes, McDonald, Wilson, and then again to McDonald to Bilkey who was collared with the ball close to the line—the Bros, cleared but Borpie picked up and had a pot shot, the Bros, forcing. Macky for ’Varsity put in a determined run, and eventually with the efforts of the forwards, the ball was taken, over the line but had to come back for a knock-on. Marist Bros, cleared from the scrum, when B. O’Brien put in a sensational rim to half-way, being downed by McDonald who chased him. Thg bell sounded half time, neither side scoring.

Third Quarter. McDuff opened for ’Varsity and, spoiling the return, had play in their opponents’ 25. The students secured from the scrum but were smothered before passing, and in the open play following the Bros, cleared their lines. Harris got away, supported by Little, carrying play to past haff-way where a hard kick by the students was smartly returned by J. O’Brien — the students forcing. The kick out was charged down, but Wilkes secured and making an opening passed to Wilson, who transferred a bad pass to Geddes. White got in with a hard kick compelled ’Varsity to force. Some gppd interchange of play in which the Bros.

took a hand in attack raised the hopes , of the Marist BrBs3. Ottbrsen secured from a scrum and sent out to McDonald, to Wilson and again the latter spoilt a good chance by a Bdd ijass to Mdck^.The., students kept up d, hot attack but could not get tiltougii the botid ddfehce of J. O’fefieh. A fbee tb the Students for’ bft-Sidb by liatrib did .riot gairi inlich advantage. ’The Brbs.’ forwards now tbbk a hand and with a solid rush chrHed the bail dbross the. J me— Macky saved ;By fdfcihg. MaHsts gradually worked plhy bldse to their Ojipoherits’ lirib and got touch hear the cbrher. Frdm the thrbw-in Herring secured and darted ovbr, drawing first blood for the Bros. Sheahhh failed to add. Mdrists 3; ’Varsity nil. The bell sounded change ends immediately after the place kick.

Last Quarter.

It was generally anticipated that the students would put up their usual dash in the final spell, but notwithstanding their repeated efforts to open lip the game the machinery seemed oiit of order and disconnected, and at no time did they look really dangerous in the final 20 minutes. There is no doubt that the absence of Schoheld and Gray completely disorganised the combination of the tearhs, as will be seen on reference tb the position of the players at the hdad of this column. The play. of tnb babks suffered in comparison with the game they played against City the previous week. From +he kick out p’ay settled at centre, dhd from loose play following ’Varsitv obtained afree, the kick was marked, and O’Brien sent them back with a splendid long kick to their 25. Bilkey broke away from the line but was well tackled, and again the leather was booted to ’Varsity’s 25. The Marist pack were completely running over the'students, and the strict attention givenko their backs (especially by Harris) prevented the ’Varsity sprinters from getting at all dangerous. Curran for Marist’s secured a mark and Little had a shot to no advantage, the ball falling short, an exchange of kicks seeing the leather out at centre. Marist Bros, continued to press hard and when in their opponent’s quarter Curran smothered a kick by Wilkes and picking up the 'ball raced over the line- Little added the points. Marists 8, ’Varsity nil. With only a few minutes to go the students stuck to their task, but were unable to do any better than they had done in the earlier stages of the game, The bell sounding cease play with the scores as above.

.Mr. WilHams had charge of the whistle.

PARNELL DEFEATS NEWTON.

Parnell and Newton met oh No. 3 ground, and after the shortest of spells the former team won by 12 points to nil. The Parnellites placed a much stronger team on the field than on the previous Saturday, but Newton were represented by a very weak combination. The Parnell men had their opponents beaten from the kick-off, and the four tries which they obtained were very soft. Newton’s defence, which, under the circumstances, can be pardoned, was all at sea, the maroons having matters all their own way. This constituted Newton’s eleventh defeat out of the eleven matches played, and the team certainly deserve some credit for sticking together so well. The try-getters for Parnell were Carter, Colgan, Warner and Kendall. Hardwicke was kicking well, but in several instances had the bad hick to miss a goal by the narrowest of margins.

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES.

THIRD GRADE. City and Parnell teams tried conclusions on No. 6 ground, the game deciding the third grade championship. The match resulted in a victory for City by 11 points to nil, after a keenly-contested game. For the winners tries were notched by Gallagher, Warden and Magee, one of which was converted by James. FIFTH GRADE. Newton A beat Newton C by 20 points to 5. Newton B won by default from City. Parnell beat Ponsonby B by 25 points to nil.

OTHER MATCHHES.

{At Christchurch the Canterbury reps, defeated Wanganui by 19 points to nil. For Canterbury tries were scored by Carroll (2), Miller, Morris add Morgan, while Doell' and Weston each converted a try. ’

. At Dunedin .the Otagjo team secured a victory th'e Mew Zealrihd Maori fifteen by 20 points to 8. Tries were s'cored tor Otago by Paterson (2), Eckhold (2), Ellison and Molloy,, one of which whs converted by Eckhold. Nuku scored a try for the Maoris, which whs boh verted by Hughes, who also kicked a pehalty goal. At Greymouth the West Coast reps, defeated the Buller team by 20 points to 13.

At Masterton the Wairarapa team beat Manawatu by 16 points to 8, For Wairarapa tries were obtained bv Thompson (2) and Groube, the gdai's being added in two instances by McKenzie, who also kicked a penalty goal. For Manawatu tries were scored by Ward arid Brough, one of which was converted by McEwan. At Whangarei, the Northern Wairba representatives defeated the Whangarei team by 9 points to 3.

AUCKLAND’S SOUTHERN TOUR.

A POWERFUL TEAM.

The Auckland representative team left by the Main Trunk express on Tuseday night and will arrive in Christchurch to-dav (Thursday). On Saturday they will rileet Canterbury. They leave Christchhrch for Duhedin on September 4, and will play Otago on Wednesday; September 6. They will take their departure from Dulled! n on the following morning (September 7) and will arrive in Wellington on September 8. Wellington will be played oh Saturday, September 9,

the team leaving the Empire City en route for New Plymouth on the 11th. The match against Taranaki will be played on Thursday (September 14), after which the Aucklanders will go aboard the Rarawa the same evening, arriving at Onehunga the following morning.

Of the team originally selected three of the most prominent players were unable, to make the trip, these beirig T. Wilkes (wing forward), W. Cunningham (lock), and W. Gray (five-eighths). Their places have been filled by J. Rasmussen, J. Maguire and O. Wolfgramm. The team which will tour the South is as follows: —

Full-backs: J. O’Learv (Ponsonby) and J- O’Brien (Marist Bros.).

Three-quarters: V. J. Macky (University), D. Stewart (City), A. McGregor (Ponsonby), O. Wolfgramm (Grafton); G. Murray (Ponsonby). Five-eighths: R. Magee (City) and W. Geddes (University). Half-back: A. Otterson (University).

Wing-forward: J. Hall (Ponsonby).

Forwards: F. Herring (Marist Bros.), G. Sellars (Ponsonby), J. Harper (Grafton), A- Bruce (City), H. Hayward (Thames), J. Rasmussen ("City), A. C. Wilson (Parnell), J. Barrett (Marist Bros.), J. Maguire (City). . . .. , . Mr. M. J. Sheehan is manager of the team during their tour, while R. Magee will captain the blue and white combination,. F. Herririg being vicecaptain. , - ; .

The team is , considered a powerful one, and should uphold their reputa-

tion in the four matches they will play whilst on tour. . Wellington were regarded as the team likely to give the Aucklanders the most trouble, but after their decisive defeat •by Tara-

naki on Saturday, the latter team should prove the toughest nut to - crack. <. Wilkes’ iriability to get away with the team is to be regretted, as on the season’s form he is easily the best winger in Auckland. However, his place -is to be filled by J. Hall. The team is decidedly well off on the score of three-quarters, all of whom are young and speedy players- The forwards are a weighty lot, and five out of the nine chosen are new to representative honours in Auckland. In A. C. Wilson, who is a Wellington and Canterbury rep., the team have a first-class lock man, while J. Maguire is also an experienced player in this position.

TARANAKI RUN OVER WELLINGTON.

STOHR’S BRILLIANT KICKING. Between 7000 and 8000 enthusiasts were present at Athletic Park on Saturday, to witness the interprovincial match between the Wellington and Tafariaki representatives. The result of tile match; Wnibh was won by Taranaki by 23 points to. 3, was most disappointing to Wellingtonians, who never for a moment anticipated that their side would go down so badly. Though 14 of the 23 points scored by this Visitors were the result of Stolir’s splendid place-kicking, Wellington’s defeat was convincing enough to show that they are a long way below the standard of the Taranaki combination, who outplayed them in a surprising manner. Not only in the backs did the Taranaki men show their superiority over the local team, but the amber and black vanguard also gave a more dashing and better all-round display than the Wellington forwards, it was, however, in the backs that Wellington failed lamentably, and their faulty and uncertain tactics were in marked contrast to the finished and nippy display given by the visiting rearguard. The speedy Cameron was in rare form, while the veteran Mynott clearly demonstrated that he is not a back number by playing a sterling game. Apart from his kicking, Stohr took a useful part in the passing runs, and was the hero of the match. Coleman, who, towards the end of the game received an injury to his head which compelled him to retire from the field, played one of b’s most serviceable games, his clever stopping being much in evidence. The Wellington three - quarters, Daly, Mitchinson and Cook compared very unfavourably with the opposing threequarter line, their handling of the leather being weak, while their kicking was not up to expectations. Evenson, the Wellington full-back, was unreliable, his kicking being considerably below his usual form. Kinvig was the best of the Wellington , backs, and he rendered his side no end of assistance. Wellington’s showing in Saturday’s match cannot foe taken as a true indication of their real strength, and they are expected to give a much better account of themselves when they meet Auckland on September 9. The lightning tactics of the Taranaki rear division appeared to have a dazing effect upon the Wellington men, who were too slow and inactive for their nippier rivals.

,p he first score of the match was registered a couule of minutes after the kick-off, McLeod taking a mark for Taranaki, from which Stohr piloted the ball over. Wellington being penalised for off-side tactics, Stohr was entrusted with another shot at sroal, and again sent the oval over the cross-bar. Soon after, Cook, the Wellington three-quarter, put the finishing touches to a brilliant passing run, by notching a clever try iri the corner. Mitchinson failed to convert. Taranaki 9, Wellington 3. Wellington again indulging in off-side play, Stohr landed a beautiful goal and when half-time sounded the score was: Taranaki 1.2, Wellington 3. Wellington showed up better in the earlier stages of the second spell, but their efforts to break through Taranaki’s defence w r ere unavailing, Mynott particularly getting in some serviceable work in keeping them away from the danger zone. Finally, the fleet-footed Cameron secured the leather near the half-way flag and streaking for the line outwitted the opposition splendidly, scoring amid wild cheering. Stohr made a good attempt, froth a difficult angle. Taranaki 15, Wellington 3. Taranaki being awarded a penalty, Stohr further displayed his remarkable place-kicking abilities by sending the ball, over the.bar from almost half-way. Before the close of

the game, Smith got across for Taranaki and Stohr was Successful with tbe shot at goal, the final score being:, Taranaki 23, Wellington 3.

NOTES.

Prior to the Auckland-Wellington inter-provincial match at Athletic Park on September. 9, a “curtainraiser” is to be played between the Wellington Referees’ Association and the Manawatu Referees’ Association.

The South Island combined country representatives did not win a riiatch, but the tour has just about paid for itself, so that the undertaking is considered much more satisfactory than anticipated.

Eckhold, the crack Southern back, whose non-inclusion in the original selection of this year’s Otago team was freely commented upon, has since been chosen to fill the position of fiveeighths for Otago. A feature of Eckhold’s play is his fine defensive work, arid this, no doubt, is largely responsible for his securing a place in the team.

The Auckland Grammar School fifteen which has been oh a tour to Wellington, met and defeated the Nelson College team by 13 points to 8 oh Saturday, the match being played at Athletic Park as a “curtain-raiser” tb the Wellington-Taranaki match. Oh Monday the Grammar School played St. Patrick’s College (Wellington) at Athletic Park, and secured another win by 8. points tb 5.

The next inter-provincial riiatch to be plriyed at Alexandra Park will be between Auckland and Poverty Bay On September 16, the Aucklanders returning from their Southern tour on the 15th.

The decision of the committee of the Auckland Rugby Union to hold a beriefit for “Scotty” Bonella, the popular City and Auckland footballer, who is at present in the Auckland Hospital with an attack of appendicitis, should meet with the wholehearted support of all lovers of Rugby. The match will probably take place on September 9. Bonella is one of the veteran players in Auckland, arid such a worthy case is certain to appeal to football enthusiasts.

The Wellington Rugby Union’s senior competition has now reached an interesting stage. St James, who opened the season so brilliantly and were regarded as almost certain winners of the competition, have by reason of their defeat on Saturday week by Oriental to the tune of 9 points to 6 lost their hold bn the Championship, for which Oriental are leading by virtue of their win. Athletic, however, are only one point behind Oriental, whom they meet On Saturday, arid the result of the match will decide the senior competition. The OriehtalSt. James match drew a crowd of 8000 enthusiasts, and the OrientalAthletic game is certain to attract another big attendance, so that the Wellington Rugby Union should have no cause to grumble at the takings at club matches this season.

Both in Christchurch and Dunedin the club competitioris are over, and in the senior grade winning honours have been gained by the Albion and University blubs respectively. Wellington will bring their club games to a finish on Saturday, when the Oriental Club -will in all probability win the senior grade championship. The Auckland R.U.’s senior competition will not be concluded until the representative team returns from the Southern tour, wlieri City and Marist Bros, will play Off for the championship. On the form displayed by both teams this season it is expected that City Will prove to be the champion club team iri Auckland for the 1911 season.

What good purpose is the Maori team’s tour of New Zealarid serving? remarks a Southern football critic. If it is to give the Maoris a pleasant jaunt through their own land, well and good, but if it is to advertise their prowess at the Rugby game; or to convince the authorities that the time is ripe when another New Zealand native team should be sent on tour through the Home country, the players should take themselves and the game riiore •' seriously. There is no question that the side does not compare favourably with the Maori team that tdiired New South Wales and New Zealand.last year under.the same management.

WANGANUI NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

The Wanganui Rugby representative team finished up its tour of the South Island on Saturday by suffering defeat by Canterbury by 19 points to nil. The team played four matches in the South, and was beaten all along the line, whereas the previous team sent South won its four matches, but Rugby football has gone back very much in the last few years, the form shown this season being very poor.

On the other hand, the Northern League players have done remarkably well, having played five matches this season of which they have won four, Taranaki having been beaten twice, likewise Hawke’s Bay. Auckland gained a victory in the Cup match, played at Auckland recently, but only after a most evenly contest-, ed game. It is understood that there is a possibility of Auckland sending a team down shortly to play a return match, and local players are anxious to get a chance to turn the tables on the Northerners, who would 'find the Wanganui team much harder to beat now than a few weeks ago.

Most of the members of the Eastern Rugby Club have gone over to the new game, and as there are some good players amongst-them the prospects of the Leaguers have been brightened considerably. Next season should see a number of club matches played, and this will help to create interest in the game, which has now got a firm hold both of players and of the public. ■> The Northern League game Hawke’s Bay v. Wanganui, played on Cook’s Gardens on Saturday resulted in an easy win for Wanganui. The weather was fine, and there was a good attendance, some £5O being taken at the gates. The locals were superior to the visitors in all departments, particularly in the back division and ran up 22 points to 3 —the latter score being a penalty try. The play was interesting, but rather too one-sided to be very exciting. This was surprising after the great fight Hawke’s Bay put up against Auckland, which led many to expect to see a very even struggle here.

NORTHERN UNION NOTES.

AUCKLAND v. NELSON. CHALLENGE CUP MATCH. EASY WIN FOR AUCKLAND. Over 5000 enthusiasts assembled at Victoria Park on Saturday to witness the inter-provincial match between the League representatives of Auckland and Nelson, -which ended in a fairly easy victory for the former thirteen by 36 points to 12. Despite its one-sided character the match, which was for the Northern Union Challenge Cup, was a good exhibition of League football, there being plenty of exciting incidents to prevent the game from becoming monotonous. The combination gained by the Auckland team during their three previous, matches against Wellington, Lower Waikato and Hawke’s Bay respectively was greatly in evidence in Saturday’s match, while the inclusion of R. Sprague among the home team’s backs was a wise move on the part of the selectors, this clever young three-quarter proving the handy man of the rear division. The Auckland backs shaped very creditably, but the fine pack of forwards in front of them gave them far more opportunities on the attack than the Nelson rearguard had. For the Auckland forwards played right into the hands of their backs, and showed a much superior knowledge of the game than the visitors. The visiting team would undoubtedly have shown to more advantage had they combined better, while their defence was not as good- as it might have been, there being plenty of room for improvementThe teams were represented as follows: —

Auckland: — Full-back, Harrison. Three-quarters, A. Asher, A. Carlaw, R. Sprague, E. Robinson. Fiveeighths, Morse. Half-back, Jackson. Forwards, W. Griffin, C. Dunning (captain), J. Bennett, Fricker, J. Rukutai, Waters. Nelson. —Full-back, R. Beckley. Three-quarters, James, Mason, Cross Five-eighths, F. Page. Half-backs, P, Hannigan, G. Stapp (captain). Forwards, B, Feary, K. Feary, D’Arcy

Fanchelle, W. Doyle, C. Cederman, V. Mason, H. Sparrow. Auckland were early on the attack, the visitors being hemmed in near

their own line until a penalty kick afforded them relief. Auckland continued their aggressive tactics, and Morse, seizing an opening, evaded the Nelson backs and scored in a good position. Dunning converted. Auckland 5, Nelson nil. The visitors then rallied and had Auckland in difficulties, but Sprague came to the rescue and removed the danger. A Nelson player securing a mark, Mason was entrusted with the shot, which proved successful. Auckland 5, Nelson 2. A period of even play followed, in which both sides were responsible for some bright and attractive play. Finally, a penalty kick by Dunning was followed up smartly by Rukutai, the crack Auckland forward, and the return being blocked Rukutai scored a good try. Dunning converted. Auckland 10, Nelson 2. A few minutes later Cederman got across for Nelson from a struggle near Auckland’s line. Taking the kick himself he landed a good goal. Auckland 10, Nelson 7. The Nelson forwards were putting in some first-rate work at this stage, and from an opening made by Mason, Cederman secured his second try, which he converted himself. Nelson 12, Auckland 10. Just before halftime was declared Sprague scored a creditable try for Auckland after putting in a good sprint round the Nelsonians. Auckland 13, Nelson 12. In the second half the Nelson team did not show up nearly so prominently, the Aucklanders running up a

big number of points, while the visitors failed to register a single score. Tries were scored at short intervals by Griffin (2), Fricker, Rukutai (2), Harrison and Waters, one of the. tries being converted by Dunning. Mr: D. McCarthy, of Hawke’s Bay, refereed in an efficient manner.

AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI.

The Auckland League team will defend the English Northern Union’s Challenge Cup for the fourth time this season on Saturday next, when they will meet the Taranaki representatives at Victoria Park. Each of the three inter-provincial matches played under Northern Union rules at Victoria Park during the last few Saturdays has attracted a big attendance, and a bright and interesting game has resulted in each instance. It is, therefore, not too much to expect that the Taranaki-Auckland match will be an unusually exciting one, as the visitors come from the butter country with a big reputation, so that followers of the Northern Union game should be in for a rare treat on Saturday. The -following team will represent Auckland: -—

Fallback, H. Childs (City). Threequarters, A. Robinson (City), , Carlaw (Ponsonby), R. Sprague (Ngaruawahia), A. Asher (City). Five-eighths, F. Morse (City). Half-back, A. Jackson (North Shore). Forwards, M. Griffin (North Shore), A. Bennett (Newton), C. Dunning (Ponsonby), B. Mitchell (City), J. Rukutai (City), H. Fricker (Ponsonby). Emergencies: Backs, Keneally, Cholly, Blakey,

Harrison; forwards, Waters, Stanaway, Denize, Cummins. The personnel of the Taranaki team will probably not be known until after their match against Nelson at Eltham to-day (Thursday).

A match was played at Huntly on Saturday between Lower Waikato and Hamilton, the former thirteen winning by 17 points to 3- For the victors tries were notched by Hall (2), Kay (2) and Gleeson, one of which was converted by Hall. Castleton scored Hamilton’s only try.

The Northern Union match between Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay, which was played at Wanganui on Saturday before an attendance numbering some 1000 persons, was won by the home thirteen by 22 points to 3.

That the Northern Union game is rapidly increasing in favour there can be little doubt, and that its progress is not confined to Auckland alone is evidenced by the fact that a match is to be played at Eltham to-day between the Nelson and Taranaki League representatives.