FOOTBALL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18426, 6 July 1925, Page 14

FOOTBALL.

CANTERBURY RUGBY UNION. CHARITY DAY. SATURDAY'S RESULTS. Old Boys S, Christchurch 0. 'Varsity 11, Linwood 3. Merlrale 9, Albion 6. Saturday was the Canterbury Rugby Union's Charity Day, the whole or the proceeds of the gates being devoted to deserving causes. The day was beautifully fire and mild, and there was a -very large attendance at Lancaster Park to see Old Boys and Christchurch play. Owing to the heavy rain which fell during the week the turf was in a soft condition. Old Boys proved the victors by a margin of 3 points, after a game of a very strenuous nature. Owing to the sodden state of the south and west grounds at the Park, no matches were plaved there. 'Varsity defeated Linwood at the Show -Grounds by 11 points to 3, and M-erivale beat Albion on an adjoining ground by 9 points to 6. No matches below Senior A grade were played. The following table shows the position or the various teams engaged in the Senior A competition:—

Old Boys (3) v. Christchurch (0). Christchurch and Old Boya contested one of the meet strenuously fought games witnessed in Christchurch for many a day on the Lancaster Park Oval, which, considering the very heavy rain experienced of late, was in surprisingly good order. The general impression was that it would be a quagmire, and although the foothold was treacherous in most places the water had got away so well that though the ball became heavy towards the end it was never greasy. The game was not a brilliant one, for the tackling throughout was deadly, and nipped in the bud many movements that looked like developing into scores. In this respect both teams xaust be given the greatest praise, for the tackling done was usually hard and low. The defence was much superior to the attack of either side, and. so the scoring was kept down to a solitary try bjr Old Boys, one well deserved, for on the day's play Old Boys were slightly the better team. The tactics adopted also had something to do with the result. In the first spell the forward# kept a very compact scrum and seemed content to hold the opposition. The Christchurch. forwards appeared anxious to mike the pace a- cracker from the start, doing a wonderful amount of work, and on occasions in the first spell at least two forwards appeared over-anxious and tackled when «,n opposing back had got rid of the ball. The attacking movements of the Christchurch backs were executed in a manner not worthy of first-grade football. Mullan, the half-back, got the bill away all right, hut Finnegan at first five-eighths took his passes standing still, and threw the whiole combination out of gear. McGregor was good on occasions, showing a. wise anticipation and good defence, but the three-quarters- were not impressive. Lewis evidently lacked experience, and though Robilliard mado a fine dash towards the end he showed no ability to boat Dalley. .Op the Old Boys' side Dalley wa3 here, there and everywhere, giving one of the greatest- defensive displays . witnessed at Lancaster Park for years. He showed an almost uncanny anticipation' of the run of the play, and without him Old Boys would have been well beaten. ' His "scoop" passing from the scrum was the work of a. master, though it was . hard to understand jiist why ho cut his first five-eighths out so often. Hay a iirl Mortlock each played solidly and well, while S. Carleton at centre did everything asked of - him in workmanlike style. |Neither. of the wing-three-quarters had a great deal to do, but Nixon at full-back gave a good exhibition of clean handling and hefty Ikicking. Of, tn© forwards on either side nono "went better than Skipwortb, of Old Boys, while assisting liirti nobly were the veteran T. Gray, and Clarke. The Old Boys' forwards played a "good combined game, and considering that they were giving away a lot in weight to the opposing pack, their performance is all the more inoritorious. There'can be 110 excuses made for the Christchurch forwards. They had weight and the ground in their favour, and with Scrimshaw playing a vigorous game at wingforward they were -well led. They were not

air Buch honest, workers as Old Boys, and i several were inclined to "rest" in the sec- : o'nd spell. Leahy 'was the best of the lot, and in the loose Melvin did a lot of good •work, while Gibson did some fast following

up . The line-out work on both sides was weak, •while , •with perhaps tho exception of Hobday,, of Old Boys, not a wing-three-quarter showed form worthy of first-grade foothill.- ■ ,

The first spell saw littio sensational woTk by either side, though R. Carlet-on, for Old Boys, made a good dash, for the line at the end of a passing rush, arid McGregor, Talbot, and Bobilliaid' indulged inr passing which almost let the first-named over. At half-time neither eido bad scored.. Tho play badbeen about even. Shortly after the second spell opened, a penalty to Old Boys g»ve Nixon a shot at goal, a. good attempt bitting the -upright •well up. Old Boys kept up a strenuous attack for, some time, and Dalley Sent the ball out in great' style. Always the tackling met' the position.' Penalties to both sides gave relief in turn, but eventually Skipworth broke away from a line-out and car-

lied the to the line, where he was toppled-over, by Young. Low, who was bandy, got 'his hands on the ball first and was awarded), a try. There was some dis- • sent from the referee's decision by a small section of ' the crowd, who appeared to think that 'a force-down should have been given. ' Christcburch then got to work in great style and ;made strenuous attempts to score, but the tackling held! and on one occasion Isobilliard, when making a bid for the line, " crashed -under a tackle by Bailey. Mr . E. Bmpson had control of the game. Merivale (9) v. Albion (6). -The wet state of the Show Ground soon made .the ball greasy and difficult to hold. , After a period of desultory play, Merivale started passing and from the movement Kirkland dashed over and touched down, liooper's kinlr at goal missed. A. long kick'by Cox was followed; up by Johnston, who raced for it with two Merivale players, Oliver getting to it first and forcing. Merivale attacked and Albion had need to defend 1 strongly. From a difficult angle Oliver had a kick at goal and succeeded in putting the ball between the posts. Albion retaliated, and their forwards took play to a bandy position, where & penalty was awarded them, Jack turning it. to profit. A rush in-' which Hart; ■ Merivale's full-back, _ was prominent, transferred plfitT to Albion's twenty-five, but in a few moments the Albion forwards were back, and hammering at Merivale's line, Johnston being grassed when a score seemed within his reach. The spell ended: Merivale 6; Albion 3. . "Upon the resumption of play Merivale set -up a brisk attack, the Albion forwards clearing and counter-attacking. Back, however, oame Merivale, and Albion were kept busy defending, until Ekgleeome relieved the pressure by dribbling down field. Middleton iioked over Merivale's line, and a, forcedown resulted. Shortly afterwards, Hooper was' slightly injured, and McCabe (centre three-quarter) and he exchanged positions. Albion, who were playing with plenty of energy, worked their way into Merivale a territory, where Eaglesome marked and dropkicked a, good goal, making the scores 6 all. Albioi . continued to attack strongly and their supporters saw visions of victory for them, but shortly before time Oliver, getting possession from near halfway, outpaced the opposition and scored. sTie kick at goal missed and 'the game ended: Merivale 9; Albion 6. I J 'Varsity (11) v. Idnwood (3). Itfe • 'At the Show Grounds, 'Varsity met and Widefeated Linwood by 11 points to 3. Un-is-iaterasting football marked the opening the game, travelling up • field in quick succession. 'Varsity ■ **§fel-W*rded a penalty but Thompson 1 * although a good- one, failed to crofts afterwards, 0. Turpin atTienalty coal for Linwood, but unsuccessful. The Linwood up. and pressed the students <t>4ck. -Cornaga secured and dived for Ij®*! bnVihe' waa overhauled at the oorLmwood attacked strongly, not support their vaneßort. A series of loose '"-Varsity's line, and Lr?** * long P*w to Payne Tha did not convert. ns-wllied and charged down field. ' a™**- T&omptTn's ' was touched

"With the 6cores equal, both sides made desperate efforts to gain the ascendancy. Linwood using their forwards to advantage, drove the Maroons back. Twice Cornaga sprinted along the line, endeavouring to cross, but. the defence was solid. At halftime the secies -were unchanged. >

On resuming, 'Varsity took the initiative, but a timely kick by Payne fcaved the situation for Linwood. Turpin and Hearn ledthe Green and Black pack in the next rush, and with, the ball at their feet, carried play into 'Varsity's territory. It looked as though they would wear down the opposition but Simmers saved brilliantly. The relief was only for a. moment, for once again Llr.wood pressed, but their backs failed to take advantage of the openings made. The students made hercio efforts to ward off their opponent?. Finally the opportunity came. The barks indulged in a pretty passing rush and Shaw went away to score between the posts. Gieen's kick was successful. Inspired by thi3 success, the Maroon backs up another determined rush and Shaw again crossed rear the corner flag. Thompson did not convert. The game ended shortly pfterwards, the final score reading: 'Varsity 11, Linwood 3. BIG FIXTURES. July ] sth—Northern v. Southern SubUnions, at Lancaster Park. July 22nd—Town v. Country, at Lancaster Park. August Ist—Canterbury v. Southland, at Lancaster Park. August nth—Canterbury v. Hawke's Bay, at . Napier. August Stli—Canterbury v. "Wellington, at Wellington. August 10th and 13 th— Secondary Schools" 'Tournament, at Lancaster Park. August. 12th—Canterbury v. AVairarapa, at Masterton. August loth—Canterbury v. Auckland, at Auckland. August 2Sth —Payne Trophy Match, at Lancaster Park. September 2nd —New South Wales v. Cai-terburv-South Canterbury, at Lancaster Pp.j k. ' September stli —Canterbury Jr. Ot&go, at Lancaster Park. September 12ih—Canterburr v. South Canterbury, at Lancaster Park. September 26th—Canterbury v. Wanganui, at Lancaster Park. SOUTHBRIDGE SHIELD. ASHBURTON (14) V. ELLESMERE (0). Exceptional interest was taken in the Ashburton r. Ellesmere representative match for possession of the Scuthbridge Shield, v.-hich was played on Saturday at Southbridge, In addition to a large attendance of enthusiasts- -from >a!l parts of the Ellesmere Sub-Union district, about 30 car loads of spectators travelled from Ashburton to witness' the match. Ashburton lost the shield to Hurunui last season and later Ellesmere wrested it from Hurunui. Satuiday's match was the first shield fixture played this season. The ground, as was to be expected, was in a very wet and slippery condition following the recent rains, and there were several pools of water cn the maving- field. The challenging sub-union fielded a stronger team than the one which met Ellesmere last seasbn. It had a decided advantage in weight, pnd soon proved iVs superiority over the op-posing fifteen, the game ending in favour cf Ashburton by 14 points to nil. Ashburtoi attacked vigorously at the outset, but several promising movements were decked by penalties for off-side play. Within la few minutes Scott made a dash for the line, but a breach brought him back. Kennedy marked smartly in & difficult position and essayed a drop-kick, but t.lio ball missed. Pccoc'k marked and, together with other Ellesmere players, followed up well. Stills checked with a long kick. Kennedy, Tatterao:i and, Stills indulged in a passing rush which almost reached.the Elleejncre line, where "Ellesmere were awarded a penalty kick, which . gayo relief. Miller, a.n Ellesmere forward, was conspicuous for a fine mark, and greatly helped his side by good footwork and fast following up. Some more goj? passing by the .Ashburton backs gave Kennedy a chance to dash over the line, with an opponent hanging on, and a scrum was given five yards out. Keeping up the pressure, Ashburton Secured the ball from tlir scrum, "Kenned}' sending it smartly to Robilliard, who scored a ycod try. Stills's effort to convert failed. _ Ashburton 3, Ellesmere 0. Ellesmere replied by a determined rush up to the Ashburton line, where Arris ■fielded'wdl and cleared to half-way. Cox, an Ellesmere back, took a "oass and set out for t-!io line, but elipped after beatinp his_ man and til"i ball went out. The visitors invariably stained the ball from the scrums, and tboiigh Kennedy, the opposing.half, was well marked, the advantage thus gained was •verv apparent at times. Arris got possession from » line-out and' headed for the F.Ucsniere line, with Stills in attendance, but apain there was an infringement. Throughout, the first spell tho visitors did most of the attacking, Kennedy, Robilliard, Arris! Chisnall and Dennehy being very prominent. Ellesmefle were weak-behind the scrum and the outstanding back was J, W. Calder. who was not well oupported. _ ■ Within a few minutes of the opening of the-second spell, brisk attacks by Ashburton were rewarded by a try scored by Tatterson. which Stills converted. Soon after Ams gathered in a pass from Day and crossed," the kick bging unsuccessful. From a scrummage 15 yards out, the ball was sent to Stills and then to Robilliard, who crossed. Stills did not succeed with the kick. For some time Ellesmere attacked vigorously, the backs led by Calder, Pocock, Hunter-Westem and Cox, and the forwards by Miller, Fongere, Logan and Chamberlain. Several times the Ellesmere men appeared to have a bhance of scoring, but the defence ■proved too solid, and lack of combination was largely responsible for the failure to drive the attacks home. The match ended without further eoore. Mr H. J. Conway was referee.

Later tho visiting team and officials of tho Ashburton . Sub-Union were the guests of the Ell63mero Sub-Union at a dinner and smoke concert. WEST COAST UNION. (special to "the press.") GItEYMOUTH, July .5. Glorious weather prevailed yesterday for the Rugby match, and there was a good attendance at Victoria Park. The senior match proved a runaway victory for United, who beat-Kiwi (Hokitika) by 43 points to 9. The losers fielded a much weaker team than usual, and tho'backs put up a poor defence. The United backs were in good form, and could have compiled a larger total. P. Jamieson, M. Jamieson, and "Warnes were prolific scorers, the first-named accounting for five of the tries. McCleary was the best player for Kiwi. Star (Greymouth) seniors met a weak Excelsior team at Hokitika, . and won by 24 points to 0." The play of the backs in the winning team was mjich too clever for the southerners. There is now no possibility of either of the Hokitika teams winning the Benior competition, but United still has a chance._

United Juniors defeated Star by 23 points to 3.

Barrytown Juniors defeated Cobden by 9 points to 6. ' „ Star Fourth Grade defeated Technical by 21 points to 0.

Cobden Fifth Grado defeated United by 3 points to 0. Technical Fifth Grado defeated Star by 11 points to 8. Playing at Hokitika, ,Kanieri Juniors defeated Arahura by 15 points to 11. The following 'will' irepresent the "West Coast against Buller next Saturday, at "Westport Goodall;- Steel,.. Howard, Morgan, "Warnes, Nelson, McCleary, Jorden, Devaney, Carter, Jamieson, Perham, Brown, "Walker, and Burley. Emergencies: Dougherty, Griffen, H.' Jamieson, Henderson. NELSON COLLEGE OUTCLASSED. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAIf.) • NEW PLYMOUTH, July 5. The anuual match, New Plymouth Sigh School v. Nelson College, played yesterday, waa won by High School by 46 points to 6. The local boys were superior in all departments, Nelson being outclassed'. MARLBOROUGH V. NELSON. (press association telegram.) BLENHEIM, July 4. Marlborough defeated Nelson by 24 to 21. Tho local forwards dominated the game more or less. IN OTHER CENTRES. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.) AUCKLAND, July 4. Ponsonby 27- beat University 3, Grafton 17 beat . College Kifles 8, King's 12 beat Suburbs 6, Shore 16 beat Newton 11, Marists 11 beat Grammar 5. "WELLINGTON, July 4. Old Bovs 6 v. Petone 5, 'Varsity 12 v. Athletic o*. Marist 12 v. Selwyn 5, Poneke 8 v. Hutt 8, Oriental 14 v. Berhampore 0. ° - DUNEDIN, July i. Pirates 17 v.- Southern 3, Kaikorai 14 v. Zingari 3, University A 25 v. Dunedin 0, Alhambra 12 v. Union 3. On account of the state of the grounds these were the only sporting fixtures played. At the close of the first round of the Rugby competitions Pirates have a virtual lead of two points from University A, with Kaikorai next.

LEAGUE. CANTERBURY (23) V. WELLINGTON (5). (PBESS ASSOCIATION' TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, July 4. The Wellington-Canterbury League match was played on a ground sodden by heavy rain. Only about 300 were present. Canterbury attacked at once, and Desmond profited by a mistake to score a try. Lynskey followed with another try from a dribbling rush. Loose but fast play followed till Rlliott gained a good try for Wellington, and just before the interval O'Connor scored for the visitors. In the second spell Wellington had the advantage of a strong wind, but Canterbury proved easily superior, and many fine movements resulted iu Desmond. O'ilalley, Brittenden, and Cox scoring trie?. Collie converting one. Final score: Canterbury 23, Wellington 5. WEST COAST CENTRE. (special to "the press.") GREYMOUTH, July o. The rain which set in shortly after midday again spoiled the attendance at the League matches. Marist and Blackball Seniors met on a muddy field at Blackball, the result being a draw. Leitch scored a try for Blackball and Moore crossed for liarists. Mr C. D&war wa9 referee. Runanga Seniors defeated Inangahua at Dunollie by 11 points to 3. Mr W. Ryan was referee. Nelson Creek Juniors defeated Grevmouth by 30 points to 4. Blackball Juniors defeated Brunner by 22 points to 0. Marists Junioi'3 defeated Runanga by lo points lo 3. Greymouth Third Grade defeated Blackball by 5 points to 3. Marists Third Grade defeated Nelson Creek by 5 points to 0. Rover Third Grade defeated Brunner by 31 points to 5. Runanga Fourth Grade defeated Marists fry 8 points to 6. Brunner School defeated Ngahere (kelson Creek) by 9 points to 0. Runanga School defeated Blackball by dpoints to 0. . , Greymouth Thirds intend obtaining permission from the Canterbury Centre to play a match at Christchurch in about five weeks. ' A new football ground, on which senior matches may be staged, is under preparation at Ngahere. The following are the fixtures for next week-end: Senior Blackball v. Runanga, at Recreation Ground, Oreymoutli, Saturday; Manst v. Greymouth, at Omoto; Inangahua v. Roa, at Blackball. Junior—Greymouth v. Brunner, at Omoto: Nelson Creek v. Inangahua, at Nelson Creek; Marist. v. Rovers, at Dunoliie; Blackball v. Runanga, ,at Blackball. Third Grade —Rovers v. Greymouth, at Grevmouth, Saturday; Athletic v. Blackball", at Blackball; Brunner v. iNclson Creek, at Nelson Creek. School Grade—Brunner v. Runanga, at Brunner, Saturday; Blackball v. NgaliercNelson Creek, at Nelson Creek, Saturday. IN OTHER CENTRES. (PEES 3 ASSOCIATION TELBOBAMS.) . AUCKLAND, July 4. Ponsonby 24 beat Marists 6, City 27 beat Newton IG, Athletic 16 beat Richmond 15. N.S.W. TEAM. (by CABLE—PRESS 'ASSOCIATION—COrTRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received July flth, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 4. The New South Wales League team selected to meet the New Zealand Rugby League team on Saturday isWaterhouse, "Wearing, Rule, O'Rourko, Love, Brien, Johnson, Murphy, Justice, • Ives, O'Connor, Dunworth, La to. ASSOCIATION. IN OTHER CENTRES. (press association telegrams.) AUCKLAND, July 4. Thistle 7 teat,- Xorthcolc 3, ■ Hellabys 2 heat Ponsonby 1, Y.M.C.A. 5 beat "Watersiders 3, Tramways 2 drew with "Royal Navy 2. WELLINGTON. July 4. Chatham Cup contest —Scottish "Wanderers 1 v. Hospital 0, Y.M.C.A. 2 v. ThiFtlo 1. Championship—Marist 5 v. Institute 0, Diamonds 5 v. Watersiders 3. _

ENGLISH TOURING TEAM.

VICTORY IN SECOND TEST. (BT CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received July 5, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 4.

Twenty thousand spectators witnessed a keen struggle in the Second Test between the English and Australian Soccer teams in fine, cool weather. The Australian team was considerably strengthened by the infusion of fresh blood, while-the visitors were showing signs of staleness through constant travelling. The first session ended with honours easy, one goal each, an achievement ?<y the local team, which spurred it to capital efforts in the second half. Smith opened England's account before the interval, Simms equalising from a hard drivo ■ by Bourke . immediately after. Neither side took chances in the second half, the game Tesolving itself into a hard, stubborn test, with the visiting hacks sometimes uncertain. The prospect of 4'caging tlie ''Lion" emboldened the Kangaroo, until Elkes put England ahead after Spencer had handled. The margin truly reflects the play, as the visitors, despite their lithe and speedy opponents, at all times executed their movements with the polish of artists. Curiously enough, the local players, though lacking the finishing touches, employed with advantage the tricks already gleaned from the visitors during the tour. The receipts to date amount to £16,000.

Games. Points. "W. h. D. For. Agat. Ch. Old Boys »« 7 2 0 134 51 7 Uerivale „ C 2 0 105 G'2 G Chris tchurch. 6 3 0 101 49 6 Xiinwood ... 5 4 0 S3 82 5 'Varsity 2 6 1 54 1-22 2h Albion 2 6 0 82 76 2 Canterbury X 6 1 29 14l> li