RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 593, 23 August 1909, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

[ ' CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL [ , PONEKE DEFEAT PETONE. I s ''A V HARD INTERESTING GAME. I Between 6000 and 7000 peopie went to the ' Athletio Park on Saturday afternoon to witI ness fhe final match, of the senior Rugby championship series. The opposing teams, Petone and Ponelio, had taet twice before this season, each'secunng a victory Fortunately tKe ground was in fair condition, but a fairly strong and chilling "northerly" interfered considerably with play. On the whole, the } match was strenuously contested, but it was f ' not the finest exposition of Rugby seen here I this Here and there tho game woe [ brightened by clever play, which should servo J ' to make it memorable. That Poneke def served to win is noi open to question. I i ' • , _ Tho Teams., i , ' ; j The ?oneke team was constitute'd as fol-1 WS T v FULL-BACK. ■> ' . C. Slater. i> ' '', , THREE-QUARTERS / ' ' . J.j Elliott,' F. Mitchinson, E. Ryan L" < FIVE-EIGHTHS (' , J T. Walsh, J. Flanagan; . » f l * HALF-BACK. i ' J. Tilyard. \ ' FORWARDS. .. , \> "J). Dennely, J. Barber, D. Hunter, B I > " O'Brien, S. 'Mentjplay, F. Tresize, J. j TannahiU, and F. Gardiner (captain). I'- The composition of the Petone team was as f follows: — ' v ■ I , FULL-BACK. * ' "_; . ' W. Miller. \ ' THREE-QUARTERS. "Joe" Ryan, James Ryan, J. Daley. FIVE-EIGHTH. " ,v \ t ' J , 'J. M'Kenzie. {> s '- ' 7 , ' HALF-BACK. \ i j C.'Green. 1 ' ' V ' ' WINGERS. ' s n ,W. Hardham,'J. Pnco. , '< FORWARDS V / \v. Ryan, R Lindsay, C. Fisher, M'Fariane/ R Shardlow, and A. Drommond v ( Summary of the Play. From the detailed account of tho mdtch it 1 will be observed that PoneLe h.id the advan- ' , ' tage of the wind, in the initial spell Upon 1 a soore haraig been recorded against them n ' uTthe first few minutes, Petene decided to make attack their "mode of defence. The i effect of battling ;n the"Heath of the wind for close on twenty minutes naturally told rery severely on the suburbanites Under similar circumstances another team might ■J have'made a point of saving itself for the y second .half, by hugging the touch-lines. Opening up play, Poneke during the remain's der of the spell kept Petene busily on tho 1 ''defence, and when half-time was called had a lead of 10 points ,!Oie .score which Petone I gained'in this spell was, worth going a long way to witness In the second half Poneke, ' who had now to face 4 the,wind, acted very diplomatically For the initial half of the spell they were pressed by Petene, whose attack, however, lacked variety,and sting Why Greea did not give his bads more opportunities to throw the ball about is, pchaps, best 1 known to himself and his side The , fact remains that try as hard as he was able he could not beat the Poneke.jback.s' by himself, so well Was he watohed. To" the sus- 1 prise of many onlookers, the Poneke vanguard then got the suburban pack so well in hand that they afterwards found there was; , to fear by occasionally openmg -,up the game. For over a S, i quarter of an hour they kept Petone extended * to their utmost, indeed, they quite excelled themselves. The last ten minutes, which witnessed a score by either side/provided an' interesting finale to thejast cup match of tho season. , ' First S.nell/ Winning the toss, Ponoke elected to play with p the , advantage if tho wind Potono Boon hroke,away to tho Poijeko twenty-five i Out came the ball oh tho 'Petene side of a scrum, and Grpon crept round, and then darted ahead, but his progress was barred All the ground that had been gained and , j more-was then lost as a result of Mitchmson kicking straight down tho field with the wind The Poneke rearguard were brought properly into action at N this stage, but the rush failed owing to Walsh's pass to Ryan being too difficult to secure. ; Unfortunately for Petene, when the ball, went to Millar, a moment later his kick rebounded, and, io 1 the scramble that followed," Dennehy goi across. Gardiner landed a capital goal Ponoke 5, Petone 0. ' Soon after the kiok-out play was returned , to the Potone twentv-five, where several inj <• ierestmg took place was noticeable that the Petone pack were very slow in getting round at this juncture By means of. a good run along tho touch-lino Green, who was assisted-by M'Keme, was instruments in changing the scene of operations to half-, way Then, from a scrum, the clever Potone half passed to "Joe" Ryan, who found touch at Poneko's twenty-five.

As a result of an infringement, M'Farlane ■ now had a shot at goal, the ball landing, rin front of the posts, where -Alitchinson r marked just as two of the Petbne pack flung themselves upon him. Petone continued on the aggressive, but hostilities were dropped , ' temporarily owing to James Ryan getting a knock on the head. Despite the vigilance of his opponents,' Green dodged round several scrums, and gained a * little ground each time. Mitchinson now kicked well down the field, and Miller was'prevented from returning the ball. Half , the spell was now over, and the Petono pack (despite the fact that it was battling against the wind) was acquitting itself valiantly., Very wisely the Poneke authorities came to the conclusion that the best course to adopt was-to use their back division for all that it was worth until halftime. Out canie tho ball in a ment to Elliott, who, however, ran too much across tho ground, and, when bailed up, threw the ball over his shoulder, where 'Flanagan could not secure it. Emulating Green, Tiljard got past a scrum nicely, but his long pass to Flanagan was not accepted. Shortly afterwards Tilyard again got away and sent tho hall to Walsh.- Mitchinson, who was the next to gain possession, mado straight for the line, but his progress was barreel by M'Farlano. Had Mitchinson passed to-Elhott a Bcoro might have taken x&iux.

:0n the next occasion Tilyard broke away , on the 'blind sido, ( but he was brought down by Miller before heicould transfer to Ryan.. ■

Then followed a series of serums near the Petone line / From one of the passing rushes which ensued, Mitchmson could not resist the temptation to pot, tat' the shot missed Just afterwards M'Kcnzio lllfgallj retained possession of the ball in stopping a rush, and Gardiner mado a good attempt at'goal Tor over ten minutes Poneke had been hot on tho attack, but Petone had-de-fended admuablj. Now, however, "Joe" Ryan let his side down by running in front of his goal, and putting in a weak kick Among the Poneke forwards who were quickly on * tho scene was Tannahill, who gamed possession in" the resultant scramble and scored Gardiner made a good but unsuccessful attempt to add"the major points. —Poneko 8 points, Petone nil. ' play was resumed, there was some stiff work on tho Petono side of half-way James Ryan then initiated a rush which will long bo remembered by tho onlookers He was near the western toudi-line when he gained the ball from a cross-kick Off hfe went at 'great speed through tho opposing forwards and backs in'a Imo for tho Poneko goal When ho got into tho Ponelo twentyfive he swerved further in-field and passed to Green Tho Petone half forged ahead somo yards and then transferred to M'Kenzie,'who in turn passed.'to Dent When tho big got within a few yards of tho liqe he passed to M'Failane,

who racod over without difficulty. This sudden" onslaught, executed at top speed, took, Poneko 'completely by surprise, and the crowd cheered to the echo. M'Farlane was jiot successful with , tho kick.—Poneke 8 1 points, Petono 3 points.

Within the Few remaining minutes, Ponoke made an addition of fivo v points to their score ) Daley shifted play l to tho Petono tnenty-fi've with a long kick By good follon ing-up, Mitehinson got possession after a? big knock-on and registered a tr>. Gardiner lacked a goal Poneko 13 points, Potone 3 points' Half-time was then 'Bounded. Second Half. When play was resumed, their supporters ' anticipated that, with the wind, /Petono 'should huvo no difficulty in overhauling tho 1 Poneko score But the Poneko team had t made up its, mind to play cunning. To tho surpriso of-those who were awareof hi 9 con- | dition iames Ryan,'who had been dehnous during the half-time-interval, again tcok the field, 'and continued ,to give a good display. Thoro were, first of all, a series of scruma in tbp vicinity of half-way. Green then , sent the'ball out to M'Ke.nzie, who Licked down the field, the result being that Mitehinson was compelled to force Nost came several scrums near the Poneke line, but Slater brought rehef by touching down Since this half hid been in progress, it had been noticeable that Poneko were making the game as tight as possible, and taking no chances. To a section of the crowd it appeared that Ponoke intended to waste as much timo as possible , ' Just at this _,stage, when Potone should have ujed their best endeavours on the attack," they lost a lot of valuable time- by trying, to.Jthrow, out,too far on tho luu/in face of tho strong wind. Onlookers now became impatient "because they expected something batter than a succession of spoiled Jinoouto and the resultant scrums It was not surprising, therefore, that hearty disapproval was shown nhon Gardiner a mimito or two later paused rather long m a drop-out, „ and subsequently, when Tilyard repeatedly kicked into touch after getting the hall in. the scrums. 'From a free-kick M'Farlane made (i weak ..attempt to goal, and, from a mark by Green-shortly afterwards, his efforts met with no-more success. After nearly a quarter, of an hour had gone by, the Pelono backs set about in earnest to try and pierce the Poneko defence. Once Green'got well away, but M'Konzie, to whom ho passed, was collared, and Mitehinson Iriclwd into touch. Hard luck attended their' offorts in fliia dii ection on the next occasion-. From Gram.

the ball went to M'Kenzie', then to James and on; to "Joe" ■■' Ryan, who failed to,- take the ball when in a splendid position.

After other attempts which proved unfruitful, Petone. gamed a lucky try. Tilyanl socured from a scrum near the south-east toiner, and passed to E. Ryan, who hesitated, boing apparently unable to make up his mind what ho should do, and then passed back tu Slater, , whom \V. Ryan ultimately beat for possession aJid scored. M'Farlano did not succeed in enhancing the try. Poneko 13, Potone 6. , '< _ , ... When only twenty minutes remained, tlio supporters of Petone became glum, for it was seen that tho suburban team wore n0 , ,? tiring Just previously, owing to a deliy in securing fresh apparel for one of the players, both sides had had a breather for two or ticso minutes.,, Poneke ivero mostly

on tho* attack 'during •.■the rest of ithe game.; Walslv, V who; went ■up., s alorigside: the: scrum ioccasionally, wasjvery-';helpful: in -, that capacity .■: ;Onco, theVP.oneJs eVrearguard: got *into .Wotion,-.but jMitchirisdn'iwas-: servediwith'itoQ fast' 'and'> awkward ■a. pass. 7- ; - An '.onslaught. by ; Petorie, v; followiiig;a : kipk-.ddwn'-thc- field, ended /in W/ 'Ryan . haying» aii' ; . unsuccessful .l)p't:'.at v :goal;v''Whon;:t|ier6; ; was^only;: : about; tc-.'Jgcy: ; a;passing;y rush •/.by: ];'etone,pn the\Poheke H Side of'.half-way,~/was sinothereJ,, ; and 'the ; ' : 'b'i»jl;wentfacross .to' El-: liott/;'"{yhp, 'niade! .'■ the. finest'.'individual ■"'. effort;. of'HheVday.'':,Gatherihg-vupi-pace,.= lie rail ■close;',to vthel'vtduchrline-:;right.. 'field, scoring'- near,.''the■'north-west /corner, 'amid, continuedi ,applausel' : '.'Gardiner./ failed^..witK' the- :kickV.VJPon4lKv;l6'-.points;; ( .-.'Petoneyvfr poihts/.' ; v<?;:;i; : ;V'''-v^/ : -.' : -''-!rvv ; P , \ : - w\ ... /

'-. Rallying inline ; /,stylej'-V Petone, forced Ponoke back to" theirUine, ''where . "Joe' • Ryan : wasgrounded striking -distance. Tnen : followed.f a'jpruni,.::from \ .which ■' Hard-. ham /gained ■possession.'.and 'scored. 'M'Far-; ■lane was unsuccessful /with --the kick. .'Time :W>3 .then'-callM,;the.\scorevbeing: \.;: ■/,■/ ■ : O:'Poiie'ke - ■ :, ; 16 p'oints'.; .' '■'■; /; ; J'etone/ /!.;: : '<)o;i?x.: V/.;;:V.9;.points./. { '■'l Mr; J. 'Francis;.wasl Mfte^referee:/;: ■:')" i ■_.';-.. v For .'the winners; ■■• r Mitchinson, : ; Tilyard, and Slater were -mostiprominent: a'niong .tho. backs,'

whilst TannaJiill, Gardiner, and Dennehy ttpro conspicuous among tho lornards, and, for tho Josors, Green and James Kyan did beat of the backs, and Dent and Lindsay of ilio forwards. • . ' PREVIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS. 1882 Won by Athletic Football Club 18SJ Wellington F.C. and Grcytojvn, draw 1884 Won by Athletic Football Club 1835 „ Wellington „ „ 188 G. „ Poneko „ .. 1887' „ Poneke „ ~ 1888 , „ ' Poneko „ » 1889 .„ Poneko „ .. 1890 ■", „ ■■■Wellington „ >, 1891 „ Athletic „ „ 1892 '■' „' Ponelio „ ~ 1893 „ Poneko ~ >, 11894 „ PoneUo „ ~ 1895 ■■„■. Petono „ >■ 1896 ~ • Melroso ■ „ ~ 1897 „ Meliose „ „ 1898 „' . Melroso ~ ~ 1899 „ Petone „ 1900 „ Jlolroso ~ .. 1901 „ Wellington „ „ 1902 „ Melroso „ „ 1903 -•„ Poneko „ it 1904 „ Petono „ * „ 11905 „ Petono » » 11906 ~ Petono ), n 11907 ~ Petono „ - „ 11908 „ Melroso „ „ 11909 „ Poneke ~ • ~ I * Championship matches sUi ted. I THE CURTAIN-RAISER. The particular kind of comedy to hlihli the curtain rose on Saturdij was a-mild burlesque of foolbill A team lepresuiliiiK Sargood's met tho combined soft gooiU houses, and the result was an amusing game if it was not scientific Tho first spoil was evenly coutested, the combined team having rather tho better of it, and at ono tune 'they looked verj like scoring In tho second spell tho combined team uere again fre-

quently'on..tihe attacks with spells of cou'n-'tor-attacks by> Sargood'e, ' :■■■ chiefly .i through ; the? agency of Nathan- and • Galloway.!. A few .'minute's, ■before tlie call' of.'.time Stratford soored'.for :the ' combined": team, and ; chell.convertod.. : There wasi further- score,"combined , , , .thus winning by five points to j-niL-;,. ■■-•^■■■.• : >.',/ : .'/ f, γ-a.; ■^■^V^'vf-'^'THißib^oLASs.''.;''•.:.; '■■■ /;' ; On Saturday St. John's, defeated Polhill ; bv' s : .points ,to; 3, thus:winning 'tho; .thirdclass championship.. ,;For' the. ■wiiinors/:Ei- , ,liffe Scored a try, which was converted by [MATCHES CENTRES; (35) »V..ISOTJTHLAND>(O)'.:';'; ■['^"'-s^'^-.;'.';; 1 ;' .:•-"": •■/ :.': : r -: : -' •■;-■: SOME ■:•;:, ■' i . '; (By Telegraph—Pi ess 'Association.)• .' :';.;,.:';"' . ;-' ■ ■''.' .!* Dunatliri, August 21; •.■'■■The football. match .between 'Otago and .Southland was-:played'•'■ph,.-. the Caledo-riian Ground- today in;'.tho ■•'.' presence ..of! about 5000 spectators/: Tho weather was'fine, and the ground in good order; The visiting team was probably .the weakest ever pitted against Otago,' and Jthe latter had ilo difficulty in winning--by 35: points' to. nil." \ With' -the .exceptdbn of a cbance'of kicking a goal from a>mark,- the visitors' threatened tho , - Otago line only onc.e during' the whole game; and, Sot 'the most -part,' ,, were penned down insido their.own twenty-five.' Tho game was, on, the .whole, iinihtdresting; both: teams ■ making a lot of mistakes,: anil riot ..playing up.to re- :

preventative'. form. Southland,won'the toss, and: had' the' {advantage: of •■.the-wind in :tbe first "spell. .'■ At commencement, Otago. took play to tho visitors'-.tiveiity-fivej and,a little later, tho :■ Otago -men broke: • away, M'Donald putting 'in a splendid run, but Bonnet lost an almost certain score by failing to take the ball. Otago. continued tbo attack,, and sooii ';• afterwards Sutherland drew .first blood for; Otngo by: scorihg near '•thb posts, ,-Marstoh converting. : Otago. 5, Southland nilV On resumiugV Otago forced theV-visitors back, and,:from a. passing bout, Marston got tho ball arid potted: a goal. 9—o:, Nothing: of nolo'occurred in .the reremainder of the first 'spell, : wliioh- • ended', with the. ball in tho Otago twenty-five. "At the" opening' of the second, spell;, tlie homo team .again attacked, and- Sutherland, got tho: ball, and dived. over in a fairly good • position. .12— 0. ,: The : visitors then changed' the scene of operations,-, arid' Grarit. shifted play : to within a few' yards' of the. Otago line, for the first time in the game; After a lot -of. uninteresting play; Otago attacked again,' and a straggling -,nish. . onded".in Sutherland scoring ■ his : thjrci try; beside the posts, Eckhold, however, failing-to kick a goal. , 15—0. ; A .few minutes later Davidson ran in unopposwl at: the corner. 18—0. Immediately after tho":kick : out,;: tho' Otago forwards broke away, , and ■ a dribbling rush eiuled in Mitchell'. scoring.' .21—0. Otago still .kept 'the visitors ■ penned ■ down, and, beforo long- MaraM 'had 'added another /try

to tho homo team's list. 24—0. Tho visiters still could gut no relief, and another passing bout ernkxl in Davidson scoring. 27—0. After another epell of uninteresting play, Otago essayed a passing rush, Davidson agajn scoring at tho corner, and Scott adding tho major jxxinis 32—0 Iu tho closing stages. A M'Donak! charged down a kick by M Neccc, and scored bthmd tho posts, and'tlid yaiiic eiulotl:—Otago 35 points, Southland nil Mi A Hobbon was referee. THE 'iNTER-COLLEGE GAME Ghrlstchurcfi, August 21. The football match, Victoria Collcgo v. Canterbury College, plnud to day, was a rathpi disappointing game Canterbury College bcj;jn veil, and Mere leading at half-time, but, in the second bpell thoy pl.ijcd vciy lmlilToroiiUy, and tho dash shown bj tho Victoria College forwards beat them lia'dly The teams woie ns follow Victoria Collcgo: Fairo, Berendsen, Goodbuhcro. and Duncan; O'Loary, Ryan, Amodeo, Brcsnan, Tonnant, Curtayno, Robertson, Do La Alarc. Wils.on, Daniel, and Lyon. Cantoibury College. H M Chiystall, C. Hailcy, S. Hay, G. S M'Kcnzio, O R Wilson, C A Ferguson, L A Hcmleison; C C Buss, J Hnv, N wall, F Anderson, A W Hariibon, H Young, and E J. Wilson. • . > Victeiii College (Gicpn) kicked off from the south end Imt sound I'icUing* by the Cnntciburv College (Maiconl backs, booh had plav in the Victem Collogo tttenty-fivo 'Uieic J\l'Kci)7io socuird possession, and, aftci a fine dodgj run, sent a long jnss out to S Hay, who scoicd 'i tiv, which ho linnirlf convpitcd by a good kick Canterbury kept up the attack, but the Victoria College backs cleared, and O'Lcnry put in a useful dash, but lost tho bill Both sidc3 woro making play open, and S Hay cut in mccly. but his pass to Harlev wont astray, and Viclona Collcgo wero able to check tho rus>h An attack by Victoria College was well stepped by Hay marking, and, a little later,

some good footwork by got his side;out. of .trouble/With .play in the.'Green's twenty-five, Do La Mare,.headed a' forward rush- that beat:tho Canterbury.backs,, and Tenriant jscpred.. :'Victoria I College , kept , iip the attack;.'for." a. while,-■:but': tho Maroons ( soon drov?them back, and, Chrystall had ari.'unsuccessful pot at goal. The ball was badly; i-fielded by tlio Victoria College,backs, and G.. Wilson' scored' undor/tlio posts.'. 'He 'missed tho'kick at"goal)' however. A- moment late Wilson mado. a good but .his/pass '• was -fiimbled): and the c'hance / -lost;-\' .Some' dashing ~ work.' by .the.. preen;. forwards:■ improved their position; -and. 'Goodbehero piit in ''a: fine run, but'lost the opening by passing forward, and half-time was called frith ploy ;in tho Canterbury,.CcJlege;territory. , / ■The second spell opened/W'ith. a dash 'by Canterbury, but it ; was of Very brief-dura-tion, for the Victoria College:,forwa_j:ds-were' '-putting ;nore. vigour. into''.their play,' and the Maroon's defence was -tested..-With play, right /in f rout' of-the Canterbury goal, De La Mar© secured possession; and sent a pass to Goodbehere, who scored alongside the posts: .■.. Wilson missed the'kick 'at 'goal. Victoria College still maintained j the offensive, and De, La Mare was again '.Conspicuous. ,in a ;rush which ended, in Berendsen scoring. .The '-.visitors' were 'nqir ; ; having ■ViririchS'the'.' better, of. tho game,, and Tennant got' across the line,' O'Leary converting' tho : - try. ' Canterbury . then liveried up, i and a loose, rush 'took. line, but tho visitors' backs were cqual : to the .occasion,, and, -by; good' .kicking; removed, the danger. '■Canterbury returned to the, charge, but hard kicking enabled Victoria College'to. save by forcing. Another rush, begun ■by Chrystall, had Victoria defending,'but■ wild ■passing.on the' part : of >thpse.iwho/.followed, ■spoiled the'opportunity,. Canterbury wore still playing v with moro dash than they had' .showiiv earlier in ; the spell, and M'Kenzie .mado tivo good dashes, but -was not 'well supported. College, gradually' drove their opponents back, and, with play in the Canterbury twenty-five, . Ryan secured ..the ball' and .dashed, over. , His, kick at. goal went wide.. 'Canterbury; woro kept, busy defending for, ,a considerable time, -but, eventually, the forwards cleared the line, and "set. up an attack which, they.rfailod: to.-press home: . The final scores jwete:—Victoria College, 17 ■ points (a goal from a try and four tries); Canterbury College, 8; points (a goal froma' try and a. try);,, -\ ■ .-.-• '.'.-{. .'.

AUCKLAND (15) V THAMES (5)

-', ■■'...n. :.<;'■"■'■'! 'AUakland, August 21.'' ' The.representative match,-: Auckland.'. v. Thames {a return, match),, was'playedj.here to-day, Tho day 'was an ideal one for football. Tho' Thames ■ :team. was •': weakened 'by. several prominent players being, unable .to make the trip. Auckland: monopolised;,tho,.scorinc. in the first spell, trios 'being scored by Seeling and; Herring; • Early in- iSe second: spell, BL Hayward scored for Thamea, and -Winder converted.'■. Thames had jiho'.bcst. of. : play for the first .thirty 'minutes, v of;this spell, and then 'Auckland scored three more" tries ■in quick succession, M'Gregor (2) land 'Reniyick touching down...The kicks:at goal (from , very easy angles),were all failures, and tho gamo ended in favour of Auckland by-15 points to-5. . ; ■ . ... ; "•::.'.." •',.';■-- ..•'. -.:■■■:

Prior, to tho representative match, tho secondary schools championship final was plajed off between King's College and tho Grammar School Two matches had previously been plaved by tho teams, and e-ich lnd won ono To Jav tho deciding match was won by Kind's Collcgo by 8 points to 6. Thoro was an attendance of about 5000 at to-day's games HAWKE'S BAY (12) V POVERTY BAY (3) Napier, August 21 Tho football match, Haw he's Bay v Poverty Bay, was pla)«l to-day on tho Recreation Ground, in glorious weathor, and was witnessed by about 3000 spectators It resulted m a win for Bftwko's Bay by 12 points to 3 Iho ground was somewhat hard, and Uio gnme was fast ami well contested tbioufjkout. Hawke's. 13ay won tho

toss, and from a passing rash, Higgine stored a try for Hawko's Bay Tho balanco of tho play in tio firet spoil occurred, in Poverty Bay's territory. In the second spell Higgins. Selby, and Lewis scored tries foi Hawke's Bay, and, from a forward rush. Pollock scored a brilliant try for Poverty Bay. Ha-svke's Bay had tho advantage of weight in tho forwards. . Ml. Pegler was referee MARLBOROUGH (13) V WESTLAND (6). Blenheim, August 21 Tho Scddon Shield football match, Westland v Marlboroiigh, was plajod to-duy in fine weather, and resulted as follows — Maryborough 13 points, Weetlaud 6 points For the , winners, Church, Sowman, : and lloKghin scored tries, wbilo Oiscy potted a goal For Westland, Blythc kicked a penalty yoil, and Swcctinan scored ntn The South Island loprcsentalivcs, O'Brien (Marlborotigh), and Blytho and Sothcran (Westland) showed good form. , THE ABRAHAM CUP. (lly Telograph.-Spccla! Oorrespondcnt.) ' Palmoraton, August 1% In the second round for tbo Abraham Cup, Old Boys again surprised many by drawing'with Km Toa, after a plav-off of two spells of ten minutes each. Kia Toa, with a strong wind behind them, had Old Bo3"S penned down for tho firtt twenty minutes, Webb and Wighten securing tnca for Ki3 Toa Munro, bj slipping round the Ecrum, put on two tries in quick succesoion, and M'Mmn got a third scoro foi Kia Toa Tho spell ended with tho scores.—Kia Toa 9 points, Old Boys 6. On turning round, Kia Toa camo with a dangerous pacemg rush, out of which (Godfrey intercepting) Hall raced from his own tv.enty-fivo and mado matters even. 9—9. Old Bojs now attacked vißorously, missing several likely chances,'however, but Purcell at length landed a penalty goal, M'Mmn dome, likewise from a mark, and scoree were still even when time was called. The twenty minutes of after-play produced no alteration in the score. Foxton Albion forfeited to Palmorston In the junior competition, Kia Toa defeated Palmerston by 12 points te ml, thus holding the Broome fchicla. At Feildinc the Oroua Sub-union was defeated by Feuding Club by 21 to nil. A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Carterton, August 22. At Masterton yesterday afternoon Greytown 'seniors defeated Red Star by 14 points to 3, thus gaming tho senior championship for the seaton \t Mnrtinborough, Carterton seniors beat Lowei Valley by 17 points to 3 At half-time the bcorcs stood even, 3 points each. * THE AUCKLAND RUCBY "CRISIS." DISTRICT SCHEME AND RULES. (By ; Telcsrai)h-Spccia|: Correspondent.) Aucklnad, August 21. Tho "Herald's" -football writer says in this morning's paper:—The decision of tho Auckland Rugby Union at last Wednesday evening's meeting to hold a conference on October 6 for tho purpose of discussing tho present crisis in tho game is worthy of commendation To this meeting will bo invited ■the officers and dolegates of the Auckland Union, tho officers of district clubs, and offioors and members of the Referees' Association * This body should represent all shades of Rugby'olficialdom, but thero are staunch supporters of the game uho consider that the meeting should bo open to the , public, and known supporters of tho sport 'might be invited to attend and discuss uitl tho officials the position frdm tho point o view of the public Tho throwing open of tho meeting indiscriminately might, defeat its aim, and prevent all hopo of calm discussion The opinion is gradually forcing itself on the minds of manv Rugby patrons that the district scheme has failed to gi\o interesting football matches Tho man in ,tho street has been saying so for five years, and it was< proved *tlus iseason that thero is a groat football public m Auckland, the qOOO .that attended ,to wteess the nrst matcu' UUek" foifomfty"Wfl Cify being proof of that Thero can be no doubt, but that tho ,niajonty of tlbesc people who, desire to see good matches are dissatisfied With the present system As a financial proposition it is bad compared with, say. tho club system in s Wellington, where, this season, club match gates have averaged approximately £100 as compared with Auckland s tAU. This is not because the football displayed is better, for it is not, tho Auckland representatives holding tho supreme position in interprovincial matches, but rathci because wo public rather like te seo games m which thoro is somo doubt as to tho outcome lho district scheme destroyed the old club ties without giving anything m return, for t as many footballers are bachelors living an itinerant existence, tho district boundary is no bar to them They can, before the appointed time, move into lodgings in the district to which they to play A season s experience at Rugby Union Management Committee meetings would satisfy anyono on this point, for largo batches of cases of persons removing into districts, about tho time necessary for them to qualify, are 'dealt ,vith each'week. The conference would do well to consider tho district scheme in all its bearings, and seriously discuss a reversion to the club system. Another weighty question which will probably be discussed will bo ibe alteration of the roles. There are many Rugbyites'of the old school who aro against tinkering with the laws of tho grant old gamo They consider that thero would bo no outcry,against tho came itself if the district system were abolished. Others, acain of the vounitor school aro in favour of certain modifications The AucUanders arc in tho van in this movement, and tho union officials have certainly done all m their power to obtain a universal schemo for a moro "spectacular" game and more concessions ,for players generally Whatever tho outcome of tho oonfeicnce may bo, no harm can arise if these matters aro seriously discusse'l, and if, as a result, a more attractive programino of club games should bo presented next season, then piaiso sliould bo meted out to the present management of tho Auckland Rugby Union for its recognition of tho circumstances. WELLINGTON , REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. TO MEET AUCKLAND. It is unofficially stated that the following team has been selected to represent Wellington against Auckland on Saturday.— Full-back: J Ryan, thret-quarters. Evenson, Mitchinson, and Walsh; five-emhths: M'Lood and Roberts, half-back, Green, wing-forward Vverv, forwards Reidy, Dennehv, A C Wilson, "Rinji" Wilson, Bruce, and TannahiU Tho North v South match Till bo nlnved on Wednesday noTt, at 8 p.m , at Athletic Paik The cnrtom-raiser will bo a match uot.weeb tho Junior, Reps, and Wednesday Keps, Tho Mayor invil<>s tho citizens to observe a half-holiday oil tho { occasion ASSOCIATION. SENIOR LEACUE FIRST DIVISION. Tho city reserves wore availablo for play I on Saturday afternoon, for tho first tinio for i seioral weeks Pnncipal intcieit centred in tho Swifts—YMCA match, played on the Basin Reserve, several hundred people 1 uitucssing tho game, which resulted in a draw As tho teams stand, after Saturday's matohos, Swifts, who have plaved ono match moro than Y.M C.A., have 20 poiuts to credit, Y.M C A have 18, Diamonds and Royors being next in order with 16 ajid 13 respectively. SWIFTS (1) V. Y.M.C.A. (1). The meeting of tho two leaders for tho championship, Swifts and YMCA, produced a lame beginning, tho puzzling crossvvuid which swept.tho Basin Reserve making it difficult for tho players to control tho ball When tho constants warmed up, however, the play improved, and an open, interesting gamo resulted, and a draw with 6no goal each fairlv represents tho merits of the teams Swifts did more attacking than their opponents, but thev nuver h<ld YM C A safely After the opening skirmishing, Swifts, who had a 1 slight fldvautago

i in. tho wind, sot up a. sharp attack in. fronl N > of tho Y.M.CA. goal, and, bcfoio ten I minutes had elapsed, \Vilby, ono of tho • Y.M.CA. backs, foolishly bandJed tho ball i right undor bis own goal. The penalty-kick was entrusted to J. Pyo-Smith, who inado no mistake in finding tlio net. Swifts kopfc i pegging away, and a pretty coiitio by Vcsscy gave Saundors an easy chance, but he sent the leather oyer the bar Phillips and Tim- < pei ley woro instrumental in removing play from tho danger zone, and these two and. It. and W. Gibson and Pettit kept Swifts at bay effectively. A shot by Scott nearly reached tho mark, however, but, went too high. Another penalty was given against • Y.M.CA. for "handb." Pyo-Smith again took tbo kick from the spot of bis former ' miccoss. Ho shot low, hard, and stiaight, • but the defence of Hollis was equal to tho ' occasion. •'Swifts sent 'in a :-number, of ' fruitless shots and* then Koiman, who had ■ not been up to specifications on tho right ■ wing, got away, and Swifts conceded a corner. Norman took the kick, arid dropped tho ball in goal-mouth, whoro the greatest v strugglo of the day preceded a well-earned goal. M'Lean kept the ball out once- more, i but it hung amongst tho cluster of men in goal-mouth, and was headed in again only l to'" strike the cross-bar and return to tho 7 heads of tbo struggling players. Once mora f the leather was sent in by a Y.M.CA. man, but M'Lean' was still safo. Kingawcll was ( I enabled to get his boot on to lie leather - this time, and he banged it past tho oppor sition and into the not. Half-time sounded 3 soon after this, with the scores! Swifts 1, , Y.M.CA. 1. The second half was fast and . interesting, but olosed without further 3 score Mr. J. B. Paton waa referee. v , , \ ROVERS (2) V. DIAMONDS (1). J Tho game between Rovers and Diamonds - had a close 'finish, all>eit there waa little exi citing in the play. A stiff breeze gave Rovi ers a slight advantage in the first spell, and - thoy kept hot on tbo attack. It was not i long beforo their energy brought result, for 3 in a pretty movement on tbo right wing Gil--3 lespio landed a goal. , Diamonds bestirred themselves forthwith and mbre than onco threatened an invasion. The sting of this - attack was felt just before half-time. OloV > nail had been kept busy in goal, and had saved cleverly more than once; 1 , no spoiled ■ Hathaway's advance, but supped and lost the ball. Cunningham wasted not a moment, but shot successfully. Barry, Duncan, A. ■ Lono, and Cashman helped Hovers along in tho second half, and their smart passing on ono occasion led to a goal by Cathman. ■ Some spirit was shown bv Diamonds in fae i closing moments, but the scores wore not al> • tered and tho ?arac finished—Rovers 2, Dia- > monds 1. Taylor, W. Roberts, S. Ileddy, and tho Lowe . brothers were 'prominent i among Diamonds, but G. Fitzgerald was absent from his place in goal, Black filling the vacancy. Mt. H. G. Mayer was refyeo. THIBTLE (3) V. RAMBLERS (1). A spirited game between Thistle and Ramblers,' played on the Duppa , Street, ground, resulted in a win for Thistle. Thar opponents had not the staying powers ncccs--1 sary to make full use of the breeze in the second half. Thistle swept all before theni in "the oponing exchanges, and recorded 1 three goals in quick succession. Blackwood bad all the honours, but ho was capably , , supported by Hall and others. When ends wore changed, the Ramblers were somewhat disconcerted to find'their opponents very, sturdy in defence, and, although many attempts at 'goal were made, only ono was v 'carncd through to success. This was a neat header By Anker, who had good men to back him up in M'Mahon and SmaHboao. 'Mr. F. O'Connell was referee. SENIOR SECOND DIVISION. , Tho senior second division match, St. John's v. Mental Hospital, played at Ponrua, resulted in a win for St. Jonas by 2tol. ' JUNIOR CAMES. ' Maris* A (second division); defeated' ' - Y.M.CA. A by 3 goals to 2, after a fasV and well-contested game. < v ' Brooklyn 1 had'an easy-victory'over Inst*tuto by 6 goals to 1. Swifts (3); Rangers (0). ' . Rangers A (i) beat Marist B (0). Graham, Ewing,, Marshall, and Mahin did ,tho scor''"twifts A beat'Marist B by 6 goals to nil. Marist A (fifth class) beat Y.M.C.A. by 10, goals to nil. ~- ... Institute B beat Ramblers by 3 goals to 1. G. Cunningham shot all tho goals for tha Institute. „. ' m. Brooklyn (6) boat Wadestown. (l)-i Tho scorers for Brooklyn were: Large,' 2; Roberts, 2: H. Beaves, 1; A. Beaves, 1. Wadce-, town: Rollins, 1. " The Marist A (thira division) defeated Y.M.CA. B by 11 goals to nil. Y.M.CA. played three men 6hort. Marra (4), Bowdon (4), M'Carthy (2), Waller (1) scored ,for tho winners! . ' , 'Marist C defeated Brooklyn B by I goaJ to nil. l Dougherty scored for Marist.