SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 871, 18 July 1910, Page 4

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS

EAGLE.-AND' K1W1...-. INDIFFERENT DISPLAY BY WELLINGTON. BUT "A BSI -SCORE. ■■ :

'■. . 'About 5 o'clock on Saturday the Park Jetic Park was belching 5000 people into the road, and a great many of them wore asking the same question: "What is coming over our winter game?" The one .and.only, "free and enlightened nation" had made contact with the New Zealand Rugby, comet, and had passed through its tail. It was very much "tail"—a long tail of walkers behind a small nucleus of workers. True, this nucleus damaged the "Land of the (Wooden Ham" a good deal, but, for 'America,! it must havo been-- an unilluniinating afternoon. . Diogenes, it is averred, once went about the World with a candle in his hand, hunting for an honest man, and found it a fairly steep and heart-break-ing quest. On Saturday he might have found it even more difficult to discover a local who was consistently "upon the play." Centipede games are, no doubt, becoming commoner, but tho chief of the centipedes must havo been in charge on Saturday, for it was' only well on in tho second spell (when the spectators had made calls for the players to "get a move on") that the Wellington centipede consented to take his boots off, and gallop a little. " ', ' ' ' •' America, of course, has the whole game to learn. When their team did the preliminary canter with the ball up and down the field, it was noticed that the visitors have a comical upward flourish of the hands when dispatching the leather to the next man. There is bo timo .for that in actual play, ..for tho ball must go' at once, with a single .flick, or it will never go at all.' So, during the match, America got off only four ; pieces of passing, and not moro than two men took part in any of them. Their .lino-kicking,, and tackling, and the aIK senco '. of' ''passengers" 'in-'.th'e forwards,wero. their . strangest features;- 'in.; the first .'Spell, •.this , kept, their moro pro--.ficient'bnt far lazier opponents in ctieck',. and: cramped • tho - scorer down to .eight points... Arerj, who,, seems to;-:h'aye a . little of; genius about his methods, 1 fcrojra.the.-ice by.crossing the line , after. a very pretty feinting run of 25 yards, , ; in. which he nonplussed four'or fiv« Cali-' : forriians, : ,bufc it was' ltia , first -and; last effort; ; In;, the,- second half fourteen' impre.-. points- ?»were added—solitary: gleams;of ;Effort-in a .morass, of.:go-as-you-pleaeo,-- None-of these scoreaj .however,, wore anything to-lookat. "They, said :; an'.American who. was looking , on, ' "but • ..soniehW . there's nothing'to it; it's just a sort of rest while the scorer adds on .the three points, and. then you start all over -.again." . , 3 Perhaps Wellington felt that • "anything would do," and "anything" did do, .for .the' visitors were' only .twice, in the Wellington, twenty-five, both rushes ■being led by Leayett. The rest of the. clash was' a scramblo betweeu the American half and quarter distances. It was rather regrettable' that,. since these clean-cui young men had come 60 far to read in the book of. Rugby, ive could riot have lit a better candle for them to see by. As instancing how much they havo still to learn, it need only bo mentioned that, though they ■won the toss, they chose to defend the end which gave them tho sun in their eyes. Sir Joseph Ward was among the spectators at tho match. College Battle-Cries. As the visitors entered tho field they looked, in their dark blue jerseys and akin-tight knickerbockers, smaller men than in tho loose, and voluminous garments they affect for everyday wear. They lacked the appearance of .tough-. ness usually presented by -All/Black teams, but woro, nevertheless, the ap-. pearance of'a finely developed body of youthful athletes. In the exchange of courtesies that preceded play,. tho ■visitors gave the opening of their warcry —a weird .succession of strange noises—in honour of the Wellington team. Tho whistle and shout had (scarcely subsided when, from a scion of Uncle Sam, in the stand, came in eager accents tho oft-repeated "rahrah—rah" of the Harvard yell. It is to bo admitted that tho Americans havo : a choice, selection of inspiriting battlecries. As a preliminary tho visitors traversed the field at easy speed, in an exhibition of passing. - Here, as mentioned, their amateur quality was manifest. The teams were.as follow-— \ AMERICA. , Full-back. Brown. Three-quarters. Dwiggins. Harris. Kcm. Five-eighths. Allen. Elliot. . Half. • Cerf. . - Forwards. Peak). Miuturn. Bennett. Hardy. Dole. Phleger. Cheda. Lcavett. . WELLINGTON. Full-back. Kinvig.. Three-quarters; Eyan. Bradley. Evenson. Five-eighths. Mitcbinson. Roberts. Half. Tilyard. Forwards.Elliott. Irvine. Wilson. Rapson. •Perry. '. M'Kellar. Tannahill. Wing-forward. Avery. The Came. The Americans won tho toss, and for some reason elected to play with tho run in their eyes. Tho very faint breeze blowing was in thoir favour, but this by no means counterbalanced the disadvantage of light. At the outaot Wellington gained ground, tho ball feeing driven out near the- Americans' twenty-five. Almost at once tho We-1-Erigton backs asserted thoir superiority, Bid tho Cilifomian tacklers wero kept Jbasily employed. For sevoral minutes 6Jie visitors were pressed in their own territory. Onco the whole line of AVelUngton backs got away on Evenson's aide of tho nick, but a knock-on brought them to a- pause. A mark &y Cerf enabled Brown to make a line kick which brought. momentary relief to tho defenders, but they were still rfosely confined in their own ground. Roberts initiated tho attack that drow first blood. After a tricky run ho passed to Avery and tho latter ran, feinting all tho way, from about the

twentyjfive, and successfully evaded the last of the American tacklers. Kinvig failed, in the shot at goal. ; Wellington _ 3 points. America \ 0 Play returned almost at once to tho close neighbourhood of the American line. Evenson had a pot at goal, but missed. The wet. greasy of the ground now. plainly began' to .tell, particularly "iii the ease of the\ visitors. Several of them fell heavily in attempting to..field the ball, and the movements of both sides became decidedly deliberate. ;With .the spell half gone a bit of smart open play by the Wellington, backs .put their opponents on the strain; and brought the opportunity to Irvine,- .who- outflanked ';tho American guards by a clever, run,, and scored between ;tho;.. posts.. Ryan converted. ■ Wellington ......... 8 Points. . America _ nil. • On resuming, Levitt led the first and last assault made by the American forwards on Wellington territory during this J spoil. The weighty Californians came on in a style that ' looked like business, but the attack ended in a somewhat aimless scramble that lasted for a minute or two about the Wellington twenty-five line. When tho spell was twenty-five minutes old Evenson had to retire, disabled by an injury to his knee. Meanwhile tho play all round was decidedly tame, and the Americans at this stage were evidently nonplussed. They were reduced to pure defence, and tolerably sound tacking arid line-kicking' : were the only noteworthy features of their work. Well lington, although they had matters well in hand (perhaps for that reason) took things easily. Once or twice they tried centring across the field, seemingly intent on gaining an easy-going sort of try, but without tangible result. Towards the close of the spell there waa a gentle hurly-burly on the American line, and Phleger was temporarily disabled necessitating a brief stoppage of play. . Just before the call of half-time the'ball'.was. carried.over, the .line in a ..dribbling' rush,, weakly':>_opposed in its ■early; stages, v and' America had to force. , Half-tiino found, play still-., unexciting,' ; and" still-'" in > American'" territory. '".-■" " Second Spell, ' In'the second •spell M Evenson was replaced by Pylo. America led. off with a passing rush, cheered' on . account of. its _novelty, ■ but barren of result. A period of 'line-kicking' drew a protest from the ■ crowd, ■ and the: Wellington ■forwards livened.up. : Six minutes after starting they' jostled, across America's line,'but the , defenders'gqfj'-a free-kick that'brought them respite/ Tho Welilington. backs advanced,- swiftly, though ■not in'.concert, on their- opponents' line, but a solid heap of America descended, on them at tho. twenty-five'. ■Roberts, however, got the ball in the ruck,, and, coming throughj.his men with determination, fell across near tho corner. Taking the kick himself, Roberts put in a well-directed shot at goal, -but it ranged short. Wellington 11 points. America .-. .nil. There was at this stage a small but distinct, and much-needed, .revival in the game, and Wellington, with a dribbling rush, swept the ball across tho American lino, but were not clever enough to fall on it, and a force was tiia only result. Then the Americans, throwing the ball about a little made- their way to what had been almost terra incognita to them—the Wellington twenty five. Hero they were hold for a moment, but their backs took up the running, and carried play close to tho home line. Tho locals, however, gathered . round the point of assault, , and" their forwards camo away with , a rush that restored the balance of advantage. • Following on-this effort,.Perry■eecured the ball in a scramble ■ on. the. American line, and got safely round, and over. Kinvig sent the ball under, the crossbar. .. • -Wellington : 14- poiuts. America Nil. The American team had now apparently fired its last shot. They no longer displayed any trace of. initiative, and tho tactics of tho Wellington backs, although neither brilliant nor vigorous, puizled them. A combined movement by tho home team was' driven. home against weak opposition, and Pylo crossed at the corner, but Roberts failed to secure tho major points. , Wellington '. . 17 points. America „. Nil. . Oivco more tho visitors got across tho half-way mark, but their reign was short-lived, and they were soon in a chronic state of defence against an attack which was certainly not of tho sledge-hammer kind. However, it was sufiioiont. Twice moro tho visitors wero compelled to force, and on several occasions a scoro was norrowly averted by tho efforts of Brown, the American fullback. Just beforo play> ceased tho visitors wero, for tho last time, borne down by a Wellington rush. Mitchinson led the movement, and was supported by the remainder of the back division. Approaching tho line, it looked as if the effort would fizzlo out in smoke, but.Kinvig eventually camo up with a sprint, and raced behind tho posts. Ryan . obtained tho additional poiuts. Tho gaine ended:— Wellington 22' points. America Nil. Mr. J.' Francis was referee. THE TEAMS AT DINNER. PRIME MINISTER, ON THE GAME. On Saturday, evening, at tho Grand Hotel, the New Zealand Rugby Union entertained the Californian and Wellington teams at dinner. Mr. G. F. C. Campbell presided over the function, and amongst tho_ guests were: The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mi , . "D. B-urbank, manager of tho Californian team. A fine spirit of bon camaraderie prevailed, and tho function was a very pleasant one. Owing to the impending doparturo of tho Californians tho toast list was brief. "King and President" having been duly honoured, tho chairman called upon Sir Joseph Ward to propose tho toast, "Our Visitors." Our Visitors. . Sir Josoph expressed his regret al tho fact that tho visitors wore leaving Wellington at such an early hour that it would ho impossible for the people hero to afford them the entertainiug which they would have liked to havo done. He quite understood, however, that a football team on tour did not want to spend much time around the festivo board. In the match' that day their visitors had made a most excellent display. It made one realise how quickly they were able to como along and obtain a mastery of the game. Visits of this kind resulted in material advantage: Those who came necessarily

acquired a great deal of knowledge of tho ways and .customs of tho people, amongst whom they travelled, and were able, on returning to their own country to disseminate a great deal of ust> ful information. Now Zealand could claim a little credit for tho development of Rugby in America, for it was Now Zealand footballers that had planted the game there. In tho timo to como Now 'Zealand footballers would havo to look to their laurels if their American cousins continued to show themselves as adept at tho game as they had done that day. In conclusion, Sir Joseph asked the visitors to carry back with them the kindly sentiments of tho people of this country towards thoso of the United States, and wished them a happy timo during .their stay in Now Zealand. The toast waa drunk with musical honours. ' "Touching Wings." Mr. Burbank said he counted it a privilege to respond to the toast that had just been so heartily honoured. Tho Californiar. team " had certainly showed some lack of finish, but they hoped to do hotter in tho future. He could say in all sincerity that they had never enjoyed a game better from a sportsmanlike standpoint, than tho gamp they had played that day. If tho initiation they had , received in New Zealand was any token of what was to como they were fortunate indeed. Ho had never imagined the Eaglo and Kiwi could be such strong friends, but hoped now they would bo always able to touch wings. A "Sky Rocket." Mr. Roth, in inviting the Californiana to give a "sky-rocket" for the Now Zealand and Wellington Rugby Unions, said his comrades felt little disheartened by -their defeat that day, for they know the football played hero was probably tho best in the world. The speaker referred ■ pleasantly to , tho sportsmanlike spirit displayed by the small boys and barrackers who had viewed tho game. A stranger, he said, might have imagined, from the reeep-. tion accorded them, that tho Americans were tho home team. 'Tho Future of These Games. Mr. O. F. C. Campbell, in responding, spoke of the regret felt by many Rugby Unions throughout tho country that they could not bo favoured with a visit from the American team. Ho-hoped that in the future they would seo many teams from the United States, 'and that teams from New Zealand would return the visit. The Rugby gamo was now played 'in a very large proportion of the countries of the world, but there was a very large territory over which it could still spread. In the opinion of those who had a long experience of tho gamo, their visitors had put up a remarkably good display that day. although thero wero fine points thoy still had to learn. It gave him great pleasuro to know that tho Rugby gamo was gaining ground in the United States, and he hoped their visitors, on returning, would do much to add to its popularity. An extremely pleasant entertainment concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," and a round of farewell cheers. ■ ' OUTCOME OF THE TOUR. THE VISITORS' ANTICIPATIONS. . Now that tho Califomian team has como and gone, it is possible to roughly forecast tho results likely to follow on its Australasian tour. Tho tour of the Californians has already proved so popular that it is probable that it will ■bo repeated and returned. Tho one thing necessary to produce this result is a measure of organisation in America simitar to that .which r obtains in Australia and New Zealand, i Mr. D. Burbank, tho manager of tho Californian! team, told a Dominion representative oil Saturday that; America has .as yet no organisation on tho linos of our Rugby Union, although he hopes the want •β-ill bo supplied in tho near future. At present each of the three universities reprer sented in tho team has an. athlotic organisation, with a "graduate master" in control. It is by virtuo of his position as graduate master at Stanford University that Mr. Burbank has boen entrusted with the management of tho present tour. These collego organisations ar uot at present under any bond of affiliation, and tho graduate masters had to tako upon themselves tho formation of a team when an invitation arrived from tho Now South Wales and New Zealand Rugby Unions. Further conversation with tho manager and other members of tho team elicited tho fact that, on the return of tho touring team, a strong effort will bo made to build up an organisation in California like that of our local union. Tho'tour-is thus likely to lead to the formation of a strong Rugby Union in California, and evensuaTly tho gradual adoption of tho Rugby game in. the United States. If tho anticipations of the touring party are realised, tho introduction of tho Americans as an active factor in Rugby will no doubt- lend an enhanced interest to tho futuro activities of our New Zealand teams. IN OTHER CENTRES. MAORIS, 17; OTAGO, 8. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Dunedin, July 16. About 5000 peoplo witnessed the , match Otago v.- Maoris, played hero today. Maoris wore tho first to swing into tho attack, and tho suddenness of their movement was too much for Otago, Rogers scoring in a good position. It was the best piece- of attack scon on tho local ground for a long time. 3 —o. Another series of Maori attacks saw the ball again swept to tho Otago line, and JPiki, clashing through the ruck, touched down. 6 —o. Tho visitors continued to make all tho play, their attacks and clever recoveries being most attractive Another back division rush ended in Rogers being grassed a few feet from tho local lino. For the first time Otago reached tho Maoris' twenty-five, as tho result of a long kiclq by Paton, and tho 6amo player took full advantage of a penalty kick awarded to Otago by placing a good goal. Maoris, 6; Otago, 3. Onco moro Paton's lacking brought tho local toam to tho Maoris' twenty-five, and strenuous play followed, but eventually Kaipara's superior play placed the Blues again on the defensive. Fast exchanges followed, and then Norrie contred, and Paton dashed after the ball. Tho visitors were caught off guard, and Patterson scored. Eckhold converting. Half-time was called with tho scoro standing:—Otago 8 points, Maoris 6. Otago attacked on resuming, but their effort was feeble, and, with play in midfield, Rogers broko away from tho ruck, and a score seemed inevitable The full-back just interrupted his progross but Hall was in attendance, and got to within a few yards of tho local goalwithin a fow yards of tho local goallino. Sliortly after, a fine passing rush from tho twonty-fivo cuded in a scoro by Rogers. Maoris 9, Otago 8. Following this, Cunningham had a ponalty shot at goal /rom a oasy position, and the ball went bar. Maoris 12, Otago 8. Hall initiated another attack, dashing off for Otago's lino, accompanied by Takamngi, to whom ho passed in season, and tho big forward's weight carried him ovor the lino. Cunningham convorted. Maoris 17, Otago 8. A final rally by Otago produced nothing, and timo was called .with the scores unaltered. Otago is still weak in backs, and tho form exhibited by to-day's representatives both on attack and defence, was almost at all points disappointing.

PALMERSTON MATTERS.

(By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Palrnsrston North, July 17. Messrs. Hoben, president, and M'Kenzio, secretary of. the Manawatu Rugby Union, waited on tho Ground Committee of tho iManawatu A. and P. Association on Saturday afternoon to ask for a reduction of the gate percentago in connection with the gamo to bo played against tho Maori team on Saturday next. The deputation pointed out that under the existing arrangement, 'the union (in order to secure tho match) stood to loso a considerable siim. After conferring on tho matter with tho deputation, tho committee- decided to make a recommendation to the General Committee to reduce the perceutago for this match to 15 per cent, up to £100. Over that amount the ordinary charge is to be made. Tho match between tho Masterton and Palmerston Post and • Telegraph offices on Saturday afternoon at Palmerston proved a fast and interesting game, the homo team winning by fivo goals to three. WANGANUI, 10; MANAWATU, 5. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Wangamii, July 17. The representative Rugby match Wanganui v. Manawatu took place hero on Saturday. The weather was fair, and tho ground good, despite "previous rain, and there was a large attendance. Manawatu were the heavier team, esspccially in tho forwards, but tho Wanganui backs' kicking was good, although their tackling was somewhat weak. Tho visitors played with the sun at their backs in tho first spell. From a rush Mullins got over,- and Briscoo converted. Manawatu, 5; Wanganui. 0. In tho second spell Wanganui had decidedly the best of the game, their backs getting in some good passing and kicking, and Manawatu wore kept in their own twenty-five most of the time. Mouli scored a fine try from a passing rush, and Southcombo converted, the scores being then equal. After this play was exciting, but AVangamii still kept up the attack, mainly by good line-kicking, and Signal notched another try from another good passing rush. Seeling converted, making the score— Wauganui, 10 points; Manawatu, 5 points. Play was fairly even until Wanganui again took .up tho attack, but wore unable to score, and-the gamo resulted as above. TO MEET AMERICA. Durtedin, Jury 17. 1 The following team has been selected to represent Otago against the American University team on Wednesday.— Full-back, Duthie; three-quarters, Goraar, Graham, and Norrio; fiveeighths, Williams and Curran; half, Eskhold;. forwards, Scott, Patterson, Pston, Johnston, Salter, Morrison, Watt, and Williams. AUCKLAND CLUB GAMES. Auckland, July 16. The Rugby matches to-day wero played in beautiful weather. Ponsonby defeated University by 16 points to 6; Graf ton boat City by 9 points to 6; Parnell defeated Marist Brothers by 9 points to nil. , ENGLISH N.U. TEAM ARRIVE. Auokland, July 1.7. Tho English team of Northern- Union footballers arrived to-day, and were mot by tho officials of the Now Zealand Rugby League. They are being accorded a mayoral reception at 10 o'clock to-morrow.

ASSOCIATION.

-THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. RAMBLERS STILL LEADING. Ramblers (4) defeated Y.M.CA. (0). Rovers (3) defeated Thistle (0). Diamonds (4) defeated Swifts (0). Saturday turned out to bo a glorious afternoon for "soccer" football, and tho position of affairs in regard to tho championship is now, as theiesnltof the senior matches decided, praotically a foregone conclusion. Ramblers, who aro now loading by two points from Diamonds, havo only Rovers to play. Diamonds excelled themselves by defeating last year's champions by the substantial scoro of four goals to nil. DIAMONDS, 4s SWIFTS, o. At .Miramar, No. 6 ground, on Saturday afternoon, Diamonds inflicted a rather_ decisive defeat on last year's champions, to the tune of four goals to nil. From tho outset, tho Rods (Swifts) attacked strongly, and within the nrst few minutes Scott put in a shot which went just over tho bar. llay was of an even nature until,, from a melee in front of Swifts' goal, Black (outside right) scored the first goal of tho match. Diamonds, 1; Swifts, 0. Diamonds continued to attack, and kept Srifts' backsbusily dofending, M'Leau (in goal) conceding a corner. Play now became very fast and open, both sides playing a bard game.' From a good piece of play down tho left-wing by Lowe and Ball, tho nret-named centred ' nicely, and enabled BaD to score from , a rebound off tho goal-posts. Diamonds, 2; Swifts, 0. Swifts now took a hand at attacking Duly (left-half) putting \in some good work, but his efforts wore futile, Patrick (in goal) defending well. •■ Play was now transferred to Swifts' end of tho field, and after a strenuous pieco of play, Reddy (centre-forward for Diamonds) headed in a beautiful shot, making tho score—Diamonds, 3; Swifts* 0. Diamonds were still attacking, Reddy boing prominent, when half-time was called. Shortly after .the opening of th<! second half Patrick gave a free-kick for carrying, but tho chanco was lost. ■Swifts now asserted themselves in earnest, and, but for Patrick, who had a hot time for somo minutes, must havescored. Play was still of an open character, Swifts having the advantage, lrat ovontually Diamonds' forwards took play to tho other end of tho field, where Hathaway missed an easy chance to increaso tho scoro. Both teams now cased up as far as pace was concerned, seeming to have tired somewhat. Al this stage Wilson was prominent in stopping somo likely rushes, and Scott had two or three chances to sooro, but threw them away. • A series of cornerkicks wero given against Diamonds, but Patrick and the two full-backs did justice to thoir side. Graves sent in a good centre, which Vesscy put just over tho bar. Diamonds now invaded their opponents' territory vigorously. For "hands" given by Graves, a ponalty kick was awarded, and Hathaway, taking tho kick, put the ball through tho uprighjts, just as timo was called. Mr. 11. L. Godber was referee. ROVERS, 3J THISTLE, 0. Kolburne Park was the scene of tho gamo botwoon Rovers aud Thistle, in which good play was conspicuous by its absence. Bad shooting secmod to be the order of tho day, and thorn also was a tendency to resort to too much individual play. During tho first few niinutea Rovers had Thistlo penned up in their, own goal-mouth, and from a shot which rebounded from tho crossbar, S. Martin was able to beat tho Blues' goalkeeper. I—o. After a general mcloc,_ and a lot of shooting of tho "kick-anywhoro" kind, the ball , went over tho Thistles' crossi bar. Play -was again transferred to

Thistle territory, but tho Blues' for- I wards again broke away, and .1 wido shot prevented a score. Gibson, centreforward for Rovers, 3cored a goal from close- quarters, after the ball had travelled tho whole length of tho field. 2—o. Half-time was called with Rovers attacking. On resuming, Thistle showed more promise, and for some time kept their opponents on tho defensive. Several times tho old trouble with Wellington senior t-eams (bad shooting) spoilt certain scores on both sides. From a general scramble in front of Thistle's posts a corner resulted, and the ball in its transit wa-s handled by a Thistleplayer—a penalty being given. Gibson took tho kick, and sent in a really good shot, Rovers thus winning by 3 goals to nil. Mr. A. F. Nowbold was referee-. RAMBLERS, «; Y.M.C.A., 0. A fairly largo crowd of spectators attended tho senior first division match, ■Ramblers v. Y.M.C.A., played at tho Basin Reserve. Tho ground was exceedingly heavy. In fact, it was so soggy, especially during tlio second half, that tho general character of the play was very far from first-division form. Tho 'X.M.C.A. men were very unfortunate in being two men short during tho first part of tho game, and against a team of tho standing of Ramblers this was a serious disadvantage. Their defeat was in a large measure ■ due to that circumstance. Ramblers attacked right from tho jump, and within the first five minutes of play scored the first goal. From a sharp attack by the forwards a wellaimed shot resulted. The ball hit the goalkeeper (Hollis),' and ricochotted back into the field, whore Trevethick, on the alert for a return, blocked it, and scored with a neat.shot. Ramblers, 1; Y.M.C.A., 0. This, success was followed almost immediately after by a second goal for Ramblers, Smallbone sending in a difficult dropping shot from the right wing. The ball was ,well aimed, and dropped nearly between the posts. The Y.M.C.A. men, despite their numerical weakness, played a spirited game, but were unable to hold their opponents or force tho play with any success. For tho most part they played strictly on tho defensive, and a number of corner kicks were given against them. Smallbono added • goal number three, scoring more by good luck than good management. He drove in a low, hard shot, which struck the posts and ricochetted over the line. Then came a melee in front of the Y.M.C.A. goal,, and Hollis, taken off his guard, was surprised by an unexpected drive at close range—the fourth goal for Ramblers, Warner being the scorer. The second spell saw the Y.M.C.A. ranks strengthened ■by tho. addition of tho two absentees, and for the remainder of tho game tho play was very even, each side attacking at intervals. For tho greater part of tho final spell, however, tho game was slow and exceedingly dull, and no further scores wero made. Mr. J. B. Paton was refe'ree. SECOND DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. boat Webb Street by six goals to three. Marist Brothors wero defeated by Petone by four goals to one. THIRD DIVISION. St. Johns wero beaten by Y.M.C.A. by five goals to nil. '' ' St. Davids drew with Wadestown, one goal each. This draw necessitates a play-off between these two teams. FOURTH DIVISION. Petone drew with Brooklyn, the score being two goals each. Swift A (2) beat St. Davids (1). Congregationals defeated Swifts B by seven goals to nil. ... FIFTH DIVISION. Institute (4) beat .Congregationals (1). Marist B defeated Y.M.C.A. by five goals to nil. . y Swifts B won by default from Ramblers. SIXTH DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. (6) beat Rangers (0). \ ' ■ ' 3ROWN SHIELD MATCH. ■ WELLINGTON V. TARANAKI. The selectors —Messrs. J. B. Patqn, A. Williams, and H. Mayor—have chosen the following team to represent' Wellington in the Brown Shield challenge match against , Taranaki, to bo played on the Basin Reserve next Saturday:—Goal, C. Webster; backs, right W. Roberts, left A. Cornish. (captain); .halves, right M. Kcrschborg, centre W. Bradbury, left R. Pagott; forwards, outside right H. SmaMbone, inside C. Yessey, centre W. Gibson, inside left IS. Timperley,. outside W. Mouat. , Reserves —Backs, J. Pyc-Smith; half, W. Jackson; forwards, Edwards and Trevethiek. Tho following team has been chosen to represent Taranaki:—Goal, J. O'Dea (Auroa); backs, Caldwell and Hazoltihe (Eltham); half-backs, Faull and Nichol (Kaponga), W'atson (Auroa) ; forwards, Chapmau (Stratford), Law (Kaponga), Sparrow, Schofiold, Butchard (Stratford). Reserves; .Bullock (New Plymouth), Robsbu (Kaponga), Bodlo (Stratford), and Inns (Hawera). Tho selectors were Messrs. Kelly, Clark, and Simyson. " Mr. B. L. Salmon, secretary of the New Zealand Football Association, has received a letter from Mr. R. Kerr Clark, private secretary to his Excellency the Governor, stating that his Excellency has been pleased to accept tho position of patron of the New Zealand Football Association. BOXING. PALMERSTON AMATEUR CLUB. The Palmerstori Amateur Boxing Club gave a members' night on Friday evening, when the hall was crowded with interested spectators. Apparently the club has mado great progress in the short time it has. been in existence. The arraugemcigis made for tho gathering wero. very complete, and tho bouts wore interesting, especially those between Williams and G. Watchorn, and Shcilds and A. Havill. Other bouts wero:—Stewart v. Steer, Hill v. Treweek; Coldstream v. Bridges, Kersel v. Henley, Dawson v. Stan. Treweok, Smith v. R. M'Dowell, Bason v. S. Havill, Peed v. Waters, R. Jones v. A. Mantell, and W. J. Smith v. J. Stacey.

RIFLE SHOOTING.

KING'S PRIZE AT BISLEY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. London, July 15. , The following Australasians arc eligible to firo in the final stage (10 shots at SOO, .900, and 1000 yards):— J. Halligan (West Australia) ...... 193 L. Grant (Queensland) 197 L. Armstrong (Victoria) 197 O. E. Boyd (New South Walos)... 193 W. A. Pilbeau (Tasmania) 193 W. H. MasoJield (New Zealand)... 103 EASTBOURNE CLUB. Com petition for the , "wintor ngfirogatc, "7 shots and an optional sis'htcr, at 200 and 300 yurtls. Scores:— 200 300 yds. yds. H'p.T'l. R. M'Guiro 30 27 — 57 T. J. Chapman 27 25 I sii E. C. -Wells 23 20 12 f>s — Urbahn 25 'IS 12 . .1.1 G. Pulsford 1G U 1C Hi

HOCKEY.

THE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. Karori (2) v. United (1). Victoria College (3) v. Y.M.C.A. (0). Wellington (2) v. Metropolitan (2). It is left to Kavori and Victoria College to docido which is going to cap-1 ture the senior championship. Tho results of Saturday's games placed those two teams practically on a level footiug COLLEGE, 3; Y.M.C.A., 0. Collego attacked from the outset and gave Y.M.C.A. a hot time defending, Holmes, on ono occasion, nearly letting his side down badly. Y.M.C.A. asserted themselves and camo at their opponents gamely keeping them confined to their, own quarter of tho field for somo time. Collego forwards, however, took the ball right up the field and had hard luck in not scoring, the whistle sounding for "sticks" as the ball sailed into tho net. There was no score at half-time. Within the first few minutes of the second half Collego opened tho scoring account by a well-earned goal from the stick of Bogle, ho taking a shot from a good piece of play'in mid-field. The Collego players were working in dead earnest, and soon their enduranco was rewarded, Smith scoring two goals in quick succession. The first was from a good piece of play by C- Strack and the second was a beautiful clean dfivo. Victoria College were thus returned winners by 3 goals to nil.' KARORI, 2; UNITED, 1. . Karori. and .United tried conclusions on Saturday, and, after a good oxhi T bition of hockey, Karori were returned victors by 2 goals to 1. During the first spell, play was oxcitmg neither side being able to score, although Karori had better opportunities than their opponents. The second spell opened in lively fashion, United conceding a couple of comers. From the second one Davies, who was tackled, passed to Pope, and the last-named, hitting cleanly, found tho net with a good shot. Soon afterwards,. Davies, Hunt, and Murphy, through playing the short-passing game, outmanoeuvred the defensive tactics of United, and Davies finished up a good piece, of play by scoring Karori's second goal. For a breach'of the rule regulating sticks by Spiers, United had a freehit, and took play to Karon's circle, where Brotherton, with a' long, trueshot, found the net, putting KaTori ahead by one' goal. There was no further score when time was called. '. WELLINGTON, 2; METItoPOLITAN, 2. The Wellington-Metropolitan match resulted in a draw, each side scoring two goals. In, the first spell, Welling* ton wore leading by two goals, which wero scored by Rundle. In tho second half, after about fifteen minutes' play, Kitehing and Hall scored for Metropolitan. Tho game was controlled by Mr. Turner. JUNIOR. Gregg's . were easily defeated by Wellington by 8 goals to nil. Tewsley (3), Bay (2), Turton (2), and Thirkell (1) scored. Collego B were defeated by College A by 5 goals to nil. LADIES' MATCH. Petone (2) v. Gregg's (o).—After what may be called a "mud scramble;" Petono defeated/Gregg's by two goals to nil. . Miss Taylor scored both goals. Petone' had the better of the game all through. Mr. Keene was referee. EVENTS ELSEWHERE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, July 17. Tho senior grade hockey matches played" yesterday resulted as follow;: — University defeated United by 3 goals to nil; Auckland beat Ponsonby; North Shore beat St. George's by 5' goals to 2.

LACROSSE.

PROUD CUP COMPETITION. COLUMBIA, 15'; WELLINGTON, 5. Columbia and Wellington .met at Duppa Street on Saturday, and the game which resulted proved fast and cleanly contested. Columbia, soon demonstrated their superiority, and ere many minutes had elapsed they were three goals in hand. In the second quarter Wellington came j away, and succeeded in finding the net on three occasions at Columbia's end. After half time Columbia, took matters in hand, and' having ma.de their position secure) indulged in passing practice in front of "Wellington's goal. They reckoned without their host, however, for Ryder, dashing in, secured tbo hall, and sprinting the length of tho field, scored for his side; This ho repeated ton minutes Inter. Tho call of time found Columbia victors, with tho score as indicated. Grant was the most reliable man in Columbia's ranks, although Leydon, Fama, and Verschaffelt played soundly. Wellington's best were: Penlingfcon, Ryder, and Carver . Mr. A. G. Anderson controlled the game. KELBURNE, 8; CAPITOL, 2. Capitol went under to Kelburne on tho Basin, the Blues securing a lead of tliree goals in tlio first two quarters, which they increased to one of five in the third quarter. Tho last spell was evenly contested, neither side scoring. Montgomery and Borrodalo were prominent for Capitol, but both players were too well watehed to do much damago. Kolburno's stalwarts played a steady game, and held Capitol's attack in check. Stranger, Proud, and Secly aro worthy of mention. Shaw and iLoughnan retinal during thu ganiu, these players having sustained injuries which incapacitated them for the rest of tuo mutch. Mr. Robinson (Wellington) was the referee. TRIAL MATCH ..TEAMS. After the above match tho SelectionCommittee met and selected the following teams to take part in the trial game at Duppa Street on Saturday. At the close, of this gamo the team to meet Auckland mil be chosen. A team: Martin (Kolburne), Mo ran (Capitol), Meyer (Kelburne, captain), Proud (Kolburne), Webb (Kelburne); Leydon. (Columbia), Itankin (Capitol), Loughnane (Kelburne), M'Oarthy. (Columbia), Casey (Columbia), Forbes (Capitol), and Grant (Columbia). B teaih Penlingtnli (Wellington), O'Lcary (Columbia), Courtenan (Kolburne),' Jordan (Kelburno), Levy (Wellington), Scely (Kelburuo), Carver (Wellington), Borrodale (captain, Capitol), Fama (Columbia), Ryder (Wellington), Montgomery (Capitol), and Robinson (Wellington). ,

CRICKET.

JESSOP IN BRILLIANT FORM. By Telegraph-Press Asasoialloa—Copytleht . - : London, July 15. In county, cricket, Gilbort Jeesop, pliiyinp for- Gloucsstcrsliiro, mndo IG9 runs, including two sixes, out _of 2HS I'Ulis.umdo.iu. two hours, against'Northninptonsliiro.

GOLF.

PLAY AT PALMERSTON.* (By Selegrnpa.—Special Correspondent.) Palmcrston, July 17. In the golf ovonts played on Hokowhitu links on Saturday the scores generally were poor, though a few players returned good cards. The idea of starting all the seniors at the first teo did not work well. It was all right for those fortunate enough to start out first, but a great many had to wait, and some finished practically in the dark. J. Slack played a good steady game, ancUthoroflglily deserved his win for the July medal.' Ho also secured the leading position for the Nathan Cup, C. J. Munro came second in the medal competition, but not being entered for the Nathan Cup his score doos not count in that competition. Druco played a sterling game from scratch, and headed the list of tho first qualifying round for the championship. Mrs. F. Nathan kindly gave afternoon tea to a large numbers of golfers, including many ladies. Mr. J. Slack was asked to take charge of the cup until next round, which will he played in conjunction with the August medal and second qualifying round of the championship. The list for tho match against Dannevirlje on July 27 is so i far unadorned by any names, but it is hoped a good many will go. The following are the best scores in the medal competition and lirst round of the Nathan Cup:— J. Slack, 88—12—76. C. J. Munro, 94—14—80 (does not count in cup). P. R. Stubbs, 93—12—81. 0. H. Druce, 84—scr.—84. H. Cooper, 93—8—85. I E. D. Way, 97—12—85. A. Barraud, 87—scr.—87. B. S. Abraham, 101—14—87. A. Strang, 88—scr.—88. . 6. \V. Harden, 96—8—88 1 • E. L. Young, 96-8-SB. M. O'Reilly, 100—12—88. S. Tyerman, 95—6—59. i G. C. Jounneaux, 99 —10—89 G. Wilson, 102—12—90 P. Sim, 103—13—90. The following returned the best gross scores in the qualifying round for the championship:—O. H. Druce, 84; A. Barraud, 87; A. Strang, 88; J. Slack, 88; H. Cooper, 93; P. R. Stubbs. 93; S. ryerman, 95; H. Young, 96; G. I W. Harden, 96. . • Among tho juniors, C. Smith did a good round and won the competition, (j. E. Daniell and M. Waldegrave ticing for' second place. A good many who competed did not. return cards. Ihe detailed scores. in this event wereas follow:—C. Smith, 108—10—98; G Daniell 115—14—101; M. Walclegravoi Ho—14—101; N. Wright, 114—12—102 ; F. J, Nathan, 116-14—102 ;• J. m' Moms, 121-12-109; P. Daniell, 1196—113; J. R. Pratt, 127—12—U5- W Fitzherbert, 136—18—118. ' " MIRAMAR Y. HUTT. The return match between tho Miramar and Hutt Clubs was played at Miramar on Saturday. The scorea wero: Miramar 6| matches, Hutt 5i matches. Details of tho matches are as follow:— Miramar. F. W. Horton ' n R. C. Wallroth .... "" o B. L. Taylor „ 1 F. Stevenson 1 P. C. Freeth -.'...."" 1 E. Y. Mills ' 1 E. H. Liddle o L. F. Watkins 0 A. Erskino 1 C. R. C. Robieson 1 M. Burnett .; ;.... o G. O. Sutton - 1 Total -J. ; 6J Hutt. R. H. R. Balneavis 1 R. C. Kirk ..„.. 1 J. L. Climie ... . 0 J..R. Callender __..._ __ 0■ • I L. D. Hurst .__ 0 . C: G. Allan __... . 0 R. Abbott ... 1 • J. H. Wagg ; 1 W. A. Hudson > -J H. Manning .." ; 0 W. T. Wynyard 1 A. H. Trcadwcll ~ „ _ 0 Total _. _ _ si ; WELLINGTON CLUB. At the Heretaunga links on Saturday afternoon tho Victoria Cup contest was completed by A. Duncan .(owes 3) and E. J. Reid (receives 14) playing off their tie. Duncan won. In the final of the M 'Neil mixed foursomes, T.. Young and Miss E. Stafford met and defeated W. E. Fiisscll and Mrs. Freeth—4 up and 3 to play.

BASKET BALL MATCH.

Taking advantage of tho visit of the Californian Universities' Rugby team to "Wellington, the Y.M.C.A. Basket Ball Club played a match against representatives of the University Basket Ball team on Saturday evening. The accommodation at the gyinpasium at tho Y.M.G.A. building was taxed to its utmost by an enthusiastic audience, and tho. game was full of iutcrest from start to finish. The Americans, had the advantage in height and combination, and their passing was pretty to watch. The resourcefulness of Y.M.C.A. was accountable for some good scores, but on tho whole they were decisively outclassed, as the score, 31 to 13, indicates.

HARRIERS.

THE BROOKLYN CLUB. At the Hutt Park last Saturday afternoon tho Brooklyn Harriers held their first steeplechase of th'e season, over a distance of two and a half miles, lhe heavy rains which fell during the week had made the ground in a very soft state, and half the . course- ' waa practically nnder water, while at places the competitors found themselves almost bogged. Prom a good start the limit man, S. Murray, got a 500 yards' lead before his brother, C. Murray, the scratch man, left the mark. When the fields to the east of tho laeeoonrse were reached, tho limit men were well bunched, with tho back-markers cominoup fast. At . a mile and a half the heavy going began to tell on tho front meu, and F. Hodsou (lOssc.),. running a splendidly-judged race, assumed the lead. "When the two mile.mark was reached Hodson had slightly increased his lead, while J. Don had crept up into second place. Groat amusement was caused here (though for the spectators only) by the competitors having * to wado through tho river .waist-deep, ■ and then to push their way through a deep bog on the other side. At the entrance of the straight Hodson increased his pace, and ran homo a winner from J. Don in tho splendid time (under the unfavourable circumstances) of 16min. 38sec. R. Munro finished third, closely followed by C. Murray, the scratch' man,. who had the misfortune to drop a shoo when lying in a handy position about a mile from home. T. Barnes, F. Delaney, N. Beaven,'S.Murray, T. Coventry, L. Pearce, GL Ranger, and H. Rowntree finished in that order shortly after. The members. , when leaving for home, gave Mr. R. A. "Wright, M.P., the club president, three hearty cheers, to signify their apppre--ciation of his presence with tho club' nnder such unfavourable Nest Saturday a combined run with,' tho Wcßington Harriers will be held, •commencing from Island Bay at 3 p."m;

LAWN TENNIS.

TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph—Press Associatiott-Copyrighl.' (R«c. July 17, 5.5 p.m.) London,. July 16. The Lawn Tennis Association has practically decided to send a team to Australia, subject to .provisos as to -& guarantee. .

- YACHTING.

The secretory of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club has. issued a circular to: those interested in yachting, requesting them to send in suggestions as to the rules of tho club. The suggestions will bo duly considered by tho committeer who will report at a general meeting to be hold in August. ' ,

THE HUNT.

A RUN AT FITZHERBERT EAST, (By Telegraph—Special'Correspondent) Palmerstori'North, July 17. . The Manawatu Hunt Club held a mee£ at Fitzkerbert East on Saturday after*, noon, when there was a largo gathering both of followers of the hunt and spectators. The course, which was an excellent one, was over the properties of; Messrs'. S. R. Lancaster, J. Kyle, R. Hooper and Anderson. Mr. Buchanan acted as master, and. Mr.. Mr. D. Bennett had charge of the hounds, the drag being laid by Messrs. A. Lancaster and T. Shaw. : At the. conclusion of the hunt afternoon tea* was dispensed by Mesdanies S..R. Lancaster,, and G. Shaw.