SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1516, 12 August 1912, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

ORIENTAL TEAM DEPOSED. r I ■ ; PETONE AND ATHLETIC NOW IN THE VAN. ! i THE HEAVY JUNIOR SCORE.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Pts. Ptj. Wellington Junior Representatives 42 Wairarapa Junior Representatives 3 Petone 5 Oriental 3 Athletic .'.„ 16 Melrose 8 Poneke 12 Victoria College 0 St. James 12 Southern 3

The Order Changed Again. On Saturday another change was made in tho order of teams on tho championship, ladder. When tho afternoon's play was commenced Oriental were on the top rung; beforo tho afternoon had closed Petone had deposed them. On the previous Saturday Oriental went to tho top chiefly through Athletic's defeat of Petone; lost Saturday Petone defeated Oriental, and Athletic defeated Melrose, so Petone and Athletic now occupy the top rung. Next Saturday—? Next Saturday's match between Oriental and Athletic may decide tho contest. Petone and Athletic have now 25 points each, and Oriental has 24 points. If Athletic defeat Oriental, and Petone win their match, Petone and Athletio will meet again to decido the argument. If Oriental defeat Athletic, .it is as near certain as anything Bugby can be, that the Cup is Petonc's. ' . The. Hope, The union and the patrons of the game will hope that Athletic succeed agaJnst Oriental next Saturday—the former for the sake of tho extra "gate," the latter for the sake of seeing another battle between the teams. Choered on by 3000 Throats. Oat at Petone, the mountains, hills, and dongas which encirclo the township echoed with the cheers of 3000. enthusiasts, who watched Oriental and Petone in holts. It was the biggest "gate" that has congregated there for years, and a dazzling piece of football was staged. It did 'not altogether bristle with back play, but for an evenly-matched crowd of forwards, and heaps of sparkling dashes, full of vim and cleverness, it would bo quite safe to state that this encounter will take much beating. Never onco was either team allowed to rest, and when not attacking they wero defending for dear life. Oriental had all the best of matters in the first half, and a couple of time 3 were unfortunate in not scoring. After the interval, however, Petone "went for it," and the shares of attack were equal. Roberts unfortunately received a. kick, and had to retire just beforo half-time, and it was then thought that Petone only had to put on the points. This, however, was not the case, as the town men played much better in this spell than during the previous.one. The defence on both sides was magnificent. Perhaps tho most brilliant passage of tho game was E. Ryan's try. This clever . player was' bored ■ on tie wing, but smartly sido-stopped three Oriental men and scored under tho posts. ICinvig's and Murray's line-kicking may also bo classed as excellent, and was largely the means of giving their side the "whip hand," which they so frequently held. To sum the position tip, it may be said that although Petone wero. victors, it just took them all their time, and.never were they! able to. take the situation cheaply.

Melrose's Superb Defence. The contest between Athletic and Melrose was ft strenuous one. The redoubtable Blues won by 16 points to 8. They were the superior combination, but they wore fortunate to win. They _ were the more-experienced team and this enabled them to set up attacks, and to nip Melrose attacks in tho bud. The .Uslrisc defence was superb. Time after tin.e the .Athletic backs went away in passing ■rushes which would have resulted in scores against any other fifteen in the city. The great beauty of the Melrose boys is th_at they will face anything and tackle . anyone. And their tackling is no relation to the drawing-room substitute which has been a good deal encouraged of lute. Probably "Charlie" Atkinson and one or two other Athletic players can bear testimony to the deadliness of the Melrose tackle better than the writer can; hard experience is even more convincing than optical, observation. , Tho Athletic attack was surprisingly good. "Sim" Wilson spoilt things a thousand times, but when the oval went to the other wing • the attack was nearly perfect. Atkinson, who played fiveeighths, was out of his class, but his confrore, Evensen, was at the top of his form.

The Fatal Omission. 'Athletic scored 11 points before Mel-

rose had caused the board to be chalked . at all. The. first spell ended with Ath-' letic leading by 11 points to 5. In tho i*cond spell Melrose had the bad luck to miss a goal by inches, a kick rf W. Marshall's striking tho post. However, a littlo later, W. Marshall was suceessf ll'in converting a penalty, and tho '.core rei-d:. Athletic, 11; Melrose 8. The scores vi-re' unchanged until near the finish, and there was no telling which side would ifave the fild victors until .someone left "Ennji" Wilson unmarked on the line-out. Then tho game was over. Wilson quickly shot the ball on to his backs, and the attack ended in "Sim" Wilsou scoring near tho comer. Evensen converted with' a great kick. Athletics were thus made a present of the'game, which ended in their favour by 16 poinds to 8. Tries and Goals Galore. ' The junior representative mafcih, Wel-lington-Wairarapa, which was ri.viwl on No. 2 ground at Athletic Park, fesi'ltttl in a win for Wellington. Tho city juniors ran up tho rare score of 42 points. The visitors failed to cross Wellington's line, but succeeded in landing a 3-point jjoal. CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER. i ■ . i a I f '?. § IS 3 .3 .2 3' ?• * *P fc h u Petono 14 12 1 1 212 46 25 Athletic H 12 1 1 15G 52 25 Oriental II 12 2 0 178 G3 24 Melrose 14 9 5 0 139 99 18 St. Jnjnea 14 7 C 1 111 117 15 Ponefco 135 5 8 0 84 104 10 Wellington ... 13 4 7 2 50 128 10 Vio. College ... 14 2 11 1 83 147 5 Southern 14 2_ 12 0 48 202 4 ORIENTAL-PETONE. KOOTBALL WORTH WATCHING. At the very jump Petone "bolted" with 9, strong forward rush, which, however, vox checked by Murray, who picked up and got tonch well down. Then Oriental Heized the situation with a Titan's hand, xnd maintained an iron grip on it for tho 'first quarter. Paton, Kino, and Skinner worked wonders from the touch-line, gaining ground at every throw in, When a score seemed very near, however, Gillespie, unluckily, got off-side, and Petone got to tho twenty-five line. lint thoy did not remain long there, lor a, bit of wild passing by tho Petone backs gave their oppoireDts a big chance, but Parker jost cleaned. Tho Blues, led by Ready, ITfor;

lc.no, and Taplin, now broke away solidly, and set up a hot assault, but Roberts very cleverly cleared, and his forwards, swarming round the ball, kept it rolling. Roberts again secured, and, putting on a short cross-kick, changed the direction of the line of attack. The Whites, however, were ruled off-side, and a fine line-kick eased the ordeal for Petone, but back came the ball, and Nunn was presently prominent in a very fine "save," just inches off the line.

The pace was now a- "cracker," and tho leather travelled all over the field during the next few minutes. In the course of their next attack (which was started by ■Murray and M'Leod) Oriental got a penalty kick, and Roberts had a shot against tho wind, but the ball flew very wide. Immediately afterwards, M'Leod, Kinvig, and Murray got a promising rush under way, but a wild pass frustrated tho movement just as it was properly going. Play evened up, and a series of line-outs and scrums ensued in Petone's twenty-five, until Kinvig,' with a splendid kick, found touch a few feet from the goal-line. Here a powerful attack was set up by "tho Magpies," several attempts being made to get over, till M'Kenzie brought timely relief to his side. The respite to Petone was not a long one, for Roberts now set the rearguard going, M'Leod, Kinvig, Murray, and Patterson handling. Tho latter being thrown out, into touch, and tho ball finally bounded into touch in goal. Still Oriental pressed, swooping down, with Paton, Gillespie, and •Ebcrhart in tho lead, but their chance was spoilt by a-hard kick by Roberts. Daring another sensational attack, Paton essayed to pot, but. the ball ilew low, and was nicely gathered by James Evan, who cleared. Kinvig attempted another pot, and his inovo was followed by an effort on the part of Eberhart to goal from a penalty, By sheer forco Petone now gained ground bit by bit,. but the safe Oriental rearguard drove them back, and Murray presently tried to find the posts from a penalty. The pace was beginning to tell now, and Petone were getting "v bit of their own back." The vanguard made a great rally, and swept down-field, led by M'l'arlano and Price, and a handy penalty gave tho redoubtable M'Parlane a chance, but it was futile.

Clever play on the part of Boyd and .las. Ryan, now gaiued ground for Petone, but Skinner was handy, and turned defence into attack, and the home team had to force. W. Ryan and Taplin, assisted by Parrant, next led Petone goalwards, and the pace increased a3 they went along. Canad put in a short kick, which went to Parker, who returned a high punt, and M'Kenzie, racing up, secured, passed to Parker, who flicked to Ramsden, who dashed over, amid wild excitement. Tho try, however, was disallowed, the refereo ruling that Parker was offside ' when he took tho ball. Petone again attacked, and M'Farlane had another shot. "No charge" was ruled, but Oriental took no notice, and another kick was allowed, but fell short.

For some time thereafter play hovered in the centre, with rushes and counterrushes, and then came the first score of the day. From a scrum Nunn secured, and sent to M'Kenzie, to Eamsden, to Jas. Eyan, and finally to E. Eyan, who.cutin, side-stepped threo men, and scored under the posts, amid thunders of 'applause. At this stage Roberts retired hurt, and his place was filled by Carmichael, while Murray took up duty as halfback. The spell ended with tlie suburban men leading by 5 points. Jas. Eyan ushered in the second half with a sensational run down field, and the Blues opened up the play by throwing both backs and forwards into tho fray, and treating the crowd to a bout of really brilliant passing. Jas. Eyan again showed up with a great run, but was deftly tackled by Hale. Murray, Kinvig, M'Leod, and Hale now made for Oriental progress in a passing-run, and, after several scrums, Paton banged over a splendid goal from a difficult angle, amid loud cheering. Petone, 5 points; Oriental, 3 points.

AVith a two-point lead, Petone set up attack after attack, keeping Oriental penned up for quite a while. Finally Kinvig brought relief with a great kick, and tho forwards carried on the game in great stylo. Murray had a shot at goal, and Kinvig attempted to drop a penalty, but the score remained unchanged. Taplin got possession, and made a great run, got right throng!*! but was overtaken by Halo. He, however, passed to W. Ryan, who flicked to Jas. Ryan, who sent to his brother, who made a great dash, but was accounted for ' by M'Leod. Nunn then went "on his own," and a scoro semed inevitable, ■ when a knock-on spoilt even-thing. So the game went on. and, till "no side" sounded, the pace did not slacken. There was very little play in the centre of the field, for either Petono would bo strongly aggressive or Oriental would be storming on the suburban line. The passing of Petono was very pretty to watch, and resulted in tb«ir twice going very near to a score. When the gamewas Hearing its end, Murray, M'Leod, Kinvig, and Hale went away in a good bout, but a timely "intercept" by Jas. Ryan saw the Blues attacking again, and fighting for an increase, but the defenco was very sound. It was a great game, fought in the very best of spirit right through. , Mr. Card was referee. - ATHLETIC-MELROSE. •FINE ATTACK; SUPERB DEFENCE. A good centre kick a couple of minutes after tho kick-off found its way to tho front of the Melrose goal, where the Newtown team had a warm few minutes at defending. They swept Athletic to the other end of the field, but two free-kicks which wore awarded Athletic were made such good uso of by Evenson that Melrose were returned to their own end of tho sward. 'Tho hard toiling Melroso forwards drove the big Athletics back again, and a smart interception by B. Sullivan resulted in Athletics being put in a very tight corner. A froe-ltick relieved them, but the Red forwards pressed the attack to within a few yards of the Athletic goal, whore the situation was saved by C. Atkinson's marking. From then on for a considerable time Melrose were defending. From a forward rush, Bell got over for the Blues, and tho scoring account was opened.. Athletic, 8; Melrose, 0. Then followed as desperate an attack as has been seen for many a day. The ball travelled from one sido of the ground to the other in a passing rush, but Athletic could not get thoTe. Yet they would not give up the attack, and they sent tho oval back across the field again. Melrose defended tenaciously, and every Athletic man was downed. It was desperate attack, and splendid defence. However, a little while later. H. Roberts received a long pass from M'Donnld, and, having i a fairly clear field, got over, although a fino tackle by Murphy brought him to . earth. Athletic, fi; Sfelrose. 0. The next i to scoro was E. Roberts, who whipped • round tho scrum and got over. He con- ; verted from an easv position. Athletic, ; 11; Melrose, 0. For tho Inst fifteen : minutes of the spell, Melrose gave Ath- •. letic all the wor.st of thn deal, and from ; one forward rush, which nothing but a ; brick Trail could, h,ayo utopgajl, B, Sulli-,

van scored. Half-time arrived with tho scare: .Athletic, 11; Melrose, 5. Athletic attacked without a break for the first twenty minutes of tho second spell. When 'Jlelrose did sliift play they bocamo very dangerous, and wero .several times very closo to scoring. A free-kick was taken by AV. Marshall, who directed tho oval so well that it struck the post,, but, unluckily for Melrose, it rebounded in-field. However, before Athletic could clear their line, W. Marshall got another chance, and this time ho converted. Athletic, 11; Melrose, S. The result of tho game was in doubt until five minutes before tho conclusion, when Melrose made tho fatal error of leaving "Kangi" 'Wilson unmarked on tho line-out. Wilson got tho ball, and sent it on to the backs, with the result that "Sim" Wilson scored near the corner. Eveuson converted. Tho gamo ended shortly afterwards: Athletic, 1G: Melrose, a. Mr. W. J. Meredith was referee. PONEKE-VICTORIA COLLEGE. POOR MATCH. If Oliver Wendell Holmes had lived in these days, apd had decided to describe in verse the match between Ponoko and Victoria College, as played at Miramar on Saturday, it is certain that he would never have opened with tho line "Has there any old fellow got mixed with the boys?" It is very palpable that no "Hilly" Wallace, or "Cocky" Roberts, or other old Hugby head is mixed with tho boys that at present form tho Poneke team. The halo which formerly surrounded the club, had its origin in tho days of Ellison, and subsisted through a long succession of years to the time of Wallace and Mitchinson,, but now all the old glory has entirely departed, and nothing is left to make Poneke powerful, much less popular. Of their opponents on Saturday, let it merely lie said that they appeared to do their best.

As for the game, which resulted from tho meeting of the two teams, not much space should be devoted to its description. Early in the game Ponoko commenced to attack, and Dingle gained the ball as a scrum broke up, and darted over tho lino, but the try was not converted. Poneke, 3 points; College, 0. Not long after. Dingle again secured tho ball near the goal posts, and varied the proceedings by potting a goal. Poneke, 7; College, 0. For the remainder of the spell, Collego more than held (heir own, but their methods of attack were not calculated to result in scores, and half-time was called with the points as above. Upon resuming, the College team pressed right down to the Poneke line, but their efforts to score would have disgraced a ladies' hockey team, and their opponents repelled the attack with ease. It was not until more than half-way through tho spell, however, that Poneke scored again. A forward rush carried play right down to the College goal, and S'ainton, who was playing at full, owing to an injury, failed to defend. Walker made an effort to cover up the mistake, but a Poneke man secured possession, and pent a long pass to Gardiner, who scored within easy range. Irvine convorted. Poneke, 12; College, 0. This was how the seoro stood when time was called, though College were within an ace of scoring towards tho end, as tho result of good work by Cnrtayne, Walker, and Butcher. Mr. E. Pordyce was referee.

ST. JAMES-SOUTHETSN. LATTER BEATEN AT HIEAMAR, It was cold and bleak at Miramnr, where St. James met Southern. Tho game .was la'o in starling, as some of tho players did not readily respond to the repeated whistles of tho reforoo, although they wero quite ready to play, and standing near the held. The game was not the one-sided affair which some expected it to be, but was, in fact, a fairly even one, as far as play went. Tho tries which St. James managed to score were not simply "walks in," but had to be battled for. Soon after starting, Campbell kicked a rather lucky pen-alty-goal for Southern from tho twentyfive yards mark. Tho ball hit one of tho poles, and then bounced in between them. After this St. James attacked in strength, and succeeded in getting right up to their opponents' line, and from a line-out a heavy rush by tho attackers' compelled Southern to touch down. Shortly afterwards Hills dribbled tho ball across tho line, and fell on it, thus putting on St. James's first scoro. A pass from Moffat enabled Donaldson, to increase the St. James' tally some time later, .and Wright took the kick, but failed to convert. This brought St. James in tho lead, but no further score had been recorded at half time. The general impression which one formed from the play at this stago was that Young, of St. James, was doing valuable work, as also was tho tawny Utiku, who is, on the whole, a very spry sort of player. Southern also had somethin? to be thankful for in Capper, their full-back. His splendid line-kicking turned a weak position info a stronger one time after time.

On play being resumed after tho inter-, val, St. James played up with energy. Dobson and M'lncrney were very prominent, and, in a short space of time, tho latter succeeded in increasing St. James's lead by putting on another try. Israel got the last try of the day. The game thus ended in favour of St. James by 12 points to 3. Mr. T. H. Jones was Tefcree. THE JUNIORS. WELLINGTON-WAIRARAPA. The junior representatives of Wellington and Wairarapa played their annual match on No. 2 ground at Athletic Park. Wairarapa were badly ■ outclassed, and were defeated by 42 to 3. The teams were as follow.— Wellington.—Pull-back, M'Girr; threequarters, J. Ryan, Miller, En ting; fiveeighths, Whitley (captain) and Elliffe; half, Russell; wing-forward, Luoni; forwards, Shardlow, Guthrie, French, Nnnkiville, Lindsay, Spearman, and Burke. Wairarapa—Full-back, E. Connell; three-quarters, H. Player, R. Nix, T. Matson; five-eighths, Jury and G. Foreman; half. Enderson; forwards, August, Blake, Dash, Hall, Cadwallader, Hart, Savwell; wing-forward, Gallon. The first spell ended in Wellington's favour by 13 to 3. Wairarapa. scored the first points of the match, Foreman kicking a penalty goal. Tries were scored for Wellington In this spell by Elliffe, Whitley, and Enting. J. Eyan converted tho two last tries. In the second spell, Luoni (2), Enting, Guthrie, Miller, Eyan, and Whitley crossed tho Wairarapa line. Whitley converted three of tho tries, and M'Girr converted one. So the game ended: Wellington, 12 points; Wairarapa, 3 points. Mr. A. Ncilson was referee. OTHER CHAMPIONSHIPS. Third Class, . Oriental (37) v. St. John's (0). Selwyn (6) v. Exchango (3). Potone (G) v. Wellington (3). Athletic defaulted to St. Patrick's College. / Oriental have now won the championship, with a record of 10 wins, 1 draw, and no losses.

Fourth Class. • Petone (9) v. Oriental (0). Southern (3) v. Johnsonvillo (3). Athletic (19) v. Old Boys (11). Fifth Class. Petone (1!)) v. Melrose (0). St. Patrick's College (6) v. Poncke (5). Sixth Class. Petone B (3) v. Poneke (3). St. Patrick's College (11) v. Wellington College (5). 'I School Matches. Thorndon B (0) drew with Island Bav (0). South' Wellington (3) drew with To Aro (3). Ma-rist (Hiwkestonß Street) (2) beat Maranui (1). Thorndon A (3) defeated Eoseneath (0). REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. Mr; V. R. Meredith, the Wellington Rugby Union's polo selector, has chosen the following teams to repveseut Wellington :— Against Southland and Auckland, Backs: J. Kyan (Pelone), Grace (Wellington), Ynnng (St. .lames), Murray (Oriental), Kam-sden 'Petone), M'Keuzie (Petone), and F. Roberts (Oriental). Jt'ornaids; Elliott (P.pneke), Ites-dy

(Petone), Motiitt (St. James), Gillespie (Oriental), A. Wilson (Athloric), Macfarlann (Pctone), It. l'aton (Athletic), and Skinner (Oriental). Extra men to go to Auckland: Hills (St. James), H. Pa ton (Oriental), and E. Ifoberts (Athletic). Against Hawke's Bay. Backs: Lambert, Evenson, M'Kenzie, Norris, E. Ryan, M'Leod, Kinvig, ami E. Nuiui. Forwards: J. Cunninghame. Murphy, Sullivan'(2), Levick, Perry, Bell, and Parrant. Junior Representatives. The following men will represent the Wellington juniors in the match against Horowhenua:—Backs: M'Girr. Enting, Miller, J. Kyan, Whitley, Eliffe, and M'Yay. Forwards. Luoni, Shardlow, Guthrie, Lindsay, Nankcville, French, Burk, ami Spearman. Emergencies: Russell, Ihirle, W. Ryan, and Mullancy. MATCHES ELSEWHERE. MAORI TEAM WALKED OVER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, August 10. Tho principal Rugby attraction to-day was at Alexandra Park between Auckland and a New Zealand Native team. The attendance numbered about 2000. Tho 'play was not very interesting, the Native team being outclassed. In tho first quarter, Auckland scored three points, Weston being the scorer. Tho second quarter was all in favour of the locals and tries wero scored by Stewart, Carroll and Mackay, two being converted by Walsh. From theneo on till no-sido the Natives wero continually on the defence. Mackay scored behind tho posts, Walsli converted. Ifwerson placed a penalty goal, and a final try was scored by O'Leary. The total score was: Auckland, 27 points; Native team, nil. Although Auckland won easily their form was not impressive nnd improvement is necessary if tho shield is to bo retained.

Christchurch, August 11. The first of tho Canterbury junior representative fixtures this season was played to-day. The teams were fairly matched,- the home team being superior in tho backs, but tho difference in tho forwards was not very evident. Tho game became very exciting in the final stages, Canterbury just winning on time by 11 points to 9.

•Dunedini August 10. Tho weather was splendid for the start of tho football matches to-day, but heavy rain fell before the finish. The Eenior matches have now concluded. Southern has won the bauner defeating University by 11 points to 5. Kaikorai (11) beat Zin-gari-Richinond (3); Dnnedin (121 beat Taieri Rovers (3); Port Chalmers (10) beat' Pirates (G); Alhambra (3) drew with Union (3). • Palmerston N., August 10. Western District (3 points) defeated Southern (nil). Feilding (9) beat Eastern (fi). Masterton, August 11. Wairarapa played the Bush representatives yesterday in fine weather, and before a good attendance. Tho Wairarapa team, who were playing together for the first time, did not give a good exhibition, tlieir backs being especially weak. Tho Bush forwards played a good game, but lacked finish. In the first spell tho game was very even. Wairarapa lost several good cha-nces through faulty passing. Sam scored for the Bush Union men in the first ten minutes, Maxted converting. Towards the end of the spell Sievers scored for Wairarapa, Sandel converting, .'and the spell ended with 5 points each. Play in tho second spell was confined to tho forwards, there being very little back play. Sam kicked a good goal for Bush, and Sandel added two goals for Wairarapa, tho winning points being scored just on • the call of time. The final scores wore:—Wairarapa, 11 poiuts; Bush Union,' 1 8 points.

- IN AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph—l'ress Association—Oopyrifeht (Rec. August 11, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, August 10. In the Rugby game New South Wales defeated Queensland by 19 points to 4. THE RUGBY OF 1912. A SAMPLE. (Bj Telcjraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, August 11. The twentieth interprovincial match between Canterbury and Southland was played'at Lancaster Park this afternoon, and ended in a somewhat easy win for the local representatives by twenty points to three. The ground was in very fair order, and the weather conditions ideal, but, nevertheless, tho game, taken all round, was a poor exhibition, of football, tho second spell especially proving very monotonous. Tho Southland forwards came up with a big reputation, and they entirely failed to sustain it, and while tho local representatives did not actually show brilliance or excellonce, yet oven in their mediocrity they were too good for the visitors. From a moderate display in the pack, the Southlanders went to worse in the back division, most of them being incapable of even an. ordinary orthodox movement. On the Canterbury side Gray stood out by himself, giving a brilliant display. In fact, apart from Gray's exhibition, tho game was extremely uninteresting. It was he who started all tho flashes of good play in. the first spell, and, even in the second, ho was a participant in one or two interest patches. Towards tho finish Southland played as if they wero simply waiting for tho whistle to put an end to their misery, and Canterbury, actuated probably by charitable motives, proceeded to let them down lightly. Canterbury's score was made up of a goal from a try, a penalty goal, and four tries.

ASSOCIATION

RESULTS OF SENIOR MATCHES. . Hospital .4 Swifts 1 Corinthians ... 2 Ramblers 1 Wanderers 3 Rovers 0 Thistle 4 Diamonds 0 Y.M.C.A 3 St. John's 2 CORINTHIANS-RAMBLERS. Corinthians and Ramblers fought out a close contest at Kclburne Park on Saturday, the former winning by two goals to one. Both teams were short of players. Ramblers put in an appearance with nine men, while their opponent's team of tenone short of the required number—included two substitutes, who played in "mufti." The game began in somewhat scrappy fashion, but later on, with tho dilatory arrival of missing Ramblers, play livencd up considerably. Speaking generally, superior play by the Corinthians overcame whatever tactical disadvantage there was felt by their team being one short, and although the Rambler men pressed their defences with great energy, tho atacks were held without serious effort. No less than four consecutive rushes by the Ramblers were frustrated either by some act of carelessness or bad judgment at the critical moment, or by the -alertness of the Corinthian backs— Rutttcr playing at right-full-back, being particularly prompt on one very desperate occasion, when a score by. the Ramblers looked almost a certainty. ' The first goal of the match was scored by Corinthians from a penalty shot, which wasgiven to Roberts to fire. This player, operating on the right-wing, on tho out-side, put in some good work during the afternoon, and twico alter his first score gave the Ramblers cause for serious nnxsety about tho fate of their goal. Following up-his success, Roberts assisted Hall to head-in goal number two for (he Corinthians, by passing a neat centre alter working the ball to the firing-line. The second spell was conspicuous for' soma lively • play by the Ramblers, but their attacks invariably collapsed at the critical moment, and after several attempts by Hart to score—tho ball being skied too much—Smallboho opened the score for Ramblers. .There was no further score, despite strenuous efforts by Ramblers to evon the odds, and so get one point for a draw. Mr. H. Yeomans was the referee. ST. JOHN'S-Y.M.CA. After a good honest tussle, more dogged than brilliant, Y.M.C.A. defeated St. Jolm's, at Duppa Street, on Saturday afternoon, by three goals to two, tho winning goal being scored just as the referee blow his whistle at the conclusion of (ho match. From the kick-off Y.M.C.A. invaded the St. John's territory, two successive attacks resulting in byes. St. John's countered, and for the next ten minutes were dangerous, especially when a pen-jltr-kicjs gave Altchisoa an opportunity

of opening the scoring account. Tlio player kicked badly, However, and tlio ball How wide. 'J'ho tide of foattlo then turned again, and the Y.M.C.A. men hustled tlieir opponents with more energy than science, otl'side-play being noticed on several occasions. It was near tho end of tho first spell before tho long scries of abortive attacks by either side resulted in a score. St. John's drew first blond, piercing the Y.M.C.A. line, and driving the ball between the posts, after a short but sharp exchange of shots. Shaw was the man who ultimately put the ball through. Half-time sounded during a spell of desultory play in mid-field. In tho second spell St. John's had tho wind in tlieir favour, and made the most of this advantage in the first part of tho spoil. Several promising rushes, which carried the vanguard into a favonrablo position for shooting tho ball home, failed because the players did. not realise tho importance of accurate kicking. There were, of course, occasional exceptionsone particularly fine shot struck tlio post, and rieo'chetted behind. Shaw, who scored in the first spell, played an energetic game, and after striking tho bar with two of his shots, succeeded in driving tlio ball between the posts, and giving St. John's a lead of two goals to nil. A few minutes later Y.M.C.A. scored, after a clever piece of manoeuvring by Bcavis, who broke through tho St. John's line, enticed the goalkeeper from his retreat, and dodging cleverly, slipped tho ball through. At this stage of tho game one of the St. John men (Dick) hurt his foot, and his side suffered from the loss of a material portion of its strength through his enforced inactivity. YMI.C. A,, pressing hard for the "equaliser," scored from a smart return shot by Baker, who

intercepted the ball as the goalkeeper drove out a previous shot by Bcavis. Two all. A final rush by the Y.M.C.A. men turned a draw into a victory, Phillips scoring after a clever run.. Mr. Newbold was the refcreo.

WANDERERS-ROVERS. Wanderers were unmistakably too formidable for Rovers at Newtown Park. Probably owing to tho recent postponements, Rovers were out of condition, and wero lucky to escape with only threo goals against them. When they took tho field they were only able to muster ten players, including two substitutes. They kicked off, and carried tho ball into their opponents' quarters, but the Wanderers' backs were on the alert, and placed tho ball further down, the lino. From the throw-in Wanderers carried tho leather into Rovers' quarters, and a miss-kick by Powell enabled Hayw.ard to place a shot fairly between the posts. Wanderers, 1; Rovers, 0. After this Rovers woke up, and for a few minutes kept tho Wanderers' custodian busy, but they were eventually repulsed. Rodgers, who mado a good run down the wing, put in a nice centre to Hayward, who succeeded in beating Rovers' goal-keeper with a long low shot. Wanderers, 2: Rovers, 0. Rovers again look up the running,' but luck seemed to'be against them, and they wero pressed back into their own quarters, where Kendall slapped on a third goal during a scrimmage in front of the posts. Tho ivhistlc then sounded for half-time. On resuming Rovers tried hard to equalise, but without' success, and there was no alteration in the score. Martin, their full-back, was very conspicuous throughout the game, stopping quite a-number of forward rushes. Mr. R. Hiitchcson controlled the game. HOSPITAL-SWIFTS, The Swifts, who were unable 'to muster more than ten men, opened tho gamo with a great deal of luck. Eariy in tho gamo a back pass was intercepted, but tho ball struck one of tho players, and rebounded . over tho goalkeeper's head, and-into goal. The Swifts did not enjoy their advantage very long, for somo excellent footwork was displayed by the Hospital (cam, and Phillips was in position to accept a clover pass from Roadsmcn, and equalised the score. In tho second half the Hospital team had it nil their own way. . Hughes' scored twice in succession, and Phillips Ricked a fourth goal in excellent style. Tho final showed: Hospital, i; Swifts, 1. Mr. J, Paton was the rcfereo.

THISTLE-DIAMONDS. This was a poor exhibition or "soccer," The Diamonds wero two men short, and tho Thistlo team had three men in mufti. Tho players showed a lack of training, and a lack of interest, and it is.difficult to give cither side credit. Diamonds played with more vim, biit the numbers wero against them. Thistlo scored two goals during tho first spell, Gibson securing the first and M'Ardlo the other, and in the interval between* the two the onlookers were entertained with an exhibition of wretched and careless play. In tho second spell Thistle secured another couple of goals, both being scored by Barnett, the left outsido, who did the lion's share of tho work. Tho goal ho secured almost on the call-of-time was a beauty. Mr. F. Connell was the referee. THE OTHER GRADE MATCHES. SECOND DIVISION. Rovors (4) beat Petone (3). Wadestowu defeated Brooklyn by 7 goals to nil. For the winners the goals were scored by Roberts (4), Overend (2), and AVilliams. Wadcstown played a great game. x Third Division. Johnsonville defeated Brooklyn by 4 goals to nil. Scorers for Jolinsonvillo were: Kennedy (3) and Murphy.

Fourth Division, Marist defeated South Wellington bv 0 goals to 1, M'Cartky, O'Sullivan (2), Carmody (2), and Leiris scored for Marist. Brooklyn (1) beat St. David's (0). Swifts (2) drew with Y.M.C.A. (2). A. Johnston scored both goals for Swifts, and Cusack and Wobb scored lor Y.M.C.A. Institute (0) nnd Y.M.C.A. B (0) drew. Fifth A Division. After a fast and interesting game Marist defeated Johnsonvillo by 6 goals to 1. For the winners W. Bowden and W. Mahoney scored 2 goals each and H. Marshall and G. Davies 1 each. Swenson scored for the losers. Brooklyn (3) brat Y.M.C.A. (1). Thomas scored for Brooklyn. St. David's A (0) drew with Instituto A (0)., . Fifth B Division, St. David's B (2) beat Institute B (1). Y.M.C.A. defeated Seatoun by 3 goals to 1, after a good game. Benge scored for Y.M.C.A. South Wellington (1) and Swifts (1) played a draw. Sixth A Division. Marist A defeated Island Bay by 4 goals to 2. Allright, jrahoney, Davis, and Hickev scored for the winners. Institute (5) beat Seatoun (0). Y.M.C.A. (10) defeated Brooklyn (1). Sixth B Division. Evans Bay Rovers (5) defeated Institute (list. Paul's (1) drew with Swifts (1). Kelburne (7) defeated Y.M.C.A. (1).

NORTHERN UNION.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, August 10. Tho 'Second iutorprovincinl League match of the season in connection with tho Northern Union Challenge Cup was played at Victoria Park to-cny in the presence of over 700 spectators. The weather and ground were perfect and the conditions altogether ideal for good football. Auckland won the toss, and kicking off with a southerly breeze in their favour, had the better of the opening stages of the game. Good play by Cook gave Wellington momentary relief, but the Blues once more attacked, and from a free-kick Hardgrave landed a good goal. Auckland continued ag&ressors, Cu'rrau. in particular, putting in fine work. Wellington tried bard to.stem the attack, but Curran eventually succeeded in scoring a clever trv which Hnrdgriive converted. Play for the remainder of the spell was of a fairly even character, and no further score followed. Auckland again opened well in the second spell, but spirited dashes by Barber nnd Cook relieved tho pressure. Auckland's forwards and backs, however, were playing together splendidly, n concerted rush resulted in Weston scoring a trv which Hardgrave failed to improve on. Wellington's forwards tired nnlpnbJv at this stage, nnd as tho result of good forward play, Weston .igaiu got over tho line. Soon nfter Cnrrnn made a splendid run. but was overhauled by Gook. Loose plav followed, and Rukuthi broke through jM, scored tlw ftool try. Xho final scores^

were: Auckland, 16 points; Wellington, nil. Wellington's defeat was duo in the. main to lack of combination among tho backs anil weakness in the forwards. C. Kins was prominent throughout for good following work—a department of. the game in which the other Wellington forwards compared unfavourably with Auckland. 'J'ho backs on. both sides took tlio ball well, and also _ kicked with judgment, but the passing of the Wellington backs was very wild. The feature" of Auckland's play was tho fino combination of their backs, and the solid work of tho forwards both in the open and in tho closo play. Curran and Rokc wero the most prominent in tho backs, and Rukatai and ft. Hayward in the forwards. Mr. A. Ferguson was referee.

LAWN TENNIS.

NEW YORK CHAMPIONSHIP. By Telecraph—Press Association—Copyright (Kec. August 11, 5.5 p.m.) New York, August 9. M'LougWin and Bundv won. tho New York State lawn tennis championship, defeating Behr and Inman.

BILLIARDS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, August 10. The scores in the billiard match stand: Inman 5780, Liudruin 4-101. Later. I/indruin has now reached GG27, including a break of 4GG, of which 4G2 were scored oil' tho red. Human's score stands at G4DS.

SCULLINU.

PEARCE AND BARRY. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright Sydney, August 10. Backers of Pearce havo raised J1350 towards his stake for his proposed match with Barry. It is expected that they will have the £500 by next Saturday. It is proposed to cable ,£IOO next Wednesday to bind' a match with Barry. '

WRESTLINO.

By Tekcraph—Press Association—Coprrliclil Vancouver, August 0. "Pat" Conne-ly, wrestling champion of Britain and Ireland, and'Chct M'lntvro, of Vancouver, wrestled for an hour last night, neither securing a fall. Connely contracted to throw his man twice in tho hour.

MOTOR-CYCLE CLUB.

• The New Zealand Motor Cycle Club held a speed judging .competition on Saturday afternoon, over a course from Clyde Quay School, round tho Queen's Drive, and back to the starting point, a distance of about eleven miles. Fourteen riders started, and the results show that tho averago motor .cyclist is a good judge of tho speed at which he travels. Prior to setting out each competitor was given a card fixing the rate of speed which was to be adhered to teach competitor being required to maintain a different rate). The use of watches and speedometers was not allowed, Mr. C. D. Bridge acted as judge, Mr. E. W. Daniel as' timekeeper, while Messrs. F. Rankino and W. Wilson wci'o tho starters. The result of the competition was as follows:—H. Gastein (3 h.p. Triumph), total error, 3(lsec., 1; — Bothamley (5 h.p. Indian), total error lmin. 52sec, 2; L. R. Barber (3J- h.p. Invincible), total error 2min„ 3; —Duncan (K h.p. L.M.C.), total error 3min. 9seo., i; W. Wilson (5 h.p. Indian), total error ■lmin., 5. ' On Saturday evening tho annual snioko concert and presentation of prizes was held, in the Tiifen -Rooms, Mr. Daniels presiding over a largo attendance. During tho evening tho president presouted tho prizes won during the 1912 season. Theßiswell-Barton Cup, for annual competition, was presented to Mr. W. Wilson; the Aitkin Cup, for 12 hours' trial, to Jlr. R. S. Bonder; and the 24 hours' Trial Oup, donated by Mr. Daniels, to Mr. E. P. Gilbert. A number of prokl medals and certificates woro also presented. Vocal and other items were contributed by the following:—Dr. Hales, and Messrs. V. Sutherland, P. Fitzgerald, Hoggard, Wilson, F. O'Snllivan, Tai Hcketn, Collins, Goldfinch, and Brin.geygo. The toasts honoured wore: "The President" (Mr. R. S. Bender); "Tho Pastime and Kindred Clubs" (Mr. D. Bridge); "The Prize Winners" (Mr. C. AV. Tanner); and "Tho Trade" (Mr. W. Nimmo).

TUG-OF-WAR.

' DRIVERS' TEAM FOR -SYDNEY. Wellington is to be represented at the big international tug-of-war which is being promoted by Mr. Hugh M'lntosh, of tho Sydney Stadium. The secretary of the local Drivers' Union (Mr. D. Blackic) has received a cable message stating Hint X'so will be allowed towards the expenses of tho team. Tho team—a particularly strong one —has only been beaten once, and has victories to its credit over tho polico and Permanent Artillery. So confident is it of its powers that a • challenge has been issued to pull any team in Australasia for .£2OO a-side.