LEAGUE GAME.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1831, 18 August 1913, Page 7

LEAGUE GAME.

A BATTLE IN THE MUD. WELLINGTON DEFEAT CANTER.' BURY. Conditions could not possibly have been norso for the Loaguo representative match between Canterbury and Wellington, which was played on Newtown 'Park on Saturday. Tho ground was thoroughly sodden, and players found tho greatest difficulty in maintaining a foothold. A high wind was blowing and cold, drenching rain beat down pitilessly from start to finish. About 200 enthusiasts paid for udiuission, and "Stood heroically on the bank. Tho teams wero:— AVellington — Finlayson, Troebstel, Kelly, birickland, Bradley, House, Barber, Parker, Spencer, Beuseinann, Manning, Turner, and Wilson. Canterbury—Gassou, . Kruse, . Smith, Hardingham, Brunsden, Kossella, Stokes, Watts, Carroll, Morris, Kirton, S'hauks, and Campbell. Tho visitors had the gale at theiT backs when they kicked.olf. They started to attack, but a good rush by tho Wellington backs,, started by Finlayson, removed play to the other end of tne field. The ball soon became very heavy and gteasy,' trod both kicking and'passing were'conse- i queutly by no means first-class. Nevertheless tlio Wellington backs gave quito u. creditablq showing, although anything liko "top-notch" play was out of tho question. Tho Wellington attack was persistent, but for a long timo unsuccessful. Several good chances of scoring were lost through backs falling on the treacherous ground, or failing to take tho ball in passing rushes. On ono occasion the ball went over tho line, and Wilson was beaten by inches by Smith in tho race to touch down.- The drop-out was a considerable relief to tho Reds, but Wellington were soon back again, a 6plendid run by Strickland oarrying play wqll;'-,iirto:,.Can-terbury territory. After a long and dreary spoil of very "scrappy" play, Wellington succeeded. in • scoriDg, as the, result of a really, pretty pieco of back play.. There was a near the lino and the ball shot Tight through it to Housp, wh6 promptly snatched it up and passed to Bradley. Then the ball went to Kelly, l finally to Strickland, who dashed over. Bradley was unequal to tho difficult task of converting. Wellington, 3; Canterbury, 0. . Tho Reds retaliated in a manner. The forwards followed hard after the ball from tho drop-out, and getting it at. their feet, carried it over the lino, where Shanks fell on it; Smith failed to goal. Wellington, 3; Canterbury, 3.-

'Encouraged by this sudden success, tho Canterbury, forwards set up' a very solid attack,' their tactics being more Suited to the state of the ground aud tho ball than the fruitless dashes of tho Black backs. A steady, solid rush earned tho ball down tho whole'length of tho field. A. Canterbury man, Smith, was there first In the scramble when tho ball crossed the line, and a try resulted. . Smith kicked al goal.. Canterbury, 8; Wellington, 3. Taking a, leaf from their opponents' book, tho Wellington forwards began to do the attacking. for their side, and the change in tactics met with considerable (success. Headed 'by Wilson, who played a splendid game throughout, tho Black pack carried all before them. As the result of one piece of particularly fine work the hall was earned across the line, but Brunsdon touched down just in tho nick of time. Just before half-time Proebstel scored a good try, as the result of a nico piece of combined play, in which House, Barber, Bradley, and Kelly also took part. Bradley made a i>cor attempt to convert. The spell ended—Canterbury, 8; Wellington. K.

Tho second half'was Wellington's. Playing ivitli tho wind behind them they had things mostly their own way, and scored four tries, which were • secured by Bensoniann (2), Wilson, and Kelly. Bradley converted three of tho tries and kicked a goal from a mark by Bensemann. The form, of the Wellington forwards was bettor than that of their opponents, who werp worn out at the finish; Tho scoro &t .tho finish was• Wellington 26 Canterbury ; 8' ' Mt. T. Cunningham was referee. NEXT SATURDAY'S TEAM. The selectors have chosen tho following players to represent Wellington against Auckland on Saturday . next:— Macguire, Preebstel, Kelly, Finlayson, Strickland, Bradley, House, Barber, Spencer, Bensomonn, Manning, Turner, Sullivan, and Wilson. Players must attend the gymnasium on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. QUESTION OF HEADQUARTERS."" (By Telegraph.—l'rcco Association.) Auckland, August IG. The Auckland Football League last night, by 21 votes to 7, reversed tho decision of three weeks ago to urge the removal of tho headquarters to Wellington, tho majority of the clubs having since instructed tho delegates how to .voto. NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM. By Telezraph—Press Association—Copyrich t : (Rec. August 17, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, August 17. The New South Wales representative Rugby League team for tho New Zealand tour sailed by tho Ulimaroa yesterday. ASSOCIATION. MATCHES "OFF." l'histlos, having won tha I<Jl3 champion ship, it was intended to hava commenced Charity Cup fixtures on Saturday afternoon. Heavy rain foil during tho morning, however, and tho Postponement Comimtfco of tho W.F.A. decided to declare ji.ll mutches "off." Next Saturday Manawatu will play Wellington.

LACROSSE. » A FAST GAME. I WELLINGTON WIN PROUD SHIELD. About two; hundred of the real enthusiasts, including several Jl.P.'s, assembled at the Basin Keserve on Saturday after-, noon to witness the representative match Auckland v„ Wellington, for- the I'roud Shield. A bleak southerly prevailed, and the 'constant showers of ram made matters exti'emely uncomfortable both for players' and onlookers. The ground was very niuddy, and players frequently slipped.' The exhibition of tho game was really fine, play being very fast. A featnro of tho game was tho clever and neat passing by members of both teams, the goal-keeping work of Kershaw, Wellington, was something well worth watching. On numerous occasions hoy succeeded in warding off "shots" from the Clues, lour 6)>e113 of 20 minutes each, with a five-, minutes' rest at the end of tho secontf, were played. Th'o teams were very evenly maWlied in tho.first and second spells, but in tho last two tho northerners showed superiority in tho matter of passing, although Wellington, while claiming some credit for passing work, were more successful* in the attaok. Tho teams . wore: Auckland (Blue)—B. Edwards (goal), li. D. Stewart (point), A. Knight (cov'er-point), W. MacChire (rightdefence), A. Oliver (left-defence), A. Brown (third man), P. Pledger (efntre), A. Woollams (third home), E. M'Coskie (right-at-tack), E. Swjdes (left-attack), P. Philson (second home), L. M'Coskie (first home). Wellington (black)—Ji. Kershaw (goal), J. P. O'Leary (point), E. I. Proud (cover-

point), J. W. Canty (right-defence), J. R-enkiu (left-defence), -I, H. Rydeb (third man), B. Renkin (centre), L. T. Fama (third home), J. L.' Leydon (riglit-attack), M. Andrews (left-attack), K. J. Grant (second home), and W? B. Estcourt (firat home). DETAILS OF THE PLAY. From tho "face-off," Wellington attnekod strongly, and Auckland responded, Stewart being particularly conspicuous. The Blues began, to trespass very. near the Blacks' net, but Fama caught tlie ball and. throw to Leydon, who missed, and a score for Blues was narrowly averted. Play then approached Auckland's quarters, and. Wellington. very nearly scored. Pledger secured tho ball, and centred, savin? the Blues trouble. A pretty exhibition of passing and difficult catching followed. Kershaw caught tho ball and passed to, Leydon, who in turn sent the ball to Caiity, and the .last-men-tioned threw to Estcourt, wlio/e chances of a shot wero spoiled by an onslaught by the Blues. M C'oskie caught the ball, and made a good shot, which Kershaw saved. A spell was called, and tho teams changed ends. - Up-and-down play followed. in which the teams wero very ovonly matched. A littlo later tho Blues were penalised;, and Wellington was awarded a "free throw." Somo excellent passing and catching by _ both teams was here evidenced. Bain be gan to fall, and Wellington pressed hard, play being confined to the Blues' quarter. Auckland was penalised at this stage—right ill front of_ their own net. From an awkward position Levdon scored .Wellington's first peal—Wellington 1, Auckland 0. Shortly after resuming Fama increased 1 Wellington's score—Wellington 2, Auckland 0. / A spell of five minutes enabled the players to sfeek shelter from the drenching rain. On resuming itwna announced that Pledger'had injured his right thumb, and he, in consequence of this, changed positions with Edwards. The Blocks kept play in the Blues' quarter,. and from a thick scramble Tama so-, cured tho ball «'nd passed to Estcourt, who scored. Wellington. 3, Auckland 0. Kershaw, who had been very busy defending Wellington's eoml, was here caught napping, ami Waolltinvs shot a lino goal. Wellington .1. Auckland 1. Play no\? becamo.yeiy willing, the Blues making things particularly lively. Stewart gave valuable assistance, and aided Woolianis in again scoring. Wellington 3, Auckland 2. Matters coat in nod lively, and durin.7 a piece of "smart play. Grant scored. This was followed by Estcourt ngain scoring. Wellington 5. Auckland 2. In spite of his injured thumb, Pledger prevented one cir two'strong endeavours by Wellington to score. However, a littlo later, Estcourt was again successful in effecting another score. Wellington G, Auckland 2. This was followed by Fama scoring. Wellington 7, Auckland 2. Tho Blues fought hard, and Woolinms landed Auckland's last score, Wellington 7, Auckland .1.. Up-and-down play ensued, and with three minutes to go Fama put on tho best score of tho day. From halfway he secured the ball and made a clear and fast ran to the Blues' goal, scoring without anv assistance and hardly tiny trouble. The game ended with the scores —Wellington. 8: Auckland, 3. Mr. P. J. M'Govem was referee, and Messrs. A. English (Auckland) and F. N. Leo (Wellington), were tho goal umpires. ; AUCKLAND TEAM HONOURED. On Saturday evening tho members of tho Auckland team were entertained at a dinner by tho Wellington Association. Tho Wellington team and a number of local enthusiasts were also present. Tho chair wad occupied by Mr. E. C. Levvey, the local president, who was supported byMr. J. S. Dickson, M.P. (president of tho Auckland Association), and Mr. L.' D. Stewart, the visiting captain. Tho health of tho Auokland team was enthusiastically toasted on the proposition of tho chairman, who reforrod to tho excellence of the play of both teams in the match, and the pleasure which it gavo to the local players to meet tho visitors both on and oil tho field. Each association had now won! four matches, and the contest next yoar in Auckland for tho Proud Shield Should indeed bo a memorable one. llr. L. ,D. Stewart,' tho Auckland captain, heartily congratulated tho Wellington team on its victory, and foretold a strong effort on the part of Auckland to regain the shield. He thanked the Wellington Association for its kindness and hospitality. Mr. J. S. Dickson, M.P., proposed "The Shield Winners," and heartily congratulated the Wellington captain and his men upon their fine display and welldeserved victory. Amidst foiul applause, ho handed over the Proud Challenge Shield to Wellington. Mr, R. Renkin (the local captain) suitably <repHed. Mr. A. F. Woollams ''(Auckland) gave tho toast of "The Referee and Goal Umpires," who, he said, liad given every satisfaction in their decisions, and whoso task, particularly'that of tho referee, had been considerably lightened by the excellent spirit in which the match was contested. Mr. P. J. M'Govorn, the referee, and Messrs. A. English and F. N. Lee suitably acknowledged the toast. Mr. E. C. Levvey then proposed a special toast, that of Mr. A. H. Casey, who, he said, had done moro for lacrosso in New Zealand than anv other man, and had worked energetically and enthusiastically to further tho game on evory occasion. Sir. Casey acknowledged the valuable* assistance which ho had at all times received from his colleagues ill office, and urged his hearers to spare no effort in popularising lacrosse, which ho considered was the best field sport in tho world, viewed from every ; standpoint. Mr. Casey predicted an early and rapid expansion of tho gaino in tho various centres. T.ho Auckland team _ returns by tho Main Trunk express this morning. DIAMOND SCULLS INCIDENT. M'VILLY DESCRIBES HIS WIN. Br Telegraph—Prces Asßuclntiou-Coiiyrlirht Hobart, August IG. M'Villy, tho Tasmanian sculler,, reporting on the Diamond Sculls incident, said that, although ho was very tired at tho finish, he was quite comfortable, not having been fully extended. Ite won by over a length, without a thought of having won other than fairly. "I was," ho said, "totally unconscious of the iaut that Pinks got any of my wash. To say that I was thunderstruck at my reception is putting it mildly." [In the race for the Diamond SculK M'Villy won by a length. The Loudon "Sportsman" remarked that the linnl was unsatisfactory, and severely condemned M'Villy for his tactics in giving his opponent his wash. "Sporting Life' said the win would have been imnieiiM'ly . popular if the Tasmanian had kept un i his own course.]

HARRIERS. THE BROOKLYN CLUB. Tho Brooklyn Harriers 'held their annual two and a luiU'-mile stccplcchaso (ladies' bracelet) at tlie Hutt J'ark on Saturday afternoon. The course ."-.elected was tlio same as in previous year*, a lap on tlio old racecourse, then over some truo cross-country lying mainly to tlio east of the park. .inoiiultd in the obstacles were a number of tenet's and water jumps. Additional variety was supplied by the Waiwotu Stream and its surrounding swampy ground. A held of 22 competitors faced tlio starter, with R. Balhuityno on the scratch mark, giving away starts up to 135 seconds. Tlio heavy going told on the limit men after a mile liad been covered. L. Brown, £oicc\, who looked a likely winner, took up the running until three-quarters of a mile from home, when he was overtaken by G. Bristow, P. Oliver and it. Ballantyne. Tlio last-named competitor had the misfortune to come in contact with one' of tho hurdles, thus spoiling his. chances for first honours. Entering tho straight the last 600 yards from home, G. Bristow hud tho lead, which lie maintained to the finish, closely followed by P. Oliver, W. Drummond, and R. Ballantyne, the rest of the field finishing well up. Tho result is as follows:—G. Bristow, G.isec.,

1; P. Oliver,' Msec., and I{. Ballantyne, sot.,'dead heat, 2; W. Dnimmond, 20sec., 3. E. Shaw, 90=ec.; and L. Brown, SOsoc., wero the next to finish. Tho winner's time was 15min. 50sec., while B. Ballantvno covered the distance in lamin. oscc., thus securing "fastest time mid beating all previous times put up by the club. THE WELLINGTON CLUB. On Saturday afternoon at Athletic Park the Wellington Club held a one-and-a-half miles handicap. Fourteen, competitors faced the starter,- Mr. W. H. Pollock. The event was won by W. Donaldson, 195e0., after a hard struggle, T. J. Kerr, 2Gsec., boing second, only a few yards behind, and K. Eagle, 2'lsec., a good third. Also started: F. J. Byrne (8.H.), ser.; C. Murray (8.H.), lOsec.; W. Press, 19 sec.; W. Bennett, 21sec.; C. Duck (C.H.), 39sec.; J. Kirk, and W. Power, -ilsec.; C. Thompson and S. Beniams, dfeec.; G. Weston, 51sec.; B. Hateley, 59 : sec. C. Murray easily recorded fastest time, and ran into fourth place. Ten of the fourteon starters paddled round the six laps. Entering the third lap, T. J. Kerr secured the lead, which ho considerably increased in tl» next lap. At this stage he looked a likely winner, and even, in tho fifth lap he led, though his lead was considerably reduced. Early in the last lap W. Donaldson displaced him. These two being a safo distance from tho Test of the field. About two hundred yards from tlio tapo Kerr made a plucky attempt, but in the final sprint Donaldson stalled him oft, winning by a little over five yards. It. Eagle finished closo up third, PROFESSIONAL SPORT. A HIGH-PRICED BASEBAXLER. By Tcleffrapli-pPress Association—OopyrJshl ("Times"— Sydney "Sun" Special Cables.) (Rec. August 17, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, August IG. The baseballers hero are offering to buy Cobb, of Detroit for ,£20,000. The highest previous sum offered was £1500. CRICKET. L THE LOCAL ASSOCIATION. Tho Wellington Cricket Association met on Friday evening, Mr. M. F. Luckie presiding. A letter was received from the New Zealand- Cricket Council giving full particulars of the itinerary of tho New Zealand team to tour Australia. It was decided to guarantoo the sum of i:75 towards tho cost of sending tho team, provided that the Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland Associations give a similar, guarantee. Messrs. Crombio, Fanning, Head, and Midline wero appointed a sub-cominitteo to make the necessary alterations in tho rules, consequent upon tho carrying of the motion to do away -with tho district qualification as reeards m»n playing for the district clubs. Tho alterations are to bo submitted to a meeting of tho delegates from.the various clubs for ratiiication. The Now Zealand Cricket Council notified that a spooial general meeting of tho council would be held in Christchurch on September 9, for tho purpose of considering several important motions. It was decided to givo the delegates a free liaud in all motions excepting ' tho ono urging: "That tho application from the Southland Association to tako part in the Plunket Shield competition be agreed to." It was decided to oppose this. ENGLISH CRICKET. warner*s~illness. By Telcsrapn—Pre6s Association—Oopyricht London, August 15. P. F. Warner, the Middlesex cricketer, who was seized by a sudden illness while fielding in a match against Lancashire, has recovered. > RELF SELECTED FOR SOUTH AFRICA. London, August 15. Albert Relf (Sussex) has accepted inclusion in the cricket team to .tour Africa. TOURING AUSTRALIANS. (Rec. August 17, 5.5 p.m.) Montreal, August IG. The Australians have defeated an AllMontreal team of sixteen players. J. ho Australians anade 239 for ten wickets, and Montreal 151. BILLIARDS. The Alcock Crystalato Cup tourney is to commence to-night iti Mossrs. Alcock _s rooms, tho first game being between A\. W. Liptrott and A. SI asters,, and tho seccad between P.'' G. Dovine' and .S. Brice. Play will commence at 7.15 p.m. Admission is by invitation only, ladies bein* specially invited. . Tickets may "be obtained'from Messrs. Alcock ■and Co., Ltd.

MAKE ME FEEL THOROUGHLY WELL. "For years I havo suffered from sluggish liver," writes Mr. W. Pfeift'er, StoreKeeper, lit. Pleasant, S.A. "Having read an advertisement on Chamberlain's Tablets, I decided to try them, and was so pleased with the result that I havo continued to use them ever since. They inako mo feel thoroughly well."—Advt. Mr. Wm. C. Price will soil by auction, on tho ground, Queen Street, Mnsterton, a large quantity of building material of tho Hank of New Zealand's late premises. Tho sale is announced to start at 1 p.m. tomorrow. You may hear all sorts of things; nothing is so chcap as unauthorised information. But keep this fact in mind: there is nothing else tho Influenza jlicrobo hates and fears so much as it hates and fears "NAZOL." Sold everywhere. Is. Cd.—Advt. A slock sale will ho held at Paluioxston North on Thursday, August 21. Messrs. and Williams, Ltd., will 'hold a clearing salo of stock at .lolinsonrillo on Wednesday, August 20, commencing at 2.15 p.m. On Thursday, August 2!, at 1 p.m., Messrs. Ilalgety and Co. will tell a quantity of stock at tho Upper Ilutt. The Nazol Inhaler is a simple contrivance by which "NAZOL" is evaporated and inhaled, so that it circulates freely throughout the respiratory system. "Nazol" taken in this way corps Colds in the Head, Influenza, aud Throat Troubles very quickly.—Ailvt.. The I'arenga gum and fruit lands, consisting of 10.000 acres, Mt uuted on tho Parenga Harbour, near 'the North Cape, will shortly bo thrown open for Mdtleinenl. In the meantime, application should lie made to Mr. T. Muimeiio .lack.-on, Auckland.