RUGBY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2169, 6 June 1914, Page 12

RUGBY.

[Bl lOOK.I

THE STRUGGLE FOR THE CUP. Twenty-four years ago the Wellington Football Club won tho City Rugby Championship. Ten years later they again annexed the trophy, and now, after a lapse of another fourteen ycare their supporters aro hinting that they may wind up tho season with a emoko concert to celebrate a victory over allcomers. Four Cup matches have been played this season, and" Wellington have won their quartet of fixtures. They aharo with Athletic the top rung of the championship ladder, and may easily be in tho final running for the premiership. It is much too soon, however, to make a serious effort to prophesy tho place they will ocoupy when tho final bell tolls the season's knoll. Wellington liavo beaten Oriental, but Oriental may return the compliment in tfho second round;. they_ have vanquished Potono and University, but luck favoured them with the latter team, and they have yet to encounter Athletic twice. Tho mosb convenient time to pick the winner will bo after tho numbers aro hoisted. So tar as the season has progressed it has of beSing tJC wiH tnke a power The Wellington Representatives. \ Wednesday's representative fixture on IW.+ f ,vas , resnrdcd cliicfly in the light pt a good entortaniment, but tho more Important element was tho service tho match would.render as a guide to the selection of future Wellington teams. Matches of Wednesday's calibre aro always useful to selectors, inasmuch as they assist thorn to choose a. team on the process of selection by elimination. For instance, the present selectors should bo satisfied that it will be dangerous to experiment with Evensen m roally important games. Of course tnis should' nave boen discovered before n? T'i!i. i cns ? n J s a vol ' v uscful c 1 ",5 fiveeighth, but ho lias no claim to tho fullJack position in a first-class representative fifteen. Further, Faire has shown that he is not altogether up to representative standard, and 1 Sim has made it quite plain that while he has served his club well behind the scrum, ho is out of his depth in representative company.

Taranaki's Narrow win. Taranaki's win over Wanganui was rather narrow, seeing that the Amber and Blacks include a good proportion of experienced players. Of tho seven backs, five are New Zealand represeiimtl.vcs ~ J - Colraan, G. Loveridge, J. fetohr, R. Roberts, and C. Brown. Tho other backs were C, Young (formerly iWellington representative) and S. Cameron. The Taranaki forwards, too, wero by no/means new .players..' .; However iraranaki often fares badly at tho hands of Wanganui, and then--shapes' well against tho bigger game. Taranaki's fifteen is .chosen from over a muchscattered district, and tho gamo with tho representatives of the "river city ,, usually serves to make for combination. The Coming Evont. • _ The event of tho future in club Rugby is tho"meetinjr of "Wellington and Athletic. On their .showing of last Saturday, the Black and Golds may extend tho champions, but whether thoy will heat them', is '.'another 'irt atter.''" Athletic ' havo a ■ more experienced set of backs, .but tho Wellington scrum is made up of a very good hard working team of high average quality, playing • well as a, pack. But there aro experts of high standing who say that a forward team which contains 0n0..0r two extraordinary players, men who can bo relied upon to mako a breech in tho enemy's defence every now and then, will, even if tho other forwards are not abbvo average quality, prevail generally over a pack of even quality. This; is ono of-the questions that will be tested by .tho meeting of these two teams. ■ ' ■ ; Wellington have no such players as, for example, Ranji Wilson, and Wilson is sach_ a ; wonderful man for his side that it is impossible to assess his worth. 'Above all things, Wellington forwards must mako more sure of their tackles if they aro to win in this their biggest battle of the series. In their game with Oriental.last week in the mud any sort 'of tackle was good enough, for on such turf the odds are always in favour of tho charging forwards. However, tho advance guard of their rushes failed so often to bring down tho back with tho hall that it appeared that the forwards were inclined to avoid the shock of a low tackle. This fault it will bo part of tho Wellington iskipper's dutyto correct. A Canterbury' Problem. Discussing the task of the Canterbury solectors in nominating men for the coming inter-Island match, : "A.L.0.," in tho Christchurch "Sun," says: "Tho Canterbury Rugby Unjon's selection committee has an unenviablo task in the selecting of Canterbury playors to bo nominated for inclusion in the South Island team to . meet the North Islanders in Wellington on Juno 20. Tho men havo to be nominated not later than next Thursday, but tho forni shown in the club mtubches played in Christchurch so far this season does not give the selectors much to work upon, and probably it will bo found that they considor it advisable to judgo, to a largo extent, on last season's form. Although thero aro several players showing much promiso.tho number of those who on present form aro entitled to represent tho South Island is decidedly limited. H. W._ Murray, who h reported to bo showing good form in tho country, doubtless will bo nominated for the wing-forward's position. As to forwards E. W. Hnssoll and W. Maxwell (Merivale) and W. Cummings (Linwood) aro tho best of theso I havo seen m action so far H. M. Taylor ha 3 not shown in this season's matches the form which took him into tho Now Zealand team last year; nor even form sufficient to justify his inclusion in a Canterbury team. But better can be expected of him. At present C. Atkinson (Mprivalo) is the best of tho halfbacks in Christchurch. Among tho five-eighths, the best are "Pat" Clerv Menvale) and E E Crawshaw (Old 7n )- i k- ( D ', Grays retirement has lobbed Canterbury of a eterling fi ve . eighths Among the other backs I have not jot seen one who has shown form consistently good enough for selection in tho SouthJslaml fifteen."-. "Springboks'" Proposed Visit. It will bo iuterostine: to know if correspondonco between tho N.Z.R.U. and the South African Rugby Football Board with regard to the proposal of a "Springbok" loam touring the. "Land of _ tho Moa" in 1011) will ho reopened tin's season (remarks thci "Sporting Star" of .JolianiH'sbun;), winch goes oil to add:— "'Hie New Zealand- invitation for a team this,season had, of course, to bo refuf-orl, hilt, itis understood; that' the Dominion''authorities wrro informed that if the roqiipsfwns renewed for tlic following season it niiitht not he turned down «> promptly. It is, of course, South Africa's turn to receive an overp»n toani, but the N'ow Zealand invitation rnmo first, nmi it is understood —tacitly, at any rate—that exchanges

of visits between the two countries should rightly commence with tho South Africans visiting the Dominion. And, to my way of thinking, there is no serious reason why they should not. It will, of course, be argued that it costs South Africa a considerable sum to fit out a'team whoso absence detracts from the game during the local season, to make thousands of pounds for the conntry they visit. But what is wrong with the arrangements being mado on the financial basis of the visits of the 'All Blacks' and first 'Springboks' to the British Isles? On such terms—if tho tour included a few matches in New South Wales—the tour would be bound to prove a big financial success in all the countries affected." Immediate Action Advocated. "At the worst," continues the "Star," the South African Board could make such arrangements as would ensure of its not being a penny out of pocket in providing kit and outfit generally for its side. Moreover, there is every reason to believe that the game in this country will bo very 'strong next season, and , that a very fine' siue could bo selected. Only tho obstructionists—not a few of whom are more or less connected wifh headquarters in Cape Townwill urge that tho South Africa players would uo unablo to get away, so soon after the English tour. To my way of thinking, all the members of the last South African side who would bo wanted would readily become members of "a side which would bo calculated' to make the New Zealanders. go all the way. Then, it is altogether unlikely'that-the 'All Blacks' would refuse an invitation to South Africa next season. They might. at least be given tho opportunity to refuse. If anything is done in tho matter, it must be done right away, as something definite ehoutd bo known before the Currie Cup tournament is commenced in Durban at the end of July, as in the form shown in the tourney the South African side,' either for New Zealand, or'in tho event of tho 'All Blacks' coming to this country, would largely have to be selected. Not much activity can be expected fr6m the Rugby Board in this direction. It_ prefers to take_ up its time in discussing how to acquiro ithe money made by the centres from tours which.anpeaf 'jo exist only in its imagination, The Transvaal Union is, however., a progressive body, and any action it might care/to take in bringing the matter to the notice of tho board is bound to receive tho support of all the centres."

Passing Flashes. E. Roberts, the Athletic half-back, who has not figured behind the Blue pack for some weeks, will take the field tor his sido again this afternoon. E. Fahey, who was through New Zealand last year with the Australian team, captained tho New South Wales representatives who recently _ encountered Queensland. Fahey was vice-captain of the "Kangaroos" on tour, and in Wellington captained tho fifteen, as Dwyer (the skipper) was standing out owiiig to an injury received in the north. Fahey took tho helm in three other matches, also. , The Now South Wales team includes ten of the Australian team that visited New Zealand last year—Simpson, Carr, Jones, Sutter, Tasker (backs); and AJ'a't-'; son, O'Donnell, George, Fahey, 'and Thompson. Mr. John Arnell, who is president of tho New Zealand Rugby Union this year, was in the eighties of tho last century, a noted wing-forward. Hβ represented Auckland in 1880-2-3-6-7, and was one of. the founders of tho Ponsonby Club. Later he became sole selector of the Auckland representatives. '■'■ Merivale, who visited Wellington at Easter, and were defeated by Athletic, aro doing well in the Christchurch competition. They have not yet been defeated. So far the teams in tho southern city have fared as follows:— Merivale 4 wind, Old Boys 3 wins, Linwood 3 wins, Christchurch 2 wine, University 1 win and 1 draw, Sydenham I win and 1 draw, Marist 1 win, Albion no win. A good deal of interest is being taken in the selection of the North Island team. The selectofs are Messrs. J. Lynskey (Wellington), J. Gallagher (Auckland), and D. Malono (Taranaki). As Mr. Gallagher is ill, Messrs. Malone and Lynskey will journey to Auckland, and thero the team will be chosen. Mr. Lynskey left Wellington for the north yesterday, and Mr. Malono .was to join him at Martoli Junction. Tho New Zealand Union is being steadily requested to readmit to amateurism players who have lapsed into professionalism. J. Tilyard, the Poncke five-eighth, who ha"d his anklo injured in tho match Wellington v. Maori team on Wednesday, i 3 expected to be sufficiently recovered to take tho field for the Red and Blacks to-day. Joo O'Learj , ) tho Auckland representative, has turned out again for his club (Ponsonby). Last Saturday was his first appearance for the season, excepting tho match between Ponsonby and Petone, played hero at Easter. O'Leary did his part well, but showed lack of condition, nnd his goal-kicking was not of the best..

One Murray, who is presumably the Georgo Murray who worothe Oriental colours a couplo of seasons ago, played wing-forward for Ponsbnby last Saturday, and is said to havo covered himself with considerable credit. Tho Auckland "Star" eays that Murray's':form threatens to bring him into as great repute as a wing-forward as ho enjoyed playing centre-three-quarter arid full-back. Courtenay, the Wellington Club's half-back, has scored a try in every match ho has played this season. Courtenay is a very alert and useful back, whoso swoop ou the lino when thero ia a chance of a try about is a pleasing featuro of his play. Tho star item of the Auckland championship contest this season was last mooting between Ponsonby and Marist Bros. The gamo was won ih its dying stages by tonsonby, who left tho field a point ahead of tho younger team. J. M'Kenzie, formerly of Petono, scored one of Mansts' tries. M'Kenzie (says the "Herald") again proved to bo tho mainstay of tho Marist Brothers' backs, his consistent endeavours to make openings being the dominant featuro of his play. A complaint has been made at this office to tho effect, that though 3fr. W. J Meredith was chosen to refefeo the AVcllington-Maori match on Wednesday afternoon ho was not notified of the fact till Wednesday evening. Mr. L. Simpson was requistioned at the last moment. Tho first Ranfurly Shield match of the season will bo between Taranaki and Wairninpa in August. Ross, tho Auckland University halfback, who played a fine game for Auckland hero last suason, is at present taking his football from tho side-line, whore ho is nursing a broken thumb. He is expected to be back in the fniy lit a week or so. The position in Auckland where'three sets of fixtures have been played, is: City, 2 wins; Ponsonb.y, 2 wins: University, 1 win nnd 1 draw; Marist Bros., ono win. nud one draw; Collogo Kifles, 1 win und 1 draw; Punieli, 1 draw, i

ASSOCIATION

THE BIRTHDAY MATCH, [Bγ Centre-Half,] Hospital Colours Lowered, It is many a long day since such interest has been centred in a championship match as there was in tho meeting; of Hospital and Corinthians. These two teams are old opponents, and anticipations of a real good match were realised on the Basin Reserve on Wednesday afternoon. Hospital came into town confident of victory, and Corinthians filed out on to the field, having made up their minds to do or die. The I result was that tho men from Porirua met their Waterloo for tho first time since they have been playing senior football. It was a splendid match, wellContested, and full of life from start to finish. We have heard a lot about the Corinthian team this season, and tho expressed opinions were fully justified on Wednesday afternoon. Their players are big, strong, hefty fellows, with a fair turn of speed, and they havo a thorough knowledge of "soccer" football. Some of the Star Players. In Hodge, Corinthians possess an excellent goalkeeper. Ho is resourceful, and he is not afraid to tackle anything or anybody. He played a brilliant game against Hospital, and all credit, is due to him. Rickerby (left-half) was the Kickerby of old. He camo to light iust when he was wanted, and gave of his best. Given good company, Rickerby will play for all ho is worth. If, however, he takes it into his head not to trouble about things, he plays badly. Ballard, is a very clover player, and showed to advantage on Wednesday. In the writer's opinion ho will have to go fairly hard to beat little Barnctt, of Brooklyn, for the place in the representative team for Otago this year. "Bill" Gibson, Corinthiairs centre-forward, was in great form. There is not another centre-forward in Wellington to touch him, and he completely outshone his vis-a-vis, Hughes,' in' all departments of the game. With the exception of Taylor, Canterbury's centre-forward, Gibson is credited witli being tho best centre-forward in New Zealand at the present time. C. O'Shca, inside left, showed plenty of his old dash. The outside-right (Bobcrts) played great football. Ho is a Wellington representative, and is the best man in the position in tho district under the jurisdiction of the W.F.A. Roberts is a fast, heady player, and can give anyone else playing in the same position points. The Hospital Men. Hospital, on the other hand, did not play up to expectations. After Corinthians had 6cored two goals, the men from Porirua appeared to lose heart. Many chances came their way, but they did not take advantage of them. Hughes (centre forward), about whom we liavo heard so much lately, did not como up to expectations. Not bo with Skinner (inside leit), and Denby (outside right), however. These two players were' a tower of strength to their side and played "soccer" as it should be played. Hospital's half lino was beaten at every turn. Even the great Roots, at centre, could do nothing. Tho writer has seen the "rep." half play much better games than he did on Wednesday. Cross and Wallis had a lot to do and did it well. Still thero appeared to bo something wanting in tUo Hospital team. They did not show that dash they aro capable of. They have, had tlie reputation of being a great'scoring side, but thS, reputation was not sustained in their match with Corinthians. Had it not been for Cobb (in goal) tho 'score against them would undoubtedly have been larger than it was. ......

A Word About the Roferee. Tho Corinthian-Hospital fixture was Mr. F. O'Corinell's first big match as referoo and he did well. Mr. O'Connell deserves credit for the way in which be paid attention to little things which aro generally overlooked by other competent reierces. The things referred to aro clearing the line and back of th goal-posts of spectators, etc. After tho match it was said that he gave a goal against Cobb for carrying the ball over the goal-line when it should not have been awarded. Spectators and others must remember that the referee is sole judge in these matters, unless he consults his linesmen, and from the press box it appeared as if his decision was a just one. Evidonoo of "Spcooi-'s" Popularity. When it is remembered that over 2000 ipeople witnessed- tho match, it speaks well for tho progress of ,tho game in tho Empire City. There is no doubt that if tho W.F.A. will endeavour to give the public a match worth watching people will turn out to see the aanio. Now that Corinthians aro leading for the championship their meeting with Thistle will bo looked forward to with interest by the public. Anticipations are that it will bs a great contest and indications point to it being the deciding match for tho 1914 championship. It is hard to say at thin juncture which sido will win. Whichever eido does happen to snatch a victory, ■ liowover, will thoroughly deserve it ana tho sporting public will have seen what! is calculated to be tho best match of the season.