LEAGUE & LEAGUERS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2175, 13 June 1914, Page 14

LEAGUE & LEAGUERS

— -4 ' fßr 'Tleetfoot."l THE CHAMPIONSHIP. Both Athletic and Petouc are perched on tho last rung of the championship ladder. To-day will probably decide which team is entitled to third position, wliilo Newtown's place does not look too secure, in view of the defeat' they met when they last struggled with Suburbs. The following is the position of teams:— ' CHAMPfjpNSHIP LADDER.

Representative. Battles. The < local centre has agreed on tho following representative matches:— Against. Wangamii, at Wellington, in July; and Canterbury, at Christchureh, on August 1. The actual dates of these battles are to bo arranged by correspondence. _ Fixtures with Nelson and laranaki will bo considered when a decision regarding the match with the English team is arrived at. A Rever3o and a Surprlso, The unexpected'happened last wer,k by NewtVnvn going under to Atheltic. On tjie last occasion when these teams Hurt, Xeii'loivit simply frolicked tlirniMi I.lm Blue pack—did what tliey liked and when tlie.v liked—hut last .Saturday camo the changing or tho scene. This engagement gave Athletic a victorv— their first this season—and it provided a surprise lor followers of the League code. This club has been unfortunate Mime the commencement of the season, having experienced some difficulty in mustering teams. However, this victory

for the Cinderella Club will no doubt stimulate tho interest of members, and act as an incentivo to a determination not to be on the bottom rung of tlio ladder at tho season's end. Iho play of tho Newtown pack gleamed with some polish. From almost every serum tho Whites obtained tho leather, but the passing was invariably through Wilson's (Athletic) faculty for stealing passes, or to tho blind hurry of George (Newtown) to nd himself of tho ball. However, the game was a pleasant one to watch.

A Suspension—ant! Some Advice

At a mooting of tlio local centre tho suspension of Sullivan, of tlio Newtown Club, was lifted. Sullivan was disqualified after tho last engagement of his team with Suburbs. The decision to lift the suspension was not favoured by Mr. W. S. Brice, and ths writer is of opinion that Mr. Bribe's objection should have received more consideration

Tho oncountcr in question was a shabby display of football, and is not altogether pleasant to recall. It happens that td-day these teams again meet, and it is hoped that the warriors concerned will strive to. exhibit football at its best, and will (inter the arent imbued with tlio correct spirit. ■' League playcre must remember that tho codo is but in its infancy, in Wellington, and if it is to receive a fair measure of noimlnrity players and followers alike must give of their best, but if, 011 the other hand, an appeal is not made to the public sense of clean sport, then tho League ."ame will have to be content with the frown of the sporting public.

Tho "Gata" Once Again,

A decision was come to by tho New Zealand Leaiue recently regarding the division of the gate money in interprovincial matches for the Northern Union. Cup. In. the past the visiting team has received .51' per cent., and the New Zealand League 2' per cent., so that nfter paying expenses there was very little left for the homo team. It has now been decided, however, that each team is to receive 50 per cent.,, each naying its own expenses, and each sharing eoually 9,i per cent, p.ivmont to the New Zealand League. Such an arrangement met with' the approval of.most of tho leagues, and it is certainlv h fairer ono than that which previously obtained. .An amendment was forthcomijit from tho Canterbury Leaguo that in all such matches tho visiting team shyuld receive 60 per cent., and the home team 40 ner cent., and that tlio 21- per cent, to tho New Zealand League be abolished. but this lapsed for want of a seconder.

43 ' ' L. | . g J l-S "rt O M £ W w •?* Q > r S ?*P P £b j£ Q Suburbs 4 4 0 0 87 39 8 Newtown....- 4 2 0 2 .50 33" 4 Potone ..../, T ., 4 1 0 3 40 57 2 Athletic ...... 4 1 0 3 35 89 2