ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2211, 25 July 1914, Page 8

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

RUGBY FIXTURES FOR THIS AFTERNOON. Quite a different aspect has como over tho senipr cuampionsliip through tho defeat of Athletic at the hands of University. What has been regarded all along as almost. a foregone conclusion looks as if tho finish is to be as closo. and exciting as could bo wished. This afternoon the game between Pctone and Athletic, at Petono, should provide ono of the best games of the round, as a defeat to Athletic will still further reduce their lead, . and bring Petone, Wellington, and Athletic within a couple of points of each other. On the other hand, if Athletic maintain their position it practically puts Petono out of the running, leaving the result to bo fouKht out between Wellington and Athletic. ' .""'.. Wellington meet.Poneke at Athletic Park, and this, also, may provide a fast v und close game. A defeat to Wellington at this stage would considerably reduce their championship chances, and they may be depended upon to use every effort to maintain their position. At Hutt, Oriental meet University, and St. James meet Melrose on No. 3-Ath-letic Park. - ASSOCIATION TO-DAY'S STAR. ATTRACTION. This afternoon, at the Basin Reserve, o very interesting match will be played, when tho . Corinthians and Thistle meet in the second round of the championship. Both teams are equally confident of success, and the gameis oxpecfed to draw a large attendance of spectators. , ~ BROWN SHIELD DATES. A special meeting of the N.Z.F.A. was held last evening. Mr. L; White presided. Correspondence was received from the "Wanganui Football Association submitting an objection to tho proposed date of the Brown Shield challenge- match (August 1), and requesting that tho date should be altered to August 8. The Wanganui Football Association had made arrangements for this "late.—The 'request was, acceded, to. ■■'. The Canterbury Football Association' Wrote stating that if they were successful in retaining the Shield, they would bo prepared to meet the. Otago Association (the next challengers) oil August 15.—This date was agreed.on.'