SATURDAY'S SPORT

Evening Star, Issue 19659, 12 September 1927, Page 8

SATURDAY'S SPORT

Otago’s Battle with Auckland

Unlucky to Lose

OTAGO JUST BEATEN AUCKLAND WINS BY TWO POINTS WET GROUND AND GREASY BALL FAST, THRILLING GAME, (From Our Own Reporter.)' Had an Auckland forward not touched 'the ball with his, fingers before it went over the bar the Otago touring team would have drawn with the Auckland A representative team, which is regarded in the North as the soundest combination Auckland has had for years, and which had won all its previous games this season by consistently large scores. Before the game started one heard it expressed on all sides that Otago was an “easy thing,” but Otago showed the Aucklanders that the boys from the south can still play football. It was the toughest proposition Auckland had been against this season, and, despite that fact that the conditions underfoot and overhead were the worst possible, the game was a fast and thrilling one. Each side scored three tries, Auckland converting one. Otago’s luck was V out when Mitchell sent the ball over the bar after a try, as Knight, the big Aucklander, managed to tip it in its flight. That tip with a finger made all the difference between a win and a .draw for Auckland. It is a thing - which happens very seldom. The Auckland ‘ Star ’ had this to say of the game Showing surprisingly good form, and playing clever wet-day Rugby, the Otago atives gave thotriumphant Auckland side the shock of the season at Eden Park. The visiting forwards, rushing matters at every opportunity, kept the Auckland van wondering, and time after time they swept the locals aside with their fine dribbling rushes. It was Auckland’s backs that again won the day. Throwing the hall about with almost dry-day accuracy, they kept the Otago backs busy; but sound tackling and determined smothering by the visitors had the Aucklanders bottled up for the greater part of the game. The Otagoitea should bo proud of the game which their representatives played against avery formidable side. On the play of the day there was no difference in the play of tho respective sides. A draw .would have been a fair result.” The referee (Mr F. E. Sutherland) Was particularly fair, and gave a splendid exhibition. At the same time, one of Auckland’s tries was_ very hicky. Peterson was caught by Keene with the ball right on the line, and, as both fell the Auckland man got his hands on tho leather, and was awarded a try. On the day the Otago forwards were superior to those of Auckland, whne 'the Auckland backs were'a little better than ours. The Aucklanders were surprised at tho splendid dribbling or the -Otago men, whose control of the bail in the loose was superb. Charlie Sonntag again played a great game, and led his pack time after time. The others all played well; but special -mention must be made of Marslin, who is improving in every game, and who promises to become a forward of the first flight. The honors' in hooking on .this occasion were evenly shared, Soutor and Hindenach getting the ball •quite as often as the Auckland pair. ' Stewait who is playing _ great football on the tour, was again tho out- ‘ standing Otago back, and had the con- , dxtions been such as to allow the ball to go out of the scrum often to Webb •and Stewart their - speed would have had Auckland guessing. ■ Holden, at half, ■ played a brilliant lame, and satisfied the Aucklanders that all the good things said about him were thoroughly deserved. Lmosay’s tackling and great line kicking also came in for favorable commons . but the feature of all the backs’ play which made the greatest impression was the splendid fashion in which they got down to the opposing forwards. In attack the Otago backs found it difficult to handle the heavy ball, but once or twice they showed some excellent passing. The Auckland backs gave a spectacular display, throwing the ball about at every available opportunitn; _ but though it was good to watch, it did not get them anywhere, and, as a matter of fact, only one of Auckland’s three tries was scored .from a combined passing movement. Sometimes one of their wings would throw the ball inwards almost to the centre of the ground against a set of backs equally as good as themselves. The Auckland backs got themselves into more trouble than advantage by such tactics. Lucas was their most dangerous man . As full-back Paewai played a sound Bam'e, and was a constant thorn in tago’s side. Tho outstanding Auckland forward was Manoa, a big Maori, who was never far from the ball. •

Ross’s injury is improving, but it is doubtful if he will bo able to play again on the tour. It is not yet definitely ascertained if Peterson has broken 8 rib. If so he will also bo out for the remaining matches. Apart from a few bruises and knocks, all the other players are fit and well. Eden Park, which held an attendance, of about 6,000, was very wet and slippery. The continuous drizzle made matters very unpleasant for both players and spectators. FIRST SPELL. Auckland kicked off, and then early efforts at passing were unsuccessful. Lindsay booted a free kick to Auckland’s twenty-five, but the home forwards came away, Woods making a run, but Heazlewood brought up the effort with a mark. Then from loose play Berridge broke away, and Hook went over and round behind the posts. Berridge converted. Auckland ... .... 5 Otago 0 More passing by Auckland was stopped by tackling, and the'Blue forwards getting away , Holden fed the backs smartly, but Lindsay unluckily knocked on. Several free kicks came to Otago for off-side play. One of these ■ Lindsay sent to the twenty-five, from where the Otago backs went away, but unsuccessfully. ''■ The Otago forwards went right to the line, but a free kick sent them back. Good passing by Auckland again had Otago in trouble, hut the line was stubbornly defended. "Lho Otago forwards took a turn at attacking, getting to the line, but they were sent hack by a free kick for off-side play. A good chance was missed when Sonn.tag sent the ball out and the backs ‘faded to take it. ' The crowd clieered Tvlieu Lindsay broke through the defence and- raced away, with Webb beside him? Ho fooled the opposition by throwing in-

field to Peterson, who ran over and behind the posts. Lindsay sent the ball over, but it was touched in its flight, Otago 3 Auckland 5

Otago began to have the better ol tho exchanges, the forwards showing up. Tho Auckland backs were always dangerous, and wero throwing the heavy ball about freely. Webb dribbled well ’to past halfwav but Paewai cleverly gathered tho ball to clear, Tho Auckland backs were on the move again, but otf-sido play spoilt their chance. Sonntag and Marslin led the Otago forwards right to the lino, where there were some strenuous struggles in the mud. Paewai drove another attack back with a splendid kick. Auckland was again on tho move, and Keane caught Peterson with tho ball, dragging him over tho line to take the ball from him and score. Tho kick failed. i Auckland 8 Otago 3

An attacking move by Otago ended in Stewart going over tJig lino after the ball, but unfortunately it went out of bounds. In tho weather conditions the game was fast and exciting. The Otago forwards were playing at top and putting in strenuous efforts. Tho backs were given a chance in a good position, but Stewart failed, to take the pass—a difficult one. Play went quickly to tho other end, the Otago backs defending well in face of a forward rush, and, Mitchell breaking through to halfway, Stevens showed up in a great solo dribble, which carried tho ball from halfway to the twenty-five. Mitchell beat ■ three or four opponents and sent to Stewart, who raced past. Paewai to score. Lindsay made a good but unsuccessful attempt to convert from a difficult angle. Half-time was called with the score:— Auckland ... 8 Otago ... ... 6 SECOND SPELL. Just as tho game resumed tho rain abated temporarily, Auckland donned clean jerseys. Lindsay kicked off for Otago, M’Manus getttiug lie ball and panting high, tho leather going out on the halfway line. Hook brought tho ball into ploy, and then' Otago were awarded a free kick for a scrum infringement. Paewai secured and passed to Lucas, who dashed away, with Woods alongside him. Marslin and Sonntag were very prominent in leading tho Otago forwards. Owing to tho greasy state of the ball there was very little hack play, the game resolving itself into a hard forward tussle. Time after time the Otago forwards broke away with theball at the toe, bub M’Manus always seemed to bo there to stem the rush and get tho ball out . to his backs. Otago was tho next to score. Webb dribbled from the halfway to tho twenty-live, and gob in a speculator. Ho was pursued by M’Manus, but picked up again and kicked hard. Webb then followed up quickly, and went over to regain the ball and snore. It was a very fine effort on Webb’s part. Lindsay’s kick failed. Otago ... 9 Auckland ... ... 8 , Otago at this stage were having the best of the game, tho forwards repeatedly dribbling down the field, Sontag and Marslin always being prominent in this style of play. Otago were getting the ball from the scrums, and were awarded another free kick on the 2oyds line. With only 20min to go Lindsay found tho touchlino close to halfway, and Hook brought the ball into play for Auckland. Webb was again noticeable in picking the ball up and kicked to Paewai, who returned to the touchline. Auckland then turned to the attack, but Hazelwood stopped well. Another free-kick for Otago for obstruction saw some ground gained. The Auckland forwards next charged down, showing some of their old dash, and made matters hard for Otago, but Sonntag led his men with the ball at the toe Otago were next conceded a free kick. Paewai failed to take the ball cleanly, and the ball went out three yards away from the Auckland line. With Otago attacking strongly, Auckland relieved with a free kick, and Cathcart received the hall after it had been handled by many others. He dribbled down and over the line to score a good try, which Berridge failed to convert. Auckland 11 Otago 9 Auckland livened up considerably and were jplaying as one man. Otago had not slackened, and they were infusing plenty of dash into their work. Their forwards were having slightly the better of the game when Auckland attacked with tho ball at-tho toe. Peterson picked up and saved a certain try by kicking to the touch-line. Then Sonntag showed up and gained much ground for Otago, Paewai evontually saving well for Auckland. When matters looked black for Otago Holden saved brilliantly. Tho Auckland backs handled well after M’Manus gave them the ball from _ a line-out. Hook was penalised for being off-side, and Lindsay took the kick and found the touch-lino in mid-field. With only three minutes’ play left tho Otago forwards again made things merry for the Auckland pack until Berridge secured and kicked out.

Auckland was decidedly lucky on this occasion. It was now difficult to distinguish the players on either side, owing to the mud which smeared their jerseys. Marslin again came away at the head of tho Otago pack. Off-side play by' an Auckland forward gave Lindsay another kick. He found the line 12yds away from Auckland’s corner flag. The game then ended with tho score; Auckland 11 Otago 9 The referee'was Mr Sutherland.

NO3TH OTAGO BEATS OTAGO B

EVENLY CONTESTED GAISE After' an uninspiring, but evenlycontested, game North Otago beat the Otago B,team in the last five minutes by a point. It was a poor exhibition of Rugby; a thing of shreds and patches, with but few of the patches at all colorful. The 2,000 spectators found nothing to excite them until the final few minutes of play, when Otago, after losing the lead, made frantic, but inefficient, efforts to regain it. Nevertheless, the onlookers enjoyed the entertainment, for, if skill was lacking, there was comedy in many of tho clumsy efforts, which ended disastrously for the players concerned. Besides, the sun shone, there was no wind, and altogether it was a day for outdoor recreation.

As will be gathered from a perusal of the report, the game was largely a forward one, and here North Otago had tho better of the encounter. Rarely did the Dark Blues win a scrum, and the only way they regained ground was by smothering tactics. On the few occasions tho Otago half did get his opportunity lie utilised it as well as lie could, but so raggedly did tho ball come out to him that there was little time to set his backs properly going. In the early stages of tho game North Otago kept tho Blues busily defending, and had their backs been able to forco home tho attacks they must have scored more than once. But much time was lost in long, ineffectual exchanges of kicks between the full-backs and scrambling and equally ineffectual play among the forwards, of whom Corkiii and MTvewen, on tho one side and the Cameron brothers on the other wero a. hard-working quartet. Towards tho end Otago’s form improved, and even tho backs made earnest, if unpolished, efforts to got tho machine going. At last Prebblc, from a freekick, lauded a goal and began the scoring. Spurred on by this, North Otago responded with a good try, their speedy wing three-quarter, Hubbard, who was the only back to show any clean-cut work at all, getting over at tho corner. Loder, who is included in the Combined team to play here on tho 24th, was not impressive. The scores at tho interval wore equal, 3 all.

In the second spell the play improved little, if any. There was still too much wild passing, indiscriminate kicking, and purposeless play altogether, and interest was maintained only because of tho inability of cither side to get ahead. Boroman. the visitors’ burly fujJ-back. was solid as a rock in defence, and when he came in contactwith an opposing tackier it was usually tho tackier who suffered. Continuing to win the scrums,- North Otago gradually invaded Blue territory, ami a second try came from a forceful forward rush. Clarke started this particular movement, and the Titian-haircci Clcland carried on. Tho latter tried to walk over Jolly’s tackle, but there was a crash, and the ball dropped within reach of W. Cameron, who picked up and fell over the lino with it. A couple of minutes later play was at the other end, and in a frantic struggle near the visitors’ line Murphy got possession, ami, using every ounce, of his"list 21b, lie battled through and over. Prebblo converted tho try and put Otago ahead. This lead tho locals held until five minutes before time, and it looked as though they would win. But a free kick in thoir twenty-five settled their hopes, Granger piloting it safely over, and, though the Blue hacks pub up some fireworks at the finish they found Boroman and Co. too safe, and had to admit defeat by the narrowest margin.

The two Camerons and Clcland were the pick of the visiting vanguard, and Hubbard and Boroman wero their host hacks. Otago B’s wero beet served by Murphy (who played a hard game throughout), Corldn and Moor in the forwards, and Brabble, Buchanan, and occasionally Giles in the backs. M‘Clymont rarely got a chance, being crowded on to the wing before receiving.

This was North Otago’s first match as a major union against Otago, and, all things considered, theirs was a. promising debut, some of the forwards especially showing glimpses of interprovincinl form. THE TEAMS. —North Otago (Maroon, Yellow, and Black.— Full-back, W. Boroman (14.2). Three-quarter^—N. Hubbard (11.10), J. Granger (9.12), and A. M'Kerrow (11.2). Five-eighth*-!). S. Loder (11.1), and G. Kent (10.0.). Half-back, C. Granger (9.11). Forwards—W. Cameron (12.8), W. Cleland (13.6), R. Cameron (13.11), A. Wills (12.8), J. Pringle (11.4), A. Clarke (13.6), A. Sim (12.6), and J. Hopley (wing forward, 12.12), —Otago (Hark Blue). — Full-back, Jolly (12.10). Three-quarters —M. M'Clymont (11.12), L. Giles (11.1), and C. Buchanan (10.2). Five-eighths —’ W. Bathgate (11.6) and A. Sligo (10.2). Half-back, E. Prebble (10.6). Forwards—L. More (12.6), J. Garside (12.0), C. M'Ewau (13.3, captain), W. Murphy (14.2), R. Cofkin (12.10), D. M'Kewen (11.10), I. Christie (11.12), and C. Lewis (wing forward, 12.4). FIRST SPELL. Hopley set tho ball rolling for North Otago against the sun, but tho kick was recalled, a free to tho visitors, however, taking them to the Otago twenty-five. J. Granger, tho North Otago centre, put the visitors in handy 'position with a good kick, but C. Lewis broke into tho Colors’ passing, -which stopped at Loder (first live-eighth). Play had opened very drably, but Prebble set the Otago backs going from a line-out, the movement breaking down at Sligo (second five-eighth). By means of a useful kick by M'Kerrow (wing) the Colors -worked to the line, but though C. Granger set his backs moving passing broke down at Kent (second five-eighth), Giles pulling him down. Play ranged up and down field, mishandling being fairly frequent .on both sides. First M'Clymont and then Buchanan, the Otago Hankers, made a dash, but neither was able to get clear, and Boroman returned play to the other end.

. C. M'Ewan showed up iu an Otago loose burst, but an infringement cut it short, and play, which was far from exciting, hung around the home twenty-five. Buchanan made a dash along" the Otago flank, Prebble carrying on to neutral territory. A North Otago break-away, headed by Cleland, did not get far, and Garside and Gorkin led an Otago counter sortie which took play into North Otago’s territory. Psssing,, initiated by Prebble, broke clown at M'Clymont (wing), and the Colors found relief in a free kick.

Wills, Pringle, and 11. Cameron were in the van of a North Otago dribbling rush, from which the Colors’ backs started passing. Then Giles got offside, but Hoplcy’s kick at goal failed. The Otago forwards were beginning to show up in the loose, Gorkin and Murphy being prominent in dribbling to the line, J. Granger relieving by finding touch. More made a dash along the wing, but was pulled down short of his objective, and the visitors found temporary relief by means of a linefinding kick. *> Wills broke away on his own from a scrum, but lost the ball. Buchanan, who, was showing up well in _ solo dashes,. penetrated the defence with a nippy run. A free kick to Otago was taken by Prebble, who kicked a good goal. Otago B 3, North Otago 0. , North Otago was obtaining fairly frequently from the scrums,_ but Coder (first five-eighth) was inclined to do

too much on his own, and several times ran ri a' t into the thick of play after receiving from the half. J. Granger put in a short kick over the line, but m a race for the ball Buchanan forced. Otago took 'a turn on attack, Gorkin, who was showing to advantage iix the Blue pack, starting passing in which both backs and forwards joined, the movement ending at M'Clymont, who was crowded towards the wing. Clarke headed a North Otago breakaway, and passing initiated by Cleland ended in Hubbard (wing) scoring a good try. Hopley failed with the kick. Otago B 3, North Otago 3. Otago launched a passing bout which went to Giles, who sent a bad pass to jrClymont, the wing three-quarter kicking - through. Boroman obtained on the line and ran into touch. Play swung to the other end, but Hubbard, in following a kick, failed, to gather in his stride, and Buchanan found touch. Then Lewis was in the picture again at the head of an Otago forward rush, which carried play to the Colors’ twenty-five. Another free kick to Otago was taken by Prebble, who just failed to goal, North Otago forcing. Prebble was 1 serving his backs well behind the Otago pack, but the inside backs were not linking up, and several movements broke down about midfield. North Otago backs took part in passing, and Hubbard made a determined run along the wing, being brought down not far short of the line. The scene of operations changed again, and Lewis set his backs in motion, only for the passing to break down early. .Half-time sounded with the score:— Otago B 3 North Otago .3 SECOND SPELL.

The second spell opened with a forward rally by North Otago, Sim leading the visitors into Blue territory. A free to North Otago was taken by Boroman, whose effort was unsuccessful, Otago - forcing. Fielding a clearing a. kick outside the Blue twenty-five, Boroman, the visitors’ full-back, made a great attempt to drop a goal, his not being just outside. R. Cameron led a North Otago forward thrust which cut deep into Otago territory, Loder opening up passing for his backs which failed to culminate. Clarke broke away from a lino-ont and Cleland, following fast, picked up and made a dive for tho line, Jolly collaring him short. W. Cameron was in attendance, however, and ho went over for a try. Hopley failed to convert. North Otago 6, Otago B 3. Otago looked dangerous for a minute with More at the head of a loose rush, but faulty handling pulled tho Blues up. The Otago forwards came again and Murphy forced his way over, Prebble converting. Otago 88, North Otago 6With North Otago pressing, Christie broke clear and passed to M’Clyniont, who was crowded into touch just short of halfway. Bathgate, the Otago first five-eighth, found a hole in the field, but weak tackling by Otago enabled the visitors to clear. Buchanan put Otago in good position bv finding touch inside the Colors’ twenty-five, and Prebble sent Bathgate off, tho latter being collared in possession. Sligo received from Bathgate a minute later and made a pretty cut through, Boroman felling tho Otago second fiveeighth with a hefty tackle. Play was not particularly bright, and for the greater part the game at this stage was being fought out by tho forwards, honors being fairly easy. A spoil of ragged play ended about hallway, and the game developed into a series of kicking exchanges, of which tho principal feature was the mulling on both sides. The Otago forwards went to’ the fine, where Murphy lost the ball after plunging across, and the visitors found relict as a result. Hubbard and Kent showed up in loose play for North Otago, M'Clyjnont saving a dangerous situation by finding touch. Sim was in a solo dribble, which gained a good deal of ground for tho visitors, but tho advantage was nob maintained; Murphy leading the Blues back to the North Otago_ twenty-five. Boroman frequently gained applause for his splendid punting from inside tho North Otago twenty-five, tho visitors being relieved time and again by his long line-finders. Kent charged a kick down, and the North Otago forwards, with Hopley in the van, surged towards the Blue line. A free kick to North Otago was taken by J. Granger, and from a handy position he kicked a. good goal. North Otago 9, Otago B 8. / Tho Colors were at it again, and C. Granger started passing which reached Hubbard (wing), though little ground was gained, all the transfers being taken on the stand. Giles broke through, bub failed to get clear. Then Buchanan kicked across to the other wing, and M'Clymont set off for the line. His pass-in was intercepted, however, and the Colors worked back to half-way, the game ending:— North Otago 9 Otago B S Mr R. Watson was the referee. THE CURTAIN-RAISER The Pirates and Dunedin third grade teams played the curtain-raiser at Carisbrook to-day. In the first spell Pirates played with tho sun on their backs, and made the most of their opportunities, rattling up 14 points to theii opponents 0; but in the second spell the Blacks, although they had easily the best of the game, could not increase their tally. Had it not been for their poor handling the Blacks’ score would have been considerably larger. Tries were scored by Floekton, Mussen, and Boutrey. Swan converted one and kicked a penalty. WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY NORTHERNERS WIN The Cauterbury-Wellington match was played at Wellington in perfect weather before 15,000 spectators. The teams were unchanged. The Wellington forwards attacked from the outset, and hemmed the visitors in, but a free kick relieved. Play was fast and full of incident. South made a cut-in, but w r as downed, and Robilliard made a splendid run down the line, and sent infield to Pickering, who scored. Carlton failed with the kick.

Porter, Nicholls, and Svensou were associated in a fine passing rush which ended when the last-named was pushed out near the line, but J. Shearer dived over from the ruck. Nicholls failed. 3 all. A minute later South made a brilliant cut-in and scored a magnificent try, racing right through the opposing backs. Nicholls failed.

Wellington were now having the better of the game. Porter just missed with a pot. Kilby worked the blind cleverly, drew Steel, and sent Rushbrook over. Nicholls’s kick was a poster. Wellington 9-3. Kilby was playing a great game. From a free kick in a good position Nicholls made no mistake.

After a spell of defence Carlton broke through, but was tackled. However, a free kick saw Carlton just miss. The game was now more even, nothing between the forwards, although Welling-' ton were getting the ball in the greater number of scrums. The Wellington backs were nippier than their opponents, but the Canterbury tackling was good. Steel had an unsuccessful shot at goal. The home forwards camo away in a great rush, and Emerson, picking up near tho line, bullocked his lost 101 b across, Nicholls failed. The Canterbury forwards made ground from the kick out, and a free kick saw Carlton goal. Wellington 15-6.

Ilobilliard, Carlton, and Payne associated in a great passing rush; but

South saved splendidly, and a moment later Kilby cleared. However, from a free kick Carlton goaled. Half-time score:—-Wellington, 1?, Canterbury 9. Canterbury attacked from the kick out. Carlton had an unsuccessful shot from a free kick. The visiting forwards were heeling the ball, and only good tackling kept the backs out._ They penetrated in a sparkling rush in which Robilliard sent infield to Gray, who crossed, and Carlton goaled—ls-14 in favor of Wellington. ‘ The local forwards attacked. Kilby worked the blind side with Rushbroob, who passed infield for Shearer to score. Nicholls goaled. , A cross kick by Grenfell failed.to find the line. Payne and Robilliard ran down field, but Rushbrook made a /great save. Play was very fast, and passing rushes were frequent. Canterbury forced in the face of a forward rush, and from the kick out rushed play to the home twenty-five, where Nicholls sent them back. South made another fine ruii, and from an ensuing forward rush Steel forced. The game now slowed down a little Robilliard went off and Doreen replaced him. . • ~ With ten minutes to go the Wellington forwards dribbled into tho Canterbury twenty-five, but Carlton’s long kick put his side on the' attack. The ■visiting backs failed to get going in a passing rush, and Nicholls dashed through. He was stopped a few yards short of the line. The Canterbury forwards came away, and from a free kick Carlton goaled. Wellington .. 20 Canterbury 17 - JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES Tho following have been selected to represent Otago in tho junior representative game with Canterbury at Christchurch on Saturday next:— Full-back—Faulks Three-quarters —Ciouston (’ V ar.sity), Porter (Port Chalmers, captain), and Easton (Pirates). Five-eighths—Potaka (’Varsity) l and J. Griffin (Rnvensbourno). Half-back —Cooke (Training College). Forwards—Hook (Training t 'oi lege), Watkins (Ravensbourne), Sutherland (Port Chalmers), Richardson (Zingar.’j, O’Reilly (Training College), MM hoy (’Varsity), Harbrow (Alhambra), and Malcolm (Training College, wng forward). Emergencies.—Backs—Davis (Alhambra) and Guthrie (Ravensbourne) ; forwards —Watson (’Varsity) and Lawry (Southern). Tho team and emergencies arc requested to meet for training at Carisbrook on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30. HAWKE'S BAY V. POVERTY SAY A DRAWN GAME. Over 3,000 watched Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay play a drawn game—ll points all—in an exciting encounter at Gisborne. The visiting pack, overweighting tho home forwards, played a magnificent game, M. Brownlie, Barclay, and Wilson displaying great form in their smashing breakaways, from tho ruck and line out. The visiting backs failed to reproduce the form shown earlier in the year, Blake being the star with his dashing attacking runs, and he was ably supported by Grenside. Tho home team played brilliant football, standing up to tho heavier forwards reiqarkably well, and breaking away in the loose on every available opportunity. Carrington, Thomas, and Sherratt were always in the picture. The bapks all played well, their tackling being magnificent, particularly in tho last few minutes, when they literally held the visitors from scoring. Kicking off the visitors’ forwards, with the Brownlies prominent, rushed play to_ tho home end, but erratic handling by the Hawke’s Bay backs enabled the home forwards to transfer play to the visitors’ end, where a brilliant passing movement by the home hacks saw Whiatiri well tackled, but ho passed in to Sherratt, the latter transferring to Thomas who scored. Caulton failed with the kick. Poverty Bay 3, Hawke’s Bay 0.

Playing dashingly the home forwards in a series of loose rushes carried play to the visitors’ end, but were repulsed to half way. From a scrum Harrison ran down the field, Caulton gathered in, and a great race with Grenside ended in Caulton scoring just outside the posts. Caulton converted. Poverty Bay 8, Hawke’s Bay 0. Hawke’s Bay forwards took up the attack at their own twenty-five, M. Brownlie breaking through the home defence and transferring to his brother Cyril, who sent Wilson over. Grenside converted. Poverty Bay 8, Hawke's Bay .6. On resuming Hawke’s Bay forwards attacked with vigor, throwing the ball about in great style. Barclay and C. Brownlie figured in a rush to Poverty Bay twenty-five, whore the home team were penalised, and Grenside equalised the scores with a fine kick. Poverty Bay 8, Hawke’s Bay 8. M. Brownlie led his team in a. series of magnificent rnshes that were checked by equally solid tackling. Time _ and again Brownlie started the visiting backs in good passing rushes, Unstable and Grenside being thrown out at the corner on every occasion. A great rush by the liome_ forwards changed the scene of operations to the visitors’ twenty-five, where a penalty gave Caulton a chance and he kicked a great goal. Poverty Bay 11, Hawke’s Bay 8. _ The visiting Packs started a senes of passing movements in which Unstable and Grenside were prominent, but they were met by determined tackling. After five attempts to crosshad failed a fine rush ended in Corkill scoring, but Grenside failed to convert. Poverty Bay 11, Hawke’s Bay 11. The concluding stages were marked by a great struggle, M. Brownlie setting his backs in action from practically every line out, but the home backs’ tackling was deadly in its accuracy Just before time Caulton narrowly missed placing a goal from a penalty! the game ending amid tense excitement in a draw. Poverty Bay 11. Hawke’s Bay ... 11. Barclay injured a hand in the second spell, but after having it bandaged he was able to resume. Muvland and Whiatiri (Poverty Bay) had to leave the field owing to injuries. TARANAKI BEATS WAIRARAPA Playing for the greater part of the match in drenching" rain at New Plymouth, Taranaki defeated Wairarapa at Pukeknra Park by 12 points to 8. Football in the ordinary sense of the word was out of the question, and the play developed into a mud scramble characterised by frequent glissading and showers of spray, in which a medium-sized crowd found considerable amusement. At one stage Taranaki were only one point ahead of Wairarapa. Play waxed keen until the home team again drew away. The first score came to Taranaki as the result of fast following up by Brown arid Dean. The former caught Booth with the ball, and Dean after a short kick raced over the lino to score. The Taranaki forwards added the next 3 points, swarming over the line for Robinson to score an unconverted try. „ , ' Wairarapa s first try came when, from a loose rush, the ball was shot out to Clarke, who sent Lequesne over at the corner, tho score at half-time being:—Taranaki 6, Wairarapa 3. Early in the second spell Robinson dived over from a syds scrum, but Brown could not goal from almost under the bar.. Interest grew keen when Cundy forced his way over for a try, and he converted his own try, making the score 9 to 8. , .

f, Taranaki made the result practically sure when their forwards gained their fourth "try,. Ward scoring amidst a huge splash in the lakelet at the corner. I Taranaki 1 ... ... 13 : Wairarapa ... 8 SOUTH AFRICAN TRIALS HAWKE’S BAY-POVERTY BAY TEAM. The following team has been selected by Mr N. MTCenzio to represent j Poverty Bay, East Coast, and Hawke’s ! Bay against the Wairarapa and Bush Districts’ Unions at Napier on WedI nesday in tho first of the All Black 'trials for the South African tom - : | Full-back, Yates (Hawke’s Bay); three-quarters—Caulton (Poverty Bay), ! Bennett (Poverty Bay), 1 Grenside (Hawke's Bay), five-eighths—Corkill (second, Hawke’s Buy), Langlands , (first, Poverty Buy); half, Bramwell (Poverty Bay); wing forward, Reeves (East Coast); back row—Campbell (Hawke’s Bay), Carrington (Poverty Bay); lock, Conrad (Hawke’s Bay); side supports—M. Brownlie (captain) j and C. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay); I hookers —Swain (Hawke’s Bay) and Thomas (Poverty Buy). Emergencies: Forwards—Sherratt (Poverty Bay) and Tankard (Hawke’s Bay); backs—Murland (Poverty Bay) and Iluxtable f (.Handle’s Bay), jj 1 WAIKATO BEATS THAMES VALLEY At Te Aroha Waikato heat Thames Valley by 17 points to 3. Waikato are unbeaten this season. SEDDON SHIELD In dull but fine weather at Nelson before an attendance of 3,000 Nelson successfully defended the Seddon Shield against Motuoka-Goldcn Buy to-day At half-time the scores were:—Nelson 6, Motneka-Golden Buy 5. Nelson added 10 more points in the second half, and the game ended:—Nelson IG, Motueka-.Golden Buy 5. INVERCARGILL FINAL The final of the Rugby Cup competition was played between Pirates and Invercargill, the former winning by 13 to 11. » OTAGO B V. SOUTH CANTERBURY Tho players and emergencies selected for the Otago B team will travel by motor bus to Timaru to play South Canterbury next Saturday. The team is requested to meet for training at Carisbrook to-morrow night and Thursday, at 7.30. WELLINGTON AND CANTERBURY JUNIORS Wellington on its own ground beat Canterbury on time by 11 points to