WELLINGTON v. SOUTHLAND. WIN FOR THE FORMER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 60

WELLINGTON v. SOUTHLAND. WIN FOR THE FORMER.

IXVERCARGILIi, September 8. In a fa=t, exciting game the Wellington football team to-day beat Southland by 18 pointr. to 5. Wellington had all the Ust of tho fust spell, but Southland had the advantage in the second half. The teams were: — Soithlsnd. — Back? — A. M'Neece, R. Pylc, J. Darragh, W. Baiid, A. Grant, W. Cowie, J Aitken ; forwards — J. Ridland, A. Gardner, W. Fraser, F. Glasgow, D. Knight, C. Miles, J. Robertson, C. Gutzewitz (wing). Wellington*. — Backs — 'A. Cunningham, J. M'Kenzie, T. Mitchincon, A. Evenson, H. M'lyeod. T. P. Walsb. C. Green; forwards — E. Pony, R. Irvine, A. C. Wilson, •'Rangi" WHaon, J. A. Bruce, W. Alexander, J. Tannahill, H. Avery (wing). Tha Wellington forwards went off at a great pace from the start 2 and playing with a blight advantage from the wind, at ones had Southland on the defensive. The Southland forward's, though not as clever as the visitors in the loose and handling-, held them on the line and in the serums. The Wellington pack played continuously to the backs, and the latter threw the ball about with great freedom, juft

missing- "two or three scoring chances. After cutting off the ball, Baird (Southland's fast wing three-quarter) $jot to the Wellington full back and then kicked, and got to the ball with no one in sight, but owing to an unexpected bounce he lost the ball and the chance. Wellington again went to the attack, and Green got through all the forwards with a iinky run. He then passed to Wilson, and the ball went to Mitohinson and Evenson, who scored at the corner. The tick failed. Wellington ~, ... -•• 3 points. Southland Nil. The visiting backs continued to throw the ball about, but the defence was stub- ■ born, till Green sent M'Leod off. The. latter passed to M'Kenzie, who scored just as he was tackled at the corner. Again the kick failed. Wellington ~- ... 6 points. Southland Nil. Almost immediately afterwards^ from & centring kick by Evenson the Southland backs mulled the ball badly, and Green, following up fast, snapped up the leather and scared beside the posts — & try only redeemed from being .a present to Wellington by the cleverness with which the visiting half back fielded a very awkward ball to handle. Evenson sent the ball between the posts, but it was touohert by am opponent. Wellington ~. ... 9 "points Southland .., ... ~. •-• JKL The rest of the spell wasr marked by & sudden awakening on the part of tho Southland forwards, who just failed to ecore from loose play. In bhe second spell the home team did most of ti*e offensive work. They went hard away from the jumpin solid forward rushes, but inaccurate handling by the backs threw fine chances away. i?>o. m nee- • ■"•*- -- - -_ < had two shots at goal from jiwt outside* the twenty-five, " each failing. « Then the Southland forwards, by close sweeping rushes and solid line play, got right to tho Wellington goal-line, where the visitor; saved by heeling over and forcing. The home forwards came away with a rush oovorinig nearly half the length of fcbe giround to near the Hne, wihexe Grant (five-eighth) fielded, ran to the line, and passed to Glasgow, who scored behind the posts. Glasgow converted. Wellington 9 points. Southland 5 points. Baird again broke through for Southland, kicked over Cunningham's head, and had a neck and neok^ race with Mitchinson to the line, but tne Wellington centre managed to get the ball first, and threw it out to the touchline. dose forward play from a line-out carried tihe boll across the ground, and Southland was given a free kick for a ecrum infringement, but an easy kick at goal was missed. The home team kept away till their full back let them down badly and changed tho whole complexion of the game. With a good chance of returning with a long kick, he sent the ball feebly into the hands of Bruce, who ran over at - the jwets and scored one of the softest tries. Mitohinson .converted. Wellington , _. ... 14 points. Southland 5 points. Southland continued without dash, and tricky play by Green kept them defending. Then Walsh sent up the score by potting a neat left-foot goal. i Wellington ... . 18 points. Southland 5 points. Again the homo team rallied, and for^ the remainder of tho spell attacked, but could not break down the defence. Wellington won mainly through greater all-ro'tnd speed and the quick, sure work of the backs, who played an unusually attractive game. Tn the first spell the visiting forwards handled the ball well, and dribbled more smartly than the home forwards in the loose, but in the other departments the teams were well matched. Walsh, Green, and Mitchinson were the bright particular stars in the visiting team, the first-named playing a very fine game. (Faou Oub Own Cobbespondent.) - INVERCARGILL, September 8. With the advantage of an oblique wind, Wellington played to the backs all the first spell, and these indulged in a great many passing rushes. In the first few minutes Evenson just missed a couple of scores — once losing the ball over the line, and njrain being just too late to save it from going into touch-in-goal. The tackling of the Southlanders was solid, though they found great trouble with the big five-eighth, (Waishi, who now and again broke through. Green also gave trouble wi*h his tricky running. It was from him that the first score came. He fielded the ball in the loose, turned, and backed right througn the Southland forwards, and then passed out to Ranji Wilson, who sent the hacks away. Evenson eventually scoring. M'Kenzie's score came from a quick pass, vhen Green whipped the lull away on the short side. The third score came from fumbling by the Southland backs, enabling Green to snap up the ball at the line and dive over. On this and other occasions there was noticeable a certain amount of luck in the bounce of the ball. Two balls wore usod to save time in the hno-oub work. One had been knocked into shape by hall practice, whUs the other was new, possessing ihe pointed ends and the eccentricities always connected with new Rugby balls. It was obviously the change to this new one that affected the handling by the Southland backs and gavo Greet* his try. On other occasions, too, the home players had bad luck in thia direction. Once Baird cut off a pass, kicked over the full back's head, and hdd a score at his mercy, when the new ball bounced in front of him, and kicked sidewise. Again, Darragh had a pot at goal in a good position with plenty of time, and the wind behind him, but the new ball skidded off the foot of this usually sure-kicking player, whil-i Walsh potted a goal for Wellington with the old ball when rushed for time. This, of course, docs not explain the defeat by a long way, but it is mentioned as being nu unusually obvious instance of luck in the bounce " of the ball. In the second spell the Southland forwards made very strong play with close rushes that puzzled the visitors, while tho backs made use of the feint pass with advantage, as; the Wel>lington backs showed a pronounced tendency for cutting off. The attack was strong, and eventually Glasgow scored and converted, making the score 9 points to 5 against Southland. This looked like a fair winning charu-p for Southland, but their full back (Cow-ie), who had changed with M'Neece, without the excuse of' being

charged, kicked veakly into the arms of Bruce, who had a clear run, and who scored at the posts. The home team played half-heartedly for some minutes, and when inside the twenty-five Walsh potted a goal. From this to the end the Southland forwards again took charge, but poor passing and a general want of nippiness among the backs enabled the visitors to cope with the attack. Though the visiting forwards were the better in the loose, they were beaten in close work, and held elsewhere. It was the all-round speed and cleverness of the backs that gave Wellington the victory, though with the execption of Green's and" Bruce's tries, they had to fight all the way for their points. On the game Wellington should have to play all out to save defeat by Otago, though the addition of Roberts in place of M'l<eod will probably greatly strengthen the team in the back department. Mr Gallaway (Dunedin) was a vigilant and prompt referee. OTAGO v WELLINGTON. i THE VISITORS WIN. The twentieth annual fixture between Otag-o and Wellington representative teams was played at the Carisbrook Ground on Saturday afternoon. The game was witnessed by over 8000 people, and although Otago s defeat, to the tune of 13 points to 3 points, must have caused keen disappointment, the sport provided oould not have been other than gratifying to those who watched it. It was certainly, for the greater part/ one of the finest struggles seen here for some time, and the spectators of it were frequently roused to a pitch of enthusiasm. The ground was in very good condition, though a trifle soft in places, and the weather was ideal. The game was marred somewhat by several minor accidents, three players being forced to leave the field. Their places were on each occasion, by mutual consent, taken by reserves. THE GAME. Otago won the toss, and "Rangi" Wilson set the ball in motion for Wellington against a barely perceptible breeze. Davidson centred the kick-off, and the Otago forwards, with Paton in the lead, went off at a bound and swept over Mitchinson before he could do anything with the ball. Evenson got in a saving kick, but the Blue vanguard determinedly rushed play to the twenty-five again. Succeeding line-out ■work, however, favoured the visitors to the half-distanco, and Eckhold was tackled in an attempt to cut in. Scott stopped a Black rush, and an exchange of kicks terminated with play at midfield. It hung there for a moment, and then, with disconcerting suddenness, Roberts shot away with the ball from the open side of the scrum, and the company of backs in a flash were off on a thrilling rush. M'Leod, Mitchinson, and Evenson handled the bail perfectly, .- and the last-named streaked straight for ths Otago line, but Scott met him unnerved and downed him splendidly. Wellington were now at Otago's twentyfive, but the Blue forwards, with Mitchell prominent, drove them swiftly down the field. Finished line-out work by Paton pushed the advantage further, and the home team was attacking. in the visitors' quarters. It was here that the Otago backs got really their first opportunity. Sutherland whipped ■ the ball out to his partners, and a perfect piece of passing ended in O'Sullivan, as the last link in a chain, streaking for the corner in Jine style. He met a solid tackle on the line, and appeared to have scored, but the referee ruled that the ball had not been grounded, and a touch-in-goal iesulted. Nothing daunted, Otago came gamely to the attack again. M'Donald and Ivimey led a hot rush, which almost beat the Wellington full back, but the Blacks recovered themselves quickly, and held Otago at bay. They even brought off a slight reverse through Bennet failing to accept an indifferent pass, but the ever-eager Blue vanguard were again smashing through the ranks of their opponents. This time it looked as if it were all up with the visitors, for the forwards hemmed them in on both sides on their line. Ivimey made a dash for the line with the ball, but was ruled off-side, and the Blacks cleared after some anxious minutes of defending from a desperate rush by Bruce, Dennehy, and " Rangi " Wilson. Off-side play withheld the visitors in a further attack, but Evenson returned Paton's kick with interest. Scott fielded the ball, but found touch only a few yards past his own twenty-five. Cunningham speculated luckily, and the visitors bore down on Otago quarters. M'Kenzie brought off a fine turning move, but M'Lebd cut off a pass by Sutherland, and Roberts and Co. looked like breaking away on one of their dangerous back attacks, but the Blue forwards stopped it in time. A succeeding scrum was controlled by Wellington, and Roberts dashed off from it, fending off half-a-dozen tackles and then passing to Mitchinson, but Eckhold intercepted, and passed to Bennet, whose kick beat the Wellington full back to touch past the half-way flag. Wellington threatened again, but Sutherland marked, and Paton, with a powerful kick, found the line at the visitors' twenty-five From here the Blue forwards swept the ball to the Blacks goal line, but Cunningham was lying handy. Davidson then let Wellington away but Mitchinson headed to touch instead of centring when everything favoured his «ide. Casey tricked the opposition en ] the line-out, and shot down the field. Ivimey who supported htm received the ball but was surely tackled by Cunningham. Paton was the next to pet it, but he was also downed, and VI ellington escaped narrowly. Eckhold broke up a retaliating rush by marking, and Ivimcy had a shot at goal whioh went wide The Blues assailed again with vigour, but a long kick beat both Scott and Davidson, and Wellington swept into home territory; but the Bluo vanguard showed their srnt and dash and cleared in a manner that evoked cheer 3 from the crowd. The move penetrated to Wellington's last line of defence, and Cunningham just got his kick in in time. Tho Otago pack came to th« attack again, and Ivimey, well in the van, picked up and passed to A. M'Donald. who dived for -Wellington's goal line, but grounded the ball just about half a foot away. Otago pressed relentlessly, and Hie controlling' of a serum saw the backs swing into attacking position. The passing, however, was too straight across the fieH, and the opposing wing was on O'Sullivan before he oould gather way. He gave .1 standing pass back to Bennet, but the Black backs had killed the attack. Otago, however, was not done yet, and from a line-out Casey fooled the opposition, and, racing down the line, passed to Ivimey,

* who dashed over and scored amidst cheering. Paton did not convert. Otago 3 points. Wellington . ... Nil. Patterson broke through from the ruck from the kick-off, and Otago were attacking again. Mitchinson sent back a quick centre by O'Sullivan, and Scott's return did not reach touch. " Rangi " Wilson. , who was putting in some magnificent work on the line-outs, broke through from a , throw-in to Otago territory, but E. M'Donald stemmed the rush and found touch. The Blacks returned again and the Blues were in trouble until Scott smartly got the ball and drove it to the line well past the twenty-five flag. Casey manoeuvred the throw-in as he liked, and rushed play to the enemy's quarters. An infringement stayed progress. It availed Wellington only a few yards, but with characteristic suddenness the visiting backs dashed off from their own twenty-five. ATLeod was soundly tackled by E M'Donald. but Wellington recovered, and then meeting further opposition, kicked hard up the field, the ball going over Otago's line, and Scott forcing. Paton's _ powerful driving put Otago on the right side again, and the Blue vanguard one-o more asserted itself nobly. Th~ backs were given a chance, but Davidson ran into touch. The forwards pre««ed eagerly again, and attempted to screw the scrum over their opponents' lin-e. Overeager to clear, the ball was picked out from the scrum, and Wellington being penalised, Paton made a splendid effort to place a goal from an acute angle, the ball going jusi outside the post.' Wellington retaliated, and Evenson found touch at the Blues' twenty-five. The visiting backs were almost away on three occasions, and a brief counter move by the home forwards was solidly met by Walshe, and the visitors were back to the twenty-five again. It was not for long, nowever for M'Konzie. Mitchell, and ivimey headed a brilliant rush to the enemy c quarters, but the backs denied them any support, and the movement went for naught, Wellington clearing Bh l/ n Hi f^ V x> play - Onoe a P ain the Blue pack thrilled the spectators with their ball aL^f 1 "' }> U t- MLM L e ° d 9ecured th * ball and he and his partners met with no opposition from the home backs Scott only stemmed the tide by marking, but whS* lnifclated two attacking movements which came near penetrating Otago's doSTtk ft££? ime . brou^ ht a welcome break •n ti:e turio^s going. SECOND SPELL. The Blues held their own from the kiokotf for the first few minutes, until " RanjV' W,kon, Bruce and Avery headed play to Otago s goal me. O'Sullivan marked off the last-named, and an exchange of kicks c«lminat^l with play on the Otago side k-U R . ;d!; d!S v' ar J Ce ' Where from a penalty kick Roberts had a fruitless shot at goal We lington pressed again, but Sutherland broke out from the scrum and kicked to touch. Some- tight work ensued in midheld.,, and then a kicking bout favoured the home team Green, from behind the scrum, sent the ball out to Roberts, and the visiting backs jumped to the attack. Evenson dashed for the line, but M'Donald tackled him splendidly from behind. Otago gained ssveral yards from an infringement, but Koberts was off on another dash. This hme he centred, and A. M'Donald marked. The result favoured the- visitors, for a return by Scott did not penetrate far Another pacing bout by the visitors broke down through M'Leod. The dash and devil displayed by the Otago pack in the opening spell was now not nearly so much in evidence, while the opposing vanguard wa more than holding its own. M'Donald and Paton raised the hopes of their supporters by leading their partners in a hot rush to the visitors' quarters ; but CuuningJiam was equal to what was required of « mY There was some hot work in midfield, and a temporary suspension when Jivenson twisted his leg after being tackled by A. M'Donald. Simultaneously Ivimey injured his knee rather badly, and had to retire. Clarke went on in his place. On resuming the Wellington forwards, with "Rangi" Wilson in the lead, swept down on the Blues' line. Evenson made a dash for a r fcry ; Du * Patterson swung him into touch. Wellington attacked vigorously again, and Fitzpatrick effected a turning movement, which Walshe (now playing at five-eighth, with M'JSeod on the wing) met splendidly. Scott put in a saving kick to touch, but the throw-in favoured Wellington, and the ball went out to the backs, but the passing was too long, and Otago nipped the rush before it assumed a dangerous turn. The Blues made a brief clearance, but Wellington, full of determination, returned and harassed their opponents on all sides. Unexpectedly Scott broke out from the ruck and kicked splendidly to touch at the halfdisbanco s midst cheering. The visitors quickly returned play, and Walehe and Mitohinson figured in some fine attacking work. Ever troublesome, the northern backs opened out the game, but were standing too far apart, and Bennet spoiled by intercepting a pass, but did not retain the ball. The Blacks pressed again, and Clarke speculated right into the hands of M'Leod, well out on the right wing. Gathering up the ball, the Wellington player dashed for the line and grounded the ball over it just as he was tackled by Scott. He sustained a broken rib, and had to retire. Roberts made nothing of the shot at goal, and the eooies read : | Otago 3 points. i Wellington 3 points. \ Mackenzie replaced M'Leod on the wing. Eckhold put Otago in an attacking position by finding touch at the twenty-five from a feeble kick by Mackenzie. The visitors cleared from a mark, but Davidson with a long drive put the ball out at tha corner flag. The Blues attacked gum«ly, and Paton almost got over, but when Sutherland sent the ball out to Eckhold on the blind 6ide of a scrum a certain tackle awaited the five-eighth. Davidson made a ds-sh for the line, and was hung up a foct or two away, and the ball being then carried across, Wellington escaped with a forcedown. The Blue vanguard responded again, and, urged on by the cheering crowd, smashed through the opposition to within striking distance. Eckhold \\<is again tackled when he received the ball from Sutherland, and Evenson got in a long kick, which sent the Blues racing back to the defence of their own goal line. Wellington was too eager, and a hard kick enabled Davidson to force. There was a further onslaught by the Blacks, and Davidson was beaten badly in a kick to touch. The home line was threatened, and from loose work in front of the goal posts Walshe received the ball from the half, and, breaking through the opposition, passed to .

T "Rangi*' Wilson within a yard or two of the line, and the big foiwaid scored Wellington's second try. Roberts converted easily. Wellington 8 points. Otago 3 points. The Black forwards, contrary to all expectations, were now dominating their opponents at all points of the game. Walshe attempted to open out play, but injured his knee, and had to retire. Alexander took his place. On resuming Paton drove powerfully to touch at the enemy's twentyfive, and then M'Kenzie shot out from the ruck with the ball at his toes, and swept it to Wellington's line, but a supporting forward kicked too hard, and the northerners escaped with a forcedown. The visitors were retaliating hotly a minute later, when Davidson let his side down by faulty fielding, and the Blacks threatened every moment to swarm over the local line. The Blue forwards were putting up a big fight, but it seemed as if they must go under. Scott picked up cleverly from the feet of the forwards, and then M'Kenzie centred hard up the field. Mitchinson snatched the ball away from his feet, and dashing off eluded Davidson, and then, swerving- in beautifully, bear the remaining opposition, and passed to Mackenzie, who ran round and scored under the posts. Roberts converted. Wellington 13 points. Otago . ... 3 points. ] On resuming the Otago backs set off on a passing bout, but. the o; position swept down on them, and broke up the movement. Scot! had to meet a long, high kick from the tanks of the visiting backs, but was quite equal to it, and a minute or two later successfully stemmed a promising forward rush set up by Avery. The Black vanguard bore down on Otago's line again, and matters looked exceedingly bad for Otago, when Scott cut in, and saved brilliantly. M'Kenzie and Paton ousted another Black invasion, and a serviceable kick by A. M'Donald brought the home team to the visitors' twenty-five area. Here the Blues made a final rally, and, with Mitcholl in the lead, beat the opposition back to their own line, but Green got away from the scrum, and all danger was at an end. With play in midfield the game ended, and Wellington left the field victorious, the final scores being: Wellington ... 13 points. Otago 3 points. NOTES ON THE PLAY. As a game remarkable for its keenness and the evcellent spirit in which it was played, and for its exhibition of sterling back play on the part of the visitors, Saturday's contest, save for the disappointment of Otago's defeat and the wretched display by the local backs will, from the. point of view of good sport, have many pleasant recollections for those who saw it. It was generally conceded at the outset, when Otago's beam was anatysed on paper, that if the Otago province was to claim a vie- | tory from the doughty Wellington team it ! was the forwards who would do it. No one seriously looked to the backs as a whole to do big things against such a combination of "stars" as the northern province possessed, but still there were hopes ] that there was sufficient individual talent in it to assist the forwards in. carrying the day. And to review the game as played on Saturday it cannot be with feelings other than of keen disappointment that Otago succumbed so badly The Blue forwards impressed everyone from the start of the game. Lined out on the fiejd they looked bigger and more likely, and when from the very jun.p they set off on smashing rushes which penetrated time and again to Wellington's last line of defence, and came to naught, frequently through bad luck; when they more than held their own in the scrums, on the line, and in the tight, and all the time working like Trojans, it was no wonder that hopes of a victory everywhere ran high. Throughout the whole of the first spell the Blue vanguard administered the sort of medicine for which the visiting backs and forwards had obviously no liking, and put up a game the brilliance of which there was no denying. The members of the pack that opposed them were themselves no tyros .•i'- tbe game, but honours were all with Otaff«. The i..ue forwards played a winning game from start to finish of the first spell. At a petty early stage of the game it was evident, however, that there was one thing that was certain sooner or later to prove Otago's undoing, and that was the play of the back division. At the commencement of the game they shaped fairly well, but once Roberts and his company got in amongst them their inability and weakness became only too apparent. There were many narrow escapes from the visiting backs' dashing attacks, but Otago stood it all successfully, thanks to the splendid retrieving work of Otago's full back (Scott) and the desperate turning moves of the forwards. The first spell was Otago's easily, and the score, w ith more good luck, might have been larger. The second spell was one that caused profound astonishment. Instead of there being witnessed a continuance of the Blue pack's dashing, havocplaying lushes, and the visitors being called upon to uso all their defensive skiU as in the- first, spell, the tables were turned almost completely, and the Otago forwaids foil palpably into second place. Whether the task had been too severe and too taxing for them in the opening spell it is difficult to say, but in the second part of the gamp it was certainly plain that the Otago forwards were not what they were in the first, and that the Wellington pack was exercising an at times fairly complete master hand. With this condition of affairs prevailing, the visitors were able to bring their backs into operation, and once they had swung into attack the effect was too much for Otago's rear division. Thrice was the defence penetrated, and in every instance was the try secured fully deserved. And had it not been for the at times brilliant defence put up by the Otago full back they would have added many more points than they did. Otago certainly lost chances on the daj 's play, | and there were many front-division efforts that merited tries Taking the game through and through, no one can begrudge Wellington (he win. Their backs were immeasurably sup«iior to Otago's, and the forwards, while as a whole not so clever or so dashing as the Blue pack, certanily made a very good fight, and had the added and admittedly big advantage of being able to stay the game to the finish. The Otago backs were the blemish on an otherwise highly creditable sheet. Lacking all idea of what constituted attack, and with no pretence at defence, their display

was wretched, and was nothing but a series of disappointments. It was certainly very d'sheartening to the forwards, who not only received no support from them, but time and again had to beat back and cover up their mistakes. The Otago hookers were getting the ball in the scrums, but Sutherland was too slow in getting it away, and by the time it reached the second fiveeighth, or often the first, the opposing backs had dashed in and put attack out of the question. And when the home backs did get away it was straight across the field to the touch line in nine cases out of ten. On defence they were often made to appear ridiculous. M'Donald being the only one who made any genuine attempt to take his man low. Scott at full back,, consequent upon the repeated mistakes of the men in front of him, had a very busy time of it, but it is safe to say that he came out of the ordeal splendidly. On the whole his kicking was powerful and true, and his tackling splendid. Eckhold was slow, and showed no idea of atta.ck, while Bennet at centre was nothing short of an absolute failure. O'Sullivan put in some very fair work at times, but was often grassed before he could get going. In the second ftpell very little we his wa-y. Davidson let his side down repeatedly", and .was a source of continual anxiety. As a whole, the exhibition given by the backs was puerile. Nothing but what is complimentary can be said about the Blue forwards. Full of dash and lesource, they treated the spectators to some brilliant play; but their falling off in the second spell , ivaa disr^ appointing. Ivimey ,up to the time of his enforced retirement w&s. "playing a magnificent game, and his loss was severely felt. M'Donald, Paton, Gaeey, M'Kenzie, and Mitchell were ever in the thick of the light, and all initiated very telling movements. The Wellington backs were an ever dangerous combination. Dashing straight in amongst the opposition, every rush told its tale. Roberts's influence as a leader was overpowering, and he was ever on the alert for openings. Mitohinson's big effort, which cost CHago a try, stamped him as a brilliant player. Evenson showed a fine turn of speed, while WaJshe, when he was taken up to inside five-eighth, put up a brilliant game, and took every chance that came his -way. M'l*eocT« try was a. worthy one, but his passing when at five-eighth in the first part of the game was at times faulty. Green is an adept and smart half, and gave his backs every opportunity. Cunningham, the full baok, was very sound, and time and again pulled his side out of ; difficulties. i The Wellington forwards, while not as j clever as the Blues, wei-e a very determined lot. "Rangi" Wilson's line play was a I treat to witness. -Avery, Tannahill, and Bruoe were about the pick -of the others. The game was controlled by Mr A. Downes with the greatest .satisfaction .to i players and the public. j - RECORD OF MATCHES. The following table shows the results of matches played between the two provinces : I 1877, at Wellington. — Otago wen by 4 goals 1 and 2 tries to nil. 1879, a.t Christchurch.— Wellington won by 1 try to nil. ' ' " ' 1883, at Wellington.— Wellington won by 1 try to nil. 1885, at Dunedui.— Otago won by 2 goals •and 1 try (11 points) to nil. 1867, at Wellington. — Drawn, no score. 1891, at I>unedin.— Otago won by 1 go»l and 3 trie 3 <fl points) to 1 gcal (3 points). 1896, at Wellington. — Drawn, no scor*. 1897, at Dunedin. — Wellington won by 1 potted gcal and 2 tries (10 points) to 2 tries (6 points). 1898, at Wellington. — Otago won by 3 tries (9 points) to nil. 1899, at Dunedin.— Wellington won by 2 tries (6 points) to 1 try (3 points). 1900, at Wellington. — Wellington won by 1 goal and 1 try tfs points) to 2 tries (6 points). 1901, at Dunedin. — Wellington won by 2 goals (10 points) to 3 tries (9 points). 1902, at Wellington.— Otago won by 1 goal and 1 try (8 points) to nil. 190', at Dunedin. — Otago won by 2 tiies (6 points) to 1 try (3 points). 190 i, at Wellington. — \V«I injgton won fay 2 goals and 2 tries (15 points) to 2 goals and 1 try (13 points). 1905, at Dunedin. — Drawn, no score. 1906, at Wellington. — Otago won by 2 tries (6 points) to 1 try (3 points). 1907, at Dunedin. — Otago won by 9 points to 6 points. 1309, at Wellington.— Otago won by 17 ' points to 15 points. 1900, at Dunedin. — Wellington won by 13 points to 3 points. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. WELLINGTON, September 9. At a meetng of the Management Commttee of the New Zealand Rugby Unon to-night an application by the Otago Union for a loan of £1500 was rerfusinl, no funds for such purpose being available. The" Nelson Union forwarded the names of 22 players who had taken part in the Northern Union game thsra, alt>o the names of the referee, line umpires, and secretary, all of whom had been suspended. The suspension was made general, and (persons concerned were given a fortnight to show cauw why they should not be expelled. The members of the Maori team whioh toured Australia last year under Northern L nion rules applied for reinstatement. They said they had been misled, and had not ' known they were doing wrong. It was 1 decided to reply that the union had no ' power to remove their disqualification. DISTRICT FOOTBALL. A special meeting of the Otago Ru^by Football Union was held in the Trades Hall on Thursday evening for the purpose of considering a notice of motion given to rescind resolutions passed at a previous meeting in favour of the adoption by the union of a scheme of district football. Mr F. 11. Campbell (president of the union) pre sided, there being a good attendance of f'-plegates. ; Mr Claude Young, in whose name tho ! notice of motion stood, formally moved that—" It is not desirable that district football should be introduced into Dunedin, and that those resolutions bearing on the subject passed on July 3 be rescinds." He read a lengthy letter from Mr Forsyth descriptive of the Auckland scheme and the results which had accrued from its adoption. This showed that good men drifted into the one district, thus destroying the competitive element, and reducing the attraction of the game to the public. j Mr Mitchell seconded the motion. The ;

scheme would be an experiment, and he thought if it were carried football would be very flat for a year or two. Mr S D. Minn read, a press --lipping from Auckland indicating that the union there was intending to call a meeting to consider the position arrived at through the scheme and a possible reversion to club football. He also referred to the position of the Otago Football Association, saying that the majority of the players were averse to the system. Mr G. W. C. Macdonald commented on the somersault which delegates had taken. It was not correct to say that the scheme had bean a failure in Auckland, where it had had been in exfsterice 17 years. He was in favour of the scheme, but the union did not wish _to force the matter upon the delegates if the time was not ripe for it. Mr H. F. Sincock supported Mr Macdonald's remarks, and said he had no wish to thrust his views upon the dele- , gates if they did not agree with them. The only argument against district football was that the player must play in the district he resided' in. That certainly was ■ a drawback. But he candidly- believed district football would do, good, -and jpould come later, unless certain drastic reforms were brought about. * •_ Mr H. H. S. White arorued against "district football Other speakers were> Messrs Nicholson and- Connor. "' < * The Chairmart said flic difficuTfy ' with delegates was that they seemed to be afraid of the scheme. The unions' object in" bring-, ing --forward the scheme was to improve footbalT, which it was felt had deteriorated, quite apart from the increased public interest. If there was not a public feeling? in respect to it he would not be in favour of the adoption of the scheme. Mr Young having replied, a vote was taken, -the result being the carrying of tho motion by 19 votes to 8. NORTH OTAGO v. SOUTH CANTER.. BURY. OAMARU, Septembei 9. The annual fixture North Otago v. South' Canterbury was played here to-day, and after a strenuous game ended in a win for North Otago by- 12 points to 11. Ross was responsible for the bulk of the winning •team's score, kicking three splendid goals from the touchline, while E. Curran scored a. j^oocl try. Spillan© lciclced two good goals from free kicks for the visitors, and converted a try, scored by Moffett. Duthie. ab wing three-quarter, played excellent football for the home team, and E. Curran '8 exposition of the, five-eighths gam€ entitles him to the consideration of the selectors of the provincial team. Th« best of the local forwards were Grant. Clark, and Perry. '„-'.'