'There' have been some slight modifications In the laws of the game, all likely to make certain points clearer, Many had hoped that the value of 'a dropped goal would be reduced to three points, and it is well known that in some of the Colonies this change had been strongly urged, But after long consideration it decided not to interfere with the dropped goal value, Once more the definition of a tackle has been altered a trifle and now clearer than it was, while there is one notable addition to the definition, the inclusion of a time honoured' practice in the game, The definition now reads: "A tackle occurs. when the holder of the ball in the field of play is held by one more players of the opposing team, so that while he is so held the ball ' comes. in contact with the ground, or there is a moment when hho cannot pass or play the ball."
The part is the part which has been restored to the definition, "When is the ball fairly in the scrummage?" This question has given rise to endless. controversy, The law on this point has been restated, and is now clearer than it was before, Penalty Try 'A change has also been made the' award of a penalty" try—that {s, one that would undoubtedly have been scored had it not been "for the unfair play or unlawful interfer= ence of the defending team.
Now such a try shall be given between the posts, not in a line with the spot at which the infringement took place. In other words such a misdemeanour will now almost certainly cost the offending side five points instead of only possibly cost ing five, Another timely alteration been made in keeping with the tradl= tional practice of Rugby, which surely has always been that unless man is actually in possession of the ball he cannot be interfered with. As the rule stood there was nothing to prevent a man from pushing another player away when the latter stooped to pick up the ball. This has been altered, The rule formerly read "A player overtaking an opponent running. for the ball must not push "him from behind, stooping to pick up. the ball, This last phrase has now been fomilted and quite time too, Mr, Eric Coley, of Northampton ana East Midlands, has been made a member of the selection committee and, there are no other changes, the conimittee is now composed of Mr. R, J. Wakes, Wing-Commander ¢. "N, Lowe, Mr, H, Coverdale, and Mr. TD, Prentice in addition to the new The New Season 'The spit animating London and provincial sides this season is well summed up by the, words of the secretary of the Taunton club. "No retirements," he said, "AN our play cers seem determined' to die in their boots."
'And that is the tone everywhere, 'At Loleester, two English internationals will be missed this season, B.C, Gadney, who has now a school near Skipton, and G. W, C, Mille, Who Is also schoolmastering, Coventry should again do' well for all the old players are available, Fixtures are resumed with London Welsh and the Old Cranleighans come on the list for the Arst time, London Scoltish Strong London Scottish, who won eight of their last nine matches. last season and won the "sevens" at Twickenham should go through the coming season with flying colours. - They - have practically all their old men back under the captaincy of H. Lind.
Blackheath this year will be captained by J. A. Tallent, who is a personality on and off the'fleld. They believe at the "Club" that J.D. Anderson might solve an occasional dimiculty es fly-half, as Walker 1s 201 often claimed by RAP. duties.
The usual strong Axture list will be fuldlied, and the Easter tour is to West Hartepool, Durham City and
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.