FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 96, 24 April 1889, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

PONEKE V. PONSONBY.

This match was to have commenced at three o'clco'tv' this afternoon, but in order to give the public a better opportunity, of getting to it the hour of starting was postponed until half-past three. The three brakes containing the band and the two teams left the Imperial Hotel for the .ground a few minutes after half-past two. Both teams flew their banners, each emblazoned with many a goodly victory. Great interest is taken in the match in town, as the Ponsonby team, especially in the back division, is supposed to be much stronger than the Grafton team that was defeated yesterday.

This evening the Poneke visitors are to be entertained at a smoko concert at the Imperial Hotel at eight o'clock, when the members of both the local teams are requested to be present. This visit of the Ponekes will do a great deal to sweeten the bitterness that has for a long time marked the ■ dealings between Wellington and Auckland, and it is to be trusted that whatever.the result; of the match to-day may be, any ill-will between the two cities will be completely wiped a* ay when the Ponekes leave for home at noon to-morrow.

Messrs Arneil and Leo Myers are to acfc as umphea to-day and Mr T. Macky as referee. The following are the teams :— PONEKE. Colours—Red and Black. Full-back. L. Dixon. Three-quarters. A. Merlet. J. Baumber. R> Sim. Halves. M. Moorhouse. C. Mooro. Forwards. J. Astill, G. Beck, A. J. Stuart, S. Nicholle, (captain), J. J. Pieich, J. Muir, H. Townsend, A. Maclntyre, B. McIvj ahon. PONSONBY. Colours—Royal blue and black. Full Back. J. Braund. TH REE- QUARTERS. R. Masefield. J. Breen. R, StewartHalves. A Tanfield, A. Braund, H. Stephonson. Forwards. W. Hobson (captain), F. Edwards, J. Johnson, M. Jluiphy, J. Hoiiernun, J. Con way, R. Bruce, D. Gash. The only alteration in Ponoke's team from yesterday in the substitution of J. M.uir for Faulkner among tho forwards.