ATHLETIC NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 148, 24 June 1889, Page 3

ATHLETIC NOTES.

FOOTBALL.

OtJR footballers again had a nice day for tbeir pastime on Saturday. The rain which fell during the week made the ground soft, although it was firm, and when the players fell they did not feel the consequences. There were about 1,000 spectators journeyed to Epsom, rnodt interest being centred in the match Fonsonby v. Auckland.—Messrs J. Wooller and E. O'Hare were tho respective umpires, and Mr T. Macky officiated as referee. Auckland (blue and whites) won the toss, and XV. Hobson,fcrPonsonby (blue and blacks), kicked oil'towards the western goal with the wind against them, Belcher returned the kick to the 55 flag, and from the throw in, Stevenson, A. Braund, and Masefield were cheered for some good passin", taking the ball to Auckland's 25. Baxter and Caradus made a long dribble to J. Braund, at full back, who kicked into touch at his own 25. Henderson got the leather from the throw in and dribbled it over the goal line, Ponsonby being forced down. Hobson kicked out, and the Auckland forwards worked the play to the blue and blacks' quarters, and their blacks lost two or three good shows for potting. Tanrield kicked to the half way, bub Hales after some dodgy play returned the ball to tho 25 (lug. Clever running and passing by A. Braund, Stevenson, and Masefield transferred the seat of action to Auckland 25, but by a combined rush the blue and white forwards onco more had I'onsonby on the defensive. Arneil and Murphy took advantage of a miss kick by Bond, and by neat dribbling were not stopped till inside the Aucklands' territory. O'Connor, Henderson and Baxter came through tho scrum, and relieved their side. Play centred for some time at the half distance, the Aucklands'forwards carrying every scrum, but were checkmated by the play of the opposing backs. Slowly the blue and whites forged on to the Ponsonby line, aud a loose rush, headed by Keefe, forced them down. Hobson kicked out, and ho with Bruce, dribbled to Auckland's territory, where Hales, by a dashing piece of play, broke through the opposing forwards and " brought down tho gallery " by a long run. Ho passed to McLean, who almost yot over. Immediately afterwards the ball was ordered back to the 55 flag, it being ruled that Hales went out of bounds. O'Connor got through and was loudly cheered for splendid dribbling, he getting to witnin 5 yards of the coveted line. Hobson remove J the danger by a run, and passing to Maseiieid, enabled him to get to Auckland's 25, where ha essayed a pot and the blue and whites were compelled to save. Way was resumed and Hales and Bond got to within close proximity of Ponsonby's line, where Hobson was allowed a penalty kick, which Caradus marked. Hales took a place at goal, and sent the ball over the bar. Auckland, 3; Ponsonby, nil. From tho kick-out O'Connor rushed the ball to his adversaries' territory, and Belcher got a mark almost in the same spot as the other. Bales took another place kick, and just missed the goal, Ponsonby being forced. Half-time was then called with the score standing—Auckland, 3 points 3 minors ; Ponsonby, 1 minor. So far Auckland had had all the best of the game, their forwards carrying every scrum, while their backs, especially Hales, were all playing well. O'Connor started the second spell by dribbling to Ponsonby's 25, where Tanfield was conspicuous by a good dodgy run, and kicking hard, Auckland were forced down. Play settled afe the blue and whites' side of the half-distance, Potter frustrating several attempts of Tanfield's to score. At last Poland and Hobson dribbled the ball over tho line, and Hefi'ernan. was enabled to score, but Broen made a poor attempt at goal. Auckland, 3 ; Ponsonby 1. A series of loose scrums in neutral territory took place, Masefield, A. Braund and Stevenson making several runs, but Pritchard and Hales were collaring successfully. From a throw in near the blue and whites' line, Arneil fell over the boundary, but the score was disallowed. The Aucklanders were on the defensive for some time till their forwards rushed the ball to J. Braund, who mulled, and Hales kicked too Dear the blue and blacks' 25. Conway made a long run to inside the Auckland territory, where the ball bounced over Potter's head, and J. Poland, following up fast, was enabled to score. Breen again missed the goal. Auckland 3, Ponsonby 2. Aucklanders were compelled to save twice in succession by Breen potting and a rush by their opponents. The blue and whites rallied for a time, and play was engaged in midfield till Caradus, Henderson, and O'Connor, by clever play, gave the last-named a show to fall over the line. Hsles made a splendid attempt at goal, the ball going about a foot wide—Auckland, 4 ; Ponsonby, 2. Hobson kicked off, and Masefield nearly scored. The blue and whites were, however, forced three times by pot shots taken by J. Braund, Hobson, and Breen. The play became very fast, and Poland, by Hobson's and Bruce's good play crossed the line, but the ball was ordered back. Stevenson threw away a splendid show he had of scoring, by slipping. Tantield, who had been playing a dashing game for Ponsonby, got away, and by the best run in the game dodged all his opponents and touched down behind the posts, which Breen added the needful to. Ponsonby 5, Auckland 4. Tanfield was loudly applauded for his run. Heflernan and Murphy ran to the line from the kick out, and A. Braund picking up from the scrum, passed to Conway, who was not being watched, and touched down behind the posts. Masefield missed the goal. Ponsonby 6, Auckland 4. Masefield nearly potted a goal, following the kick out, tho ball going a little wide of the post. Caradus kicked out and Ponsonby dribbled to the line, where Arneil ran over and scored, but Breen was not successful with the kick, and time was called. T'onsonby, 7 points 9* minors ; Auckland, 4 points 3 minors. The winners had all the best of this term, Auckland going to pieces in the last quarter of an hour, allowing .Ponsonby to do almost as they liked.

Gordon v. Gkaftox.—Those two clubs met for the ■first time, bufc very little interest was attached to the game, it being an almost foregone conclusion that the blacks (Gordon) would score an easy win. Mr L. Myers umpired for Gordon, Or. Orchard for Graf ton, and M. McLean stood as referee Grafton started with thirteen men, but T. liyao and McKeoivn joined in making tbo full complement. Gordon won the toss and Lccky kicked off from the southern goal. Murray returned to tho 55 flag and from tho throw in the Gordon forwards rushed the play to Grafton's 25, where after several loose scrums Jervis kicked hard and Donald and Kissling mulled the ball, allowing Binney, who is always on the alert, to score. Jervis made v. poor attempt at goal. Gordon I, Grafton nil. Donald and Jervis exchanged kicks, and play was of a give and take nature for a considerable time, R. B. Lusk, Jervis and Herrold making several good runs, but were counterbalanced by the honest work of the Grafton forwards. R. B. Lusk at last got to the maroons' lino where he passed to Reid who fell over the lino and scored the second fry. R. B. Lusk made a poster out ot the kick. Gordon 2, Grafton nil. Leeky kicked out and Wells and Spencer were on the ball before Meldrum could return it, and dribbleditto Gordon's2s,and carrying the scrum took the play to their opponents' line. Gardiner made a long pass to McCausland, who fumbled the ball badly, missing an easy show to pot. The Gordon forwards followed up the mistake by rushing the ball to Kissling, who kicked into touch. From the throw'in Anderson got through the scrum,

and dribbled the ball over the line, but it was disallowed. The Grafton forwards relieved their lines, and half-time was called, Gordon 2 Grafton nil. So far Gordon had all the best of the game, their backs and forwards playing well. The maroons' forwards had to do all the work for their side, Kissling being the only back playing decently. In thesecond term, Gordon hadagain all the best of the game, Grafton being repeatedly forced down while L. Meldrum and Jervis had several pot shots at goal going very close to the posts. R. B. Lusk started the second spell, and McKeown returned to the 55 Hag. Lusk- made a dodgy run to inside Graftons , 25, from whence Downs kicked to the half distance. Gordon dribbles the ball back to the maroons' territory and McCausland fumbling the leather, H. Poland scored a try. R. B. Lusk made a good but fruitless attempt at goal. Gordon, 3; Grafton, nil. Lecky kicked out, and Jervis made a long run into the maroons' quarters, but Grafton carrying the scrum, got on a rush, which was well stopped by P. Lusk punting. From the throw-in the Grafton forwards again dribbled well, but R. B. Lusk, by a long run, was not stopped until he got to Kissling. The battle waged for some time in Graftons' territory, the maroons being repeatedly forced by the potting of the Gordon backs. Lecky and Stone spoilt one return and dribbled well down the field, but lost a good show of scoring by over-running the ball, and D. Meldrum kicked into touch. From the throw in, the blacks dribbled well into Graftons' territory, whore KisHling staved oft" a score by a long kick. The Graftonites were soon on the defensive again, and Herrold by a dodgy run through the opposing hacks scored the fourth try,but Jervis missed tho goal. Gordon 4, Grafton nil. The maroon forwards got on a good rush, and I). Meldrum fumbling the ball, it went out into Gordons' 25. K. B. Lusk had the ball passed to him and made another long run to the maroons' quarters, and a number of packed scrums ensued. Ftom a dribble, McCausland mulled the ball and P. Lusk took it from him and scored, R. B. Lusk kicking their first goal. Time was then called, tho scores standing Gordon 7, Grafton nil.

Poxsonby 11. A r . Pirates.—This match was played at North Shore, and after a close game, resulted in a draw, both sides scoring one point. Healy scored the try for Ponsonby, and Williams for the Pirates.

Grafton 11. v. Gordon ll.—This match resulted in a win for Grafton 11. by nine points to nil. For Grafton, Downey, after splendid play, scored two tries, whilst Ronayne, after a grand run, scored another. Purdie and Wilson, each of whom played well, scored the other two tries. Two tries were converted into goals by Moresby. For Gordon, Christian, Short and Fountain played best. >

Takapuna v. Wanderers.—The former won this match by 4 points to 3. For the winners, McKenzie kicked a goal from a free kick and Ryan secured a try. For Wanderers, A. Wright potted a goal. Napier-street School v. Newton Ea.st School.—This game resulted in a win for Newton East by 4 points to 2. Tries were scored for tho winners by Bradshaw, Tobias, Jones and Cullen, while Scott and Edmunds scorod tries for the Napier-streuti

Selwyn 11. v. NcAruin.—Selwyri won by 4 points to 3. Hodgson, Creigh, Clark, and Hogan each scored a try for Selv/yn, while Batger secured a try for Ngapuhi, which Gouistone converted.

Otahuhu v. Manukau.- —The former won by 3 points to 1. F. Bovvden scored a try for Otahuhu, which Plumley converted into a goal, and Manukau also got a try, but failed at goal. Britannia v. Moonlight.—The former won rather easily by 11 points to nil. The ecorers were F. Fitzsimrnons (2), Partridge (2), Pursley (2), Fernandez (1), Odium (1), Baker (1), one of which Carriok converted into a goal. Waitemata v. Melrose.— The former won by 2 points to nil. Terrace v. Silver Star. —Terrace won by 2 points, tries scored by Wharton and Hay, to nil. Excelsior v. Rapid.—The former won by 5 points to nil. Native Rose 11. v. Jervois. — The Natives won this game by sto 3. For the winners, Mercer kicked a goal from the field, and scored a try, while Preston also obtained a try. For Jervois, Roberts potted a goal. Beresford v. Alberts ll.—The former won by 2 points, two tries scored by Bates and Eaton.

Native Rose v. Orient.—This match, played at Potter's Paddock, resulted in a win for Native Rose by 4 points to nil. Carr and Harris scored tries, one of which was converted into a goal by Lye. Eden v. Rosebery.—This match resulted in a draw.

Albany v. Victorias.—The former claim the match, as the Vies, did not roll up. United v. Union.—The former won by 4 points to nil. Grey scored a try, and V. Masefield kicked a goal from the field?

Oliphant v. Richmond.—The former won by 3to 2. French scored three trie 3 for tho winners and Howard and Goldie one each for the latter.

Tuakau v. Bombay.—This match was played at Tuakau on Saturday, and resulted in a win for Tuakau by 6 points to 1. Jack McKean, Logan, Oldham and Harris scored for Tuakau, Elliott converting one of their tries into a goal. Wilson obtained a try for Bombay, but the kick did not increase the score. In the evening the local club entertained both teams at a dinner and a smoke concert in the Tuakau Hotel. On Saturday next the local club plays the Maori Three Kings football team at Tuakau.

Kawakawa v. Whakgakei.—The return football match between Kawakawa and Whangarei wfis played in the latter township on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in a draw, Kawakawa scoring a try near toivards the end of the first spell, and Whangarei a try one hour after starting. A banquet was given in the evening at Morrison's Commercial Hotel. Wangarei treated the Kawakawa boys right royally. Mr Knox, the Hokianga mail coachman, drove a fivehorse coach, and deserves credit for doing each journey in ten hours without accident. The roacU are abominable, the wheels for miles being over the axle in mud.

Hamilton v. Cambridge. -- The latter were three men short, but made up by Hamilton players, who did yeoman service. From st-T't to finish the game was all in favour of Hamilton, who won eventually by 12 points to nil. Fisher kicked a gaol from the field and converted one try. Altogether Hamilton got seven tries- — MartynHume (2), Gaudin (2), Fisher (1), Wright (1), McKenzio (1). The place kicking was bad. no- les3 than four posters being kicked. For Cambridge, Wilson, Light, Tidd, and Gilbert played well at back ; the forwards generally played hard, but lacked combination, and tho following up was poor. For Hamilton the play was pretty equal all round, Fisher perhaps shining above the others. No umpires were appointed, Mr T. G. Sandes acting as referee, and the game was the quietest and nicest ever played on the ground.