PONSONBY DECISIVELY DEFEATED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 149, 27 June 1898, Page 3

PONSONBY DECISIVELY DEFEATED.

(Suburbs 12 points; Ponsonby nil.) The match between Suburbs and I-'onsonby drew but a modest attendance, for few eared to stand out in the rain when there was a prospect of a seat on the grandstand. Suburbs started off with a succession of strong forward rushes and soon had their opponents in difficulties. Passing between W. Elliott and Absolum gave Sutherland a good opening but tlur last named failed to catch the ball and Ponsonby forwards relieved. After a spell of central play Suburbs started a loose rush which carried the ball across the blue and blacks' line. Brown scored a try, but no goal wa.s kicked, the angle being a. difficult one.

Soon afterwards passingl between McPike ami Absolinn, nearly proved fatal to L'onsonby, but their forwards cleared with v good rush, and a long spell of very even play followed. At length piny gradually worked down to Ponsonby's line, where Gage Rfot the ball and dropped micros:-;. Absolum's kick at goal was again unsuccessful.

Suburbs' third try was gained by brilliant play on the part of Absolurn. Taking the ball at centre, the threequarter made a fine dash down the field to the corner Hag, where In- was thrown out. From the line-out the ball was again passed back to Absolum, who ran round his opponents and scored at the opposite corner. No goal resulted. Towards the end of the game Ab.solurn scored another try. and the match ended with the score — Suburbs 12 points (1 tries); Ponsonby nil.

The winning team were too goort for their opponents, both forward and behind the scrum. The veteran W. Elliott donned a jersey for the first time this season on behalf of Suburbs and played a splendid game, making any amount of openings for his threequarters. Absohun was as dashing as ever, and with McPike and Sutherland igot in some capital passing runs. Gage <played his usual good game it centre, while among the forwards 'Ju'ib' McKeirzie, Speight, Williams, with Sutherland on the wing, did good service for the victors. On the L'onsonby side Harrison, Braunil, and Lerulrmn, and the two Carders in the front division, were the most prominent. Mr A. Campbell was referee.