LACROSSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 4 (Supplement)

LACROSSE.

Despite the very unfavourable weather conditions which prevailed last Saturday, full teams mustered at Stichbury's paddock, and although the ground proved somewhat heavy, why Lacrosse is a winter pastime, and players soon learn to accept the wet philosophically.

Although it could readily be seen that the recent practices are bringing about very considerable improvement in the game, yet there are several points to be carefully studied which would much improve the play. Noticeable on Saturday was the tendency to indulge in loose scrambling, which however effective it may be in hockey, is not lacrosse as the game should be played. The men should endeavour to pick up more than they do and pass the bajl. A team whose members play unselfishly and pass with any degree of accuracy will inevitably prove superior to the team which goes in for hockeying pure and simple. And here it might be pointed out to the Association that it would be well, when next choosing sides, that these teams be adhered to for the remainder of the season. The present .haphazard method of selection is not conducive to combined play, as. the men are unable .©..become accustomed to each other's individual methods.

If I may be allowed to give the Association another hint, when such teams are chosen the second contingent should be allotted blue sashes instead of none as at present.

Watching the game on Saturday T could not help noticing a tendency on the part of many of the men to race for the ball at top fpeed and, then over-run it. "Slow and sure" should be the motto till proficiency is attained.

Among individual players young Herrold showed considerable skill in defending his goal against the rather 'powerful batting of his opponents. McCoy is a player who is bound to improve, as he has evidently noted some of the best methods of play, and only wants practise to become adroit. A clever method of non-plussing an adversary is that shown by R. Noton, who by quickly pirouetting is able to easily counteract a charge. Cosley played a useful game, on one occasion winning a goal for. his side by a wonderfully accurate shot from a, good range. Although somewhat given to forgetting that there are eleven other men on his side, the work done by Bradley was distinctly effective, his dodging runs and shots frequently putting the opponents goal in danger. The last English mail brought particulars of a lacrosse match which was played for the championship of England, between the Stockport and West London Clubs, respectively champions of the North and South. The game took place at Manchester, in the presence of a large crowd of spectators. Stockport scored a hollow win by 14 goals to 3. Between the defences of the two teams there was the greatest difference. Stockport played with rare judgmenand accuracy, their passing was clean and always well timed, and they invariably placed the ball most advantageously for their attacks. On the other hand, the West London defence sadly lacked combination. Instead of passing up the field, they depended upon long throws, trusting, to their attacks to get the ball somehow. They were also very far behind their opponents in the art of body-cheek-ing and intercepting passes. Except for a few minutes before half-time, West London were hardly ever dangerous, and the result was never in doubt. The match was noticeable for the number of brothers taking part, and a very strong team might have been selected without going outside three families. The players included five Masins, three Johnsons, and three Frazers. ..-..•/..