LACROSSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 131, 4 June 1900, Page 3

LACROSSE.

FIRST SERIES OF CHAMPIONSHIP

CONTESTS

GRAFTON, NORTH SHORE AND

PONSONBY THE WINNERS

A large assemblage witnessed the opening matches on Saturday afternoon, when the Cricket Ground presented a pretty sight, the different colours of the players blending well together on the green field. The ground was in excellent condition. Afternoon tea was dispensed by-a committee of ladies living in the Grafton district, and a word of praise is due to them for the excellent way everything passed off in this respect. The play is improving- every week, and the winners in every instance won by a good margin. The play, however, wus in every case more even than the scores indicate.

GRAFTON V. SUBURBS.

This game was the- chief attraction. Wilson and Kendall started play, and Walker accepted a pass from Morrin and headed for Graf tori's goal. He was checked quickly by Stewart, and play remained in the black and white's territory for a few minutes, then from a loose scramble Morrin sent the rubber under the posts. Starting again, Grafton were bent on making matters even, and Luekle secured and passed to Reid, who in turn sent the rubber on to Hill. This fine passing run was checked In the meantime by Brown, and Graham was conspicuous for good play, and by his efforts. Atkinson shot Grafton's first goal. A short time afterwards the red and black's back men mude a mistake, which cost them another goal, Atkinson being- the successful scorer. The play was very fast at this part of the game, and both teams were doing their utmost to bring up their score. A dangerous passing- run headed by Walker nearly resulted in a score, but Kallendar stopped this cleverly and relieved matters with a well judged throw. Grafton's forwards were playing- with more combination than their opponents, and this gave them a considerable advantage. Despite the splendid checking work of A. Brown, J. Thomson and Herrold, the black and whites, through Atkinson and Hill, brought the score up to four goals as against Suburbs one, when time was sounded. The next part of the game was equally interesting. From the jump Suburbs invaded their opponents' o>rritory, and while there Walker. Morrin and Somerfleld tried to score, but these efforts were beautifully stopped by Kallender. Play was of an even nature for ten minutes, when Luckie, Ashton, Hill and Graham working unselfishly, the latter by smart stick work, drove the ball under the posts, and thus got Grafton's fifth goal. The black and white's well timed passing runs soon told, and Atkinson succeeded in getting a couple of goals before time was sounded, leaving the scores thus: Grafton 7 goals; Suburbs 1.

Mr Eyre was the referee, and his decisions were given in a prompt and correct manner. • •

PONSONBY V. PARNELL.

Owing' to Parnell having several newmen playing it could not be expected from them to-give a good account of themselves, yet they acquitted themselves most creditably. J, McCoy and Mason battled for the rubber, and the former got the best of the deal. The blue and blacks' forwards carried the rubber, into ParneU'.s goal, where a good try by Short met with no success. Then H. McCoy secured and after a bit of feinting, shot a neat goal from rather, nn awkward angle. Ponsonby vver again on the aggresive, and Shprt v . after a good sprint sent the rubber on to H. McCoy, who succeeded, in getting a second goal. Ward, Fenn and Lennox succeeded in relieving matters temporarily, but were poorly backed up by the forward players. Lundon secured, and after a bit of dodging shot a neat goal. The white's defence was only patchy, and Ponsonby had all their own way from this till half time, and increased their score by two goal 3, Short and McCoy being the manipulators. In the second spell Parnell performed much better. Fenn, Ward, Challis and Stubba could be singled out for good play. Early In this spell Nolan by fast following up secured Ponsonby's sixth goal. Nothing of much interest took place, with the exception of a few good passing runs by Ponsonby, and the end of one of these runs resulted in Latta shooting a good goal. ' , Mr R. McVeagh gave every satlsfeetic as referee, as also did Messrs P. White and A. Service as goal umpires. NORTH SHORE V. GREY LYNN. The result of this match came as a surprise. The Shore team are nearly all-fast men', and were able to beat their opponnents in the open. Miller and Guiumer started the ball going, and play was very even for the first quarter of an hour. Then Eagleton accepted a good pass from Wynyard, and drew first blood. E. Bradley made matters easier with a neat one for Grey Lynn, and Eagleton, who shaped well at home, shot another goal for the blue sashes before half time. The'next spell was even faster than the previous one. Tizard got three goals for the ghore^ ites at quick intervals. W. ■ Wyhyard, Blackleg and S. Walker were responsible for the other three goals. Watson and Sweet shot two neat ones for Grey Lynn. Mr G. Robinson was referee.' Wynyard, Miller,' Martin and Alexander played we) 1 for North Shore. Wataon, Warnock, Bradly Bros, and Sweet worked hard to save defeat for Grey J^ynn. NOTES , Grafton's play both on defence and attack was somewhat superior to that of Suburbs.

G. Stewart, at point, put in some very useful work.

Roberts played a -very safe game, and Atkinson was a great success at "home." Hill, Ashton, Reid and Wilson were always prominent.

Owen played well on attack, but would have been more useful In his old position at cover point.

Somerfield played his usual hard game. Walker, Foubister and Kendall were consistent toilers throughout the afternoon.

R. Mason, Stubbs and Moore-Jones, new players, shaped remarkably well for Parnell.

The throwing of Fenn and Ward was of great help to their team.

Short, Anderson, Latta and Nolan played with good combination, and brought off some useful passing runs. W. Noton, at cover, was very safe.

S. White's display in goal was excellent