PONSONBY (1 goal) V. NORTH SHORE (nil).

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 179, 30 July 1900, Page 3

PONSONBY (1 goal) V. NORTH SHORE (nil).

McCoy and Richardson, the two centres, opened play, and the former got the best of the faco off. North Shore were very hard pressed for five minutes, but they gradually worked play into midfleld, where a long throw by Ward was quickly returned by W. Noton. The blue and blacks' attackers again got away, but were cleverly stopped, chiefly through Alexander's agency. Fast open play took place till the lirst change was announced. Play was up and down the tiekl at remarkably quick intervals, and the defence of both teams had a lively time. A well timed passing run by Ponsonby's attack ended in Lundon throwing lirst goal. Shore's goalkeeper made a feeble attempt to stop the shot. Play remained as fast as ever till half time.

Second Half: Immediately after the foce off the blue and blacks' attack got away well, and what looked like a certain score was lost by the weak play of the home. Alexander was spoilt in attempting- to relieve, and Shore's goal was in great danger, but Ward went to the rescue and threw out at half way. From the face off Watson secured and ran towards Ponsonby's goal, hut he kept the ball too long, which enabled the opposing defence to concentrate. A lot of. loose scrambling took place, and W. Noton threw well up the field. Ward intercepted and returned to Shore's attack. The blue and blacks' goalkeeper was called upon to stop a couple of hot shots from Wynyard's crosse. This he did successfully. In the last ten minutes some exciting and interesting play took place, in which Shore pressed,their opponents very hard. About three minutes before the whistle sounded the referee ordered a Ponsonby player off the Held for a breach of the rules.

Mr R. McVoagh, as referee, gave prompt decisions, but was hardly strict enough in dealing with several players who indulged in too much rough work.