LACROSSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 184, 4 August 1900, Page 4 (Supplement)

LACROSSE.

SUPPLEMENTARY KOUND.

Fixtures—Supplementary Round—August 11: Ponsonby v. North Shore, Grafton v. Grey Lynn, Parnell v. Suburbs. Aug. IS: Grafton v. North Shore. Ponsonby v. Suburb, Parnell v. Grey Lynn. Aug. 25; Grafton v. Ponsonby, North Shore v. Parnpll, Grey Lynn v. Suburbs, Sept. 1: East End v. West End.

The form shown by the majority of players 'last week was, to say the least of it, disappointing. In all the matches there was far too much scrambling, and hockey style of play, and unless the captains of the different clubs handle their teams better and instruct the members more, the play clannot be expected . to. make much headway. It appears almost certain that a Canadian team will visit these shores next season, and it is to be hoped that for the sake of the game in New Zealand our players will adopt better tactics.

The last two and most important matches of the season, that is on August 25, Ponsonby v. Grafton, and on September Ist, Eastern v. Western districts, will clash with two of our most important interprovincial football matches. Had the third round been abolished these contingencies would not have arisen. The Association might have shown a better feeling to the sister sport. Seeing that there is no possibility of getting any practice with a view of combination, the proposed Eastern and Western districts mj&tch, which would have created a tremendous amount of interest, may now be expected to fall very flat, and I don't think the Association has any chance of getting a decent gate under the proposed arrangements.

Mr A. H. Walker, secretary of the N.Z. Association, has received from Mr Morrison, the secretary of the Australian Association, a copy of a letter received by him relative to the proposed tonr oil a Canadian representative team to the Australian colonies next season. It deals chiefly with the financial part of the tour. The whole matter is in abeyance till it is known what action the Australian Association is going to take.

Many of our leading players are still weak in throwing. In throwing for distance the player must begin further back than he would in making a goal shot, so that the termination of his throw is sufficiently high, to allow of a high trajectory. In making a quick goal shot it is hot necessary to hold the crosse so far behind one, the shot being of a downward

tendency. The more perpendicular the crosse is brought over, the easier is it to acquire accuracy of direction. The most direct shot is made by making the throw absolutely from the shoulder, the erosse grazing the ear, and it is sufficiently severe when made in this manner at short range. To make a really hard shot, however, a freer attitude is necessary, with some swing of the body. Another esential thinjj to practice is passing when running fast. Two players should place themselves aboiit twenty yards apart, and start running along parallel lines. The one with the ball throws, to the other, who catches it and throws it back again, and so on. The throw for this work must be done with the wrists, the overhand throw being the best, and the practice, is highly beneficial in teaching the player to throw quickly and accurately under difficulties.

It is important to remember that one should stand sidew&ys to the direction from which the ball is coming, left or right foot advanced according to the side on which the player holds his crosse. This is the only attitude that gives the arms free play. All catches should be made upon the broadest part- of the netting.

The membership of most of our clubs has of late greatly increased. I hear Grey Lynn have enough members to place .two twelves in the field. This club was in low ebb at the commencement of the season, but since then, a couple of solid working enthusiasts have joined, and it has thrived wonderfully. They have a hard working secretary in Mr H. White, and a strong committee, of which Messrs Tresjon, Cooke and Bradly are hard working members.

• North Shore and Ponsonby I understand j will also be able to place two teams each in the field next season. The officials of the North Shore Club especially are to be congratulated for the excellent team they have got^ together. At the beginning of the season they had five of last season's players to start with, and now have a twelve almost second to none. ,

With the increasing membership in all the clubs we will probably have two sets of competitions next season —first and second grade.

The question of each club having n representative on the Managing Council was brought before the meetying last. Tuesday evening, but the representatives of the clubs who are not represented on the Council evidently were unprepared to further the matter, consequently it dropped. Probably next year each club will have a representative on the Council, as it should have.

The question of raisimg funds towards the expenses of (he Canadian team was also discussed, and probably a charge for admission will be made on some Saturday afternoon before the season closes. I fee} sure the public. Avould support it well, if the management decide to do this.

Mr E. .T. Penn,.one of the, founders of lacrosse here, is about to leave again for the South shortly. He will be greatly missed, and the services he has rendered to the game will not be easily forgotten here.