PONSONBY V. CITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1902, Page 3

PONSONBY V. CITY.

The time allowed for each match was 20 minutes. The first match which came up for decision was between Ponsonby and City. Half of the latter team was composed of new players, consequently they were not expected tc make much of a stand. After five minutes' play in City's territory Lundon shot Ponsonby's first goal. Blaekler relieved for City, and Patterson shot at goal without success. The blue and blacks' attackers once more secured the rubber, and Lundon by brilliant play shot two more goals. The game thus ended in Ponsonby's favour by three goals to nil.

NORTH SHORE V. EDEN AND EPSOM.

These teams were the next to meet, and ■ this was the closest match of the afternoon. For the first 10 minutes play was even, then the Walton Brothers put in some sterling work, and Somerfield by fast following up secured the ball from the rebound off Bfoughton and drew first blood for Eden and Epsom. The ShoreItes carried play into the opposing team's ground, where Wynyard had a couple of shots -without luck; then Wallace received a smart pass from Bartiett and sent a low fast one into the net, making the scores one all. The blue sashes again renewed the attack, and Wynyard scored the winning goal,, the scores being: North Shore, 2 goals; Eden and Epsom, 1 goal. GRAFTON V. PARNELL. This was also a close match, Parnell making a close thing of it. Half-way through the game Thomson made a fine opening, and the ball was handled by all of Grafton's attack, and Atkinson by a clever piece of work shot Grafton's only goal. From this out play was of a very even nature. The bell sounded leaving Grafton winners by one goal to nil. This completed the first round, and Ponsonby, North Shore, and Grafton were left in the second round, North Shore drawing the bye. THE SEMI-FINAL. The two old rivals, Grafton and Ponsonby, were called upon to meet. The personnel of both teams wap a great deal different to. what it was last year, and' speculation was prevalent as to who would prove the winners, although 20' minutes' play is hardly a fair test. Soon after the face-off play was transferred into Grafton's quarters, where Noton and Lundon had shots at goal, but Kallender"s defence was too solid. For a few minutes play was in mid-field; then the Grafton attackers assaulted the opposing goal. McCoy relieved temporarily, and the black and whites made another attack, this time successfully. Atkinson sent No. 1 goal into the net amidst applause. Grafton renewed the attack soon afterwards, and drawing the opposing defence out, their speedy homes easily outpaced their opposing backs, and Hill scored an easy goal. Ponsonby now put more vigour into their work, but left their efforts too late, and Grafton won by two goals to nil. THE FINAL . The final was then played off between Grafton and North Shore. The light was poor, and the game was not as interesting as it might have been. Grafton commenced the attack. Shore's point and cover paid special attention to Hill and Atkinson, and no scoring was done for awhile, but Hay finding himself with a free hand soon found the net and registered first goal for Grafton. The same player repeated the performance a little later, and Grafton eventually won by two goals to nil, and thus won the tournament, scoring on the whole five goals to nil. Next Saturday afternoon the fir_t round of matches for the championship banner will be played.