\J\J I hJkJKJiX Oi Wallsl O.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 134, 8 June 1910, Page 7

\J\J I hJkJKJiX Oi Wallsl O.

(BY ACT-EOSr;)]

FQOTBAUU • STJGBY. ; There were no special features in the ■ tussle between the Ponsonby and Uni- • versity representatives, bat it "was ex- , roected that last year's champions,.hav- • ing several of their most prominent play- , ers absent, -would be a bit extended to , make good against their lighter and ; faster opponents. But the wearers of the blue and black jerseys rather easily . ■held their own, and enjoyed practically ; a walk-over, winning by the substantial score of 1C points (four tries, two converted) to niL The weather conditions ■were certainly against anything Hike a good exposition of Rugby, tot that fact cannot wholly explain, the dtsappomtrag effort put forward by 'Varsity. Throughout, their play lacked the necessary • stiiT"-- they appeared to be obsessed with the "idea that their task was a hopeless one. Virtually, only one or two members of the- team showed dash and vigour. Under these circumstances, the easy victory "ained by Ponsonby was inevitable. On the other fcand, it has also to be etated that the blue and blacks did not reach their usual standard in the quality ; of play. The absence of the prominent , players necessarily had a disconcerting . effe'et, while the greasy ball and the wet | cronnd were further disturbing factors. The burdens of the fight naturally fell on the forwards, and in this department iPonsonby-s heavier vanguard secured the (honours. Savory, Nicholson, Bigelow and Campbell were the most prominent in the fray, and were frequently associated in concerted rushes. It may here be mentioned that unnecessarily rough play was noticeable at times, and in the second spoil the referee saw fit to order Dervan off the field. One or two others merited the same punishment. Ol PonBonbv's backs, Murray and Webb were conspicuous throughout, getting through with their "work in good style under the tmiavonrable conditions. The way they boosted the sodden ball about was specially fine. D'Audney made no mistakes at full-back. On the losers' side, Wilkes played a wonderfully good game, and was profcahlv the best on the field. But he was almost unsupported by his colleagues, though Bamford and Revell made a good showing at times. Amongst the backs, Gray, who retired with an injury to his head early in the second spell, accomplished a good share of useful work, though he had a hard task behind a. beaten pack of forwards. MeKenzie and Carr were the best of the others. The game between Ponsonby and Marist at Alexandra Park, on Saturday, was very keenly contested, end although played in the mud, to the accompaniment of a- drenching rain which Sell from start to finish, it was nevertheless well worth seeing. The Cityites managed to record a win by the narrow margin of three points, but on a dry ground it is questionable whether SfarLst Bros, could not have held their own against the red and blacks. As it was the blues made quite as good a showing in the pack as their opponents did, and in the open their backs lost nothing iby comparison. ~',oi the City players, Stewart, Minejjam, 3lagee, and Buehanan were the best of the backs, Stewart in particular playing a great game, his two tries in the second spell both being the outcome of clever, heady play. Of the forwards George Tyler and ila<ruire figured most prominently. Marist Bros, demonstrated their capabilities in the open _by putting up such a meritorious game against the City combination, and the manner in which the i forward and rear division combined to make a fast game, despite the heavy, muddy ground, and wet, greasy ball, stood very much to their credit. Of the backs, White, on the three-quarter line, was responsible for a grand game. Drake, after an indifferent display in the early stages of the match, struck form and played with vim and accuracy. B. O'Brien and Tobin were, as usual, strong members of the rear division, and of the forwards Kneebone, Grace, and the Harris Brothers were amongst lie best. Huntly meet Bangiriri at Rangiriri on Saturday, under the auspices of the Lower Waikato Rugby Union. The following will represent Huntly: Full-back, Cooper; three-quarters, Hayes, A. Kayrror, H. Peekhain; five-eighth, J. Cox; half, M. McKeown; forwards, H. Buchanan, M. Ryan, Jas. Melntosh, A. jMcKiillop, Fred Jones, A. Wright, G. Danks, J. ,S. Johnson and W. Raynor. ASSOCIATION. The games on Saturday were played in pouring rain on muddy grounds, and by wet and muddied players. Under such circumstances, it would not have been surprising had the play been disappointing, but, as a matter of fact, in at least one of the matches the very reverse was the case. Seldom have the Ponsonby and Corinthian teams been seen to better advantage than in their match at Eden Park. There was the slippery, gTeasy ground, and a rather more greasy ball, to be contended with, tut, in spite of these strious drawbacks, the game was among the best that have teen seen this season. In the first spell, although they were defending more often than they were attacking, Corinthians scored four goals, end their opponents none, Ponsonbv excelled in individual play, and kept busy SJTCiys, so that their attack was fairly continuous, and at times very keen. At least twice during the first twenty minutes they had opportunities to score, which should never have been iost, but the team's luck seemed to be very much' out. In the first case, Odell failed to clear, and Haresnape, coming to his assistance, cleared after several j bungling attempts, by no niean3 char-: acteristie of his general standard of play. The probability was that the wet ground, which made the defence baddisorganised the attack as well. In the second spell, the Ponsonby side actually scored one goal, but again they had hard luck in not scoring two others. From one of the unlucky shots the ball struck an- upright, and from the other tbe cross-bar.

Corinthians, on the other hand, were much the better team in combined play, and every time they got the ball were very hard to stop. Their first success was a splendid piece of individual play by Barber, who, after a run of 40 or 50 yards in which he beat three or lour men, found himself ten yards in front of the goal with the ball at his toe. He shot it neatly into one corner, right out of OldnaH's reach, thus concluding a piece of play which was jsonderfully clever, considering the state trf the ball and the ground. The other Iferre goals were credited to Mikkelson, iwho, Rose, was playing a sterling jB»-ike. jeft wjpg.. AH tiiree..eaine

fromv-fairly sharp shots, and, ofcedurse, the goalkeeper found-difficulty iargetting moving quickly on the insecure foothold winch the mud afforded. One of the three shots he actually stopped,, but the referee decided that the ball had crossed the line, and that a. goal had been scored. The next one lie certainly should, have saved, for the ball came straight to him, and passed between Ms hands.

For the winners, Rose and jUikkelson were the best of the forward line, playing a very attractive and a very effective game together. Barber, at centre, showed much improved form, more especially in sending the ball out to his wings. Forshaw was given a. little more work on his wing, but he was unlucky wJth his centres, some of which were very well made. Rickerby was again the best of the half-backs, and was invaluable to- his side. Sale and Haresnape were a safe pair of full-backs, and Odell acquitted himself very creditably in goal. Of the Ponsonby side, the best was H. ■Webster, in the forward line. He was the best of a very fast and even lot, particularly clever in dribbling and foot ■work generally. He was well supported 'by Saunders, a new player for the Club, who shaped as if he might prove a valuable acquisition. T. Ritchie, outside left, played a much better game than usual, and was very troublesome to his opponents at times. at centre, played one of his very best games, and was probably the most useful man on the side. W. Ritchie and Johnston played a sound game, but Oldnall's display was only moderate.

Caledonians had a lively tussle with Carlton, although the latter played the match through with two men short. Caledonians had the better of the game, as might have been expected, but somehow or other the new Club's de-. fence was always good enough to keep the ball out of the net. The game ended Caledonians 3, Carlton L, so that the Carlton players have no right to feel displeased with the showing which they made against one of the. strongest clubs in the town. Xorth Shore defeated V.M.C.A. very easily by eight goals to nil. V.M.C.A. had only nine players, and the fight raged round their goal practically all the time. The game was interesting ■enough, but not remarkable for the quality of play exhibited. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY. First Division.—Corintuian v. Caledonian, No. 2. Eden Park; referee, Mr U. Classen. V.M.C.A. v. Curlton No. 1, Eden Park; referee, A. Speed, i'onsouby v. North Shore, No. 3 Eden Park; referee, Mr G. C. Speed. Secoud Division W. Y.M.I. V. Tabernacle, No. 4, Eden Park, 2.30 to 3.:tU; referee, Mr Richardson; North Shoi-e v. Caledonian, North Shore, referee, Mr llolmes; Tabernacle l> v. Hotspur L'nited. >io. 1 Eden i'ark, 2 to 3.30; referee, Mr H. French; Uor(lou v. St. John's, No. -i, Eden rank, 3.30 to 5; referee, Mr Dawson; Corinthians v. Ulympic, Domain; referee, Mr Rogers. Third Division. —North Shore v. St. John's, No. 2, North Shore; referee, Mr Peurce. Auckland Brotherhood V. Mount Albert, Mt. Albert; referee, Mr Morrison. Carltou, a bye. Fourth Division.—Gordon v. W.1'.M.1., No. 3, Eden Park; referee, Mr Speed. North Shore r 'i'aburujxeic, North Snore; ceierec. Mc Holmes. SUNDAI'-SCBLOOLS , L.EAGTO2. The following is 'the amended draw for the nrst round or 'the Suiiday-sehoois' Old boys' League competitions:— June IL—Alexaudra v. Ivanhoe, Native Fern v. Sunuyside, pirates a. bye. June IS. —Pirates V. Alexanura, Native Fern v. lviiiihoe, Suunyside a bye. June 'Si. —Suunyside v. Pirates, Native Fern V. Alexandra, Ivanhoe n bye. July 'J.. —ivaiihoe v. Suuuyside, Native Fern v. Pirates, Alexandra a u> c. July 9.—Alexandra v. Sunnyside (this i reps. v. Three Kings College. July V 6 tournament. KOETHEEN UNION LEAGUE. The usual weekly meeting of the committee of management of the Aueki-aud Provincial Kuyby League was held in the Northern Union cluuroonis, Camiliiu Chambers, on Tuesday evening. There were present Messrs. Brighani (Ponsonby, chairman), Linkliorn (Nevrlunj, Jackson CN«rtiacote>, Seagar (Nofth 'Shore), (Joulter (Uolorua.i, Graham (Ponsouby), Powley (hou. secretary), and Usher (hon. treasurer). A considerable aiiiount of correspondence was dealt with. An appllcazion was received from the Australian Football League for permission to play on the Victoria Park ou Saturday, and it was decided that 'the permission should be granted, the chairman adding that in the interests of clean sport. games. Considerable part of the evening was taken up in arranging for the forthcoming iuter-league matches, and particularly in connection with the Kotorna-Aucklaud match for neit Saturday. The arrangements are very coiupiete, and a. very good day should eventuate. The insurance committee reported that a Ponsonby player had been injured, and the player was declared ou the fund. Northcote juniors will play the North Shore juniors as a. curtain-raiser for next Saturday's match. The play will commence at '1 o'clock sharp, and tlie result will count in the junior competition.

The rules and by-laws of the Eeferees' Association were submitted and cvniirmed.

HOCKEY.

Despite the 'torrential rains that fell Friday night and throughout Sa-turday, the Cup contests v/ere proceeded with a≤ usual.

The match of the day was undoubtedly that between those old riv-als, 'Varsity and Auckland. Though old Sol failed to favour the spectators with his -warming influence, stHl they were amply rewarded for theiT cheerless wait with a lively and scientific exposition of the winter stick g-ame. University villi have to have a little more patience before securing their second win over Auckland. Since the inauguration of the competition in 1903, these two teams have met on 13 occasions, and only once have the students been successful. That was on July 18th, 1903, when they defeated their predominant rivals by one goal to nil. Auckland claim 10 victories, with a record of 44 goals, while 'Varsity's total is 10 goals. The supporters of both sides extremely confident, but probably the 'Varsity representatives had the greater following. The teams lined up for play at 3.15 p.m., Auckland without the services of Kavanagh, thus opening -with 10 men; 25 minutes later on in the speQ Moore came on as left wing.

From the initial "bully," the play gravitated rapidly from one end of the field to the other.

The stick-"woTk was at timee bordering on the brilliant, and both forward lines indulged, as much as circumstances would alilow, in those effective, short, passing rushes that prove so demoralising to the opposing backs. The play of the backs generally was of a high order, the stopping being clean, and the placing ex-eellent, considering the state of the ground. Coming to the individual play, the honours must fall to Baker and Speight in JheJbasks.- JBoth. ElagresuJiieJi j&at

was asked of them, and It was-<an eyeopener to many to 'watdh the=-eoolness displayed in changing defence* into attack.

Welham at times pkyed Drilliantly, but lie should remember that -there are four extra, men to assist in the work of goal-hunting. Maaon played his usual clever game, making a great- run, rrom 'which he sent in a hot sho±,.too hot for the goal-keeper. out for -the first time this showed ■that he has not lost form.

IJaeobaen was inclined to»:rcam somo"what," but with King took ;a prominent part -in almost every 'Varsity rudh.

The referee (Mr Xoonan )'*■ handled the ,'gome in. a- very business-likeMn&nner. Brook-Smith turned out fox Auckland, and once more demonstratednvhai a versatile player he is. His work in the half-line- was distinctly good. Pierce ('Varsity) and Horspooi (Auckland) both put in solid work. P. JLepine was at the top of his form, shopping and hitting with judgment. Richards ias nojt quite struck form. Whitley was extremely safe, though at times he shows a tendency to speculate. Allen-did some good work in goail. When will players fully Teeognisethat it is illegal to "obstruct an opponent either by ta-ekling on the wrong side or bumping? Tactics of this kind should be noted by the selectors, as well as the referee, if the game is to bo kept cloan. Saturday's match wivs, I must admit, singularly free from sharp practice, the best of spirit prevailing throughout. LADIES' HOCKEY. The championship in connection with the Ladies' (Association was continued on Saturday last, in spile of the weather, all the matches being played, with the exception of the Moaua v. Ranyatira B, the former winning by default. The best game was that between Rangatira A and Ao-tea-roa, the former winning by 3 points to nil, and not six, as incorrectly stated. Rangatira played with only six senior players, the most prominent of these being .Misses Steele, Cooke and Abbott. Miss Steele shot some very awkward goals, -which earned very favourable comment. The play of Misses Cooke and Abbott was also worthy of note. In spite of the fact that Training College played four short, their game with Kopana was a fairly even one, the latter winning by four to nil oiil.y. Fcir the winners, JNlisa M. Clark, as ccnt\x forward, was very reliable, and among the backs the play of Misses McCullagii, Buchanan and Da lion was worthy of mention, .Miss Dalton, in goal, being particularly good. alias Western (Training College) played a very useful game, and a lot of solid work was done by the. forwards. The Rawhiti-Arawa match was interfered with by the rain, the former playing with only seven, three being cmerge'ricies, and "the latter with eight players. For the Arawas, Misses Probcrt, Bewes and C. Maria Clark all played good games, the former scoring from all angles. For 'the losers, Miss J. Little, in goal, gave a fine exhibition of the game, saving time after time. Among the forwards. Misses F. Little and Darwson did useful work, the latter being handicapped through having no suppoTt. In the Mokoia-Unitariaii match, both teams played short. llisa Mackenzie played will for the winners, and Misses Linton and Bates for Mokoia. Arawa and Rangatira A now sham the leading position, with four wins (30 goals) e.rvch to their credit, and the. meet- .! ing between these two teams a fortnight 1 hence is something to look forward to. ■ FIXTURES, GROUNDS AND REE*EREES. The following are the hockey fixtures for - Saturday: — SENIOR GRAPE. Auckland v. Uraftoii, Kermiora, No. S,| - ground, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr Horspooi. * North Sliore V. University, Domain, ."3 p.m.; referee, Mr Murphy. St. George's v. Ponsooby, Remuera, No.-4 ground, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr Hay. United, a bye. SECOND GRADE A SECTION. St. George's v. Olympic, EUerslie, 3 p.m.; i referee, Mr Fisher. * Ponsonby v. Uuitari-an, Victoria Park, &; p.m.; ruferee, Mr Cutnining. '" United Ay. Pimpernel, No. 6 ground, Eeninera, 3 p.m.; referee, Air Larking. '• University A v. tit. Andrew's, No. 2 '■ ground, liemucra, 3 .p.u;'.; xeferee, 31'r '• Price. : " Training College v. College Rifles, X-o. 1 ground, Reinuera, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr Oll- * nllan. c SECOND GRADE B SECTION. k Mt. EUeu v. North Shore, Domain, 2 p.m.; o reiVree, Mr Murphy. a Epsom v. Auckland, Remuera, No. '6 t. ground, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr Strude. :r College llilies B v. University B, Remuera, No. G ground, 2 p.m.; referee, Mr Hay. s United B v. I'arnell (not a enp fixture), g liemuera, No. S ground, 2 p.m.; referee, Mr ii Strude. d THIRD GRADE. ■: Training College v. I'arnell, Remuera, No. d 7 ground, 2 p.m.; referee, Mr Horspooi. at. John's College v. St. Andrew's, Rea muera. No. 7 ground, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr c Salt. Epsom v. University, Remnera, No. S h ground, o p.m.; referee, Mr Bloomlield. •t Epiphany y. Jit. IMen. Kemuera, No. D c ground, 3 p.m.; referee, Mr Yon Stunner. lE St. George's v. North Shore, Tainui-road, 3 p.m.; referee Mr Wright. s ' Unitarian v. Ponsonby, Victoria Park, 2 I- p.m.; referee. Mr Gumming. V.M.C.A. v. United, Hemnera No. a ground, 2 p.m.; referee, Mr Salt. LADIES' MATCHES. Q At 2 p.m. ' Unitarian v. Rawhiti, Remuera, No. 3 h ground; referee, Mr 81-nomneld. Rangatira A v. Training College, Remnera, „ No. 5 ground; referee, Mr Larking. * MokoLa v. Rangitira B, Remuera, No. 1 7 ground; referee, Mr GilfiUan. o Ao-tea-roa v. Kopana, Remnera, No. 2 it ground; referee, Mr Badham. f* Arawa v. Moana, Remuera, No. 4 gronnd; referee, Mr Price.

LACROSSE.

The following is the draw fo rnext Saturday: Ponsonby v. West End, Auckland v. Grafton. Both matches will be played at the Domain. Last Saturday was the worst day experienced so far this season. Heavy rain fell throughout the afternoon, and made the games anything but enjoyable. Several prominent players did not turn up; they evidently took it for granted that there would be no play; in consequence, all the teams were shorthanded. This is hardly the spirit, and players should not desert their teams in this fashion; it is always wise to turn up to the ground when chosen, be it wet or fine. Neither of the matches calls for much comment. Ponsonby, with more players than Grafton, repeated their performance of the first round, and placed themselves first on the list.

West End, like Grafton, had a weak side, and were unable to extend Auckland. Victoria Park was a regular quagmire, and in consequence there was little good play. The frequent spills which occurred throughout the afternoon caused much amusement for the spectators.

N J. Waiters, who assisted Auckland on Saturday, is now residing at Hamilton. The ex-Irish international anticipate? being able to start the- Canadian, pastime m^thfiJSadfcatft-nigst^easoa^,