FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 114, 13 May 1912, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

BUGBT CHAMIOHSHIP3. WINS FOR MARIST BROS. AND CITY PARNELL AND UNIVERSITY DRAW. A FAST, E-XCITrNG GAME. The Rugby Union eaamptonshrps were continued on Saturday afternoon, when the Dew ground next to Alexandra Park was used for the first time. Die No. 1 ground, on which Marist Bros, and Poneonby were piaced, was a trifle heavy, and the players | seemed to have some difficulty in finding j their feet. Notwithstanding this, the game was exceptionally fast and exciting, and, though Marist Bros, won by the substantial margin of 17 points to 6, the points do not represent the difference in the teams, for Ponsonby lost several scores through over-eagerness. As a sample of Rugby, however, it was one of the best exhibitions Siven in Cop football for some time, and would not have disgraced a Cup final, Instead of being the second match of the season. The fast play led to several hard knocks, and during the game r>ennehy and Fischer, of Marist Bros., and Cunningham, of Ponsouby, had to retire. In the City and College Rifles game. City had all the best of the game, and the exjuniors had to acknowledge defeat by 20 points to 6. Panreil and University had * greet battle, and when the bell rang the scores were 6 mil. MATCTfTT BEOS. V. PONBONIVE. SttaiMt Bios, and Ponsonby were drawn for No. 1 ground, the former winning the cobs and playing with the son and a light •wind behind them It was jast on twenty ententes past three when Cunningham ticked off for Ponsonby, Curran returning well down the field, and Baler missing, play was in the centre. Marist Bros, were first to get going and carried play to Crass, nslao missed badly, but O'Leary got in and «aved_ The kick, however, had to come back, the ball hitting the referee. Marist •Bros- aecared from the scrum and Ongley >w*irpped out to Fischer, who hung on too Hmg and a chance was lost, Ponsonby clearing. Tbe two bines broke away again, but O'Leary was a stumbling block and pulled them np, Ponson*y relieving. Play was Sacrly even, the Bros-, if anything, putting more dash into their work till at last Ponsonhy heeled, bat Walsh hung on too long and a chance was lost, and the two blues setting in rushed play to Bater, who missed badly. Cross saving a nasty position. The, bines- were soon back, and Curran had a shot from a mark, which fell short and [Ponsonby forced. Marist Bros, were forcing the pace and coming down field with a (fine rush, only ©ver-eagemess averted a »care. a free giving Ponsonby relief. The Bros, were badly beating their opponents So the front, but their work lacked finish, till they came again and tie Ponsonbv backs : mulling badly. Cnrtan whipped in and shot ' ecross the line. B. O'Brien failed at goal. < Marist Bros. . , . 3 Ponsonby -.—-__„__„. 0 i The Bros. eontuwied to have an the best i r»f it. and Ponsonby were kept hemmed in ; ttheir 25, and from a scrum Ongley sent j out to Fischer, who cut In and sent to Cur- , ran. who dived over Cross and scored. B ' O'Brien converted, and the bell rang to . ciange ends with, the score ~ 5 Marist Bros. 8 ' Ponsonby , - 0 From the change-over play settled in Ponsonby s quarter till the Westerners raised t.e hopes of their supporters by coming away with a passing run. but McGregor's pass to Jones was high, and B. O'Brien , saved. Keeping up the pressure the Bros were penalised, and O'Leary had a shot at ■ goal which weut just outside the post, and the Bros, forced. Ponsonbv came back to Tic attack, and. the Bros.' backs mulling ! I'adly. a score seemed imminent, but the I onsonby work was ragged, and they failed Co get through. At this stage Fischer had to retire, his place being taken by Tapsall I onsonby kept up the pressure. O'Leary . throwing away a chance by a faulty pass to ', McGregor. The latter, however got round again, and dived for the line, but was ! shoved back, and from the ensuing scrum ! the Bros, relieved. Cunningham at this ; stage left the field with a nasty cut under J the eye. and O'Brien took his place Pea- 1 son by had now settled down, and came ' down with a great mn. and. bowling l « nrran over, O'Leary gathered up and went x for the line, but slipped, and a certain try c was lost. Another spell was necessitated ' owing to a mishap to Curran, who was able I 1° r " nlne dropping back to three-quarter, ( but Dennelly had to leave the field with a 3 similar mishap to Cunningham Courtenav c taking his place. On resuming Ponsonbv attacked strongly, but a breach pulled them up. and rave the Bros, relief, further ground being gained by mulling by the Ponsonby backs. The westerners came tbaek, and Jones kicking high, Clarke missed and the bine and blacks swarmed for the ' rae - but failed to pierce the defence They were not to be denied, for Cross marking anside the 25, O'Leary with a fine kick got "the bar. ° a Marist Bros. _. .-»..... 8 * Ponsonby .„--««._. 3 f - Marist Bros. J 7B " 4 np after this reverse c and Ongiey whipped out to Little to J. s O'Brien to Tapsall, -who -cat In beantifnlrv a and handed to B. O'Brien who outpaced v Cross and scored. J, Marist Bros. _„... „__ 11 J Ponsonby _ 3 c - I S?? 0 ? lbT now took a hand, » mark by * ■i. O'Brien pulling them up, a free kick giv- h Jug them further relief. Ponsonbv were t Ball attacking, a mark by Little and" offside , Play stopping progress, and the bell rang t for Balf-Ume without farther score. „ £ SBCOXD SPELIi. I O'Brien set the ball rolling for Focsonby n la the second spell. Barren returning to the s centre. Ponsonby were first to attack, and r OBrien (Ponsonby) headed a rush which . r ■threatened the Bros.' line, but his namecake relieved and carried play to Cross who ' c saved cleverly. Marist Bros, gained further -i ground with a forward rush, but offside „ play pulled them up, and O'Learv sent 15, them hack to their quarter with a "power- ! t Jul kick. Ponsonby set up an attack a ; xi ..-lever mark by B. O'Brien stopping pro-' ? gress. The two bines cleared their lines, 1 - L but fine work by McGregor sent them back. a and, Francis assisting, the Bros, were de- a fending. Ponsonby kept np a strong attack, ' c and Tapsall nearly got his side into trouble i J] by a wild pass, but B. O'Brien saved. The ! n Bros, rallied, and, sweeping down field d wi th a fast rush, had Ponsoirby in diffi- ' 6 - ralties. and. Little whipping up, sent to : n J. O'Brien to B. O'Brien, who shot over at the corner. Callaghan failed with the kick. Marist Bros. 14 Ponsonby . 3 Loose play followed tie kick-on,, first a one side and then the other getting an ' c advantage, O'arien (Ponsonby) heading a -', fast rash v but was unsupported and a pi chance lost, the two blues retaliating, and t shifting the scene of play to Ponsonbv terri- « torry, where McGregor saved. Ponsonby £• cleared their lines, and a passing run look- in ed promising. Webb to Walsh to McGregor ' n < to Bater. who missed but got it at tie br second attempt and sent to Walsh who was • j*, stopped near the line. Keeping ud the ' Mi Pressure Webb made a dash, but was' stop-1 ■? . w^rT 1 from another dash he sent across ! p. to McGregor who ran over. °' Lear y failed 'V to goal. * to Marist Bros. ... ~ ** Ponsonby — '.".".'.".'.*'."". 6 pa Ponsonby were playing with The ° t bl of lo: dash, and pjav was very fair Tki m P r and blacks attacked hotryT teWaS'ttaE i * away a chance l failing to nassindrbo Bros, relieved Ponsonby came back and' from a free O'Leary had a shot at" goal I w£££ WC ° t Z?? 2 " !uui p °n»onby forced •naica wen, wide, and the bell ran- to ! cnange over. an ° t0 aT On Changing ends Marist Bros, were first ™ to get going, and from a free B bSS m had a shot at goal wbic? wen? I' cenoe. and Little and J. O'Brten started ■ U rush and Callagnan, B. O'Brien anTlalret r PS? m -l Cross, and . 2 the latter scored. CarroE farted at goal. I a Marist Bros. . 17 I Ponsonby ........... ,*"" '.'.'.'.' Q 1

Statist Bros. »2ack«d from the klck-o( J. O'Brien throwing away a score by fa: ins to take, and Prnwonoy relieved. T* westerners now took a hand. Hall comii down field with a fine dribble, Cnxran sa ing. Ponsonby came back and o"Brie <Ponsonby) started a rush, and SeTlars ai Avery joining in Clarke was hard put ' it to save. Some exceptionally fast woi followed, the ball travelling up and dow the field at a great rate, both sets of bad doing splendid -work. Marist Bros, eventna ly coming away with a fine run, in whit Little and the two O'Briens and Tapsa -were prominent. Cross getting in a fix save. Then Ponsonby retaliated, and Wet set his backs going, a chance being lost fc Jones failing to take cleanly, but McGreg< kicked high and the westerner* went solid! for the line but were beaten back, and tt two blues cleared. Play continued excitinj and Marist Bros, set up another attack, bt Curran missed the take, and a chance w« lost, the bell ringing shortly after wit the scores-. Marist Bros. . , — . 17 Ponsonby ... ....»..„».. 6 Mr Oram refereed. CITY V. COLLEGE KIFLES. City kicked off against a strong side-wine and in an exchange of kicks Stewart foon the touch-line, and took play to centre fielt Collet t got possession of the balL and mad a dash for the College goal-line. Web saved the College from danger, and Brnc in a forward rush placed his side in an at vantageous position. Power found the lin for City, and the College started a forwar rush, in which Pountney figured prominently Hines, one of the College backs, secured th leather, and a long kick by Hines foun the line, and improved their position sti further. A forward rush, in which Maguir and Rasmussen were prominent, carrie play to the College territory. A forwar rush by the Rifles, however, reversed th position of affairs, and Ifwerson, from mark, kicked a fairly easy goal. College Rifles 3 City _ 0 On changing over, play was for a fey minutes in favour of College, and Web took charge of the ball, and sent it on t Ifwerson, who mulled. In a loose rush, i which College had a little the better of thei opponents, Hayward picked np the ball, an Collett got in a kick to the half-way flat When City were again being pressed, Powe marked, and relieved his side, and a llttl later Hayward made a good opening fo mem. Keating, however. mulled, bu Magee saved with a kick Into touch. Cit; continued their aggressive tactics, and ha< College on the defensive for some time. Ii 1 line-out dangerously near the College line 3. Thomas took charge of the ball, and tvith a little feinting, dodged a conple o: lie opposing backs, and scored a neat try dagee converted. City _ 5 College Rifles ...„ „.... 3 College were soon again in trouble, and c rood deal of scrummaging took place neai heir three-quarter flag. From a scrum ilagee got possession, and passed to Stew irt, who beat the College backs, and scored ust on half-time, Magee was successful ivith the kick. City 10 College Rifles - 3 On resuming, play was for a few mo aents in neutral territory, and then 1", "nomas found the line for City. In at xchange of kicks. Power returned Webb's unt out, and gained a slight advantage or City. The College pack were kepi 'Usy until Ifwerson, froc; the three uarter line, made a dash right down the eld, but was brought low near the City oal-line. City had the upper hand in th« Lne-out, and their forwards transferred he ball to the other end of the ground, 'he City backs then came to light in good tyle, and as the result of a passing rush, ] which P. Thomas, H. Thomas, Keatiny nd Magee took part, the last-named scored. lagee kicked his fourth goal. City 15 College Rifles ~.. 3 College Rifles rallied, and their forwards shifted the scene of operations well ito City's territory. After two or three hrow-outs, the ball rolled over City's line a a forward scrimmage, and one of the ollege pack fell on it and scored. lfweron was unsuccessful with the v-i^t-City „„ 15 College Rifles 6 In a loose rush almost immediately fterwards. Burns threw the ball into >uch, and City were awarded an opporme free kick. College came at it again, ut Stewart found the line at the centre. Seating made a smart dash on behalf of ity, but was too loath to part with the ail, and his side missed a good chance t scoring. Just afterwards Hayward lanaged to secure the oval, and passed > Stewart, who kicked well into touch own the line, and made things promislg for City. After some give-and-take lay, Keating made a good opening for ity, and Thomas dashed over the line, tagee once more converted, and time was illed with the scores as follows— City , 20 College Rifles 6 Mr Geo. Katterns was referee. PARNELL V. UNIVERSITY. This match, played on one of the junior reas, was delayed for more than half an our in starting by the fact that the round set apart for the game was too >ugh and objected to by the players, and aother ground had to be found. Parnell id the advantage of a breeze in the first )eIL The game started in earnest with cork-screw dash by Fryer for atront 40 irds, which put Parnell on defence; but 3 infringement gave relief and Hardwick sed the wind to find touch well Inside r arsity's 25. Forgie, with a quick kick, incased the advantage, and Parnell swarm--1 on the line. A saving kick by 'Varsity as marked 20 yards out by Woifgramm, it Hardwick's kick missed. An endeavour y Fryer to run round resulted in his being lapped, and again the advantage was with arnell. The 'Varsity pack by close work >t back to the centre, where infringeents on both sides -were frequent, but •entually a badly-judged kick by Hogan ive "Varsity advantage. Mulling oy 'Varty backs and close following by the Parill forwards shifted the game at great >eed to the 'Varsity corner. A passing ish by Gray, Stewart and Fryer ended in ew stopping the last-named at Parnell's . Again the Parnell forwards (red) headl by Mnir and Wilson, broke through to arsity's quarters, where an infringement ive Hardwick a 40-yard kick, which ■ought only a force. From the kick-out ogan returned to inside the 25, and the eds from the line rushed the ball over te line in close order, but missed the nch-down. From the kick-out 'Varsity got ray in loose order to past halfway, but dash on the short side by Dow and Wolfamm and a subsequent long kick brought em back again to near their line. Once ore the Blues broke away in a loose ibbling effort, to be brought up by offie. It was a costly mistake, for from arly 40 yards Hardwick placed a goal. Parnell 3 University .. — 0 From halfway the Bines again ' went rough in a loose dribbling rush, which rried the ball to near the 25. where it mc back to McDevitt. who dropped at al but failed, a force resulting. The ange-over gave the Blues the breeze. te "exchange of kicks resulted in Forgie tting the line with advantage to his side, om a free kick Gray kicked across, giv- - Macky an almost clear run. He did t get the .hall clean, but recovered and Dke away, and beat a conple of men fore 'passing when near -the line. But * pass was knocked on and a score lost, c game went at great pace, and though rnell. by close work, got back to the irsity line, the Bines used the breeze get back. From a scrum on the line ; ball went out to the backs, but Gray's ising was siow and not clean. He. how;r, recovered after a mull and sent a g ground pass to Macky. who had to 1 in only a 15-yards dash to score at ; corner. The kick failed. Parnell 3 University 3 rhe game continued in Parnell's quarter « for a considerable rime, and "Varsity d numerous chances, but persisted in ■ liling, to the advantage of the other' le. A good passing rush by Gray, Pearce, ewart. and Macky saw the latter snioth?d at the line. Parnell held the attack t for some minutes till Mac Donald who i is backing his forwards up closely, picked » smartly in the ruck and sent out to ray near the line, enabling -the latter to ore against the corner flag! Macky's kick good one, just missed. -«^yt>iuck, University ... _ Parnell , '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 3

I, The whistle sounded for talf-Cme just II- after the game bad re-started. m The second spell started with, the Beds lg looting better. A good mark by Wolfv- < gramm save 'Hardwick a long kick, which m 1 fell short, and Macl>onald's return was id; sent out bctx *he Blue line toy Forgie. to j A dose passing rush, in the Parnell front :k I ranks was stopped on the line, and from n I the ensuing scrum Bllkey beat Dow for cs j the ball, enabling 'Varsity to clear. J- J Good dashes successively by Wofefgramm & j and Wilson carried the (ball over the Bine 11 i line, -but only a force was obtained. A ie very strong kick by Macky was responsible >b for 'Varsity getting well away, bnt the 'y game broke into a series of exchange kicks, >r in which 'Varsity were again forced from, a T long kick. Parnell was getting all the best ie of the close work, and the wind aided 5, them, with the result that they -were soon 11 again on the blue line. Here Dow snapped the ball in the ruck and sent out smartly -" to Edwards, who dashed over at the corner. Harper's kick went wide. Parnell ~,,.,. 6 University ...... _„.„_ __ - 6 A long kick was taken by Fryer at his own line. He jinked a couple of men, kicked, and by fast following had his men going well past halfway, when Forgie stopped them with a mark. Good use of the 1 wind by Parnell backs, Hojian and Ed--1 I wards being prominent, had 'Varsity regn- , ; larly on the defensive, and the game was *; j hot inside their quarter. A mlskick by * I Fryer in clearing gave Wolfgramxn a mark ° and Hardwicke, from 30 yards out, missed , c j a goal, just as the change-over came. 1_ I 'A miss by M<-Devitt from the opening * ! kick resulted in Gray coming to the rescue 1 and being downed near bis own line, where '- j the reds rushed over but lost the touch. c I A strong return by Miller saw the game go o ■ again to 'Varsity's 20. and in the close work '1 ; here a I'.lne forward broke away and passed c; to Fryer, but the flyer was "snapped by <1 1 Wolf gramm before he got into his stride, d I 'Varsity opened out from the scrum in c , a passing rush, but Uogan intercepted and 1 a I ended a dash with a kick, which Mc.Devitt I returned inside his 2.">. The wind bad now . j dropped and Parnell were making the pace ! for a win. Another fielding failure by j McDevitt let tbe reds again to the line, bnt the operations there closed with a-n----v other force. A cut-off by Hardwicke looked | b [iike a score, but a wiid pass threw the 1 0 ; chance away and 'Varsity cleared to halfn | way. Parnell still kept the upper hand, r ' and three times Hardwicke had unsuccess diful kicks at goal. The game thus ended :. even. c Parnell 0 r University 6 . Mr. J. Williams was referee. i II | SECOND GRADE. ; College Rifles (IS) v. Parnell (51University (9) v. City (6). Newton (3) v. Ponsonby ('"). Marist Bros. (14) v. Pukekobe (3). THIRD GRADE. j " Young Maori Tarty won from St. Bene- [ , diet's by default. } Ponsonby is itii v. University A (."•]. 1 Parnell hc:;t Ponsonby A by default. I North Shore C-?-> v. University- (3). FOURTH GRADE. Newton defaulted to Marist Bros. City (20i v. North Shore 10). Grafton (14) v. onsonby (Oi. ; FIFTH GRADE. : Parnell (2D) v. Marist Bros. 15). Newmarket (3) v. North Shore (0). ! Grafton i3l>i v. Newton B. iO>. I I Ponsonby (20) v. Newton A (10). I PUBLIC SCHOOLS' MATCHES A GRADE. Bemuera. 11, v. Grafton, nil. Tries were scored by Ross. Tanner, and Hall. One try ■was converted by Badele.v. " I Onehunga. 3, v. Devon port. 3. Wilson j; scored for the former, and Hardy for the i ■ latter. ' ( Newton East. 29. v. Ponsonby. nil. Tries were scored by Kelly (I'l. Simpson (2). stor. t I mont (2i. Melctyre. Knowles. and Vasey. Parnell, 11, defeat-d Mount Cdeu, nil. Three tries were scored by Cliffc, ' B (IKADE. Beresford-street, 3. v. Pitt-street, nil. Napier-street v. Mount Albert. —Mount Albert won by 3 to nil. Brown scored. I Bayfield v. Newton West. — A drawn ) game. 3 points all. Wallace scored for I ', Bayfield, and Garrett for Newton West. j ] C GEADE. I 1 Newmarket defeated Nelson-street by 11J, points to 6. ! Avondale v. Filers!— Avondale won, 3 to nil. Stewart scored for the winners.' Normal v. Epsom. —Epsom won by 23 to I nil. " ; MEETING OF A.E.U. COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Management Committee of the Auckland Rugby Union was held on Saturday, after the games finished. The proposals submitted by the conference in connection with the referees' dispute were, with one slight alteration, adopted. : Mr. M. J. Sheahan. who will represent ' the I'nion at the annual meeting of toe : N.Z.R.U.. was instructed bow to vote on ! ' several important matters to be brought \ ' forward at the meeting. j ( OFFER TO NICHOLSON. | ; Geo. Nicholson, tbe well-known "All' 1 Black footballer, has received an offer 1 ; tial salary and all expenses paid, to go to i ' America and coach a University there, and ' ( the probabilities are he will accept the 1 engagement. . 1 COUNTRY MATCHES. \ 1 WAIHI. 1 1 WAIHI, Saturday. 1 In the senior match, Matatira, 12 (four - tries!, biat City, 0. c In the junior grade Mataura, 6, beat J Waitete. 0, and in the third grade Waitete, ' 3, beat Mataura, 0. J PAEROA. 1 ; t PAEROA, Saturday. ,' The club football matches under the 1 Paeroa Rugby Union were continued on the Domain to-day. In the senior competition West met and defeated Neiherton by 15 points to nil. The game was very" fast and open, the West barks handling the ball splendidly. The tries for the winners were t scored by W. Edwards (3), H. Snell (2). Mr 1 W. Moore refereed. i In the junior grade the East Club scored t a victory over West by 3 points (a penalty 1 goal kicked by L. Brennan) to nil. Mr V. Menzies was referee. THAMES, Saturday. The senior competition played this after- ' noon resulted as follows: Suburbs beat City J by 16 to 3 after a fast and interesting game, - of which the scores are no criterion. First Juniors. —Suburbs beat Rovers by 5 to 3. Second Juniors.—Rovers walked over High I School by 2S to 0. SOUTHERN MATCHES, i 1 DUN'EDIN. c 1 (By Telegraph. Press Association.) t DUNEDIN. Saturday. 'Varsity (11) beat Kaikorai (Si; Zingari . (6) beat Union (0): Alnambra (26) beat 'i"3ieri (3i; Southern (9) beat Lmnedin (OK ( CHRISTCHUBCH. i : CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. The senior Rugby matches played this afternoon resulted as follows:— Linwood 0, beat Old Boys 3: Sydenham 17, beat Christchurch 9: Albion Ifi. beat Canterbury College 3- Merivale 35, beat Marists 0. I V I t: WELLINGTON. jj WELLINGTON, Saturday. j The senior matches played this afternoon resulted as follows: —I'etone i2i beat St. j James' 1TJ1: Oriental (In beat Poneke <l»; Melrose (ID beat Wellington (6): Athletic ', (IS. beat Victoria College (3); Southern (2.) :•, beat Old Boys (0). | w ' : 1 g , PALMERSTON. I P' PALMERSTON NORTH. Saturday. I ? NORTH, Saturday. ' A ; ci Western (26) beat County (0); Eastern (14) j t - t beat Northern (0). I In the junior grade, Linton (3) beat County (0) . j

IrOBTHEKH trSIOV GAME. THE BALL SET B.OUJNG. NORTH SHOES BEAT CUT EOVEES The 1312 season of the Auckland Provmcial Bugby League (Noraem TJnlol rules) was opened at Bden Park in thi presence of several hundred people Three games were in progress, and th< playing grounds were in excellent condition Music was supplied by the Garrison Band and at half-time afternoon tea was dla pensed to the players by the President oi the League (Mr J. S. Dickson, ICP.) anc Mrs. Dickson. Interest centred chiefly round the tnyreii between last year's premiers (City Rovers; and North Shore. The game was fast and even in the first half, each side scoring a try. In the next spell Shore forced the pace, and ran their total up to 13. City scored rapidly to the extent of 9, when time was called, leaving Shore winners bj 4 points. Newton defeated Eden by 28 points to 9. Play was fast and even in the first term, but in the second half Newton practically scored at will. Ponsonby came out winners In their match with Manukau— of the season. The scores were 17 to 5. For a new team the latter played surprisingly well, Hargreaves standing out prominently. They should be heard of in better performances ere long. THE PLAT. City won the toss, and the ceremony oi kicking on* for North Shore was performed by Master Dickson. U. Harrison led last year's premiers, and Jackson captained Shore. City's forwards assailed the allblue citadel, but a free kick to the latter relieved the situation, and gave them the opportunity to zigzag forward. Miller (Shore's full backj led a rush, and passed two or three challengers, after which he tipped to Uaddon. The latter was collared by Asher, but he passed to Weston, who scored near the line-out. Rogers failed to convert. North Shore 3 City Rovers „. 0 City soon instituted another forward movement, but Miller* defensive work proved au obstacle. After a scrum or two. Hunt smartly led a rush, but be was grounded. Almost Immediately City were awarded a "free" within shooting distance, but the shot was ineffective. Jacksou (Shore) collared out of the loose, and passed to Wyuyard, who kicked. Haddon and Weston, for Shore, were prominent, but at this stage the City backs asserted themselves. Phillips secured from the ruck, and dashed in, but fell short at the line. Then Asher took a pot shot, but hit the post low. A scrum ensued, and Jackson forced. The Shore defence was <oiid, and they manoeuvred another attack. It was futile, however, and Asher led City in a forward rush, and passed *J Harrison. Jackson relieved. James got in i run. and might have done smart work but for hugging the leather. Just before time Asher went off temporarily incapacitated. Hunt broke through before the interval, and scored a try. James took the tick, but failed to convertNorth Shore 3 City Rovers 3 With the change of ends. Shore got Diisy. and Weston smartly potted a goal from the open. North Shore 5 City Uovers 3 The same player again distinguished him:elf. in conjunction with Haddon, by curing a try. Clark, with a well-directed ong kick, converted. North Shore .. 1° City Rovers 3 Haddon, who was playing a fine wing ame, got over tbe line. The angle being cute. Clarke failed to convert. North Shore I- 5 City Rovers 3 City now came with a strong rnsh, vhich culminated in the scoring of anther try by Hunt Stanaway failed to onvert. North Shore I 3 City Rovers 6 City's turn of fortune was quickly foljwed by the addition of another three oints through the agency of James, tanaway made an ineffective kick just efore the bell went, leaving the final cores— North Shore 13 City Rovers 9 Mr. Cnnnlngham refereed with considerble strictness. EDEN V. NEWTON. Eden (green and yellow) end Newton (red nd white I met on No. 2 ground. Newton •on the toss and Eden kicked off with the uu in their eyes, and a light breeze in beir favour. Bond and Eairweather rushed own from the jump, and running Healy t the leather took play to Newton's goal ne. It was touch and go for a try, but iennett secured in the ruck and In the ustliug run shifted the scene of operations > half-way. Here Kenealy set his backs oing, sending to Biggs, to Deyer, to Harris, ut Cartner got this player before he could >ok dangerous. The Eden forwards took be ball on with a big rush, however, and rom a free in Newton's quarters Kenealy ad a resultless shot at goal. From the ick-out, the green pack came away on the eturn, and had Healy in trouble, -when "rands secured and in a determined run lade his way up the line to the 2o ag. Bigs secured from a scramble and k-ked hard into Newton's territory, where [(•Sweeney coming away with a great burst C speed, looked like scoring, but he fumbled ie ball and au exciting rally followed. rancis eventually forged his way through ie ruck and relieved with a powerful boot, he Newton forwards rallied, and taking be ball at toe rushed play to half-way. ennett got tbe leather away smartly from ie loose to Blakey, to Smith, who beat his lan cleverly and transferred to Healy. This layer shot across at the posts, a fitting nish to a pretty piece of work. Newton .—.... 5 Eden ...— — .... o Give and take play followed tbe kick-out, 11 McSiweeney broke away. Francis got im, however, and a chance was lost. A -cc for offside play gave Kenealy another Sot, and a well-directed kick landed the all safely over the bar. Newton „.. 5 Eden 2 Immediately afterwards McSweeney pot oing down the line, and beating the oposing backs in great style, raced across. he kick failed. Newton 5 Eden „ .". 5 Newton backs were set In motion by Far. int, and a passing bout in which Cartner nd Blakey were prominent, took play to | den's danger zone. Here Francis rushed 1 and puking up In the loose, created much ainsement by l'nernl'y striding through the nposing team, and grounding the ball beind the posts. He took the kick and added ie noints. Newton _ 10 Eden „ ". !IT, 5 Brockliss and Bennett were at the head ' a forward rush which took play Into the reen's territory. A free for Interference a ?crnm gave Francis a shot and a coal ■suited. * Newton ....„ j<> Eden .'.' 5 The drop out was charged down by *aiker and Bond, and from a free against, c reds for offside play, Kenealy had a tot. A fine kick found the bar "between c posts. Newton . ....._. 12 Eden „. „ *" % 7 Give and take play followed till the Eden ck came away with a spirited rusfc, and r some minutes had tbe reds penned on > elr goal-line. From a scrum E. Kenealv lipped the leather out to Biggs, who es~- ' yed to transfer to Prosser (a score sparing a certainty), but at the crucial mo?nt Francis cat in and Intercepted, Kither penalty kick against Newton was trusted to Kenealy, who goaled with a -ong kick. Newton *- —. . *-..... 12 ' Eden ~_. 9

Tbe greens came back -with tke retsn from the drop ant, sad the nasi i llxVl wa in danger, when Blakey obtained pi— alloc and swerving prettily at pace, shifted pla; to half-way. Half-time was called with th' score unaltered. Newton attacked strongly on coraMMtßj the second half, and play was confined t ' tbe green's territory Air acme time. Mefkl secured in a scramble and sent out to Blake: to Smith, -who rased over to score. Franc! kicked a goal. . Newton „„ 17 The Newton backs were now playing ■witl fine combination, arid the greens were han ■ pressed to prevent further score. Farran ' set the line in motion at half nay, eendin; 1 to Blakey, to Smith, to Francis, who kick** across to Healy. The latter running strongl; looked Tike scoring, when B. Kenealy go him low and found the line with a specs lator. Eden were obviously tiring, and tha the scoring against them was not more fre quest was due to erratic passing amours tbe reds. Bond and E. Kenealy took thi ball, with a dribbling rush, into Newton'! 25, hut Blakey snapped the leather and se off down the line. He centred to Francis but this player overran the ball and Dye; relieved. The reds continued to attack hotli bnt wild passing nullified their efforts. Th( reds hooked smartly from a serum, neai Eden's goal line, but Morris came ronnc the scrum and beating him for possession got touch with a speculator. Farrant gol his bacJrs going again and sent to Smith, who made a fine run and passed to Bennett who ran across. Francis made a good but unsuccessful effort to convert. Newton .* 20 Eden 9 Francis secured from the kick-out and ■ sent to Smith to Healy, who after a splendid run in which be beat all the opposing backs, gronnded the ball behind the posts. Farrant added the points. Newton 25 Eden 9 A passing rush shortly afterwards ended in Mitchell running across to score. The kick failed. Newton 28 Bden 9 The whistle sounded ror time immediately afterwards. PONSONBY V. MANUKAU. Ponsonby took the field against the recently formed Manukau team. The game proved to be a faßt one throughout and considering that Manukau were playing their first game, their showing was remarkably good. Hargreaves, the ex Taranaki representative player, was here, there and everywhere for Manukau. He scored after a fine run. hut the effort to convert failed, and >borUy afterwards he placed a field god. For the winners, -Savoury grounded tbe ball behind the goal line eariy in the game. n» added to the score by kicking two fine field goals. Cossey. at wing three-quarter, raced across on two occasions as the result of passing runs. Dunning, who was at the head of many forward movements, bustled over to score, and Lambert did likewise from a slmll«r rush soon afterwards. Car low succeeded In landing a goal from a try. The game ended with the scores:— Ponsonby 19 Manukau 5 OUTSIDE MATCHES. The North Shore Alblons went up to Hob-.-onvi'.le by launch, meeting the local combination, the Hobsonvilie Pirates. After a fast, interesting game. North Shore won by lj points to nil For the winners Woodward scored two tries and Seagar one, Nicholson converting the two. CO TNT It MATCHES. (By Telegraph.Own Correspondent.) THAMES, Saturday. The first match played under Northern Union rules took place between Thames and Ooldhelds representatives to-day. The spectators were greatly interested in tbe game, which was fast and clean. In the first spell the p-ame was evenly contested. There was no score in the second half. Thames, becoming more Intimate with the f.iles. showed improved play. From a free kick E. Hayward placed a nice goal towards the end of the game. Harold Hayward scored after a splendid pasplnc bout, but Do goa. resulted. Thames winning by 5 points to niL Mr. George tiillett refereed. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. SEASON'S SUCCESSFUL OPENING. The Auckland Football Association commenced its programme of competitions for the season with matches in the first and second divisions, six teams competing in the former, and eight in the latter. There was a bye in each grade. The weather was excellent for football. and, taking everything into consideration, opening day must be recorded as a distinct success, giving promise of a flourishing season to follow -when players get their second wind, as it were, and settle down to solid training. Corinthians held the bye In the first divi sion, and three good games resulted in the Evcrton-Ponsonby. Brotherhood-City, and North Shore-Carlton games. The firstnamed was played on the Domain, the second at Victoria Park, and the last-named at North Shore. EVERTON V. PONSONBY. Everton -won the toss, took charge from the kick-on", and attacked, a behind resulting from a cross attack from the left wing, after the right wing had opened up the play. Ponsonby rallied, but Everton came at it again, and two shots, one of which went wide, kept the goalkeeper busy. A couple of comers in succession to Everton yielded nothing. Ponsonby were playing a man short, and Good filled the full-back position as well as he could by himself. Later (*wlft came on and played left full«back. Everton got first score from a good right-wing rush. R. Boyne getting an opportunity to bang in a trimmer which gave Oldnall no chance. Everton 1, Ponsonby nil. After Ponsonby had taken a turn at making Che play Everton got clear again and Brewer broke away on a solo run up the right wing, dribbling skilfully well into the penalty area and scoring a good goal for his side. Everton 2, Ponsonby nil. For some time Everton continued to press, but after a while Ponsonby began to find themselves and the game was nor so onesided as in the earlier stages. They kept at it solidly and at last Swift, who had exchanged with Fanlks as left wing-for-ward, got tn a popular score. Ponsonby 1. Everron 2. Tbe rest of the spell was very much more even and interesting and play was fairly divided, no further score having been added by half-time. In tie second spell Ponsonby was favoured by the wind and had the slight advantage given •by the setting sun in the faces of Everton. For the greater part play was strenuous and fast, without very much to choose between the teams. Neither goalkeeper had very much to do. play rarely getting past the full-backs on either side. Everton had. perhaps, sl J g^ fl v the advantage, and Brewer and Love on the right were prom- j ment in frequent attacks. Isbister, also, ■backed up by A. Boyne, occasionally opened lop the play nicely from the left wing, while R. Boyne was always alert in the centre. Finally when a chance did come along the last-named potted it with certainty, giving Everton two goals lead. Everton 3, Ponsonby 1. Everton were not afterwards headed and Ponsonby slackened down considerably. 'Now and then Webster in the centre would shine out with centre-half Marshall backing him up. but the half line was weak on the -whole and the forwards were not given many opportunities. Towards the end -Everton also got slack and the game dwindled in Interest at the close. Special mention should be made of Shergolt's excellent display in the winning full-back line. Mr French was referee. BROTHERHOOD DEFEATS CITY. The teams in this match, played at Victoria Park were as follows: City: Cullender Miller, McLaren. Seath. Pooke Gardner, Whittle. McGovem, Atkinson, and Sutherland, one man short. Brotherhood: Riding, Kirk. Alp, Keane. Roberts. Holdaway, Handling, A. Pearson, Thompson, Carr, and F. Pearson. As might have been expected, this being the first match of the season, the play was not of a particularly interesting nature. Brotherhood opened with a strong attack, and had several chances, three at least which should have been goals, but Callenier was too safe in goal. Eventually, about half-way through tie spell, Carr sent in a nice shot from the neighbourhood of the side line, and Thompson found the net. "Brotherhood 1. City O). Crty then livened up, and removed play to the "-ther end of the field, where ilcGovern equalised matters with a neat goal. (Brotherhood X, City L) The light and, dart blues again .pressed

a tfee CttjUtm Imrt, uA Cm acted note m paint t» the scare. CBrotheifeood 2, City 1-1 1, In mc sofaßeqnetrt play Pearson made a j good attempt, which failed by a matter «1 c Inches, and anon after —till Thompson's effort was only flrostnrted fey tie alertness g of Callender, wto -was playing a very sound 0 game, bat Carr, who was handy, shot a coal ;e -with his head off the return. Brotherhood y 3, City 1 'was the score at half-time. Is For »»*t* an hoar in the second spell the play was mostly in the territory of Brother hood who seemed content to hold theft advantage, aad the play ma somewhat of a ragged description. City pressed time after time, but taieir combination was not equal h to their indivklusJ play, and attacks well a initiated ended futflely. Biding, the it Brotherhood goalkeeper, who was practicalg ly a spectator in the first half, had more a work, and -was atways equal to the occa- _ sion. Brotherhood played vita vim towards ;. the end, and bo& Handling and Thompson were within a few Inches of adding to the + score. The spell ended without any change J in the figures. Brotherhood 3. City 2. c CARLTON V. NORTH SHORE. s t 1, Carlton defeated North. 3»re by 2 goals r to one ' c SECOND DIVISION. r a MOUNT ALBERT V. W.T.M.I. ' This match was played at Mount Albert, » and resulted in a win for Mount Albert by ' 3 goals to nil. Goals were scored for the t winners by Weir (2) and B. ABhton 111. D. Wilson, at bark, played his usual good game, his kicking and heading being a treat to watch. H. Hosking. at half-back, the colt of the team, played a good game; it 1 was a credit to him, being his first game of - Soccer. B. Ashton. and Weir were : the best of the forwards, S. Weir (at centre • forward), playing the best game of his life; his dribbling and passing were perfect. The attendance was very good, and It is very pleasing to find so many people of Mount Albert interested in the game. ; Hotspur (31 beat Adult School (o>. Crampton scored all three goals for Hotspur. Gordon beat Everton by two goals to nil. F. Fowles scoring twice for the winners. St. John's beat North Shore by 5 goals to 4, Matthews (2), Longridge (2). and Scott scoring for the winners, and Stewart (2), Brohant and Lockwood for the losers.