FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7639, 17 May 1886, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

TONSONBY V. GRiJTON. Thb First Fifteens of Ponsonby and Graffcon met for the first time this season on Mr. Dilworth'a estate on Saturday, and, after a grand match, the game ended in a win for Ponsonby in the last ten minutes of play by two points (a try) to nil. The weather was cold and showery, but the ground was in capital condition for play, which was fast throughout. On account of the rush in Wellesley-street for the couple of tramoars put on at two o'clock, there was a block for some time ; however the arrangements for the return journey were most satisfactory. There was a large attendince, fully 1000 being on the ground, exclusive of the players in the three matches. A charge for admission of sixpence per head was made, and a net amount of £15 15s was taken. Both teams filed out in One trim for the conteet, Grafton (tnaroou) looking in capital fettle, while their lighter opponents (blue and black) seemed anxious for the fray. On account of the absence of Ryan and Von Sturmer, Gardiner played back for Grafton, and also acted aa captain. Arueil led Ponsonby, and the ball was opened by the colours commencing operations ngain3t what slight wind there was. From their 25 yards' (lag the maroons rushed the leather from dangerous proximity to their goal to the cantre, Mountforfc and Gardiner being prominent on the ball coming through. The play then became very fast in neutral ground, but the superior form of the Grafton forwards could not be denied, and time after time they came through with the ball before them. The Poneonby backs were equal to the occasion, Braund's tackling being very fine, R. Whiteeide and Davy doing hard work by ahort dashes and sure collaring. Arneil had all he could do to stop the onslaughts of the maroons, and, as the forty-five minutes waved, Ponsouby improved somewhat, but rather reckless paesing lost them a splendid opportunity. Madijjan at running, and Warbrick, who was opposite Whiteside, worked splendidly for Grafton, while Cooper, who was in the centre, did useful work, and T. Brown's sure kicking and tackling kept the colours from breaking through. A russh down the touch line, witft Veale in the van, threatened Poneooby's goal, bnt Braund waß there, and half-time was called eoon after Ponsouby having been forced down once. The colours, ou changing, took every advantage of the slight fall in the ground, aud, relying on their backs, played the loose scrummaging game; at the eame time it may be stated that the umpire's whistle might have been blown oftener. Great excitement prevailed among the spectators as the second term advanced, and the maroons were repeatedly transferring the scone of play from their 25 flag to neutral ground till the colours' tactics of long throws broke the ice by Whiteside throwing far acroes to Davy, who was over the line like an arrow, grounding the ball a couple of yards corner flag. The place-kick, a difficult angle, was taken by Laniels, but no goal resulted from a good shot. Grafton warmed np again for

the remaining ten minute. A fine run., Iby Madigaa working the ball to the coloure' 25, made operations most interesting, but the crowd as usual greatly interfered with the game. The whistles were blown with the ball on neutral ground, and a eplendid matoh concluded with a little ceremony by the presentation of a cup, given by Mr. M. Gallagher, for the best player in the Grafton team during the match. Mr. \V. W. Robinson, in a feu well-chosen sentence*, handed the trophy to G. Cooper, who thanked the donor for hie gift. Mes3rs. A. H. Cotter and G. A. Orchard acted as umpires, while Mr. W. W. Robinson was referee. GORDON V. AUCKLAND. This match, played on the above ground, resulted in a victory for Gordon by sixteen points (two goals from the field and four tries) to love. G. Carter led Auckland (blue and white), and J. Polaud, Gordon (green). In the finst term the greens soon asserted their superiority by hemming the colours in their 25 for "a considerable time, and Crowe crossed the line with the leather, scoriug the first try. The shot at the bar was unsuccessful. Just before half-time was called Reed had the ball passed back to him, and he landed a goal from the field very smartly. This he followed up by potting another in the second term, Aneley, Lusk, and W. Meldrum succeeded in running in and placing tries to their credit, all the place-kicks failing to add to the score. The Gordons forwards were in fine form, while their backs worked well, Newman and Poland distinguishing themselves in addition to the above. For Auckland Moginie was about the hest in the forward division, whi u F. H. Williams,, N. Williams, and Webster were moet prominent behind the scrum. NEWTON* V. UNITED. The match between United and Newton, al»o played at Newmarket, resulted in rather an easy win for the latter by 15 points (two goals and three tries) to nil. In the first term C E. White scored a try, which Pritchard converted into a goal, and W. Hobeon also succeeded in getting in. White scored, another try in the second forty-five minutes, and T. Mills followed by potting a goal from the field. T. Salt scored another try for the black and ambers. For the blurs, Makin among the forwards and McEwan behind the scrum showed about the bast form. NORTH SHORE V. ALBERT. Tho Alberts journeyed to Devonport on Saturday, and met the local fifteen, who, however, played one short, while Albert had twelve men. Play was pretty even throughout the first term. Juut before time was called on the second spell, A. Burgeae, by a good run, got over the line. Swinnerton was entrusted with the place kick, and made a good but ineffectual shot at the bar. JUNIOR MATCHES. The match between Nelson and Gordon Second, played on the Metropolitan ground, resulted in a win for Nelson by six points to nil. Fisher kicked a goal from the field and Downie secured a try. For the victors Fisher, Downie, Walker, Conway and McDonald, and for Gordon Ansenne, Pouleon. Kusling, and Poland showed good form. Waitemata defeated Manukau by 24 points to nil. Tries were secured by Stephenson (4), G. Graham. Otway, Grey, Finlayson, and goals were kicked by Gillespie and Smith. Ponsonby Second being unable to raise a team, allowed Auck land Second to claim the match. Grafton Second defeated Athletic by a try to love. The Rovers won their matoh with Gordon Third by 17 points (4 tries and 2 goals) to nil. Beaney (2), Murphy, Jand Wakorly scored tries for the victors. The match between Victoria and Montrose was won by the former by 12 points. to nil. Tries were scored by Austin, Downey, Purdy, aud Parker and T. Main potted a goal from the field.