ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10127, 9 May 1896, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.

•( ' sins* and Second Fifteens '• May rj-Ponsonhy v.Parnsl], Grafton v. Suburbs, City v, North Snore. May 16—VoDsonliy v. Grafton, City t. Suburbs, Newton v. North Shore, May 23 Ponsonby t. City, Parnell v. Grafton, Newton v. Suburbs. • ' May --SO—Ponsonby t. Newton, Parnell v. City, North Shore v. Suburbs. June 6-Ponsonby v. North Shore, Parnell v. New* ton, Grafton v. City. June 13-Ponsonby v. Suburbs, Parnell v. North Shore, Grafton t. Newton. » June 20-Parnell v. Suburbs, Grafton v. North Shore, City t. Newton.

Repeat for Second Round. Third Fifteens. •

May O-Parnell y. Suburbs, Grafton v. Ponsonby. May 16—Parnell v. Ponsonby, Grafton t, Suburbs. &'.■; 23—Parnell v. Grafton, Ponsonby v. Suburb* Repeat for Second and Third Rounds.

The "king of Winter Games" will commence in downright earnest at Potter's Paddock, Epsom, this afternoon, with the opening matches of the championship fixtures in the three grades, and the cheery cry of "off-side" and other well-known football phrases, together with the shrill call of the referee's whistle, will hold sway during the winter months. The outcome of the contest for senior honours is a theme for much speculation, and the supporters of the several clubs represented nil _ incline to favour their own particular district. An attempt to locate the probable winners at' this early stage would 08 a leap in the dark, bat public opinion says Parnell, City, and Nfiwton, are the most likely to provide the victors, though which of the trio ft is to be few care to say. To-day Parnell meets Ponsonby, City—North Shore, and Gratton-rSuburbs. and in either instanco I incline to favour the first-mentioned. The player* engaged in the senior championship matches, and the grounds on which they will play, are as under:- . Ponsonby v. Pabnkij, (No. 1 Ground).— Pousoniiy: Purdy, Gallagher, Miller. Cole, Graham, Galloway, Michell, Masefield, Scott, Braithwaito, Clark, Wrieley, Brannd, Masefield, Ramsay. Parnell: Hedges. Tait, Jet-vis, Ronayue, Elliott, Edmonds (captain), P. Evett, Whitley, Murray, Anderson, Campbell, R. Handcock, Broberg, Gordon, Nicholson. Suburbs v. Grafton (No. 2 groundsSuburbs : Peace, Sutherland, Somerfield, Todd, Rishworth, Trevenne, Schofield, Bjmiey, Thompson, MoKenzie (2), Williams, Laxon. Owen, Breiman, Green, St. George, and Beamish. Grafton: Moncur (2), Clayton, Brady (2), Hay (2), .Sleman, Lusk, Laird, Andrews, Gittos, Lawrence, Cuoksey, Williamson, Choyce. North Shore v. City (at Devonport).— North Shore: Cardno, McPhail, Walker. Clark, Orattan, Cbamberlin (2), Quinn, Marshall. Speight, Valentine, Shannon, Purdy, Nicholson, Bull; emergencies, King, Hynes. City: Smith, Absolum, Hales, Thomas, Codes, Stone, McCluaky, Breen, Major, Scott, Hicks, Brown (2), OKphant, Creagh, and Su.'man.

The Wellington Football Club hold their annual snorts on Saturday next, May 16. A Wellington writer says Ronayne, the well-known Parnellite, who, it will be remembered caused some little trouble with the referee, Mr. Firth, in the Auckland v. Canterbury match, at the latter centre, has expressed regret for his behaviour. North Shore's loss is Poneke's gain, as I see D. Gage is booked to play for the crack Wellington team, during the ensuing season The annual match between the Christchurch Football Club and Pirates Club, of Dunedin, will be played in Cbristchurch, on May 25. According to the return of teams sent in to the New Zealand Union, there are 5109 Rugby players in New Zealand. If the half-holiday and teams belonging to clubs not affiliated to the Union are included, the number would probably be about 7000. * I have to acknowledge receipt of the 1896 edition of the Canterbury Rugby Union's Annual, for the compilation of which Messrs. W. G. Garrard (secretary) and F. E. Asquith (treasurer) are jointly responsible. The editors are to be complimented on the excellence of the production, which is beyond question the most complete annual published in the colony. The record of the past season's doings in Canterbury are presented in a concise and readable form, while the information on all points relating to the Rugby game should result in its being found on every enthusiast's shelf.

ASSOCIATION NOTKS.

The Association players are also busily engaged preparing for the forthcoming season, and as this game is rapidly gaining ground and adding many fresh players to its ranks, it is to be anticipated that Association football will play a much more prominent part this year than heretofore :— A practice match will be held in Mr. Niccol's paddock, Devouport, this afternoon, play to commence at three p.m. sharp. The teams, which are subject to alterations, are under:—A team : Dr. Roberts, Chamberlain (2), Allen, Daore, Cave (2), F. Burgess, Hould, Hooper, Best. B team: Roberts, S. Cave, Conley, Burgess (2), Marshall, Kent, Goring, Cotes (2), Williams. A practice match will be held in the Domain to-day, by the United Football Club, when teams will be picked from the following:—Todd (2), Heather, Rice, Bellamy, Hulme, Speight, Peucoeke, Henderson, Carpenter, Evans (2), Bailey, Howard, Montgomery, Williams, Airey, and all intending players residing in the aity or suburbs. Grafton will also practice at half-past two in the Domain. The players chosen are :A. Team : Goal, Milliogton : backs, Grigg, Pilkington; halves, Martin, R. Cowan, McDadej forwards, Thomas, Brodie, W. Cowan, Harding, Redmond. B. Team -. Goal, Totman; backs, Twiname aud Dr. Pabstj halves, Watson, Cowan, Hood; forwards, Holland, McDougall (2), Laird, Jury.

CRICKET. NORTH SHORE AVERAGES. The following are the championship batting and bowling averages of the North clubs three elevens for the outgoing season, for the particulars of which we are indebted to the hon. Secretary, Mr. G. H. Broughton:

', • AUCKLAND 11. AVERAGES. . The following are the batting and bowling averages of the' Auckland 11. Cricket Club for the past season!-- r

Note.-Auckland 11. tied for second place in the Junior Cup with Belmont; matches played, 7; won 6, lost i. Runs scored, 1099; wickets lust, Oft; average, 111. Runs scored by opponents, 916; wickets lout by opponents, 116; arerage, 7*B. In making up my list of centuries for the past season (says " Dark Blue") which I intend to publish as soon as the season is finally closed in the North Island, I find that no less than sixty times have batsmen played an innings of a hundred and upwards. This is a big increase on any former season's total, the thirty-nine last year being the previous best on record. BELMONT CRICKET CLUB'S ANNUAL DINNER, The annual dinner of the crack junior club, Belmont A., in conjunction with the remaining members of the" club, was held at Mr. C. Sergeant's cafe', Victoria-street East, last evening* Mr. J. M. Lennox (president) in the chair. The interior of the dining hall was gaily decorated with flags and flowers, and the several tables were ; laden with a multitude of good things for the repast, tastefully set out in a manner that reflected great credit on the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Sergeant. After the usual loyal toasts had been duly honoured, the president congratulated the club on their success in again carrying off the honours in the first junior grade, a result for which they bad been responsible for two years in succession, and for three years out of the five in which they had ; competed in this grade. The fact that they i had acquitted themselves so well, was a source for congratulation, and the club had every reason to feel proud of their record, more particularly in view of the fact that on the two occasions on which they had not carried off the honours it had fallen to their lot to act as runners-up after playing off with the ultimate victors. In alloting the several presentations to the players, Mr. Lennox congratulated G. Sonrway on his excellent performance with the leather, which had enabled him to carry off the gold medal presented, by him (Mr. Lennox) to the trundler who topped the average for the outgoing season. This player was also presented with a silver-mounted pipe for the best all-round play-the gift of Mr. Cole (vice-president). A gold medal was awarded to Mr. Gillespie, a pipe to Mr. A. Seccombe, and the club's challenge cup to Mr. Patterson, who heads the batting average of the first eleven. The Association caps were also presented to the members of the first eleven. During the evening vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Messrs. W. Edwards, Ryan.Hutton, Lewis, Finer,Morrisou, Gillespie, McGuirke, Worth, and others, and the usual toasts duly honoured. Altogether, the evening was a most enjoyable one, and was brought to a close shortly after eleven o'clook with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

ATHLETICS. The Cambrid?e West Amateur Athletic Club will hold their third carnival and sports at Mr. Reynolds' ground, Cambridge, on Monday, 25th instant, when a programme of thirteen events will be submitted; and as the 25th will no doubt be recognised as a public holiday, there should be several visitors, and probably a number of Auckland competitors make the journey. Entries close this eveniug, Mr. W. C. Speight receiving those of any Auckland athletes who may feel disposed c o enter. Handicaps appear on Saturday next, 16th instant. Mr. F. W. Edwards has been nominated by Mr. Logan as local officer of the New Zealand Amateur Athtetio Association. His knowledge of all matters pertaining to athletics should make him a, worthy successor to Mr. Logan. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has passed A. Brady's records in the one and two mile walks. The records are as follow One mile, 6in. 40 2 ss. j two miles, 14m. 12 3-53. The farewell social tendered to Mr. J. F. Logan on Thursday evening last was undoubtedly ono of the most successful functions of this nature ever held in Auckland, there being present one of the most representative gatherings of athletes from all branches of field sport ever brought together, amongst the ranks being several who have been connected with the athletic movement since its earliest inception, and who, though perhaps unable to don the "spiked shoe," still take an active interest in outdoor pastimes. One of our most prominent enthusiasts in this respect was the guest of the evening himself (Mr. Logan), who has done much to forward the best interests of all branches of sport in Auckland in his several honorary official capacities, and has always been prepared to dip deep into his pocket when occasion demanded. Tributes were paid him by Mr. B. J. Esam on behalf of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, of which he is president; Mr. Burgess, on behalf of the North Shore Club, of which he is a vicepresident ; Mr. L. A. Cuff, on behalf of the N.Z.A.A.A., of which Mr. Logan has for, years past acted as local officer, and by Mr, F. J. Ohlsou, on behalf of tho oricket world. Though perhaps Mr. Logan was never a prominent figure on the running track, ail " oldtimers" associated with cricket will remember him as a keen devotee of the willow. In addition to the album, Mr. Logan was also presented with a handsome walkingstick of New Zealand woods, beautifully mounted with silver by Mr. A. Mundy, and a floral horse-shoe, with a card attached wishing the recipient good luck and God-speed, the latter being from Mrs. Gallagher. The departing guest expressed himself much moved with the kindly expressions of those present towards himself and family, and said he would look forward with pleasure to the time that would bring him back into their midst again. Michael F, Sweeney, the amateur champion high jumper of America, has decided to join the ranks of the professionals, having accepted a remunerative offer as athletic instructor at Hile School, at Pottstown, Pa. The decision of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, requiring A. Burke, of Dunedin, to wait for practically two seasons before applying for reinstatement as an amateur, hag called forth a vigorous protest from the Duuedin A.A.C., Burke having already stood down for two years, lam pleased to find that the Southern athletes have entered their protest in this instance, and though I would not care to enlarge, knowing nothing of Burke, my sympathy goes with the Dunedin body, as I have noticed more than one case in which the Association have acted in a like extraordinary manne< , without apparent " rhyme or reason.'' An important meeting was held in Paris on February 21, with a view to starting a new amateur union. The idea is to broaden the present amateur definition and allow amateurs to compete against professionals in all races where cash prizes are not put up. After a long discussion it was decided to- start a new association, to which twenty clubs were affiliated at once, As soon as the association is set in working order, an understanding will be Bought with Belgium, and if M, Low's resolution is carried with England,, There is a controversy going on in New South Wales as to who is the greatest sprinter that Australia has ever produced. One writer suggests that MoPherson could have beaten Samuels, a remark which I ("Sprinter") am glad to see "Prodigal" of the_ Sydney Referee, discredits. " Prodigal" reviews the claims of those whom he considers to be the best Australian amateurs and professionals. He appears, however, to confine his remarks generally to New South Wales. Very property ho does not appear to recognise New Zealand as part of Australia. Still, in his review of the amateurs he might with some reason have included flempton, who has run in Sydney. While quite anticipating that I shall raise a storm of opposition from the Sydney folk, I should like to remind them that TTempton proved positively that ho was a better man than MePherson over one hundred yards. A week before Hempton beat McPhersOn, W. H. Williams, the professional, made & hack of the New Zealander in a trial spin, and Hutehens used to do the same with him in England. Knowing this, it is impossible to bear out the statement that the best Australian amateur sprinters are to be compared in any way with the professionals. .

CYCLING. _ The preliminary arrangements in connection with the forthcoming cycle road race of the 25th inst. were dealt with at a committe<) meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club on Thursday evening last. It was decided to close the tntrieo on the 16th inst., 4 to . subsidise the amount of money accruing from entrance _ with £ for £, and to allow the cycle committee to decide upon the course. , Quite a number of our amateur wheelmen we in training for the road race of the 23th,

and though the coarse has pot yet been decided upon, it will no doubt be either, the usual one from Papakur'a toParnellor from the latter point, through Otahuhu,Mangere, Onehunga, and buck to Parcel]. The latter course would provide the best roads, and the public would also have a better chance of seeing the wee. ' In an international mile scratch race run in Melbourne at Easter in connection with the Druid's Gala, the NewZealauder, Pither, tried to adopt the same tactics as those by which he beat Zimmerman, namely, rushing away a lap and a-half from home on his big gear. He surprised all the field except Harris, who was after him in an instant. Within 150 yardsfrom home Pither slackened speed, and amidst terrific excitement Harris finished a length ahead. The folding bicycle invented by Captain Gerard, of the French army, should find great demand in military circles. Mounted . on such a machine, the soldier can approach the enemy, dismount, and within a minute have the bicycle on his back. A corps of fighting cyclists, numbering 100, is being formed at Vincennes. " Philibustei","in the Australasian, says v- " Ken. Lewis (who. it will bo remembered, was •whitewashed' by the New Zealand Cyclists Alliance recently, and then turned to cash riding again) is earning a reputation as the strongest and speediest handicap rider we have. In fact, when Parsons goes to England, Ken. Lewis, Don Walker, and Pither will be the top trio, and for all-round work there is no more difference between the three than there is between three peas.' Four world's records were broken at Coronado Beach, California, on March 31. W. W. -Hamilton, paced' by a quad, and quint., cut the world's record for one mile, fiyingstart, by los,, his time being 1.39 1-5. He then went out, paced by the same teams, for Berlo's two-third mile mark of 1.7, and rode it in 58 3-ss. After 20 minutes' rest he went for the unpaced one-third mile record of 36 1-5 s., and cut it down to 33 3-5 s. Taylor and Terrie then went for the half-mile tandem record of 53 4-5 s., and reduced it by 1 1-5 s. The trials were timed, judged, and started by officials of the A. W. The absurd rule of the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance which prohibits one of its members pacing a "cash" cyclist while going for a record will soon have to be repealed, if it wants to keep its members. Recently when Mr. K. A. Wakeman (a local wheelman, but who is a member of'the Palmerston North Cash Amateur Cycling Club) left on his record ride from this city to Napier, Mr. E. N. Grove, a member of the W.C.C, rather than see Wakeman set off aloue, paced him to the Upper Hutt ; and tor this outrageous conduct (even if it did show his good quality as a sportsman) he will most probably ,m disqualified from racing as an amateur next season. The recent squabble about the Queen's Drive rowing men has led some members of the N..Z.C.A. to pharisaically lift up their eyes in thankfulness that they are more liberal-minded in their rules than the New South Wales rowing authorities, but it cannot be denied that some of the Alliance rules are exceedingly absurd. And the discontent at these rules is increasing, for several of the local rideca stated that, had their private business permitted, they intended pacing Wakeman in defiance of the Alliance rule on the subject.— Wellington Mail.

AQUATICS. The cold snap which set in at the end of last week has practically closed the aquatic season, nearly all the yachts having gone into winter quarters, and the rowing clubs taken their boats up. The past yachting season has been an exceptionally favourable one, fine weather having been the rule, and not the exception, and yachtsmen generally have had a fairly good time. I trust, however, to see a little more life infused into the rowing next season, as outside of West End and St. George's Clubs very little has been done, West End have had a phenomenally successful year, due in a great measure to the energy which Mr. John Clark (the captain) and a few of the other members have displayed. The rowing clubs ofthe city should take a leaf out of the books of both these clubs, and endeavour to come forward next year and show that they are possessed of some sort of vitality. St. George's Rowing Club hold their annual dance in the Choral Hall on Wednesday evening next. The Auckland Yacht Club wound up the season by a smoke concert at the Metro, politan Hotel on Wednesday night, at which the prizes won during the season's club races were presented. There was a large gatherill!!! of the club members and their friends, Mr. J. L, R. Bloomfield, the commodore, presiding, A very nice musical programme was gone through, and an enjoyable evening resulted.

I hope that the Yacht Club will not lose sight of the importance of getting, a clubroom, in order that members may meet together and discuss the various questions which may crop up now and again. If the club had a room in which members could meet, it would do a great deal towards creating more interest in yachting, and be the means of bringing members more closely in touch with each other. I am sure that if the club had such a room, a groat deal of good would result. In presenting the commodore's cup to Mr. Chatfield, one of the owners of the Mahaki, Mr. Bloomfield said that the yacht was a wonderful little boat, and that her owners should be very proud of her. The unbeaten record which the Mahaki put up last season is a most creditable one, and Logan Brothers are to be cordially congratulated upon turning out such a handsome and speedv craft. In responding to the toast of " Yachting" at the Yacht Club's concert on Wednesday evening, Dr. Cnatcs expressed himself in high terms at the great strides the pastime had made in the colonies, and more especially in Auckland. Having visited the principal cities in Australia and New Zealand lately, the genial doctor spoke with some degree of authority when he stated that Auckland was far and away ahead of any of the other cities so far as the interest displayed in yachting was concerned. An interesting yachting match took place last week, under the management of the committee of the Coromanael Yachting Club. Mr. W. H. Fox was appointed starter and referee. A fair start was given, and the yachts started away on even terms. The Belle gradually took the lead, and maintained it on the first ' round, but as the breeze freshened the Katie Keyes overhauled hei, and won easily. It was a good contest for second place, and was well fought out between the Belle and Clyde, and finished as follows :—Katie Keyes, I; Belle, 2; Clytie, 3: Eagle, 4: Beata, 5. On time allowance (lsm. per foot) the result was ; Katie Keyss, 1; Eagle, 2; Beat*, 3; Belle, 4; Clytie, 5. In the contest between the larger yachts—the Sicily (owned by Mr. Nelson) and the Zealaudia (Mr. Daldy) was well fought out, bat on account of the wind freshening on the- last round the Sicily gradually drew away from her opponent, and won easily. Lynx. .

FIRST JUN10KS.-BATTING. Batsmen. Ings. N.O. H.S. IBuns. Av'g. Mills, GeOrge „. 11 FT" •160 | 623 65-37 Chapman, II. .. 8 2 »16 83 33-0 Stoihoii, W. .. 10 1 47 131 14*35 Burgess, J. W. ..7 2 MO 68 \\1 Lankhani, 0. ... 6 2 '18 40 10 Wynyard.R. „ 7 - 13 68 828 Htnbbs, F. ..7 1 16 42 7 Burgess, A, B. „, 7 - 14 38 5.42 Denby, C. „ 10 1 12 34 377 Snedden.A.N. _ 8 1 8 13 3-28 Jones, B. R. „ 8 - 8 23 2.87 Go.idle, W. R. .. 8 - 8 19 2*37 Webster, J. C. ..4 1 6 7 1 233 * Signifies not out. BOWLING. Bowler. Ens. I Wks. Ov"rs. M'ds. Av'ge. Wynyard.R. .. 132 24 80 28 6'B Sneddon, A. N. .. 40 | 7 It 4 D'71 Burgess, A. B. .. 122 21 48 10 6-80 Mills, Geo. .. 230 39 114 33 6-69 Denby, C. „ .. 72 I 2 29 I ( S'08 Played 7 matches, won 4, lost" 3. Wicket-keeper, F. Stubbs, stumped 3 and caught 9. Second junior " A" luu-fBkmm. Batsman! . Inge. N.O." H.S. Runs. Av'go. Nroughton.G. IL 4 0 18 63 13-25 Chapman, 11. „. 11 1 25 124 124 Kent .... 8 2 18 61 10-16 •VnQter, W. .. 10 0 66 07 97 Harris, II 13 1 82 99 825 i Walker, S. .. 11 2 32" 68 V65 Brennan,M. ..4 1 13 22 7*33 Hoborts, R.J. ..14 4 28' 70 7'u : Speight, H. ..4 0 14 28 6-5 Cooley, J... ..7 0 16 45 6'42 Pitts. H 14 2 15» 74 8-18 Valentino, H, ..8 0 14 43 5 37 Bunliy, a. J. .. 11 1 25« 41 4-1 Wslkei.F. ..8 1 8 26 3'71 Huberts, Dr. ..9 0 9 29 3'22 Mcliorqnodale, W. 4 1 S 6 1"68 MoCorquodale, N. 4 0 3 6 1-25 * Signifies not out, HOWLING. . Bowler. Runs. Wt's. Overs A'gs. Harris, H.'. .,'• .. 102 20 66 61 Broughton, 6. H. .. 36 7 32 5-14 Walker, W. «... 44 8 24 C-"-'. Pitts, H. ... - .. 157 27 77 81 Conley, J. 05 16 85 6*33 Walker, J... - ..42 5 36 8-4 Brennan, M, .... 65 6 27 9'66 Valentin*, II. ■■ .. 177 18 . 63 0'83 NOTE.—Played 9 matches, won 6, lost 4. No averages recorded unless twenty or more overs bowled. p Second Junior. " B" Batting. Batsmen. Inn's. N.O. H.S. Buns. Av'g. Goring, F. G. ..10 2 «25 67 8.87 Allen,- ... .. 10 - 22 71 7.01 Cave.S.C... ... 12 1 28 77 7 Sutton, A... -16 — 29 93 6.02 Cave,K.W. ...I 15 - 13 65 3.66 Holland, H.G. ,. 15 - 10 65 3.86 Semadini,- « 1 - 10 23 3.28 Redman, J. M 8 - 8 26 3.26 Peacock, G. ..10 4 7 19 3.16 Krankhain, O. ..10 1 8 24 2.66 Frankbam, H. ..5 1 6 10 2.05 Ulark, .... 7 - 8 14 2 Cave, It 15 - 18 28 1,86 ■ * Signifies not out, BOWLING.Bowler, i Runs. Wkts. Overs, J Average. cirrk~'w7 ,r Z ~lo~~ 21~ 44" S'33 Goring, F.O. ... 97 19 68 6-01 Ca'vc.S. .. 99 19 66 6-21 • Semadinl .. 58 11 24 09 Ca«e,&W. ..48 6 20 8-00 SuttOO.X ■■ 68 6 ' 28 13-06 Note.— Played 9 matcb.es, van 3, lost 8, No tara«M W0I464 upiM » 0TW8 bowleg

% . ,, BATilNO. ..Batsman, i Vga. N.O. H.S. Ruus.' A'ge. W.Thomson ' .. 2 0 40 80 40 A. 0. Holland ..8 1 92 203 33 5 J.H. Colwill .. 11 2 27. 13« 14 ' C. tf. Reid .." .. 1 0 21 78 111 R. T. Hamilton .. 5 1 '25 42 105 H.D. .. ..11 1 *48 103 10-3 Q. VI. Robinson .. fi 1 "18 3(1 9 A. Selby .. .. 12 1 25 93 8fl K. Mai.sden .. ..3 0 H 25 8'3 E.G. Beale .. .. It 2 15 62 0-8 R. W.Allen.. .. 11 2 14 52 5-7 J. IV. Anderson ..4 0 12 17 4'2 K. A. O'Keeffo ..6 1 4 13 26 J.W.St.Paul ..7 2 6 10 2 * Signifies not out. bowling. Bowler. Runs. W'k'is. ; O'm. M'd'nOv'ra. A». E.C. Beale 162 24 70 15 6'3 J. W. St. Paul 223 32 89 10 7*1 H. D. HIU 130 17 83 16 8 J. H. Colwill 80 10 39 11 8 It. W. Allen 255 I 27 75 7 9'4