LACROSSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 7

LACROSSE.

The lacrosse season for 1903 will be opened this afternoon, when a tournament, or series of games, each of twenty minutes' duration (ton men aside), will be held. As His Excellency the Cover or, who is patron of the association, has expressed a desire to witness some of the matches, it is probable that he will be present. As usual, afternoon tea will bo provided for spectators. The following is the draw:—-Eden and Epsom v. City A, Grafton v. North Shore; the winners to playoff.

There was a fust-rate muster of the City men at the practice held last Saturday; several beginners were playing, and some of them shaped remarkably well, notably Madden, who promises to be a warm defence player. R. Hay, the City centre-player, was tried at third home" with good results. His skipper will have to unearth a new centre Leslie, perhaps—as on the form displayed against a strong defence it is evident that Hay will greatly strengthen an otherwise Weak attack.

Dr. Bennett, a Victorian player, now resident in Auckland, was present at the Domain on Saturday watching the practice. He will, I hear, assist the Grafton team, and should certainly strengthen that club's somewhat depleted ranks. The Grafton Club will this season be without the services of Messrs. P. Kuekie, H. Thompson, W. J. Broadfoot, and A. Sloraan, whilst O. Hay will not be available for all the team's engagements. Notwithstanding the unsuccessful efforts of the association to secure a ground at Devonport, that district will place a team in the fie\l.

The City Club have raised a B team to play with the seniors. The Ponsonby Club's membership roll has been decimated by the retirement of Messrs. J. R. Lundon, W. Mason, R. H. Bourke, W. H. Graham, and H. C. McCoy, and the district will not bo represented in the tournament games this afternoon, but will instead hold a practice, with the intention of preparing for the championship matches. The inclusion in the Shore team of R. H. Bourke should put some new life into the suburban team. In addition to being an out-and-out enthusiast, he is a hard nut to crack on tho field.

(W. H. Graham, who last year played "third home" in the Ponsonby A team, will occupy a similar position in the Grafton division this season.

Mr. H. Sachs has been appointed lion, treasurer of the association, vice Mr. M. Hicks, who has resigned. Tho matches for the championship will be commenced on Saturday, May 30. The Parnell Club are in the same box as Ponsonby, having lost quite a number of last year's active members. Though taking no part in this afternoon's tournament they will enter a team for the championship. The North Shore Lacrosse Club's annual meeting was held recently. The reuort and balance-sheet showed the club to be in a very satisfactory position, and, judging from the enthusiasm shown by the members, the incoming season bids fair to be the most successful in the annals of the club. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the officers and supporters of the club; also to the ladies for their kindness in taking charge of tho afternoon tea arrangements.