THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12303, 22 June 1903, Page 3

THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

SATURDAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCHES

FIRST ROUND COMPLETED.

CITY LEADING FOR THE CUP. The first round of the competition for championship honours of 1903 was concluded on Saturday afternoon, when all three first-grade Rugby matches were played at Alexandra Park, the meeting between Grafton and Ponsonby on No. 1 ground attracting an attendance of between two and three thousand spectators. Though not particularly attractive from an onlooker's point of view, the game was stubbornly contested, and ended in a win for Grafton by eight points to three. On the No. 2 ground City beat Suburbs by 22 points to nil., and on the No. 3 ground Newton defeated Parnell by 13 points to nil. City now hold a lead for the cup, having won five of the six matches played, the remaining game, that against Newton, played at the opening of the season, resulting in a draw. Appended are the details of Saturday's matches: — PONSONBY Y. GRAFTON. GRAFTON WIN A STUBBORNLYCONTESTED GAME. (Grafton, 8; Ponsonby, 3.) Ponsonby and Grafton met on the No. 1 ground, the match being under the control of Mr. George Katterns. From the cutset Grafton, who had a strong wind with them, endeavoured to make the game as open as possible, with a view .to using their backs, but Ponsonby, on the other hand, kept the ball on the ground, and their forwards working with a will and having tho best of it in the scrums for some time, gave the opposing backs little chances to operate in attack. They, however, got going once or twice, and on the first occasion, when Kiernan, McKenzie, and King had tho handling of the ball, went very near scoring. Ussher, who was playing threequarter for Ponsonby, just getting across in time to grass King a yard or two from the goal line. An infringement of the laws by Ponsonby almost immediately afterwards gave Huddlestono a shot at goal, and an excellent kick he made, the ball striking one of the uprights and rebounding into the playing area, where Lendrum secured and kicked up field. McGregor fielded the leather and initiated another passing rush that was only stopped a few yards from the blue and blacks' goal _ line. McKenzie added further to tho uneasiness of Ponsonby supnorters by dashing up among the forwards during the scramble that followed and making a bid for possession. He was within an ace of securing, and had he done so would almost certainly have scored. Another shot at goal by Grafton forced Ponsonby, and this enabled the players of the western suburb to relieve the pressure for some minutes, till Kiernan broke through with the ball, and, with a dodgy run, got to within a dozen yards of the Ponsonby lino before being grassed. A powerful kick by. Francis (Grafton being penalised) sent the ball back to midfield, where play remained without material advantage to either sidefor some minutes. Then Huddlestone had another shot at goal without success, but the Grafton forwards, by smart following up, gained ground by sending the ball out to their backs, McGregor and Robinson farther improved the advantage, the latter getting to within three or four yards of the lino beforo being collared. From a scrum that followed, Ponsonby forced, and faulty handling bv the Grafton backs from tho kick-off enabled their opponents to intercept, and they were quickly well inside the Grafton 25 flag. Lendrum being mainly responsible for this. A couple of short, sharp rushes by the forwards carried tho ball to within a few yards of the goal line, and Lendrum dashing in, got possession, and was over the line in a twinkling, drawing first blood for Ponsonby. Francis was entrusted with the kick, but failed to add the major points: Ponsonlw,, 3: Grafton, 0. .. With only seven or eight minutes to play. Ponsonby continued to have something tho best of it for the balance of the spell, but though their opponents were in a tight corner once or twice, they saved by forcing, and the bell sounded without further score.

Having held their own so well in the first spell with the wind against them, the odds looked in favour of Ponsonby winning with the change of ends, but as subsequent results disclose this was not to bo. The ball was ho "sooner in play than Grafton assumed aggressivo tactics, but the ground gained was lost through indecision on the part of two or three of the side as to who should finis- 1 the ball when kicked by Ponsonby, and the latter's forwards taking advantage of this, rushed in and swept the ball back to neutral ground. Lendrum threatened the opposition line with a dashy run and kick, but the strong wind carried the ball across the line and enabled Grafton to force. On resuming the ball travelled merrily up and down between the two twenty-fives', and on one occasion an infringement by Ponsonby gave Grafton Another chance to equalise the score, but Cullen, who took the kick, met with no better, success than had his clubmate Huddlestone, and Mathieson forced. After a bit Ponsonby got back into Grafton's quarters, and from loose play Oarlaw sent the ball along to Dunlop, but the latter failed to hold it, and a very fair chance of scoring was lost. Two or three free-kicks relieved the strain for Grafton, and getting beyond the half-way flag, McGregor, McKenzie, and Robinson participated in a passing rush that made matters look ugly for Ponsonby, as Robinson beat the fullback, but was collared from behind as he was racing across tho clear field for tho goal line. They stayed in the blue and blacks' ground, and a kick by Robinson found the touch line in very dangerous quarters. In went, the ball from the scrum that followed, Kiernan got possession, and diving in between the wing and pack, the Grafton half scored a clever try. Cullon failed to convert from a somewhat difficult angle: Grafton, 3; Ponsonby, 3. This' gave Grafton a fresh lease of life, and pulling themselves together just at a time when it looked as though Ponsonby were going to tako the upper hand, they livened up and played with greater vim and vigour than during the earlier stages of the second half. Their forwards came sweeping up field with a powerful rush that beat the opposition, including the fullback, but the blue and blacks got there in time to save by forcing. Keeping Ponsonby on the defensive from the kick-off, Kiernan, McKenzie, and King got throwing the ball about, and the last-named got almost to the corner flag before being thrown into touch. _ When the ball came in Kiernan got it again, and transferring to McGregor, tho latter beat two or three men in fine style and hurled himself across the line between the posts. King piloted the leather over the crossbar : Grafton, 8; Ponsonby, 3. There were not many minutes to go, and Ponsonby made determined efforts to turn the table, but without avail, their opponents holding them comfortably in the last bit, the game thus ending in favour of Grafton. NOTES. Like most matches played this season the game was not particularly interesting from a spectator's point of view, the play being confined to the forwards, where the honours were easy, tho Ponsonby vanguard, though lighter than the opposing forward division, holding theii . end up in good style. Once the ball reached the backs it was clear that Grafton held the upper hand in this department, and to theii superiority behind the scrum they owed their victory. Both fullbacks were below senior form, particularly Mathieson (Ponsonby), who gave his team's supporters more than one anxious moment when in a tight corner. Of the threequarters, R. McGregor was easily first; in fact, the sturdy little Grafton player was undoubtedly the best back on the ground, both on the offensive and defensive. His try was a brilliant one. McKenzie played a solid game, and frequently gained ground with his line-kicking, while King shaped very creditably at five-eighths lor Grafton, particularly when it came to defence. His fielding of the ball' was always clean, and an object lesson to many of oui backs. Kiernan was as tricky and clever as usual behind the serum, and, like McGregor, deserves a word of praise for the try he scored. Leudrum (throequarter) and Poulson (half) wore the mainstay of the Ponsonby back division, the former being very clash}' on the attack, while Poulson got in a great amount of valuable defensive work. He shows a lot of promise. Doran's clever footwork caused him to stand out as the best wing forward on the field. In this department both teams were well served,' but Kelly (Grafton) might, on more than one occasion, have caused his side to be penalised as a result of his tendency to off-side play, had the referee caught him. At times the Grafton forwards could not have exerted themselves to theii utmost in tho "serums, as their lighter opponents pushed them about, and also had the best of it in hooking the ball when they wanted it, though it was not their game to play to the backs, and they kept the leather on the ground as much as possible. For consistent hard work all round there was no better forward on the Grafton side than Irons, while Gallahei and Dunlop were as good as any in the opposing pack. It has _ often been said of Gallaher, and with a lot of truth, that be is as ?ood as an extra back to his team, but on Saturday he once or twice got behind to take the ball when it should have been left to the other man. This sort of thing causes confusion, and sometimes leads to disaster. Francis gained frequent applause for his flue kicking, and deservedly so, as his long, powerful punting was generally well directed and effective.

CITY V. SUBURBS. SUBURBS BADLY BEATEN. (City, 22; Suburbs, nil.) On No. 2 ground City met and defeated! Suburbs after a one-sided game. Mr. Blakey , had charge of the whistle. . j Suburbs won the toss, and defended with the wind at their back'. The red and blacks got quickly to work from the kick-off. After j a little pfay at centre Asher took the oval on the bounce from a long kick, and cleverly beating three men scored in a good position. Scott converted: City, 5; Suburbs, nil. The. game' was confined to the forwards for quite a spell. City was nearly over once, but the oval went out in toueh-in-goal. Suburbs rallied, and their vanguard got into City's 25, the reel and blacks forcing from a long kick. City's forwards got together, and worked back to Suburbs' territory, where Asher secured from a passing run by the back division. He nearly scored, but was penalised for holding the ball. City continued 011 the aggressive, and after a sturdy defence on the pare of Suburbs, Young passed out from a scrum near goal, and transferred to George, who in turn passed to Gladding, i on the wing. The latter scored a rather easy try. Scott failed to convert, tho wind spoiling a good attempt: City, 8; Suburbs, nil. City's forwards rushed through shortly after, and Morrin scored near the goal. Scott added the major points: City, 13; Suburbs, nil. Within a few minutes the red and blacks again got a, dribbling run on, and W. Tyler scored. Scott made a good attempt, but failed to convert: City, Id; Suburbs, nil. About a-quarter of an hour after the opening- of the second spell City's attack was effective. George took the ball on the bounce, near goal, and dashed over, scoring a. neat try. Scott failed to convert: City, 19: Suburbs, nil. Asher made an opening, and the backs got a run on, Gladding scoring a nice try. Scott made a poor attempt: City, 22; Suburbs, nil. The whistle sounded at this stage. NOTES. The game was very uninteresting, the red and blacks having ail the best of it right through. Some of their forward rushes wero irresistible, the defends going down like ninepins before the onslaught. Gladding was "tried on the thrccquarter wing for the winners, W. Tyler taking his place in the front rank. The change seemed to suit both players, who grafted well and successfully. Asher played his usual attractive game, and was ably assisted by George, at centre threequarter. Young seemed a little slow at getting the ball out to 'his backs. Qi the forwards, the two Tylers, Morrin, Sandall, and Nicholson showed up well, though there was not a shirker in the crowd. Scott's kicking was good. Dow-ling, who was playing for' tho juniors previously, was triedin the pack, and did very well. For the losers, Stuckey, Plugge, and Absolura held their own well, but they had little support, tlic team showing a sad lack of combination. The game was played straight out, the teams changing over at half-time, and a short second spell being agreed upon. PARNELL V. NEWTON. NEWTON THE VICTORS. (Newton, 13; Parnell, nil.) Newton played an uninteresting match on No. 3 ground, where they beat Parnell easily. Mr. Knox controlled the game. Soon after the start W". Heath registered Newton's first try, which Eaton converted: Newton, 5; Parnell, nil. A little later J. Heath, by a really brilliant niece of work, scored, Eaton failing this time to'add the major points: Newton, 13; Parnell. nil. Parnell's chances wero temporarily brightened by a- good passing run from an opening by Smith, tho maroons nearly scoring. Shera got a run in from Parnell's 25. and dodging several of his opponents was thrown out in touch. A lot of line-out play followed. Rowe saved Newton from tho pressure, and Pillenger was also prominent. For Parnell Twiname played a sound game at this stage. H. Rows made a pretty rim to the corner flay. Brash got over the Tine, but lost the ball, and Parnell forced. G. Murray made a run, and passed to Eaton, who, however, lost the oval. The latter made another owning, and passed to Long, the latter transferring to Heath, who was collared in time to avert a score. Parnell had to force again a little later from a long kick by Brash. Rallying a little Parnell got on two good runs, headed by Twiname, but both failed, and tho maroons were again on the defensive, playing pluekily against long odds. Pillenger started a rush, and passed to Long, who beat three or four men, and scored cleverly between the nosts. Eaton converting: Newton. 13; Parnell, nil. The game ended without further score, Parnell rallying from time to time, but without avail.

The game calls for little comment, save to remark that the Parnell team, which included one or two juniors, played with grit. The ball was most of the time in their territory, and the fact that Newton did not- score more freely spoke well for Parnell's determination. • SECOND FIFTEENS. City won from Suburbs by default. Parnell beat Newton by 8 points to nil. Ponsonby won from Grafton by default. THIRD FIFTEENS. Ponsoiiby A won from Grafton by default. City A beat Suburbs by 12 points to 3. Parnell A won from Newton by default. Parnell B won from Ponsonby B by default. . Tho frequency with which junior matches have been going by default this season indicates that there is something radically wrong in the lowei grade matches. Unless the junior players stick to the game senior football must, suffer in the course, of a few years, and it therefore behoves the Management Committee of the- Auckland' Rugby Union to inquire into the cause and, if possible, take some steps to place football in the second and third grades in a more satisfactory position. SECONDARY SCHOOLS' MATCHES. King's College I. boat Prince Albert College I. by 12 points to nil. St. John's. College I. beat Grammar School I. by 3 points to nil. King's College ii. beat Prince Albert College 11. by 36 points to nil. Grammar School IT, beat St. John's College 11. by 12 points to nil. PUBLIC SCHOOLS' COMPETITIONS. A CBADB. Nelson-street beat Beresford-street by 6 points to nil. Parnell beat. Richmond Road by 18 points to 3. ellesley-street beat Napier-street by default. B SHADE. Bayfield beat Remnera by 3 points to nil. Newmarket beat Ellerslie by 11 points to nil. Chapel-street beat Mount Roskill by 14 points to nil. OTHER MATCHES. TROOPERS Y. POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. _ A team composed .of South African com tingenters of the Post and Telegraph Departments met a team (in the Outer Domain on Saturday) chosen from the staff of the same departments. Tho game was very even, but resulted in a win for the troopers by 8 points to nil. Tries were scored by Grant and Cottingham, one of which the former converted. Mr. F. Ballin gave every satisfaction as referee. . " i THAMES UNION MATCHES. [FROM OUR OWN COniIESI'ONDENT.] Thames, Saturday. There was an excellent attendance at-Para-wai' this afternoon to witness the second meeting this season between Rovers and Native Rose, when the ground was in good order. The match was the best of the season, being both fa.st and willing, and when the bell rang Native Rose were the victors by 3 points to nil. In the first spell Native Rose had the best of the game, but in the second half Rovers had decidedly the upper hand, and pressed their opponents repeatedly, Native Rose having to save several "times. Rovers kicked off, and play was very even for a time. A splendid' passing run was put in by Native Rose backs, and play was in Rovers' quarter. Here Graham picked up smartly, and, eluding the opposing backs, got over and scored, but the attempt at goal failed. Piny ensued on the Rovers' side of half-way. In the second spell a forward rush by Rovers took play to Natives' quarter, but Price was the means of relieving, and the ball was sent out at Rovers' corner flag. They relieved and took play back, Keating showing prominently. Rovers kept the play close to Natives' lines for some time, but Thompson eventually got the ball away by a long kick, and for most of the time play was in the centre. Near the end, however, Rovers pressed, and Natives saved several times. No : other score was made, however, and Natives were the winners of a well-contested match. Mr. Pelham, of Auckland, acted as referee, I and his decisions gave entire satisfaction. Tho first junior match, Rovers 11. v. Turua, resulted in a win for the former by IS points to 3. Rood, Lawson, and Newland each scored tries. A feature of the game v/as the kicking of Newland, who converted the three tries and kicked a penalty goal. In the. second juniors True Blues beat Rovers 111. by 6 points to nil. Adams and Hind-man each scored tries for the winning team.

AERO A UNION MATCHES. Paeboa, Saturday. Tho Rugby Union contest to-day was between West "and Suburbs, and resulted in a win for the former by 6 points to nil. Tries were scored by Casley and J. Siloock. The game was uninteresting, the play being much below the standard. Mr. Power, of Waiorongomni, acted as referee, and gave every satisfaction. The schoolboys* match was between True Blue* a.nd Black Rose, the latter winning by 9 points to nil. Tries were secured by J. Shaw (2) and MeArthur. The former had the misfortune to break his collarbone. HAMILTON UNION MATCHES. Hamilton, Saturday. In the Hamilton Rugby Union senior competition to-day the No. 1 team defeated Suburbs by 11 points to 7. For the winners tries ere scored by T. Moore. G. Moore, and A. Evans, one" being converted by Hughes. For Suburbs, Roach scored a try and Livingstone potted a goal from the field. The junior match was drawn, the teams being Suburbs and the No. 1 second fifteen. Therewas no scoro. ROTORUA UNION MATCHES. fiOTOP.t'A, Saturday. The third series of Cup matches in the second round of the Rotorua Rugby Union competition were played to-day. City met Whakarewarewa and succeeded in winning by 27 points to nil. The winners had the best of the game from start to finish. Kalmkura beat Arawa by 11 points to 8. The Cup matches are now in a very interesting X>ositioM. SOUTHERN CUP MATCHES. Wellington; Saturday. In to-day's senior football Old Boys and Wellington" drew (22 points each), Poneke heat Oriental by 5 points to nil, and Melroto beat Athletics by 11 points to nil. CfLP.iSTCHUKCH, Saturday. The- weather was favourable but the grounds very heavy for to-day's football. Linwood, 9 points (goals from a try and a mark), beat Christchurch, 3 points (a try); Sydenham. 5 points (a goal from a try), beat Mcrivale, 4 points (potted goal); Canterbury College, 12 points (a goal from a try, a goal from a mark, and a try), beat Old Boys, nil. Albion won from Lyt-toltou by default. Dltnkdtn, Saturday. In the senior football matches to-day University (12) beat Southern (5), Kaikorai (12) beat Union (nil), Zingari (3) beat Duuediu (nil), Alhambra (14) beat Pirates (nil). THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. SEVEN AUCKLANDERS CHOSEN. Wellington, Sunday. The four representatives appointed by the New Zealand Rugby Union to select 22 players to represent tho colony in the tour of New South Wales and Queensland have chosen the following player:;: Backs: R. McGregor, Asher, and Kiornan (Auckland); Wallace- (Wellington)- D. McGregor, Wood, and Harvey (Canterbury); .Stalker and Duncan (Otago); Stead (Southland). Forwards: Tyler, D. Gallagher, Nicholson, and Long (Auckland): Armstrong, Udy, and MeiMinn (Wairarapa): ,T. Spencer (Wellington): Cook and Fanning (Canterbury); Portcous and Given (Otago). THE ASSOCIATION GAME. • TABERNACLE V. GRAFTON A. This match was played on the No. 2 ground, and resulted, after a hard game, in a win for Tabernacle by three goals to two. Grafton played only 10 men, and shortly after the start lost Bradstock, who was injured by Clark fouling him. This left them with only nine men. Tabernacle played a good game, and thoroughly deserved their win. Mr. W. Cowan had charge of the whistle. NORTH SHORE V. 11.M.5. PIIGEBE. North Bhoro losing the toss commenced tho game with the sun against them, and although handicapped by it made the play pretty lively right from the jump. The bail getting on the left wing Fogeriy and Ormrod carried it_close to the goal mouth, and, passing to iiaylcy. missed a goal by a few inches. _ Gould (fPhcebe) securing the ball placed Shoro in clanger, a.nd after about five minutes' mixed play Winshin sent in a* shot, which entirely beat the Shore's goalkeeper. Starting once more Shore stuck to their opponents, and kept hovering round Plicebe's goal mouth, Bayley, McAdam, and Fogorty making attempts' to put the leather through the posts. A corner being given, the ball was sent to Richards, who scored one of the fairest goals ever seen, thus equalising matters. Webber, kicking off, passed to Slmbert, and by some very pretty combination Moneypenny sent in a low, swift shot, which went between the uprights, and shortly after Webber sent in another, which made the score three to one. . Nothing special resulted for the next few minutes, and the whistle sounded for half-time.' The second half of the play was more open, until Shore pressed, after going about ten minutes, and McAdam, taking a pass from Bayley, scored the second goal for the Shore. Phoebe started to make things very lively, and by some good combination kept Shore defending, but they could not prevent the warship boys from scoring their fourth goal. A good run on the line by Richards resulted in a corner being given, and from a good kick in Bayley sent in a shot, which hit the bar and went through. Shore now wanting one more goal to save a defeat played very steadily, and had hard luck several times in not making the score even, got the Phcebe's team out 'of difficulty cleverly. A long kick getting to Sinclair's feet, he, by a good return to ' Fogerty, on the left, who centred to Bayley, the latter put tho leather once more under I the bar, which made the score four goals I each. Both sides pressed very hard now, ■but nothing resulted, and a most interesting ; game came to a close with honours easy. j For the Phoebe's team, Dunlop, Stront. Winship, and Moneypenny were most conspicuous, although the balance of tho team 1 played a very solid game. The goalkeeper i deserves special mention, as he saved the side repeatedly. For the Shore, Bayley, Richards, Mo Adam, Moody, and Sinclair played good games, and taken right through the return match ought to prove very interesting, as both sides are very equal. JUNIOR DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. v. North Shore: This match was played on the Devohport ground, and was fast and interesting all through, Y.M.C.A. proving the victors by two goals to one. In the first spell North Shore had the benefit of a strong wind, but could not break through the Y.M.C.A.'s defence, while the town team. although playing against the wind, managed to score their two goals. Emmins being responsible for, the first and Gow getting the second. On restarting after the interval, North Shore played up well against the wind, showing much better combination, which at last gave them their goal, Wyatt piloting the ball through from a pass by Goudie, near goal. Comments on the individual play and players in this match have been held over for publication in next Saturday's paper. Pitt-street Methodist v. 'Varsity: This match resulted in a win for tho Pitt-street Methodist team, who scored three coals to Varsity's one. G. Eyre, E. Winstonc, and J. Tyler scored for the winners, and Smith fo:- 'Varsity. School Match : The school match. Taber- I nacle v. North Shore, was played on the | Shore ground, and resulted in an easy win ' for Tabernacle by four goals to nil. i