THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12860, 8 May 1905, Page 7

THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

DISTRICT CUP MATCHES COMMENCED. AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING. WINS FOR NEWTON. CITY, AND rAJRNELE. Trtr. district cup matches, under the auspices of the Auckland Rugby Union, were commenced on Saturday afternoon at the Alexandra Park (Epsom) and North Shore grounds, under ideal weather conditions. Warm sunshine anil cloudless sky encouraged upwards of 2000 followers of the popular winter game to visit the Epsom convincing ground, and the bracing atmosphere enabled the players to enter vigorously into the several contests in which they participated. On the No. 1 field in front of the grandstand the match v.as between the representatives of the Newton and Grafton district.*, and the exhibition given was very creditable for an opening day. so ninth so that lovers of the winter pastime very confidently look forward to .voice stirring contests for supremacy under the Rugby code, when once the players obtain the combination so essential to success, and this only comes with a knowledge of one another's play, the result of two or three games together. The material i- Hierc. During the first half of the game the honours were easy, hut in the second spell lust year's cup winners (Newton) took charge, and they ultimately tan out winners by 20 points to throe. The uneven surface of the playing ground, however, hampered the movements of the players, and caused the ball to bounce in almost every direction but that naturally expected, tints frequently upsetting the calculations of those giving chase, and introducing an clement of chance that would not exist with the field in good order. This is a matter that should claim immediate attention. On the adjoining ground (No. 2), the I'aniell fifteen defeated the team selected to represent the suburbs district by eight points to nil. and at Dcvonport the City team beat North Shore to the tune of 19 points to three. The details of the vuiious matches are given below: — NEWTON V. GRAFTON.

LAST SEASON'S CHAMPION. OPEN WITH AN EASY WIN. (Newton, 20; Grafton. 5.)

The Newton-Grafton match was played on No. 1 ground, ami the toss of the coin favouring Grafton their opponents played through the first spell with a strong sun in their eye.-. Play was keen and willing from the outset, but for several minutes the ball travelled up and down between the 'io flags of the opposing teams, without material advantage to either side. Then followed a passing rush, in which ICiernan and King were associated, the latter filially transferring the leather to Mackenzie, who " speculated." Newton forcing. The ball was no sooner in play again than the Grafton centre threoqiiarter secured a mark in a fairly good position, but the shot at goal was rushed down by the Newton scrummers; they laded, however, to push their opponents back, and i King and Mackenzie raised the hopes of the Grafton supporters with a passing rush, the good work, however, being undone -■•.:•:.•; through the latter hanging to the ball a bit too long. Had he given Marshall on his left a timely pa-s the wing threequarter might have added valuable ground by carrying the bail over the touch-line near the Newton corner flag, while it was just possible that he would have crossed the coveted coal-line. After a fair but ineffectual shot at a field goal by Mackenzie, who was playing a big part in the Grafton attack. Newton turned the table?, the forwards, headed by Mackrell and Lewis, breaking away, and sweeping the ball down past the Grafton , 25 post. Craig, the fullback, was the only barrier between the charging "scrummers" ami the goal-line, and when he failed to field the ball cleanly matters looked ugly for Grafton. He. however, made a smart recover}-, but the Newton men reached him before he could get his kick in, and in the scramble that followed, the ball was carried out at the 25 flag. It was no sooner in than Morrv Gray made an opening for his backs, but faulty handling of the leather lost Newton a good chance of scoring, and after they had had a shot at goal, which proved barren of result. Grafton cleared their lines and took the ball back beyond the halfway peg. Their backs commenced, flinging the' ball about. King making one or two good openings but over-eagerness and wild passim; enabled their opponents to intercept and initiate a counter-attack. Grafton came back again, and King. Mackenzie, and Paul partnered a passing rush that gained valuable ground. Kiernan further improving matters with a nice line kick, the ball going over the touch-lino near the Newton corner flag. When the hall came in they attacked rigorously, but the defence v.;;- equal to the demands made upon it. and it was not long before Newton cleared their lines, and. the forwards breaking away from a serum, they came down the field in a compact body with the ball at tor-, getting beyond the half-way. Here A. Grav, wing threequarter, chipped in, and kicking the ball over the Grafton men gave chase. Mackenzie, recognising the danger, dashed round and momentarily steadied the attack, but Gray got the ball again, and. tuck,hi' it under ids arm, sped for the :v Grafton chalk-mark on the northern side. Finding himself shepherded by Mackenzie he passed in to Rowe. but before the latter could get fairly into bis stride the Grafton forwards pounced on him from behind, just in time to prevent a -tore being registered. Nothing daunted. Newton renewed the ittack, and Lewis, coining down with a nice dribbling rush, reached the Grafton fullback, with Gray bandy. The latter attempted to pick up. but the ball danced tantalising!}' char, only, however, to find its way into the hands of Hooper, who gathered it up and crossed the line, drawing first blood for Now ton. Eaton was entrusted with the shot at goal, but the ball struck the upright and bounced hack into the field of play—Newton. 3; Grafton, 0. Encouraged by their success Newton renewed (he attack, but faulty passing was again the stumbling-block to success, and after Howe had kicked the hull across tie- opposing team's goal-line, where McGregor -en* it into toueh-in-goal, Grafton relieved the pressure, and were soon bowling down toward- the Newton line, a couple of useful line kicks assisting them to reach a point that placed Newton in danger. After two or three scrum* they pi.shod the attack home, the forwards, being responsible for equalising the score. MaeCorinick took the ball from the line-out, ami when caught by the loot handed it along to McGregor. who improved matters, and then transfer rod to Clark. The last-named got within a yard or so of ho line, and then passed to Lovell, who dropped across and grounded the leather. Mackenzie had Hie kick, but failed to improve matters, and the spell then coded with the scores even: Grafton, 3; Newton, 3. On changing ends. Newton with the sun behind then backs, commenced attacking vigorously-, and although Grafton at. time:-, turned the tables, (he wearers of the red and white jerseys had much the best of the spell. Marry Gray give his hacks plenty to do. and after about seven or eight minutes' plav the first score of the spell cam*', in the shape of a field goal. The Newton half passed out, to Meant, who transferred tf A. Grav, the last, named kicking an undeniable goal, It was a heady and altogether creditable bit of work on A. Gray's part, as hi; chance- of crossing the line were small, •wo or three opponents blocking his way: Newton, 7; Grafton, 3. Eaton shortly afterwards caused Grafton supporters some uneasiness bv kicking at goal from a free kick, hut the ball went a yard or two outside the southern upright. It was no sooner in again than Newton renewed the attack, and the hacks handling the ball more cleanly than during the first spell another score was quickly down to the credit of the champions of 1904. M. Grav made the opening, and passed tc Rowe, who made a nice run. and then transferred to A. Gray, the latter drop. ping over the line. It was. however, touch-and-go with him, as the contact between hand, ball, and ground had been no sooner made than the leatbei shot nut from under the Newton three-quarters. Eaton kicked a good joal: Newton. 12; Grafton. 3. From :: the kick out the Grafton men became aggressive, but, they were not. allowed, to remain long on the attack, fast following up by Eaton smothering Mackenzie, and enabling the red and whites to again become ">«■»• gressors. Eaton tried tc pick up. but failed. ,'" •'■-;• iilid in a race between the Newton forward ?.•■ and Mackenzie, the latter showed most pace. '- . .oaching the leather, which had crossed the goal-line. just in time to prevent another ►core being registered against his side. he wearers of the ree 1 and white jersey* were, tow-ever, not to be denied, for th? ball was fpP'V-;" . •-. " : , \

"° sooner art play again than M. Gray, O Meara, and Howe, were associated in a passing rush that ended up in the last-named crossing the Grafton goal-lino. Eaton kicked an unmistakable goal from a somewhat difficult position: Newton, 17; Grafton, 3. Although only about half the spell had gone, it was quite cleat that Grafton's prospects of turning the tables were, to say the least, remote, as. although -they made two or three determined efforts and fought on stubbornly, Newton continued to have something the best of if. Working the ball into Newton's quarters a breach of the rules by a member of the red and white division gave Grafton a free, kick, but Kiernau, who was entrusted with the shot, failed to improve Uu.' score. They, however, kept the pressure up for some minutes, and the ball being sent along to King from the line out he broke through the defence with a dodgy run and got dangerously near the Newton goal-line before being grassed. From a scrum that followed MacCormiek forced his way to the line, but could not get the ball down, and aftei Clicksey. who was given a shot at goal from a free kick to Grafton, had robbed hi? side of a chance of scoring by placing the bail on the ground himselfthe kicker is allowed to show how he wishes the hall to be placed, but must not himself place it on the ground —Newton forced I heir way back beyond the half-way Hag. Loose, uninteresting play followed for some minutes, aftei which Rowc put Grafton on the defensive with a nice line kick, the ball going out near Grafton's corner flag. Attacking vigorously, they soon pin on another score. Lewis broke away, and passed to Trevarthen, who got ovci, The scorer took the kick, but laded, and the game ended immediately afterwards, Ncwtoc having won by 20 points to 3. NOTES. Being the first game of the season,, the play does not call for close or critical review. In point of weight, there appeared to be little or nothing between the opposing forwards, and though combined rushes were few and far between, and the scrummaging lacked system, the honours wire on the whole with the Newton vanguard, the members of which played with more dash and vim than their opponents, anil lasted longer. They, moreover, exercised better judgment than the Grafton seiiimmers, the latter more frequently committing the error of attempting to pick up the ball instead of keeping it at their feet when attacking. By so doing they lost two or three very fair chances of scoring. Both buck teams were naturally at sea in the first spell, the most noticeable weakness being the faulty handling of the ball in attack, but the Newton men dropped into their places more readily in the second spell than did the Grafton backs, and some of their passing rushes were very creditable. To -inn the situation up briefly, it seemed that the winners "knew a hit more" than their opponents, but it cannot be suggested that they were a 17 points' better team than Grafton. Taking the Newton barks individually, Rowe undoubtedly stood out as the best man on the ground, and he was ably backed up by .M. Gray (halfback) and A. Gray (wiug-threeqttartcr), the Newton half making some very nice openings, and getting in a lot of good defensive work. McKeyzie was easily the pick of the Grafton rear division, and did an immense amount of allround work, while Kiernan (halfback) showed a glimrjse of his old form, in the first spell, but tired perceptibly in the second half, being evidently above himself in the matter of condition. King played very well at fiveeighths. In the Newton forwards, Maekrell, Lewis, Trevarthan, ami Eaton stood out, while the most conspicuous of the Grafton vanguardsnien were It. McGregor and K. MacCormiek. Hooper and Rentou), new members of the Newton and Grafton packs respectively, showed a good deal of promise. Mr. Oram had charge of the whistle, and proved iom-elf a capable referee, CITY V. NORTH SHORE. AN EASY WIN' FOR CITY. (City, 19 points; North Shore, 3). The match between the City and North Shore first fifteens, played before some 1500 spectators upon the football grounds at Devoiiport, was, contrary to what was expected, altogether disappointing from a. spectacular point of view, the game being of a one-sided nature all through. Though the local men were considerably handicapped in the first spell by playing with the sun in their eyes, it could be seen that they were no match for their opponents, who had the advantage in the forwards. The City forwards, while they were heavier, were more conspicuous for their dash and combination and better following up. By this means the City forwards were able not only to overpower the opposing vanguard, but. also the backs, thereby spoiling (excepting on one or two occasions) all their Opportunities. Though somewhat dismayed by the fact that the visitors were able to register 15 points against North Shore's ml in the first spell, the local team's sympathisers still entertained some hopes for the • second spell, upon the ground that so soon as the teams changed ends their men would show up better. But in this they were disappointed, the play, notwithstanding the change, remaining for the most part in the home team's territory.

Shortly after play commenced the City forwards brought the leather away, centring the game in the Shore 25, where it remained for several minutes. Jackson at last, when matter* were being made exceedingly warm for North Shore, brought relief by kicking into touch near the 25 line. Jt_ was here that K. Wynyard made himself conspicuous by coming away with a fine dash, with the result that the scone of contest was transferred into the City'* quarters. After working the ball up to City's 25. Shore were penalised for offside play. Making the most of their advantage the City forward-, taking the ball ill North Shore's quarters, set up another determined onslaught upon their line, which ended in Mcllhone getting over on the corner. W. Tyler took the kick, but failed: City, 3 points; North Shore, nil.. North Shore's kick was returned by W. Tyler to half-way, where play remained for a few- minutes. W. Tyler then came away, and passing the North Shore forwards and also their backs, who. were mixed up among the vanguard, ■cored in a good position. The try was converted by 11. Nicholson: City, 8 points; North Shore, nil. Further play eventuated. Alter North Shore had been pressed hard for some lime Seeding, who was playing a splendid game, as also was 11. Wynyard for the Shore, dashed over the line and scored. A. Nicholson again took the kick, but failed: City, 11 points; North Shore, ml. Half-time was called shortly afterwards. The opening of the second spell saw the City forwards again invading Shore territory, but, they were driven back to neutral ground, where give-and-take play eventuated. With the contest; at mid-field the City men obtained a free kick. Mays, the Shore fullback, attempted to return, hut was prevented from doing so by O. Nicholson, who, following up admirably, charged the ball. Rebounding on", C. Little obtained possession and crossed. As the try was not converted the. score then stood at: City, 14 points; North Shore, nil. Renewing the attack the City team again scored, G. Nicholson getting over in a good position. W. Tyler converted: City, 19 points; North Shore, nil. Nothing further of a. sensational nature occurred until just on time, when the Shore men rallied. W. Wynyard. coining away from half-way, succeeded in getting past everybody, but not being so fleet of foot a- ono of the City back*, he was overtaken just when alrout to cuo-s the line. The City back held him, and fee this reason the referee (Mr. Katterns) awarded it try. The attempt at. goal was a failure. The game was thus won by City by 19 points to 5.

NOTES. Upon the Shore .side the man to show out most conspicuously was R. Wynyard, who, as a back, saved his team time and again, kicking and handling the ball admirably. The next best among the backs was Gerrard, who played a good, sound game. Mays, as fullback, did not show out very well, being evidently out of form. The best among the forwards were the Warbricks (?.). _ . Of the City hacks the men who shone out were A. Nicholson, F. Gladding, and V. Little. The best among the forwards were O. Nicholson and C. Seeling, who were responsible for most of the dash and energy displayed. George Tyler, although be did not do anything brilliant, was responsible for some hard work. PA KNELL V. SUBURBS. A WIN FOR PARNELL. (Parnell, 8; Suburbs, nil) Suburbs and Parnell met on No. 2 ground. The former won the toss, and their opponents kicked oft from the north end, Mcintosh returning. The maroons worked down to Suburbs' 25. where offside play gave them it free kick, and took them on to their opponents' line, the latter forcing. 'l'arnell got a passing run on, Sutherland relieving the pressure by finding the line at half-way. From a scrum near Parnell's 25 Hag Peach (five-eighths) broke away, and was nearly over. A scramble near their goal resulted in a free kick lor Parnell, which Peach marked. Glasgow took the kick from just inside the centre line, the ball being well directed, but falling short. Play reverted to neutral territory for a while. Suburbs' backs got a passing run on, which Mcintosh

spoilt by hanging on to tho ball too long. A few minutes later he repeated the mistake, though Sutherland was running alongside in a handy position on the line, and a Parne.il forward rush saw Suburbs in a tight place in their own 25. The pressure was relieved, but Twiuame got a mark, and Suburbs wore again on the defensive, and had to force. Elliott got. he. ball away from a scrum, but his backs failed to secure possession. Offside play gave Suburbs a free kick, but they dill not got fur up, l'anicll still maintaining the attack. Sutherland made a rush, and from loose piny Kiddle drop-kicked at goal, coming within an ace. of potting one. A little- later Parnell forced from a long kirk. Once, more the game was in neutral ground) for some minutes. Then the Shora brothers got a good gallop on, hut Riddle cleverly intercepted, and ran well up. .Peach got a mark, hut Todd's kick was not effective, and scrambling play ensued' in midlield. Just before the dose of the spell the Suburbs forwards rushed up to their opponent.-' line, hut a score was averted, and the bull wa« kicked out at half-way as the whistle went, neither side having scored. The first ten minutes of the second spell was practically confined to play in neutral territory, the maroons having if _ anything the advantage, and Suburbs forcing once. ; Then I'am ell pressed, and Brown making an opening sent the bail on to .McDonald, who transferred to L. Shora, and the last-named dashed cleverly over in the corner. lie took the kick himself, but failed to convert: Parnell 3, Suburbs nil. Parnell livened tilings up, and kept the suburbanites penned in to. a bit, the Parnell back division showing good combination and passing: well. The attack was well kept up, and the Parnell forwards took a hand. A dashing run by G. Shora saw that player streak ovci near flu* corner Hag. Foster converted with a beauty : Parnell 8, Suburbs nil. Following up the kick I.iddlo took a pot. from the field, but did not score, and Parnell forced. Suburbs played with a bit more determination, and staved off the opposition for a while, but their combination was not. as good as Parnell's. Shortly before the close of the game Suburbs invaded the maroons' territory, hut the defence was too superior, -ind when the whistle sounded play was in neutral ground. NOTES. The game was won by the better team, the Parnell players revealing much the better combination, whilst in the second spell their backs did excellent work, their passing being particularly good. Of the winning team Twiuame was the. pick at eentre-threequartor. lie showed plenty of dash, and got away once or twice. Roth Smith and McDonald supported him well on the wings, and the latter put in some timely and useful kicks. The fullback. Foster, was nor called upon very often, but when he v.as he answered all demands. Hi* successful kick at goal was beautifully directed.

The team played three halves, of whom L. and G. Slier? played spirited games. They shone well in company, and frequently put in some good attacking work. Both their tries were cleverly got. Brown (centre-half) was fairly good behind the pack, but was handicapped by the fact that the ball did not always come out cleanly to him. and he hail to scramble for it.

Taylor, on the wing, was always on tiro bull. Tlip forwards were a shade bettor in the park than their opponents, and also in open play ami in the* line-out^. Of the Suburbs team Peach, at fullback, had not a great deal to do, but shaped well. Kiddle (centre-threeqnarter) proved himself undoubtedly the best back on the ground. Ho was quick at picking up, kicked with either foot, and never lest a chance of potting at goal. Sutherland was the better of the threequarter "".tings, Mcintosh making mistakes. Peach (five-eightlis) played a good game for a colt. .He took bis passes veil, and was fast. Elliott (halfback) was game, but die is only a lad) was too light. Of the forwards Watts and Eraser shaped perhaps the- best. The rest were all grafters, but none were in specially good form. Plugge'%weigh< was missed in the park, that player being absent through an injury sustained on the previous night. SECOND FIFTEENS, Newton v. Grafton: Newton won by 24points (six tries, three converted) to nil. City v. North Shore: City won by 5 points (one try. converted* to 3 (one try). Parnell v. Suburbs: l'arnell won by 6 points (two tries) to 5 (one try. converted). THIRD FIFTEENS. Newton v. Grafton: Newton won by default. North Shore A v. North Shore 13: North Shore A won by default. Ponsonbr B v. Parnell: Pomonby won by 22 points, to 5. Pousonby A v. City: A draw, no .score. OUTSIDE MATCHES. A friendly gam., was played between the Pitt and Edwin and Alexandra Streetteams at Surrey Hills, and resulted in a win for the former by 11 points to nil. Nixon, CraftCS, and Ellis were, the scorers and Sinclair converted one try. For Alexandra O'Hara played a rite- game a iff I saved his side more than once. Montague, Church, Williams. Whittaker, and Ryan also did well. The teams tire under the Sunday-schools League, and the opening matches take place next Saturday.

FRANKLIN RUGBY UNION. The annual meeting of the Franklin Rugby Union was held in the library, Pukekohe, on Friday last, Mr. C. Munro in the chair. The balance-sheet for season 190* showed a credit balance of £7 15s sd. Two newclubs—the Drnry and Pokeno and Mercer United clubs —were admitted to the union. Mr. W. F. Massey, M.H.R., was ,e-el«cted president, Mr. W. Reid treasurer, and Mr. A. 11. Tapper lion, secretary. Six seniorteams and five junior teams were entered for this season's competition, tin- districts represented being Tuakau, I'ukekohe, Wairoa, Drury (senior team only), Pokono and Mercer United, and Bombay. PAEROA UNION MATCH [t'.V TELEGRAPH". —OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] Pakkoa, Saturday. The football sseason was opened in Paero;i. this afternoon, the senior cup match being between Suburbs and West, last year's cup winners. The game was fairly fast and very willing, but there was little scientific play shown. The result was a victory for Suburbs by 8 points to 3. For Suburbs Morrison obtained two tries, one of which was converted by Rickitt, while for West Sherson obtained a try. Tin! West team had the better back division, but the Suburbs forwards: were far superior to those of the opposing team. Mr. Flynn re forced satisfactorily.

BENEFIT MATCH AT MACKAYTOWN. [by TELEGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.] I'AKROA, Saturday. A football match was played at Maekaytown today between a Karaugahako team and the Thames Rovers as a benefit to the widow of the Into Mr. C. M.l).iff. of the Thames. The. Karangahake team, won by 6 points to 3. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. [riV TELEGRAPH.— I'RKSS ASSOCIATION-.] CttKisrcHi-Rcir, Saturday. The senior football competition was continued on Saturday afternoon in fine weather. Merivalo beat Christohirrch by 18 points (goal from try, one potted goal, three tries) to nil; Albion easily defeated Canterbury College by 33 points (six goals from tries and try) to nil; Sydenham beat High School Old Boys by 9 points (three tries) to nil. Dukedix, Saturday. In to-day's senior matches Southern' neat Pirates 19 points to ml, Alhambra beat Zillgari 12 points to 8, University beat Union 20 points to nil, Kaikorai beat Dunedin 3 points to nil. WELLINGTON, Satin day. In the senior football matches to-day Old Boys beat Melrose is- points to 10; Athletics beat Southern by 15 points to 3: Ponekc» beat. Wellington by 23 points to 3; Oriental beat Victoria College by 19 points to ml.

Till: AUSTRALIAN GAME. The Imperial rind Victoria Club teams played a match on the Kingsland ground on Saturday. The Imperials put a very strong team into the field, their most notable new men being Cumberland (St. Kilda), Webb (Geelong), Goodfellow (Norwood, Adelaide), and Moore (Kanowna, West Australia). The Victorias were not represented by their full team, but nevertheless put up. a tine performance by running their formidable antagonists to within two points. The Victorias were captained„i>y R. Gary, while the Imperials were led by B. Saudford. The Victorias, winning- the "toss, elected to kick with the wind, and owing to-fine ruck play by A. Buttle and Strange managed to keep their opponents on the defensive during the greater part of the quarter, the scores at the end of which were: Victoria, 2 goals, 3 bebinds; lin-

perials, 1 goal. In the second terra the Imperials soon asserted themselves, and .some fine high marking by Webb and Cumberland, together with Forster's roving and Birch's play in the centre, put them on level terms at half-time. During the second half the play was very even, and at times became very fast, and although the Victorias entered on their last quarter with ft lead oT 10 point?, they were unable to maintain their advantage and the Imperials ran out winners by 2 points. The scores were: —Imperial, 5 goals, 9 bohinds; Victoria, 5 goals, 7 belauds. On the Imperial side the best players were Cumberland, Webb, Birch, Forstcr, Sandford and Birch, while on the Victoria side best work was done by Gary, Pybus, Hyne and Buttle (2). Mr. Percy Lawson made a fast and impartial umpire.