THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13194, 4 June 1906, Page 7

THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

DISTRICT CUP MATCHES CONTINUED. WINS FOR CITY, POXSOXBY, AND NORTH fell OK K. The fourth matches in ilio Auckland Rugby Union cup competition wore played at Alexandra Park-(Epsom) and the North 'Shore ground on Saturday afternoon. The attendance Hi. Epsom was not so large as on the* previous Saturdays, he races at Ellerslie being- no doubt responsible. The principal match was that between City and Newton, and the former won after a fairly even game by 12 points to nil. On the. No. 2 ground the Poiisonby-Grafrou match was closely contested in the first spell, but Pousonby had matter- pretty much their own way in the second iijell, and ultimately won bv 17 points to nil. At North Shore the home team defeated IParnell by 10 points to nil.

CITY WIN AHAIN. (City, 12; Newton, 0.) • The mctch between City and Newton was played on No. 1 ground. ' City won the toss, and played with a slight wind 'and the sun behind them. The kick-off by Newton was returned by W. Tyler, and the ball went out at the centre. From the throw-in the Newton forwards came away with a rush, hut City blocked them ill their 25. From a mark Newton kicked out. At the line-out the ball was given to \V. Nicholson, who returned it to the centre. Here Farrant nipped a City rush in the bud by kicking out at the centre. The ball ■ travelled across the field, and several Newton forwards had it to themselves; but Smith cut in. and, securing, kicked the leather out at Newton's corner flag. From the kick-off City marked, and returned play to Newton ground. Here' W. Tyler, on the wing, secured, and had a good opening, but he was thrown out of hounds in time. After 'the throw-in the leather was given to U. Smith, who made ground, but a pass was missed,' and Rowe secured and averted danger, by kicking. Several scrums took place on the Newton line, from the latter of which Magee passed to Smith, who dodged, and then handed the ball to V. Little, who made a good run, and scored behind the posts. Magee kicked an easy goal City, 5. Newton forwards made a determined rush to City territory, but bad passing spoiled a good chance. O'Meara secured a mark,, but Taylor tailed at his effort at goal, the ball falling short. Seeling secured and transferred play to the centre. Newton attempted some passing, but no good resulted. From a scrum Young secured. and after making a dodgy run passed to W. Tyler, who was again thrown out. Play was in front of Newton's goal, when Smith secured from a bunch and kicked a fine goal; City, 9; Newton, nil. The kick-out was returned by City. Wolfgram and Hall secured, and between them carried, the ball to City's 25, but the leather was transferred to the centre. Seeling and Magee made some ground, but the Newton forwards came away with a dribbling rush; but they got in each other's way, and the advantage gained was immaterial. Smith secured the ball from the forwards, and transferred play to the centre. Hooper, who had been playing ii dashing game and following up well, came through by himself. Little tackled him, and securing the. leather returned the ball to Newton ground, when Freeman made a return just in time. A high punt, by City was missed by Taylor, but Howe secured and just sjved the City forwards from securing. Mctlhone started another City forward attack, but the ball was kicked a little too hard. Freeman secured, but kicked in front of his own goal. The Newton forwards packed round and saved what appeared a certain score for a time, when a penalty kick relieved Newton from further pressure. After some neutral play a passing rally took place between' Farrant, O'Meara, and A.. Rowe, but Wolfgram failed to take the ball, and what appeared a certain score was lost. The City forwards relieved the situation, and the play was in midtield when half-time was called. •....._•-,

Shortly after resuming the Newton players attacked warmly, but Cladding secured, and made a brilliant run nearly the whole length of the Held, being brought down.near the Newton line, by a couple of men. City kept Newton defending for some time, but off-side play by City enabled Newton to relieve themselves with a free kick. The City return was blocked, and Taylor started a passing rush, but Seeling secured and kicked out. From the throw-in the Newton backs secured, and started , a passing rush, but the City forwards smothered it. in their own 25, and the" play was taken to the centre. The Newton players attacked well for a short time, but they did not appear to be able to take advantage of their chances at the critical moment. Redwood followed up a kick well and ; almost blocked Woods' return, the later kicking out at centre. The Newton ' forwards secured and' started a dribbling rush, and, smothering Smith in his. attempt to' pick up the bail, had another chance to score: but too many attempted to secure the ball at once. Off-side tackling by City gave. Newton a free kick, and the latter; again took plav to their opponents' line. A good deal of "neutral play followed, and the -line was used, a good deal. Magee and Smith started a passing rush, but Cladding took, the ball off-side,,, and no'benefit resulted. " The City forwards then, took a turn at passing, and nearing the Newton line kicked. The .ball went over the line, and Freeman, instead of falling on the ball, made a kick at it, but missed. A City score appeared certain, but a Newton player .just-'. forced in time. From the kick-out City returned, and Farrant, O'Meara, Rowe, and Redwood mfde a good passing run, but the latter was tackled. The Citv forwards then transferred play to Newton territory, when Rowe made a good mark.

Shortlv after Magee, Smith, and Gladding made some ground bv another passing rush, l»u Roue again collared" the latter. A mark was .later secured bv Uowe in front of his goal, but a scrum was* ordered for off-side play. Here Magee, Smith, and Gladding made another attempt to score, but the latter was thrown out near the corner. In the line-out, Seeling secured, and dived across the line, scoring a, good try. G., Nicholson failed with a hard kick. City, 12.; • Newton, nil. The game, which had been a l'ttle late in commencing, was concluded in the dusk. No further plav of consequence occurred, and the City team left the field winners by 12 points to nil. NOTES. The game was not a brilliant exposition of football, and the form was not as food ?s that previously shown by the. competing teams. Although City won by 12 points ihe l>lay was very even; City would attack, and Xewfn return the compliment. Some poor passing was seen at times among, the City team; but the Newton men, who had handled the ball so cleanly the previous Saturday, were the greatest offenders in this respect. They failed to take advan- ' tage of a couple of good openings. City, ou the other band, made use of almost all their opportunities, although, as already stated, the hull might often have been better handled. Smith made some good openings, although well marked, and his Held goal was a tine .tit .of work. Gladding and Little were also good, and generally did what was required of them wtil. Magee 'fed his backs nicely, and Woods was safe. Seeling, and the Tylers (2), and Mdlhonc did good work among the forwards. Seeling being most conspicuous. The Newton backs were on even lot, and if anything Rowc showed 4o most advantage. U'Meara, Farrant, Wolfgram, Taylor, and Hooper were the best of the rest. Freeman made a couple of mistakes at fullback, the most noticeable being when he attempted to kick the ball instead of falling on it when it was over the line.. A mistake made by the Newton players on Saturday was that, on Hearing their opponents' line, too many attempted to secure the ball, and thus lime and good chances were lost.

PONSONBY BEAT GRAFTON. (Ponsonby, 17; Grafton, 0.) Playing against Ponsonby on No. 2 ground Grafton, with the wind in their favour, kickedoff towards the northern goal, and for some time the plav was uninteresting, Grafton were then penalised, and Francis took a shot at goal, but the ball went wide, and Grafton forced. A little later Ponsonby secured their 'first score, a forward rush taking the ball almost to the line, where Dunning secured, and breaking through scored. Wilson took the kick at goal and converted : Ponsonby, 5; Grafton, nil. With the ball in Play again Grafton got well within their opponents' 25 flag, and Huddleston, from a penalty kick, had a shot at goal, but failed. Grafton again attacked, and, aided by a good kick by Barclay, Ponsonby had to force. Ponsonby gradually 'worked the ball up the line, and got ■within Grafton's 25 . flag. Grafton, however, were successful in beating the blue and blacks back, and later bad a good chance to score, but were too slow in taking the advantage, Ponsonbv livened, and a good kick by Francis caused Grafton to force. The spell ended without further score. ■ Ponsonbv were penalised in the opening stages of the second spell, and Huddleston .iad a tbot at goal, but failed. The ball was secured by' Barclay, who kicked over the line, but the Grafton fullback ran out again and found the lice. From the throw-in a scrum was. formed "lose to the line. A little lively play followed, and Carnahan securing made it look like a score. but he was pushed out. A combined rush by the I'onsonbvites, in which Francis and 'Dunning were prominent, reversed the order of things and put Grafton on the defensive. Grafton seemed momentary relief from a penalty kick. Ponsonby again attacked, and a general scramble nisued, in which it looked as if Ponsonby would force themselves over the line, but the ball c> ming from the thick went out near the corner Hag. Ponsonbv opened the game out a little, and Hill, getting possession, passed to Carlaw, who ran round and scored. Francis took the kick, but failed to majorize: Ponsonby,. 8: Grafton, nil. Grafton attacked, but a couple of penalty kicks to Ponsonby relieved them. From a general scramble and close play Francis fell over the line. The kick at goal being unsuccessful, the score stood: Ponsonby, 11; Grafton, nil. Another series of rushes by Ponsonby eventuated in Carlaw gathering in the leather and scoring. Wilson's attempt, to majorise was unsuccessful: Ponsonby, 14; Grafton, nil. Invigorated by their success Ponsonbv again drove Oration back into their goal, where, after a series of scrambles, Dunning tell over the line, . and Wilson took the kick at goal, but failed. A minute later the bell rang It was then exceedingly dark for football, and Ponsonby left the field victors by 17 points -to nil. NOTES. The match was bv no means interesting. In the first spell the 'Grafton forwards were successful in keeping the game very close, tiic strategy of the movement showing good .judgment, for'their backs, as a whole, were indifferent. On the other hand, the Ponsonby forwards invariably seemed an advantage when they were able to feed their backs. The. winners, however, did not reallv show' marked superiority until the latter half'of the second spell, when they made the came more open, There was a lack -of-passing .runs there being only three worth mentioning

during the afternoon. The line-kicking on both aide* wag very good, but the kicking at goal lacked accuracy. The forward* on both sides were very even, making it somewhat difficult to individualise. .Perhaps the beet, of the Ponsonbyites were Francis, Dunning, and Williams, although the firstnamed did not show to such advantage as lie usually does. A. Hill, at halfback, played a capital game, and was one of the best men on his side. Baler and Carlnw shaped well in the threeniuirler line, and Wilson at times was good. lilakev, at fullback, played a very fair game. The lirafton forworn* all worked hard. T. Marshall, at halfback, was one of the most useful men of his side, and Carnahan, in the threequarter line, gave a good account of himself. tiiirrluy at times also showed to advantage. White, at fullback, played a sound game, and frequently saved his Hide whet- in difficulties. Blakey. at live-eighths, showed .fair form.

rARNELL BEATEN BY NORTH SHORE. 3 (North Shore 10 points, Pavnell nil.) The North Shore-l'arnell match was played at Dcvonport in the presence of a fair attendance of spectator*. North Shore won the toss and played with the sun at their backs and a light •southerly wind in 'their favour. I'arnell kicked off and" sent the leather into Shore's territory, but only to find it returned again. Shortly afterwards a capital run by 'R. Wynyard took | the ball into the maroons' 25, where Y. Woodward secured, hut was grassed when near the goal-line. Matters looked ugly for I'arnell. but si mark brought relief, the ball being Mud to midtield. ft. Wynyard picked up and carried the leather back info Parnell territory, gaining considerable ground. A scrum took place, and Warner getting hold of the ball passed it along to I'. Oerrardi who transferred ,to W. Wynyard, and 'he latter, alter beating a couple of men, scored near the goal posts. I). Miller took the kick and landed a beautiful goal:' North Shore 5, I'arnell nil. On resuming the maroons worked their way to Shore's 25, where 1.. B. Todd obtained a' mark, but little use was-made of it. For offside plav Paruell were, awarded » tree kick, and although Todd failed to find the crossbar he made a good attempt. I'arnell continued to force matters till a free kick gave Shore relief, and Jackson then took the ball to midfield, where he transferred to Gerrard. '1 he latter, however, failed to take the pass, but the green-and-white forwards came to the rescue and wept- the leather beyond their opponents' 2a. Parnell retaliated, mid Todd chasing the ball from a high punt had the green and whites oil the defensive. Miller came .to the rescue, and, picking the ball up, he darted across the field, where ho kicked hard, finding the line near the half-wav peg. £;W. Wvnvard then attempted to not a. goal, but without success. Shore rallied ind rushed the leather into Parnell ground, where a mark again saved the maroons, the ball being sent to about half-way. The whistle shortly afterwards sounded for halt-time, no'further score having been registered. ''-..; After changing ends play was in the maroons 25 until a good rush be I'arnell took the oval down to the green and whites' 25. • This roused North Shore, and. attacking hotly, they were soon back in IMrnell'a ground, where they kept nil the pressure for some time, but failed to score. - Paruell then obtained the leather and sen! if to midfleld, where Millet marked and relumed. The maroons came away with a tremendous rush, sweeping the ball down . the field

almost to the Shore goal-line. A scrum followed, and North Shore getting the advantage recovered some of the lost ground. W. Joyce ryot possession and made a good opening, hut he was nicely grassed by Todd. For offside play on tie- part'of Paruell the green and. whites were given a free kid;, but the shot failed, and i'arnell forced. From the kick-off It. and W. Wynvard indulged in some splendid passing, hut the latter was collared when near Parnell's goal-line. W Joyce chipped in and snapped up the oval, scoring near the posts. Miller was again entrusted with the kick- and landed a capital goal: North Shore 10. rarnell nil. 'Hie maroons rallied and came away with a- beautiful run. Smith being thrown into touch a few. yard* from Shore's goal-line: The hall was soon back at midtield, where give-and-take play took place until Gerrard gathered up the ball and gained ground for Shore with a nice • run. The game ended shortly afterwards, the score .standings North Shore" 10, rarnell nil. NOTES. The match was not very interesting in the first spell, but improved in the second half. The backs on .both sides indulged in a good deal of passing, which at times was clean, but the movements were not always well executed. The scrummaging was (air. and the Shore- forwards had something the advantage, putting in more solid work than their, opponents. For the winners D. Miller, at fullback, played a sound and useful game, making no mistakes. His goalkicking was very creditable. The Wynyard Brothers and tierrard were the pick of the backs, and were, well supported by Woodward, who, however, is inclined to hang to the ball too long. W. Wvnyard's try was the result of a nice dashing run. In the forward division W. Joyce stood out prominently, playing a capital came throughout. Warner and Vosper also did good work, and Reynolds, who was making his first appearance this season, shaped very well. He should be a useful man to North Shore with a little more training. Although defeated. rarnell plaved a stubborn game and 'at times kept the Shore busy defending. Their fullback (Poangn.) played a moderate game. Todd was responsible for a sound display at five-eighths, but marred his attacking plav at times bv clinging to the ball too long. Smith, Marriott, and Twiname got in some, neat and useful work, and all three handled the hall cleanly in the passing rushes. Twiname also secured several marks, which proved serviceable to his team. The forwards, who were as a "whole not ■ nuite so ' heavy as their opponents, showed fair combination. A. White was noticeable pn many occasions in starting rushes. 'the others Worked well throughout.

*■ SECOND FIFTEENS. North Shore' v. Parnell: North Shore won by 5 points to nil. Sprngg secured a try, which was converted by Willits. Grafton v. I'onsonby: Grafton won by .9 points to nit. • Newton v. Cite: Newton won by 3 points to nil. 7_ " THIRD FIFTEENS., North Shore v. City: This match was a draw, neither side scoring. ' ' ' '' Parnell v. Newton: Parnell beat Newton by the substantial margin of 15 points to nil. Ponsonby v. Grafton : Ponsonby won from Graf ton by default, the latter not placing a team in the field. FOURTH • FIFTEENS. Ponsonby v. Grafton: This game was drawn, both teams scoring three points. Parnell v. North Shore: Parnell beat North Shore by 15 points to 3. .. PUBLIC SCHOOLS MATCHES. . ■ A GRADE. Onehunga teat Devonport by 6 points to 3. Ponsonbv brat Nelson-street by 30 points to nil. Grafton'beat Parnell by 15 to nil. Newton East beat Pitt-street by 8 to nil. Rsmuera beat Mount Eden by 12 to nil. Hcresiord-strect beat Richmond Road by 3 to nil. ' B GRADE. Ravfield beat Mangcre by 11 to nil. Epsom beat. Chapel-street by b to nil. Newmarket- beat Ellerslic by 3 to nil. ■•' SUNDAY-SCHOOLS' LEAGUE. United A v. Pirates A : United won by 11 points to 3. ', , Surrey A v. St. Patrick's: Surrey won by 6 points to nil, Carter and Florey scoring. St. Matthew's Is v. Selwyn: This match was won by St. Matthew's by 6 points to 3... Ellison and OHare scored for the winners, while Foster kicked a penalty for the losers. . Pirates C v. Surrey B: Surrey won by 11 points to nil.

„„ OTHER MATCHES. Coronation v. Central: This match was played on the Outer Domain, and was won by the Coronation team by IV points to 5. For the winners Westdll scored three tries and Peachy, two. Bruce converted one try. h. Robinson and' D. Matthews played well tor the Coronation team. Insurance v. Hanks:, A match will be played this afternoon at Devonport between teams representing- the Auckland insurance offices . and banks. The teams are ■ws follows:—lnsurance offices: Duthio,-Barslow, Hownrlh, Brassey, Dean, Price, Harrison. lliilliwell. Sellars, Cooper, Totlon, ' lloisley. Prime, Boylan, Clay; emergencies, Howe, Williamson, Lennox. Banks: Fullback W. Fiver: threequarters, 'W. Carudus, X. Hauria. 25. Dignan : live-eighths, N. Hamlin : halfback W. Spenco; wings, AV. Brown and N. Hobbs; forward*, Wallace, Alexander, Z, Kertoti, _. Wvatt, N. Cotton, W. Dellow, Beaic: emergencies, Heniniiuffway, Davidson, W. liealc. MacMurray. ~~>

THAMES BEAT riAKO 11 rOINTS TO NIL. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN UOJtKESrOSPKST.] Thames, Suudir. The first inteMiniou football match of Hip reason was plated at Parawai on Saturday, the opposing team's being the Thames and Piako representatives. The Piako I'uiou. which embraces Te Aloha, Wailiou, and Moirinevillc, is .now affiliated to the Thames Union, and should ! strengthen the hitter's representative team in future matches against the Auckland and other teams. The game, which was very stubbornly contested, resuUed m a win for Thames by 11 points to nil. In the. first spell, after some even plav, Thames worked the hall to Piako's line, and Autridge- snapping up the hall wriggled across the line. Winder took the kick at gonl, but failed to add the extra points. In the second spell Thames showed somewhat improved form, and it was mainly a forward game, the backs having but little to do. When the ball did, however, come out some nice bouts of . passing were seen. Eventually the leather reached Kingham, who scored. Winder again took the. kick, and this time placed a splendid goal. He also made a good attempt from a mark secured by Harvard, the ball hitting the bar, and dropping buck into play. Towards the end of the game Thames secured (he upper hand, but the Pinko players tac led solidly and kept their opponents out until C.ioat secured the ball and darted over the line'. Vi goal resulted, and the game ended: Thames, 11 points: Piako, nil. Hayward, Antridge, Spencer, and Kingham played well, for Thames, arid Wilson, Milliard, Winter, and Lipsey were prominent for l'iako. Mr. C. Johnston gave every satisfaction as referee. WAIHI BEATEN BY I'AEROA. [BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] Paeroa, Saturday. The l'aeroa and Waihi Unions' senior teams played at l'aeroa this afternoon. The Waihi team were decided favourites, hut, an interesting contest resulted in favour of Paeroa by 11 points to i. The Waihi representatives were the first to scoie, a good passing inn between Morgan, Landy. and Thomas resulting in a try being obtained by the latter, bandy's kick at goal was pointless. 'Towards the end of the first spell

Paeioa were Awarded a. free kick m ■■< stood position, and Brenan sent the ball between the'Uptights, the spell thus ending with the hoi onis earn". In the second half Sherson (gaeroa) obtained a try. after a good run and »'«"''» converted. Shortly afterwards Pacroa again scored, after the best passing run of the Jay. the ball going from Brenan to Smith to rJyun 10 Sileock to Daldy, who scored between the posts. Prelum's kick at goal failed, and there being no further score Taenia won by 11 points to J. VTaihl had the best of the first spell, hut i the second half the Paeioa men turned the tallies. The Waihi forwards were better in the serum and line-work, and the l'aeroa men were seen to advantage in the open. .Smith and •'•*"; were the best of the Pacrou back,, who all l.lived well. Sileoe.U was undoubtedly the •>• ■ *' Wilis forward'on Hie ground, and Collins «•'« the pick of the part. Morgan. at ff-ergb ;- for Waihi, placed « splendid gome, while toslti and Landy (tiireeqiiaiters) also put in a .01 good work. Of a -solid lot 0 forwards Poland and Hamilton were perhaps the best. Mr. *<!- guson, of the Thames, was referee, and gave entire satisfaction.

KARAXG.MIAKB V. WAIKJNO. [BY TEI.ECRArB.-OWK COP.riESPO.VDEST.) W.uhi, Saturday. The Waikino and Karangahake representative learns met to-dav, and the match resulted hi an easv win for' Karangahake by 21" points to nil. ' SOUTIIfeISX CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington", Saturday. The senior football matches were played to-day in excellent weather. Results:—l'etone (?) beat Old Bovb (3); Athletic (8) beat Wellington (3); Melrose (33) beat Southern (nil); I'oneoC (16) heal Victoria College (nil). Chmstchurch-, Saturday. The senior football competition was continued to-dav, with the follow results:—Merivale beat Chris'lehurch bv 8 points to nil; Albion bent Linwood 24 points to 3; Old Hoys heat Canterbury College 51 points to 3; Sydenham best Kaiapoi 21 to nil. Di'XEDiN, .Saturday. The senior football matches played ■: to-day resulted as follows:—Alhambra heal Port Chalmers bv 17 points to 8; Kaikorai (17) beat Union (3): University (9) beat Southern (nil); Duuedin (9) best Zingari-Richmond (6). ' ' THE ASSOCIATION GAME. SATURDAY'S CUP MATCH- RESULTS. ■ The Auckland Football 1 Association cup matches were continued on Saturday afternoon, and some interesting; sanies were witnessed. The results arc appended. NORTH SHORE (3 GOALS) V. I'ONSONBY (0) North Shore kicked.off with the wind behind them, and Ponsonby securing the leather rushed the Shore goal. From a coal kick play was transferred to the centre, and there the Shore forwards started a -.. '1, but a hard, kick prevented the chance of a '"fcee;:?, aud Ritchie relieved. fiive and take plav followed for some time in Ponsonbv's half, and from a scramble in front of goal' ball bounded off Lee through his own (Ponsonbv) goal: .North Shore, 1 goal; POll- - 0. From this on to the end of the spell North Shore did most of the attacking, but no addition was made to the score. When the second spell opened Ponsonby attacked, but Bayly, saved, and kicked well down the field. For some, time play was interesting, Ponsonbv striving hard to score, but without success.' Bavlv. proving very safe in goal. The Shore forwards then started a dribbling rush, and from a good shot by (Jotidie the ball bounded off the Ponsonbv goalkeeper, and Gondie, following lip, scored Shore's second goal : North Shore, 2 goals; Ponsonbv. 0. From the kick-off Shore started attacking 'again, but Ritchie relieved, and play was transferred (0 centre again, (live and take plav followed tor some time, but just before the close, of the game Goudie scored North Shore's third goal from a good shot: North Shore, 3 goals; Ponsonby. 0. For the winners Bavlv (goal), Wright and Harding (fullbacks) played well. The pick of the forwards were Ooudic Harvey, and Harrison. Ritchie (I'onsonby) was very safe, and Taberner showed good form. CORINTHIANS (3 GOALS) V. THISTLE (2 GOALS). This match was played at the Kingsland Cricket Ground in the presence 01 a fair number 01 spectators. The game had not been 111 progress ■'many minutes before, from a scramble, Hustle scored. Corinthians shortly afterwards equalised matters, the result of a splendid kick by Sale. Towards the end.of the spell West, with a good shot, scored Corinthians' second goal. Jhe second spell "was very even fill about half-way through, when Mikkolsen sent, in a hard shot, making: Corinthians, 3 goals; Thistle, I goal. Plav. was now very exciting, and' from play near the Corinthians' goal Gardiner scored. there was no alteration during the remainder of the game, and the whistle sounded with the score: Corinthians. 3 goals; Thistle,. 2 goals. Of the Corinthians' team Sale. Foreshow. Mikkelsen and Pyle plaved well, while for Hustle Meldrum, Ritchie, and Hart were most prominent. SECOND GRADE. North Shore v. Tabernacle: This match was •won North Shore" by 6 goals to 1.- The game was nil' interesting one. For the winners May (3). Macky, Galbrr.ith, and Stone were the scorers. WYMI "A" v. Olvmpic: W.Y.M.I, won by 2 goals to 1. Goodings scored for Olympic, and Whitehead, for .W.Y.M.1., obtained a goal from a pcnaltv. In the second spell Winslone scored with a fine shot from the wing. Olympic were plaving one man short. Ivanhoe v. W.Y.M.I. "IV: Ivanhoe won by 6 "oals to 1. Ivanhoe forwards played well, and owing to the weak play of the W.Y.M.I. backs were allowed to score as they liked. C. Eyre obtained the goal for W.Y.M.J. THIRD GRADE. North Shore v. Grafton :■ North Shore won by 2 goals to one. The game was fast, and interesting and Prime and Towushrnd were the scorers for the winners. Marty, Macky, and Smith played well for North Shore, and lieehan showed good form for Grafton. •". . Arawn v. Sunuvside: This match ended 111 a draw, neither side scoring. Had it not been for A. Oslloriie, who played a sterling game in goal, Sumivside might have been beaten. W.Y.M.I. v. Standard: The former won by 3 goals to 2. - THE AUSTRALIAN GAME.

AUSTRALS V. IMPERIALS. The Austral? and Imperials met on Saturday for the first, time this season in lie Wai W'ai shield competition, and in anticipation of a good game there was 11 large attendance, of spectator*. Both teams were confident of success and put their best men in the field, and the result, was the finest game seen for sonic time. The Imperials, who were led by Wilson, . went off from the start with a line burst of speed, and (ilenister, their crack goal-kicker, being placed in possession of the ball, he notched 6 points with a. splendid kick. They maintained the upper.hand for some time through the good ruck worlt of Stevens and Lawton. -The Austrnls, however, .then rallied, and through the passing tactics of Ininan and Moss noon equalised the scores. The Imperials, not to be denied, soon had the ball in their opponents' quarters, and scored again. The supporters of each side were treated 10 an exhibition of fine, .open, and fast play on both sides. Australs, playing good, combined football, -scored again, twice in succession, and the close of the first spell left them 10 points in the lead. The second half of the game was quite as even, and it became evident that .1 grand struggle for victory was to be witnessed. The "spectators were worked up to a high pitch of excitement at each score, and their rousing cheers to the players had the effect of adding to the vim and keenness of the game. Last vear's premiers were undoubtedly, tiring at the finish, while the Imperials were playing Willi great heart, and had all ' the best of the play in the last ten minutes, but just failed to "secure the coveted victory, Austral winning bv the narrow margin of 2 points. The final scores were: Austral,. -7 goals 12 > behind*: Imperials, 6 goals, 15 behind*. For the winners the best men were Ash, lonian, Moss.'Callinaii, \bfalter, arid Wadsworth. whilst Stevens. Wilson, Lawton. Robinson, and Spence worked' splendidly for Imperials. JUNIOR URADE. The match between the 'Austral and Grafton learns proved very exciting. At half-time Austral bad a lead of two points, and finally w|>n by 7 points. For the winners A. Ecttis (captain), C. Cotton, and Cole played good games, while for the loeeis 11. Forstcr (captain). I). lieiuy. Rutherford (2), and Sloman were most . prominent. , .