FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14692, 29 May 1911, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS.

UNIVERSITY NOW LEADING. I

The Auckland Rugby Union's club championship matches wore advanced another stago on Saturday, when tho third round of the senior grade was played. Tho heavy rain of Friday night and Saturday morning gavo promise of a disagreeable afternoon, but about midday rain ceased, and the grounds drying quickly tho conditions were much better than anticipated. Thoro was somo good football seen at Alexandra Park, whero about 2000 persons congregated. Tho match between University and Farnoll was responsible for some very bright play, whilo the contest between Marist Brothers' Old Boys and Ponsonby was strenuous and exciting. University by defeating Parncll have a clear lead for tho senior championship, they having secured threo successive wins.

The match between University and Parnoll resolved itself into a duel between brilliant backs, and fast, heavy forwards, and in this instance the backs won. Tho game was played in good sporting spirit, and the students oventually scored 14 points to Barnoil's 5. The scorers for the winners wore Gray (2), Shepherd, and Macky, the latter converting ono try. Hansch scored a try for Parncll, which Ilardwicko converted.

The Marist Brothers' Old Boys met a Ponsonby team, which was weakened by the withdrawal of Francis and Morse, who have gone over to the Northern • Union game. Tho former won after a strenuous game by 6 points to 3. Tries woro scored for tho winners by J. O'Brien and Curran, and for tho losers by T. Bater. Ponsonby were also unfortunate in losing J. O'Lcary in the third quarter. He received a kick on the head which required surgioal attention, and prevented him taking tho field again. Oity had an unexpectedly easy win over Grafton by 18 points to 3. Tho scorers for City woro Healy, Fako (2), and Stewart, who. obtained tries, while Fitzgerald converted one try, and "potted" a goal. Harper kicked a penalty goal for Grafton. Tho matches of the four junior grades were played as well as the public schools' competition.