FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15659, 13 July 1914, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

UNIVERSITY DEFEATS PONSONBY.

CITY BEATS COLLEGE RIFLES. RESULTS. University, 1-1. v. Ponsonby, 0. City, 16, v. College Rifles. 8. The Auckland Rugby Football Union's competition? woro continued on Saturday in fine weather but on heavy grounds. Much in-k-rest is l l eing this season in the senior grade contests therefore it was not surprising, in spito of counter attractions and tho threatening nature of the weather at mid-diiy, that tho attendance at Eden Park should number about 5000. The main attraction was (ho meeting of the University and Ponsonby teams on No. 1 ground. A win to the former team meant at least a tie for championship honours. Tho student back division was rearranged and it was perhaps duo to thii reason that they gave a very much better display than they havo done for weeks. The result of tho game was surprising, for University won by the wide margin ,if 11 points, the large total being duo to tho winners' ability to make the most of such opportunities as offered rather than to tho fact that they had the best of th« run if piny. Ponsonby attacked as often as University but there was no finish to their work. Wilson, two. Macky and Geddes scored tries, cno of which was converted by Lambert.

Lily defeated Coil-Re Rifles by 1G points to 8 after an even garno in which tho losers showed surprising dash and at times kept the City team unexpectedly busy defending. Stewart, three, and Bums scored tries for City, two of which were converted by Barclay, while Sutherland and Hill scored tries for College Rifles, one of which was converted by Yates.

The University (cam has now finished its second round of matches and must either tie for or win the championship. The City team, with two points less, has yet to play Maiist Brothers Old Boys and the result of this match will decide whether a play-off between City and University will bo necessary. Ponsonby is now out of the running. The takings at Eden Park on Saturday were £C 6 03.

The positions of the senior grade teams are now as folows: —

Points Chp. P. W. L. D. For Agst, Pts University .9 6 1 2 45 19 14 City ,•• .. 8 5 1 2 56 16 12 Ponsonby .. 8 4 3 1 63 45 9 Marist Bros. 8 3 4 1 31 46 7 College Rules 8 i 6 — 44 71 4 PONSONBY V. UNIVERSITY. The day was fine, with no wind, when tho teams lined out, but the ground was heavy and the setting sun shone in a manner annoying to the players facing the western goal. The Ponsonby team won the toss and decided to play with the sun at their backs The University team was slightly different to that announced, Forsdick playing fullback and Wilson as wing-threequarter. ' The first incident after the kick-off was a free kick to 'Varsity for lifting in the scrum. Lambert's kick went down-field, and the charging forwards prevented the return from coming far back Tho Ponsonby forwards, by a series of loose rushes, carried play into the students', twenty-five, where for a moment matters looked dangerous for 'Varsity, but Ross went down under the forwards in good ' stylo and stopped the rush. 'Varsity got relief, and the forwards, headed by McLean, carried play to Ponsonby's twenty-five, where Murray stopped the lush. 'Varsity at tempted a passing ran, Ross shot tho ball out to Geddeii, who sent on to Gray, but the pass was poor and Ponsonby got relief. A few moments later, Inkster and Ross did some pretty in-and-out passing down the touchline. The ball worked across-field, and Macky made a dash, but lost his footing on the slippery ground. The 'Varsity forwards took a hand, and carried the ball to near tho posts, when Gray secured and tnnt out a difficult pass to Lambert, who took the ball cleverly and transferred it to Wilson, who raced over fh'i line and scored near the corner. He took the kick at goal himself, but failed in the attempt: —

University „ ... S Ponsonby 0 From the kick-out, Ponsonby carried play into 'Varsity's territory, where a good kick by Candy was well taken by Forsdick, who found touch. Play remained in 'Varsity's half, from where Geddes broke away. He was accompanied by Inkster, and the ball was taken to Ponsonby's twenty-five, where the rush was stopped, and play returned to mid-field. The Ponsonby backsClarke, Mur ray and A. McGregor—were associated in a passim run which carried play to within syds of the goal-line The tall was sent to Candy, who knocked-on, with a certain try in sight. The play remained in the corner until the first quarter ended with the acore:— University 3 • Ponsonby 0 The second quarter opened with an exchange of play about raid-field, but eventually Fioss broke away. The ball went to Macky, who was well tackled by Avery.. Play was removed to mid-field, where Ross secured again, and after a dashing run, kicked tc O'Leary. He was caught with the ball, and ; made a very poor attempt to hold it. Bilkey snapped up the leather and, diving across the line, scored near the corner flag. Lambert failed at goal:— University ... 6 Ponsonby 0 The play was very exciting or resumption, for the 'Varsity backs were throwing the ball about a lot, and another try was only missed by a knock-on. Ponsonby forwards, led by ' Avery and Munro, removed play to "Varsity's twenty-five, whi:re a clever line-kick was made by O'Leary, and this was followed by onus of A. McGregor's characteristic runs. Ponsonby continued to press, but 'Varsity's defence was sound, and eventually Giay, with a near kick, found touch at the 2i;yds flag. Play worked to mid-field, where' it remained for some time, until a loos? 'Varsity forward rush carried the ball to near Ponsonby '• postn. Thj attack of 'Varsity's backs failed to materialise, but *hey kept up the pressure and. Gray securing, Rent out to Lambert, who passed to Wilson, and tho latter raced down the touch-line, over at the corner, and then round behind the posts. His kick at goal wag poor:— University , 9 Ponsonby , 0 The Ponsonby team raced down-Sold frorr the kick-out and, Forsdick fumbling, A. McGregor and Murray were on him, but the ball went into touch and saved the situation. Ross dashed though and passed to Macky. whj was well tackled by O'Leary. Play worked across-field, where a promising Pon fionby passing run vas spoiled by a low pass sent ft cm Candy to A. McGregor. The ball was kicked along the ground through the Ponsonby backs and Lambert, outpacing the opposition, got to the ball first. lie lost control of it and A. McGregor, with a clover leftfoot speculator, found touch at mid-field. Half-time was called with the score: — University 9 Ponsonby 0 At the opening of the third quarter, the Ponsonby for.vardi were prominent, and play v,as carried into tho students' twenty-five. A loose 'Varsity forward rush carried play to thoir opponents' twenty-fivo, where Geddes secured the ball and sent it on to Lambert. The latter passed to Macky, who raced over the line near the corner, and scored 'Varsity's fourth try. Lambert converted with a magnificent kick, and the score was:— University 14 Ponsonby 0 Play remair ed about mid-field for somttime after resumption, an exchange of kicks being the main feature. Marks by 'Varsity backs gave Lambert chances lo r,hnv; his kicking powers. A kick by Ponsonby saw the backs charged down, but a clever run by Wilson carried play 50yds up-field. He was not well barked up by his men, and his pass did not reach Gray, his nearest attendant. The ball was carried back to near 'Varsity's goal-line, but Ponsonby could put no finish to their attacks and the siege was raised The ball was curried almost tho full length of the field by the 'Varsity team, and Ponsonby was glnd to force to pain relief. After a spoil of play at mid-field, the Ponsonby hookers got tho ball in the scrum, and Clarke Bent on to Candy, who kicked to Forsdick The latter was caught with the ball, and piny was removed to 'Varsity's corner, whore —for "rabbiting" on the part of a Ponsonby player—the defending team was given a free kick. Little advantage was gained by the kick, but from the resulting line-out 'Varsity forced. Play was at mid-field when the Quarter ended, with the score: — University 14 Ponsonby ... 0 Ponsonby attacked at the opening of the last qrarter, but a promising passing mn was spoiled by a dropned pass. Play kept in the students' half, nrd a free kick was given Pon sonby for obstruction. The ball was eventually carried to Ponsonby's territory, principally by forward rushes led by Bilkey Ponsonby now had no hope of victory, but they were still getting their share of the ball, and were on the attack as often as they were defending, They set up a ragged attack on

Varsity line, and the pressure was kopt on, but clever saves by Forsdick, followed by a plucky mark by Inkster, gainod relief for the students. From the following play Wil son kicked hard through the Ponsonby' backs., nnd, the ball sticking in the swamp, Wilson reached it before the opposing full-back and kicked it down-field again. Stewart beat him in the race for tJio boll, and the situation won saved. In the following play J. McGregor secured and, racing to 'Varsity's fullback, punted over his head. The ball was we l ! marked by Wilson and. following the kick, a forward rush led by Bilkey carried play to Ponsonby'i lino. A series of forward rushes transferred play to the other end of the field in quick time, but a force by Ross prevented a Ponsonby score, and the game ended: — University 14 Ponsonby 0 Mr. D. Miller was referee. CITY V. COLLEGE RIFLES. With a clouded sun and no appreciable wind College Rifles kicked off against City on No. 2 ground, which, as a result of the preceding game, had large patches of mud visible. College Rifles wero early on the defence as a result of their opening dash being frustrated by a good kick by Lowe, Failure to field the ball by Burns let Collego Rifles in, but an infringement in the scrum enabled City to clear to half-way, where, with both sets of forwards working strenuously, some exciting play ensued. The ball came through to City from the scramble, and Godfrey, quick to seize tho advantage, sent it out to Lowe, but his pass to Campbell was intercepted, and the movement ended. City's efforts, howovor, were scon rewarded with a free kick, which provided an unsuccessful attempt at goal by Lowe. The rod and blacks still assumed tho aggressive, and Campbell was conspicuous in opening up a pretty passing bout, but Stewart was well tackled near the blues' goal-line. Hero a fruitless attempt at goal was essayed by D. Stewart, and College Rifles cleared. The blues' forwards wore now asserting themselves in the loose, and by their bustling play prevented Burns from kicking, and a scramble took place on City's line, but Moffit saved with a lucky force. Fine forward dashes by City kept the blues on the defensive for some time until two forces in succession gave relief. From the second kick-out. Hansch, Pountney and company were responsible for tho scene of play being transferred to City's quarter, where loose scrambling was the order until Sellars secured and threw the ball infield. Sutherland was handy, and, after having dribbled the ball a few yards, ho picked up and scored near the posts. Yates converted, and immediately afterwards the first Quarter ended with the score:— College Rifles 6 City 0 Fine footwo?k by Lowe was the opening feature of tho second quarter, but his attempts to handle the ball on College Rifles' line enabled D'Audney to luckily force. City soon returned to tho attack. Campbell obtained from the loose and transferred to . Burns, to Stewart, who dashed over near the corner. Barclay's kick rebounded from the post:

College Rifles 5 City 3 City's close tactics now proved too solid for the blues, and play gradually receded to their lino, where Godfrey opened up an attack and the ball went right through his backs to D. Stewart, who scored in the same position as previously. Barclay's kick was successful—

City 8 College Rifles 5 Continuing their close play, City were again invading College Rifles' territory, until King pulled thorn up with a kick to tho touch-line. An infringement by the red and blacks in a subsequent scrum further assisted the blues to remove play nearer centre, where the ball was kicked right across the ground to Stewart, who fiolded nicely, and, with a strong dash and cut in. scored a good try. Barclay's kick at goal failed, and half-time was called soon afterwards, with the scores:—

City n College Rifles 5 A loose rush by City forwards from the opening kicks caused College Rifles to force early in the second half. Counter-move-ments, assisted by a free kick for off-side play by French, enabled College Rifles to approachi City's line, but a force was the result, fhe blues continued to attack, and, from a scramble in City's quarter. Wittner secured and sent the ball out to Barker, to Hill, who struggled over and scored. Yates's kick at goal failed, and the scores were:—

City n College Rifles 8 The successful defence of the blues was responsible for checking the repeated attempts by City to increase the score, until a breach gave Ltiwe a fruitless attempt at goai. A clearance by King was only temporary, for fine passing by both City's backs,and forwards saw the ball go into touch-in-goal. With solid defence and individual dashes the blues were able to shift play to , centre, when the third quarter ended with no alteration in the scores. A fine dash by Pountney with the ball at toe had play near City's line, but the defence was sound.. Play was stopped for a few minutes owing to an injury to O. Stewart knee. City eventually cleared as the result of a long kick by Burns. Play now became 'very ragged, the ball being thrown about in a desultory fashion. Spirited dashes by King and Yates were repulsed by the red and blacks, and play was again on College Rifles' wide of halfway. Godfrey secured from an ensuing scramble, and passed out to Barclay, to Burns, who scored behind the posts. Barclay converted: City .. .. .. .. ~IS College Rifles 8 _ Although the red and blacks were making further attempts to break through, they were unable to increase their score. College Rifles replied with one dying effort, and rushed play to City's line, where it remained until, no-side was sounded, with no alteration in the scores: City .. .. ~ .. .. 16 College Rifles .. .. ~ ... g Mr. Hannigan was referee. SECOND GRADE. Newton defeated City by 11 points to 3. University defeated Marist Brothers by 15 points to 3. Tramways and College Rifles drew, 8 points each. THIRD GRADE. Marist Brothers defeated Remuera by 7 points to 6. Post and Telegraph defeated St. John's by 9 points to 6. City defeated University by 81 points to 0. Grammar School Old Boys defeated West End by 3 points to 0. FOURTH GRADE. North Shore defeated Ponsonby B by 15 points to 0. City defeated Takapuna by 6 points to 0. Grafton defeated Newton by 3 points to 0. FIFTH GRADE. Ponsonby defeated Marist Brothers by 6 points to 3. City defeated Newton B by 17 points to 0. Newton defeated Parnell by 8 points to 6. SECONDARY SCHOOLS' MATCHES. FIRST GRADE. Grammar School A defeated Gntmmar School B by 35 points to 0. SECOND GRADE. _ Sacred Heart College defeated Grammar School C by 6 points to 0. THIRD GRADE. Grammar School A defeated Grammar School C by 33 points to 0. Sacred Heart College defeated Grammar School B by 18 points to 3. PUBLIC SCHOOLS' MATCHES. A GRADE. Devonport defeated Beresford Street by 16 points to 0, Newton East defeated Ponsonby by 6 points to 3. Vermont Street defeated Onehnnga by 21 points to 0. Parnell defeated Remuera by 8 pointo to 0. B GRADE. Normal School defeated Epsom lay 20 points to 0. Newton West defeatod Bayfield by 10 points to 0. Avondale defeated Richmond Road by 11 points to 0. C GRADE. Point Chevalier defoated Mount Roskill by 15 points to 0. Ellerslio and Nelson Street drew, no score. To Papapa defeated Maungawhau by 12 points to 0. PROVINCIAL MATCHES. [BY TKLEGIUPn.—OWJT CORRESPONDENTS.] Wiianoabei, Sunday. .The Whangarei Rugby Union's competiticns were continued yesterday in fine weather. In the senior grade Hikiirangi defeated Athletics Ly 16 points to G. In tho mnior grade High School defeated Hikiirangi by 17 points to 6. ,

DABOAvrtiE, Sunday, In the Northern Wairoa Rugby Union's senior contests jestorday Kopuru defeated Dargaville by 16 points to nil. The final

cup contest will be played on Saturday next when Kirikopuni and Dargaville clubs, both of which are oven in cup points, will try conclusions. In the junior division Dargavillo defeated Kopuru by 3 points to 0.

Hamilton. Sunday. The Rugby matches played .yesterday resulted as follows:—Senior grade: Frankton defeated Morrinsvillo by 10 poii.ts to 0, oity won by default from Goraonton. Junior grade Frankton defeated Morrinsville by 17 points to 3, City defeated Gotdonton by 11 points to 6. Third grade: High School defeated City by 8 points to 3. Public School matches: Hamilton East defeated Eureka by 6 points to 0, Hamilton West defeated Ngaruawahu by 3 points to 0, Frankton defeated Huutly by 3 points to 0. Thames, Sunday. The first representative football match to be played here this season was decided on Saturday when Thames met Goldficlds Union. The weather was favourable and the attendance good, there being a considerable number of visitors from the up-country districts. The game resulted in a win for tho Goldfields team by .'i points to 0 after a very keenly contested and even game which was, however, chiefly confined to the forward divisions and consisted of a succession of scrums and lineout play. It was not a spectacular game. The Goldfields team led oft with a rush and a penalty goal was kicked by A. Lennard during the first few minutes. This was the only score of the game idthouffh Thames made some good attempts, and one gcou kick by Winder only failed to pass over the bar by a few inches. Mr. E. Price officiated as referee. In tho junior division Thames defeated VVaihi by 6 points to 3 and High School defeated Hovers fit by G points to 5. Rotorua. Sunday. lho first representative Rugby match of the season was played here yesterday between Rotorua and To Puke representatives. A vory oven contest resulted and lho largo crowd of spectators wore pleased with tho game. In the first spell Tapiri scored as the result of a nice passing rush by the backs. Rogers failed in the attompt at goal. Towards the close ot the socond spell, after To Puke had attacked and then defended well, Rotorua came away with another rush. Tapiri again scored at the corner and Woods missing at goal the final score was; — Rotorua. 6; To Puke. 0. As a curtain-raiser to the abovo match, Kahukura and Whaka juniors continued their cup competition which resulted in an oasy win for Kahukura by 17 points to 0.

SOUTHERN RESULTS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sunday. Rain spoiled all outdoor games on Saturday. The results of the Rugby matches aro as follows:—Athletic beat Poneke by 6 points to 5: Wellington beat St. James's by 13 points to 0; Petone beat University by 21 points to 0; Melroso boat Oriental by 4 points to 3. Christchurch, Sunday.

The Rugby games played yesterday resulted as follows:—Christchurch beat Morivale by 9 points to 8; Old Boys beat Linwood by C points to 3; 'Varsity and Albion drew, 6 points each; Sydenham beat Marisls by 12 points to 11. Westport, Sunday.

Buller played its first representative match of the season yesterday, dofeating Inangahua by 34 points to 0. Green, who was picked for the "All Blacks'" tour of Australia, but who was unable to make the trip, was in great form, most of the tries coming from passing rushes initiated by him. Tho ground was in a very greasy state, but the Buller backs handled the ball well and the forwards played with great dash, breaking through the opposing division and giving the Inangahua backs very little chance to get moving. , Dunedin, Sunday. The football matches were played yesterday in splendid conditions. The results are as follows:—University beat Zingari-Rich-mond by 15 points to 10; Southorn beat Dunedin by G points to 3; Port Chalmers beat Alhambra by 4 points to 3; Union beat Pirates by 8 points to 3.

" ALL BLACKS" TOUR. FIRST MATCH IN AUSTRALIA. N.S.W DEFEATED, 27 TO 6. VISITORS' COMBINATION AND SKILL. By Telegraph -Press Association—Copyright. (Received July 12, 5.5 p.m.) Stditet, July 12. The first Rugby Union test match between New Zealand and New South Wales was played at the Sports Ground yesterday, in the presence of 15,000 spectators, on a hard and fast ground, and in fine weather. Tho ground was in favour of the homo team. New South Wales took the kick-off, and, following up, after poor defensive work by New Zealand backs, Carr scored for the home team within balf-a-miuute of tho oponing of the play. Wogan failed to add to the score:— New South Wales 8 New Zealand 0 New South Wales continued the pressure, when from a melee the New Zealand backs got going, R. Roberta making a brilliant run down the field. Play settled in Australian territory, and from close work near the line Cain scored for the Maorilanders. E. Roberts's kick at goal failed: — New South Wales 3 New Zealand 3 Fast work by both sides followed, and the New Zealand team being awarded a free kick, It. Roberts notched three more points for.the visitors:— New Zealand 6 Now South Wales 8 Close forward work at the centre was now the ordor of the day, neither side making hoadway for some time. From a melee after a line-out, Loveridgo was hurt, and removed from the field, Taylor taking his place. From a melee in the Maorilanders' territory, the home team started a threequarters rush, but good work by the backs saved the situation. Still undaunted, tho New South Wales forwards again attacked, but the Maorilanders' kicking again saved the side. The New Zealand team became aggressive, and by forward work took play into tho New South Wales country. Taylor slipped over the line, and placed the ball between the posts. R. Roberts's kick at goal failed:— New Zealand .-. 9 New South Wales 3 Open work at the centre was followed by the Australians pressing. They took tho ball into the Maorilanders' territory, and were granted a free kick, but an attempt at goal failed. _ Black found touch at centre, and the whistle sounded for half-time with' the score:— New Zealand , ... 9 Now South Wales 8 On resuming the Australians followed up a fino kick and took play down the field. The New Zealand team was awarded a free kick, and play returned to the centre. A brilliant ran by E. Roberts and Taylor was repulsed by the Australian backs. Very fast forward play on both sides followed, after which E. Roberts made an opening for Ryan, who scored. R. Roberta failed to increase tho score:— Now Zealand 12 Now South Wales 3 The Australians followed up tho kick-out, but Ryan found touch in their territory. The Australians cleared, but Lynch made a fine kick, and the New Zealandors followed up, and from a scramble near tho home team s line Bruce scored. E. Roberts's kick at goal failed:— New Zealand 15 Now South Wales 3 The Australians attaoked fiercely, and from a fino kick by Lynch Dwyer got the ball. Taylor collared him before he could kick, and from the melee which followed McNeoco scored. E. Roberts failed at goal:— New Zealand 18 New South Wales 3 From loose play at centre Suitor, Jones, and George made a brilliant run, but Ryan cleared, and Lynch following up Ryan took tho bah and Boored. His own kick failed;— New Zealand 21 Now South Wales 3 From a passing run by the Now Zea-' landers Tasker intercepted, and a brilliant run followed, in which Baker, Duffy, Wood and O'Brien took part. The last-namod was illegally tackled, and the referee awarded a try. Wogan's kick failed: — New Zealand 21 Now South Wales 6 Tho visitors wero undaunted by this reverso, and roturned to the attack. E. Roberts passed to Ryan, who again notched points. it. Roberta failed at goal: New Zealand 24 Now South Wales 6 From looso play E. Roberts passed to Taylor, who was pulled down, but an instant later E. Roberts passed to Ryan, and the ball went to Black, to Lynch, who scored. His own kick at goal failed: — New Zealand 27 Now South Wales 6 Fierce forward play in Australian territory followed, and after a fine kick the Australians followed up, and were attacking when the whistle sounded no-side. The final scores wore:— New Zealand 27 New South Wales 6

The Now Zealand team's victory was a triumph for combination and skill over individual play. FUTURE MATCHES. The remaining matches of the tour are as follows: July 15: Play Western Districts at Orange July 18: Play Australia at Sydney. July 22: Play Northern Districts at Arniidale. July 25 and 29: Play Queensland at Brisbane. August 1: Play Australia at Brisbane. August 5: Olympic fund match at Sydney August 8: Play New South Wales at Sydney. August 15: Play Australia at Sydney. UNDER LEAGUE RULES. PONSONBY DEFEATS CITY. WINS FOR NORTH SHORE AND GRAFTON. FINAL NEXT SATURDAY.

RESULTS. Ponsonby, 5, v. City, 2. North Shore, 43, v. Newton, 2. Grafton, 17. v. Otahuhu, 8 As a result of Saturday's Rugby League matches North Shore and Ponsonby are tho only teams left in tho running for the premiership. They are still level for first place, and consequently the executive of the Auckland League has decided that the play-off shall bo at Victoria Park next Saturday, when a charge for admission will bo made.

There was an attendance of over 4000 spectators at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon when City met Ponsonby, and the game was certainly worth going a long way to see In the second half, City put up an excellent fight, and all through the spell the Ponsonby supporters were on tenter hooks, a score appearing imminent nearly every minute. However, Ponsonby succeeded in keoping them out, and eventually won by the small margin of three points. North Shore ran up a cricket scoro against eight Newton players, and Otahuhu were defeated by Grafton by 17 points to 8.

The following table shows the present positions of tho .teams:—

Points Chp. P. W. L. D.ForAgßt. Pts. North Shore ... 9 7 1 1 110 36 15 Ponsonby ... 9 7 1 1 99 45 16 City 9 5 4 - 108 65 10 Grafton ... 9 3 6 — 75 125 6 Newton ... 9 2 6 1 55 148 6 Otahuhu ... 9 1 7 1 64 115 3 . CITY V. PONSONBY. City opened the proceedings against the BUU, and Ponsonby immediately pressed, a pot at goal by Gillett forcing tho reds in the first minute. City responded with u pretty passing rush in which Rogers was prominent, and Montgomery forced just in time. Fast ploy followed, in which Ponsonby had the advantage, and then A Ashcr intercepted a pass, and with a neat run placed the blues on tho defensive Immediately afterwards E. Asher had a splendid shot Irom a penalty, the ball missing tho posts by inches. A. Ashor pleased tho spectators immensely with unorthodox though oficctivo tackling, and a number of his own inimitable runs. A lightning dash up tho lino by McCollum had City in trouble, but Rogers eventually got his sido out of a tight corner with a clover mark., A free kick against Clark placed tho reds in an attacking position. Ponsonby were soon back in City's twenty-five, and Cross, taking a neat mark in front of tho posts, Webb opened tho scoring with an oasy goal. Ponsonby g City ... 0 Ponsonby continued to forco tho pace, and the first try came a few minutes later. McClymont secured from a passing rush near half-way, and kicked. Following up fast ho agan secured, and passed to Clarke, who scored amid enthusiasm. Webb made a poor effort with tho kick. Ponsonby 5 city ;.; o , City now brought Williams out of the pack into the five-eighth lino to combat against tho extra three-quarter Ponsonby had been playing all through. In tho closing stages of the spell City attacked hotly, and a series of passing bouts in which Woolloy was conspicuous, ended in Ponsonby being forced just before half-timo endod with tho score-:— Ponsonby 5 City 0 Kenneally having injured his weak ankle, City rearranged their backs in the second half. Kenneally wont to wing thrcequarter, while A. Ash-ir played centre and Woolloy first five-eighth. Ponsonby were not long in getting to work, and owing chiefly to consistently brilliant work by McClymont. City wort kept very busily defending. Play hovered about the City line for scvoral minutes, and Savory had two or three unsuccessful shots at goal. Then City began to open out, and play became very hard. A fine passing rush by the reds ended in A Asher being pmhod out at the comer. City ma(l0 strenuous attempts to score, and eventually E. Asher kicked a pretty goal from a penalty: —

Ponsonby ~ 5 city ... 2 City's score was all that was needed to mako tho gamo fast, and for tho rest of tho spell City excelled themsolves. Forwards and backs worked like Trojans, and it seemed as though it would not bo long bo. fere the scores wero at least equal. Play went right to tho Ponsonby lino, and tho excitement became intense as the reds made effort after effort to scoro, only to fail at the last moment. Eventually Ponsonby secured a lucky force. The relief, however, was only momentary, as City were soon bacVt again with renewed vigour, and matters continued to look vory dangerous for Ponsonby Rogers, in stopping a rush, was injured, and play quietened down considerably when tho game was resumed. City were still attacking when tho whistle sounded a few minutos later, with the scores:— Ponsonby ... e city :.: : 5 Mr. A. Ferguson was referee. GRAFTON V. OTAHUHU. Playing at Olahuhu, the inconsistent Grafton team defeated tho home men fairly comfortably. Soon after tho game started, Stanaway kicked a penalty goal for Otahuhu. Mitchell scored ,for tho black and whites, and Ifwersen converted, tho latter player also kicking a penalty goal shortly afterwards. Just before half-time tho roferco had occasion th order Stannaway * the Otahuhu captain, off the field. Cooke oponod tho second spell by scoring for Otahuhu, and Ifwersen roplied with a* try, which ho converted. In the closing hX, 8 ' Ha , rd ff avi) &dM another try for Ota' huhu, and Ifwersen . again replied with a converted try, the final scores being:Grafton ... .. 17 otahuhu ; ;;; g NORTH SHORE V. NEWTON. JL farcical game roaullod at tho Domain where North Shore met Newton, who could PU on \l eight men in tho field. WhSe it lasted tho match provided plenty of amuse mont, especially when two of the spectators minus their coats and.collars. threw* in their lot with Nowton. Tries came at brief inter vals to North Shore, and Newton, kicking a penalty goal, the game ended with the scores North Shore is Nowton ' "'_ 9 SECOND GRADE. Newton Rangers defeated City Rovers by 11 points to 8. Peet, Sommervillo and Thomas scored tries, and Williams kicked a ponalty goal for the winners, and for City Lrtinn and Grant scored trios and Robson kicked a goal. North Shore defeated Grafton Athletics by 19 points to 3. Quane scored three trios for tlio winners and Coldioutt and Wynyard one each, Morgan converting two. For Grafton lies scored a try. THIRD GRADE. Rerauora defeated Sunnyside A by 8 points to 0. Bennott and Ballantino scored twice, Wallace converting one. Ponsonby defeated City by 6 points to 0. Edwards and Cooke wore tho scorers. FOURTH GRADE. City defeated Ponsonby by 6 points to 0. Edwards scored a try, and W. Davidson kicked a goal. LOWER WAIKATO MATCH. [BY telegraph.—own CORRESPONDENT.] Huntly, Sunday. The Huntly juniors met Taupiri juniors at Huntly on Saturday. Tho match, which' was played under League rules, resulted, after a vory close game, in favour of tho visitors by 3 points to 2.

ENGLISH TEAM'S TOUR.

FIRST MATCH IN DOMINION. j _____ . WELLINGTON DEFEATED BY 14 TO 7 GAME PLAYED IN RAIN, [BY TEt.EGItATH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sunday. In the League football match yesterday England defeated Wellington in the opemug game of the tour by 14 points to 7. Rain fell part of the time, and the ground was slippery, but a good game was, nevertheless, played. The teams were as follows: — England: Fullback. G. Thomas; threequarters, J. O'Garra, W. A. Davis icaptnin), W. Hall, H. B. Houghton; five-eighths, Pressor: halfback, F. Smith; forwards, W. Jarman. J. Chilcott, J. W. Sraales. J. W. Guerin, J. L. Clampit, A. Johnson. Wellington: Fullback, F. Strickland; IhreoQiiarters, B. Whaley. J. Parker, G. Bradley, W. Wilson; five-eighths, A. 0. Murdoch; halfback. J. Barber (captain); forwards, G. Lawlor, J. Spencer, A, Donaldson, F. Manning, L. Campbell, J. Ashton. The Wellington backs got right off the mark, and rushed over the line, but the ball went dead. The blacks quickly followed up, and from 11 scrum on the twenty-five, pot the ball. Barber passed to Murdoch, and from him the ball went to Parker, and on to Bradley. A tackle brought down the winger, but from a return Bradley marked. Campbell attempted a kick at goal, but did not achieve success. The Englishmen took up the running from their own twenty-five, and with smart passing right across the line to the wing, reached Wellington territory. From the halfway the ball flashed back to Smith, to Prosser, to Hall, to Houghton and back to Thomas, the fullback, who ran in and scored a beautiful try behind the posts His kick at goal failed: — England 3 Wellington 0 Delightful Passing Movements. The rain now came down in sheets, and the spectators and players alike wcro drenched. Still, the handling of the ball, on the English side at least, was marvellous for such a day. The reds opened up a passing movement in their own territory and, flinging tho ball about with the greatest abandon, to tho delight of tho crowd, with tho forwards participating, too, swept forward near the Welington goal-lino. The passing evolutions broke down, but Chilcott managed to pick the ball up and score the second try. Guerin failed with the kick: — England r Wellington '.'. 0 From tho kick-off Wellington temporarily assorted their claims but when they reached the danger-zone the Englishmen were always ready. Tho excellent tackling of tho blacks for a time prevented a score, but the machine operated like clockwork and, with lightning speed, the oval slipped from Hall right out. through Prosser and Davis, to Houghton on the wing. the speedy outside man cut in and outstripping Strickland, grounded tho ball safely in a fair position. Guerin just missed the posts with his kick: — England g Wellington ... .". "'. \\\ n The black forwards rallied, and went through the English defence like an old-time Auckland pack. They did not get right through, but England was penalised for infringing the rules Strickland took tho kid: and tut the ball high between the posts Half-time was called with tho scores :- England g Wellington ... '.'. ''.' '" 2 The weather improved slightly in the second spell. , T i iQ blacks made »-" pace * for a while. 11 Strickland gained much ground with a well-judged kick, and the *™ Bradley marked well between he 3 lj » nd halfway n From within "bout fcniiV f ?- ilf , way L "8 Campbell drove the ball beautifully between the posts, the best place-kick by far of tho day:England ... n Wellington ... ".' ]" ]" J Wellington's Determined Efforts. This score J™. 8 encouraging, »nd the local men went out to do things The Englishmen gave a taste of their best when ? Garra got away from his own twenty-five. and dodging and twisting, reached near y "he half-way then seeing further progress wit d ,W d J, 1 ) 0 h ,l ll , aDd 6ent « along with a dribble. The blacks got back again, and in the rush Donaldson was fended ;A»- rtni »J! arm ' which caught him under tho jaw. The crowd, unused to such apparently quite legitimate tacUes. hooted vigorously. Srnalos and Clampit. with the rod pack at their back, carried an effective forward rush, showing what the Englishmen could i do forward when they chose that farm of play. i\ ? ar the Wellington lino Smith passed to Prosser, and Prosser to Hall; tho inside thrcequartcr eluded Strickland and scored the fourth try in a position which enabled Guorin to kick a goal without much effort

England .... j* Wellington .. ~ '' ;; 4 From the kick-off the ball came to uoarra, who skipped away, and, after making an opening, passed to Davis, and from the captain the bull shot in and out from arm to arm till it camp to Houghton. That WW was well tackled by Parker, and the Wellington forwards seized the opportunity to push and dribblo their way back to the Englishmen! territory. There was a melee on tlio goal-line, from which tho ball came to Whitley, who had only a yard to go to scoro Wellington's only try. Campbell failed with & fairly easy kick. England 14 Wellington 7 This was tho final score, though both sides tried hard. Les Campbell had another chanco from a penalty, but did not quite manage the kick. England retnlinted with some brilliant passing, but nothing in tho shape of scores camo of it, and tho game ended :— England 14 Wellington 7 Mr. Duncan McGregor was referee. NOTES ON THE PLAY. ENGLAND'S BRILLIANT BACKS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Sunday. A crowd of just over 5000, including His Excollency tho Governor, tho Earl of Liverpool, and tho Primo Minister, tho Right Hon. W. P. Massey, were present to see the first gamo played by the visiting English League footballers, which took place at Nowtown Park on Saturday aftornoon, against a strong toam of Wellington roprosentativos, and onco more the Wellington Lioague wore unfprtunalo, for tho elomonts wore all against thorn. Soon after play started, tho rain came down in torrents, and continued almost throughout tho game, and in such conditions it was hard to judge the capabilities of the visitors, but in ono respoct thoy Bhono out in a romarkablo manner, and that was in their olovor passing and fast back play, Their passing rushes wero a treat to watch, and the manner in which tho backs handled tho greasy ball was really remarkable. It was in marked contrast to the local tnon, who found tho groatost difficulty in keeping thoir feet. The local men put up a strong defence, but thoir weakness lay in thoir tackling; thoy would go high. It was hard to judge on such a day, but, taken throughout, the showing of the visitors failed to impross ono as being anything beyond what some of the New Zealand toams can do. The Now Zealand representatives. should bo ablo to scoro a win over them.

The most spectacular evont of Saturday's match was tho first scoro rogißtored. and it gave an indication of what the English backs woro capable of doing. Smith, tho clover halfback, got possession of the ball about midfield, and transferred quickly to Prosaer. and ho evaded two men and whipped the ball out to Davis, and tho latter sent it to Houghton right on tho wing. It looked as if this man would be forced over the cornor. but at tho critical moment, Thomas, tho fullback, came up on the inside and took a beautiful pass from Houghton. He evaded Wellington's fullback, and put the ball down between tho posts, and that passing exhibition was only tho foremnnor of many more. Ono of the beat games was played for tho visitors by S. B. Houghton, who has resided for some time in Auckland. He was fast on the wing, and passed with automatic precision. He .registered England's third try mainly through following up well. The ball came suddenly out to tho wing and he swooped on it and got a clear run in. While tho baok play of the visitors was very good and protty to watch, the forward division did not show much superiority to tho local men. They woro much heavier than the Wellington toam, but tho latter had a hotter idea of the value of dribbling play on such a wet day. Jack Spencer, who has boon appearing on the football field for years past, was one of the mainstays in the Wellington forward division and for the visitors, Chilcotl and Guerin stood out as the best.

THE DOMINION PROGRAMME. Tho remaining matches of the tour we as follow:— July 15, play Canterbury. July 13, play Hawke a Bay. July 23, play Taranaki. July 25. play Auckland. July 30. play Wanganm. ...... August 1, play New Zealand at Auckland. ARRIVAL OF PLAYERS!. The members of the English football team who were left behind in Sydney when the other players Bailed for Wellington, arrived, here yesterday by the Manuka, They oama in charge of Mr. J. Clifford, one of lift managers of the team. Tho party numbered 14,

and included 10 players, Mrs. and Messrs. Clifford, senior and junior, and Mr. Sykos, who is travelling with the team. The players in the party are: Rogers, Wagstafie, MoorhoußO, Longstaffc, B. Jenkins, R Ramsdalo, Francis, A. P. Coldrick, A. E. Wood, and Oldham. Mr. Clifford expressed himself as pleased with the success of the Australian tour both on and off the field. The only regrettable feature of tho tour was tho number of serious accidents from which members of the team were suffering. The team had confounded the critics, who judged the players harshly before they had got over the long sea voyage. The party of players is awaiting a communication from Mr. J. Houghton in regard to future movements. THE ASSOCIATION GAME. THISTLE DEFEATS Y.M.C.A. BROTHERHOOD BEATS CARLTON. WINS FOR ADULT SCHOOL AND CORINTHIAN. RESULTS. Thistle, 6. v. Y.M.C.A., 0. Brotherhood, 3, v. Carlton, 0. Corinthian, 4, v. Everton, 0. Adult School. 1, v. North Shore, 0. The competitions of the Auckland Foot- ■ ball Association were continued on Saturday, and some good contests were witnessed. J. lie Thistle team had an easy win over Y.M.C.A. and thus maintained the leading position in the first division championship. The .brotherhood team, which is acting us run-ner-up, defeated Carlton by three goals to 0, while Corinthian beat Evert by tour goals to 0, and Adult School, after a closo game, beat .North Shore by one goal to U. The positions 0! tho senior division teams are now as follows; — Points. Chp. P. W. L. D. For Agst. Pts. Thistle 9 8— 1 35 8 17 Brotherhood ... 9 6 1 2 32 9 14 Everton 9 5 3 1 21 15 11 Corinthian ... 9 4 3 2 23 24 10 Adult School ... 9 3 5 1 9 22 7 North Shore ... 9 3 6—19 24 6 Carlton 9 1 5 3 9 23 5 Y.M.C.A. ... 9 — 7 2 6 27 2 ADULT SCHOOL V. NORTH SHORE. The match between Adult School and North Shore was played in tho mud on No. 1 ground, Bayswater, on Saturday, and Adult School gained a well-earned victory by one goal to 0. Shore won the toss, and Harrison immediately was prominent, but Goudio cleared. Howie took the ball to the other end, but Hodson prevented a score. Adult School got away and after a good centre by Carr, Bennett cleared. Tho school was again in evidenco and a pot shot by Dance just went outside. The Shore team took up the running, but Howie's final effort was kicked away by McAneny. In attempting to clear his lines Mason conceded a corner, but tho kick was put behind. About 15 minutes after tho start Dance tried a shot from 20yds out which was successful and gave the school the lead. At this period the school wero having the better of tho play. The school forwards, especially Harrison _ and Carr, were playing well, and Goudie and his partner were having plenty of work to do. Howie was most dangerous of the Shore attack. Shore then became aggressive and for a lime kept the school on the defensive. Jenkins and Crai? both got in with good shots, which thi goalkeeper successfully cleared. Just before tho interval school were awarded a penalty. Hodson took the kick and scored, but an the whistle had not gone it had to be taken again and the second attempt was saved in good style by Bennett. Immediately afterwards the whistle went, with tho score:— Adult School 1 North Shore 0 North Shore started the second half well, and in this spell they had the best of the 1 game, but could not keep their feet as well | as the school players. Taberner was respon- i sible for some good play and one or two I of his shots just went outside. The Shore j pressed and gained sevrrnl coiners, but they ■ were badly placed. Halfway through the spell Harrison missed badly. The Shore | back miskicked and Harrison hud inly th" custodian to beat, but took the ball on the run and shot outside Al the other end Shore made a combined movement and after tho school defence had had a troublesome ' time Woolley put tho ball over the bar Con- i sidering the conditions it was not at all a bad game and school deserved their victory. Dance and Cox played good games for the school. The latter was brought up from the second grade to fill the left back position. : The final result was:—

Adult School 1 North Shoro 0 BROTHERHOOD V. CARLTON. The Brotherhood and Carlton teams met at Bayswater on Saturday and an uninteresting game resulted Carlton gave a very plucky display and should have scored on several occasions but for (ho solid defence presented by the Brotherhood backs Carlton won the toss and Brotherhood started kicking up the slopo. A free-kick in the early «fafrr.3 against Carlton looked dangerous, but Hall cleared Play in (he openina exchanges was confined to midfiold, with Brotherhood trying to force the game, but Carlton's backs, especially L Bennett, played a good game Carlton then got going and. after clever play between Dow and T! Bennett, tho latter put behind F. Pearson transferred play and his centre struck a Carlton back and went behind From the ensuing kick Cocken sent outside Carlton, who were having an equal share of the game, wero playing well in midfield. but their final shots wero not sent in with judgment. A miskick by Hall nearly let Knaggs in, but the goalkeeper cleared. The' ball came to Cockon and tho insido left made no mistake with a first time effort. The ball was taken from end to end and, considering the condition of the ground, both sets of backs played well. Carlton forced a corner but Stillwcll, when well placed, shot over. Just before tho interval Knaggs, from a pass from Pearson, got the ball between the posts but was ruled offside. Tho half-time score was: — Brotherhood l Carlton o Brotherhood started the second half with a determined attack on the Carlton goal, and two fruitless corners came in quick succession. Knott transferred play to the other end, but tho ball went over the line and Corrin relieved. In the second half the Brotherhood forwards slackened off and did not play thoir usual game. Carlton, on the other hand, kept tho Brotherhood backs well on the defensive Jackson and Corrin came into an accidental collision and the former had to retire but resumed after a while. Carlton forced a corner which was well placed and, after several forwards mado attempts to score, Corrin cleared. After 25 minutes' play, Orrock got the ball just in his own half and, making a brilliant effort, took tho ball to within easy scoring distance and got Brotherhood's second goal. Soon after this roverso Carlton were pressing and Corrin accidentally handled in tho penalty area. Bob Bennett was entrusted with the kick but failed badly. Towards the-finish Brotherhood forced a corner, which Kane placed well. There was a scrimmage in front of goal and Pearson, securing, shot tho ball through half-a-dozen pairs of lees before it finally went info the net. Soon after Cocken missed badly from a corner and then time was called Carlton had hard luck in losing by throe goals and. or. the run of tho play, should have at least shared tho honours. Tho final scoro was: — TWherhood 3 Carlton " 0

THISTLE V. Y.M.C.A. The Thistle and Y.M.C.A. teams met at Victoria Park on Saturday. The irround was not in good order out nevertheless Thistle had an easy win, the final scores beinc: — Thistle 6 Y.M.C.A i CORINTHIAN V. EVERTON. The match botweon tho Corinthian and Everton teams was played at the Domain Cricket Ground and a good game resulted in a win for the former team. The ground was against good play but eventually the Corinthian team, making the most of their opportunities, forged ahead, the final scores being:— Corinthian 4 Everlon 0 SECOND DIVISION. North Shore A defeated Tabernacle A by 2 goals to 0. Tabernacle B defeated Y.M.C.A. by 2 goals to 0. St. John's drew with Everton, no score. THIRD DIVISION. City defeated Everton by 3 goab to 0. Northcote defeated Richmond by 2 goals to 0. FOURTH DIVISION. Dovonport Presbyterian defeated Everton by 3 goals to 0. FIFTH DIVISION. Devonport Presbyterisn defeated Everton A by 2 goals to 1. Everton B drew with Takapuna, 1 goal each. SIXTH DIVISION. Northcoto defeated Y.M.C.A. Rovers by 3 goals to 0. Y.M.O.A. defeated Takapuna by d goals to 0. Grey Lynn defeated North Shore by 1 goal to 0,