FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17836, 18 July 1921, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME. THE SENIOR COMPETITION. SOME INTERESTING MATCHES. GRAFTON'S NARROW VICTORY. The senior competition of the Auckland Rugby Union was continued on Saturday afternoon. The weather was fine, though dull, and some interesting games resulted. About 7000 people assembled at Eden Park, -where two good matches were provided. Grafton and Marist Brothers Old Boys met on No. 1 ground, and a fast open game resulted in a win for the former by 9 points to 8. At half-time the score was 3 all, and just before the final quarter Grafton gained a lead of 1 point, which they maintained to the finish. College Rifles defeated University on No. 2 gmund at Eden Pa~k by 11 points to 3. College Rifles had the better of the first quarter, hut on changing over University showed to most advantage, and were unlucky in not scoring on at leant two occasions. The College Rifles team were superior in the second spell, and attacked vigorously, but faulty handling spoiled numerous chances, and they (succeeded in adding only two tries to their total. University, though defeated, played a good hard game, which was always full of interest. Grammar School and Ponsonby played before about 3000 spectators at Victoria Park, the former winning by 13 points to 8, after a fast and interesting game, which was closely contested /throughout. At halftime Grammar School led by 5 points to 0, and a little later added a further try. Ponsonby evened up the scores, and it was not till the last few minutes that Grammar School succeeded in scoring 1 further try, which was converted. North Shore won by default from Parnell.

The positions of the teams are:—College Rifles. Grafton, 16 points; Grammar School Old Boys, 14 ; Marist Brothers Old Boys, 12; University, Ponsonby, 10; North Shore, 8; Newton, 2; Parnell, 0. GRAFTON V. MARIST BROTHERS. Marist Brothers were the first to attack, but Grafton forced them back to midfield, and a passing rush saw Hughes stopped on Marist Brothers' line. Gratton maintained the pressure, until Thomas gained possession and relieved. Grafton continued to make the game fast and open, but Brady and Mallov shifted operations to the other end. .From a scrum Anderson got the ball, and a score looked promising, when he lost possession. Grafton Were penalised a little later, but Peters' shot at goal failed. Marist Brothers kept up the attack, and after strenuous endeavours to cross the line, they were repelled by a forward rush. Marist Brothers returned, but a mark by Findlay allowed Grafton to clear. Marist Brothers were soon back again, and from a throw-in a clearing kick by Thompson was charged down. Courtney snapped up the ball, and dived over. Peters just faded to place a goal, the ball striking the crossbar. Marist Brothers, 5; Grafton, 0. The second quarter opened with fast play in midfield, Marist Brothers eventually setting up an attack through faulty handling of the ball by their opponents. Grafton re jnoved danger, and a passing bout saw Thompson stopped near Marist Brothers' line. From the loose play that followed Marist Brothers were penalised, and Hughes kicked a goal. Grafton returned, and Marist Brothers were compelled to force. A little later, from a kick by Brady, Marist Brothers invaded their opponents' twentyfive. McDonald got the ball and passed, but it was missed, and a certain try was lost. In the loose play that ensued Marist Brothers were awarded a free Hct but Peters failed with an easy shot, Marist Brothers kept up the pressure, but two infringements allowed Grafton to remove danger Marist Brothers were soon back again, due principally to good work by Thomas, but the Grafton forwards carried play back to midfield Just as half-time sounded. Marist Brothers, S: Grafton, 3. Grafton attacked when play was resumed, and .a run by B. Gasparich and a forward passing rush resulted in M. Lamb dropping the ball at the line, a great opportunity be--xng lost. Marist Brothers removed danger, but another forward rush, headed by Moore, compelled Marist Brothers to force. Strenuous play followed near Marist Brothers' twenty-five, Hughes eventually having a shot at goal, which was unsuccessful Grafton then opened up a passing rush, and Hughes was stopped at the corner. From the ruck another bout was commenced, W. Lamb being held up. The ball went to Thompson, and he got over. Hughes failed with the kick. After loose play in midfield Brady got the ball and kicked. Hughes attempted to clear, but a weak kick put the ball into Hale's hands, and he scored unopposed. Brady added the extra points. Grafton then attacked, and a passing rush saw Hughes at the corner. The ball went infield, and a great battle ensued. From a scrum the ball went out to E. Gasparich, who scored a try that J. Gasparich failed to convert. Grafton, 9; Marist Brothers, 8. When the teams changed over for the last quarter, the Grafton forwards attacked, and from a mark, Hughes missed an easy ehot at goal. Marist Brothers forced their opponents back to midfield, but Grafton returned, and W. Gasparich. had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Play now became fast and atrenuous, each side attacking in turn, but neither were able to add to their scores before the final whistle went. Grafton • ■ 9 Marist Brothers ■ ■ .-■ - • 8 Mr. Meredith was referee.

COLLEGE RIFLES V. UNIVERSITY. University kicked off and Grierson sent tii6 ball out near Ms own. twenty-five flag. Gallagher and McLean carried play to the opposing quarter, but a free kick sent them back. Grierson then broke away, but was stopped by Murray. The students cleared to midfleld, where Grant got possession, and starred a passing rush between. Grierson Muir, and Hirst, which ended in. the lastnamed scoring. Pilling converted. University then attacked, but good work by Seager relieved. College Rifles then started another passing rush, which resulted m Muir being stopped a few yards from the line. A free kick relieved, and fast, open play followed in midfield. Hopkins got the ball and attempted to set the University backs going, but the pass was missed. College Rifles rushed the ball to the other end, but Eddowes saved. College Rifles returned and Watson, picking up in the loose, eent on to Muir, who was overtaken when a try seemed imminent- Eventually the ball was kicked over and forced. A passing' rush between Grant, Tresize, and Eegg had University in difficulties, but Hopkins cleared just as the bell rang for the change over. College Rifles, 5; University, 0 The second quarter opened with an attack by University, in which Park was prominent, but good work by Mclnnes and Muir relieved. University again pressed- and a passing rush between Hopkins, .Park Maxwell, and McNamara was spoiled by the last-named knocking on when a try looked certain. University were now playing better than College Rifles, and appeared to have ihe measure of their opponents- From loose nlav in College Rifles' twenty-five Max- -£;!? broke through with the ball and T try was almost sure. but he i;r„WI a few feet from the line, and the SlrtL ■£* over the dead-ball line. University continued to press. Keane bemg ™;v.«Y,t in a. loose rush that carried the EX to within I few feet from College wJL* line From the ruck Perry gained Rifles line r ro JL d Milliken failed to SSSS. C 0& Rifles then took a hand at Stacking and Pilling had an unsuccessful a, cieau. -""i Wat=on immediately obthe d i tamed a niarK '« «e i bal JjfS • Pnlleee Rifles. 5: University. 3. S °On resuSng good work by. Keane tool On .^ m r i"f, = Rifles' territory, but s P« kick relieved. Eddowes was in diffi Awards lum. but he extricated* Irfd Ma P ckty c"eared K -in good .style. Colleg< Sues continued to be aggressive and Hirst after a up the wing, was stopped jus' fn time Begs later got the ball, and senwJuSn Grierson and Grant away, the last namld hhtirfg the comer flag- AiwtW «ot rush by Watson. Grierson and Hirs saw Play well in University's twenty-five where Eagnall got possession, and was stop r!ed just at the corner. From the scnm University cleared, but were penalised am Pillmg had an unsuccessful shot at goal College Rifles, 5; University, 3. On changing over College Rifles attacked and a promising rush was spoiled by Mas £ell knocking on. Fast, loose play followed from which Colleee Rifles, were awarded » free kick, and Pilling" again failed at goal Mclnnea and Lane then rushed the ball ove

&•**•*'■■ liDe ' "S Murray, forced just in ffj„,W* «P the pressure, Tresize got tfie ball anu passed to Grierson, who put in "}£ a l d >f co r ;Laxc>ll W th - e shot t | le striking one of the upMV Jußt before time another passing rush between Begg, Hirst, Muir, Grierson ana .Laxon resulted in Grierson receiving faVES ♦° m L S xon .*?v d Laion railed to convert, and the game ended: College Rifles , n University . . . " _ \' 3 Mr. Sutherland was the referee. GRAMMAR V. PONSONBY. Grammar School Old Boyß were the first to attack. Williams collaring Gillespie in possession in his own twenty-five. The forwards carried the ball across the line, and ir-onaonby forced. Grammar School kept up the pressure, but Aitken relieved. Ponsonby earned play to their opponents' twenty-five, but Cleal and McCullough cleared. The ball was taken on to Ponsonby s territory where C. Badeley gathered up and scored. V. Badeley converted. Good work by Donovan. Aitken, and Prentice had grammar School defending, but Menzies and Uemmett shifted operations to midfield and the teams changed over. Grammar School, o; ionsonby. 0. Ponsonby attacked, but Williams relieved with a good kick Ponsonby. however, were soon back again and the game became very fast and strenuous. <--. riadeley cleared, but Ponsonby still pressed, and a promising passing rush was spoiled by one of the five-eighths. V. Badeley got the ball and carried play to the other end. where he was pushed into touch. Jlalt-time Bounded shortly afterwards with ou BCO f e: r rrammar School. 5; Ponsonby. 0 Shortly after resuming C. Badeley got the ball and passed to Williams, who scored after a fine run P. Badeley failed to convert, r rom a loose pass by Pitman, the j r ;lu 1 m J ar^ Sc t°?, l v&n Bot Possession and dribbled the ball oveT the line, McCullough just being beaten for a try. Ponsonby then took a hand at attacking, and from a penalty Prenticce opened their account with a goal ionsonby were showing improvement and from loose play in Grammar School's territory Pitman got the ball. He passed to 1 ardington. and the latter transferred to iJocherty. who got over. Prentice converted tonsonby continued to attack, and had *L ram u nar Schoo] defending vigorously till the change over sounded. Grammar School S; Ponsonby. 8. The Grammar School forwards then began to show up. but for a long time were unable to penetrate the deV, n £ e - n Eventually from a kick by Gillespie McCullough got the ball and kicked it across the line. He made a dive and managed to touch down V. Badeley converted. Grammar School held their advantage, and the game ended:— Grammar School \% Ponsonby . . . . , ' g Mr. Wetherilt was referee. THE JUNIOR GAMES. Second Grade.—Grafton, 6, beat College runes. 3. Third Grade.—Ponsonby, 17, beat Thames Old Bom 8: YMC.A. B. 6. beat Suburbs. 3; Technical College Old Boys, 3. beat Papatoetoe. 0 (Bates scored) ; Ellerslie, IB beat Telegraph, 0; Grafton, 8. beat College o™^,^ 0 ; St " Enid's, 14. beat University, 8: Y.M.C.A., 23, beat College Rifles B, 3. fourth Grade.—Telegraph. 14, beat Ponsonby, 0; Ellerslie won from Marist by default. Churches Association.—Ellerslie won by default from Marist Brothers; Kingsland, 19, beat Gordon, 3; Onehunga, 19. beat Grange Road, 3; Dominion Road, 8, beat bt. James, 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATCHES. A Grade.—Vermont A, 9, beat Maungawhau, 3; Richmond Road, 13, beat Te Papapa, 0; Epsom, 9, beat Newmarket, 5Bayfield, 24, beat Takapuna, 0; Parnell, 27, beat Devonport, 5. „B Grade.—Beresford Street, 22, beat JNapier Street, 0; Ponsonby, 6, beat Onehunga A. 0; Newton West. 12, beat Mount Rpskill, 0; Vermont Street. 6. heat Mount Albert. 3; Mount Eden, 12. beat Remuera, 3Newton East. 17, beat Point Chevalier. 3Edendale. 5, beat Avondale, 0. „. c . Grade.—Grey Lynn, 14, beat Normal, 0Richmond West, 21, beat Bayfield B. 3; Nelson Street, 33, beat Newton East B, 0Vauxhall, 8, drew with Cornwall Park, 8 Junior Grade.—Mount Albert, 3, beat Maungawhau, 0; Remuera. 5, beat Edendale, 3; Grey Lynn, 6, beat Nelson Street, 3. HARDING CHALLENGE SHIELD. WON BY WHANGAREI. [BT TELEGSAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] * WHANGAREL Saturday. ~ Whangarei representatives have won the Harding Challenge Shield competition. JLhey scored their fifth win in succession today when they defeated the Kaipara representatives by 20 to -11. The game was the best ever seen at Whangarei, and attracted the largest attendance that has ever assembled. . The game was even until the last 20 minutes, when Whangarei put on 11 points. Hokianga have challenged for the shield, and have applied for affiliation . CAMBRIDGE PINAL. [BT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE, Saturday. The final of the senior competition was played at Victoria Square -this afternoon between. Kobo-o-rangi and Leamington, both of which teams had registered an equal number of points. The game was closely contested, and ended: Leamington, 2320. A " curtain-raiser," Matangi v. City, resulted in an easy win for the former by 19 points to 0. MATCH AT TAURANGA. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAURANGA, Saturday. The Mercury Bay footballers played a match here to-day against the Tauranga Club. The game was fast and open, the lauranga backs being responsible for numerous sparkling passing movements. There was no score at half time- Ijr the third and fourth quarters the Tauranga backs secured the upper hand. H. McGougan. scored after a brilliant run from midfleld. A little later Nathan dashed over, and just before time, G. Isles notched a try, which was converted by W. Pearcey, bringing Tauranga'.s total to 11 points. Mercury Bay failed to scoreMATAMATA BEATS MORRINSVILLE. [BT CORRESPONDENT.] MORRINSVILLE, Saturday. The representative football match, Morrinq. ville v. Matamata, took place at Morrinsville to-day before a large attendance. The first two quarters were very even, although at the commencement the Morrinsville forwards kept Matamata on the defensive. Matamata had the advantage in the backsToward the end of the second quarter, after a persistent attack on the Morrinsville line, Matamata opened up a passing rush, and Brindle sent a reverse pas 3 to Thompson, who scored a clever try. The kick was not successful. At half time the scores were: Matamata, 3; Morrinsville, 0. The game continued a "very even contest in the second half. Morrinsville's forwards and Matamata's backs played very well. A poor kick by the Morrinsville fullback in the last quarter was charged down, and. Morrow soored. The game ended: Matamata, 6; Morrinsville, 0- Mr. B. Chapman was referee. Matamata Junior Reps., 16, beat Morrinsville, 5.

HAMILTON COMPETITION. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Saturday. Frankton to-day defeated City by 12 points to 8, and St. Mary's beat Old Boye by Bto 3- Frankton and City are equal now in the competition, and a play-off will be necessary to decide who wins the championship. TANEATUA V. WHAKATANE. [BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHAKATANE, Saturday. Taneatua played Whakatane to-day, the latter winning a hard-fought, open game by 8 points to 3. For Whakatane, Stewart scored two tries, one being converted by Keepa. Taneatua's score came from a penalty goal by Skelton. Whakatane now plays Thornton, the winners of the West section, for the championship. MANAWATU V. WAIRARAPA. [BI TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] MASTERTON, Sunday. Manawatu met the Wairarapa representatives at Masterton on Saturday, and were defeated by 33 points to 11, after a good game. Heavy rain interfered with play in the second spell, and the going was very heavy. Wairarapa had the best of it right through. WEST COAST V. BULLER. [BX TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION, j WESTPORT. Saturday. The match, West Coast v. Buller, for ihe Rundle Clip, was played to-day on Victoria Square, under drenching showers and on a very slippery field- The game ended in a win for West Coast by 9 points to 3. THAMES COMPETITIONS. [BT TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Sunday. The season's competitions were continued on Saturday at Parawai before a large attendance of spectators, and resulted as follows: — Senior Grade. —School of Mines defeated Soldiers by 9 points to 7. First Junior Grade.—College Old Boye defeated High School by 20 to 0. and Matariri defeated Tuxua by 25 to 3.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

ROOPE ROOSTER MATCHES. CITY DEFEATS NEWTON. MARITIME 10, MARIST OLD BOYS 8. The opening of the Roope Rooster competition under league rules on Saturday provided three excellent first-grade games. City and Newton met on No. 1 ground at. Carlaw Park, and after an exceedingly close contest the former won by 13 pointe to 7. On No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park a strenuous game was fought out between Maritime and Marist Old Boys, Maritime emerging victorious by 10 points to 8. Ponsonby met North Shore on No. 1 ground at the Domain, and after a fast open game the former team won by 34 points to 11. A crowd estimated at about 7000 attended to witness the games at Carlaw Park. CITY V. NEWTON. It was generally anticipated that City would defeat Newton and retain its unbeaten record for the Beason. In view of the tact that on the previous Saturday City had over-run Newton and amassed a cricket score in the first spell, this opinion appeared to be well-founded. The Newton supported however, held that with the team strengthened by the inclusion of the four members who had returned from the Australian tour Newton had a good chance or administering to City the first defeat of the season. That this opinion was based on solid grounds was borne out by the run of the game. During a great portion of the first spell the Newton forwards dominated the game, and several times experienced hard luck in not scoring. The first spell ended with City leading by 5 points to 2. City added a try early in the second spell, then Newton scoreda try, which Dufty converted, bringing the Newton score to within a point of their opponents. Excitement ran high as Newton made desperate efforts to obtain the lead- The City players suddenly seemed to realise that they had scoring backs in the team, and began to send the ball out tc them. After two or three attempts this style of play brought its reward, and B. Davidson finished up a good passing effort by scoring a try that was converted by his brother. Time was then almost up, and the issue was placed beyond doubt Newton were the first to attack, the forwards rushing the ball to the City twentyfive, but a hard kick by Dufty sent it over the line, and City forced. Shortly afterwards Dufty had a shot at goal from a mark, the ball falling just outside the posts. A city rush reached the Newton twenty-five, but Somers, intercepting a pass, raced up the field. Peckham tackled him near the line, and from the ensuing scrum City cleared. Wetherall picked up in the loose, and dashed down field to the Newton fullback. He punted and raced for the ball, but Cloke dashed in and saved the situation. Keeping the ball on the ground the Newton torwards swept up the field again, Biggs kicking the ball out at the City twenty-five. Newton then began to get the ball from the scrum and throw it about, Dufty making several dashes. The City tackling proved sound, and the Newton backs were unable to get far. A free kick to City sent the ball out at the Newton twenty-five, but the Newton forwards took it back with a rush close to the City line- The City forwards broke away, and Paki, picking up in the open, sent the ball out to Wetherall. The latter reached the fullback and cross-kicked to B. Davidson, who just failed to take the ball, and a certain try was lost. From a penalty kick in front of the Newton goal W. Davidfpn kicked a goal. The ball was taken to the Newton line, and the City backs made strenuous efforts to break through. Good kicking held them up, and the Newton forwards, headed by Bass, rushed the ball to the City twenty-five. Dufty picked up in. the loose and drop-kicked a nice goal, equalising the score- A sweeping nißh by the Newton forwards took the ball over the City line, but Peckham reached it first and saved. l. n r? xt , score wen t to Oity. In a loose .rush. Hawkes kicked the ball hard over the Wewton line and, following fast, beat Cloke for pace and scored. W. Davidson failed toconvert, and the spell ended with the scores: City, 5; Newton, 2. Forward work characterised, the opening of the second spell till the City backs got moving. B. Davidson, following up a long kick, smothered the return. From the scrum the ball came out to the City backs. Wetherall sent it out to Minogue and the latter on to W. Davidson, who scored. Davidson's shot at goal proved, fruitless. The greasy ball wa-s difneut to handle and both sides did a lot of kicking, trusting to the opposing backs to misfield. The Newtofi forwards were having rather the better of the forward play and in a determined rush Delaney got possession and sent the ball out to Biggs. The latter cut in, and fooling the opposition, dashed over for a try. Dufty converted'. Playing up in good style the Newton backs set up a strong attack but Dufty was tackled with, theball. The City players .broke away and PeckWetherall and B. Davidson were responsible fox a fine passing run up the field to the Newton, twenty-five. The last-men-tioned failed to take a high pass cleanly and wjas tackled. The Newton forwards, headed by Basß, broke away, but Peckham stopped the rush just as it looked dangerous. Newton worked the ball to the City twenty-five, where Biggs had! a chance of getting through, but failed to side-step an opponent. Rush and counteT-rush took the ball up and down the field at a great rate. The ball was kicked to Paid, the City fullba-ck, and his return to Newdick saw the latter tackled near the Newton line. City essayed a passing bout and B. Davidson was tackled near the line. Another similar bout resulted in a score for City. Laing eent a long pass to Wetherall, who transferred to B. Davidson. The latter outpaced the opposition and scored. W. Davidson converted. Another passing run, started by Paki. reached the Newton line, but the defending forwards broke away to midfield. The remaining few minutes of the game saw City pressing but no further score resulted, the game ending with the scores:— City . . . . » 13 Newton , „ ». 1 MARITIME Y. MARIST OLD BOYS. Judging from the game played by the Marist Old Boys against Maritime on the previous Saturday, when the former won by a substantial margin, there aid not appear to be much chance of Maritime scoring a win on Saturday. It was anticipated, however, that with the inclusion of Grey in the backs and Avery in the forwards, the Maritime players would give a much better exhibition than they had done when the teams last met. The correctness of this forecast was demonstrated early in the game. Early in the first spell Singe landed a penalty goal for Marist Old Boys- Maritime responded with two tries scored by Brien in Quick succesion, one of them being converted ana the spell ended with Maritime leading by 8 points to 2. A strenuously contested second spell saw Marist Old Boys score two tries, but Yardley kicked a penaltyggoal for Maritime and gave victory to his side by the narrow margin of 2 pointsThe feature of the game was the fast work of both sets of forwards, though both tries scored by Maritime were the results of passing bouts among the backs. In fact, the game_ was an object lesson of the value of combined back play as a scoring factorThough the game was chiefly a battle royal between the rival packs, im which the Marist Old Boys were slightly superior, the result was determined in favour of Maritime by opportunities taken by the backs to throw the ball about. A very evenly contested game ended with the scores:— Maritime 10 Marist Old Boys 8

PONSONBY V. NORTH SHORE. Both Ponsonby and North Shore placed considerably stronger teams in the field on Saturday than they had been able to assemble for some time. Reinforced by the inclusion of McClymont and Delgrosso, -who had been absent with the Kew Zealand representatives in' Australia, Ponsonby -was able to develop the open passing game for which the team i 3 noted. The result was never in doubt, for although North Shore played up pluckiry the sure handling and passing by the Ponsonby backs kept North Shore almost continually on the defence. Early in the first spell the Ponsonby backs invaded, the North Shore quarters and the ball going out to Morman, the Ponsonby threequarter scored. Shortly afterwards McClymont scored another tTy as a result of a passing bout between himself and Hing. Ponsonby continued on the offensive but ■*ere unable to get through the defence- The next score went to North Shore as a result of a fine run by McAneny, who passed to 'Price, the latter crossing for a try. Later in the spell Mitchell, McNeill, and Walsh, scored tries for Ponsonby, and McAneny a penalty goal for. North Shore, the scores at the interval being: Ponsonby, 21; North Shore. 5. The second spell was played at a fast pace, the Ponsonby backs combining well but at times the North Shore, players showed fine dash and kept their opponents busy till the bell rang- Tries were scored for Ponsonby by Morman, McCrymont-, and Hanlon, and for North Shore by Scott and Chatfield, the game concluding with the scores: — Ponsonby . . . . . . .. 34 North Shore . . - . . 11 JUNIOR GAMES. Second Grade.—Maritime, 17 points defeated Ponsonby, 6Fourth Grade—City. 10 points, defeated Pcnsonby, 0Fifth Grade. —Marist. 17 points, defeated Richmond, 5. Cadet Competition-—l3th Company A, 16 points, defeated 13tb Company B. 0: 4th Company, 16 points, defeated 34th Company, 3: 18th Company, 20 points, defeated sth Company, 0. NEW ZEALAND V. SOUTH AUCKLAND. The following learn has been selected to represent New Zealand against the South Auckland League at Hamilton on Wednesday, July 27: — Backs. —B- Laing, Delgrosso. W. Da.vidson, A. McClymont, Poison, Hing, Grey. Forwards.—W. Williams, W. Bass. B. Paki, Meadows, Avery, Stormont, Townsend. Those players who have not already done so are requested to notify the New Zealand selectors by Wedneeday evening whether the? -will be able to muu the trip.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

SENIOR TRIAL MATCH. "POSSIBLES" V. "PROBABLES." The Auckland Football Association's senior competition was suspended on Saturday, in order that a " Possibles versus " Probables " match might be played, with a view to selecting the team to compete for the Brown Shield at Wellington. The game was played at Victoria Park, where a large number of spectators witnessed a skilful and attractive contest that ended in a win for the " Possibles " by 2 goals to 0. The Ponsonby and Everton second grade teams played a "curtain-raiser " to the senior match, a good game resulting in a win for Ponsonby by 2 goals to 1. "POSSIBLES" v. "PROBABLES." Porteous kicked off for the " Possibles," his pass to Ellis being cleverly intercepted by Fiebig, who sent across to Simm. The left wing made a good run. but his pass to centre went behind. From the kick out play worked to the " Probables' " end, where Corbett sent in a well-directed shot which Braithwaite cleared to midfield. Here Fiebig secured and sent on to Hooper. The centre forward went through to the back line, where Metge tackled and cleared in fine style. Set in motion by Corbett, the " Posssibles " forwards indulged in a splendid piece of combined play, the ball travelling from Stewart to Ellis and on to Porteous whose shot went wide. The " Possibles " continued to press and a good centre by Hopkins to Porteous saw Dacre rob the centre forward of the ball before he could shoot and pass across to Braithwaite, who returned to midfield. The " Probables " now took a hand at attacking. A long kick by Dacre went to Alpe in the opposing back line, and Innes. following up at top speed, prevented the return and forced a corner. From this Batty cleared well, but tiebig secured and a well-judged pass to Hooper saw the latter return quickly toward Batty s goal, cleverly evading the defence A splendid opportunity to score was spoiled by over-eagerness on the part of McMillan, who took the ball from Hooper and shot .T .. y o u r a , s P ell of give-and-take play i f robables got going again, and good work by Hooper resulted ic a fast low shot to the corner of the .goal which Batty just managed to clear The bail went out to Hayes on the right, and he centred again. Alpe conceding a corner from which there was no result. Play travelled quickly from end to end and fast, clever footoball became the order. The " Possibles " forwards were combining splendidly and only the firstclass defence of the opposing backs prevented them registering goals. The " Probables " attacking line was not doing so well, parf^Hn rly ■?£ &* left - where McMillan was mil ng with his passes to Simm. The first goal came as the result of a fine passing movement. Corbett. who was playing I great game, placed the ball well to Stewlrt who went on for some distance before plVsof ™S°+ d F OS i1 aon and Craxton. coming out oi goal to tackle, was beaten by a fast shot in tr,°e e i^ nge Tn, Which put the Possibles » in the lead. They were quickly back aeair, in 01 ?™? H Ck ° ff ,' but , El * s Proved too Sow tL ?i nt ■of g . oal &nd a cha nce was lost Ihe closing stages of the spell saw T>lav continued at top speed. From a welFplaced kick by Haycock. Porteous went throiEhrt the centre a good shot being brilliantf-J K Ve "£ y iFI^ 0 ,?- Half-time frrive4witn opposing side. The- Ward! o?W 5k SO F S - & £ d pla * was taken totte ; t Wh K re Fo ?*™l made a smart run tnrough at the centre, beating Aloe and passing to Ellis. The insioe right Sade no mistakes this time, finding the net with S*Sf Uont ehot - * Shortly aft< * this rz ffiJrt"", ma do, m the r-,™ gom # W *f T& P^ McMillan in the forwards Following two well-directed &EAt« at J eoal by &&**** the brightened up, and Clanachan, Hayes, and Kw S w « re , conspicuous in a clever passing bout, which went close to scoring. Knott received from the kick out, and a good £ass to. bimm saw the outside left make a fast wing run, and sent in a fine shot which t&atty saved m good style. A moment later Innes placed an excellent centre, and Hooper headed just over the cross-bar. Further good work by Knott and Simm kept up the attack, Caere finally removing danger with one of his long kicks, which went out to Gross The right wing made a good run and centred well, but a shot from Porteous went wide. The concluding etages of the game saw the "Probables" attacking, with all the forwards playing well. Their shooting also was good, but Batty, in goal, was right on his game, and consistently saved. The final whistle went with the scores:

" Possibles" . . . . . q "Probables" . \ 0 Petty Officer J. Thompson was referee. PONSONBY V. EVERTON. During the first spell the Ponsonby forwards did not seem to be able to settle down, and JiiVerton had much the better of matters Good work by the Ponsonby defence prevented any score until a well-placed centre from Kerr, on the left wing, gave O'Connor an opportunity. His shot was stopped by Ponsonby's goalkeeper, who failed to clear Jones was handy to Bhoot quickly and scored. At half-time Ponsonby were one down. _Tbe opening of the second spell saw Ponsonby attack in a most determined manner, a slight alteration in the forward line seeming to improve matters. A passing movement, in which most ofc the forwards took part, resulted in a splendid shot by Saunders being well cleared by Milson in goal for Everton. The Ponsonby forwards were not to be denied, and shortly afterwards Pickering sent in a high shot from some distance out. which Millson failed to reach, and the scores were equalised. Ponsonby continued to press, and play became fast and exciting. A splendid snot by Saunders was just turned over the bar by Millson, and Pickering took the resulting corner. He directed the ball right into the poal mouth for Yates to head a clever goal, putting hia side in the lead. Everton brightened up at this reverse, and making strenuous effortii to equalise had Ponsonby penned in their own twenty-five for some time. Good work by Mayall got Ponsonby out of difficulties for a time, but Everton were soon back, O'Connor being prominent. A free kick eventually gave relief, and play was at midfield when, the final whistle sounded with the scores: Ponsonby ... „ 3^ Everton 1 Mr. J. Ball was referee. THE JUNIOR MATCHES. Second Division.—North. Shore, 5 (Haycock 3, Pulman 2), beat Metropolitan. A, 2 (Harkins). Fourth Division. —W.Y.M.I. drew with North. Shore. 1 all; St. Heliers beat Onehunga Methodist by 4 goals to 0; North Shore drew with W.Y.M.1.. 1 goal each. Sixth Division.—Belmont beat North Shore A by 1 goal.to 0; Brotherhood, 2 (Hunt, Sims), beat Northcote, 1.

Y.M.C.A. SENIOR LEAGUE. Spurs defeated Swifts by 2 goals to 1 after an interesting game.

Y.M.C.A. BOYS' LEAGUE. Second Division.—Spurs, 4, beat Swifts, 2; Rivals and Rangers drew, 2 all. Third division: Swifts, 4, beat Spurs, 0; Rangers, 1, beat Rivals, 0. Fourth division: Swifts, 2, beat Spurs, 1; Rivals and Rangers drew, 0.

MATAMATA V. CAMBRIDGE. Matamata, 1, defeated Cambridge* 0, in a match played at Matamata on Saturday.