FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17842, 25 July 1921, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

Y a THE RUGBY GAME 0 5 _ i the senior competition. B 0 - I GRAFTON IN THE LEAD. 1 _ 1 1 RIFLES AND GRAMMAR LEVEL. I 9 P Th u 6 Se^r ior 00,71 petition 0{ Auckland r Union was continued at Eden 1 I t rV D Safcnrda - V "fternoon before an r attenda °ce of about 5000 people. The j weather wa-a showery, heavy raia falling f at intervals. In consequence the grounds s were heavy and the ball greasy, but this did not prevent some flashes of bright s back play in which the ball was handled s w>th accuracy. Grafton ® and College s Rines, the two leading teams, met on No j s 1 ground, and a fast, and for the most I 1 n 1 forward game resulted in a win for . orafto n by 11 points to 6. The Grafton 3 T-, Wei < 6 to ° £°°d f° r their opponents i w lie their backs, though not up to the r standard of the College Rifles rearguard, I played a S° od game. On each side there were some fine passing rushes, particut, arly by the College Rifles, ajid this 3 livened up-the game considerably. Grafj; ton were the first to score, fast following _ up by their forwards allowing McLeod i oross - College evened up with a try, 5 the outcome of a fine passing rush, but » just before half-time Grafton added j another try which was converted and they j led by 8 points to 5 at the interval. Each i ® cor cd tries in the second spell, leaving Grafton winners by 5 points. On No. » 2 ground Grammar School Old Boys just j managed to win from Marist Brothers > OJd by 9 points to 7. The latter 1 made great efforts in the last few minutes , to gain the lead but were unable to pene- : trate their opponents' defence. Ponsonby defeated Newton on No. 3 ground by 15 1 P°i n t s to 8. The latter played well for > the greater portion of the game and it | " as on Lv in the concluding stages that [ 1 oiisonby showed their superiority. . .The positions of the teams are :— Grafton, 18 points; College Rifles, Gram- . mar School, 16; Marist Brothers, Pon- ; sonby, 12; University, 10; North Shore, , 8; Newton, 2. ' GRAFTON V. COLLEGE RIFLES. •l *u ra^'" 011 1 kicked off, but Grierson and Hirst both fumbled, and play settled in College xtifles territory. The College Rifles van re- , turned the ball to midfield, only to see the Lx raft on forwards break through to the twenty-five. From the loose Grafton were t awarded a free kick. Nixon had the shot, 1 i! 11 ?! e " or k short, and G-rierson put the ball out at halfway. Nixon then broke I*7 kicked. Grierson failed to hold tne ball, and matters looked dangerous, when ; brrant stopped the attack by taking a mark, ivain beg-an to fall heavily ? and the game became rather scrambly owing to the heavy state of the* ground and the greasy nature of the ball. Eventually Nicola# forced his way through to College Rifles' twentyfive, where E. Gasparich started a passing rush, in which M. and W- Lamb participated. Tad. latter endeavoured to send the ball on to W. Gasparich, but he knocked an< L a Sood chance of scoring was lost, kane, Tresize, Bagnall and Seager carried the ball at their feet to the other end, where Muir gained possession and kicked, but Findlay saved. The Grafton forwards were now snowing to advantage, anh again invaded their opponents' territory, but a. free kick shifted play to inidfielcl. The College Rifles' backs then commenced to assert themselves, and a fine passing rush between Muir, Grierson, Laxon, and back to Grierson again saw the last-named pushed into touch a foot from the line. Loose play followed the line out, and a free kick to Grafton saved the situation. Muir started the" Grafton backs off again, but Grant overran his pass, and the movement stopped. Nicolas got on to the ball, and fine footwork saw College Rifles forced back to their own. twenty-five. Grierson and Hirst removed danger, only to see the ball kicked back again. Nicolas followed up fast and collared Pilling before he could dispose of the ball. E. Gasparich came along, and snapping up the ball sent on to McLeod, who opened Grafton's account with a try which Nixon failed to improve upon. The Grafton forwards continued to worry College Rifles, until a long kick by Grierson changed the venue to midfield. From a scrum Grafton were pushed back to their own line, and Findlay kicked out in his own twerty-five as the bell rang: Grafton, 3; College Rifles, 0. On changing over good work by Nicolas, J. Gasparich and Hansch had College Rifles on the defensive again. College Rifles forced them back to midfield, and a passing rush, which looked almost certain to end in a score, was spoiled through McLean overrunning the ball. Grafton cleared, and a mark to M. Lamb gave him a shot at goal, which failed. Good work bv Hirst repelled another attack by Grafton, and Nicolas wis conspicuous in taking the ball back again to College Rifles' territory. A strong attack was eventually repelled through faulty handling by the Grafton backs, and the ball was sent out at the twenty-five flag. From the throw-in Hirst secured, and found an opening. He passed to Muir, the ball travelling on to Grierson and Laxon. the latter scoring a try from the brightest piece of passing to date. Pilling failed to add the extra points. After strenuous forward play the ball was kicked out near Grafton's twentyfive by Muir. but the Grafton forwards carried it to College Rifles' territory, and Grierson and McLean saved in succession. Grafton maintained the pressure, and _W. Gasparich carried the ball at toe to the line, where Pilling was beaten, and W. Lamb, gaining possession, scored a try, which Nixon converted. Good work by E. Gasparich again had Grafton attacking, but faulty handling allowed Mclnnes and Lane to clear to midfield, where play remained till the interval: Grafton, 8; College Rifles, 3. An exchange of kicks marked the opening of the second spell, and play eventually settled in Grafton's territory. College Rifles were forced back, and D. iLnmb and Nixon carried the ball on to College Rifles' twentyfive. The Grafton backs attempted a parsing rush, but it was intercepted, "and the bal\ sent back to midfield. Hansch and M. I.amb weTe responsible for putting College Rifles again -on the defensive, but from a line-out the latter's van broke through and cleared. Close bunching tactics carried play to Grafton's twenty-five, but Thompson gained possession and sent the ball back to Eagle, and he found the line near his own Quarter way flag. The College forwards then came through, but just as quickly the Grafton forwards counter-attacked, and once more College Rifles were defending. The Grafton backs failed to hold the ball, and College Rifles once more got clear. Hughes then started a passing rush, W. Lamb and W. Gasparich handling in succession, but the latter's pass to Thompson went astray, and the hall was sent back to midfield. They returned, and Thompson just failed to get over. A series of scrums followed near College Rifles' line, and relief was eventually obtained by forcing. Grafton were soon back - again. Nicolas and Hansch carrying the ball at their feet to the twenty-five. Here Hughes picked up and started a passing rush between W. Lamb, W. Gasparich, and E. Gasparich. which ended in the last-named scoring. Nixon failed with the kick: Grafton, 11; College Rifles. 3. * On changing over Moore went into the forwards and J. Gasparich took the place of M- Lamb, who received an injury to one of hie legs, and had to retire. Free kicks to each side left play in midfield, but a little later the College Rifles' backs got going. Begg gained possession and started a passing rush between Muir, Grierson, Hirst, and Laxon. The latter kicked over Findlay's head, and Hirst, following ur> fast, touched down. Pilb'ng failed with the kick. The College backs were soon going again, but a free kick pulled them up. Grafton then attacked, and Nixon broke through, the ball being kicked over and forced. Grafton returned, but a mark to Laxon in front of the posts saved. W. Gasnarich took a mark almost immediately, and had a long shot at goal, which fell short-. A little later Muir Grie-rson, and Hirst indulged in another parsing bout, the last-named being stopped on the Grafton line. Grafton cleared, but College Rifles returned, only to be sent back to midfield as time sounded Grafton 11 College Rifles . . . . . . * * g Mr. Meredith was referee GRAMMAR SCHOOL v. MARISTS. Grammar School kicked ofi. but Marist -brothers • immediately carried play into Grammar School's twenty-five, "Wright suppressing the attack with a mark. A long kick by V Badeley then put Grammar behoof on the offensive and the bail was carried across Marist Brothers' line, a force result, ns. The Grammar School backs opened up the game and a good pasiins msh saw Goodwin pushed iDto iouch-in-goaL Marist Brothers carried the ball back, and when Culpan charged down a cleaning kick by Peebles matters looked dangerous for Grammar School, hut the Marist forwards overran the ball and Knight dribbled to the other end, a force resulting. Goodwin made a dash down the wing almost immediately, but went into touch-in-eoal as the result of a tackle by Malloy. Grammar School maintained the pressure, but were eventually sent back, a long kick by T. Courtney shifting play to their line. From a scrum Wright cleared. Thomas, however, got the ball and ran through to Peebles, at fullback for Grammar School. He printed over the iater's head, but the Grammar School team got round in time to save. After strenuous work ill midfield play was taken to Grammar School's territory, but ths de

fence was too solid and there -was no score when the teams changed over. Shortly afterwards "Wright sent Goodwin away, but i a |_. stopped. From a scrum that followed Wright again set his backs goins and a fine passing rush, in which V. Badeley made a nice opening, ended in Williams scoring. V. Badeley failed to convert. Grammar School. 3: Harist Brothers, 0. When the same was resumed even play followed for some time. The ball was eventually carried to Marists' line and Lintott waa nearly over. The Marist Brothers backs cleared., but the Grammar School van was soon going again and Taylor scored a try which V. Badeley failed to convert. Keeping up the pressure the Grammar School forwards, who were having the better of the game, were soon rewarded with a third try. Knight crossing Maris*. Brothers then livened up and were attacking when the Quarter ended. Grammar School, 9: Manst Brothers, 0. Marist Brothers had much the better of the concluding stages and attacked solidly. Success came their way a little later, when McDonald scored a try which Brady failed to improve upon. . Grammar School's lead I was further reduced in the next few minI utes, when Thomas accepted a pa»s in Grammar School's twenty-five and potted a goal. Ma.rist Brothers attacked strongly for the remainder of the spell, but were unable to ndd further to their total and the came ended: fi rammar School 9 Marist Brothers . . " « . . 7 Mr. Hall was refereo. PONSONBY V. NEWTON. Shortly after the commencement, Ponsonby infringed the rules, and McLean had a shot at goal, which was unsuccessful. Ponsonby then attacked, and a series of short rushes carried the ball to Newton's twenty-five, where PonsoDby were penalised. The free kick did not avail Newton very much, for from the ruck McWilliams g.ithereu up and passed to Lucas. The latter sent on to Rowe, who got across. Prentice made a good, though unsuccessful, attempt at goal. Ponsonby maintained trip pressure, but from a scrum a good passing rush among the Newton backs saw Haliiday stopped within a few yards of Ponsonby's line. The teams changed round almost immediate.y. Ponsonby, 5; Newton. 0. An exchange of kicks between Haliiday, Lucas, and bniith resulted in the ball going out near Ponsonby's twenty-five, and a little later McLean had another shot at goal from a penalty, but the ball went wide. Ponsonby then asserted themselves, and a fine passing rush between Pitman, Donovan, and McManns resulted in the last-named finding the line well in Newton's twenty-five. From the throw-in Pitman secured. and pasted to Lucas, who potted a goal. A little later Newton were awarded a free kick, and McLean opened their account with a goal, making the half-time scores: Ponsonby; 7; Newton, 3, Shortly after play was resumed Newton attacked strongly, their forwards carrying the ball through to the line. From loose play McLean gathered up. and forced his way over the line near the posts. He easily converted. From the kick off Newton returned, but faulty handling allowed the Ponsonby backs to get in and clear. A few minutes Lucas intercepted a pass, and supported by Hobson and Rowe, broke away. A score seemed certain, but Lucas' pass to Hobson went astray, nnd a scrum followed. Newton got the ball, and took play upfield. but Ponsonbv were soon back in Newton's territory. The Newton forwards seemed to tire at this stage, and after loose play Lucas got the ball, and a passing rush between him and McManus saw the latter cross. _ Prentice failed to convert. Almost immediately Ponsonby set up another attack, and Prentice, gathering up. got over. He added the extra points, and the game ended: Ponsonby -. .. .. .- 15 Newton • ■ • • • • • ■ 8 Mr. Cliffe was referee. the junior matches. Second Grade. —Ponsonby. 17, beat Training College, 5. Third Grade.—College Rifles, *>, beat Telegraph, 3; Grafton, 5, beat Technical Old Boys, 0; Thames Old Boys, 14, beat Grammar, 3; Suburbs A. 12. beat St. David's, 0; 11, beat Dniversoty, 3; Eilerslie, 14. beat Papatoetoe, 3." Fourth Grade.—Telegraph, 3, drew with Eilerslie, 3. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. . Third Grade.—Grammar, 3. beat Technical. 0. Fourth grade: Marist Brothers, 20, beat Grafton, 3. PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATCHES. A Grade.—Richmond Road, 14, beat Mount Eden, 3; Remuera, 8, beat Newmarket, 3; Bayfield, 3, beat Te Papapa. 0; Maungawhau, 3, beat Epsom. 0 B Grade.—Ponsonby and Parnell drew, neither side scoring; Napier Street, 3. beat Meadowbank, 0: Beresford Street, 6 beat Onehunga, 0; Mount Albert, 3, beat Newton West. 0; Newton East. -8, beat Mount Roskill, 3; Point Chevalier, 5, beat Edendale, 3; Grey Lynn, 26. beat Newton East, 3. C Grade.—Normal, 9, beat Vauxball, 0; Cornwall Park. 15, beat Richmond West, 0; Remuera, 5. beat Maungawhau, 3: Eilerslie, 24, boat Edendalc, 0; Grey Lynn, 6, beat Mount Albert, 3. CHURCHES ASSOCIATION. Gordon, 5. beat St. David's. 0: Dominion Road. 3. drew with Church of Christ, 3. KOHN SHIELD MATCH. A Rugby football match in connection with the Kohn Shield will be played at Victoria Park on Wednesday afternoon between teams representing the Wellington Tramways (holders) and the Auckland Tramways. The Wellington team is said to include mnnv first-class players and a keen contest should be witnessed. The match will commence at 3 oiclock. MATCHES AT TAUMARUNUL [by telegraph.—own correspondent] TAUMARUNUI. Saturday. Senior Rugby results were:—Taumarunui beat On game by 14 to 8; Owhango beat Manunui by 16 to 8 MATCH AT TE PUKE. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] TE PUKE, Saturday. The Rovers and United football teams, having played three drawn games in succession, great interest was tak<n in to-day's match, which resulted: Rovers, 16; United, 3. OLIVER CUP MATCHES. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] TAURANGA, Saturday. In the Oliver Cup junior football competition to-day, Te Puna defeated Mataksma by 6 points to 0; Cadets and Rangataua drew, w ; th 8 points each. _ Tanning;- and Te Puke Union representatives will play a match at Te Puke next Saturday. SECONDARY SCHOOLS MATCH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Saturday. The annual match between Hamilton High School and Auckland Grammar School was - played at Steele Park, Grammar School winning by 6 to 0. There was a larje'attendance, and some excellent football was witnessed. The Auckland boys were too heavy in the forward line for their opponents Up to half time there was no score, the local boys having had, if anything, the better of the gameWAIPA DEFEATS NORTH SHORE[BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU. Saturday. The match. Waipa v. North Shore, was played here this afternoon, and was well contested throughout. The first spell ended: North Shore, 6: Waipa, 3; and the gams ended; Waipa, 8; North Shore, 6. MATCHES AT MORRINSVILLE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MORRINSVILLE, Saturday. The Morrinsville representatives met Cambridge on the Morrinsville ground to-day, the game resulting in a draw, 3 all. The game was fast and open, the forwards having most of the play Half time sounded with no score, and in the Eecocd spell Glenn scored for Morrinsville, and Inkpen for Cambridge. The curtain-raiser was a match between Piako and Morrrnsville juniors, the game resulting in a win for Morrinsville by 10 points to 3. PEACE CUP CONTEST. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Saturday. The match for the Peace Cup between Hamilton and Thames, holders, took place this afternoon, and resulted in a draw, 9 all. Burrett scored for Thames in the first minut» of the match Alexander and Buchan also scored for the local team, and S. Ciarkin scored twice for Hamilton and a penalty try was awarded for obstructionAs curtain-raisers, Thames juniors defeated Hamilton juniors by 12 to 9, and Waitakaruru defeated Thames B team by 6 to 5. NORTH OTAGO V. S. CANTERBURY. £bt telegkaph. —-peess association.] OAMARU, Sunday. At Rugby football, North Otago defeated South Canterbury by 12 points to 6-

; CANTERBURY REPRESENTATIVES i [BY XELEQBAPH.—PHESS ASSOCIATION.] I CHBISTCHURCH. Sunday. The following will represent Canterbury < against the Springboks :-r-Fullback, C K tvans; threequarters, Ford. » McCormack, Wilson; five-eighths. Deans, R. Evans; half, H Mullins; forwards. Carnegie (wing), i JMLis, Mtmro. Henderson. Murray, Petersen. VV. Cummmga, "E.- Cummings- ' The following Canterbury team has been 1 selected to make the North Island tour: > Fullback, Orchard; threequarters. Ford. Mc- • Cormack; five-eighths, Fit2gerald, K- Evans; , bait, H. Mullins; forwards, Carnegie (wing), tllis Munro, Henderson, Smart <K.aikonra), ■ A. Henry, E- Cumminga, W. Cummings; emergencies: Forward, Dennehy; backs," W L,. Henry, J. C. Mullins. - NEW SOUTH WALES TOUR. [ The following programme has been ari longed for the tour of the New South W ales team, which is to visit New Zealand next month: — ■■ Arrive Wellington. August 3. » 10 Play Marlborough at Blenheim, August Play West Coast at Westport. August 18. , r ' iaj ' .South Canterbury at Timaxo, August 17. a riay ew Zealajnd at Christchurch, All gust 20. Piay Manawatu at Palmerston North, August 24. Play Poverty Bay at Gisborne, August 27. Play Hawke's Bay at Napier, August 31. \ Play Rotorua, Seotember 3. [ Play North Auckland at Whangaroi. Seps lernber 7. i UNDER LEAGUE RULES. > , ROOPE ROOSTER SEMI-FINAL. ! CITY DEFEATS PONSONBY. ; CLOSELY-CONTESTED GAME. ■ Only one senior game under League ; rules wa a played on Saturday, City meet- " T? g Por^ onb y "» the semi-final of the ! vJT £? oster competition at Victoria • lark There was an attendance esti- . mated at between 6000 and 70UU to wit- " u 6SS o the - game > which wa s won by City - by 8 points to 5 after a very close and . ""ting contest. The other semi-final match in the competition was postponed , owing to the protest by Marist Old Boys , regarding their game with Maritime on ! -a / reV T, 10l , lS Saturda J being still unde- '. ( ( ;lded - .Either Marist Old Bovs or Maritime will meet Fire Brigade in the semifinal, and the winner of that fixture will - play oft the final with City. • It was generally anticipated that City , would prove equal to scoring a win from ! Ponsonby and this opinion was j ened when it became known that A McGregor and Delgrosso had not sufficiently recovered from injuries to take the field j lor the latter club. As matters turned » out Ponsonby gave a sample of their old ; orm, and if anything, had rather the better of the game, though City won by ' a narrow margin. Unfortunately a heavy shower fell just as the game "commenced and made the ball greasy and difficult to handle. As a result there was less combined back play than was expected. Notwithstanding this the game was extremely fast and keenly contested. The absence of a dashing threequarter like A. McGregor probably lost Ponsonby the game, as oil at least two occasions opportunities to score were lost through the wing three-quarter being unable to finish off passing bouts that should have ended successfully. The Course of Play. Ponsonby were first to attack, a forward rush taking the ball to the City twenty-five where a hard kick sent it into touch in goal wity then had a turn in attack, a forward rush reaching the Ponsonby lino a force resulting. McClymont obtained a mark, and kicking high, followed up well, but Paki marked in front of the goal and saved the situation. Ponsonby then began to open up the game, but the tackling of the City backs proved sound, and little advantage was gained. The Ponsonby forwards made around with a concerted rush, but Paki ' saved well. The ball was kicked over the line and City forced. Ponsonby were again attacking when Paki intercepted a pass and broke away. He was supported by Minogue and B. Davidson, but a pass went astray, ; and a good chance -to score was lost. City ' then began' to get the ball in the scrum, and several passing bouts were initiated by the ' backs; A free Tuck to City gave W. Davidson a shot at goal, but the kick went wide. ■ A rush by the Ponsonby backs took the bill to the City twenty-five, but Hing's pass to Beecham was not cleanly taken, and the chance was lost. McClymont had a shot at coal from a penalty, and sent the ball ■ between the posts. Play for the remainder of the spell was chiefly confined to the forwards, the greasy ball making the backs miss many passes. Toward the end of the spell Ponsonby invaded the City territory, but were unable to pierce the defence. The score at the interval was: Ponsonbv 2 City, 0. Upon resuming, Ponsonby set up a strong attack, and Hing getting the ball in the open beat all his opponents but the fullback, Paki proving a stumbling-block. City were pressed ~in their twenty-five, and Ponsonby made strenuous efforts to score. Meadows, with a strong dash, reached the line, but just failed to score. A free kick to City eventually relieved the pressure and a long kick by Thomas sent the ball out in Ponsonby's twenty-five. After some hard forward play. Laing obtained possession, and ' sent on to Minogue. The latter knocked forward, and a certain try was lost. From the ensuing scrum Hawkes got the ball and struggled across to score a try. W. Davidson converted. When the ball was again set in motion a City rush took play to the Por-porby twenty-five, and B. Davidson was tackled close to the line. A good run by B. Davidson immediately afterwards resulted in Townsend eetiiug the hall near the line and scoring another try for City. W. Davidson failed with the kick. Shortly afterwards a City rush reached the Ponsonby line, but a free kick relieved. Ponsonby were getting tho ball from the scrum and tried to open up the game, but the threequarters were weak in taking the' ball. McClymont then essayed to cut in close to the City line, and almost got through. Another dash by the Ponfonby forwards took the ball almost over at the corner The City forwards cleared with a rush. which was stop-led by McClymont. City ' initiated a passing run. but the transfer to W. Davidson vent astray and McClvmont moped in and stopned the movement. A Ponsonby rush headed by Hing took the ball over the City line, a force resulting. Another strong rush by Ponsonbv sent the hnll over th? line near the* corner, and a Ponsonby player being obstructed the reforee awarded a try to the attacking side Beecham failed to convert Hard forward play charactoris-od the remainder of the game. Vint no further score was registered, the game resulting:— City 8 Ponsonby. . , 5 JUNIOR MATCHES. Second Grade.—Maritime. 9 points, defeated Otahuhu. 0. Third Grade.—Newton. 14 points, defeated Kingsland, 3 Fourth Grade.—Manukau. 8 points, defeated Point Chevalier, 5; City. 5. defeated Richmond, 3. Fifth Grade.—Takapuna, 5 points, defeated Manukau, 0 Cadet Competition.—l3th Company. 0, drew with 18th Company. 0; 13th Company B. 3, defeated 34th Company, 2. AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON. LOCAL TEAM CHOSEN. The following team has been chosen by the selectors for the Auckland League. Messrs. J. Clark, G. Whitley and E. Stallworthy, to represent the Auckland League in a match against the Wellington League representatives for the Northern Union Challenge Cup next Saturday, at Carlaw Park:—• Fullback: M. Flynn (Maritime). IhreeQuaxters: C. Woolley (Fire Brigade). E C. Gray (Maritime). W. Davidson (City). Five-eighths. M. We-therall (City). A. McClymont (Ponsonby). Halfback: J. Dang (Marist Old Boys). Forwards: A. Singe (Marist Old Boys), S. Lawry (Ponsonby), W. Williams (Newton). Stormont (Marist Old Boys), TT Hawkes (City), H. Avery (Maritime). Emergencies: Back, L. Newdick (Newton); forward, G. Paki (City). The Auckland League intends sending two teams South next month. The travelling teams will not include any of. tho players who were included in the New Zealand League team that visited Australia this season. A trial match will be played at Carlaw Park on Saturday between " probables 11 and " possibles" as a curtain-raiser to the challenge match between the Auckland and Wellington Deague representativesFollowing are the teams:— Possibles: Dufty. Eustace, J. McGregor, D. Davidson, G. Yardley. W. Cloke, Peckham. Cargill, Townsend. Hanlon. C. James, A Scott, McNeil! (Ponsonby. Probables: Doveridge, J. Brien. Minogue, Gatlaugher. Hing, Delaney, W. Walsh, Thomas, Casey, St. George, Ballanty-ne, Coates. Herring. Emergencies: Littlewood, Ghent, Briggs, Wing, Webb, E. Johnson (Shore). TAUMAEUNTJI FINAL. [BT XELEGEJLPH. —OWS COHHESPOKHEXT.] TAUMA.RUNUL Saturday. " Tatmsanmm won the final of the senior League oompetftTrra, defeating Tongariro fajr II points to 8.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. SENIOR COMPETITION. NORTHCOTE STILL LEADING. The Auckland Football Association's club competitions were: continued at the various grounds on Saturday in cold and showery weather. A fair number of spectators were present at Victoria Park where Ponsonby defeated H.M.S. Philomel by 4 goals to 0 in a game which was more evenly contested than the score indicates. The Northcote v. T.M.C.A. Old Bojts match was played on the same ground, Northcote winning by 5 goals to 1. On the Devonport Domain Huntly and North Shore played a drawn game, each side scoring one goal, this being the sixth drawn game the Huntly team has played this season. The Y.M.C.A. v. Kohimarama match at the Outer Domain resulted in a win for Y.M.C.A. bv 6 goals to 1. The positions of the teams are : — Northcote, 19 points; Huntlv, Ponsonbv, 17; H.M.S. Philomel, Y.M.C.A. Old Boys, 11; Y.M.C.A., 8; North Shore, 3; Kobimarama, 2. PONSONBY V. H.M.S. PHILOMEL Philomel won the toss, and defended the western goal, taking advantage of a strong wind. Wallwork kicked off for Ponsonby, passing to Ellis, who sent the ball out in Philomel's twenty-five. Innes secured from the throw-in. and passed to the centre, where Marsh intercepted, and cleared to midfield. A good pass by Knatt sent Simm away on Ponsonby's left wing, a clever piece of work ending in a well-judged centre to the goal mouth. Ellis headed for goal, but his shot went wide. Forcing play, Ponsonby were soon back again, and the ball, coming in from Innes, was headed up field by Corbett. who followed through, placing well to Sexton, who made a good run, but delayed too long in shooting, and a chance was lost. After the first 15 minutes the sailors seemed to settle to the'r work, and the game smartened ur> considerably. Splendid combined work between Sexton and Heatley on their right wing had the Ponsonby backs in trouble, until Knott removed danger by a well-placed kick to his forwards. A free kick to Ponsonby, taken by Roberts, went to Wallwork, and a fine shot was well cleared by Doree. In spite of the wind and rain against them at this stage Ponsonby were having considerably the better of matters, and but for the slippery ball and the saying work of Batty, in goal for ■ the sailors, must have scored. Prom 20yds. out Wallwork sent in a splendid shot, which Batty just turned over the bar. and a minute later, the goalkeeper saved brilliantly, when Mitchell shot from the resulting corner. Both of Ponsonby's wings were working well, and Wallwork at centre, was playing fine football. Occasionally the navy men broke through, Hooper, Sexton, and Heatley being prominent, but Alpe and Roberts were putting up a very sound defence, and Heatley was having a day off at shooting. The last 10 minutes of the spell saw the pace increase, and both sides make strenuous efforts to score. Keen, even play marked the opening stages of the second spell, the ball travelling quickly from end to end. Ponsonby were first to gain the advantage, and forced two corners without result. Hooper. Philomel, received from the kick out, and passed cleverly to Hopkins, who went on down the wing and passed across field. Lewis received in a good position, but his shotwent wide. Smart work by Simm took play to Philomel's end. where the ball seemed to hang in the goal mouth, until Bailey cleared to the wing. Here Innes secured.and, judging his pass well, centred again for Ellis- to head through and score the first goal of the match. Encouraged by their success the Ponsonby forwards attacked in a very determined manner. Then followed an anxious time for the navy backs, Wallwork, Ellis and Innes shooting in quick succession. Batty came out of goal finally, arid Doree got back just in time to remove danger. Securing from the coal kick Innes, of Ponsonby, made a clever run down the wing, and evading, the opposing backs, sent in a beautiful centre to Knott, who shot well. Batty cleared, but the ball came back to the oentre half, who shot again quickly to the corner, and this time was successful. Keeping up the pressure _ the Ponsonby forwards continued to dominate play, and ffom a scramble in front of goal, which followed a centre by Simm, Wallwork scored their third goal. Good work by Lewis, Hooper and Sexton saw the latter's shot well cleared by Anderson,, and Martin kicked well up the fieldRacing after the ball Simm sent in the shot of the day, which beat Batty, and scored Ponsonby's fourth goal. Shortly after this Corbett, who had proved himself the mainstay of the Philomel side, was forced to retire through injuries, and the Ponsonby forwards took charge of the game. Several shots were disallowed though offside piay, and a good game ended with the score: Ponsonby 4 H.M.S. Philomel 0 Mr. J. Ball was referee HUNTLY V. NORTH SHORE. Huntly won the toss, and Perrott set the ball rolling for North Shore, but Porteous secured possession, and led Mb forwards in an attack on the home team's goal The ™J.™»' behind, and from the goal kick Worth Shore retaliated with a good passing bout, which went to Huntly's back line, where Green was prominent in defence. The wet conditions and soft nature of the ground were all against accurate football, and taking advantage of the stiff breeze Huntly commenced long-kicking tactics, following up quickly. In this manner they gained the advantage, and after some smart work by Hayes and Liddle, on the right wing, J Porteous accepted a pass in a good position,' . and shot a fine goal. This reversd smartened up the North Shore forwards, who combined well, to carry play to the visitors' goal, where Allsop put up splendid defence again sx shots from Perrott and Alison. Play worked _ back to North Shore's twenty-five, but their forwards, not to be denied, came to the attack, again to be held up by McNeil a ,? d , P ?, rteou s' ,*? * he half line- They placed the ball up field, but a free kick against the visitors enabled Haycock, for North Shore to shoot a magnificent gdal from nearly half-way, and equalised the score. From the kick-off the Huntly forwards started a fine passing movement, the ball going from Hayes to Porteous, and back again to Hayes, who forced a corner. Liddle's kick was a good one. and although Williams saved cleverly, the ball hung about the goal mouth, where Huntly were eventually awarded a penalty kick, which failed to improve matters. The latter stages of the spell saw Huntly attacking well, with Hayes prominent in some smart work. The defence of Dacre ■ and Haycock proved sound, however, and half-time arrived with 'the score one aIL With the wind in their favour North Shore were quickest to attack upon resuming, and only good defensive work by Steele and Green saved goals against the visitors. Play became fast and exciting, with North Shore taking a hand at attack, which was started by Dacre's fine kicking. Both Woolley and McKenzie on the wings put in some good runs, which went to Huntly's back line, but the shooting was erratic. After a determined attack by Huntly had been broken up by Dacre, McKenzie was awarded a free kick, from which Haycock just failed to goal. During the last quarter both siden made strenuous efforts to get in the lead, and although promising movements were continually spoiled by the slippery ground, some fine football resulted, and excitement among ihi* spectators was intense. Perrett, Alisom and Woolley wero doing great work for the local team, while Hayes and Porteous in the Huntlv forwards were unfortunate not to score several times. The final whistle sounded with play in North Shore's twentyfive, and one of the best games of the season ended with the scores: Huntly 1 North Shore 1 Petty Officer J. Thompson was referee. Y.M.C.A. V. KOHBIARAMA. This match was decided on the Outer Domain, and the piaying area was in such a bad state that it was almost impossible to play Association football on it. Kobimarama won the toss and took advantage of the stiff breeze, Rowat setting the game in motion. The Y.M.C.A. forwards quickly secured possession, and during the first few minutes Hillcoat accepted a pass from Pitkin and scored a fine goal. Kobimarama retaliated by rushing play to their opponents' goal, where from the scramble that ensued the ball was forced through, and the score equalised. After a. short spell of give-and-take play the Y.M.C.A. forwards took charge of the game and goals were added quickly by Hillcoat and Elsby. Play in the second half ouickly settled in Eohimarama's twenty-five. They had lost the advantage of the wind and their forwards did not eeem to be able to set eoing. Puriher goals, were obtained for Y.M.C.A. by Williams, Ehffcy, and Pitkin, an uninteresting game ending with the scores: — .Y.M.C.A. e Kohimarama . . . . .. .. 1 Mr. G. P. Christian waa referee. NORTHCOTE v. Y.M.C.A. OLD BOYS. As was anticinated. Northcote. the leading team in the competition, had an easy victory oveT Y.M.C.A. Old Boys. The game did not attract much interest and was to a large extent spoiled by the spectators at an adjacent game, who crowded on the playing area _as though the Assoc'ation game was not in progress. For Northcote goals were ecored by Trftnaixt (2), Wilson, McMillan and Cross, while Mfllar scored for the Old Boys. Northcote R Y.M.C.A. Old Boys .. .. ..1 Mi. Leddy was referee. THE JUNIOR MATCHES. Second Division—North Shore, 3, beat Ponsonby. 0. Fifth Division.—Baknont, 5, beat Devonport Methodists. 0. Sixth Division-—Belmont. 1. beat Brotherhood, 0; Belmont A, 1. beat W-.Y-M-I-, 0; Belmomt B, X, drew with Y.Ci, 1. Y.M.C.A. BOYS' LEAGUE. Second Division-—Spurs, 3 beat Rangers. 0: Rivals, 0. drew with Swiite, 0. Third Division: Rangers. 3. beat Spurs, 1: Rivals. 0. drew with Swifts. 0. Fourth Division: Rangers, 1, beat Spurs. 0; Rivals. 0. drew with Swifts, 0.