FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17884, 12 September 1921, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME.

AUCKLAND V. TARANAKL.

WIN FOR LOCAL TEA!*

MARGIN OF 10 POINTS.

The annual home-and-home match be-1 tween Auckland and Taranaki was plaved at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon. The weather was fine, and there was an attendance of about 5000 spectators. The ground was dry and hard, and the conditions generally were in favour of a fast, open game. Taranaki was not represented by its best side, several of its leading players being in Wellington training with the New Zealand team in view of the third test match against the South Africans. The game throughout was fast and interesting, but play was not of a particularly high standard and at times was of a scrambling character. On the run of the play Auckland was the better side, the forwards playing well together, showing excellent form on the line-out and in the loose, with the backs combining accurately in all the attacking movements. The passing and handling of the Auckland backs was superior to that of their opponents and they showed greater initiative in attack. The Taranaki backs were weak, particularly at five-eighths, and they did not show their best form. Their passing was alow and uncertain, and there were few av tempts at cutting in and straight running, the attacking movement invariably going straight across field with the result that

the wings were crowded on the touch and little ground was gained. The strength of Taranaki lay in the forwards who played a dashing, untiring game to the finish, showing up well in the line-out and in the loose. The first spell was not inspiring, but Auckland displayed the best form and had secured a lead of 6 points at half time. Play improved on both sides in the second half and Aucklsjid added 13 points, Taranaki scoring 9 points with a try and two penalty goals, leaving Auckland winners by 19 points to 9. The Bun of the Play.

Milliken captained the Auckland team, and Hooker did similar servioe for Taranaki. The visitors won the toss and elected to day with the wind in their favour. McCullough kicked off for Auckland, the hall sains to the line. The Taranaki forwards brok» Sway with the ball at their feet, but a free kick by V. Badeley turned them back and trained a stretoh of 30 yards. McCullough broke away at the head of a Taranaki rush, and again V. Badeley relieved with a fine kick to the line. Auckland forwards were securing the bail, and Arnold showed clear, breaking away from the line-out. he set the Auckland backs in motion, but Wilkinson, the Taranaki wine, intercepted a pass from Lucas to Grierson. and carried play to the half-way flag, where Malono. the Taranaki rover, headed a forward rush and carried the game to midfield. The Auckland backs were now securing the ball, and making good use of it. Findlay nut in a fine kick to the line on the Taranaki side of the half-way flag, and a passing rush by the Auckland backs was opened un by Nicholas, who sent out a crisp pass to C. Badeley. to V. Badeley, and then to Williams, who, racing over at ton speed, scored a fine try at the corner. V. Badeley took the kick, making a good attempt, but the ball dropped under the orosobar: Auckland. 3; Taranaki, 0. After the drop-out Hooker broke away, and Taranaki attacked strongly in Auckland's twenty-five, but V. Badelev relieved the pressure with a fine kick. The Auckland backs now secured the ball, and C. Badeley kicked into Taranaki's twenty-five, where scrambling play followed, until Cameron got away and opened up the game. A good rush, headed by Helander and Mo Ginley. was stopped by Lusk. the Taranaki fullback, who found the line at the halfway flag. An exchange of kicks saw play in Auckland's twenty-five, where Hickey. from a passing rash, was forced out at the corner. Helander relieved the pressure by breaking through, and at the end of the first Quarter the same was in Auckland territory. Changing ends, the Auckland backs got away. Earle sending out a crisp pass to C. Badeley, who transferred to Grierson. but the ball rebounded and went out at halfway. Play was scrappy at 'this stage, but Williams improved it with a fine run to midfield. The Taranaki forwards were now playing with great dash, and Allen came through hot-foot in the loose, but kicked too hard, and Findlay saved with a splendid longe-range kick, which found the line at the Taranaki twenty-five. Auckland attacked, and a penalty kiok by V. Badeley just grazed the post, Taranaki forcing. After the drop-out a passing rush by the Auckland backs saw V. Badeley pass out to Williams, who sent on to Earle, the Auckland half being pushed out at the corner. Auckland sustained the pressure, and Williams, racing to the centre, passed to Milliken. who sent on to V. Badeley. who in turn passed to Lucas, the Auckland centre transferring to Grierson, who dashed down the line and raced round behind the posts, scoring a fine try. which V. Badeley failed to convert: Auckland, 6; Taranaki, 0.

Auckland Leads at Hall Time. After the kick out Taranaki attacked, but McLean, who was showing great form on the line-out, broke away, and the visitors' line was in danger. Campbell came through in the loose with the ball at too. and relieved the pressure, but Auckland again attacked. From a line-out McLean secured and passed to V. Badeley, who sent on to Lucas, whose kick was fielded by Lusk. the Taranaki fullback, finding touch at the ' twenty-five flag. From the line Allen passed out to Cameron, who carried p'-ay to Auckland's line* where Coutts made a strong dash, and was nearly over. A dangerous situation was relieved by V. Badeley kicking to halfway. The Auckland forwards were going well, and McGinley, breaking away from the line-out, carried play to Taranakt's twenty-five, where Hickey stopped the attack. A passing rush by the Auckland backs was checked, and an ex- i change of kicks between Findlay and Wilk-1 inson found play in Taranaki's territory, ! when the bell sounded for half-time with the score:— j

Auckland .. .. • • .. 6 Taranaki .. .. 0 On resumption the action of play was carried into the Taranaki twenty-five, where £ne defensive kicking relieved the pressure, and the bustling Taranaki forwards set up an attack which threatened Auckland's line. Lusk put in a good long-range kick for Taranaki, and the backs and forwards coming away threatened danger, until C. Badeley relieved with a fine kick. Taranaki came again, and a penalty against Auckland was taken by Hooker, who kicked a fine goal from outside the twenty-five flag. Auckland, 6; Taraiiaki, S. Shortly after resumption Findlay won a round of applause for a fine kick to Taranaki's twenty-five. From the line-out McLean passed out to C Badeley, who transferred to V. Badeley, that player transferring to Lucas, the Auck/and centre being cauent with the ball. The Taranaki forwards broke away, and carried play to Auckland's territory, where Findlay again saved with a fine kick. From a scramble Arnold broke through to halfway and from the line-out Hunt cleared, only to be sent back by V. Badeley with a kick past the half-way flag. The Auckland backs then opened out. Making a good run to the centre, V. Badeley passed to Mil'ikeu, who, with fine judgment, sent the bail over the heads of several Auckland forwards in support to Kelander, who) dasher] over and scored a try. which McCurough failed to convert. Auckland, 9; Taranaki. 3. After this reverse the Taranaki b rks came away, and good passing from Berg to Cameron, to Coutts fend Hooker, threatened danger, but the nnal pass from the centre to the wing was too slow, and the attack was brought up all atandinr on the line. From •.lineout McLean headed a rush of Auckland forwards i" haliwav. In the ta-ckle thet followed Lusk, the" Auckland' fullback, letirod hurt He was replaced by O'Rourke, who went into the pack, Maloce, the rover, going to full back. On resumption the. Auiklejad backs 've.e flam; nto action. , A ,!- ; '., hv Lii'tß anil' «. r>i"v« to Cnemon et the latter away in a fine dash down the line, but the paes-iu to Milhken was m»sed. and a good chance of a score was lost Play at i th •-■ ftage was fast and open, and C Baaeley I made a dash for tha line, but after being tackled* lost the ball, and Hunt relieved. A i succession of attacks by the Auckland backs I were frustrated by the Taranaki rearguard, I and the third quarter ended' with play in. the J Taranaki twenty-five.

Final Stages of the Game. Changing over for the final epell, a long k : ck by C. Bade'ey was fielded by the Taranaki fullback, who found the line at halfway. A break-away by the Taranaki forwards and n pa=.s out to Hi"kev raw the vngthreequarter dash over the line and score a good try. which Hooker failed to convert: Auctf'and. 9; Taranaki. 6. Auckland attacked on resumption, and a hard kick by Milliken went, into touch. At this stage Tarana-ki was playing with eroat da*h, but Auckland was one better C. Badelev, breaking away, •m-id* a bril'iant run to the Taranaki fullback, when be transferred to Milliken. who, niter a strons nm, passed again to Badeley, who raced over b-tween the posts, scoring a splendid try, which McCulloush converted: Auckland. 14; Taranaki. 6. Play was fast after resumpt. on, and a fine dash by Wilkinson carried the garne to wtthin striking distance of the Auckland line, where Grierson marked and found touch in Taranaki twenty- ; five. Taranaki oame away again, and Coutts . in a. kick over the line just miseed scormg.

C. Badeley saving by forcing. Auckland jumped into the attack, and Lucas, dashed through the defence, to bo tackled within an ace of scoring. Shortly afterwards-liacas attempted a pot at goal, but the ball went outside the post, and Taranaki forced. Another attack by Auckland threatened danger, bat a bad pass to Milliken was knocked on, and the chance was lost The final sensation was an attack by the Auckland: backs, the ball passing from C, Badeley to Lucas, who transferred to Williams, the speedy Auckland wing, who, crowding on the pace, made a brilliant run, and cleverly swerving- past the Taranaki fullback scored a try, which McCullough converted: Auckland, 19; Taranaki, 6. Cm resumption Taranaki attacked, and a rush, m which Cameron and Coutts were prominent carried play to Auckland's twentyfive, where Earle was penalised, and from a penalty Hooker kicked a goal. In the final stages Taranaki set up an attack, which was repulsed. When the bell sounded for time play was xn Taranaki territory, the game ending: Auckland .. ~ .» ..19 Taranaki 9 Mr E. F. Sutherland was an efficient referee.

The Taranaki Rugby team, which was defeated by Auckland on Saturday, left for home by the mail train last evening.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS' MATCH.

AUCKLAND BEATS WHANGAREL The match between the Auckland Primary Schools and the Whangarei Primary Schools' representatives was played as a curtainraiser to the interprovincial contest. It was a bright exhibition of open football by teams which were fairly evenly matched. Auckland was the first to acore, Callaghan getting over after fine following up from a passing rush. The try wae not converted. Changing over, Whangarei attacked, and Parkin was successful in crossing the line, but no goal resulted. Early in the second half Rosa ecored another try for Auckland, and in the final stcgea Burke added three more points with a good try the game ending in favour of Auckland by 9 points to 3.

JUNIORS V. REFEREES. The match between the Auckland Referees and the Auckland Junior representatives, played as a curtain-raiser, provided an interesting game, in which the Junior representatives showed better combination, and exhibited greater pace than the Referees, whose work was more of an individual character. Tries, two of which were converted, were scored for Auckland by Hodge, Bridgens, Robinson, and Harrison, while Marshall scored a try for the Referees, the game ending in a win for the Auckland Juniors by 16 points to 3 points.

OUTSIDE MATCHES. Following are the results of outside and house Rngby football matches played on Saturday:— Kohimarama, IS points, defeated St. Heliers, 6. Smith and Cauehey, Ltd-, 6 points, defeated George Court's, 3. Country Commercial Travellers, 3 points, and Town Travellers, 3, plfctyed a drawn game. National Electrical. Company, 21 points, defeated Miller's Garage and Gillett Motors, 8. Telegraph Mechanicians, 15 points, defeated the Telegraph Linesmen, 9. The Farmers' Union Trading Company's Rugby team defeated the Auckland Meat Companyts team on Saturday by 18 to 3.

AUCKLAND TOURING TEAM The following players have been selected to make the Southern tour with the Auckland Rugby touring team, playing matches against Wellington on Wednesday, September 21. and Taranaki on' Saturday, September 24:—Backs: Findlay, Williams. V. Badeley. Ifwereen. C Badeley. Earle. W. F. Smith. J. Hughes. W. Lamb, Muir. Forwards: Milliken. McCullongh, McLean, McInneo, Tresize, Nicholas, Arnold, Knight, Holander, Righton. Any player unable to make the trip is requested to notify the secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union. Players chosen for the Wellington and Taranaki matches are requested to assemble at Ponsonby shed at eight o'clock on Thursday evening.

SACRED HEART COLLEGE. j PAST BEATS PRESENT. The annual Rugby football match between Present and Past students of Sacred Heart Cbllego was played on the college ground on Saturday afternoon, before a large attendance of parents and friends. The game was fast and interesting throughout, both sides throwing the ball about and making for open play. The Old Boys had the advantage in weight and ran out winners at the finish by lb points to 11 points. Old Boys were the first to score, Cooke running in and scoring unopposed. Pilling converted. College at once attacked, and B. O'Connor scored for Lanigan. to convert. With the scores even. Old Boys again attacked. Foley getting over, but Pilling*e kick at goal failed, and the first spell ended with Old Boys leading by 8 pointa to 5 points. Shortly after resumption Lanigan evened up matters by kicking a goal from a penalty. The Old Boys set up a passing rush, and O'Connor scored, but the try was not converted. Old Boys sustained the attack, and Finnegan was the next to score, i running in on the blind side. The try I was converted. College made great efforts Jto get their backs going, and eventually succeeded. From a scrum at, half-way, College set their backs in motion. The ball travelled along the chain of attack, and clever passing let Reici away. With a fine burst of speed he beat the fullback, and scored behind the posts. Lanigan's kick failed and the game ended in a win for Old Boys by 16 points to 11. Mr. Eugene Donovan was an efficient referee.

TAURANGA COMPETITIONS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

TAURANGA, Saturday. The final of the Jordan Cup competition was played to-day between the Te Puna and Tauranga clubs. The game was keenly conteeted. Te Puna winning by 13 points to 3. Tauranga led at half-time by 3 to 0. In the second half Te Puna played with great dash, tries being scored by C. Faulkner. T. Tarau, and Tom Tangitu. D. Borell converting two. W. Pearcey kicked a penalty goal for Tauranga. In the junior grade for the Oliver Cup *Te Puna beat Tauranga by 16 to 9, and Cadets defeated Rangataua by 9 to 6.

MANIAPOTO V* KING COUNTRY. fBY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

TAUMARUNUI. Sunday

The Maniapoto Rugby representatives journeyed from Te Kuiti to-day and were beaten by King Country by 15 points to 7. King Country were superior in all departments of the and gave a brilliant display of passing, from which most of their points were scored. For King Country, Tipene, B. Thonuie, Lee, and Lehevre Bcored and N. Thomas k'eked a penalty goal. For Maniapoto Ronaldson kicked a penalty goal and Maata potted a goal.

WAIHI V. THAMES. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES. Saturday. The fourth match of the season for the Peace Memorial Cup was played at Thames to-day. between Waihi (challengers) and Thames (holders), under ideal weather conditions. The attendance was large, and a fast and interesting same resulted in a win for Thames by 8 to 0 (a. penalty goal by Smith). Thunies were superior on the day's play, and Waihi were fortunate in finishing with such a small score against them.

MATCH AT HAMILTON. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Sunday. The local competitions were brought to a close yesterday, when City and Frankton played off for the Clarke Cup. These teams had previously competed for the Sage Memorial Cup, when Frankton were the victors. The match yesterday was an evenly-contested one. and at the call of time the teams were even, 8 points all. As ifr r > was a knock-out competition, the teams had to play on. and after a further 20 minutes of Btrenuous football City were rewardod with a trv. making them winners by 11 to 8. Great enthusiasm prevailed at the finish, and C. Clarkin, who scored the last try, was carried off the field.

CANTERBURY BEAT OTAGO. [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHTJRCH. Saturday. The match between Otago and Canterbury was played at Lancaster Paxk bo-day in the presence of about 4000 spectators. Canter bury won an interesting game by 19 points to 14, but a draw would be a fair indication of the meiits of the teams. Canterbury were the first to score. Ellis breaking awaiy from a line-out and touching down The kick failed. Otago soon equal" ised the scores. The forwards carried a scrum, and the ball reached Stewart, who eluded Orchard, and grounded behind the posts. Watson's kick failed. Otago pressed, but were, soon sent back, and from a scrum on the line E. Cummings obtained possession, and scored for Campbell to goal. \ prety piece, of play by Henry, who beat several opponents, saw Canterbury's score increased to 13, Campbell being successful in goalmg. Canterbury at this stage were outploying their opponents. A minute later Otago worked the blind side, and Stewart scored wide out. No goal resulted, and the spell ended with Canterbury ieading 13 to 6. In the second spell Otago played much better, and early added to their total. M«Naughton passed to Stewart, who raced across, but Harley was unsuccessful with the kick. Tight play followed for some time, nnd trom a penalty for obstruction Henry landed a fine goal- Otago rallied, but the defence was equal to the strain, and the visitors were forced back. Mullms got possession from a scrum, beat the opposition with a dummy pass, and scored a brilliant try, which Campbell failed to convert. Jnst on time Wilson broke awaty for Otago, and passed to Ward, who scored behind the posts for Owles to fe-oal, making the final points: Canterbury. 19; Otago, U

SHIELD CHANGES HANDS. WELLINGTON BEAT SOUTHLAND. [by tbleg:ba£h—-press association.] WELLINGTON. Saturday. The Eanfurly Shield football match played net© today .resulted in Southland losing the trophy, Wellington winning by 28 points to 13- The attendance was fully 10,000. The Governor-General and Lady Jellicoe were present. As an exhibition of Rugby the game was not equal to first-grade standard It was open, and fast and contained many goodpassing rushes, but at tunes extremely ragged. Each side showed little combination. Many glaring mistakes were made by the backs. The Southland backs were unreliable and seldom fielded the ball cleanly. The visitors kicked ofi with the sun and breeze at their backs- Soon after starting D.ack scored in a good position and Agnew converted. Southland, 5; Wellington, u. A run by Jackson was carried on by H. Nicholls. Be Clifton, Kins, Markham, and Hutchinson who scored. King missed with the kick. Southland. 5: Wellington. 3. During a loose forward rush by Wellington, Mark Nicholls picked up the Ball, passed well out to S. Shearer, who transferred to Algar and the latter kicked along the line. Brown fumbled, and King scored. His kick iai-ed. Wellington, 6: Southland, 5From a loose scramble near the Wellington line, Lopdell picked up and ran across. His kit k at goal fell short. Southland. 8; Wellington, 6. In the second half the game opened with an attack by Southland Then King had a shot' at goal from a free kick without success, but from a mark by Nicholls he found the cross bar from near the centre of the field. Wellington, 9: Southland, 8. During a further attack by Wellington Bell .got offside and Mark Nicholls goaled. Wellington. 12; Southland. 8. Wellington was gradually training the upper hand. A well-judged pass from H. Nicholls to his brother was sent on to Hutchinson, who beat the opponents and scored under the posts. Mark Nicholls converted: Wellington. 17; Southland, 8. Shortly afterwards Hutchinson goaled from a mark. Wellington, 20; Southliß&d, 8. Wellington's next try was obtained by Gair, Nicholls a-cain gosling. Within ten minutes of time, H. Brown caught the local backs napping and scored an easy try which Asnew converted. A rash by the Wellington forwards saw 11 - S" e *rer force his way over. Nicholls' kirk tailed and the game ended: Wellington 28 Southland .*. „» ,4 13

PAEROA V. PIAKO,

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA. Saturday. Playing for the Frank Poland Memorial" Cup this afternoon, the Paeroa representatives drew with the Piako representatives after a very exciting and closely contested game. A few minutes after the start P. McLaren, from a loose rush, scored a try. but W. Voysey failed to convert. Ten minutes later J. Poland equalised. Just before half-time G. Royal scored a splendid try, eluding four Piako men and grassing the ball in a good position. His own attempt to convert failed. On resuming W. Vcysey converted from a penalty. Piako attacked strongly, but failed to change the score and the game ended: 6 all. Mr. Hovell. of Waihi, refereed. Paeroa thus win the Poland Cup. Had Piako won today all three unions—Waihi, Paeroa, and Piako—would have been even/

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

THACKER SHIELD MATCH.

PONSONBY RETAINS TROPHY.

PETONE DEFEATED BY 5 POINTS. The challenge match for the Thacker Shield, under League rules, between tfonsonby and Petone, on Saturday, at Carlaw Park, resulted in a win for Ponsonby by 18 points to 13. Much interest was evinced in the match by League supporters, and the attendance at the park was estimated at 7000. The conditions were favourable for fast play, and after the first few minutes the game developed a rapidity of pace that, kept tie spectators on the tip-toe of excitement till the Dell rang to cease play. Ponsonby retains the shield, but on the run of the play Petone must be considered the unlucky side in not scoring at least two more tries than they did. Practically all Ponsonby's scoring opportunities were carried to success. Their opponents, on the other hand, unaccountably failed to finish several fine efforts by crossing their opponents' line when only one pass had to be given and accepted to have all the opposition beaten. Such things are all part of the game, of course, but the general work of the visitors was so good that it is safe to assume that such breakdowns do not occur very frequently among the Petone backs. At the same time, the effort displayed by Ponsonby must not be discounted. Every man, back and forward, worked like a Trojan, and few weaknesses were revealed. The dash they put into their work when going for a score was particularly fine, and therr stubbornness in defence was a feature of the game. The McGregor brothers in the fchreequarter line showed excellent form—better than anything previously given by them during the season. To their scoring ability may be attributed the Ponsonby victory; as at least two of the tries came unexpectedly by the players mentioned turning defence into attack, and_ developing try-getting movements. Their defence was also eood. Of the other backs, Walsh and Hing worked like beavers, both in attack and defence. Morman also played well, and the others contributed their share of good work. Of the Pet-one backs Balks played a great game. His fielding of the ball was faultless, and his lucking was a feature of the game. He proved' a tower of strength to his side. In the threequarter line Shanahaii gave a fine display, and he was ably supported by H. Nunn and Brace. The five-eighths, Nieholls and F. Nunn, played cleverly, and handled the ball in excellent style. They were well fed i.y Kruse at halfback. The inside backs, however, were inclined to bunch rather much, in their at/tacking movements, and this enabled the defenders to concentrate their efforts, and aften intercept a pass. In contrast two of Ponsonby's tries were obtained by long passes being sent out to the wings after the defence had been drawn to a certain point. Both sets of forwards played well. In hooking ability there was little between them, but 'n general forward work the .Petone pack had a slight advantage. For Ponsonbv, Henderson, Southernwood, McNeil, and Hanlon figured prominently. Oil the Petone side Puketapu, Haddock, Shanahan and Zimmerman were the most noticeable.

The Game in Detail. ! » ( Ponsonby were penalised soon after the I,' start and Hing failing to field the ball from I ( the kick, Petone invaded Ponsonby twenty- j five. The invasion was short-lived, as the Ponsonby forwards cleared with a rush \ long kick by Hing B ent the ball over the ' line, and Petone forced. A rush by the Ponsonby forwards was well stopped by Petone and the backs were set in motion. Brace being sent into touch past half-way. A penalty against Ponsonby immediately afterwards gave Nicholls a shot at goal, I but the bail went outside the posts and • Ponsonby forced. A good Ponsonby rush was then stopped by Puketapu. who tackled ; McGregor with the ball. Two penalties in < quick succession against Petone gave A. ' McGregor chances to goal, but the kicks : were weak. The Ponsonby backs were then seen to advantage in a passing bout the ' ball going out at the Petone twenty-five. The visiting backs then broke away, Nicholls. Nunn and Shanahan racing down the field with the ball between them. A faulty pass ended the movement near the Ponsonby ' line, and a certain try was missed. The Ponsonby forwards cleared, but a free kick was awarded to Petone, and Nicholls kicked a nice goal: Petone, 2; Ponsonby, 0. Ponsonby carried play to the visitors' twentyfive, and E- McGregor, with a characterietic dash on the blind side of the scrum, scored a try. Delgrosso failed to convert: Ponsonby, 3; Petone, 2. Hard play in mid-field ensued till Morman picked up the ball n I the loose and dashed up the field. He ! reached the Petone fullback *nd passed, but ; A. McGregor failed to take the ball and a I try was lost. This play was fast, both aii"s throwing the ball about in good style. Delgrcsso stopped a dangerous rush and broke away. The Ponsonby forward* joined in a-d reached the Petone fullback, but a penalty sent them back. A good rush by 'Zimmerman was well stopped by A. McGregor, i Tlren Henderson broke away for Ponsonby i and cross-kicked in front of the Petone ' goal, but Nunn and Nicholls saved well, i Bulks, the Petone fullback, then started his i backs going, and a good run was stopped by j McGregor -ending Shanahan into touch ' past half-way. Hanlon broke away from the i scrum to the Petone twenty-five, but a for- ' ward pass spoilt a good chance. A fine rush by Petone then swept the ball down the field, and Delgrosso and A. McGregor just stopped it near the line. Hing waß prominent in some fast play that relieved the pressure on the Ponsonby line. The Ponsonby rush was continued by Walsh, who picked up in the loose, and, side-Btepping several opponents, Teached the fullback and parsed to Lowry. The latter sent it on and Southernwood snapped the ball up and scored. A. McGregor converted, making the scores : Ponsonby, 8 : Petone, 2. The .Petone barks then got going, and. in a series of ! passing rushes, kppt up a hot attack on the Ponsonby line, H. Nunn eventually crossing [ at th» corner. Niobnlls failed with the kick at goal, the soell ending immediately after- | wards with the scores: Ponsonby .. ..8 Petone . . . . ». .. , o 6

Shortly after resuming Ponsonby with » fine t>iec* of combined passing scored a try. Henderson cet the ball going and passed to Southernwood. The backs took a hand, and a long pass to E. McGrecor enabled the latter to score behind the posts. A. McGregor converted. Ponsonby. 13: Petone 5. After a little give and take play Balks had a unsuccessful shot at goal from a penalty, and immediately afterwards, failed with a drop, kick at goal. Petone started some passing bouts, but the Ponsonby tackling was good, and the visitors frequently were obliged to kick and lost their advantage- A. good Ponsonby rush, headed by Walsh, took play to the Petone twenty-fire, the ball going into touch at the twenty-five flag, just when matters looked favourable for a score. Flay continued fast, and a Petone rush, swept the. ball to the Ponsonby twenty-five. Norman just saving in time to prevent a i score. The defenders were penalised, and Nicholls had a Bhot at goal, the ball going tinder the bar. Good work by the visiting forwards kept Ponsonby defending till Henderson and Southernwood broke away with the ball. A long pass to A. McGregor gave the Ponsonby threequarter a chance to show his pace, and though he stumbled and fell as a result of a tackle by Balks just before reaching the line, he scrambled, across and scored. He also converted, making the scores: Ponsonby. 18; Petone, 5- A period of play in midfield. followed- Then the Petone backs got moving with a nic» passing bout, but the last man overran the ball, and Hing saved with a timely kick. Balks took the ball and drop-kicked at goal, the ball going outside the posts- Immediately afterwards a good passing bout by the Petone backs resulted in Shanahan scoring at the corner. Balks converted. Ponsonby. 18: Petone, 10. The next chance of scoring that went to Petone was from a penalty. Balks making an unsuccessful attempt at goal. Petone were now having the better of the game. The forwards consistently got the ball in the scrums, and a series of assaults were made on the Ponsonby line. In a scrambling rush, in which several Ponsonby players dived for the ball. Shanahan scored for Petone Nicholls failed -with the kick at goal. Petone 13; Ponscnbv. 18A.nother good dash by. Petone followed the Hek out. Anderson saving near the line- The Petone forwards kept up the pressure, and a hard tussle ensued ueßr the Ponsonby Tine. A penalty apainst the visitors gave temporary relief. Then a uenalty aeuinst the defenders pave Balks a shot at iroxl that went wide. Good work by r3. McGregor pent *h» ball out past halfway, and a rush by Walsh. Hing and Anderson improved matt-era for P~n»onbv. Good ki>Ving b' B:»lks olaced Ponsonby on the defence, but a penalty enabled th» latter to clear. The game thus ended with the scores: Ponsonby • ' . . 18 Petone 13

THE " CTTRTATN RAISER." In a preliminary eame between the Petone juniors and Richmond, the 4atter team won by 14 points to 3, after a fast and exciting contest. For the winners tries were scored by Barber. Pardington. McLean and Hyland. and Lee kicked a goal- For Petone Hazeman scored a try. The visitins players were entertained on Saturday evenme at a smoke concert in the Druids' Hall by the Ponsonby Club and the Auckland League.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

FALCON CUP TIE.

SEMI-FINAL GAMES.

Matches in the semi-final of the Auckland Football Association's competition for the Falcon Cup were decided on Saturday in fine, dull weather. A large number of spectators were present at the Devonport Domain, where the team from H.M.S. Philomel defeated Y.M.C.A. by 2 goals tot, 1, after a fast and strenuous game, which was more remarkable for individual work than combined play. At the Calliope Dock ground, Northcote eained a decisive victory over H.MS. Veronica by 4 goals to 2.

H.M.S. PHILOMEL V. Y.M.C.A. The opening stages saw Y.M.C.A. attackins, and Batty, in goal for the navy men, wag tested a few minutes after the kick-off. He saved well, the ball eventually going behind. The Y.M.C.A. forwards were quick to attack from the kick-out, and a promising movement ended in Neesham's shot going over the top. The Bailors then took a hand at attack, and after two corners had been forced without result. Braithwaite relieved with a well-judged kick to his forwards- Give-and-take play became the order for a spell, until Sexton accepted a clever pass from Corbett, and scored for Philomel j with a brilliant shot. The navy men continued to press upon resuming, but weakness in front of goal lost mans opportunities to score. Just before half-time the Y-M.C A- forwards rallied, and a fins passing bout in which most of the forwards participated ended in Millar scoring a good goal. The spell arrived with the score one all. Play in the second spell was fast and strenuous, the sailors having, if anything, the better of matters, although Y.M.C.A. were frequently within shooting distance. Persistent, dashing attacks by Philomel's forwards were eventually rewarded, when Hopkins, on the left win?, cleverly evaded the defence, and shot a fin© Koal. putting his side in the lead. Xo further score was registered, the game ending with the sailors attacking, and the scores : H.M.S. Philomel J Y.M.C.A. 1 Mr- J- Ball was referee.

NORTHCOTE V. H.M.S. VERONICA.

Northcote, winners of this year's senior competition, met a team from H.M.S. Veronica, and although the playing area was very bumpy and uneven, a fast and interesting game resulted. The outstanding feature of the game was the kicking of two penalty goals for Northcote by CorrinGoals for the winners were also scored by Wilson and McMillan, while Jenks and Petty-Officer Barnes scored for H.M.S. VeronicaMr- F- M. Ritchie was referee.

DACRE MEMORIAL CUP FINAL.

WON BY METROPOLITAN A.

North. Shore's second grade team suffered defeat on Saturday for the first time this season, when they were beaten by Metropolitan A by 3 goals to 2. For Metropolitan, Holmes (2). and .Pitt soored goals, while S. Haycock and Hipkins scored for North Shore.

HARRY REASON CUP. The competition among public schools for the Haary Reason Cup was won by Napier Street, who defeated Mount Eden in the final by one goal to nil- Hunt scored the winning goal.

SOUTH ISLAND TEAM. [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 DUNEDIX. Saturday The following have been selected to represent the South Island in the inter-island Association foctbJ.il match at Wanganui next Saturday —Backs: Swift (Canterbury) Hogg (West Coastl, Flood (Canterbury)] Dryden (Otago). Sharp (West Coast), SimpBon (Canterbury). Forwards: Blundell (Otago), Bissett (Canterbury), Munsie (Otago), Norton (Canterbury), Bobeon (West Coast), captain.