FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18096, 22 May 1922, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME. PONSONBY STILL LEADING. ' GRAMMAR DEFEATS MARISTS. The club championship competitions of the Auckland Rugby Union were continued on Saturday under favourable conditions. Tho weather was ideal, and tho grounds were in excellent order for fast, open football. Tho games generally were interesting, and full of incident and excitement, but tho standard of football was not as high as on tho previous Saturday, when University and Ponsonby demonstrated how Rugby might be played. All roads led to Eden Park, where three senior matches were played, and the largest attendance of the season was recorded, upwards of 4000 people witnessing tho matches, the principal of which was the meeting of Grammar Old Boys and Marist Old Boys. The reputation of the Marist forwards had preceded them, and as Grammar were well known for tho sparkling play of their back division there was a keen anticipation of a battle of styles—Marist forwards against Grammar backs —and so it proved, with little between the teams on the run of tho play. The • match between University and Newton was fast and exciting, with tho University backs playing at tho top of their form, and Newton showing better combination than they have hitherto shown. The pace of the University backs was too much for Newton, whoso forwards, however, more than lie Id their own, and the students won by 26 points to 9. The match between Grafton and North Shore., on the North Shore ground, was closely contested, tho home team putting up a good game against their more experienced opponents, who ran out winners by 19 points to 6. The North Shore forwards played well, but the backs were lacking in combination. Ponsonby had no difficulty in defeating Eden in a match that was not remarkable for anv special show of brilliancy, but which clearly demonstrated the winners' superiority. . . The following table shows the positions of the senior teams in the club championship matches to date: — Points Cham. Team. P- W. L. D. for. agst. pts. Ponsonby . . 4 4 — — 62 15 8 Grammar 0.8. 4 3 1 — 45 £> 7 Marist 8r05... 4 8 1 - 72 23 6 College Rifles 3 2 1 — 32 21 4 Grafton ..-• I 1 - g » 4 Newton. ..4 1 B — « "' £ University ..4 1 3 — 53 43 North Shore.. 3 — 3 — 6 39 — Eden • 3-3-3 75 —

GRAMMAR V. MARIST BROTHERS. The match between Grammar Old Boys and Manst. Brothers' Old Boys was. played at Eden Park. The ground was in good 'order, but a trifle on the heavy side, and the conditions generally were in favour of last, open football, but what developed was a hard, dashing game by the Manst Brothers forwards in the first spell, and an opening up of the Grammar backs in the second halt. The Marists' forwards opened in typical fashion with a rush that staggered the Grammar defence, until Wright the haltback stopped it with a fine kick to touch. From the line out the Manst* pack broke away, but were pulled up by another infringement. From h. scrum near the txra-m----mar line Cleal broke clear at the head of a Grammar forward rush, but knocked on when in a good position. The Marists forwards were proving superior to the Grammar pack, and frequently broke away, but eound defensive kicking saved lor a time. A promising rush by the Grammar forwards, with McCullough and "aylor in the van. followed up by a Kick by lfwersen set Grammar on the attack, but Mansta canie again with J- characteristic rush, and from a scrum near the line Earlly secured and with a una dash scored a try, which Scott iailed to convert, lb- change oyer came without 'iny fuitner aodition to the score. Grammar opened brightly, and a good kick by Ifwersen set up an attack which Grammar was unable to sustain owing to the dashing play of the. Manst forwards, who were tackling like tigers in tenacity. From a line-out Marist Brothers opened up an attack which threatened danger, 3cott racing across to pass to Thomas, who sent on to Doherty, who was brought up on the touch line. In the melee which followed Tanner was injured, and had to leave the field, Smith replacing him. Up to this stage Marists had the best °f the exchangee. Grammar not having settled down to the game. From a scrum in midfield. Earlly secured and passed to Brady, who passed to Thomas, the latter finding the line in Grammar twenty-five. Grammar cleared and a good kick by V. Badeley, followed up by a fast run. by Williams on the wing, threatened Marists line, but the ball came back to Ifwersen, who attempted a pot at goal. From the drop out Ifwersen created a sensation with a splendid run which badly beat the defence into Marists' twenty-five, where a pass to Williams was missed and play swung back to midfield. Knight broke away from a line out and passed to V Badeley The Grammar centre, kicking high and following uo fast was within an ace of scoring when Marists saved by forcing. A passing ru*h by thfl Marists backs let Scott away to be nushc-d into touch by V. Badeley just as he was becoming dangerous. Grammar came back with a determined attack on the Itfariflto' line, when V. Badeley passed ".o Williams, who failed to take an awkward frensfer. Plav «=wiftly swung to the left w'nff when Badolev shot out a pass to Smith, who. taking it in his stride, set .>ail for the Marist 1 in-, to be well tabled before crossing, the ball going out. The whistle sounded for naif time with 'die ecores:

Marist Broe ■ • 3 Grammar • ■ • " • • " The second spell opened with a bright attack by Grammar, Ifwersen kicking over the line. Marists forcing in defence as Wilhams dasned up to score. A fine passing rush by the MarU back saw Malloy break clear with a fine run before passing to Scott, -who dashed over and scored a try, which was not converted. Grammar's tackhng. at this stage was weak, but a dramatic incident- followed which stimulated their play. Ifwersen secured from the ruck outside the Marist twenty-five, side-stepped the nrst line of defence. then with a clover run swerved through to score a clever try. which V. Badeley converted with a eood kick. Grammar was now. tackling better and Marists attack was losing .sting in consequence. Smith, who was. playing a bright game on the Grammar whir, broke away, to be tenaciously tackled, and an exciting rally followed. Thomas kicking to centre, where Goodacre, with a fine run. fooled the defence and. set Grammar on a hni attack Fast following up by the Grammar forwards and a final dash over resulted in McCulloueh scoring a try. which Badeley converted. With a lead of 10 points to 6. Grammar was in the ascendant, and Williams, making a great dash for the line, knocked over the corner flag. Illegal tackling by Marists was punished with a penalty, and Earlly broke away to pass to Thomas, who carried the game to Grammar twftityfiT From a scrum near the Grammar line Marists were awarded a. free kick. Peters kicking a goal, bringing Marists' score within a point of Grammar Ear ly. who was plaving a sound game behind the Marißts' scrum" made desperate efforts to get .cross the line. A final rally by the Grammar backs created great. excitement as V. Badeley. over-anxious misged a pass from Ifwersen. and lost a chance of scoring Just o, time Thomas, the Marist five : e,ghth. was slightly injured and. was owW off the field. Grammar continued the attack and a lick, beating the Marist fullback, threatened danger, but Marists cleared and immediately after the whistle sounded for time, the game ending: Grammar Old Boys U Marist Old Boys J Mr. W. J. Meredith was referee.

UNIVERSITY V. NEWTON. The match between University and Newton was played on No. .2 ground at Eden Park. Tho ground was in good order and a fast, open game resulted ma win ?«r miiwre tv bv 26 point,* to 9. University opened the attack with the kick-off, and Newton centred, but. crisp psmmgby the University backs carried play up field to ho Newtefll fullback, who saved .cleverly. Play centred n m.dfield for a time, where the heavy Newton forward showed to ad vantage driving University back on defence, KS MrNamara cleared. From the subisennent Play the ball camo .out to Wiseman. who"opened up a University attack with a fast sprint before sending the bill on to Park who dashed across to goore a try which Hopkins converted. The students were again quickly on tho attack and smart na'Snc by the backs .lot Brinsden away to wore a try for Hopkins U, convert. The "wo scores came quickly, and * fine rush headed by MUliken compelled Newton to foroo Pressing the attack eplendid passfacCMi Brinsden another chance to score, Hopkins again converting, Newton tooU a turn on attack, Earl securing from a scrum, and setting his backs Boinjf. A knock-on spoiled a chance, and University forced. Newton camo again, with more success Dixon scoring a try which Earl converted with a good kick. On resumption, UniyersYtv broke away in a Posing rush which Llddle stopped on tho line, tackling Perry later when tho University wing threatened to become dangerous. The .blues rallied, and fhSE another attack. Brinsden scoring

his third try. which, however, was not converted. Newton replied and forced the light blues back to the final line, but the students came again, and from a- passing rush Park scored, and converted' There was no further eoore, and the first spell ended: University . 23 Newton 5 On resumption, play swung up and down field tor a time, when University was awarded a penalty, and Millikcn kicked a. goal. Newton were now playing with bolter combination, and set up an attack which Twomey turned to account by potting a goal from the field. Newton held their own to tlio end of a bright Quarter. Improved form by the Newton backs marked the openinn of the final Quarter, with a. good rush by tho forwards, which Park, stopped with a run, setting the University backs in motion. Perry ran through and w&b held UP in time, the Newton line being cleared with a free kick Play centred at midlield. and faulty handling by University let them down until Perry saved with a breakaway. Newton dashed into tho breach, and from a scrum near tho, line University forced. No further incident occurred, and tho game ended: University . . . . . . . . 26 Newton • 9 Mr. J. Hall was referee. PONSONBY V. EDEN. The match between Ponsonby and Eden was played on No. 3 ground at Eden Park, and resulted in an easy win for Ponsonby by 31 points to 3. The iirHt. spell opened with loose forward play in which there was a deal of knocking on. Ponsonby backs and forwards were always in the ascendant, and tries were scored rapidly by McGregor. McManus and Wade, all of which were converted by Gregory", tho first spell ending : | Ponsonby . . . . . . . 15 Eden 0 Opening tho second half. Ponsonby continued tho attack, and McKoy, tho fullback, had an unsuccessful pot at goal. Although opposed by a heavy pack Ponsonby always held tho upper hand, and tho came was seldom out of Eden's twenty-five. The- first score in tho second spell came from an infringement, Gregory kicking a penalty goal. Ponsonby continued to press the attack. Gregory making several smart dashes, but failing to score owing to lack of support. >Vadc. on th» opposite wing, aeized an opportunity and, racing through the defence, scored a try which Gregory, who was in fino form, converted. Ponsonby had a lead of 23 points to 0 when the quarter ended, with tho game in Edon territory. Shortly after resumption McManus swerved through the defence and scored an easy try, which Gregory for the first time failed to convert, the ball striking one of the uprights. Plav was no sooner resumed than Marshall secured and crossed to scoro a try, which Gregory converted. Ponsonby was now leading by 31 points to 0, and continued to press until a free kick to Eden relieved. Play swung to midficld and the ball was kicked into Ponsonby territory, where Eden was awarded a free kick for obstruction, and Baker kicked a goal, registering Eden's '"■st and only score. The whistle sounded tor tuno shortly after, the game ending: Ponsonby 31 Eden .. 3 Mr. EL Cliffo was referee. GRAFTON V. NORTH SHORE. The match between Grafton and North Shore was played on the latter's ground on Saturday. After the kick-off the North Shore forwards attackod, but a long kick by Austin sent thorn back, and Finlay had a shot at goal from a penalty. Line-kicking found play at half-way, but indifferent handling by North Shore spoiled chances. Yonng and Pairgray camo through in a dribbling rush, and Grafton found relief in a penalty to half-way. Austin had a kick at long range, and from the subscqucni play the Grafton forwards carried the ball to near the Shore line, _ where Prentice secured to pass to O'Brien, who sent on to Lynch, who scored a which Finlay converted, pn resumption the Shore forwards carried the game into Grafton territory, but spoiled the attack by hard kicking. Shose came aga'n, and from a penalty Boswell kicked a splendid goal, Bcoring North Shore's first points of the season, the first spell ending: Grafton 5 North Shore 3 • The second spell opened disastrously for North Shore. Goldwater had to retire, and Reed was taken from the forwards to play five-eighths. Prom a forward rush headed by Young 1 and McGinlay, Austin was caught in possession, and Young was almost otct. A free kick to Graft-on changed play, and Lynch was pushed out at the corner flag. A succession of kicks saw Grafton attacking and Lynch scored a try which was not converted. A further score to Grafton was registered by Finlay, and later Nicholas scored as the result of a. hard forward rush. The trios were not converted. North Shore attacked, and Arkles made a quick dash, but waa pushed out at the corner flajst. The last 20 minutes R aw Shore attacking, and Somerville had hard luck 10 not scoring, being pushed info touch-in-goal. Grafton attacked from the drop-out, and in a forward scramble O'Brien scored a try, which Hughes converted. Shore continued to attack, "and from a. free kick Boswell landed a goal, the game ending: Grafton , . 10 North Shore '. . h 6 Mr, A. Coltman was referee. SECOND GRADE. Grammar Old Boys, 49 points, beat Swanson. 3. Tries were scored by Preston (3), Marsdon Bridgcns (2) S. Harrison, La Roche, and Potter. Badeley converted two and kicked a penalty. Crespin converted one, Marsdon converted three and kicked one penalty goal, and Tfwerson converted two. For Swanson Knox kicked a penalty goal. King's College Old Boys. 27 points, beat Thames Old Boys, 9 points. For King's tries were scored by Charter (2), Macdonald (2), Gribble. Swanson, and Calder. Tries were converted by Heard, Calder, and Charter. Eden, 6 points, beat North Shoro 3 points. Lovegrove and Strong scored for the winners. Training College, 9 points, beat Suburbs, 3; Ellerslie. 3. drew with Ponsonby, 3: University, 17, beat Marist Bros, 0. THIRD GRADE Fillerslie, 8 points, beat Technical Old Boys A. 6; Grey Lynn, 8. beat North Shore. 3; Grammar Old Boys A. 16. beat Newton, 0; Grammar Old Boys C, 16. beat St. David's. «; College Rifles, 3. beat Eden, 0; Ponsonby. 26, beat Y.M.C.A-. 0; Grafton. 27, beat Post and Telegraph, 0. In this gams Cooke, of Grafton, performed the unique feat of a fullback scoring two tries. Other tries were scored by Olsen (2), Shaw, Thomas, and Gillespie. Cooke converted two and Ward one.

FOURTH GRADE. Eden. 14 points, boat Ponsonby B, 3; North Shore, 16, beat Grafton. 5; Suburbs. 21 beat Grammar Old Boys 0: Ponsonby A 27 beat MaTiflt O-8.. 0; Telegraph. 3'2. beat Technical Old Boys. 0. FIFTH GRADE. Ellerslie. 6 points, beat Suburbs. 0; Ponsonby. 39. beat Tost and Telegraph. 0. SENIOR CADETS' MATCHES. 32nd Company (Newmarket), 8 pointß. beat 17th B (St. Steven's), 0. Sloman and Smith scored for the winners and CaUcnder conSSrted <m». 40th Company. 8. beat 33rd Company. 6. CHURCHES' ASSOCIATION. Gordon. 14 potato, beat Kingel.wid 10; Ponsonby, 8. drew with Otiehunga, 8. W.Y.M.1.. 14. beat St. James . 10. OUTSIDE MATCH. St Heliers. .21 points, .beat Orakei. 0. For St Heliens Diamond kicked two penalty goalf McNeill. Welch and Hargreaves Scored tries, which Diamond converted. THAMES COMPETITIONS. [BI TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Saturday. The season's inter-club Rugby matches were continued to-day in fine weather. In the senior grade College Old Boys signalised their entry into senior football by defeating ltetiiracd Soldiers by. 9 points to 0 after a well-contested and interesting game. City beat Pirates by. 14. points to 0. . In the firpt junior grade Physical Training beat Pirates by 17 Points to 0.. . In the second juniors Matanri beat Pirates bv 14 points to 0 and Paeroa. defeated Returned Soldiers by 8 points to 5. TAUMARUNUI MATCHES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAUMARUNUI. Saturday, The Rugby matches to-day resulted:--SenioV Grade.-Taumarunui, 9 points, beat Okahukura, 0; Athletic. 3 points, drew with Miuiunui, 3 |>ointg. . . ..'«■... Junior' Gradp.-Manumu. 6 :P«mt"V>»* Athletic, 3 points; Tanngamotu. 3 points, defeated Taumarunui. 0. CAMBRIDGE MATCHES. [BY TELEGRAM.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE. Saturday. The weather was ideal for football to-day. Hautapu defeated Rotorangi by Juniors —Hautapu defeated Cadets by 3 to 0;. Leamington, beat City by 3 to o. Third Grade.— High School defeated Xieamington by 13 to 8. TAURANGA UNION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAURANGA. Saturday. The Tauranga Rugby Union's competitions were continued to-day. Te Puna and Rangataua met in the Jordan Cup senior contest. Te Puna winning by 16. points to 11. In the Oliver Cup competition Cadets defeated Rangataua by 9 to 3.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

SENIOR COMPETITION. Y.M.C.A. STILL LEADING. Club competitions, under the auspices of the Auckland Football Association, Were advanced another stage on Saturday afternoon. Conditions were ideal, and the senior matches were productive of close scoring, and some skilful and exciting football. A good ntfendance of spectators witnessed the game at tho Domain cricket ground, whero Ponsonby were unfortunate to lose to Brotherhood by 3 goals to 2. At Victoria Park Y.M.C.A. kept their unbeaten record intact by defeating Everton by 2 iroals to nil, and Corinthians won from Devonport Presbyterians at Devonport b v 3 goals to 1. On the Calliopo Dock ground, H.M.S. Philomel, 3 goals, beat Northcote, 1. BROTHERHOOD V. PONSONBY; Ponsonby went straight through to their opponents' goal from tho kick-off, and Muaon conceded a corner in clear eg. Simms' kick was a good one. but the ball was sent behind. From tho kick out play ran to Poneonby'fl end, where a free kick was awarded against the defenders. McDonald secured on Brotherhood's right wing, and passed to centre for W. Harrison to score with a fast shot that beat Plummer all the way. The Ponsonby forwards livened up at this reverse, and for 15 minutes made repeated attacks on Brotherhood's goal. Eventually E. Harrison gained possession on Brotherhood'a left wing, and making a smart run to tho corner, placed a fine centre. Play hung round Ponsonby'a goal for several minutes until Hall secured an opening, and shot quickly. The ball struck the upright and went through, increasing Brotherhood's lead to two goals. Thev kept up tho prossure, and shortly afterwards Hall scored his second goal from a centre by McDonald. At half-time Brotherhood were three up. Shortly aitor resuming a penalty was awarded against Brotherhood, and Roberts kicked Ponsonby's first goal. Tho Ponsonby team was now showing true form, and Dickson scored shortly afterwarda from a fast centre by Innes. Except for an occasional break through by Brotherhood, the rest ot the game was distinctly in Ponsonby s favour, but consistently poor shooting prevented addition to their scoro, and the Jinal whistle sounded with Brotherhood the victors, the scores being : — Brotherhood . •■ . 2 Ponsonby * Mr. W. H. Guest was refere* Y.M.C.A. V. EVERTON. The opening stages of the game -were marked by evon play, with tno hacks on both sides defending well, and %«*•»&£•/££ wards showing to skshtly better advantage than their opponents. The. first goa was scored by Y.M.C.A.. a shot irom Bell g ving Miller no chance to save. Everton set up a d"termined attack from the kick off. but Pitkin's defence was sound and play was carried to tho other end. Thar* followed at exciting five, minutes round Evcrta goal. Miller savins half a dozen shots n quick success on. Half-time arrived shortlj afterwards with Y.M.C.A. one up. On resuming, an attack by the Everton forwards was held up by NeesWi. who sent Millar awav for a smart run down the right wing. The Y.M.C.A. forwards again commenced to dominate play, and only MceptwnSly good defence by the Everton goalkeeper and fullbacks prevented an addition to Y M-CA.'s ecorc. Eventually Millar secured on Y.M.C.A.'s right wme, and passed to centre for Bell to score his second goal. ih» game ended: Y.M.C.A 2 Everton .. u Mr. F. M. Ritchie was referee. H.M.S. PHILOMEL V. NORTHCOTR Play was fast and keen from the outset; Northcote gaining tho first advantage from a. free kick awarded in a good position. Matters looked dangerous for Philomel, until McElligctt secured and cleared to his forwards with a strong kick. S n »Pls.,i sM!,l , m = between Abernethey. Knott, and Wllftpn tor Northcote resulted in several shots wt goal, but Batty was equal to the.occasion. Hooper. Sexton and Heatley ako did some good work for the warship, but the defence on both sides proved sound and half-time .arrived without score. The fast pace was maintained during the opening stages of the. second -pell, and some strenuous play was witnessed. Northcote, who were playing a man short, and were also at a disadvantage through injuries to Cadness, put up a. great fight, but the sailors attacked persistently and their inside right. Sexton, secured two goals A smart run by Knott for Northcote resulted in a free kick being awarded against Honkins. Knott, with a ma-:n-hccni effort found the net. reducing the lead aeninst his_ side Before time was called. Sexton scored his th'rd. goal for Philomel, and the game ended: H.M.S. Philomel .. • • 3 Noithcote 1 Mr. Bowie was referee. CORINTHIANS V. DEVONPORT I PRESBYTERIAN.

Play of an even nature prevailed during the first 20 minutes of the game, Webster finally gaining the advantage for Corinthians by a smart dash down the line, finished off by a shot which missed by inches. Devonport then took a hand, and a fine passing bout among the forwards carried play to Corinthians' goal, where Fairgray's shot was cleared by Craxton in good style. A determined attack by Corinthians saw Wedster. Thwaite. and Keane prominent, and the Devonport backs hard at it defending. During a scramble in front of goal, one of the defenders mis-kickod. and the ball went through, giving Corinthians their first goalNo further score had been registered when half-time arrived. Shortly after resuming, Rowat scored Corinthians' second goal, from a fine piece of individual play. A little later a Devonport player was iDcnaiisod for handling, in front of goal, but Kean's shot went wide A spoil of attack by tho Devonport forwards resulted in an excellent pass to centre, from which Mouatt scored their only goal. Corinthians' third goal came from Binneld. who received in good position from Rowat, and shot well. The final scores were:—■ Corinthians . . ... • ■ • § Devonport Presbyterian . . .. J Mr. Winslow was refereo

SECOND DIVISION. North Shore 3 goals, beat Everton 1. Metropolitan won by default from Devonport Presbyterian. Ponsonby 3 goals, beat Y.M.C.A. 2. Technical Old Boys 4 goals (Ash. O'Leary. Grieve. Minns), beat W.Y.M.I. 1 (Lewis). THIRD DIVISION. Y.M.C A. 2 goals, beat Metropolitan 0. North Shore 2 goals, beat Northcotc 1. College United 3 goals. beat Onehunga Methodist 0. FOURTH DIVISION. Belmont 2 goals, beat Corinthians 1. North Shore 9 goals, beat Methodists .0. Devonport Presbyterian 0. drew with Y.M.C.A., 0. Onehunga Methodist, 3 goals, boat Technical Old Boys 2. Pilkington and Bently scored for Onehunga Methodist, and Spinks and Johnson for Technical Old Boys. Brotherhood won from Devonport Methodist by default. .FIFTH DIVISION Belmont 6 goals, beat Dovonport Methodist 0. Mount Eden 2 goals beat Devonport Presbyterian 0. Brotherhood 2 goals, beat North Shore J. St. Heliors K goals, beat W.Y.M.I. 0. Northcoto 3 goals, beat Metropolitan 1 Y.M.C.A. BOYS* LEAGUE. Senior Grade.—Rivals .i , goals. boat Rangers 3. Swifts 5 goals, beat Spurs 1. Celts 5 goals beat Rovers 0. Junior Orado: Rivals 5 goals, boat Rangers 1. Swifts 2 goals, boat Spurs 1. Rovers 4 goals, be*. Celts 0.