FOOTBALL MATCHES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18404, 21 May 1923, Page 4

FOOTBALL MATCHES.

THE RUGBY GAME.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS.

GRAMMAR-PONSONBY DRAW.

GREAT GAME WITNESSED

The club championships competition, under the auspices of the Auckland Rugby Union, was continued on Saturday. Heavy rain over-night and on Saturday morning threatened postponement of all out-door sports, but the weather clearing at midday the union committee decided to play all" Rugby' matches. The grounds, consequent on the recent rains, were heavy and treacherous and tho ball a trifle slippery and somewhat difficult to handle. The No. 1 ground at Eden Park was, despite the rains, in fairly good condition, though th 6 going was heavy and tho turf greasy. The prospects, therefore, wore bright for tho winter pastime, and in anticipation of witnessing a great game between Grammar Old Boys and Ponsonby a record crowd assembled, completely filling the public and members' stands, three deep around the rails, and packing the terraces. The match between the champion team and their conquerors of last season was well worthy of the crowd, of spectators, who were "thrilled with excitement and delighted to a degree by the attractive play of both teams, who, rising superior to the heavy conditions, played fast, open football from the kick-off to the call oi time, when the players left the field in the satisfaction that the game had ended in a draw, six points each. The scores accurately- represent the respective merits of the sides on the run of the play. Both teams were well represented, Ponsonby with a fine pack of forwards and a good back division which furnished a great exhibition of the open, passing game. Grammar Old Boys, whose strength in tho main lies in *th fast back division, was represented by a team of forwards who excelled in the loose and on tho lineout, and who" well served the back division with the ball from scrums and lineout. In the first spell Grammar had several opportunities of scoring, but the certain tackling of tho Ponsonby forwards and backs stemmed tho repeated attacks. Ponsonby opened up the play in fine style and bright passim? among the backs, with accurate fielding despite the greasy ball, frequently threatened the Grammar lines, but here again the defence was sound. Brilliant attack and counter-at-tack followed" throughout the game, all the best phases of .Rugby being exemplified to a degree. The score of six points each indicates the close character of a game which is memorable in the history of a club championship match in Auckland. The standard of play throughout was high, and the fact augurs well for the future of the club championships, in which many more matches of a like calibre will be played. The spirit of the play was no less attractive than the came itself, both teamß having hieh regard for its requirements, playing with a fine sporting spirit which pervaded the game throughout. "Had Ponsonby ..won, the result would have been immensely popular for the team on its all-round play thoroughly deserved victory. In view of the important representative matches in which Auckland will be enraged at the end of the club season, and the New Zealand team for England at the end of the season, it is satisfactory that such a hicrh standard, has bean attained in the olub championships. The match between University and College Rifles, on No. 2 mound at Eden Park, was only a trifle less attractive than tho camp on No. 1. University, though, weakened by the absence of some of its best players with the New Zealand University team in Sydney, plaved fine open football, defeating College Rifles after a hard determined came bv nin* points to three. This is the second surprise defeat inflicted on College Rifles, whose form and combination have not yet developed. The match between Marist Bros. Old Boys and Eden, played on a heavy and treacherous ground ,on No. 3 at' Eden Park, resulted in a run-a-way victory for Marist by 52 points to nil. Grafton and North Shore fought out supremacy on .the- North Shore ground, the fame ending in a victory for Grafton bv 27 points to "three. 'martin of points in Grafton's favour scarcely represents the merits of the respective toarrts. for, in the run of the play. North Shore extended the, winners, and only lacked the finish to score more than the single try. The first win of the season was registered by Newton in its match at Avondale against Suburbs, who were defeated after a fairly even game by eight points to nil.

GRAMMAR V. PONSONBY. The first spell opened with Ponsonby attacking from the kick-off, but over eagerness and consequent off-side play brought a penalty which drove them back on defence which MoManua relieved with a fine kick to touch. Ponsonby counter-attacked with a. fane dash by the forwards to set up a dangerous siege on the Grammar line. Securing tho ball from a scrum, the Grammar backs were flung into action, but they met with stern tackling and sound defence The Ponsonby backs were Tit this stage showing the speed and pace of the fast Grammar backs. Donovan. Lucas and Wado opening up with a swift dash for the line, where Tonkin created a sensation with a lightningJ Pot-shot at goal, which failed but forced Grammar. Bright attack and counterattack followed in rapid succession, both teams making desperate efforts to cross the line. K. Ifwersen. with a swift cut-off and kick, set Grammar dangerously on attack in Ponsonby twenty-five, where V. Badeley from a free-kick, just missed a goal. Ponsonby cleared, but Grammar cams' again, and from a throw-in near the line Taylor secured the ball to dash over and score the opening try which K. Ifwerson failed to convert. No further score was registered in the first spell, which ended Grammar 3 points. Ponsonby 0. The second spell' opened with a series of rapid exchanges in which Grammar and Ponsonby. fighting like tigers for ascendancy, played almost brilliant football. A daring dribbling rush by the Ponsonby forwards took play within striking distance of the Grammar line, where Gregory with a splendid kick placed the ball over tho cross-bar. making the scores 3 all. With the scores even, play, which had been fast, now thrilled with rare pace. Excitement ran high as first Grammar then Ponsonby attacked in turn. Play was inside Grammar halfway when a Grammar forward in anxiety to save his sfcle. infringed with an unnecessary hard tackle. The action proved expensive, for from the penalty Gregory kicked a beautiful goal. With a lead of three points Ponsonby'-s prospects were bright, but Grammar set up a dangerous arid desperate attack when Cis Badeley. securinc the ball, broke through and swerving and feinting cleverly, raced for the line to nass to K. rfwersen, who took the pass in his stride and dashed over to score a try under the cross-bar. Much depended on the kick for goal, but V. Badeley failed to convert. With the scores even excitement ran hich. and the ctowd cheered as Williams raced down the side-line to threaten a score which Gregory in a defensive kick iust averted in time. Swift attack and counterattack followed, and in a rush Taylor, the Grammar forward, retired with a cut over the eye. Pcnsonbv showed fine snorting Bm'rit at this stage in allowing the ininred player to be replaced when the result of the game was in the balance near the call of time, which came without further addition to the scores, a great game ending: Grammar Old Boys 6 Ponsonby 6 .. Mr. W. J. Meredith was referee.

UNIVERSITY V. COLLEGE RIFLES. The first, spell opened with University kicking off with a man in front. From the consequent scrum College Rifles carried slav to University twenty-five, where strenuous play was opened up by a swift cass from Keene to the University backs, who. flung into action., opened up an attack in College territory where, from a scrum. Cashmere worked the blind side successfully to score a try which Park failed to convert. University leading by. three _ points. From the drop on University a-gain attacked. Sinclair racins through to score University's second try. which was not converted. The heavy and treacherous turf was a serious handicap to the players, but University rose superior to the conditions, and in a bright phasing movement in which Cashmere. Park and Hamilton were preeminent, threatened College line, which the Rifles' fullback saved by forcing. Attack and counter-attack followed the crop out. ; Sinclair just failing to score another trr ; for tha students. Colleger Rifles cleared with liases Fogarty and Maion« heading a. for-

ward rush into University twenty-five. .The light blues cleared the attack and in a scramble over the Rifle:;' line Park scored University's third try. Brinsden failing with the kick, the first spell ending: University 9 points. College Rifles 0. - " V U The second spell opened with College Rifles attacking for Park to clear to Bend Goodwin in a run down the touch-line. The ground was now a quagmire, and the colours of the teams, covered with mud., were hard to distinguish. ■ The Rifles pressed the attack, with Hirst. Wilson. Muir and Gricrson prominent to assail University line, the students saving by forcing. In tho final quarter desperate dribbling rushes by both packs of forwards, assisted by pood handling by the backs of College Rifles, threatened clanger for the University line. Tho defence was sound, but on. the call of lime Pilling kicked a goal from a penalty for College Rifles, the game ending: University » • * College Rifles . . . 3 Mr. Handcock was referee.

NORTH SHORE V. GRAFTON. Notwithstanding the soft state of the ground, the game between Grafton and North Shore, which was played on the homo ground, was of a fairly, interesting character throughout. The final scores. 27—3. in favour of Grafton, does not, however, ac- 1 curately indicate the run of the play, for North Shore were rather unfortunate in not adding more points. A feature of the game was the marked improvement in tho display of the Grafton backs, who are showing to better advantage with each game. With the kick-off North Shore went to the attack, the ball being carried into Grafton's territory. A good run by Hughes cleared play to the . opponents' twenty-five, where a passing bout was initiated by Boon, and ending in a score by Cooke, after a splendid run. Cooke failed with the kick. North Shore pressed, and Fairgray was within an ace "of scoring, but knocked on. From the scrum Fairgray regained possession, and scrambled over the lino to score I out wide. Gasparich took, the kick, which hit the post. A clever passing rush, started by Buckland, a few moments later saw the ball pass through the hands of Boon. Cooke, Johnson and Hughes., the last-named scoring in the corner. O'Brien failed with the kickJust before halftime Boon picked up and passed to Prentice, who cut in nicely and scored. The halftimo scores were: Grafton 9 points. North Shore 3. -~-. ,• Immediately on resuming play. .North Shore infringed, with the result that O'Brien placed a penalty goal. The home team etrived hard to even matters up. ' but the Grafton defence was sound. Nicholls obtained the ball and sent out to Hughes, who passed to Johnson, to Cooke, the latter scoring after eluding several ta-okleTS. His kick was successful. North Shore began to press, but the play was at this stag© more of the dogged stylo than scientific. The last spell saw Grafton take the upper hand, and McMillan scored for O'Brien to kick a goal. Just before time Boon was , responsible for a brilliant try. Boon received the ball from Nicholls near the halfway line, and dashing down the field, scored after beating several of his opponents. Cooke added the major points, and tho game ended with the scores: Grafton , . . . . 27 North Shore * , . » 3 Mr. Thomas was. referee. EDEN V. MARIST OLD BOYS. Eden met Marist Old Boys on No. 3 ground at Eden Park, and after a one-sided game the latter won by 52 points to 0.. Marist Old Boys dominated the game throughout. Culpan drawing- first blood for his side within the first few minutes of play. O'Connor kicked an excellent goal. Marist Old Boys sustained the pressure, with the result that two tries cam© in quiok succession by Marwick and Peters. The lastnamed score was - converted by Marshall. : A scramble ensued in midfield. where Twoomey picked up and, after making & good run. scored a try which was not con- [ verted. McVeagh was the next to score. The kick at goal was successful. Marwick was the next to score, and Culpan followed suit a few moments later. After the game had been in progress for half-an-hour, O'Connor added another three points, which made the total —0. During the second spell McVeagh. Twoomey, Culpan and Marwick registered one try each, Marwick converting his own try, while McDonald added another. Tho game ended: Marist Old Boys . . . . . . 52 Eden 0 Mr. Longville was referee.

NEWTON V. SUBURBS. Newton met and defeated Suburbs on the Avondale ground by 8 points to 0 after a fairly even game With tho commencement of play _ Suburbs infringed, and from a handy position Ross missed a chance to goal. Earl opened a passing rush a little later, which ended, m Ross scoring. Earl failed with the kick. Suburbs pressed and carried the ball to tho Newton line, where Ross saved. The first spell ended with the scores: Newton 3. Suburbs 0. When play resumed. Earl was given an easy chance to goal, but missed. In an attack led by Newton forwards, in which four men participated, an almost certain try went astray through fumbling, with only the fullback to be beaten. _ Despite determined moves by Suburbs, in which Hollinger and Long wore prominent, no score resulted, the Newton defence being sound. In tho first quarter Ross made a smart run through Suburbs' backs, but lost possession of the ball. Dickson, who was handy, smartly picked it up and scored for Hines to kick a goal, the game ending: Newton . . . . . . • ♦ • • ° Suburbs . . 0 Mr. Donovan was referee.

SECOND GRADE. College Bines. G points, beat University. 0. King's Old Boys. 35 points, beat Ellerslie. 0 The scorers for King's Old Boys were Cox (2 tries). Macdonald (2). R. Sheen. Maxwell, Swanson and; Miller (1 each). R. Green kicked a penalty coal. Hoard. Swanson, Miller and Macdonald converted one try each. College Rifles B. 17 points, beat Harbour Board. 11.

THIRD GRADE. Grafton. ,18 points, beat Ellerslie. 3. Marathon. 10 points, beat Sacred Heart. 0. For the winners scores were made by. Bray and Dane, Bray converting both tries. Sacred Heart. 6 points, beat St. Stephen's, 3 Telegraph. IS points, beat "St. Heliers..O. Tries were scored by Moran. Blarr. Hs.ldane and Combio. while Forrest converted two pena.lty goals. Eden B, 11 points, beat King's Old Boys, 6. Grey Lynn. 51 points, beat Grammar B, 0. Kohimarama drew with St. David's, no score. Y.M.C.A.. 6 points, beat Gordon. 3. Grafton. IS points, beat Ellerslie. 3. Mount Albert. 6, beat Suburbs. 0.. Grammar. 9 points, beat Eden. 0. Telegraph. 18 points beat St. B>Hers, 0. Trie l ; were scored by Moran. Blair, Haldane, Cambie. Forrest converted two penalty goals.

FOURTH GRADE. Parnell, 21 points, beat Grey Lynn. 11. For Parnell tries were scored by Burns (2), C. (bridge. Ruddy, and Gardner, one each. L. ridge converted two tries, while Buddy converted one. Suburbs, 22 points, beat Swanson. 0. Eden. 7 points, beat North Shore. 0. Ponsonby, 21 points, beat Green Lane. 0. Ellerslie. 21 points, beat Marathon. 0. Telegraph drew with Marists. 8 points all. Telegraph drew with Marists, 8 points all.

FIFTH GRADE. Parnell. 20 points, beat Grey Lynn, 0. Chapman (2), R. Packman (2). Meehan and Corson scored one try each. Corson converted one. . .'"'.. Ponsonby, 12 points, beat Green Lane, 0. Suburbs and Newton drew, 3 points all. Eden. 6 points, beat Ellerslie. 0. Grafton, 15 points, beat Telegraph. 3. Parnell. 17 points, beat Grev Lynn.' 0. Grafton. 15 points, beat Telegraph. 3.

CHURCHES ASSOCIATION. St. James'. 13 points, beat W.Y.M.L. 3. For the winners scores were secured by Mathieson (2), and Cotter (1). Wells converted two tries. St. Heliers. IS points, beat Epsom. 0.

WAREHOUSE UNION". Auckland Meat Co. won by default from Farmers' Union Trading Co. City Council. S points, beat Hobsonville. 0. Tries were scored by Chains and Allen, Hckimai converted one. J. J. Craig. 3 points, defeated Hancocks, 0. The game was evenly contested. The score for Craig's by Gaibraith was the result of a good opening by Pearson.

WAIPA COMPETITIONS. fSZ TET-EGRAFH. —OWN COKRETPOXDEST.] TE AWAMUTU. Saturday. The \7aipa Rugby Union's cinimpionship matches were continued to-day. The weather was dull and the grounds holding. None of the displays were brilliant, but the senior match. Te Awarnutu v. Ngahape. was keenly contested throughout. Te Awamufu won by 6 points to 8. Claris scoring a try and Quin a. penalty goal for the winners. while Maunder kicked a penalty goal for Ngahape. N>n.har.e Juniors defeated Te Awamutu Juniors by 6 points'' (a try by Xgamo and a penalty goal by L>. Kit), to 0. Te Awamutu Rover Juniors defeated Psrawera Juniors by 13 points to 6. For the winners Finch and Lang scored a try each. Ferguson a try and a goal from the field. ParF.wera's scores were a try each by Piirar.gakawa- and Ninia, PUKEKOHE V. FRANKLIN. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OW\ rORP.r?PONT>EKT.] HAMILTON. Saturday. In the re resent Rugby game at Pukekohe, Hamilton defeated Franklin by 20 points to G. At Hamilton. United ded-teat-ed Suaurbs by 16 to 14. WAIPA DISTRICT BOUNDARIES. [be TELEGRAPH. D-W7J CORRESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU, Saturday. The W&tpa Rugby Union has not yet been Officially notified that its territory ha s been whittled down considerably by the N6w Zsaland Rugby Union, but private advices lncicats that thi» ii so, for the aotithern

boundary is to be the railway station and road to T" Knwa, thus reducing (he extent of' the Waapa Union's jurisdiction to the area from Ohanpo to Te Kawa, about sixteen miles The commission, which sat 'at Hamilton last February fixed the southern boundary us .two miles south of Otorohanga. but this was subject to the New Zealand Union's approval. The Ixgahape Club draws players from Te Kav.-a district and has protested at being debarred from playing those men. The* Waipa Union last night rewired allow Ngahape to play the lo Kawa men. as no official notification of alteration of boundaries has been received. Tho union decided to suggest June 9 .as a suitable date for a senior representative match with Cambridge ■ at Cambridge, a junior representative match to be Played at Te Awamutu on the same date. The Hamilton Union's request for a representative match next Saturday at Hamilton was declined as the time was too short.

. CAMBRIDGE CONTESTS. Jby telegraph.'— own correspondent.] \ . CAMBRIDGE, Saturday. The football competitions were continued here to-day. Play was spoiled through wet weather and the heavy state of all the grounds. City seniors beat Leamington by 8 to 3 and City juniors defeated Hnutapu by 5 "to nil At Leariiington, Leamington juniors beat Cadets by 6to 3. The matpb. High School v. Leamington, third grade, resulted i" no score.

TAURANGA UNION. {>* TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAURANGA, Saturday. Tho Tauranga Rugby Union championships were continued to-day. In the Jordan Cup '.seniors), •Te Puna and Rangat&ua fought cut a closely-contested game, le Puna winning by 3 to nil. Tu Tangitu kicked a penalty goal for the winners^ In the Oliver Cup (junior grade), Cadets Old Boys beat Tauranga by 6 to 3 after a good, hard game. C. Sorrensen and L. Green registered tries for the winners, arid W. Mansel for Tauranga.

TAUaLARUNUI RESULTS. [BJ TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAUMARUNUI. Saturday. . In the Rugby matches to-day, Taumarunui 22. defeated United 3. McDonald, Miloe, Carlson; Brown and Morgan (twice) scored, and Holmes and Heise converted a try each for Taumarunui. Cotter kicked a penalty for the losers.

PIAKO UNION'S COiMPETITIONS. [by: TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA. Saturday. At To Aroha this afternoon. Terrier juniors defeated Mannwsru juniors, by 11 points to 8. The game was a. remarkably good one, considering that the weather conditions were so bad. Watson, Long, and Stace each scored a try for the victors, and S. Goldsbury converted a try. For Manawaru W. 801 l scored a try, and A. Gray* scored and converted. Waihou Ranger iuniors beat To Aroha Rambler juniors .at Waihou. by 9 points to 3. For the winners Sowerby scored and Stan. Cooper converted, and in the last quarter Tretheway dropped a goal from the field. R. Wallace scored for Te Aroha. At Manawaru. the Manawaru seniors gained a victory, over To Aroha Rambler seniors by 16 points to 3. Lockyer. T. McLaren. A. Semmens, each scoring tries. J. Gavin and J. Mnsill (converting), and P. McLaren (a penalty goal), wore the scorers for Manawaru. and J. Clarkin kicked a penalty goal for To Aroha. The To Aroha Bantams beat Waihou thirds by 9- points to 3. '

MATAMATA UNION. [BY TELEGEAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MATAMATA, Saturday. The Matamata Union commenoed the second round of its competition to-day. Tho .results of the senior games placed the Matamata Club team in the lead for the championship. Results were: Matamata, 8, v. Patetere, 3; Wairero, 3, v. Walton, 0. Walton and Wairero are level for second place.

THAMES UNION. fBY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Saturday. Thames Rugby Union matches were played to-da.y tinder wet weather conditions. College Old Boys defeated City by 5 points to 3. after on© of the most interesting matches witnessed here for a number of years. Pirates (seniors) defeated Rovers, 41 to 0. In the first junior match, Physical Training beat Ramblers.. 12 to 6; City (third grade) beat Ramblers. 12 to 3; Physical Training (fourth grade) and the Cadets played a draw.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

SENIOR MATCHES POSTPONED

JUNIOR GRADE RESULTS.

The senior grade matches under League rules that were fixed for Saturday were i>cStponc/3. This step ;wa,s -decided upon owing to the fact that Carlaw Park, where two of tho three senior games were to have been played, was only' recently laid down fn grass. In the circumstances "it ■was considered that after the heavy soaking that it received on Friday night and Saturday morning the/ ground /would Tie severely cut up by play. The League junior competitions were continued on various grounds. <

SECOND GRADE. Kingsland Rovers 24 points, defeated Ponsonby 6; City 15, defeated Marist Old Boys 6.

-- THIRD GRADE. Victoria Cruising Club 8 points, defeated Coromandel 2; Point Chevalier 21, defeated Kingsland 0; Ponsonby 48 defeated Ihumata 0; Devonport 8, defeated Parnell 6.

FIFTH GRADE. Newton 21 points, defeated Point Chevalier 0; Richmond 24, defeated Marist 5.

SIXTH GRADE. City 11 points, defeated Ellerslio 0: Athletic 17, defeated Devonport 0; Richmond 6, defeated Parnell 0; City 14, defeated Manukau 6; Ponsonby 9, defeated Richmond 4.

mono. -4. CADET COMPETITIONS. . 25th Company 13 points, defeated 27th Cojnpany 0.

CAMBRIDGE MATCHES. Thy TELKGEArH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CAMBRIDGE, Saturday.* Suburbs beat Matanei Rovers to-day by 6 _ (two tries) to nil. Matangi, 16 (four tries, two converted), t beat City Athletics 1-1 (four tries, one converted).

RESULTS AT TAUMARUNUI. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TAUMARUNUI. Saturday.« The football matches were played here to-day in drizzling rain. The League result* are: Hauaroa A 14, defeated Tongariro 3. K. Bell, Hollis, Phillip, and P. Wallace scored, and J. Kahu kicked a goal for the winners. Pine scored for the losers. Haaaroa. B 15. defeated City Rovers 8. Topine. Box. and Phillip scored, and the latter kicked two goaU for the winners. Singe scored twice and kicked a goal for the losers.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

SENIOR COMPETITION.

THISTLE BEAT NORTHCOTE.

DEFEAT OF NORTH SHORE.

I The Auckland Football Association's club I competitions continue to attract large crowds i of spectators, and on Saturday, notwithi standing threatening weather, fully 3000 attended Victoria Park to witness the matca between Korthcote and Thistle. Fortunatelj the rain held off during play, which was of a remarkably high standard considering the slcppy condition of the '.-ronim .\oT_thcotte. tweno first -to scorte, und hjild the t upper hand until their defence became disorganised by injuries to Corrin, which forced him to retire. Thistle ran out winners by 3 goals to 1. in a game _ that v.-.<, full of interest, with the exception of the last 20 minutes. On the Devonport Domain before a crowd estimated at 1000, Pcmsonby defeated North Shore by 3 goals to 2, after a contest which can be described as only a % fair exhibition of the code. It is North Shore's first defeat this season, end came as a great surprise to followers of the game. On No. 1 ground at the Auckland Domain, Harbour Board were fully extended to sain victory over Y.H.C.A. by the odd goal in three, after a very closely-con tested game. ■i the Calliope Dock ground the sailors from H.M.S. Philomel had a comfortable ! win from Brotherhood, the final scores being ; 5 goals to 1 in,favour of the Navy. ! TRESTLE T. NORTHCOTE. Nortbcote won the toss and defended the city end. From the kick-off the ball went back to Whewell. whf< V- -W-" •«« bard, enabling Thompson to set the- TTcthecie attack in motion immediately. A «mart forward rush ended in "Wilson sending behind. Returning the_ ball from the goal-kick Corrin. aid*d the visiting forwards to again penetrate s ti;'« (&?»*>'-« -•• : Bur -i »-T-.t in a fine shot, which Thomas cleared in good style. The soft turf and greasy ball were makiusi accurate football difficult, and infringements were fairly frequent. From a free-kick to Northcote Baker placed well, a.nd Wilson slipped just as ha was about to shod with

only the goalkeeper to beat. A few moments . later . Baker* -who -m fehfote grand came in .the half hue for Kortftcote, lent ii a splendid shot that vent just outside tho upright. • ... r Northcote continued to press,, with Corrm. Catlow. and Baker feeding their forwards well, and on several occasions the slippery ball alone prevented a score = gainst tho city team At times tho Thistle torwards would force an «to.ftt cote's area, but play invariably "turned to their own goal. McAneny in goal tor Northcote was- tested after aboil* tittup minutes' play by a long Bh from S« son on Thistle's left ™S. The cuatodlan fielded cleanly and threw the ball out to his forwards. There followed a hot ftttaoK by Northcote, which was cleared by Thorn", who came out of goal to scoop VfU** ball almost from Speight's toe. . Following £ forced respite caused by ajwej o the Thistlo goalkeeper..-Anderson, teane and Dodda came away uvn nice eombu ed n si m the direction of Northcote n was surely cleared by Mctgo. JNortJ.ote were soon back, and after an unsuccessful shot by Speight, Wilson got his head to a free y kick taken by Catlow aid No.lhcote were one up. , ... ,„_ -♦♦,T, Thistle retaliated with a sharp attack immediately after the hick-off, . and a fine run by- Williams proved mutfess the right wing's centre did aot go tar enousrh forward- Plf" of n '?" h mo ogeve0 g even or nature and Thistle osgaa to have a fair share r( the ball- An anxious few minutes round Northcote'ai goal saw wiwb defence come from Corrm, Metge and Baker, while shots from Anderson, Dodds and Williams went very close to the goal JI. fen the Northcote front line broke trough, with Trempin prominent, only to Do held up ey Young and Mills. _ „ , At this stage injuries to Corrm impelled him to drop back into goal for Northcote. his place being taken, by , Thompson, while McAneny went to left half with Baker at centre. The change appeared to absolutely disorganise the Northcote defence. Shortly afterwards Williams, on Thistles right, slipped in past McAneny. end Thompson, and Metge got across in time to save, but only at the expense of a corner. . * rem this Williams piloted the "boll right to the goal-mouth and Stewart found the net with a lovely ground shot from close ranee, equalising tho scores. Even exchanges finished out tho spell, and at half-time the scores were:. Northcote . * ■• JThistle . . . . 1 When the teams filed out for the second half it was noticed' that Northcote hjc-d onlv ten men. Corrin having retired. Thistle started off at a lively pace, and McAneny. who was back in Northcoto's goal, saved brilliantly from two hot shots in quick succession. The pressure was relieved by a great burst of spe«d by Knott and Burford which resulted in a fruitless corner. A free-kick to Thistle again put them on the offensive, and Dodds was unfortunate with a shot that struck tho upright and rebounded. Back th" Thistle forwards caine in a splendid concerted rush, ending in a woll-judged centre from Williams, which jC-vn."» kicked .over p, ny , 1 ?"", tit , ro""d Northeote's goal, and after McAneny had saved shots from Dodds and Williams, he stopped, but failed to clear, another attempt by the Thistle 'right wing. Stewart dashed in to score his second goal, putting Thistle in the lead. Northcote brightened up after the reverse, but the absence of Corrin was proving a big handicap, while Mill-- and Brittain in THistVs ba*V line »»« v-v ha."'' .*o ""<■«. the former being particularly on his game. JJpsnlfn heroiV pffo't" l *he **+~*\\~r*» «♦♦* gradually slackened off, and the game resolved itself into a bombardment of their goal. After giving relief from many a tight comer i" *"in h° -1-oWI ■!>-*- '«*** -11 angles, McAneny fumbled, and Keane following un at top speed got the third goal for Thistle. The dosing stages saw Thistle maintain the uprer *>»nd. "»"1 v-a *.«.*•- .I:.' '„-*\,„ brilliant saving work, which brought generous applause From the onlookers. Time was called with the light failing a.nd play in Northcote's area. Thistle . . . . -.-. .> ..3 Northcote ■••.- .. .. .. 1 Mr. J. J. Wright was referee.

I PONSONBY V. NORTH SHORE. Smart exchanges followed the kick-off, with Woollcy prominent for the home team, and Lemming putting in good work for PonBonby. A free-kick to North Shore placed the visitors' goal in danger, when Buchanan sent on to Haycock for the right half to try a long drive, which Norman cleared. Further spirited attacks by the Ponsonby forwards followed, to .be held up by Buchanan, who was playing excellent football; despite the greasy nature of the ball and ground. He broke up the opposing rushes and made many splendid openings for his own forwards, which were wasted by weakness in front of goal. After several strenuous efforts by McMillan and Alison on the horne team's right had been beaten off by Mills and Kane, the Ponsonby centre-half Necsham sent a heady pass to Ahearn. The out-side right raced down the line and swung the ball to cent™ for Lemming to score Ponsonby's first goal. Ponsonby'a pressure continued through the agency of the '•'■jh' -•;-.-.--. wh«r<» Mi~>-m was "justifying his inclusion. An anx'rus time round the home team's goal kept Buchanan, Craig, and Simpson hard at it defending, relief eventually coming Iroru a lv-fty cWrin<r l-i-k bv th- rj-v*' '..1]V,„~lNorth Shore rushed to the attack, with Alison prominent, • but Roberts and Mitchell proved the stumbling block. Neesit/n again set Ponsonby's right wing in motion, end Ahearn penetrated the deduce, -to sh'vit. fro*n wel' . out. "Hi" 1-,„P sailed straight for the goal. Champtnlonp stumbled in going to save, and Lemming I'M on hvin liofor* h° «»—''■' ''■", in V* Ponsonby's second goal. Half-time Biuved shortly afterwards with the ncoies: Ponsonby .. 2 North Shore . . 0 On resuming Ponsonby attacked smartly, and for a time showed much superior form to that of their opponents, dominating tho play in all departments. As a loam trie home side seemed properly off their name, and wld hiwlv h« *-°co"ni e,, -' : ' ;i« *Vi> combination which played so well against Northcote on the previous Saturday. On Ponsonby's left wins Dickson :'_nd Simm were putting in great work, some of the cut.side left's centres being a treat to witness. The inside men could not add the finW-ii" bV'r)"*. fcwvffr., end. VoHh PW« gradually turned defence into attack. With a great spurt their youthful lenjre forward, Malone, made a brilliant individual tffcrt, finished off with a stinging shot, wh'ch beet Norman all the way. Retaliation by Ponsonby followed,, and although unsuccessful for a time Ahearn was eventually awarded a penalty when fouled by one of the North Shore backs. Mills' piloted the ball safely into the net, increasing Ponsonby'a lead. Almost immediately upon resuming a similar infringement by a Ponsonby _ player _ gave North Shorea spot-kick, which Craig used to advantage, gaming the homo team's second coal. The closing stages were marked by fast or.d strenuous play, bui Ao further score wa.3 registered and tho game ended: Ponsonby .. . 3 North Shore .. 2 Mr. L. C. H. Dawson was referee.

PHILOMEL V. BROTHERHOOD. The wet conditions did not appear to suit Philomel, and playing with the wind in their favour Brotherhood pressed matters from the outset. Two corners were forced, and although no score was registered only good play by Hopkins saved the Navy men from a very tight corner. Give and take play followed, rent ei.-ris vy ihe aiior* forwards being spoiled by the slippery ball and soft ground. They kept at it, how over, and were eventually rewarded by a goal, which came from a corner kick taken by Marsh. Corbett, Philomel's centre half, come. into prominence a little later, making a splendid opening for his forwards. Margison and Heatley combined well, the latter swinging the ball to centre for Took« to score an easy one, putting the warship two up. Brotherhood rallied, and the greasy ball beat McGarry just as he was about to shoot with on.y tfie go-keeper to r- a . n>y ,n----tinued to bo fast and evenly contested. Both sides lost chances through the insecure foothold, and half-time arrived without further score. Philomel . . . , , , . . 2 Brotherhood . . . . o With the wind in their favour, Philomel kept their opponents on the defensive during th« opening stages of tho second half From a nice pass by Corbett Weddell shot wildly with an open goal in* front of him. A counter-attack by Brotherhood, in whicli nearly all the forwards participated, ended with, a shot from McGarry, which beat .Batty una scored Brotherhood's only goal. The success spurred Brotherhood on, but although they stubbornly contested every inch of tho way and often went close to scoring, they could not add the finishing touches which bring goals. Taking better advantage of their opportunities the sailors note it three further goals, which came from Weddell and Heatley (2). The final whistle sounded with, the scorea: Philomel . , .. ~ , . 5 Brotherhood .. .. .. » . 1

HARBOUR BOARD V. Y.M.C.A. Owing, probably, to the soft nature of the ground, neither 6ide showed a great deal of combination during the opening stages, which were marked by much individual effort and hard kicking. The bail was carried quickly up end down the field with both sets of forwards - missing excellent opportunities to score. After their first ec*.\ bH '-'-"• '-'■•<•--«■'! '•• " >>' : **»-* from Peeling, Harbcnr Board's ay improved rastlv. the forwards appearing to adapt themselves to the conditions and regaining some of their team play. A fine concerted rush, which followed sever*! IBf3^;iTp «««»!(« '- T- ri< , T „,.' " ,^,5;„„ ♦heir second coal. Half-time arrived wit.V the scores unaltered. The resumption of p!av was marked by a hot attack from the Y.M.C.A. forwards, which overwhelmed the defence, and resulted in a good goal to Stevens reducing the lead. The remainder of the game iras strenuously contested. First one side and then the' other would gam the advantage, but the defence of both teams proved sound, and a vary even pame ended with the scores: Harbour Board . . .. . . 2 YJi.OA „, ». l Mr. Ban mi rsie-re*. ,

• SECOND DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. B 1 goal, drew with Ponsonby 1: Thistle 9, beat Chelsea 8: Harbour .board B 2, drew with Kiwis 2; Y.M.C.A. 2. beat Devonport Presbyterians 1; Watersidcrs 10, beat St. James' 0. '

THIRD DIVISION. North Shore 4, beat Northcote 0; W.Y.M.I. 1, beat Grey Lynn 0; Metropolitan 2. beat Belmont 1; Y.M.C.A. 0, drew with. Pon.sonby 0. ,

FOURTH DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. 2, drew with Metropolitan 2.

FIFTH DIVISION. Belmont B 1, beat Brotherhood 0 Northcote 2, beat Devonport Presbytorißns 0; Belmont A 1, beat Metropolitan 0.

MATCHES IN THE WAIKATO. fBT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. J HAMILTON. Saturday. Hamilton United journeyed to Morrinsville on Saturday, and after one of the most strenuous games seen in the Waikato for some time 'past, honours were even, the final score being 3 goals all. ■ Wa.ihour played Hamilton Wanderers and. arriving two players short, were beaten by tho very big margin of 10 goals to 3.

UPPER WAIKATO TEAM. [BY ..TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Saturday. The selectors of the South Auckland Footbajl Association have chosen tho following team to play for Upper Waikato v. Lower Waikato at Hamilton on Saturday next:— Goal: Wilkinson' (Morrinsville). Backs: McKinstry (Vvaihou) and Kin? (United), ■palyes: Smith (Wanderers). Walker (United) and Baker (Morrinsville). Forwards: Marsh (United), Haycock (Morrinsville). Hay (United). Potts (Wanderers), VXd Barnett (United).