MARIST OLD BOYS' MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18997, 20 April 1925, Page 4

MARIST OLD BOYS' MATCH.

AUCKLAND V. CHRISTCHURCH SOUTHERN TEAM DEFEATED. [BY TELEOBAPH. —Pit ESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. The Auckland Marist Old Boys'. League football team defeated the Christchurch Manst thirteen by 1(3 points to 7 yesterday. At tho start Ellis look the ball through io Auckland's end, where E. I'lUgerald had a shot at goal that fell short. Christchurch wero almost over tho lino twice, but a little later somo. fast passing by t.se visitors and a sprint by Lrisbano gave Auckland a chance. However. Mullins relieved. After O'Brien had knocked tho ball on a few inches from the Christchurch line, Kirwaii (Christchurch) infringed, and C, Gregory opened Auckland's scoring account with a clever kick. A strong Auckland attack headed by Gallagher, with three men in support, was well stopped by Brosnahau. Kirwau (Auckland) broke away and passed to Johnstone, who missed scoring by inches. Ghent paved tho way for Auckland's first try, the -ball going from Kirwun to Gallagher, who dashed over. Gregory missed tho kick. Auckland ® Christohu'rch " Aftor missing a shot at goal from a free kick. C. Fitzgerald cut in beautifully and looked dangerous, but a bad pass spoilt, tho otfort. Gallagher then came through fast, intercepted a pass tnd. beating oil his opponents, sent CaTvoll over. luo latter scored behind tho posts for uregnry to convert. , . , , ~ , Christchurch were hooking tho ball most of the time, but tho Auckland tackling pulled them up short. ChnstchurOh attacked strongly after a good run by l et sen, who waa playing a fine game, until oil-side play sent thorn back. llio waiters' backs wore very , clever, and nipped many good movements in the bud. Kirwan and Mullins set the local nien off from a scrum, and gave E. Fitzgerald a great chance, but a missed pass stopped tho movement. Soon aftor half-time sounded with tho scoro: — Auckland 10 Christchurch 0 C. Fitzgerald did' not resume after halftime, P. Clarkaon replacing him. Auckland camo with a passing rush, tho ball travelling from Kirwan to Ghent, to Gallagher, tho last-named scrambling ever the line wide out. C. Grogory failed to convert. , From a penalty in front of the Auckland goal. Ellis opened the local scoring with a good kick. Auckland 13 Christchurch Singo and O'Brien broko through the local defence, and O'Brien scored after a Btrong TU Fitzgerald. Blazey, Brittenden and Petersen combined in a movement which resulted in Petersen scoring under the posts Kiiis converted, and the came eudtd with tho scores;— Auckland . . .. . . Christchurch < NEW CANTERBURY GROUND. MONICA PARK OPENED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH. Sunday. - Monica Park, tho headquarters playing ground of the Canterbury Rugby League in Christchurch, was officially opened in the presence ol' a large attendance of spectators by Sir Joseph V» ard yesterday. In presenting a gold and greenstone shamrock to Mrs.'H. T. 3. Thacker, litter whom the park is named, Sir Joseph Ward said ho was sure it would bring her luck. Ho said it had given him the greatest pleasura to accept tho invitation to open Monica Park, because he wa3 glad of the opportunity of paying a tribute to the great energy of tho people who had provided the park at such short notice. I'e was niso' interested in the new form of finance that lad been adopted in connection with the park. The sum of £IO,OOO had already been spent. £6OOO for 33 acres of. land and i'4ooo on the grandstand and various other arrangements of tha park, and yet the board of control had no mortgage and only a slight overdraft. What they had got was a freo loan certificate, and a number of people had lent money on that certificate. Ho felt' certain it was one of the safest loans' in New Zealand. Tho security was the thousands of pooplo who were going to pay entrance fees to the park now and in future.