ATHLETIC SPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 20

ATHLETIC SPORTS

FOOTBALL SEASON RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES FOR TO-DAY GRAFTON TO PLAY MANUKAU A thrilling match is anticipated at Eden Park this afternoon when Grafton and Manukau, two of the three unbeaten teams in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby Union, will try conclusions. Grafton has an impressive record to date but the Manukau forwards are expected to test the opposition fully. The curtain-raiser will be between Marist and Grammar. Ponsonby, the other unbeaten team in the championship. will meet Training College at the Show Grounds and College Rifles will play University at Devonport. North Shore and Otahuhu will try conclusions at Sturgos Park.

LEAGUE CONTESTS CARLAW PARK GAMES MT. ALBERT V. NORTH SHORE Fast and open Rugby League should bo witnessed at Carlaw Park this afternoon when three matches are set down for decision in the fifth series of the senior championship. The principal attraction is between Mount Albert and North Shore. As both sides have strong forward packs an even game is likely. The curtain-raiser will be provided by Manukau and City while on the No. 2 ground, Ponsonby, the leading team, will try conclusions with Marist. The match between Richmond and Newton will be played at Morningside in aid of the King George V. National .Memorial Fund.

SOCCER FIXTURES SENIOR COMPETITION ABELS TO MEET PONSONBY The principal attraction at Blandford Park this afternoon in the Auckland Football Association's senior championship will be between Abels and Ponsonby and a splendid game should result. Comrades will meet North Shore in the curtain-raiser. Mount Albert and Thistle will play a match at Fowlds Park in aid of the King George V. National Memorial Fund.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

MATCH AGAINST NAVY The following Auckland representative side has been selected by Mr. A. P. Necshain. sole selector to the Auckland Football Association to meet the Navy representatives at Blandford Park next Saturday:—Goal, J. Oavan; fullbacks, U. Stone, I{. Speed; halfbacks. F. Blackie, G Wright (captain). T. Chalmers; forwards, J. Needham, A. McCallnm, F. Angus, .T. Marvin. J. Sime. Emergencies: R. West, W. Hooten. J. Jepson. Players selected will continue training at the Douglas gymnasium next Thursday, at 7.30 p.m.

FIRST TEST MATCH AUCKLAND PLAYERS DEPART Five of the six Auckland representatives chosen to take part in the first Soccer test match against England at Dunedin next Saturday left by train for the south last evening. They were P. Gerrard and F. Cameron (North Shore), R. Haggett and T. Farnan (Ponsonby), and L. Woods (Thistle). McKay, Abels, will go south to-morrow night. Accom panying the players were Mr. A. P. Neesham, sole selector of the New Zealand team. Mr. L. K. Munro, chairman of the control board of the Auckland Football Association. There was a large gathering of Soccer enthusiasts and friends at the railway station to bid farewell to the players. The Auckland players will have the opportunity this afternoon of watching the match between England and Wellington. Prior to his departure for Dunedin last e\ening, T. Farnan was met by members of the United Cricket Club and Ponsonby Association Football Club, of which he is a member and by othor friends, and was oresented with a travelling rug in honour of his being selected to represent New Zealand in the first, test match against England at Dunedin. Tho sift was handed over b.v Mr. D. Blakeley, captain of the United Cricket Club.

BOXING JENKIN TO MEET MARTIN CONTEST FOR NEXT MONDAY The professional welter-weight contest between Stan Jenkin, Oamaru, and Billy Martin, Australia, to be staged at the Town iiall next Monday night under the control of the Auckland Boxing Association, is arousing considerable interest and a great fight is anticipated. Jenkin, in his last work-out, showed that ho is one of the most Impressive boxers seen in Auckland for some time and critics concede him an even chance of beating the crafty Australian. His left hand is long and snappy, one of the best combinations in his class, and his right hand punch carries a sting In spite of the greater experience of the Australian, Jenkin has the advantage in height and reach, and intends to carry the fight forward in his usual manner.

WIN FOR MAX BAER DEFEAT OF BEN FOORD LONDON, May 27 At Harringay Stadium, in a boxing contest scheduled for lit rounds. Max Baer (United States, former heavy-weight champion of the world), defeated Ben Foard, who lost the Empire championship to Tommy Fair (Wales), on March 15. The fight ended in the ninth round. Jt wus a smashing victory, in which the South Africans rushing tactics led to his downfall against the American's ringeraft and vigour. Foord attacked furiously from the start Baer, smilingly side-stepping, had the South African groggy in the second round, as tho result of terrific rights to the jaw. Thereafter Baer piled' on points. Foord from the fifth round stood amazing punishment unflinchingly. Ho was down for the count of eight twice in the ninth round, and he as rose the second time Baer drove in two ferocious punches which sent Foord hurtlinf? against the ropes. He rebounded and collapsed, and his sec(lids a! templed to throw in the towel, which caught in the ropes. Foord was attempting to rise when the referee accepted his retirement. The time-keeper announced that he had counted out Foord, who thus was beaten on a technical knock-out.

WRESTLING

RETURN BOUT TO-NIGHT

Exciting wrestling should bo witnessed at (he Town Hall this evening, when Ilal Rum berg and Sammy Stein will meet in a return contest Numbers lias proved a very clever expo lent in his various matches, bill In Stein lie will meet a high-class wrestler with a wide knowledge of holds. An even bout is anticipated, in which there should be plenty of thrills.

MATCH AT THAMES Two of till! fastest and most spectacular wrestlers produced in New Zealand have recently turned professional. They are K. Kenneth and Pod Douglas, both of Auckland. Following the decision of both men to turn professional, they were immediately mulched for a contest In Thames next Tuesday, and enthusiasts in that centre are assured of an excellent bout being provided. Kenneth and Douirlas- are in the light-heavy-weight class, Douglas being a triple New Zealand title, holder, whiL Kenneth is tho Aucklaad ami ex North Island champion. Both men are desirous of winning the professional lightweight title of New Zealand,