FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 957, 4 July 1890, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

Wellington v. Melrose. —ln consequence of the Ponekes having withdrawn from the competition for the championship, the match between them and the Melrose did not take place on Saturday afternoon. In place of this oontest a match was arranged between the Wellington and Melrose clubs, which, however, will not count for the ohainpionship, The match, whioh attracted a large attendance of spectators, was won by the Wellingtons by eight points to nil. Immediately after starting the Wellingtons rushed the play into their opponents’ quarters, and after about ten minutes play Owen passed neatly to Collins, who got in near the comer flag. The kick was taken by Fache. who failed to send the ball over the bar. On resuming the Melrose forwards, who shone in (he loose play, made a good rush into the Wellington quarters, but Thomson, Collins, and Elliott by a fine pieoe of passing oarried the play baok to the Melrose twentyfives. The Melrose played well on the defence, Baker and Fullford especially, and the Yellows were prevented from getting in. The play for the remainder of the Bpell was fast and interesting, and some capital work was done on both sides, especially amongst the backs. Just before the end of the spell, Thomson potted a fine goal. Early in the second Bpell the Wellingtons, by a series of good rushes, made their way into the Melrose quarters, and Thomson getting possession of the leather potted a goal, which was a very clos6 thing. After this the Melrose, aided by good running and passing between Mclntyre and W. Roberts, removed the play to their opponents’ side of the field, but they were unable to soore, although strenuous efforts were made in thi3 direction. Tfco Wellington forwards playing well together, gradually foroed their opponents baok, and play was once more confined in the Melrose territory. The Wellingtons had considerably the best of the play for some time, and Bendall scored a try close to the posts after a good rush. Fache again took the kick, but failed to increase the soore. From this out until time was called the play was fairly even. The Wellington backs played a fine game all Tound, but the palm must bo awarded to Thomson. Owen played with a lot of dash, and the same may be said of Collins and Elliott, ltoss at three-quarter played better than usual, and Tully did some good work at half. The latter, however, has a tendency to play off side. Amongst the forwards Pownall played a rattling good game, and Fisher and Malone (a visitor from Tarnnaki) are also deserving of mention. For the Melrose, Baker and Fullford were the best amongst the backs, their collaring especially being good. In the forward division, Eyre, White, and Mclntyre were the most conspicuous. The umpires were Messrs U. Roberts and J. Dumbell, and Mr E. Davy acted as referee, A oharge of 6d was made for admission to the grounds, and the prooeeds are to be expended in the purchase of seats for the ground. A number of seats have already been erected, end they were largely patronised on Saturday, the spectators, the ladies espeoially, appearing to thoroughly appreciate the convenience provided for them.

JUNIOR CUP. Wellington Second v. Pirate First.— This match came off at Newtown Park, and was won by the Wellingtons by 4 points to 3, after a good game. The Pirates drew first blood, Pudnoy scoring a try, which Nicholson converted. Just before the end of the spell Allen potted a goal for the Wellingtons, thus equalising matters. About the middle of the second spell Allen scored a try for the Wellingtons after a capital run, and thus won the match for his side. These two teams have now played two matches, and have each won one. For the winners Allen, Barron, Pvke, Poutaweraand Barnett played best, and Nicholson, Stinson, Drummond, Laughtcn and Pudney were th 9 most conspicuous on the other side. Oriental First v. Union First. —This match was to have been played at Island Bc.y, but owing to some misunderstanding as to where they were to meet the drag the Unions failed to send a team out. The Orientals, who were on the ground, kicked off and scored a goal, and the msfcch, of course, will be awarded to them.

THIRD CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP. The following are the results of the Third Class Championship matches played on Saturday: Union second beat Petone second by ons goal two tries to a g..n! ; Selwyn second and Oriental secopd—Won by former by default; Pirate second v, Wellington third—Won by former by one goal four tries to nil; Poneke third v. College first—Won by former by one goal and two tries to one try. The following fixtures have been drawn for Saturday next, sth July:—Melrose v. Pirate, on Melrose ground; College v. Wellington^third, College ground; Pitone v, ; urientss, Petons ground; Selwyn v, Poneke, Selwyn ground; Union, a bye. A meeting of the Management Committee of the Rugby Union was held on Friday nioht. Present—Messrs .-Campbell (in tht/chair), Hyams, Nicholls, McCardell, and King., A letter was read from the Canterbury Rugby Union, asking when iue Wellington representative team wm likely ty visit Christ-

ohnroh. It was decided to send a reply to the effeot that the Wellington Union would be unable to send a team South this year but they would pledge themselves to make the tour next season. A letter was received from Mr Rowland Hilt, Secretary of the English Rugby union, stating that at tue meeting of the Union in Match no alterations in the by-laws or rules of football were made.

A protest against the inclusion of D. Gage in the Poneke team in the matoh against the Melrose for the Championship on Saturday was considered by the Management Com. mittee of the Rugby Union on Friday. After discussing the matter at some length the following resolution was passed :—“ This Committee is still of opinion that D. Gage is not a bona fide resident of Wellington, and therefore is ineligible to play in the PonekeMelrose match to-morrow.” The meeting was attended by Messrs Campbell, McCardell, King, and Nicholls, The resolution was carried by 4 to 1, Mr Nicholls being the only dissentient.

The Poneke Club have, we understand, decided not to further compete for the championship. Placing entire reliance on Gage’s word, they necessarily consider that they are being unjustly treated, and in consequence they feel compelled to withdraw.

The heat for the championship between the Melrose and the Poneke teams, whioh was to have, been played on Saturday, will be deolared" a‘ win for the former, who, before the match with the Wellingtons began on Saturday, went through the formality of securing a try. We understand that the Management Commit’ee intend to give the Poneke ZJlub an opportunity of reconsidering their deoision as to withdrawing from the championship.

The Wellington Rovers and Queen’s Park Clubs practised on the Melrose paddook on Saturday. T. Shields and Bruntor picked sides, the former winning by four goals to one. The sooras were :—For Shields’ side, Hughes and Judge two goals eaoh, and C. Baiiingali obtained the only goal for Brunter. The play was fairly even. Shields’ baok play was quite a feature of the game. The drawing for the second heats of the Junior Cup are as follow :—J uly sth—Rivals v. Orientals, at Island Bay; Navals v. Selvvyns, at Newtown ; Poneke v. Pitone, at Pitone. July 12th—Wellington v. St. Patrick’s College, at Newtown. The Navals and St Patrick’s College have been given byes in the first heats. Mr S. Nicholh, captain of the Poneke Club, has forwarded his resignation as a member of the Match and Management Committees to the secretary of the Rugby Union. (PER PRKSS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, June 29. In the Champion football matohes on Saturday East Christchurch beat Christchurch by a try to nil. Sydenham defeated Addington by the same score. Auckland, June 30. In the cup match on Saturday, Grafton defeated Ponsonb/ by 10 points to 1. The Gordons won the matoh against Auckland, ‘ WAIRARAPA MATCHES. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Masterton, June 28. Cup matches—Masterton first v. Greytown first, at Greytown, resulted in a draw. A try being obtained by eaoh side. The Star first beat Carterton first by two tries to one at Masterton. The Te Ore Ore second beat Masterton second by 21 points to nil at Masterton. The Star second beat Greytown Fire Brigade by three points to two.