FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1264, 21 May 1896, Page 27

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY” UNION CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES. SENIOR. The following fixtures for the first round have been drawn : May 30th—Wellington v. Melrose, ParkNo. 1 ; Petone v. Athletic, Park No. 2. June (3th—Petone v. Melrose, Petono No. 1; Wellington v. Poneko, Park No. 1. NOTES. Why aro tho people who attend football matches like so many children ? There is not a senior match played but that the game has to be stopped several times until the ground is cleared of spectators. If they wish to watch the game let them remain behind tho touch lines, not encroach on tho field of play and interfere with tho progress of the game. Or if they want to take part in tho game let them join n club and do so. Mr Firth had occasion to stop the game several times at Petone on Saturday until tho thick-headed harrackers were removed from behind tho goal lines. It is unfair to tho competing teams that a crowd of people should be allowed to Collect behind the goal lines. The Rugby Union should have provision made to have the senior ground roped off. It has had to he done at the Athletic Park, and why not at Petono. Last Saturday there were a few clever peoplo who would not leave their position behind the goal line, but Mr Firth was equal to the occasion, and simply leaned against the goal post until they retired, 110 was subjected to some “ barrack," but ho was firm, and rightly too. Let us hopo that the next time lie has occasion to stop the game it will lie for a sufficient time to enable the people to miss the train. They will then know bettor, audit will do them no harm.

Petone’s defeat by tho Ponekcs by 10 points to 8 came as a great surprise to the suburbanites’ supporters, who wero very confident of victory. They did all they could to urge the blues along, and many were the objurgations to “ Mako it willin’," and “Shake a leg, Pee-toe-nee!" The game was a good one, and was keenly contested from start to finish, although the Petone forwards seemed to tiro towards tho end of the game. Their backs, however, wore in splendid form, and played with great dash, being equally as good, if not better, than the rods’ back division.

Pi Wynyard played a great game at half, repeatedly boating the opposing wings. Baumber was also in good form, in fact he played as well on Saturday as ever he lias done. He was rather unnecessarily rough in his treatment of some of the Poneko players though. Hi 3 kicking was very useful, and was always quick and well judged. McGill played as centre three quarter, and made some splendid dashes. The try ho obtained was fully deserved, and shows that ho is a dangorous man. lie improves every game. Do Joux played well.

The Petono forwards at tho commencement of the game played with groat dash, but their play afterwards was “ patchy." McKenzie seemed to be out of condition, ho not playing with that accustomed dash which delights the heart of the youthful enthusiast. The forwards of both teams were not at all gently disposed towards ono another, getting very willing at times. Ilaggur, Lipscombe, Speedy and Shore played a hard game, and were conspicuous in tho Petono rushes. The Poneko forwards all played well, Kelly, Broderick, Poland and McAnally in particular.

Gage and Pudnoy have both played better. Efforts were made by them at times to make tho game a back one, but they were nullified through tho ball being sent forward.

Galloway was the best of tho threequarters, although he had to make all his own play. Lusk kicked well, but did nothing else in particular.

If the remaining championship fixtures result as follows the live senior clubs will be level at the end of llie first round: Melrose heat Petone, Poneko beat Melrose, Wellington beat Poneko and Melrose, Petone beat Athletic. Each team would then have two wins and two losses. It is a very nice little arrangement, hut The Athletics had a day out on tho wrong side last Sturday. The first, second and third fifteens were beaten, and to complete tho record their Wednesday team was beaten last week. llardcastle seems to bo improving in his knowledge of the game. He dribbled very well last Saturday. The absence of Pauling ai.d Barr made a great difference to tho Athletic team last Saturday. The Athletics have not yet been able to get all the best team together. They will be weak for the next few weeks, as both Haldane and Kelly will bo away, and it is not certain whether Pauling and Barr will bo üblo to play.

Osborne again played a fine half back game for the Melrose last Saturday. He is tho best man in this position the team has had for a long time.

The place kicking was very much ofi on Saturday in the Melrose-Athletic match. Fivo tries were scored, there wero innumerable kicks at goal from marks and penalty kicks, but tho kickers missed every time. When will players recognise how important is this branch of the game, and by practising it obtain proficiency in it? Cooper probably lost the match for his side by clinging to tho ball on ono occasion. Instead of passing he tried to beat the full-back, was collared, and an almost certain try which could have been scored close to the posts, lost. Cooper is a capital little player in other respects, but ho is too fond or having a try on “ his own." Tho sooner he recognises this tho better for his team. There was quite a gathering of old “blues" at tho match last Saturday. Amongst them were Arthur Cooper and George Campbell, who rendered the Ciub good service in their time. Phil Luckie, who was also a useful member of the team, was also amongst the crowd.

Tho Melroso is a popular team, and their victory on Saturday was therefore well received. Some of their supporters appeared quito crazy at their success. Some cocked their hats on one side, and good lnimouicdly put the following question to all and sundry, “ What ’er about tho bloomin’ Melrose now?" The enquiry appeared to be quite unnecessary. Ibo Melroso appeared to be in exceedingly good health.

Hiirdcasilc, Calnan, A. Campbell and Soile are a good four. As a genuine pusher tho Melroso say Adams is cue of their best men. What a fine kick Laws is ? Ho takes tho ball well too, but ho is not seen to the best advantage in a defensive game. W. Hales is showing very good form this season. He gained his try on Saturday after a nice little effort. Fordyce has improved his reputation by his play on Saturday. He made no mistakes and generally did his work very cleanly. Kelly was not so prominent as usual. Ho fumbled a bit, and generally did not appear up to his best farm. Photographers missed a great chance on Saturday to obtain a collestion of smiling faces. Baumber had a kick at goal right in front. Tho ball wont wide, however, and the Poncke players smiled. But what a smile 1

Wing players ploaso note When “ bustling" with the opposing wing and you aro getting the worst of tho “ bustle, do not “ bustle" that player in tho face with your arm. It is not in tho rules of football. H thought necessary, however, the rules can be amended to allow ol this kind of play.

Lusk’s kick at goal Pom tho mark obtained by Gage was a lucky ono. Tho ball struck the bar, and fell behind tho goal. The Petone harrackers were actually quiet afterwards for a few minutes.

At a meeting of the Southland branch of tho Referees’ Association, several important interpretations of tho rules, were agreed upon. It was decided that in ihe case of a “ held " ball the original holder of it must at once cry “ held/'and immediately take his hands off; his opponent shall then drop tho ball. Should this rule ho infringed a free kick will be given against the holder or the tackier as tho case may be. Another important reading is that in the event of ono or more players lying on the hall, a free kick shall bo given against tho topmost one, if lie unnecessarily delays in getting up.

Law 0 states that the man tackled, when fairly held, must at. once put tho ball down. The ruling of the Southland Referees’ Association is then-fore wrong. Tup sn.'XIOR SHIELD MATCHES ON ' SATURDAY. ATHLETIC V. MELROSE. The principal attraction «» Kalnrdav was the contest between the Melrose and Athletic teams which took place at the \tnletic t aro Company's ground, and was won by me former bv three tries. The weather was line, hut, a (rush northerly blow down the around which gave the team playing with it a distinct advantage. '1 lie ground was solt ill puces, and the players found it very “ lmavy going. , The Melroso gained the day by the grand play of their forwards, who swept along in splendid fashion. Not one, but all of them playod with dash, and their combination has not been equalled so far this season by any other team. Should they maintain Saturday’s form they will have to be seriously reckoned with in all calculations as to tho ultimate winner of the championship. 1 lie play of the backs was safe, their Kinking and collaring being excellent. Tho Melrose had the advantage of the wind in the first spell, and C. Campbell and Bennett scored tries, the latter s being obtained after a magnificent rush. 3 lie place-kicking was decidedly off, as, in addition to both shots at goal from the tries going wide of the mark, several comparatively easy attempts from penalty kicks were also missed. 'lhe Melrose men had decidedly the best of the play m ]n the second tho Blues, with the wind behind them, worked with might ami main, and at last sonic neat passing enabled . Hales to get over, but the try at goal was a failure. Desperate efforts were um-m i>y Kelly and others to get tiirough. and elm. u looked as if they were going to oo rewarded,

as Cooper was seen streaking for the lino wit only the lull-back in front of him. Fordyeo, however, proved equal to the occasion, and Cooper lost what looked like a certain try by hanging on to the ball. This fault must be remedied or it will prove fatal to ids progress as a player.good as ho is in other departments of the game. The Melrose slaved off the attack, and about live minutes before time put the result beyond doubt by .scoring another try, Osborne scoring alter a nice run. The kick at goal again failed. .Scarcely had play been resumed when the Melroso forwards it seemed as if the whole nine were in it—swept over the Blues’ line with an irresistible rush, but the ball was kicked over tho bank. The victory was a very popular one. and it was no doubt well deserved. lor the winners Osborne (who played a capital game), Bell and Fordyce were the best of the backs, and Hardeastlo (who excelled himsolt), Sofie, Campbell and Calnan were tho pick of a splendid lot of forwards. On the Athletic side, \V. Bales, Kelly, Laws and Cooper (back-), and Hart, !.bodes, Bu.-h and Glasgow (forwards) were the most prominent. Mr \V. F. Ward was the referee, and Messrs W. Siinm and Marks (ho touch judges. rONKIvE V. PETONE. The Poneko-Petone heat tor the .Senior Shield was played at Petono on Saturday afternoon, and won by the Poneko team by pi points to 3 Ihe match was witnessed by a fairly large crowd ot people-about most of whom, however, wore Petono residents. . Wynyard played at. halt and Arno!! tool; Woods’place in the forwards. 33 bile was absent from Hie Poneko team. For the first five minutes of. the game petono made matters very wane indeed, for the Fed and Blacks, and eventually, in front of the Poneko goal, I'number took a P"', but the ball just, fell under the bar, much to the disgust ol tho I’C'one baiTaekers. whose Lmg power was tremendous, Baumuer had auot.mq attempt at goal from a free kick, hut, again failed ITlm turn of tho Ponchos now eanm. ami they took the play to Petono s twenty-fives, until through had kicking by Davidson and Galloway, all the ground that had been made was lost'. Galloway, however, made amends bv participating in a rush in which lie was very conspicuous, and it resulted in hisseoiing. Lusk failed in the attempt ai. goal. \3 it hits a few minutes to half-time MeLelhiml, of flic Petone team, got away from the lino out am, sent, the ball on to McKenzie, who took it to within ten yards of tho . Poneko line, when he passed to Ale .ill, that player wriggling over the line with hat! a. ‘dozen Poneko men hanging on to him. The kick at, goal was an easy one, but Baumber failed to convert. Shortly alter the beginning of the second spell, Muter, tho Petono full-back, obtained a mark, and sent, the bail out at the corner 11 ig. I'oneke cleared their lines, and from strong play oil Bio Petone goal line a free kick came to ..Bio rescue of the defending .side, hut tho. ell cut was disastrous. Gage obtained a mark, and Lusk took tho kick, the bull striking tho bar and falling behind flic goal. 3ho Petono forwards began to go to pieces, and from a rush by the Pouches McGillicuddy got away ami crossed the Petone lino at the corner flag. Tho seoro was not enhanced. Mr J. P. Firth was tho referee, amt Messrs Woods (Petone) and Muir (Poneko) were the touch judges.

POSITION OF CLUBS. Seniob Shield.

ASSOCIATE >X F< H/ITiALL. The Swift met, the Thorndon Club in their Senior Championship and challenge ( up match at Karon on Saturday, the .game Id»ino’ ;i 1 1 :t»•*| fought. i roui M'irt: to fln: s 1 1 . The Swifts won by Uin-e gnats to w». '[he, Thistle ami O n-.oi’s Park met at Newi p iL rl; on -a) urduv b.r tin; first, l ime tuis oa'.-nn. when the i hi'lm compldely routed (he (.pawn s Park, and won by J goals to ml. ’t he Junior Cup match Diamond second v. Oueen’s Park second, phiye-1 at Island L',y, resulted in a win for the former by three goals to one. The Thorndon second met. tho Swills second at Karon tor the Junior Cop, and made an unexpected stand against their opponents, being beat™ by only two goals to one. The first round for the Junior Cup.is now finished, and tho points scored by the different teams aro :—Swifts. points ; .Uuuuom.,, 4; Queen’s Park, 2 ; and Thermion, Pearls defeated Excelsior for the 1 hn d-e, ms Cup, by two goals to one, and Led Cross heat Swifts bv three to nil. The match Rovers v. I iamomls, which was played at Petone, emu din a dee:rive w:n bathe' Rovers by 3 goals to love. The Junior Cup m ur-br- on *a! unlay resulted as fo'low : -St. Pa trim <>egc n't. John's by 16. points .ts> M., • Gone heat: ArHviio by fivo t'> b,?nr. ’l ll i> Uiircl*(i]u;E Chumyi on Saturday resulted fts foliov.'Metroae beat

Sk. John’s by 22 y *V • i > Mi, Oriental boat Athletic by 18 points ■. > .-J. Sitnni; cori l a try ;• • i ■ •' t '■ -b-v>l a'4'clUHt .7 IDVC I’.VU 01 717 17 '7 1 >:•: 1 : 7'. RltCl tile iori!l'.:r L,: i:u v/,>.: :, 7 -7 ■: 7.: u, , mil. MANAGEMENT •:•!) • . . I i ■)” VUE At a mooting of ! !: -• ■ o' of the Few /. i.'i . . Mr A. consisting of t. !l.y. , .:i;.'-. •. a - ; l tfio bon. soorotar-; l Mr (.. - point.- ! to draw u;> a A- :r t aLTar.;;.' (into-: : : • 1 - I to report to a Inin Tin qn.'.-Jm i A I: ' ■' ■ ■ b:r tli.O Moi 1 h v. -in'h > (!:-■- cnsso.-l. funt ii. vv. liar V.3' At till.: no,A 77-7 : ■ A r.t WolHnyton on :A ■ 7. A, OtagO V.'iii 1,7 I',-' ' ' '■ Torrarr-.-, aaa V-A. .A A. A. The na • oA; a • ,A ; : have not vet b .■ ■ • ; . i.i tile Wellin::' o:i C. A:1 , . .7 /. : ■ 1 the yenerni pu : > i ■ A ■ ■ nto place 11 1 ■ r ; - A ■ mi I tfioir arrival 1 a The .•"'■■■ ■ :ry . ■ 7 : A. ; A.A wrote s!m, ! I a ; ;ii ' 1 • > j join the i nio.i ■! I ill the ill t/let V ■ '7. 1 A : A of the com A small niion."'. It was iv n»iv i (" 1 play or for i. > > ■ tfow Zi nlnml > A >n. > A ■ ’ cl IS.'! ’it! i. i - A , W-. . . Player. h ■ '• <1 In remiM lot v >'■ , • : • < by the V.'el ii; A a i i' effect ill'll ill ;:A endor.se !, i' A ■ t i . their by-:.'■: -'A cite lto v, ri ■ KlU'-ye -t til : '.-A e coin 111 11 : ii • 7 I 'I ' A 1 . the view • !. v matters. It WiH !' "■ A i A ' monin! fund. a:: A•: a a j scribed to ihe X—v 1 r > ‘ r , presenf a 1 h:i aA■ .' The sear: ; ■ 7 irm.clli-a:, l,a 1e , : A. •A , Ooinuiit I, : '■■■■.■ ■ . : 1 ■ , bury) !te 1 i A • plane of A,'.:. . ■ AA ; accented ih-- • " MaiiaWiAi ! A3 A • i j of playing ii: ' " : nui. 'ii: • i' 'A' th'-ee qo" A,. o ; Comm tie, SPECIAL MB B1’: A special yen,: r A a, ■ - ton jin :!): IA •• biA.e i. tli'V-" a • .hr O.i, 77 i ; a .'■ : ■ 1 A one or an a. l t , " el aa' i A./IU.V f. 7' 7', A ; a. ill: :n a ; Lm A . 7 A A ' ■ - tivl.i. " .. • t>7 aA 7 , In' V’i.A l ' A li A : of >77 Keieei A. a 1 1-1 '/Aar ' o! )-'rM -A n - . . . thi* 'A o;i o>-' ' wa ■■ onee. new A : - Ota' • . in' i > - e . liauA’ 1 f. ' ; to A ,eill::'a 1 a,ri '. .. that the Alan > poii.l a enmiii.>• team as oiiieers to <:a • Union with a view -e ! nmteli -a with '• ■ a It WHS 'leehi -1 th - mi! tee be in.-i: a 1 Vi -i"a i ' in ) ; • v,7 .7 ; of tin: phi iny initJee !'• |* • A . until the lam.- a: , , ’ ■ , i: I • ■ ; fshi'i' i );l,a;e A. • win:;. AI . - A ; . . . A a an ! if : - A A: (1. wi..n i la ' ca ■. : ft. re. V •')... t:-,A • 1 _ t • : TI 7 ■ . . IV . tv A.A . ’ I) 1.. 7 ’ it.) A 1 . '■ Ke. iy',' A A ■ ■ • ; - : ; Hal loan ore and lube, s y.r ■ > ..An: t-u-i).

with kicks within ten yards of winning kick. Distance, 53yils. Punting into Touch.— A. K. S. McKenzie, 1 ; E. J. Barnett, 2; D. Menzios, 3 ; VA. Kelly, i ; J. D. Barnett, 5. Cuff and I Aillainore scored ono point each with kicks within 10yds of winning kick. Distance, 38yds Passing (teams of four, 100yds).—J. Longton (captain). H. It. Smith, A. Iv. S. McKenzie, J. Widdop (18se r :), 1; Hallamore’s I •:■ L;n (time, 18 4-otli sec), 2; Strange’s team (if) l-.'-oe), 3 ; Roe’s team (1!) 2-ssec), 4; (,'<»•;*s t'-am (21 1-fisec) 5. DimmiMNG (team of four, 100yds). — J. E. iAe !captain), E. H. Liddlu, W. Kelly, D. ia. Ac (2Us.cc), I: Cuff’s team (29 1-5 ec), 2; Borne's team (32sec), 3: Innos’s team A J->se;:), 1 ; Cox's team(3o 2-sec), 5. The aggregate points scored are as follow : —,f. E. i,'oe, IS points ; E. .T. Barnett, 1U ; A. K. S. McKenzie, 15: W. Kelly, It; C. Cuff, i'A If. i). Smith and E. If. Diddle, 11; J. lViddop. 1".

1 fi z‘ : to g pH <1 7. n <f: r i o t*; < rjj .2 1: r 1 . •3 5 h-> o fL P-4 Athletic . . 3 n I (1 22 \r, Melrose ... 1 1 (i 0 :i 10 Petone 2 1 ! <1 ti I'onel;,) ... ‘.I 1 1 1) i:i Ji Wellington . - 0 - II 17 Jtm. >u Smr.i.t Athletic! i 1) 1 0 t •7 Melrose 1 1 I) 0 Pi 1 (■ o Oriental 1 I il 0 Pel one 1 1 0 0 ■ > 1c n Poneke 1 (1 1 II 2 Sehvyns . 1 1 n 0 1. 0 St. ihil. k’s Col. 2 j n i) :il II St. John's 2 u 2 ii u l J0 l Wellington 1 u 1 il t W'rtn. College 1 0 1 n ii Tin r: I > Class ( i : T r\ Athletic ... - 1 1 0 S k; a Melrose . 2 2 0 0 Ml ID 42 Oriental 2 Petono 1 1 1 1 (l n (I 5 Poneke ... 1 1 t) 0 5 (1 0 Selwvn ... 1 (I 1 0 0 St.. John's 2 0 2 0 3 58 Wellington . 1 1) l 0 0 8 Duritn: Cr r (W KD.f I -CSDAV). Athletic ... 1 0 ! 1) i) 17 1 , (* 10 10 *J o (1 0 ID 0 Pirates ... 2 0 0 0 0 I),‘5 St . Pal’s Col. ( a ) 2 1) II (1 (J St. Pat’s Col. 00 2 0 2 0 ,VI A.O Tradesmen 1 1 0 3D Wectnesch.y 2 2 " 0 ID 0