Lacrosse

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7847, 8 July 1911, Page 16

Lacrosse

(By "Point'.”)

Tho City Council ‘'applied tho closure^ —for one only—to the Basin Reserve last Saturday. Personally. I am inclined to favour tho action of the City Fathers —the ground certainly requires to undergo a “rest cure/’ The turf at tho Basin has been subjected to many hard knocks during the past eight or nine months and looks decidedly tho worse for wear. Interviewing the grounds man, Mr Dobson, on tho subject, he emphatically states that, notwithstanding tho wet weather, tho ground would be in good playing order on Wednesdays and Saturdays, were it not for the fact that players avail themselves of the opportunity to practice in the early morning. While admitting that early morning practice is beneficial to players and their games, I agreo with tho groundsman that tho turf suffers severely through being subjected to rough usage before the sun can dry off the dew which has fallen over-night. A strenuous game, after heavy rain, will do less harm to the surface of a playing. field than early morning practice following a heavy dew. i think the City Council would be well advised to forbid the use of their reserves to sports enthusiasts until the morning sun has improved matters underfoot. I am of opinion that this would not bo considered a hardship by many lacrosseurs. Followers of our game are not guilty of turning out when Chanticler “usher’st in the dawn,” as their play, upon many Saturdays lately, has amply demonstrated.

Kelburne and Wellington transferred to Duiipa street last Saturday. Owing to the non-appearance, however, of tho official referee, Mr A. G. Anderson, these teams did not contest their I’roud Cup match.

On the same ground Columbia met and defeated Capitol by seven goals to five. This was, perhaps, one of the most closely contested of the season. Capitol had not the services of Hubbard and Comrie. The greens’ defence put up a good fight against the blacks’ attack, and made matters, at times, more than lively. The first quarter ended in favour of Columbia by 2 goals to X; and tho call of half-time saw the blacks, still in tho lead —3-2. In the last two quarters Columbia scored four goals to Capitol’s three. For the winners Fama was brilliant, but he, with Leydon, indulged in selfish play which left that sterling, young lacrosseur, Grant, out in the cold. Luignau, a new, and certainly promising, player did much useful work, but is not proficient in the use of tho “crosse.” Qnin and Verschaffelt are promising young defence players and assisted O’Leary to play tho game of his life.

O’Leary is, in my' opinion, the most consistent lacrosseur in Wellington. Unfortunately, Leydon (Columbia), suffered a rather painful accident early, in the first half, which necessitated his being relegated to the position of goalkeeper for tho remainder of the game. For Capitol, Montgomery played a hard, earnest game, but received no support. What has come over Forbes? I have always looked upon this Capitol player as a clever exponent of the game, but lately his play has been extremely disappointing. On several occasions recently I have noted his inability to hold the ball when it was practically placed in his “crosse.” Clouston is obviously afraid to enter into tho thick of tho fray; he should endeavour to overcome his timidness. Bob Benkin is not playing up to form these days. I am more than pleased to learn that selector, Mr Jantke, may don the green jersey once more, and keep goal for his old love Capitol.

Mr R. I. Proud, of the Kelburne Club, refereed the Capitol-Columbia game and.dealt very leniently with the players.

I'iie Aiickland-Wellington representative match proved a great success, the takings having exceeded the expenditure, so that a small balance has been placed to the credit of the Association.

To-day’s Matches. Kelburne v. Columbia, at Basin Reserve. Referee, Mr A. G. Anderson. Capitol v. Wellington, at Buppa bt. Referee, Mr P. J. McGovern.