Lacrosse

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7871, 5 August 1911, Page 16

Lacrosse

(By "Point'/*) Shakespeare’s words, “When fortune moans to men most good, she looks upon them with a threatening eye/’ were exemplified in the ’ Kelburne-Columbia match at tho Basin on Saturday. In tho first half, the black brigade, led by the redoubtable Paana, had the cupholders, under Captain Meyer, hopelessly outclassed, and beaten. After tho interval, however, the genial Bam© smiled! upon her pets and the Columbians were decidedly lucky in dividing tho points. Were the season but beginning, instead of drawing to a close, X might feel disposed to deal with certain matters relating to Saturday’s game at some length. But under the circumstances nothing can be gained by vcnihiring upon, on exhaustive criticism of tho match and the conduct thereof. Next season is a long way olf —and memories are short. However, a timely hint may prevent a repetition of several incidents in Saturday’s game on a future occasion and obviate a condemnation of these in language infinitely more plain, than pleasing.

In Grant, Loydon, Pam a, OTjeary, and Thomas Columbia possesses five sterling players. A knowledge of Grant's prowess obviously precedes him, judging by the manner in which he is watched by the -opposing defence. The young Columbian cannot possibly leave the hold these days without some mark to show the attention bestowed upon him by his opponents. ; Ley don possesses the happy knack of getting to the place where his partners expect to find mm, and in this respect Leo never misses the bus. l\tma is an artful dodger, but unlike many artful dodgers ,he dodges to advantage. Proud (Kelbume) appeared most solicitous for -the welfare of Captain Louis on Saturday, and clung to him with the tenacity of a court bailiff. O'Leary is undoubtedly the brightest star in the Columbian firmament, while Thomas, the black's custodian, is one of the most promising goalkeepers in the colony. The other members of the Columbia team—with the exception of Vcrschaffelt, who has never really stretched himself this season—are young and inexperienced. But they have pluck, are willing and ambitious, and should prove very capable men next season.

Kelbtrme, the cup-holdere—for the second, successive year—have a team capable of holding its own with the best. But one cannot deny that the blues have been decidedly lucky this season. On several occasions they have been hopelessly beoiten; bv both Columbia and CLpitol, early in the game, but, moip by good luck, than prowess, they' have emerged victorious or drawn the match, fit cannot bo said of the cup-holders that they are the best of sporto—several incidents during the competition just concluded have reflected , upon their sportsmanship—but it must be admitted that every player .in the Kelbumo ranks is loyal to his club, and works hard for its success. I have overheard whisperings regarding plans for next season, and X will not be surprised to find several prominent Kelburnites seek pastures new } when the .lacrosse year of 19t3 dawns. Oaptain Meyer informs me that this is his last season, and I really think the ox-N.ew South Wales, rep. can afford to rest on his laurels. Under the genial ‘ r SbanV' guidance Kelbume has flourished—what will happen when he lays aside the cross© is another matter. No doubt he has a worthy successor in E, X. Proud —so far as enthusiasm goes. But Proud has not the knowledge of the game possessed by his chief and lacks generalship. I Should like to see Longhnan, Canty, Hutton, and Jones receive some recognition in the form of rep. honours. These men -have put in some hard, useful work this season, and certainly deserve to bo rewarded.

It does seem a pity that the Wellington Chib should be permitted to go to the Wall. I have just heard that it has been decided to disband the city team. Surely the other clubs, Kelburne, Capitol, and Columbia will move in the matter. I can scarcely realise their allowing things to get into such a state. Something will have to bo done to keep the old Wellington flag flying; and lacrosseuxs of this city are going to do that something. We have several goo'd sports in otta ranks who will stand by •a Mend in distress, and I look to them to lend a helping hand to the red jackets.

The delegates from the various. clubs to the Wellington Lacrosse Association do not appear to avail tihemsolves of opportunities afforded them to attend 'the meetings of the management com- : mittee. Their actions in this respect cannot be too strongly condemned. They are the choeen representatives of their clubs, and it is the duty of every delegate to attend the meetings to watch over the interested of his club. If he toils to do so ho is in much the same position as the man who fails to record his vote at an election. Each delegate has a say in all matters dealt- with by the association, and if he chooses to remain away from its meetings he must not grumble at results. That which tends to encourage party methods in dealing -with vital questions, affecting the game and itfs conduct, can be traced to the apathy shown by delegates appointed by the various clubs.

The Chrj<stchuroh Association has not yet fixed the date for its rep. team’s match with Wellington. Mr F. A. Hornibrook was written to on the matter several days ago, but his reply has not com© to hand.

Next Saturday will probably bo the last occasion—saving, of course, a report of the Christchurch match—upon which this column will appear this season.

At a meeting of the management committee of tho local association, held last Wednesday evening, it was decided to hold a practice game at Duppa street to-day to enable players from tho various clubs to show their paces before our sole selector, Mr Jantke. After the game two teams will be chosen to play at the Basin Reserve next Saturday to facilitate the final selection of a representative team to meet Christchurch.

All ployers are advised to make Duppa stoeot their Mecca to-day.