OUT DOOR SPORTS

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 751, 20 May 1893, Page 8

OUT DOOR SPORTS

[By Vigilant-]

Although the weather was anything but inviting and the rain poured down in torrents last Saturday afternoon, yet the enthusiasm of the loverß of the good old winter game was so strong that they turned out in goodly numbers to enjoy the games set down for decision. The City-Ponsonby contest had the pride of position, and with the weather so unfavourable the stand naturally being full, they had the majority of the spectators. From the kick-off the play promised to be fast and exciting, and right through to the finish, such proved to be the case. Although some hoped to see the City team come to the front and relieve the monotony of seeing Ponsonby again scooping the pool, yet I fancy few were of opinion that the wearers of the red white and blue would be capable of carrying their hope to a successful issue, but by a determined effort, braced up by good form, they managed to more than hold their own, and though only three points were registered in their favour, yet the game as played was certainly against the team from the western suburb, and the spectators showed their appreciation in a most enthusiastic manner. The Ponsonby boys were of course weakened by having one or two of their best men away, and the wet also seemed to tell against their style of play, but they hope, with dry weather, next time they meet City ;to be able to reverse the order of things. v But at any-rate City are at present at the top, and are confident they can. give their opponents another hard tussle at the next time of meeting. The Parnell-Newton match was hardly so brilliant a cne as the former game, the leather travelling from one end of the field to the other, more by individual play than through combined efforts. Some of the rushes by both forward teams were good, and the maroons got in at times some clever passing, but all round it seemed to lack the dash that characterised the CityPonsonby go. The Parnell boys had if anything the best of the Newton team right through, and just managed to register sufficient to keep the ledger balanced on their side. Messrs G. Dixon and J. Webster filled the onerous positions of referee in the respective games, and were more than successful in their efforts. It is qnite pleasing to see gentlemen of their ability acting without any pecuniary benefit, and I hope they will see fit and find it practicable to assist in a similar way in the future.

The Hobson (fourth juniors) scored no less than 11 tries against Clifton last week, but could not convert one of them.

Parsons (Newton) was the mainstay of the back divison against Parnell last week. He is about as sure a tackier as could be, and he stops rushes in fine form; without him Newton would have been points behind.

I was glad to see Harold Walton in his accustomed place for Newton last week, and I hope he intends to remain there. He heralded his appearance with some fine defensive work, and saved Newton . on several occasions.

Warnock and Scott (Ponsonby) were both good in defensive work against City, the former especially showing great improvement on his previous form. The latter might run a little more ; kicking is good, but a run and a kick is better.

Sid Brown (Newton), an old Association player, is showing very good individual form this season, but has not yet fallen into the combination necessary for success at Rugby play. A little more for your team Sid, and you will be heard of again.

Braund (Ponsonby) was, as usual, a a great help to the blue and black boys, though not quite so conspicuous as he was on the previous Saturday, his punting and clever work being slightly spoilt by the wet and .greasy ball ; yet he worked his team with judgment.

Newton's forward division again showed a lack of combination last week. Thiß is a pity, as with one or two exceptions, they have not anything very brilliant among the backs, and to the forwards they must look for their success, which I feel oertain would be accomplished, with combination.

Moore (Newton) showed good defensive form last week, but had few opportunities to exhibit his attacking powers.

Donald and tbe Murray Brothers were in the. front rank of Newton's vanguard last Saturday, and were doing a lot of good scrum and line work.

R. Green (Ponsonby), as usual, did his share of the hard work ; his line play and open rushes were perhaps his best points. He might use his feet a little more.

Flynn (Ponsonby), grafted hard to avert defeat last week, and was of great assistance on the pack. Gittos was hardly so successful as previously. I fanoy a dry day is more to his liking.

Langsford and Drummond (Ponsonby), on the wing,putin some good work, and at times were very conspicuous, but I think a dry day would be better to the liking of both these players.

Speight (Parnell), is keeping up his last year's form, and again demonstrated hiß ability against Newton last week. He is one of Parnell's cleverest men in the front, and works hard as well.

Jervis (Parnell) did not do the amount of useful work one is accustomed to expect from him. Of course the wet was greatly apainst much brilliant back play, but still I think Doss could have done better.

Ramsay (Ponsonby), was very good at half, against City, tackling surely, taking passes and getting rid of the ball cleverly. H. Cook, was hardly bo conspicuous as Ramsay, but put in some really good defensive work.

Ask George Dixon bow he likes refereeing under the present rules. It seems to me if he is going to continue in this position, he will require to go in for as strict a course of training as if he was playing.

Joe Otway (City), though on tbe big side, clearly proved the advantage of training, as be seemed to last throughout the game without much trouble, being well in the open rushes and doing fine work on the line.

Jones (City) is tbe makings of a very good man, and though only in the junior grade at prosent, gives promise to develop into a first rater. Bis running is strong, and he tackles and kicks well, he might pass with a little more precison.

Gillespie and Willis were very successful for the City Juniors last week against Grafton. The former who handles the reins as skipper, is one of the smartest in the junior backs, dodging aud kicking very cleverly. Willis got two tries, both by very good play.

Mounter (Ponsonby) was of great as sistance to his team against City, in the pack. He worked hard; on the line he was clever, and in the open he did some fine work. A slight fault was in not getting behind the ball at once, when his comrades overran it, suggesting loafing for chances.

Parnell got on one splendid passing rush against Newton, transferring the leather from one to another in fine style going through the hands of about eight men, and travelling from Parnell's 25 flag to inside Newton's 25, and finally going out into touch. This was a fine bit of play and was deservedly applauded.

Elliott (Parnell) played his usual hard game against Newton last week, but I was sorry to see him resorting to rather rough play. Talking is also a fault that should be remedied. Elliott is about as good a half as we have seen, and it seems a pity that his play should be questioned in the respect mentioned.

Stitchbury (Ponsonby), at full, played one of those brilliant games he is famous for, stopping rushes, kicking with judgment, and otherwise getting his team out of great difficulties. I think Stitchbury is somewhat lazy, for when he gets a lot of work the better he does it, but if allowed to loaf a little while, he seems to get a little off.

Tbe Koseberry beat tbe Surrey boys in last Saturday's encounter, but having played men over-weight, the match goes to the Surrey team. This introduction by some of the teams should he severely dealt with, and I" hope to see the Association make an example of some of the offenders in the shape of suspension or disqualification.

The Native Rose juniors, who were considered by some to have a mortgage on the Fourth Junior medals, suffered a defeat at the hands of the Oxford last week. The latter team seem to be shaping splendidly, and if length has anything to do with it, must go near winning the trophies.

.Masefield (Ponsonby) did a useful amount of work against City last week, kicking and taokling in finestyle. His running was also good, and I noticed he avoided a lot of Ms shunting tactics, whioh is a step in the right direction. He had hard luok in not scoring on one occasion.

Morrin played a capital game as 'centre-forward for City HI, getting the only two tries scored.

Blewden (City) showed splendid defence against Ponsonby last week. His kicking was sure and well-directed. He might, perhaps, have passed a little quicker.

Hill, City's full-back, had very little to do last week, but did what was required very well. This player tackles and kicks well, and with more confidence should assist City to advantage.

Harry Hales (City), one of the Ponsonby team last year, made a very good centre three-quarter. His defence is sure, and the way he stops rushes is not to be denied. But you might kick a little more, Harry.

Downs and Clark (City) showed to great advantage against Ponsonby, fast in following, tackling well and passing with judgment. Keep up that form and you will be heard of still more.

In tbe Wentworth (iSydney) and Pirates'" match, the kicking of George Lusk is spoken of as being wonderfully clever, the first goal from a penalty kick being a rare one.

The world's amateur swimming record for 78yds, as held by J. H. Tyers, of England (49 3-5 sees), was lowered by both T. JMLeadham. ahd J. Hellings recently, their time being exactly 48 sees.

Dandy Cole (City) proved a fine wing man against Ponbonby last week, but I am sorry to notice, a great desire to get off-side. This is not only bad play but decidedly against the rules, and a fault that will cost his side dear if it is not remedied. You might pass with a little more judgment, Dandy, but in running and kicking you were very good.

Stone (City) played one of his hard useful games last week, and though not shining perhaps as much as some of his comrades, yet he was of more assistance in general. That kick of his, which turned the points m Oity's favour, was as grand an effort as I have seen. From half-way with a very wet ball, speaks for itself..

City's team last week included five of their third junior division of last year, and all came out of the ordeal splendidly. Many of the passing tactics of the Pon- < sonby boys were spoilt by the fast following of these juniors, who" never seemed to tire, but were everywhere when wanted, and I expect to see even better form from them on a dry day .

Pilkington (City) was hardly so successful in the wet as he is in the dry weather. He should keep a little further back in the passing runs. I saw a very good chance thrown away last week by being a little too much forward. His running was good, and considering he had a severe cold his performance was creditable.

Caradus and Mackie (City) made a good duo of halfs against Ponsonby. The former by his generalship and consistent play fairly nonplussed the Ponsonby boys, and he proved that- his visit South has taught him several usef ullessons. His . running and other work was good, and he was ably assisted by Mackie, who went very near scoring on more than one occasion.

Visitors to Christchurch wbo have had the pleasure of seeing the old time Christchurch College three-quarters playing together, will regret to learn that they are parted. and Marshall still don the College colours, but Balch has this season thrown in with Kaiapo*!, and poor Craddock is no more. To see this quartette playing on a fine day was a treat not soon forgotten.

The Southerners are having a somewhat lively, time of it as regards wet weather. Wellington has already had to postpone its matches and sports four times, and last week's matches at Christchurch were very greatly impeded by the rough state of the weather. When one thinks of it, our footballers have very little to complain of in comparison with other cities.

1 Half-Back,' in the Sydney Referee, says : — I am pleased to see that at last a Rugby Union has been formed in Melbourne, and that the Friendly Societies Gardens has been leased for the matches, and although it has been a hard fight, victory has at last been achieved. There is plenty of room in Melbourne for Rugby as well as Association, and no doubt we will soon hear of something brilliant from that part of Australia in Rugby football.

Referring to tbe selection of representatives, '.Half-Back,' in the Sydney Referee, speaking re the Selection Committee, says : We want men of ability and perspicuity, uot necessarily great players or great umpires, for just as a great fighting soldier may nqt necessarily make a grand general, so a well-known player may be — and often is — a bad judge— men who can devote time and energy to the duty involved, and men who will Bee that the colony and not the metropolis is represented.