LACROSSE PIROUETTES.

Observer, Volume XXI, Issue 1177, 20 July 1901, Page 23

LACROSSE PIROUETTES.

By Scaboon.

Fixtubss. July 20th, No. 1 Ground. — Graf ton v. Poneonby A. No. 2 Gronod.— Suburbs v. North Shore. No 3 Ground.— Parnell v. Ponsonby B. Grey Lynn stand out. The Suhurba Club and lady friends will provide afternoon tea.

The Domain Gticket Ground being partially under water last Saturday, the fixtures for that day were held over until this wetk. Excitement was running high in lacrosse circles last week, and there were some heated arguments over the respective merits of the Grafton and Pocsonby teame. Members of each club heaved a sigh of relit f on Saturday morning when it waß made known in town that Caretaker Sates had declared the Domafn ground, to be unfit to play on. On Friday, especially, the playing members wtre shakiDg in their timbers at the thought of the morrow's straggle. Ponsonby men were glad of the postponement because they cannot keep their feet on slippery ground. Grafton want a fine dry day bo that their smart epeedy men may be able to make use of their natural advantage, which they coold not do on a heavy tuif. By the time next Saturday afternoon arrives, lacrossenrs will be quite inebriated by the exuberance of their enthusiasm. A Urge attendance of spectators is anticipated. Many will go, no donbt, under the influence of patriotism, to Bee their own district representatives straggling for the honours of the day. Some will go oat of pare cariosity, to see what this game of laoroßse ia like. Others will go to (be Domain on Batturday jußt to appear patriotio to their district, bat really fall of prejudice and filled with apathy to the Indiana' game, for a great majority of Aacklandera think that nothing can eoiipae their greatly cherished Busby football. Last season Grafton and Ponsonby opposed each other on three occasions, viz , on May 12 ;h (B|men a side tournament). The Graf con team was victorious, scoring 2 goals to 1 ; on Jane 30:h, Ponuonbj won by 2 goals to 1 ; and on August 4th the match resulted in a draw— each team ecored 2 goals. At the opening tournament of this Beacon Ponsonby and Grafton met in the semi final. When time was sounded the scores were equal — one all ; after prolonging the game for thirty-five minutes, Ponsonby managed to get a point ahead, and so won the matoh. The Association's senior referee, Mr R. McVeagb, will have charge of the match on No. 1 convincing ground on Saturday next He is extremely impartial, but very strict and severe. He will not countenance ' pointing ' nor anything that savours of spiteful play or vindictiveness. In important athletic contests there ia frequently an element of bitter personal feeling between the contestants. Sometimes a man geta worked up to such a pitch of excitement that he entirely forgets himself and squabbles with anybody and evetybody around him. I hope, however, that through the clashing of orosses, in the jangliDg and the wrangling and the clamour of the much-talked of PonsonbyGrafton meeting, the game will be characterized by gentlemanly forbearance, and that among the individual players there will be an evidenoe of kindly and good eellng blended with their keen rivalry.

Thoße who require to use Spectacleß will find a very large assortment to suit almost any Bight at Miller's Fancy Repository, 110, Victoria- street. Prices to soli any pocket, viz., 6d, 9d/, 1- and 1/6 per pair. Real English Pebbles, 3/9 per nair. Coloured Spectacles for Bun and dußt,6cf and 1/- per pair, Bent post free to any address in Mew Zealand. Anyone mentioning this paper when purchasing or sending win have a case valne for 6d presented to them. — Advt.