LACROSSE PIROUETTES.

Observer, Volume XXI, Issue 1180, 10 August 1901, Page 22

LACROSSE PIROUETTES.

By ScarooN;

Fixtures. August lOth.—Nol Ground.— Graf, ton .v. Ponsonby B. No. 2 Ground.— North Shore v. Grey Lynn.. ' ■ -..■•••■. No. 3 Ground. —TPonsOnby A v. Suburbs. '.;'•''. Parnell stands out, Grafton Club provides refreshments.

PARNELL " went under" to Graf ton ou Saturday to the tune of nine goals to one. This was rather a severe reverse for the maroons after their runaway victory the previous week, when they scored sixteen . goals at the expense of Suburbs. Little Purdie is a smart player. He was responsible for Parnell's score against Crafton ; his achievement called forth salvos of applause from the pavilion. The Parnell men hardly played up to recent form. With the exception of Ward, McKnight, Hicks and Power, they seemed quite nonplussed by Grafton's clockwork tactics. Few mistakes could be debited to Ruddock and Graham, but neither was brilliant at any time. They were often victims to the cunning of Grafton's defenders. North Shore made a splendid stand against Ponsonby, and were only beaten by two to nil. Had Blackler been able to play, the result of the match would have been closer. Eagleton distinguished himself as a goalkeeper. The miggety little Ward was as good as ever. It was a pleasure to see Wynyard in the held again on Saturday. He has lost none of his cunning, and was of great service to the Shore team. A. P. P>radley, the ex -South Australian lacrosseur, who was among those who lirst introduced the game to Aucklauders, lias now joined the "has beens. '" The Ponsonby juniors asserted their superiority over Grey Lynn. The latter team badly missed their goalkeeper, Cooper, and also two good attack men, Cosslet and Bradley. The indefatigable Eagleton, who now liven this side of the water, is already getting a little band together to represent the City district in next year's championships. The Ponsonby Club has signified its , intention to give a handsome trophy to the best all-round player in each team. At the beginnmng of the season, a trophy was also presented to the Grafton Club for similar competition. It is doubtful whether competition among the individual players of one club will have a beneheial result upon the team as a whole. It must, to a greater or- lesser extent, create a feeling of jealousy among the players on account of the positions in the field allotted by the captain. Ia ordinary athletic competitions^ such as foot-racing, the7competitors have an equal chance with one another, but, in a team of lacrosse players, who . is going to judge satisfactorily whether "point" is a better exponent of the game than " Ist home ?" What chancehas "goal-keeper " got to display his ■: form as an " all-round " player compared with the centre man ? If clubs wish to/ improve the play by offering medals for competition, they must , at least distinguish between attack and defence men. The most satisfactory way would be for the Association to give trophies to the best players in special position's on the field. For instance, a medal offered to the best "• centre " would not only interest all the "ctmtres," but all their club- mates Vrould coach and help them along.