OUT DOOR SPORTS

Observer, Volume XXXVI, Issue 38, 27 May 1916, Page 10

OUT DOOR SPORTS

[By Old Timee.] FOOTBALL. The Rugby Game. THE Rugby season was opened on Saturday afternoon last, under what might be termed the "new order" of play. The competitions this season are for youths 20 years and under, 18 years and under, and 16 years and under, the first named being recognised as the senior grade. In spite of the altered conditions, and taking into consideration the fact that this was the opening day, and under practically war conditions, the play was very interesting throughout, and the keen judges of the merits of a player already have several marked out as likely to prove in the future footballers above the ordinary. The first grade games (twenty years and' under) set down for decision were: Ponsonby v. University B, Grammar School Old Boys A v. Grammar School Old Boys 8... Marist Brothers Old Boys v. Graf ton, University A v. City. College Rifles drew a bye. The weather conditions were only fair, several light showers falling during the afternoon. The attendance at the various games was moderate. • ■ • Ponsonby v. University B.—The above teams met on the show ground. Epsom, and the game resulted in a win for Ponsonby by 9 points to 'Varsity's 3 points. Play was fairly even in the first half, Ponrsonby being the first to score. As the result of n forwprd rush, Biddick got over. The kick did not add further to the total. 'Varsity later on evened up by Hall scoring neav the line, the first half ending 3 all. On the commencement of. the second half, University made play willing, attacking strongly, but want of combination spoiled the attempt. Ponsonby then made a strenuous effort, but without avail, and the third quarter ended with no addition to the score. The final quarter saw Ponsonby once more on the attack, and from a scramble their second try wais scored. The kick was a failure. Ponsonby again got going, and from a free Belsham kicked a fine goal. This was the last score of the game, the whistle sounding no-side shortly afterwards. Ponsonby thus won by 9 points to 'Varsity's 3. Grammar A v. Grammar B.—This game was played at Eden Park, and resulted in a runaway victory for the A team on the first half /by 39 points to nil. The second half was not gone on with, it being decided to call the game off and rearrange the teams for a practice game. Marist Brothers Old Boys v. Grafton.—Played on No. 1 ground, Eden Park, resulting in a win for the former team by 12 points to 9. At times the play was very fast and interesting. In the first spell, attack and counter attack were initiated in quick succession, and the spell ended with honours even—6 all. The second half was also full of interest, but Marist Bros, made better use of their opportunities, and added another try. The kick at goal did not add further to the score. Play continued from this on of the bustling order, and Grafton, through a free kick, again drew level, Burton adding the points. In the last quarter it was either team's game, but both sides missed several chances of scoring. Burton

(Graf ton) got a mark in front of the goal, and sent the ball between the posts, but the kick vwas disallowed, as it had touched an opponent in its flight. Marist Bros, again took up the attack, and eventually McLarin got over and scored. Molloy's kick failed to enhance the total. This wae the deciding score of the game, the whistle sounding with Marist Bros, again in a bustling mood. The final scoi-es read: Marist Bros 12 points, Grafton 9 points. Mr A. Coltman was the referee. University A v. City played on the No. 1 ground at Epsom, the former winning by 8 points to 3. 'Varsity had the better of their opponents in the finst half, and at its close were 8 points to City's nil. City showed to better advantage in the second spell, but lost several apparent chances of scoring by over eagerness. EA r entually, however, they Avere rewarded with a score, but the kick did not increase the total. This gave City new vigour, but Varsity's defence wae sound, and the whistle sounded with University in the lead with 8 points to City's 3 points. Both these teams showed promise of better results with more combined practice. Mr Wooller was the referee. « • • In order to conserve as much as possible their finances for the present season, the management committee of the Rugby Union decided to dispense with the services of its paid staff of gatekeepers and work the gates by the voluntary help of club delegates and members. On Saturday, however, several of the old staff turned up as usual, and offered their services free, expressing a wish, at the present time, to do what little they could to assist the national game. Needless to say, the officials were greatly appreciative of the several offers made, showing as it does that when necessity arises the helpers are availalble. St. Benedict's are to be complimented on their appearance on the field of play on Saturday afternoon last. One thing which pleases the public eye is correct uniform. In this the St. Benedict's team set an example. Their uniform of dark green, with a harp worked in the form of a gold badge was very favourably commented on. Other teams might well give this matter .a little thought. At a recent meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union it was decided "That during the currency of the war the penalty in connection with the non-payment of interest on loans be not enforced:" The new management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union is as follows: —Messrs G. H. Dixon (chairman), J. H. A. Laugihton, A. Laurenson, H. Gray. Dr. McEvedy, G. C. Fache, and E. 0: Hales. • * • The League Game. The second series of games under Northern Union Rules was played on Saturday afternoon last. The three senior fixtures set down for decision were: Grafton Athletic v. Otahuhu, Newton Rangers v. City Rovers, and North Shore Albions v. Ponsonby United. The three games |>roduced keen and interesting football throughout, and close scoring was the order of the day. At Otahuhu the Grafton team suffered defeat at the hands of the suburban boys by the narrow margin of one point, 9 to 8 being the score at the finish. The game was willing from the outset. The players took some time to settle down to combined action, but eventually McGregor (Grafton) got away,, and scored. The kick failed. Otahuhu were not long in replying, and Spence, with a tricky run, got over. This kick was also a failure. Just before half-time the suburban team again scored, but the score was not enhanced by the kick at goal. The second half was very willing, neither side holding the advantage for long. Grafton addend further to

their total, but Otahuhu could not be (loiiuhl, and scored another try, the. whistle sounding shortly afterwards with the result as above stated—Otahulm 9, Graf tori 8. Mr Whitley was referee. On the Devon port playing area, the North Shore Albions were again in a winning vein, defeating Ponsonby to the tune of 13 points to 5. Ponsonby were the first to notch a score, and, with the added points, 5 resulted. Shore shortly after replied with a 2, resulting from a kick at goal. Some strenuous play followed, with Shore holding a slight advantage, which they eventually made use of and increased their total to 7 points. At half-time the scores read: Shore 7, Ponsonby 5. The second half was more or less in Shore's favour, and they added two more tries (not converted). Ponsonby made a bustling effort just before call of time, but could not get over, the game ending Nqrtb Shore 13 points, Ponsonby 5 points. Mr Murray was the referee. At Victoria Park, Newton Ranger's showed miilpli improved form from their efforts on the opening day, and had the better of City Rovers in the first half, the scores reading: Newton 8 points, City 5 points. In the second half, however, City got ahead of their opponents' total, and, in spite of Newton's efforts to again get the lead, eventually got home with the narrow margin of one point, after a very closely contested second half, the scores being: City it'vers 9 points, Newton Rangers 8 points. The junior fixtures i;r] ;r the League's control commenced mi Saturday last. In a number r.f the games the winning teams outmatched their opponents very eas'ly, winning by a big margin hi points. • a> * Notes. Bert Powell (last year's a.v<. Inland delegate on the. New /,> aland League Council), writing t::jrn somewhere around tlfe Red Sea, to Auckland friends, reports being in good health and condition, and wishes the League game every success during the season just opened. He also mentions the fact of having met a number of Southern players and supporters of the Northern Union game. They are all looking forward to taking part in games, after settling down to camp life in Egypt. G. Rogers (an old Auckland rep. under the League code), writes from Egypt, and asks to be remembered to old friends. Rogers has played many games of football since landing in the desert country. He represented New Zealand in a recent match played in Egypt against an Australian fifteen, and also against an English team. In one of these games he unfortunately received some injury, which necessitated his being carried off the field of t>lay. A letter has been received by the secretary of the Auckland executive from Mappin and Webb, electrotypers, England, notifying that the Roope Rooster had reached the completion stage. The delay was caused through some 400 employees joining the colours. The Grafton Club, who defeated Newton Iby a good margin of points on the opening day, have shown a good sporting spirit by allowing the transfer of two of their prominent players (lies Bros.), who will in future don the red and white jersey. The Riverhead Club journey to town on Saturday, and play at Victoria Park, The members o£ this newly formed club are showing great keenness, as evidenced by their desire to travel in order to play a game. Mr R. Benson, chairman of the Auckland Leag\ie executive, is having a busy time as instructor to the junior clubs. The telegraph messengers are his latest recruits. Mr Benson, ever keen and willing to help, will be pleased to place his services at the disposal of other teams as tinie permits,

HOCKEY. The practical opening of the hockey season eventuated at Remuera on Saturday afternoon last, under fair weather conditions. The grounds were in good order, but, as the afternoon advanced became somewhat on the slippery side, consequent on several light showers falling towards the close of the day's play. The opening of the season, owing to the altered conditions pertaining, was ushered in in comparative silence, the usual speeches and general sports gathering of by-gone days being dispensed with. It was early apparent that the old order had changed. A glance around the playing areas soon showed the effect the many enlistments have had /by the composition of the teams. Juniors now fill the places of those who have left to play the sterner game. It is pleasing to know, however, that while so many old players and supporters of the game were missed from their respective teams on Saturday last, they had played the "real game" and come forward at duty's call to take up the burden of the Empire. Owing to the Training College being on vacation, the Areta-Train-ing College fixture was postponed. The only other men's senior match set down for decision was Mount Eden y. University, which, after a fairly interesting game, resulted in a win for the Mount Eden boys by 3 goals to 2. The second draw in the first round of the primary schools competitions was played on the Remuera ground on Saturday morning, and in the majority of cases the games were close and interesting. Several matches were also played in the ladies' competitions earlier in the afternoon, the one senior fixture, Omapere v. Mount Eden, ending in a draw. at * * Men's Senior Grade. Mount Eden v. University.—From the opening bully Mount Eden initiated an attack, but 'Varsity backs .saved. Malcom, for Mount Eden, was again to the fore, and, with Alexander, reached the circle, where the former found the net with a good shot. Plaj T travelled up and down the field at a fast rate, with the honours generally in favour of the browns. From a scramble in the circle the ball was sent to the left winger, who shot Mount Eden's second goal. This reverse stimulated the blues (University), and, with a passing rush, they reached their opponents' 25. A pass across to the centre found Mahoney in position on the edge of the scoring line, his shot proving effective. From the resultant bully the 'Varsity forwards again attacked. Mahoney was once more on the spot, finding the net with a hard shot, making the score two all. From this on, play was up and down the field, the browns generally on the aggressive side, with several shots just missing the net. The blues relieved, but again Mount Eden broke away, and Jansen was once more able to notch a goal. Even play followed until half-time sounded. On the change of ends, University put a little more vim into their attack for a time, but this was only of short duration. Play eventually became rather ragged, the players no doubt feeling the want of condition and practice. Practically the second half was more of the give and take order, with neither side holding the advantage for long, the whistle eventually sounding with no additions to the score, Mount Eden thus winning by 3 goals to 2. Mr L. C. Kent made a satisfactory referee. On the day's play the (better team won, the 'winnei'S l showing more combination and less individual play. The University forward line was weak in attack. Mahoney was the best, with Mark showing out occasionally. The blues' half line wants a lot of coaching . Skipper Speight, however, with his knowledge of the game, should soon knock them into shape.

Ladies' Senior Grade. Mount Eden v. Oniapere.—This was a fairly even game, and resulted in a draw, with a score of two goals eadli. Omapere (a promoted team) are to be complimented on their - showing against one of last year's senior teams. « • • J. H. Mahoney, on final leave from Trentham, donned the jersey for University on Saturday, and was certainly the pick of the 'Varsity forwards. He was responsible for both goals shot for his side. It was to be expected that the entries for the various competitions held under the jurisdiction of the Auckland Hockey Association this season would show a considerable shrinkage. In 1915 some 37 teams took part in the various games, while this year 24 only will take part. The Great War lias taken its toll of hockey players, and for this same reason the old established Auckland Club has (for the time being) ceased to exist. That this year's players should rally to the assistance of the executive to keep the game going in this district goes without Saying. The. Association, instead of 'being dismayed at the paucity of the entries, should remember that "duty" has been the cause, and redouble its efforts to make the game attractive to the younger generation who are filling the war gaps, remembering that these same juniors will be the seniors of the future. With so many hockey players in camp at this time of year, it is natural to expect that in their leisure moments they turn their thoughts to the winter sport of hockey. A meeting was recently held at Trentham, when it was decided that efforts be made to form s; veral teams to enter the Wellington Association's competitions. The question of sticks is the chief difficulty. Mr Parton has taken the matter uo on behalf of the local association, and will be pleased to hear of any friend or supporter of the game willing to donate sticks or the equivalent for the use of the hoys during their training whilst in camp. The Training College should considerably improve their game by their elevation to senior ranks in the men's senior grade. The students are proud of the compliment paid them, and, whilst they recognise they are up against a stiff proposition, can be relied on to give their opponents a good run each Saturday in the competition gamers. The same applies to several of the junior teams who have I>een raised to a higher grade. In my notes of last week I referred to the absence of the Auckland delegate from the meeting of the New Zealand Hockey Association held recently in Christchiych. In conversation with several of the officials, I was informed that no notice had been received by the local association that the meeting was to be held, neither was a copy of the annual report sent forward as usual.