OUT DOOR SPORTS

Observer, Volume XXXVI, Issue 48, 5 August 1916, Page 10

OUT DOOR SPORTS

[By Old Timee.]

FOOTBALL

THE gods of the weather were again kind on Saturday for the resumption of the various championship fixtures. The grounds Avere a trifle heavy, and players found the ball lose itself at times in a blind spot caused by the brilliant sun. ■ « « The Rugby Game. The match between the two leading teams ir. the championship— University A and Grammar A—attracted a large number of enthusiasts to Eden Park. These two teams have consistently shown the best standard of football throughout the season, and the, fact that so little margin lay between the number of points gained by either team lent increased interest in the play. After 'Varsity's defeat by Grafton it was thought that Gramma A would make matters very interesting for 'Varsity when they met. A close and fast game was expected, and those spectators who visited the Eden Park last Saturday were not disappointed. The blues set a hot pace from the kick-off, and had Grammar thinking. Both teams wore trying to make the game open, but it was not until the last quarter that the ball was. thrown about with any pretence at passing. Platts' try was a fine effort, and the result of fast following up. Grammar tried o-allantlv to even up the score, but the defensive work of 'Varsity was beautiful, the tackling being very deadly. In fact, the tackling ot both ' teams was the finest seen for a long time. On the day s play Grammar certainly had the best of the game, and in the last quarter were continually hammering at their opponents. The try scored by A. Nicholson was a beauty, and went right through all the backs hands before it reached him on the Aving. 'Varsity were Avithout the useful Maxwell in the backs, but strengthened their forward line by the inclusion of Chapman and Gibbons, who proved their worth in no uncertain manner. Grammar took the field in full strength, but their forward line was not at home on the heavy ground, though they worked gamely against the adverse conditions. Among players Avho stood out Avere: For 'Varsity, Lucas and Maxwell (forwards), * and Peace and Boucher (backs); and for Grammar A: Forwards, McLean and Ivil; backs, Wilson, Somervill and Nicholson. In the match Grafton v. 'Varsity B, 'Varsity took the field with eleven men r . 1 Grafton with a very strong team. The result Avas simply a walk over for Grafton, 'Varsity throAving up the sponge at half-time when the score stood at 37 to nil. Grafton forwards played, a very willing and fast game, their following up being excellent. They were inclined to play the man far too much, and for this several players were cautioned. Among, the forwards, Williams, Pooley and. Hedley played Avell, and in the backs. Ghent was very nippy. Provided that Grafton play the game, they will make matters very interesting for both Grammar A and 'Varsity A when they meet. At 2 p.m., Ponsonby met Grammar B on No. 2 ground. The time proved too early for spectators, and only a small crowd viewed' the match.. Several exciting, incidents occurred during the game, which, was

fast and willing throughout, as the putting off of three players demonstrated. Ponsonby Avon, 6 points to 5. The various positions in the championship are as. follows:—University A 15, Grammar B 15, City 10, Grafton 10, Ponsonby 5, Grammar B 2. Mr W. J. Meredith, the Avell known Rugby referee of Hawke's Bay and Wellington, and now a member of the Auckland Association, has officiated as. a referee for the last ten years, during which time he has controlled some 30 representative matches, including several shield contests, and has on occasions acted for such college teams as Te Aute, Wanganui, Wellington and Christ College, Christcliurch. The Aucklapd Rugby Union is fortunate is obtaining the services of Mr Meredith.

The League Game. In perfect weather, and before a large concourse of appreciative spectators, the preliminary round of the knock out competition for Roope's Rooster was begun on Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon. The ground was in good condition for play, and keen interest folloAved the various games. The day's close saw North Shore Albion, Otahuhu and Grafton Athletic out of the contest. The first tAvo were wiped out by Ponsonby and Newton respectively, while the latter club were unable to raise a team, and so defaulted to City Rovers. Ponsonby are to be congratulated' on their victory, since they had already suffered t.AVo defeats from the Shore. They made attack their plan of defence, and their backs were not afraid to pass the. ball freely. Shore made every effort to stave off defeat, but the game ended: Ponsonby 8, North Shore 2. Newton made no race of their match with Otahuhu. The play was interesting throughout, and concludedAvith Newton 22, Otahuhu 8. The League proposes issuing a pictorial "Roll of Honour," with complete biography of those members wlho have fought and. suffered for the great game. In place, of the usual competition amongst goal kickers, a ballot will be takeni of League supporters to obtain their idea of the most deserving footballer. It, is thought that this will provide a better form of entertainment for spectators, and will also give them a chance to show their judgment.

City Rovers, Newton and Ponsonby Avon the first heats of the Roope's Rooster competition on Saturday, City Rovers beating Grafton by default, Ponsonby defeating North Shore,, and Newton outclassing Otahuhu. All the matches were played on Victoria Park before 3500 spectators. Ponsonby and Shore were given pride of position on. No. 1 ground, the ponies finishing up good winners by 8 points to 2. The game, although not clever, was interesting right through, and the scores are a true indication of the difference in the teams. Shore had tAVo or three new members in. their team, which spoilt their combination to some extent. They played McAneny on the wing threequarter, and he showed promise of making good in that position. He is very fast, and fairly safe at taking the ball, but gives one the impression that his tackling is not as solid as it might be. Harrison played full-back, the position usually played by McAneny, and left little to be desired. He has been shoAving improved form each game, and it seems a pity /that, oAvirig to Shore's defeat, he. will not be sighted again this season. Steward, Avho has not been seen out much this season, Avas on the wing for Shore. He was hampered somewhat by lack of condition, but shoAved some solid defensive work during the day. Nicholson played, closer in than usual, coming up to centre threequarter from wing. This position seems to suit him better than the wing, as, Avith his pace, his short kicking and quick folloAving up, he put his side on the offensive, on numerous occasions. J. Paul, five-eighths, played his usual game. His kicking was good, ;is Avas also his tackling, but his play Avas spoilt through his unnecessary roughness. Boone (half) did not get many opportunities, as his forwards were beaten on the day. He received a lot of punishment behind a beaten pack, but on the whole his play deserved commendation. McDonald, Walters and T. Paul Avere the best of Shore's forwards. "Walters Avas very conspicuous on the day, firstly by the fact that he had to'don a red and black jersey (his oAvn being torn off him), and secondly for his off-side play, Avhich, considering his ability as a player, is a Avonder he does not cut out. He has another good companion in Bailly, Avho does not seem to realise when he is off-side. He Avas penalised on numerous occasions, and once his side was in a very promising position when he kicked the ball out of his turn, letting Ponsonby out. of a very tight corner. Wilson, full-back for Ponsonby, played a good, sound game, and, like Wilson for Shore, is improving considerably in that position. We look forward Avith pleasure to seeing him again before the season ends. McClymont, centre three-quarter, Avas the best back on the ground. He made .some magnificent openings during the game, but Avas. noticed to hang on a little too long occasionally. For his Aveight he must be classed with the League's best centres. Tab. Cross made his reappearance, after resting for some time, and played his usual heady game at fiveeighth. His kicking was not. up to the usual standard, he missing two very easy shots, but, taken all round, he was a great help to Ponsonby. Walsh, behind the pack, played his best game to date, and must be congratulated on his good showing. Pdoley, Harris and Winter were the pick of the blue and. black forwards. Winter kicked a magnificent goal from the side-line, which was the best effort on the day, and Pooley and Harris, were the principal factors in beating the black forwards. These two men must scale at least 14 stone each. As they both played' exceptionally well, thenweight played havoc with the pack, pushing Shore all over the ground on nunierous occasions,

We look forward with inteYest to Ponsonby's next match, as they have improved considerably, and, as they have always been close up m the' championship table, a Avin for them would be very popular. » • • The Association Game. North Shore, at Devonport, defeated V.M.C.A., 7to 3. Richmond defeated Bverton on the Domain, 1 goal to nil. Second Division.—At the Shore, Mount Albert got the. better of North Shore 11. by 4 goals to 2. Richmond beat Everton by 3 goals to 1. Fifth Division.—Richmond drew with Devonport Presbyterian. Everton (2) defeated Technical School (0). Sixth Division.—Northcote won over Devonport Presbyterian by 2 goals to nil.