ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 18, 30 April 1892, Page 444

ATHLETICS.

GREAT is the tug -of - war. The stupendous success of the International contests of this ilk in Australia has led to their adoption in New Zealand. The first great contest was held the other evening in Christchurch in a huge tent erected opposite the Theatre Royal. About two thousand spectators were present. The floor was, by the way, barred across, so that splendid foothold was obtained by the contestants. Two New Zealand teams were the first to take the floor, captained by Messrs F. Foster and P. Cairns. This contest was soon over, the former’s team winning in 35sec. Then came Australia v. Scotland, captained, respectively, by Mr Eden George and Mr J. R. Ross, wearing the garb of his country. The band played * Kangaroo Dance ’ and ‘ Auld Lang Syne then they settled down to work, and in Imin. 17sec. the colonials won amid great applause. The next pull was Germany against China, with Mr F. Wallace and Mr Sam Yong at the head. The Germans, after 2min. 3sec. of a stiff pull, got their opponents over the line amid great cheering and the strains of ‘ Die Wacht am Rhein.’ The excitement reached its climax when the New Zealanders and English took up their position. The band played ‘ Rule Britannia,’ and the large crowd became wildly enthusiastic. The struggle was a grand one. The pull lasted 46min. 26sec. It is impossible to adequately describe the fight. First one side and then the other would seem to have the advantage. Maorilanders were, however, too good, and after a finelyfought tussle pulled the Englishmen fairly across the mark. The large crowd roared their applause with all the strength of lung of which they were capatle, and the successful New Zealanders were carried to their quarters shoulder high.

It was, however, on the following evening that the grand pull of the competition took place. There were two exciting but soon decided contests. First Australia beat China in 48sec., and Scots beat English in 15min. 40sec. Then the two cracks took the floor—New Zealand v. German. It was seen at once that the fight would be long and bitter. The teams were evenly balanced as regards physique, and the men on both sides full of pluck and in magnificent fettle. The struggle was as fine a display of pluck, endurance, physical strength and staying power as has ever been seen in the colony. For nearly an hour did the rival teams tug and strain, while the crowd, which must have numbered over three thousand people, were downright crazy with excitement. Never was such a fight, and when after 1 hour 53 seconds the Germans at last pulled the New Zealanders across the line and secured the victory, the cheers were deafening. The Maorilanders also got an ovation for their stubborn defence. The band, which had been under the leadership of Mr C. F. Biinz both evenings, played a German national air, and the proceedings terminated.

The event of the week in the South Island has, of course, been the football match between the Masterton and the Alhambra Clubs, Dunedin. The weather was perfect, and a very large number - of people gathered to see the match.

Says my telegraphic correspondent —‘ Masterton won the toss, and played with the wind behind them. McCleary kicked off. Play was immediately taken to Masterton’s 25, but H. Perry relieved with a splendid screw punt, and a fine rush with Day in the van took the ball to the Alhambra end of the field. The Alhambra Reds soon brought it back, however, but Crawshaw mulled badly, and H. Perry getting possession soou after, potted a goal for the visitors.

After the kick-out Baker, Robertson, and Johnson made a fine passing rush, but J. Perry intercepted them and returned into touch. Watson followed up with a dashing run, and was not stopped till he got to Ross, the Reds full back, who collared him finely. Noel, from a pass by Baker, had a fine opportunity to score, but fumbled badly. Alhambra still continued to force matters, and nearly scored from a passing rush of their forwards, and Masterton forced down twice running. The Reds returned immediately to the attack and McLaren nearly got in. Noel missed another fine opportunity to score, and Watson rushed the ball back, but McClean replied with a fine run right through the visitors’ backs ; Holmwood collared him in the nick of time, and Masterton were forced. Crawshaw mulled the kickout badly, and Alhambra still held the upper hand, their forwards passing beautifully until half time was called.

On resuming, the local men attacked Masterton's lines, but a free kick gave the visitors some respite, and Watson, by following hard, prevented Crawshaw from returning the kick. C. Perry failing to atop a Reds’ rush, Esquilant

scored between posts, and Restieux enhanced by adding another 3 points. Malcolm kicked off, but McCleary broke away froq} the line out and passed to Baker, and the latter to Noel, who again mulled the opportunity. The visitors were forced down immediately afterwards, and following the kick-out Alhambra attacked again—B. Baker got over, and secured the second try, but it was not improved upon. G. Briggs then scored close to the corner flag immediately after, but no goal resulted. Malcolm marked for the visitors in a good position, but nothing came of the kick, and a Red onslaught ended in McLaren dashing over and scoring. Restieux kicked at goal, but again failed. Masterton kicked out, and were soon on the defensive, and from a loose rush McLaren again scored, but no goal resulted. The visitors carried play into the local men’s twenty five and Watson' looked like scoring, but spoilt the attempt by bad passing. C. Perry broke away immediately afterwards, and passed to McCarthy, who punted down the field, but the ball came back at once, and Baker scored very easily close to the corner flag, Restieux this time kicking a beautiful goal. H. Perry relieved several times after the kick-out by smart punting, and just on time, Downes marked, but the kick at goal went wide. The match thus resulted in a win for Alhambra by 18 points to 4.

The game was a fairly good one, but Masterton were beaten all round, except perhaps in collaring. Their forwards did not play up to their reputation, and showed little of that dash which usually characterises their play. Their combination was far inferior to that of their opponents, and they appeared to have several shirkers amongst their number. Watson was about the best, Day and Grey following closely. Whitman was never prominent. The Masterton backs are a very smart lot, kicking and collaring very well. H. Perry and Thompson are the best of them.

The Alhambra men have never played better, and I think after this game will be acknowledged to be the best club team in the colony. Their passing and general combination were excellent. Time after time they carried the ball to the Masterton line by splendid passing rushes, and most of their tries were the outcome of these. Among the forwards McCleary, Baker, Johnston, and McLaren were about the best. The brunt of back work was borne by Downes, Restieux, and Crawford, who played finely. Noel was a fail ure.

The following were the teams :—Masterton : Backs, E. Holmwood, Thompson, McCarthy, C. J. and H. Perry ; forwards, Whitman (captain), Day, Malcolm, McKenzie, Watson, Grey, Welch, Cameron, and Holmwood. Alhambra : Backs, Ross, Noel, Crawshaw, Downes, Restieux, Crawford ; forwards, McCleary (captain), Briggs (2), Baker, Johnston, Wells, Robertson, McLaren, and Esquilant.

The weather at Dunedin on Saturday was very bad, but nevertheless a large number of people wended their way to the Caledonian Ground to see the matches between the Kaikorai Football Club and the Invercargill Pirates Club, and also between the Dunedin and Invercargill Clubs. The weather during the Easter holidays was quite on its worst behaviour, and prevented holiday-makers from going on excursions, and I suppose the large attendance at the football matches was due to the fact that there was nothing else to do. The match between Kaikorai and the Invercar gill Pirates started first (at 2 p.m.), and resulted in a very easy victory for the former by 10 tries (20 points) to nil. The place-kicking was execrable, not one goal being kicked, and most of the tries obtained were in easy positions. As the score indicates, the game was very one-sided, and consequently not very interesting.

The visitors did not play the wet-day game—kick hard and follow up—but tried to go in for too much picking up, and of course the state of the ball and the ground rendered this almost impossible. They also failed to take advantage of their opportunities, seldom backing a man up when dribbling, and not following up a kick smartly. The combination of the Kaikorai team 1 thought good for so early in the season, and some of their men played very well, Torrance, Wilkinson, and McLaren being most prominent among the forwards, and Duncan and Laurenson of the backs. Duncan this season is playing half back, and so far is shaping very well. Offside play and shirking the scrimmage marred his play in the forward division considerably jast season. The scorers for Kaikorai were : Dunean, 3 tries; Wilkinson, 2 ; McLaren, 2 ; Richardson, Lanrenson, and Torrance 1 each. Among the visitors Tapper and Rodgers played fairly well behind the scrum, and among the forwards, most of whose names I did not know, Mcßobie (captain) was about the best. Ekensteen, the well-known

Southland representative forward was a complete failure at three quarter back.

The match between the Dunedin and Invercargill Football Clubs, which began immediately on the termination of the one just described, was a much more interesting contest, and resulted in a win for the visitors by a goal and a try to nil. Play was fairly even, but the Invercargill were undoubtedly the better team. Unlike their townsmen, the Pirates, they played the wet-day game, and both their tries were the outcome of it. Considering the unfavourable circumstances under which the game was played their backs played a very safe game, taking the ball very cleanly—a very marked contrast to their opponents, who were quite at sea in this respect. The visitors’ forwards were also superior to the Dunedin men ; they used their feet well, and supported one another well. The best of them were Todd, Martin and Macpherson, and of their backs Grenfell (a brother of Otago’s last year full back), Neave, and Henderson. Of the Dunedin team, which contained several second fifteen men, Turton and Isaacs were the best of the forwards, and Stephenson and Lynch of the backs.

Football has commenced in earnest in Timaru. The match between Kaiapoi and the Timaru Union Club was witnessed by a large number of spectators and was interesting and closely contested throughout, though the visitois did all the scoring, eventually winning a well fought game. On the players taking the field it could be at once seen the visitors had advantage in weight, especially among the forwards, the local team shining more particularly in defence. After the kick-off play was kept for some time in the centre, but Kaiapoi then worked the ball down to the U nion line, and a force resulted. The local men then played up better and rushed the ball inside Kaiapoi's 25 when halftime was called. The second spell was more exciting, and began with some splendid play on the part of the visitors, and they soon had the Union boys on the defensive again very near the centre.

The local men worked hard, but Phantom crossed their line, and a maul between him and Bjrry resulted. This was decided in Kaiapoi’s favour, and amidst great excitement Uru converted the try by a good kick. Soon after resuming Uru added another goal to the score, this time from near the centre. No side was then called, and loud cheers were given for both teams. Among the winners Widdowson, Lord, Phantom, Uru (two), Bates, and McGregor were most conspicuous, while for the local men Macintosh, Shrimpton, Allen, and Gardner played best. At the close of the game the visitors were driven into town, and left again by the North express, after tea.

Another very good match was played on the Caledonian grounds, Timaru, the same day between the Temuka F.C. and the Colonial F.C. The game was much spoiled by the bad state of the ground, which was very sloppy indeed, in some places quite under water. Through the first half the Colonials had decidedly the best of it, and several times Temuka were forced down. More than once their goal was in danger. There was no play worthy of mention until the second spell. Even then for some time the play was all among the forwards, - but shortly before time Brosnaban (Temuka) made a splendid rush with the ball and kicked a goal, the first score for Temuka. Time was called almost immediately, and the game stood Temuka, five points Colonials, two points.

Married v. Single made a very interesting match on the Hastings racecourse the other day. The weather was perfect, and the ground well patronised. Gore, as usual distinguished himself, and Bob Braithwaite, Williams and Tanner played good cricket. The Benedicts were beaten, but took the beating well. Mrs J. N. Williams provided afternoon tea. This lady has been a very good friend to cricket, providing the cakes, fruit, and other refreshments at all the matches throughout the season. Would there were more like her in other places. A number of ladies came to see the match, including Mesdames J. N. Williams, T. Williams (Wellington), Beetham (Wellington), Fitzroy, Russell, Fenwick, Gore, E. Tanner, Loughnan, and the Misses Russell, Grace, St. Hill (Riding), Williams, Lowry, and Hewson (Riding), Nelson, and several others. Mrs Rees, of Auckland, a great patron of cricket, was also present, looking remarkably well, and not a day older than when she was here before.

The Wairarapa is already one of the strongest football districts in the colony, and will be still further strengthened this season by the presence of E. W. Broad, late of Nelson. He has just been appointed to a position in the Bank of Australasia at Masterton. Broad will also be an acquisition in the Southern cricket field, as he is a clever bat and smart field.

The annual meeting of the Otago Rugby Football Union was held on Wednesday, and was largely attended. I mentioned some time ago that an attempt was going to be made to establish Cup matches. Mr Shand, delegate of the Taieri Club, duly moved a resolution to give effect to such an arrangement, but with the exception of the seconder, Mr Mu rdoch, his fellow delegate, no one else voted for it.

The Chairman of the meeting. Dr. Conghtrey, a vice-presi-dent of the Union, and J. H. Chapman, hon. treasurer of the same body, said that if the motion was carried they would resign, and that had probably a deterrent effect, as the card was pricked before the meeting, and at least ten delegates were found to be in favour of the establishment of Cup matches. The officers of the Union for this season are .—Mr James Allen, president ; Messrs R. Chisholm, J. H. Morrison, D. A. Jolly, and Dr. Coughtrey, vice-presi-dents ; Mr F. Horne, hon. secretary ; Mr J. Chapman, hon. treasurer; and Messis F. Stilling, J. R. Montgomery, R. Martin, J. B. Waters, W. D. Milne, and W. Wyinks, committee.

The match between Gordon 11. and Auckland 11. last Saturday to decide who should hold the Junior Cup for the season attracted a good deal of interest, and quite a * big crowd ’ were present. Auckland had not quite their strongest team, several prominent men, notably Harkness, Gaudin, and Taylor being absent, whilst on the other hand they played Howard, who is one of the best first eleven men, and played with success to the end of their season.

Auckland started batting first, but could only manage to put up the small total of 32, for which Cuff was principally responsible, and practically saving this side. His placing was, as the saying goes, to a ‘hair.’ Kelly and Kenderdine shared the bowling honours for the opposing side. Gordon only having 32 to get, everybody thought it would prove a very tame affair, and nobody was prepared for the surprise that followed. Kelly and Graham started to the bowling of Seccombe and Howard. Kelly was dismissed at 3, and then a general rot appeared to set in, nobody appeared able to make a stand at all, and the last wicket fell for the paltry total of 28, 4 runs behind. The match is now in a very interesting state, each side having another innings. It will be concluded next Saturday week, owing to the Northern Amateur Athletic Club having engaged the ground for next Saturday.

The less that is said anent individual play on both sides the better. Howard’s bowling was execrable, but the Gordon batting was worse. Bell played with considerable * side,’ but very little else, and spooned in a way which no excuse could justify. Kissling missed slow full pitchers to leg with a consistency which might have been amusing had it not been exasperating, and the running was lazy in the extreme. Altogether it is a long time since so sorry a display has been seen in the Domain.

There was no regular encampment this year at Christchurch, hut several volunteer companies were under canvas in different parts. Men do not seem as if they like to give up their camp out. At Sumner the City Guards and Richmond Rifles pitched their tents, and in spite of the rain and getting one of their tents blown down enjoyed the life. The Flying Column of Mounted Rifles left town in charge of Lieutenant Palairet. They camped at Birdling’s Flat, and had a sham fight in Buchanan’s Valley against Captain Martin’s squad, finally reaching Akaroa, having had a wet march a great part of the time. Some members of the Christchurch and College Rifle Corps, camped at Port Levy on Messrs Fleming’s property, had some practice and an encounter with the Mounted Rifles, who had marched round from Akaroa to take them unawares, but who were surrounded instead and had to surrender.

The fishing season seems to have been a splendid one. The Orari, Tengawai, and Waihi are all wellstocked with trout, etc. The sportsmen of the surrounding districts have thoroughly enjoyed the season, which is now over. I have heard of some very good hauls, and Mr Mendelson, of Timaru, is especially to be congratulated on his good fortune. Bis record is somewhere over four hundred fish, some of them very large ones, weighing over 91bs.

Sports and races iu connection with the Auckland Polo Club were carried out at Potter’s Grounds,

Epsom, on Saturday afternoon. There were also representatives from the Takapuna Polo Club. There was a fair attendance, especially of ladies, who were afforded some little amusement by various members

of the clubs. Mr R. Garrett acted as judge and clerk of the scales, and Mr Geo. Cutts wass tarter. The bending competition was the first on the programme. It was won by Mr A. McKellar’s Mona. The second event was the polo ball race. The ball was hit from the post to a flagpole 150 yards distant and back to the winning post. Mr Wansborough’s Snuff won rather easily. Seven others competed. The cup race, distance four furlongs, was won by Mr Wansborough’s b m Rangiora, 12st. 21b., ridden by the owner, who won very easily, with Mr Colgrove s Duchess second, and Mr Stewart’s Coquette third, the owners riding.

In the cigar and umbrella race each competitor had to light a cigar, open his umbrella before starting, and carry them throughout the race. This Caused considerable amusement, and resulted in Mr Stewart's Pepita winning. The hurdle race of six furlongs was won by Mr Stewart's Coquette rather easily. Mr Gilmore, who was riding his horse Kiwi, had a nasty spill before coming to the first hurdle. Coquette also won the steeplechase after a very exciting race with Maria, who when ridden at top came down at the double jump in the strait. Mr Wansborough’s mare Kangiora won the ladies’ bracelet, nominated by Miss B. Goodson. The compulsory race for all ponies that had run during the day, except the winners of the hurdles and cup races, was easily won by Mr Colgrove’s Duchess.

The sports should certainly have been far better attended than they were. For fun pure and simple the affair was far and away the greatest success that has been achieved in the north for a very long while. The number of spills was phenomenal. The fun commenced in the hurdle race, when Mr H. Brett came a cropper in the preliminary canter. He was not hurt, however, and was soon in the pigskin again. After going about 150 yards in the same race Mr Gilmore appeared to have had enough, and rolled off his pony, to the detriment of his superlative ‘ get up.’ His face was bruised rather badly, and the rider retired. Not so his horse, however. That plucky little animal continued the race with great spirit, taking the hurdles in fine style till the last, when it came a regular crumpler, standing straight on its head for quite an appreciable time. The roars of laughter which followed the catastrophe were very nearly having a melancholy termination, for Stewart and Daveny were riding so close behind the acrobatic equine that a nasty spill for both was only just averted.

The ladies’bracelet was • immense.’ Wansboro’s horse seemed bent on dancing a hornpipe on his hind legs to the discomfiture of the doughty rider, who turned perceptibly pale. Smiles of encouragement from the grand stand, however, restored the blood to his cheek, and he rode cleverly and won easily. In this event the conditions were :—Competitors to start with ribbons, gallop to one furlong post and back, dismount at hurdlep, lead ponies up to the nominators, and let them thread needles, re-mount, and again gallop round one furlong post. Competitors to gallop round post from right to left, and must finish with needle threaded. As may be imagined, it was tremendously exciting, and vastly entertaining.

SIR GEORGE GREY ON Ills EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY. Amongst the numerous other things which Sir George Giey undertook on liis eightieth bit thday was to be photographed. The picture obtained by Mr Hanna in the garden is an excellent one, as may be seen above. Mr Hanna has suffered so much at the hands of pirates that this picture has been copyrighted.

In the steeple Stewart, Gay, and Francis led, Wansboro’ and ‘ Jiiiimy ’ Daveny bringing up the rear very finely. Stewart took the first stone wall beautifully, but Daveny got a cropper. Perhaps his horse mistook the wall for a shadow for it failed to rise. At the liist double jump Stewart and Francis rose together, the latter was pulling hard, and his horse didn’t rise, so he also came a neat cropper. Stewart’s riding in both hurdles and steeplechase was much admired by the ladies. He certainly went straight, and made no mistake except rather rushing his horse at the last hurdle, and nearly coming down. Rangiora was undoubtedly the best horse on the flat, and his rider, Wansboro’, gained repeated applause. He divided the honours of the day with Stewait, both winning three races.

The great bowling tournament is over. Never before were there so many visitors in Napier. The hotels have been full to over flowing, and must have been doing a roaring trade this last week. Visitors from all parts put in an appearance on the green, and very pretty the scene was, enhanced by the gay gowns of the gentler sex The weather was certainly not as good as it might have been, and again it might have been worse, but it was a pity the rain didn’t hold off for another week, as it made things slightly damp. Notwithstanding this everyone had a right good time, and all who were present, will long remember the bowling tournament of 1892. The familiar faces and forms of Messrs Lyndon and Balfour were much missed, and many were the inquiries made about them. The former gentleman was too unwell to be present. The latter had gone to Taupo to try and get rid of unpleasant rheumatic pains and aches. Mrs Balfour and the Misses Balfour graced the ground with their presence, and helped with the tea, together with a number of other ladies. Tea was provided in a pavilion, and most acceptable it was. It would be quite impossible to give the names of all who were on the ground, but apparently the whole of Napier turned out.

With regard to the play it was excellent all round, especially in the ‘Champion Fours’ matches, when Chris church came out best. The most keenly-contested matches were those between Wellington and Auckland, and Napier and Wanganui. Napier pulled oil’, owing to a lucky drive of Ashton’s, who was carried shoulder high round the green by his delighted colleagues. Napier was beaten by Auckland in the ‘Champion Fours.’ Play was continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, a large number of people attending each day. At the close of the proceedings Mrs McVay presented the prizes to the lucky winners. In the champion rink tournament the first prize was won by the New Plymouth team. The local men did very well indeed, and would no doubt have done better had the weather been warmer. As it was the cold numbed their hands.

Amongst those of the fair sex who looked remarkably well were Mesdames Balfour, Tabuteau, Hoadley, McLean, Logan, Hamlin, Herman and the Misses Hitchings, Balfour, Hamlin, Rhodes, Locke, Williams, Hobbs, Bryson, and several others.

A smoke concert and supper was held in the evening in the Theatre Royal, a number of ladies being in the dress circle. Mr J. McVay was vicechairman, Mr C. D. Barraud occupied the chair. A number of toasts were proposed, amongst them being • The Winning Teams,’ ‘Success to Bowling,’ ‘ The Visitors,’ ‘ The Northern Bowling Association of New Zealand,' and ‘ The Ladies,’ which was responded to by Mr Morley in a very humorous speech. Songs were sung at intervale* and a very enjoyable evening was spent. A number of the local men, and some of the fair sex also, proceeded to the station to see the last of the visitors, and many were the wishes expressed that a large number would meet in Auckland, next Easter, where the next tournament is to be held.

Cricket down South is a thing of the past. The first football match was played on Saturday between the Melrose and Napier clubs, and ended in a win for Napier by 3 points to nil. The ground was very sloppy, owing to the recent rains. Mr A. Rees (of Auckland), played up very well, as did also Messrs Percy, Bowes, and Elliot.

In the High School tennis tournaments decided at Napier some little while back, Bamford, in the first round, beat Thompson, Wood beat Pritchaid, Parsons beat Balharry, and Severn beat Ashcroft. In the second round Bamford beat Parsons, and Wood beat Severn. In the third round Wood beat Bamford. The match was most {interesting, Wood and Bamford having a great tussle for the championship.