FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XXI, 22 May 1897, Page 640

FOOTBALL.

I was unable to publish last week full reports of tbe various matches on Saturday, 15th May, owing to the pictures of the Hawke’s Bay flood taking up so much space, but subjoined is a notice of the match played at the Shore between Parnell and the local men. From this report it will be seen that a most disgraceful exhibition of brutal play took place. The referee was fre quently hooted by certain players, who presumed on their reputation to bully and bounce him. The Rugby Union held a meeting during the week, and, inter alia, discussed the question of rough play. Strange to say, the player who was most prominent in the using of bad language and roughness, was not even called before the committee, and I am reliably informed that the man who was censured was not by any means as bad as several others. The Rugby Union committee contented themselves with cautioning the offender and catechising the referee, and then the matter dropped. It would have been much better to have made a severe example of the chief offenders, for if this class of player sees the slightest evidence of weakness on the part of the Rugby Union committee, full advantage will be taken of it on every possible occasion. NORTH SHORE V. PARNELE. PLAYED AT THE SHORE ON BTH MAY—REFEREE, MR EDMONDS. The locals won the toss, and decided to kick with the wind. Murray kicked off for Parnell, Gerrard returning into touch. A rush by Parnell forwards forced the Shore, and shortly after the kick-out Parnell obtained a penalty kick, but Murray failed to place an easy shot. Give and take forward play followed, until Jervis forced the Shore with an unsuccessful pot. From the kick-out the ball went into touch in Parnell’s 25, the play remaining in that quarter till half-time was called. On the commencement of the second spell Parnell had the wind behind them, and they began to force the play. A very pretty passing run between Edmonds, Richards, Jervis, and Brodie enabled the latter to score a try, but the attempt at goal failed. A combined rush by the Shore forwards took the ball to the Parnell 25, but some fine passing by the visiting backs shifted play to the centre, where D’Arcy secured the ball, and with a grand fending run just managed to touch down over the Shore line, though he was splendidly tackled by Cardno ; the shot at goal was again a failure. The Shore seemed to be completely broken up, and now and then the game temporarily slowed down, whilst certain players had a scrimmage ‘on their own.’ The referee vainly protested, being told in forcible language to go to all sorts of objectionable places. A Parnell man was noticed to be the originator of the roughness, and after that it became pretty general. The upshot of the scrimmaging was that the referee ordered Pitt, a North Shore player, off the ground. Parnell played with great vigour, and from a rebound P. Murray got over, but the try at goal fell short. F. Murray spoilt the kick-out, and following up fast, scored a try ; once again the kick for goal failed. The game was not very interesting now, and the Shore contented themselves with defending their goal. Jervis got the ball in the open, and with a fine left foot kick landed a splendid goal. No other score was made, and Parnell won by 16 points to nil, viz., four tries (121 and a goal from the field (4). For the winners, those players who distinguished themselves were Jervis, Edmonds, Richards, D’Arcy, Gordon and the two Murrays. Of the Shore backs, the best were Cardno, Gerrard, and Clark, whilst amongst the orwards may be mentioned, Pitt, Dacre, White, Maysand Nicholson ; in fact, they all played well, but lacked condition. NOTES. Mr Edmonds, the referee in the North Shore Parnell match, should have been firmer in his conduct towards the roughs in Saturday’s match. There is no need to be afraid of these men, as the R.U. will soon give them their quietus. No doubt he acted to the best of his ability, but he seemed more inclined to be guided by the appeals of the players than by his own judgment. Parnell may well attribute their win to their superior

condition. In the first spell the game was very even, and no score was registered, but the Shore went to pieces in the second spell and couldn't stop a rush. Four unsuccessful s'rots at goal is a bad record for Parnell ; the sticks will have to be put wider apart. PARNELL 11. V. NORTH SHORE 11. This was a very exciting game, and was played in Mackay’s Paddock, Lake Takapuna. Mr J. C. Webster acted as referee, and proved thoroughly capable and impartial. At the outset the game was rather rough, but the referee soon let the players know that he would not allow that sort of thing, and ordered two men (one from each side) off the field. The condition of the Parnell men being superior to that of their opponents, they had things pretty well their own way, and in the loose scrums and in the back division they romped over the Shore. For Parnell, Hill and Pike showed good form, and the latter secured Parnell’s only try, the ball passing through four pairs of hands before reaching Pike. The other scores were penalty goals for off-side play. One matter to which I wish to draw the attention of junior wing players is this: —They do not seem to understand the risk they run in not watching the ball when it is in a scrum ; they are quite content to watch the men, the consequence invariably being free kicks to their opponents for off-side play. The game between North Shore 111. and Parnell 111. resulted in a win for the former by 7 points to 6. For the Shore, W. Pitt kicked a goal from a mark, and H. McKenzie scored a try. Parnell scored two tries. Mr J. Haro was referee. PONSONBY V. PARNELL. PLAYED ON NO. I GROUND—REFEREE, MR KATTERNS. ‘ Fast and furious ’ fittingly describes the game between the above old rivals, and I very much doubt if many better games will be played in Auckland this season. Both teams seemed to be in splendid fettle, and Ponsonby had made special efforts to put in the field their best team. Several old war-horses donned the colours, just for the sake of having a‘go’ at Parnell The game was played in downright earnest all through, and if now and then a bit of rough play was shown, it was but momentarily, and could be excused when the natural jealousy between the two clubs was considered. The teams were very evenly matched, Ponsonby having slightly the better forward team, though strange to say, they always came off second-best in the scrums. In the niceties of the game, however, they had the advantage, and playing with much better combination, were enabled to take advantage of every opening left by their opponents. Ponsonby’s forward play surprised everybody, and lam inclined to the opinion that it they put their wing forwards into the scrum—in fact, do away with wings—they would be well-nigh invincible. On Saturday I noticed that one of the wings was more of a hindrance than a help, and with such a clever set of backs, who play close up, the wings are absolutely useless. From the moment the ball was kicked off till the bell rang for half-time, Ponsonby had all the advantage in the play, judicious and safe passing and combined scrum work being features in which they excelled. Parnell were very strong in backs, Edmonds, Jervis, and D’Arcy being particularly noticeable. Edmonds captained Parnell, and proved very clever in getting the ball from the scrums. He sails dangerously near the wind, though, and once or twice should have been penalised for picking out. Braund, the Ponsonby skipper, is as good as ot old, and played the best backgatneon theground. Understanding the game as he does enables him to avoid chasing the ball around when he knows a breach of play has been committed, and so well does he follow up, that during the whole game he was rarely out of reach of the oval. Ponsonby’s first score was a goal kicked from a mark obtained by Braund. This scored four points, and it was not till nearly the close of the spell that the score was increased. Riley (Ponsonby) picked up the ball and got within a few yards of the Parnell line, when he was collared ; Smith followed quickly and dribbled the ball over ; Buchanan (Parnell), instead of falling on the ball, attempted to kick it out of touch, but missed it. and Graham flopping on it, scored a very flukey try. The moral of this is that it is always good enough to follow the ball till it is dead. No further score took place in the first spell, and on the game being resumed some magnificient work was put in by both teams. Parnell played a more concerted game, and swooped down on Ponsonby like an avalanche. Splendid tackling and kicking on the part of Masefield, Flynn, and Riley repulsed the enemy, but shortly afterwa.ds D’Arcy got the ball, and with a very fine kick landed a pretty goal. This brought the scores to : Ponsonby 7, Parnell 4. For about twenty minutes the play was very vigorous, neither side gaining much advantage ; then loose play on the part of Flynn, the Ponsonby full-back, enabled P. Murray to hoist the ball over the line, and young Hand-

cock fell on it. Murray failed to notch a goal, and the scores were even. The excitement now became intense, and the display of skill and tactics by both teams was a treat to see. Smith had several shots at goal, and though he failed, Masefield profited by one of them to collar the ball and dash through the Parnell backs like a shot from a gun. A prolonged yell from the barrackers proclaimed a try, but uo goal resulted. Time was called a few minutes afterwards, and Ponsonby walked off the field of victory, proud in the knowledge that they had inflicted defeat on their old adversaries. CITY V. GRAFTOX. PLAYED ON NO. 2 GROUND —REFEREE. MR EDMONDS. City had all the better of this game, their superior back play giving them an immense advantage over Grafton. A very pretty passing run by Cories, Caradus and Smith resulted in the latter getting over Grafton’s line, but the angle was too great, and the shot at goal failed. Shortly afterwards city was awarded a free kick for a breach of the rules by Grafton, and Absolum kicked a fine goal. Towards the close of the first spell Grafton were awarded a free kick near City’s line, and a goal resulted, making the score—City 6, Grafton 3. Play was very even and exciting for some time after the opening of the second spell, grand defence work being displayed by the backs on both sides. The brothers Hay were most conspicuous for Grafton, whilst Absolum Caradus, and Cories, for City, were always on the ball. Another breach of the rules by City caused a free kick to be given to Grafton, and Smith kicked a neat goal. This brought the scores to 6 all, and some very vigorous play now ensued to score the winning points. The luck lay with City, and after being penned on their line for some time, they managed to shift play to the centre, where Absolum made a couple of splendid runs, reaching Grafton’s 25 ; here he passed to Siddle, who got over the line. The goal was a failure, and the game resulted —City 9 Grafton 6. Creagh and McConnell were the best of City’s forwards, whilst Cuksey, McGregor, and Laird played splendidly for Grafton. NORTH SHORE V. NEWTON. This match was played at the North Shore ground, and the refereeship was conducted by Mr Beck. North Shore Captain won the toss, and decided to take advantage of the wind and protect the western goal. Wilson kicked off for Newton. North Shore with the wind in their favour, pressed Newton hard, but the passing of the latter’s backs, finishing up with a judicious kick, relieved them. Just before the conclusion of the first spell, the North Shore forwards, headed by Dacre, crossed the line, and looked like scoring, but the ball struck a spectator. The first spell ended with neither side scoring. After the usual five minutes’ interval Marshall kicked off. It was thought that Newton would prove easy winners with the breeze in their favour. After some give and take play the ball was passed to Freeman, who, with Roberts at his side, evaded the three quarters, and with a clever feint got past the full-back and scored ; the kick at goal was fruitless. The North Shore forwards, who were showing much better form than on the previous Saturday, at this stage were on their metal, and pressed Newton hard, Freeman relieving. Clark marked and Pitt failed at goal. North Shore forwards hemmed Newton on their line, and the ball coming out, Cardno attempted a pot, but the ball struck a Newton forward, and rebounded at an angle. From a scrum, Nicholson secured the oval and passed to Lipscombe, who took the hint and dropped over the coveted line, amidst cheers from the local barrackers. Clark took the kick and landed a beauty. North Shore 5, Newton 3. Time was then called. For the losers, the full-back, Relly, and Freeman were a tower of strength in the back division ; the latter made many most effective runs, but the North Shore collaring was too good. Of the forwards Heffernan, Wilson, Lewis, and Airey worked hard to prevent defeat. For North Shore, Cardno as full back, again proved his ability in that position ; Pitt as three-quarter put in a lot of useful work, although he was winged in the early part of the game by injury to hisshoulder; Nicholson as centre half was a success, this being his first venture in that capacity. It is hard to choose amongst the forwards, as they all played well. C. Marshall’s (the old war horse) presence was felt, and although out of form, played a sterling game. Dacre, Purdie, Irvine, and Lipscombe also put in good honest work. Mr Beck, as referee, gave every satisfaction both to players and spectators. The game was a fast one, and played on very good terms. NORTH SHORE 11. V. NEWTON 11. Newton won the toss and decided to kick against the wind. Kitt started the game for the Shore, and Newton mulled the return. North Shore forwards played a great

game, and the heeling out was all that could be desired, but the backs did not take advantage of it. Newton was pushed hard, and Mays securing the ball, passed to Willetts, who crossed the line, but was called back owing to a throw on. Frankham made a good pot at goal from nearly half-way flag, the ball falling short. North Shore forwards crossed Newton line three or four times, but the ball struck the deadline fence, which is but a few feet from the goalposts. Mays had a shot at the bar from a penalty ; the attempt was a good one, the ball just dropping under the bar. The first spell ended with no score on either side. In the second spell the Shore forwards, now playing against the wind, kept the ball at their feet. From loose play, Newton took the oval down the North Shore line, and by some neat passing secured a try ; the kick at goal did not increase the score. North Shore rallied and pressed Newton, but could not get a score, and the game resulted in a win for Newton by three points to nil. For the Shore, Mackenzie and Doyle were weakness in the back division ; the forwards all played well ; Kitt and Hallett did fine work on the line. Newton full-back and the three three-quarters did good service both in attack and defence ; Mills on the wing played a fine game. Mr O’Keefe gave every satisfaction as referee. NORTH SHORE HI. V. NEWTON HI. North Shore won after an interesting match by 9 to 3. Sutton and Wells secured a try each, and Pitts landed a goal from a penalty. Tilly gained a try for Newton, which was converted by Bayne. Mr Campbell officiated as referee. RESULT OF MATCHES PLAYED ON SATURDAY, MAY 15TH. Ponsonby beat Parnell by 10 points to 7. City beat Grafton by 9 points to 6. North Shore beat Newton by 5 points to 3. Previous to the commencement of the match, Parnell v. Ponsonby, at Potter's on Saturday, a ceremony of interest to footballers was gone through in one of the dressing-rooms under the stand. This was the presentation by Mr G. S. Kissling (president of the Parnell F.C., and vice-president of the A.R.U.) of a gold watch and sleeve links to Mr W. Elliott. The gifts were purchased with money raised by a shilling subscription amongst Mr Elliott’s admirers, and the value of the presentation testifies to his popularity. Mr Elliott has played in representative football in New Zealand for the past ten years, and went Home with the native football team in 1888-89. It is very pleasing to be able to record such recognitions of a man’s ability. The snow-white ‘ amateur ’ footballer must now take a back seat, and slink away to a quiet corner of the earth where the bookmaker ceaseth from troubling, and the punter is at rest. Whereby hangs a tale : —A fortnight ago a Hokianga Maori football team rode twenty miles on Friday to play a match at Whangape on the Saturday. Disappointment awaited them, however, for the rain came down in torrents, and the game could not be

played on Saturday. They were there to play the match, though, and they determined to see it through. Being a great deal more scrupulous than most white footballers in their observance of the Sabbath, they slept all that day, and at six o’clock next morning the two teams were in the heat and scramble of a most exciting game. They played till 8 o’clock, and then returned to the village, where a grand feast awaited them. The Hokianga men left for home about twelve o’clock, and I believe they arranged for a return match at a very early date. To-night the annual social of the Auckland Grammar School Old Boys’ Association will be held in the Grammar School Buildings All old boys are cordiallv invited to attend, and a jolly time is promised in fighting the grand old football and cricket games of yore.