FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XXII, 29 May 1897, Page 673

FOOTBALL.

PARNELL V. CITY. PLAYED ON NO. I GROUND —REFEREE, MR KATTKRNS. After the fine form displayed by City in their matches against Grafton and Newton (particularly the latter), three to one seemed fair odds on their chance of beating Parnell, and many sanguine punters are reported to have laid these odds. Worked out logically, this confidence seemed reasonable enough. lu the first place, City beats Grafton by 9 to 6, Grafton beats Ponsonby by 5 to nil, Ponsonby beats Parnell by 10 to 7, and then Parnell bobs up unexpectedly and swamps City by 13 to nil. Truly it is the unexpected that most often happens, but perhaps a more intimate knowledge of the peculiarities of certain City players would clear up my perplexity. I had my doubts raised a few moments after the start of the game when a gentleman was offering 10 to I on Parnell. He got few takers, however, as it was rightly thought that a man who would lay such odds on a match between City and Parnell must certainly be ‘in the know.’ Apart from these considerations, it cannot be denied that Parnell played a slashing game. Every man seemed to be in good form, and though their impetuosity resulted in numerous free kicks being given against them, their combined and systematic play nullified the effects of such kicks. The game was fast and interesting from the start, and some brilliant line play took place near the centre during the first spell. Towards the end of first half Parnell had a lump the better of the game, their forwards playing with a dash and success that fairly surprised their opponents and the spectators. It was, in fact, a forward game during the whole of the first spell, and the City backs got few chances to get away with the ball. Gordon (Parnell) was decidedly the best forward on the field, and played a brilliant forcing game right through. He was always on the ball, and never lost a chance. F. Murray, Anderson, and Handcock put in a lot of useful work, and by consistently playing together worked cleaner and with more effect than would otherwise have been the case. Parnell scored first try, owing to the cleverness of Edmonds and Brody, the latter flashing over the line like a streak of lightning. P. Murray made a very poor shot at the bar. In this connection, I would like to remark on the fact that the place kicking this season is decidedly ‘off,’ about 80 per cent, of the attempts at goal being miserable failures. After a lot of off side play on the part of F. Murray, this player at last effected his purpose, and cleverly slipped over City’s line. His brother made a better shot this time, though the angle was most difficult, the ball striking a post and dropping over the bar. Half-time was called with the score standing : Parnell 8, City o. The second spell proved one of real hard graft for City in their spendid attempts to keep their opponents from scoring. Parnell had the slight advantage of a faint breeze, and as soon as the ball was kicked off they swooped down upon City, penning them in their 25 for about ten minutes, when Siddle and Smith relieved. From this out the play was confined to City’s quarter, and the Parnell backs amused themselves by pots at goal, several of which went dangerously close. Anderson showed great judgment by a fine piece of play near the centre, carrying the ball to City’s line. Passing quickly to G. Murray, the latter threw to Handcock, who dropped over the line right between the posts. D’Arcy had an easy shot, and converted the try, the scores now being : Parnell 13, City o. No further score was recorded, and the teams returned to the stand, amidst a perfect Bedlam of cries and yells from Parnell supporters. Hedges, at full back for I’arnell, was as safe as could be, and never made an error. Brody played a consistent and very useful game, ami was always about when wanted.

Edmonds showed good judgment, both in taking the ball from the scrums and in passing out to the backs ; also the team seemed to be better managed than in the match against I’onsonby. F. Murray played a dashing game, but his efforts were continually marred by off side play—whether deliberate or unintentional is hard to determine. D’Arcy has not vet played up to his reputation, but as he is so carefully watched he has not had much opportunity. Jervis played much better than usual, but there is plenty of room for improvement. To the Parnell forwards belong the chief praise for the victory, and I think that if they always play with such dash, nothing, bar Ponsonby, will have a chance against them. As I have stated, Gordon was by far the best, and proved too good for any of City’s men. Though they did not score, it must not be supposed that City played a poor game — far from it, and seldom have such splendid passing and kicking been seen at Potter's. Their full back, Thomas, was the right man for the position, and though frequently hard-pressed never lost his head. Smith, Cories, Absolum, and Smith form a combination that cannot be beaten in Auckland, and each one played up to concert pitch on Saturday. Smith made several brilliant and serviceable runs, and Cories’ tackling was a treat to see. Oliphant and Sid. Brown were the best of the other City players, the latter following up splendidly. Altogether, though the game was fast and interesting, the result was disappointing, and City seemed imbued with the idea that so long as they could defend their goal there was no necessity to adopt offensive tactics. Perhaps more will be heard of this match later on.

PARNELL V. NORTH SHORE. PLAYED AT NORTH SHORE —REFREE, MR PARKER. Ponsonby won the toss and elected to defend the western goal. Dacre kicked off for the Shore, and Ponsonby punted out. A scrum followed, and Braund punted down the line. North Shore were awarded two free kicks, which availed them nothing. Ponsonby pressed their opponents, and after a scrum Braund marked ; Cooke took the shot at goal, but failed, North Shore forcing. Play centred at the kick out, and from a nice piece of passing North Shore reached the Ponsonby 25 ; Ponsonby rallied, and again invaded North Shore territory. North Shore responded by a fine forward rush, and transferred the leather back to Ponsonby 25. From a penalty kick Ponsonby relieved. Shortly afterwards Nicholson again inflicted his team with a penalty. From a scrum, Braund passed to Renwick, who, by a dodgy run, evaded all the backs, and scored behind the posts. Renwick failed to increase the score. Play all along had been fast, but now both sides had warmed up, and the pace increased. Renwick securing the leather, again indulged in a little dodging, and placed an unmistakable goal from the field. North Shore got on a fine open dribble, and carried the ball on Ponsonby line, but the latter forced. Ponsonby carried the ball down to Cardno, who let the ball through his legs, and Carder taking the advantage, touched down. Renwick landed a goal, and thus at half time the scores were : Ponsonby 12, North Shore o. On resuming play, North Shore forwards broke through a scrum and Marshall scored ; Clark did not increase. Shore forwards again pressed I’onsonby, but Braund relieved ; Shore lost ground, and from a scrum on their 25, Braund secured and passed to Lendrum, who darted for the line, striding over the head of the fullback, and added another try ; Renwick making a poster. A nice piece of passing originating from Braund enabled Masefield to score near the corner flag, and a fine kick by Renwick added to the points. North Shore getting close to the line secured a penalty kick, and Clark placed the ball between the posts. With this encouragement, North Shore attacked Ponsonby with great dash, with the result that Lipscombe, after a determined run, secured a try and entrusted the kick at goal to Clark, who, following out instructions, brought the North Shore score up to 11, being 9 behind Ponsonby. ■Shortly after time was called without any-further score. The game was most interesting to watch, being very fast, and not too much whistle. The Ponsonby backs played a pretty game, and, as proved, an effective one. Braund does not appear to have lost any of his ability behind the scrum, and he was responsible for most of the scoring. His punting was also very effective. Renwich was very conspicuous, and played the back game of the day. Flynn at full-back was cool and safe. In the forward department. Carder and Gallagher were always on the ball, and Langsford, on the wing, although ap patently out of condition, dribbled well. North Shore forwards again played a grand game, and were stronger in the scrum and loose play than their opponents. Marshall, Dacre, Irvine, Lipscome, and Hargreaves did good, honest work. Cardno at full back was not up to usual form, making two or three very bad mistakes, resulting fatally ; otherwise his collaring and

kicking were as good as ever. Pitt’s shoulder was troubling him, nevertheless he played a good game. Gerrard Bros, and Nicholson also were conspiccous by their serviceable work. Mr Parker proved a capable and prompt referee, and rarely had to use his whistle.

NEWTON V. GRAFTON. The peculiarities of football were shown in the match under notice, when neither side scored. Grafton were fresh from their victory over Ponsonby, and it is thought that Ponsonby will have no trouble in defeating Newton every time the two teams meet yet .Grafton had very hard work to prevent Newton from scoring. The play calls for little comment, as there was no work of a brilliant character. Roberts played a better game than usual, his tactics being less selfish than is his wont. The Newton forwards shirked responsibilities on several occasions, throwing theonus on to the backs. Wilson, Airy, and Williamson were the best of the lot, the former putting in a vast amount of useful work. I was very pleased to see Pillenger play the fine game he did, as he has been very disappointing. On Saturday he kicked and collared well. For Grafton, the three Hay brothers were very conspicuous, each playing a scientific, unselfish game. Moncur and Gunson also played cleverly and well. The Grafton forwards, like several of those of Newton, loafed a lot, and will assuredly be swamped by Parnell when they meet.