LACROSSE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXII, 2 June 1900, Page 1023

LACROSSE.

I ractice games took place on the Romain Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon last. A large number of people looked on, and watched the proceedings with interest. Ponsonby met Suburbs, and Grafton and Parnell (combined) tried conclusions with Grey Lynn and North Shore. Chief interest was centred in the match Ponsonby v. Suburbs, which was played on No. 1 ground, opposite the Pavilion. Nolan and Rendall started play, and things were lively from the start. Walker, Rendall and Somerfield, by a clever passing run, carried the rubber to Ponsonby’s goal. White relieved matters with a long throw. Lundon secured, and dodging well passed to R. Noton, who, after some smart feinting, registered the blue and blacks’ first goal. After this play was exceedingly fast, the Suburbans trying hard to make matters even. The opposing backs succeeded in sending the rubber on to their forwards, who played with more combination. After a couple of hot tries by Shortt and 11. McCoy, R. Noton secured and shot a pretty one. Play still kept up its fast nature. Ponsonby’s crack home, after some more clever feinting, managed to score a third goal. Two minutes after this he repeated the same performance. The red and blacks now pulled themselves together considerably and a series of passing rushes by them took place. After a close struggle Walker succeeded in scoring their first goal. Nolan inaugurated a passing run, which ended in H. McCoy shooting a goal for the blue and blacks. A little later R. Noton was to the fore again, and shot Ponsonby’s sixth goal, when the spell ended. Judging by the opening of the second half Suburbs were bent on making their opponents go for victory. Their forwards were successful in a passing- run, Morrin manipulating the rubber through the posts. Play was decidedly even for the next five mimrtes. Prominent for good work at this juncture were Gallaher, Shortt and Lundon. The latter succeeded in shooting a brilliant goal. Rendall shone out prominently for clever stick work, and got Suburbs’ third and last goal. Ji. Noton, who was well fed by his comrades, shot another two goals for them at quick intervals. Shortly afterwards time was sounded, leaving the scores: I’onsonby .10 goals; Suburbs, 3. Mr P. Robinson was referee, and gave satisfaction, while the goal umpires, Messrs R. MeVeagh and W. Robinson gave their decisions promptly and correctly. Parnell and Grafton v. North Shore and Grey Lynn.—ln this match there were too many on each side, and a good game did not result. The former two teams won by 10 goals to 2. However, the game was more even than the scores indicate. Ashton. Wilson, Graham and Challis accounted for the ten goals, and E. Tizard and S. Walker shot one each for North Shore nnd Grey Lynn. Mr Hicka was referee. NOTES. R. Noton (home) played well. His work ail round was very neat. Lundou,

Shortt, Gallaher, Nolan and W. Noton played consistently throughout the afternoon. A. Walker put in a tremendous amount of work for Suburbs. N. Somerfield was always to the fore in getting his side out of difficulties. He will no doubt develop into a firstclass player. Brown, Rendall, Owen and Morrin were the pick of the rest. 11. Cunliffe, an ex-Laneashire player, assisted Parnell for the first time. He created a very favourable impression at left defence. Challis brothers, Moore, Jones and Ward were always prominent. J. Warnock, who has been unwell, played for the first time this season, and assisted his team greatly. Bradley brothers, Sweet, Patterson and White were the best of the remaining Grey Lynn men. E. Tizard, 8. Walker, Miller and Watson (North Shore) played the best games for their side. Graham, Wilson Ashton, Kallendar and Luckie were perhaps the best for Grafton.