FOOTBALL

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue III, 21 July 1900, Page 110

FOOTBALL

The weather on Saturday morning did not appear promising for football, but before midday it cleared up and the afternoon was beautifuly fine. It was generally anticipated * that the result of the match between City and Grafton would go far towards deciding the championship, and consequently the attendance at the convincing ground at Potter's was a record one for the season. The game evoked any amount of enthusiasm, the supporters of each team rolling up in strong force. The play was fairly even, City having much the better of the game in the first spell, when they had the advantage of the wind and sun behind them, whilst in the second spell Grnfton had the upper hand but did not show such marked superiority as did their opp. neats in the first spell and suffered defeat by 11 points to 3.

On No. 2 ground Ponsonby met Suburbs, and the result of the' game was a great surprise, Ponsonby being defeated by 6 points to 5, this being Suburbs’ first win for the season. At North Shore the local team were beaten by Newton after a close but rather uninteresting game, the

scores being 11 points to 6. Saturday’s results leaves city with the lead for the championship, and unless Newton can bring altout their downfall next Saturday the premiership will be decided in their favour. On recent form Newton’s chance does not appear very bright, but at football the unexpected so often happens that it is safer not to make a too decided prediction. Nevertheless should City play up to their form of last Saturday I fancy they will win.