FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XX, 17 May 1902, Page 952

FOOTBALL.

NEWTON V. GRAFTON. There was a fair attendance at Alexandra Park on Saturday to witness the opening- of the Auckland Rugby season. Grafton (last year’s champions) met Newton in front of the stand, and after a tough struggle were beaten by Newton by a try to nil, much to the surprise of the black and whites* supporters, who looked upon the match as a “cake walk.” Grafton had rather the best of the first spell, and were unlucky in not scoring. McKenzie kicked what looked like a goal from the stand, but the referee thought otherwise. In the second half Newton forwards beat their opponents badly, and from a forward rush Long scored. Wilson made a poor attempt at goal. Thomson raised Grafton’s supporters by a nice run towards the finish, but the opposing forwards soon worked play to centre. The winning team undoubtedly owe their victory to their forwards, who played a very hard game from the start, the most prominent being Long and Heath, Grafton’s forward team contained one or two who were not very anxious to get into the scrums. Brady (2), Neville, nnd McCormick worked well. Dave Pillenger ot full for Newton played a good safe game, and must stand a chance for rep. honours this season. lie represented Taranaki against Auckland last year. He got his side out of a couple of tight corners. Roberts nnd Cowan were prominent at times. Kiernan was the pick of the black and whites’ backs, but he was sadly hampered by his forwards being beaten. Thompson put in some good work, and McKenzie was prominent at times. • PONSONBY v. PARNELL. These old rivals met on No. 2 ground, but little interest was taken in the contest, and the display of football was not very great. Parnell had rather the best of the first spell, but Ponsonby showed superior condition at the end of the game, and eventually won by 7 points’to nil, Francis kicking a fine goal from half-way oil a mark obtained by Upton, and Richardson scoring a try. For the winners, Francis played a fine forward game, and L. Riley and Upton did good work among' the backs. On the losing side Gillam (full) was responsible for some fine tackling, and McCarthy-showed good form on his first appearance as a senior. CITY v. NORTH SHORE. A good number journeyed to the Shore to witness this match, and though City pulled through with the advantage of 10 points to 3, the game was not at all one-sided. The combination of the City backs was a bit too good for their opponents. Asher and Stevens scored tries, and Cunningham kicked a goal from a mark by Asher. Gerrard scored for the Shore. JUNIOR MATCHES. Grafton beat Newton. 8 to 3. Cooper and Marshall scored a try each, and Cooper converted one. Pofisonby beat Parnell, 5 to nil. Saxon got, a try, and Ussher converted. City heat North Shore, 3 to nil—a try by Harvey. SOUTHERN CUP COMPETITIONS. WELLINGTON, Saturday. In to-day’s senior football Melrose and Poneke played a drawn game, neither side scoring. Wellington (6) heat Oriental (nil). CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. In the senior football matches today Linwood (14) beat Sydenham (3), Christchurch (41) beat High School Old Boys (3), Albion (6) drew with Merivale (6).

DUNEDIN, Saturday. In the senior football competitions this afternoon Kaikorai (14) beat Dunedin (6), Alhambra (6) beat Zingari Richmond (nil), University (3) beat Union (nil), Pirates and Southern played a draw, scoring three points each.