LACROSSE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXI, 24 May 1902, Page 1012

LACROSSE.

The first series of championship matches for the banner presented by Mr D. Goldie were played last Saturday after noon on the Domain Cricket Ground. As a result of the heavy downpour during last week the playing field was in x swampy state, which had a rather detrimental effect on the afternoon’s play. NORTH SHORE v. EDEN AND EPSOM. (Two goals each.)

Richardson and Stewart faced off, and a slow spell of loose play took place about midfield, then the E«l**n and Eo.<cm attackers worked the rubber into the opposing territory, where snots at goal Mere made, but these were cleverly staved off by Broughton and Ward. The latter threw up the field, and Bartlett secured possession, and with Miller' < help accounted for some smart work. Lex Walker tiooKed a pass from an opptrnent, and threw well out of danger. Somerfield and A. and H. Walton got through the defending backs by good stick work, and A. Walton drew first blood for Eden and Epsom with an excellri«t shot, a few minutes of uneventful l lay followed, and then the bell sounded ‘•change ends.” For about ten minutes play was of the even order, then the Eden and Erpsom forwards gradually worked their way into Shore’s ground, and A. Walton accounted for their second and last goal. From the " re-face,” the Shcreites put more vim into their work, and Miller, being in the correct position, received a pass and sent a beauty into the net. a little later the spell was announced. In the third quarter both sides put in some excellent work, but neither was able to score, the defenca of both teams being perfect. Stewart put in some smart work at midfield, and then lost wnat seemed an excellent chance by holding to the ball too long. Broughton changed the scene of battle to the other end of the ground with a splendid throw, and Bartlett had a shot, without success. Douse sciummage near goal followed, and Miller succeeded ’.n driving the ball into the net, making the scores even. Nothing of further note happened until cease play sounded, the game thus ending in a draw. Mr E. D. McCoy was a most capable referee.

PONSONBY (3 goals) v. PARNELL (nil) Harris and Ruddock set play in motion. The former got the besfc 4Jf the ” face,” and play wsat at once removed into Parnell’s territory. Nolan and Graham stood out prominently for clever passing. Wallace secured the rubber, and from an awkward angle shot Poueonby’s first goai. The blue and blacks renewed the attack, but were badly repulsed by the sound defence of Cunliffe, Power and Hicks. The maroons gradually worked their way into opposite ground, and Fairburn, Morrln and Philson made strenuous efforts to score, but without avail. E. Mason and Bourke cleared the blue and blacks’ lines, and the scene of action remained in neutral territory up till the sound of ha4f-time| On resuming play Thomson saved splendidly, Lundon and Nolan almost beating him. A little later Pbnsonby’s goal was in great peril, and a good throw by While gave the blue and blacks an opening! Braithwaite caught, and then threw to Lundon, who scored a beauty. Parnell livened up considerably, and Cunllfte had a good shot, but it was unproductive. A good combination movement by the Ponsonny vanguard enabled Braithwaite to drive the ruboer between the uprights, and time was soon called, leaving Ponsonby winners by three goals to nil. Mr W. Noton as referee gave satisfaction to everybody. GRAFTON (14 goals) v. CITY (nil). It justice to the City team it may be mentioned that nearly all its members are tyros at the game, therefore mucn could not be expected from them. Thj Grafton men were all in good trim, and in £ scoring mood. Of the 14 goals scored Atkinson secured 7, Hay 4. Slotnan 2 and Hill 1.