Parnell v. Grafton.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 54, 6 August 1891, Page 9

Parnell v. Grafton.

Despite the crushing defeat by twelve points, Grafton made a very respectable fight against their redoubtable opponents, especially in the

forward division, which more than held its own. In the first spell Bruce scored for Grafton after a scrum near the goal line, but Pennalligan’s place was not successful. Jervis next scored for Parnell with one of his clever runs. Smith failed to convert. E. Rees next ran in for Parnell, and Smith improved. One of Smith’s artistic dribbles enabled him to score again, and he placed a goal from the try. The first spell ended with the score —Parnell 7, Grafton 1. In the second spell Wright got over the line cleverly, and Smith again placed a goal, making the score Parnell 10, Grafton 1, Jervis, with a splendid pot, added three more points, and the match ended in a victory for Parnell by 13 to 1, made up of four tries, three placed goals, and one dropped goal. It will therefore be. seen that the big score was mainly due to Smith’s fine place-kicking. Out of four tries he only missed improving on one occasion. Grafton forwards played a good game, and Gaudin, Brady, and Myers did well among the backs.

North Shore v. City.

Swinnerton’s place-kicking enabled North Shore to win their first victory of the season. In the first spell McConnell scored behind the goal posts, being unmolested by the Shore players, who expected the referee to interferej.but Stone failed to convert. Marshall crossed the line, but the referee ruled, him offside. Swinnerton, from a free kick, placed an excellent goal, and the spell ended with the score —Shore 2, City 1. In the second spell, after a good, even fight for some time, Tanfield made a strong and clever run, scoring a try, which Swinnerton converted, making the score—Shore 5, City 1. City, after pressing their opponents hard for some time, were at last rewarded by Cole getting cleverly through and touching down right behind the goal. Stone just missed improving—Shore 5, City 2. Valentine immediately after scored for City, but Stone’s place again failed —Shore 5, City 3. Martin next secured a try for the Shore, but Swinnerton failed to convert —Shore 6, City 3. The match ended with the score as above. With successful placing City would have won. Albie Braund played his customary fine game.