Football.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 201, 31 May 1894, Page 1

Football.

Saturday last turned out a capital day for football, and induced a large number of spectators to journey out to Epsom to witness the various games set down for decision. In the two senior contests the spectators were treated to an exciting game in each instance, whilst the form shown by the competing teams clearly proved that our players are quickly regaining both confidence and combination. After all that has been written and said about the delay in starting the matches, I was naturally of opinion that Saturday would witness an improvement in this respect, but was disappointed to find that the delay was even more pronounced than usual. In the ParnellCity contest, which took place in front of the stand, the oval was not in motion until twenty-eight minutes past 3 o’clock, although the latter hour is the time officially appointed for the kick-off. I have previously pointed out to the Union the necessity of keeping faith with the public bv compelling the games to be started at the appointed time. On Saturday the spectators, on .the stand and around the rails, expressed in a most pronounced manner the impatience which they naturally felt at the want of punctuality ; fromwhich it was evident that a large share' of the public patronage must be forfeited unless the Union insist on the matchesstar ting at three o’clock. We all know’- ’ that the delay is occasioned by the 1 difficulty of finding competent and- , willing referees, and had Mr. Geo. Dixon, who acted in this capacity in the Parnell-City contest, been objected ■ to by either team, the game could not ’ have proceeded, for that gentleman only > consented to take charge of the game after all efforts to find another referee were unsuccessful. The onus of pro-,' ' curing a referee devolves upon the competing teams, but the bye-laws of our 1 Union contain a provision for that body nominating one in certain cases.. During ’ the last few seasons the Union has been perhaps too generous in this respect. Until now, the teams take it as a matter • of course that the referee will be provided. The treatment to which many referees have been subjected has had the : effect ol making many of our most competent men decline the office; until now, the Union itself is unable to procure competent men who are willing to act. 1 The present position of affairs is cerl tainly one which demands the immediate 1 attention of the Union, for not only does > the question of referees affect, the game from a spectator’s point of view, but it

will—if nothing be done in the matter - be a constant source of wrangling between the clubs and of appeals to the Union by protests. It is a notorious fact that at present some of our teams, junior especially, are compelled to accept referees who know little or nothing about the rules of the game, and the inevitable consequence of this must be apparent to all. The only remedy I see to overcome the present difficulty is the paid or professional referee, and it is my intention in next week’s notes to point out to the Union the advantages of this system in the hope of that body ultimately adopting it. Another feature which attracted my attention, and concerning which the patrons of the grand stand were loud in their complaints, was the nuisance created by a Considerable number of well dressed but uncouth hoodlums who congregate on the topmost seat of the pavilion. From the kick off until the sound of “no time,” the yahoos on Saturday last kept up one continuous uproar by shouting at the top of their voices, and hammering with their sticks on the floor and tin roof of the pavilion. To those on the stand who wished to follow the game this conduct proved a great annoyance, as it not only detracted their attention from the game, but also rendered any conversation practically impossible. For what reason these wrecks of humanity find their way to Potter’s it is not easy to imagine, unless it be to publicly sport their high collars, tan shoes and wide pants (within which are concealed shanks with which one might clean the stem of a pipe). Their very physique prevents them from taking part in the game which their conduct prevents others from enjoying. I would suggest to the Union the necessity of having a constable in the pavilion next Saturday in order that he may publicly eject any hoodlum who creates a repetition of last week’s annoyance. It is for the Union to choose between the patronage of these leatherlunged hahoos or the large number of orderly citizens who weekly journey to Potter’s. The principal fixture on Saturday was that between Parnell and City, which was played on number one ground. Owing to the fact that neither team had suffered defeat, and the fact also that the City team was leading for the senior championship, the contest attracted the attention of nearly all the spectators present. The game itself proved highly interesting, and at several periods of the contest the exhibition of football was really of a high order of merit. During the first spell the play was of an even nature, the brilliant passing runs of the Parnell backs being equalised by the determined rushes of the City forwards. The spell ended without any score, although on several occasions each team was almost across its opponent’s line. Tn the second spell the City team had the advantage of a slight breeze, while the sun glared in the faces of their opponents. These facts, coupled with the form shown by the City team in the first spell, made the chances of the latter team look very rosy, and it was the general opinion that the maroons were about to meet with their first reverse. Such, however, was not to be, for ,the latter playing with redoubled vigour kept City penned in their 25 during the first ten minutes. A screw punt by Blewden, of City, from the touch line right to the centre of the ground enabled Ronayne to cross the City line without opposition, as the opposing three-quarter was out of his right position. Jervis took the kick, but failed. For a few minutes the City boys livened up and more than held their own, but were unable to score. A long kick,, by Jervis put the ball into touch, just outside the City 25. From the throw in the Parnell team got on a good passing run, which ended in Ki waling sending the ball fairly between ■. the City goal posts, and bringing the Parnell’s score to 7 points. This last score appeared to completely break the hearts of the City team, whilst the Parnellites played with that dash which generally charaterises the play of a ' winning team a few minutes before time. Geard picked up smartly from some loose play in front of the City goal and secured another try right between the goal posts. Edmunds took the kick and converted. The Parnell team thus won by 12 points to nil. ' .

. The defeat of the City team was solely due to the weak play of their back division. In the first place the men were continually out of their places. City had no centre three-quarter, and every time the ball got behind the forwards it went straight to the fullback. Moreover, the

kicking of the City back was miserable in the extreme, whilst the uncertain manner in which they took the ball was simply a disgrace to senior football. Instead of taking the ball before it reaches the ground, they invariably allowed it to hop and by the time they decided which particular back should then take it a few Parnell forwards were upon them and spoiled the return. That the City back team are capable of playing a better game than that on Saturday I feel certain, and I hope to witness a great improvement in their next match.

The Parnell backs played in great style, passing, kicking, rnd tackling with much brilliancy and confidence. They did as much to win the game as the City backs did to lose it, and that is saying a good deal.

Jervis was in good form on Saturday, and had hard luck in not getting a goal from the field. The ball struck the post and glanced outside of it. His kicking and passing were all that could be desired, but I would like to draw his attention to the fact that when held be should drop the ball sooner. If be remembers he got bounced on the ground rather roughly for overtaxing the patience of a City forward who was waiting for him to drop the ball. Elliot was also in rare form, and did an immense amount of work. A splendid feature of Elliot’s play is that whatever he does he does quickly and without hesitation.

Edmunds succeeded in starting a great number of passing runs, but was handicapped by being closely watched by the City wing men (of whom, by the way, I notice no less than four).

Ronayne made no mistakes, and crossed the City line. A much slower man than Ronayne could have scored under the circumstances.

At three-quarters Kissling proved as safe as a church, and kicked a miraculous goal from the field. I use the word “ miraculous” advisedly. Dropping goals from the field is not Harold’s strong point, and his goal on Saturday was kicked from the midst of about eight forwards, the kicker being in a half-sitting position.

Speight, Geard, Anderson and Wright were the pick of the maroon forwards. The line play of the first named was of a funny kind. It proved of great advantage to his side until noticed by Mr Dixon, when City were awarded a free kick. When Elliot threw the ball in for Parnell Speight, who was the first man in the line out, simply turned half way around, and having the ball placed in his hands immediately handed it back to Elliot. Mr Dixon having his attention drawn to this practice held that the ball was not thrown in straight. The City forwards played well, but are not what I would call clever. They, however, graft from start to finish. As centre forward Stone appeared to be able to secure the ball whenever he liked. He was also prominent in many City rushes, and made a splendid attempt at goal from the half-way flag, the ball going about a yard outside the post. Meilis was a tower of strength to City. Otway, McDonald and Hallamore were also responsible for a lot of good work. As referee, Mr Dixon proved a success, his decisions being marked with promptitude. Mr Dixon was the recipient of many compliments on Saturday night, for the way in which he controlled the game. Although Suburbs had undoubtedly the strongest team which they have put in the field this season, they were unable to register a win. Ponsonby had a rather weak team, having to play with several substitutes, yet they managed to dispose of Suburby by six points to nil. Shortly after the start of the second spell Albie Braund drew first blood for Ponsonby by crossing the Suburbs’ line after a clever dodgy run. Gillespie, by a run similar to Braund’s, scored Ponsonby’s second try a few minutes after. Sutherland continues to show good form for Suburbs. His kicking is especially, good. Rishworth stopped several dangerous Ponsonby rushes; This player is improving rapidly. It was a treat to witness some of the passing, runs indulged in by Braund, Gillespie and Scott. All three gave and took the ball in good style, whilst their kicking'and tackling was At. Charlie Stichbury played his first game on Saturday. Charlie’s safe kicking and sure tackling got Ponsonby out of several difficulties.

Rab McKenzie was again the most brilliant Suburbs’ forward. His fast following prevented several returns. Wally Rhodes was in rare form, and

sent the oval across the Ponsonby goal. The ball, however, tonched a Ponsonby player, which prevented a score. M. Flynn, Cruickshank and Stewart were about the best of the Ponsonby forwards. The former saved a score against his side by touching the ball when Rhodes kicked the goal. “ Satie ” Ramsay at half back continues to show form of a consistent kind. Satie ” has always been an underrated man, and should last season have figured amongst our “ reps.” When in possession of the ball, I consider Ramsay the cleverest half-back we have. The surprise of the day was undoubtedly the victory of North Shore over Newton. By the victory of the latter over Grafton, and the two previous defeats of North Shore, the Newton— Shore contest was considered just about as big a “ moral ” for the former as it is possible to get in football matches. Many on hearing that North Shore had won by 11 points to 9 refused to believe it. From what I hear, Newton appeared to hold their opponents too cheap. The display of the defeated team was certainly a reversal of form. Harvey played with great dash and scored Shore’s first and second tries within a few minutes of each other. On each occasion Harvey made a brilliant run and fairly brought the gallery. He is certainly the hero of the marine suburb for this week. Charles Marshall proved a great help to the Shore forwards, especially in the scrum. Freeman and Airey were the scorers for Newton, the former securing two tries and the latter one. Donald was unable to convert any of the Newton tries. I drew the attention of the Newton team last week to the fact that Tommy Roberts was a really good place kick. “Jockey” Breen was head and shoulders over the other Shore backs. His kicking and tackling were quite as good as when he played for the old Ponsonby team.

In their match with Parnell 11. the City juniors were treated to a rather rough time of it. The Parnellites simply ran over the line whenever they wished, putting up no less than 28 points to nil. Whitley, Mitchell and Brigham each scored two tries for the winners, whilst Brodie and Tapper also scored. Mitchell was responsible for two converted tries.

Ponsonby 11. defeated Suburbs 11. by 15 points to 6. Katterns, Short and Gillespie each secured a try for the winners, Masefield converting all three, and otherwise playing well. For Suburbs Owen and Ryan scored. Shore 11. put up 28 points against Newton 11. 3 points. Newton were minus the services of several men. -For the third division Newton beat Ponsonby by 19 to 8. Grafton B beat City by 8 points to 3 and Grafton A beat Parnell by default, the latter failing to put in an appearance. The Grafton seniors journeyed to Pukekohe on Saturday to be beaten by the Franklin Club by 3 points to nil. The Graftonites, however, enjoyed themselves immensely, and are loud in their praise of the way in which the country boys treated them. The local players had much the best of their “ go” with the Aucklanders who visited the Thames on Queen’s Birthday to take part in the benefit match for “Barlow” Madigan. The Auckland crowd were, however, several men short. Thames won by 12 points to nil. I hear the gates will be worth about to Barlow. The following are the positions of the various clubs in the three championships : — Seniors.

The senior contests on Saturday next should all prove interesting games. The fixture between Parnell and Ponsonby is already attracting attention, and will no doubt draw a large crowd. The game is, of course, looked upon as a good thing for the former, but I incline to the opinion that the Ponsonby boys (although a small lot) will, if anything, more than hold their own. I anticipate victories for Ponsonby, Newton and Grafton. HAWKE’S BAY FOOTBALL. (BY - WIRE. —EROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) May 29th. The football matches were resumed on Saturday last, notwithstanding that it had rained all day. The junior match, - Napier v. ‘Pirates, was abandoned after 20 minutes’ play by the former, Napier having scored 11 points. Cunningham, Beaumont and Martin scored tries, Kiely converting one. The senior match between the same clubs was very closely contested, and resulted in favour of Napier by 10 points to 3. Bennett and J ago scored for the winners, Oaradus converting both tries, while Jack O’Connell kicked a penalty goal for Pirates. Bennett, Oaradus, Wilson and Elliott played best for Napier, and Williams, Firth, Downey and Swan for the Pirates. The Te Ante College seniors forfeited to the County.

P. w. D. L. Pts.for Agst. Parnell 2 2 0 0 26 8 Ponsonby .... 3 2 0 1 22 12 City 3 2 0 1 14 20 Newton 2 1 0 1 15 11 Grafton 2 1 0 1 12 6 North Shore .. 3 1 0 2 16 31 Suburbs ...... 3 0 0 3 3 30 First Juniors. p. W. D. L. Pts.for Agst. North Shore .. 3 3 0 0 52 11 Parnell 2 2 0 0 52 0 Ponsonby .... 3 2 0 1 40 20 Grafton 2 1 0 1 9 21 City 3 1 0 2 6 38 Newton 2 0 0 2 4 34 Suburbs 3 0 0 3 6 45 Second Juniors. P. w. D. L. Pts.for Agst. Grafton A .... 3 3 0 0 15 9 Newton 3 2 0 1 29 17 Grafton B .... 3 2 0 1 31 23 Ponsonby .... 3 1 0 2 21 33 3 1 0 2 19 23 City . * 3 0 0 3 11 26