Football.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 204, 21 June 1894, Page 1

Football.

The all-absorbing topic of conversation with footballers during the whole of last week was the probable result of the Grafton-Parnell contest, which was confidently expected to furnish the most even and exciting district contest of the season. In this expectancy by far the greatest number of football enthusiasts who have so far this season attended Potter’s found their way thither on Saturday last, and secured places on the grandstand or around the enclosure to witness the coming match. Everything indicated a keen struggle between the representatives of the two districts, and the absence of one of the present champion club’s most prominent players (W. Elliot) caused the equality of the competing teams to appear still greater. Thanks to the Referee’s Association, little or no delay was experienced on Saturday in starting the various contests, for the appointed officers of the above institution were prepared to have gone on with the fixtures long even before several players from some of the teams had arrived on the ground. Now that the difficulty of the referee question has been apparently overcome no excuse remains for not starting the fixtures at the appointed time, and no team should imagine that its action will be viewed with disfavour either by footballers or the public in compelling the opposing team to kick off at three o’clock, even though the latter should not have its full team on the field. If players are given to understand that their team will incur a penalty by having to start play without the services of those who come late the latter will make it their duty to be at Epsom by three o’clock; but if it becomes a recognised system for one team to wait until the other has its full team the same want of punctuality which marked the opening matches of the season will continue. On Saturday several matches were delayed owing to the late arrival of different players. Shortly after the official time for starting the oval was set in motion in the Parnell-Grafton match, which was played in front of the stand. The play during the first few minutes of the game was exceedingly fast, and certainly suggested that the expectations of all present were about to be realised. From a throw in the Parnell backs obtained possession of the ball, and by good passing got within a few yards of the Grafton line. The Grafton forwards almost immediately turned the tables by a combined rush which carried the oval well into Parnell territory, and ended in the latter team being compelled to force. For the next twenty minutes the play was of a most uninteresting character, being chiefly confined to scrums and line-out work. Not even the semblance of a passing run, a rush, nor decent ex-‘ change of kicks between the backs occurred to relieve the monotony of the play. The patience of the spectators was being severely taxed, and their attention was gradually drawn to the fixture on No. z

ground, when the Parnell forwards livened up a bit and carried the ball well into the Grafton 25. From a scrum formed here, the Parnell vanguard heeled out to Edmund, who ran a few yards and then transferred to Ronyane, who |simply ran across the Grafton line without opposition, and secured the first try fairly between the goal posts. Edmunds had no difficulty in converting—Parnell 5, Grafton o. For a time the Graftonites made great attempts to neutralise the Parnell score, but without success. The maroons again invaded the Grafton territory, Kissling almost scoring. A mistake on the part of a Grafton back enabled Moore to get off a neat pass to Ronayne, who had no difficulty in crossing the line the second time. Edmunds failed to convert. The first spell ended —Parnell 8, Grafton o. The opening of the second spell was marked by Parnell being again forced, but from this until within a few minutes of time, when Grafton almost scored several times, the former had all the best of the game. But for the defensive play of Hay and Taylor the Parnell team would have considerably increased their score. All interest was completely knocked out of the contest when Parnell registered their third score, and many of the onlookers left to witness the City —Newton match. An error on the part of Hume enabled the Parnell forwards to rush the ball over the line, and Ro'iayne coming with a fast run fell on the leather, securing his third try near the corner flag. Lawford took the kick, but failed to increase the score —Parnell 11, Grafton o. From this until the finish of the game the Graftonites either worked with more energy or the maroons relaxed their efforts, for the former had a good deal the best of the remaining play and were several times within an ace of scoring. The whistle, however, sounded no side without any alteration in the scores. There can be no doubt that the result of the game and uninteresting nature of the play proved highly disappointing to nearly all present. As an exhibition of football it failed to come up to the form displayed in second junior matches, whilst the numerous scrums and continual sound of the whistle for breaches of the rules caused many of the spectators to lose all interest in the contest. Each member of the, defeated team was evidently possessed with the idea that his individual efforts alone were to win the match, for in no instance did either the backs or forwards as a body attack the Parnell line. One feature of the game which is worthy of note (for I know of no other instance in Auckland Rugby football) was the privilege extended by each team towards the other in allowing fresh men to take the places of those whom accident compelled to retire. This is a system in vogue in New South Wales, and will, I have no doubt, in future become an unwritten law in local matches. Shortly after the commencement of the game Jervis had to retire owing to an injury to his shoulder, and his place was filled by Elliot. A new Grafton player named Seager on having his shoulder examined during the spell discovered that he had been playing for a considerable time with a dislocated collar-bone. His position was taken by Hume during the second spell. Hedges was, as usual, very safe, and frequently relieved his side by splendid kicks. This player has been showing good form in every match this season. The performance accomplished by Ronayne in securing the three tries scored by his team is a rare occurrence in our principle matches. Two of the tries were more the result of Grafton’s indifferent play rather than any brilliancy on the part of the Parnellites. His third try, however, was a good one, and resulted from fast following up. Ronayne’s allround play on Saturday was an improvement on anything he has previously shown. Kissling tackled well, and had hard luck in not scoring. He must have scored on one occasion but for kicking the ball on. Elliot tried his hands at three-quarters in the place of Jervis, who had to retire. His play clearly illustrated the fallacy of maintaining that a good back can play well in any part of the field. He by no means appeared at home in his position, and his play throughout was of an uncertain nature. Allowance must, however, be made for the fact that he was suffering from a weak ankle. Both Moore and Edmonds put in a great amount of defensive work, but indulged in little or no passing. The Parnell forwards were not in their usual form. There heeling out (with two

exceptions) was performed in a sluggish manner, and nearly all the scrums were reduced to a trial of strength between the two sets of forwards. One scrum which took place towards the end of the first spell must have lasted for fully one and a half minutes, and although each team in turn got possession of the ball and could easily have heeled out, neither thought fit to do so, and the affair ended by about twelve players lying in a confused mass on the ground. Neither was the line out play of the Parnell forwards anything like what we are accustomed to witness from these players. The throw-in neither produced a rush or passing run, but invariably ended in a scrum. Of the forwards Wright, Clarke, and Geard were the most conspicious, being prominent in the few rushes which took place. The display of the Grafton vanguard was even more miserable. They appeared absolutely unable to take the ball, whilst their following up would not have done justice to schoolboys. The few occasions on which the forwards did get possession of the ball in the scrum was by the merest fluke, and not the result of any cleverness. On Saturday’s form the Grafton vanguard must be hopelessly defeated by the City forwards in their next match. Oliphant played a clever game, and on several occasions had the Parnell backs in difficulties ; but he was not supported by his comrades, and one forward cannot beat three good backs. Taylor at fullback had too much work to do. He kicked with great judgment, and his sure tackling prevented several scores. Hume was not a success. He made several mistakes in taking the ball, and was responsible for Parnell’s last try. Seager had bad luck in meeting with an accident, and deserves great credit for the plucky manner in which he played on. But for his mishap I think he would have fully justified the reputation with which he came to Auckland. Carlton Hay was the best of the Grafton backs. Hay played a fine game, his defence being particularly strong. Brady must learn to take the ball. In this respect he is unreliable, and missed a sure score on Saturday. The game between Newton and City turned out a really good go, the former winning by 10 points to 6. Each team secured two tries, none of which were converted, but a Newton player also potted a goal from the field. The two teams were very evenly matched, the superior play of the Newton backs counteracting the great strength of the City forwards. During the latter part of the second spell City had much the best of the game, but were unable to get on even terms with their opponents. From start to finish the game was made very fast, and for the last twenty minutes was watched by a great number of spectators, who were unanimous in stamping it as the best contest at Potter’s on Saturday. The success of the Newton district was purely due to the splendid play of the back division,awhose sure tackling and kicking was far superior to that of the City backs. On the other hand the City forwards had all the best of the game, and towards the finish kept up a continuous attack on the Newton’s line. A. Freeman proved safe at full-back, but was not so brilliant as on the previous Saturday. He was, however, called upon to stop several determined rushes of the City forwards, and on each occasion averted a score. Webber devoted himself principally to potting at goal, and succeeded in getting one over. This is a game much neglected by Auckland backs, and I was pleased to see Webber indulge in a few pots. I would advise him, however, to use his judgment a littlelmore, as once or twice on Saturday it would have been better for his team if he had passed. He is a remarkably fine kick. C. Freeman and Warnock got off some rather pretty passing. Each also showed improved form in all round play. Tommy Roberts again turned out the best of the Newton backs. He got to within a few yards of the line on more than one occasion, and with anything like luck would have scored. The other backs should play more to Roberts, for he has repeatedly shown what he can do when he gets the chance. His defence was also good. Ike Mills played a very unselfish game, and started most of the Newton passing. Clarke had bad luck in having the ball brought back after he had crossed the line. ( Donald and Airey were about the best

of the Newton forwards. Each put in a lot of work, and the latter secured a try by picking up smartly. The City full-back, Hill, showed considerable improvement on previous form. There is still room for improvement in his tackling. Harry Hales made no mistakes, and got his side out of numerous difficulties. With many other backs, Harry is, however, none too good at taking the ball. Willis intercepted several passes, but was not backed up by his comrades. He is inclined to kick at a rolling ball, and should at once give up this practice. F. Poland and Corlis were responsible for several pieces of smart play. The former, I believe, played his first game this season on Saturday, and will greatly strengthen the City back division. Willis and Hallamore each scored for City. The latter’s try was well deserved, and resulted from a clever piece of play. Hallamore played one of the best forward games on the field. Stone was not in his usual form at place kicking or the result of the game might have been different. He, however, put in a great amount of work in the scrum and shone more than usual in the open. Otway, Devin and McDonald also kept well on the ball. The latter is a really hard grafter. Many spectators were surprised to find that the City forwards were more than holding their own against the Newton vanguard Personally I fail to see why this fact should occasion any surprise, for I think that the City vanguard has demonstrated in every match that they are a cut above their opponents. As I anticipated in my notes of last week, Suburbs succeeded on Saturday in placing the first win of the season to their credit. The game took place at Potter’s, and Mr J. Lecky acted as referee. From start to finish Suburbs had all the best of the game, and succeeded in putting up 17 points to North Shore’s nil. For the winners Peace played with all his old dash, and dropped a pretty goal from the field. lam pleased to see that Peace is regaining his old form. E. T. Laurie distinguished himself by scoring two tries. He is always in good training, and condition will tell. His tries were gained by good following up. Brown and Risbworth also crossed the line, and Moncur converted one try into a goal. Neither team played its full strength, and several of the Shore’s best players were absent. Now that Suburbs has tasted of the pleasure of success they may keep going, and perhaps effect a surprise before the season closes. The team stands out next Saturday. The following are the the positions of the different clubs :—

In the first junior division the North Shore had a rather easy victory over Suburbs by 13 points to nil. Clarke crossed the line twice, and Quinn also scored for Shore. Francis converted two tries by very fine kicks. Grafton IL scored a victory over Parnell 11. by 11 points to 4 after an exciting game. The contest between the Newton 111. and Grafton A attracted considerable attention owing to each team having an unbeaten record. After a great tussle the representatives of the Newton district came out on top by 11 points to 5. For the winners Wilson and Annan each scored a try, one of which W. Mills converted. The same player also kicked a beautiful goal from a penalty kick. Fielder crossed the line for Grafton, and Evers added the extra points by a good kick. Towards the end of the game the play became very rough, and the players indulged in an unnecessary amount of talk. Mr Drum, as referee, had con.

siderable difficulty in controlling players, and ordered one Newtonite off the field, whilst he has reported another. The matter will in all probability come up before the Rugby Union during the week. In the Parnell. City and Ponsonby, Grafton B contests the Parnell and Ponsonby districts win by default. The City district was only able to place one fifteen in the field on Saturday. This reads bad so early in the season. A cablegram announces that none of the University team will be included in the New South Wales representative team which visits New Zealand in September. This is bad luck for the Welshmen, as the University team includes several clever three-quarters, who performed well against the New Zealand team last year. The proposed legal registration of athletic bodies appears to be finding favour with the various clubs. At the last meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union letters were received from several athletic institutions, promising to support the movement. The matches played under the Fourth Junior Association resulted in Britomart defeating Terrace by 14 points to 3, and Roseberry defeating Beachcombers by 11 points to nil.

Seniors. D. Pts.for Agst. P. W. L. Parnell 5 4 0 1 59 5 Ponsonby .... 5 3 2 0 35 37 Newton 5 3 1 1 31 20 Grafton 5 3 2 0 43 23 City 5 2 3 0 23 38 North Shore .. 5 1 4 0 19 68 Suburbs 6 1 & 0 26 47 First Juniors. P. W. L. D. Pts. for Agst. Ponsonby .. .. 5 4 1 0 58 20 North Shore .. 5 4 1 0 73 25 Grafton 5 4 1 0 47 36 Parnell 5 3 2 0 72 36 City 5 1 4 0 6 38 Suburbs 6 1 5 0 37 71 Newton 5 I 4 014 78 Second Juniors. P. W. L. D'. Pts.for Agst. Newton 5 5 0 0 59 7 Grafton A .... 5 4 1 0 30 12 Parnell 6 3 3 0 32 34 Grafton B .. .. 5 2 3 0 26 33 Ponsonby .. .. City 5 6 2 0 3 6 0 0 22 16 38 49