All-round Sport

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 208, 19 July 1894, Page 1

All-round Sport

By

Hurdler.

FOOTBALL CONTESTS. July 21 —Auckland v. Tauranga July 28—Auckland v. Taranaki August 4—Auckland v. South Canterbury August 11 —Auckland v. Thames August 18 —Auckland v. Hawke’s Bay August 25 —Auckland v. New South Wales August 29 —North Island v. New South Wales at Auckland September I—Auckland v. Wellington CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTS. first juniors. July 21. Suburbs v. Newton Parnell v. Ponsonby Grafton v. North Shore SECOND JUNIOBS. Grafton B v. Ponsonby Newton v Grafton A I City v. Parnell

Football.

The attendance at Potter’s on Saturday v7as by far the largest which has so far this season been seen at Epsom. Although the day continued beautifully fine, the principal match was not an important fixture, nor one calculated to produce an exciting game, and for this reason the attendance of fully 2000 spectators augurs well for the financial success of the Auckland Rugby Union during the coming season. A glance at the above programme shows that starting on Saturday next and finishing on September Ist, Auckland is set down to take part in no less than eight important matches, and should the Auckland public continue to extend to the Auckland Rugby Union such liberal patronage as on Saturday last, the football season for 1894 should close with that body one of the wealthiest Unions in the Colonies. The principal contest on Saturday was, of course, that between Auckland and Franklin, in which Mr Webster officiated as referee, and Messrs Parker and Keefe as line umpires. Donald kicked off for Auckland, and Roulston returned badly, sending the ball into touch in his own 25. Mills secured the ball from the throw-in and immediately started a passing run in which McGill and Kissling took part, the latter being well tackled by Condon. The visiting forwards threw all their weight into the scrum which was formed within a few yards of their line, and not only prevented the local team from heeling out but got on a strong rush which carried the oval to the centre flag, where Kissling picked up smartly and kicked into touch. From the throw in Oliphant started a rush of the local forwards which transferred play to the Franklin 25, and Elliott getting possession of the ball made a smart dodgy run and drew first blood for Auckland by crossing the Franklyn line. Oliphant took the kick but the ball struck the cross bar. Auckland, 3 , Franklyn, 0. In the line play and scrum work which followed the kick out the visitors more than held there own, and were invading the Auckland territory when Edmonds secured a mark, and kicked well down ‘ the field into touch. From, the throw-in the Franklin forwards again got on a determined rush, in which Luke Wright and Brownlee figured prominently. From some loose play which took place about midfield Edmonds picked up and passed to Elliott* who, in turn, sent the leather on to McGill, who transferred to Roberts, the latter making a good run and getting to within a few yards of the line. From a scrum formed here it looked as if the Auckland team must score, but the forwards were unable to heel out and the Franklin vanguard again getting on rush carried the oval to the other end of the field, where Roberts’ pace enabled him to secure the ball, and by a fine run which he finished up with a well-judged kick, he transferred the scene of play to the Franklin 25. Individual

play on the part of Cranson brought play back to the centre flag, where the ball went into touch. From the throw in the visitors again demonstrated the strength of their vanguard by taking the ball well into the Auckland 25, where their career was only checked by clever play on the part of Elliott, who sent the ball into touch at the centre. Rhodes here secured a mark, and kicked into touch in the visitors’ 25. From the throw in Edmonds passed out to Elliot, who transferred to McGill, who on being tackled returned to Elliott, and .the latter again dashed over the line and secured Auckland’s second try. Oliphant’s attempt at goal was unsuccessful, the ball again striking 'the post. Auckland 6, Franklin o. Cornthwaite kicked out and Kissling returned into touch. From the throw in, the Franklin forwards gradually worked the ball along the line until within a few yards of the Auckland goal line, and it was only over anxiety on the part of the Franklin backs which prevented them from scoring. Masefield got his side out of difficulty by a splendid kick, the ball going into touch midway between the 25 and centre flag. The visiting forwards again returned to the attack, and after a brilliant rush, in which they narrowly escaped scoring, the local - team was compelled to force. Donald kicked out and Condon sent the ball into touch. From the throw in the Auckland forwards carried the ball into the opposing 25, where Edmonds, passing out to Roberts, the latter succeeded in crossing the line after a smart run. Oliphant was this time successful with the kick, and landed a fine goal—Auckland 11, Franklin 0/ Following up their kick out the visitors prevented the ball from being returned, and play remained in the Auckland 25 for Some considerable time. The Franklin forwards made great endeavours to score, and from one of the forward rushes, which carried the ball almost to the Auckland goal line,' Cornthwaite picked up smartly 1 and dashed across the line amidst great applause from the spectators. He took the kick himself, but the attempt was a poor one —Auckland 11, Franklin 3. Donald kicked out, the ball going into touch. From the throw in, a rush of the Auckland forwards transferred the play to the visitors 25. where Ronayne, picking up smartly, ran to within a few yards of the line, and then passing to Elliot, the latter had no difficulty in scoring Auckland’s fourth and his own third try. Oliphant failed to convert. Auckland 14, Franklin 3. A poor kick out gave Edmonds possession of the ball, and after making a dodgy run he finished up with an unsuccessful pot at goal. For being in front of the ball a scrum was formed in the visitors’ 25, and the ball coming out to Ronayne, this player made the best run of the day, scoring right behind the posts. Oliphant kicked a goal, and the spell ended shortly afterwards, the scores being Auckland 19, Franklin 3. Cornthwaite kicked off in the second spell, and Kissling returned well into touch. The throw in resulted in some good passing between Elliot, Ronayne and, Kissling, the latter scoring behind the posts. Oliphant again converted. Auckland 24, Franklin 3. The play which followed the kick off was of a give and take character, the ball being carried from one end of the field to the other in a remarkably short space of time. Some pretty dribbling between Oliphant and Rhodes carried play into the visitors* territory, where Ronayne getting the ball from some loose play again succeeded in crossing the line, near the corner flag. Oliphant made a good though unsuccessful attempt at goal. Auckland 27, Franklin 3. For fully five minutes after the kick out the play remained in Auckland territory, and it was only the fine defen-

sive play of Masefield which, prevented the Franklin team from scoring. A good kick by Roberts relieved his side, and good following up on thl? part of Anderson and Rhodes enabled the pair to carry the ball to within a few yards of the Franklin line, where Condon kicked into touch. From the throw in the visitors’ forwards again worked the oval into the Auckland 25, Hogan, Luke and Wright doing some fine work. From a scrum formed close to the Auckland line the half-back made a badly judged pass, which Elliott intercepted and ran to the centre flag. The Franklin forwards, however, again worked the ball into , Auckland territory, but a long kick by McGill transferred play to midfield, where some passing between ( Oliphant, Rhodes and Roberts ended in the latter almost scoring. Franklin had all the best of a scrum which was formed here, and the ball was driven into touch at the 25 flag.. Ronayne got possession of the ball from the throw in, and passing out to Elliott the latter made a good run and transferred to Kissling, who again touched down behind the posts. Oliphant kicked a goal. /Auckland 32, Franklin 3. Soon after the kick off Donald was conspicuous for some fine dribbling, which ended in Oliphant scoring another try for Auckland. The kick at goal failed to increase the score, and ‘‘ no side ” was called soon afterwards with the following scores— Auckland 35, Franklin 3. The pronounced defeat inflicted upon the visiting team was solely due to the indifferent form shown by their backs. At kicking, tackling, passing, stopping rushes, and in fact all departments of back play, they were simply wretched, and enough to break the hearts of the gamest forward division that ever went on a field. The only members of the visitors’ backs to show anything like .e decent form were Condon and Cranston, and but for their efforts it is impossible to say what the score of the Auckland team might not have reached. The Franklin forwards on the other hand are a fine set and as a vanguard infinitely superior to the Auckland forwards. They are certainly not so well up in the finer points of the game as our local forwards, and have no “ tricky play ” of any kind, but for honest and earnest “ graft,” both in the scrum and the open, commend me to the Franklin boys. It was considered by many good judges of the game that hadthe Franklin forwards been playing in front of our best set of junior backs the Auckland team would have required to play even a better game than they did, to win. ? On nearly every occasion on which the ball got among the Auckland backs a score was invariably secuied owing to the weak defence of the Franklin ,backs, but it is worthy of remark that the former rarely got the ball from their own forwards. Although scrums and line play was the order of the day, and gave every facility to the local team to get on passing runs, our reps, were unable to take advantage of this fact owing to their forwards being overmatched. In fully three but of every four scrums the Franklin forwards got possession of the ball, and on the few occasions on which the local forwards did secure it they were fairly pushed off their feet before they could heel it out. The passing runs which took place between the Auckland backs, and which won the match, were either the result of a smart pick up in some loose play or through the opposing forwards losing possession of the ball through kicking too hard. Masefield, at full back, was not called upon to do a great amount of work. That which he had to do, he however performed in a masterly style, and frustrated one attack of the Franklin forwards by a piece of brilliant play. Kissling got several good opportunities to distinguish himself, and did not fail to take advantage of them. On each occasion on which he scored he had a straight run in, but he took the pass cleanly and made no mistakes. His defence was as strong as usual. McGill did not get many chances. He could, however, have scored once had he stuck to the ball, but he played the correct game, and sent the ball on to Elliott, who had only to fall over the line. Roberts got off some good runs, his great pace telling in his favour. He should, I ‘think, moderate his habit of punting the ball over the backs’ heads. It is a good game when all except the full back have been passed and there is no one backing him up, but he would re3uire great luck to pass all the backs at le punting and following up game.. Elliot played a great game and scored no less than three trie's. His three weeks’ < spell from the game has evidently done

him no harm, for on Saturday he played with all his old dash. Ronayne was also seen to fine advantage, and put in a lot of work. The run which gained him his first try was a really good one, and fairly brought the gallery. Edmonds got few chances behind the scrum, but made up for it by his splendid defensive work. He stopped many dangerous rushes, and got off some fine points. But for his defensive work on Saturday, Edmonds as centre-half would have been a man thrown away, for his forwards gave him no chances of getting on any passing. ' Of the forwards I liked best the play of Anderson and Hallamore. Each appeared to graft in the scrum, and did a fair share of work in the open. Considering that the latter was playing as centre forward, his following up is a clear proof that he is an honest worker. Oliphant did not appear altogether at home in the_scrum. It is easy to imagine the handicap imposed on a wing player to be told at a moment’s notice that he has to go into the scrum. Oliphant proved clever in the loose open play. Heffernan was not noticeable on Saturday for anything brilliant, although he followed np well. He had bad luck in not scoring on one occasion. Rhodes was “ all there ” in the rushes, and took part in several of the passing runs. ~ Ike Mills was elected captain of the team. He played his usual clever game and caused the Franklin backs much trouble by fast following up. Speight, who is usually a fine scoring forward, had few chances to distinguish himself through being centre forward. He played hard from start to finish and made no mistakes when he did get a chance. Hugh Wright (Parnell) filled the place of one of the Franklin forwards who was absent. He was prominent in many dangerous rushes and frequently came to the assistance of his backs. During a conversation which I had with a prominent supporter of the visiting team, he expressed great dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Franklin backs performed. He tells me that although they are far from being a strong combination, they are, nevertheless, capable of a much better performance than that of Saturday. He attributes their bad form to their not being accustomed to play in the presence of so many spectators. “ Why Fred Peace (writes ‘ Threequarter,’ in the Manukau Gazette} should have been left out of the Auckland team I can’t make out. If the selection committee were not so thick-headed and would place Peace in his position, centre three-quarter, I• have not the slighest doubt but that he would prove himself to be about the cleverest centre Auckland has yet had to battle for her. An Auckland rep. fifteen is not complete without him.” The first junior match on Saturday next between Ponsonby and Parnell promises to supply an unusually exciting contest.' At present Ponsonby has a commanding lead for the championship, and should they succeed in winning on Saturday the much coveted honour shall be practically theirs. The Parnellites, I hear, intend to place a strong team in the field, and a really good game may be relied upon. I fancy the Ponsonby boys will about win. Jervis has started training in view of the coming inter-provincial matches. He expects that his shoulder will be sufficiently well to permit of his playing against Taranaki. The New Zealand Football Association tournament in which teams from Otago, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Auckland contest, has been arranged to take place on August 8,9, and 11. The contests will probably take place in the Domain. Contrary to my expectations of last week several alterations have been made in the team which is to represent Auckland against Tauranga on Saturday next. The alterations are confined to the forwards, one being unavoidable, owing to the fact that C. Speight has left for the Waikato, where he is likely to remain for some time. His place as centre forward has been filled by H. Speight, of the North Shore team, who has been showing remarkably good form in the practice matches. Heffernan has been thrown out of the team to make room for C. Stone, whom I have no doubt will in future play the game necessary to maintain a place in the reps. A Rugby enthusiast sends me the following team which he would like to see play against Taranaki: — Fullback, Masefield; three-quarters, Roberts, Jervis

and McGill; halves, Braund and Elliott; wing forwards, Mills and Oliphant; forwards, Hallamore, Stone, Otway, Heffernan, Rhodes, Anderson, Donald. Our reps, are to practise every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at the Metropolitan Ground. This is a great improvement upon hall practice, where one has hardly sufficient room to turn around.

The Tauranga team which plays Auckland on Saturday has not at time of writing been chosen. It will, however, include several well-known players who have represented the Auckland province, and I have been told by several who have seen the team practice that our local reps, will not have such an easy game as on Saturday last. The Tauranga boys have been diligently practising for some time, and have acquired considerable combination. The result of their match yesterday with the Thames, which will come to hand too late for insertion in this week’s issue, should give a good idea of their chance against Auckland. My own opinion is that if Tauranga can beat the Thames team they will go very near beating our Auckland “ reps.” The following is the Auckland team : — Fullback, Masefield ; three-quarters, Roberts, Kissling and McGill ; halves, Elliott, Edmonds, and Ronayne ; forwards, Anderson, Donald, Hallamore, Mills, Oliphant, Rhodes, Speight and Stone. The Poneke Football Club has again annexed the senior championship at Wellington.

HAWKE’S BAY FOOTBALL.

(BV WIRE.—FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) July 17 th.

On Saturday last the County Club defeated Napier after a hard struggle by 13 points to 12. Napier were the first to score, Caradus kicking a penalty goal, but the County immediately set to work to wipe off the deficiency, and had compiled all their score before their opponents had added to their’s. Tipene and Tuhitari scored tries for County, and Caulton dropped a goal and also kicked a penalty goal. When their opponents had obtained a lead of 10 points. Napier woke up, and scored three tries in quick succession by the agency of Bennet, who crossed the County line twice, and Ryan. None of the attempts at goal were successful, and although Napier pressed their opponents hard no further score was made. For County Caulton played a splendid game at centre three-quarter, his kicking being very clean and sure, and he was ably seconded by Tuhitari and Mathieson. Hiroa, Matthew and McDowell were the pick of the forwards. Walker played a fine game at fullback for Napier, his coolness permitting him on several occasions to get his side out of serious difficulties. Hume and Bennett played good games at three-quarters, as did Caradus at half. Wilson, Murray and Ryan were the best of the forwards. The Pirates defeated Caledonians after a very uninteresting game by 6 points to love. Both were weaker than usual, several players being laid up with influenza. The Caledonians who are a very light team, were on several occasions almost scoring, but the weight of their opponents told in the scrums, and they were thereby enabled to avert the danger. The Pirates’ score was two tries, one obtained by James O’Connell and one by Caldwell, Cheer, Swan. Biel and Franklin were the best of the Pirates, and H. Kelly, P. Kelly, Macfarlane, and Toohey, of the Caledonias. Napier 11. defeated County 11. by eight to six, and the Caledonians 11. opposed by ten men put up a score of 33 to nil against the Pirates. The Napier 111. easily beat the Rangers by 12 to 3. The Pirates now lead Napier by one point for the senior championship. Next Saturday a practice match will be held for the representative team.

TARANAKI FOOTBALL.

(from our own correspondent.) July 13th. In my last week’s notes McMillan’s — a last year Auckland rep., by-the-by—-name was printed McWilliam, and Gangster’s appeared also incorrectly. The errors must have crept in through the names being transmitted by telegraph. Laing will be unable to play in the rep. team on account of a bad shoulder. Owing to several players being unable to get away, the trial rep. team match will not be played here to-morrow. ,0n Thursday Clifton 11. beat Tukapa by 6 to 3. Rowe scored a try, and Snell

kicked a penalty goal for the winners, and Petty scored a try for the losers. Tukapa has entered a protest on the ground that Clifton played a senior player, L. Bayly. The Kaitake played Inglewood the same day, the result being a draw, neither side scoring. A second junior cup match was played in the Recreation Grounds between Tukapa 11. and Star 111., the former winning by 9 points to 3. C. Webster scored a try, which P. Thomson converted, and S. Rennell potted a goal for the victors. The play-off for the senior cup between Waimate and Star will take place in August. I hear that the New South Wales— Taranaki match gwill be played in the Recreation Grounds here. W. Webster, the Taupaki captain, had the misfortune to sprain an ankle while practising the other day. In last week’s notes Clifton 11. was printed Tukapa 111.