FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 303, 14 May 1896, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY UNIONS CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR. NORTH ISLAND. AUCKLAND. First and Second Fifteens. May 16—Ponsonby v. Grafton, City v. Suburbs, Newton v. North Shore. May 23—Ponsonby v. City, Parnell v. Grafton, Newton v. Suburbs. May '30 —Ponsonby v. Newton, Parnell v. City, North Shore v. Suburbs. June 6—Ponsonby v. North Shore, Parnell v. Newton, Grafton v. City. June 13—Ponsonby v. Suburbs, Parnell v. North Shore, Grafton v. Newton. June 20—Parnell v. Suburbs, Grafton v. North Shore, City v. Newton. Third Fifteens. May 16—Parnell v. Ponsonby, Grafton v. Suburbs. •Way 23 —Parnell v. Grafton, Ponsonby v. Suburbs. (Repeat for Second and Third Rounds.) OHINEMURI. / May 16—Waihi v. Waitekauri, at Waihi. May 23 —Paeroa v. Karangahhke, at Paeroa. May 30 —Waitekauri v. Paeroa, at Paeroa. June 6—Waihi v. Karangahake, at Waihi. Junior matches in the some rotation, one week later. WAIROA. Senior and Junior. ,< May 16—United v. Aratapu, at Dargaville; Kopuru H- . v. Arapohue, at Kopuru. May 23 —Aratapu v. Kopuru, at Aratapu ; United 11. v. Arapohue, at Dargaville. The above to be repeated on opposite grounds for the second round. WELLINGTON. Senior. May 16—Petone v. Poneke, Petone No. 1; Athletic v. Melrose, Park No. 1. May 30—Wellington v. Melrose, Park No. 1; Petone v. Athletic, Park No. 2. June 6 —Petone v. Melrose, Petone No. 1; Wellington v. Poneke, Park No. 1. z J UNIOR. May 2—St. John’s v. St. Patrick’s College, Petone No. 1; Oriental v. Poneke, Island Bay; Athletic v. Selwyn, Newtown Park ; Melrose v. Petone No. 4. SOUTH ISLAND. DUNEDIN. May 16 —Kaikora v. Caversham, at Bishopscourt; Dunedin v. Alhambra, on the Caledonian Ground; Zingari-Richmond v. Union, on the North Ground; University v. Pirates, at Carisbrook. May 23—Alhambra v. University, on the Caledonian Ground; Union v. Oamaru, at Dunedin. May 25—Caversham v. Owaka, at St. Clair; Dunedin v. Oamaru, on the Caledonian Ground; ZingariRichmond v. Athletic, at Oamaru; Pirates v. Christchurch, at Christchurch. May 30 —Kaikorai v. Union, on the North Ground; Dunedin v. Pirates, at Carisbrook; Zingari-Ricnmond y. University, at Tahuna Park; Alhambra v. Caversham, on the Caledonian Ground. June 6—Kaikorai v. University, at Bishopscourt; Dunedin v. Zingari-Richmond, on ground to be arranged; Alhambra v. Union, at Opoho; Caversham v. Pirates, at St. Clair. June 13—Kaikorai v. Dunedin, at Bishopscourt; Alhambra v. Pirates, at Carisbrook; Zingari-Richmond v. Caversham, at Montecillo; Union v. University, at Tahuna Park. June 20—Kaikorai v. Zingari-Richmond, on ground to be arranged; Dunedin v.! Caver sham, at St. Clair; Alhambra v. University, at Tahuna Park; Union v. Pirates, at Carisbrook. June 27 -Kaikorai v. Alhambra, at Carisbrook ; Dunedin v. Union, on the Caledonian Ground; ZingariRichmond y. Pirates, at Montecillo ; Caversham v. University, at St. Clair. Opening of the 1896 Season —Wins for Parhell, City, and Grafton. The “ King of winter games,” v.hich had been formally welcomed by enthusiasts a couple of weeks back when the Parnell fifteen met and defeated the Waimate (Taranaki) team, was ushered in on Saturday last with the opening rounds of the championship fixtures in the three grades The majority of the matches were contes’ed at Potter’s Paddock, where 2,500 spectators availed them-

selves of the favourable weather to do homage to that most popular of outdoor sports —Rugby football. In the senior matches, Parnell defeated Ponsonby by 13 points to 3, City beat North Shore at Devonport ground by 11 points to 7, and Grafton scored a bloodless victory over Suburbs, on account of the latter club not being able to put a team in the field. The PARNELL v. PONSONBY fixture occupied the pride of position on No. 1 ground, and was watched with great interest throughout, though those who had looked for a repetition of last year’s struggle between these two teams, when they first met under similar circumstances, must undoubtedly admit that they were disappointed, as the game was by no means an interesting one, it only being very occasionally that any individual or collective brilliant play called for recognition, that of the old threequarter, Jervis (Parnell), being most noticeable. The maroons were skippered by Edmonds, and the Ponsonbyites by the astute Braund. Mr Parker gave general satisfaction as referee, and Messrs. Geard and Eaton were the line umpires. There was not a great deal to pick and choose between the two teams during the first half of the gameinpoint of strength, though the Parnellites seemed to possess a knowledge of one another’s play and a confidence and cunning that was not exhibited by the wearers of the black and blue jerseys, and to this fact in a great measure is attributable the result of the game. First blood was drawn by Parnell, about a quarter of an hour after the commencement of the game, Jervis securing a mark from a kick by the Ponsonby full-back, which was successfully put over the bar by the only “ Murphy,” from a most difficult angle, in his very- best style. Shortly after, the maroons penned their opponents in the corner, and kept them very busy for several minutes defending the line, which Ronayne ultimately crossed, after several short dashes in which he, Elliott, and Jervis were most prominent, and scored the first try close to the corner flag. Murray again took the shot and another capital kick added the major points, the bell shortly afterwards leaving the game Parnell 9, Ponsonby nil. In the second half the play was principally confined to Ponsonby territory, and though the latter drove the maroons back on several occasions and at times looked dangerously like scoring, it must be admitted that the Parnellites had the best of it. About half way through the spell Jervis added to the winning points with a smart goal from the field, but Ponsonby who stuck pluckily to their work were rewarded with a well deserved try obtained by Miller about ten minutes before the close of the game,after several most determined efforts had been made to cross the line.

GRAFTON v. SUBURBS. This match was to have been played on No. 2 ground at Potter’s Paddock, but the outlying district not being able to place a team in the field, the Graftonites scored a bloodless victory. The players present indulged in a little useful practice for the best part of half an hour. CITY v. NORTH SHORE. The match between City and North Shore was played on the ground of the latter at Devonport, and resulted in a victory for the visitors by 11 points to 7. From a spectator’s point of view, the contest was of a fairly even nature, though City was much more prominent in that essential feature —passing, and it was due to this fact that they piled up the very tidy score of 11 points, the result of three tries by Absolum, from nice passing runs between Coils, Hales, Surman, and the scorer, the major points being added in one instance by Charlie Stone The only score rendered by North Shore in the first half was a goal from a penalty kick, which was successfully piloted over the bar by Walker from close to the half-way line—a really splendid effort. In the second spell the honours were fairly divided, the Shore forwards quite holding their own with the visiting vanguard, though the backs could hardly be said to have borne the same favourable comparison as those who went across the water. Nevertheless, they fought a good uphill battle, and a goal from the field, potted by Clarke, brought the score handy to that of City,, the whistle leaving matters —City 11, North Shore 7, thus showing that the winners were unable to score in the second por-

tion of the game. Considering that the North Shore team was composed principally of juniors and that three of the best men (Wynyard, Breen, and Valentine) were away, they played a good game, and City had by no means the soft thing that was anticipated. THE JUNIORS. In the first junior match, Suburbs v. Grafton, the former secured a very easy win by 20 points to nil, Jones securing four tries for the victors, two of which were converted, while a goal was also kicked from the field. fhe Ponsonbyites were even more successful in their contest with Parnell, whom they defeated by 25 points to nil. In the third fifteen matches, the Ponsonbyites emulated their first junior brethren, beating Grafton by 25 points to nil.

Matters were more interesting in the struggle between Parnell and Suburbs, the former eventually winning by 7 points to 6. The winners’ score comprised a goal from a mark, and a try, and the losers secured two tries.

The North Shore footballers are highly incensed at their captain not putting in an appearance last Saturday. Too bad, “ Tabby.”

Young Tait played three-quarter for Parnell in place of W. Brodie, who has left for Coolgardie, and although evidently nervous he made no glaring mistakes.

Ponsonby badly want a really good full-back. Vai. Masefield played in that position on Saturday, but was by rio means a success, and his attempt at goal from the try was a very slovenly kick. Suburbs failed to place a senior team in the field, and, I am afraid, have practically disbanded. This is to be regretted, as unless some other arrangement is arrived at, several really good players will have to stand down for the rest of the season.

Walter captained North Shore in place of W ynyard, who was absent, and played a good game, kicking a goal frbiii a penalty hick from nearly half-way. George Katterns gave great satisfaction to both sides in the North ShoresCity match. For a referee to satisfy the Shore backers is something wonderful, and George must have been at his best. This was Katterns’ first appearance as referee in senior matches.

Athletics defeated Ponekes at Wellington by 8 to 3. This comes as a surprise to most Aucklanders, as the latter were reported very strong this season, their latest acquisition being Dave Gage, who left here some three weeks ago. Petone beat Wellington by 6 to love. Absolum, the ex-Suburbanite, started the season well by scoring no less than three tries. In the second spell North Shore pressed City so hard that towards the close of the game the latter had all their work cut out to avert a score. x

A If. Jones, our ex-champion sprinter, playing for Suburbs’ second fifteen, had a day out, and scored four tries. Suburbs won by 20 points to nil.

A pretty little girl, a Parnell “ barracker,” presented Capt. Edmonds with a line umpire’s flag before the commencement of the big match. Both teams joined in and gave three hearty c Hisers for the fair donor.

Mitchell’s play was greatly appreciated by the spectators on Saturday, arid he was rewarded on several occasions by applause. Graham, Scott, and Clarke also worked hard.

Jervis and Murray put on 10 points out of 13 for Parnell by their splendid kicking powers. The former kicked a beautiful left-foot goal, and Murray converted Jervis’ mark and added 2 points to Ronayne’s try from a diffiicult angle.

Edmonds got very few chances to distinguish himself, as the Ponsonby forwards secured the ball nine times out of ten, and gave Braund several chances, but Albie’s luck was evidently out, as nothing came of them. Donnelly, who for a long time has been a prominent and painstaking member of the Napier Football Club (say s our Namier correspondent), leaves Hawke’s Bay this week to take up his residence in Wellington. On Wednesday evening he was entertained at the Criterion Hotel, when Mr F. Logan, on behalf of the club, presented him with a set of gold studs and sleeve links.

The Wellington Referees’ Association has decided that its members shall wear a white jersey when officiating as referee. The Wairarapa Union proposes to make a tour of the North Island this season, playing the Bush, Hawke s Bay, and Manawatu. They also play the annual match, with Wellington at Wellington. The Management Committee of the Thames Rugby Union met on Friday evening last. Messrs Christie, McNeill, ' Sommerville, Greenslade, and Buckland (hon. secretary) were present. A letter from the Northern Rugby Union (Wai. roa) re a Thames team returning the visit paid by the Wairoa team last season was considered, and it was resolved that a reply be forwarded stating that no promise could be made, but that the matter would be considered later on in the season. It was decided that the arranging of the junior fixtures be held in obeyance. The opening of the season was fixed for the 16th inst., with the match, Thames v. Rovers. It was proposed by Mr McNeil, seconded by Mr Greenslade, that letters be forwarded to the secretaries of the senior clubs, asking for an expression of opinion as to affiliation with the Auckland Union, or as an alternative affiliation direct with the New Zealand Union. This motion, which concluded the business, was carried. A meeting of delegates to the Ohinemuri Rugby Union was held at Waihi recently. Mr W. Cullen presided. Mr H. Poland’s resignation as secretary was accepted, and Mr J. D. James (Waitekauri) was appointed to fill the vacancy. This Union being now affiliated with the Thames, a discussion arose over a selection committee for the representatives. It was left in the hands of the secretary to write to the Thames Rugby Union for particulars. It was resolved to form a Referees’ Association, and that each club nominate a fit person to act as referee, such nominees to undergo an examination by the Thames officials appointed for the purpose. The successful candidates will act in a similar capacity for the Ohinemuri district. This is a step in the right direction, as it will ensure the services of a fully qualified referee for future cup matches. — Advertiser. , . , A meeting of the committee of the Auckland Rugby Union was held’ at the Metropolitan Hotel on Wedesday night, last for the purpose of considering the applications of Smith and Siddle to be permitted to play for City and Newton Clubs respectively, and the protest lodged by the Suburbs Club against permission being granted to Absolum to play for City; The requests of both of the firstmentioned players were acceded to, and after going into the evidence relating to l Absolum, the cominiitee saw no reason for altering their decision to the effect that he be allowed to play for City. It was decided not to send a delegate to the forthcoming conference of referees, to be held at Wellington. It is to be regretted that the local Rugby Union cannot see its way clear to send a representative to the conference of referees, to be held in Wellington. The local union must know the ambiguous nature of the rules at present, and should support such conference, so that there will be one reading of the rules by allowing the referees to make what amendments they deem necessary, have the rules re-issued, and then try and do without any more tinkering for a few years, unless something of real importance crops up. It is hardly fair that the head-quarters of football in Auckland should refuse to lend their assistance to such a useful body as the Referees’ Association. . I shall be glad to receive from secretaries of Rugby Unions a list of the dates arranged for the championship,' cup, or senior contests connected with their Unions. , ... The Canterbury senior competitions fox the week ended 2nd inst., resulted as follows : — Albion scored 8 points to Sydenham’s nil; Christchurch beat East Christchurch by one goal, two tries (11 points) to one goal (5 points); Linwood defeated N’tu Ahuriri by 13 points to 4; and Merivale scored 9 points to nil by Canterbury College. The game at Woodend between Linwood and the N’tu Ahuriri team (reports the Lyttelton Times') was of the roughest possible nature, sufficiently so to demand the attention of the Rugby Union. ; On Saturday last Waitekauri defeated Karangahake by seven points to nil.