Lacrosse.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 515, 7 June 1900, Page 7

Lacrosse.

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Coverpoint.]

June 9 —Ponsonby v Suburbs, Grey Lynn v. Grafton, Parnell v. North Shore. START OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES—WINS FOR GRAFTON, NORTH SHORE AND PONSONBY. The view of the beautiful Domain Cricket Ground last Saturday afternoon was indeed a very nice one. The pavilion was well filled with lady enthusiasts and their escorts, while there was a large sprinkling of people on the slopes. The players of the six clubs competing were to a man garbed in the uniform of their respective, clubs, and to look on the field one could not help but admiring them in their handsome costumes. Afternoon tea was handed round in fi st-class style by a Committee of Grafton district ladies under Mrs P. Luckie. The Association has made a wise move by helping to carry out this arrangement. The most important game was played between Suburbs and Grafton. A very close finish was expected on account of the Subuibans defeating the black and whites i the tournament recently held. However, Suburbs did not play up to expectations. Immediately after the face off the red and blacks carried the rubber into Graftons’ te ritory. Walker had a shot ; tho ball went a shade wide, then a series of loose scrambles ensued. Morrin, from one of these, drove the rubber into the net. The black and whites shifted play into neutral quarters, where it remained in close proximity for five minutes, then by a bit of neat passing invaded Suburbs* territory. Atkinson got the ball in his crosse, and beat a couple of his opponents and shot Grafton’s first goal. Suburbs after this were again on the aggressive. Faulty play by Walker lost a chance of scoring, and Stewart shot up the field, passing to Graham, who in turn passed to Atkinson, who again returned to Graham ; the latter then managed to beat the goal keeper. It was noticeable Suburbs’ defence was not complete without Owen who was on the attack. Thomson, who took his place, was new to the position, and failed to check Atkinson properly. The latter and Hill shot one each before the spell was sounded. Directly after the face-off Suburbs forward men inaugurated a passing rush and a score seemed imminent. Kallender, however, secured, and threw well out of danger. Luckie started a good passing run for Grafton. This resulted in Atkinson shooting a fifth goal. Grafton would have increased their score had it not been for the splendid defence of Brown and N. Somerfield. From this till the whistle blew the black and whites had the best of it, and Atkinson shot two more goals. Mr W. B. fiyre had charge of the game. The marine suburb men were too good for Grey Lynn, and won by 8 goals to 3. The game was fast from the start. The Shore had a lot of quick men. Miller threw to “ Tab ” Wynyard, who sent the ball on to Eagleton ; the latter shot the first goal of the match. Soon after this clever play by Sweet and Watson resulted in E. Bradley making things even. Shore had a couple of openings given them, but their shooting was not very straight, and nothing resulted. Just before the finish of this spell E. Tizard drove the “ blue sashs 9 ” second goal under the posts. Play was fast throughout the second portion of the game. Eagleton threw Shore’s third goal. Sweet replied with a splendid shot. Then after play was carried up and down the ground for a while “ Tab ” Wynyard shot a nice one for Shore, Tizard got another, two.for the Shore by clever work. Watson now got Grey Lynn’s

third and last goal. Close on time when the light was bad, Blackler and S. Walker were able to bring the “Blues’” score up to 8 goals. Mr George Robinson was an impartial referee. NOTES ON PLAY. I expected Suburbs to make a much better show against Grafton. Their Captain made a serious mistake when he took Thomson out of goal and brought Herrold there. He also blundered in putting Owen on the attack; several sundry shifts were not a success. Hardingham, for the winners, gives promise of developing into a first-elasa man. Saturday was his first appearance before the public. J. Roberts played nicely, his checking work was good, and his handling of his crosse was at times brilliant. Atkinson was in great buckle, though it must be admitted he was well backed up by his comrades on the attack, who always had a big say in the scores. Kallendar was very safe in goal. He stopped some very hard shots, which most of our goalkeepers are not capable of. Hill, Reed, Graham, and Luckie were about the best of the balance of Grafton’s team. A. Walker played his usual hard game; so did N. Somerfield. Foubister has improved much lately, but is still a bit weak at stick work. Bendall works consistently, and never seems to tire. Brown (2) and Morrin worked hard to avert defeat. “ Tab ” Wynyard was very useful to the Shoreites; his dodging was the special feature of his play. Alexander, a new player, will do well as the season goes on. Ward, Martin, and Tizard Brothers are hard toilers. Blackler played one of the best games on the ground. Sweet is rapidly getting into form. Bradley Brothers played well together. A. P. has lost some of his selfish habits. J. Warne ok play el his usual safe game. Cooke, Gummer, White and Watson were the pick of the rest for Grey Lynn Poneonby had an easy win over Parnell, as was expected. H. McCoy was responsible for 3 goals, Short, Nolan, Latta, and Lundon one each. Parnell failed to break through the Blue and Blacks’ defence, which was splendid. Anderson, Short, .Nolan, and Latta are the only attack players who seem to do any passing. Lundon has gone off a lot lately; fie plays too much for his own interest. He ought to drop this habit, which is detrimental to his own play and his club’s success. E. J. Fenn w&s the best man in this match; his work around was a treat to watch. Stubbs and Moore Jones give promise of much development. R. Mason is going to make a real good centre with a little more experience.. Lennox, Challis Brothe.s, and Hicks were at times most useful to their side. “Bob” Noton’s knee was bad, and he was unable to assist Ponsonby last Saturday. Messrs Noton Bros have generously offered to supply the tea for afternoon tea throughout the season. Their action is both thoughtful and popular. Owing to the plague, it is doubtful whether any intercolonial matches will be played in Sydney this season.