FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 848, 7 June 1906, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

The fourth matches in connection with the Auckland Rugby Union competition took place on Saturday in fine weather, but in each case the result was a foregone conclusion. City played Newton on No. 1 ground at Alexandra Park, and as was expected, won, but by no means as easily as was generally thought would be the case. In fact, for some time Newton appeared to have the better of the game, but they failed to take advantage of their opportunities. The first score came at the hands of Little as the result of a run by Magee, Smith, and himself, which Magee easily converted. Newton attacked strongly, but missed an opening, but on the ball being transferred to the other end of the ground Smith kicked a pretty goal. City nearly scored again, but Rowe just saved in time, and then Wolfgram should have got in for Newton, but mulled the pass. The second half was responsible for some fast give-and-take work of a very even description. Ultimately, on the result of a strong attack, Seeling got over, but Nicholson failed to convert, and the game ended 12 to nil in favour of City. * * * * Ponsonby had a rather soft win over Grafton, the score at the close being 17 to nil in favour of the western suburb. The game was even during the first spell, but towards the close Ponsonby rather ran over their opponents, whose great weakness was in their back division. The tries were scored by Dunning (2), (one converted by Wilson)), Carlow (2), and Francis. * * * * North Shore beat Parnell at Devonport by 10 points to nil, a margin which it was generally expected would have been larger. W. Wynyard took the leather across in the first half, Miller kicking a nice goal, while in the second spell Joyce scored near the posts, Miller again converting. The game all through was an even, if not particularly brilliant, display of football. * * * * In the second grade match, North Shore v. Parnell, North Shore won by 5 points to nil. Spragg secured a try, which was converted by Willits. Grafton 11. beat Ponsonby 11. by 9 points to nil. In the match, Newton 11. v. City 11., Newton won by 3 points to nil. * * « * In the third grade match, North Shore v. City, was a draw, neither side scoring. Parnell 111. beat Newton 11. by 15 points to nil. Ponsonby 111. won from Grafton 111. by default. * * * * In the fourth grade game Ponsonby IV. v. Grafton IV., the game was drawn, both teams scoring 3 points. Parnell IV. beat North Shore IV. by 15 points to 3. * * * * PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ MATCHES. A Grade. Onehunga beat Devonport by 6 points to 3. Ponsonby beat Nelson-street by 30 points to nil. Grafton beat Parnell by 15 to nil. Newton East beat Pitt-street by 8 to nil. Remuera beat Mount Eden by 12 to nil. Beresford-street by Richmond Road by 3 to nil. B Grade. Bayfield beat Mangere by 11 to nil. Epsom beat Chapel-street by 5 to nil.

Newmarket beat Ellerslie by 3 to nil.

Thames defeated Piako at Parawai on Saturday by 11 to nil. The scoring was done by Autridge, Kingham, and Coat, one try being converted by Winder. * * * * Paeroa beat Waihi by 11 points to 3. For the winners Sherson got a try, which was converted by Brenan, Daldy another, while Brenan kicked a penalty goal. Thomas secured a try for Waihi. X- -X- % The Auckland v. Taranaki match will probably be played here on August 11. * * * * The annual match against the Thames will in all probability take place on July 14. * * * * Wellington fairly ran rings round Wairarapa in a match on Monday, winning by no less than 62 to 9. The Wellington score was comprised of 13 tries, 10 conversions, and a penalty goal. H. D. Thomson got three tries, Gardiner, Roberts, Wallace and Ramsden two each, and Alexander and McGregor one each. Wallace kicked four goals, Spencer four, and Roberts three. Wairarapa got one try and two penalty goals. For thirteen goals to be kicked in a match must be almost a record. * * •* * Hamilton defeated Waipa on Monday by 8 to 3. * * * « Mr. G. Eater has been appointed hon. secretary to the Ponsonby Club in place of H. C. Jones, who has resigned. * * * * Playing under Association rules North Shore beat Ponsonby by 3 goals to nil. Corinthians just got home from Thistle by 3 goals to 2. North Shore 11. easily beat Tabernacle 11. by 6 goals to 1. W.Y.M.I. narrowly defeated Olympia by 2 goals to 1. Ivanhoe proved too good for W.Y.M.I. B team, winning by 6 goals to 1. « * * * Under Australian rules a capital game was played on Saturday between Australs and Imperials, the former just winning by 7 goals 12 behinds to 6 goals 15 behinds. A better and more exciting exposition of the game has not been seen in Auckland. ■ * * From New York comes word that the suppression of American football has resulted in Englishmen teaching their game to Americans. On April 7 there were over forty games of Rugby played in or near New York, the Englishmen teaching their opponents while playing. At the restaurants at night there were many informal British banquets, at which the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes were displayed and toasted. It is thus clear that Rugby Union football is spreading in America, and perhaps before many years pass the visit of a team from Australia may, take place. It only takes three weeks to reach America from Sydney.