FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1057, 9 June 1910, Page 12

FOOTBALL.

Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the Auckland Rugby Union’s club competitions were proceeded with at Alexandra Park on Saturday, the ground being in a very slippery condition and the leather greasy, making attractive football far from possible. Two senior matches were played, City and the Marist Brosbeing engaged on No. 1 ground, and Ponsonby and University on No. 2 ground. The Marist Bros, have been improving each match they play, and their many supporters fully expected them to give the Cityi.es a tough “ go” for it on Saturday, and this they did, being beaten only by three points after a game in which there was little to choose between the play of both sides. The final score was: City 6, Marist Bros. 3, and many considered that the Old Boys were unlucky to lose, as they put up a very good display under the unfavourable conditions, particularly the backs. The Ponsonby team easily accounted for the University fifteen, which made a very poor stand against the blue and blacks- In all, the Ponsonbyites ran up 16 points, while the students were unable to score. It was thought, with the Ponsonby team weakened considerably by the loss of a number of their best players, that a fairly even game would result, but the players from the western suburb asserted their superiority from the kick-off. It was by no means a good display of football, and as the game progressed it resolved itself into a mud scramble, in which the Ponsonby men had all the best of it. City v- Marist BrosWith a drizzling rain falling, the teams took the field, and onlookers were naturally, prepared for a game devoid of brilliancy. Still, there was plenty of excitement for those present, as when the first spell ended the Marist Bros, were in the lead, so that matters in the second half became highly interesting, and it was impossible to predict the winning side with any confidence- Play was hard throughout, the forwards of both teams lacking nothing so far as vim was concerned, and the struggle that ensued filled the onlookers with excitement. The Marist Bros.’ backs showed up much better than the City rear division, their handling of the wet ball being a treat to witness. Winning the toss the Marist Bros, took advantage of the wind in the first half, but failed to make enough use of their opportunities. Despite the disadvantages under which they were playing, the City men kept up a determined attack, but a clever piece of work by White shifted matters out of the Marist Bros.’ territory, the player in question being brought down after a brilliant run when within about five yards of the line. Repeated attempts by the Marist Bros, to get over the City goal-line were met with a stubborn resistance, and. finally the red and blacks carried play to the other end of the field, where matters Were concentrated until White relieved the situation. The Marist Bros- then warmed up to their work, and their efforts were rewarded, Blake, getting over near the corner. Taking the kick himself he failed to, send the leather. over the crossbar, and the bell rang for halftime shortly after with the score: Marist Bros. 3, City nil. With the wind against them in the second spell Marist Bros.’ chances of success were by no means fancied,

and many predicted the Cityites would run all oyer them. Their judgment, however, was at fault, for the wearers of the blue kept their opponents busy, and were nearly over City’s line shortly after the resumption of play, B. O’Brien missing a golden opportunity by his failure to gather in the ball, R. Magee relieving the Cityites. In the play that followed Montgomery was temporarily knocked out. City were now playing vigorously, realising that they had no time to waste, and they gave the Marist Bros, plenty of defensive work. Finally, a high punt by one of the was badly missed by the Marist Bros, backs, and the City men seizing, the opportunity of a score were soon ,in among the Old Boys, ; Stewart cleverly securing possession of the leather, and dashing over and registering the red and blacks’ first try. R. Magee’s shot at goal was unsuccessful: Marist Bros. 3, City 3- A few minutes later Stewart got over again for City as the result of a smart piece of work on his part. Estall failed with the shot at goal from a difficult angle: City 6, Marist Bros. 3. Matters were fairly even during the remainder of the game, neither side scoring further pointsMr- G. Katterns acted as referee. * « Gaudie, G. Tyler and J- Maguire were always prominent among the City division all three playing hard, useful games. Buchanan, at halfback, again displayed much cleverness, and if he plays as consistently throughout the season as he has done in the last three matches, his inclusion in the 1910 Auckland representative team should prove a certainty. R. Magee at five-eighths played his usual serviceable game, taking a hand in the bulk of the work. Mincham, at fullback, proved a success in that position, and little fault could be found with his play. P. Sheahan, T. Harris and Kneebone formed a trio of grafters in the Marist Bros.’ forwards, and managed to always get in the thick of the fray. The O’Brien Bros, both acquitted themselves with credit, their clever handling of the wet ball being a feature of their play Little was responsible for a good deal of work, being of great assistance to his sidePonsonby v. University. The Ponsonby team included a number of juniors, while University were without the services of several of their leading players- The game needs little comment, as science was a missing factor, and there was not much to interest the spectator- From the kick-off it was an easy matter to see that the Ponsonbyites were too strong for the light blues, and the game had nol been long in progress when Walker registered the blue and blacks’ first try, breaking over the line from a scramble. Webb added the major points: Ponsonby 5, University nil. The score remained unchanged when the whistle blew for half-time.

On resuming, the Ponsonby forwards livened up and completely overran the students, tries being scored in turn by Savory, Barrett and Webb, the last-named player converting one of them. The game came to a conclusion with the Ponsonby men attacking strongly in University’s territory, the final score being: Ponsonby 16, University nil. Mr. A- Freeman refereed. ♦ ♦ 3ft Of the Ponsonby forwards, none showed up better than Barrett, who played a hard, bustling game from start to finish. Among the backs Webb and McGregor again displayed good form, both playing useful games. For University, W. Gray is the player deserving of most praise, as up to the time of receiving a serious injury to his head he was playing a sterling gameSecond Grade. College Rifles defeated Parnell by 27 points to nil. For the winners tries were obtained by Ifwerson (2), Nesbit (2), Hines (2), and Hartland, while the first-named player converted three of the tries. Grafton beat North Shore by 6 points to 4. Newton had a victory over Marist Bros, by 5 points to 3. For the winners P. Magee notched a try, which was converted by Spiers, while Sheehan scored a try for the losers. Thlird Grade. Grafton B and University A played a drawn game, each side scoring three points- Candy kicked a penalty goal for Grafton, while Davey potted a penalty goal for ’Varsity.

Manukau won from North Shore by default. Ponsonby defeated Grafton A by 23 points to nil. Newton won from Marist Bros, by default. Fourth Grade. Ponsonby beat Newton by 11 points to nil. Grafton won from North Shore by default. City gained a victory over Parnell by the latter defaulting.

MEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MATCH-

HOW THE PLAYERS SHAPED. “ The Dominion” makes the following interesting comments on the individual play of the New Zealanders in their match against Wellington on Friday last: —As regards the players, taking the “ All Blacks” first, the display given by O’Leary at fullback could not be regarded as satisfactory. His fielding in the early stages of the game was poor, and on a number of occasions he failed on the defence, chiefly through waiting for the ball to bounce. Of the threequarters, Mitchinson caught the eye of the spectators most. There can be no doubt that he has not played better this year, and it was pleasing to his many admirers to see an occasional glimpse of the brilliant play for which he was noted a couple of seasons back- F- Wilson is smart in his movements, but he had not a great many chances. On his latest showing he strikes one as being more formidable on the attack than on defence. For some reason or another Stohr, who has plenty of pace, did not play up to the standard which was anticipated- On several occasions his defence was anything but convincing; be seemed far too careful of himself altogether. As usual, Fuller was a host in himself. Indeed, without this clever and versatile player, the team would be badly off. He received all kinds of passes, but he always made a capital shot to gather in the oval, and his display was marked by the utmost unselfishness. Mynott was in fine fettle, and worked reasonably hard, but his play lacked his former pace, and was not without serious blemishes, one of the worst being his erratic passing; Upon his showing—and, indeed, taking the whole of his games this season —Roberts is not the Roberts of 1905-6. He certainly opened up the game very well at times, but he took chances of a kind which more capable opponents would soon turn to account. Of the forwards the front row men, Ridland and Bligh, were anything but successful at first, but later made ample amends in their department. It was noticeable that none of the “ stars” —Francis, Paton, or Patterson —were fully extended, although they worked hard. Upon his showing Evans is not a wonder, being ■ beaten repeatedly by Avery, but he is expected to play himself into better form. Budd was fairly industrious throughout, whilst Wilson showed to advantage by the way in which he assisted the rearguard.

NORTHERN UNION FOOTBALL.

Auckland v. Rotorua. On Saturday the Auckland League representatives meet the Rotorua Rugby League team at Victoria Park, and as many well-known players will take part in the match, an interesting and exciting game is promised. The teams will be represented as follows: — Auckland: Fullback, O. Miller; threequarters, A. Asher, G‘. Smith, and E- Asher; five-eighths, Carlaw and McDonald; halfback, Jackson; forwards, Griffin, Mackrell, Dunning, A. Stannaway, C. Linkhorn, and G. Sea gar- Emergencies: Backs, Farrant, Riley, and Bonner; forwards, Fricker and Bradburn. Rotorua: Rawson, Hart, Haspard, Woodward, Fernandez, Mcßae, Papakura, Duval. Kiri, Anderson, Rogers, McCallum and Davidson. Auckland League Competition. The Auckland Rugby League’s competition was advanced another stage on Saturday, the Newton Rangers defeating Ponsonby United by 5 points to 2, and the City Rovers securing a victory over North Shore Albions by 12 points to 6. The Newton-Ponsonby match was keenly contested throughout, Newton registering the first score as the result of Bonner kicking a penalty goal, while they obtained a try before thft first spell closed, Smith getting

across: Newton 5, Ponsonby nil. With the wind in their i.avour during the second spell, the Ponsonbyites gave a willing exhibition, but were unable to break through the Newton men’s defence, the only score they obtained being a penalty goal, kicked by Cole, and the game ended: Newton 5, Ponsonby 2.

The English League Team.

The English Northern Union footballers, or at least a major.ty of them, are at last with us, having arrived on Thursday morn.ng (says the Sydney “Arrow” of May 28th). With calm weather and smooth seas most of the way, the party thorough.y enjoyed the 12,000 m’.les ocean trip. As usual in long voyages, the passengers whiled away a great deal of time in various competitions and contests. Our English friends entered into these with great zest, and incidentally carried off several trophies, which Wii. be prized as small mementoes of their very pleasant journey to the land of the Golden Fleece. James Lomas, solid and massive as a block of granite, though not tall, beat all comers at putting the weight. He looks a pretty solid proposition, too, for anyone to tackle in feats oi strength. With few exceptions, the players are built on thick-set lines. There are no towering, raking forwards (Ramsdale excepted) like the New Zealanders, McMinn, Udy, Francis, and our own A- B. Burge. Their physique is more of the Cunningham type, though none are quite so aldermanic as the evergreen All Black. Now that the team is in our midst, the general desire is to see them in action. That opportunity wHI be given the public for the first time this day week. Their colours are red and white, and in addition they wear on the guernsey a shield emblematic of England and Wales.

The English Northern Union team have suffered defeat in both matches they have, played since landing in Australia. In . their first match against New South Wales the home team defeated the Englishmen by 2 8 points to 14, after a very willing game which was witnessed by 4 0,000 spectators. The second match against New South Wales again furnished evidence of the superior play of the local team, the English thirteen being defeated to the tune of 27 points to 20 in the presence of 40,000 persons,

According to a Southern papei* a well known referee took a commendable step last week in calling together opposing captains and notifying them that any talking would be dealt with, with the result that his duties were made easier. The example could be copied with advantage, especially in Auckland.

Patterson, the big Otago and New Zealand forward, who is a member of the All Black team now in Australia, is in rare form just now, and should be one of the best on the side.

Budd, who was selected to take Mitchell’s place in the New Zealand team, hails from South Canterbury, where he has a great reputation for sterling worth in the forward division.

Glasgow, of “All Black” reputation, who has thrown in his lot with Timaru, is now almost certain of permanency there, and has agreed to coach the Timaru boys.

Some surprise is expressed at Alex. M’Donald, the All Black, having come out of his retirement after his decision of last season, (says a Dunedin writer). Though rumour has connected this fine player with intentions to desert the amateur code, it is far from the truth. It will be found that M’Donald’s principal reason for turning out again is to assist his old club, which is at present sadly in need of a guiding hand. One prefers to believe this. By the way, the Kaikorai All Black was present at Carisbrook on Saturday, but did not take part in the

match against the Alhambra- Indisposition following an attack of influenza the reported cause.

Jas. Ryan, the Petone back, who is a member of the All Black team, was made the recipient of a handsome travelling bag from the club members at the training gymnasium a few nights before leaving for Australia.

The encroaching spectator is still a confirmed nuisance on the North Ground (says a Dunedin writer), where on Saturday last, owing to the crowd getting round the goal line, one of the Union players (M'Lennan), had the mislortune to break his collar-bone in a collision with the übiquitous small boy. This is the second accident of a serious nature, which has deprived Union of the services of two of its best players. F. Ivemy, of the New Zealand team, is the other one.

The Otago representative team will go on tour about the end of August, and will play matches agamst Canterbury, We'.lington, Taranaki, and possibly Wairarapa. The Union of Wairarapa has specially asked for a match against the touring Otago team, and sit is more than probable that the request will be granted.

It was a bit of very bad luck for McKenzie to get his thumb badly fractured on Saturday in the Athletic v. Melrose match at Wellington (says the “New Zealand Times.”) He was making his first appearance with the team this season, and up to the accident had been playing well- The break was a bad one, the ends of the bone penetrating the skin. By the way, it was just as well there were no really serious mishaps at Karori, as there was nothing in the way of first-aid available, and the grounds are a long way out of town.

The Maori football team played their first match on Monday, when they met defeat at the hands of the New South Wales representatives by 11 points to nil. The attendance was good for an“ off day,” about 10,000 persons assembling to witness the contest. The Maoris did not play up to form, and should be seen to better advantage in future matches. During the game Sellars fractured a rib and had to retire, his place being taken by H. Martin. The Maoris were represented as follows: —Fullback, H. Martin; three-quarter, Rylands, M. Winiata, Dansey; five-eighths, Stead, Kaipara; halfbacks, Poananga, Takarangi; forwards, Tipene, Tamu, W. Winiata, Sellars, Cunningham, Hall and Small.

AUCKLAND R.U. CLUB COMPETITION

Points. Club. P. W. L. D. For. Ag. Ponsonby . 0 3 0 0 42 3 . 3 3 0 0 21 6 Marist Bros. . . 4 2 0 18 36 University . 3 1 2 0 33 22 firn f ton . 3 1 0 20 27 Parnell . 3 0 3 0 15 27 Newton . 1 0 1 0 0 28