FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIX, Issue 1101, 18 May 1911, Page 11

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR CUP FIXTURES.

May 20—Graftoii /. University, City v. Ponsonby, Marist Bros. v. Newton, Parnell a bye. May 27—Grafton v. City, Parnell v. University, Marist Bros. v. Ponsonby, Newton a bye. June 3—Grafton v. Marist Bros., Parnell v. City, Newton v. Ponsonby, University a bye. June 10 —Grafton v. Newton, Parnell v. Marist Bros., University v. City, Ponsonby a bye. June 17—Grafton v. Ponsonby, Parnell v. Newton, University v. Marist Bros., City a bye. June 24—Parnell v. Ponsonby, University v. Newton, City V. Marist Bros., Grafton a bye.

Opening of the Season. Fine weather prevailed on Saturday for the opening of the Rugby football season in Auckland, and enthusiasts assembled at Alexandra Park in large numbers, the attendance being estimated at about 2500. For the opening matches, play was of a high order, the University-Pon-sonby and Parnell-Grafton games being splendidly contested, the result in each instance being in doubt right up till the time the referee declared noside- The faultless manner in which many of the players handled the leather was a revelation to the majority of the spectators who were prepared to make allowances for shortcomings in this respect on the opening day’s play, while the matches lacked nothing in willingness and strenuousness. In two lof the three senior matches the enthusiasm of onlookers was at fever heat, and the wild excitement of supporters of the rival clubs was a sure sign that interest in the Rugby game this season is as

great as ever, a fac: which augurs well for the success of the A.R.U. competition. The University-Ponson-by match occupied pride of place on No. 1 ground, and though a victory for last year’s champions was regarded as a foregone conclusion, the students surprised their most hopeful supporters by triumphing over the blue and black combination by the narrow margin of 10 points to 9 after one of the best spectacular games witnessed at the Park. Grafton and Parnell disputed honours on No. 2 ground, the match ending in a draw, each side scoring 9 points. City and Newton also tried conclusions, but as expected, the game proved of a one-sided character, the Cityites winning easily by 28 points to nil. The other team engaged in the senior competition, Marist Bros. Old Boys, had a bye. and held a useful practice during the afternoon. With the exception of the public school matches, no other games were held under the jurisdiction of the Auckland . Rugby Union, the junior grade competitions being fixed to commence on Saturday next. * * IJI University Defeats Ponsonby. The defeat of the favourites, Ponsonby, was the cause for general rejoicing in most quarters, as the public have become so accustomed to witnessing the blue and black colours in the ascendant that the general opinion is a beating or two would not come out of turn to the Ponsonby men, and further would lend additional interest to the senior competition. That the University fifteen, whom many regarded as a trifle on the weak side, should come out and, defeat the Ponsonby team in the opening match of the season, was one of the greatest surprises that Auckland Rugger enthusiasts have experi-

enced .in senior football, and those wlho were present to witness the matci ■ ore well rewarded ivr their trip tv Epsom. The game had not been long in progress before the Ponsonby men realised that they were up against a tough proposition, and they threw away as few chances as possible. The swift play of the students kept the blue and blacks extremely busy, and though the Ponsonby players had the best of matters in the earlier stages of the game, the second half resolved itself into a battle royal for supremacy. Both sides had rear divisions of no mean strength, and as the game was fast and open, the backs were thoroughly tested. The work of the Ponsonby backs was not as nippy and certain as that of the ‘Varsity players, who gave a neat and heady exhibition. They made use of every opportunity, and saved their forwards to a considerable extent. A feature of their play was their sound tackling, the students smothering their opponents to great advantage. The Ponsonby rear division got plenty of opportunities, but erratic passing often brought their runs to a halt. With Webb, Morse, O’Leary, Murray, and McGregor great things were expected of the blue and blacks, but they found their equals in the students in Saturday’s match, and their repeated attacks met with the most stubborn resistance. In the forwards it was thought Ponsonby would show marked superiority, but the students, despite their lightness, held their own, their clever tactics in the open enabling them to keep the blue and blacks in check. The light blues exerted every ounce of energy, and, with

Wilkes making openings for them, came through the ordeal with flyingcolours, and should they continue to display their form of Saturday in future matches they undoubtedly will be he hardest team to beat in the championship. An open game suits the University players all to pieces, as with their light, active forwards and clever backs they are in a position to run a weightier team off their legs. ’The Ponsonby forwards did not show up as well as was anticipated, their combination often being tested and found wanting. They will certainly have to show improved form, if Ponsonby is to again occupy the position at the head of the list. It is fairly safe to say that Ponsonby will give a better account of themselves from now onwards, as the defeat will put them on their mettle, and there can be no doubt that the representatives of the western suburbs are a very powerful combination when they strike form. It was the University team which defeated Ponsonby in the seven-a~side tournament held a couple of seasons back at Victoria Park, so that Saturday was not the first occasion on which the students have had the distinction of registering a win against Auckland’s crack teamj}.: fl: $ flz The Scorers in the Ponsonby'Varsity Match. In regard to the match itself, it was not until 3.25 that the leather w r as kicked off. Ponsonby were the aggressors in the early periods, and the first score went down to their credit, a pretty passing run by the backs enabling O’Leary to notch a try in the corner. He took the kick himself, but failed at goal. Ponsonby 3, University nil. Francis was instrumental in the; blue and blacks securing their second try, the Ponsonby

forward after making a fine dash down the line transferring to Clark, who darted across and scored. Francis was entrusted with the shot at goal, but his attempt proved fruitless. Ponsonby 6, University nil. No further score was obtained in the first half, the bell sounding with the Ponsonby meh attacking strongly. The students were not discouraged and on resuming play they put no end of vim into their efforts; with the result that after hard pressing the Ponsonby players in their own 25, Wilkes secured the ball from the scrum and broke through the opposition and scored amid the wildest excitement. Schofield took the kick and landed a certain goal. Ponsonby 6, University 5. University obtained their second try as the result of one of the prettiest pieces of play in the match. Wilkes snapping up the leather in Ponsonby’s territory, set the blue rear division in motion by passing to Gray, who transferred to Wilson, and the speedy ’Varsity three-quarter sprinted for the line- When about to be tackled by McGregor, Wilson passed to Geddes, and keeping parallel with the latter, he took the return pass from Geddes, and sprinted over the line, registering a try in the corner, to the accompaniment of loud cheering. Schofield again took the kick, and succeeded in piloting the ball over the ’bar amid a scene of enthusiasm. University 10, Ponsonby 6. Ponsonby rallied, and a passing run by their backs, ended in Murray kicking over the line and Webb pouncing on the ball, this being the blue and blacks’ third try. O’Leary failed to add the major points. University 10, Ponsonby 9. A great tussle ensued during the remainder of the game, but try as 'hey would the Ponsonby men could not find a weak spot in the defence of the light blues, and the bell rang for no-side with the University team victors by 10 points to 9.

Players .n the Limelight. Wilkes, who was a member of the North Island team last year, played a sterLng game for University, distinguishing himself both in attack and defence. His generalship proved most serviceable to the light blue forwards, and he took a hand in everything. Bamford also gave a good account of himself, being of great assistance to his side. Gray was responsible for a highly creditable display in the ’Varsity backs, his work being of a useful and tricky nature. F. Wilson played at the top of his form, his great pace and clever handling standing him in good stead. Dr. Borrie’s showing was watched with no little interest, and the ex-Otago representative acquitted himself well, his tackling particularly being of a very sound order. Of the Ponsonby forwards Francis shone out most prominently, proving a tower of strength to the Ponsonby men. The other forwards were not seen at their best. Webb at half-back, displayed much cleverness and should he retain his form throughout the season, he is certain to gain representative honours. O’Leary shone out conspicuously at five-eighths, but had an off day with his place kicking. McGregor demonstrated that he is still the cool and heady player of last season by the quickness with which he made use of all openings, and he should take a prominent part in registering tries for the blue and blacks. fit V « « Parnell and Grafton DrawThe match between Parnell and Grafton attracted a large number of spectators to No. 2 ground, where they witnessed a game, which, though not characterised by exciting incidents, was stubbornly contested. A practice match between these teams on the previous Saturday pointed to

an even game, and such. Saturday s exposition proved to be, nine points going down to the credit of each side. From start to finish both teams played hard and fast football, the game being exceedingly willing for the first ■of the season. In the forwards the teams were well matched, although there were times in the game when one side would appear to be infinitely superior to the other as the result of a vigorous combined rush. The game did not consist of a battle between the forwards, as the backs were called upon to do their fair share of the work, the object of both teams apparently being to open up the game. It was one of those matches the result of which looked difficult to predict from the start —even when the spell had ended with the score six points to nil in Grafton’s favour it was evident that Parnell had not yet played their- best card. The Graftonites grafted particularly hard in the first ■spell, fully recognising the big advantage it is to a team to place points to its credit in the first half. The second spell saw neither team give the other any quarter, and a strenuous struggle right up to the call of time made the game decidedly interesting. The maroons showed up a great deal better in the latter half, playing with more combination, and on several occasions they went within an ace of scoring tries. The condition of the ParnellUes lasted out better than that of the wearers of the black and white, and in the final twenty minutes’ spell the play was confined to Grafton’s territory most of the time. Though Grafton’s score was made up of three tries —all secured by O. Wolfgramm —and Parnell’s points were obtained as a result of three goals kicked by J. Hardwicke, it does not follow that Grafton were unlucky to lose, as the fates were against the maroons on more than one occasion when a score looked imminent. The Parnell backs, with one or two exceptions, acquitted themselves well individually, but there appeared to be a weak link in their combination, the consequence being the ball did not travel as smartly through their hands as was the case with the Grafton back division. Again, there was a disinclination on the part of one or two of the Parnellites to go low for their man their tackling leaving considerable room for improvement. The Grafton backs threw the ‘ball about in a praiseworthy fashion, but towards the finish of the game the Parnell men gave them few opportunities to get going properly. Comments on the Players. O’Brien and Pople were a pair of consistent grafters in the Grafton pack, both getting through a great amount of work. Swainson also gave a creditable display. Among the backs Wolfgramm, Power, Dowe and Candy were all responsible for useful exhibitions. Power rendered his side no end of assistance with his powerful line kicks, which were splendidly judged. Marshall, at full-back, gave a safe display, always succeeding in clearing his goal line from danger. Wilson, centre forward for Parnell, kept the maroons together admirably in the scrum, while in the loose he proved a hustler of the right stamp. His inclusion in the Parnell pack has greatly strengthened the maroons, as his experience in representative football enables him to impart much valued instruction to the younger players. Muir played his usual hard game, being generally in the thick of., the fray. Thomas played a firstrate game in the rear division, being very solid on the defence. Hardwicke was in good form, his splendid kicking being all that could be desired. Besides scoring the whole of the nine points for Parnell with his goal kicking, he made several very close attempts to pilot the leather over the crossbar. Twiname acquitted himself creditably, but was given few opportunities on the attack. * ♦ * * The Forward DivisionsThe Grafton forwards are a hardworking lot, and they toiled with a will against the Parnell front division. It was in the line-outs that the Graftonites got in their best work, as they generally managed to secure the leather and shoot it out to their backs. They also showed to advantage in the dribbling rushes, in which they assisted one another whenever the opportunity presented itself. Their dare-devil rushes when properly organised were a source of trouble to the Parnellites, but Thomas proved a thorn in their side, this player rendering yeoman service to the Parnell team with his plucky rush-stopping.

The Parnell forwards should develop into a strong team as the season progresses, as on Saturday they stood out very prominently at various stages of the match. The little combination which they at present lack is certain to come to them during the next few Saturdays, and as they have plenty of dash they should go through the season with credit. ’ A Brilliant Threequarter. A feature of the Parnell-Grafton match was the brilliant showing made by O. Wolfgramm, who scored the three tries obtained by the latter team. The Grafton backs were well aware of the scoring propensities of their wing-threequarter, and when the ball was secured from the scrum they lost no time in transferring it through one another’s hands to Wolfgramm. Once in his possession, the speedy threequarter was a power to be reckoned with, and thrice did he outwit the maroon backs and score. Wolfgramm is a strong runner, and being in splendid fettle this season he is certain to take a big hand in notching tries during the cup matches. # * # * City Easily Defeats Newton. The City-Newton match did not create much interest outside of a desire on the part of a good number to see how the new players that have joined the City Club would shape. The match was voted a. good thing for City beforehand, and it was only a matter of how many points the red and blacks would put up. The expected victory came their way to the tune

of 28 points to nil, the Newton fifteen being no match for them in any department of the game. The Newton players were defending nearly the whole of the time, but they were unable to resist the determined rushes of the Cityites, who continually broke through their defence. The game, though one-sided, was nevertheless interesting, the City men frequently showing flashes of brilliancy in their concerted attacks. The red and blacn forwards played a solid and serviceable game, and easily outmatched their opponents. The City backs were kept going with passing runs, and with a little more combination should be well up to the standard of the leading back teams in the senior competition. It was only now and then that the Newton players showed anything approaching senior form, their dashing tactics being only of a m omentary order. The Newtonites certainly deserve praise for placing a team in the senior grade, but it is plainly evident that the Club are

not in a position, to get together a fifteen such as represented them some five years ago. They appear to be unable to secure a heavy enough team for senior football, and as the majority of the first-grade teams are on the weighty side this means a big disadvantage to the Newtonites. Whether Newton will drop out of the senior competition before the end of the first round is a matter for conjecture, but after their praiseworthy efforts in mustering a senior fifteen it is to be hoped that such a step will not be found necessary. « * » City Score Eight Tries. The City-Newton match resulted in the frequent invasion of the Cityites of the red and whites’ citadel. The first try was obtained shortly after the kick off, and others followed at varying intervals. Stewart drew first blood for City by scoring in the corner, but R. Magee’s shot at goal proved futile. Forsyth, the Alhambra (Dunedin) forward, scored City’s second try, getting over as the result of a tricky run. S. Magee failed in his attempt at goal. City’s next try was obtained by Bruce, the North Island representative forward, who got across the line from a scramble. S. Magee again failed at goal. Several minutes later Fake secured the fourth try for the red and blacks, but S. Magee’s shot at goal proved fruitless. Before half-time was called Barclay scored another try, but Fitzgerald was unsuccessful in his attempt at goal, the score then being: City 15, Newton nil. On resuming the Newtonites

made a determined stand for a while, but the City men soon returned to the attack, Power eventually getting over and registering a try, which Fitzgerald converted. Before the end of the match Stewart scored two more tries for City, one of which was converted by R. Magee, the final score being: City 28, Newton nil. * * * Two Wellington Players Suspended. It is gratifying to note that the referees in Wellington are taking a firm stand in eliminating objectionable features which tend to bring Rugby into disrepute, and as the result of reports received at last week’s meeting of the Management Committee of the Wellington Rugby Union, two players have been suspended. The referee, who had control of the Ath-letic-Wellington junior match, reported having ordered an Athletic player off the field for harassing him.. The referee stated that he thought that the matter was due to ignorance of

the rules, and proceeded to explain the position which led up to his decision. There had been a good deal of boo-hooing during the match, and he thought that some of the language by some of the Athletic players was rather out of the ordinary. He had cautioned the Athletic team as a whole, but he could not pick out any individual. The player in question, when asked for an explanation of his conduct, denied that there was any hooting or that he had given any cause to the referee to order him off. He heard no bad language, and had not the slightest idea why he was ordered off. The Committee, however, decided that the player should be suspended for four playing Saturdays, while a caution was administered to the Athletic team The other case which came before the Committee concerned a Selwyn player, who was ordered off the field by the referee in the Selwyn-Oriental junior match for striking an opponent in the face with his open hand. Previous to this, the player in question had been cautioned for tackling a man after he had parted with th? ball. The player denied the referee was right when he said he (the player) had struck his opponent. The man alleged to have been struck W's a persona! friend of his own. After some discussion, during which it was urged that the time had come for a strong stand to be taken, it was decided to suspend the player for three months a motion that he should be suspended for a month being defeated.