LACROSSE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 793, 16 April 1910, Page 12

LACROSSE.

(Br "Centre.") The lacrosse season commenced last Saturday, and in the opening games Kelburne, last- year's mnners-up, defeated Wellington by 8 goals to i, while Capitol demonstrated their superiority over Columbia by securing 6 goals to their opponents' 8.. . The game Capitol versus Columbia was late in starting, which necessitated short timo being played. . New recruits were present in the Tanks of both teams. The colts certainly gave a good account of themselves, and promise well. The Capitol Club is fortunate in securing Clouston, a youngster who will yet become a sterling player. Forbes, a member of the club's 'attack, Showed splendid form. Lcydon, Columbia's centre, was rather unfortunate in meeting at the outset such, an able exponent of the game asEankin, of Capitol, but, ail the same, he, acquitted himself with honour, and ought to-prove of good service to hie side this season. •

Good work was the ordei of the day from tho "older players—O'Lcary on Columbia's defence, was sound and reliable) whilo Fama maintained his reputation in attack. The renowned M'Govern was in goal, and- certainly did his best to keep down tho score. ; .

. H; Borrbdell, ex-New South Wales and Auckland rep., captains the Capitol team, and his play is quite up to standard. In . the Kelburne versus Wellington game full time was played. Wellington were looked upon as eaey winners, but Kelburne took the game in hand after ten minutes' play, and simply did what they liked with the city team. ' The writer does not think that .tfre Wellington captain displayed good judgment in the placing of his, attacking divieion. Firtn and Ryder ought not to have been on the iriogs. Their play on the previous Saturday demonstrated..that Firth is an able "home" player, whilst Ryder shines at "third homo. Robinson kept things lively ai "second homo," causing the Kelburno defence some trouble while he remained there. When he retired to the other end of the field Kelburno felt relieved.-

The new players in tho Kelburne team, have plenty of dashi Neil, Morgan, and Maonamara did not mies many chances to get in good work. Jordan' defended well, and kept the redoubtable Firth on the movo. . At times Kelburne'e attack was particularly strong, and Loughnan and Pledger kept the score mounting up. Courtenay and Miller were powerful defenders,, their saving being sound amd well-timed.

Meyer, ex-New South Wales and Wel;lrngton representative, played defence, a position he will occupy this season. He .still captains the Kelburne team. Men-tion-must also be made of Webb, who got in.some good work at centre. -•• •; Kelburne meet Capitol .next Saturday, and. on the same day Wellington will try conclnsions ■wifh Columbia.

■ Rumour has it. that we may have a visit from' an Australian team at an early date. This should tend.to give an impotus to the game here and hi Auckland. A representative Australian team in 1907 defeated a team from Canada, and consequently we may expect to witness lacrosse of- a very high standard if the Australians : come over. ,:■

Auckland clubs lament the exodus of players, from that city. Their ranks are to .an appreciable extent weakened in .consequence. Wellington has been' fortunate in securing three new players from the north. Auckland, is hopeful, however, and intends putting a strong team, in tho field against Wellington in the forthcoming inter-city match. : Saturday's games will require to be commenced up to timo, and players aTe advised to be on the ground early. The writer would counsel club captains to induce players to centre theii play, and cultivate the short, quick passing game. -. ■ ■■ . ..-