FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 829, 30 May 1910, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

CfiEAT CAME AT PARK

Many important clnb matches haws been played on the Athletic Park, but few have attracted more attention than that between Ponoko and St. James, .which took place on Saturday after•Jtoon. This was due to the fact that Poneko were the championship holders last year, and St. James are .-greatly fancied for the honour this year'. What is more: neither of the teams had lost a match so far this season. Seeing that both sides make passing an important feature of their play .there was every' prospect of an interesting exposition of Rugby. It was not surprising, therefore, that, over 6000 attended the match—a record to date for the season. The ground was in capital order, except that the grass was too long in places, but no fault could bo found with the weat'hei.

It will be seen from che detailed ac- * count that the contest was not at any 'stage marked by brilliant play, but it was keen and, in-view of the issue at stake, stirring to watch. Both sides watched each other too closely to permit of anything in ,tlie naturu of a runaway score; indeed, fine defence was the feature of the display. During the first spell the referee found it necessary to order off Leahy (Poneke) and'Moffatt (St. . James) for alleged illegal use of their hands. There is a good deal'of'difference of opinion regarding this episode, but the account given by Mr. Francis, referee, is that Leahy administered a blow to. an opponent, when Jloffatt climbed on top of him and unlawfully retaliated. During the interval a distressing fatality occurred, one of the spectators, Mr. Chas. Hills, residing in Daniel Street, expiring from heart failure. There was then some talk of abandoning the match, but it was ultimately decided to proceed. Iu the second ialf St. James' exemplified the truth of the saying : " Youth will be . served," and not only did their play show much superior condition, but it was also noticcable for greater confidence. It is worthy of nqte, however, that Poneke made a really fine rally towards the end of the game, but St. James were not in the least "paralysed," and soon all ; danger was past. .Early iu the gamo Poneke had the best of the scrumming, !..it afterwards St. James almost equalled their efforts in this direction, besides more than,holding their own m t!'o other departments. For the winners, Thomas, Bradley, and Wright played well, as also did Slater, Tilyard, andjß. Elliott for the losers. As a result of Saturday's games, the positions of tho various teams are now as follow: —. ' position of the teams. ' | . c J 52 •, » J 2 g ; 'o 'S'3 h £ fi E«<S ftg 1 ' ft St. James... 5 5 0 o'. 83 23 10 Oriental ... 5 4 X 0 57 19 9 Poneke; ....■ 4 3 0 1 28 C O Pet'one 5 3 0 2 82 34 6 Athletic ... 5 3 0 2 38 24 0 Old 80y5... 4 2 0 2 28 19 4 Vic. College '5 2 0 3 39 43 ' 4 Southern ... 5 1 1 3 19 90 3 Melrose .... 4 1 0 3 15 43 2 Wellington 4 0 0 4 17 51 0 Hutt 4 0 0 4 14 68 0 ST. JAMES, 6; PONEKE, P. As the, , ball was kicked off all eyes at Athletic Park were turned oil tliiD contest. The players, too, appeared to be fully seized with the importance of tho match. It was not long before one thing became very evident —that waa that play- was going to be very strenuous. During the initial quarter of an hour Poneke got within striking distance several times. First of all Walsh, from a line-out, got possession, but in- . &tead of passing out, kicked hard over the St. James line, with the result that the ball was forced. Next Tilyard secured from a serum, and tho oval wav sent across the field in good style, but Elliott failed to negotiate his pass. Two shots at goal, one of which at ' least I might have been turned to account, also j proved unavailing. But after this Poneke had less of their own way and play, although never brilliant, wan much faster and more attractive. With the ball at their toes the St. James forwards started a dangerous rush, which was spoiled by a hard kick to Ryan, who regained all Um lost ground and more. Onco again Walsh, instead of sending out the ball, spoiled tho next attack by the Poneke bAcks by kicking futilely over the , St. Jamo3 line. A moment or two later the St. James vanguard were severely testing tho Poneke defence when the "incident" happened which has already been referred to. Whilst play was now for a time iu Poneke territory,. TJiomas had a shot from a penalty, but his kick failed, being not up to his usual standard. Then ilitchinson, by cutting in cleverly, spoiled one of a number ol' indifferent passing rashes by St. James, and Poneke were again on the attack. \\hon St. James once more reached the loueke twenty-five, Bradley, from an easy position, failed to make good from a penalty. Towards tho end of • tho spell, Poneke mado two desperate-at-tempts to score, but, on both occasions, Flannagan failed badly wlien his turn came to handle the ball.

The second spoil had only just started when H. Roberts obtained a mark for St. James hi front of Ponoke's goal but at fairly long range. To tlio groat delight of the St. James barrackers Bradley on this occasion made no mistake nitli the kick. 3—o. This reverse hail a good effect on Poneko's play. By marking wc-ll from a high tack Bradley averted serious trouble for his side. When Ponoko next looked dangerous, the intentions of their rearguard wore spoiled by Bruce and Co. who were jioiv following up more ly. It was only a question of time, and poorer condition began to tell against Poneke. Owing to infringements by Poneke players, Bradley had two moro Snots at goal, but failed to cniianco the score. Walsh broke the monotony of a number of St. Ja-mcs passing rushes by breaking away down the centre of the field on his own, but tho ground which ho gained was immediately afterwards lost. For a time play hovered dangerously close to Poneko's line. At one time it was thought that the St. James forwards inust score ■ and so they might have done if ono of them had not kicked too hard. Upon the next occasion that Ponoke were forced back Donaldson, from a loose rush gathered in tho ball near tho goal-lino and dived across. No goal resulted. G—o. Poneke then rallied their forccs with a view of seeing whether- it was not possible to turn the

tables on their opponents in tie remaining quarter of an hour. From half way they broke aw 7 ay in a rush which seemed irresistible. It was a scene of great excitement. The St. James backs tackled like demons, but other Ponoko players took the places of those who wore brought down. Just before die line was reached, Sin tor, the Poneke full-back, came through and secured possession. Only Thomas barred tho way, but tho St. James full-back knew too much, and, instead of attempting to tackle Slater near the corner, rushed him out of bounds. From a scrum I which later took place, the ball went over the St. James line, and in the resultant scramble Dennehy narrowly missed scoring. Poneke next essayed a- good passing rush, but Elliott,. being blocked ait the corner, centred,, with the result that no other Poneke players were a,bout to prevent St. James forcing. St. James now had less trouble in holding their advantage, the gam? tlvus ending: .St. James, 6; Poneke, 0. Mr. Francis was the referee. OLD BOYS, 13," WELLINGTON, 5. Old Boys and Wellington tried conclusions at Miramar, and though Wellington more than held their own in the first spell they were rather easily beaten at the finish by 13 points to 5. Wellington, playing with the sun beliind them, immediately commenced a hot attack, M'Kellar and Turner taking tho ball right down to their opponents' lino. After some strenuous play, Old Boys cleared and started a pretty passing rush, but it failed at the wing three-quarter, and Wellington forwards, headed by M'Kellar and Wilson, returned to tho attack. For the next ten minutes Wellington had all the. best of xhe play, but tho passing rushes of tho backs lacked polish, and were without result. Avon' on Old Boys' side was conspicuous in the loose, and continually did good work. At ten minutes from half-time Blacklock put in a fino run for Old Boys, but was thrown out at the corner, and Wellington cleared. Old Boys next had a free-kick at easy range, but Avery failed to improve. Later, Lambert, for Wellington, made a good but ineffectual attempt to kick a goal from a mark. Then from a lineout Hurlc, wing three-quarter, took the ball on tho bounce and, gathering great pace,- ran right through the opposing backs and scored a magnificent try. Lambert converted. Wellington, 5; Old Boys, nil.

Soon after resuming, Wellington backs commenced a passing rush,, and Grace intercepting at lialf-wa.v beat a couple of men and outpacing all opposition scored behind the posts, Avery converting. 5—5. Wellington had not recovered from tho shock when Avery took a pass at the twenty-five and pushed his way over the line. No goal resulted. Old Boys, 8; Wellington, 5. Old Boys were now doing all the attacking, and Jacobson soon after scored from a loose rush, Avery again converting. Old 80y5,.. 13; ..Wellington, o. Towards tlie close Wellington rallied strongly, and went dangerously close to scoring on several' occasions: but when time was called they , had not altered ■ the count. Mr. A. Thompson was referee.

ATHLETIC, 8; MELROSE, 3. Few spectators watched the onesided contest, Melrose against Athletic, at the Korori Recreation Ground. Indeed, mom interest attached to a lowergrade match on the adjoining ground, in which a local fifteen took part. Tho commencement of the senior match was delayed somewhat owing to the late arrival of the Melrose team. In the first spell, Athletic, playing up the slope, had very much the hotter of tie game, and at no time were Melrose near a scoring position. One or two individual efforts were made; but the Athletic backs tackled soundly, and Evenson and Cunningham put in somo splendid line-kicking, with the result that the Blue and Black forwards were able to bo continually on the attack. A good scoring chance was missed early 1 in the spell, after Athletic had kept the pressure up for somo time. Evenson obtained the ball in a handy position in front of the Melrose- goal, and he passed to S. Wilson (centre). Tho latter mulled the pass to Gibson, who was within two yards of the line, and oould have touched: down with ease. The score came later, however, -and S. Wilson was not found wanting on the second occasion. He received the ball smartly from Evenson at about half way, and raced for the line, beating J. Marshall and Lindsay (full), running round and depositing the ball between the posts. M'Konzie kicked unerringly. Athletic, 5; Melrose, nil. The game never once evened up, although J. Marshall intercepted a pass und set off down the field, only to be brought to earth by Even?on, and other members, of the Melrose team made similar unscientific excursions. Melroso forwards could not hold against tho hardened Athletic men in the scrums, and the snectacle of a scrum, entire and unbroken, walking down the field like a big centipede was observed moro than onoe. Towards the closr* of the snell, M'Konzie had to retire from the Athletic fivo-eifrlith line with a fractmcd thumb.- Before half-time. Evenson obtained points from' a nenaltv, warded in a favourable position, Ms kick sendine the Kill just inside the post. Athletic. 8: Melrose, nil. Later stages of the game did not bring out any good nlav. although M«lrose. at the opening of the second half, hustled the ball ro far unfieW as to be able to rrake use "f a nennltr rriven for obstruction. TVomey Vindinrr n etoM. Athletic. 8: Melrose, 3. No nl+"rpfion in thes" scores was made, the THue n.nd Rlneks no n mere "r Ws brisk attack unt.ij t*"> final -whistle. Mr. Martin wa-s the referee.

ORIENTAL, 15; COLLEGE, 5. Playing at Miramar, Oriental easily defeated Victoria College by 15 points to 5. Tho score would probably have been much bigger but tlio place-kick-ing of the winning team was extremely poor. In the second spell every member of tho team seomed bent on gaining tries. In the first half, playing against tho sun and a breeze, tho Oriental backs organised some clever passing, and gave College a very busy time indeed. Play had searcoly commenced when Roberts secured from a scrum, and passed to llathieson, who scored near tho corner. Oriental, 3; Victoria College, 0. The next try came as the result of a pass by Mathieson to ll'Lcod, the latter beating a couple of backs and scoring near tho posts. Oriental, G; Victoria College, 0. Immediately following tho drop-out, 3la.thie-' son scoured tho ball inside his own twenty-five, and with a line run got past all the College hacks, but Burgess gave chase, and collared him near the TJie relief was. however*. onlx

temporary, as M'Leod caught up tlio ball in a loose nisli and scored. Oriental, !); Victoria College, 0. Shortly after, a gor,d passing 'rush by Huberts, M'Leod, .Sturrock, Kinvig and' i'vlo saw the latter cross the iim. Oriental, lH; \ ictoria College, U. Just before half-time, I'owna.ll (College) made a fine run through the Oriental backs, but gave a weak pass, and a try was lost. In the sccontl half Oriental backs were passing in haphazard fashion, a.nd the College forwards repeatedly made excursions into the scoring area, but failed to put the finishing touch necessary for a score. Halt wa\ through the spell College lost their best back in Pownall, who had to retire oil account of an injury. A passing rußh among the Oriental backs resulted in Sturrock scoring. Oriental, 15; Victoria College, 0.. A final effort by College, in which De la Hare, Curtayne, Young, and Wells were conspicuous, ended in the last-named scoring. Curtayne converted, and time was called. Oriental, 15: Victoria College, 5. Mr. 801 l was referee.

PETONE 32; SOUTHERN 3. The game at Lower Hutt attracted about 300 spectators. The ground was in excellent' order, and although a fairly strong breeze was blowing from the north, it did not interfere with the play to any great degree. Petone lost the toss, and commenced by attacking strongly. A mark relieved Southern, and after an interchange of kicks, both teams settled down, neither side having an advantage. A forward rush'by Southern carried play to within a few yards of the Petone line, Corson being conspicuous in relieving. .Southern again attacked, and were awarded a free kick for off-side. Campbell made a good but unsuccessful shot.. Petone now began to press, and a series of passing rushes took place, these having the effect of carrying the tide of war into Southern's twenty-five, where, from a scrum, Daly sent the ball to M'Kenzie, to M. Ryan, to Strickland, who dashed over at the corner. Petone 3; Southern 0. Chiefly through Gallagher's resourcefulness, Southern now went near scoring, and .Petone presently began to throw the leather about, in almost a reckless manner, but it paid apparently, for after most of the backs had handled, "Joe" Ryan touched down at the corner. Petone 6; Southern 0. More passing, in which Prico, Hardham, Dent, and 11. Ryan'took part, enabled the last-named to score under the posts, which brought tho score to 9—o, which Jl'Farlane's kick increased to 11—0. The Southern forwards, on resuming, broke away with a combined rush, sweeping all before them, and Corson holding the ball too long, L. Campbell had another unsuccessful shot. Not to bo denied, Southern forced their opponents for some time, and eventually from a forward rush Cunningham dropped over. Pctone 11; Southern 3 From a line-out about half-way, Hardham snapped up the leather, and, after beating one or two opponents, raced over; M'Farlane converted. 16—3. ' The second half calls for little comment, for Southern could not stem the determined attacks, of Petone who scored four more tries—two by "Joe" Ryan, tho result of fine passing bouts, and two by N*aiikivo]], from forward rushes. Of these M'Farlane converted two. The game thus ended—Petone 32, Southern 3. Mr. R. Fordyce was the referee.

JUNIOR. Petone defeated Wellington by 11 points to nil after an attractivo game in which l Petono backs shone to advantage. E. Ryan, N. Ryan, and Daly scored tries for the winners. Ashton converted one try. Melrose 1 defeated Old Boys by 21 points to 3. . Victoria College scored 21 points to I'onoko's 3 points. 1 Sehvyn registered 16 points against 3 points scored by St. John's. THIRD CLASS. Poneke defeated St. John's by 9 points to 4'. For the winners A. Morris scored three tries; Southern defeated Oriental by 7 points to nil. For the winners C. Russell scored a try, and H. Alexander potted a goal. FOURTH CLASS. Oriental . A/defeated Hutt by 34 points to nil. Bradley (3), Russell (2), Bowman (2), Harding, M'Comsky, and Daly scored tries for the winners, two tries being converted. Athletic defeated Poneke by 24 points to nil. Tries for the winners were scored by Williamson (2), Fairley, M'Leod, and- Allen. Fairley, Brown, and Allen converted tries, and Allen kicked a penalty goal.

Oriental B scorcd 11 points to 8 points scorcd by Old Boys. Gair and Hendry scored tries for the winners. Davidson converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. Bernard and P<urdy scored tries for Old Boys, Bernard adding tho extra points in ono instance. Petono defeated Melrose by 3 points to nil, a try scored by Gladding. FIFTH CLASS. Petone defeated Poneke by 85 points to nil. Tries were scored by Balo (6), Murphy (6), Fitzmaurice (3), Webb (3), ; and Colquhoun. M'Uvride kicked 14 goals. SCHOOL MATCHES. The . results of school Rugby matches played on tho Athletic Park' on Friday afternoon were:—Terrace 12, v. Nowtown 0; To Aro 9, v. Brooklyn 0; Clyde Quay 12, v. Thorndon 0. OTHER CENTRES. WAIRARAPA DOINGS. (By Tolecrapb.—Special Correspondent.! Carterton, May 29. Carterton seniors yesterday defeated Red Stars here by 8 points to 3. Carterton juniors won against Martiuborough by 16 points to 3. MANAWATU EVENTS. (By Tolcgraph.—Special Correspondent.) Palmerston, Slav 29. The weather for football on Saturday was fine but windy, and the turf was fast. The Kia Toa-Old Boys match was declared off, the latter team having disbanded. Although it .has some 25 senior players, theso never appear at matches. Palmerston beat Feilding by 8 points to G. When these teams last met, Feilding won by 6 to nil. The gamo on Saturday was very fast, and good football was shown. Palmerston played with tho wind for the first half, and wore almost always on tho attack. Boon scored first, and Downcs converted. From tho kick-off, Feilding attacked, and Chamberlain scored after it good run. Downes soon aftor kicked a penalty coal. In the second spell, Feilding, playing with tho wind, were always on tho attack, but tho dcfeiico of Palmerston was excellent, and no score was registered by either side in this spell. MERIVALE DEFEAT ALBION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) , • Cliristchurch, May 28. Rugby matches wero resumed to-day, in perfect weather, and, though on tho hard side, the various grounds were in capital order. Tho meeting of tho unbeaten teams, Mori vale and Albion. drew a larae attendance to Lan-.

raster Park, but the nctunl contest was a trillo liisyppoiuiiny;. Morivule had slightly the huFt. of-matters throughout, and, rk-spito tho absence of Cleary, obtained a substantial win. Albion wore without the services of P. Hums, whose nbsoncn was keenly felt. On the western ground Linwood boat Christchurcii, alter a good game, the passing and running oi' the Rods' barks enabling thoir sidn to monopolise tlio play, though Ihc Greens' forwards proved superior. Sydonham defeated Canterbury College, and had the best of matters throughout. Old Hoys boat diarist brothers on the Show Grounds by a goal from a mark to nil, after a ir-odcratc contest. Scores:—Merivalc 13, Albion 0; Linwood 8, Christchurch 5; Sydonham 19, Canterbury College 0; Old Boys 3, Marist Brothers 0.

WRONG NAME TELEGRAPHED. (Hy Telegraph.—Press Associations Dunedln, May 29. The Rugby player who was suspended by the Otago "Union last week for striking another player was Tansey, not Danscy. The name was erroneously telegraphed. NEW SOUTH WALES V. QUEENSLAND. A FAST AND OPEN GAME. By Teleßrapta—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. May 28, 7.5 p.m.) Sydney, May 28. The Rugby match between New South Wales and Queensland resulted in a win for Now South Wales by thirteen to three. There were ten thousand spectators at the match which was fast and open. For the greater portion of the match the difference in points was only five to'-three. The visitors were holding their own, but towards the finish the Welshmen showed good combination which had been lacking in the earlier stages. MAORIS' IMPROVED PLAY. A LETTER BY THE CAPTAIN. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Rotorua, May 28. Tho New Zealand Maori representatives mot and defeated a combined team at Rotorua. to-day by 26 points to 8. W. Winiata kicked five goals. The Maoris are developing a splendid combination.

(By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Wanganui, May 28. ' Writing to a friend here, A. Takarangi, captain of the Maori football team, says that the team will adopt the open stylo of play in Australia, aiid. are hopeful of success. "If we don't win," lie adds, "wo at all events hope to bring back the good lis mo which other Maori teams have enjoyed in Australia." WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVES. TO MEET NEW ZEALAND. The following have been selected to represent Wellington against the New Zealand XV on the Athletic Park next Friday:— Full-back: Thomas (St. James). Three-quarters: Dawson (Old Boys), Bradley (St. James), and Mathieson (Orientals). Five-eighths:'Evenson (Athletic) and Walsh (I'oneke). Half: Tilyard (Poneke). Wing-forward: Avery (Old Boys). ■ Forwards: Pront'row—Elliott (Poneke) and Irvine\ (Athletic).. Lock: Rapson (Athletic). Supports: Tannahill (Hutfc) aud Perry (Oriental). Back row: Brucc (St. James) and M'Kellar (Wellington). * Emergencies: Forward —M'Farlane (Petone); back—Kinvig (Orielit:ilY.Little fault can be found with the selection of the team. Thomas, the fullback, played a hard game on Saturday, without making a mistake, his line-kicking being very effective. Of the three-quarters Bradley could not possibly have been left out, his play being equal if not superior to that of Mitchinson on Saturday. Of the others Mathicson, on his day, should acquit himself well. It is just a question whether Dawson will shape as well as Pyle would have done on the right wing, but lie may bo depended upon to. work hard as he has almost invariably done for his side. Of tho five-eighths, Evensoil has earned his place in the team, having played well throughout tho season. With many, the inclusion of Walsh will not find favour, as ho is not performing so well this season as last year, and might not prove as useful to tho team as M'Leod, for instance, who exercises better judgment on the attack, besides being almost his equal on dcfcnce. Tilyard has wellmerited the consideration of the selectors. Those who saw him play on Saturday would have been very disappointed had ho been overlooked. There are other forwards not less formidable than some of those appointed to the team, but there is no reason why tho selected pack should not give a good account of themselves. One of those for whom a place might have been found is .'Moffatt, but probably he was not considered owing to the fact that he was ordered ,off the field last Saturday. Avery's- selection' as wing-forward will give the utmost satisfaction to followers of the game. A noteworthy feature in connection with the selection of the team is the fact that it does not include a single representative of Petone, who have to bo content with the honour of being required to provide an emergency forward is necessary.

"ALL BLACK" ALTERATIONS. Owing to throe additional, players being unable to make the trip to Australia further changes have had to be made in the personnel of the team. The players who now find it inconvenient to participate in the trip are Herring and Hayward, of Auckland, and Fryer, of Ca-ntorbury. Stohr, of Taranaki, has been selected to replace Fryer in the three-quar-ter line.

In place of Herring and Hayward, Evans (Hawke's Ba}') , and M'Kellow (Wellington) have been selected. THE ASSOCIATION GAME. OM-Y TWO MATCHES PLAYED. As a result of complications caused through the withdrawal of tho Wanderers and Petone teams at the beginning of the season, only two first division matches were played on Saturday afternoon. The games were Swifts v. Y.M.C.A. and Diamonds v. Rovers, the results being:— Swifts (2) defeated Y.M.C.A. (1). Diamonds (2) defeated Rovers (1). SWIFTS, 2; Y.M.C.A., I It was generally expected that Swifts would have a fairly easy win over Y.M.C.A., and the early stages of the game tended to shoiv that the popular fancy was not incorrect. The Swifts men set a merry pace during the tirst fow minutes, and with short, crisp passing rushes they called upon the very best defence, that the Y.M.C.A. full-backs and goalkeeper were capable of showing. In the very early stages of the game both Xorman, on the Swifts' outside right-, and Crounds, on the loft wiux. uiiised fairly ea&x,

chances, an:l thru Y.M.C.A, principally through the olforts of Timperly, I'hiilips, and Kingwell, assumed the aggressive, Timperly, by clever individual work, narrowly missing two goals. From the time that Y.M.C.A. pulled themselves together to the end of the spell there was not a great deal to choose bet.vecn Ihe two sides, r.lthough S\\;lts were showing the better combination. The work of Sa.Meiers'was particularly good, every movement imliraling that the player was allowing his head to guide his feet. Unfortunately for Swifts this ehiyer" ricked hi:; kiice half-way through the game and had to retire. The lirst spell, which had been fairly interesting, ended without either side having scored.

The second half opened with some half-hearted work in which high kicking predominated. At length, after about a quarter of an hour's manoeuvring, Swifts suceecded in notching - their first goal, Swift sending in a. fast low shot which beat Mollis, Y.M.C.A. goalkeeper. The game then straggled for some time, but eventually Y.M.C.A., who for a time' had appeared to be tiring badly, limied up, Timperly and Phillips being particularly active. These two men were associated in the goal which brought Y.M.C.A. on level terms with their, antagonists. Phillips sccurcd poosession, an-1 took the ball up the right wing rle then centred nicely, and Timperly, following up fast, charged tho Swifts' goalkeeper as lie took a flying kick at the ball. The leather struck the oncoming Y.M.C.A. man on the chest, and rebounded through tho goal, amidst loud applause. From this on the game was really interesting. The Y.M.C.A. men were cheered on by the spectators, and they responded with a-witl, but Fortune favoured Swifts, however, and in the ensuing ebb and How of the game Vcssev, who, wit.i Timperly, wa; probably the (ittest man on the ground, bioko away from inside the half-way line, and dribbled the ball to within shootingv range, when ho sent in a diiHcult cross shot, which gavo Swifts a lead of one goal. Mollis, the Y.M.C.A. goalkeeper, inado his only mistake of tho match in this instance by coming out to meet the oncoming Swifts man. The Y.M.C.A. men made valiant efforts to equalise the scores after this, but without success. 1 During the closing stages Swifts only had the services of nine men, Norman having had to retire with a ricked knee. Mr. H. Godbor was referee.

DIAMONDS, 2; ROVEfIS, 1,

Contrary to the anticipations of the spectators 011 the line, the senior first division match between 'Diamonds and Rovers was for the most part a patchy and uninteresting contest. The best part of the gamo was in the first thirty minuLcs' plav. Diamonds were superior to 'their opponents ill weight and science, but their forwards were unmistakably sluggish. Rovers, on the other hand, played a more vigorous game, and though their combination left a good deal to be desired —Diamonds were by no means perfect—yet they were keen to score. Play opened with a strjug attack by Roveis, whoso forwards worked rapidly down the field to their opponents' goal-mouth.. Diamonds vigorously defended, and a corner' kick was given against them, but no score resulted. Alter further attacks by Rovers, the Diamond forwards rallied and made u strong counter attack, which Rovers met gamely. Good defensive work was noticcd by their hacks', ami goalkeeper, though strong kicking was not a feature of their play. After a few minutes of lively ploy in the Rovers' territory, tho Whites succeeded in pressing their opponents towards their own goaknouta. Gibson (Rovers' centre fenvardj led a smart run . dow 1 tho field, the right wing supporting capably. • Tho J)iamonds' inner defences were out-manoeu-vred. Gibson scored —Rovers 1, Diamonds 0. The Blacks then wanned up, and a hot contest took place in inid : field, followed by an attack on the Rovers' goal. Near tho goal-month Rovers incurred a penalty kick. 'P. Roberts (Diamonds) was entrusted with the kick, and tho .bill, with a low hard drive, passed between Pcnlington's .legs.—One all.' Diamonds continued to press, and not long after rushed tlwir opponents' goal. A short, sharp skirmish.'followed, and in tho melee Hathaway secured the ball and drove it between tho posts. Diamonds now led by two to one. Play for the remainder of the spell became exceedingly tame. The second spell was barren of events, and almost totally devoid of interest. The ground was greasy, falls and acrobatic exhibitions wero frequent, while, the ball seemed to liavo a fatal attraction for the hands of the players on both sides. Towards the finish Rovers made ,a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to equalise. This spurt of energy seemed to have the effect of extinguishing the last spark of life in the game, and the sound of the whistle seemed to be welcomed by. both players and spectators. . Mr. J. Davidson was referee.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. . The following teams have" been selected for the match between the Saturday and Wednesday representatives, which is to be played ou June Saturday Representatives. — Goal, Hollis; full-backs, right W.' Roberts, left Cross; halves, right M. Kirscliberg,'centre W. J. Taylor, left .W; Jackson; forwards, right wing H. Smallbone, inside right Vessey, centre W. Gibson, inside left E. Timperly, left wing J. Roddy. Reserves; J. l'ycSmith, K. Paget, A. Lowe, and D. Scott. Wednesday Representatives. — Goal, G. Irvine; full-backs, right- P. Cornish, left J. M'Mahon; halves, rightG. Guire, centre J. Bradbury, left Hey; forwards, right wing Trcvethick, inside right Ji Shorley, centre forward, C. O'Shea jnsidc loft A. Mouat, left wing W. Moual. Reserves, Algar, Perks, Carson.

SECOND DIVISION. Wanderers defeated Brooklyn at Duppn Street oil Saturday by. two goals to nil. Hayward and Holt scored for the winners. Marist Bros. (2) defeated. Diamonds (1). Bowden scored both goals for the winners, and Magoo scored for Diamonds. Mental Hospital (8) defeated Porirua Toa (2). Davis (4), Elliott (3), and Phillips (1) scored for tho Hospital, and \Yi Ncra and Davis secured the Toa goals. Y.M.C.A. (3) defeated St. Augustine (2); For the winners goals were scored hv Williams, Hughes, and Elvines. Swifts (4) defeated Webb Street Primitive Methodist (3). Potono (7) defeated Berhamporo (1).

THIRD DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. (2) defeated St. John's (1). Goad scored one goal for tho winners, the other going through off the St. John's goalkeeper, iiillier scored for St. John's. St. David's (2) defeated Wadestown (1). Bold and Proebslel scored for St. David's, and Cunningham for Wadestown. FOURTH DIVISION. St. David's (4) defeated St. John's (0). Y.M.C.A. A team (fi) beat Swifts B (0). Homo (2), Bryant- (2)j Macklin, and Baker scored. Y..M.C.A. I! ten in (2) beat Marist Bros. 1! loam (1). I'etone drew with .Newtown Congregational. each side securiau; a uoai."

FIFTH DIVISION.

Marist A-defeated South Wellington by 2 goals to nil. Carmody scored both goals for the winners. South Wellington played two short. Institute (3) lieat Y.M.C.A. (0). Y.M.C.A. li liad an easy win over Newtown Congregational by 7 goals to nil. Crowther (6), Svennsen, and Macintyrc scored for Y.M.C.A. Urooklyn (4) boat Island Bay (0). Brown (2), Thomas (1), and Tan (1) f;eo; ;•<!. Y.M.C.A. (6) defeated Rangers (0). Home (3), Tullett, Ait-ken, and Phillips scored for the winners. Wadestown Wanderers defeated Marist Bros. B by a goal to nil. M'Donald scored. SIXTH DIVISION. Marist' A beat Seatoun by 5 goals to nil. For the winners, Casey (2), Ryan, Haliey, and Ilickey scored. Y.M.C.A. beat Porirua by 3 goals to 1. Aamodt, Jones, and "Home scored for V.M.C.A.