SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11111, 8 May 1911, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

ORIENTAL OVERCOME PONEKE.

POPULAR PLAYER SUSTAINS SEVERE MISHAP HOW THE FEDERATES FARED. SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Oriental 9 Ponoke .■ 5 Athletic 19 • Victoria Colleno 8 Pctbne 16 Old Boys ..., 11 St. James 9 Southern 3 Melrose 9 Wellington 6

Buoyed up with the expectation of exciting doings in the Oriental-Poneke clash something like 5000 spectators attended at (he Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon. The game was willing and exciting, both teams showing signs of strict attention to training, but Poneke wt-re unfortunate in being against a better all-round team.

Both packs were hard and keen, and there was very littlo to choose between them, but the Oriental rearguard was a more effective machine than that of Poneke. Whilst Tilyard played a fine individual game at half for Poneke, Walsh (who worked with the enthusiasm of two men) frequently misdirected his efforts, and Morris mixed some very good things with things which could only be classed as bad. Tho Oriental backs, on tho other hand, mado few mistakes, am! when chances did como their way they made tho most of them.

Poneko forwards put up a remarkably good showing in the early part of the game, but it was when tho first spell was well advanced that Oriental got in their best work. For a tiino it looked as though Poneke vreve going to bo completely routed, but after nine points had been registered Oriental eased off, and the balance of the game was fairyy even. Roberts, the hero of a hundred hardfought battles and a man who has always had a charmed existence (or an abnormally tough build), when the boots were flying their wildest, met Waterloo when he went down to a rush near his own goal-line. When the mix-up was sorted out it was found Roberts was hors do combat, and on examination it was found that he had sustained a severelydamaged jaw. Tho "All Black" had to leavo the field about 20 minutes before tho end of the game. With true sporting spirit tho Poneke captain 'allowed Oriental to replace him with a fresh man (Sturrock). Tho departure of Roberts, however, was a sad loss to Oriental, particularly in tho heavy rush stopping, lowards tho close of tho came Poneke made valiant efforts to pull the match out of the fire, but could only got within four point:; of their opponents' total. ■ ' Cudby, tho Poneko full-back, had tho misfortune to put his knee out, and had to retire just before (ho gamo dosed. The Athletic-Victoria College match on No. 2 ground at the Park was an unconvincing struggle. Tho University men were m tho lead at half-time, but by "no side they were toiling hopelessly in tlie rear.

During the course of the Pctono-Old Boys match nt Petone Hardham injured the sinews of a Icr so severely that he had to bo carried off the field.

At Karon, the Wellington and Melrose Clubs met, apparently for the purpose of settling tho question as to which was tho worst team. On Saturday's play there can l>e no doubt that the Wellington men aro inferior to their opponents, but at we closo of the match one could only come to the conclusion that both team's J T ™ n »t of their placo in senior-grade football.

With reference to the mishap tn Roberts inquiry yesterday elicited the information that, although the injury sustained had been severe, there had been no fracture, of the jaw as had nt' first been feared. After being conveyed from the park.to tho city he had been put to bed at a hotel. Last evening, however, he was removed to his home.

CLEVER BACKS TIP THE BEAM. The superior skill and combination of tho Oriental backs were the deciding features in the result of a hard gamo between Oriental and Poncke. The Oriental backs made few mistakes, but the opposing rearguard threw away many opportunities. There was little or notniug to choose between the two sets of forwards.

At tho outset a series of short rushes by the Oriental pack took the ball into Poneko quarters, but Poncke soon worked oil' tne lost territory. Walsh essayed a dasli which ended in his being brought down near the line, and then Walsh, Morris, and Elliott combined, the latter losing a chance by missing his pass. Poneko kept pegging away, and hard forward play (in their favour) was kept up for a period. Tilyard put in a nice dash, and handed on to Morris, but the latter held too long, and another chance, went begging. After a fruitless shot at goal by Gardiner, Cudby brought trouble to Poncke by waiting tor a long kick to bounce over the line. It bounced in-field instead, and the charging Oriental pack swarmed round tho Poneko goal-line. <Tilyard extricated his side. At this stage Oriental were going strongly, and Morris just saved a score by thwarting the Oriental forwards on the line. The persevering Oriental pack were rewarded at length. Two scrums took place on .the I'oneko .lino and, from the second one, the ball was heeled out to Koberts who shot round tho s'crnm like a flash and hurled himself over Hie line. Kinvig failed to convert. Oriental, 3; Ponokc, 0. From tho kick out Oriental came with a rattle. A passing run between the backs saw Pilo blocked near the corner flag. Almost immediately after this, from a scrum 20 yards out, Roberts sent the ball to M'Leod who cut in prettily, and made a lovely opening for Pile, who scored nt tho corner—' a really smart piece of work. Koberts failed to convert. Oriental, G; Foneke, 0. A minute or two later Perry secured a mark afler a. throw-in near his own goal line. Kinvig took tho kick tho ball striking the top of the cross-bar and going over. Oriental, !); Poneke, 0. Towards the end of tho spell Poneke attacked vigorously, but without reward, although Morris made two clover dashes, one of which resulted from a nicely intercepted pas-'. The second spell was' full of vigour and incident nnd (particularly niter the accident which led to the retirement of Hoberts), . Poneko were very aggressive. Oriental, however, with 0 points in hand, were content to play "safety" as far as possible. Tho one Poneko score—a-try by Kelly—was rather a simple-looking one, although tho scorer played his part exceptionally well. ITo sot the ball on the wide side of (he field, straight in front of the posts ami, dodgim? rmst die only two opponents who barred his wav, scored near Hie posts. Morris converted. ..J "if before time was called Oriental pul

they wore "done." Mr. C. Atkiuson was refereo, ' • ST. JAMES-SOUTHERN. A FAIRLY CLOSE "GO." St. .Tames and Southern met at Lower Hull, and a, close and interesting gaino eventuated. Thomas was back in tho ranks of St. James. Southern were earliest on the attack, and, for a little time, kept St. James in the latler's twenty-five. Nothing of much interest happened until the ball drifted out to the Southern backs in front of the St. James goal. Russell got it, but, in attempting to pass, he transferred, so badly that Perkinsou, St. James's five-eighths, got it, and led a swift rush right to Southern's line, where the defenders were in eerious trouble. Through off-sido play by Bradley, St. James had a try a,t goal. Pcrkinson's kick went very wide, although the position was in easy range and from an easy angle. Unsuccessful free-kicks at goal by both sides followed. Play moved up and down (ho field rapidly awhile, and passing-rushes by St. James wero attempted, bill nipped in tho bud. Forward sorties by Southern were shifting the scene of operations frequently, but were futile for scoring. A straggling rush, by St. James took them near their goal, but a score did not seem in sight till Dwan failed to do his part as the final line of defence. Tho ball was booted over the line, and O'Lcary, following up smartly, scored an easy try. Manning, who took the kick at goal, had his chance murdered by the way in which tho ball was placed for him. St. James, 3; Southern, 0. h. Campbell had two free shots at goal, for Southern, and made very creditablo attempts from long distances, but without altering the state of the game. St. James's passing, which, for some time, had not got beyond the five-cighths-line' improved, and the second of two .fine passing-rushes resulted in Young scoring near the corner. . There was no goal, and, lit half-tma .the score was: St. James, 6; Southern, 0.

Young, who had received a knock on the head when.scoring, and had.temporarily retired, "went on again at the opening of tho second half, and marked his reentry by a good run. St. .lames had tho ball over Southern's line quickly after the start, but missed scoring. L. Campbell took a good mark in a handy position, and drop-kicked for tho bar, without success. A minuto later, however, tho same player placed a splendid goal. St. Jarue-v G; Southern, 3. The »ami! livened up considerably, and the "bariackers" more so. Campbell took another shot-from near half-way, and nearly equalised tho scores. Towards the end of the same St. James again had Southern bailed up, and from a penalty-kick in front of the goal, E. Eoberis put tho ball over the liar. Tho final scores, therefore, were: St. James, 9; Southern, 3. Mr. W. Spence was referee. MELROSE-WELUNGTON. MUSICAL COMEDY. When, tko Rugby fixtures were announced on Tuesday last, Karori was the ground sot afeide for the MclroseAVellirtgton match. Both teams journeyed to the scene of battle, and at the' appointed hour faced each other on the field, but it would bo too much to say that they played Rugby. It was moro like musical-comedy, the music being the shrill voices of thirty young men, while the comedy was their queer idea of how to play. Wellington won the toss, and so Melrose had to play tho first spell with tho sun in their eyes. Most of the piny in this half was in favour of Wellington, and the team should have scored on more than one occasion, but no member of it seemed to have tho slightest idea of what was necessary. Lambert had too unsuccessful shots at. goal from free-kicks, and then Kirkwood was given a chance, and placed a goal. Wellington 3, Melroso 0, was the score at halftime.

Early in the feccmtl spell a Wellington player kicked (ho ball high under his own goal, Gilchrist promptly marked, ant! W. Marshall accepted the opportunity of equalising the scores, Jlolrose, 3; Wolliugton, 3. This sudden change in the game proved too much for the hearts of the Wellington men. and they were unable, longer to keep Melroso back from tho goal line. Presently Adams snapped up the ball in a Mclrose rush, but lost it just on the. lino, leaving B. Sullivan to pick it up, and score. Marshall's kick was a failure. Mclroso, G; Wellington, 3. Melrose continued to attack, and, from a scrum near the twenty-five line, Pooley (Melrose half) got possession, and, dodging through tho whole of the Wellington backs, scored behind tho posts. It wns the one bright piece of play in the match. Marshall again failed with the kick. Melrose, 9; Wellington, 3. After this, Wellington rallied, and Lambert, taking a pass from Bridge, ran down the field and scored, while his opponents stood and waited for the-whistle to blow. .No goal resulted, and the game enclrd: Jlelrose, n ; Wellington, 6. Mr. W. J. Meredith was referee. :

COLLEGE-ATHLETIC,

AN UNINTERESTING DISPLAY

For the first half of this match Victoria College, contrary to expectations, held Athletic penned in their territory, and, as the result of persistent battery, twice crossed their line. In the second spell, however, Athletic played with more vim, and soon ran np a majority of points. Fifteen minutes after the opening, Athletic managed to work their way into College ground, nnd fcvenson. marking insiilc the. twenty-five line,, f>. Wilson tried a shot at goal, but without result. Fair Thirle, and Poananga, the pick of the College backs, each made individually good sorties, and, but for subsequent bad handling on two occasions, College would have scored. Curtayne, in tin? forwards, was working hard, and cleverly. Then, out of the ruck at the half-way lino, Quilliam, College winger, streaked through the Athletic backs, beat S. Wilson, kicked the ball over Gosling's head, and, in the subsequent race, reached t ]io leather first, and notched the first try of tho season for College. :i-0. College came, again, Fothere spoiling a certain scoro by hanging to the ball near tho lino. The ball, howover, went out of bounds at the corner, and, from (he throw-in, a scramble resulted, ami Johnston achieved College's second peorr. This limn Ryan converted. S-0. "Ennii" Wilson called desperately on his stile, and n. rally took play to College quarters, where "Ranji," getting possession, scut the ball to Kvonsim, who transferred to S. Wilson. Tho last-named sent it back to "Ranji," who transferred to Bell, who scored. Evenson kicked a good goal 5-8.

After half-time, College seemed quite used up, and wore all the time on the defensive. "Ranji" Wilson, Irvine, and Murray, in tho Athletic forwards, and Kvcnsoii in (lit- backs, shook things up considerably. Soon after the start, .T. Cunningham (Athletic) picked up Hio ball near the lino, nnd fell over with it.

8-8. Immediately afterwards Wilton re* ccivcd a flying pass on tbo lino froui R M'Donakl, but idled to take it, and a force resulted. College then forced four times successively. Millar, College fullback, was putting in very meritorious work at (his stage, and saved several points. At last JJoII struggled over and scored, Evenson being successful with the Kjek- 8-11. Bell ngain crossed, but E. JU JJonald was no better success in tho Boal-ltickiug line. 8-14. Ten minutes from the close, S. Wilson initiated a tricky passing essay, from which 13. M'Uonnld easily got over. Murray converted, and the gaine emlcd-S-19. The play on both sides was bolow standard, and in the second spell College forwards showed lamentable._ condition. Tho (earn lack deIcnsivo ability, and should take their training more seriously. Athletic wera very patchy. Mr. Fordyce was referee.

PETONE-OLD BOYS,

PAST AND KEENLY CONTESTED,

Some four hundred spectators assembled at the Petone Recreation Ground expecting to sea Petone romp over Old Boys. Instead they were entertained to a fast and keenly- ought game. Handicapped by bright sunlight in their faces in the firstspell, Petone actually had the worst nl matters until half-time, when Old Bow wero leading by 8 points to 3. The Blues succeeded in defeating the Whites. J- Mono opened the attack", and pressed Ll I H mt Old Boysfulack, had more than once to resort to 'speculators" to savo his side. Grace rSim. 7/""tm? by , a Kood tackle, and a. little.later Edmonds brought down James Ryan when the latter was all but over. A kick-out from behind Old Bovs' goal was received shortly after by the latter player, who, despite vigorous appealing from his fellow-backs for a pass essayed a long pot. It failed. Play was carried to the centre, and-from a scrum ioclo got possession, and started off towards, tho Petone goal. He had to negotiate several opponents, but ho outdistanced them and reached the line just as. .1 back secured him by the lei's No goal resulted. Old Boys, 3; Petone, nil. Petone Eoon succeeded in equalising the score. From a line-out on Old Boys' goal-hue, Dent forced his way over despite the fact that three opponents wero closely embracing him. 3-3. Old Boys' forwards now forced their way through the Petone pack with tho ball at their toes, and Grace picked it up, and after a gallery run down half tho field passed to Bemhard. The latter had a five yards clear run of tho posts, where ho. touched down, and he mado no mistake with tho kick. Old Boys 8- , ?? e, ?• ~ Aflcr rcsu mnig Dant got hold' of tho ball from a lino-out, and he £! i T . Macfa ™ne carried it right over' (Jld Boys line. Graco, however, outwit, ted both of them, and forced. Both sides now opened out tho play and this proved more to Old Boys' advantage than to Petone, but no further score, however, resulted until half-time.

riio second spoil opened with a good display of lino-kicking. A scrum fivo yards from Old Boys' lino v;as presently tormctl. Nunn got possession and after some scrambling Dcrnpsey scored. Mncfarl.ine converted. With the score at eight all Petono once more rushed to.the attack, and Dent repeated his feat of forcing his way across tho line with several opponents securely fastened to him. Ho was'a little longer about it this time, however, and was penalised for "held ball." The Bluca kept at it, however, and at length Macfarlano profited by two of the White backs trying to receive the ball at onoe. Ho picked it up as tboy dropped it and scored rather simply, once more addiiur the extra points. Petone, 13; Old Boys, 8. A few minutes later a penalty was awarded Old Boys in tho centre 'of- the field. Drake had a shot at goal, and though over half-way. sent the ball jusl over.the bar, the direction being .perfect. Petone, 13; Old Boys, 10. Play was fast and' strenuous by this time, and "knock-outs" became common. Boy Nelson, who had been playing splendidly for Old Boys, ricked his knee, and was carried off. Soon afterwards, Petono gets its final score by Nuiin getting away with the ball from n scrum and transferring to Daley, who cot. over. Twenty minutes remained and throughout that time, "both sides dis« played tho fine condition which they were in. but tho score was not altered. Mr. E. Tregcar was referee.'

OTHER CITY MATCHES, JUNIOR GRADE. Wellington beat Athletic by 17 points to nil. Miller (3) and Fraser scored tries. Sheridan kicked a penalty goal and owetry was converted by Ronayno. Mr. W. Church was referee. Petono and Southern played a drawn game, there being no score. Mr. J, Bussell was referee. Tho match between Selwyn and Oriental at Miramar _ resulted in a draw, From start to finish the game was keenly , contested, both teams showing good form. The Selwyn team' handted tho ball much better than Oriental, whose play at times was faulty. Owing to alleged unfair play a Selwyn player was ordered oft the field. For Oriental Palerson scored, aud Eberhardt kicked a penalty goal for Selwyn. Mr. L. Simpson was referee.

Poneko were rather decisively beaten by Victoria College, by 18 paints to nil.

St. James defeated St. John's by 8 points to 3. Mr. I{. Evenson was ro* fei cc.

Old Boys defeated Molrore by 5 points tn nil. It was a good even ganie, though, tilt; winners had slightly the better of things. Third-Class Matches.

Oriental beat Exchange by 17 points, to nil. Tor the winners Bradley (2). Poland, M'Comisky, and Stewart, scored tries, Carmichael converting one. Mr. C. Bell was referee. Southern and St. Patrick's College played a drawn game, each side scoring three points, Mr. F. Martin was referee. Fourth-Class. Oriental A defeated Melrose by 17' points to nil. For the winners tries were scored by Drury, Tucslcy, Meredith, Jackson, and Benton. Daly converted one. try. Mr. J. J. Mahony was referee. Victoria defaulted to St. James. Fifth-Class. Athletic defeated St. James by 58 points to nil, MATCHES ELSEWHERE. (By TcJcßraph.—Special Correspondent.! Palmcrston N,, May 7. The football season opened hero on Saturday with lhi> following results:—ln the senior grades Palmerston (24 points, six tries) beat; High School Old Bovs (7 points, two tries, one. converted). Feilding Athletics beat Palmerston Kia Toa. at Feilding by 17 points to 5. In the junior grade Kia Toa won by default from Palmerston. C'oUcgo Street Old. Boys beat Feilding Athletics by !) points to 5 after an excellent game. In the third class matches Palmorston High School (24) beat Palmerston (3); Old Boys (11) boat Ashhurst (0); Kia Toa. won from High School Old Boys by default. Fourth class:—Kia Toa beat High School by 32 points to nil; Feilding beat Old 13oye by 17 points to 8. (By Tclesrapli—Press Association.) Wanganui, May 6. Tho Rugby cup matches started today, lii the senior cup contests, Old Boys defeated Knstown by 8 to G. Pirates scored 28 against Kaierau's nil. Junior Cup.—Waverley defeated Pirates, scoring !i lo nil. Wnngamii easily defeated Matnriki, (he latter abandoning the game at half-time. Christchurcli, May C. Tho Canterbury Htigby Vniin's competitions wero continued this afternoon in beautiful weather, tho grounds being in good order, though slightly on the hard side. Tho principal atlraclion at Lancaster Park (where, (hero was a -fair attendance, tho gato tiildnss amounting to A' 27 ,'ts.) was tho game between Albion and Linwood. Last year's champions (Albion) had the measure of their op. turnouts practically all the way through, and won easily by 21 points to nil. On the west ground Sydenham effected something of a surprise by beating Chrislchurch by 10 point's to nil, while, on the south ground, Me.riyale defeated Marisf Old Boys by 12 points to nil. At the Showgrounds an interesting game between High School Old lioys and Canterbury College ended in favour of (lio former by 20 points to •!.

Two accidents occurred during the. matches at Lancoslor Park, l>, deary, of the Chiistehurch (cam had his ciil-

larbone tartly fractured, while W. Mahoney, of tho Marist Old Boys fifteen, Bustained a sprained tinklo. . ■

Dunedin, May C. Tho senior football matches were, played to-day in b.cau'il'ul weather and resulted' as follow:—University (6)-v. ZinRari Richmond (3)-; .Alhambra (20) v. "Union (C); Kaikorai (6) v. Pirates (C); Southern (l(i) v. Dunedin (5); Taieri (11) r. Port .Chalmers (6).

ASSOCIATION,

AN INTERESTING SATURDAY.

'ideal conditions prevailed on Saturday for "Association football, the various grounds being in capital order. Taken on ths whole, the' games aroused a good deal of interest, and as tho season progresses, no doubt the,ranks of spectators will bo materially increased. Tho Basin Reserve was', used'for tho .first time- this season, jhd, as is always the. case, a largo'number of onlookers gathered, .there..Kclburno Park drew its quota also, and a number of supporters journeyed to Newtown Park. A word, of, praise regarding the- junior teams seems to be well deserved, as, for tho roost part, the games played by the various; clubs in the junior divisions are productive of very good football, which is well worth watohing. Following are the .results of the senior, fixtures: — : Swifts, 3; St. John's, I;. Ramblers, 3; Wanderers, 0. Hospital, 4; Rovers, 2; Diamonds 3; Y.M.C.A., 0. • Thistle, 4; Corinthians, 0. RAMBLERS-WANDERERS. ■Between threo and four hundred .people assembled at the Basin Reserve on Saturday to , witness the "battle royal" • between Ramblers, last year's senior champions, and Wanderers, a promoted juniorteam. At ,tho outset there was every appearance of tho game ■ being a fairly even one, but, after 'having obtained a lead of threo goals in the first spell, Ramblers seemed to take things easy, and did not over-exert themselves. Hart, :entre-forward, and Neilson, insido right, took tho field for the first time for last year's premiers. During the first few minutes, Trevethick- was prominent for Wanderers in a fine run, but M'GillivTay returned, and Edwards 'looked dangerous,- Cornish just kicking out in the nick of time. Wanderers sot into their stride with a fine combined run, and reached the vicinity.of Webster, but off/ side sent them back. At this stage clean work by Parsons at back was getting Wanderers out of a lot of tight corners, Edwards took a corner, and, obtaining possession of the ball again, screwed it beautifully, and Parsons, in endeavouring to 'clear; landed it. in the net. Powell, Trevethick, and Hunter transferred play to the other end, but ■ Cross, left-back for Ramblers, was handy. Ramblers pressed, and Johnson and Jackson hit the bar with, solid shots. The second goal resulted from a well-placed corner kick by Johnson, and Hart.unside left, headed it through. Yet another goal came from Johnson's side, -and again . Hart scored.. Ramblers, 3; Wanderers, nil. Cornish, right-full-back for Wanderers, wasletting'Edwards through a good deal, and a lot of- trouble was coming, from this wing up till half-time. . As stated, Ramblers appeared to take things "very calmly in the second half. Kettlewell and Hunter, for Wanderers, played' good footbnll, but tho defence of Ramblers proved very solid. At this stage, Barker, centre-half for Wanderers, changed places with Rogers ,in the forwards,- but this m'ovo was not a very wise one, as tho latter is. a good forward if ho gets the'ball. Johnson, on several occasions, brought off somo tricky. work, but' nearly always finished- weakly. .To-, wards tho end, M'lnnis, right-half for Wanderers, was playing very soundly, and ■ giving Edwards a good deal of trouble. At one time the attack of the Wanderers- looked really dangerous. Hunter, securing, ran un finely, and parted with the ball well, but Webster, eayetl; Kirschberg. one noticed as .playing • his usual .tricky;,,pran>s, -ftr, Ramblers, and Jackson's easy style ara?. much in evidence. Just on the call of time Johnson secured, and...beating threo or four opponents,' battled for a second or two on tho edge" ofbis things, bnt eventually sent the'ball behind/near tho corner with a very, lame attempt. Mr. &.. P. Newbold w.as , referee. ■

'HOSPITAL-ROVERS, j A•■ brfgh't arid interesting exhibition resulted "from the meeting of Rovers and Hospital. Winning the toss the home ieam set the visitors to 'play with the sun in their eyes. An even first half, with the ball travelling riuickly from end to end,' was the order of play, Rowan just'savin" in time on one'occasion, the ball being i perilously near to going through. Gibson had.cue. or two shots, but was too well marked to be danger-. bus. Just on half-time., • Phillips and Tyrrer, the ■ home left-wing, got under wav with a , nice piece- of combined work. Elliot gave--them .a. long pass from the light, and: Tyrrer, heading into goal, followed un, and took the ball through FFith : a : fino, effort; .

The second .half was more in ths, Hosgitai's favour, : tho forwards playing a ne open game with wing-to-wing passes, and Phillips whipped through number two from Pearson's splendid centre. Shortly' afterwards,' Tyrrer augmented his side's score with two further goals, both fine.efforts, Rowan having no'chance to save. Tho Rovers were awarded a penalty, on account of Cockburn falling Brjd. upsetting a Rovers' forward over his back,-and Gibson scored • with a "rocket" shot.. Just before the final whistle Rovers scored their second -goal, per agency of Elford, -after good work by Duncan, and the same terminated iii a handsome win for Hospital by i goals to 2. Martin and Duignan were conspicuDUs at back for Rovers, as were Duncan nml Gibson forward. J?pr Hospital (who ?lay«l in colours), every'man was n trier, yrrer at inside-left having a great day Df it. Three of the goals were rattled on by him; Mr. Windley was referee.

DIAMONDS—Y.M.C.A. Diamond had (ho- advantage of a dazzling sun, and soon made matters .ivnrm for 1.J1.C.A. Within six minutes of the start the Blacks got within ranee, and Hollis, -failing to get a good grip of tho ball,-and being charged by AVilton, had the mortification -of seeing thn leather knocked from his grasn, and roll through goal. Diamonds 1, Y M.C \ 0. Ivothmj daunted, the'Y.JIC-V foV wards paid a visit'to'.their opponents' end, and good work by:, Smith narrowly ■missstl its -just reward; • Attack and counter-attack followed■:in ?'°?' at thi3 '.r.«wtl Slung- very fast, but it.-was spoiled- considerably by far too much mis-kicjcing, both teams being equal offenders. A fino effort In--3m tk (Y.M-C A.) followed, Hetok Ift ball at-inidfield, and, beating Barnett ind .- Roberts, centred., low ■in W of ?oal. With oniy tho ■': Diamond roalkeeper to beat, Hall-Kenney and Phil?f rs each completely missed the ball, -r,, \t time, arrived with tho score-.unaltered Immdiately on resuming, A. Lowe scored a splendid goaJ for-Diamonds wi h i shot from ,nfhm five yards of the joal-lme The Blacks were not yet <jk Red, and, securing thn ball from tho Poalkick, returned lo; the attack; and WiUon scored mim;ber , three . irom close ■ ran-e tho ball striking the froal-nost, and givin-J Hollis no chance. -This revere had t damping effect upon Y.M.C.A., and the blacks- mononolised. the attack for somp tune, and bombarded Hollis'. who 'hov ever, proved enual to thp test, though Williams, should have boaton him No further score occurred, Diamonds' beintr rsturncil winners by 3 goals to nil. Mr tl. L. Godber was referee.

THISTLE-CORINTHIANS. Kelburno Park was looking its best for ihe match Thistle v. Corinthians, but wee and dash wero minus quantities in ;ho game. Thistle set the' machinery movJig, -but Corinthians (through their half>ncks) soon placed their opponents on !he defensive. Off-sido and handling the ball were breaches which Thistle filled, and Hall carried play to the Corinthians stronghold, where Simpson shot a goal amid protests for off-side from Hit. field and spectators. The score was allowed. A chance soon came to Corinthians, but M'Ardle defended Thistle's goal carefully. The play of Corinthians was individually better than that of Thistle. Their sec--0 i S!i anco wns s P oi ' el l ''.V "liandlin>!," and Ihistlo advanced again. Ash's shot missed the posts, and his subsequent shot was accidentally- put through by a Corinthian back.- Ives, at' this stage looked likely for Corinthians, but his Dass to Smith found that player off-side.

Tho best point 'in the spell was a shol by Simpson, which was beautifully kepi out by Cattail. Tho second spell was as uninteresting; as a desert, and oases were fen - and fai apart. A free-kick in Corinthians' terri. Tory was taken by Clapham back), the ball striking the post. Corinthians, for a.' long time, were kepi severely on tho defensive, but several tired shots by Thistle were failures, Hall's ehot being tho exception. Corinthian: seemed unable to escape tho Blues, and it was not till thev were given a free-kick for off-side by Hall that they managed to get anywhere near Thistle's goal. The stay was brief, and soon Ash got two shots in quick succession, which, however, wore wall saved. Another Corinthian expedition sot out, but M'Ardle, coming upiield, sent the ball up to his .forwards, and Ash this time eluded the man between the posts. So tho 'game ended in Thistle's favour by 4 goals to nil. ' Mr. S. l'ress was referee. SWIFTS-ST. JOHN'S. At No. G ground, Miramar, Swift 9 inflicted defeat on St. John's to the tune of 3 goals to 1. Although the former team held the upper hand throughout, they were not playing with their full strength.. Soon after the commencement, St. John's broke away, and Bensen sent in a capital shot, which just grazed tho top of the cross-bar. About halfway through tho spell, Swifts livened up somewhat, find sent in shots repeatedly. These undoubtedly would have scored but 'or the defence of Shaw and Walls, the St. John's 'keeper. T. M'Larou drew "first blood" for the Reds, from a. shot which St. John's goalkeeper was .unable to gnt at, owing to being smothered by tho backs lying too close in. Swifts, 1; St. John's, ft. Soon isftfirwards half-time was called, with Swifts still pressing. . In the second half Swifts, who now had tho advantage of the sun, mado the play very strenuous, and Roberts, securing in front of goal, had an excellent chance, which he missed through being ton eager. At this time Gosney, left-win;; for St. John's, made several fine runs, but tho defence of Pye-Smilh and Graves alwnys relieved the tension. About twenty minutes' uninteresting play followed beforo Mathcson got through aud scored Swifts' second goal. As soon as the ball was kicked off again, Swifts rushed'it into St. John's iMlitory, where Johnston, in trying to clear, mis-kicked, and Roberts, being handy, had an open goal. Ho thus hau no trouble in scoring Swifts' third goal. From a free-kick, given for off-side against Swifts. St. John's secured and went right through, Dick scoring tho first goal of the season for his side. Considering that they were a second division team last season, St. John's played very well, but their final efforts caino too late, and, shortly after Dick had scored, the whistle sounded for time. Mr, J. Inco was referee. OTHER CONTESTS, THE SECOND DIVISION. Wadestown \ defeated Brooklyn by 3 goals to nil. Meger (2) and Shepnerd scored for the winners. Diamonds beat Y.M.C.A. by 3 goals to 1. i'or the .winners Lowe, Lingberg, and Wheldon scored, while Coad scored Y.M.C.A.'s only goal. Rovers won by default from Petono. Third Division. Brooklyn defeated Johnsonville by 2 goals to 1. Taylor scored both goals for tho owners, and Newport for the losars. St. David's, 3j Swifts, 1. Petono won from Rangers by default.. Fourth Division. , Brooklyn beat Congregational by 2 to nil. Thomas and Barton scored tor the winners. Swifts, 1; St. iDavid's, 0. Boys' Institute drew with Diamonds— one goal each. Hudson, for the lnstiute, scored from a penalty, and Carolan put tho ball through his owu goal. . Y.M.C.A. A defeated South..Wellington, .by 4 goals to 1 after a -very-fast- game/ Bosher (2) and Baker (2) scored for the former, while South Wellington's goal camu from a penalty kick. ~ Fifth A Division. Y.M.C.A. A team beat Marist Brothers' A team by 1 goal to nil. Brooklyn beat Wadestown by 10 goals to nil. Swifts, 3; St. David's, nil. Rangers beat Boys' Institute by 2 goals to 1. Marist Brothers defeated Ngaio by 2 goals' to nil. Fifth B Division, South Wellington defeated Y.M.C.A. A by i goals to nil. ■ Sixth Division. Brooklyn beat Y.M.C.A. by 3 goals to 1., ' Rangers boat Swifts by 1 goal'to nil. Y.M.C.A A defeated Seatoun by 4 goals to nil, Cook, M'Cauley, Myers, and Leslie scoring. .. Brooklyn beat,Y.M.C.A. B by 3 goals to 1. Pound scored for Y.M.C.A. :;..

POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. The positions of the various • teams to date are:— £ q jj s= j •; e S i≥ i3 q £ * £ Oriental I! 3 0 ,0 G3 5 G Petone 3 3. 0 0 52 17 6 St. James .... 3 3 0 0 34 6 G ronolse 3 2 1 0 « 12 4 Athletic 3 2 10 33 1!) i S-M'thern 3 1 2 0 in 23 2 llelrose 3 12 0 9 47 2 u.d uoys 3 0 3 0 11 51 0 Wellington ... 3 0 3 0 12 43 0 Victoria College 3 0 3 0 8 67 0 ORIENTAL-PONEKE.