LACROSSE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1126, 13 May 1911, Page 12

LACROSSE.

HARD FIGHT AT THE BASIN. [By Point.] When Greek Meets Greek. The star fixture last Saturday was the match between Kelburne—last year's premiers and holders of the Proud CupPand Capitol (rtini'.ers-up in 1910). It was anticipated that Kelburno would meet their Waterloo as thoir ranks have been depleted of the most promising players, whilst Capitol have been strengthened considerably, both in attack and defence. The men of the hills, however, won by two goals to one. As to the game, it might easily claim to be tho hardest fought ever witnessed on the Basin Reserve. From the face-off at the commencement, the pace was made a cracker-jack, Renkin, of the Capitol Club, showing fine form. It was not until the beginning of the second quarter that the first goal was scored, when Snow secured the ball from a ground tussk-, and, throwing from an angle, found the net. It was a good piece of work, and does the colt great credit to thus penetrate (in his first game of the season) Kelburno's. doughty defence. The Blues, meantime, had been working solidly, but principally owing to the efforts of Montgomery, King. Moran, and company, their efforts were frustrated, and the-half-time whistle went with the score standing I—o in favour of Capitol. On resuming, it was immediately apparent that Kelburne were in better form than their opponents, arid yet they failed to score, although numerous chances were given them. Mulling passes and unnecessarily crowding the goal were the chief causes of their failure in this quarter. The Laurels Snatched from Capitol, Facing off for the final spell victory looked certain for Capitol, but in a few moments Hutton had levelled matters Dy registering Kelburne's first point. It was a clean goal, and was only excelled in point of merit by the winning goal thrown a few minutes later by tho same player. With more than ten minutes to play, Capitol made a bold bid to draw level, but the Blues' defence proved too Folid. Eeg, Jordan, Proud, and Canty were prominent all through. In fact, it is to their super!) defence that the premiers can accredit their success. Seddon, Bragg, and Jones are three new players, of whom Kelburne have every reason to be proud, although Bragg—the writer was assured—did not play up to the form exhibited at practice. Individual Gladiators. Keg is an ex-Sydney man. who seems to be right in his element when frustrating dangerous attacking rushes. Wo welcome him to Maoriland, and lonk forward to seeing him figure prominently in Wellington lacrosse. Meyer (TGelburne's Gkipper) played centre for his club, bat we missed tho?o lightning-liko scoring rushes with which that player was wont to surprise the opposing defence. On Capitol's sido, the players whoso work proved most serviceable havo already been mentioned. The good defensive work of "Joe" Renkin must not b? permitted to pass unnoticed. Ho is undoubtedly a colt of much promise. Hugo, who played home for the same side, may also be mentioned, whilst Bitossi, Forbes, and Comrie might be recommended to attend stick practica on the Basin as frequently as possible. The cenial "Terry" M'Go«rn ably referred the game, which was markedly free from any questionable play. Out at Duppa Street. At Duppa Street a very good performance was put up by Wellington against Columbia. The latter club enjoy the proud distinction of having once made Kelburne sing small, and it is anticipated that they will this season bo hot after the silver cup, now held by the blue-jerseyed men. In view of Columbia's strength, therefore, Wellington's defeat by only 10 goals to 7 last Saturday has its consoling features. In tho second quarter Wqlljji'gton,, succeeded in netting three' goals to their opponents' one, but Columbia came away finally with a threepoint lead. It was a good gaino and greatly enjoyed by both sides. Game Booming in Christchurch. Lacrosse is booming in Christchurch. Already two full teams are in the field and according to our correspondent tho form exhibited in last. Saturday's practice match was excellent. With our old friend, W. B. Estcourt, W. 11. Benson (ex-English representative), and S. A. Hornibrook pushing things along, the Cathedral City must shortly be a factor to reckon with in,-inter-provincial contests. In .Time it is very probable that two teams from Wellington will be sent by tho local Association to play a couple of exhibition games in the southern centre. The writer hopes that nothing will occur to prevent this being arranged, as uo better plan for furthering lacrofso in other centres could possibly bo decided upon. The Auckland Match. This year's match between Auckland ami Wpllington cities will be played in Wellington cither on Coronation Hay or the Saturday immediately following— barely time for locol player:, to get intn their best trim, but it is expected both in tho northern city and here that the holding of the match earlier than' usual will rSEult in considerable good to ■ tho game. .Tho Wellington Lacrosse Association Management Committee decided at a recent meeting' to have ono selector only to choose a representative team for tho contest. Engagements for To-day. ■ The fixtures for to-day arc:—Columbia v. Capitol, at Duppa Street; Kelburno v. Wellington, at Basin Reserve. The firstmentioned game is expected to produce Mine very fine lacrosse and, in view of the showing made by Wellington against Columbia last Saturday, that on tho Basin this afternoon will also produce a good exhibition. At tho Basin Reserve last Saturday a good dral of time was lost in facing-off when returning the ball from bounds, and whilst it is purely at tho referees discretion whether the ball be faecd-ofj or bounced, the writer contends that it would put Iho ball in play more quickly if the latter method were adopted in preference to the face-off. . _ Tho very important rule requiring eve.ry player to stand when bounds is called was more frequently honoured in the breach than observance in the match Canitol v. the captains [ and older players offending.