SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1127, 15 May 1911, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

1 n/LY OF <MIRPR|GiF3

BOTH ORIENTAL AMD PONEKE VA^QUESHED

CLOSE GALL FOR PETOfC

SUMMARY OF RESULTS. Athletic 6 Poneke 3 St. James 11 Oriental „ 6 P"°ne 8 Melrose 5 Southern 6 Wellington 0 Old Boys 6 Victoria College 0

Surprises were the order of (he day on Saturday, when the beautiful uncertainty of football was demonstrated in at least threo instances. Between 3000 and 100!) spectators rallied at the Athletic Park, where (ho principal attraction was (he match between Ponoko and Athletic.

After their promising showing against Oriental, Poneke appeared to have an "easy thing" in baud, but previous form in this case was quite as misleading as it lins proved when applied to horse races. The Athletic forwards set to work with a determination-.which spelled trouble for their opponents, but the (iuestion that had still to be settled was whether or not they could last the journey at the pace set. To make a long story brief, they did last it out and, not only their forwnrds, but their backs also outplayed Ponske. Taking a line through a last, hard game, Athletic had all.the best of it, and it was more by good luck than good management on the part of Ponoke that at least three more tries were not recorded in favour of Athletic.

The Athletic forwards played a really flashing game in which A. Wilson and Murray were consistently to the fore. M'Vny, S. Wilson, and Evcnsen (whose kicking was perfection) were the stars of the Athletic rearguard. Poneke had the services of Mitchinsou, but the "All Black" was all at sea. In fact, none of the Poneke backs were afc home in attack, although Tilynrd, Walshe, and Morris played really well on (he defensive. Sotheran- and Caleinai were noticeable Poneko packmen. Tito second game on the Athletic Park was between Petone and Melrose and the result confidently looked for was a runaway victory for Petone. Once again "form" was "misleading. Up to Saturday Petone had not been beaten, and Melroso had only one scaln at their belt— that of the. lamentably weak Wellington tenm. Melroso looked a motley crew as they lined on. to the field alongside their neatly uniformed opponent?,, and the spectators were, inclined to lake them as n joke. When the Pelone backs scored a pretty try a few minutes after the kickoff the crowd smiled, apparently anticipating this as the first of. a procession of tries. IMore the game had advanced very far, however, it was apparent from the.swishing Melrose forward rushes that Hie old fighting blood of Adams, .M'lnnis and Co: was.up, and.that the suburban men were in for a hot time if'the Melroso condition could oiily hold. It did hold, and Petone did have a hot time. In fact) they were lucky in coming off the field with I! points to the good. Had the Melroso backs only been a little mere experienced, Petone would not have been in the hiuit. The final ■sceimatmll.wasrthe Melrose pack fighting: for victory on the Fctone goal-line, and tlio crowd, which had been prepared to hush fit Mclrose, had remained to cheer. The third surprise of the day was the decisive defeat of Oriental by the nippy, highly-trained St. James combination. Expectations of a Rood game between thess teams were fully realised, and the result, a victory for St. James,, was (as srtated) not. a little surprising. Lacking the services of F. Roberts, Oriental plnyetl Cnrrad at half and Murdoch fuH-back. St. James nlaced a strong team in the field, and the forwards, led by King and Moffit were too good for their opponents. Some of the forward rushes were magnificent, while the tackling of Motfit, and the general usefulness ot King were snecial features. B. Roberts, at half, played a sound, heady game; and tried hard to make use of the team's two wing-tlu'PP-fiuarters, who are beth fast men. Reketa, on the right-wing, played with plenty of dash, while Cook (late of Horon-Jifintia). on (lie other wins, accomplished what little he lrul to do in a thoroughly businesslike manner, and, before tho season closes, will probably nrove to bo the team's best searing back. Tho gamo was full of excitement in the second spell, and the forwards on both sides had to be cautioned by the referee for exercising too much vigour. Vcrv few spectators .were present on tlie ground, but it would probably have drawn a big crowd at Athletic Park, so that.the policy of arranging such an interesting fixture at Petone .was, to say the least of it, a poor one.

ATHLETIC-PONEKE. THE LATTER TEAM OUTPLAYED. When Ponolco went under to Oriental, it was largely because, they were, against a better set of backs than they themselves posses-ed. In their match on Saturday they met, not only belter Lacks, but superior forwards, and , a combination with more dash and initiative. The result was another defeat,, this time by 6 points to 3, but they were extremely fortunate in keeping the margin so small. The Athletic pack fet a merry pace from the outset, and repeatedly smashed through their opponents with short rushes. Finding no score .'halving as n result of these tactics, . Athletic brought their backs into action. A nice piece of passing in which (lie ball went through nil hands, from tho half to the wing-three-quarter, ended with a knock-on by the win?. The ball went into touch, and thence, Athletic essayed another passing run, which promised well, but ended in a mix-up under tho posts. Ponekc kicked it in strenuously, for a few minutes, but Athletic wore them down, ami were soon pressing on (heir line. Here a free-kick was awarded ifie' attacking party, and S. Wilson converted. Athletic, 3; l'onekc, nil. An attempt !:>■ Ponoke to make use of Micir backs was spoiled by MHchiuson failing to take a nass n't a crilical moment, and A. Wilson and Hell swept the ball well into Poiicko quarters. After a lengthy attack by Athletic, Poneke twice got within striking distance, but each time that the backs were called on to put on the finishing touch, they failed. Mitchmson beiiic unfortunately prominent in this respect. Following this, Walsho and Kelly iii turn rejected chances of improving Poneke's position. A hot Athletic attack under (lie Poneke posts, followed by a pretty dash by Mitchinson and Morris, were features of the succeeding few minutes' play, Ponek? losing a further chance through' bad judgment on the part of Morris, who kicked in-lield, after hesitating and failing Id send (ho ball out to his wing. A spell of play, all in favour of Athletic, was succeeded by a clever dash by Mitchinson anil Morri.s tho latter being rolled into (ouch by S. Wilson, when on the point of scoring. The Poneke men made further attempts to score, but half-time saw them (hroe points in the rear. A striking point '.if !he wiml half -■■as the number of penally Kicks which

failed. On one occasion Tilyord was penalised right under his own posts, but fc. \\ iUon failed to convert, A good ninny scoring chances went begging, most of them on the Athletic side, but each side pul on three points. Athletic scored as the result of a pretty piece of passing. Cnnninghamc picked the ball up from a loose ruth,, and sent it to Murray, who handed on lo A. Wilson, who, in turn, transferred to M , Donald, who .scored. The Poneko score was a try by Sothoran, wlio was nearest the ball when it was swept over the line *" by half-a-dozen forwards. ' Between the above scores A. Wilson and Evensou both, crossed the Poneko lijic, but were called back. The game ended.: Athkltc, 0; Poneke, 3. Mr. Meredith was referee.' ST. JAMES-ORIENTAL. CLOSE, INTERESTING GAME. Oriental, playing without the services of F. Roberts, had still a very strong team to opposs St. James on Saturday, at Petone, but the. latter team had practically the best of the match tho whole way through, aitd though three points in arrears ill tho first spell, came out with victory in the second. ' ... St. James won tho toss, and Oriental had to defend the eastern coal with the sun in their eyes. From the outset. St. James commenced to attack, but their opponents kept up a sound defence, llie play at this stago was marked by niagnilicen't line-kicking by Hekota and Ji. Roberts on the one side, and by kinvig on the other. Mofiitt and Hills headed a fine forward rush for St. James, and the former smothered an Oriental back. In the scramble that followed a St. Janice forward threw the ball into touch, and, on the line-out, King marked within, easy range, but Perkinson misssd the chance at goal. Kinvig relieved the pressure for Oriental with a great run, but w<l3 grassed at the twenty-five by Ileketa. Hero Thomas infringed, and gave Kinvig a shot at goal. The ball went wide, but Perkiuson, instead of forcing, kneckod--011, and Manning picked up off-side. Kinvig kicked on easy goal. Oriental, 3; St. James, 0. Give-and-take play followed, but St. James were doing most of the attacking, at the end of the spell, which ended without further score. In the second spell St. James forwards carried the day. King..played magnificently,, ami-was ably supporledbyMofhtt., H'oar'c, Manning, and Hills, while /the backs did all that Was required. Early in the spell, Manning had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a mark by" 13. Roberts, but, a. little later, E. Roberts •made the scores equal with a penalty goal. From .1 mark by Perry, Kinviß unsuccessfully attempted to place Oriental in the lead again, and -St. James recommenced a hot attack. A clever mark by Perkinson resulted in Thomas kicking n splendid goal from the half-way ' line. , St. James, (i; Oriental, 3. A few minutes later Kinvig again missed an easy goal for Oriental. The latter team were defending again very quickly, and, during a forward scramble, Hekota dashed up from wing-three-quarter, and, taking the ball from the hands of an opponent, knocked over two others, and just had sufficient impetus to fall over in the scoring area. E. Roberts converted. St. James, 11; Oriental, 3. Kinvig, after missing another penalty goal, potted a goal from 10 yards past half-way, from a mark by M'Leod. The ball hit the crossliar, and bounced over. This was the last wore, and tho game ended: St.. James, 11; Oriental, C. Mr. Simpson was the referee. . . SOUTHERN-WELLINGTON. BRIGHTER THAN EXPECTED. At Karori Southern a.ud Wellington treated their small spectatorale to , a better entertainment than the average onlooker had anticipated. Tho lirs.t spell, however, was nearly devoid of interest. Tho second spell opened with inucn greater promise. Brudlew at once distinsuished by fine taking »ud kicking. Southern forwards rushed the lull down tho field, but J. Ryan (Wellington's now full-back) secured the leather neatly and booted for the lino with promptitude, but Ryan is not a strong kick, anil Bradley, ever on tho alert, managed to interrupt the oval's flight before it reached safety.. Gathering it at top speed, ho flashed along tho . line unsupported, and, when his prospects of getting through looked bad, ho thing tho ball haphazard into midiield, but his confreres were not wide enough awake, and the ball got into Wellington's possession. Exciting incidents continued hot upon one anotlier, und, again, out went the ball to Soul hern. The Ucde took it with a rush to Wellington's line, a jumble ensued, and out of the mix ennio h. Campbell, struggling to push past a couple of Yellows, whose efforts to lloor him were more amorous than Rugby-nsc. Campbell fell over the lint , , and scored the first try of tho match. There was no goal. Southern, 3; Wellington, 0. Jounson dashed through the ruck and placed Wellington on (he defensive in front of their own goal, but penalised his side by bunging to the ball. Wellington attacked, haci tin unsuccessful shot at goal, and wcro then driven back to mind tawr own premises. Southern attacks were * frequent, but individual efl'urts were re--lierl on so much that tho result was correspondingly small. Ryan failed Iα r-leni a warm Southern onrush, and the Reds got the ball over the lino, but were not brisk enough to wind up the episede wilh n. score. Gallagher Kit the ball aiva.v beautifully from a midiield scrum, nr.d whipped it out to Bradley, who, hnvins piled on ail speed before he took (ho leather, beat a ccupln of opponents through tho mere swiftness of his movement, and, in a twinkling, had dispatched W. Houlihan en route for (he jpal-line. Ilo\ililinn did his share, and passed (0 W. Mitchell, who wound up the best pi«a of work of the match with a determined sprint, from which ho scored near the corner. Tho try was 'not converted. Southern, G; Wellington, •0. Mr. A. Roberts was the referee. COLLEGE-OLD BOYS. A CLOSE CONTEST AT HOT.' Victoria College and Old Hoys fought out a hard, even contest on the Lower Unit grounds. Very shortly nfler tho ' start the Old Boys' forwards went a-skel-ter with the leather, and as tin; outcome of some pretty passing between Ijermird, l'icot, niul Poolo, they were within an, nee of scoring. Then Patterson, wing-llireo-quartcrs, by streaking along under a high kick, again almost crossed uittr getting iK)HWs«ion. Then a penalty was awarded against the Collide, and Drake, A lino place-kick, landed a guod goal. Old Hoys, ii; College, nil. Play now assumed ii different aspect. The College tailed on all their resources, and their forwards, who were in bet lor I'lirm than they have yet been tin's season—particularly Quilliam (wins), M'Curmack, and Brosnan—almost equalised the weree with n try. Soon afterwards, Hnrlo nearly reached the Old Hoys' line. Twice, subsequently, Grace got Old Hoys clever,, ly out of difficulties. Throughout the rest of the spoil College were undoubtedly experiencing the belter of the game, M'Cormack doing a giant's work. It was the same in the second, spell. Ten minutes after tho opening, Hrosuan

(College) broke away, and tho ball was handled first by Ryan and then by M'L'ortuack, but the attempt was nulliiied near tho Old Hoys' line. Old Boys, through Picofs agency, worked the gamo back, but Poauanga and Fair, both making pretty runs, took the leather back into White's territory, Johnst6n bringing tho latter down in great style. A good deal of give-nnd-tako kicking followed, but again the Green backs, who had been onco or twice trying desperately to win, came with a great flying rush, tho best to their credit this ■season. Ryan,''near the half-way line, picked up the" ball, sent, it to Fathers', who gave it back to Ryan. Swooping along, all the Collogo backs seemed to handle it, Hurle taking it last, and almost reaching tho line, where Patterson just managed to throw him out." This bit of' play elicited loud applause. Tor some time Graco (Old Boys) wns most conspicuous in defence. Col lego were asjain—nearly over. Then Ryan took a. mark in front of Old Boys' goal, but himself missed the easy attempt at a shot. Ton minutes from the end Old Boys worked the College back, and a penalty coming to them, Drake kicked another excellent goal. No other incident occurred, and tho game ended: Old Boys, (i; College, nil. If anything, College had tho bettor of the game, and experienced hard luclc in losing. Sir. J. Mahony was referee.

PETONE-MELROSE. A SURPRISE AND A WARM FINISH. • Tho lesulf of this match catne as a surprise, as it was thought that a 10-point lead in favour of Petono would have been something like the score. Melrose, however, camo out of their various shells, held thoirown in the first spell, and were decidedly superior in tho second half. . . The opening stages saw the Blues at- ' -'tacking in a half-hearted manner, and Dent kicked wide to Daley, who gathered smartly.- and darted over at the corner. 3—o. Ji'olrose, by a series of forward rushes le,i by Sullivan and M'lnn«s, took play to Petone's twenty-fivo, where W. Marshall had an. ineffectual shot. Potone now set their backs to work, but Corson spoiled a chahco through dropping a pass. Petono again resorted to passing, and Jns. liyan sent to Corson, to Daley, who scored again. M'Fnrlane goaled. B—o. At this stage ■ Melrose were getting the ball repeatedly from the scrum, but their backs did not feel inclined to open tho play, being content to hug the lino. By -this means, however, they forced tho Blues back. They continued attacking, and, from a • scrum, .-H. Marshall secured, put in a dodgy run through . Petoiio's backs, transferred to Pooley, who sent to Sullivan, who raced in at the southern corner,-amidst wild cheers; W. Marshall landed an excellent goal. B—s. The.second spell was tame, excepting for a quarter of an hour before tho close, ■ when Melrose attacked repeatedly. W. Adams engaged the eyo of the gTandetand in a heroic run, and' .Tas. Ryan, Nnnn, and M'Kenzie were responsible for good defensive work during these attacks. About five minutes before the close Melrose (led by the Sullivans and Gilchrist) raced play to within a couple of yards of Petone's line, and tho> battle was running etrongly when the bell ■ went. Petono word without Hardham and Ramsden. lir. Martin was referee.

OTHER CITY ENGAGEMENTS.

THE'JUNIOR GRADE. Southern defeated Old Boys by 11 points to nil. M'Guirc, Wetherell, and Mortensen- scored tries, M'Gnire converting one. The St. John's v. Athletic contest re-sulted-in a win for tho former by 9 points, to -3. Trios were scored for tho winners by Enting, Fawcett, and Mitchell, and for the.losers by Madden. Mr. A. Bott.was referee. St. Jarnos defeated Victoria College by Mi points to 5. Mr. H. Larway was the referee. ■ Ponoko, after a keenly-contested gamo, defeated Metrose by-3-points to nil. Mr. J.. R. Russell was the referee.i,;/,, ~-,j ~, beat Selwyn by 9 points to" ■ 5. Mr. C. Atkinson was referee. Oriental defeated Petone, at Petoue, by 6-points, to 3. .-Mr. W. C. Church wasthe , Teferee,:, , For-Oriental, .M'Keown got two tries.: Whitley sont over a penalty goal for the losers. .■■-.-■ - Third. Class Matches, . Athletic were defeated by Oriental by 24 points to .nil. Moore (3), Brown, Bow-' ' man, Bradley, M'Comby, and Watson were tho' scorers. Mr, H. Card was Teferee. Karori were beaten by Southern at ■ Karori.by. 17 points to nil.. Mr. A. NeilBon was the referee. ' Old Boys defaulted to Exchange. Petone 13 beat Upper Hutt 3. For Petone, Instone scored a try, Hill potted a goal, and M'llvride secured two penalties. Edwards scored for Upper Hutt. Fourth Class Matches. Oriental "B" boat St. John's by 38 points to nil. The combination of the winners was altogether, too much for their opponents. ■ .Petone defeated St. James by 21 points to nil.-, . ■■■.-'■ -Selwyn defaulted to Oriental A. .Melrwe defeated Southern b.r 8 points tp3. Milno and Bitossi scored for tlio •winners, and Barton converted one ol the tries. Fifth Class Matches. •Melroso defeated Oriental by 12 points to 5. fov t\\6 winners tries were obtained by GfaMn, JPlfaJion, Roase, and Helliwell. Curry scored for Oriental, and Walker converted. lower Hiitfc defeated St. James by . 18 points to -nil. • ' . St. Patrick's College B defaulted to Petone. Southern defeated Poneke by 26 points to nil. For the winners Colinan (3), Howard, 'Patching, -Mid 'Harris scored tries, and Colman converted three and Harris one. Mr. L. Keys was referee. School .Matches. The results of tho public schools Rugby matches, played on l-'riday afternoon, are US follow:— [ , '■ Senior. 7\"ewtown (35) beat Kilbirnie (0). Mount Cook (8) beat Clyde Quay (3) Terrace (0) beat South Wellington (7). Marauui (9) beat To Aro (0). Brooklyn (8) beat Normal School (0). Junior. • Island Bay (35) beat Newtown (0). •4 . t M,tc - hcllto ""n defeated Roseneath, but \ the details of tho. scores are not .to hand y J Mount Cool: Juniors had a bye. MATCHES ELSEWHERE. (By Tclcgraph.-Sr.ccia: Correspondent.) ' r h, it ' . , Palmersion, May 13. i-ootball -matches wero continued hero to-day in good weather. Results — T ,? e »i or; l ;> t l hle ' ic TT ! 7 ; beat Palmerston 4; Kia 'I pa 16, beat. High School Old Boys 3 Junior;: Athletic 13, boat Kia Toa s\ College Street Old Boys 12, beat Palmorston, 5. Third-class: Kia Toa 6, beat Old Boys nil. .... . . . . ' Fourth-class: Kia Toa 9. beat Old Bovs 8; Athletic S, beat Feilding, 3. J Carte.-ton,. May 13. The Wairarnpa Rugby Union's championship fixtures commenced to-day. Results: Carterton Senior 3, beat Masterton Bed Star, 0; Masterton. 6, lost to Gladstone, 13. , Junior: Featherston Liberals .'), beat Dalefield, 0; Cnrterton 8, beat Red Star, 0; Masterton 3, lost to GreytDwn, 30.. - PONSONBY COLOURS LOWERED. (By Telegraph—Press Association,) Auckland, May 13. The Riigny football season opened here to-day in fine weather. A surprise was effected by University, who defeated Ponsonby (champions) by 10 points to D. For the winners trios were scored by Wilkes and Wilson, Schofiekl converting both. O'Leary, J. Clark, and Webb scorfd for Ponsonby. Grafton and Parnell played a drawn game, 9 points each. Wolfgramm scored three tries for Grafton, and Hardwicke kicked three penalty-goals for Parnell. City defeated Newton by 23 points to nil. TWO VERY EXCITING GAMES. Cfiristchurch, May 13. The Canterbury Rugby Union's competitions were advanced another stage this afternoon, the only drawback being a cold . easterly wind that was blowing. There was a.good attendance at Lancaster Park, the giito takings amounting to .£lO 3s. 6d. Tho principal attraction wns the gamo

between Albion and Old Boys, in which the last-mentioned team, after being four points to tho bad until right on the call ot time, mado a brilliant final effort, and won by 11 points to 10. On the west ground, Linwood, led against llerivalo with but a few minutes to go, when a potted goal gave Jlerivale a win by 10 points to 7. 'On tho south ground Sydenham beat Canterbury College by 16 points to 3, whilst, at the Show Grounds Christchurch defeated Mari9t Old Boys by 18 points to nil. THE ALHAMBRA BEATEN. Dunedin, May 13. Football matches were continued to-day in splendid weather. University 8 points, beat Alhambra (last year's premiers), G points'; Southern 13, beat Zingari Richmond, 3; Port Chalm-iTS 10, beat Dunedin, 3; Pirates 19, beat Union, 6; Kaikoura 6, •beat Taieri Rovers, 3. ASSOCIATION. SOME TALL SCORING. In two senior matches on Saturday, what may bo called some tall scoring took place, ior it is not often that a senior team knocks up six goals to nil. In tho lower grades, also, some big scores wero put up. In the second divisio. Kovers scored ten goals to their opponents' ono, and, in the Fourth Division, Newtown Congregational ran up 11 goals to Y.M.C.A.'s one. Scores of fours and sixes were common. Taken on the whole, tho games were again interesting. A surprise was occasioned when it. became known that Rovers had gone under to Ramblers cheaply, for it was anticipated that ths wearers of tho white shirts would give ; a good account of themselves. Following are the results of the matches: Mental Hospital 4 St. John's 2 Swifts B.Corinthians 0 Ramblers 6 Rovers 0 Diamonds • 4 Wandorers 3 Thistle 1 Y.M.C.A 0 DIAMONDS-WANDERERS. Wanderers made the pace a cracker for tho first quarter ot an hour, and, had they been able to maintain it, no doubt thero would have been a voTy different tale , to tell at the finish. Judging by the final scores, the game would seem to wear tho appearance of having bean a very clos9 one', but, as a matter of fact, Diamonds had it all their owe way for the greater part of the second half.. Onlj on a few occasions did Wanderers cross the half-way line, and, oe one of these, the third goal came. .

Soon after the commencement, Pickering- was able to find tho net after three attempts. Wanderers, 1; Diamonds, nil. Diamonds now took matters in hand, and, tho ball travelling up the left-wing, was nicely centred by A. Lowe, and, Wilton being handy, headed it through. One all. The next score came from a penalty given against Cornish, right-full-back for Wanderers, and P. Roberts, taking tho kick, had no difficulty in scoring. Wanderers,- who appeared to be very much "blown," now made an effort, and took play to their opponents' end, where Hayward managed to equalise. Tho game- livened up a littlo for a few minutes at the commencement of tho second half, but Diamonds soon wore the ftefence down, and Wilton scored, with a good shot from the left, the goal-keeper mulling. Diamonds, 3; Wanderers, 2. Within a very short space of time, and from a scramble in front of tho goal, Wilton again scored, placing his side two goals ahead. A long stretch of uninteresting play now followed, during which Diamonds kept Wanderers down in their own goal. Many shots were put in, but bad shooting was the order, of the day. Wanderers then seemed to conjure up whatever dash they had left in them, and, with ono spasmodic effort, broke through, and carried' the pame to their opponents' end. There, after a nretty piece of piny on the left wing. Hunter seonred, and, with an open gonl, scored amidst some excitement. It only wonted about two minutes: to go,. and a draw, itemed certain, bubK brttncli/zofiilrai rulesby a Wanderers man "spoilt their chancas, and Diamonds were-returned viotors by the harrow margin of one goal. Mr.. Ri- S. Litbgow "was referee. .•■• '■ .-:■'.' .

• CORINTHIANS-SWIFTS. A big score was put up by Swifts against Corinthians, at New-town Park, but the latter team were without the services of their usual centre-forward and insideright. This appeared to have a decided effect upon their combination, and no doubt bad niuch to do with the big beating which they received. ' Scott was early on the scene of action, and, after a splendid run down the left wing, he centred well to Yessey, and the latter shot hard. Corinthians' keeper (Cat'tall) did not clear his goal properiy, and Roberts, seizing the opportunity, landed the ball in the net. A few minutes later, Barry managed to find the posts also. Corinthians gave the Reds a good shaking lip on several occasions after this, and Curtis and O'Neil had poor luck in not scoring. However, Swifts again attacked, and Smith (Corinthians) gave a penalty for "hands." Roberts sent in a "rocket" shot, which Cattail caught, but could not hold, and the ball slipped through his hands Over the goal-line. A few minutes before half-time (he Reds «g\starct\ awotiwr goa\, ftms making a lead of four.

■ Some very even play took place during Hie opening-stages of the second half, the ball travelling from one end of the field to the other at a gren'i rote. Durin? this spell Webb and Barnsley did good vovk in Vreaking up the attack of the Swifts forwards. Not content with the lead already obtained, however, Swifts were' determined to increase it, and, during the last ten minutes, this was clone, Scott and Mnfhieson each scoring. Swifts thus won the match by 6 goals to'nil. Mr. R. Hutcheson was referee. THISTLE-Y.M.C.A.

Y.M.C.A. set out with a fair breeze to try and gain victory from Thistle, but Thistle cared not for the idea, and promptly asfailed their would-be intruders' goal, where they -found, however, that ilollis knew what to do to stop their first shot. ' This strong attempt by Thistle made Y.M.C.A. increase their speed, and their - second ■ invasion was better maintained till off-sido spoiled them. Still working against hard, determined play by Thistle, they managed to got a shot at Thistle's goal, but M'Ardle and Clapbam drovo away tho forwards by good strong kicking, and Thistle were on tho advance. Coato, Y.M.C.A.'s back, was soon to the rescue, and, aided well by tho other back (Forsythe), there wns soon discomfiture in Thistle's ranks. It was the best combined work by Thistle in the game, and, was well stemmed bv their opponents' back?. Turning on their full amount of energy in'the second spell, Y.M.C.A. attacked, and, though driven back, camo again, and this time two quick shots were sent in by Smith and Hall-Konney, but they availed nothing, while a penalty against Thistle struck the cross-bar, and Clapham, with a sound kick, cleared well Then Ash (for Thistle) set np an attack, and through his very neat footwork ihiftle found themselves in Y.M.C.A. quarters, where a corner resulted. The attempt at .goal failed, but the ball came from the scramble in the direction of Irvine, who got in a fine kick, beating Tlollis, and scoring Thistle's ono "oai Later' Hall had a shot, but without effect.' 1.M.G.A., still plnying a keen game, kept close at Thistles goal, but invariably they encountered Clapham, who plaved a finished game, and was the main factor in Sli". sI "S 'I 1 call of time to read: Thistle, lj Y.M.C.A., 0. Mr. Munachen waa referee.

HOSPITAL-ST, JOHN'S. Theso old opponents, Hospital and St. Johns, met for the first time this reason since their promotion to the senior ranks on Saturday. Unfortunately a St. John s player missed his train, thus leaving his tenm to play with ten men, who, however, regarded the game as anything but a foregone conclusion for Hospital, but made up in energy what they lacked in numbers. Very sportingly they played two backs, and thus prevented the gamo from degenerating into a succession of whistle solos and free-kicks for offside. Hospital introduced Roots at cen-tre-half—a decided acquisition—taking the ball in any position, feeding his forwards with fine judgment, and having the felicity of scoring a couple of goals for his new club. The gamo opened sensationally, Tyrcr meeting a fine centre by Pearson, and sending the ball into the ■net in the first minute. The next item of note was a beautiful thirty yards shot

by Tyrer, the ball striking tho bar with groat force. Davis scored a goal, but the referee negatived it for off-side. St. John's replied with a fine effort by Gos-ne-y, whose shot missed by inches and, on tho piny being removed to the other end, Roots scored from a corner with a fine low shot, through n crowd of players. . However, St. John's were not dismnyed, and Dick, receiving about midfield, beat his mnn, and spying an opening, broke between tho backs at top speed, and scored a splendid goal. With renewed zest, Egiey dashed up his wing, and centred into tho goal-mouth, where after a short scramble, Dick placed the ball safclv home—two all, and half-time. Hospital, on resuming, repeated their opening halt' performance, and scored a third goal in the first minute, Phillips driving home a splendid centre by Pearson. Hospital had much tho better of the play, but St. John's did not relax their efforts. Shaw was a. dominant figure in defence and attack, while Dick, Gosney, and Egley were always dangerous when within scoring distance. The issue wns settled in Hospital's favour by a fourth goal by Koots, after a corner conceded by St. John's. In the end, Hospital left the field comfortable winners by four goals to two. Mr. Ince was the referee. ROVERS-RAMBLERS. In their match against Rovers at Kelburno Park on Saturday, Ramblers took the field without Hart and Wilson, while Hovers started with ten men. Duncan going on after about 30 minutes' play. Mid after two goals had been registered by Ramblers. Ramblers kicked off, but Croft ran down on the left and Cross cleared. Ramblers then paid a long visit to-Hovers' quarters and the Rover goalkeeper was prominent in saving in good clean style. A series of well-taken corners by Edwards at last resulted in Kmallbone getting a difficult one past Rcwan. Rovers now became dangerous for- the first time, but a good run by Lowe finished weakly. Once ngain Lowe made a good run, but Gibson mado a poor' attempt at goal. Hovers now came along in a body, and Gibson finished well, bringing Webster to his. knees and forcing a corner. Lowe tested "Colin," but he found the latter ali there. Smallbone, well attended by Hart (centre-half), then broke- through, drew out the goalkeeper (Rowan), and beat him. Johnson then dodged through his opponents, • Duignan missed, Smallbone centred beautifully, and Gibson bustled past Rowan, who was undefended. Halftime was called with the Whites 3 goals down.

On resuming, Ramblers were early in Hovers' territory. Some desultory play qasued* till a good run down the left was made by Edwards, which gave Hart, on the inside, a chance to score. Hβ did. More off and on play followed, till a freelrick against Rovers gave Cross a lobbing shot, which deceived Rowan, making the 'Score 5 goals. Then, from a mix-up in front of Rovers' goal. Johnson outmanoeuvred Rowan rather easily. Time was called, with Royers at Webster's end, Ramblors thus gaining full points by the solid margin of (! goals to nil. Mr. A. Williams was referee. THE,OTHER GRADES. : ' SECOND DIVISION HATCH. Wadestown defeated Diamonds by 3 goals to 1. Magee, Warne, and Norling each scored one goal for Wadcstown, and Liuneberg one goal for the losers. Both teams played ten men, and ,tho gamo was very fast, Diamonds pressing hard at the end of the second spell. Warno and Overend played well for Wadestown. Mr. Salruond was referee. Hovers- (10) boat St. John's (0). Y.M.C.A. (7) beat Corinthians (1). The scorers for Y.M.C.A. were: Coad (3). B. Nimmo (1), Green (1), and Stanton (1). H.M.S. Cambrian beat Brooklyn by 3 goals to 1. liobinron scored for Brooklyn, and Phillips (2) and Jl'Glashnn (1) for tho men-o'-wnr.imeii. Third Division. Brooklyn deflate.) Y.M.C.A. by G goals !to 'l?' , l ' ! Tlfe 1 ' scirers for Brooklyn were: Smith (2),' Taylor ',1), M'Glnty (1), Wilkinson (2). Smith fcored for Y.M.C.A. Johnsonvillo beat St. David's by 1 goal to nil. The scorer was G. Pearce. • Fourth Division. Brooklyn defeated Diamonds by 2 goals to nil. Baldwin and Wilkio were tho scorers. Newtown Congregational beat Y.M.C.A. B by 11 goals to 1. ' Boys' Institute defeated St. Anne's by 4 goals to 2. Y.M.C.A. A defeated St. David's by 4 goals to 1, Macklin (2), Bosher, and Baker scoring for Y.M.C.A., and Hutchell for St. David's. Y.M.C.A. goals wero the result of fine centring by Temperton on tho right-wing. Fifth A Division. Y.JJ.C.A. beat St. David's by 1 goals to 1. Marist Brothers drew with Swifts. Brooklyn beat St. David's by 3 goals to nil. Y.M.C.A. beat Wadestown by 9 goals to 1, Gray (3), M'Kail (2), Conner, Macintyre, and Worboys scoring for Y.M.C.A. Fifth B Division, Institute few -with. Kgaio—s goals each. Hangers beat Y.M.C.A. by 2 goals to •ail. Sixth Division, Y.M.C.A. A defeated Y.M.C.A. B bv 5 goals to nil. Cook (2), Leslie, Macaiiley, and NYard (\ each), scoring ior the winners. Rangers beat Marist Brothers by 3 goals tn nil. Wesley 111 were defeated by Hutt II by 8 goals to 2.

POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. • I i - I 11 h ? J R h < h St. James 4 4 0 0 45 12 8 Pelone 4 :i 0 0 GO 22 8 Oriental 4 » 10 74 1C G Athletic 4 a ] 0 39 22 6 Ponckp 4 2 2 0 47 IS 4 Melrose 4 1 3 0 14 55 2 Old Boys 4 1 3 0 17 51 2 Wellington i 0 4 0 12 40 0 Vic. College i 0 4 0 ■ S 73 0