LACROSSE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1132, 20 May 1911, Page 12

LACROSSE.

[Bt Point.]

PLATERS THAT HAVE LEFT US. Where aro the players of yesterday? On a rough estimate the local clubs have lost considerably mor-o than forty playing members in tho last year or two. We hear of Estcourt in Christchurch, Stacey and Webb in Sydney, Borrodale and Pledger in Auckland, whilst, from far-away Canada, ths elder Montgomery sends greetings. The demands of our leaders of Commerce aro insistent. They clamour everywhere for good men, and lacrosse, it appears, contributes its quota. From England cams the call that took .our Casey home. He left by tho Warrimoo last Friday, without a word of warning. It is said that ho wished no fuss made, and though few of his lacrosse friends knew of his hurried departure, a fairly largo gathering mustered on the wharf to shako his hand and wish him "bon voyage." His departure will be keenly felt by the Columbia Club whose skipper ho was, but the association will suffer mqst, for Casey has been the "big man behind it" for some years now. In view of Columbia's loss, their defeat by Capitol was by no means a surprise— 12—2. Columbia, as is well known, have some of tho finest forwards in the Dominion—notably Grant Leydon and Fama. Their failure to score more than twice is attributed to tho fact that Fama and Leydou persistently ignored their home, indulging in pretty but futile exhibitions of passing between themselves. Capitol had no difficulty in breaking up these dual efforts, as they mostly occurred in tho outfield.

Seen after the game, one of the .principal participants claimed that Capitol mistht ensfty havo scored twenty poa,3 had they been keen on notching points. This speaks badly for the Black-Jerseyed defence. Some there be who claim that a smart attack is a t«am's hc3t defence, meaning, ef course, that if a team is strorng in the forward division they have less cause for alarm if their bock men are a triilo weak. Bnt, whilst admitting that a good attack may put the other side on the defensive, and may succeed in keeping-them busy for a time, the weakness at the rear tolls sooner or later. >:o. attack can bo effective if tho defence fails to send the ball back to th*m constantly. The strength of both the Capitol and Kelhurnc Clubs is, and has been, in their defence. If the new captain of the Columbia Club is not averse fq advice, he will endeavour (with the men at his command) to make his defence always strong enough to withstand the opposing attack. At the Basin a very good game between Kelbnrne and Wellington resulted in an er.cv win for the former by 19 peals, to 3. Wellington have a very poor team in the making. The plav throughout was of a fair'standard. Kelbnrne homes played with the evident idea of cultivating comhiiiafion and ability to shoot. Wellington forwards, Ryder," Hunter, mid Davis, si?omed possessed of the desiro to first "lyvit" a man—always a hazardous procedure when opposed by men such as Jordan and Meyer, Skipper Tlydor might, by pissir.g to li!=s homes mora fronuout'.y, school them in belter -lacrosse. Davis is j man quite carjeb'o of receiving nnd returning a pass, and fo also are Tee. junr., and Hunter. ' The thins ! 's: Will their skipper give them the opportunity? Players lire not made by showing, Uicin how lo doilge, but bv lotting them handle, tho h:i!I. * .' - Mr. M'fiovern referee,! the game on the Bitsin. Mr. Murray '.hat on-llic Paik. Mr. A. .fanlko also attended the- Columbia and Cardiol match. Tho following are the competition results to date:— - P. W. L. D. J -5? * h b ?i Ktlburns 2 2 0 0 21 i •} G'auifol 2 110 J; 1 , ■!■ 2 Columbia 2 1 1 0 Vi 1!) 2 Wellington 2 0 2 0 10 29 — In the writer's opinio." the two learns at the hn.id of the table will Split it nut I to sen who wins th« cup. ll \viniil !-j sanguine to ray that Kelburiiu will hcid the cup ajjiinst all-Miners. They certain- j ly had the host of it in their firs!; match i with Capitol, but thnv also flnjoyflj Vorfcune's sunniest- of smiles na that oci'.-i.-oVn. iMiitheriuor-o, TCclLtirno- huvu yet tu dol :nonstrati> their superiority ov-?rCnhiinbhi. Tlipv will have their chances to do so this day. The fixtures to-day are:—Capitol v. Wellington, at Duppa Street, at 3 p.m. K-"l----burue v. Columbia,' at the Basin Ees.ervt, at 3 p.m. It transpires Oiat the Auckland-Welling-ton match will he played on (lie ai'leraoon of Coronation Doy—iTune the Basin l!r-=erve. Arrangements are in progvc** for (he Auckland and Wellington repivsoutativc team? to proceed !o Christchurch and give an exhibition -if (ho g-.une there. LaTosse -hould certain!- boom in the Cathedra! City after this" projected visit. The plover* will, no doubt, leave Wellington on (he 'Friday, and plaj their match on the afternoon following. The la.st matches of file first round are to be played to-day if weather permits. Tho second round is then to be proceeded with, and, if possible, concluded before the usual practice matches between the best and next best "twelves." Provided the reserves are available on e.ieh successive Saturday, the second round will not finish until .Time 10. Tn the writer's opinion one match will not lie sufficient to demonstrate whether the best dozen hn<ro been selected or otherwise. There is a lot of new blood in 1011 Vicrow, which must be given every opportunity to "make good." Doubtless the association may be relied upon to see (hat the important fixture is not in any way neglected for the mere sake of the doubtful advantage pvesenled in hpving two rounds of ttio competition completed.