SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1432, 6 May 1912, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FIELD SPORTS.

A BATTLE ROYAL.

MELROSE BEAT PONEKE.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER

•u 1 £ laj§ ° " S 5 £ »3 o £ £ 0 Melrose 3 3 0 0 GG lli fi Oriental :] , 3 0 0 38 8 G Athletic 3 2 0 1 31 12 5 Petono 3 2 0 1 31 15 5 ot. James 3 2 10 13 9 1 Old Boys ....'.. 3 1 2 0 10 GG 2 Wellington 3 0 2 1 12 45 1 Victoria Col. ... 3 0 2 1 12 23 1 Southern 3 0 3 0 9 4,1 0 Poneke 3 0 3 1 17 35 0

Golden sunshine of the highest carat, tho absence of every interfering wind, and the presence of an immense crowd of people, who framed threo sides of the Athletic Park were factors that tended to infuse rare spirit into the match between Athletic and Petone on Saturday afternoon. Against the complacent ineptitude of many of Wellington's senior players, and the consequential dullness which blights many a' game, the battle, royal between the two so-far unbeaten teams was

good to see. Tho game was excellently stage-managed, too. Though tho etal-

warts from Potone, a muscular lot, bumped and wrestled with the Athletic "brawnies"with vigour and determination in the first spell, there was not much indication of a brilliant second half. Yet it was here that both teams managed to restore a gleaiu of polish to the somewhat tarnished glories ot Kugby. Both teams mU3t have been served by a galvanic battery in the dressing-shed at half-time, for on taking the meadow afterwards thev quickly manifested the fact that their horse-power had been underestimated, and and as they charged, or broke, or cut with savago elai. The 5000 spectators smelt blood," and yelled wilh delight as tho "Bank" soared" and sag"ed m excited waves. A penalty-goal each in the nrst spell had mado the scoring even, and both teams were imbued with the fell determination to make it odd by hook or by crook. Both alternatives wore tried; brilliant passing rushes, and clever twistkicks from impossible positions, and re-Uei-giving 'saves" were punctuated with sanguinary melees, in which the fist was used as freely as the boot, and both promiscuously. , A player was warned for misinterpreting tho meaning of football, and on offending once again was ordered off tho Bold. It was rather mystifying to one who believes that the game should bo played "according to Cocker," to hear the transgressor roceivo a hearty round of applause from the bank as he strolled smilingly off the field. Three minute* later another player apparently endeavoured to repeat the incident whilst on the blind" side of tho referee. Tho crowd oyo the "scrapping" footballer! It it was left to their thumbs, tho "scrap" would bo included in the rules. Play was stopped eight or ten times for, the* gladiators to bind up their wounds, and one warrior, over-anxious to stop tho flight of the ball from a penaTty-kick. received it full in tho solar plexus, and , embraced the grass in gasping astonishment for a minute or two.

Jvor were the minor casualties confined to the field of play. So exciting was tho play that one man fainted in the grandstand, and l>eforo he conld be held up by those next him, fell heavily, and cut his head rather badly. A lady spectator also fainted, and just before the end of the game another male spectator succumbed amongst the crowd, and had to bo carried off the ground by tlie police. With a shade in favour uf Athletic, the game was any team's at any time, but it proved to be no team's—just a penaltv goal for each.

Jhe other, match on tho Park, between Old Boys nnd Victoria College, was not characterised by anything in the vicinitv of brilliancy. They had a good merryhearfed romp on the best of term» with one another. There was not the deadly shock of battle to stir w> the emotions of the' multitude, as was happening in tho next field, nnd neither a 'Veen" nor "white" plaj-or dreamed of mistaking tho ground for a boxing stadium.

Shades of the mighty ones of tho past, bury your heads in Hie dust, and, in weeping, turn it to mud!' Shades of Ellison, Gage, Roberts, M'lntyro, lie down; your old colours, the red and black, lay 'ftodragglcd in the mire—three games, throe losses. Ah, well, Venice was a great nation once! It was Molroso who did it on Saturday—did it with seven points to spare. At the Hutt Park, St. .Tames scored a fully-expected win over Southern. _ St. James's nine-point win in (his case is not so promising as (heir friends and Mipportcrs would have liked to see. Oriental are putting on condition, and taking off the superfluous growth of a languorous summer-time with each game. They were a spry, alert, and dashing lot who galloped over Wellington at Karon. The mntch was a canter up (o half-time then Oriental gnlloped, and Wellington still cantered—Oriental, 1"; Wellington nil. ATHLETIC-PETONE. A STIRKING GAME. All the-players in the Athletic-Petone game were in top form. As anticipated, tho contest wns fought out between a fine pack of heavy forwards and a light set of handy hacks. Every minute almost had its thrill. Athletic forward rushes alternated with neat passing rushes bv Petone backs, and there was a lot of clever individual play. .Much depended on the game, and it was one of tho best seen at the park for years. Three things in the match stand out prominently, the first being a sensational run by liamsdcn, between whom and M'Kenzie tho ball changed hands four times; and tho second, the brilliant forward rushes of the Athletics. The third was a coipbined effort by Petone, which led right up to a hot and sustained attack on Athletics goal. It moved every spectator to a slate of frenzy, and the wonder was that Petone did not score. There were several accidents. A. Wilson twisted his ankle, which hindered his play, and several others sustained minoi injuries. Eapson's being ordered off further handicapped the town team, who at the times were defending strenuously. Petone had slightly tho better of'plaj throughout, but their attacks were not quite so effective as those of their opponents. However, a game that ends with a goal kick each does net allow for any great advantage to either side. Mr. H. Card carried out his duties with the experience of a master. Petone had the sun advantage. Athletic commenced an attack, which was driven home and compiled Petone to force. Athletic rc=mm-(! briskly, but Boyd turned defence into attack, and Putono's backs got moving. ,lu>t as the position became interesting, Miller dropned file pa.--. lli< inistnlio wos taken advanlngu of by llohfrlv ". lin g"t In-c-ii iMu.i. i „•■ Athletic vanguard continued to pie» ; . A jglcjju Bide stan^ilJJ^,.

BETWEEN ATHLETIC & PETONE

Pts, pi. Athletic 3 Petone 3 ' Melrose 18 Poneke 11 Old Boys 5 Victoria College 3 Oriental 17 Wellington 0 St. James 9 Southern g

tide, but only for a minute. The town team, who were going with tigerish rigour, got well on the good side again, and M hirlane, getting off-side, gave Roberts a chance, which lie accurately put over the bar. (3-0.) After nn interchange of kicks, Roberts sccureti, and prettily sidestepping Daley and Miller, got in a judicious kick to touch. I'etone forwards now took a hand. From the line-out M'Farlane set a rush going that brought trouble to Athletic. After a hot scramble near the goal, the town team were relieved with u free-kick.

Ja.s. Ryan, Petono's full-back, caused a sensation by running right through his opponents. Ho inado m>. opening! for Boyd, but the pass was forward. The game was at this stage fast and willing, abounding with bright incidents. A great passing bout by Nunn, M'Kenzie liamsden, and Miller ended in the last-named being smothered under the goal-posts. A penalty just after gave M'Farlano a chance to equalise the score, but although his kick was good, it fell short. A passing turn, iiiitiatod by Koharts, gave Kelly an opportunity to make an opening, which he did, but S. Wilson was not quite in position, and .T'ctoiie forced. Ashto\ broke from the. lino, and running to the full-back cross-kicked, and some, lively play ensued n few yards from the grandstand goal. Murphy got caught oIT-side, and it'Fnrlnne inado no mistake with goaling. :i—;i. Fast a u ( l exciting plav followed. From an Athletic forward rush M'Konisie snapped up and sent to ßanisden. who outpaced ihre« or four opponents and made straight for the full-baek. On the north side, ha passed to M'Kenzie, who passed back, only to receive' again, and finally hard back to Ramsdcn, who was thrown, out at the corner. It was a brilliant movement, and was loudly cheered.

Just afterwards, the whole of Petone's rearguard got into line, but Roberts, who was everywhere, saved from the. danger zone.

In the second half Athletic relied on their forwards, and confined play to a ■series of tight scrambles. From one of these Aunn set the backs off in a spirited dash, Daley being just grassed at tho .corner. The Athletic forwards, playing brilliantly, swept down field timo after tune.

Pnrrant. who was plaving a dashing game,, shifted the leather to half-way, where. Judd, Taplin. and M'Farhme carried it on. Bendy and Ryan added their share to the rush, and a score looked ineyilable. Judd nicked up and passed to M Farinne, who (hreiv a Ion? p.ustoßovri. J lie latter only had to drop over, bur, did not lake cleanly, and M'Donald cleared. It was tho best rally of the dav. and was well worth a score. ' The ensuing piny increased in vigour, as diil the pxciteiuenr of (lie spectators, and, alter a passage with AVin. Rvan. Rancon was told to emit. Shortlv afterwards \ \\ ilson ricked an ankle, but bravely eontiinied to 'end the pack. Both sides continued to fichi hard, but the tackling was so good (hot th« coveted area, could not be reached. When the bell went play was just as fast and strenuous as at Hie start. The Pctone lonrimls did well against their opponents, and had they trot possession in tho second half, would have won. Tiin Athletic backs, with the exception "f were no match for the All Bli:cs. A certain spption of the crowd did no* I rrfish the decisions of the referee, but. all appreciated the game, which, as stated above, was one that was well worth goii-j further than tho Park to witness.

MELROSE-PONEKE. RED AND BLACKS OUTCLASSED. For the most part the game between Jlelro.se and Poneke was a mere struggle oi elemental man, more or less unskilFed in what tho line crowds call good football. But the work was going in all the time, and sometimes there was a great deal of it going at one time. Melrco won handsomely enough as it turned out, but it was not the old-time Poneke. team that was beaten. Even their alreadv decimated ranks were further weakened by tho absence of Dinglo and Morris Dingle was replaced by the veteran Stater who donned tlio red and black jersey again rather than see the old club tako tho field short of a man, and Gunion a junior, filled tho gap .Morris left by playing behind tno scrum. Tho latter is a-wcll-nlucked, clever boy, but he was left sadly unprotected by his forwards all through the. game, much to his own discomfort. Jlelroso were the better team in every stylo of play, but they excelled in busy forward work, using their feet skilfully. They piled up their big score mainly becausp they were tho better conditioned side.

Melrose were aided in the first spell by a fair breeze blowing obliquely across tho ground. I'rora the kick-oft they attacked by their forwards, but were Iwaten out by ii good kick by Slater. Very soon it was quite evident that neither set ot backs could throw the ball about with any certainty, but iMelrose Siad the good sense to abandon the passing game verv early. The lied and Blades persevered, with it to their cost. Poneke were the first to score, more by accident than design. Gardiner misjudged a line-kick up into the wind, and the ball was blown back into play. The flight puzzled more than one of the Melrose backs, and Elliott, racing up, was fortunate enough to secure the ball. After that he could not miss tho try. Irvine failed with tho shot, at goal. A short spell of fighting forward play, with divided honours, and then the Poneko backs broke on a passing run, which should certainly have brought sonio good result iiad not. Ryan held the ball too long, and then thrown it in-field instead of to one or other of the two men waiting impatiently on his outside flank, t'p till now Foneke had had rather the ■ better of tho disturbance, but for the rest of the long game they scarcely ever looked even possible winners. Melrose passed their score after some fifteen minutes of play. IT. Marshall took an unlikely pass among a crowd of Ponekes, who stood around waiting for him to dn tho obvious thing and puss to (mother. Ho hesitated for an instant and then bolted straight through where the opposition looked thickest". Scarcely anyone touched him until it cainc to Slater's .turn, and the veteran was too slow to stop him soon enough, so that Marshall scored a sensational, brilliant try beside the posts. W. Marshall placed an casv goal. Melrose, 5; Voueko, :i. Rush after rush was started by tho Red and Blue forward?, who liml now easily (he upper hand, but no score came of them. Oases had bad luck in mining a try in chasing up the ball in a dribbling rush; ho found tho leather hard to pick up, and then ho kicked it too hard over the dead-line. Shortly after the drop-out, Ryan set out to run from a hopeless position and was promptly grassed. Tho bnll flow clear to Murphy, and he dropped the smartest of goals. Melrose, 0; Poneke, 3. The Poneko barrackers began to tell tho Reds not to pick up the ball, but the advice was no good. Tho Blues could play tl> dribbling game rather better. A minute or two before half-tim;- AV. Marshall notched n goal from :i. penalty for offside- play by Urewer. Meliwe, 12; I'onc-ko, .1. .Melro'c forwards were busv from the word "fid." when Hie game was resumed but although they were on Hip oftem-ivo fnr iikp-'I of the M'nid ii lvn* inh'iifn; hpfci-o W, Gilrlmsi cut loose froui n p'-li Audjscoisdjioai; ii*o coinor, .W, iUukiilJ

failed with Iho kick. Melrii«e, IS; IWlhi, .'l. Very soon afterwards I'nueko scored their second Iry—iijiaia piirlly throiii/ii accident. \V. Marshall, u*imlly the. snlVst of lull-back';, ivns riinnin» (o "laki> h' Imll that sliuiil<! not have lx<e« dillk-iill when he slipped mil! fell, and ["rviiio ihishcil up, took Iho ball, and scored. Irvine convortod the try. Melrose, 15; I'oneke, H. The Hliios inclinod from this out In lake, thiiifis loss sfi-iou-ily. and tlio Kcds fought desperately, liiit (lie Hle.es were In score slill another try. A loose rn-h Utl by Deo and (lakes !>cal. nil the .I'oneke back-:, and Deo scored a Irv near l.ho corner Hub. Ni> Konl was kicked. Melrose, 18: I'oneke, 8. The, last score, wns I'oneke's. a penalty goal kicked by lrvin« from Iho half-way mark. Jlelroso had charge for (he rest of the time, but (hero was no further score, and the gnnio ended: Slelrosi', 18; I'diieke, 11. Mr. Atkinson was an admirable referee. OLD BOYS-VICTORIA COLLEGE. A WJIETCHKD EXHIBITION'. On -No. i Briiiind, at Alhlelic Park, Old Hoys and Victoria College appeared and fill I'd in an hour and a half. It was im i)>gloriMii.s display, in which the chief features were iwo scores and half-time. This sight of such largo numbers of untrained people on a playing Held which is maintained for liugby players was not entertaining. Candidly, a poorer display has never wen seen on Athletic I'ark— nor on any other park. College were expected to win: not on account of any supposed merit in College, but because Old Boy.s were looked upon ns incapable of winning a football match. In ono way, public opinion was justified. College had the l:est of the. game, and ought to have wun by ;i fair number of points. Tn the first spoil, College attacked almost the whole of (he time, but they only scored one'try. This was secured after u lot of battling in Old Hoys' twenty-live, Qniliiam picking up in a forward rush and going over at the corner. .No goal resulted. College, 3; Old lioys, nil. So little interest was taken in the game that, although the score was obtained right: in front of the stand, very few spectators knew that anything had Imppencd. A while later College went over again, but they failed to score. In the second spell the game was funereal in the extreme. Grace, for Old Boys, made repeated efforts to accomplish something, but Jjiost of his attempts were fruitless througli lack of support. He a couple of nice openings for Dawson, but the once-nippy winger made little use of them. At length, however, he got a pass out to Dnwson, which the three-quarter held, and, with a characteristic Hash down the side-line, he went over. And the crowd cheered heartily to see "Cocky" scoring once more. Drake kicked a goal from the try. So the match ended: Old lioys, 5; College, 3.

ORIENTAL-WELLINGTON. LOSERS HUSH INTO A TRAP. All hough Oriental defeated Wellington by 17 .points to nil at Karori on Saturday, the victory was scarcely what could ha called an easy one. Wellington, indeed, mainlaiucd a really good defence until about ten minutes before, the call of lime, when the forwards commenced to tire, and the backs proved to be weak. The ground on which the match was played was in splendid, order. Wellington won tho toss, and defended. the western goal, favoured by a. strong wind. Good lihc-kickiiig by Mackenzie and Lambert early placed Wellington on the. attack, nnd the forwards kept the Oriental team busy for fully ten minutes. Temporary relief, which came to Oriental was followed by a magnificent forward rush on the part of Wellington, and Irons dribbled the ball across the line, but was unable to gain possession, and Oriental forced. A little, later the Oriental backs were set in motion, but after the ball had passed from Roberts to Kinvig, Murray, and Manning, the last-named lost the opportunity by passing forward. No score came- until nearing the end of the spell, when Paton, following up smartly, found dip Wellington backs easy to bent, and scored a try. His kick at goal was unsuccessful. Oriental, 3; Wellington, nil. This was how tho score stood at half-timo.

Wellington forwards, who were without (ho services of Cotter and Kirkwood, had morn than held their own in the first spoil. The Oriental backs, however, were much superior to those on the opposing side, although M'Leod was absent. So far, they had been content to play a safe game, but in the second spell they attempted more passing. It was not: till the spell was more tluin half completed that the score commenced to mount up. Kinvig first broke ciean away, but threw away a score by passing back into the nick. Then came an Oriental forward rush. Bridge, Wellington's full-back, missed the ball entirely, and Schramm did not improve matters by a weak kick. Roberts took this on tho full, and ran over at the corner. Paton's shot at goal was a failure. Oriental, 8; Wellington. nil. Skinner next scored under the posts, but Carmichacl could not add the goal. Oriental, 9; Wellington, nil. Passing among Roberts, Kinvig, Murray, Manning, and Hale enabled the last-nam-ed to score a capital try, and Kinvig added tho major points. Oriental, 14; Wellington, nil. Just before call of time, Roberts secured the ball near half-way, and headed for tho corner flag. Fifteen unthinking Wellington players concentrated on the corner flag. It ivas a Roberts trap. Just when they were all rushing wildly in the one direction, the Oriental half stopped short, then swerved down field without a single man to beat, and touched down behind (he posts. No goal resulted, and the game ended soon after. Oriental, 17; Wellington, nil. Mr. IC. Evenson was referee.

ST. JAMES-SOUTHERN. A FAIRLY STRENUOUS CONTEST. Fairly rapid football held sway at Lower Jtlutt, where St. James met Southern on Saturday. At times the play Irecame strenuous, and tho way in which the final rally was fought, out spoke well for the condition of tho teams. The* opening play was speedy, but indecisive. Ground was changed rapidly, but neither team got into serious difficulties for a time.

The strength of Southern lay in their back division, tho forwards, although they laboured gamely, being (oo light lor the weighty members of the opposition pack. Play opened out to some extent early in the speil, and Southern hero secured tho advantage. St. James were driven back to their line, and twice had to force. A penalty or two gave them relief. I)e----suito temporary checks, matters were beginning to look bright for Southern, when they encountered a reverse which proved the" prelude to greater misfortunes. Binnie whipped the ball smartly out to Cook, and the latter as quickly turned the flank of the attackers, and raced up-field. The position of tho teams was reversed by the time the Southerns had rallied to repulse the sortie. This was tho turning-point of tho game. St. James had found their strength and made it felt, while play lasted. The forwards maintained a hard, drubbing attack ou their lighter opponents, and tho hacks made dash after dash. Though hard pressed, Southern defended well. The first score resulted from a bit of off-side, piny, which entitled St. James to an easy shot at goal. Legg-.itt sent the ball safely over. (St. James, 3; Southern, nil.). Southern made an excursion down-field before the spell ended, but gained nothing by it. Just before half-time Leggatt got a kick in the body, and had to retire. He returned in the second spell. The character of tho game changed very lili!» when play resumed. Southern stnigg!?* well, and the backs in particular wore brilliant in defence, but St. James retained the. ascendancy. Tho concluding play was strenuous. The St. James backs sought desperately for an entry. Cook, Young, and Israel were prominent in passing roslins, and Campbell and Bradley were good in defence. The first try of tho day was the fruit of a well-timed dash by King, which caught the defenders napping. The kick failed. (St. James, 0; Southern., nil.) Before the game ended, Young got across the line, but ths referee penalised him for being off-side. To spectators it seemed that another player was the offender. Israel had better luck, on tho opposite side of the field, and got safely over. The kick again failed. (St. James, 9; Southern, nil.) This was the score when the whistle sounded. Mr. AY. J. Meredith was the. referee. THE LOWER GRADES. J I,'N 1.0.11 MATCHES. I'ptnup defeated Victoria College easily 1 on S-i'urds.-, by 51 point; to hif. " ;

1:0 paints (o nil. Mtilhiiiiey, M'CnmcHky, Median, iinrl Meredith iii'(ir'c(l (lies, Millluuicy i-riiiviTlii tK one. M'liirr mill Alulhiiliey kicked it jn-ruilt,y K „n\ each. Athletic defeated Alt-li-t.sa by II po j llt s in ii. Southern lii;:il. I'uncke !iv 5 points In .1. HI. .lolin'.s wen. defeated by St. .bines by !l points lo li. Sciwyn defeated I'orirun by li points t0),,!. niu;k. Slnll. iiii,| ,1,, ciifl,,,, ; t . m ~,i ncs. M I'hee ci>nvcri<-«| i , i,n<| Uwo kicked ii penally jjiiiil. • Til 111 I) CLASH. .M.Tlisi. Hl'othl'l's' Old )!<>,■;; |, m t ,SI. Jolilis by Ifi (mints In nil.' M'Cardril, Hrowu, Ityiin, M'Keown, and ScriiiiL'cour scored tint tries. Wudcstown defeated Victoria by I'etono were defeated liy Southern by (I points to 5 Newton am! Taylor scored tries, iiikl hilliu kicked n penalty goal for tliii winners. Wniwi'lii defeated Kxclmngo by 8 points to mi. .Mr. W. Church was the referee. FOURTH CLASS. Southern defeated Oriental by 39 points to ml. J'ctono bent Johnsonville liv 11 points to li. I'etono defeated Johnsonvjllo by eleven points to six. For the winners, Udy, Smith, and IScnncU .scored, Bennett converting. Tor Johnsoiivilie, Aekins kicked u penalty, and Inglo scored a try. FIFTH CLASS. The Melrose-Poneko mnteh resulted in a win for the former by 12 points to nil. Southern defeated St. James by 23 points to nil. I'etonc heat Waiwctu by Id points to nil. SIXTH CLASS. Southern were dofentcd easily by Pctonc by 20 points to 3, SCHOOL FOOTBALL. Senior. Te Aro defeated Mount Cook on Saturday, in tho first round of the senior championship, by 3 points to nil (a fry by A. Owens). Junior. In the first round of the junior championship, Mitchelltown defeated Clyde Quay by 13 points to nil. For the winners, Hart scored two goals, a penaltygoal, and a potted goal. ASSOCIATION. DIAMONDS AND HOSPITAL LEADING. A CLOSE CALL FOR SWIFTS, . The thinning out process incidental to the early pnrt of the season be|?im on Saturday last, and at present only two teams 'stand at the head of tho listDiamonds and Mental Hospital. St. John's, who had occupied top place with the above-named teams, had to lower their colours lo Swifts after n keenly-fought game which Swifts had all their work cut out to win. The standing of the various teama is now as- under:— "3 (i 1? ft ■-' f> a • *3 £% £^ a o In n a,• rt '3 3 5 j? '|2 S u o% og.j=-g ' , & I* ri flOWeUi Diamonds 3 3 0 0 12 5 6 Mental Hospital 3 3 0 0 10 2 6 St. John's 3 2 1.0 0 ii i Swifts 3 2 10 8 7 1 Y.M.C.A 3 1115 8 3 Rovers „. 3 12 0 0 5 2 Ramblers 3 0 12 I*2 Thistle S 1 2 0 G 6 2 Wanderers 3 0 2 117 1 Corinthians ...... 3 0 3 0 1 11 0

DIAMONDS-ROVERS. The meeting of Diamonds nnd Rovers at Kelburnc Park .on Saturday afternooa promised for spectators of the game an exciting contest, but the promise was not fulfilled, for the match was a colourless affair. There was nothing sensational even nbniit tho circumstances attending the scores—tho ball had the appearance of being tired and sluggish. The one bright feature of the game was the spiriled manner in which tho Diamond forwards moved up the field as one man, in excellent line, but the play throughout was not. fast. Tho better team won by two goals to one, Diamonds owing their victory over the Hovers to tho smartness of the forwards who were well supported bv the halves. During the first half of the frame the Black vanguard pierced the inner defences of tho Rovers several times, their disciplined rushes carrying them right to the goalmouth. But at tho very moment of scoring, some tactical blunder cost them the advantage of position, the ball was transferred to another part of tho field, and the opportunity was lost. Diamonds are strong and even brilliant in attack, their forwnrds play a dashing game, but their play is weakest at tho very point where it should bo sound—in front of the enemy's, goal-mouth. Carefully trained in goal-mouth tactics tho. Blocks should defy anything in tho Association, on form anil stylo of play, but on present conditions any team possessing a snfe goal-keeper and alert backs, has a fighting chance against them, as Rovers had on Saturday. But Rovers on Saturday seemed to play all over tho field, without cohesion, anil apparently without much purpose, save perhaps to profit occasionally by tlie-mistakes of their opponents. Whites, playing- with the sun in their eyes, opened vigorously, preferring flank attacks by the wings to a concerted advance by the vanguard line. Not long after the game began Rovers drew blood, hifnrd taking a neat centre from Gibson and slipping the ball through. Diamonds thereupon rallied, and from then on pressed their opponents very consistently. After several abortive attacks by the forward line the Blacks scored from an advantage created by a clumsy piece of work by tlio Rover back division. They scored the second goal a few minutes later through the efforts of A. I.owe. and Livers.'dge, and the scoring account of 2 to 1 against tho white jerseys was unaltered when tho whistle blew. Mr. B. L. Salmon was referee.

SWIFTS-ST. JOHN'S. Right up to a Inle stage, in tho second • spell of the St. JuhnVSwifts match, plny- ! e<l at Duppa Street, it appeared as (hough bt. John's were about to notch their Hard win in succession. At the eleventh hour, however, Swifts came to light, and oven- . lually they loft tho field the winners bv 3 goals to 2. Taking » line ridit through tho game, the losers had the'best of the play, a lid Swifts may bs considered lucky in winning through ns they did. Aided by (ho wind, St. John's put in several sharp attacks a!: the outset, Mawby, who played a rattling fine gamo throughout, being prominent in a good dasli up tho right wing. The same- plaver took a star part in tho play which led" to St. John's first goal, which was recorded after about five minutes , play. Ho centred nicely to Bruce, who was in a good position, and drove tho ball fast and low past Panlington. St. John's, 1; Swifts, 0. Within a couple of minutes, Bruce put in another very warm shot, but Penlington saved prettily. A smart piece of concerted work between Bryant and Rruco saw another call on tho Swifts goalkeeper, but again lie was equal to the occasion, i Swifts livened matters up with some dashes in their opponents' quarters, but St. John's wore them down, and another goal was put through, but it was disallowed because of ofT-sMc piny. Swifts attacked again after this, nnrl a smart piece of passing between Matlwsoii, \ T e«ey. and fiuise onded iu finise soring. St. John's, 1; Swifts, 1. When play settled down nncn more, St. John's resumed the offensive, and Bryant put in a fine run up the loft wing, and passed to llrucc, who in turn transferred across uonl-mniith to llawby. who scored n well-earned goal. St. John's, 2; Swifts, 1. The closing stages of the spoil were all in favour of SI. John's, but there whs no further score.. Some good work was put in by St. John's when "they faced I ho wind, but before long Swift's woke up ami Kicked dangerous. Vesscy sent in a warm shot, but"Evans, tho St. John's goalkeeper, saved cleverly. Another shot bv Vos«cy followed, but the ball wont a little out-, side, tho posts. With the exception of occasional* bursts through by St. John's. Swifts continued to press, but thrir shooting was from too lorn; a range. EvcniunlIjrj however, Eickaby, p. heady, cool player, hoodwinked the opposition, and broke away -aloiiß the right wing. Tie centred well io Mnfheson, and enabled that ulayer to put in a warm croes-Miot, wliieh bnfl'lwl tho St. John's goalkeeper. St. John's, 2: Swifts. 2. Ka,eh ship in turn had u spell nt attacking, both going rliitn to M-niing. but it «;i- smiip l.inu< before tj-.n '.vinnini; ko.il wm *pnt in for S'viftf V Mnthefon.' who drove a somejdiat lucky, loss shot from the left.

Kwifl-s .1; SI. John's, 2. Swifts essayed ii iiiiinb'T (if older shuts, but they were fruitless. K!;. .luhiiV mmht several ijamo efforts In W|iiiilisi- the sews bofiiro the end, nn<l v.vro nli but Hiiro on more than (mo wciivion, lint, (lie Inst line of tho Kwifk' di'feiiCT held good, iiikl th« gam« ondwl: Swills, :i; SI. John's, 2. Mr. H. Ycomans whs referee. nAMBLERS-Y.M.C.A. An oveiilv contested game, rcsiilliii({ in a drnw, wns plnycd Ixilwci-ii Ramblers mid Y.M.C.A. lit V;:wto\vii J'nrk on Saturday iilli'iiioon, V.M.1.!.A., if anything, proving lli<'ii!s>'lvi"i thn superior Icnm. Uuth (cams put. in siiiiik uniid which were well saved bv lli"ii' i'f'.»[K'(:livn custodians, Mollis, f ( ,r Y.M.C.A., being especially good. I'liillips, paying nt riglit-linll' for V..M.(;.A., led -.everal fine attacks and nn one occasion, looked as if he could not possibly help scoring, but just as lie was propariiiK to slinot, hi' idi])ped and the ball rolled over the line. Ktlwnrds, outside right for Humbler.- - , put in some good wtirk, but hiid jio one l<) back him ' up. Hi-avis, for Y.M.C.A., made-a splendid elffli't Us score, hcadiiig the ball several limes and then bringing i! to his feet. Ho succeeded in beiitin;,' Ikiiiiblers' forwards, but. was ercntual'v'slopped by liamblers' back, who plnced'the ball in Y.M.C.A. quarters. Korsebberg, right-half for Kninblers, was very conspicuous throughout tlio Kami; several ot his shot? going very close In Ihe posts. When the whistlo sounded for half-time, neither team had scored, probably owing to the high wind, which xpoiit several good shots.

On resuming piny Y.M.C.A. kicked off and carried tlio ball to Ramblers' quarter?, where I'hillips (V.M.C..A.) put in a good shot, but Karnbk'rs' custodian mads

a splendid save. Hart, Ramblers' centre forward, played a fine gninc, repeatedly breaking through the Y.M.C.A. forwards. Near the close, of the game he sent in a good shot which struck the cross-bar, whence it went to Cotes, playing at back for V.M.C.A., who instantly placed it further down tho field. As the game was noaring the finish both teams seemed \o wako up t<l the fact that neither had scored ansl for the last ten minutes they nut in a tremendous amount of work, but tho wliistlo sounded with the game a draw. Mr. J. ]). Piiton was referee, THISTLE-WANDERERS. Wanderers suffered an inglorious defeat at tho hands of Thistle in their encounter at Miramar on Saturday, Tho lads of tho heather spent the first half of the game in diagnosing the weaknesses of their opponents, and in tho final spell made hay of Wanderers' defences, ending up with a 5 to 1 victory. During the first spell the game was fairly fast, and full of incident. Thistle showed more improved form and better combination than has hitherto been in evidence, while \yaiicicrors, fairly strong in the back division, were weak in the front line, which displayed a fatal inability to work tocetlicr for a common, object—the discomfiture of the Thistle goal-keeper. Haying against the wind, and with the sun' in their eyes, Thistle opened cautiously, content-, apparently, to reserve their strength till they had the advantage of .theeloments and also an appreciation of their enemy's vulnerable points. Hostilities opened with.a flank attack by Wanderers' right wing, culminating m a spinfcd run.and shot at the Thistle goal by Himter-promptly returned. The Scotchmen then made a foray over the border, and Bellamy got near'enough to the Wanderers' goal to make a Hying shot, which wont over the bar. 'Tho remainder of the first spell consisted of a series of attacks and counter-attacks, of spasmodic interest, but of no practical account. Events came thick and fast immediately, the second spell commenced. Inistln made the pace a lively one. nnd drew blood in. the first few minutes of play, Bellamy putting in a. flying shot which Hebstcr, the Wanderers' "goalie," inadvertently helped ,on' its way"'in a I fruitless endeavour to stop its" course. Thistle's second goal was rather a bloodless victory, far the Wanderer backs, in protest against what they considered offside tactics by the Thistle forwards, stopped playing while the ball was in action, and looked at the referee. Tho expected whistlo was not forthcoming, and Bellamy promptly font tho ball between tho posts. Bellamy was also responsible for Thistle's third goal, firing a difficult shot at close range. The other Thistle goals ivcro scored by Mills and lirowiilce.

> HOSPITAL-CORINTHIANS. '. The Mental Hospital team added an- ' other win to their list of successes, Corinthians going down before them by the ! handsome margin of 1 goals to 1." Tho J Hospital men played against tho wind in the first half, and they immediately enr- ' ried tho war into the enemy's camp. Before five, minutes had elapsed they had [ recorded their first goal, Hughes scoring ; from a pass from Cross. Hospital kept pegging away, and a second goal was put to their credit, Loadsman ecoring with a long shot which found tho Corinthians! goalkeeper wanting. Corinthians made several efforts to equalise the scores, but they could not penetrate tho Hospital defonco. Tho spell ended with tho score: Hospital, 2; Corinthians, 0. In the second half, Hospital added two more goals to their total, Hughes getting them l>oth from passes from .Cross. Corinthians' only score was the result of a penalty kick. Tho final scora was: Hospital, 4: Corinthians, 1. Mr. E. Huteheson was referee. JUNIOR DIVISIONS. Results of tho various matches in the junior-divisions arc as follow:— Second Division. Toa H) boat Y.M.C.A. (1), For Toa, Scobie (2), Holland (1), and Morgan (1) scored, and Wilson for the losers. Petone (2) tied with Swifts (2). Brooklyn (2) beat Diamonds (1). Smith and Davis scored for Brooklyn and Dunibelton for Diamonds. At Miramar, Rovers defeated Thistle by 9 goals to nil. The scorers were: S. Martin (4), Hall-Kenny (2), Carnegie (2), and Smith, Mr. F. Bowles was referee. Third Division. Johnsonville (3) boat Marisfc Brothers (0). Orr scored two goals and Kennedy one. St. David's (4) beat Y.M.C.A. (2). Petone (0) tied with Newtown Congregational (0). Brooklyn (.'>) beat Swifts (1). Hill (« and M'Gintv scored for Brooklyn, ami M'lntyro for Swifts. Fourth Division. St. David's {0) beat Institute (2). Marist defeated Y.M.C.A. B by 12 to 2. O'Sullivan (6), Layburu (4), Walker, and M'Carthy scored tor tho winners. Fifth A Division, Y.M.C.A. (2) beat St. David's (0), Institute (1) beat Johnsonville (0). Fifth B Division. Porirua (2) beat Institute B (0). St. David's B (i) beat Seutoiin (1). South Wellington. (2) beat Swifts (0), Sixth A Division. Brooklyn defeated Y.M.C.A. by 5 goals, scored by Burton (3) and Ballantine (2) to nil. Marist A defeated Island Bay by 2 ! goals to 1. Hickey and Davis scored for the winners. < •Sentonn drew with Institute—2 goals each. Muir played a good game for Sea- ] toun. Sixth B Division. St. Paul's drew with Institute—no tcor<> Marist 1.1 defeated Y.M.C.A. B by 'i i goals to I. Schroder and Kvan scored ' for the winners. ' " ■ LACROSSE. The first cup matches of the season '. tooii Piace at Duppa Street Reserve on Saturday, Ke minio being pitted against - Capitol, and \\ eihngion against Columbia, f CAPITOL V. KKLUVRXE. ] In their match with Kelbnrne, Capitol dotoalod their opponents, Iho holders of ] ihc "Proud" Cup. by 8 goals to nil. Some 1 good individual play was shown—but gcu- ' orally speaking (tic game was of a scrappy v nature throughout. Comrie, as tho result of a good bout of passing, scored n early for the winners, and. further pools T were added by Morgan, Uovd, Andrews' r L'oard, and R. Renkin.' The last-named 'J played tho best game on tho ground, « and was well supported by Andrews and v King. For the losing team, Button, Jor- i dan, Jones, and Proud played well. Mr. M'Hovera was referee. " COLUMBIA V. WELLINGTON'. £ Wellington was defeated by Columbia S. liy ') goal? to 2. A feature of Ihe game pi "■as the tine pissing displayed by Fa ma, S Lcydon, and Clrant, of tlio winning team, [ is

Forbes and Loo were prominent for Hie losing: team. Mr. Montgomery was releree. BOWLS. . The formal dosing of the Victoria Barling Green took place on Saturday, The ladieswho had been present every Satur- "">'. nft«rnoon dispensing tea, were, at Iho S? x. ,? Prt'siUoiit, given three cheers. Mr. MacMorran also, on behalf of tho members, presented a handsome gold modal to Mr. T. S. Mayer, winner of tho Wellington centre's championship for two years in succession. The club's contests resulted as follow:-Scnior singles: T. S. Mayer ,Junior singles: J. G, Ghapnian. airs: D- M'Lopd, C . B. Norwood (s.). h.nks: W. JUdely, J. G. Cliapmaa, A. Markmann, C. 13. Norwood (s.). Hataitai v. \icloria-irataitai: Donald, Ponnov, r r ir n ' 1,C r ? l (8 '!'- 1 . 8i Victoria: Stb' vens, Godber, Kitto, Keith (s.), 24. JUNIOR STARS. Owing to the bad weather, the mnfoK between tho Hataitai J«„i or Mar rink ho dors) v. Newtown team (challengers) had to ho postponed for two Saturdays Iho match was by mutual consent play, ed on Saturday on tho Kelburne Grecii the result, being a win for Newtown ' The scores wcre:-Newtown-Pankhurst, licmmon, Chittey, Ca.tton (s.), 17; Ilahi. tai—Shepherd, Morrah, Balhnger, Smith /■Owing to tho match Mn% played aftor the end of April, tho close of the rcutri season., the trophy will bo retained bj tho Hataitai Club. QOLP. MONTHLY CLEEK. The Wellington Golf Club's competition of tho year was played on Saturday last, and resulted in a win for A, M. Myers M.P. The following cards wen handed in:-A, M. Myers, lOi —24—SO: \. 3. Abbott, 83-scr.-83; M. Ross, 94-K -84 i H. W. Frost, 95—10—65; J. B. Mac J, wan, 03-4-89; E. S. Pearco, 93-6-87; L. C. Hales, 92-5-87. . Tll , er ,?,' B , no kwing a ehot with the original Challenger Golf Ball.' It rises with ease and travels low, without any undue physical exertion on tho part of tho player. Try the Challenger.* 1 CRICKET, AUSTRALIANS BANQUETED. By Telegraph-Press Aesociation-Capyrlshi (Rec, May 5, 5.5 p.m.) m „,,. London. May 4, > sir rnonias Dewar banqueted the Aua- J Indian team at the Hotel Cecil. Ho said the visits of cricketers wero creating history, not only in cricket, but politically also, and was assisting in unifying the Jimpire. -Mr. Crouch, manager of the- team, in responding, said tho Hoard of Control had sent a young side, favourably known .in mtw-Stato cricket. Ho hoped to show that tho youngsters were able to play the • game, THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM.' tp , London, May 4. the match South Africans againstDerbyshire had to bo postponed to-day owing to rain.