SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1771, 9 June 1913, Page 6

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.

SECOND ROUND COMMENCES. ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS DEFEATED. SOME MEDIOCRE RUGBY. SYNOPSIS OF RESULTS. Melrose •[) 8 Athletic G Petone 19 s <- Jam « 13 Oriental 14 Victoria College 6 Poneke 3 Wellington 3

Short of two of their best men all the time, and of a third man for half of tho game, Athletic were a much easier team to beat than usual on Saturday, and Melrose had their revenge for that very doubtful defeat of some weeks ago. With the exception of the crowd witnessing the Athletic-Petone clash, Saturday's gathering' at tlio Park was tho largest of tho season—about 4-000, rather less than more.

Without their two best forwards, "Ranji" Wilson and Paton, tho Athletic forwards were not tho magnificent pack that usually does battlo for tho Black and Blues, and in view of the good fight the Melrose men mado with them when they last met, the only surprising circumstance about Saturday's gamo was that Melrose did not administer a more decisive defeat. It was, after all, no fault of the forwards that this did not happen. Melrose backs wore much below their ordinary form, letting their forwards down repeatedly by loose fielding, awl very erratic lacking. At tho beginning and at tho end of the gamo tho honours wero certainly with Athletic. It was only in the 'second half of tho first spell that Melrose wero going well, and then they scored their eight points. In the second spell they could not score, and Athletic scored twice. The Blues were really unlucky not to score on at least ono other occasion.

jlfllroso tried to use their backs in attack to begin with, but, since tho Athletic forwards took tho ball in. nearly every scrum, opportunities did not offer i very frequently. If the Rod and' Blues had been ablo to keep control of tho pla.v | their backs might havo been food enough > to mako things interesting. In defence | they wero not Found. No disasters occurred as a direct result of mistakes mado by them, but time after time the team was put on the defensive by faulty or slow returns when they ought to havo ' been well up in tho neutral zone. Capper, the full-back, was the worst offender ill this respect. His only claim to notice for good play was his dash ilito an openin? from behind his own line, which ended in Twomey scoring a try. It is exceedingly doubtful whether that try would have been obtained had not Evenson, the only fast man in tho Blue rearguard, been painfully lame. He had to retire from tho field a minute later. The game altogether was dull, and would haTE been voted quite uninteresting if the champions were not being beaten. Tho forwards of both sides fought like tigers in occasional spasms of frenzy. To tiie credit' of both teams, be it said, that although the pace was fast, the blood was 1 hot, and the issuo, was a big one, "tho 1 boot" was not misused, as unfortunately it is only too frequently in important club games. The barracking was lusty and almost continuous. CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER. i I 'b S ifji *3 ri * £ P rJ S> g U J3 Js r» N ,3 e> • i r- oeu Athletic 8 7 1 0 83 35 U Petone 8 G 1 1 112 G3 13 Oriental 8 5 3 0 93 58 1(1 Wellington ... 8 4 3 1 46 47 0 Melrose 8 4 4 0 57 49 8 Poneke 8 2 5 1 36 85 5 Vic. College ... 8 15 2 48 87 4 St. .Tames 8 0 7 1 41 109 1 ATHLETIC & MELROSE. DOWNFALL OF THE CHAMPIONS. The Melros? barrackers gave tongue immediately after tho kick-off, for JMroso nt once began to use their backs, and Collins, the wing-three-quarter, ra.n. well up over tho half-way mark beforo "Sim ' Wilson pushed liim into touch. Good kicking by tho Melrose backs and indifferent handling by tho Blues let tho Beds up to the. Athletic twenty-fivo. Athletic wore the invaders back to their own line w-ith-out much exciting incident, and wero promptly sent back again by a good kick from Twomey. On tho Beds' twenty-hve line, J. Cunningham© mado n fino opening and sent on to Roberts, to Evejison, but tho passing wont no farther. Athletics next burst was a passing bout from Roberts to Evenson, to M'Donald, but tho last-named was grassed just short of the line, and the end was that Melrose were allowed a drop-out. A littlo diversion was caused by Murphy punting a goal a minute or two later. Melrose came through from their own side of half-way on a splendid fighting forward rush. They wero irresistible, but on tho lino they lacked tho method which gets trios for a team, and Athletic cleared. The Reds camo again, and Boljerts had to kick tho ball dead to save. Capper had a poor shot at goal, and again Melrpse had hard luck not to score on the opposito side or the field. The bouncoi of the ball beat Rivers and Twomey as they charged up to secura it.. They had only to pot tho ball to score, but it beat both of tliem bv inches.'- Tho Blues' forwards took play right down-field again, and, within range, Roberts took a shot from a penalty. Uo lifted tho ball rather too high, and the wind carried it wide. Tho Reds attacked next, and Evenron took tho tall from the toes of "Dan" Sullivan and a bunch of Melrose forwards right on his own I'iie, with a speculator. The relief was only for tho (moment, howover, for W. Gilchrist cut loose from the line-out. scramble and scored an undoubted try. Greeks failed to improve tho score. Melrose, 'I: Athletic, nil. The. Blues had tlio Reds in a defending position when Adams sent the ball over the line to Capper. I lie Afelrose full-back ran round for an opening. and kicked down-field, allowing Twomey to come through, pick up the ball and score behind tho posts, ilie only 131 no baclc to chase him home_ was E Roberts, and the latter was giving away too many yards in the rare. Greeks added tho extra, points. Melrose, 8, Atli*°Evonson, who had been \rnlkinp very lnmo 011 an injured ankle, did not. como on in the. second half, his place being taken by Madden. Athletic had the be-t of the opening minutes of play, but were not dangerous until Adams had (a shot at coal from a penalty. Tho distance was a trifle too far, and tho bai dropped a little short. Ryan led the Athletic forwards back to the line,- and ho was actually falling with the ball when iwomey snapped it from him and grounded it. The reforeo rightly allowed a scrum. Harry Marshall finally cleared with a clever kick. Athletic again were awarded a. penalty for off-sido play, .and Adams tried another shot, with tho samo result as previously. The Blues had a little better luck following, when Cunninghamo broke through, and, dropping the ball, a lowed Luoni to score a try. Roberts failed to goal Melrose, 8; Athletic, 3. Athletic had Melrose 011 tho run after Copper had failed to pick up the ball clean y, but Rivers came round antl saved well, ilie Reds wev» being kept on the defence almost continuously now, chiefly owing to the faultv line-kicking of tl\,eir backs. Melrose presently had another chance from a free-kick, but Twomey s shot went wide, and a bad kick by Collins had the side in danger until Marshall saved by kicking into touch near his own corner flat* A frenzied struggle 011 the line ended "in the ball 'wing sent out to Madden, who iust, squeezed over at the corner—a good run and a good try. Roberts took the shot, but missed. Melrose, 8; Athletic, G Melrose set up a lively forward attack when the ball was in play again, and things were looking ugly for the Bluos, when E. Roberts got aivav a timely kick, The pressure was renewed at nncp, .audi p™»irg .tiggls a allot from u

within, easy range, but missed—a good chance lost. Melrose fought very t hard for another score in the last few minutes of play. They wore given another, shot in front of goal, but Twomey missed by yards. Just on tho call of time faults by several. Melrose backs let tho Athletic pack through, and in an exciting moment Capper had to force for safety. The game ended: Melrose, 8; Athletic, G. . Mr. Fordyce was referee. PETONE AND ST. JAMES. A VERY UNINTERESTING GAME. Petone and St, James provided ail uninteresting game on No. 2 ground, Athletic Part. Tho first try of tho match went to Arrowsmitii, tho Petone' wingforward, who scored lroni a lorward rush near tho oorner-llag. Petone, 3; St. James, 0. A little later Daly raced over, and got a fine try, bumping Poaiianga oil route. ii'lfariauc goaied, Petone, 8; St. James, U. Poananga retired hurt in tho head. Presently, Arrowsmitii got over again from anotuer iino Petone forward rush. Petone, 11; St. James, 0. An amusing incident was tho playing of sixteen men by St. James. M'lnemey and Thomas both went on, under the impression that they were required to fill a gap. Alter playing a little while, Thomas was sent off. Later, 'he came on in place of Poananga. At hall-time, however, Thomas wont off, and was replaced by Wright. Before lio retired, Thomas kicked'a good, penalty goal; the ball landed on the bar, and tell over it. Petone, 11; St. James, 3. Before half-time M'Farlano obtained a try, and goaied, and the teams retired for tho spell, with the score: Petone, 16; St. James, 3. The second spell had only just commenced when Hills scored from a St. James forward rush. Craves convorted. Petone, 16; St. James, 8. The game dragged a weary course till a passing-attack l)y the Petone backs enlivened matters. Daly wound up tho onslaught by scoring at the corner. Petone, 19; St. Jamos, 8. Tlie next item was a score by Hills, who ran round. and touched down behind the posts. Crewes converted. Petone, l'J; St. James, 13. ORIENTAL & VICTORIA COLLEGE. A POOR DISPLAY. Oriental met and defeated Victoria College by 14 points to G. From the outset tho wind and ground had a great deal to do with the game, which was throughout a poor display. Oriental kicked off with the wind and sun against them, and notwithstanding that, they kept the game lively for a while. Their combination was superior to that of their opponents. College, however, finallv pressed vigorously, and. narrowly missed scoring. Later, Bennett broke away from tho forwards, and, after a strong run, passed to East, who scored between tho posts. Beard did not convert. College, 3; Oriental, nil. Oriental livened matters up, and a strong rush resulted in tho Greens forcing. Shortly afterwards a transgression, on tlio part of Oriental enabled Bennett to land a penalty-goal. College, G; Oriental, nil. On resuming. Oriental attacked strenuously, but tho gamo was getting very ragged. At length Oriental's score was opened by M Jveown, who scored a try, which Perry failed to convert. College, 6; Oriental, 3. A minute or two later M'llwraith added another try for Oriental. College, 6;' Oriental, 6. Oriental wero now m scoring humour, and M'Leod, after _ a sprint, added a further try for Ills side. No goal resulted. Oriental, 0; College, 6. Just before tho ond of the game Dingle scored a final try for Oriental, which lio converted. Oriental, U; College, G. Mr. Evensen was referee. WELLINGTON AND PONEKE. A DULL AFFAIR. There was hardly an interesting feature in connection with this fixture, which was played on tho Petone Oval. Wellington should have won with a fair margin of points to spare, had tho backs availed themselves of tho oxccllent openings that presented themselves. C. Irons continually-started his backs moving, but after a fow yards of tho field had been covered a knock-on would be sure to result. Henderson, who showed to advantage in many other respects, mulled tho simplest of passes, thereby' nullifying several good opportunities 1» score. Ellilfo made somo pretty openings, which generally ended in his partner knocking the ball on. Lambert has played much superior football; his kicking in the second half being very faulty. Ono redeeming . feature was a beautiful goal placed by Lambert from near the half-way lino. Tho forwards played well, and have a fair amount of dash, but lack finishing touches. • Petone were defending for tho greater portion of the game, and seldom handled tho ball. Tilyard was responsible for Poneke's try. Wellington wero attacking, and during a passing bout, among tho backs, Tilyard intercepted tlio ball, streaked down tho field, in a flash, passed to Gardner at tho right timo, and tlio lastnamed player, showing a clean pair of heels, had no difficulty in scoring. Tho gamo ended in a draw—3 points each. Mr. Simpson was referee. OTHER MATCHES. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. St. James defeated Poneke by 37 points to 3. Tries wero scored for St. James by Mangan Mio (3), Sullivan (3), Asher (2). Mangan kicked a penalty goal and converted a try. Beddingfield scored and converted. Petone won by default from Marist Brothers Old Boys, Third-class. Athletic defeated Old Boys, at Miramar Park. No. 2, by 8 points to 5. Mr. R. Wilkinson was the referee. Petone (8) and Johnsonville (5) was the result of the game played between theso teams at Petone. Mr. H. Larway was tho referee. t Oriental defeated Berhamporo by 9 points to nil at tho Polo Ground, Miramar. It was a very fast and willing match, and a good number of "barraekers" wero present. Neither team had been defeated, and tho spectators wero treated to a exposition of Rugby. Berhamporo is a big team for third-class, hut lack of training told, and in tho lat- , ter stages of the gamo they wero hopelessly beaten. Tho referoo had occasion to order an Oriental and a Berhamporo player off for alleged fighting. K. Shaw kicked a penalty goal, and Mooro and Knight each scored a try for tho winners. Mr. Scolt was refereo. Wellington B. defeated Solw.vn by 12 [ points to nil. King. Higgle, and Irons I (2) scored tries for tho winners. Mr. W. I Roberts was refereo. Tho Wellington A-Molrose match, played at Miramar Park, No. 1, resulted in a win for the former team by 15 points to nil. Jackson, Packer, M'Kay, Ellis and Kaii-hall scored tries for tlio'victors. Mr. A. Kean was referee. St. Patrick's College- defeated Y.M.C.A. by 14 points to nil. Batter fioz. Hour, 1 tablespoon melted Fourth-class. Petone beat Poneko by U points to A. ecoi'cd, tmd Walker Welted tftq_

penalty-goals for Poneke. Mr. L. Couzens was tho referee. The United Methodists defatted Jolmsonville by 19 points to 3. Mr. E. Taplin acted as the referee. Oriental defeated Hntt at Sharpe's No. 4 by 32 points to 5. . King scored five' tries for Oriental. Mr. ,f. Moflitt wasreferee. Wellington College Old Boys, after a good display, defeated Wellington IV by 1!) points to 3. I'or the winners, tries wero scored by G. Gray (2), llopkirk (2), and Gallio. Bdinunds and G. Gray converted ono each. For Wellington, Lewis kicked a penalty-goal. Mr. C. C. Hoskruge was referee. Berhamporo defeated Melrose nt Wakefield Park by3r~ : nts to nil. W. Scott scored for tlio Winers. Mr. H. Brooker was the referee. Fifth-class. Wellington College A-St. Patrick's Collego A match, played at tho Collego ground, resulted in a win for Wellington Collego by 12 points to 6. Mr. J. Klines was referee. Athletic B, playing at tho Kelburno Park, defeated Johnsonvillo by 40 points to nil. Mr. A. Brennan was" referee. Petono defeated Selwyn by 5G points to nil. Mr. A. M. Hunt was referee. Poneko defeated Wellington Collego B ot the 'College ground by 21 points to C. Mr. A. Thompson was the referee. Sixth-class. Poneke defoatod Wellington Collego nt tho College ground by 12 points to 9. Mr. 11. G. Shakes acted as referee. IN OTHER CENTRES. (By Telegraph.—Prcro Association.) MATCHES ELSEWHERE. Auckland, June 7. Marist Bros, drow with City—3 all; Ponsonby (15) beat University (8); College Rifles (12) beat Parnell (8). Christchurchi Juno 7. Old Boys and Albion drew—G all; Christchurch (8) beat Collego (0); Merivalo (16) beat Linwood (9); Sydenham (18) beat Marists (12). ' • Dunedin, June 7. Splendid weather prevailed to-day for tho football matches. Tho senior Rugby contests resulted as underZingari-Rich-mond 8 points, Chalmers 5; Union 8, University 6; Southern 21, Pirates 9; Alliambra 3, Dunedin 3. Palmerston N., Juno 7. Rugby Senior Games:—United 9, Oriental nil; Western forfeited to Feilding. (By TeleffraDh.—Sneclal Oorrcsnondcnt.l Masterton, Jnno 8. In senior matches yesterday Red Star defeated Carterton by fivo points to thrco, and United defeated Gladstone by five to nil. In tlio junior division Carterton beat Red Star by six to three.