THE-FIRST OF THE CONTESTS FOR THE SENIOR SHIELD. PONEKE V. MELROSE. The first contest tor the Senior Shield between tho first fifteens of tha Poneke and Molrorfe Clubs was played at the Athletic Park Company's ground on Saturday after noon. There were about 1000 spectators, and the ground was in excellent order. The Poneke won a hard fought game by seven points fa goal from a mark and a try) to three points (a penalty goal). The play was mostly conhnrd to the for wards, and was generally of the rough and tumble order. There was very little open play indeed, such as would naturally be ex pected from such a splendid combination of backs as represented the Poneke, especially as their forwards, particularly in the early stages of tho game, got possession of the ball. Pudney, however, _ declined to make use of the great combination behind him. It seemed rather strange that such men as Galloway, Lusk and lloberts should remain idle, so far as any concerted action was con cerned, while the half was getting the ball. The Melrose, on the other hand, tried to make use of their backs, Osborne, a very smart and promising little player, who played half, never missing an opportunity of feeding his backs, but the result was not a success. Baker fumbled dreadfully and Pollock, on the other wing, did not appear to be class enough. The Melrose forwards are a fast, strong lot, and when they have picked up a little more combination will be very hard indeed to boat. The Ponekes had the great advantage in the first spell of having a strong northerly wins behind them. In this spell Gage secured an easy mark, from which Lusk kicked a very good goal. A try was obtained by McGilli onddy, but Lusk failed to increase the score. Tho Melrose had one chance of scoring, a free kick being allowed them inside tho Beds’ twenty-five, but Campbell made a very poor attempt. The Melrose had their turn with the wind in tho second term, and they made things very sultry for tho Ponekes. Tho Melrose wore awarded a free kick, and Campbell placed a nice goal. Shortly after Bell cleverly ob tained a mark within range of tho Beds’ goal. 