FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2166, 23 August 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND PROFESSIONALS* THE ENGLISH MATCHES. SATURDAY’S TEAM. United Press Association—^Copyright! Received August 22, 10.29 p.m. SYDNEY, August 22. The New Zealand professional team are advised by cable that their headquarters have been fixed for the Grand Central Hotel, Leeds. The following are the fixtures for representative matches: —December IS, Yorkshire; January Ist, AVales; Bth, Cumberland; 11th, England ; 18th, Lancashire; 25th, Northern Union. The following team will represent New Zealand in Saturday’s match:— Back, Turtill; three-quarters. Smith, Rowe, Lavery; fiyo-eighths, Wrigley, Wynyard; halves, Kelly, Tyler; forwards, Watkins, Mackrell, Cross, Johnston, Wright, Trevartlien, Byrne.

THOROUGH ACTION BY THE N.Z.R.U.

Press Association

AVELLINGTON, August 22

At a meeting of the management committee of the N.Z. Rugby Union a letter was considered from the secretary of the Council of the N.Z. Athletic Association, pointing out the evils of professionalism in sport, and suggesting that a conference be held at Christchurch with the object of promoting legislation during the current session of Parliament. A sympathetic resolution was passed,- and the Union is prepared to be represented at such a conference, and suggests that it be held in AA 7 ellington, so that members of Parliament may attend. The committee decided to expel eight footballers who had been, suspended by the AA’ellington Union for professionalism; also to ask the various unions to supply the full names of persons from their district who have joined the professional team. TARANAKI.BEATS AUCKLAND. BACKS v. FORAVARDS. NEAV PLYMOUTH, August 22. The representative Rugby match, Auckland v. Taranaki, was played here to-<lay in the presence of several thousand spectators. The weather was dull, rain falling during the second spell, making the ball difficult to handle. The game was hard-fought and exciting, but except occasional flashes did not reach a very high standard. The game resolved itself into a contest between the fine pack of Auckland forwards and the Taranaki backs and the latter lasted the longest, the visiting forwards being run practically off their legs in the finish by the heart-breaking line-kicking of the local backs, particularly Hardgreaves, whose all-round exhibition as . fullback has never been excelled locally. In the first spell Cameron scored for Taranaki after running right through his opponents, Hardgreaves converting. McCormack scored for Auckland midway through the second spell after a good run. by Murray, the game ending Taranaki 5, Auckland 3. Both teams leave on Southern tours tomorrow. THE TOUR IN AUSTRALIA. MANAGER’S REPORT, AATBLLINGTON, August 22. Mr. Edgar AVylie, in his report on the recent tour in Australia, said the enthusiasm of the ueople for the Rugby game is very warm, and there is a marked improvement in. the play, particularly m New South AVales. Mr. AVylie said the rulings of the Australian referees varied considerably from those of N.Z. referees. It was hoped the recent conference would bring about a more uniform interpretation of the laws of the came in Australia.

CARRIERS V. COMBINED TEAM. At Victoria Domain yesterday afternoon the Carriers met a combined fifteen of the Thursday Union, the game ending in a draw, both sides scoring 5- points—a goal from a try. The Carriers won the toss, and played with the wind and sun at their backs in the first half. Richards set the leather rolling, and Hepburn returned to the centre. From a scrum the combined team heeled the ball out, and Knowsley gave Cramp a quick pass. Cramp . transferred to Witty, who in turn gaye the oval to Wilkinion, who was thrown into touch at the corner. Smith cleared his line by marking. Shortly before' the whistle For half-time Witty broke away with the ball and transferred to Cramp, who, after heating a couple of men, gave the ball back to Witty, who went m and scored. Wilkinson kicked- a good goal. After some scrum work in the combined team’s country the Carriers’ backs secured the ball, and, making a fine passing run, let Burke In behind the posts. Taking the kick himself, he landed an easy goal, making the scores even. For the Carriers Pollock, Smith, Hepburn, and Rice of the backs, and Hird, Sceats, and Harrison of the forwards played well. For- the combined team Wilkinson, Witty, and Knowsley of the backs, ind Ansell, Penman, and Richards of the forwards were the most conspicuous. Mr George Horgan controlled the game in an efficient manner. A good game should eventuate at the Victoria Domain to-morrow, when a senior trial match will be played. In tbe third contest Takitimu fa-ill meet West End.