FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2197, 22 May 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The Thursday competitions commenced yesterday, when Alhambra defeated City by 10 points to nil, and Star were victorious over Gisborne bv nine points to six. The weather was splendid, but the ground was very hard, and several players leeeived nastly bumps. .1 lie first game was fairly interesting, and Alhambra, despite the fact that the team contained much raw material, playt»d a surprisingly good game, ilio City men were suffering iro«i want of training, and never looked like winning. Their mam chance lay I’uflcltks kicking, but out ml several attempts that, player only landed one ■mill. Star and Gisborne, had a willing go, both teams being evenly ilia lulled. Gisborne had the, bottcr pick, but their hacks, with \\i Kepa and Thompson absent tlirough injur es wore deplorably weak. 'J lie fetal loivvard division jilayed a hard game, and were ably supported by Die backs, Cf whom Kaipara was? the mainstay. Sallowing are detailed reports: ALHAMBRA (white) v. CITY (blue

and black). Citv, defending the eastern goal, licked off,'and commenced an immediate attack. From a tree luck 1 - Met had a futile shot at goal, and Alhambra carried ph.y to ball-way. Give-and-take play followed, andiiolden (Alhambra) had a kick at goal without result. A series of serums followed,' and Dustin, securing tlio ball in the ru<;k, broke away, ami racing over the line, grounded the ball behind the posts. Gray kicked a goal. Alhambra 5, City 0. A run by Grinlinton and a While player getting offside, let- City down on Alluinibra’s line, where they were awarded a free kick. Puflett’s attempt, however, was poor. Play continued in neutral ground, neither side taking much advantage of their opportunities. A good passing rush by the AVhitos transferred play to the Blues twenty-five, where a serum was hold. Coming quickly round tho scrum, Campbell neatly intercepted a pass, and streaking for tlie line, scored a fine try. Dustin added the major points. Alhambra 10, City 0. Halftime was called shortly after. City opened tlie second spell with a strong attack. The AA’hites were penalised For off-side play, and Purtett made an excellent attempt at goal, the ball going just under the bar, and Alhambra forced. Central play followed the kick-out, until Dustin got away but good tackling stopped his progress, and further relief was afforded the Blues by a free kick. A mull by Grinlinton let the AA'liites in, and City were forced. Good kicking by Tate had the Blues defending again, but the ball went iTrro touch-in-goal. Continuing the attack, an Alhambra player got across but was called back lor a knock-on. Dustin then had a fruitless shot at goal from a free kick. Roderick, by a good run, was instrumental in carrying play to the AA’liites’ territory, and a scramble on Alhambra’s line eventuated, and City scored. Puflett improved with his kick. Alhambra 10,~ City ». Both teams were getting done up, and the play following was mostly in midfield. Tlio whistle sounded, with Alhambra in their opponents’ twenty-five. Air. H. Al. AA’aliter was tho referee. STAR (red and black) v. GIoBORNE (Royal blue). Gisborne won tlio toss, and Star kicked off with the sun in front. Central play followed until a mis-kicli let the Reds away. The Blue pack, however, commenced a counter-rush, which was spoiled by a forward trying to pick up. Tho Blues got several free kicks, but the kicking was poor. Gisborne were pressing Star, and Morse marked in Star’s twenty-five. Newton’s kick went just outside the posts. Star were penalised for offside play, and Gisborne sent tlie bull out near tho corner. Serums on the line followed, and Star were eventually forced. From a serum at haltway, Kuipara obtained possession, and made a good run to near the Blue line. A free kick relieved the pressure, and half-time was sounded with Gisborne' pressing. Shortly; after tho commencement of the second spell, Kaipara got away from a lineout, but when lie looked like scoring, was well grassed by the Gisborne fullback. The Blues returned to the attack, and City being penalised, Scott kicked a fine goal from near hullway. Gisborne 8, City 0. Following the kick-off, Burke got away, but instead of beating bis man, kicked, and McLaclilan cleverly marked. Tlie Reds now took a turn at attacking, and AVilkinson marked near the line. Burke kicked a good goal. Gisborne 8, City 8. Keeping up the pressure, the Reds again worked Gisborne back, and a line run by Kuipara, who mot with bill- feeble resistance,, resulted in Unit player scoring in a favorable position. ' Tho kick at goal by Burke was unavailing. Gisborne 8, City 0. Central play followed the kick-out, and Kaipara again securing the ball, ran through to the full-back. Hu then passed to Burke, who scored. The kick by Burke failed. Gisborne 3, City 9. Those reverses seemed tu awaken Gisborne, and some fast play followed, the ball travelling up and down the field. A free kick was awarded the Blues in Star’s twenty-five, but Scott’s kick went just under tlie bar. •Some scrambling play followed, and then a Gisborne rush proved irrestible, and Pollock scored near the corner. A poor kick was made byScott. Gisborne G, City 9. Tho Gisborne team was now working desperately to avoid defeat, but they were unable to score again before time was called, a few minutes later. Star were thus victors l>y a margin of 8 points. .'Mr. AL Osborne carried the whistle.

Dr. Tutcrc Wi Eepa has a telegram which states that a match between the Anglo-Welsh team and a Maori team has been arranged. The match will probably take place either at Auckland or 'Wellington.