FOOTBALL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2584, 19 August 1909, Page 6

FOOTBALL

THE REPRESENTATIVE TOUR. (Notes by “Full-back.”) The great game of the 1909 tour has been played and lost, but by a very narrow margin, and the Poverty Bay representatives, as well as all residents may justly feel proud of the splendid achievement of the team in getting within four points at the finish of a game with probably the strongest province in the Dominion, and the unbeaten holders of the Ranfurly Shield. The selectors must be delighted with tlie success that has attended the efforts of their choice, and for my part I must say that the positively brilliant performance put up by Poverty Bay against their older, heavier, and more experienced opponents exceeded, by far, my most hopeful anticipation. The P.B. team is probably the youngest team to go on tour, and upon arrival, after a glorious passage many were the quips and jests passed regarding the “boy” team, and it was no uncommon thing to overhear such remarks as “Isn’t it a shame to put them in the field against our men,” etc., and there were many Aucklanders sanguine enough to bet even money on the Northerners, giving 30 points in. All was taken m excellent part, however, and after that eventful Saturday afternoon the Auckland players, Union officials, and public generally were only too ready to admit that thev had greatly underestimated tlie quality of Poverty Bay football and in many instances was freely acknowledged that Auckland were indeed lucky to win. Tlie general impression was that a draw would have been a fitting termination to a great game, but on the other hand there were to be roxind those who unhesitatingly declared that on the day’s play the “boys m red should have been victorious. To my mind, a draw would have much more adequately represented the game. When poverty Bay drew level they were having all the best of the play, and looked very likely winners. Auckland, how<f‘Vor were making repeated incursions into’our fellows’ territory, and during one of these Wilson, their speedy wing three-quarter, potted a lucky goal. I say most unhesitatingly that it was a most lucky shot, and in support of my opinion I might say that Wilson, himself, later in the evening, publicly admitted that he did not even attempt to drop a goal. Ike circumstances were most peculiar. Play was m the Poverty Bay 25, far out near the line, and Wilson, who was surrounded by several of our men, picked up m the loose and endeavored (although a Jettfoot kicker) to punt to the centre in « his right foot. The ball by some means, touched the ground before he kicked it, and. most disastrously loi Poverty Bay, the ball sailed close over the bar. Then again, Magee’s try was another instance of the luck attending the home team. Skillen endeavored to cut in from a passing rush, but was collared and lost the ball, which rolled clear of the players, and on to the Poverty Bay line. It was touch and go whether Fitzgerald or Magee should obtain possession, but the latter won, and, as the score was converted .Auckland gained a rather soft and lucky five points. _ The game was hotly contested irom the commencement, right up to the call of time. Our fellows rose nobly to tho importance of the occasion, and I have pever yet seen a better exhibition by any Poverty Bay team, the tackling was most deadly and the backs wore at least quite equal to those or the opposition. The work of the Auckland, forwards in tlie loose was a revelation and education to our men. Handling the ball splendidly, they indulged in lovely passing runs, the ball O omg from hand to hand occasionally through the eight, and nothing but the soundest defence prevented a large score being registered against Poverty Bay. As it was, the swift and deadly tackling and good kicking of our ™en oftimes nullified the smart work of the Auckland backs, who were never able to get properly going. Fitzgerald, at lull, played a ieally splendid game, and in a perfectly coni and collected manner, he saved his side in many a tight corner. He g-> little tackling to do but ln.s takmg ol the ball was almost perfection. A 1 though finding the line well, his kicking was on the short side, and ho also was rather inclined to be slow in' getting back into his Mace. , Ryland, Pollock, and Miller were the flircp-auarters. The two former did all that was asked of tlwmAn themo!a satisfactory manner. lollock gave

brilliant exhibition in the oentre, ing, kicking, and running spiendidly, while Ryland did some dashing work on the left wing. Miller was hardly as good as his companions, and although he took and kicked well, he did. not appear inclined to face tho opposition, and invariably on coining to his man, weakly parted with the ball, losing several likely chances. Watchorn and Kaipara, at liveemhtlis, gave a display that would do credit to cmy tesrni in tire Dominion. The latter, by his well-known clever side-stepping and dodging, completely beat the opposition time and again, tie was also prominent with excellent marking and kicking, and avas responsible for making a brilliant opening m midfield which enabled Pollock to score Poverty Bay’s try. Watchorn captained tho team in an ideal manner, and in addition got through a tremendous amount of work. He was here, there, and everywhere, and was always on hand when, required. As of old, ins work on the line-out Avas a treat to witness, and he was largely responsible for a great deal, of the spoiling of the opposition tactics. . , „ Nehu, at half, did not slime too Avell in the first spell, and perhaps as Avas natural Avitli so young a player, appeared to be suffering from nervousness. He improved a great deal towards tho conclusion of the game, and got the ball away smartly several times. Tho forwards, one and all worked hard all through, and to them must be given the lion’s share of the credit in what, although a defeat, Avas a moral victory for Poverty Bay.' they fully held their own in the scrums and close work, but appeared to lack cohesion in the loose rushes, and in this respect suffered in comparison with the opposing pack. . The team were most hospitably treated during their stay in Auckland, and won golden opinions by their gentlemanly behaviour on and off /lie field. I am writing on the eve of the VV-an-eariui match, and if our fellows show the same form as they did rn Auckland I look to them to annex a victory, and further uphold the honor of 1 overty , Many congratulatory telegrams have been received, complimenting tlie team on their prowess so far. . The railway journey to Wanganui was most trying, feiv of. the team getting any sleep on tlie train during the trip. However, at time of writing (9 p.m.) they are all safely tucked in'bed, filled with anticipations, of a glowing victory on the morrow.

TO-DAY’S MATCHES

The football matches to be played at Victoria Domain under the auspices of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union today are: Star v. Alhambra, 1.45 p.m.; City v. Gisborne, 3 p.m. . The City team to play against Gisborne Avill be picked from the followMg: Huston, Roderick (2), Puflott, Gr ini inton, Witty, Rowe SulUvan, Grant, McLean, Gatland, O Neill, Shepherd, Collingwood, Holmes, and Bay ley.

TARANAKI DEFEATS HAWKE’S BAY.

[Peu i’ar-Bp Association. NAPIER, August 18. The Rugby representative football match, Taranaki v. Hawke’s Bay, was played this afternoon in fine bracmg weather, and resulted in a win for Taranaki by 14 points to 8. The ground was in good order, and there was a moderate south- ivesterly Avmd. About 4000 spectators were present. Jhe visitors Avon the toss and played withthe Avind behind them. They made rush after rush, but HaAvke’s Bay put up a good defence. Stohr took a good mark, and Cameron, taking the kick, sent the ball betAveen the posts drawing first blood for Taranaki. A little later play Avas carried to Taranaki s goal line, but Potier saved. A penalty kick for Hawke’s Bay was taken by Absolum, who made a* good attempt. The game reverted to Hawke s Bay territory, until Absolum, after a line kick, secure'd the ball and took it down the field, being pushed over the line. Haivke’s Bay attacked frequently until a strong Taranaki rush changed the aspect of affairs. O’Sullivan passed to Crowley, Avho scored. Tho attempt to convert failed. Taranaki 6, Hawke s Bay nil. Some of the spectators claimed that time in this spell Avas exceded. On changing ends, Taranaki were aggressive and, after a brief change oi fortunes, O’Sullivan passed to line, who raced down the field and scored easily. The try was converted uy Cameron, Taranaki 11, Hawke s Bay nil. Rushes by Hawke’s Bay were repulsed and McEwen relieved Absolum, who. retired hurt. A few minutes later there Avas a scrum on the Taranaki line from which McEwen scored, and Wall converted. The game became faster, and there was some interesting play. Eventually, Beamish passed to Sheehan, and he to Cameron, who crossed. Potier’s kick Avas unsuccessful, Kenyon started a Hawke’s Bay rush, LeAvis scored. The kick failed. Taranaki 14, Hawke’s Bay 8.. Hawke s Bay showsd to advantage m the iemainder of tlie game,, but there was no further score. The game throughout was fast, and both teams showed good combination. Taranaki were especially strong in passing, the iorwards doing good work. Cameron (three-quarter), Mynott (five-eighths),-and Pine (forward) played a good game: Cameron, indeed, doing brilliant Avork. Hawke’s Bay also snowed fine form, especially towards the end of the game. Absolum played a splendid game until he received a nasty knock, and had to retire. LeAvis, Kenyon and Dorset distinguished themselves. Mr. A. "Williams was referee.

AUCKLAND RUGBY UNION. AUCKLAND, August 18/ At a meeting of tlie Auckland Rug- ! by Union to-night, it was decided to send 20 players, under the management of Mr. C. P. Stichbury, on the southern tour. The team will leave Auclcland by Monday evening’s Main drunk express, seven of the party being stlgaged' to play in the North v. South Island match next Wednesday. The first match of the tour will be played at Blenheim against Marlborough on the 26th inst. Matches follow at Wei-, lino-ton on the 28th,' at Wangamu on the 31st, and at New Plymouth against Taranaki on September 2nd. The Auckland Union decided to apnlv to the New Zealand Union for referees for all matches of the tour. A letter from a sub-union, the Man iapoto Union, with headquarters at le Kuiti. was read protesting against the New Zealand Rugby Union taking upon itself to place the Maniapoto Union under the jurisdiction of the newlyformed South Auckland Union. letter stated that an emphatic Protest had been wired to the New Zealand

Rugby Union. The-Auckland -Union decided, to reply stating that a piotest had already been sent against tlie action ofrthe New Zealand Rugby Union in altering the Auckland Union’s boundary without notice or consultation. NORTH v. SOUTH ISLAND MATCH. WELLINGTON, August 18. Tho secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union has been advised that the following have been chosen to represent, the South Island against the North : Full-back, O’Brien (Marlborough); three-quarters, Colvin (Buller), Fuller and Fryer (Christchurch); five-eigliths, Gray and Weston (Christchurch); halt, Burns (Christchurch); forwards. Kidland and Mills (Southland), Corbett (Buller) Fitzpatrick, Patton, and Patterson (Otago), Sotheran (West Coast), Rodgers (South Canterbury); emergencies, Ryan (Nelson) and Blight (West Coast). THE ASSOCIATION GAME, The following will represent Taruheru y. Y.M.C.A., on Saturday: Matliieson, Coombes, Whiteley, Sfcatham, Oates, Minnis, Reid, Mickie, Kelley, Sharpies,.and Lasker; reserve, Bards well. The team to represent x.M.C.A. against Taruheru will be picked from the following:—McLaclilan, Douglas, Rennie, Binnie, Ansell, Sutherland, Rewai, Bain, Dimherlimo, W. H. Griffin, Clarkson, and Thomas. THE AUSTRALIAN GAME. The folloAving players have been selected in the match Rovers v. Aus- ‘ trals this afternoon, on the League’s ground, near Grey Street bridge: Rovers from: Carr, Shillabeer, Williams, Heffernan, Brown, Manning, Cooper, Dixon, Smith Tate (2), Dalton, Reid, Hopkins, F. Wack, and J. Wack. Australs from: Woodbury, Hogan, H Wack, Commons, Atkinson (2), Jenkins, Carter (2), Pollock, Fisclibach, Anderson (2), Story, Lund, llob.inson, and McPherson.