FOOTBALL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2603, 10 September 1909, Page 6

FOOTBALL

ANNUAL CHALLENGE MATCH

FIRE BRIGADE (6) v. CITY BAND (6)

Victoria Domain was the scene yesterday afternoon of a memorable encounter, when the representatives of the heroes who subdue the flames met the representatives of those who from time to time delight the car of the Gisborne public by the discourse of sweet strains from various weird-look-ing instruments. The attraction for the afternoon was stated to he a football match, and prior to the trial of strength at the Domain the Band headed a procession of players, spectators, and others up Gladstone Road and along Childers Road to the convincing ground. It was no doubt a very astute move on the part of the Fire brigade men to suggest to the Bandsmen that the proceedings would he greatly livened up by a little music on the way to the field, but it was not until after play was commenced that the unsuspecting musicians realised the cunning of their opponents, and it was apparent that the wind expended in playing a soul-stirring march would have been extremely useful to the Bandsmen in the opening stages of the game.

On the field of play, the operations of the Brigade were superintended by Mr. J. Stuart, while Mr. J. McConnell conducted the Bandsmen.

The Brigade won the toss, and at once concentrated all their efforts in an attempt to quickly extinguish their opponents’ possible hopes of victory. Many of the Firemen had narrow escapes from the Bandsmen’s back division, but eventually, after a good deal of solo work amongst the latter, Stuart kicked a goal from a mark by Davoy. to the slow beating of the. muffled drum. Nothing daunted by this early reverse, the men of music indulged in a pretty concerted movement, and playing allegro vivace, succeeded in equalising the scores by Anderson kicking a penalty goal, the free kick having been awarded through one of the Brigade forwards getting slightly out of tune within the hearing of the referee. The Bandsmen played in a very spirited manner after the interval, during which their sole refreshments had been obtained in listening to a selection from the non-playing members of the band. The Brigade men, as well, scorned invigorated, but from what cause was not visible, and the, second part of the programme was commenced in a sprightly manner. The Bandsmen had, however, evidently obtained their second (or third) wind, and they had all the best of the game. Struggling against. fearful odds, the heroic firefighters stuck to their task with grim determination, gradually beat back the encroaching musicians, and succeeded in confining thorn to the narrow area of their own 25. For a short space of time the Bandsmen were content to nlay in a somewhat minor key, with the result that Fireman Lapidge was enabled to score a brilliant try close to the posts amid showers of sparks and congratulations. Stuart failed to add the finishing touch to his companion’s well-directed effort. Abandoning the rallentando movement, and playing distinctly con araore. the Bandsmen, urged by the repeated demands for an encore from their supporters, soon equalised matters by means of King, wlio crossed the line. Conductor McConnell failed at goal, and very soon afterwards the referee wisely decided to declare the game at an end. The result of the game gave great satisfaction to both teams. It was played in a most friendly spirit, the utmost harmony prevailing. The operations of one side were conducted in perfect unison, while the opposing team; although stronger and heavier, did nothing to in any wav throw cold water on the proceedings. Mr. J. J. Martin made «_ most capable referee, at times playing a low sweet melody from the whistle, and again pealing forth a vigorous alarm when an infringement was too glaring to be overlooked. In the evening both teams gathered in tho more congenial atmosphere of the band-room, and indulged in a pleasant social evening, the proceedings being in the nature of a smoke concert with an impromptu programme. TO-MORROW’S MATCHES. The team to represent United juniors in their match against Makauri to-morrow will be picked on the ground from the following: Dodds, Newton (2), Delaney, Olsen, Ferguson, Davis, Pollock. Somervell (2), Brown, Nicolas, Wyllie, Teesdale, Payne, Pilcher, Tliaxtcr, and Corbett. THE AUSTRALIAN GAME! Another match took place between Rovers and Australs on the Australian licague’s ground yesterday afternoon. Owing to the recent heavy rains a part of the playing area was under water, and in consequence a poor display was given. The turf was heavy and slippery, while the ball was very greasy and extremely hard to hold. Australs proved themselves the best team on the day’s play, and ran out winners by 33 points. The final scores were: Australs, 11 goals S behinds (74 points); Rovers, 6 goals 5 behinds (41. points). The goal-kickers were : Australs—W. Atkinson (5), Stubbs (4), Lund 2; Rovers —J. Wack (3), Ngira (2), Fitzmaurieo (1). NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. [Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON. Sept, 9. At a meeting of the .Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union, an application by the Otago Union for a loan of £ISOO was refused, no funds for such a purpose being available. The Nielson Union iV>r warded the names of 22 players who had taken part in flic Northern Union game there, also the names of the referee, line umpires, find secretary, all of

whom had been suspended. The suspension was made general, and the persons concerned were given a fortnight to show cause why they should not be expelled. The members of the Maori team which toured Australia last year under Northern Union rules applied for r'-indfca foment. They said they had been misled, and had not 'Known they were doing wrong. It was decided to reply that the Union had no power to remove their disqualification. CANTERBURY COLLEGE DEFEATS SYDNEY UNIVERSITY. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 9. Canterbury College beat Sydney University to-day by 14 points (a goal from a try and three tries) to 5 points (a goal from a try). ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. TO-MORROW’S MATCHES. The second round of the competition being held under these will be commenced to-morrow, when Y.M.C.A. and Rangers will meet at Carnarvon Street, kick-off at 2.45 p.m. Owing to the Athletics being unable to raise a team, Taruheru have been awarded a bye. Taruheru have gained a substantial lead in the first round, but there is "reat keenness between the Y.M.C.A. an 3 Rangers as to who will be second, and a good game should be witnessed to-morrow. The Rangers team will be selected from the following: Hector, Grimshaw, Scroggie, Whyte, Hoare, Young, Arundeir Johnston. Hogg, Sharp, Dick, Warren, Hollands, and Itenwick.

AUCKLAND DEFEATS TARANAKI

[Per Press Association.l ELTHAM, Sept. 9

The Auckland-Taranaki Association representative match was played today in ideal weather. There was a good attendance. A good exposition of “socker” was given, the game generally exceeding expectations, and being instructive and beneficial to tlie game in Taranaki. The match was fast, particularly good play being shown by the Auckland team, who, having the benefit of two previous matches, displayed better combination than Taranaki. The most prominent among the Auckland men were Marshall, at half, and Whittle, Sale, and Foreshaw, forwards. For Taranaki, Robinson, at back, Mclnnes at half, and .Schofield and Eggleston, forwards, were the most conspicuous. The game ended: Auckland 3, TaTanaki 2. Sale, lor Auckland, kicked one and headed one, Webster securing the other. Taranaki secured a penalty goal, and an Auckland man, vSewth, turned the ball through his own goal, accounting for Taranaki’s other goal. Mr. Tackle, the Auckland manager, refereed.