FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 307, 4 June 1889, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Tax match between teams representing tbe Turanganui and Gisborne Olubs, on Saturday afternoon, was * very closely contested and interesting one from tbe kick off in th* first spell to the calling of time in the second spell. The Gisborne Club played with three men short, but this disadvantage wm balanced by the heavier weight of their players *a compared with those of the Turanganui Club. At the commencement of the game, and half way through the first spell, the Gisbornites pinned their opponents close to their goal line, but were then forced to give way to tbe smartness of the younger players who now appeared to be warming up to their work. Having worked the ball into Gisborne's twentyflva, L. Maud* 1 made off with the leather for Turanganui, and obtained a touch after a smart run abreast of Rees (Gisborne), who was dangerously close to him, but still not close enough to save his side. A. DeCasta tried to convert the try into a goal, but failed. Tbe play was somewhat faster in the second spell—in fact there was only one spell, as it was decided to play right on—and some splendid work wm exhibited on both sides. During tbie part ot tbe game, an unsuccessful attempt was mad* for a goal, by Staite (Gisborne), from a mark taken by Rees. After this the pley fluctuated very much, first in favor of one side and then the other, and it seemed doubtful whether any further score would be mad*. This close play was suddenly broken, for a abort time, by a nice pass on the Gisborne side, from on* of the quarters to Sheet, who made * splendid run from th* centre of th* field into touch. Tbie try wm converted into * very nut goal hy Staite. Although th* tables were now turned against the younger players, and tbe calling of time wm not far distant, they not at al! discouraged, and, indeed, played with still mor* determination, and icon managed to carry their opponents into th* twentyflve, where a short but good run wa* made by B. Hall, who carried tbe leather Into touch. L. Mauds this time tried his luck, and wm very auoceutiil. No further more wm made up to th* close of th* game, tbe Turanganui thus having won by a goal and a try to a goal. It muet be very dieheartening to the** players who put in an appearance in good time to have to walk about for half an hoar or so, like ducks out of their element, because the stragglers roll up just at their own time, regardless of their fellow players, or of the spectator* who go up to eee a gam* of football and not a lot of player* or Intending player* meandering about the field. When those who ar* selected do not think it worth while to keep to time this failing ought to be kept recorded againet them. Tbe new rule* worked capitally on Saturday, and from a spectator'* point of view a more enjoyable game could not have been wished, The players themselves showed great need of practice. Rees played a really good game, pusing unselfliehly and always knowing when to do it. Skeet mad* some good runs, but hie passing wm a long way behind th* time* —he lacks practice. Staite made some good runs, having to do double duty owing to the shortness of men. Button played a good forward game, and Rowley did well for a beginner. In the ecrume the Gieborne had all their own way, but in th* loose play th* junior team were at their best, though their passing was very poor and the collaring wm too high. Ths Maude brothers were tha makings of th* game, and Gerald Crawford proved a grand forward, always on th* ball and playing with judgment. Burn* ia a good light forward, but very deficient in pMeiag. Steele and Skipworth were also prominent in the forward divieion. E. Matthew* did good service for his side, and when ho got an opportunity to run he made good use of it, but always pMsiug at th* proper time. Thomson is a capital player, but th* bank play was bad, DeCosta evidently being out of form.

A meeting of the Committee of th* Gisborne Club was held on Saturday evening, and Messrs Bourn and Staite were appoints to represent the Club on the Selection Oom- J mittee. It was suggested that thia should 1 consist of two members of the Gisborne, " Rover, and Waimata Olub* respectively, together with Mr T. Morgan. Mr Staite has written to Wairoa to ascertain if a team from that district will visit Gieborne thia season, but no answer has yet been received.