Football Notes.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3163, 8 September 1880, Page 3

Football Notes.

The non-arrival of tho Waikato contingent of kicki6ts is assisting to deepen tho feeling of dubiety with which Auckland's chances in the forthcoming football contest are regarded. Our team have not yet had- one practice together, and while Griereon, Ring, Wood, and Lang remain away, the captain labours under a manifest disadvantage in being denied the opportunity of judging tho capabilities of his men, and the means of placing them judiciously. This lethargic spirit deserves reprehension. Even tho town players only muster in halfdozens, aud practice iv an indolent, halfi hearted sort of way, which does not augur a successful issue to the approaching combat. Auckland will greatly miss the vigour, alertness, and dexterity of Anderson, who was undoubtedly one of the best players in the colony. Uis running powers were exceptionally good, aud his fending rendered him a formidable opponent. Ring is very smart, but he lacks still and force in iending. Arneil has developed into a capital kickist, and he may bo relied upon .to distinguish himself. Our team is a light ono as compared with that from the Empire City, for while tbo average weight of the focal men is about eleven stone, the visitors average fully half a stone more. Although a they have not had extensive opportunities for practice, their captain has them well under control, aud if equal dieciplinc can be maintained in our own forces we shall feel pleased. They "pass" remarkably well, and back each other up, while Roberts (an old Association player) shows quite a genius at dribbling. Warbrick and one of the Thompsons are excellent placo and drop kickers, and Davy runs with great nimbleneas. We earnestly hope Mr Henderson will contriveto secure for tho local team one full practice before Saturday. It will assuredly have the effect of fitting them to give a satisfactory account of tbemselvos in the Interprovincial struggle.