FOOTBALLL NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 203, 30 August 1886, Page 2

FOOTBALLL NOTES.

Tho Intercolonial Match.

'AUCKLAND'S win was most popular on Saturday night, and it need hardly bo said that tho match was tho principal topic of conversation in town. The Now South Wales men played an honest manly game, but the heavy and sloppy ground told scvcrolv a;;ain?t th(;m. It could bo seen at a glunce that their strength lay on a dry, hard ground, and that under tho circumstances they were heavily handicapped. Tho team id immeasurably superior, to that which cumo to Auckland in 1882, but tho men lack unity in their play. Occasionally thero wore brilliant oxceptions, and notably co vhen a combined rush waa made. Tho pacing then bocamo roally splendid, and superior to that of tho Auckland men. They have ecveral very good dribblers, who at times showed out conspicuously. No idea could be formed of their kicking capabilities, or. of the back play of the teum, but on the whole the visitors should have a very good record through tho colony, if tho weather favours them. They aro fast and of good avcra"O weight, and evidently in capital form. Tho Auckland men did not play together as woll as they might, and their backs wcro neglected far too much. Indeed, it waa the exception rathor than tho rulo to find tho backs "fed." \\ hitesido and v> nrbrick played a slashing game, but tho latter is too much inclined to run rather than kick. Ho did immense service in collaring. Kyan alao played a grand "amo, but'had few chances. Wells fully justified his selection amongst the forwards, and Lindsay and Arneil both played exceptionally well. Individually, tho other men aleo played well, but tho want of combination was obvious. It is to be hoped that this defect will bo remedied before the return match, that the forwards will leorn to remember that thoy have backs behind them, and that thero will be less, rcckbes kicking at a rolling ball. Otherwise, the Aucklanders played a grand game on Saturday A complete report of the match was given in our third edition on Satuiday. night, and will be found reprinted on tho fourth page of this evening's isgue. . One characteristic feature of Saturdays match was tho admirable feeling that provailed on both sides. There were no dispute.*, and tho spectators could not refrain trom instituting comparisons .between the New South Wales and Wellington men', very much in favour of our prosent visitor*. TV. rte matches have now been played between Auckland and New South Wales. Tho first, in 1882, was won by Auckland by a goal and a try to nil. The second, in ISB2, by three goals and two tries to a goal; and the third, in 1880, by thrco tries to nil. Smoke Cobckkt. — The visitors were onterti.ined at an informal dinner and smoke concert in tho evening. Mr ,T. A. Warbrick, in proposing the health of tho New South Walea team, referred to tho ploa-uro thoir visit had given to Aucklanders, and hoped that if not next season, at least in the eeason following, New Zealand would ECnd another team aorosa tho water. Ho complimented the visitors on their play, and eaid that in paesinc our men could learn much from them. He added in conclusion that Mr H. Hayr, Vice-Preeidont of tho Rugby Union, had offered to present a silver medal to each of tho team. Captain Shaw, in replying, said he folt honoured by the way in which they had been treated from tho moment of their arrival in Auckland. For himself, ho could say that he felt overwhelmed with the attentions ho had received, and ho could also answer for tho rest of the team. That day they had endeavoured todo their best, and the Auckland team more than repaid them, ferho had novor played a more pleasant match, and his team would endorse that statement. The toast waa enthusiastically drunk. At a later etago a cablegram was read announcing that the Gordon Club (composed principally of New Zealanders) had beaten Arforma that afternoon, thus winning the Gardiner Gup. This was received with loud applause. A couple of very pleasant hours were subsequently spent. Nbw Banner. —His Worship tho Mayor, on behalf of Mrs Waddel, presented the Auckland liugby Union with a now bluo ■ and • white eilk banner on

Saturday laet, with the previous victories of the Auckland teams recorded upon it. In making the presentation, His Worship said lie hoped the actions ot the Auck'.nnd men would bo liko their colours, pure as the white and true as the blue. Jlovkments ok TDK VIsiTOHS. —The New South Wales mon loft on on excursion to Waiwera in the Awhina to-day. They will bo entortained at a ball in the City Hall tonight, and leave by the Kotorua to-morrow for Wellington, where they play next Saturday.