LA CROSSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 136, 8 June 1907, Page 12

LA CROSSE.

Taking everything Into consideration, the representative match last Saturday was a success. There was certainly room for plenty of improvement in the arrangements; no doubt this was due to the short time left to the local council to fix matters and lack of experience.

The event last Saturday should be the means of doing the game a lot of good, both here and in Wellington. The local players have not had many weeks' practice, and they must be complimented on the result of the match. I understand there is a prospect of the game being started in Palmerston North and New Plymouth. Let us hope so. Those who saw the crack Wellington trio, Estcourt, Bell, and Montgomery, at work last Saturday, must surely have hecn delighted. I could not imagine a more pretty and exciting game to watch than tw"o teams composed of players of their calibre. The nearest ipproach we have had to Estcourfs play was B_ Noton, the old Ponsonby "home."

The Wellingtonians are looking forward to the proposed return visit of the Auckland team. They intend to put every effort forth to. turn the tables. They will be able to put a stronger team in the field; two of their best defence men could not make the trio.

The Wellington Association has secured two grounds on the Basin 'Reserve.

It is to be hoped that our local council will get the names of those players able to make the trip in August at once, and pick a probable team, so as to give the members every chance to get into the best of form.

It was pleasing to notice the large number of old laerosseurs looking on at the match last week. I hope to see. some of them taking up the game again. "- - "' ■""••■ ->"->.• —~-^—tr^—**•

The Wellington captain is not a believer in the long throw from one end of the field to the other indiscriminately. He states this style of play is not in vogue in England or Canada, but instead the short passes up and down the field. He states it is a regular thing to see the ball go from man to man up and down the field, without touching the ground. Local defence players should give this system a trial. I feel sure it would make the game more attractive-

Philson's play greatly pleased the visitors. He certainly gave a very brilliant display, and would do credit to any team. Strickland and Graham also played attractive games; the latter made a lot of nice openings.