FOOTBAXL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 166, 13 July 1907, Page 12

FOOTBAXL.

The first representative match of the season, against Buller for the Raniurly Shield, ■was played to-day. The New Zealand footballers opened their tour of Australia with a match against New South Wales on the Sydney Cricket Ground to-day. Albert Asher, who lias been fanning in the Tauranga district, has returned to Auckland, and will reside here permanently. He has not been playing this season, but has been coaching a native team, which, he says, possesses a very fair back combination. This team is anxious to secure a match, against an Auckland fifteen. "Jocky" Breen, one of the cleverest halves Auckland has turned out, was married yesterday. He left to-day on a honeymoon trip to Australia, where he will see the second and third matches of the New Zealanders in Sydney, and will return via Auckland. Without a doubt City met a better team on Saturday, and the victory of the com-biiied team was in every way deserved. Beaten in the forwards, City were outpaced in the backs, and althougn they held their end ug very well, tne uneven odds began to tell before the second spell had proceeded many minutes, and City, which had been leading by 3 points up to then, saw a big score being gradually piled up against them. A rally by the City forwards towards the close of the game was rewarded by a score, but the whistle sounded a few minutes later, the combined team winning by _to points to 6.

Vi ilson, -whose play has been below the mark tiiis season, came to his own again, and played a first-class game. His try was the result, of a heady piece of work. Diliamore and Murray also played well, and Wjnyard put in sound work at five-eighths. On the City side the two Magees were the most useful backs, the kicking being of great service, Geo. Smith had a day oil". G. Xicholson stood out on his own in the forwards, ana on his play -was second to none on the ground. Geo. Tyler, City, was very prominent, and Kinder (combined team J was also well to the fore. The team chosen by Mr. D. Gallaher for to-day's match is undoubtedly a good combination, but it might possibly lave been improved. I think that on his game this year, MacfcreU was to be preferred to Dunning, especially as, haviag been mated with TyJer in" the front row all the season, the pair know each other's play so well. Then though McDonald is » very fine little player and a grea: "bustler" in the open, he is not the scrummager that Herring has shown himself to be; he ha-sn't the weight, in the first place. Perhaps the exclusion of was due to his failure to lurn out, in the A and B match, and his subsequent arrival on the ground. Ine back division is a sound one, but on recent lorm a /place should have been fouid for Todd Here, again, the absence 01 the player from last Saturday's match may be "accountable for his omission. It ivas announced with much flourish of trumpets at the close of the tour that a bed wu to be- endowed in a London Hospital out of the profits of the tour. When tne Rugby Board met, however, there was a cuveraty of opinion on this point, but many ol the centres were noa-coniniittal, and when the question was put to the vote it was defeated by seven votes to five, nine of those present not expressing an opinion one way or the other. Had this proposal been put to the Board in December, when first mooted, it would thave been carried but since that day the enthusiasm has evaporated somewhat, and centres have been considering the matter from a *elfmterested point of vievr. The Western Province opposed the suggestion on the grounds that South .a±rican charities were, in the present time of depression m far greater need of assistance than those in Britain.

"Writing from Wellington after the New Zealand match there, J. Breen, rep. half for Auckland in IS9O and 1804. says: Spencer at full was a bit slower "than usual. Mitehinson is a good man, but gets out of position, a≤ Mynott and Hunter run straight, and when the latter passes, Miteninscn is too fir out. Gillett was the needle and the ball -was the magnet, and they took some partiacr. Abbott got in some good work. Hu°hes the Southland forward, was always to the fore, and was about the best line<mt man on the ground. New Zealand's weakness, if any, will be in the three-quarter line; Wallace is the only man who can play behind Mynott and Hunter. Final arrangements have been made for the despatch of the professional "All Blacks" to England, and they will take their departure from Wellington about the end of the third week in August, coing Home by a direct liner. The team will be a strong combination, so strong that the first side to play will be all New Zealand represntatives. Of the others only one has not yet won his interprovincial cap, but he has been adjudged worthy of it by a good many enthusiasts. Auckland will contribute a large proportion of the twenty-five players who will make the trip, at least ten coming from this city, mostly forwards. The team will arrive Home in time to commence their tour on the first Saturday in October. From an English source I gather that their '"home" will be in Salford, where the Salford Club's fine ground has been placed at their disposal for training and practice. The services of the club's trainer, one of the best in England, will be at their disposal from the time they land, and they will have a week ashore to practice under his direction and to learn the differences between the two games. During the five weeks on the boat they will train and practice on the decks, and they should be '■fit" when the first match is played. The weaker dubs will be pitted against the New Zealanders j first to give them an opportunity of : learning the game before they strike the tougher propositions. If the tour is a real success matches of an international character will probably be played in London at the Crystal Palace. In addition to the ten Aueklanders who will be away with the professional players, Tyler and Herring are unlikely to travel Strath on she ground that the t-our trill inters ere with, ihsix fcnsinsss.

affairs. Auckland will thus he short of a dozen players, but there is no need to despair, and a pretty fair team will be available. Two years ago when so many of our best players were away with the ''All-Blacks," our prospects were looked upon as very gloomy indeed. But the team brought back the Ranfurly shield, and there will be a side left this year which will take more than a little beating, and I, for one, do not take a pessimistic view of the situation. In the course of an interesting article on the New Zealand-Wellington province match, "Off-side" McKenzie says:— There were nine "All Blacks" in the team, and briefly, every man of them was a "'bag of tricks." Little dodges were continually cropping up during Saturdsy's game, to the wonderment of their opponent?, and the amusement of those onlookers, who followed the game in all its phases. The impisn manner in which these tricks were put oetore the public, followed by sound displays of Rugby fireworks, filled one with an idea of l-s----hilarating confusion, —memories of tne writings of Hamish Stuart and of other British authorities .who questioned these

""studies in minor tactics," are now explained; likewise the unsuccessful attempts made by the English referees to grapple with the points. This spanking

'"brand-newness" of Rugby is an art, and unless one is gifted with an extraordinary amount of football intelligence, he cannot understand it. Xhat is possibly why Hamish Stuart and his brother scribes and the referees remained in a football fog during the whole time tile

"All Blacks"' were running over the British Isles, and in a measure tfce writer sympathises with the critics. He himself cannot understand all these *way 3 that are dark and tricks that are vain , '; but they are really enjoyable side-shows, and are evidently the preludes to mc most astonishing coups which have sect opponents, spectators, and the referee away from the field with their minds in a whirl. It may be that the Australian referees will require to demonstrate a very high order if iaey wish to keep in touch with the metaoas of Gillett, ißoberts, Wallace, and company; but there is no doubt that the relative size of the "All Blacks'" scores will depend greatly on the manner in wZfich tne men with the whistles view these new feats of Rugby legerdemain. It has been said, and written in New ; outh Wales, by men who ought to know, that tfie "All Blacks" will meet there TSis season the toughest Rugby proposition ever put to a New Zealand team. It is to be hoped that it is so. because the Australians will want all they know, and more, to win. The fact is that the New Zealanders will appear in an almost entirely new change of Rugby programme; a programme of thrills and sensations never before seen since the days of the native team, and which will probably place the game higher in public estimation than it has ever been before in the Commonwealth. The New Zealanders, he continued, worked the scrum as a whole, as if every joint of it had been oiled lor their especial benefit. Screwing, heelingout, or kicking-out at the side, they were invariably first, and naturally their backs had many more opportunities afforded them. No bullocking at the psychological moment by these forwards, but a pass like lightning from the scene of hostilities. Roberts was the most brilliant back on the field. He was in almost every attack which resulted in a score. Hunter and Mynott were also instrumental in all the main attacks, and with Roberts made a redoubtable trio. These players seemed to pass the ball at random, "but thore was always a pair of "All Jilack ' hands to snap the leather. Counan, Mitchinson. and Fryer were three new ''All Black" three-quarters, chief of whom was Fryer. He made one mistake early in the game, when he crossed the line and lost the ball, but retrieved himself splendidly, and scored two tries in excellent style. Counan also did very well, 1 scored a very good try and kicked well. Mitchinson gave one or two samples of hrilliance, but generally he was missing in the attacks of Hunter, Mynott, and Roberts. As full-back Spencer was not up to what should be international form. In the forward ranks of the "All Blacks" there did not seem to be any weak men. All showed a great knowledge of the game, although none appeared to be particularly fast. Their scnim tactics were perfect, and in the loose they also kept well together. Giilett, the star wing-for-ward, was more of a general than anything else on Saturday and evolved a style of play quite distinct from other players •who have occupied the same position. The Aueklander keeps a very cool head, and is admirable as a thrower-out. Saturday's game did not allow him an opportunity of showing hovr he could smash, ■up a back attack, but doubtless he is as good ax this as he is in any other departments of the game. Casey, McDonald, and Johnston were the prominent forwards in the loose, Casey and McDonald being especially noticeable Francis was noticeable in following ■α-p. Hughes a.nd CSullivan ■were equally prominent at different portions of the game, while Cunningham did all that was required of him in the position of "lock."

Mr. James Francis Lanagan. the football coach for Stanford University. California, -was an interested spectator of the,game. What struck him most was the accuracy, speed, and general shiftiness of the "All Blacks" and the general ability of their backs to kick. In ihe. American game there are only one or j two men who can kick at all ,and it | was, therefore, surpri&ing to Mr. Lanagan to see a team in which crery man who handled the ball appeared to be a good kicker. As a the open play greatly impressed tie American. In the American game there is practically no open play. lour and a-haJi yards is considered a big nSh. The spectators seldom see the ball, •which, is usually held by one man, who is surrounded by a bodyguard, which does its best to preserve his life -Srom Tils adversaries. The only break in the monotony of the game for the spectators is the arrival of the ambulance waggon, ■which takes off the injured men at intervals. 'To understand and" enjoy yonr game thoroughly," said Mr Lanagan, "you must be in a measure a partisan. !N"ow, in the Amp.rirg.Ti game everything is partisanship so far as tie specta6ors~are concerned, and Bα notice 'is taken of an.

opponent's good play. Here in Wellington your people show a decided tendency to cheer, good play, no matter who does it." Reverting again to tae open game played by the "All Blacks," tne American said that -was most noticeable because under the American system driV bling was forbidden, while passing, though not forbidden, was not practised, owing to the fact that it was looked upon as a weakness, in the forward ranks general speed and aggressiveness seemed most noticeable. Mr. Lanagan has great hopes that Rugby will eventually displa-ce the American game in the United States. The great football centres there are West and East. If it can only bs started in these States, its success is assured, because the game will then spread to the middle States, and then into every Anferican University. "I think, also," said 3Cr. Lanagan, ' - that the introduction of Rugby will eventually give us a universal half-holiday. Another thing there is bound to be is an interchange of visits between California and New Zealand, at any rate, and this is going to make new friendships, and the young fellows will find out tfiat their ideas are much the same, not only on sport, but on other things. The general adoption in Rugby in our State may mean big things in "the future, especially the idea of keeping the Pacific as white as possible so far as we are immediately concerned." The Xew South Wales Rugby Union has invited the American Rugby coaches (Messrs. Langham and Presley) to return to Sydney for the purpose'of witnessing the matches of the New Zealand team.

The following dates so far have been fixed for the interprovincial football matches to be played by Otago in Dunedin this year:—August 24. Canterbury; August 31, Auckland; September 21. Wellington. The offer has been made to Uairarapa to play either on September 7 or September 23, but if these dates do not suit the northern team probably- the match will not be played. The match with Southland, to be played in Dunedin, will most likely foe fixed for September 1 14, while the match at Invercargill will be fixed for either August 2S or September 4.

The significant assertion that the names of the New Zealanders, who are coming to England to play Northern Union football, are known to only two persons, a/id they are under a bond of secrery not to divulge, is not very gratifying or satisfying to the average enthusiast, says the " Athletic News." Of course, the reason given sounds well. The men who are coming are yet amateurs, and will play as such in their own country, but when they leave New Zealand shores they will be banned as professionals, and perhaps may never return to |" God's own land." Another strange compact has also been entered into by the Northern Union clubs with reference to the " All Blacks." and that is the understanding that not until the New Zealanders have filled their engagements with the clubs shall any individual approach them in order to secure them as members. This arrangement may possibly be honoured more in the breach than i the observance.

The accounts of the English Rugby Lmon show the extraordinary profit on the match account of £1596 6/7. This, in no small measure, is due to the return of the South Africans in Scottish matches, which both exceed £850. An entire profit on the year's working is over £1000, and the Union has a sum invested in Consols which, at their present low price, is over £5000. Is nothing to Jbe done with these accumulated hordes to endeavour, at any rate, to bring back to the game some o f the popularity it once enjoyed? sa ys an English writer. Probably the contemplated new home in London will be soon in process of construction.

Quite a sensation in Northern Union football circles was created on Saturday when it was discovered that a Welsh Rugby Lnion club had decided to go in for the professional game, says the "Athletic News." Of course, it was regardea by those whose wish is father to the thought that the beginning of the end of amateur.sm in Wales had arrived, but we are afraid it is yet in the very remote future. J

WEDNESDAY UNIOX 3IATCHES. Last Wednesday's matches did not affect the probable results of both junior and senior competitions. P.T.fi. secured two wins and bakers likewise. Next Wednesday will be the "red letter" day of the season, when the P.T.R. meet the Bakers in both senior and junior grades. Patrons of the Wednesday Union may look forward to good football on that day, and it is expected a record gate will eventuate. Owing to the very bad weather recently, the Union have not played on Xo. 1 ground in compliment to the Saturday fixtures for their last two matches, but in future all senior and representative first matches will be played on that ground. The Union have been extremely unfortunate in this respect, no less than four consecutive Wednesdays being wet weather. It is hoped that Jupiter Pluvius will turn off his watering tap for next Wednesday's fixtures. I expect the Bakers to win both competitions this year, and, if they succeed, they deserve their success, for they nave paid strict attention to training. The present runners-up (P.T.R,) have had to put up with a considerable amount of bad luck, inasmuch as they have lost the services of several of" their best players through divers causes, notably, Champion, Traue, Gallaghan, and others, but will put a good team in nest Wednesday.

There wQ] only be one match a-way from home this year for the reps., viz., Korthern Wairoa. and this match should eventuate early nexi month. Mr. McGregor will have some fine material for choosing from this season, and a good rep. team should be the result. Henderson and Harrison 3re playing well this season, and should go very near to earning rep. honours. Parkes, three-quarter for Bakers, is also playing well and fields the ball well. Last Wednesday's matches were not characterised by any wonderful football, the senior mateii, Bakers and Grocers, was of a very scraggy order, and no concerted play was visible at any portion of the game. Grocers were unlucky to lose, and should have scored several times in the last half. Their opponents wera not ia ffce iesi? of condnaoa.

AUSTRALIAN GAME. Last Saturday a splendid game eventuated, between the Eden and imperial, the latter proving the victors by 43 to 32. Imperial were without Forster, Cathie, and Black, but were considerably strengthened by the inclusion of Webb and Breese, both these players mak-i-ng taeir first appearance this season. The red and blacks have now a splendid ruck team, and Vance, wno followed the four quarters, was a tower of strength to them, and with" Webb's assistance in the last quarter, together with Fletcher and Kirch, they easily held their own against the Uden. Glenister was in good form forward, and being well fed by Breese he was able to score one goal and seven behinds. McKeon also showed good form forward. Spence, back, played his usual fast, sure game, always getting hia kick in. Stevenson, on the wing, was of gTeafc assistance to his side. The Eden were best represented by Cairns and George foJiowing, Fletcher, Rover and Marshall and Davis defending. The latter was in splendid form, and several times prevented the Imperial scoring. Five permits were granted for the Eden Club on Monday a,t the League meeting, an-1 one was obtained for the Austral.

The kicking and running competitions are to be held on the Domain on Saturday, 27th inst., and to enable those to enter who are engased at oT.her matches, the open kicking events will start at 1.30 p.m.

As a result of the match played at the Thames, £7 17/9 has been handed to the Thames hospital.

It is to be hoped that better use will be made of the scoring board at the Domain. It was not got out until the match was half over on Saturday.

It has been decided in future that senior matches start at 3.15 punctually, and that players must line up sharp at 3.10 for inspection by the umpire.

The two junior teams Eden 11. and Austral 11. played a greit game on Saturday, the former winning by the narrow margin of two points. Inkster, Foley, Jacka, Fogerty, Cossey, Long and Longville played best for the winners, and Rutherford (2), McKay, Bettis. and McLeod all were of much assistance to the losers.