Football.

Bruce Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 66, 23 August 1917, Page 5

Football.

(By " Drop-kick)." There was quite a stir in local football circles yesterday, when the Toko. Rovers received a | visit from an Otago University team. The weather was ideal, and there was a good attendance of spectators. The Varsity lined out for the match one player short, whilst another was in-i jured before half-time. The visitors were much heavier than the local team, but in fairness to the visitors, it should be Btated that eleven of their team are under 20 years of age. The game was a very fast, open and clean exhibition, and although the local players were completely outclassed, they played pluckily and determinedly. The visitors played with fine combination, and their forwards, both in the loose and the Bornm, played with dash, were al* ways well up, and kept the ball at their feet, The backs were a fine, nippy lot, and their running, passing and outting-in was a treat to witness. No doubt the short, swift passing, combined with the fine following up, nonplussed the local players. The local boys deserve every credit for the game they played, and no doubt they will benefit by the visit from the Varsity boys, The forwards put in good solid work, and stood up well to their heavier opponents. In the scrum work they packed well, and in the loose at times they put in some dash. The backs fielding and kicking showed im* provement, and the collaring was good, It is hard to single out individual players at times, but mention should be made of Milne, Forsyth, and Mills of the local team, and of the visitors Hutchison, Pilling, and Salmond are deserving of special mention, The match resulted in a runaway vie* tory for the Varsity team by 38 points to nil, the score comprising eight tries, seven of which were converted. Mr J. B. Wilson acted as referee. 4 The local boys entertained the visitors at dinner and tea. They were also shown through the Bruce woollen mills, and they returned home in the evening well pleased with their outing, and spoke in high praise of their reception and the kindness shown to them.