FOOTBALL.

Bay of Plenty Times, Issue XX, 17 June 1892, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Precisely at 3.15 yesterday^fternoon the competition for the gold medal for place kicking commenced. There were loV>«npetitora, and two kicks each were taken vwhen time was called. \ The kicking as a whole was abobt as poor an exhibition as could be imagined^ JTrank Robertsom and Willie Home being \he only goal kickers. \ Yesterday's game was undoubtedly the heat played this season. The form sl\o3ra by many of the players being well up to •expectations. It is only fair for us to say that the various departments of the game of Ragby were at times brought out in yester\ day's play more conspicuously then we have\ j often seen in better matches ; for instance there were several beautiful dribbles started, rushes were frequent, passing was freely indulged in, while dodging, feuding, and runn - ing were among the more prominent features of the game. When we have said all this we must acknowledge that in other most important points the game was a sad disappointment. There was an utter want of skill displayed by many; while the backs did a lot ol work at times, it was evident to an

oilooker that they had to\ make their own play. To the be^t ofkmc knowledge the ball ufas net passed back Woe from a line out yesterday, also the w<u» of good centre half flaying was apparent start to finish. Although the collaringlwas unt altogether bad, it must be through faulty attempts in fcir.s department, that? became: was lost to the Captain. If 6\ic}^ old veterans as H. Tanner, i Fl Robertson, F. Norri*, |EiiokH, Rahriri and C] Haua, had collared *4 of °^» Swairison, ffprne, Duncan aud\S. 'J'mnor would never have scored 16 to o."\ \| r d d ; d not knuw a euigle player to funk, i>|t we must repeat th^t bad, high eollarin <r\for perhaps the want of eollarinj? lost the g"ao|^. .— Every Native in the tfc&m played a good *rame considering their! tform ; Swaiuson mulled terribly for a tiiie\but improved as the game proceeded. Rihiri was consistent ; throughout, while Puc|cyj Meti, Charlie, and Enoka, were consjjicu6us all through. Duncan was without h pieer ; the way he uses his knowledge of t|ie game should teach the juniors to use thjlir lieads more. FNorris was green, his ticking was good, but his collaring was not fcuret F. Robertson does not appear to be Carbine this season, slow in getting awayf, aiid short in his return kicks are his fa|ilts^ Home is still to be relied on ; S. Tannfr puntod, oolUre I and passed well yesterday. / H. Tanuer showed up better in stopping rushes than any other player ; he should kick more. The rest of the players worked hard for their sides, and altogether the game was a most enjoyable one.