FOOTBALL.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XX, Issue 2847, 27 June 1892, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

In connection with the game on Thursday, as promised in last issue, we give below a few special remarks : —

Regarding the play of each individually R-ihiri, Swainson and Enoka as tacks did much useful work. Cherry, Riwiri, Dickson, Puckey and Charlie showed good form. Herangi made a slashing full back. Winiati, Munro and the ether two natives played well. Edos Vercoe did good useful work at centre half ; the way he fed H. Tanner was a treat, no wonder the Captain looked as if he were playing the whole team, the heat he was in ; Enos is responsible for a great deal of it. The Captain might have kicked a good deal more and saved himself, as several j times he held the ball too long George Vercoe might have saved himself a lot of running, hud he passed out oftener. C, Haua cellared better, but this player loses a lot of ground by running back, and attempts an impossibility, in trying to run round faster men than himself. F. Norris picked np and collared better, but is not so sure as we expect to see him ; his long drop kicks were the best on the field. Sheath, at full, fully upheld his reputation. F. Lund on will make a fast forward, has a good knowledge of the game, but should play on the wing if possible, S. Tanner cannot run through the boys as of old. This player will persist in holding the ball until he is collared. Robertson picked up cleaner, kicked more, and all round played a much better game. Armitage, on the line out, dribbling, collaring, and following up was far and away the best forward in either team. W. Home, the last in review, and the worst in sustaining his reputation ; his form was, to an onlooker, unaccountable ; his kicking all round was poor, his collaring below par, his picking up very uncertain, while he repeatedly rushed into the forwards, with the certain result of making no ground ; whereas had he used his feet he would have saved himself, and at the same time been far more trouble to his opponents.

The play as a whole was enjoyable but was not a scientific exhibition of Rugby, The backs should never forget that they ought not to allew themselves to be collared with the ball, and instead of running across the field should pass the ball and keep their places. Back more, pass more, keep in your places, and save your wind and strength for defensive purposes, so that you may be all there to collar when called on. The forwards should always pack their scrums, as if the fate of the day depended on it, be in piioes at the line out, not kick so hard when dribbling, and, when an opening is seen, pass back to their backs and give them a chance tosoore.