FOOTBALL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9137, 22 June 1895, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

By Dropkick.

•• Weekly Picas and Referee.**

Late on Friday night it appeared highly probable that Christchurch footballers would have to take a spell the following day on account ot the inclemency ol the weather, a* heavy rain had fallen all day and towards midnight it turned to snow. However, it cleared off before daybreak, and by the time for starting play the various grounds were in fair order, though somewhat heavy.

The senior match between Linwood and Merivale was robbed of a good deal of its interst on account of the latter being unable to place their beat team in the field owing to the recent accidents to some of their best men. It was anticipated that Linwood would win easily, but, although they gained a 13 points to love victory, the game was by no means aa one bided as the acore would indicate. On the whole the winners had decidedly the best of the play, but at times Merivale kept up a strong attack, and had P. Menzies, their crack three-quarter, been playing it is quite likely he would have scored. Long was advertised to play for Merivale, but he was an absentee, and Lawrence took his place at centre three-quarter, Pearce making his re-appearance as full-back. W.'Guire was unable to play wing forward »Jid Haldane, who tooc the position, was a good deal below senior form. It will thus be seen that Merivale played under considerable disadvantages, and as Linwood were well represented it is not surprising that they came oat of the fray victorious. While making allowances for Merivale in their misfortune, I do not wish to detract from the merit ot Linwood's victory, which now places them well to the fore in the championship competition. Ever since the club entered the senior ranks in 1891 they have always adopted the fast open style of play, aud with Merivale, and latterly Christchurch, perhaps, they have given the best exhibitions of modern scientific football. In previous years one of the principal causes of the failure of the Linwood Club was the lightness of the forward division, most o£ whom were young players. Time has •radicated this fault, added to which the club has received a valuable acquisition In the person of Kerr, who is a heavy and fasc man whose style of play strongly resembles the old East Christchurch forward, E. J. Fooks, who represented Canterbury during three seasons, in neither of which the wearers of the familiar Red and Black jersey suffered a defeat. This improvement forward has naturally given the backs, who have always been good, a better chance of showing their quality, and as a result the club is now in a position to place in the field a team which will compare favourably with the best fifteen any other club has had in previous seasons.

Harking back to Saturday's game, it may be said th«t there was hardly any wind to favour either side. At the outset Linwood had a good deal the best of the play. Their forwards carried nearly every scrummage and their heeling out was good, enabling the backs to indulge in plenty of passing. The Blues' (Merivale) defence was good, however, and it waa not until late in the apell tbat F. O'Brien drew, first blood for Linwood by scoring a try, from which Ward kicked a fine goal. In the second spell Linwood pressed for a time; then Merivale made a prolonged attack and kept the play in the Linwood half of the field, but they were never very dangerous. Towards the close, Linwood came again and J. O'Brien scored; Hobbs converted and just on the call of time F. O'Brien secured the third try for his side.

Orchard, the Linwood full-back, did not have a great deal of work, but what little (ell to his share was performed in faultless style. Hobo*, at centre three-quarter, made some good runs and kicked well, but at times he stuck to the ball rather too long Instead of passing to his wing three-quarters. J. O'Brien, on the wing, was well watched, but, nevertheless, he made some good runs and also kicked well. Stringer, on the other wing, also kicked well and his handling of the ball, which was at one time his weak point, left bat little to be desired. F. O'Brien who played five-eighths in place of Gordon, created a most favourable impression, as, besides scoring two tries, his passing and defence were first class. All round his display waa most creditable, and his promotion should be permanent. Price played fairly at half. The forwards one and all deserve great praise for their share in the Club's victory, and where each played so well it wonld be invidious to •ingle eat any for special praise. On the line oat they proved equal to their opponents, and in other respects they were superior, the heeling out from the scrummage being particularly good.

Pearce, the Merivale full-back, did pretty well considering be waa not in practice. He kicked,, fairly and tackled well, but be was rather slow in taking the ball, waiting to get it on the rebound Instead of on the full. Lawrence performed In a satisfactory manner at centre three-quarter. He did not have many opportunities of showing bis abilities when his side was on the attack, but his defence was good. R. Cook took P. Menzies' place on the wing, and he showed a great improvement on his early displays. He made some good runs and also kicked with judgment. P. Mason showed bis usual form on the other wing, but he still fumbles at times. White played a good game at five-eighths, but with the forwards not getting tbe ball as frequently aa usual, he was not seen to the same advantage as when on the attack. The tame remarks apply to A. Cook at half, but both did a lot of useful tackling. Amongst the forwards Gerard and Soffe were particularly conspicuous for good play, both being always on the ball and smartly down on the opposing backs. Brooker. who played in place of M'Guire, did good work on the line out and be also did well In the pack. Of the others Fraser, Johnstone and C. Menzies were about the best.

A somewhat Interesting and well fought out game was that between the Sydenham and Kaiapoi First Fifteens played at Kaiapoi. The local club*, new ground was in fair order considering the amount of rain and the game was of a very fast nature for the best part of the opening spell, but after a while both sides tired a good deal and the remaining part of the play was somewhat slow in comparison with the opening. The forwards monopolised the greater part of the came; passing tushes amongst the backs being very rare. In the first term, Kaiapoi scored two tries, and Oram waa within an ace of scoring another when he mistook the whittle on the gronnd adjacent, where a junior match was being played, for that in bis own game, and stopped when a try looked a certainty. The Sydenham men opened tbe second spell with a lot of determination and for a time kept Kaiapoi busy defending their line, but the latter eventually worked their way to neutral territory again and the game waa about the centre of the ground for the greater put ot the second halt However, Glennie got through the opposing backs as far as the full-back, ou one occasion, but instead of passing to Bsese, who had only to take the ball and touch down between the posts, he tried to get past Featherston, with the result that be was grassed. The last score obtained by Kaiapoi was right ou time when Gray getting possession about half way evaded tbe Sydenham men till be came to Young, when he wisely pasted to A. Pearce who touched down between the posts.

Featherstooe, tbe Kaiapoi full-back, beyond failing on two occasions to take the ball on tha full, played a sound game.

\ his kicking being a good point in his play The three-quarters had not a great deal to ! do. However, Pearce now and then put in some good runs, while Robilliard kicked well. The latter could do more running at times, which would benefit his side aud improve his play. M'Gregor made a good centre man taking the ball and passing out very well. Templeton at five eighths was inclined to bang to the ball at times, but his kicking and defensive play, however, were sound. Gray, the recruit from the Second Fifteen ranks though playing a fair game did not show up so well as on tbe previous Saturday, as he frequently allowed himself to be tackled in trying to get round the scrummage. He missed feeding his threequarters in trying this game. He has the makings of a good man, and I hope the Kaiapoi captain will see that he pays more attention to the men behind him. Oram played well on the wing, his following up and collaring being first class. J. Moir, on the other side of the scrummage, also shone out well, and the first of the two tries he obtained was the outcome of good play. He was also responsible in a great measure for the try obtained by Pearce. Dickey, without doubt, was the best forward on the ground. In the pack he was a hard worker, and in the open and on the Hueout he showed fine form. Scott also played a good game, and Lynskey bore a lot of tbe hard work in the scrummage.

Young, the Sydenham full-back, with the exception of missing Moir once, played well. His kicking into touch was of great service to bis side, while his tackling in every case but the one mentioned was sound. Reese, at wing three-quarter, was sadly neglected, but when he did get possession of the oval he made some good dodgy runs, and his kicking was also effective. Halliday played centre three-quarter, and though not given many chances by his five-eighths to shine he did comparatively well for a new man in the position. Glennie, at five-eighths, was a failure, not doing anything to recommend him. M'Arthur, at half, was plucky at stopping rushes, and when he could passed out well. The forwards all played well. They should endeavour, however, to pack their scrum better than on Saturday, as time after time they rushed into their work without any thought as to how they were going to pack. Sincock showed a bit of his old form both in tho pack and open. Meikleham proved himself a safe man on the defensive, and also worked hard rich through the game. Sommerfield played one of the best forward games for his side, his work io the scrum being first class, Kennedy was the hardest worker forward of the Sydenham men, and ho was also instrumental in getting the ball in the scrummage on several occasions. Joll shone well in the open, and Thoma-t and Cotterill, two new men, played well for beginners. Dardis was very useful on the wing of the scrummage, proving a good match for Oram. Hall, on the other side of the pack, did not do so well, not beia>; smart enouerh to prevent Moir getting round at times. He was good in the open, however.

The Christchurch-East Christchurch game does not call for much comment as it was very largely composed of scrummages, which, a 9 a rule, were carried or broken up by the Reds who, though having generally the be9t of the play, were occasionally forced to defend their l!ne3. Their defence was creditable while their opponents' attack was rather weak. The collaring and passing among the backs of the old club may be said to have been fairly good, really good compared with what was opposed to them, for the Ydlows were not so well combined as in the last match the}* played. The loss of Fenton and Winter was much felt, as their absence from scrams oftentimes lost tbe Yellows the ball. At the same time the Reds were on the alerc and generally succeeded in nipping passes before they became very dangerous. The tackling of the Yellows was better than their passing or scrummaging, and accounted for their lines not being crossed more than twice. Christchurch had a good substitute in Thompson from the second, who filled Smith's vacancy, and the- East had Forrester and Moses in the place of Fenton and Winter. Alluding briefly to individuals, Craig played a serviceable full-back game for Christchurch. while F. Cowlishaw and the brothers Harley did well as threequarters. Middleton and Glendinning, at five-eighths and half-back respectively, were smart in getting the ball to the three-quarters and checking their opponents, while the three-quarters generally speaking took the ball cleanly. Taylor played a noticeable forward game, Appleby, Frost, and Thompson also doing well in the looser work and all appearing willing in the scrums. Pavitt, as full-back for East Christchurch, was fair as usual. Lcrrimer played hard but could not do much as centre three-quarter. Gully had very few opportunities and Burns was under previous form. Moses and Mahar started as half and five-eighths with Spring on the forward wing, but the arrangement was better when Spring took his old place and Mahar filled the vacancy. But at no time could they be said to be brilliant. In fact the whole team, possibly due to the weakness in the scrums, appeared to have receded as far as form was concerned Among the forwards, Rich, Hammond and Izett were the most prominent. It was a pity Christchurch did not also pot a goal on Saturday. They obtained one each ot the other available scores. Each of the senior clubs defeated last Saturday scored nothing. The match North Canterbury v. Canterbury College waa played at Sydenham Park, before a fair number of spectators. From the kick off it was apparent that the Northarners were too strong for their opponents, while their combination was also superior. Tbe winners have a strong body of forwards, and some Cast and powerful backs who pass to each other unselfishly. The College were not represented by their fall strength, Sale, Banks and Marshall being absentees. Wheeler, the North Canterbury full-back, was fair. He had little collaring to do, but he waits for the ball in returning kicks, instead of taking it on the full. Duncan, the centre three-quarter, is fast and strong, and feeds his wings unselfishly. Miller on the wing is the ecoring man of the team. He is a fast and powerful runner and takes the ball neatly. Allison ia fast and i kicks well, but I fancy he ia hardly strong enough for the position. He certainly showed up on Saturday, but against a j strong defence, he would hardly be success i ful owing to his lack of weight. H. Wilson, at five-eighths, is as good as ever. His screw punts are as frequent and effective as of yore, and he also made some strong dodgy runs. He makes a good captain, keeping his men well in hand. Anderson is a fairly capable half. He is strong and quick, and makes some effective kicks into touch. Of the forwards, Wilmot, DuMoulin and Marshall were about the beat of a good lot.

Henderson, the College f nil-back, played well considering it was his first appearance in a Senior Championship match; moreover, he was new to the position. He took tbe ball well, and generally got off his kicks well down tbe line. Buchanan was the best of the three-quarters, making some good runs and collaring well. Low and Boyce, the other three-quarters played pluckiiy, but were overmatched. The same remarks apply to Atkinson and Garland at half. Jones, Bell, and Fossel were about the best of the forwards.

Hanna, of the Kaiapoi team, was very noticeable for the manner in which he took unfair advantage on Saturday when Sydenham were awarded a mark or free kick. The referee called special attention to the unfair play more than once*

B. Mathieson, who was one of thebes forwards in Canterbury during the seasons of 1832 3, is playing for Merivale again.

F. S. Harlcy scored the first try for Christchurch against East on Saturday owing to the unselfish play of Taylor, who might have scored himself had he held on to the leather. Taylor ia a good forward, being always on the bail.

W. Pearce, the Merivale full-back, tells mc he has definitely decided to give up playing.

Mr W. Richards acted as referee in a senior match for the first time this season on Saturday, and he gave complete satisfaction to the clubs engaged. East Christchurch and Christchurch. Mr F. E. A*quith the treasurer of tho Canterbury Rigby Union, also made his initial appearance as referee in senior campetltions on Saturday.

t v3. O'Brien, of Linwood, got his usual try on Saturday, but Reese, of Sydeaham, who had previously shared with O'Brien the honour of scoring in every match this -eason, failed to cross the Kaiapoi line, though on two occasions he had good chances had Glennie played less selfishly and passed.

Wilson, the North Canterbury skipper, has nob deteriorated in any degree from his old form.

The Sydenham back rank of forwards must learn to let the ball come out when in their opponents' quarters when sent back by their front rank men. On several occasions it was right in the back rank, and in spite of the calling from the half they failed to let the ball come out. They would do well to watch this in future.

It was evident from the match North Canterbury v. College, that the physique of the latter is hardly good enough for Senior contests, they are willing enough, but sadly lack fast, powerful, scoring men.

F. O'Brien, who has been given Gordon's place in the Linwood senior team, made a most promising debut on Saturday, scoring two tries beiidea otherwise playing well. Scorins? is evidently a strong point in the O'Brien family.

Miller, playing for North Canterbury against the College, is a good scoring man, and should be watched by the selection committee this season.

It is not very often that a Dlayer is seen kicking a goal with an overcoat on in a football raaic'i, but such a thing happened during the Sydenham-Kiiapoi match on Saturday. It appears Templeton had hi* knickerbockers partly torn off him, and there not being a spare pair about, he donned an oveicoat and played full back. When Pearce obtained the last try for Kaiapoi Templeton, with his overcoat on, took the kick and landed a goal.

Fale, one of the best forwards in the College team, was unable to play last Saturday through aniujured knee.

The Kaiapoi Club's paviliou on the new ground is now finished. It is a very serviceable structure of two rooms, and when the club has placed a number of pegs for players to hang their clothes on it should be appreciated by teams visiting Kaiapoi.

A noticeable feature in the play in the Linwood-Merivale match on Saturday wss the number of marks claimed by each side. Stringer, of Linwood, started the fashion by securing four marks during the first five minutes of the game.

The Cnnterbury College team appear uuable to make any sort of a fight with the other clubs in the senior competition and they have now been defeated by each of the other seven clubs engaged. Appleby, of the Chris church Club, was again in good form at place kicking on Saturday, registering three goals for his side. I hear that it is highly probable an Auck land team will tour the colony during the season. The first round of tha Canterbury Rugby Union's Senior competition came to a close on Saturday, and Linwood have the substantial lead of two points. The positions of tbe various clubs are as fallows :—

* One match was won by default. t One match was lost by default. Owing to the heavy rain which fell on Saturday there was no football played in Dunedin. Melbourne football-goers are rather disgusted with the game as at present played, says Sydney Bulletin. The chief complaint* are that there are too many men on the bill, and that the umpires are too particular about pushing, &c, giving freekicks for the least touch. To see a match such as that lately played between Footscray and Melbourne, one would think the players were made of glas9. A man couldn't be touched without the freekick penalty, being incurred. And, strangely enough, anyone reading the list of complaints will see that none of them are to be found in the Rugby game—to which tbe visit of the Maoriland team may giye strong impetus. A few members of a Melbourne suburban M push," charged with playing football in (he street and damaging a policeman in the execution of his "jooty," when asked why they had assaulted XXX; replied their spokesman, •* He held the ball.yer worship." What is the majesty of the law to the 'sociation rules ? The final match for the English Amateur Cup under association rules was played at Head in ..-Iy on April 27th between the Old Carthusians (holders) and Middlesbrough Clubs, the latter winning a well contested game by 2 goals to 1. Timaru defeated Temuka, at Timaru, on Thursday last by 14 points (a goal from a try, a penalty goal, and 2 tries) to nothing. For the winners Mackintosh, Helean and Buchanan scored tries, Boys convercing the last namsd player's, and he also kicked a penalty goal. On the same day the Timaru Stars beat the Colonial Club by a goal from a try to nothing; Temuka Second defeated Timaru Second by a try to nothing; and Woodbury and Geraldine played a draw, neither team scoring. The third match for Mr D. Thomas* Cup took place at Rakaia on Thursday last, the Ashburton Second Fifteen meeting the Rakaia First. Rakaia had all the best of the game and easily defeated the visitors, j The teams afterwards met at dinner, the ' Rakaia team hospitably entertaining the visitors. I A year or two ago (3ays tbe Bulletin) j someone taught the Fijian natives football, ; and when H.B.M.S. Orlando visited Suva a game of football was arranged between the lithe, brawny Fijians and a team of bluejackets. Never before had Jack-tars played Fijian football; never again will they. For it was not football, it was bullfight ; it was Jack-tar in t&e air, Jack-tar groelled and twisted and carried on stretchers aboard H.M. Orlando, to the sound of muffled drum. And in the wake of the flying squad came the Fijian braves chanting a death-song, and loudly cursing the fate that cheated them of a cannibal feast.

Linwood Kaiapoi Christchurch Merivale * North Canterbury t East Christchurch Sydenham Canterbury College Club. ■2-s|„£ ~7~~~7~ 5 7 5 7 4J 7 3 6 2 6 li 7 0 7 7 5 5 4 3 1 1 0 *5 0 2 2 2 4 4 5 7 B cs & Q "o - 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 3 . 154 111 87 44 61 33 32 12 c 5 22 37 43 51 72 92 76 141