AUSTRALIAN GAME.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 223, 13 June 1908, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN GAME.

(By High-Mark.)

The gamo on the Basin Reserve last Saturday attracted a largo crowd of- spectators, who were treated to a- splendid exposition of the game. Wellington 15 goals, 12 behinda (104 points), inflicted a heavy defeat on Newtown 5. goals, 12 behinds (41 points). The game was fast and exciting throughout, and notable for the splendid kicking on either side. Wellington attacked most vigorously from" the jump, and, excepting in the third quarter {when Newtown made a bold bid to retrieve their position), were always pressing their opponents solidly. the .Wellington captain, was "the most prominent man on the ground. Ho followed untiringly, and kicked a magnificent goal towards, the close of the game. On present form ho is, in the writer's opinion, the best |player in Wellington.

Hurley was a capable aide-de-camp, and lent his captain valuable assistance. His play was strenuous and serviceable. . Aspiring goal-kickors would do well to study Lawrenco's methods. His five goals were the result of excellent play, succeeded be equally good kicking. Calcanai, the ex-Rugbv player, showed his versatility by playing a first-rate game. Ho adapted himself to altered circumstances in great style. Ward, on the forward lines, was as cool as an icoberg. His efforts wero well-timed and brainy. Nathan streaked along the wing in characteristic stylo, and Varo was very prominent as a kicker, bis efforts in this direction being, much applauded-by tho critics. Heathorn'was busy as usual in tho centre, and disposed of the ball to great' advantage. ' . . ; Patrick, of ■ Newtown, " booted " the ball prodigious distances, and was also very prominent "in tho air." Hutchinson bolted across the green from timo to time. Ho showed 1 raro skill in handling the ball. Burns and Sparks wero a elever pair, and worked strenuously to turn defeat into victory. Furniss, in the contro, was busy as usual, and hooked tho- ball from "up above" in splendid'fashion. Neville, in tho ruck,, was a hard, earnest worker, but seemed scarcely at his best in this game, and Grant was alwaj's handy. . A pleasing feature of tho game was tho umpiring. Tho duties wero impartially performed by Mr. Tcarce, who gavo satisfaction to both sides. At the conclusion of tho game the two teams cheered one another heartily, a pleasing finish to a great tu&sle. To-day, all Australian matches have been postponed by the unanimous decision of tho League, who wish to show their sympathy witli the benefit match for tho' wider pf tke;lato H. A. jJaskisille.