FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 116, 27 May 1901, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

HUIA V. WEST END

iNotes bv “The Whistle.”]

The fi"ht for the Poverty Bay Senior Banner”was renewed at Tucker’s paddock last Saturday afternoon, and despite a bitterly-cold “southerly, with occasional light showers, a fairly large crowd of spectators attended to witness the first match between the Huia and West End Clubs. About 3.30, the teams took the field, and it was noticed that several new man were included in the ranks of both teams. L. Nolan (full) and Brown (fiveebdiths) of the West End backs had not previously been seen on the field this season, while Huia had new men in the forward ranks in A. Sharp, Harris, and Ralph Murphy (a Wanganui College man). Huia, who started with fourteen men (J. Gibson being the absentee), lost the toss, and Blair kicked off against a strong wind. From the commencement it was seen that both sides were intent on making tiie game fast, and for quarter of an hour or so the bali travelled about the field at a

great pace. Aided by the strong wind, West End had all the best of the„oponing play: Their forwards packed well, and tiie ball came out frequently to the backs. Brown proved himself a player of a good deal more than average ability, and got the ball out promptly to Vincent on several occasions, but the inability of some

of the West End backs to tulco the ball cleanly generally lost the chance of a

score at the critical moment. File, at wing-threequarter, was particularly weak at taking the ball, and several nice passing rushes wero spoilt by fumbling on his part. Huia were forced down several times early in the game. The West End forwards took the ball on several occasions

dangerously close to the Huia line, but the advantage was lost on nearly every instance by foolish hard-kicking. The West End“ forwards made repeated mistakes in trying to pick up the ball while good dribbling rushes were in progress, ft would have paid them a groat deal better to have kept the bull on the ground, and continued the rush with their feet. When once the ball was lifted, the Huia tackling was sharp and sudden. Ball, Baker, Leah, To Reina, and, in fact, the whole Iluia side gave a fine exhibition of defensive play in the first spell. The West End made repeated attacks on the Iluia lines, and tiie wind enabled them to maintain aggressive tactics throughout the greater part of the spell, but they

were met bv stubborn defence, and once or twice play was taken right on to the blacks’ line. J. Davitt (West End) received a knock which prevented him from taking further part in the game, but Caulton (tiie Huia skipper) generously

allowed a man to bo taken on in his place. The kicking of the West End backs was weak, and seldom found the line. Brown, however, was an exception, and gained a great deal of ground for his side with judicious punts into touch, The Huia backs nearly landed their side in difficulties by foolishly attempting to kick against tiie wind, the ball on sovoral occasions being carried hack over their own heads. After a spell of defensive work, the Iluia sido took u hand at attacking, and gave tiie spectators a taste of their quality. They were very clever in the open work, and sonic quick, sharp passing was indulged in. Ball, Baker, Cdckory,

Leah, and Te Reina made good passing rushes.. Cookery was playing splendidly. Securing the ball about mid-field, lie boat a couple of men and got well a.vay. After a fast . dash down the field he passed prettily to Baker, and the latter sent it on to Leah, who was shoved into touch near the corner (lag. This clean bit of work was warmly applauded. From the throw-in Cookery and Swan wore over the line like a Hash, and the latter scored. Syiucs failed with the kick at goal. Huia, points ; West End, nil. This was the only score in tiie first spell. On changing ends it was anticipated that Huia would have matters pretty much their own way with the wind behind them, and these predictions were realised. The game was much faster in tho second spell, and tiie manner in which tho forwards straggled up to )thc scrums on occasions showed that theNjaco was telling. The Huia men made tbe play open, and brought off some grand passing

rushes. The whole’ side on occasion would take a hand in throwing the ball about, and West End were kept busily defending. Littlo Roderick was fre-

quently applauded for grand defensive work, and called forth cheers by up-end-ing three big fellowsin rapid succession. lint Huia played the game up to the handle, and, .although the Wqpt End backs' collared man after man, there always appeared to bo another man to send the ball on to* and a bit of magnificent passing saw Syrnos score between the posts. He took the kick himself, arylplaced an easy goal. Huia, 8 ; West End, nil.

Shortly afterwards, some rapid passing placed the ball in Baker's hands, and he made a fine run right round the opposing side, and landed tho ball behind the posts. Synies once more proved equal to tho occasion, lluia, 13 ; W r cst End, nil. Erom this out, the Huia increased tho pace, and gave a really good exhibition of open play. They passed well, and were much too fast for their opponents. Shortly before tho close, another passing rush let Leah in, and Symes placed his third goal. Tho referee's whistle sounded “ no side,” and Huia left the field victors by IS points (three goals from tries and a try) to nil. Two spells of 40 minutes each were played, and the game was controlled by Mr R. W. Cole, who was assisted by Messrs A. W. Rees and E. E. Murphy on tho fines.

The Rugby Union officials had made ; rangoments for keeping the crowtl outside the rails, and they answered the purpose most satisfactorily. Everyone was able to see the play clearly, and none of that aggravating encroaching on the play-ing-field which has been so noticeable in the past was possible. Over £5 was taken at the gates. JUNIOR MATCH. On No. 2 Ground the ICaiti and City juniors played a couple of half-hour spells on Saturday afternoon. Both sides wore strongly represented, and a well-fought game ended in lxaiti winning by two tries (0 points) to a try (3 points). Morse, the City skipper, scored a try in the first spell, which was not converted. In the second spell, the lxaiti boys scored a couple of tries, Reynolds and Leech getting over, but neither was converted. For the City, Morse, Dods, and .Johnston (of the backs), and Kirk, Webb, and MeGilvray (of the forwards) played best, while lleynolds (who is too good for No. 2 Ground), Brown, Bright, and Hansen were the pick of the Kniti men. Mr W. Howard made a capable referee.