FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1520, 31 July 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

WELLINGTON DEFEATS NEW

ZEALAND.

Per Press Association

Wellington, lust night. The Now Zealand !joau> was beaten today by Wellington, who for the first time wore ploying a fiftoou drown from the wholo province. They proved (o hove a powerful sot of forwards, who , quits outclassed the men who uro supposed to be tho pick of tho ooloDy. The final difforonoo was only throo to nil, but noithor this, nor tho fact that tho game was ployed on sodden ground with a wot, heavy boll, mado any reel difference, bocouso tho Now Zealand fifteen might reasonably bo expected to show themselves superior to a provincial team under any circumstances. Their play to day does not augur well for their chances against soruo of tho powerful Homo teams should they meet them on wet ground. Tho books seemed up to their work, but the forwards were decisively beaten, especially when playing against the wind. They Wero for from being the forwards who so magnificently overpowered tho English team on tho same ground a year ago. Notwithstanding the fact that it had been raining since Thursday, and that the game must be played on desperately bad ground, thoro was a large attendance, who waited patiently through half an hour’s rain which preceded the play. In tho first spell New Zealand played with tho wind behind them. Towards the end they wero rushrd, and after a wild scramble in the mud three Wellington men took the ball over, and J. Speutior secured a try. No goo! was kicked. Iu tho second spell, after a brief attempt to regain supremacy, Now Zealand was kept on defence, and was so clearly a beaten team that a furthor scorn seemed possible at any moment. From courageous and well sustained dashes of the Wellington forwards tho ball was repeatedly sent across tho line, but no aotual eoore obtained, and the result remained: Wellington 3, Now Zealand nil. In this

game Abbott made his appearance, and showed a fine turn of foot oa more thaa one occasion. Oa tho winning Bide .Watkins played such a remarkably good forward game as to stand out by himself from both teams.

The attendance at Victoria Domain was not largo last Saturday, when the district competitions were resumed. Notwithstanding the heavy rain that had fallen the previous day both grounds were in excellent condition for play. PRESIDENT’S CUP. In the third grade matches West End defeated the School by 80 points to 5. West End were exceptionally strong, while the School played four man short. Marius Sheridan, at centre three-quarter for West End, played up to senior form, and added a few more tries to the largo list he has compiled in this competition. Ohrisp, who captained the School, was the best forward on the ground. Mr W. Hay controlled the game. Kaiti-City played a drawn game with Huia, each scoring 6 points. Tho Hnia forwards overran their opponents, but the superiority of Eaiti-City’s back play equalised matters. Mr Stewart held the whisle.

SENIOR MATCH. West End had a runaway victory of Huia, winning by-27 points to nil. The Huia team was largely recruited from the thirds, while West End was exceptionally strong. Play in tho first spell was fairly even, although the West Enders were not pushing matters. In tho second spall West End took charge, making the game fast and opeD. The majority cf the tries were tho outcome of splendid passing. Brown was the only back that played brilliantly, however, beating several of tho opposing backs every time he got tho ball. Carr was'very safe at centre three-quarter, but should learn- to keep behind his fiveeighths when the latter sends along his pass. The West End vaDguard played splendidly; Wepiha, Tier, Penei and Parker being especially prominent." The other members of the forward division played well up to senior form. For Huia, Sherpati, Park, Thompson and G. Smith were the most conspicuous in the forwards, while RobiDson and J?owe played sterling defensive games, tho latter proving that he has few equals in this department of the gams- The third grade men. O. Gordon a 3 full back ; Parker wiDg three-quar-tar, and McGregor, Morrell, and'Campbell as forwards, each gave a good display. Mr R, G. Hallamore controlled the game in an able and efficient manner, and it is to be hoped that the Referees’ Association will lose no time in securing this gentleman’s services in senior matches, as his superior interpretation of the finer points of tho game must undoubtedly have a beneficial effect upon the standard of p lay in the district. Messrs W. Hay and Rees held the line Bags.

JUNIOR MATCH. West End proved too good for Huia in the-junior match, winning fay a largo margin. The Huia men showed a woeful lack of combination, while tho West Enders played as one man, their -passing being very good. Zfc W- .Qlibson was referee.