FOOTBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 1 September 1917, Page 2

FOOTBALL NOTES

A FAST GAME. (By "Off-Side.") The ground last Saturday was in a ( very bad state for a good exhibition j of Rugby, but in spite of the condi- , tions a very fast game resulted. The Postponement Committee was evidently unlucky in its decision to play the mutch, but owing to the weather clearing in the morning te such an extent as to indicate a fine afternoon it was a hard proposition for the committee te handle. Therefore the public cannot blame the action of the Union in playing the game. It is to be hoped that the conditions for the matches today will be perfect, thus assuring the public of a good afternoon's sport. Last Saturday's match produced some good play on both sides, and it seems a pity that there is no chance of seeing a representative team of juniors this year on the same lines as the Wellington v. Auckland match. However, owing to the season finishing so late in the year it is impossible to arrange a rep. fixture. I am pleased to see that the Union has decided on a seven-a-side tourney for Labour Day, and given a fine day should receive the support warranted. A tournament such as this will produce some fast individual players, and also help the production of clean football. United were without the services- of Cilliflghani and Morgan last Saturday, and the Marist team missed McGirr a great deal. Mcßrearty played a fairly safe game but has a tendency to lie on the ball which is an offence that is costly. Boustridgc was seen in a new position as wing three-quarter and was a .big success, his handling of the wet ball being very good to watch. Anderson played a great game coniideriiig that it is only a few weeks since he received ah injury to his collarbone. He will- develop into a firsts rate player. J Bromley, at centre, is quite a boy, ' 'ai;d was seen iv his first junior match lon Saturday.He has the making of a fine back, and his exhibition on a wet day shows how well he will be on dry ground. McKay, at five-eighth, is one of the best defensive players donning a jersey this year, and his efforts to his side are worthy of more support from his mates. I Good was brilliant at times, but the condition of the ground did not suit ' him.' Baxter, at half, put in good work, his line kicking playing a great part for the Blues. Greatbach is improving and plays a consistent game. He is . useful ron the line-out. n . . V . I Russell was seen in the midst of the fray and introduced dash into the rushes. Brydon is always on the ball and puts in a lot. of useful footwork. Dittman was seen out again for, the the Blues, and showed that he is stifl a bid to keep up with the pace set by the younger blood. He is a sport, hence his appearance. James, at full-back, saved the Greens at the right time, and although the position was new to him he proved able to fulfil it. Kilgour played his first game this season and is evidently a player that will be heard of as the season progresses. Doogan showed good form, in the mud and was unlucky in not scoring on two occasions owing to being rather over-anxious. Knell filled a new position as fiveeighth . and displayed a lot of dash which will help him on the attack. His footwork in the wet was -good. Clarke as the safest player on the • ground. His headwork is grand and his exhibition of fielding a greasy ball was- perfect. Keenan was unable to do much with the leather, but on a dry day should i play a nice game. I Dclaney worked hard from beginning to end of the game and followed the leather all the. time. His try was well earned. O 'Neill show-ed good .work through- j out the match, and is suited for the hooking position. ; Greig makes a good lock and plays a solid game. He is always in the van. Currie is a promising player, aad will make a good forward providing he keeps on side. At present he is inclined to get ahead : of the ball. Breen again displayed good football and payed a heady game, his try provt ed this. l Scott is a good asset to the Greens " and will show improvement each game. Ryan played a first-rate game and is a useful player on the line-out.