FOOTBALL.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 126, 13 May 1911, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

(By “Dropkick.”) Footballers were favoured with magnificent weather for the opening of the Cup fixtures. The grounds were in good order. Quite a large number of spectators turn-

ed out to see the play, and they could easily have been employed in a far worse manner. On the Ridge, Rovers and Pirates met for the first time for three years, and although the play was not up to senior form, through lack of training, the game was much more even than was generally anticipated. Pirates, although the much lighter team, went out favourites, and their attacking was very solid. Rovers’ defence was sound. They are a solid pack of forwards, and will be hard to beat when in form. Pirates’ backs were indeed a thorn in the Rovers’ side. They are not quite used to the oval yet, and their hands seem to be a bit in the way. Nevertheless they are makings of the best team in the competition. ' They are well trained, have good keen officers, and that means a lot to a club. Many clubs never see their officers at practice or on the field. Jackson, Clarke, and Taylor were the pick of a good set.

e I Bridges’ line kicking was splen- ’ did. Robertson, Israel, and Lewis _ were too slow in getting up to the t, attack. r The forwards are on the light ? side, but smart. (- Martin was the shining light iu =» the thick. Wood lead the way in the open. z He has plenty of dash, and had 5 hard luck in not dribbling over the , line more than once. r White is a very useful man, and , svill make things hum when in , | form. Young, Taylor, and Pullen did not appear up to senior rank. Wilson plays a very fair game, . but too much off-side. Rovei s, with a fess 7 more good backs, will be just as good a team | as they ss 7 ere, in 1908. 1 Kenyon, Payne, and Thow were ! not playing against Pirates, but | will turn out against Athletic, and i will considerably strengthen the ' blue-and-whites. Eliingliain played a splendid game, and with’ care will be one of the best. Nelson, Callender, and Anderson are all promoted juniors who are very well worth their places. Bill O'Neill played his usual solid game, and. svith Heeney, Grant, Casey, and Clarke, was always to the fore and was indeed a thorn in the side of the opposing team. The Athletic--Old Boys match was a good go, and the score difl not indicate the play. Athletic had bad luck right through. Casserley will have to be more | careful, or he will sooner or later be in trouble with the referee. Russell. Calnan. and Dorsett played their usual good game. j The forwards wen; a good allround lot. J. Df.'wmng. Crowley, Harman, J' 'rarw. 'md M-cM>’ lan were the i pick ..-i Gid Boys.