Queenstown Citizens v. Arrow Citizens.

Lake County Press, Issue 2185, 5 September 1907, Page 4

Queenstown Citizens v. Arrow Citizens.

“ Splendid'' Exhibition of Physical Endurance. (By “ Spectator.”) As mentioned last week a match was plavoil on the local ground on the 28th ulfc. and‘resulted in a win for Arrow “lias Boons" by 0 points to nil. Unfortunately sufficient public notice was not given of the‘ great contest in skill, aerobatic teats, and strength tests. Had the public been aware of the important fixture, I am doubtful if the Recreation Ground, with its pavilion -an edifice which the Borough Council oan hardly be proud of —would hold the huge crowds that would clamour for admittance. When stripped for the “ tray,” or at least for the match, the teams, for the better part were a formidable lot-fit, as far as appearance went to do battle against the " All Blaoka." The “ fitness,” alas, only lasted for a few minutes. Many suffered from an affliction called corpulency, while others were of a •' match-like” (lueifer) stature; others—only a few—were a mixture between the two. Now for a description of the game. The Queenstown skipper (Mr Geo. Searle) beating the Arrow captain (Dr Thomson) in the spin of the coin, an Arrow dough-puncher (by the way an old Alhambra player) kicked off with a beautifully judged kick. Bob Craig (who at one time, could do the 100 in evens) returned the kick. The forwards of both sides then took a hand in the game, and the play became *• willing.” The weight of the Queenstown men told, and the ball was taken to the Arrow 25, where it remained for the most of the spell. The Queenstown forwards had the best of the scrum work their hookers getting the ball out in great style, but the deadly collaring of their opponents prevented a score in the first spell. On taking the field for the second spell, it was noticed that a newspaper man, who had been playing full-back for Arrow was missing from his place. Evidently the pace had been too hot for “ Printer’s ink." A local dominc filled the vacancy, who, coining on fresh, played with great dash. Arrow had slightly the best of the second spell, playing with more combination, and scored two tries which were not converted. Another try should have been scored for the winners, had there not been a case of mistaken identity. The young man who “ teaches the young idea " made a splendid run, but, when a score was certain, he was tackled in a tradesmanlike manner by “ Cobbler’s wax” and brought to mother earth. The Queenstown vets, had bad luck in not having a score recorded for them, as from a mark Geisow kicked, what appeared to the unlookers, an unmistakable goal. The referee, however, disallowed the score on the ground that a player was in front of the kicker. It was discovered afterwards that it was only the player’s rather prominent “ chest ” that was in front, ’Twaa bad luck, but did not affect the final result. For the winners “ Cake-walker ” (beg pardon, “ Oakamaker") showed some of the dash which,l believe, made him famous on the Dunedin North ground ’way back in the seventie*. “ Stamps and telegrams," who played as wing forward, has evidently seen Dave. Gallagher play in that position, and proved himself a most tricky player. “ Cobbler’s wax.”_ with tha exception of the mistake mentioned, played a solid game, playing like a Trojan all through. The man who supplies the housewives with Cardrona coal also proved himself a player of the “willing” order, and was in the thick of it at all times. The local medico, an old Otago rep. thrsQ-quatfc*r, played a good game for a while but fletmed to tire. Several other players also showed fair form—notably a couple of “ knights of the anvil,” the speedy “ Pit,” and another veteran, who was a prominent athlete in years gone by and who showed that he can still “foot” it with some of the young ones. The Queenstown captain showed great judgment in the placing of himself and hi* men. Playing as full-back himself, he had every opportunity of watching the play and giving his men advice when required. In tha first spell the ball did not come his way vary often, but in the second spell, George had a few anxious moments, but succeeded in finding the line. The captain of one of the Lake Wakatipu fleet proved himself an able assistant to his skipper. “ Little John," seemed to have a roving commission, and was here, there, and everywhere. His weight proved of great assistance to his side in the scrums. The most noticeable of the other forward* was a well-known livery-stable keeeper, the Mayor of Queenstown, and a storekeeper. Bob Anderson, whose friends thought ho had retired from the game, played a good game on tha wing, while a well-known Qmenstown draper played a dashing game at scrum half. Mr A. J. Pope acted as referee, and kept the players fairly well in hand. There wa* a tendency at times for some of the players to over-run the ball, and frae-kioks were common. I understand the return match is to be played in Queenstown on 11th fast-, and both teams are in constant training.