FOOTBALL NOTES.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1035, 20 May 1902, Page 3

FOOTBALL NOTES.

Few there were who thought that the Excelsior first fifteen would make such an excellent stand as they did in the match against the Pirates 11. on Wednes <»j lasi. Last year's winners of the juiaor fla;.; are not nearly so strong a combination as l.wfc year, but despite this they put a very fair team into the field against the Excelsior. They also bad the advantage of the local men, as they had played together on several occasions previously this season, whereas the Excelsior forwards were met together for the first time. As is usual in local matches, the home fifteen were late in turning up, and as a result time only allowed of oi.e spell of 35 minutes and one of 30 minutes being played. The green and blacks started with 11 men, but the game had not started long before the full complement was made up. In the first spell the Pirates forwards gained possession of the ball pretty well every time in the scrums, and got on some excellent rushes, which were, however, met with determined tackling on the part of the local backs. In the second spell, however, the home forwards completely changed this state of affairs, and in nearly every scrum got possession of the leather. However, this was not on many occasions of much service to them, as very seldom was the ball heeled out cleanly, as a rule hanging about the side of the scrum. The Pirates had slightly the best of the game all through, and had they a decent place kick amongst them they must bave won, as they had several excellent chances of kicking goals from free kicks. The game, which was an interesting one to watch all through, ended in a win for the Excelsior by four points (a goal from a mark) to three (a try). The Pirates' backs were a good all round combination, a special feature of their play being their excellent kicking, and they were also good on the defence. The Kxcelsior rearguard also played splendidly, and gave a good account of themselves. The fullback got through his work satisfactorily, and got his side out of difficulties on several occasions. Of the three-quarters, McDonald represented the club for the first time, and performed remarkably well. The live-eighths (Johnston and Grummit) also did their share in fine style, and the latter did a lot of splendid work. Ussher was quite a success at half, and made the most of his chances, his kicking repeatedly gaining ground for his side. To this player and McCartney belongs the credit of winning the match, the latter getting a clean mark, from which Ussher kicked a splendid goal. The local forwards were a good lot, and with a little training would take a lot of heating. Of the Pirates' forwards, McEwan played a rattling game, well backed up by Stevens and Traill. Mr A. Mcltabie refereed in this match, and on several occasions his decisions were questioned, particularly on the occasion on which the Pirates were awarded a try, the general conclusion being that the player who scored received the ball from a forward pass. However, these questionings of the referee's decisions always crop up, but Mr Mcßobie's proved abilities as a referee stamp him as one of the most capable gentlemen for the position in Southland.

The S.Ii.F.U. Annual is to hand, and the editor (Mr J. Asp_-ay) is to be cirnplimented on the satisfactory maimer in which he has carried out bis dnlks. The cost of the Annual last year was i'l, and the sales amounted to 10-s, to whien total Waikaia contributed 5s and Lum dun :{s. The highest number of sales was made by the Excelsior Club, who disposed of 20 Ixicks (ifis), but for some reason' this does not appear in the accounts. In the list of se relaries the Excelsior Club appears as a blank, and for the benefit of district clubs is may he mentioned that Messrs E. Watt and if. Whytook are joint secretaries. The match bfen the Gore Albion and Mataura Star was fought out priucip illy by the forwards, and was a very close " go." Too much talking was indulged in on both sides, which helped to rob the game of much interest. Seldom indeed were the backs on either side given a chance to distinguish themselves, the ball seldom reaching the three-quarter line. These teams have now a match each, and the final contest will be eagerly looked forward to. Mr D. Whylock was referee, and did fairly well. The Albion ssnd toe following team to Waikaka Valley to-morrow to play a ttaru from the club recently formed there:— Donaldson, Lynch, Campbell, Smaill, Whytock. Latham, McKenzie, Fraser, McMunie, Hoffman, Mac Gibbon, Pedlow, Tinnock, Mc-. Askill (2). The Gore men leave Inder's stables at 2 o'clock, and practice at the same place at 7.30 this evening.