FOOTBALL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 107, 11 May 1896, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE CITIZENS' CHALLENGE CUP. Awarua v. Marlborottgh, at Blenheim. The Cup contests were well started on Saturday, and last week's prediction that tho games would be worth watching this season was quite borne out by the exhibition given by the seniors on Saturday. When the Marlboroughs published their team everybody recognised . that on paper they were a well balanced lot, indeed, their back division has never boen stronger, and if they can stick together throughout the season Host Fuller will run a big risk of having to dish up his promised dinner. Carey, as skipper, is going the best thing possible by giving his team a weekly "go " m the gymnasiam, more especially as an old enthusiast has taken the forwards m hand and is determined to show them the way to form the scrum that licked Nelson three years ago. The blue forwards have one thing to remember, viz,, they have a fine combination behind and should rip the work into them. Carey, as full-back, was reliable, and after a match or two will be quite up to bis old form ; he makes an excellent skipper, and the Club must be congratulated on its choice. Kobinson, at three »quarter, was just warming up as the game was over. His try was neatly scored. He simply hoodwinked everybody and scored between the posts. A. Carter, at three-quarter, got over the line twice during the first spell, only one try being allowed. He has been developing for some time and by the end of this season should be at least one of our best. He is rather fond of hugging the scrum, and thus loses chances of showing his pace. He invariably carries the ball under the wrong arm, otherwise he is a difficult man to grass. E. Ball, as usual, was as safe as the Bank of England. His brother Jack, at intermediate half, was all out, indeed, he hasseldom been seen to better advantage ; his successful kick at goal was a beauty. W. Fulton, at half, played his usual sterling game. His try was very cunningly scored * and must have surprised the Awaruas. Moore and Bowman played well on the wing, both put m hard and serviceable work. Some referees would make them keep on side a little moie than was tho case on Saturday. The forwards grafted to a man; although they made the game too tight at times. They are rather a light combination to attempt to bullock and should go m for science and condition, The Awaruas were without the services of their Picton contingent, and consequently came on to the field represented by twelve men and a boy. The country club vill have to look to it laurels, or else be content to take a back seat this season. Although ehorthanded the team made a most determined bid for victory, and stuck to an uneven contest with commendabaie preserverance. The small boy, at full back, made one mistake by kicking out into E. Ball's hands, and thus giving the speedy Earnie a clear run home. J. O'Dwyer at three quarter was handicapped simply because he hadn't anybody to feed him, Jimmie is a man that needs a good half. He can stand any amount of work, and as he has the foot his team should give him the opportunities. His try on the call of time was the result of a meritorious piece of play between him and Parsons. Parsons fplayed up better than usual and put m lets of very serviceable play ; he collars well, and has a good turn of foot, jack O'Dwyer was the skipper and the backbone of the team; he was here, there, end everywhere. Jack never loses heart or seems to tire, never mind how much the pace hums. Pat O'Dwyer, just behind the scrum, worked hard all through the game, and Morrin, on the wing, had his work cut out to shepherd Moore. The Morrin brothers grafted as hard and as serviceably as any one on the ground — and that is saying a good deal for tho Awarua forwards, although they had two men out of the scrum, and consequently had very little breathing time. No doubt after a defeat of 17 to 3 the Awaruas will take fine care that a full team represents their Club, next time, and there is no doubt at all that the inclusion of W. O'Dwyer, Marshall and Pugh brothers will make a power of difference. Mr McCallutn carried the whistle, and judging by the gentlemanly spirit m which the game was contested he not only had the players well m hand, but was aleo giving general satisfaction. He was ably assisted on the line by Messrs Horton and Burkill. Whilst on the topic of referees it may not be out oi place to suggest to our local Association the advisability of insisting on all members of the Association passing an oral examination on the rules and case-law of the game. This is doae m the larger towns, and if done m Blenheim would tend m no small measure to do away with the high feeling some referees create by giving decisions quite at variance with the remotest knowledge of the game.