FOOTBALL NOTES.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 1134, 29 August 1891, Page 2

FOOTBALL NOTES.

VINCENT v. ILANIOTOTO. The first foothall nmtch between teams repregentiajj M&niototo nnd Vincent Countlot was played at Kuebr on Saturday last. The vlwtoni, most of whom put up U the Ancient Briton, liotel, arrived about eight Vclock, and were accorded a heartv welcome by a large auinber ol Naaeby WckUW. Eaiiy next moniuur

several of them visited the recreation reserve, which was found in anything but a good state owing to the recent rain and snow ; and they thereupon decided to inspect Mr. Lennane's paddock, which is situate something more than a mile out of the town. This ground they found a trifle heavy, but otherwise in very good order, being free from ruts and in every respect superior to the recreation reserve, except that it "was not so convenient for the public. Mr. Laidlaw, /TBjtipper of the Vincent team, accordingly expressed, a jjfiah that the match might be played there, and the ipcal men readily agreed. Neither team, therefore, liad any advantage over the other in the matter of the convincing ground, as most of the ll;iniototo players had only taken part in one game on the new ground. About two o'clock the teams were driven out to the battlefield, accompanied by the i Volunteer Brass Band, and no time was lost in arranging preliminaries and commencing the conflict. Notwithstanding the muddy state of the roads, a very large number of spectators were present, drawn to the scene no doubt by the hope of witnessing a good exhibition of football, and they were not disappointed. The teams were fcomposed as follows: , VINCENT. HANIOTOTO. Fcll-eacks. Pearson (Clyde) Ladd (Naseby) Threk-qcarter-bacbs. Perriam (Cromwell) Costeiioe (Naseby) Helton (Matakanul) Glenn (Eweburn) Laidlaw (Clyde) Marshall (Naseby) Half-backs. . Jolly (Cromwell) Francis (Naseby) Swan (Do.) Stewart (Do.) Forwards. Boddington (ilatakanui 24'Laughlin (Eweburn) Cummock (Do.) Chapman (Do.) Bchieb (Cromwell) J. Buchanan (Naseby) Bitchie (Do.) D. Buchanan (Do.) Weaver (Alexandra) S. Inder (Do.) M'Lean (Do.) C. Inder (Do.) Paget (Do.) Eirby (Do.) Bobertson (Clyde) Lennane (Do.) Gilkison (Do.) Sneeston (Do.) Hnnt (full-back) and Duncan (half-back), who had been chosen to plav for Maniototo, were unable to attend, and their places were taken by Ladd and Francis. - Laidlaw won the toss, and of course elected to ptey with the 6un, which shone very brightly, at his back, and with the advantage of the downward slope of the ground. On the players lining out, it became very evident to the onlookers that the Vincent, men had greatly the advantage in weight and height, the forwards averaging probably nearly a stone heavier than their opponents. The customary cheers having been exchanged, the oval was set in motion by Costeiioe. . It was well returned by Laidlaw to the Maniototo 25yds. flag, but did not stay long, the local forwards, with a pretty dribble, in which C. Inder, Kirby and Buchanan were prominent, working it well up the field. From a scrum the ball was passed b.v C. Inder to Glenn, who transferred it to Marshall, but it was called back for being thrown forward, and a series of scrums followed, from one of which Stewart passed to Glenn, who was set upon before he had time to do , anything with it. Some uninteresting play followed, and then Vincent had the satisfaction of receiving a tree kick for off-side play on the part of one of the Naseby forwards within reasonable distance of the Maniototo goal. The ball was placed for Swan, who justified his reputation as a reliable place-kick, by sending it over the bar in beautiful style. 2 —o. There was much rejoicing in the Vincent ranks over this satisfactory beginning, which had the effect of making them exert themselves more strenuously than before. Costeiioe kicked off, and Lnidlaw returned into touch. From the throw-in the ball was passed to Melton, who took it very cleanly and gained agood deal of ground by a smart run, being finally brought to grass by Costeiioe, who claimed a free kick for Melton's action in lying on the ball. This was granted, and the scene of play was shifted to the centre of the ground, where innumerable scrums occurred. A number of free kicks were awarded both sides, which, however, proved of only momentary benefit. For ' some time the play was of a very uninteresting description, but the Vincent men at length attempted , an invasion of Maniototo territory, and succeeded, by lneans of a fine dribbling rush headed by Jolly, in putting Maniototo on the defensive. Ladd came to the rescue, and securing the ball kicked into touch. From the throw-in the home team quickly repelled the invaders, but not for long, as a splendid punt by Laidlaw, which was well followed up, again placed Maniototo's lines indanger. Thistime Marshall saved his side by- one of his sharp, telling dashes, and ran: from in front of the goal to near the 25yds. flag. The throw-in was followed hy an exchange of kicks among the opposing backs, and then Glenn started a dribbling rush from near the centre of the ground, in which grand combination was displayed by the Maniototo men. Despite most strenuous efforts put forth by Melton, Schieb, Swan, and Laidlaw to stop the rush, the Vincent representatives found themselves powerless to arrest for a single moment the onward march of their opponents, who carried the ball over the line right between the goal posts, where Kirbv lell on it and thus secured a try for Maniototo amidst tremendous excitement. This was one of the finest dribbling rushes ever seen in the district,.and was deservedly applauded. Glenn experienced no difficulty in registering the major points, and the whistle blew immediately afterwards, the scores being: Vincent, 2; Maniototo, 3.

On resuming, Boddington and Perriam exchanged places, and it quickly became apparent that it was the intention ol the Vincent players to play tighter than in the first spell. Shortly after the kick-oif Vincent forced, and Laidlaw's kick out was splendidly returned by Costelloe, theilaniototo forwards following lip well, and getting on a good dribbling rush, which put an end to by Boddington and Robertson. /Laid law picked the ball up smartly and gained a lot of ground by a magnificent kick. Marshall then secured the leather, and got away beautifully, .but was not backed up, and was collared by Laidlaw. Serum followed scrum in quick succession, and finally Vincent assumed the agressive and make a gallant effort to score. They dribbled the ball right.up to within a few yards of their opponents' line, where a desperate struggle took place. Things were looking very awkward for Maniototo when Costelloe removed the danger by a capital punt into the centre of the field. Laidlaw distinguished himself by another magnificent kick, and the Vincent men again returned to the attack, but the fine defensive play of Maniototo prevented their scoring. Time after time, with praiseworthy persistency, did Vincent attempt to cross their opponents' line, but on every occasion they were repulsed. Ladd secured the ball when within a few yards of his goal-line, and was carried back by the advancing host, who immediately appealed on the ground that he ran back with the ball over the line. The appeal, however, was disallowed, and the referee decided that it was a force-down. Shortly after this Vincent received a free kick through one of the Naseby men lying on the ball, and Swan was entrusted with an attempt at goal. Although the angle was a very difficult one, he almost succeeded in scoring the desired goal, the ball going a little wide. After the lcick-out a number of scrums took place, and then Laldlawmade a brilliant run, which was perhaps the best of the day, and was nearly successful in getting over the line, being collared just in the nick of time •by Costelloe. The scene of play was quickly transferred to neutral territory, and from this out the .Maniototo men had all the best of the game, their lines never afterwards being in danger. A grand dodgy run was made by Costelloe, who, feinting to pass, eluded all the Vincent backs, and managed to score a try. The kick at goal was taken by Glenn, but fell short. 2—4. Soon after the kick-off Boddington made a 'line run, but through not being backed up the ground won was very quickly lost. A number of long kickß were exchanged by the three-quarters, the ball finally going into touch. From the throw-in Glenn smartly picked it up, and quick as thought gent it with unerring accuracy over the bar amid deafening cheers from the spectators and players. This was really a magnificent kick. 2—7. Laidlaw lacked off, and Stewart returned into touch. Francis started a good dribble, and some ground was gained by Stewart, who essayed to run through the opposing backs but was overhauled by Laidlaw. Another fine dribble by the Maniototo forwards, in which Chapman, Buchanan, Inder, Kirby, and Sl'Laughlin were conspicuous, again made things look dangerous for Vincent, but a free kick to the latter enabled Laidlaw to transfer the play to the centre, and the ball going out time was called, the scores thus being: Vincent, 2; Maniototo, 7.

To say that the result of the match was a complete surprise to most followers of the game in Maniototo is but the truth, the general opinion being that Vincent, having the pick of four clubs, would walk in an easy winner. That this opinion was shared by the Vincent men themselves is also true, and they were wofully disappointed with the result. No doubt they entered the Held without the slightest misgiving, and, in fact, their confidence in themselves and their poor estimate of their opponents led to a little looseness and negligence in the matter of helping one another. These defects were, however, speedily remedied when it became apparent that the Maniototo men were not to be trifled with, and thereafter every member of the ( team did his level best to uphold the honour of Vincent. The forwards, however, appeared to be without the combination of their opponents, and although on several occasions it seemed they would surely score, they were unable to retain their advantage but momentarily. Swan and Jolly were too well watched to permit of their passing out a great deal to their three-quarters, but the former made several very serviceable kicks, while Jolly occasionally showed up in a dribbling rush and collared well. Laidlaw was, without doubt, tho pick of the team. This sturdy player deserved all the encomiums showered on him, or from first to last he was the most conspicuous of all the visitors. His clever collaring, clean picking up, and splendid kicking were alike admirable. He was ablv assisted by Melton, who marie one or two ver\ r good runs, and Boddington (in the second spell) also distinguished himself on several occasions. The fullback (Pearson) saved his side more than once Of the forwards, Schieb, Ritchie, Robertson and Weaver were the most conspicuous, and worked hard from beginning to end. It would perhaps be unwise to single out any of the Maniototo players for special commendation, for it is a fact that from the captain to the last in the team there was not an individual wearer of the maroon and gold but exerted himself to " the utmost. Still, mention must be made of the fino play of Oostelloe, whose dodgy running and clever kicking wcro of immense benefit to his side, tilenn also covered himself with glory by his splendid kickingl. That the better team won there can bo no doubt, and this was readily admitted by the vanquished Vincentites. Messrs. M'Lauglilin and Blair acted as touch-line umpires captbly, nnd Mr. .1. I\ Malcolm's splendid refereeing gave evidence of that gentleman's thorough knowledge of the rules and strict impartiality. There were, of course, one or two of the players who demurred at some of his decisions, and these same men distinguished themselves throughout the game by a great deal of unnecessary talk ; but to those of the contestants who had any knowledge of tho gamo tho referceing gavo every satisfaction. After exchanging tho usual cheers, the two teams, headed by the Baud, (which, by the wav, played several capital airs during the progress of {he game)

J marched "back to the town. The visitors were afterwards entertained at a banquet in the Masonic Hall, . over SO gentleman, including nearly all thy leading \ citizens of Haseliy, partaking of the splendid repast, which reflected the utmost credit on the ladies who assisted. The tables were-waited on by a number of young l&diea, who attended to the wants of those present in capital style. After full justice had been done ' to the many good things provided, the president of f the Prosp«ctord Footuall Club (Mr. W. C4uffie) proi posed the health of the visitors, which was responded to by Mr. Laidlaw, who expressed himself as being greatly pleased with the hearty reception his team had met with at the hands of the Nastrby people. He acknowledged that their defeat was quite unexpected, but admitted that the better team had scored the : victory, and said that Haniototo possessed a grand corni bination of forwards. He then proposed the health of I the Haniototo team, Mr. Costeiioe replying in a few | appropriate remarks. Mr. Melton gave a couple of j comic sonjrs in splendid style, and Mr. R. H. Browne also contributed a very pretty song. The chairman then called for three hearty cheers for the ladies, which were readi 13* given, after which the company all joined in siniring the National Anthem. The room Was immediately cleared, and dancing commenced shortly after eight o'clock. Messrs. Jacob and Alexander supplied exceptionally good music, and Mr. Hall as M.C. was of course in his proper position. Nearly 200 persons were' present at the dance, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent. Songs were contributed by Miss Brown, Mrs. Davis, Messrs Ball, Evans and Jolly, all of which were well received. Mr. M'Laughlin (Vincent) proved himself an accomplished pianist, the selections with which he company being a musical treat. Refreshments were handed round during the evening, andamostenjcyable entertainment was concluded shortly before eleven o'clock, when company dispersed, all admitting that the affair had been a splendid success. The visitors left for home about 10 o'clock the following morning, well pleased with the manner in Which they had been treated by the people of Naseby.