FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 833, 4 September 1906, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

(Per Press Association). Eltham, Yesterday. The final match of tbe Brown Shield Tournament was played hero on Saturday between Wellington (tho holders) and Taranaki. Tho game was splendidly contested, and was a oapital exhibition of "soccer" football. Wellington won by four to nil. Passing Notes. Wellington put up a good performance on Saturday against Auokland. As far as crossing the line went honours were even, but being the possessors of a marvellous place kick Auckland were able to retain possession of the Ranfurly Shield. The Auckland representative team has a considerable advantage over other Unions, as they are truly representative of tbe province, being the piok of three strong Unions—Auckland, Thames and Goldfields—besides two or three ■mailer Unions.

Juuior foo'ball this season has been noted for some fast, scientific expositions of the game, and tbe oontests between •tie Kia Toa, Feilding, and Palmerston

*ains in the various fixtures invariably f reduced games well worth watohing. E.oh team adopted a system and played it for all it was worth. Eta Toa's confidence in their fino forwards was not misplaced, and their well deserved win of the Junior Cop was due to their efforts combined with the sooring capabilities of Bruen and the fine placekicking of Mao Donald. Oongratnlttions to Harry HutobisoD, the popular Eia Toa three-quarter, on his recant marriage. Hutchison was the recipient of a handsome set of osrvers, suitably engraved, from his fellow club members.

F. Wiogate, who has been showing good form lately, had the misfortune to injure his shoulder atpraotice on Friday evening and was thus unable to take the field against Wanganui. Winiata'B absence wis due to family bereavement.

Last Wednesday the Falmerston Juniors sent a seven a-side team out to Woodville to take part in the looal football sports. Playing against the Woodville seniors the boys put up a plucky fight, and in the end were defeated by by 10 points to nil. Bert Stagpoole annexed the 120 yds and 220 yds handicaps in fine style, and won the oup awarded for points. Stewart, Bird, and Stagpoole took part in the Belay Baoe, and succeeded in coming in a good second. This enterprising team purpose journeying to Wellington on Saturday next to play a Junior Athletic team.

• Looal enthusiasts are not vary sanguine as to Manawatu's ohanccß against Wellington, and we hear on all sides Various estimates as to the number of points likely to be put up, some going so far ns to suggest a New Zealand reoord in this direction, Personally I see no reason for such pessimism, and think that with Wingate taking bis plaoe in the front row and the inclusion of two fresh baoks, '• Captain" Sta ker and bis men will rise to the ocoasion and keep the total down to reapeotable limits. One does not like to think that either the baoks or the forwards exhibited their true form last Saturday.