FOOTBALL NOTES.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13930, 12 July 1917, Page 8

FOOTBALL NOTES.

(By "Rover.") ,

It was anticipated that the game played on Thursday between Excelsior ami Old Boys would provide an even contest, and so far as the score was concerned this surmise proved correct, the Blue and Blacks having somewhat the better of the play, which was strenuous throughout, with the major portion of the work falling to the forwards. Of the two packs, the Excelsior was tho better, this being apparent towards the end of the first spell, when, had they elected to eschew the backs and go "on-their own," there would have been at least a chance to score, As it was, time and again the attack fizzled out through the ineptitude of the back division. Winslcy was unable to restrain himself, repeatedly getting up amongst tho forwards. Towards the finish of the game tho Blue and Blacks came away in several irresistible rushes and both Gibson and Rudduck. had bad luck in missing the ball after it was over the lino.

Tho Old Boys' backs, although playing without any combination, got in sonio good individual work. Millison, at full-back, played a really good game, taking.his ball on the'fly in great style, besides finding the line with unerring judgment. MeMurtrie nipped a number of intended rushes in the bud, but is too much of the Lilliputian to contend with tho buffeting that falls to the lot of a half-back,

In the early stages of their game with the Gallery, tho High School A team gave an attractive display of fast football, but in the latter .part of the second spell tlio pace slackened considerably. Throughout the game the School team's line was never menaced, and they finished up with a substantial margin of ;il points to nil. Orchard was again an absentee, his place being taken by Kibblcwhite, who proved a very capable substitute,

Telegraph Gallery persevered in the uphill fight with commendable courage, This team is handicapped thronght being unable to retain the same players for any length of time, they being transferred to various parts of the Dominion as th'cy become proficient at their work.

The Athletics followed the improvement noticeable in their play of the previous week by defeating the School B team by a respectable, margin. During the first spell the winners got a substantial lead of fourteen points to nil. During the second spell the School team demonstrated the value of staying powers over avoirdupois by running up eleven points while the other side had to be content with another three, Madigan, Council, McCombie, and Smart were prominent for the Maroons, while for tlje School, Suinptcr was very conspicuous in the loose play, . '■'''• « «

The games on King George's Park continue to attract a fair number of spectators, both the inner and outer stands being patronised, As the latter is non-revenue producing for tho union, it is only natural that members of the governing body should look askance al any adult who may come to a standstill in " mean-men's-laud" during the progress of a football game.

At the weekly meeting of the subunion on Friday night the secretary was instructed to ask School to supply the names of the players in A and B teams, « t t

Tho sub-union purpose arranging a seven-a-side tourney for the near future, the intention being that a substantial proportion of the proceeds will bo devoted to patriotic purposes, It can be taken for granted' the union will have the hearty co-operation of the affiliated clubs.

# * * FLAG POINTS. The following table shows the positions of tho various teams in the junior flag competition at the conclusion of the Inst matches played:— 5> a . b . *"i Pn <h «1 ■-g m m in ft C C •" a c tj) 3,°50 o » O (5 fU fU fb High School A.. 4 4 0 82 0 S Excelsior .. .. 4 2i U 21: 20 5 Old Boys ....431 <) 3 5 Athletic ■.. .. 4 1J 2J 17 47 11 Telegraph .... 4 0 4 0 Bl 0 lli«.h School 8.. 4 1 ;i 30 32 2