FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8663, 4 September 1891, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND V. THAMES. \ [from OCR own CORKESPOXDKXT. J \ Tiiamks, Thursday.—During the past two or three weeks the forthcoming contest between Auckland and Thamesjias elicited a considerable amount of interest in football circles, the pro's and con's 01 both teams being fully discussed, and it is needless to say that Saturday is being awaited with 110 little excitement. This, 110 doubt, is due to the fact that the Thames is to be visited by such heroes of the strife as the Auckland representatives— honour not conferred upon our town since the year 1877, on which occasion many of Auckland's oldest players will remember, that after a hard fought game under the old rules, Auckland came oil" the field victorious by ten points to nil. Shortly after that event, little or 110 interest was taken in football, and eventually the old game was a thing of the past. However, after a period of six or seven years, Rugby was resuscitated by Mi*. J. Christie and several others, the consequence being the formation of the Pioneer Club. About twelve months subsequently, the Pioneer disbanded and the Thames Club — now existing — was then formed, the moving spirit in the affair being Mr. W. Stewart, one of the old Thames representatives. The starting of this club marked a new era in the annals of Thames football, and shortly afterwards several other clubs sprang into existence. However, all efforts to form a Thames Rugby Union appeared futile until the arrival here of Messrs. J. Jordan and J. Poland, who, being fresh Irom the city, brought new ideas, etc., with them, and the consequence was a union was constituted, and, owing 110 doubt to the sound foundation upon which, it was based, is now a nourishing concern, and is doing all within its power to promote the interests of football, as evidenced by the fact that we are to have a visit at last from the Auckland representatives, who no doubt, on the day in question, will impart to " our boys" a little of the science for which they are noted. However the local team have been indulging in paddock practices for a lew weeks "past, and being now in pretty fair form, should give a good account of themselves. The Selection Committee— Meldrum, Mangan, and Jordan—have made their final selection, and, with one exception, it is about the best that could have been chosen. The exception referred to is ignoring the claims of Daldy McWilliams, a wellknown player, who by his consistent play throughout the season, was fully justified in being included in the team, and with his assistance the combination would undoubtedly have been about the strongest that the Rugby Union could have placed in the field. However. notwithstanding all that has been said in the matter, the committee seem determined to adhere to their decision. The selection committee have also made a sad mistake in placing the men, some of the backs having been placed in a position not suitable to their style of play, and it is hoped amongst footballers generally and the players themselves that the committee will yet remedy the defects before the eventful day. The" following are a few comments upon the team :— A. Ivenrick, fullback, 12st: Has given consistent satisfaction to his club (Thames) in local cup matches; tackles rather weak, fair kick, but slow when underweigh. \V. Moore, threequarter, list 121b: A fast strong dodgy runner, selfishly inclined, poor kick.

J. McGregor, centre threequarter, 12st: Good tackier, but about the worst kick for this very important position. Represented the Thames when the latter went to Auckland about four years ago. He is steady in defence and dangerous near the line. NY. McGregor, left threequarter, lOst 101b: Good in all-round play; rather inclined to show how he can take a ball with one hand. NY. Johnston, left half, lOst 101b : Clever player in the back division ; fastest man in the team : kicks splendidly. F. Ladner, centre-half, 9st 51b: A good man for his weight; stops rushes well, and punts with good judgment. 11. Stewart, right half, 12st Sib : A steady player in all departments; good kick and collars well; dangerous near the line. Forwards.—D. Stewart, 14st Sib: Captain of the team ; formerly a member of the New Zealand native team ; good on the line, and dangerous when near an opponents' line. 13. Twohill, list 121b : Consistent in all departments ; fast and careful dribbler. J. O'Sullivan, list Sib: A fast and heavy player; strong in the scrum and fast in following. W. Smith : Ist Sib: Good in every class, especially upon the line and in loose open work. 11. Brownlee, 12sfc: Works hard in the packs ; good on a passing run. Represented Thames in their last engagement with Auckland. His play throughout has been consistent and brilliant. H. Boyle, list: Is a heavy and fast follower, very poor in the scrum, but good in the open. J. Laing, 12st: Heavy fast tricky player, good on a feigning run, dribbles well with both feet. A. Billings, list: Clever, fast forward, tackles and dribbles with judgment. The selection committee have decided to play with wings. This lias also caused a little dissatisfaction, for, although th« two men selected to fill the wing position are both clever and tricky, the majority of footballers here would have preferred to see the wli';le detachment of forwards pack in, as they will need all the available weight to hold against such sturdy generals as Auckland's pick forwards. . This evening the first team of Auckland " reps." will leave for the Thames by the s.s. Argyle at five p.m. There has been no alteration in the team from that published last Monday save that A. Tanfield (the halfback) having been unable to get necessary leave of absence, his place will be taken by M. Hen-old. The "second reps." will play a practice to-morrow at Potter's with a chosen third fifteen, which is to meet a team of Waikato " reps." at Epsom on the 12th instant. This third fifteen has not yet been definitely chosen, but will be picked from amongst the following according to form shown in tomorrow's match :Full, Walton; threequarters, Roberts, Breen, NY. H. Hales; halves, H. Hales, Davidson, P. Mackie ; forwards, E. Murray, Beamish, Mellis, W. Harvey, T. Murray, Andrews, Wilson, Williamsou, Leathart ; emergencies, Rces. R. McConnell, Blewden, Cooke, Speight, D. Smart, Cruickshank. F. Murray and T. Roberts, who belong as emergencies to the first "reps, will only practice with the third fifteen on Saturday, as they will go to Taninaki on the Monday following. Grafton 111. A v. Suburbs.—Grafton : Long, Evers, Fernandez, Clayton. Hay, Evers, Brady. Coleman (2), Broberg (-}, Macfarlane, Tuoliey, Cameron, Brown; emergencies, Craig, Hill, Biss. All Saints' v. Mount Albert.—All Saints : Latta, Gledhill, Osmond, Ballantyne, Fielder (2), Upton (2), Sands, Speight, Burns (2), Fricker (2), Scott, Joil, Oswald, Dacre, Walker, "Johnson, Merntt, Cruickshank (2). ~ ' ■ . - - <