THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11129, 31 July 1899, Page 3

THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVE

PLAYERS.

NOTES ON SATURDAY'S PRACTICE MATCH. [nr iiki]

Saturday afternoon was devoted to a trial match between the A and B fifteens, in order to give tho selector, Mr. J. Arnoil, an opportunity to pick the team to represent Auckland in the interunion matches against Northern airoa next Saturday, and combined Thames and Ohinemuri on August 12. Unfortunately, the heavy rain had left the field of play in a sodden and slippery state, and the ball soon bccamo greasy and somewhat difficult to handle, thus militating against a true exposition of the game, and in no small measure defeating tho object for which tho contest had been arranged. When time was called, tho A team vin.iicatod Mr. Arneil's selection by leaving the held victors to the tune of 14 points to 9, though to those who witnessed the match it mu.;i, have been apparent that there was yet considerable room for improvement in both the constitution and tactics of tiio fifteen to represent Auckland against the country unions.

Starting with tho forwards, it was evident before tho gamo had progressed many mill* utes that tho front row paii on tho B iciie, Irvine and McClusky, were infinitely superior to : : : >ir vis-a-vis on the A side, Gillett and Gallagher, in tho matter of hooking the ball, though their excellent work in this important department- was somewhat Hampered at times by the hack row, who failed to let the ball go through. This being so, there will no doubt be a ehango in tho front row of tho team to meet Wairoa next Saturday, and as Gillett has always been recognised as one of the cl;Verest front row men in the province apart from his other sterling qualities as a forward— the deduction to be drawn is that he is not at home with Gallagher, and the latter must either he left out of the fifteen or some other place allotted him, as no ono who knows Gillett's worth would dream of leaving him out of the team. On Saturday's play Irvine would appear to be tho man most suited to share the front row work with the Suburbs man.

As it is for Mr. Arneil to Fay what the alterations are to he, I do not feel disposed for various reasons principal reason being that players mi-lit look upon it as likely to prejudice their prospects of inclusion, an impression that I may, however, add that Ido not share myself— offer any suggestions as to further alterations in the forwards, (hough on nil hands it must have been apparent that Murray proved conclusively that his claims cannot be overlooked. Weighty and powerful, the Parnellito mado himself felt in the scrums, and was also always prominent in the open. Tho try scored by A. Wilson was duo to Murray's efforts, who carried tho ball right to the lino, and then assuring himself that ho had beaten Cardno, lie transferred to the Newton forward, wTio fell across and registered tho score, Murray meanwhile falling with Cardno. It is work of this kind that goes to show tho value of an experienced player. Before passing on to the back division, I would draw the attention of our forwards to a weakness that marked both sides, and one that has been noticeable in cup matches throughout the season. When breaking away from the scrum, those who overrun the ball havs cultivated a practice of waiting for those not out of placo to bring the ball to them, and thus placo them arain on side, instead of immediately returning to thei, positions and lending assistance. The practice is to bo deprecated, and must be overcome if our forwards are to lie seen at their best in the Southern tour.

Tho "wingers" on both sides showed good form, and none more so than Doran (Ponsonby) of tho B team, who played with great dash and vim. It is unfortunate, however, that he has not a little more weight; the only thing that tells against him in the mattor of representative selection. The fact that the A forwards were beaten for possession of the ball in the majority of cases placed Nicholson, who was behind tho A pack, at a disadvantage, yet when tho oval camo his way, he left little room for complaint, while his defence was always sound. Young, who occupied a similar post on tho B side, fully justified his inclusion, and getting the ball more frequently than the North Shore player, naturally came in for a greater share of public attention. For a man who has only recently been drafted from third junioi play, the little fellow's display was really capital, his dofonce in particular'being of a high order. It is a reasonable deduction that if a three-quartiT-back is to piove himself a five-eighth, the man for tho position would bo a centre thrcequarter, yet the experiment of playing Gerrard in this position did not prove as happy as I (for one) had anticipated. Although a. good centre threcquarter and one who possesses the desirable quality of running straight combined with sound defence, the North Shore man failed to accommodate himself to the change, and was altogether overshadowed by Carlton Hay, who played five-eighths fo. tho P team. The Grafton man, though at times inclined to pass a bit too soon instead of making the opening more clear for his backs, handled tho ball well, and usually passed cleanly, while his clever footwork often did good service to his side. There was not a better thrcequarter on the ground twin the sturdy young Newton player, Pillenger, who played on the B right wing. With the exception of his failure to pass to Doran—who had an opening, and what looked like a certain score—towards the close of the first half of the game, he did not make a single mistake, attacking with great .lash and determination, and tackling like a lion, always taking his man low. He also showed himself an adept at gathering up the ball from the ground while moving at a high rate of speed, and took his passes cleanly. As there seems little likelihood of G. Smith going South if chosen—owing to the visit of the athletic team to Queensland—it is hardly worth while criticising his play, though some of our backs might take a lesson from him in the matter of passing. On Saturday it was noticeable that he always retained possession of the ball until he assured himsolf that he had beaten his man, and then just as lie was tackled whipped it out cleanly and smartly. Both McPiko and Absolum wero strong in attack, and the former in particular showed what a fine defensive player he is when opportunity offered. That he has plenty of paco was also shown when he scored his try, beating his pursuers for more than half the length of the field from a pass from Absolum, who cleverly intercepted a transfer on the part of the B backs.

Donovan, for the B team, created the most favourable impression of the two fullbacks, the point in which ho outshone Cardno being the manner in which he found the touch-lino when kicking; always an important consideration. His defence was not sufficiently taxed to call for criticism, either favourable or adverse. Of Cardno, it may bo said that it is a pity that ho cannot use his right foot as well as lie does his left.

After watching both fullbacks play, I am still at a loss to understand why H. Smith should have been passed over, although as I said or Saturday, he has not had the same opportunity of proving hi? claim to inclusion this season that the City and North Shore fullbacks hare, both of whom havo had stronger teams to play behind. Somo find excuse for his non-inclusion in the statement that lie is inclined to play "too much to tho gallery"— use a football term for playing for applause—and while it must be admitted that Smith has shown a littlo weakness for the praise of the onlookers, I ,vould ask those who give this as a reason to tell me where he failed last season when our representatives passed through the interprovincials without a defeat. Few men are cleverer at pulling a side out of a tight corner than the Grafton player, and if it comes to a pinch, I doubt very much whether we yet havo his equal in this respect, with all due deference to Donovan, of whom I am an admirer.

Owing to indisposition, Asher was substituted for Paul as left wing threcquarter for the B team, and played a good game, a noticeable feature of his play being the alacrity with which he always came round in support of his brother threequarter when on the attack, a lesson by which more than one of the other backs might profit. Although not receiving much assistance or encouragoment from his other backs, he was responsible for a lot of useful work.

Renwick, the B centre threequarter, showed a tendency to hang to the ball too long before passing, and was frequently grassed with it in bis possession, while his passing was at times inaccurate.

At times on Saturday, onlookers were in- | clined to urge the backs of either side to ' indulge too muoli in running rather than al- j lowing them to use theii own judgment and | find the line with a well-placed kick. Whon : anywhere outside the opposing 25 flag more | ground is usually gained by a judicious kick 1 to iho touch-line than by passing attack, and ' though not as exciting or interesting from a i spectator's point of view, playors would do I well not to forget the advice of one of the 1 colony's oldest representative players, " Kick to gain ground and run to score." The majority of tho spectators on Saturday wero of opinion that the try gained by Absolum in the second spell for the A team should not have been allowed, on the ground that lie had knocked the ball on two or three' yards from tho lino. Such, however, was not the case, as although the Suburban threequarter certainly went down to gather up

tho ball, it was with his foot, and not his hand, that he played the ball, unintentional though it was on his part. Mr. A. Campbell acted as referee, leaving no loophole for complaint.

SECOND FIFTEENS.

Newton v. City: After a close game, Newton left the field victors by 8 points to 6. Suburbs v. Ponsonby: This match was to have been played at Ellerslie, but tho town team failed to put in an appearance, and Suburbs won by default.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS' MATCHES.

Grammar School v. King's College; Tho town school won by 6 points (two tries), King's Collego failing to record a score. St. John's College v. Prince Albert Collego: A close game ended in a draw, each team scoring three points.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS' MATCHES. Onehunga v. Nelson-street: No score was registered by either school, the game ending in a draw.

Devon port v. Newton East: The town school was beaten by Devonport by 8 points to nil.

Parnell v. Grafton: This match went to Parnoll by 3 points to nil.

OUTSIDE MATCHES.

Home Bay v. Essex: Essex won by 3 points to nil, L. Forgie scoring a try. Northcoto v. Federals: After an evenlycontested match, this gamo resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. _ Pirates 11. v, Rivals: This match resulted in a Win for Pirates by 6 points to nil. For tho winners Doran played a sound game, while Over and Hoctor distinguished themselves for the losers.

Great Northern Brewery Company v. John Grey and Sim's, Hundley's, and Niehol's Combined: This was a most amusing match, played at Ellerslie, and resulted in a win for the brewery by 9 points to 3. Tucker, Inis, and Draper scored for tlio winners, and the refoyeo allowed the losers a try for obstruction.

Surrey v. Rosebcry: This game resulted in a win for the formor by 11 points to ail. Tries were scored by Bon. Davis and tins. Buckley (2), one of which was converted by the latter. 15. Buckley, Oakley, and T. Davis also played good games, while for the losers Irwin, Fahey, and Hopkins showed up prominently. W. Sommervillo mado an efficient referee.

COUNTRY FOOTBALL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Paeroa, Saturday. Tho Olunemuri Rugby Union's fixtures were continued to-day, when Karangahake and Paeroa tried conclusions at Paeroa. Notwithstanding that tho ball was very groasy, Karangahake registered no fewer than three goals from the field, Hill kicking two and Rcckley one from a rolling ball. Paeroa made no score, so that Karangahake not only won tho match, but also succeeded in onco more claiming ownership of the cup. Karangahake undoubtedly possesses the strongest combination in the union. The Ohinemuri-Tliamos representative match has been fixed for Saturday next. An effort is to be made to secure a special train service for the occasion.

COROHANDF.L, Saturday. Ihe return match, Thames v. Coroinandel, was played in the Kathleen paddock to-day, and ended in a complete surprise, as, contrary to all expectations, Coroinandel won the match easily by 15 points to 6. From start to finish Coroinandel had the best of tho game, their forwards being apparently irresistible. For Coromandel Chapman obtained two tries and Burko the other. In each case Callaway converted, ono kick bein" at a very difficult angle. For the Thames Bradley obtained the two tries, neither of which were convertod. Tho teams, which were both changed since the original selection, took the field as under:—Thames: Fullback, Jackson; thrcequarters, AlcLcan, li McGregor, and Bradley: five-eighths, Coote; half, Lloyd; wings, S. McGregor and Laing; forwards, Cunningham, Spinks, Farley, Norton, Johnson, Cameron, and McUulf. Coromandel: Fullback, J. McDonald; threiquaitors, Stevens, Ulrich, and Callaway; fiveeighths, Moore; half, C. Mcintosh; wings, Furey and Clark; forwards, T. Quinn, Cotter. McNeill, McMillan, Chapman, Burke, and bgan, '

WAIKATO RUGBY UNION A mooting of the above was held at the . °yal Hotel, Hamilton, on Thursday ovening. i , •J jou ,?° Edgecumbo (president) presided Tho following delegates wore iiosent:_Messrß. Pike and Kirk (Hamilton), Bailey and Painter (Ngaruawahia), and Can, Chan and Carr (Cambridge). An inquiry was held as to why several of tho Waikalo player;, absented themselves on tho occasion of a team visiting Rotorna without giving -jnflicient reason. Carnachan (Cambridgo) said lie had only been picked as an emergency man and did not therefore think it was absolute'y incumbent upon him to attend. Tho explanation was received. McVeagh (Cambridge) was charged with writing an impertinent letter to the union with reference to the Hoiorua trip, and was disqualified for 12 months. The secretary was instructed to write to Thomas ninton, asking for reasons why ho failed to make the trip to Rotorua. Tho union endorsed the disqualification passed upon J and A. Radford by the Piako Rugby Union. THE WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVES. ALTERATIONS IN THE TEAM. [by telegrani —press ASSOCIATION.! r< „ . on. Wellington, Saturday. Gallagher, Soffc, and W. Spencer are unable to accompany the Wellington team to Canterbury and Otago, and the Selection Oommi tee has decided to replace Sponcor by Wylie (Oriental), and send McGurk (Petone) in placo of Gallagher, whilo Judd (Potono) will be substituted for SofFe. If Do Vera is unable to make tho journoy, Burns (1 clone) will go in his stoad. Messrs. Welch, Brodie and Hansen, selected the following junior team to play a trial match with tho senior rep. fifteon to-day, in preparation for the Southern tour: Fullback, McGowan' threequarters, Hanson. Welch, Brodie, MoKonzie; five-eighths, Stack; half, Johnston; forwards, Spenco, Dodd, Callum, Watkina Milno, Mcßae, Evans, Redmond, McDonald! and Windsor. '

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL. [by TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION.] Wangamji, Sunday. The rep. match, Manawatu-Wanganui, played hero to-day, resulted in a win for Wanganui by 14 points to nil, tho score being four tries, ono being converted. Tho match between Pirates, supposed to be the best junior team in the colony, and tho Collegiate School seniors, resulted in a draw, each side scoring a try. The Piratos visit Christchuroh next week to play Linwood. Christohuhcii, Sunday. Linwood beat Kaikorai (Dunedin) by a" try to nil. Tho heavy rain made Lancaster Park very sodden, and the gamo was a mere mud scramble between the forwards.

Wellington, Sunday. At Mastorton, Wairnrnpa boat tho Bush Union by 18 points to nil. Dunedin, Sunday. The following team has been solected to play against Wellington in tho interprovincial football match on Wednesday: Fullback, Wi Repa; threequartors, Armit, O'Shea, and Stephenson : halfbacks, J. B. McDonald, Sinclair, and Duncan (captain); forwards, D. Monro, Farquharson, Cross, Given, Gregg, Murphy, D. McDonald, and Olson. Owing to ail injured ankle, W. Smith, probably tho best forward in Otago, is unable to play. The team is considered a strong one. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. GRAFTON V. UNITED. These teams met at the Domain, and it proved to be a very interesting and hardfought game. Grafton scored in each half, and won by two goals to nil, which places United, Grafton, and Y.M.C.A. 011 even terms for the championship. Grafton won the toss and elected to play with the southerly breeze at their bucks in the first half. W. Heather started the ball for United, but the Grafton forwards got possession, and set out for United's goal with a strong rush, but wero checked by Bellamy kicking out. Grafton attacked from the throw-in. but McDougall spoiled by offside play. From tho kick awarded, United attacked, and 6omo good headplay took place in front of tho Grafton goal. United eventually being conceded a corner. Austin Smith cleared, and Grafton attacked with a good passing rush, but wore penalised for very questionable offside. From the kick-out Grafton igain attacked, but were conceded a corner, which Hawkins placed behind the goal instead of in front. Hunter made a bad kick-out, and Wright placed the ball nicelv in the' goal-mouth. The United back made a bad miskick, and Goldie dashing in made a good left-foot screw, scoring first goal for Grafton. From the kick-off United made an attack, but were checked by Hawkins. Tho rest of this spell was 01 a fairly even character, Grafton having slightly the best of it. On one occasion Grafton looked like scoring, but Hunter (United's goalkeeper) cleared well. United made a couple of fieroe attacks, but Grafton's backs were too good. Just before half-time Wright handed in front of the goal, giving United a penalty kick. Rice failed in his attempt at goal, kicking straight at Knott. The first half endod shortly afterwards by Hawkins making a splendid long shot, which grazed the crossbar. Brodie started the sphero roll- J ing for Grafton. The gamo for 20 minutes > was exceptionally fast, Unitod trying hard i to equalise mutters, butt • their shooting was 1

bad. Grafton also made repeated attacks, and were rewarded, about 20 minutes before time, by a goal going through off McDougall: Grafton, 2; United, nil. United's forwards attacked again and again, but Austin Smith and Wright cleared on each occasion. Ferguson put in a good corner for United, which was headed out by Smith. United had the misfortune to have Bellamy and Ferguson lamed almost at the same tim?, which weakened their defence. Grafton made repeated attacks from the right wing, Kennedy being conspicuous, but were unable to add to their score. The game ended in mid-field. All Grafton's forwards, with tlx; exception of Hume, played fairly well, Kennedy and Goldie being the pick. Wright and Austin Smith were a powerful combination at back, and both played well. Hawkins played well at half for the black anil whites. United played a long way below their form, Bellamy especially being off colour. United's forwards seem to have lost all their old dash and quick clean passing. The decisions of the refer, ;: were not always received Willi satisfaction. JUNIOR MATCH. Falcon v. Y.M.C.A. A: The latter failed to put a team in the field, ami the match went to Falcon by default.