NOTES ON THE PLAY.

NZ Truth, Issue 62, 25 August 1906, Page 3

NOTES ON THE PLAY.

[(By Cannie Chiel.)'

During -the jirst. , : part of the game Southland got the' ball very frequentIt, Robinson proving a good hooker; but later on the' Wellington scrum worked better and the ball came out consistently to the blacks. Neither side, however, made the most of their chances and the Wellington passing lacked that crisphess so essential to a good exhibition. Their back play was, however, far ahead of the Southerners', who were unable to make any use of the ball when they had it, and who appeared absolutely oblivious to the fact that they had the sun behind them m the first spell. Wallace played a fine game for Wellington, but he was wasted on the wiing. One or two of his efforts were really sood and he was always going. " Both he and H. D. Thomson were closely shepherded, and this allowed the colts to score.

H. D. Thomson was the star of his side, and his two tries were splendid efforts.

Mitchim_.on and Rams den both played well," -but' the former can. do with a deal of polish m the finer points. Roberts appeared off color, but he got m some good work with A. Thohison. The latter keeps his eyes open throughout— likewise his mouth. Geo. Spencer was at his best, and that means a lot.

Byrne was the best forward and is likely to be a good friend to the rep. team, if he retains his Wednesday form.. The others all played well,, but

there were far too many free-kicks given against them, and it is to be hoped that an effort will be made to Temedy this defect before Auckland is reached.

Old man Jenkins played a reallyf good game for Southland and took the heavy stuff like a young player.

Whittaker was perhaps the best back on his side, but he was far behind the local full.

Smith and Burgess did good work m the first spell, but the passing whioh they initiated never seemed to reach the threequarters. In the seccond spell the backs became demoralised and passed wildly.

The forwards worked vigorously throughout and it was due to their efforts that the score did not assume larger proportions. In the early stages of the match they had all the. best of the go, but, though they carried the ball to the scoring area, time after time, they found the Wellington defence too sound.

One of the regrettable features of* the contest was the manner m which a section of the crowd hooted the visitors' line umpire. Being' on the opposite side of the -ground they had little chance of judging' Ms decisions 'f airly and it would have -been better -taste t had they left him alone. The Rugby Union will be wise, if v they continue to deal. with any -ofiehders .they, may be able -to oatchj as' this kind -qi{ : barrackirig 'isyrhbst;'^^ objectionable to., the players and spectators alike; '■'. In the meanwnile it may be well to,.remind excited followers of the game.that "to biag little— to show well— to crow gently, if m luck, to pay-up^' —own up— and shut up, if beaten, are; .the virtues of a true sport."