FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12965, 5 May 1904, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

Bt Full- Back. The annual general mooting'of tho Now Zealand llugbv; Union will bo hold in- Weilington on Friday evening, Percy Hislop, tho Pirates half hack, who received an injury to his knee in the, match against Alhambra two Saturdays ago, anticipates being ablo to nlav again in six weeks' time. Hislop's medical adviser, 1 understand, thinks otiior>visc. I'.. Wilkinson, the ex-Kaikorai throequarter back, has, I understand, joined Zingari, and may possibly bo scon wearing tho multi-coloured jersey of tho Die-hards next Saturday. Mr W. P. Dunne, lato of Balelutha, has been electcd secretary to the Transvaal Rugby Football Union—a position which carries with it a salary of £120 a year. Last week I quoted Sydney Daily Telegraph to the odcct that D. Mason, "late of Zingari, intended playing for Eastern Suburbs (Sydney) this seaaon. X understand that Mason has returned from 'Sydney, and is playing in (ho Zingari Second Grade Fifteen, in which team ho is proving himself a useful member. Concerning Liiticjohn, Union's promising throe-quarter back:—At St. George's Hall, Milton, the Tokoinairiro Football Club presented Mr G. C. Littlejohn with a silver-mounted-umbrella as a memento of hia connection with the club. Mr Littlejohn has been transferred from the Hilton branch of the National Bank to headquarters at Dunedin. Wilson, tho ex-Canterbury forward, is a decided acquisition to the Pirates seniors. 'Ho works splendidly on the line out, and puts all his weight (which is considerable) into the scrum. 1 Chafing at his inactivity, tho retired Duncan has joined tho ranks of Otago referees, and officiated in one of tho Second Grade matches on Saturday. Local footballers will regret to hear that Bob Duthie, the clever ex-Union footballer, who is now in Xc-tv Plymouth, while playing in a match a fortnight ago mot with injuries to his leg which will prevent him playing for sonio time. Dutliic is highly spoken of in tho Tarar.aki capital, and great regret is expressed at his untimely accident.

Dudley, an ex-Christchureh boy, who plays in tho five-eighth division, assisted I'irates in their match against Kaikorai on Saturday last, and on his showing should find a permanency in tho Blacks' Senior Fifteen.

Onco a man gets Itugbv thoroughly into his syticin and the individual is making, or has made, something of a. hit at tho game, it takes a powerful lot of opposition to keep him from donning a jersey in active service, which gives pause to ask if there is not truth in the rumour that, Knowles, tho Alhambra. and Otago half back, will bo seen wearing tho rcd-and-bhek uniform next Saturday.

Booth, the Kaikorai and Otago threequarter bad:, who has been "on the road" fur some montlw past, v«s in Dimedin last week, and on .Saturdaj' saw his old club defeat Pirates at Bishopscourt. In a brief chat, Booth informed mc that there was a prospect of his b::iug engaged permanently in tho city, and if realised ho would again wear the biuo-a'nd-blaek jersey. The cx-Ota.go representative full back and 'Varsity throe-quarter, Alan Adams, is playing for the "Wellington Club in tho Empire City. In the match against Pctone tho other day Adamn is reported to have been the best'back on tho ground, his running, tackling, and kicking being described as of a very high order. In consequence of his accident of a few weeks back, A. Jl'Nio, the Southland representative, has resigned his position as captain of tho Star Club, Invorcargill, AY. J. Stead being elected to the vacancy. Last weak mention was made of the fact tlmt Miller, of the Pirates Club, was, through force of eireumsiar.ecs not likely to bo seen again wearing tho black jersey of his club or tho blue of his province. This has proved unfortunately to he only too true. It was thought that influence brought to bear in tho proper quarter would have secured Miller'? services for another season at anyrato, but tho deputation did not succeed in accomplishing its object, and the Pirates player has but to bow to tho inevitable, and .view Rugby football outside the tcticlllino. Fate is dealing particularly hard with several of ologo's prominent players this yean It is high time some of our prominent footballers realised the fact that, when bringing a ball into play from the touch line, they must have both feet in the field of play when taking the ball. ' , , In view of tho British llugby team's visit to New Zealand this season an early roll call of "available;" is necessary. That the colony will be able to place a strong combination in the field against the Britishers thero is not much doubt, but tho list of tho missing is a formidable one, as see: JI. Wood, S. Duncan. W. Wallace. R. Kiernan, R. M'Gregor, P. Harvey, R. Cooke. All theo? have retired or have signißed their intention of doing so. That clever littlo Canterbury half back, P. Harvey, who was originally chosen as a member of tho New Zealand team , for Australia last season, but who failed to obtain tho necessary leave for tho trip, intends viewing Rugbv from tho bank this season. Sutherland, "the Auckland full back, who gavo such a fine exhibition against Otago last season, sailed on a trip to England.

It may interest local footballers to know that. ICiernan, tho Auckland and Now Zealand representative half bat;!:, and Dick M'Gregor, three-quarter, have signified their intention of retiring from tho game.

A conference of New Zealand referees was to liavo been held in Wellington on April 26, when n proposal to form a New Zealand executive was to have been brought forward. The conference was, however, adjourned sino die, as only three unions notified their intention to send delegates.

At the annual general meeting of tho Southland Referees' Association tho following office-bearers were elected for the season:—President. Mr T. D. Lennie: vice-prcfidcnts, Messrs R. Gnlbraith and ,T. M'Grath; lion, secretary, Mr L. W. J. Morton;' committee—Messrs E. B. M'Kav, L. Murphy, F. Musson, A. Geddcs, A. M'Gavock, J. H. Hughes, J. Galbraith, M. O'Brien, and E. P. Royds.

Tho dark-complexioned New South Wale* three-quarter liaeb. Ogaard, who played against the New Zcalandors in Sydney, h now referred- to as "Opai" Asher's "double."

Tho New South Wales Rugby Union lias arranged the following dates for the matches to bo played by tho English football team in Australia: —

Saturday, June 18.—Against New Sout.li "Wales. Wednesday, Juno 22—Against thei Country— place to bo selected. Saturday, June 25—Against New South Wales. Wednesday June 29.—Against the Metropolitan Union. Saturday, July 2—Against Australia. Saturday, July 30— Against Australia. Saturday, August 27.—Against Combined Country (i'.i Sydney). Wednesday, August 31.—Against Metropolitan Union. Saturday. September 3.—Against New South Wales. The committee of tho Wairarcpa Rugby Union lias agreed to guavanteo £12 10s from tho funds of tho union and to distribute £50 in debentures towards tho despatch of a New Zealand team to England next season. .Mr F. C. Lea, who has noted as Queensland's solo, selector for tlio past 13 years, has deoided not to stand for lv-clection. A Selection Committee of three is to be chosen to succccd iiim. Hardingliam, who played in ' the fiveoiglith position for Glebe on Saturday last, is a Wellington (N./i.) player, and showed really good form. He is very fast.—Sydney Referee. The British Rugby team for Australia and Now Zealand, which sails from London on Friday, will leavo tho boat at Adelaide mid travel overland to Sydney, where they play their first match against Nov/ South Wales on June 13.

I Bush, who 19 a member of the British j Rugby football team, is said to bo one of I the best half backs in Wales. Judging from ! a report in an English paper, lie was a tliree-quartcr until the beginning of the | last season in England. He was then given a trial as half back, and proving successful ho has continued in that position. Describing his play in ono match, an English writer said:—"Much of tho success is attributed to Percy Bush, whose half back play was a success. The ex-three-quarter feinted and dodged so as to lead his opponents a lively dance, while his smartness in making openin 53 was the biggest factor in tho large scoro of six goals and four tries. His immediate ; success in a position which has given tho Cardiff Club muo'll troublo has unbalanced some people, who describe tho undoubtedly smart Btisii as a genius and greatest of outsido half backs." Montccillo is by no means an ideal ground, and seeing_ (lie Dunedia-'Va-rsity matoli played there 011 Saturday mado ouo wonder why ifc was chosen for a First Grado match. It is, perhaps, moro exposed to tho wind than any other ground in town, and on Saturday delays of several minutes occurred through the 'ball being carried by the wind down to the other end of tho adjoining Association ground. This, however, is quits a minor fault, which Blight bo remedied by keeping .another ball ready for use. The chief fault is iliat there is no rope or fence of any kind to keep spectators from crowding on to the ground. The fact that the few spectators who were present did not to any great extent overrun the ground was duo mainly to the exertions of an enexgelic Dunedin forward (for tho time incapacitated), who took upon tho duties of groundelcarer. Could not something bo done to remedy this-fault? Tho ground itself is a good one, and is well woi-th a littlo extra trouble and expense. 'Varsity will have to improve greatly on their form shown so far. Their weakness lies chiefly in backs. It is just possible that the return of tho medical students will strengthen them. Fairclough is not in anything like last year's form. 'Varsity havo an acquisition in Gilray, a young player, who ought to mako a name for himself soon at wing three-quarter, Ho' is a strong runner, good kick, and is full of dash. In tho international Rugby match, played at Belfast, on March 12, Ireland beat Wales by It points to 12. The weather was dull, and tho attendance small. Tho Irish forwards played a dashing game, while tho tackling of both teams was excellent. At tlio interval Ireland led by 6 points to 3. In tho second half, tho Welsh backs indulged in some delightful bouts of passing, and, within 10 minute 9 of tho close the visitors led by 12 points to 6; but tho Irishmen mado a spirited endeavour to fiavo the game, and succeeded in scoring two trios, tho last of which was converted. Scotland beat England, at Edinburgh, on March 19, by 6 points to 3. At the' interval Scotland' led by 3to nil. Fine weather favoured tho match, and a crowd of 20,000 spectators was present. Tho matcli -was keen and oven throughout, with tho backs closely watched on both sides. Tho gamo was chiefly confined to tho forwards.' The Scottish pack wore brilliant, •and got tho ball moro often, and lasted out their opponents. The backs showed a pretty combination. Tho English threequarters made_ a Cno dofence. _ . While assisting Edinburgh University on March 12 to inflict defat on tho Kclvinsido Academical Football Club by 7 goals and 4tries to nil, Br A. N. Fell met with an accident, ISarly in tho gamo Dr Fell wna brought down heavily, ana thereafter limped badly. Nevertheless lie "contrived to score three tries, but in gaining the last wrenched his anl:Io and finished tho gamo "lame all round." Dr Fell's luck is evidently "dead out" this year. William Morris Llewellyn, who is said to bo ono of the finest three-quarter backs .that has over nlaycd for Wales, will bo a member of tho'British Rugby team which is coming out to the colonies this season. For tho last five years 110 'has played in every engagement in which Wales has taken part. He is said to bp ono ot tho most dangerous try-getters, and is extremely fast 011 iiis foot. Llewellyn is rather below the medium height, but ho is as hard as nails, a briliant tackier, and, in fact, ia a fine player in every sense of tho word.

ENGLISH iRUGBY FOOTBALL TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA AND N.Z. Tho team now consists of:—

Back—Stanger-Lcathes (Northumberland). Thrfic-ciuartcrs—\V. Llewellyn, E. Morgan, K. Gabo (Welsh Internationals), E. W. Baker (Gloucestershire), A. O'Brien, P. M'Evcdy (Kent), and J. Fisher (Yorkshire). Half Bucks—F. Hulme (English International), P. Bush (Cardiff), and J. Vilo (Newport). Forwards — R. B. Bcdell-Sivright (Scottish International), D. Dobson (English International), K. Edwards (Irish International), S. Bevr.u (Welsh International), C. Patterson. (Ulster), S. H'Saunficrs (Kent), It. Kcdgem 'Somor-,ci), 1 C. Crowthcr iffid D. Trail (Surrey), J. Sharland (Surrey), B. Mnssey (Yorkshire), T. Kelly (Devon), A. Harding (Wales). Mr Bcdell-Sivright mil captain the team. Dsar Full Back,—lt is a regrettable fact that the Britishers have been unable to send out a fairly representative team to do battle mlh tho colonial teams. The team at present on its way out ia not very much ahead of tl)0 amateur team that visited Australia, under the guidance of tho Rov. Mr Mullinoux a few seasons back. Had that team visited New Zealand,' it must have suffered aomo crushing reverses in matches against tho leading province. From a casual glance at'the team on its way out just now, things do not look? 400 rosy , for tho ■ visitors, in spite of the fact that • the New Zealanders will not bo so strong this feason if the retirements announced 'of prominent players actually occur. Of tho 24 players who will form the visiting company this' year, [Eigiit. — Feu Back.] —are international playew, and tho remainder como from county clubs and tho hospitals. D. B. Bcdell-Sivriglit, tho West of Scotland player, who captains tho team, only got into tho International Scotland Fifteen after tho most exhaustive argument. It was said of Jiim that he was far too slow in tho scrum. Stanger-Leathe;, tho full back, is another man with a double-barrelled name; ho has played full for Northumberland with success, and is reckoned a fairly safe man, but ho has not tho slightest claim to international honours. W. Llewellyn, of the Newport Football Club, is a brilliant three-quarter, who has played with conspicuous success for his club, for his county ((Jlamorgan), and for the Principality. He is a fast and dashing player, full of all the tricks that mako tho Welsh team so famous, but he lacks, stamina. In tho last international, against England, the English forwards smothered him repeatedly throughout tho match, which ended in a draw, very much in favour of England. E. Morgan, London Welsh F.C., Middlesex County rep., and Welsh international, ia another dashing three-quarter, with tremendous pace. Ho may not be as brilliant as Llewellyn, but he keeps going from start to finish. E. T. Gabe, of the Cardiff F.C., Glamorgan County rep, and Welsh international, is a

fine three-quarter of great trickiness. H« does not possess tho pacoof either Llewellyn, or Morgan, but what he lacks in paw lie makes up in points. A. O'Brien and P. I M'Evedy, the two New Zealand threequarters, are probably better known here than any of' the rest of tho (earn. They aro both brilliant players, and have dona sterling work for Guy's Hospital, Kent County, Ulster F.C., and tho London Irish F.C. It was with a view of qualifying for tho Irish International against England that there two players went over to Ireland and qualified in tho Ulster Club as Irish players. But they were not picked for tho same reason as that which excluded them from tho English International team—viz., they wore New lioalandorfl. In this respect both tho English and Irish Selection Committees were determined only to play men born and educated in England and Ireland. O'Brien and M'Evody wcro picked as reserves for All England. Fisher, of Yorkshire, is a moderate county piaycr, which may also be said of F. O. Hulmc, the Birkenhead Park half back. Of tho reat, S. M'Saundcrs, the Kont forward, is a top-notchcr of tho very first order, and with. W. L. Rodgers (Kent), S. N. C-rowthor (Stirroy), D. Dobson (Newtown F.C. and Devon County), J. R. Kelly (Tiverton F.C. and Devon County). Tho rest of tho team aro unknown to mo, and aro probably selected fromsomo of tho leading clubs in the R.F.U. As a whole, tho team is of a fairly good! class, but very far from being a representative ono. Without sucii men as Vyvian, Cartwright, Stoop, Livcsay, _ Morrison, Crabbie, Gamlin, Daniolls, Louisson, J. S. M'Donald, Forrest, Winfield, Nicholls, Timms, Thomas, Cooper, Hartley, Simpson, Doran, T. H. Robinson, Dillon, Butcher, Hill, Hilton, and many others, no team can bo representative of England. I would give the visiting team 10 points start and play them to bo beaten badly by a fifteen picked from tho names above mentioned. New Zealand need not fear for her football laurels.—F. D'A. C. De L'lsle.—[While agreeing .that the team is not representative of tho strength of tho British Isles—and my correspondent should note that it does not pretend to be—l claim that from tho names cabled out it is a. strong combination, and certain to show a good front to colonial opposition.—Foll Back.] ASSOCIATION. Notes bt Left Wing. Some very -good form was shown in the match Wakari v. Northern. The latter won mainly through their accurate shooting, which was in nearly all cases clean, hard, and straight-, without any of tho usual fumbling and' hesitation which aro unfortunately so common amongst our local forwards. The average forward naturally feels the inclination to steady tho ball, when it is centred or passed to him, to make sure of his' shot. He has too little confidence in his ability to drivo the ball into goal from, tho ipass as it comes to him. Thie is n great mistake, as by steadying the ball its velocity, which might have 'been accelerated b.v tho receiving forward, and made a stinging phot- of, is taken from, it, and thus the steadied' shot must bo tho weaker by its lost velocity. But that is not the main point. Tho second or two required to steady tho ball gives tho goalkeeper time to prepare himself, and, worse than all, give 9 the full backs the very opportunity they havo been looking for—that of blocking tho shot either by bumping -the forward from tho ball or kicking it clear from his toe. to a less dangerous position. We hear then tho usual "well played" addressed ro the full back, and tho "hard luck" to the bcaton forward; and the game proceeds. This sort of thing occurs, not only once, but a dozen times during the progress of a match, and can only be remedied by consistent practice and a littla mora self-confidence. Tho weakness it painfully obvious, and it can be easily removed by any average intelligent and observant forward, or, hotter still, by some straight talk from a captain, who is not afraid io talk to his men in a way calculated best to impress facts on their mind's. P. M'Millan, in goal, had bad luck in getting eueh smashing shots sent his way, and in justice to him I imust say that not ono of tho shots that got through could bo considered soft things. D. M'Millan was easily tho best back on Wakari sido, his holding being particularly effcetivo and his placing perfect. J. H'Millan was sadly out of condition. M. Gilroy and O. Adams are good workers, but lack judgment. They should romember that thoy havo forwards who are worthy of a pass, and would bo glad to receive some occasionally. H. Morrison is 'a hard and determined grafter, but lacks neatness in his footwork. Jl'Neish was safe, but' should go looking for work more, instead of being content to meet it when it comes. G. Ciark is as hard as nails, and a perfect whale for work. His goal on Saturday was a perfcet effort. Kilgour is game, and is never seen to bettor advantage than when bigger men are trying to run over him; but thoy gonarally wall* back, with a beaten-again sort of look. Timlin and Pormin also mado their dobut in senior football. The former is a sturdy little chap, with brains, as was proved by the worthy way ho uphold the important position of centre forward. Riley, W. Morrison, and Chadwick aro too well (known as exponents of all that is tricky, 'energetic, and resourceful to need any individual comment. Other teams might well profit by an observation of the above trio's methods of shooting. They were between them responsible for eight goals out of the nine scored by tl\eir side on Saturday. Permin is one of the cleverest footworkera in town, a neat passer, and a good combination forward; but would be tho 'better of a little nioro dash in his play. 110 is too gentlo and modest- in his way of going into an opponent. Perhaps a good shako up from a rough opponent later on will do more to improve him in this respect than anything else. With a view to promoting a better knowledge of the theory of attack and defenco and instructing juniors in tho rules of the game, Mr R. Nugle, captain of St! John's Club, Wellington, and not unknown in this eity, conducted, a discussion on, Association recently. Ho outlined the general principles of combined forward play and tho methods of combination adopted by backs in meeting; it,' and then gave hints regarding positions of players on the field. Common breaches which young, players mado of rules was next dealt with, and foul throwing, off-sido play, and back-charging explained. He also drew diagrams 011 a blackboard showing the best positions for players to take up for a kick-off, goal-kick, corner kick, free-kick, ctc. Considerable interest centred in tho discussion, and it was found that two hours was too short a timo in which to fully consider the subject. This is an excellent method of coaching up players in the game, and tho Post's Association scribe heartily commends it to every club in Wellington.