FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13268, 27 April 1905, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

Bv Fult. Bark. Footballers will gird up their loins in real earnest next Saturday, when a start will be made with the various grade matches in the Rugby Union's flag competitions.

An ex-Otugo representative in Dr Hotop, who wore the light blue jersey of tho Otago University, left for England by the Morayshire on Sunday to further, pursue his ctiidies. Dr Buck, the «c-New Zealand broad jump champion, follows later in tho year. Both ox-University footballers will follow up tho game in England. ~ When tho Otago University football team visits Sydney in July next tho star player of the 'Varsity will not accompany the combination. Young Gilray is a student first and foremost, and a footballer after that. This is to say that he prefers missing the trip to Sydney to missing his University lectures. Sweeney, who is said to lio a, Manawatu representative, has joined the Kaikorai Club. Any player who comcs with the reputation of a " rep." is looked upon with reverencc until 110 shows his capabilities with a Rugby ball. There aro quite a number of new worshippers at the slirine of Rugby football in Dunodin this season. Now that the several clubs have got through their practices ono is able to get an idea of their prospocts. The Alhanibva Club lias suffered in some rospects since last soason. Men who have played prominently with tho Red-and-blacks, and have won thoir representative caps, who are spoken of as giving the gaino a rest, are Eobson, Mitcho'.l, and Given. The latter player is out of town, but is expected back shortly. Mitchell was reported to be about to join tho benedicts, while Hobson simply thinks of retiring. I will not be surprised to see all three playing before the season is far advanced. A trifle weak forward, Alhnmbra should, however, have a very strong rear division. Tho three-quarter lino will include Reid (late of Dunedin), with Bennct contre, and probably Slattery (of Wellington) on tho other wing. It is, however, rumoured that, albeit practising with Alhambra for a couple of Saturdays, the ex-Wellington rep. docs not intend to play throughout the season. " -Union, who made an cxcellont showing in all their matches last- season, anticipate doing even bettor this year, as thoy have a better team all round. Gray, late of Linwood (Christchurchl, has joined tho Maroons, and is .expected to turn out. quite a reliable full back. Tho three-quarter line will be » fairly speedy Irio, while the half back and five-eighths will lie good alike in defence and attack. Grant, late, of Milton, who has taken up his residence in Dunedin, lias joined the Union, and will play Ixihind the ecnim. The new-comer is a determined rush-stopper, and will help to take the burden of defence off W. Munro, who has borne it so long. Tho forwards, as has been tho case for some years, will bn light, hub fast, llowlatt, Harris, and M'Kcnaio will bo found in their old places in the vanguard. Union have been draivn against a pretty warm lot in Kaikorai for the first match of the season. One of_ tho strongest teams in town this season will nrobably turn out in Kaikorai, who, in addition to sevoral nromisiiig now pjayors, have worked tip a. healthy, stranninpr lot of juniors. It not infrequently happens that, a man having retired for a season or two fails on coming out attain to get back into mivtlimi; like his old form. Ono exception is Duncan, who in practice has been showing the rohd Jo all-oomers. Starting training early in the season, Duncan is now in great condition, and maybn ex poet "d to gliow glimpses of his old form during the season. At anyratf lip pnvposos, by liis nlny, proving Ihat ho is hot dono with, and that a place must be kept for him behind _ the scrummare. Kaikorai's thrce-quartor lino, with Booth, Armifr. and Dobson. enn reasonably-bo cxported to "do things" (luring tho season; while the half and five-eighth division may also bo depended noon' to dn good work. Morrison, a forward from the Dunediu Club, has been playing well in practice, and is certain to find a placo in the First Fifteenof tho hill team. Numerous losses have weakened Me Pirates.team,-particularly C. Hislop'a transfer to Balelutlia. Clark will probably fake Hislon's place behind the scrum. Miller, will bo playing fy!l hack for the skull and erossbones-team, ami in that''position, the Blacks can rest in security. The tlrecqnarter. line'-will' be rooro useful than briliant—this to-say, they will excel in defence rather than attack. Maybe not. Of- the forwards Donald Stuart will be "principal character,"-unless there is an ; ".unknown" who may take the honour from him. Temvick and" Wilson will, I talic'it-,

bo found, in -the .pack again this season.It was rumoured that the cx-Ohristehurch pjayer ■ was. ansious to make a namo for •himself in tho :threcquarter line. The'"die-hai'd" -Zingaris havo scoured ,a. clever five-eighth in A. Low, who is said to havo been mentioned in. connection with a 1 South Island team on one occasion. Low originally belonged, to Itavensbourno,- but for tho -past two years ho lias been in Nelson; where hi) has played several good games; In practice Low has proved himself'to bo u good man, and will certainly strengthen the Zingari back division. With Collie, Bolt, Low, and- Smith'the Zingari rearguard should be something to ponder on. The : forwards will again bo on tho light sido, but what they lack in weight they will make up in dash. Stewart, Abbott, Caradus,' and Low will form tho backbone of tile forwards. Dick Spiers and Hobbs aro also spoken of as about to play again.' _ The latter will play in the lock, a position tlwt was., troubling the selectors. Altogether the Zingari team should' give a Rood account of itself.-. during tho season. I had almcst forgotten to mention that Stewart, ono time of Pirates, is expected to win a placo in the Zingari forward lino this season.

Dunedin has suffered cruolly by the transferring of several of tlioir prominent players —notably Eeid, Don. and Morrison—to other.clubs. The. Dark Blues will, however, bo able to put a good Hiteon in tho field who wil| not cry "Hold, enough!" for lack of training. Last year's premiers.'have experienced 6sveral changes, amongst others two good forwards in Goodman and Taylor being mentioned as having retired from the game. Tho team, on tho whole, though not so strong-looking on paper as that of last season, can be depended on to put up many good games'in defence of the banner.

/ The efforts of several of the sotiior clubs ill lown to cater for tho Wednesday halfholiday persons by forming Wednesday teams havj met with poor support. The Dunedin, Eaikorai, and Union were the latest clubs to attempt to do something for their brethren, bnt the meetings railed for the purposo lapsed owing to tho poor support accorded. Evidently the bone and sinew of tho Wednesday half holiday man dots not look for development by Rugby football. It is. reported that Swannoll, of tho British torn, who left his "Rugby specials" behind him alter tho match against Otago and Southland last, year, intends returning for - his property, and settling down somewhere in New Zealand. Perhaps this is only gossip, for Swannoll has applied' for jicrniissioii to play for a club in the Sydney district competitions. An item about an English player of our acquaintance. I'\ C. H'ulme, Birkenhead Park's brilliant international half back, was damaged at Birkenhead on Saturday, March 4, while playing against Sale. Receiving a severo kick to an eld injury, he had to retiro from the gamo, and fears are entertained of his ability to turn out against Scotland.

How tiny train footballers in America.— The 'Harvard Athletic Committeo has offered William I'. Reid, the famous football coach—a graduate of the University in 1901 —the substantial salary of £700 a year for three years to train the cloven, and Reid has aeecptcd. It is evident that Harvard intends getting even with Yale, regardless of expense, as it is said that the rowing conch, Jim Wray, the Australian sculler, also has a record salary from'.what are known as the University Navy authorities.

In tile Schools International match between England ami Wales, decided on March 4 in the prcsenoo of 7000 spectators, "little.AValos" won hy two tries to nil. Harding, who was through these parts with tho British football team, is captain of London Wcbh, in whoso three-quarter lino figuro two other Welshmen not imkrown here—Llewellyn and Morgan. The football championships under the auspices of tho Auckland Rugby Union commence on Mav 6,

It is now definitely stated that George Smith, the onoe retired footballer, will come out again this season, playing centre threequarter for the City leain, Auckland;

It is reported that. Asher, "Opae" of that ilk, is not likely to play Itugby football this season.

Word has reached Wellington that it is practically certain a team of English, footballers will visit New Zealand in 1907. Several noted players will be able to make the trip, and it is expected ihat the team will be stronger both in backs and in forwards than last year's team.

ilas. lambiO; ono of the\ best forwards New Zealand ever turned out, died at Hawera on -Sat irday, April 15. Lambio played for Taranaki, and was a member of the Now Ze.iland team which visited Sydney in 1803.

Tho South African Rugby Union lias informed the authorities in Sydney that it is not possible to send a team to Australia this season, as a visit was expected from the New Zealanders on their way cither to or from England The matter, is was promised, would bo mentioned at the annual meeting of the South African body as to any future action.

At a meeting of the Auckland ■ Rugby Union, held last week, Ihe following office, bearers wero elected:— President, Mr A. E. Devore; vice-presidents—Messrs J. Arncil, F. M. Jervis. and C. Ilosketh; secretary, Mr C. E. MacCormick; treasurer, Mr 0. V. Langsford; auditors, Messrs P, I{. Fraser and T. Macky; Commitee of Management— Messrs M. .T. Sheehan, R. B. Lu'ilc, C. P. Stichbury. 11. Conquer, F. J. Ohlson, Swnnntjll. the British forward, captained' the North Sydney Probables against the Possibles, aptl led his side t9 victory bv 10 points to nil. ' Swannoll was asked if there .was any chance of Bedcll-Sivright, the oantain of the last British team, playing in Sydney this season. The Britisher said ho did not think so, as tho famous forward was thinking of going Home again. "Still, I am going to write to sco if I can coax him," added Swannoll.

The action of a schoolmaster at one of the principal Sydney public schools in connection with tho game of football to bo played by his boys has caused comment in sporting cirnlos. The secretaries of the Now South Wales aijd Metropolitan Rugby Unions wero told that the boys desired to play tho Australian game, and the master intended to allow them to havo their own way. Something, however, prompted tho officials to asic that the boys should settle tho matter by a show of hands. Tho teacher was quite agreeable; but' ho was considerably taken aback at the result, "All those hoys who played the Australian game last season hold up their hands," was asked. Scareoly a hand was not raised. "All those boys who want to pky it again?" Not a hand went uij, but in answer to a query as to those who wanted to play Rugby every boy had his hand up. It is staled that tliis has happened at moro than ono school, and some of tho officials think oilier action should bo taken.

Tho animal meeting of the Johannesburg New Zcalandevs Football Club took place 011 March at Long's Hotel. Some forty mombois and intending members were pic-sent. The following office-bearer.? woro elected President, Sir W. Pott; vicepresidents—Messrs A. Jack, Loo Northeroft, W. Hutchison, J. W. A. Thomson. B. R. Avery, 11. Knight, and If. Dash wood; captain, Mr J. Low; vicc-captnin, Mr C. Poako; honorary secretary, Mr L. Sheffield: committee—Messrs Hobbs, M'Nab, and ■Northeroft. jun., with captain and vicecaptain; Selection Committee, Mr Dashwood and captain and .vice-captain; representative at annual' meeting of Rugby Union, Mr Hutchison. A gymnasium has for the use of members, and Mr Knight, a former representative Now Zealand player, kindly consented to act as conch at all practices. ASSOCIATION. Ohristehurch hai never belli a very happy tome for the Association game, but efforts are now boina made fco.placo tho game on a much sounder basis than formerly. Ir: .tho firs; match of tho International Championship sorics litis year Ireland succeeded in making a draw against England af Middlesbrough. Only oiice before, in ir>B4,_ at .'Belfast, have the Irishmen. been oven ,*o. successful.'so that their comparative success oil English soil for the first •time -must be peculiarly gratifying to tho Selection Committee, • who were so generally condemned -aoross / the water for tho eleven they had 'built-•'-.up. It was the goneral opinion that with a hettcr:construetcd forward line tho. Celts might have gained their first, victory over England. A strong executive committee lias l>een appointed by the council of the •X.S.'W.F.A. to^ control, all .matters connected with the N.Z.-lour. The Epping itccreclion (iroiintl at Forest Lodgo lias been scoured for the season, aiid with a few alterations will bo able , to accommodate tho big gates eipeeied when, tlio New Zealanders arrive. 'l'he Kai&ngala A;;-csiation football team joirneyod .to NiglitcaiM on Good Friday, slid played a inatch with the- local tcairi there; . Tho'. teams were comprised as follows;—Kaitangata— Pilling, Allan, Dobie, U.. and A.. Miiltllemnss,. A. Kane, Gage, Cairns, .Robertson, Sbarp, ,1.. Oliver; Nightcaps—Richardson, J. M'Kenzio, M'Neil, Dempster, Wallace, D. M'Kenzio, Thomson, T. and J. Joby, Lewis, Cousins. Mr Jackson j;avc every satisfaction as referee. 'J he gamo was of a. fast-, and interesting characletyand. resulted in a win for Kaiiangara by three goals to two.; The visitors played with splendid ; ::ombination, and gave a really goad ejepositfon'of the game. . The local' team appeared to lack practice, al-

though they showed up well occasionally. ; Goals wero scored for Kaitangata by Sharp, - .Middleman, and Kano'j for • Nightcftps, by Thomson and Cousins. Tho visitors wero entertained 111 the evening at ft smoke concert. Mr Xl'Konzio presided, and in tho courso of his remarks said that ho thought tho, gamo : was dying out in Southland, as' Nightcaps was the only club that had held a meeting this season, nnd' although they had written to tho contro in Invercargill, no reply been forthcoming. Mr John Oliver icspobdcd on behalf of Kaitangata,' and exprasscd thanks for tho kindly treatment that the had received,"liild hoped that the fixture would bo ail annual ono. _ A long list of toasts, songs, and rewas gone through, tho .function terminating ait 11 p.m., a very onjoyablo evening having been'spent. _Some questions answered in ' Athletio News:—The roferea was correct. A player shot "at' the goal, and tho ball hit tho icfereo and rebounded through tho goal. Tho goal should ooimt, a? tho referee does not, count. Sco end of Law 4.

The rcfereo awarded a free kick, placed the ball, and blew tho whistle. Tho player to ti'ko tho kick handled tho ball to put it in a better position. He is entitled to touch tho ball with his hands boforo thp kick, to put it in tho way ho prefers it, but must not removo it fioui tho ■ place where tho rcfereo pointed out. If ho docs that the referee should see it is placed hack in tho proper position before ho allowa the kick.

(1) A player taking the kink-off-to start o/ restart a game from the centre of the field of play is not obliged to pais tho ball to his oomrades, but may -kick it straight up tho field of play. (2)-]} takes, tho ball behind tho backs, but is on-side ' because he was on-sido when the ball was last played.

lv was on-side in your diagram because ho had thrco opponents near their own goal line when his comrade 0 plavcd the ball. He started on-sido to run "for the bai , and when, he reached it was, of course still on-side, though by thin he was behind the backs.

(1) A goal may not be scored direct from a corner kick. (2). A' goal cannot bo scored direct from a throw-in from touch. (3) a. goal kick is taken and tho ball strikes t,n referee .and rebounds through goal, a corner ikicic would be the correct dccisiou.