PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14089, 18 December 1907, Page 5

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

NEWS V,Y MAIL.

Press Aaaociation—By Tolegraph—Copyright.

SYDNEY, December 17.

Commenting on the lour of the New Zealand footballers, the Daily Telegraph says that the Wigan match wis noteworthy for much good plav. If was characterised by strenuous resolve and alertness in attacking. Wigan threw every ounce of their iiiserve strength into the contest, and maintained a strong defence, combined with clover attack. The colonials, who had not properly mastered the technicalities of the .game, as their frequent infringements of the law proved, were not so polished in passing or so smart or straight in their running as in recent matches. Thoy also suffered hecause of their feeble attacking. The Daily Chronicle, commenting on the Barrow match, sayti that New Zealand met their second defeat, though their victors were not counted among the best clubs in the Northern Union. Barrow, however, had not been beaten at home this season, and thev accomplished all that was expected of them by better football, finer movements, and more effective tackling. The New Zealandois seemed quito halfhearted in their operations, and positively courted defeat. Nothing exciting occurred ill the first half. The football was 110110 too good, and the tonus appeared to be well matched. Harrow certainly ehaped better, and the visitors were hard pressed on several occasions. At length a clever effort on the part of tho home team resulted in their scoring a try, which was not converted. A few minutes afterwards the New Zealanders attacked with vigour, and Smith showed his speedy mulling l>y scoring a grand try. Wrigley failed with the kick at goal, and the scores at half-time were oven—a try each. The second half, though contested with exceptional energy, which at times almost developed into roughness, demonstrated how evenly the teams were matched. Several limes tins visitors appeared to be on the point of scoring, but they failed to penetrate the defence, while, on the other hand, Burrow, after having a good many chances, were, able to score again and end the game with the defeat of the colonials by 6 points to 3.

The Daily News says that at the start the ground was in good condition, hut afler the interral the game was spoilt l>y heavy rain. The Barrow team was very slroiig forward, and the backs tackled gamely. In the first half they played gocd football, and tliere was little to choose between the teams, but after the interval Barrow showed to greater advantage. The New Zealanders occasionally pressed tho home team, but they could not beat down the defence. Barrow fully deserved tho victorv, which was gained largely by Splendid tackling. Towards the end of the ga-me the play was unnecessarily rough. Tho New Zcalimdcrs had sonio good points, but they disappointed the spectators.

The Daily Telegraph considers that tho play generally favoured the Lancashire club. The colonials' attack was again disappointing, many opportunities being badly bungled, while as a. defensive forcc they were not as formidable as ill recent contests. The New Zealanders played pluckily to the end. but defensive measures occupied too much of their attention to allow them to become really dangerous. SPREAD OF PROFESSIONALISM. A I-HGIILY SUCCESSFUL TOUR. (Pmi United Press Association.) AUCKLAND. December 17. In a letter Jo an ollirial of the Auckland Rugby Union, dated Noveinlier 7, Mr J. C. Olee.-on. acting ;\s secretary to the New Zealand professional feotl.ajlers, says' Professionalism' ; s extending all throuidi Wales, and 1 think Swansea and Cardiff will lie playing piofefyional football next year. In nine matches played, fo far we have far exceeded the takings of the last team, ami we expect tremendous gates at Wigan. OUllia.ni, and Ilunslct (December 26). After next week it will be all prolit. as our expenses arc now all ]>aid. We will probably play three test inaiches-one in Leicester (which has revolted against (be amateur code), one in Wales, and one in London. I' honestly think this tour will realise £10.000 profit,"