FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1912, 13 July 1888, Page 26

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FORWARD.

The match on Saturday between the University and Union Clubs, which was played on the North ground, was one of the hardest struggles

have witnessed for many a loag day. The Varsity, it must be admitted, scored a very ucky win ; but they are also deserving of every credit for the manner in which they staved off the repeated attacks of the powerful Union forwards. Their score at the start of the game was got under most peculiar circumstances. Just after the kick-off the Union forwards by a brilliant loose dribbling rush >£ot right in front of the 'Varsity goal, and a certain score was spoilt by a little, bit of hand ball. A scrum was formed right in front of the goal and the 'Vartity forwards cleared their lines in fine style. The ball was swept right down the field in a twinkling, and Bee was collared with the ball in his possession and hustled over the line. He failed either to force down or kick into touch, and losing possession of the ball altogether it was promptly touched down by one of the 'Varsity forwards. The whole thing was done in far less time than it takes to write it, and within about five minutes of the kick-off Murray had landed a splendid goal from a try, amid the che«rs of the supporters of the Light Blues.

Towards tho end the play became de-y^rahe, and the 'Varsity players had all the wor&tof the game. The place-kicking of tho Union men, however, was execrable. They ought easily to have won the game from the tries they had at goal from place-kicks, but in no case were their attempts successful, and so the 'Vardity Won by a goal to two tries. The play of the 'Varsity backs was all that could be desired under tho circumstances, though occasionally mistakes were made. The full back was not nearly good enough for a first team, and he frequently made the mistake of standing too close up to his three-quarters — an unpardonable fault in a full back, especially when his men are playing a defensive game. Cook \% a tower of strength to his team. Ho shows better judgment than any player I have seen this season excepting Keogh, and his cool play behind the scrum often saves his forwards a lot of hard work. I should very much like to see Cook in the interprovincial team this year. Thomson also played well, but I fancy he has fallen off somewhat of late. Probably his injured shoulder and hard university work have put him a little bit out of form. At all events he has frequently been Been to better advantage than on Saturday last. Murray is a little disappointing after the great talk we heard about him at the beginning o£ the season, but I fancy he will make a firatclass back yet. The Union forwards.as already remarked, area very powerful lot, but they lack combination, and seem to play without judgment whenever an opportunity offers. They are points ahead of their 'Varsity opponents, but somehow or other they did not seem able to take full advantage of their superiority in the match on Saturday. Of their backs Croxford is perhaps the best all round man. He should improve his play somewhat by running in a more direct line. It is all very well to make a fine sprint across the ground, but a short run of 10yds in a direct line frequently results in more ground being gained. The Dunedin v. Zingari-Richmond match was rather a surprise. Most people thought thn D. F. C. team would win, and their players still think they ought to have won, but the verdict at " time " was a try to nothing against them. There was some good play on both sides, and the game all through was a close and exciting one. Next Saturday the first of |the trial matches with the view of selecting a team to do battle against the Maoris will be played. The Match Committee have a lot of good players to select from, and they should be able to get a very strong team together — much better than the one that played against the Englishmen. The Maoris play at Christchurch on the 21sfc inst., and Dunedin on the 28th. As will be seen from the appended report, they received a severe drubbing from the Aucklanders on Saturday last. Mr Warbrick has written to the secretary of the O.R.F.U. assuring him that none of the members of his team will participate in the takings. He says his team are all amateurs, only too glad of the opportunity of being able to visit the Home Country free of cost.

The last of the club matches at Invercargill, between the Pirates and Star Clubs, resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. The Pirates won the toss and thus had the benefit of a strong wind, but beyond forcing the Star down on several occasions they were unable to score. At half time the wind had lulled considerably, but even then the Star had a littlo the better of the game, although all their efforts to score were futile. De Joux, with a fine ran, placed the Pirates' goal injjjeopardy. After this the Pirates' forwards playing well togetler worked the ball towards the Star line, where it was when time was called. For the Star, De Joux, M'Mastcr, Timbs, Murphy, M'Robie, Bridge, and Brownlie; and for the Pirates, Ekensteen, Galbraith, Hawke (2), and Pay ware the beat. The next match, which is the last of the town mateh eB, is between the Invercargill Club and Star. The scores of the different clubs at present are :. Pirates 3 points; Invercargill, 2s ; Star, 2J ; so that if the next match results in a draw all three clubs will come out level, and whichever way it goes there can only be at the most one point of difference betwpen the highest and the lowest. The S.R.F.U. have secured the right to play on the old Caledonian ground, which with a few improvements can be made a really good ground.

A football match was played on Thursday between the past and present pupils of the Waitaki High School, and resulted in a draw. The game was exceedingly fast throughout. In the second spell S. Reid gained a try for the School, but Roberts' kick did not improve the score. Just before time Jones, for the old boys, ran down the field and scored, nobody attempting to collar him, as the ball had been held before bein g passed to him . Neither umpire saw it, and the referee, who says that ib was held, was unable to blow his whistle since neither umpire held up his flag. Jones took the kick, but failed to send the ball between the posts. Reid and Fenton had two unsuccessful pots, the former's kick going a few feet to one side, and the latter's under the bar. Proctor also made a good shot. It would be hard to pick out anyone for special mention, as nearly everyone on both sides played well.

The Oamaru Athletics pasily defeated Waimate. For the victors. Glass, Hurst, M'Culloch (backs), and WaddeU (who was the best forward on the ground), Wildisb, Cooper, and .Kleeber (forwards) played well ; as did Roxby, G'mn. Studholme (forwards), Freeman, Tbyne, aud Opie (backs) for the losers. Messrs Burns and d'Emden acted as umpires, while Mr J. Christie officiated as referee in a very satisfactory manner. The visitors were afterwards entertained at Sherwiu's hotel.

■ A writer in tho Western Star says : — I have it on good authority that Lee, who is at present with Warbrick's team, has aerain been injured while playing, and it is likely he will not be able to go to England with the team.

An Oamaru exchange says t — We understand that the Maori football team intend playing a match in Oamaruj and also that endeavours are being made to get the English team to play.' Should these matches be arranged, it would be well for the best players of the different clabs to go into active training, so as to make a good fight with the visitors. A sum of money has already been guaranteed towards the expenses of the English team. At a meeting of the Rugby Union, at Wellington, exception was taken to the statements recently published that the Wellington team played roughly in the match with the English team. Delegates present who had played in the match stated that there was no unnecessary roughness, and they characterised the statement as utterly devoid of truth.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES. Dunedin v. Zingabi-Richmond. The return match between the Dunedin and Zingari-Rictmond- teams, in which it Was expected that the former would wipe out the defeat inflicted on them by the Zingari at the beginning of the season, was played on the Caledonian ground. The match, however, did not turn out as expected, for the Dunedin again suffered a reverse by 1 point to nil. The Dunedin's skipper took advantage of the strong wind that was blowing during the .first spell. Gsquilant accordingly set the ball in motion, and the Zinagari-Richmond forwards, following up smartly, were on Mill before he could return it. Scrum followed scrum, and gradually the Dunedin's ground was reached. Esquilant made a nice pass to Wintrop, who travelled some distance before he was stopped. Immediately after the last named took a flying shot at goal, which however fell short, and Dunedin forced down. Bishop's services were now called into requisition by the Dunedin, but he was too well watched, and Macfarlane's tackling was a dit too good. He, however, got some useful punts in, wbioh helped his side a great deal. So far the Dunedin had had the worst of the game, but now they warmed up to their work, and with some dribbling of a superior order, in which Stephenson, Carter, Hunter, and Martin shared, the ball was taken for the first time into Zingari quarters. Here it remained for a little until O. Fulton made a well-judged pass to Mill, and the latter executed a brilliant run and all but scored, Deaker just managing to shunt him into touch. The attack on the Zingari lines was long sustained, but the defence was too good and Harper and Fulton too well watched to allow of their efforts to score being effective, and half-time was called without any advantage to either side. On recommencement of plav,the Zingari kicking with the wind aud playing in a determined manner placed their opponents at once on the defensive, and Proctor had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Shortly after the same player made a nice dribble through a loose scrum and passed out with his feet to Brodrick, who was thus enabled to securo the only try obtained during the match. Wintrop's place kick did not add to the score. From this to the close the play was fast and furious, and huge efforts to equalise matters were made by the Blues, but though they had their opponents penned for a considerable time on their line they could not get over. Budge, Webb, Wales, and Treston now came away with a rush, and a punt by Brodrick sent the leather further afield. Another piece of good passing on the part of Webb, Rallingshaw, and Peterson brought the scene of play close to Dunedin's goal line, where Proctor made a splendid dash and all but scored, and the referee's whistle thereafter sounded time. The forwards on both sides played a sterling game, that of Stephenson, Webb, Treston, and Turnbull being conspicuously good. Harper was not seen at his best, neither was Taiaroa, but O. Fulton and Mill. played excellently. Proctor, the Zingari half back, showed the best back play on the ground, while Wintrop was always about when wanted. The umpires were Messrs Mill and Marchbanks, and Mr Chapman was referee. -

Kaikoeai v. Taieri.

These clubs met for the second time this season on Saturday at the Kaikorai ground, and both put their best teams into the field. The ground, notwithstanding the heavy snow storm just before the game started, was in good condition, but there was a very strong wind blowing across. The Kaikorai had unquestionably the best of the game, scoring 5 points to nothing. From the kick-off by Kaikorai the ball was well returned, and play at once centred in Kaikorai's twenty-five, but the Blue and Blacks playing a loose game managed to clear their lines, and the play for most of the spell was in raid-field. In the second spell Gibson kicked off, and the Kaikorai forwards at once carried the ball to the Taieri territory, where it was passed to Davie, who after a good run scored a try, no goal resulting. On the ball being kicked out the Taieri forwards, notably Gibson, Allan, and Anderson, followed up well and carried the ball to Kaikorai's twenty-five, and were doing their utmost to improve the shining hour. But Douglas, calling on his men, carried the leather right down the field, and Keogh getting tho ball from a scrummage passed to M'lntrye, who as quick as lightning dropped a grand goal. Shortly after tho kick out the ball was back again into Taieri quarters, where Davie again getting the leather, secured another try, the kick again proving fruitless. Shortly afterwards "no side " was called. Messrs Wedderspoon and Kerr umpired and Mr Clothier acted as referee, Torrance, Armit, Hill, and M'Naught were the best of the Kaikorai forwards, and the whole of the backs played well. Of the Taieri forwards Rowan, Gibson, Anderson, and Allan shone most, and of tho backs Murdoch and Ogilvie were the best.

Union v. University.

Those who journeyed to the Northern ground on Saturday were not disappointed in seeing one of the most exciting games played this season. The rain which fell early in the afternoon made the ground very greasy, and considerably damped the Blue supporters ; but the Colours and their followers, as they got out their umbrellas and buttoned up their overcoats, thought of the days when on this historic ground the Union and their old rivals, the D.F.C., had many a tough game. Shortly after 3 o'clock Milne having won the toss kicked down hill, and the next 10 minutes Raw as phenomenal a game as was ever played here. From Milne's kick the ball was returned well up the field ; Reid secured it and found it difficult to get on his ieet, but with a supreme effort he landed the ball just outside the twentyfive flag and sat down. From the throw out some loose play followed, and soon Gordon was struggling in a Blue embrace just under the 'Varsity posts. Murray, however, warded off the danger and once more sent the ball flyiog down to the Union's twenty-five. H^re the Reds repeated j Reid's performance, and Bee before he knew where he was ran back over his own line • and let go the ball, which Smith promptly approprinted and sab down on. Murray kicked a goal. Following closely on the kick out the Maroons were twice in quick succession forced down, but just before half-time they managed to work up the field chiefly owing to Croxford s splendid play, and from a scrum close to the ,

Blue's line Gordon forced , himself over and touched down; his attempt at goal, however was a failure. The second spell was 1 rather a tame'affair after the wild excitement of the -first;, and time after time the unfortunate classic youths were sent skating and floundering the wrong way under the combined packing of the Reds. The 'Varsity, however, rose to the occasion, and kept their line comparatively fiee, though the Reds, not to be denied, touched down once again and got three marks in good positions. Gordon, Beadle, and Bee took the places, 'but made nothing of them. Thus the game ended, leaving the junior club 1 point to the good. The feature of the game was certainly the splendid combined play of the Union forwards ; while behind, Croxford and Bee did most of the work. For the winners, Cook, Thompson, and Murray often completely changed the fortune of the game by their running and long raking kicks. Of the forwards, Smith and Morgan might be specialised for the way they kept on'the ball and came through the scrum, and Canterbury College may expect a warm time of it next month, — " Rhadamanthus."

CHRIST'S COLLEGE V. DUNEDIN HIGH

SCHOOL. Cheistchurch, July 7.

The annual match between the Dunedin High School and Christ's College was played here today on tlie' College ground in the presence of a large number of spectators, a very considerable proportibh of whom were ladies. The weather was perfection, and the ground in splendid order. During the first spell there was no score, but the College was forced down twice, the School forwards, despite their comparative lightness, showing to advantage both in the ficrnm and in the open. Early in the second spell M'Brearty carried the ball over the line and secured a try; A. Gillies, taking the kick, failed to enhance the score. Shortly afterwards C. Gibson also got over, but the try was disallowed Just as time was on the point of being called the College, with a good spurt, took . the ball right down the ground, and Wigley, passiug to A. Williams, that player with an irresistible rush got behind the line. From the try a goal was kicked. Time was then called', leaving the College victorious by a goal to a try The losers played with hard luck, as they had much the best of the game throughout, the College being forced down four times.

In the evening the two teams had tea together, and afterwards adjourned to a concert in the school library. On Monday the, team will be driven out to Sumner.

WARBRICK'S NATIVE TEAM v. AUCK-

LAND.

Auckland, July 7.

The football match between Auckland representatives and the Native team which is to visit England was played to-day at the Tramway ground, Epsom, and resulted in a victory for Auckland by 9 points to nil. The weather was fine but cold. About 4000 people witnessed the game. The teams were as follows : — Maoris (all black with silver fern) : Full back — D. ! Gage; three-quarter backs— J. A. Warbrick (captain), W. J. Wysard, W. Warbrick ; half backs — Ihinaira, Fred. Warbrick ; forwards— G. Williams, Webster, A. Warbriok, Wi Karawai, R. Wynyard, G. Wynyard, T. Ellison, Tare, R Taiaroa. Auckland (blue and white): Full back — T. Brown ; three-quarterbacks—R.Mase-field, E. M'Causland, C. Maddigan ; half backs— W. Elliott, R. Braund, H. Stephenson ; forwards — T. O'Connor (captain), J. G. Lecky, R. Crowe, W. Hobson, H. Poland, R. M'Kenzie, C. Maskell, O. Wells. J. Arneil was umpire for Auckland and T. Ryan for the Native Team, and T. Mackay was referee. Before play was commenced the footballers assembled in front of the pavilion, and the mayor, Mr A. E. Devore, made a presentation of medals on behalf of Mr H. Brett, proprietor of the Auckland Star, to the Auckland representative team which .defeated the English footballers on May '24. As the Natives entered the ground they were loudly cheered. Warbrick won ' the toss, and the visitors elected to pick the western goal, kicking with the wind and the sun behind (them. The kick-off was followed by some fast punting play and scrum work, and eventually from a kick by Braund, J. Warbrick got the ball and mads a grand rush down the line, but when about to score he was cleverly caught by Brown and thrown into touch. The Auckland forwards by nice dribbling carried the leather back to centre field, and here the Natives shoved their opponents before them, play being transferred to the other side of the ground. In consequence of the rushes of the opposing forwards about this time, J. Warbrick retired, having injured his ankle, but he shortly afterwards came on again After some fast work, Stephenson passed to Braund, who in turn passed to Madigan, who tried to cross the line, but failed. Stephenson however, again gained possession of the leather, and scoured the first score for Auckland. M'Causland took the place kick, but no goalresulted. Score : Auckland, 1 ; Natives, 0. From the return after the kick off the ball went out, and when it was thrown in M'Jlenzie made a serviceable run and passed to Elliott, who in turn passed to Madigan, who made a futile effort to get over the goal line, being splaudidly grassed by W. Warbrick. A series of packed scrummages now took place at the centre flag, when Warbrick by a hard punt from the half-way flag forced Auckland down. Ihinaria, who .was a tower of strength to the Maori team and was playing with great determination, made a clever ,run, knocking down three of the Auckland backs in succession, when he was caught, but he again spurted until the Auckland men cleared their 'lines by good dribbling. From a scrum' M'Kenzie came through, and being well backed up by Elliott and Lecky, dribbled the ball over the line and M'Kenzie scored Auckland's second try. Masefield made a good kick at goal from a difficult angle, but failed to increase the score, which stood : Auckland, 2 ; Natives, 0. Shortly after the kick off J. Wynward made a dashing run, passing Auckland' 6 full hack, but Madigan and MaseSeld collared him, and a tight scrum resulted close to the Auckland goal line. Ihinaira nearly got over the line, but he also lost the ball, and the Aucklanderfi, with Wells at their head, cleared their quarters by a dribble up the field. Williams, for the Maoris, then got up a dribble, when Braund, picking up, punted,' and the forwards following up got on a fine rush, taking the ball to the Maori line. Gage saved his side by picking up, and then continuous scrums ensued in the Maori twenty-five. F. Warbrick, however, carried the ball to neutral territory, when Mansfield passed to Stephenson, who was collared and retired stunned, but after the lapse of a few minutes entered the field again. Auckland was again compelled to force down. Tare got away with a run, but Elliott brought him down. Brannd passed out to Elliott, who made a fine dashing run and was almost in, but was dropped down on the goal line, and half-time was called shortly afterwards. J. Warbrick did not play in the second spell, and besides this disadvantage the visitors had the sun in their eyes during the last 45 minutes. Madigan made a splendid run down the line shortly after the kick-off, aud was thrown into touch-in-goal by W. Warbrick. Gage kicked off, and the ball then remained for some time in neutral territory, when it was

eventually passed out to Elliott, who ran down the line, fending splendidly. 'He dodged five or six opponents, but was tackled and shouldered out of bounds by A. Warbrick. Elliott then threw in, and the Auckland forwards rushed the ball up the line, and Crowe fell on the ball and scored the third try for Auckland. The kick at goal by M'Causland was unsuccessful. The Aucklanders were playing much more scientifically than their opponents, and within a few minutes the ball was passed by Brauud to Masefield, who made the run of the day. Commencing from the half-way flag right through the Maorj backs, and easily dodging Gage he ran behind the goal, obtaining another try. M'Causland took the kick, and placed an easy goal. Score : Auckland, 6; Natives, nil. Elliott made another fine run, but he was caught by Gage within 10yds of the Maoris' goal line, and scrums resulted, when Wells got possession of the leather and passed to Stephenson, who ran in, and Auckland's fifth, try was recorded. , The kick was again entrusted to M'Causland, who sent the ball between the bars in grand style. Score : Auckland, 9; Natives, nil. The Natives got up a grand rush when the ball was kicked off, headed by Webster and W. Wynyard, the latter kicking hard down the field to Brown. Gage stopped a return rush, and then Taiaroa came through, and G. Wynyard got a mark at about half-way flag; matters worked to the Aucklands' twentyfive, and Braund put in some smart play, frusterating the efforts of the Native team who were working hard. W. Wynyard, Ihinaira, W. Warbrick, Tare, and Taiaroa being prominent. Several hard scrums ensued in Auckland's twenty-five, and it seemed that the Maoris must score, for the Blues were now playing listlessly, but at last the latter brought the ball from their quarters and Elliott nearly scored. The Maoris forced down twice in rapid succession, and after this the game was very open, resulting in a decided victory for Auckland. The visitors seemed exceptionally weak in collaring and passing, whilst there are only one or two of, the team who can be proficient in fending. After the opening of the second spell they showed very little form, and it was only towards the end that they played with anything like the dash which marked their game at the beginning. J. Warbrick has broken a small bone near the ankle, and will not be able to play for some time.

B. M'Causland, the well-known footballer, is to accompany the Native team to England as secretary and umpire.

THE AUCKLAND VISIT.

The Aucklandets have now definitely decided not to send down a team this season. This looks very like showing the white feather. Besides, it is rather rough on the Obago Union, who have entered into financial arrangements in anticipation of the Auckland team's visit, which otherwise they might not have undertaken. What about the recent decision of the Auckland Union in the face of the following letter which tho O.R.F.U. received last April : —

Dear Sir, — I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 9th ultimo, which was considered at a committee meeting held on Tuesday last.

In reply I am directed to inform you that as early as the commencement of last season we decided to send a team South during the current years. ' All our visitors during last season were informed of our intention, and as the matter has been' continually talked and written about since, players and public alike expect the trip to eventuate. Under these circumstances my committee feel bound to carry out their original intention and travel during this season.

We regret very much that our visit is likely to inconvenience your union, but would remind you that our trip was decided upon long before either Lilly white's or Warbrick's was thought of .—Yours, &c, G. H. Dixon, Hon. Sec."

THE ENGLISH TEAM IN AUSTRALIA. A CHAT WITH CAPTAIN SEDDON.

The English team of footballers, who are being pioneered through the Australasian colonies by Messrs J. Lilly white and A. Shrewsbury, of cricket fame, left Sydney by the express, and were met at the Benalla railway station by a Herald representative on the Thursday morning. Through P. G. M'Shane and Lawlor, who have accompanied the Englishmen on their travels, an introduction'was obtained to Mr R. L. Seddon, of Broughton, Lancashire, who is the captain of the visitors. A hasty breakfast was partaken of and the train resumed its journey. Mr Seddon, who is a stalwart specimen of humanity aud jolly at that, then unburdened himself. Of course the conversation turned upon what show the Englishmen would have with the Victorians in the Australasian game. ■ Mr Seddon, who is a capital conversationalist, said : At first when our fellows heard or read of the Australian game we certainly did not favour it in the least, as it is quite a different game to ours. Under Victorian rules knocking the ball forward and off side play is allowed, but not so under our rules. Naturally the impulse i* in seeing that style of play for the first time to say, " That is wrong." But after the practice we had in Sydney yesterday, our fellows seemed to rather like the game, and in fact, some of the -men said they liked it better than Rugby. Bub for myself, I would rather wait and play in a few matches before I give an authoritative opinion. However, I have not the least doubt that after we have played a few matches we will acquire such a knowledge of the' various tactics that we will be able to give a good account ef ourselves, againsb the best teams in Melbourne.

How many practices have you had ? — Just about four.

And in England ?— None, r We heard you had the rules in England ?—? — The rules were only haaded to us when we had been a week on our voyage hither. The only idea we had was a statement in the Manchester paper that the ball had to be bounced every seven yards. Now, in reference to the bouncing of the ball, my opinion is that it is hardly necessary to do so. Very prominent features of your game are the long kicks to each other and the awarding of free kicks for breaches of the rules. Ido not see why a man should risk a run with the trouble of bouncing the ball when with a long kick he could send it to any player at another part of the field, and probably do more good. I admit that with yonr larger playing space if a man carried the ball as in Rugby he would perhaps be able to run the entire length of the field, and doubtless the rule requiring the ball to be bounced at intervals forms a good check against any such form of play. Should a man do a run of 50yds, and lose his kick, would it not be just as well tohave kicked in the first instance. Had we picked a team to play the Australian rules we should have picked different men back. We thought in England we bad quite enough back players who could kick aud dodge and run. Our forwards are not expected to kick in the least, their great characteristics being the ability to dribble and tackle, and they must be of good fitamina. However, after a few practices our back men ought to play as well as yours. Personally, in the two or three practices I had in New' Zealand in your game, I kicked more than I had done in England for the past five years. Then & chat ensued as to the Rugby game as

played in New Zealand. Mr Seddon said: Throughout New Zealand the men, individually* are quite equal to our own players, bat they * seem to play exactly as we did in England two or three years ago. la England- the game is cut so very fine that we have found oat all the fine points, and we utilised our knowledge in New Zealand, and whilst the players there perhaps take a couple out of five chances we &core four out of five. The style of passing the ball iv New Zealand is certainly not equal to ours. Their idea of passing is to throw the, ball behind without looking where their men are placed. My opinion of passing is that a man should never pass unless the man he passes to is iv a better position than himself, and if he is charged he should turn his back towards the man who does so, and pass with both hands. I have continually drilled into our fellows the necesity of using both hands. The New Zealanders seemed to think that passing with one hand is good enough, but that is a mistake.

As to the physique of the New Zealandera ? — They are heavy men and good scrummagers: We do not believe in too much scrummaging, and try to make the game fast and open, and therefore we try to screw the, scrum in order to get the ball into the open. Why should we push through nine men when we can screw the ball out much quicker, ami, besides, the play is much prettier to watch. Then the New Zealanders do not play a proper.' concerted game. Sometimes a man got the ball, and could have passed to someone in a good position to " run in "; but the man seemed to forget that there were 14 other men on his side, and his 6ole idea was to score a try, and everything else went out of his head except the iclan of crossing the line. In our team the men play to each other, and pass at the proper opportunities. Perhaps the New Zealanders are a little better in scrummaging than we are. ,

Your men have, been accuse! of rough play? — The only timo we have been accused of rough- , ness was at Wellington, and considering that up to half time four of our men had been carried out of the field I think the roughness was on the other side. We heard before we got to Wellington what to expect there. I told their captain, King, thab if their men did not play loss roughly I would withdraw, my team from the, field, as we had only a certain number of men to fall back upon during the whole of our tour. King said they ought to give and take in a game of the kind. It was very well for King, because Wellington could easily supply half a dozen men for vacancies. We were treated splendidly in Otago. Ido not think there is much difference* , between the provinces Canterbury, Otago, and Auckland, so far as /play is concerned. Tho Taranaki backs were certainly the best tacklers we have met. In the second half we pressed th,o game, but could not score, owing to their splendid tackling. They won this match, bui; it must be remembered we had travelled all night by steamer, on which we could not get berths. We landed at 11 o'clock in the morning and played in the afternoon. As to the Rugby game in New South Wales ? We were well treated there. The New South Wales players are certainly not up to the Now Zealand standard. Generally they are much too small for Rugby. They are thus placed at a disadvantage. They have some smart players, but I think a " good big one " is better than a " big little one." They are three or four years behind the time.

They made a draw with you up Parramatta road?— Yes, King's College, past and present players, nine of the best men being former students. I imagine that most of our fellows were sore and stiff in the first half, as the College scored two goals, which meant 10 points. Our fellows woke up and scored five tries in the second ihalf, equal to 10 points. Three out ( of the five points were behind the posts. As to New South Wales players, Colquhoun, a.threeqaarter back for Sydney, is a very smart player indeed. Wade is also a good mßn. He was nob picked in the refcnrn match, and I think it was the greatest mistake made. Cameron, a little fellow, half back, played a very pretty game, but prottiness has not much effeot in Rugby. As to the disqualification of Clowes, of Halifax, by the English Rugby Union?— We cannot play Clowes at all. I think the Rugby Union have dealt harshly with him. Had he known- he would become a professional for accepting a comparatively small sum of money for his outfit he would not have taken it. ~ He wanted to give the money back through the secretary of the union.. The Yorkshire County have been trying to get the disqualification removed without success.

It is stated that the whole of the members of the present team will be called upon to show cause why they should not be deemed professionals?—lf lam called upon I will ignore the matter altogether. They must prove me to be a professional. Ido not think I ought to be called upon to prove lam not. One of their rules is simply that clubs can pay travelling and hotel expenses for their players, and what more haa been done in this instance Ido not know. So far as I can judge not one of our players has received any money for his services. I have, not, and IJknow for a certainty others have not. Why should the English Rugby Union objeot to the tour ?— I do not know why they should object. Shaw intimated his willingness that they should pick the team and manage it altogether, and they said they could not get up a team. He said he would get up a team and placo it in their hands. They objected to the various propositions, and ' would take no notice of the team now out here. I think some opposition came from cricketing circles, because Shrewsbury, Brann, Stoddart, and Smith were wanted at home for the cricket season. ' ' , What kind of grounds did you play on in New Zealand ?— I have never played on better grounds. You see they are cricket fields. Now in England they will not allow football on cricket grounds, which are often almost under water in the wet season, consequently we secure a place with rough turf because it is always better for soakage. In New South Wales?— The grounds were hard, as rain had not fallen for some time. Is the assertion true that the Association is supplanting the Rugby game' at Home?~No, I believe the professional element will sap the foundations of the Association game. Good juniors are snapped up, and thus the sources of the supply are checked. Junior 'clubs are afraid to let it be known that they have good men.

Your average weight in your first match, in New Zealand was given as 12st 4£lb ?— That is about the average. Paul is about 13st 111b; Thomas, 12st 131b; Mather, 13st 111b; and Bumby, 12st 111b. . ' During the course of the conversation Mr Seddon stated that the team would not have suffered the two defeats, one by Taranaki and the other by Auckland, if it had not been for the <! too good treatment " extended to them by the New Zealanders. Summed-up, his opinion is that in Maoriiand there is plenty of • good material for Rugby footballers. But he is evidently possessed of a poor opinion as to the merits of the players in 'New South Wales. Ho believes that .Warbrick's team of Maori footballers will not display more than ordinary club form in their matches in England.' He casually heard the other day that they had been beaten j . ■ • ■'<•' ' ■

ia New Zealand. He thought that tkefe were Bomo "" professionals "in the Maori team. He was- pleased to hear cf tb.e establishment of Eugby Union clubs in Melbourne. He was acquainted with the two Scarborough.!;, who were in that club. Tom Scarborough used to play for Yorkshire County, and was a very good dodger aud runner, and was noted at Home for his •dodging rnns. He was under the impression that Chapman, of the same club, used to play at Home, and if so they were acquainted. Mr Seddon concluded his talk of football, pure and simple, by a statement that O'Connor, of Auckland, was about the best man they ever met in New Zealand. They had heard a great deal of Whiteside, the Auckland threequarter back, but he was unfortunately burt at the commencement of the game, and they had no chance of seeing what he could do. . Relapsinginto general conversation Mr Seddon gave a vivid description of a day's sport at Batnurst, the best outing he had had during his trip.

The Englishmen are getting rather tired of the Victorian game, and want to return to New Zealand , where they can have another go at Rugby. It is no wonder they have not been able to win many matches in Victoria, for what with travelling, banqueting, and playing so many matches, they must by this time be getting very stale. The following paragraph, which I clip from the Melbourne Sportsman, will give some idea of what they have undergone: " The Englishmen had a big programme nrranged for last week. They started at Maryborough on Wednesday, and were just put through by the locals, who scored four goals to three. From thence they journeyed to Ballarat, and on Friday tried conclusions with the South Ballarat in the presence of a very large crowd of spectators. In this contest, however, they were again unsuccessful, as three goals was all they could manage i»gainstthe South Ballarat's sevenv After & hurried look round the lake and other sights of the Golden City a return was made to the metropolis, and on Saturday the Fitzroy •were tackled by the doughty Englishmen on the Fitzroy cricket ground. The effects of their previous exertion soon told upon the visitors, who did not exhibit anything like the vigour and spirit displayed in their encounter with South Melbourne on the previous week; they, however, gave fair promise of making good progress in learning our style of play, and had they been ns fresh as their opponents, the latter would have hardly gained so decisive a victory as 12 goals 20 behinds to three goals four behinds." During the play an unfortunate accident occurred to Browne (of the Fitzroy) who fell and broke his collar bone. It; was immediately attended to, and he is now progressing favourably.

One of the largest gatherings jthat have yet assembled in Prince's Park witnessed the match between the English footballers and the Maryborough Club. The weather was all that could be desired, and the ground was in the best poseible condition. Under such circumstances the locals (entered the contest with light hearts, for they knew that in their familiarity with the intricacies of the Victorian game they had an advantage over the who, though masters of the Rugby system, had not had sufficient practice in the Victorian game to render them proficient in it. On entering the ring a hearty cheer went up from the crowd, which must have satisfied the Englishmen that; amongst that large assemblage —numbering fully 5000— they had many sympathisers. The final result was— Maryborough, four Koals 12 behinds ; England, three goalsll behinds. For England, Anderton, Dr Smith, Stoddarfc, Burnett, Haslam, M'Shane, Dr Brooks, Lawlor, Eagles.-^and Captain Seddon played well. Sfcoddart's fine kicking was a feature of the game.

In the match with Fitzroy the feature of the game, especiallyjin the last quarter, was the play of Ward. The Englishmen played remarkably well at the finish, and Haslam scored a third goal. The final result of the game was as follows :— Fitzroy, 12 goals 20 behinds; England, three goals^four behinds. Writing of the Ballarat match, a Victorian paper says the weather was gloriously fine, and many thousands wended their way to the Eastern Oval to see the English footballers who had come from the far off land to play the Victorian national game of football. The' greatest interest was taken in the match, which it was thought would be a good one, even if the Southerners proved too superior. Ballaiat people had, of course, been notified that the games the visitors were used to were the Association and the Rugby, and that they had not even seen the Victorian rules until they were on board ship en route for the Sunny South'. It was not- to be expected, therefore, that the Britishers would be brilliant in a game so different from their own, so noticeable for the marking features, and so replete with the many little scientific devices which go to make our game the most popular of any. In the Old Country game it is the grand rush by the phalanx formed mass tells its tale as the players press on to the goal, while here we see man after man defeating single opponents, and by passing the ball prettily along, force their opponents to act on the defensive.

There were only some 800 or 1000 people to witness the match with Port Melbourne. "When the second last spell was fiuished the score was : England, five . goals 11 behinds ; Port Melbourne, four goals nine behinds. The Ports confined the game principally to British territory during the last quarter. Taylor, equalised the score with a welldirected kick. Subsequently he hit the post. King, Hannaysee, and Hill had more than one shot apiece for goals, but were not successful, except that Hill in one instance dribbled sixth goal for the Ports. Hannaysee afterwards retrieved his ill fortune by piloting a lucky and, as it proved, the winning goal. The Englishmen made one or two incursions into Port's territory, during one of which Burnett took command near the posts, and notched sixth goal for his team. The game ended Port, seven goals 15 behinds ; England, six goals 11 behinds. The Ports gained their win by the mis.take of an umpire, as they did in the Norwood match, except that on this occasion the field umpire was at fault and not the goal umpire. Hannaysee failed to kick over his mark for goal, and the umpire made him take a second kick, in face of the recent ruling that under such circumstances a second kick is not allowed, and a free kick should be given to the opposite side. Hannaysee profited by the want ot knowledge on the part of the umpire, and scored the winning goal. Otherwise Roy, the held umpire, deserves praise for the manner in which he fulfilled his duty. Among the Englishmen Haslam, Paul, Stoddart, Nolan, and Bumby ™°° d out prominently. Lawlor and P. G. fll bhane, who took part with the Englishmen, were in nothing like their form of old.

RUGBY RULES IN MELBOURNE,

A match under these rules was played on the Uarlton ground between a team of 15 Probable players against the English versus a team of 18 possibles. The day being extremely fine at- « v?, a lar 8 e number of spectators. The probables whore captained by Morrell, and 5e5 c E 0S uibleßu ibleB by S - J -' Murray. Fourteen of wie probables turned up as against 18 of the fO6Bibles. Yet, notwithstanding fchie, the

Probables had the " best of the game all throughout, the forwards especially showing good form. During the first half of the game Berry, with a neat piece of play, secured a try for the Probables, which was converted into a goal by Stohr. This was the only score during the first half of the game. Shortly after play commenced for the second half, Miller dropped a very pretty goal from amidst a crowd of players, making two goals to nil. Shortly after this Stohr dropped a goal from the field, making three goals, or 13 points to nil. For the Probables, although all played well, perhaps the most noticeable were Verity, Morrell, White, Williams, Causer, Berry, Miller, and Stohr ; and for the Possibles Murray, Smith, Davidson, Cross, Lee, Pannett, and Torpey.

A RECORD OP THE MATCHES.

The following is a list of the Rugby matches played so far by the Englishmen, with particulars of the scoring : — ' . It April 28 — Beat Otago at Dunedin by 8 points to 3. Speakman dropped two goals ; Kent and Anderton got tries. 2. May 2— Beat Otago at Dunedin by 4 points to 3Nolan and Banks got the tries. 3. May s— Beat Canterbury at Obrhtchurch by 14 points to .6. Faul dropped one goal ; Anderton Kicked two goals off tries ; Bumby and Haslam each got two tries, and Stoddarfc one. 4. May 9 — Beat Canterbury at Christohurch by 4 points to nil. Nolau three tries ; Haslam one. 6. May 12— Played a tie with Wellington, 3 points each. Haslam got a try, and Paul placed the goal. 6. Majrl4— Beat combined team at Wellington by 4 points to 1. Eagles two tries, Paul placed one g-al. 7. May 16 —Beaten by Taranaki by 1 point to nil. 8. May 19— Beat. Auckland by 6 points to 3. Seddon and Anderton, tries ; Paul, two place goals. 9. May 24— Beaten by Auckland by 4 points to nil. 10. June 2— Beat New South Wales by 18 points to 2. Eagles, Seddon, Bumby (3), and Stoddart, tries ; ■Anderton and Paul, place goals off tries. 11. June 9— Beat New South Wales by 18 points to 6. Brooks. Mathers, Stoddart (a), Eagles (2), tries; Anderton and Stoddart kicked place goals off the tries. For New South Wales Colquhoun dropped a goal from the field, and Neill scored

a try. 12. Played a tie with King's School, past and present. Haslam (2), Anderton (2), and Thomas tries. For the School Eice and Q-. Hale, tries ; Baylis placed two goals off tries.

Result — Matches played, 14; won, 10; drawn, 2; lost, 2; Score for— l 7 goals, 30 tries ; score against— 10 goals, 8 tries.

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