FOOTBALL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10496, 24 October 1905, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

(Press Assn. — By Telegraph — Copyright.) (Received October 24, 8.41 a.m.) S_JNEx\ October 24. The London Daily Telegraph states , that m the startling triumpn achieved by the New Zealanders m tlieir opening match the prestige of Devon football received a severe blow. That the visitors would probably whi was expected, but no one was prepared for tho utter rout. At all points the visitors were clearly superior, and were m no way flattered by tho score. Heav yas were the New Zealanders, who physically are a fine set of men, they set about their task m a workmanlike manner, and had their opponents demoralised with astonishing rapidity. Quito the best feature of the New Zealanders' play was the work of their seven forwards, who were more than a match for their opponents' eight. The paper adds : "If the EngUsh teams should be compelled iv self-defence to play 'a winger,' the game from a spectacular point of view is not likely to be improved." The Times, commenting on the New Zealand footballers, says they have gained a remarkable victory over Devon. So unequal were the sides that no score would proportionately set out the overwhelming superiority possessed by the New Zealanders m pace and skill. The wing-forward position is, however, a startling innovation. His position imperils his team under the off-side rule, and much trouble may be expected m future matches if his work is couducted on the same lines as m the Devon match.