FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8864, 15 July 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

INTER-COLONIAL MATCH. A Record Gate. N.Z-JH) v. (3). Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, July 13. The glorious weather and the reputation of the "All Blacks” conspired to bring together the greatest crowd ever seen on the Sydney Cricket Ground. The attendance was over fifty thousand. Sydney always provides a large following of the Eugby game, but on this occasion even staid citizens, who usually look with a somewhat cold eye on the amount-of time wasted over any sport, were affected with the universal and infectious enthusiasm and helped to swell the attendance. Prom as early as noon to 3 o’clock the pilgrimi age proceeded from all sides of the city taxing the. rolling stock of the tramways to thoir utmost.. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Northcite, was among those present. Mr E. B. Martin acted as referee.

The following were the respective teams

KEW ZEALAHO (Black). Full-back : G. Spencer Theee-quabtebs : Wallace Mitchinson Fryer Five-eights : , Hunter Mynott Half : F. Roberts Wing ; Gillott Fokwaeds : Seeling Johnson O’Sullivan Cunningham Francis Casey McDonald HEW SOUTH WALES (Blue). Foewaeds : Eosewell Griffin Barnett MoCue Burge Bow Hughes Murnin Halves : Mandible Wood Theee-quabtebs : Messenger Smith Russell Waddell Full-back : Dix

FIRST SPELL. N.S.W 3. N.Z. 0.

Murnin, skipper of New South Wales team, won the toss from Hunter, leader of the Maorilanders, and chose to defend the northern end. The New South Wales team forced the pace from the kick-off, being awarded .a couple of penalty kicks in quick succession for offside work and illegal interference, but nothing came of them.

A little later with a desperate rush, N.S.W. swept clean, over the “ All Blacks,” and Smith (three-quarter) got across the N.Z. line, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. Messenger was entrusted with the kick at goal, but failed to increase the score.

When the hall was in play again Freddy Boberts marked in New South Wales territory, but the local forwards, who were playing with great dash, once more quickly had N.Z. on the defensive, and ultimately forced them down. Then the “ All Blacks ” took a hand in a forcing game, and carried the scene of nlay dangerously near to the NIS.W. goal line, the home team being eventually foresd.

On kicking off again a scrum was formed within N.S.W. 25’s, from which Boberts gained possession of the leather, and whipping it across to Fryer, the latter streaked for the goal line and ended up a fine run by being collared when within only a few yards of the coveted line.

The game was then removed to New Zealand quarters by magnificent concerted play by N.S.W., Waddell just going into touch at the comer flag. The New Zeaianders were now almost continually put on the defensive and Waddell wasagain nearly over the line. From this out to end of spell the “ All Blacks ” were fairly up against a wall. Half-time sounded with N.S.W. 3 points and N.Z. nil.

The principal feature of he first spell was the line kicking of the N.S.W. team, which proved very effective. The play of the visitors was of a very in and out description and they appeared to be in their worst form.

Of those who shone out conspicuously on the N.S.W. side during the first half, Dis at full-back and Messenger at threequarters were the most prominent.

SECOND SPELL. N.Z. 11, N.S.W. 3,

Shortly after the game was resumed Messenger, from a free lack obtained in tho centre of the ground, sent the oval dangerously near a goal, the ball just falling under the cross-bar. Seeling responded with a fine return and Wallace following up smartly compelled the N.S.W.,team to force.

Soon after the kick out the “ All Blacks ” came with a rush in something like their old style, and Roberts passing to Wallace, the latter got over the line. Wallace took tho kick himself but the ball flew wide.

With the equalisation of the scores, the “ Black’s ” temperature rapidly rose and they forced the game strenuously. Roberts dashed away on his own and got across the line and scored close to the goal posts. Wallace converted, making the scores N.Z. 8, N.S.W. 3.

The Blues (N.S.W.) were now having a turn at defensive tactics and eventually from a line out Seeling secured tho ball and fairly forced his way through the opposing backs and scored tho third try for tho visitors. Wallace again took the kick but failed to add the major points, and the scoring board read N.Z. 11, N.S.W. 3. A long spell of unexciting play was marked by an almost entire absence of the machine like work that has made N.Z. teams famous in the past, “No side" sounded with no further score leaving N.Z. victorious by 11 points to 3.

COMMENTS. Gillett on the wing played a good game throughout, but tho Blacks’ play in the first half was shockingly below what one expects from a New Zealand team. They however, while far from their usual standard of excellence, made a much better display in the second half, during which they kept the Welshmen in hot water most of the time.

There is no question that the local men played better rugby than they have ever done before. More than once they fairly outclassed their famous rivals in various departments of the game. Johnson, Spencer, Gillett, Wallace, and Roberts got in splashes of decent play, but the team as a whole lacked the concerted brilliancy for which previous N.Z. teams visiting Sydney were so noted.

Swanneli’s Opinion of the Game. B. I. Swannell, formerly a member of the British team, criticising the match in one of the Sunday papers, states that he considers' the match was not one which lent itself to much description. Being doggedly fought throughout, the game was with one or two exceptions devoid of those electrifying bits of play that make crowds stand up ancLycll their hopes and their fears. New South Wales, he considers, should have scored on at least three occasions in the first half, but chances were lost simply by bad passing, and there was a fatal ;laok of finality in their efforts which should not have been,' and was altogether unforgivable. The New Zealanders, in the second half, took fulladvantage of their chances, deservedly winning a game wherein they were 60 minutes out of the 90 on the defensive. He considers the N.S.W. fullback was a strong point on his side, just as it was a weak one on the New, Zealand. The local forwards, he thinks, had a fatal habit of too much kicking in the dribbling rushes, and in ruck work New - South Wales did npt possess the. sterling game shown by the New Zealand forwards.

Press Comments. Sydney, July 15. The Sydney Morning Herald, in referring to Saturday’s match, says that the Now South Wales team fought magnificently, taking the honors in the first half in scoring the brilliant try, but the weight of the opposing team, however, broke its defence to pieces and concentrating its splendid manhood pushed the game three times across the blue champions’ goal line and thus amply avenged the Now South Wales score in the first half. The Herald considers the New Zealanders played below their reputation. In the first half this may have been due to the pace of the homo team or the lack of vim in the visitors. The Daily Telegraph says, without detracting from the merits of the splendid all round performance of the Welshmen, it cannot bo claimed on their form on Saturday that the New Zealand team is equal to some of its predecessors. It may ho that there is too much all black in it —the ghosts of former giants—or that they were clearly below their form, but it is certain that for the greater part of the game there was no fire in them. If Saturday’s display is their best then the New Zealanders will find themselves fighting for their lives for the remainder of the tour. It was their stamina above all that pulled them through. Brisbane, July 15.

The following team has been selected- to represent Queensland against New Zealand; —Full, P. Carmichael; three-quarters, Parkinson, Watson, Corrie and Pearce; halves, Ahearn and J. Carmichael; forwards, Brighton, Oxenham, Oxla i do, Oauiffi, Sampson, Richards, Flanagan and Fihilly.

Representative Matches. Auckland v. Buller. Press Association. Auckland, July 13. The Eanfnrly Shield rugby football match between Buller (5.1.) and Auckland was played this afternoon. The •weather conditions were most unfavorable to good football, frequent showers falling over the already sodden ground,'while the ball was greasy and heavy. G. W. Smith was unable to play for Auckland.

Auckland won tho toss and took advan tage of a slight breeze blowing down tho field. Bailor secured the ball from the first scrum, Gibbs carrying the oval to Auckland’s 25. The Auckland forwards gradually worked the play back down the field and a passing run then took place in which Kiernan, Wynyard, Magee, and Twinamo took part. The last mentioned, by a faulty pass, threw away a certain score. Keeping up the pressure Auckland were almost over, Murray losing the ball at the critical moment and a free kick gave Bullor a chance to clear their line. Auckland worked the play back Kiernan picking up smartly, transferred on to Wynyard, tho ball passing in quick succession to Magee, Twiname, and then to Murray, the last namod'crossing and scoring, after 17 minutes of play. Hall failed with the kick at goal, Auckland 3, Buller 0. This score livened Auckland up and Heywood, following up a high kick by Hall, took play right on to Buller’s line and from a scrambling rush Wynyard took the ball across and scored within a few minutes of the previous score. Hall again failed at goal, making the total Auckland 6, Buller 0. On resuming Buller livened up a little and made things a bit interesting for Auckland, Twiname saving by marking twice in succession. After this turn at defending, Auckland rallied but the play was of a monotonous character, until Kiernan picked up the ball and sent it out to Wynyard, he to Magee, then to Twiname, and back again to Wynyard, the latter crossing and scoring his second try. Hall again failed to convert. Auckland 9, Buller 0. In the second half Buller were first to get going and Marshall headed a rush and took play to Auckland’s 25’s. Auckland quickly cleared their line and Buller forced twice in succession. Auckland were playing together much bettor than in the first spell, and Buller wer# kept busy defending. A passing run in which Kiernan, Wynyard, Magee, Twiname, and Murray had a hand resulted in the last named dashing over and scoring, but i for the fourth time no goal resulted. Auckland 12, Buller 0. Auckland still kept up the pressure, Buller getting relief by forcing. Colvin, with a long kick, sent play to Auckland’s line, but the “Blue and Whites” were soon back again, and Murray had a pot at goal, which went wide, and Buller forced. Auckland were quickly again running over Buller, and Dillmoro got over but was knocked into touch in goal. Buller made a rally, but Auckland came 1 again and from a scrum Kiernan secured and passing out to Wynyard the latter wriggled over and secured his third try. Nowdlck kept up the failures at goal kicking. Auckland 15 Buller 0. Auckland’s nest score came from a clever bit of work. Kiernan secured from the scrum, and working the blind side, passed to Murray who dashed over and scored his second try. Dunning mads the sixth failure at goal kicking. Auckland 18, Buller 0. Buller made their final effort and rushed the play to Auckland’s 25’s, where McNally had a shot at goal, but the ball fell short and Auckland’s forwards rushed the ball down the field. Hall got possession and further transfers to G. Tyler, to Magee and Dullamore, saw the last named outpace the Buller backs and score in the corner. Hall made tho seventh unsuccessful effort to secure tho major points. The bell rang soon after with the scores Auckland 21, Buller 0.

Hawke’s Bay v. Horowhenua. Press Association. Napikb, July 13. The representative football match TTorowhonua v. Hawke’s Bay was played here to-day and resulted in an easy win for Hawke’s Bay by 21 points to 3, The Hawke’s Bay team had the best of the -play all through and kept the visitors on the defensive daring the greater part of the game.

Rangitlkei v. Wanganui. This match was played at Wanganui on Saturday and resulted in a win for Wanganui by 31 points to o, a try secured by Stratford and converted by Green. Rangitlkei ; did not play with the team originally selected, having to play several emergencies. Most of the scoring was done in the first half. In the second spell Rangitikei showed to advantage, forcing Wanganui several times. Pritchard shone to advantage in defensive play, his collaring being deadly. Henderson and Hill _ did good service while Hikinui missed few chances at half. Hill cleverly intercepted near Wanganui goal line and raced to the other end of the field aiid was collared when dodging the full back. Stratford played a fine forwardjjgame and Joe and Della put in some solid work.

Manawatu Union. KIA TO A (8) v. FEILDING (3). The senior competition was continued on the Show Grounds on Saturday afternoon. On No. 1 ground Kia Toa met Feilding. and the latter club suffered their first defeat of the season,' although the Yellows had their strongest team in the field. Kia Toa again played several junior, but this did not in any way add to their chances of defeat, bat on the contrary strengthened the combination considerably, as Hodgins (full), Crawford (half) and Goyan (wing forward) all played well up to senior form. The game was ;of a fast and interesting nature throughout, both teams striving hard to gain the upper hand, and each try scored was the result of some clever manoeuvring. The first spell ended with no score on either side. On changing ends Feilding set up a vigorous attack, and from a scrum in Kia Tea’s 25’s Ongley snapped up the ball and went clean through both packs On being tackled near the line he passed to Taylor, who dashed over near the corner flag and scored Peilding’s first and only try, Taylor took the kick, but the ball went wide. Soon after Waldegrave (Kia Toa) scored betwdßn the posts and Ward converted. W. Webb was the next to cross the line, but this time Ward failed to add the major points—Kia Toa 8, Feilding 3. With only ten minutes to go, the Yellows became desperate, and every man extended himself to the full, but Kia Tea’s defence was too sound, and the game ended without further score. Feilding had at last met their match, for undoubtedly the better team won. Rev. C. C. Harper controlled the game.

Foxton Union.. SANDON 8 v. ALBION 0. The game at Sandou between the above teams was expected' to have been a test for supremacy between forward and back play. Unfortunately for Albions the heavy rain had made the ground very heavy and their forwards failed to hold c their more skilful opponents; consequently the backs were smothered before they could gqt going. Sandon won the toss and elected to play with the wind and sun behind them. Albion was on the defence shortly after

starting and all the resource of the backs was required to~ keep their lino , clear and several ’ force downs followed in quick succession. Good lino kicking by Momo and Macroyal eventually raised the siege and play Was centred.in mid-field where it remained till a free kick for illegal scrum work went against the visitors and their lino was again in danger. One free kick was not sufficient to convince the hookers that lifting the feet in scrum before the hall is put in is a dangerous practice, especially in their own territory. _ From one of the kicks given for this offence T. Richardson had a kick at goal, but just failed to score and Albion forced. Following smartly after the kick out the visiting forward invaded the home ground’where they held the advantage till the close of the spell but were unable to cross the line, and it looked as. though.the result of the game would never bo left in doubt when ends were changed. Those who have watched the Sandon team play this year have learned that they do not seem totake any serious interest in the game until play lias been in progress some time or a score has been registered against them, then they suddenly develop' some latent qualities and surprise themselves aud everyone else. At half time they looked a beaten team aud when play was resumed the Albion backs were expected to play them to a standstill. Quite the reverse, for from the kick off they carried play to the greens’ lino and only on one occasion during the spell was the ball played in their 25’s. Although hotly pressed the Albion hacks made a splendid 1 defence and they usually got out of trouble by fiudug the line. Half way through this spell several players, who had been paying personal attention to each other during the game, became more intimate and the referee found it necessary to call them to order. Sandon forwards made the game very willing and several promising rushes took them over the greens’ lino without success. Following a long kick that wont over the Albion line Henderson outpaced the full back aud fell on the ball but lost possession and a five-yard scrum resulted. Sandon continued to attack and were at last rewarded by Read making a clever run along the touchlino aud scoring the only try of the game. In all probability this score would not have been allowed had the lino umpire been able to see the line which was crowded by spectators, as many who were in a position to see said that Read .went out of touch. The home team kept up the attack till the whistle sounded and no further score was registered. Mr O. H. Bowater gave satisfaction with the whistle.

Tho school match, Martou v. Turakina, played at Turakiua on Saturday resulted in a win for the visitors by a converted try to nil. Turakina boys had Martou defending tho whole of the second spell and Brookio, who played a splendid game, narrowly missed scoring several times. Mr F. D. Opie entertained the boys at the school and Mr Train, in a few well chosen remarks, returned thanks. The result of Saturday’s match made Marton boys winners of the southern division. The final will bo played at Marton shortly. Arrangements have been made with Wanganui Union for a school representative match between Bangitikei and Wanganui. The game will be played at Marton. A • representative match between Rangitikei Juniors and Wanganui Thursday teams will be played at Martou shortly. . , The return match Wanganui : v. Rangitikei at Marton will probably be played on August 3rd. C. Stratford, Huntervillo, has been selected in the Wanganui team which plays Buller at Wanganui on Wednesday,