Football Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 19, 11 August 1900, Page 12

Football Notes.

(By Goal-post.)

Result of Wednesday’s games > — Trial match ; Maroons 8 points, Colours nil. Junior Athletic 8 points, Pirates nil. The final of the Junior Cup matches, or what was practically the deciding contest, took place on the Union Ground on Wednesday in the presence of a large crowd of spectators, the fair sex being especially prominent, the extra fine weather no doubt having something to do with the attendance. The game was an extremely interesting one, and was well controlled throughout by MrR. Galbraith, a refreshing feature of the game being the absence of talk, which in senior matches has been a prominent part of the day’s play. The Blacks were on the day’s play the better team, but the luck of the Athletics pulled them through, Crawford kicking a fine goal from a penalty kick right in front of the posts, and just on call of time Donaghue scored again for the Athletic, but Crawford failed at goal. The Pirates forwards were especially good in the loose rushes, beating the Athletic badly in this department, but in all others they were deficient. The weight of the Celours told in any close work, and had they used their pack a little more the score might easily baye been increased.

The Athletic backs were on the whole very safe, especially Reynolds and Grace, who both played up to senior form. 1 did not fancy Morton’s play so much as usual, and he has developed' a bad habit of

hauling hia man about after he has ) parted with the ball. This style of play should be put down with a firm hand.

McEwan and Bob Organ led the way for the Black forwards, who all stood up well against their heavy opponents. Some of the forwards’ passing was admirable—for the other side—and the chances thrown away by sheer bad play were innumerable. Donaghue played a fine dashing game for the Colours, his try being the outcome of a splendid run. He was well supported by Maher and Butler.

The Athletic half is very fond of the scrum, and was caught several times helping himself, with the usual penalty. The Pirates half-back played a lone hand game, and rarely gave his back a show at all. He had some splendid chances in the first spell, but does not appear to make his mind up quickly enough, and is downed before he gets rid of the ball. Black gave the game away by over anxiety in blocking Morton, who was running for the ball. This player has a future before him as a back, but would play better if he played the ball more, instead of being so anxious to watch his opponent’s play. Crawford was very safe at fullback for the Athletic, making few mistakes, while he made no mistake with his placekicking. Mr R. Galbraith was referee, and had a pleasant task, little or no talking, very few infringements, in fact a delightful game to watch.

• The trial match was a wretched farce in comparison with the previous game. Several players who were chosen did not roll up, and those who did play seemed to think it was merely 'an exercise run, and the result was a scrambling exhibition of bad football.

Mr A. Mcßobie had no light task as referee, as the jerseys were beautifully mixed up, it being extremely difficult to tell which side was maroon and which colors. If the Union,cannot see that the men chosen to play on the Maroon side are provided with proper jerseys, they ought not to gull the public by advertising the match Maroon v. Colors, and send half the spectators home before the game is nearly completed, and those who remained to the end thoroughly disgusted with so-called Trial matches.

Several of the players during the game were guilty of a very mean action, which probably would not have happened had all been properly costumed. That was, calling out to one of the opposing side for a pass. We never hear it in a club match ; why should it be so in a trial game ? It spoils the play, is not edifying to the spectators, and probably undoes all the good play of a man who, having made a good opening, passes in good faith and gets only abuse for his good play. The officials should authorise the referee to order off at once any player again guilty of such a thing.

The players do not call for special mention. Both half - backs played well, Matson was good, Bain was neglected shamefully by Murphy, Stead and Glennie both played brilliantly, Corner good. Would some one be good enough to explain why the junior ranks were called upon for a live-eighth when Taylor, who has been the mainstay of the Pirates back row during the season, was playing amongst the forwards.

It is to be hoped the next trial will prove more satisfactory, and it behoves the Union to see that each man selected for the Maroon side is provided with a proper jersey. Amongst the forwards it was Purdue first, the rest following in the order named Jenkins, Anderson, Willett, Myers, Geddes, McPherson. The game was essentially a forward one, and occasionally there was some good work. The Match Committee have no light task before them.

SOCIAL. The Britannia ' Clair held their annual ball in Hanan’s Hall on Wednesday evening last. It was the most successful yet held by the club, close on 80 couples being present. The music was supplied by Mrs Blue (piano), and Messrs Edwards (violin) and Humphrey (cornet). The catering was in the hands of Messrs Kingsland and Son. Messrs McKenzie and Ball acted as M.’sC., and deserve credit for the way they got through, their duties.