Football Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 11, Issue 16, 18 July 1903, Page 12

Football Notes.

(By “Old Boy.”)

Results of Wednesday’s matches : Invercargill 10 points, Athletic 7 points ; Star 4 points, Pirates nil. Juniors: Pirates 9 points, Star nil; Cambridge II v. Winton, a draw.

As both the senior matches on Wednesday were expected to provide close contests the attendance was very large and spectators got good value for their money. The Invercargill and Athletic were the first to try conclusions and the Blues earned a well deserved win by ten points to seven.

When the teams lined out it was apparent that the Blues had much the heavier pack of forwards, and it was this that won them the game as little or no back play was indulged in. With the advantage of a slight wind and the sun behind them in the first spell the Blues soon had tbeir opponents in difficulties. Their forwards played a great game, getting the ball time after time, but the rearg-uard was weak and did not take advantage of tbe opportunities afforded them. The Athletic made a sweeping attack after a lot of uninteresting play and it was only Christophers’ pace which averted a score, as Crawford and Morton were charging down the field after the ball when Christophers went in pursuit and saved the situation.

From a scrnm on the Blues line play was quickly transferred to the other end of the field. A scrum -was formed on the Athletic line and D. Campbell, leaving the scrum quickly, snapped up the ball and scored for his side. J. Christophers kicked a very nice goal bringing 6 points up. Rather uninteresting play among the forwards followed and half time was called with the score Invercargill 6 points, Athletic nil. In the second spell the Athletic were expected to make things lively for their opponents. Shortly after the kick off Christophers made a beautiful opening, and ran to the Athletic full back, when he transferred the ball to Oliver, who ran across the line just in time, as Morton, who came up very fast, had his hands on him in the field ot play, bub could not stop his weight from taking him over. J. Christophers again took the kick at goal, and placed another five points to his side’s credit with a splendid kick.

The Athletic woke up after this reverse, and pave the Blues an anxious time. From a short passing rush W. Hishon got across, but Christophers tackled him and held the ball before it was grounded. The referee, however, gave it a try. The kick at goal was a failure, leaving the Greens 7 points to get to draw. Not disheartened by the handicap the Blues had, they returned to the attack, and their backs passing out quickly to Ctawford enabled him to pot a very nice goal. The Blues now changed the order of things, and carried the play to their opponents’ line. Tapley obtained a mark, and Christophers made a good attempt at goal from a difficult angle. The Athletic returned the ball to the twenty-five, when the whistle blew for time, leaving the Blues victors. They were heartily cheered for their performance upon returning to the dressing rooms. For the Athletic, Scully at fullback was safe, kicking well. Of the three-quarters Corcoran was the pick, and showed a lot of dash when he got the ball. Morton and Mulvey worked well together, but the former has a bad habit of not looking where he passes the ball. Hurley had little to do, as his forwards rarely secured the ball in the scrum. T. Kane’s absence weakened the back division considerably. The forwards all worked hard but could not stand up to their heavier opponents. T. Cavanagh was the best man they, had while Woods pointed as much as ever. For the Blues, McGavock had very little to do, but kicked well. The three-quarters, among whom I was pleased to see W. Mcßobie, handled and kicked the ball safely. Tapley, who is new to football, shaped very well, and with careful handling should turn out a good man. J. Christophers was the best back on the ground, playing a greait game from start to finish. Of a very even lot of forwards T. Biown and Morton were the pick. Mr J. Galbraith held the whistle and only made one mistake. At the conclusion of the first game, the old time rivals for supremacy, Pirates and Star, took the field. The Pirates were without T. Whitaker’s services, while the Star had to find substitutes for Burley and Martin who were indisposed. On recent performances the Pirates were slightly the favourites, but the Star managed to squeeze home by a potted goal, 4 points, to nil.

The Star bad the advantage of a slight wind and sun behind them in the first spell, and from the kick off set up a strong attack on their opponents’ line, which pleased their supporters greatly. Injudicious kicking among the backs caused the Pirates to force down four times in quick succession. The kick . out on each occasion did not, however, bring the desired relief, as the Star forwards worked the leather back to the Pirates twenty-five, where the play hovered all the spell. About half way through the spell Ward foolishly speculated into the field. Murphy snapped up the ball and potted a beautiful goal left foot. Star, 4 points ; Pirates nil. This success was cheered to the echo by the supporters of the blue and white. Encouraged by this lead, the Star kept up a strong attack, but were unable to break through their opponents’ defence, Burgess and Taylor being chiefly instrumental in keeping them out, and half time was called without any alteration in the score. In the second spell the Pirates completely reversed the situation, and were attacking strongly for the greater part of the time. Their forwards got more than a fair share of the ball, but careless passing among the backs spoiled some good chances. Bain cleverly intercepted a pass and shifted play to the half way when the Pirates looked dangerous. Not to be denied, the Pirates worked the leather back again, and Ward pat some life into the back division by a splendid run, and was within a foot or two of the line when collared. Burgess and. Taylor made strenuous efforts ta score

bat were unable to break through the Star rearguard.

Towards the finish of the game the Pirates forwards tired perceptibly and the Star, taking advantage of this, transferred the play to the northern end where it remained till the whistle went for time, leaving the Star victors after a hard fought and interesting game. For the Pirates Rodgers at fullback was the worst 1 back on the ground. Time after time he would lose his side a lot of ground by not kicking in time. This player should retire, as he is done. In his day he was undoubtedly one of the best backs hereabout. Of the three-quarters Whitaker and Black had very little to do. The latter kicks on all occasions. If he would use the wonderful pace he is possessed of he could often run round his opponent. Manson at centre did the little required of him all right. Taylor showed up prominently at five-eights, and if he could be schooled to pass would make a first-class man in this position. Ward was not brilliant and funked badly when he had a forward rush»to stop. The hero of the game was Burgess who played a marvellous game right through. He saved his side time after time by going down to the fierce forward rushes of the Star. The forwards all worked hard. P. Hogan was not as prominent as usual. He is evidently out of condition. Traill played a hard game right through and is more worthy of a place than some who shall be nameless. For the Star, McKechnie at fullback had nob much required of him. He was too late in kicking on several occasions, a fault he will bave to remedy. The wing three-quarters were neglected all day, but kicked well. Murphy at centre did a lot of serviceable work and stood up to the rough handling he got well. His potted goal was a pretty piece of work indeed. Dave Donaldson did great work for his side, stopping the Pirate forward rushes in great style. He has,, however, a bad habit of putting down his head when attacking with the ball. Hurst played a solid game without being brilliant. The forwards all worked well together. Stone and Donnelly gave Burgess a lot of trouble coming round the scrum. Mr A. Geddes gave general satisfaction with the whistle.