Football.

Southern Cross, Volume 15, Issue 6, 11 May 1907, Page 12

Football.

RESULTS OF MATCHES ; Invercargill 8 v. Brits 5. Waikiwi 5 v. Star 0. Athletic (forfeit to Pirates). INVERCARGILL v. BRITS. These two teams played a very fast game, especially in the second spell. Britannia had very hard luck in not piling up a few more points. Reid was a tower of strength to his side, his screw kicks to touch helping them greatly. Meadows, the lanky wing-three-quarters, did some useful things, but his play on the whole was not up to best. He loses his head, also his place in the line, but this can be remediedHughes’ try was obtained through a good forward rush, but ISed must be complimented on getting there all the same. The Brit forwards in the tight got most of the ball, but usually they .were too closely watched by the Blues to do much good with it. The Blue forwards were by far the best in the open, McKay, Lang. Miles, and Brown leading them well. McKay’s try was purely an individual effort, and undoubtedly it was the score of the day. The Invercargill badkis were very weak. The only real passing bout was that which finished in Broad scoring. Tothill. on the wing, was the weakest man. mulling nearly every pass given to him. Dixon played a very nice game for the Brits, thoroughly deserving his place in the team. Clark was the shining light in the Rod forwards, heading every rush. Good on you. Tommy ! O’Kane showed very good promise, his return pass to Brown being a nice piece of work.

WAIKIWI v. STAR. A very hard gruelling' game between the above teams.

The play was very exciting at times, but not at all brilliant. Players are going in more for soil’d work than showy intricate movements. The lied and Black arc to be complimented upon their win, still they must consider themselves very lucky at not having two or even three scores against them. Waikiwi are extremely hard goers — in fact, so hard that a purist would say they were d ty. This is a friendly tip, boys. The Waikiwi forwards did some real good work, their line-out “bunches" getting away time after time. The men I liked of the Red and Black vanguard were ‘‘Star" Fraser Brown and McKeece. ‘■‘Star*' Fraser was exceptionally brilliant —with his tongue be was chip-chip-chipping all the time. Brown seems to be one of those silent players. He must believe in that old saw : “Reeds, not words." He is- no orator- —neither is he the son of an orator. He just “bogs into it” from start to finish.. Jim McKeece was a great thorn in the side of the Blue and While. Ho has undoubtedly found his correct place now. He was penalised a terrib.e lot. Still he’s all right. His brother at back also did his share of the work that came his way. His kicking to touch must have been heart-breaking to the Star forwards. Pyle and Harris also played good games, especially' the first-named player. His running, kicking, and ta'ckling was of an exceptional erder. Waikiwi must certainly shako hands with themselves at securing such a reliable player. McKenzie, the Star custodian, played a far bettor game on Wednesday than on the previous week. He must have taken my advice of last week. He did take the ball on the full against Waikiwi. Raines was the most reliable of the Star “threes/’ and I have no complaint to make against him. Baird and Field would bo the better for another season or two with the juniors. The juniors might not have Baird, though ! Do you know, Billy, you don’t put enough dash or fire into your play ? Run as if you were going through tho other fellow.

The Star must wish it were possible to roll Field and Baird into one man—he’d be a “snorter.”

Ridland is the Star handy man You are all right, Jimmy.

The two Steads wore the pick of the Star backs, both doing exceptional work. It’s not their fault they lost.

Everyone is inquiring as to who Johnson is. Well, he was the best forward on the field on Wednesday . You’ll bt able to pick him now. Peter Donnelly was another good ’un. Also McNie and “Isaac. What’s up with the Star line out ? It’s very, very, ragged. And what’s up with the Star scrum ? They are very, very slow at forming. What's up with Glasgow’ ? ISow then, “Cob,” get a widggle on. Wc all want to see you shape.

it is reported that Glasgow’ and the “Welshman’’ Pearson hit thing*! off very nicely in the practise match. The Star pack wants a good leader—only one, though—not half a dozen shouting at the same time.