LATE FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 752, 27 May 1893, Page 16

LATE FOOTBALL.

Jockey Breen was out in the Association ranks last week, and shnwd very well, considering it was his first attempt. Ramsay was very prominent for the Rangers (Association) last week ; and secured their only goal by a brilliant piece of play.Rab McKenzie (Suburbs) was at it again last week, but I think was rather oat of form. He was not near so brilliant I as usual, though scoring one of Suburbs' I tries. Chamberlain (Rangers Associa- [ tion) deserves great credit for the form he exhibited against Alliance last week. His dribbling was at times immense, and his defence was also creditable. The Hobson (Fourth Junior) defeated the Oxfords by 10 points to 5 ; this was one of the most interesting matches for the medals, and the Hobsons by their win must havej a great,- say in the final issue. Parnell were over-eager in the last quarter of an hour against City last week. With a little more judgment they must have just about won. Oast as well ; it will make things very interesting now. Moore (Newton) performed very W6ll last week against Suburbs. The effort that scoured him the try was really clever. If Newton only had one or two backs like Moore, they would most certainly be in the front rank. Peace (Suburbs) was out for the firßt time against Newton last week, and succeeded in keeping up his reputation by his clever play, his kicking especially coming in for notice. With a little more form he will be a host of assistance to Suburbs. Parsons and Walton (Newton) were both very useful in stopping the attacks of the Suburb's team last week. The former is a brilliant defensive man, and the latter Reldom makes mistakes, and gets out of difficulties in a very clean manner. Surrey (Fourth Juniors) had the best of the game with Clifton, the score reading 16 points to 5. The Clifton boys deserve credit for their. pluck in turning up every Saturday, though generally beaten by a lot of points. Stick to it lads, and you might surprise them all next season. Smith and Oantley (Alliance Association) did some really clever foot work against the Bangers- last Saturday. There is nothing prettier than a neat dribbling rush, and the way these players pass the ball with their feet is very good. Jones also showed fine form, and assisted the other two in a lot of the work.

Grafton (First Juniors) succeeded in defeating the Ppnsonby boys to the tune of 15 points to nil. I hear the team from the Western suburb, are somewhat dissatisfied at some of the decisions given in this match. G-. Murray (Newton) is, along with Fred, one of the best forwards Newton can boast of. He uses his head, and grafts right through the game. This is as it should be. Many .a good man spoils bis own play by being over-anxious, but the Murray brothers seem to have the knack of doing the right thing at the right time. The barracking nuisance was extremely prevalent at Potter's last Saturday. Some of the most ardent enthusiasts completely losing their heads in their efforts to cheer on their respective sides, and as the Parnell —City match drew to a close their exhibition was simply unbearable, and -together with the approaohihg darkness, they completely spoilt any chance the former team might have had of securing the extra points, and when Mr Dixon blew the whistle for time the field was thickly covered with howling enthusiasts, who had bo far forgotten themselves as to crowd on the ground. Why don't the Union take some decided step re the time of starting the matches? This question is being asked every Saturdey by a discontented audience, and should be answered in a firm manner without delay. It is really too bad to advertise the kick-off at three o'clock and keep the onlookers half-an-hour later every week. Is it the fault of the players, or what is the cause ? If the men themselves are to blame I would suggest .that precisely at three o'clock the referee appointed should blow his whistle, and the captain losing the toss would be forced to kick off, and either or both teams would have to play short-handed or get substiutes. If this were done for one Saturday I am sure it would not occur again, aB I believe the players could get there just as well at three o'clock as a quarter-of-an-hour later, and if they knew there was a chance of losing a match, and perhaps the Cup, through their dilatoriness, they would soon find a means of being present punctually.