THE NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9193, 24 March 1908, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLERS.

A BRUTAL MATCH. United Press Association — By Eleotrio 'jl olegraph— Copyright. (Received March 24, 8.6 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 24. The "Daily Express" says that the idea of instructing Westerners in the delights of Northern fcotball was a failure. Many left the ground heartily disgusted at the foul and brutal tactics employed, towards the olose, when the game developed into a " scrapping " match. , Tlie views of an unbiassed chronicler of the game are worth quoting in full. "The tackling," h e says, "developed from fierceness into brutality and ruffianism. First, Cross was ordered off for deliberately kicking an opponent. Then. Thomas, of Oldham, m„s guilty of the same foul tactics. Tlie sufferer in this case was Gilchrist, who was not disposed to 'take it lying down.' He arose and administered such fistic chastisement to th© Oldham player as will not soon be forgotten. Everyone anticipated both men would receive marching orders, but the referee was evidently of opinion that justice had already been meted out." The " Daily Mail " and the " Morning Leader " confirm the roughness of the play. The "Daily Graphic" says that the cause of professional Rugby has not been advanced much by the third contest.