FOOTBALL

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11921, 18 July 1906, Page 3

FOOTBALL

HOROWHENUA v. WANGANUI.

TO-MORROW'S REP. MATCH.

BY "DODGER."

Tho weather promises to be fine for the match to be played od the Recreation Ground to-morrow between teams representing the Horowhenua and Wanganui Unions, and there is every prospect of n very large attendance of npectators, as a very good contest is anticipated. Additional interest is being taken in the game on account of the fact -that the Wangariui team has such a big programme of more important matches to play, and in view of these engagements the public are anxious to form an idea as to how the players will shape. The selectors have chosen a very fine team, the forwards being a capital lot, with plenty of weight, dash, and pace. It 'is the vanguard we will have to rely on in the mam in the big games, against Taranaki and Wellington especially, and providing Guscott, Jones. Murray, and Corby show the same good form that they did last year in getting down on to the opposing backs, and are supported by equally dafihing play by Hogan, McDonald, and Robinson— three splendid forwardo — then even Wellington's brilliant set of backs will find it very hard to shine. As a lock man Anderson is second to none, and if he plays up to his very best in the loose he will lend valuable assistance. With three such find forwards as W. and IX Dustin and P. Fowler to fall back upon, the Wanganui vanguard Ghould be able to hold ite own throughout tho campaign. Considering the excellent form shown by the Waverley forwards against Kaierau, it may seem strange that only one of the magpies has got into the Wanganui team, viz., McDonald. Elmslie would, however, have been one ot" the first selected had he beon available, but he had intimated that he did not intend playing any more. There were one o r two others, notably Bishop and Body, whose form was very good, but on the whole it is hard to see how room could be made for them.

The backs selected for to-morrow's match are a very useful lot, more likely to shine on tho defensive than on the attack. Whether or not J. Pine (the Awarua crack) will prove a success at centre threequarter remains to be seen, but I am rather doubtful, as his, style of passing is very crude. However^ he is a fine stamp of player, a strong runner, with fair pace, and can kick and tackle splendidly. He is a great defensive player, and can take and field a ball with anyone. Providing he passes well he should make an ideal centre, though I fancy he would be better on the wing. Though Southcombe has never played full-back, I think he will do well in that position, as he is remarkably safe in his handling of the leather, is cool, has pace, and can both kick and tackle well.

T. Craig and C. Capel (wing threequarters) are both fast, the former being especially brilliant, while the latter is a very strong runner who is hard to atop. Capel has a good deal to learn yet, but he is improving every game, and promisee to make a top-notcher. Ho must be careful not to run out in front of hi» own goal. Both wings are good tacklers, and Craig seems to do his best work always in big matches.

A. Takaraugi has been one of the best backt> in the colony for some years, and is playing as well as ever. Probably he would be more at home at centre, as he appears rather slow at getting under way for a five-eighth. However, like Craig, he shiuoe most in the big games, and may be relied upon to play well.

J. Holland (live-eight) is scarcely dashy enough for tho position. A great kick, very safe at handling, and good tackier. L. Fromont (half). — A very smart player, but wants to get the bail away quicker. A clever line kick, fairly good at making openings, and quick to 6eize a chance when near the line.