THE TARANAKI REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL TEAM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue VII, 18 August 1894, Page 150

THE TARANAKI REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL TEAM.

t' I may well be proud of her footballers. The late victorious tour which culminated in such bril-

liant fashion in Auckland, showed very clearly that the Garden of New Zealand can do more than bold her own in football as in everything else. The Auckland-Taranaki match was as line a sight as any lover of the game could wish to see, and the dash and brilliance of the Taranaki game worth tramping many a mile to see. The story of how the contest was fought, and how completely Auckland were beaten, need not be told here. It is now ancient history, though we doubt not the battle will be fought over again many and many a time over pipe and lire. A few notes on each player may give additional interest to the picture.

L. Allen, full-back. This is the first season Allen has played full-back in representative matches. His usual place has been three-quarter-back. His defensive play is good, and he is also accounted an excellent kick. A. Bayly, centre three quarter. One of the best known and most popular players in the colony. Taken all round, he is perhaps the finest, and certainly the most useful, footballer in New Zealand. Bayly was a prominent member of the New Zealand representative team, and won the medal presented during that tour to the best all-round player on the field.

T. Hempton, wing three quarter, is an old Taranaki rep , who has not, however, played for some years. He it was who scored the try for Taranaki in the 1887 match against Auckland, thus winning the game for his side and province. H. Good, wing three quarter, is described as the coming three quarter of New Zealand. He is the fastest man in the team, very strong, and a splendid kick. He is exceedingly valuable in defensive play. It. B. Lusk is an ex-Aucklander, and learnt his football at the Auckland College and Grammar School. He represented Auckland in 1886-7 8 9, playing in the position of full back. He has represented Taranaki for the past three seasons. This year Lusk has played in the position of five-eighths, and shows great pace and dodging powers, besides being a fine kick.

A. Humphries, centre half-back, is the light weight of the team ; a clever and plucky little player. With a little more weight would be good enough for any team. W. 11AYLY, wing forward, one of the best wing forwards in the colony. Plays with great dash, and is always on the ba’l.

A. Good, wing forward, has usually played three-qnarter. His dash and great pace have stood the team in good stead more than once.

J. Lambie.—One of the best forwards in the colony. A clever dribbler and a dangerous man near his opponents’ goal line.

M. McMillan is another ex-Aucklander, and represented the Northern province in 1892 3. He is a sterling forward, and one who can play a very clever game.

D. Hughes is the tallest man in the team. Splendid line-ont man, and good all-round forward. D. Watson, a powerful and fast forward. A warrior to * graft,’ both in the scrum and open. W. Sangster looks about 22, but is actually 36. Plays as good, sound, honest, and plucky a game as ever; a fine forward, and a perfect wonder to * follow up.’ Wells, a real good forward, clever with both hands and feet. The only forward who scored in Auckland match. Cullen is the lightest of the Taranaki forwards, but a grand little player either in the scrum or in the open.