THE WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL TEAM OF 1894.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue XV, 13 October 1894, Page 350

THE WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL TEAM OF 1894.

ON the first page of this issue we reproduce the admirable photo taken by Mr Edwards, of Auckland, of the Wellington Football Representatives. The recent tour was a most successful one, and with the exception of Taranaki, Wellington can probably send forth the best team in New Zealand. The matches played in tour were as follows : Poverty Bay-Wellington won by 19 - 6 ; Thames-Wellington won 5—3; Auckland-Welling-ton won 13 to nil ; Taranaki lost by 6 to nil. A word or two concerning individual members of the team will perhaps be of interest : Mr S. H. Davidson (list), full-back, is one of the few really capable and reliable full-backs in the colony. A splendid kick with either foot, and a deadly collar. He is certainly an extremely hard man to beat in his own department of the game. His coolness and reliability make him a man of quite exceptional value in any team. W. Roberts (list), right wing three quarter, is one of the finest all round footballers in the colony. Kicks magnificently with either foot, and takes cleanly and surely. W. T. Wynyabd (list 101 b), centre three quarter, captain of the team, and one of the best players in the colony. Is a very fast runner, good kick and most unselfish, besides being tricky. He visited the Mother Country and Australia with the New Zealand Native team in 1888, and last year was one of the New Zealand team which visited New South Wales and Queensland. A. Duncan (12st) can be placed either centre threequarter or five eighths and is equally good in either position, being an adept at every department of the game. He has medium pace and great heart. He is an old Wanganui College boy, and this is his first year as a ‘ rep ’ man. C. Hales, emergency, three-quarter only. Played once against the Thames. He is a good man, fast, and kieks well; an old Aucklander. This is Hales’ first season as a Wellington rep. J. Bennett (list 91b), five-eighth. It was also this gentleman’s first year as a rep of Wellington. A fast man, and a constant scorer. Bennett ‘ came off’ in nearly every match during the season. D. R. Gage is too well-known to need any description. Probably the trickiest player in the colony. Has played some wonderful games and is the hero of many victories. J. Pudney (lOst 121 b), extra half. A good player, passes and tackles well, and is fairly fast. G. Maber, (list 121 b), forward, is lightest forward in the team, but very fast, follows up grandly, and works hard from start to finish. Played in the last New Zealand team.

J. Poland (13st 121 b), centre forward, plays a hard determined game, one of the heavy brigade. A well known Auckland player for many years. A. Campbell (12st 101 b), a real good man on the line out, and follows up well. The place kick of the team.

F. Bishop (14st), forward, is the heaviest man in the team—‘fourteen stone of beef and bone.* As might be imagined he is a grand man in the scrum.

W. McKenzie (13st 71bs), wing forward, is commonly nick-named ‘ off side McKenzie’ from his scrum tactics. He is the tallest man in the team, 6 feet 2 inches in his socks, very fast and a good dribbler. McKenzie is a man who invariably gives trouble to his opponents. F. Young (13st 101 b), forward, a front man in the scrum, and good at securing the ball. Grafts from start to finish, good on the line out, follows up well.

J. Swindley (12st 71b), forward, front man with Young in the scrum, a demon to work. His first year as a rep, an old Auckland boy. He played with New Zealand team this year.

J. Kelly (list 12lb), wing forward, an old Aucklander, very fast, consistent scorer, always follows up smartly, and is a great man in the passing game. W. Pringle (12st 61b), very fast, good in open, and backs up well.

A. J ack (12st 13lb), forward ; first year as Wellington rep. An old Otago High-school boy. Not very fast, but always there when wanted.

Mr Grant, manager for the team, is treasurer of the Wellington Rugby Union.

Mr E. Davy acted as umpire during the tour, and is Chairman of the committee.