FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 1, 5 July 1911, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

Sport in Wairarapa.

Gladstone defeated Red Star in the senior competition last Saturday by 5 points to 3. It was the biggest surprise of the season, as Red Star was leading in the competition, and had just previously easily defeated their most formidable opponents, Cai terton. Carterton seniors beat Masterton by 13 points to 3, at Carterton, last Saturday. Owing to Gladstone defeating Red Star the senior competition is “anybody’s,” Carterton, Red Star and Gladstone all being in the running. Time was when passing rushes amongst the backs of Waharapa were straight down the field. Now in most instances the reverse is the case, and the wing threequarter rarely ever gets a decent run on. Of course, we see nice passing rushes occasionally; that is, the ball going through a number of hands, but how much ground is gained? Sometimes a few yards, and sometimes nothing at all. In many instances players lose ground through foolishly running back in the hope of getting round opponents. Was there ever a greater piece of folly? Wairarapa has not had a decent back since Joe O'Leary went to Auckland three yeais ago. Wairarapa was rich in backs years ago; men of undoubted ability like Archie D’Arcy (N.Z. rep.), Harry Wrigley (in his day the best all-round bark in New Zealand, playing in any position from half to full back), Geo/ge Hansen (the finest half back Wairarapa has ever produced); Wyllie (who played many times for Wellington), “Barney” Ronaldson (who played for Wellington against Auckland in ISBO, and has represented the Empire City on nun crons occasions); Edgar Wrigley (a New Zealand rep. and now one of England's leading Northern Union players). Joe Terry, “Clipper” Fail brother, “Tike” Hudson, “Ted” McKenzie (a North Island rep), Percy Rogers (a North Island rep), Joe O’Leary (the best centre three-quarter Wairarapa has ever had), and hosts of otheis one could name. In the finer department of the game, we are going backwards, but it is pleasing to note that there is some slight improvement in the forward play this season. Wairarapa should be capable of turning out a good forward team this year. The Waharapa Rugby Union has a credit balance of some £6O now, and Is in a position to make a tempting offer to Thames—or Auckland for that matter—to visit this district and play. The Rugby rough still continues his career unchecked. On Saturday last players in several games were knocked out. one in the Red Star Gladstone match being rendered unconscious for fifteen minutes as the result of a savage kick by an opponent. It Is estimated that the defeat of Rod Star by Gladstone hist Saturday resulted In about £3OO changing hands. Gambling on football matches Is rife in Wairarapa, large sums of money changing ownership each. Saturday. The betting has been heavier this season owing to the evenness of the teams In the senior competition.