Football.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 213, 23 August 1894, Page 2

Football.

AUCKLAND v. HAWKE’S BAY. A Drawn Game. Thr second inter-provincial contest be tween Auckland and Hawke’s Bay took place on Saturday last at Potter’s Paddock. Owing principally to the in clemency of the weather, and partly to the fact that on the previous Thursday the visitors were unable to beat the Thames, the attendance of spectators was not up to the usual standard. Contrary, a however, to the popular belief that the local men would win rather easily, the match supplied one of the most stubbornly fought contests seen at Potter’s this season, and after a most even game it resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. Mr A. Parker performed the duties of referee in a satisfactory manner, and the line flags were in the hands of Messrs Keefe and Fleming. The Play. Braund winning the toss elected to defend the western goal, having a strong wind in his favour. Cockroft kicked off for the visitors, Murphy returning into touch. From the throw in a scrum was formed on the 50 line, from which Caradus secured the ball and made a good screw kick. The same player immediately afterwards got off a smart dodgy run. From a scrum formed in the Hawke’s Bay 25 Braund secured the leather, and "“alter a short dash passed to Edmonds, who, however, failed to take the pass, and another scrum was formed. From this the visitors got on a strong rush, but Jervis returned by a long kick to Gorman, who kicked to Donald, the latter marking. Murphy tried at goal, but the attempt, although a good one, was unsuccessful, and the visitors were forced. Laws kicked out, but gained little ground, the ball going into touch near the Hawke’s Bay twenty-five flag. The throw in resulted in a scrum, from which Fitchett received a pass and potted unsuccessfully at goal. The visitors were again forced. From the kick out a scrum was formed on the 25 line, but the local players putting the ball unfairly in the scrum, the visitors were awarded a free kick, from which the leather went into touch near the 50 mark. From the throw in, the local men got on a dangerous passing rush which nearly ended in a score, and for the fourth time the visitors were compelled to save. Laws kicked out, sending the ball into touch. From the throw in, the visitors secured a mark, and the leather went into touch near the 50 flag. Several scrums took place near the centre mark, from one of which the visitors got on another rush, but Masefield came to the relief of the local men, and returned out of bounds with a free kick. From the throw in, Brady was responsible for some clever work, but was pushed into touch. From this throw in the local vanguard got on a determined rush to the visitors’ fullback, who, however, pulled up smartly and punted into touch. A splendid rush of the visiting forwards was only stopped by Masefield throwing on in order to get out of trouble. From the scrums that followed, the Napier men heeled out quickly to Caradus, who started a fine passing run, which carried play to the local 'goal line, the local men being forced. Murphy’s kick out was returned into touch near the 50 flag. From the throw in, the local men started a good rush, but the visitors were awarded a free kick for off-side play on the part of an Auckland player. Edmonds returned the kick out of bounds. From the throw in, Caradus obtained a mark, but gained no

ground by the kick. After much give and take play, the Auckland team was awarded a free kick, Murphy taking a place at goal. No score however, resulted, and from the kick out the Auckland team got on a fine passing run which transferred play to the Hawke’s Bay territory, the ball going into touch near the visitors’ goal line. By good forward play the visitors, however, cleared their line, and by the aid of a free kick transferred play to the 25 mark. Another fine passing rush of the visitors was spoiled by Donald, who collared Laws from behind. Breen here obtained possession of the ball, and after a clever feinting run, passed to Jervis, who was, however, grassed before he had gone far. From the scrum which followed, the Hawke’s Bay forwards came away with the ball, but Fitchett, picking up well, made a capital pot at goal, the ball just going a few feet wide of the posts. Hawke’s Bay was again forced. From the kick out the ball went into touch near the 25 flag, where play remained for a considerable time. After much loose play, Clarkin made a good run, and passed to Marshall, who, however, failed to take the ball. A heavy shower of rain now made it difficult to handle the ball, and after much scrambling play the visitors were again forced. The kick out was followed by a strong run by Rhodes, the ball going into touch in the Hawke’s Bay 25. After considerable give and take play, in which Caradus, Cockroft, and Laws for the visitors, and Braund, Clarkin, and Breen for the local team, put in much good work, the Hawke’s Bay vanguard got on a splendid dribbling rush, with Malcolm and Cheers in the lead. The former picking up cleverly, a score looked certain, but although he timed his pass well, he, threw forward. From the scrum which took place in the local 25, the Auckland forwards came away with the ball and kicked well down the field to Breen, who exchanged kicks with Gorman. A dangerous rush of the Auckland forwards was spoiled by Oliphant, who kicked so hard that the ball went beyond the 25 yards limit, and half-time was sounded. Second Spell. Murphy kicked off, but some local player was in front of the ball, and a scrum took place at midfield. Auckland had the best of the scrum, and Jervis obtaining the ball sent it into touch near the Napier 25 flag. From the throw in, Donnelly kicked well up the field to Masefield, who made a strong run to midfield. The local players again had the best of the scrum, and loose play followed, but Macfarlane equalised matters by a well judged kick into touch. From the throw in, the visitors, headed by Cockroft and Barnett, came away with a strong rush, which carried the play into local territory. Edmonds here obtained a mark, and kicked to Macfarlane, who returned the leather to Jervis. The latter, however, failed to take the ball, and but for the efforts of Rhodes, McKenzie and Oliphant, who came to the assistance of the maroons by the aid of a fine rush, it was not improbable that the visitors would have scored. The trio last mentioned carried the play to Masefield, where the rush was well stopped by Laws, who picked up and made a grand run well into the Auckland 25, where he transferred to Macfarlane. The latter made a great dash for the line, but was collared by Jervis only a few inches from the line. From the scrum which was here formed the local forwards started a capital rush, which sent the leather to midfield, where Oliphant picked up and punted into touch near the Hawke’s Bay 25 flag. From the throw in, several of the visiting forwards came away with the ball at their feet, but their efforts were suddenly stopped by Jervis, who picked up and punted into touch at the 50 mark. The visiting vanguard again had the best of the line play, and headed by Cockroft and Kelly, succeeded in driving the leather across the Auckland line, where Masefield was compelled to save. The kick out was returned by Laws, the ball going into touch in Auckland territory. The Hawke’s Bay men again got on a dangerous rush, but a hard kick by one of their forwards enabled Fitchett to save. The kick out was returned into the Auckland 25, but for offside play by the visitors, a scrum was formed at midfield. A rush of the maroon forwards was well stopped by Caradus, who punted into touch near midfield. Much scrum and line work, in which neither side appeared to gain any advantage, took place here, and after an exchange of kicks between Caradus, Braund, Laws and Edmonds, Braund made a clever dodgy run and passed to Edmonds, who after gaining some ground

transferred to Breen, but the latter was well tackled by Caradus, and Bennett kicked into touch near the 50 mark. For offside play by a local player the visitors were awarded a free kick. After more line and scrum work Breen made a long kick into the Hawke’s Bay 25, and by good following up he spoiled the return. From the scrum which here took place the visitors were given another free kick, and play again centred. Caradus was instrumental in starting a fine passing run between the Hawke’s Bay backs, and for a time the local men were called upon to defend their line. The Aucklanders, however, gradually worked the leather along the touch line, and by a fine kick by Edwards, play was taken to past the 50 flag. After a loose straggling rush of the local forwards, Oliphant got possession of the ball, and should have had no difficulty in crossing the Hawke’s Bay line. He, however, attempted to pass, and the ball being fumbled, no score resulted. From a free kick awarded to the local men, Murphy essayed a place at goal, but although the attempt was a good one the ball went wide of the posts, and the Napier team were forced. Laws kicked out, Edmonds returning into touch. Auckland had the best of the line play, but Caradus nipped in the bud what might have proved a dangerous rush. Receiving a fine pass from his forwards, Braund made an opening for Breen, but the latter was grassed before going far. From the scrum which followed, Rhodes secured the ball and sent it on to Jervis. The visiting backs were , however, now collaring in fine style, and our crack three-quarter on being downed, unfortunately fell on his injured shoulder, which a few minutes later necessitated his retirement from the field, Rhodes taking his place. A well-judged punt into touch by Breen placed the visitors on the defensive. The throw in resulted in a scrum, from which Braund secured the ball. His pass was, however, intercepted, and by a fine passing run the visitors carried play to centre. A strong run by Oliphant again carried play into the Hawke’s Bay 25, where a kick across the field by Bennett gave Fitchett an opening. The latter -made a brilliant run along the touch line, but was well tackled by Gorman a few yards from the goal line, the ball going into touch. The local men were now playing a determined game, and for some considsrable time kept their opponents penned in their 25. From one of the numerous scrums which took place here, Braund, obtaining the ball, sent it to Breen, who in turn transferred to Rhodes. The latter made a great effort to score, but Gorman’s tackling proved too reliable, and averted a score. From the scrum which took place, the Napier men got on a splendid rush which carried the play to midfield where Caradus started a fine passing run. Laws, however, passed forward. Another rush of the visiting vanguard was well stopped by Masefield, who sent the ball into touch in the local 25. The line out resulted in Auckland carrying play to midfield. During the remaining few minutes of the game each side made desperate attempts to score, but the defence proved stronger than the attack, and one of the most evenly-contested matches seen this season at Potter’s ended in a draw.

Considering the unfavourable circumstances under which the game was played the form displayed by each team must be regarded as being of a high order of merit. With a treacherous greasy ball, and a heavy slippery turf, it was only natural to suppose that both teams would have made numerous mistakes. Such, however, was not the case, and to the surprise of all present they handled the ball in a remarkably sure manner. The forward play throughout the match was also of an even nature. On the line, in the scrum, and in the loose open play, each side had a fair share of success, and it would be unsafe to say that either vanguard proved the stronger in any department of the game. The visitors, however, got into their places in the scrum in a better style than the local men, and it was also noticeable that throughout the game each forward always managed to get into his proper position both in the scrum and on the line out. On several occasions the local vanguard appeared to get slightly “ bustled,” and flopped into the pack anyhow. It is worthy of remark that in these instances the Hawke’s Bay men carried the scrum. The Napier backs played in rare style, and at times got off some excellent combined play. Each appears to possess a more than ordinary turn of pace, and to judge by the manner in which they handled the ball on Saturday it is not difficult to imagine that on a dry day their passing tactics would cause the opposing

4T team no end of trouble. Their tackling, kicking and stopping of rushes was all that could be desired.

7he local backs also shaped well, and played sure games, so far as defensive work was concerned. They, however, appeared to lack the combination of their opponents At fullback, for the Hawke’s Bay team, Gorman played a safe consistent game. He made good use of the touch line, and gained much ground by his kicks. His sure tackling prevented both Rhodes and Fitchett from crossing the line. Of the three-quarters. Laws at centre was the best. He got his side out of many difficulties by his quick punts. MacFarlane and Bennett were also in good form and played serviceable games. The former almost crossed the Auckland line after a brilliant run.

In Donnelly the visitors possess a real good man in the five-eighth position. He apparently thoroughly understands Oaradlis’ style of play, and knew exactly where to go to receive the ball. His defense was particularly good. Rarely has “ Buff ” Caradus been seen to better advantage than on Saturday last behind the Hawke’s Bay scrum. He made the mott of every opportunity, and started all the visitors passing runs by dodging cleverly around the scrum. Buff is as full of tricks as ever, and should just about secure a place in the North Island team. With one exception, when he tried to • ‘ shunt ” a player, and must for the moment have forgotten he was playing fullback, Masefield was safe, ond played well. Of the local three-quarters, Breen was perhaps the best. He did a great amount of work, and by following up his own kick he several times gained ground by preventing a return. He tackled well, whilst no fault could be found with his kicking or handling of the ball. Jervis’ inclusion in the team djd not prove such a tower of strength as many expected. He fumbled the ball on several occasions, but still put in some clever play. He was unfortunate in again having his shoulder injured, and had to leave the field. It is unlikely that Jervis will again play this season. Fitchett’s game was a fair one. He allowed several men to poss him, he almost scored a try, and made a splendid pot at goal. As five-eighth man Edmonds was notn success. He does not appear to understand what is required of a player in this position. Braund was not so clever as usual behind the scrum. He always succeeded in getting off his pass, and otherwise put in a lot of useful work, but still failed to make as much of his opportunities as he usually does. I would like to see him partnered by his club mate Ramsay, the only local player whom I have seen show anv knowledge of five-eighth play. Oliphant’s game was not up to his usual standard, owing to the fact that he made several mistakes. He should have scored twice, but ruined one chance by kicking the ball too hard, and sending it behind the opponents’ goal line beyond the prescribed limit for scoring, and another by attempting to pass when he had a straight run in. But for these errors his game would have been a good one. Rhodes played his first game as wing forward, and shaped well. In the second spell he took Jervis’ place at threequarter, and made a capital run. Murphy had hard luck with two of his place kicks. Each was a good kick. He played his usual clever forward game. Clarkin was about the best of the Auckland forwards. His line play was especially good. He got off several fine passes. McKenzie was prominent in nearly all the Auckland rushes, and did a lot of tackling. Of the Napier vanguard, Cockroft proved the best man. He secured the ball cleverly in the scrum, and was frequently prominent for clever line play and good dribbling. v Cheers and Malcolm also put in a great amount of work. The former would have scored a try had the latter not passed forward. Of the two wing forwards, Swan and Kelly, the former appeared to do the more work. Kelly played opposite Oliphant. Toohey put in some clever line work. Barnett, Ryan and Geordine all appeared to graft. The former has improved greatly. The first Junior contest between Parnell and North Shore proved a rather soft thing for the former, who beat their opponents in all departments of the game. The Parnellites won easily by

21 points to nil. Meilis secured three tries, Taylor two and Hodgson one, whilst Mitchell kicked a pretty goal from a penalty kick. Mr F. Logan, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, who is at present in Auckland for the purpose of receiving the New South Wales footballers, was a spectator at the big match on Saturday. The match between Hawke’s Bay and Thames resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. The latter was represented by a stronger combination than that which played against Auckland. An idea of the strength of the Wellington team can be gathered from their match with South Canterbury on Saturday last. The former won by 16 points to nil. The score was made up of four tries and a goal. It will be remembered that the Auckland players defeated the same team by 16 points to<J, the winners also scoring 4 tries, two of which were converted. From information to hand it appears the visitors had the best of the forward game against Wellington, and it will be also remembered that they shewed superior form to our vanguard. These facts point to the conclusion that our contest against Wellington is not going to prove the one-sided game which many imagine, and should Auckland be represented by her strongest available combination I feel pretty confident that we will get even on our defeat of 1889. The representatives of Hokitika defeated the East Christchurch Club by 7 points to nil. The annual contest between Nelson an cl Marlborough ended in a draw, each side scoring a try. The following team has been selected to represent Auckland on Saturday next against New South Wales : —Fullback, R. Masefield; three-quarters, W. R. Fitchett, F. Edmonds, and J. Breen; halves, W. Elliott and A. Braund; wing forwards, R. Oliphant and W. Rhodes; pack forwards, C. Brady, T. Clarkin, H Donald, A. Haua, R. McKenzie, M. McMillan, O. Murphy. Emergencies—back, T. Roberts ; forward, C. Stone. The following players have been recommended by the local selection committee to places in the North Island team: — Full-back, Masefield; halves, W. Elliott and A. Braund; forwards, McKenzie, Clarkin, Murphy and McMillan ; wing forward, R. Oliphant. It will be noticed that in the team for Saturday several alterations have been made. Breen has been shifted from centre to wing three-quarter (a position in which I have never known him to play), Edmonds being also shifted from five-eighth man to centre three-quarter. W. Elliott has been again put in as fiveeighth man. In the forwards Marshall disappears from the team to make room for McMillan, who played against Auckland for Taranaki. I think it is anything but a wise step on the part of the committee to play Breen as wing three-quarter. He is essentially a centre three-quarter, and for many years has played only in that position. If the committee were dissatisfied with his centre three-quarter game on Saturday he should have been put out of the team. If, on the other hand, his game pleased them, then why not let good alone, and leave him in his position. In my notes of last week I suggested that Edmonds should be tried at centre three-quarter, and he has been placed in that position for Saturday’s game. I still think he is suited for such a position (in which I have seen him play a fine game), and I have every confidence in his performing well on Saturday. In advocating Edmonds’ claim to the position of centre three-quarter, and objecting to Breen’s removal from that position, a thoughtless reader might accuse me of gross inconsistency, but a little calm reflection will clearly show that my contention is free from any such charge. The committee must be either satisfied or dissatisfied with Breen’s game on Saturday. If the former, then he should be still in that position, for it is only reasonable to suppose that the practice which he had in that game would enable him to play an even better game on next Saturday. If they were dissatisfied, than Breen should not be in the team at all, for whilst it would be absurd to retain him at centre threequarter, it is doubly absurd to play him in a position in which he has had no experience. That the committee has a liking for Elliott, and that they are determined to have him in the team by “ hook or crook ” is manifest. Whilst playing games which would not have secured him his place in a second junior team, the committee continued to retain him in the team to the exclusion of really good men, until

the criticism of both spectators and Press assumed so pronounced a form that he was reluctantly left out of the team. On the strength of a game played against the Hamilton team, Elliott has been again put in the team. If at his best on Saturday he will probably play a splendid game, and the committee will rejoice ar their cleverness, but he has not at present, the remotest claim to a place in the combination. By all means put Elliott in the team (though he be out of form), and also Jervis (though he be practically disabled) when the alternative is to play 14 men, but not when their inclusion keeps out men whose claims to places in the team should long ere this have been recognised. The recommendation of Elliott to a place in the North Island team needs no comment.

McMillan will be unable to play on Saturday, which will give Stone a chance of putting another number on his cap. The New South Wales team, which arrived in Auckland this morning, include the following twenty-five players :—Alcock, Barry, Braund, Bliss, Clayton, Cuppies, Carson, Cobb, Dibbs, Edwards, Galloway, Hanlon, Hanna, Lane, Lohan, G. Lusk, McMahon, Parish, Ranken, O’Riley, Surman, Sawyers, Scott, Walsh and Wyburd. Of the five matches between New South Wales and Auckland victory, has rested with this province on each occasion, but during the last few years, and especially during the present season, the Welshmen have made rapid progress at the game. In the event of a fine day on Saturday next the attendance at Potter’s to witness the first trial of strength between Auckland and the Welshmen since 1886 is sure to be unusually large. The visitors include several fast men, whose speed is sure to trouble our backs, and in the event of the New South Wales vanguard being able to hold their own with our men I think the visitors will win rather easily. Should the Auckland-New South Wales match result as I anticipate, the last opportunity which we shall have of defeating a first-class team will be in the match against Wellington. In this contest it would be worth the while of the Rugby Union to try an experiment and endeavour to find out if the adoption of the district scheme has really interfered with the strength of our representative team. This could be done by entrusting another committee with the choice of a team to battle against Wellington. The present committee has had a pretty fair innings, and every facility for the selection of a strong combination. To put it mildly, their efforts have so far not been crowned with success, and in the event of Auckland being defeated on Saturday a sense of delicacy will no doubt suggest to the committee the necessity of giving some one else a trial. One cannot but admire the perseverance of the committee, which is, however, too expensive if its price be the reputation of the province. The following team has been selected to represent the North Island against New South Wales on Wednesday next: — Fullback, Masefield (Auckland); threequarters, A. Bayley (Taranaki), Roberts and Wynyard (Wellington); halves, Caradus (Hawke’s Bay) and Gage (Wellington) ; wing forwards, R. Oliphant (Auckland) and W. Bayley (Taranaki); forwards, R. McKenzie and 0. Murphy (Auckland), Lambie and Hughes (Taranaki), Cockroft (Hawke’s Bay), Watson (Wairarapa), and Pointer (Gisborne).