NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 964, 27 August 1908, Page 10

NOTES.

One of the most exciting and strenuous games of football played this season was decided at Ellerslie on Saturday, when a team representing the Harp of Erin Hotel narrowly defeated an Ellerslie Hotel fifteen by 3 points to nil —a try scored by W. Ferguson. From the kick-off until the call of time both teams got to work in a very vigorous stvle. while the excitement among the barrackers

was intense. Mr Mcllhone, the wellknown City forward, acted in the capacity of referee and his decisions left no room for dispute. After the match both teams attended a smoke concert in the Harp of Erin Hall, where a most happy evening was spent. * * * ♦ The rumour lately circulated to the effect that the Wanganui representative team which played Manawatu would, practically las a 'body, turn professionals, caused considerable discussion in local football circles (says the “Wanganui Chronicle”). At the time the paragraph was published we expressed the opinion that it would be news to Wanganui footballers that any such step was about to be taken. Inquiries proved this surmise to be correct, for, though it was admitted that a few local players had endeavoured to promote a professional team, the proposal had met with a cold reception. ‘lt is absolutely dead,’ emphatically remarked a prominent player, who added, ‘I don’t see any likelihood of the professional game taking a hold in Wanganui at all.’ ” « * * * “Taranaki should be put up for inconsistent running,” remarked a spectator after last Thursday’s match when they defeated the Wellington representatives oy 15 points to nil. On their play the amber and blacks certainly could scarcely be recognised as the team that defeated South Canterbury by only three points. There was a marvellous difference between their play in the two games. * * * f It is stated on good authority that Dr. McEvedy, of the recent British football team, does not intend participating in New Zealand football when he settles here. He will probably take up his residence in the Taranaki district, and settle down to the practice of his profession. * * * • The Sydney “Referee” says that Dyke’s line-kicking from the full-back position and that J. L. Williams’s line-kicking from the left wing, in the second match between Britain and New South Wales, have never been equalled in similar conditions on the rugger fields of Sydney. ♦ * ♦ ♦ I was speaking to one of the selectors of the Wellington team the other day (says “Shinpad” in the “N.Z. Times”), and he gave what seems to me, the real reason of the utter collapse of the blacks in the last few minutes. The pack of forwards which was sent north, he said, was an excellent one —as good as could be got together in the Dominion —but the men were not trained to stand the terrible strain that must have been put on them. While they lasted they had no great difficulty in fending off the attack of the Northerners, and all went well until a few minutes before the end, when they “cracked up” very badly. After that Auckland couid do just as they liked, the opposition of the blacks being extremely feeble. This only goes to show that Wellington representative teams in the future, if they are going to do any good at all, must be much better looked after than was the unfortunate fifteen that went to Auckland. If Wellington is to bring the Ranfurly Shield back from Auckland, the men who go to fight for it must be in the pink of condition, and, moreover, a trainer who knows his business must accompany the team. * * * * Thus the Post describes a recent match in Wellington:—An amphibious game, half water polo and half football was played in the lake at the Athletic Park between the Wednesday representatives and a Horowhenua “B” team on Wednesday afternoon. What with wind and water, scientific football was impossible, but players and spectators obtained some amusement out of the muddied oafery. Rising to the occasion, a Maori member of the Horowhenua combination paddled about in bare feet, and now and then managed to kick the over-burdened ball. Cording swam over the line twice, while Watson added a third try for the home team. Horowhenua had a little the better of the scramble in the second spell, and Royal scored a try which Rigder converted. In a torrent of rain three Wellington players fled the field amid an outcry from the spectators. The referee tnen bowed to the elements, and the game was adjourned sine die. The players afterwards removed the mud in a pool before-the stand. Mr C. H. Atkinson, in gum boots, officiated as referee. * * * * Wellington defeated Wanganui on Saturday in a big scoring match bj . 25 points to 13'.” * ” '

In the match between Southland and Manawatu at Palmerston North, each side scored 11 points, the result being a draw. * * - * In a football carnival at Melbourne when playing under Australian rules, the Auckland team defeated New South Wales by a single point, but were subsequently badly worsted by Victoria who ran up the huge total of 171 points to 40. C. E. Murnin, the assistant manager to the Australian football, now on its way to England, when in his teens, visited South Africa, and gained a commission as lieutenant in the Colonial Light Horse in the Boer War. In 1900, when 17 years of age, he was a midshipman in the New South Wales Naval Contingent, which went to China. In 1905 he toured New Zealand as a member of the Australian Rugby team. C.E.M. is an old Sydney Church of England Grammar School boy, and one of the finest forwards New South Wales has produced. He is 6ft 2in in height. * * * ■* Wellington B fairly ran away from Horowhenua on Saturday, winning by 31 points to nil. £ « « Onehunga defeated Papatoitoi on Saturday by 19 points to nil. ♦ * o * Playing under Association rules, Ponsonby beat Corinthians by 6 goals to 1. * * * » Coromandel badly defeated the City Club’s fourth fifteen on Saturday by 27 to 3. * ♦ • The Rovers team have won the championship of the Hawke’s Bay Union.

Mataura has won the championship of the Waihi Rugby Union. * » ♦ • Melbourne football has become more notorious this year than ever (says the “ Referee ”). Week after week disgraceful scenes are reported in the Press. In these players figure as belligerents, or the umpire is assailed by enraged partisans, if the daily press reports in Melbourne be not overdrawn. The police are generally on the scene, and at times the incidents end in the police court. It is clear that with all its popularity the Australian game in Victoria frequently excites the passions of the worst type of players and spectators. The controlling bodies should disqualify for life every player guilty of striking an opponent or intimidating an umpire, and prosecute any spectator offering violence either to a player or an official if the game is to be relieved of its present notoriety. The law alone can implant a little sense into men devoid of sportsmanship. * * • V The semi-final match for the championship of the American Fleet was to have been played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, prior to the Anglo-Welsh v. New South Wales match, at the express wish of Admiral Sperry. It was to be contested under American Rugby rules. It reminds one (says the “Referee”) of Rugby as it might have been a century back, and possesses few of the attractions in modern Rugby when played by skilful and welltrained teams. The final match is to take place at Melbourne, where, no doubt, it will give rise to no end of mirth, and be regarded more as a deadly battle rather than play by followers of the Australian Game.

On their way to England the Australian football team played a Victorian team and won by 26 points to 6. The international aspect of the Victorian team is worth noting:— R. Emmanuel, full back (ex-Poverty Bay, N.Z.); J. Adams (ex-Belfast, Ireland), J. T. Birch (Sydenham, Christchurch, N.Z.), C. Light (once Balmain F.C., Sydney), F. Scally (Queensland), three-quarters; J. Stevenson (N.S.W.), five-eighth; V. Hagan (Victoria), half; R. P. Franklyn, Cambridge (England), J. Jamison (Scotland), Berry (Cambridge, England), Priest (Southland, N.Z.), A. Flegg, Pilkington, S. Rosenfeld (brother of N.S.W. League player) (Sydney), E. Ahern (Melbourne University), forwards.