FOOTBALL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3150, 2 August 1881, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

- (By Onlooker.) On Saturday last I witnessed one of the best games that have been played here this season. Unfortunately the ground was in a swampy and very Blippery condition, nevertheless this had Very little effect on the players, who / kejjHhe ball going with undiminished df _j,—/ vigour from beginning to end. Sides *> were picked by St. Hill and Mowbray, and at 380 the ball was kicked off by Dore, Mowbray immediately returning it with a good drop. A scrimmage now ensued, but like most Napier scrimmages had a very short life. However Barclay made a desperate attempt to get away, and having successfully passed several of his opponents he was well collared by Gibbons. Another scrimmage took place, and upon the ball leaking out it was nicely picked up by St. Hill, who endeavoured to make one of his usual good runs, but owing to the nature of terra firma he came to grief. However, Begg was near, ready to render aid, and by a splendid run landed tbe ball near Mowbray's goal. The game now became very exciting, owing to the ball being in such close proximity to Mowbray's quarter; however Barclay was again on tbe ball, and got it clear when time was called. Goals having been changed, the ball was kicked off by Mowbray, Begg receiving it, who once more made a fine run alongside touch, but was collared by Edwards, who is always on the ball. Another scrimmage ensued, which lasted a short time. Whitcombe got the ball away by dribbling, but unfortunately for himself and side he slipped, or else I he would have secured a touch- ""' down. I have carefully watch this particular part of his play every Saturday, and each time I have noticed a marked improvement. If more of our players would practice this feature of tbe game I am sure they would find it beneficial. St. * Hill now got the ball, and being more successful in his run placed the ball near the adversary's goal. A scrimmage took place, and on the ball coming out it was securedfby Gibbons, who by a very neat and well-judged drop secured a gaol. Directly the ball was kicked off time was called. Goals were again changed, and the ball being kicked off it was secured by Edwards, who made a grand run, bringing the ball well down the field. From this scrimmage Begg, who was playing splendid football, again got away, and by good judgment kicked £, when he saw that he must be collared. Parker now made a good rush, and secured a touch-down, but on bringing the ball out be failed to make his mark on the gaol line, as prescribed by the rules. Whitcombe took advantage of this, and gained possession of the ball, and had the kick from twenty-five yards, after which time was called. During the fourth twenty minutes some very good play was exhibited by Barclay, who seemed to have a power of strength. Towards tbe close of the game the test scrimmage of the afternoon took place, lasting for over a minute. At the conclusion St. Hill's side came out vie- '"" torious by 5 points to 4. I was sorry to find a few of those picked for the Gisborne match conspicuous by their absence; they should take time by the wing, and get as much practice as possible, even missing one Saturday gets a player out of practice, and if our men wish to secure a win the few remaining mornings and \, evenings should be taken advantage of. r One good feature in the game on SaturA. day was the absence of much talking. When footballers have an umpire to decide their grievances they ought to abide by his decisions. This, lam glad to say, was the case on Saturday. In conclusion I should point out to the secretary the advisability of the team having a practice together before proceeding to Gisborne, as the .hortcomings of each player would be known, so as to be ready to meet the foe with a good defence.