FOOTBALL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 August 1901, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Grey Seniors y Westport.

Beautiful weather prevailing for the ■above fixture, a large number of EpectaItors wore present, soma £'2o being tiken iat the gate, and as the local club had

taken the necessary precaution to keep speotators from encroaching on any pari of the field whatever, and transgressors in the past looked dubiously at the build of a formidablo man in blue, a clear and interrupted view of the entire game was shared alike by all, and appreciated by the players. Want of space precludes our giving ft detailed account of the game, which, must undoubtedly prove a lesson to the local team, which lamentably lacked the combination, science, and vim of the visitors, and although the reds possess equally as brilliant individual players, yet they must learn that " union is strength." The tactics of the visitors in line work and screwing scrums was vastly superior to the losers, and the latter dodge is one that may well be copied. For the visitors Smith, Dennehy and Cartayne played exceptionally well among the forwards, breaking away time after time, whilst of a first-class set of backs M'Nally and Sheriff at half and five* eights respectively, understood each other to the hour of the day, and both making fine openings, which were promptly accepted by Soully andCurtayne. Of the local team which lost by eight to nil, we can give good advice in one word " train " but endeavour to train together, learn each others tactics, study the fines points of the game, and the forwards would be a match for the vanguard of any team in the colony, for a more willing lot and of finer physique it wouhi be b*ra to find. -r" - •

E. Brown, Gregg, and B. Power fws» the bright stars in the red and white pack, whilst Dansey who has been fighting against influenza for some time, played ft solid clever game, though lacking the dash of finer efforts in the past. O'Donnell requires a deal of coaching, and should avoid any semblance of gallery play. He should never do anything stylish after the whistle blows, learn that it is not the place of a full back to challenge an attack* ing player in order to try and beat him, but kick, kick hard, and find the line.

Mr Beynolds officiated as referee in ft painstaking and finished manner, giving every satisfaction to players and good humoured spectators alike.

Stars t. Rivals

The final match for the Junior champion, ship of the West Coa3t Rugby Fnion wu played on Saturday at Reefton between the above clubs.

The day was beautifully fine and the ground in good order. The attendance was fair and those fortunate enough to be present were rewarded with just the Sort of match the publio like to see—no succession of dismal packed scrums, but a breezy dashing, quick scoring game at top speed from start to finish. Judging from the display given by the winners, I think I am safe in saying that no team on the West Coast would have lowered their colours on Saturday. The game was played in an excellent spirit, and not one single accident marred the pleasure of the day. While travelling teams behave as the Stars did on Saturday no one would have cause to complain, and parents would encourage rather than discourage their boys from taking an active part in the game of football. Stars' kick off was well returned by. Bennett, and play at once settled in the visitors 25. For a few minutes the game was tight, and from a scrum the Rivals" forwards heeled out nicely and after passing through the hands of four or five of the home team's backs, the ball was secured by Jas. Irvine, who by a brilliant run drew first blood amongst much cheering. Macdonald failed to add the major points. The kick out did not relieve the Stars much, as almost immediately they were again busy defending their line, "narter" White in particular tackling splendidly. The Rivals kept up their attack and were ultimately rewarded by seeing Tommy Irving fly over the line» Tyrnohs making a very feeble attempt to s:op him. Bennett was entrusted with the kick at goal but failed. Prom now till half time, the Rivals kept continuously attacking but without. further score.

Oa resuming the Rivals at once proceeded to make things lively. They followed the kick off in a body fairly hustled the Stars cut of the way and scored a try as they liked by the agency of Walshe, no goal resulted. The place kicking waa very poor or the winners score would have been much larger. From the kick out M'Donald by a fine run from his own 25 at once put the Stars again on the defensive and the backs of the winning team indulging in some splendid passing resulted before time being called in threetries being obtained one of which was eon* verted by Joe Irving. T. Irving and J. Irving being responsible for the tries, the Rivals thus winning by 20 points (6 tries and a goal from a try) to nil.

For ihe winner* all played well espeoially M'Donald, Seawright, Irring bro. thers, Heffernan, Fergussnn and Walshe, while for the losers A. White, B White, Jansen, M'Carthy and Richardson were the best, but taking as a whole the team were simply outclassed. Mr Burke offi* ciated as referee and gave general satis* faction and it is regrettable that we do not see him more often acting in that position.

(per peebs association.) Dunedin, August 25. Duncan, one of the elected New Zea* land team leaves for Wellington to-mor-row with Burt, who has been chosen as emergenoy.

N, S. Wales y Otago. Dukbdin, August 34. The football match N. S. W. v Otago was won by Otago by five points to nil. The weather was beautiful and the attendance probably 8000. The local men made the play open, but it was not till near the end of the spell that they scored. Duncan kicked to the centre and Smith snapping up the ball, scored, Bennet converting. On changiag ends Otago made the game close, and for some time had the advantage. The last minutes were very exciting, New South Wales attacking and a. score seemed probable any moment, but fortune was against them. The visitors put in some pretty passing and had ali the best of the scrum work, but Otago was superior in open play, while thore was great improvement in their backs.