FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 508, 22 August 1902, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE TEST MATCHES. [Noths iiv “ The 'Whistle.”] Tho interesting stago of tho present season’s operations has now been reached. The three local Clubs have so far fought a good fight for the Banner, and at the present time arc about as evenly matched as they possioly could be. In tho last two matches but three points represents all the advantage that has been gained by any of the three competing clubs. On Saturday week last, West End scored a lucky win against Haiti-City by a penalty goal to nil, and last Saturday Iluia and WestEnd drew with three points each. The matches have been hard fought this seaHori, and many there be who claim tliat the Banner has by no means been won yet. But a cessation of hostilities is to take place. The gauntlet has once again been thrown down b.y our old and respected enemy Hawke’s flay, and so, after next Saturday’s game, the local feud will bo laid aside, and the three Gisborne Clubs will make common cause against the

d tnger which threatens from without. Though the crushing defeat of 24 points to 3 inflicted on Hawke’s Bay by Canterbury would naturally lead to tho conclusion that the Napier men are weak tins season, it must be borne in mind that they defeated a good side in Wanganui, which has more than once lowered the colors of such a redoubtable Union as Taranaki during the past season or two. Though Taranaki gavo Wanganui tho handsome drubbing of 24 points to nil tho other day, figures do not count for everything, and I quite expect that wc shall find our old-time antagonists harder tn deal with this season than evor before. Hawko’s Bay will have

tho decided advantago which tho big matches against Canterbury and Wanganui is certain to have given them, and they will naturally havo benefited by rubbing shoulders with tho men from the South.

Still, I am confident that Povorty Bay has tho material this season to place a creditable representative fifteen in the field, and tho annual fixture on Victoria Domain on September 13th between Hawke’s Bay. and Poverty Bay should provide a good- ccbitest. Though " I strongly favor a ono-man selection com ! ttee, the fduV gentlemen who have bet -appointed to, select the local represent ;xg (Messrs Rees, Cole, Eaton, and Gibstfri)’ may be relied upon to make an impartial selection. The majority of them havo attended every match this season, and should have an intimato knowledge of tho individual merits of the men.

In a big contest, as every footballer knows, tho condition in which tho men tako the field has a great deal to do with tho ultimato result. . Wo have at present in this district three senior clubs, with a membership of at least 45 players in active training. This leaves a large field for selection, though but 30 players can take part in the trials. In past seasons in this district difficulty has beon exporionced in getting two lull teams to take tho field for trial matches. To their shame bo it said, some of tho men, when thoy found that their names were not on tho side or in tho position which thoy thought they should occupy, havo refusod to tako tho field. I fee! sure that no such unworthy spirit will actuate tho men this season, and am confident that every senior player will manfully strive for a place, and pat tho chosen few on the back when tho final selection is made. I should dearly like to bo made guardian of all the local senior players from tho present time until one hour after the Hawke’s Bay match is played. I should bo so good to them —so attentive to them. I should see to their diet, to their exorcise, and put them carefully to bed at 10 sharp each evening. I should, in fact, inculcate tho Spartan spirit in tho young mon. I would take a toam on to tho field that would jump off tho mark, and go through tho game tireless. Thero would bo no straggling up to tho scrum, no hanging about until tho “ second wind ” arrived. Though I fear tho local Union will not grant me absoluto control of its mon, I trust that tho boys will act just as if thoy were under my guardianship, and the result will bo that Poverty Bay will have cause to look back with prido upon tho 1902 match with Hawke’s Bay. As tho result of a conference between

tho juniors in this district and sorno of the officials of tho Rugby Union, tho misunderstanding which resulted in a cessation of junior matches has boon happily cleared up. Next Saturday, a junior trial match will bo played on the Domain, in view of the visit of tho local juniors to Napier at an early date. Messrs A. Sharp, AVebb, and Gibson, tho selectors, inform me that thoy will select tho teams on the ground, and that all playors are requested to be on tho field at 2.45 p.ra. sharp. Next Saturday, Taranaki makes a bid for tho Ranfurly Shield, when they engage tho all-victorious Aucklanders on the latter’s ground.