The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 20, 1903. OUR FOOTBALLERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 973, 20 August 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 20, 1903. OUR FOOTBALLERS.

The New Zealand representative football' team liad an enthusiastic send-ofi from Sydney last night, on their return home. The colony may well be proud of their achievements. The team was freely criticised prior to setting out for Australia, and it is admitted that the best teams obtainable in Australia were pitted againstr'hhem, with the result that every game was practically a runaway one for the New Zealanders. In cricket New Zealand can make no

compar/ison .with Australia, 'but in the, robust game o£ Rugby football, the supremacy of the colonies undoubtedly lies with New Zealand. The presentation of the banner to the New Zealand Rugby, .Union was a graceful act on the part of people in Australia, and the Tjanner will be greatly; treasured in athletic circles as a reminder of the splendid victories achieved. We are often told that our young men are given up too much to sport ; but it must be allowed that intercolonial games are a great factor in the way, of neighborliness. .The cordial receptions everywhere accorded to the New Zealanders proved how the visit .was appreciated, and whether or not people are keen in the matter of athletics, tve are sure that ail to the victorious team. Sympathy, can heartily join in ■ cKmgratulations Will bo felt for Wallace, who in the match yesterday afternoon, sustained a fractured jaw. The injury did not prevent him playing to the finish of the game, but the fear of seasickness affecting the injury, prevented him coming with the others yesterday, and Stalker remained to keep him company.