FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 980, 28 August 1903, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

TO-MORROW’S REPRESENTATINE MATCH. Exceptionally keen interest is being manifested in tho first match between teams representing the Waiap_£ and Poverty Bay Rugby Unions, which will be played on Victoria Domain to morrow afternoon. The game, while deciding which Union has the better fifteen, will alsotßerve as a first-class trial match in view of tho selection of the team to meet Hawke’s Bay at Napier about the middle of next month, and the personnel of the team which proceeds to Napier will depend chiefly on the form displayed tomorrow. We would respectfully suggest to the Poverty Bay Union that Mr. K. S. Williams be requested to act on the selection committee which chooses the team to meet Efawke’s Bay. As sole selector for Wainpu Union, that gentleman has shown judgment and discrimination which entitles him to respect as a thorough judge of tho game, and, as he will witness the match here to-morrow, his inclusion on the selection committee would - greatly assist the Union in gettiug away the very best team available.

Ten of tho Poverty Bay representatives put in an appearance at Victoria Domain yesterday afternoon, tho absentees being Lear, Symes, Morrissey, Hatea, and Holmes. It was impossible to attempt anything in tho way of combination, but a few substitutes were picked up, and the representatives took the field against some twenty all-oomers, made up of a heterogeneous collection of players, ranging from schoolboys of tender years up to the veteran Tuhoi, who was in great form. The spectators were greatly amused at times at tbo sudden and complete manner in which some of tho youngsters howled overburly forwards like Moana, Wepiha, and Wauchop, The rep. men did not appear to advantage, and a member of the Coast team who watched the play remarked that they would have to do better on Saturday if they wished to win. E. R. Murphy, H. Fairlie, Manuel, Pokibau, and Potae, members of the Waiapu representative team, were present at Vic--toria Domain yesterday afternoon. Potae and sfanpel had a rym about with the Gisborne men.

It is douhtful whether R. C, Murphy will be able to take the field for the Coast team to-morrow. He had a spill off his horse at Panikau station a few days ago, aDd has scarcely recovered from the effects. We trust his splendid constitution and fine physique will enable Ralph to take his place at the sido of tho scrum to-morrow. Should he be unable to play, his plac;e in thp team will b. 9 taken by Brooking,‘ a young ex-Te Aute forward of much promise. The Waiapu team practise on ViQtoria Domain to day, and wifi perfect their scrum machinery this evening. Tho Waiapu team have selected Mr W. S. McCredie as referee for to morrow’s matoh, and have fixed on the right man or the position. Given fine weather, the match tomorrow should provide a first-class exhibition. There is certain to be a large attendance, as many Coast patriots, of both sexes, have already arrived in town for the express purpose of attending the match, and thus putting heart into their chosen braves.