FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1562, 19 September 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

AN AUSTRALIAN’S JUBILATION.

(Per Presa Association.)

Anokland, last night. Henderson, manager of the Australian teamj interviewed, said there was very little difference between Saturday’s play here and tho Australian play. On dry ground the Australians held their own with the New Zealand best- With the exception that the Australian baoks were lacking the essential culting-in necessary to deliver a deadly ettaok, they were equal to anything met on the tour. The forwards more than held their own, and oan safely lay claim to be equal to any forward team that has represented Australia for many years. The form displt.yed in tbe Auckland match was a fair indication of what was expected of them on their season’s form in Australia. If that form had been shown in the earlier matches the team’s record would possibly have been an exceptional one. On the whole, he was disappointed with the refereeing. Mr Henderson said he did not insinuate that the referees were other than most impartial, but with a few exceptions their ratings, particularly on the wing forward play and off-side in the loose, considerably affected the games, in one instanoe completely spoiling tbe game for the players and publio. Wrigley, at three-quarters, O’Brien and Spenoer (Wellington), fullbacks, wero the best of New Zealand's back combination. Among the forwards, Dodd and Watkins as front-rankers, were easily first. Franois (Auckland) was a player of more than average ability. Carlson (Manawatu) impressed him bb the best forward oi all the New Zealanders he had seen, inoladiDg those representing the colony in England. He congratulated New Zealand on the admirable selection of players in the various matches.