FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1868, 24 September 1906, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

NORTH ISLAND 9, SOUTH ISLAND 5

SrjLENDID GAMS.

PRESS ASSOCIATION

Wellington, Saturday. Tho weather conditions woro almosl perfect for the annual Inter-Island match, which took place at tho Athletic Park this aftornoou, in the presence of about 8000 spectators, including Lord Plunket and party, the Premier, Sir J. Ward, members of the Ministry, and representatives of both branches of the Legislature. The play was decidedly interesting and fast on the whole, and such pace was imported into tho proceedings midway through tho second spell that tho forwards on both sides were practically played to a staudsti'l. A first-class standard of Rugby was maintained individually by the contestants, but tho combination was lacking. There was little to choose between respective scrum divisions, tho blacks (South Island) showing to better advantage in loose rushes, while tho Northerners held tho upper hand in the solid and on tho lino out, their greater weight and height being an important factor in those respects. Tho Northern front rankers beat their hookers for possession, in consequence of which the white rearguard was given plenty of opportunities for bringing passing rushes into requisition. The deadly tackling of tho black forwards, however, was successful in staving off danger. The game was evenly contested, except in the latter stages, when tho Northerners appeared to outstay their opponents. A feature of -the game was the utter failure of Dufty at place-kicking, not one of the tries gegistered by his side being improved upon. All were scored in close proximity to the goal posts. , O’Sullivan and Seeling touched down J for tho Northerners in the first spell, and *»litchinson also registered a clever try la the succeeding half. Fryer touched down for tho Southerners In the first spell, his score being the outcome of fine play by McGregor, and fleetness of foot by the try-getter. If anything the Northern team had the best Of the luck.

MARLBOROUGH 3, BULLER 0.

PRESS ASSOCIATION Westport last night. The final of the Seddon Shield football matches was played at Westport yesterday between teams representing Marlborough and Buller, and was won by the former by three points to nil. A try was scored fifteen minutes after play began. The ground was in a sloppy condition, heavy rain falling during the night and in the morning, with light showers during the progress of the match. The Buller backs made some pretty passing rushes earlier in the game, but fell away when the ball became more slippery and difficult to handle Manning, Captain of tho visitors, was the most prominent player, his linekicking being an especially fine feature of the match

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

A practice match was held at the Victorian Domain on Saturday afternoon between A and B Junior teams to enable the selectors, Martin, Howard and Hallimore, to select the fifteen to play against the Napier representatives on Saturday next. The play did not give much assistance to the selectors, being very patchy, each player when he gained possession thinking only how far he

could go on his own, with a hope that his herculean efforts might find favor in the eyes of the selectors. If our juniors hope to give a better account of themselves than the senior players gave in the Hawke’s Bay match they will require l> to give their attention to one or two t important matters. In the first place they must be in condition to last a fast and hard game. Then they must give up all thoughts of the individual, and remember that each is there as a part the combination, which the defection of of any will render of no avail. Lastly the forwards should mako themselves acquainted with the finer points of the

game. Illegal practices give the penalty of a free kick, and for intentionally rough play the referee must order the offender off the ground. The following is tha team :—Tat-, Wajmoulh, Riddell, J. Roderiok, Tere, Bailor Roderick, Rioe, Willock, Mirtio, MoOonnell, Winter, Grant, William 3 , Hickey, and Butterwortb. Emergencies: Backs, Moles and Cowan ; forward-’, Bright, Hamilton, and Butler. Wby Tate should he given the full baok position before Ecekana or Rowe it is difficult to say, ood it is un'ate to the juniors that a senior playor of several yea-s’ standing Bhould bo included in the team, Tate has alwyr been a oandida'e for the full back position when the senior representative teams have been chossn. Less objeotion can be taken to Tare, the senior representative five-eighths, wbohas not broken his juchr atatus as fat as club football is concerned, Unless the Union can see their way to reinatato Tate a 3 a junior he will bo unabh to play, and either Waymouth or Riddell will fill the posi ion, in which they are more at home than in the three quarter line. The forwards are an even lot, and with a week’s training Bhould give a gsod account of themsdves.