FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2162, 19 August 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND PKOEESSiONALS, WIN THEIIt EillSX MATCH.

United Press Association—Copyright Received August 17, 8.46 p.m. mi „ SIDNEY, August 17. The first iobtball game between proiessional teams representing New South .Wales and New Zealand was played this afternoon in fine weather. There was considerable interest centred in this match, which was tho introduction of professionalism in this branch of sport ill the Commonwealth and tlie Dominion of New Zealand, and the attendance is estimated at about 20,000. From a spectator's point of view the match was not of an interesting nature, as botli teams lacked the necessary combination for a good game, consequently splashes of brilliancy were of an individual character. Of the two sots of forwards tho visitors were a better class than their opponents, and played a strenuous though somewhat uneven game. For the first half-hour the game was very oven, play being chiefly in neutral territory, where the local men put in some fine passing rushes. One of' these was intercepted by Wynyard, who alter a capital run, lost possession, but Wi'igley was near at hand - and gathering up the oval whipped it oil to Wright, who dodged across the line. Turtill took the kick at goal, but the score was not increased.— New Zealand 3, New South Wales 0. —On resuming the Welshmen put in. several fine rushes, but the New Zealand defence w-as too good to admit of a break being made in that quarter, Wrigley and Turtill jiarticularly playing a fine game behind the scrums. Gradually and certainly the blacks pushed the blues back and Wynyard in possession rail across the field accompanied by Todd. As they neared the corner Wynyard, seeing a chance of scoring, bunded the ball to Todd, who, dodging the opposing backs, touched down. Wrigley took the kick, which was at a difficult angle, but ho too failed to pilot the ball through the posts.—New Zealand 6, New South Wales nil.—A few- minutes after the hall w-as in play again the blues drove New Zealand back into tlieir territory and from a passing rush outside the 25 yards, in which Dalpuget, Cheadle and Messenger were conspicuous, the latter got over the New Zealand line. He essayed the goal himself hut w-ith no better success than that w-liick had attended the New- Zealanders’ efforts.-—New Zealand 6, New South Wales 3.—Give and take play followed for a few minutes and then the referee sounded half-time. The second spell jiroduced no striking play, but Wrigley proved himself a tower of strength in repeatedly checking the onslaught b- the blues on the New Zealand line. The home team shortly after the spell opened had a shot at goal and narrowly escaped a score, the ball going just under the bar. For a time there was an interchange of kicks between the backs, Hedley, the local full, and Turtill, who occupied a similar position for the visitors, proving themselves worthy representatives in their respective places. Messenger proved a dangerous thorn in the side of the New Zealanders, and time after time he gave them some anxiouE moments. The game had for a time hovered in New Zealand country, but a passing rush shifted the scene into the local team’s 25. The latter got possession from a. scrum, but a kick in all endeavour to relieve the position was not a success, the ball going into Wynyard's hands, who promptly marked in front of the goal, and‘the figures read.—New- Zealand 9, New South Wales 3.—No sooner were the players at it again - than Messenger, with a fine run, carried play into his opponents’ 25 and then kicked across to Conn, who ran in amid cheers.— New- Zealand 9, New- South Wales 8. —From tlie kick off the Now Zealanders rushed the ball down the field and a-few minutes saw them cross the line. Wrigley made a poor kick at goal —in fact the place-kicking of these “All Blacks” is much below the standard of former teams from New Zealand. Tho scQres stood—-New Zealand 12, New South Wales S, 'when the w-histle sounded no-side.

MELBOURNE MATCHES ABANDONED. Received August 19, 0.40 a.m. SYDNEY, August IS. Owing to the New Zealand professional team’s steamer arrangements for their departure to England clashing, the matches arranged by Mr. Wren have been abandoned. HAWKE’S BAY (14) v. MANAWATU (6). Press Association. PALMERSTON, August 17. - The Hawke’s Bay- reps met llanawatu on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large crowd of spectators, and secured a win by 14 to 6. The game was full of interest and fast throughout. During the first spell there was very little difference between the play of either side, although Hawke’s Bay registered 6, one goal beingTOicked by Coulton from a mark. The other try was secured from a line-out, the kick at- goal failing. Ongley, for Manawatu, went dangerously near scoring just before the end of the spell, but from the scrum the blacks sent tbe ball again into midfield and play remained there until the whistle sounded. On resuming Manawatu commenced to attack: With vigor and soon had the blacks on the defence. Gradually tlie back play of Manawatu began to tell and the blacks were forced. After up and down the field play a long kick from Manawatu sent the ball into tlie blacks’ 25 and from a line-out McMinn scored the first try for Manawatu. Hewitt failed with the kick. Manawatu again returned to the attack and from a- fine passing rush Hewitt scored, but the kick failed, l x ? lac^s in a dribbling rush, but the situation was saved by Hughes and Manawatu followed up the attack which gave Martis an opening to score Time was drawing close when iII 1 .sot, a clear run a nd put tlie bail behind the posts, the trv being converted by Sliodbolt.-Manawatu 14, Hawke’s Bay 6 —The Hawke’s Bay forwards showed a great deal more dash in tho early part of the game and outclassed Manawatu in the loose by their kicking. Their line* VOI ° a ' so sood * n finding the

TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND J UNIOHS. NEW PLYMOUTH. August 17. Ihe junior rep match,. Taranaki v. Auckland, this afternoon resulted in a '4\-' uin for Auckland bv Bto 3 V trv was scored by Spragg and a tr&gh*'* awarded against Taranaki for turn. Ike game was fast, but nni.Siririf-' teresting. - jgpg™ DULLER (5) v. WEST COAST ■ • WESTPORT, August 17. Hie uncertainties of football never more fully illustrated than to-W&ZS day when Bullcr. which has .sufiVrodiSrif oeleai alter defeat to the tune of ' to 9 by Canterbury, beat the. Westsfi& > ■.-oast (which last week defeated Can-hw-V’ tei-lmry by I l to nil) by 6 points to 3. A hot pace was set lrom-tho begin-iSji'.-t ung the Duller iorwards playing wiilr••'.- .- great dash and collaring desperately;,' * % jiud the Coast responding with good *.* 8 bile-kicking by the hacks. Again and > *•- S again Duller made hot dashes for the V* goal-line, hut the Coast’s defence was P' - sound and the defence was several Adswift attacks which > lipnitT DuHei busy preventing a score « , b.mg iooorrtod against them, Histone**' . especially being particularly prominth .- M t'd/t- ° Pen,ng outlay for his sido. i T'V tVi was called without a score. a the second spell Bullcr more than v ' - eld their own tor a time and Colvin missed scoring. Tho Coast re-- . - t m mli r nJ D-ving was captured on. -‘r mg rush Bligh scored for Bullcr' Kerr converting with a, beautiful'-', . a'ck. Tins set the Coast going again" ’"!<! niter fast and exciting play" A'" mistake by flic Bullcr full-back gavo the Coasters a chance, and prettv passing let Irvine in. Hade failhrf with the kick. The Coast still mail’

desperate effort's to score, hut without success, and time was called with play in midfield and Bullor winners by 5 points to 3. Although the Coast played with great dash at tho finish tho scoro is a fair indication of the merits of tho teams.

LOCAL MATCHES.

There was a large attendance at Victoria Domain on Saturday afternoon last to witness tho three matches set down for decision. The chief attraction was tho match. Junior Representatives v. Whatatutu, which ended in a victory for the local team by 16 points to 3. The thatch, Maori v. PakeliH .proved of a very interesting nature, some brilliant passing being indulged in by both teams. JUNIOR REPS (16) v. WHATATUTU (3).

Witty, tho local skipper, won tho toss from Delaney tho A\ lintatutu captain and played with tho suit bolnnd him. Tho leather was set rolling by ISartlobt and J. Rodoric'k returned. From a line-out Poynton broko away and initiated a fine dribbling ntsh which carried play to tho visitors’ line, where 0. Fromm saved neatly. The blues (Gisborne) returned to tho attack and T. Swan put in some splendid dofensivo work which cleared his lino. The Gisborne boys wore not to be denied, however, and a determined foot-rush headed by Poynton rushed tho oval over tho Whatatutu lino where Poynton, falling on the ball scored a well-earned try. Tho kick at goal was entrusted to S. Roderick who made a fine effort, the ball falling a few inches short.—Gisborne 3 points, Whatatutu 0. —Tho visitor's’ forward division with N. Spence and G. Schultz menaced the home lino, but McLachlan cleared his line cleverly. The home pack wore having tho best of tho deal in tho scrum work and were heeling out in great stylo. Rice, behind the pack, proved himself a good attacking half as well ns being splendid on defensive, and initiated some pretty passing rushes. He had to bo very smart as Delaney, the visitors’ wing, was getting round tho scrum like lightning. D. Spence broko away with tho ball, and making a great run hurdled over an opponent who attempted to stop his progress. Pie looked every inch a scorer but Witty proved too ••edy for him and overtook him near tc line. Seymour started a foot-rush which transferred play into Whatatutu territory where Poynton gained possession and made a dash at tho line. ' Ho was tackled well by Fromm and gave J. Roderick a quick pass. Roderick crossed the line and scored. Poynton took the kick at goal but failed to add to the score. —Gisborno 6 points. Whatatutu o.—The whistle sounded half-time with the ball in neutral territory. Upon resuming the local team attacked hotly, the superior condition of tlie home mbn making itself felt. _ From a serum on tho Whatatutu 25 line Rice shot the leather out to J. Roderick. who sent' it to his brother. This tricky runner making a fine opening transferred to Witty who raced over the line and scored a nice try. McLachlan was successful with the kick at goal.—Gisborne 11 points. Whatatutu o.—This Gisborne team were playing with great confidence and got some fine passing on, but the defence of tho visitors frustrated their efforts. The forwards were more successful, however, and a fine. foot-rush let V. Somervell over the line. The kick at goal was taken by J. Roderick who piloted the leather safely through the uprights.—Gisborno 16 points, Whatatutu o.—Tho visitors worked the ball into the home 25. where, for offside pln-r on the part of a Gisborne player Whatatutu was awarded a free-kick T. Swain landing a neat goal.—Gisborne 16 points. Wha+ntut.u 3.—After some even plav in midfield the whistle sounded no-side. F°r the winners Rice. Roderick. Wi+iv and McLacblnn of the hacks and Povnton. Seymour and Hogg of the forwards were the most, consistent. For the losers T Swain. Campbell. D. Spence and Crooks of the badks and N. Sneilco Relanev and Fromm of the forward? plaved well. Mr. W. Howard controlled the game in his usual efficient manner while Messrs. 01? en and Somervell were the line umnires. MAORI v. PAKEHA.

T 1 lo second contest between the above teams was played on Saturday, when the former, after an interesting game, avenged their defeat m the previous match by securing a wellearned victory. The teams fined cnit: —-Natives —ftangi, Te Reinga, Delamere, Aorere (coast), Kaipara, Brown, Friday, Cockrey (coast), Mutu, Swann, Hakawai, Ellison, Pine, Heke, and Rewai. Pakehas—Hepburn, Kelly Dines, Rowe, Robinson, Grinlinton, Graham, Hansby, Turner, Hansen, Nicolas, Lyons, Bright, McKenzie, 'Williams. A dangerous passing rush by the Maori backs was cleverly frustrated by Rowe, and after a fine run he sent the ball on to Kelly who scored. Hansby kicked a goal. The Native team attacked strongly, passing with freedom, and* the X akeha line was menaced. From loose play near the line the ball was kicked to Rangi, the Native full-back, who deliberately potted a goal.—Pakehas 5, Maoris 4. —Following up their advantage, the college men kept the Pakehas busy defending their base.. A determined foot-rush bv the Maoris carried everything before it, and Cockrey was prominent in scoring a good try. the lack at .goal was resultless. The Pakelia forwards by clever footwork invaded their opponents territory, where Turner secured possession, and after a nice run scored. He failed with the kick at goal. Delamere gained possession shortly afterwards and made a splendid run. Getting the ball at his own ‘2o line, lie dodged several opponents cleverly, raced around others and eventually went right through the opposing team, whero ho passed, a score just being averted by Hepburn kicking the ball into touch. Brown just tailed to find the uprights trom a free kicn and half time was sounded with thc Pakelias one point to the good. 1- lay dur ing the second half was equally mtei - esting, the Pakehas being kept defendin'* their goal lino in real earnest. The passing of the Pakehas was also good; Graham, Robinson, Grinlmton, Rowe and Kelly handling the leather confidently. The scrum work on both sides was good, their being little to choose- between the different -v anguards. It was behind the pack that tho Maoris won their victory. \VI Rangi, full, has lost none of his old dash, and played a fine game- The three-quarter line. Aorere, Delamere. and Te Reinga, backed Jin by the five-eighths, Brown and Kaipara, was tho strong point of the victors team. Each handled the ball, passed and kicked splendidly. Their tackling was also sure. Friday, half, was also tip to his usual form. Rowe, Robinson. Graham and Grinlinton were the -ick of tho Pakcha babies. Hepburn was safe at full. The forwards clayed fv- splendidly on both sides. Iho game was controlled by Mr. R. G. Hallamore, and was played in -the best spirit. THIRDS. A:- This match was played between Ta--a}*’ kitinni and Kaiti-City, the latter winning bv 9 points to nil. ±ho game •/ was fast, and some good form was \ shown by both teams. Mr. Olsen had control of the game and gave every ■iY satisfaction.

On Saturday morning the Gisborne School Boys arrived from Napier., in high spirits after .their, trip, though Lf unsuccessful in the field. A match was played against the Napier Hi-t.li is School team on Fridav. when yfr. tors, quite overmatched in weight, / were vanquished by 34 to nil.