FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2238, 9 July 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE BRITISH TOUR.

THE PALMERSTON NORTH MATCH.

[Press Association.]

PALMERSTON N., July B. There was a large crowd and fine weather for the Britain v. Mnnawa-tu-Hqrowheuua match to-day. In the first spell the scores were three all, but at the call, of time Britain led by 12 to 3. The play throughout was marred by the sloppy ground, but the Britishers gave glimpses of brilliancy, especially early in tjie second spell, when they scored two fine tries, in quick succession. Britain kicked off and Hewett returned the ball back to the twentyfive. Gibbs and Stalker exchanged kicks, and “Polity” Jones finally reached half-way with a well-judged kick. From the throw-in . the combined team were awarded a free kick, and Wininta had a place at goal, but the hall fell short. Britain returned and the play settled down in their territory. The first scrum was eagerly watched, and a great cheer went up when it was'found “Paddy” McMinn had hooked the hall, and the delight of the spoclutors knew no bounds when it was found he had repeatedly gained possession. The -British were now on the defence, and only momentarily did they relieve their end, for the local men were playing with characteristic dash, and Archie McMinn kicked the ball over the line from a forward rush. Stalker pounced ujion it, hut the refereo give no try, the hall having crossed the dead-ball line. Morgan sent the hair well up the field, but the home forwards, came away with a smart piece of foot work, and got dangerously near Britain’s line, Williams carrying pliiyout of bounds. It was now evident tliat the Britishers were not going to have things all their own way, and the spectators were worked iip to a great state of excitement, for the combined team were mastering the, (British formation, and it was only by the sure saving Pieties of the visitors’ rearguard that they stemmed the tide of adversity. The first piece of passing came from the local men, Hewett, O’Connor, and Stalker gaining considerable ground, Gibbs grassing Stalker.’' “Polity” Jones and Chapman made a big dash. Anderson secured the Jir'st- • named, and Chapman for a moment appeared to be clear away, but Hewett shot out and secured him in the nick of time. The local forwards shifted the game from their own territory, when Alex. 'McMinn 'secured possesion ami started a passing rush in which Smith and Whisker took part.' Jackett throw the last-named out at the twenty-live.'-' The- }|ana-watu-HorowlK'/ma ’ backs were bundlin'' the greasy ball in fine style, and their' collaring was all that could be desired. Both teams were now warm- 1 in" up to tlioir work, and Oldham ] and Williams ‘ rushed play to halfyrajr. J. 7, Williams missed his fcipfc.

Archie McMinn gained possession and, with a groat dribbling rush, he piloted the ball clear through tho visitors’ backs and scored. Ho took the kick at goal, but nmdo a poor attempt. This wo'-o tlio visitors up, and, with several woll-oiguiuEocl attempts, they entered tho homo team’s dominion. Through illegal placing of tlio hall in the scrum by the locals, Britain wore awarded a free kick, and Williams sent tho bull clean between tho posts. Tlio game, from tliis out to the end of the spell, was evenly contested, and when-tlio wliistlo sounded, tho seoro stood tlireo a 11. Tho local men pressed Britain in tho second spoil, nml they hud one or two narrow escapes. Carroll headed n forward rush, tlio ball going out closo to Britain’s lino. Rawiri had a pot. tho bull going wide. Stalker and Jackett jumped for possession, but the ball was forced. Britain now glined tlio ascendancy, and a passing bout between Morgan,, Davey, “Polity” Jones, and Chapman ensued. Stalker and Winiuta saved by splendid collaring. The homo forwards worked play up the field, but Chapman, “Polity” Jones, and Williams made a strong passing run. Anderson collared tlio lastnamed on tho line, but was not in time to save a score. Gibbs failed at goil. The combined team seemed out of hinge, and Britain, taking advantage of this weakness, started several bouts of passing, which ended in Williams scoring. Gibbs again failed at goal. Another passing rush brought play into the homo team’s territory. Archio McMinn removed play out of danger, but Britain soon had it hack, and from a scrum Oldham dropped over. Gibbs failed with the kick again. There was ho further score, mid the homo team had all the best of it, and when the whistle sounded no time Britain were hard on tho defence.

juckett, “Polity” Jones, Williams, Davey, and Chapman plaved well for tho British backs, but tlio forwards did not play up to expectations. For tho combined team Arcliio McMinn stood out on his own as a forward, and Stalker, Winiata, and Hewett in the buck division played well. AUCKLAND UNION’S PROTEST. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 8. In reference to the selection of the New Zealand representative team to play against the British footballers at Auckland on tlio 25th inst., the following resolution was carried at a meeting of the Auckland Rugb\ Union this evening—“ Having learned from the selector of this Union that lie has been advised by the secretary of the Now Zealand Union that it is compulsory for the Now Zealand selectors to meet in Wellington to seject the New Zealand team, this Union enters its emphatic protest against this proposal, in view of the fact that Mr. Gallagher luis already journeyed to Wellington and Dunedin at .their request, and think it only equitnbio and reasonable that the selection should he made this time in Auckland, and thus enable Mr. Gallagher to havo a voice in such selection.” Tho Auckland Union decided to accept tho Marlborough Union’s proposal to play a Shield match on August Bth.