INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCHES.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 680, 24 August 1876, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCHES.

Most of our readers will recollect that about this time last year a football team from the Province of Auckland made a tour through the colony, and played a match in each of the provinces on the route. The team, although possessing several good forward players, was unsuccessful, one of the chief reasons of their defeats being that they were deficient in back players ; in fact, they had no one who could bo called a back player, and a team without them, let it possess ever so good forwards, would have very little chance against a moderate team with back players. For some time past our players have been considering the prospect of sending a team that would fairly represent the province to return the visit of Auckland, and at last a sufficient number of good players had promised to go, and all doubts of sending a team were set at rest, as it was known that if good players could go it would lie a comparatively easy matter to collect subscriptions for their necessary expenses. A 'public meeting was called, at which a committee were appointed to make the necessary arrangements and to select the p 1 avers to represent, the province. The com mittee immediately set to work, and received fayorahlle answers from most of our best players, but as the time for sailing approached some who had promised found that business prevented their going at the timt appointed However, although the com mittee have met with these d'sappoint meats, they have selected a team that will fairly represent the province, and as good as could have been expected to go, as the trip will occupy fourteen or fifteen days—and it is impossible for all the best players to get away from business at the same time, and for this reason it would be useless to postjiooe the date of departure, as some who can

go now would then be unable to do so. Great praise is due to the Government, banks and mercantile houses for the liberality they have shown in granting leave of absence to the players in their employ, and for their liberal subscriptions towards the expenses of the tour. At a meeting of the selection committee, held yesterday morning, it was decided to substitute J. Millton in place of Pilling, in consequence of Auckland objecting to the latter as not being a Canterbury man, and we think with justice, as he has scarcely been resident a sufficient time here to entitle him to become a representative. The team as now selected are—J. Anderson jun (captain), J. Barker, B. Chapman, B. J. Ootterill, 0. H. Croxton, J. R. Evans, R. Hamilton, G. H. Lee, H. W. Moore, W. Millton, J. Millton, H. McCardell, L. M. Ollivier, D. Potts, A. Potts, G. Potts, and W. Stringer. Upon examination it will be seen that the above is no ordinary team, as there is not an indifferent player amongst them, and although we miss the names of Hammersley, A. M, Ollivier, Baker, F. Barker, Bolton, Hartland, Mathias, and a few others, yet the degrees are so slight between those that can go that the team must be looked upon as a very strong one, and should they be able to recover the effects of the voyage, will render a good account of themselves. We have no information as regards the Auckland representatives, but they must be very strong if our players are beaten. Prom the above list it will be seen that we have six good back players, viz, Ootterill, Hamilton, Moore, J. Millton, McCardell and Stringer, but Millton and Stringer can also play well forward, which will be a great advantage, as it may be necessary should the opponent’s forwards be weak. Of the play of the various backs we think for the position the best are Ootterill and Moore; they are very sure, and always kick the ball in preference to running until caught. They perhaps might run a little more with advantage, but we think it preferable for a back player to take his kick unless there be a chance of a touch down. Moore possesses good weight, which is an advantage, as the rest of the backs are all light. Stringer is particularly good at running, kicks well, but is inclined to run too much, and therefore does not do so much service to his side as he would if he took his kick before being caught. Hamilton, although small, kicks well, and is a sure hold, never letting any one pass him no matter how big. Millton will be very useful, as he kicks well with the left foot, and should therefore be very useful on the left side of the ground. McCardell is very quick, and plays well either as a quarter or halfback. Of the forwards we have little to say individually ; they play well together, and are always on the ball, which is all a good forward can do. From the above it will be seen that the province will be strongly represented, and, if all should go well, we do not think there will be any cause to fear that the team will not be a credit to themselves and the province they represent. In the event of any accident happening to any of the players during the voyage, or in any of the games, the committee have provided two extra men to take the place of any player might be unable to play. The team lift by the 2.30 p.ra. train, and we wish them a good passage and a successful trip.