Notes on the Play.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 40, 26 July 1907, Page 3

Notes on the Play.

It is refreshing to see sound fullback play of recent years, and in this game the full-backs were pi"obably the best performers for their respective sides. For the King Country, Campbell played a neat and clever game, and proved a stumbling block to the visitors. He was unfortunate in receiving an injury to his ankle in stopping a forward rush in the second spell. Connell for the Maniapoto team played a fine game, taking the ball cleanly, and getting in welljudged kicks. He had plenty to do in the first spell, and rose to the occasion splendidly. The King Country three-quarter line is strong" in defence, Thorn being specially noticeable for his fine line kicking. In attack they lacked combination, and did not get off their passes well. Of the visiting three-quarters Coburn stood by himself, and with adequate support, some of his work must have resulted in a score. This player is coming on very well indeed, and with a little more attention to passing and line kicking, will be worth a place in any team. The only way in which the home fiveeights were prominent was in getting among their opponents when the Maniapoto forwards hooked the ball. In this way many promising openings were nipped in the bud. The visiting backs would' have done well in adopting the same style of play. The Moir brothers each played sound games. The half-backs on both sides did not often get the ball cleanly from the pack, and had not many chances to shine. The opposing wings were evenly matched, though Cleaver has given better exhibitions. The home forwards did not do so well as they should have, seeing the advantage they had in weight. In scrum work they did not show to advantage, nor in concerted rushes. On the line, however, they did better, and were superior to the visitors. Pihama has developed an objectionable habit of knocking on, and will probably be penalised often, if the fault is not remedied. The maroon forwards all played hard games, and held their weighty opponents in fine style. It would be invidious to discriminate between such a hard-working lot, but Old was often noticeable for good work.

The game was played in the friendliest spirit possible, and there was a commendable absence of rough play. Such a spirit speaks well for both teams, and it is to be hoped the first game is merely the forerunner of many similar contests, in which the same true sportsmanlike course will be followed. After the match the teams returned to Taumarunui, and in the evening the King Country Union entertained the visitors to a smoke concert. An excellent programe was got through, songs being contributed by members of both teams, and the usual toasts were honoured. Everything possible was done by union Officials and members of the teams, to make the trip an enjoyable one, and the King Country Union footballers by means of their sport-manlike attitude and hospitality will do much towards placing the game on the highest level, and are deserving of the highest commendation.