FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 170, 5 July 1909, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

The members ot the Native footbait team which is to tour Australia arrived at Te Kuiti las* week, and wilt leave for Auckland on Friday next u wler the management of Mr J. T. HeteS. The team will leave Auckland for Sydney on Monday next. A programme of twelve matches has been arranged for tN* tour: but it is understood the combination will also give displays in character of Maori dances and songs. Tbe well known arid popular Rotoma guide. Maggie Papakura. will accompany the team. It is stated that J. Hetet Junr. and R. Cobttrn. two local players, intend to join the team. It was intended to play a match against an Auckland team on Saturday next, but it is now stated that the game has been abandoned and the players will not enter the field until they reach Australia. The combination is to consist of nineteen playing members, and will be under the control of Mr J. T. Hetet. Mr Barclay the welt known interpreter will act as Secretary on the tour.

Information has been received by the Secretary of the Maniapoto Rugby Union. Mr A. S. Gresham. from the Auckland Rugby Union intimating that Saturday, July 31st, ha« been fixed for a match between the local representatives and an Auckland B team. The Auckland Union is prepared to allow a sum of ten pounds towards the expenses of the local players.

In view of the importance of the fixture it is to be hoped a thoroughly representative team will be got together to uphold the credit of the district. We have some fine players in the different teams, who with steady practice together could be turned into a really good combination. It is to be hoped the opportunity to practice together will be afforded as without combination our men cannot hope to give a creditable showing against a team composed of players to v> horn combination, both forward and back, has been the watchword since they started playing. The day of the individualist in Rugby departed upon the introduction of the passing game, nor is the individualist likely to flourish again. The trend of modern Rugby is towards making the game open, and what is more attractive than to see a team whose forwards are capable of taking a hand in a passing rush with the backs, instead of lashing wildly with the boot, at the elusive oval upon every possible occasion. One great want in the local team is the knowledge of proper scrum work and combination among the forwards. The material is there, but the neces«ary combination is only to be obtained by coaehing and practice. Hooking the bail in the scrum has become recognised as the most essential feaure of scrum work, as whether it is intended to send the ball out to the backs, or keep it among the forwards it is necessary to secure possession of the oval. If back play is intended the leather shoutd be heeled out like a flash to give the half back an opportunity of sending it on to the five eighths. Any hesitation or blocking of the ball by the back row men gives the opposing wings time to pounce on the half back, and thus nullify any advantage obtained by smart hooking. These lessons and others have yet to be • learned by the local forwards and it | is to be hoped the opportunity to mas- ; ter them will be provided.

In consequence of the inclement weather the Te Kuiti football team did not journey to Aria on Saturday last, and the game will go to Mokauiti by default. The Oparurc players did not put a team in the ft*ld against Nehenehenui on Saturday last, and the iatter team will have a win credited to them. The position of the teams is now highly interesting, the two leading clubs, Te Kuiti, Nehenehenui being equal. Interesting contests may be looked for in the rc- | maining matches.