FOOTBALL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 June 1914, Page 5

FOOTBALL

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —Will you permit me to say a few words "on that important subject of football that is at present, occupying a fair column in your paper. I have read with interest the notes by " Drop Kick," but I don't think my views are exactly the same as his on football.

I don't want to throw any mud, for I believe the writer is doing much for the game by letting players have a fair idea of how their work appears from the touch line. A bit of a " stir up " might be beneficial to some, while a " cheer up " might help others, only it should not be rubbed in too solidly.

Now, where I want to get at "Drop Kick " is in the sorum. In his notes he cracks up forwards for shining out in the open; if he had watched more carefully he might have noticed that these men were not putting their weight into the ruck, consequently they were saving themselves for the gallery play in the open. These players would be doing much better if they got their heads down and gave the scrum some weight. It is impossible to hook the ball if there is no weight in the scrum, and until a scrum goes down properly football will remain at a standstill.

Then, again, of what use are these forward rushes, if the forwards will not snap up the ball ? Repeatedly Helensville forwards break away and lash the ball straight into the arms of opposing backs (which is just what that back wants), or else over the goal line to be forced down. It would be much better if a, forward was to fall over himself in attempting to pick up the ball; he would not look half so ridiculous as the man who lashes blindly.

Now, I don't want to pose as a wouldbe football authority, we have too many already, but I trust players of the game will remember the advice of

The Man on the Line.