Our Footballers.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3590, 26 October 1905, Page 3

Our Footballers.

'ENGLISH PRESS OPINIONS. « Sydney, Oct 24. iJt London Daily Telegraph states that in the startling triumph achieved by the New Zealanders in their opening match, the prestige ot Devon football received a severe blow. That the visitors would probably win was expected, but no one was prepared for the utter rout at all points. The visitors were clearly superior and were in no way flattered by the score. Heavy as were the New Zealanders, who physically are a fine set of men, they set about their task in a workmanlike manner, and had their opponents demoralised with astonishing rapidity. Quite the best feature of the New Zealanders’ play was the work of their seven forwards, who were more than a match for their opponents' The paper adds that if the English team should be compelled in self defence to play “ a winger ” the game from a spectacular point of view is not likely to be improved thereby. THE WING FORWARD;

The Times, commenting on the New Zealand footballers, says they gained a remarkable victory over Devon. So unequal were the sides that no score would proportionately set out the overwhelming superiority possessed by New Zealanders in pace and skill. The wing forward position is, however, a startling innovation. His position imperils his team under tbo off-side rule and much trouble * may be expected in future matches if [ his work is conducted on the same lines as in the Devon match.

WHEN WILL DEFEAT COME? REDOUBTABLE DEVONPORT ALBIONS VANQUISHED. The Premier has received following cable " New Zealanders beat Devonport Albion by 21 points to 3 (penalty goal). Tries were scored by Thompson (a), Roberts, Nicholson, Gallagher one each, 3of which were converted. The game was exceedingly hard and very Fast. A record attendance of from 18,000 to 20,000 witnessed the game.”