FOOTBAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1138, 26 August 1913, Page 4

FOOTBAL.

On the racecourse on Saturday, the match, Druids v. Juniors, was played, and resulted in a win for the members of the “Ancient Order" by 11 points to 10. The match was played with twelve men aside, neither team being able to put their full strength in the field. Mr J. Henessy, who was unable to play for the juniors on account of a fractured rib, sustained in a recent Shield match, had charge of the whistle, and carried out his duties in an unbiased manner, although on one occasion he gave up possession of the musical instrument in order to assist his team, but finding the game too strenuous, reverted to his old position. The Druids’ team included two present-day players, some “has beeus,” and some about whose knowledge of the game the least said the better. The full-back, D.P. Bro. Woods, has a reputation for “collaring,’’ but it is “drunks” that he specialises in, not footballers —the latter are too fast. In the three-quarter line, Bro. Anderson showed plenty of dash, and when he took his man he hung on like he does to a hank in the scutcher. Surgeon Bro. Adams was always on band tp render first aid, irrespective of whether it was a passing rush or a forward scramble. Fortunately for Bro. J. Woods, the “rep.” player, the Union’s selector was not and therefore his chances for future representative teams will not suffer. I.G. Bro. Smith caused a good deal of inconvenience to his opponents on account of his long reach, and took the leather as he would a cricket ball. He is a good man in his place, but that is not on a football field. Secretary Bro. Whibley has good staying powers—and was generally in evidence staying well behind. V.A. Bro. McKeguey is stronger in the arms than the legs ; would carry the ball Iwell, but his legs won’t let him. Bro. Wallis showed great contempt for the rules of the game. His strong point is his originality. A.D.B. Bro. Burr would be a good player if he had pace and dash, and knew anything of passing and collaring. J.P.A. Bro. Martin is good at playing a waiting game, and on several occasions on Saturday was caught by the referee “waiting” offside. Bro. Prosser is said to be a good five-eighth, but the trouble is to keep him there. Bro. Watt’s strong point is his weight, and the scrums on

Saturday would have been im«; proved had he known how to use it. There is talk of a return match being played, but in the interests ot their reputations as footballers the Druids would be wise to postpone same indefinitely. In the evening the Druids entertained the Juniors at lea in M r Walls’ rooms, where they were welcomed by the Arch Druid, Bro. G. O. Barber, Mr J. Hennessy, on behalf of the Juniors, returned thanks for the hospitality shown.