FOOTBALL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1338, 4 August 1883, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

GISBORNE v. NAPIER. Tira annual match between the above clubs came off on Thursday afternoon last, in Capt. Tucker’s paddock, in the presence of about 300 people. The afternoon was cold and showery. The names of the respective teams are as follow: — Napier—Fulton (capt.), Stronach, Harrop, Stubbs, Anderson, Robinson, Chisaell, Couper, Chrisp [forwards), Cotterill, Snodgrass [half-backs), St. Hill, Walker [three quarter backs), Vautier, and Prain [backs.] Gisborne—Berry [captain”, Mill, Oatridge [half backs]]Rees, J. White, [three quarter backs], Bull, Karaitiana (backs], Bonrke, Day, E. Knight, "E. A. Pavitt, Sage, Sherratt, Valpy, and C. White [forwards], Umpires—Dr Leggatt and Captain Winter. THE GAME. It was arranged to play for an hour and a half, and to change at half-time. The toss for choice of goals was won by the Napier Captain, who, as a mattar of course, took the southern one. and gained advantage of the wind. The game commenced at 2.50 by a kick off by the Gisborne Captain. The first scrimmage was formed in the Napier “ twenty-five,” where several short, but good, runs were made, and some very good passing witnessed. Then the Gisborne team, with a grand rush, drove the ball clean through their opponents, and Day obtained a try. The punt out proving futile, the contest was again hotly renewed, Napier going in hard to try and equalize matters, and Gisborne to prevent them. Here Mr Sherratt had to retire, having dislocated his right elbow, and then the Gisborne men were gradually driven back towards their own gaol line, and Napier almost succeeded in scoring. After some hot scrimmages, however, the Gisborne team, by some determined play, especially on the part of Pavitt, Oatridge, and White, succeded in averting the danger and driving the ball down to the Napier end, where it did not remain long, for a good run by St. Hill, and then another by Cotterill caused the Napier boys to wake up, and have all the best of the play, their whole team playing well together, passing and collaring in grand form, when Elliott ran in, but the try was disallowed on tho ground that the ball was picked up out of a scrimmage. Shortly afterwards Valpy severely sprained his ankle aud was compelled to retreat, thus leaving Gisborne with two men short. The Gisborne boys, however, managed to keep the visitors at bay till the call of half-time.

SECOND FOBIY-FIVE. On changing ends, St. Hill kicked off for Napier, and the ball was well returned, the Gisborne men, with the wind now in their favor, playing up with great spirit. Oatridge then made two catches in quick succession, from the second of which Bull tried a place-kick, and sent the ball flying over the cross-bar amid great cheering. Napier now made a desperate attempt to score. Chrisp, playing grandly for them, making several very fast rune, and was nearly getting in. The game was now very interesting, both aides fighting very hard, Napier having the best of the running, till about five minutes before time, when Pavitt, Berry, and White led another rush, and Oatridgo all but got in, and when time was called, the ball was in the Napier “ twenty-five,” and Gisborne were the victors by a goal and a try to nothing. For Gisborne, W. Mill collared splendidly, whilst Day and Bourke worked very hard. For Napier. St. Hill, Cotterill, Elliott, Snodgrass, Anderson, Robinson, and E. Chrisp showed up well.

THE DINNER. About fifty odd gentlemen sat down to the “ spread ” which not alone done credit to Mr. Allanach and the Gisborne Hotel, but to Gisborne itself. The dining room was tastefully and artistically decorated with evergreens, shrubs, flowers and flags, producing a most cheerful and pleasing effect, whilst the floral adornments of the tables were beautiful. The bill of fare was on a most liberal and extensive scale, aud the manner in which it was put on the table fully bore out the reputation host Allanach has so well earned. After the tables were cleared and cigars lighted, the Chairman, Captain Winter, rose and called on the company to charge glasses and drink to “ Her Majesty the Queen,” which was responded to in a most enthusiastic manner, Mr. Nolan, on rising to propose the “ Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family,” said he done this as it was always a usual thing at such gatherings, not that the Royal Family had anything to do with football, but he thought it necessary, when the Sir George Grey and the whole country was becoming so democratic, to give expression to such loyal sentiments, ana he hoped that the rising generation of the Royal Family might all become footballers Mr. Robinson, (Napier) song, “ Eilean Allana,” which was well received. Captain Winter, in proposing the toast of the evening “The Guests,” said the Napier team, though unfortunate, had played in most splendid style, and the Gisborne team could, with advantage to themselves, take a* lesson from them, for they had siiown great skill, though borne down by the far heavier Gisborne team. The Gisbornites had won what he must certainly call a flukey game The contest had been carried ou in a most creditable manner, only one or two simple disputes having occurred, which had been speedily and amicably settled He had no doubt but what Napier would have a speedy revenge. All would join him heartily in drinking the health of “ Our Guests.” The toast was drank with the greatest enthusiasm. Mr. Fraser followed with song, “The

Tar’s Farewell,” which elicited great applause, Mr. Fulton replied on behalf of “ Our Guests,” and returned thanks for the manner in which the toast had been received. The Napier team had done their very best, but had been beaten by better men, He had great pleasure in proposing the health of “The Gisborne team,” coupled with the name of Captain Berry. Mr Prain, song, ‘ Tim Flaherty." Mr Berry replied on behalf of Gisborne, who, he was assured, had done their best. He could not agree with Captain Winter that the game had been a flukey one. Fortune had certainly favored them, but their points had been fairly and hardly gained. This had been the fourth contest, and Gisborne had been twice victorious, one drawn game, aud once beaten, No doubt but what Napier would shortly retrieve their laurels. In about a fortnight’s time he hoped that Gisborne would be enabled to meet the Napier team on their own ground, He sincerely thanked them for the cordial manner they had drank to Gisborne. Mr Arthur, song, “ The White Family.” Mr Berry next proposed, “The Rugby Union,” a toast which all lovers of sport would cheerfully join in, Mr Chisel!, song, “Darkle sing,” Mr Elliott replied on behalf of the Rugby Union. Mr Berry next sang the humorous and somewhat noisy song of “ The Farm Yard,” which created roars of laughter. Mr Stronach now proposed the health of the “ Umpires,” and stated that they had given universal satisfaction. This generally unsatisfactory duty had been in this instance carried out in the most agreeable manner, and the decisions had met with universal approval. He wished all to rise and drink the healths of Captain Winter and Doctor Leggatt, Mr St, Hill, song, “Tobias aud Biancas.” Dr Leggatt replied to the toast of the ‘ Umpires,” and stated that it gave him great pleasure to hear that their decisions had been so satisfactory to both parties. Captain Winter followed, ana said that they had used their best endeavors to do what was right and fair, Mr J. White, song, “ Ring the Bell.” Mr Pavitt, in proposing the “ Health of the Press,” said that though sometimes the Press gave some hard digs, they generally acted fairly, and it woulcl be impossible to do without them. He wished to couple with this toast the names of Messrs Baldwin and Morris. Mr Arthur, song, “ Cover it up.” Mr Morns, replying on behalf of the FTerald, said he was much pleased to welcome the Napier gentlemen, as such meetings tended to cherish cordial relations with the place. Mr Baldwin fallowed, and said the Press endeavored to can}’ out its onerous duties honestly and fearlessly, notwithstanding all threats of horsewhips. Ho sincerely thanked them on behalf of the Standard for the kind remarks made, and the cordial manner in which the toast had been received. Mr Chrisp, song, “The Midshipmite,” Mr Nolan, in a humorous speech, gave the “ Ladies.” and coupled with it the name of Mr. St. Hill. Dr Leggatt, song, “John Peel.” Mr. St. Hill, in replying for the ladies, said he did not see why he should be coupled with the ladies, but he would drink to “ the goddess in the doorway.” Mr Fulton, song, “'1 tree men of Bristol.” Mr White proposes, “ Tho Host and Hostess,” which was drank amidst deafening applause, followed by “ He’s a jolly good fellow. ” Captain Winter, song, “The Slave Ship.” Mr Allanach responded in suitable terms to “the honor done him,” and expressed his pleasure at having given such entire satisfaction. Mr Grey, song, “ The White Squall.” Mr Robinson, song, “ The Cork Leg.” Mr Pavitt now proposed, “The health of the Chairman,” Mr Venoll, song, “No sir.” Captain Winter briefly responded to “ The Chairman.” Mr Fulton next proposed “The health of the Vice-Chairman,” which was duly reaponded to by Mr Nolan, At this point of the programme the dull slang of the fire-bell pealed forth, and the guests quickly dispersed, __