Football Gossip

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 18, 29 July 1893, Page 12

Football Gossip

[By Umpire.] The match between the Star and Pirates came off' on the new ground on Wednesday, and resulted in a draw, both sides securing a try (2 points). There was a good turn-out of spectators, who showered their congratulations on the Blacks when their captain, sticking to the ball like a Trojan, scored near the posts ; the shouts, yells, etc., were, deafening, and duly came to an end when Manson failed with the place kick. The game was played in good spirit, although it was a bit rough at times, and one of the Blacks had to be congratulated by the referee on his rough play. Cuff won the toss, and Mcßobie kicked off against the sun. The first spell was very even, the Blacks, if ' anything, having the best of the game. The play of the Star was not up to form. The foxwvards did not take the ball cleanly, and when it did out Cuff generally went a lone hand, which was of course speedily nipped in the bud, the Pirates seeming to pay this tricky player close attention. The passing, too, was in many cases ill-timed, and did not gain the gi’ound which it has done in the other games played by our Premiers. The ball was cei'tainly passed through a lot of hands, but the player generally preferred to pass it on to some one else instead of running. The Jtry gained by Bain was about the best of the opeu play, although why the x’eferee allowed a deliberate knock on I cannot understand. Murphy was about the best of the forwards, ably assisted by Jenkins (ixx the first spell) Hughes and Kane. The last named player was very good on the line. It was evidently not Haast’s day out, and G. Ramsay did not show up as well as usual on the wing. lam pleased to see this player has given up his old style of play. Donaldson played a fine game, saving his side time after time. Mcßobie was also in good form, but Eldei’, Cuff, Bain, and Cockroft have all played much superior games. Jenkins played half behind the scrums in the second spell but as his forwards did not get the ball very often he had not many chances of- distinguishing himself. Both teams played three halfbacks in the second spell and it made the game a good deal faster. The Pirates, it must be admitted, played a splendid game both in attack and defence, and to them belongs the honour of breaking the Star’s recoi’d. (It seems almost a pity that such a fine x-ecoi’d should have been broken.) All the backs played well. Tappei’’s was a splendid exhibition of collaring, and Duncan was a source of gi’eat trouble to the opposing halves, while McKay has rarely shown better form. Dexbie and Wills on the wing were safe, if not brilliant. The latter promises to develop into a very good man. Rodgers played the game of the day in the centre, and he well deserved the prize given by the Fire Brigades. Manson was safe at full, and his kicking was good. To pick out the best forward is a hard task indeed,-for it was generally admitted' they all never played better, but Farq aharson was a little ahead of the rest. Mcßobie was in grand form on the wing, and his score fairly brought down the house. Taylor, Dock, and Anthony were all in good form, the first-named showing a good deal of pace. Mi* R. Galbraith was referee, and gave every satisfaction to both sides. Messrs Dalton and Cameron were line umpires. 1 . . The match between the seconds came off on : the same ground, and with the same result—2 points each. Fes er scored for the Pirates, and Hamilton for the Star. The game was not an interesting one, some of the forwards not being able to keep their feet. Mills. Donaldson, and McKaughton of the backs, and Hamilton, Kingsland and Wren, among the forwards were the pick ©fthe Star. Ferguson, Fester and Mcßobie were the best of the Pirate backs. Moir was the best forward on the .... ■~. . ! r'i

ground, well assisted by Brown, Lennie, and Wild. Mr R. Galbraith was referee. The I.F.C. went to Riverton with a weak team, and were defeated by 8 points to nil.