FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7805, 25 April 1905, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM. I '.\'EW SOUTH WALES MATCHES, (deceived April 21, U. 23 p.m.) SYDNEY. April 24. Tho Football Association has arranged for the visit of a New Zealand team, arriving here on June 14, to play the following matches : June 17, Metropolitan team; Juno 21 and 24, Northern Districts; June 28, GranTille District ; July 1, New South Wales; July 5, ComMiled Country ; July 8, New South Wales; l!uly 12, Combined Naval team; July 15, South Coast; July 19, Metropolitan ; July 22, New South Wales. Arrangements were also made for un Otago. University team's visit as tho guests of Sydney University. Tho tenia will play three matchesJuly, 15, 18, and 22. THE ASSOCIATION OAME. NEW PLYMOUTH V. DIAMONDS. In order to give a fllip to the "soccer" game at Now Plymouth, a visiting team representing the Diamond Club, Wellington, last yeur's premiers, arrived on Friday, and played a match against the New Plymouth Association Club on Saturday afternoon. The racecourse was tho ground selected, and a few score of s|>ectatorß rolled up to witness the match. The teams were represented as follows : Diamonds.—M. Fitzgerald (goal), W. Roberts, A. Harnett (backs), F. Thorley, W. J. Taylor (captain) and (Juy (half-backs), J. Black, Martin. J. Cunninghum, W. ltobinson, and Duffy (forwards). New Plymouth.—K. Newton (goal). 8. Clark (captain) W. Hullock (backs), T. Kay. R. Rcid, H. Southam (half backs), A. Dyne, A. Trueman, R. Ambury, A. Porter (forwards). Tho match was fairly well contested, though the exhibition was largely marred by the high wind which prevailed. Consequently there could be no display of that judging the ball which is a feature of the Association game, and its best points were not conspicuous. On the whole the vis/tors were too good for the home team, in which Clark appeared to be the best member. In the 'first half New Plymouth were kept hard at the defensive, the Diamonds huving the advantage of the wind. Cunningham snapped first goal 'for the visitors within ten minutes of the start, and another very clever goal towards the end of the term. Tho New, Plymouth backs put in some very good service, and smartly savtd an almost certain goal a few minutes before the call of half-time. With a deficiency of two goals to moke good, the local team buckled in with a will, but the Wellington men showed superior combination, and though the backs battled hard, quickly notched their third goal. There was no further scoro made, although New Plymouth showed up better, the second half, and were at times on tho aggressive. The Wellington men' thus won by three goals to nil. Tfie gamo was conducted in an excellent friendly spirit throughout, and was efficiently refc-reed bv Mr J. Riddle.

' SMOKE- SOCIAL. Jn the evening the" visitors were entertained by the visitors at a smoke social, which was held at tho Trocadero. Egiuont Street. Mr R. Cock, President of the New Plymouth Club, presided. There were about thirty present, and a pleasant evening was spent in a convivial manner. • After tho loyal toast, the President extended a cordial welcome to the visitors, and hoped their trip had been enjoyable. Mr Clark (New Plymouth Club), in proposing "Association Football in New Zealand," referred to the rapid strides which the game was making in all the large centres. He was sure that New Plymouth would shortly see more teams in tho field than ni present. The local club would have ttwo teams, and Iher© was a probability of Urenui and Walcoming into tho field, and possibly Omata. Westown was organising a junior team, and there was every prospect of seeing three junior teams competing this year. (Applause. ) Mr Taylor (Diamond Club) sponded.Mr Clark submitted tho toast of "The Diamond Club." The manner in which tho visitors had offered to come hero ul thoir own expense to stimulate interest in the game hero was much appreciated by the local players. Mr Taylor, in responding, warmly acknowledged the reception extended to the vititors. "The toast of the "New Plymouth Club" was drunk by tho visators, and duly acknowledged. Mr Fitzgerald proposed "The Ladies," to which Mr Heid reaponded. Mr llrooine submitted that of "The President." Mr Cock replied. "Tho Press" was also dulv honoured. Tho musical items included :—Song "The King's Own," Mr A. Uarnelt j song., ''l'm an Englishman." Mr Oroom : songs, "Dorcen'" and "The Deathless Army," Mr Thorley ; songs "The Slorm Fiends" oiid "Anchored," Mr Broome; comic song, "Hanging on Behind," Mr Kayj song. "Marguerite," Mr Newton : comic song, "Serving Them All Alike," Mr 11, A. CoiTinghafn ; and other items. Mr DuUerworth was accompanist. Mr Cock extended an invitation lo the visitors for tho following, day, aftd was warmly thanked. The- clubs then mutually exchanged hearty cheers-, and-the proceeding terminated at 10.45 ><*ith VS» Kntional Anthem. The Diamond team returned to Wellington by Monday morning's train.