FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7847, 13 June 1905, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

BANKS AND LAW MATCH. The New Plymouth and Stratford Bank and Luw teams met in friendly rivalry nn the Recreation Ground on Monday afternoon. The outing was productive of an interesting) jrarne. the play showing considerable improvement on past exhibitions. I The teams were constituted as follows ;

Stratford.—Thompson ('back), J. M. Thomas, Black, Young tthrcequarters), Tocker, captain (fiivoeighths), Harkncss (half), Anderson, Mackay (wing) forwards). King, Deller, A. 'J'homas, Gibson, Fawkner, Williams, Morey (captain), Hallett JaiiK'.s, and Kennedy. New Plymouth.—Webster (hack), (three-quarters), Nixon (five-eighths), Nicholson (half), Ford, Bell (wing forwards), P. B. Fif/.herljert, Blackniore, Wilson, Scott, Standish, Halharry, and Strang (forwards). The teams were fairly evenly match, cd, and though comb nation was not too conspicuous the men made thing* very willing in the first .half, and when the whistle sounded neither side had recorded a score. A. Thomas, playing in the forward lines for the vi sitors, had the miaJortuno to sprain, his leg, and his place Was filled, by H. Morrison. On the change />f ends Stratford mad© the first tally, with a lucky try by Black from a. dribbling rush. IJeller converted with a well-judged kick. Finally" the law made a stir, Fitrfrcrbcrt dashing over the line on the right wing.. Nixon failed to convert. From this) out no i further score was made, the Stratford men winning; by 5 points to 8. Mr Kibett rofereod, with Messrs Abbott an* Smith as lino umpires.

It is understood that a movement is on foot tor taking the necessary; steps to secure the inclusion of H. L. Abbott, the Star the New ZJoaJand rep. team to tour England. Abbott would certainly prove an acquisition to the team, as ho is a sound, reliable, and Speedy man, who has shown first-class form thfs season, his scoring qualities om many occasions securing victory for his club in hardifought matches. No stronger evidence of the Justice o* this claim could be found thhn the) fact that both New Plymouth rjubs are working towards its fulfilment.