FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 190, 1 August 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

BRITISHERS ARRIVE IX SYDNEY. CAPTAIN HARDING'S IMPRESSIONS OF MAORILAND PLAY. ..(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copy- , right.) Received 31, 10.55 p.m. Sydney, Last Night. The Rugby Union welcomed the English team to-day. Captain Harding, in an interview, said the team were royally treated throughout New Zealand. Thyy had been given a really good time, but bad luck dogged them. He attributed the loss of several of the matches to ill luck. Then, too, the men sustained a remarkable number of injuries, limiting the selection, particularly in regard to the test matches. In the first and third tests England were badly beaten. They were undoubtedly outplayed and outgeneralled. The New Zealanders were magnificent footballers. He would like to dispel any impression that the Englishmen's casualties were due to roughness of the New Zealanders' play. They played a very willing game, but not rough. The idea that their roughness was responsible for the Britishers' injuries was certainly wrong.

AUCKLAND v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The South Canterbury football team arrived here to-day via the West Coast. The team play Auckland representatives at Alexandra Park to-morrow.

THE PROFESSIONAL GAME. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The Auckland City Council last evening granted the use of the Victoria Park for 22nd August for the purpose of holding a Northern Union match. It is understood locally that a match, Wellington v. Auckland, will be played on that day. The Auckland team contains seven returned professionals, and it is said the balance will be well-known Auckland Amateurs.