FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 257, 30 April 1912, Page 7

FOOTBALL

AUSTRALASIANS FOR ENGLAND. BIG SALARIES OFFERED. It is generally known that several members of the Australasian Rugby League which visited England have intentions 'of returning for the next football season in that country. Before they can do so, however, it will be necessary (because of the reciprocal agreement between the Northern Union of England, the New South Wales Rugby League, and the New Zealand Rugby League) for them to obtain a transfer first from their clubs and then from the controlling body. The names of the men likely to return to England are:—H. Gilbert (South Sydmey), S. Darmody (South Sydney), W. Farnsworth (Newtown), and A. Francis (New Zealand).

Immediately the tour of the Australasians concluded in England, these players, together with others, were approached by the various clubs of the Northern Union to attach their signature to their registers, as it was thought certain that Gilbert and Farnsworth would sign on for Oldham, one of the raost powerful clubs financially, and from a playing point of view, in England. But the Hull Club came along with a much better offer for Gilbert, and it is to that club that the crack New South Wales centre three-quarter will go, provided he makes the necessary arrangements in New South Wales for his clearance.

Darmody will also go to the Hull Club, and if Farnsworth makes up his mind to Teturn to the Old Country, he will throw in his lot with Oldham. Francis, should he determine to return, will become a member of Wigan, to which club several colonials, including Charles Seeling (the famous New Zealander) and AVilliams (another New ZealandeT) are also attached.

Gilbert has been offered a greater sum than that which has ever been paid to a player under the Northern Union. He had a most flattering' offer from Oldham, but the Hull authorities eclipsed it. It is pretty certain that when Gilbert signs on for Hull he will receive £425, and in addition £4 a week for the whole of the football season in England. His term for such remuneration will be three years.

Darmodv, it is believed, will receive £2OO from the Hull Club, and a remuneration of £2 10s per week, The difference in the amounts paid Gilbert and Darmody is due to the fact that a back always receives greater inducement than a forward. The bonus given Darmody is almost unheard of in the Northern Union ranks for a forward. It is not known outside what Francis has leen offered, but Farnsworth will receive an amount bordering upon that given to Gilbert. Another representative, H. Hallet, was made a most flattering offer by the powerful Yorkshire club, Huddersfield, .for one season. He was offered £2OO and a liberal weekly salary, but lie has .declined it.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY FOOTBALL. (From aw English Correspondent). • The international Rugby match between England and Scotland at Edinburgh on Saturday was a very unsatisfactory affair. The game was less than ten minutes old when King, one of the English forwards, had to retire with a broken rib, and Johnson (the full-back), was laid out badly hurt. King's injury may have been accidental, but many critics declare that the charging of Johnson, and putting the knee to his stomach after he had make his mark, was entirely out of place. Johnson took some very severe punishment during the match and came through the ordeal with Hying colors. Some of the English players, however, did not relish the aggressive tactics of the Scots. Others did Ihe only thing possible and met their rivals in their own way. The match will-long-be remembered for its robustness, but it was a pity some of the things done were hardly fair or good sportsmanship.. Scotchmen can feel little satisfaction in having gained a victory over fourteen players, one of whom was playing in great pain. Their only ground for satisfaction lies in the fact that the home forwards were earying the scrums prior to King's retirement. Victory might have gone to Scotland in any case, for the new men in the team did splendidly, and all the players rose to the occasion. On the other hand, the Englishmen started badly and they probably thought they had an easy thing. When they were swept off their feet by the dash of their rivals they seemed incapable of attack, but the defence was grand, as illustrated by the no score at half time. After the Scots had scored a try, some say from a forward pass, the Englishmen managed to draw level, but five minutes from time were again beaten, the try being converted. Thus a team beaten by Wales and Ireland defeated the conquerors of these countries. Tho- writer has often touched on the unsportsmanlike rules of the game, which allows of a side being handicapped through accident. Indeed, the present rules go further, and actually invite a team to "lay out" rivals. The only proper method 'is to alter the rules so as to compel the opposing player to retire should a man be forced "by injury ito leave tho field.

SOCCER Scotland overwhelmed Ireland in the soccer international at Belfast, the losers being handicapped through several prominent men being unable to play. The Scottish half-back line proved too much for the Irishmen, particularly after the interval. The home side scored from a penalty, but as the Scots netted the ball four times they gained an easy win. England experienced little difficulty in beating Holland in the amateur, international at Hull. Woodward and Berry played splendidly for the home side, the former being a big factor in the scoring of England's four goals. The home players eased up when victory was assured and no doubt the Dutch players profited by the match. They are keen on the game and have natural ability, so that improvement may be looked ifor with further experience.