FOOTBALL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1923, 30 July 1889, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

TEMUKA V. WAIHI. The first contest of the present season for the South Canterbury premiership took place at Winchester on Saturday last between teams representing the above clubs. The ground , was in perfect order and the weather splendid. There was a good attendance of spectators to witness the match, as it was known that both sides intended to make a hard fight for victory. When the visitors put in an appearance it was considered by those capable cf judging that they should under ordinary circumstances pull off the match, and this opinion proved correct, although by a couple of those chances that occur in football the home team were nearly triumphant. From a spectator's point of view the play was very disappointing, as the game throughout was a very poor exhibition of scientific football. An occasional flash of brilliancy relieved it now and again, but such flashes were only momentary. With a dry ground and ball the play should have been fast and open, but was on the contrary confined very greatly to the forwards, who, on both sides, were very much off color, On the Temuka side this must be greatly attributed to want of form, as the team comprised many who formerly played a sterling game. With the exception of Polaschek, Graffaney, Lavery, and Dyson (captain of the team) none of them seemed capable of keeping on the ball. The first-named did some grand work, but was miserably backed up. It was owing to Polaschek, along with D. Stewart and G-affaney, dribbling the ball over the line that Temuka got their first try, R. Lavery eventually falling on the ball, after it had slipped from under the hands of several players. G-unnion also did sterling work in the scrums. Austin, at half, did some fin© collaring, and R, McLeod, along with him, put ia some spleudid runs, and by his quickness showed that he has the makings of a good half. Of the three-quarters W. Mendelson was certainly the pick. His long punts into touch were very serviceable, and the smart way in which he followed up his other kicks and put his men on-side was an example to backs. A. Stewart was completely out of his place at threequarter back, though as a forward he is very powerful, and his dribbling rushes from the line out take a lot of stopping, Gf. Velvin, the other threequarter, did some good serviceable work, while his brother, as full back, showed that although for some time ' retired neither his foot nor hand have lost their cunning. He was not called upon to do a great deal, but he did what he had to do fairly well, his long kicks being excellent. Of the Waihi forwards there is little to say. F. Shallard as usual was in splendid form, his taking the ball on the line out and dribbling being a treat to see. . A Moule, who comes from Oamaru with a big reputation as a forward, showed that on the line out and in the open he takes a lot of beating. In the loose rushes his tall form was very conspicuous. Brinkman also showed up occasionally, and > J. McLeod got away with some good dribbles. T. Hart, the Waihi skipper, was a host in himself, at half back, the game he plays, when trying to stave off defeat, being a treat to witness. Unfortunately he is not a first-class kick, and the penalty kicks : he obtains are to a certain extent nullified by his want of kicking power. M. McLeod showed that he is improving as a half, but has still a good deal to learn. A. iShallard was in his usual place as centre three-quarter, and played a first rate game, although apparently a trifle off in his kicking. The goal he potted for Waihi was au exceptionally clever one. W. Lewis showed that ha has by no means lost his turn of speed, putting in some fine runs and collaring well. He and J. Austin, of Temuka, are both very fast, and seemed to have an especial fondness for each other, judging from the frequency and closeness of their embrace. W. Stewart seemed somewhat off his usual form. He did not miss many chances, but somebow lacked the dash and vigour of his usual play. D. Cameron, as full back, was not at all up to his usual form, and the easy manner in which he allowed both Gr. Velvin and W. Mendelson to get in and score a •

try each during the last five minutes of the game must have been very gulling for his team. Temuka eventually Avon the match by two goals and one try (7 points) to two goals (6 poiuts), The tries for Temuka were obtained by E. Lavery, W. Mendelson, and G. Velvin, and the goals were kicked by G-. Yelvin. A. Shallard kicked the goal for Waihi froa the try obtained by W. Stewart. During the game a dispute arose among the players as to whether a pass was forward or not, but no appeal was made and no flags went up, consequently W. Stewart waa fully justified in continuing his run and touching down behind the posts. The incident may perhaps teach players to appeal in a proper manner, instead of wrangling among themselves, and also to play till the whistle is blown. While speaking of appealing it may be as well to remember that to call out '* How's that ? " is not an appeal. In football a player must specify what he appeals for. On Saturday last there was vastly too much talking and useless appealing. Messrs H. and E. Smith umpired for Waihi and Temuka respectively, and Mr J. L, Flint carried the referee's whistle.

S-C. RUGBY UNION".

A meeting of the South Canterbury Eugby Union was held in Timaru on Friday last. Present —Messrs Flint (chairman), Matheson, J. Velvin, Maclean, and A. C. Perry. It waa agreed that the Union become affiliated to the English Eugby Union, and the secretary was instructed to take the necessary steps in the matter; also to write to the Wairarapa Eugby Union, informing them that the Union is unable to meet them this season. It was agreed to offer the Hawke's Bay team 50 per cent, of the gross takings in the match with South Canterbury, for their expenses, and a sub-committee was appointed to make arrangements for their entertainment. A trial match was fixed for Saturday next at Winchester, when the team which played in Christchurch will play another chosen by the selection committee.

A match between the Ashburton Rovers and the Temuka Club will be held on the Temuka Park to-morrow. Ihe following is the team picked to represent Temuka :—Full back, J. W. Velvin; three-quarters, Mendelson, J. Austin, and G. Velvin; halves, E. McLeod and F. Storey ; forwads, Dyson, Carr, Thomas, Stewart (2), Gaffaney, Lavery (2), and Black.