FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9040, 25 January 1908, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

' THE TOUR OP THE "PROSLACKS." PRESS COMMENTS. BY TBLEGKAI-H—I'BESS ASSOCIATION. Received January 24, 7.50 a.m. SYDNEY January 24." Commenting; on the match between the New Zealanders and Yorkshire, the London "Daily Telegraph" says: —"The recent experiences of the New Zealanders led one to expect that they stood a poor chance of winning any matches against representative teams. In meeting Yorkshire, at Wakefield, the visitors gained a handsome victory, which was de-1 served from every point of view. I

The splendid kicking of Messenger was largely responsible for the substantial margin in their favour. On the other hand, the exhibition of the backs was a vast improvement on their recent displays. Success attended the colonials in the first two minutes, Messenger dropping a goal. Subsequently Surman, the Bradford half-back kicked two goals, but before half-time two tries were added by Wynyard, both of which Messenger converted. The second half resulted in a succession of brilliant achievements for the New Zealanders. Great cleverness was shown by the backs, both in passing and running. Another try was added by Rowe, while Messenger put on four goals. Making full allowance for the good play of the visitors, Yorkshire's*play | was extremely disappointirg."

The London "Chronicle" says:— "The teams were thoroughly representative. Wright, the colonial cartain, turned out once more after his injury. To Messenger's consummate ability in kicking seven goals the major honours belong, but the New Zealanders,from the forwards to the full back> played in their happiest mood. Their splendid combination and brilliant individual efforts completely overcame opposition." The "Manchester Guardian" says: —"The Wakefield ground was the first good condition ground the New Zealanders had played • on for sometime. For the last dozen matches or so they have had to play in lain ard wind. How much difference it makes to them playing on a ground which is in a good condition was obvious by the result of this match. They played a better game almost from the start." BY TKr.KGRAWI PEESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, January 24. A British football team will leave London for New Zealand on April 30th, and is due to reach England on their "return early in October. The itinerary of tfce tour has not yet been fixed, but arrangements will probably be completed next week. A New Zealand team, to tour Australia, will leave early in August. The full list of matches has not yet been coxr pleted. Matches, however, will be played with New South Wales, and Queensland will probably be included in the tour.