FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9124, 25 June 1908, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

NORTH v. SOUTH ISLAND. A WIN FOR THE NORTH. « . BY TELECHIAPH—PKBBB ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, June 24. A wet ground spoiled the North v. South match to-day. It did not rain during the game, but the Athletic Park wa3 thoroughly sodden and fine play was out. of the question. On paper the Northern team were greatly superior; but the Southerners effected a surprise early in the game by scoring a clever try after some good passing, from which Hamilton kicked a goal. After that they had all the worst of it. The forwards played very well, and repeatedly swept their opponents before them, but passing, which at any time was difficult, was ineffective on the Southern side. The short, nippy passes of Hunter, Roberts and Co. were much more suited to the ground; and the Northern backs were often threatening, and sometimes successful. Mitchinson scored after a pibCG of well-judged work by Cameron, and just at the end of the firat spell these two and Hunter put in some passing of the best description and Cameron scored. No goals were kicked. £ In the second half the Southern firwarda played up strongly, and f-equt.n(ly were on the Northern goal-line,' but never could score. Wntnjvei- the ball went in the other direction the strong and experienced backs, who were in the Nortthern rear irank, immediately made the game as open as they could, and both Mitchinson and Colrnan crossed thu line, wh.le many oiher attempts were only just missed, the Southerners being'saved repeatedly by the ball slipp ug about so thac no one could gtn.-p it. No goals were kicked, and the game ended— North ... 12 South ... 5 On a dry ground, however, "the difference would have been much ; greater.

About 3,000 penple were present, including moat of the English team. The only change made in the sides was that Thomson, being unable to paly for the North, Wallace went to the three-quarter line, and O'Leary, of Wairarapa, came in as full-back. At the end both teams were so I covered with mud that they were literally "all blacks." The game was most unpunctual in starting, and though no interval was taken, it was finished in the dusk, with the players quite indistinguishable from one another. THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM. WELLINGTON, June 24 The following have been seleci-d to represent New Zealand in the test match against the British footballers at Wellington next Saturday : Full-hack, Colman (Taranalu)., Three-quarters, Wallace (Wellington), Mitchinson (Wellington), Thomson (Wellington). Five-eighths, Hunter (Taranaki), Gray (Canterbury). Half-back, Roberts (Wellington). Wing-forward, Hamilton (Southland). Forwards, Murray (Wnnganui), Ready (Wellington), Cunningham (Auckland), Wiison (Wellington), Francis (Auckland), Seeling (Auckland), Patterson (Otago).

It is understood that the New Zealand Union has entered into negotiati ns with a view to iciuirir.g the Athletic Park, Wellington. The following team will represent Red Star Seniors against Greytown, at Masterton, on Saturday next:— Duggan, N. Chamberlain, V. Williams, Ball, Baker, Wing, Adams, K. Welch, McKenzie, Colder, Scorrar, Moana Paratene, Chamberlain, Corbett, D. Ross, R. Welch. The following will represent the Greytown Seniors: —Fuller, Andrews, Skeet (3), Jury (2), Russell, Workman, Wickens, O'Callaghan, Wines, McLaren, Morris. >. . The Masterton South Band will play a fancy costume football match on the Showgrounds this afternoon. Considerable interest is being taken in the match, an'l providing the weather is fine, it should be a decided success from every point of view. In the evening the Band will hold a social and in the Drill Hall. Special preparations have been made for the function and patrons are promised an enjoyable evening. The following will represent Masterton 111. against Palefield 11., on Saturday next Full-back, T. Riddle ; three-quarters, S. E. Edwards, T. Coyle, R. Messenger; five-eighth, L. Boyd; half-back, L. Mason; wings, T. O'Dowd and S. Hogg; forwards, 0. Gallie, P. de Lisle, B. Smith, A. Welch, T. Treen, V. Billington, T. Harris. Emergency, H. Dixon. The coach will leave White's at 1.30 p.m.