FOOTBALL NOTES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10704, 27 August 1912, Page 6

FOOTBALL NOTES

(By All BiacKy

The defeat of Wairarapa by Manawatu representatives came as a surprise to many, and a disappointment to not a few. According to those wiio witnessed tho Taranaki match on Thursday last state that the form shown by the Wairarapa team was almost to he compared with the best provincial football in the Dominion. The forwards were regarded as superb in all departments of the game, while the hacks were also seen at Llieir best. Tt is therefore remarkable that a recognised inferior combination like j Manawatu should succeed in putting them down.

The game was never interesting neither rearguard showing anything like good back play, in fact, it is doubtful if there was one decent passing ru.->h during the game, but the form of tho AVairarapa pack was a long way below their best. They played without any semblance to combination, although there were several good individual nieces of work put. in, especially by C. Ross, Hodge, Spackman and Henderson. On the whole, the team were evidently feeling the effects of the hard game against Taranaki. The ground was like wood, which did not favour a. team that may have been over-trained.

It is probable that Sandel (Ecatiierston) will be called on to play against Wellington on Saturday.

Wairarapa wore very unfortunate to lose the services of Bert McKonzio, wlio was the mainstay of the team. It is to lie hoped that his knee will not prevent him from playing in the remaining two matches. O'Bvicn, who was replaced by orou 1)0 at half, will play in the Wellington match. The. Wairarapa team were greatly impressed with the play of Don Cameron, the Taranaki three-o.unrtev. The. Kanfurly Shield seems destined to remain in Auckland. This year the Wellington supporters were most confident, and oven in. Auckland it was thought that the holders would have the. fight of their lives. Yet the result proved a one-sided game, especially in the second spell, with honours all in favour of Auckland. The luck of the game; one team was at its best and perhaps a bit better, while (ho other had a day .off. Those who know the form of football in club matches in Wellington during the season, know that the Empire City men urc capable of better things. But there it is. The Eanf"Vly Shield, the blue ribbon of New ' Zealand .Rugby, remains in the northern city. Wellington enthusiasts turned out in great number on Saturday to witness the first game played by the visitors from New South Wales, and exponents'of the League game. The. result of the match, and"the brilliant exhibition given by the visitors will no doubt tend to strengthen the new game in AVellington. It is predicted by good sound judges that when the visiting Leaguers leave New Zealand, the "iiino will be on a very strong footing in the main centres of the Dominion.

If Wairarapa cannot produce a really first-class football team, it lias cer-' taiuly produced a first-class, referee. The demand for Mr K McKenzie',services in the northern city in the two important fixtures of the year is proof of the AVairarapa man's capabilities an a referee.