FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 21 April 1913, Page 5

FOOTBALL

There were a fair-number of enthusiasts out on the old showgrounds on Saturday, and a practice match was played. The majority were very much out of condition, and play was not of an interesting order. Many Masterton and Red Star players are at present in camp at Oringi, so that one cannot, up to the present, judge the prospective strength of either ieam . It is probable that a match may be arranged with .Gladstone next Saturday, when am, opportunity will be given of knowing who are likely to don the jersey during, the season. The Masterton Club is finding some difficulty in* getting a team together, but when the season starts" it is probable that the "Blacks"* will be seen in the field. Little is known as to what strength Red Star will be, but from accounts no difficulty will be found in putting a fifteen in the field. It is said that Gladstone is likely to have a strong team this season. Some new blood has been imported, and includes two or three players of outside reputation. The forwards will be sound, but the old difficulty of securing 'backs is likely to be Gladstone's main trouble. A Hodge, the Gladstone .player, played his first match for Petone on Saturday. Hodge should benefit by playing with a crack team like Petone. Hodge; does not require to improve greatly to become a New Zealand rep. forward. i The reports that the Groubes, of J Carterton, will stand on the line this season proves to be incorrect, at least a,s far as F\ Groube is concerned, and it is highly probable that both will play for their old team during the season. The "Wairarapa championship matches open in a fortnight's time, and players -.should get in all the possible .practice and training, if any show is to be made in the first few matches. It has been said in the past that fqobtal'l in the Wairarapa is generally not worth witnessing until after the first round, and the players have played themselves into form. The appointment of Mr E. McKenzie to the position of sole selector has given great satisfaction amongst footballers generally, which augurs well for.,the selection of future teams. It is also gratiying to know that M* MeKenzie will continue to referee during the season..